Sealed retainer grommet

Claim 1

A sealed retainer grommet apparatus for use with a standard Christmas tree type member, where said retainer member is adapted to be linearly inserted into said grommet apparatus without threadably engaging said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a frusto-conical portion having a first end portion having an upper surface and a second end portion, said second end portion including a closed bottom portion; an intermediate portion extending from said first end portion; a top portion extending from said intermediate portion, said top portion further including a lower edge surface extending generally parallel to said upper surface of said first end portion of said frusto-conical portion; a bore extending generally coaxially through said top portion, said intermediate portion, and at least partially through said frusto-conical portion, said bore forming an opening into which said standard Christmas tree type retainer member may be inserted, said bore further defining an interior sidewall portion; and a plurality of independent interior locking shoulder portions protruding outwardly of said interior sidewall portion and spaced longitudinally apart along said interior sidewall portion for lockably engaging a plurality of mating locking shoulders of said retainer member to thereby secure said retainer member lockably within said bore while generally inhibiting the passage of fluids or corrosive elements through an opening in a panel member in which said apparatus is mounted; said interior locking shoulder portions each including a first wall portion extending from said interior sidewall portion at an angle relative to said interior sidewall portion, and a second wall portion extending from said interior sidewall portion at an acute angle relative to a plane extending transversely of said interior sidewall portion, said acute angle comprising an angle of about five degrees relative to a plane extending transeversely of said interior sidewall portion.