Resilient Metal Type Patents (Class 24/293)
  • Patent number: 11199027
    Abstract: A locking device for securing a first structure to a second structure. The locking device comprises a housing securable to the first structure, a lock base securable to the second structure, and a locking tab slidably received within said housing. The locking tab has an extended position where a second end is slidably received within the lock base. The lock base has a flexibly resilient locking arm. When in its locked configuration the locking arm releasably engaged with the second end of the locking tab to prevent retraction of the tab from the lock base. The lock base has a resilient member biasing the locking arm to its locked configuration. The lock base has a flexibly resilient removable key member. When engaged with the lock base, a compressive force applied to the key member causes movement of the locking arm from its locked to its unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Edmond Rampen
  • Patent number: 10889213
    Abstract: A seat dress cover attachment clip, dress cover attachment system, and method for attaching and tensioning a seat dress cover. The attachment clip includes a clamp portion adapted to clamp to a rigid seat part and a portion attachable to a seat dress cover. The clamp includes a flexible part for accommodating different rigid part thickness and the portion attachable to the seat dress cover, in use, tensions the seat dress cover wrapped around the clip. Elongate clips can be utilized to attached to dress cover to a rigid seat part, such as a backrest or other seat element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Dumler, Andreas R. Glöckner
  • Patent number: 10591106
    Abstract: A display system includes a display device having a wedge base to enable the display device to rest on a horizontal surface or to be mounted to a vertical surface in a number of different mounting configurations. A mounting kit provides parts usable to mount the display device to a wall or door jam in alternative ways. The mounting kit includes several modular parts, where many of the parts are usable in multiple mounting configurations, thereby reducing the number of parts needed for the kit. The mounting configurations include paths for cables to hide them when the display is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Pell, Peter John Richard Gilbert Bracewell, Chuankeat Kho
  • Patent number: 10565971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a set consisting of a support plate and at least one quick-assembly support, wherein lateral feet or frame elements below the support plate form a free space, which can be used, among other things, for cabling purposes or for accommodating a power supply unit, wherein the quick-assembly support is designed and intended for mounting an in particular electronic component on the support plate, wherein the support plate comprises a plurality of elongated holes arranged in parallel in a predetermined pattern, wherein pairs of elongated holes with a first elongated hole and a second elongated hole are arranged in a predetermined grid spacing (A) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the two elongated holes, wherein the elongated holes comprise straight longitudinal edges extending parallel to one another, and wherein the quick-assembly support comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element, which are arranged on the quick-assembly support at a distance matched t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Wilfer
  • Patent number: 10353141
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement can include a light panel, a bracket, first and second retaining members, and first and second connecting members. The light panel can include a frame and light emitting units. The bracket can be mountable on a wall or a ceiling and have a back surface contained in a first plane and configured to contact the wall or ceiling. The light panel and the bracket can be selectively engageable with one another through rectilinear or rotational movement of the light panel along first and second paths of movement. First and second retaining members and first and second connecting members can be configured to selectively cooperate with one another to selectively interconnect the light panel and the bracket. A portion of one of the connecting members can accumulate energy during movement of the light panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Dave Boulanger, Maciej Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 10145122
    Abstract: Covering comprising a structure formed by a plurality of panels provided on their lower face with at least one guide formed by a groove giving access to a cavity and longitudinal profiles perpendicular to said grooves on the panels, said profiles having, in turn, a guide and clips housed simultaneously in the cavities of both guides of the panel and the profile, the clips having a resilient body that is housed, in the expanded position, in the corresponding cavity, said body comprising at least two legs, each leg having, in turn, a shoulder area intended to make contact with the wall of the cavity immediately adjacent to the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Control y Desarrollo Empresarial, S.L.
    Inventor: Julio Rodriguez Lopez
  • Patent number: 10139872
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a motherboard assembly including a circuit board, an expansion port and at least one retainer. The expansion port is disposed on the circuit board. The retainer includes a supporting portion disposed on the circuit board, an elastic portion movably connected to the supporting portion, a holding portion protruding from the elastic portion, an extension portion connected to the elastic portion and a pressing member connected to the supporting portion. The pressing member and the extension portion is located at a same side of the supporting portion. A portion of the pressing portion is located at a side of the extension portion away from the circuit board. An orthogonal projection of the pressing member on the circuit board partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of the extension portion on the circuit board. In addition, the disclosure is also related to a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsueh-Chan Li, Wei-Han Hsueh
  • Patent number: 10100857
    Abstract: A spring clip includes a body having (a) a base, (b) a support post carried on the base, (c) a first cantilever bar carried on the support post, (d) a second cantilever bar carried on the support post and (e) at least one gusset reinforcing the first and second cantilever bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Paul Marshman, Diego Santillan Gutierrez, Fernando Paisano Rodriguez, Federico Perez Lecuona
  • Patent number: 10030684
    Abstract: A fastener device for fastening an article on a support plate, and the resulting assembly, which fastener device comprises: a hollow body that is secured to the support plate; a slider that is secured to the article and that is suitable for being engaged in the hollow body; and blocking means. The blocking means comprise both at least one side opening that passes through the hollow body and also an elastically-deformable blocking tab that is carried by the slider and that, during engagement of the slider in the hollow body, is for deploying sideways into the side opening and for bearing simultaneously beneath the support plate so as to oppose any longitudinal removal of the slider, and against the slider so as to oppose any longitudinal thrust of the slider, and thus define a first blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Jerome Paquet
  • Patent number: 10030381
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved wall panel trim reveal system and method which utilizes a set of vertical, horizontal and corner trim pieces designed to be fitted together. In an embodiment, the system includes horizontal trim pieces having at least one slope, vertical trim pieces having at least one tab forming a slot for receiving one or more horizontal trim pieces therein, wherein the horizontal and vertical trim pieces when installed together with wall panels forming a moisture drainage channel to direct moisture away from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Joshua George Singh
  • Patent number: 9981538
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a door lining assembly for use with a vehicle having a vehicle interior, a vehicle door, and weather-stripping configured to facilitate sealing of the door in a closed position. The door lining assembly can include a front portion connected to a lower section of the vehicle door. The front portion can include a flange that is connected to the weather-stripping. The door lining assembly can also include an elongated transition portion that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction and is attached to the front portion and the lower section of the vehicle door. The transition portion can be structured to have a gradually varying depth in a lateral direction of the vehicle, such that one end of the transition portion that is connected to the front portion extends further into the vehicle interior than the opposite longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Generoso Tan Sia, Jr., Jason Dilley
  • Patent number: 9932941
    Abstract: A snap-in spring clip assembly includes a discrete clip cleat and a fastener carried on the clip cleat. The discrete clip cleat includes a body having a base, a first rib depending from the base and a second rib depending from the base. The first and second ribs each include at least one resilient locking arm that allows the discrete clip cleat to be snapped into and retained in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Khami, Jeff Sean Boulton, Jacqueline L. Tomlin, Ronald R. Narkun
  • Patent number: 9908484
    Abstract: A self-adjusting latching connection include a first component having a latching projection, and a second component having an opening into which the latching projection can be inserted in a mating direction and latched in a final position on a base, on which one of the two components is movably guided transverse to the mating direction between a resting position and a locking position. A spring acts on the one component in the direction of the resting position, and a bolt detachably fixes the one component in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Rogge, Alexander Mueller
  • Patent number: 9708051
    Abstract: An aircraft interior component system includes an aircraft interior component, a first structure holder fastened to an element of the aircraft structure, and a first component holder fastened to the aircraft interior component. The first component holder is fastened to the aircraft interior component in a first region thereof which faces an aircraft cabin ceiling when the aircraft interior component is mounted in an aircraft. The first structure holder and the first component holder attach the aircraft interior component in a suspended manner to the element, such that a mounting gap is present, at least in a second region of the aircraft interior component facing an aircraft cabin floor when the aircraft interior component is mounted in an aircraft, between a rear side of the aircraft interior component and an aircraft component opposite the rear side of the aircraft interior component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Voss, Patrique Doemeland, Markus Horst
  • Patent number: 9682636
    Abstract: A connection structure between two metal plates for mutually positioning and electrically connecting the metal plates is provided by a simple press-in process without using an additional connection part. A curved blade plate curving with a curvature smaller than that of a cylindrical inner wall surface of an insertion hole in one of the metal plates in the same direction as that of the cylindrical inner wall is formed on the other metal plate. The curved blade plate is pressed into the insertion hole while being elastically deformed in the curving direction, so that edges along both side edges of a curved outer peripheral surface each make press contact with the cylindrical inner wall surface. The metal plates are thereby fixed and electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Yoshiura
  • Patent number: 9669775
    Abstract: A clip has a base and a rattle inhibiting elastic piece. The base has a base portion that is separated from a clip central axis. The rattle inhibiting elastic piece has a slanted portion. The slanted portion extends at an angle with respect to the base, from the rattle inhibiting elastic piece portion that is provided adjacent to the base portion in a clip axial direction, toward a clip central axis side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9611876
    Abstract: A fastener includes a clamp arm which is connected with a base. The clamp arm cooperates with the base to form an entrance into which an article extends. A first locking tab extends from the base into a first opening in the article. A second locking tab extends from the clamp arm into a second opening in the article. When a withdrawal force is applied to the fastener, an arcuate portion of an inner side surface of the clamp arm moves from a position spaced from an outer side surface of the article to a position in which the arcuate portion of the inner side surface of the clamp arm is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer side surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Markie
  • Patent number: 9580918
    Abstract: An assembly for coping and mounting trim molding is provided. A trim holding device for mounting a finish trim molding and a coping device are provided. The coping device includes a platform, having a back, into which to place a finish trim molding for coping and cutting, and a blade assembly having a cutter blade and configured to be manually actuated by a lever. The blade assembly is adjustable and is configured to rotate. The cutter blade is configured specifically to a size and a shape of the finish trim molding to be cut and coped. The mounting device includes a bracket, having a pair of mounting flanges, configured for placement along a wall. The bracket and flanges form generally an “F” shape trim holding device. The flanges are configured to securely hold a finish trim molding without the use of nails, glues, and adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Scott Armacost
  • Patent number: 9551411
    Abstract: A seal member is attached to a cover which occludes a gear case as a housing unit. The seal member is formed of elastomer and integrally formed with: a plate-shaped portion formed into a disc shape which covers the inner surface of the cover; an inner seal portion which is positioned on the inner peripheral edge of a through-hole, and comes into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of an output member; an outer seal portion which is positioned on the periphery of the cover, and comes into contact with the opening end of the housing unit; and anchor portions which latch onto the front surface of the cover via mounting holes provided to the cover. The boundary between the seal member and the cover extends only to the outside of the gear case, and does not extend to the inside of the gear case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Suto, Yuichi Takamura, Masaki Mita, Hiroyuki Uchimura, Isao Abe, Makoto Ogiwara, Naruhito Ogino, Yukio Okada, Junichi Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9550441
    Abstract: In this clip for mounting a component, a first plate portion includes first engaging pawls, and a second plate portion second engaging pawls, are linked by a linking-side plate portion in the rear end region on a side having either one of the plate portions, and first and second side plate portions which bend and extend from the first and second plate portions are in contact on the side having the other plate portion. The linking-side plate portion and the first and second side plate portions cut through a gap portion formed as an opening in the rear of the first and second plate portions of the clip, and gap portions formed as openings in both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: TOPY FASTENERS, LTD., KUMI KASEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Aoyama, Koichi Maruyama, Yasuo Horiuchi, Naoyasu Asano, Yoshihiko Takeda, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 9533718
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. A first joined portion extends from the first pair of legs and a second joined portion extends from the second pair of legs with the first joined portion and the second joined portion extending and overlapping over and under each other. First locking tabs extend sideways from the first joined portion folded over against the overlapping second portion, and second locking tabs extend sideways from the second joined portion folded over against the overlapping first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TERMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Tirrell, Mark Fleydervish, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 9113721
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a restraint system for an infant support such as a highchair. The restraint system includes a restraining member adapted to pass through an aperture formed into the infant support. The restraining member includes a stop member selectively operable to pass through the aperture. Specifically, the stop member is configured to pass through the aperture when in a first orientation relative to the slot, but cannot pass through aperture when positioned in a second (e.g., opposite) orientation relative to the slot. With this configuration, the unintended separation of the restraint system from the infant support may be prevented. Additionally, with this configuration, the accidental tightening of the shoulder straps on a restrained child by a sibling pulling on the straps from behind the seat is also prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Dignitti, John S. Canna
  • Patent number: 9097270
    Abstract: A snap fit fastener includes a base, a holder, and a plurality of snap fit arms. The holder extends from the base and includes a holder wall defining a fastener hole. The fastener hole is sized to receive a finger. The snap fit arms are cantilevered from the base. Each snap fit arm includes a beam and an overhang protruding from the beam in a direction away from the holder. Each overhang is configured to engage a panel to couple the snap fit fastener to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lennin Fitz Román
  • Publication number: 20150135485
    Abstract: A locking structure for the removable attachment of listing beads to structures comprising an upholstery clip that is provided with a clip base with attached counterpoised clip arm assemblies and a key assembly. The clip arm assemblies are constructed and arranged of legs and hooks and the key assembly is provided with a neck and a key. The clip arm assemblies have a narrow gap between the hooks to receive a listing and attached material. The upholstery clip removably engages with a hard anchor base that is attached to a rigid surface. The hard anchor base is provided with a receiving slot that is sized to removably receive and engage the key of the upholstery clip. The key assembly is inserted into the receiving slot and rotated through ninety degrees of motion to a locking position and is held in position by at least one detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew W. Santin, Carlos A. Neves
  • Patent number: 9009928
    Abstract: A fastening device for connecting an attachment to a support part has a cover plate and side walls which are integrally formed on the cover plate and form a U-shaped profile. Mutually opposite edge wings and supporting cheeks supported on supporting edges are present on shaft arms. This results in a highly rigid, block-like construction of the fastening device which is highly resistant to very high pull-out forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Sven Binkert
  • Patent number: 8973879
    Abstract: A clamp includes a base portion, a clamping portion and an urging member. The base portion is connected to a housing accommodating a device. The clamping portion is provided on a first face of the base portion, and clamps a mating member. The urging portion is provided on a second face of the base portion. The urging portion has elasticity, and urges the device in a case where the base portion is connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kodama, Tomohiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8959724
    Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Peter Baumgartner, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
  • Patent number: 8950042
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extending from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing has an engagement region, such that a distance between the engagement regions and the base plate is operative to vary continuously according to a slot thickness. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into the slot defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20140317889
    Abstract: A vehicle body has a through-hole which penetrates a to-be-attached portion in the vehicle width direction. A clip comprises: a securing member including a tubular main body part that is attached to the vehicle body and can be fitted into the through-hole from outside of the vehicle body, and engagement holes penetrating the walls of the main body part; and a slider including a slider main body attached to an externally mounted member and supported by the inner surfaces of the securing member, and slider stop parts formed in the slider main body and having elasticity. The slider stop parts lightly engage the engagement holes at a first position when the slider main body is shallowly inserted into the main body part, and are engaged and held by the main body part at a second position when the slider main body is deeply inserted into the main body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Hida
  • Patent number: 8832907
    Abstract: A fastening device having spring legs formed onto a cover plate, including support flanges, which are disposed in support flange recesses. The fastening element thereby has a very high pull-out force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Michael De Jong, Jens Breitenfeld, Thomas Podsadny
  • Patent number: 8827110
    Abstract: The handle end portions are attached to the tray by separate connectors. The tray has spaced openings to receive the connectors. Each connector has an anchor-shaped section which is received in a tray opening and a section which engages a handle end portion. The anchor-shaped section has arms which flex to permit the connector to be received in the tray opening and thereafter return to their extended position to cooperate with the tray to securely attach the connector to the tray and prevent free rotation of the connector. The handle engaging section includes a hook-shaped member which is received an opening in the handle end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Texpak, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Franzone, Jr., John Sperling
  • Patent number: 8800120
    Abstract: A retention fastener includes a body panel and first and second leg members connected to the body panel by first leg member portions. Both leg members co-extend away from a body panel first panel face and have a second portion directed back toward the body panel. The first and second leg members include at least one retention feature connected to the second leg member portion, including: a single tooth wing having a smooth curved surface extending to a single wing retention tooth, and a multiple tooth wing positioned beside the single tooth wing. The multiple tooth wing has individual teeth on a curved surface sequentially increasing in height with respect to the curved surface. The multiple tooth wing is oriented in a superimposed position with respect to the single tooth wing so the individual teeth extend outwardly with respect to the smooth curved surface of the single tooth wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20140191526
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing an inner panel to a vehicle substrate uses a securing clip mounted to a clip housing in an elongate hole with a closed end and an open end. The inner diameter of a securing region in the elongate hole is greater than the diameter of the shaft of the securing clip, allowing lateral shifting of the clip so that its shaft can realign during insertion into a corresponding mating hole in the substrate. The securing region of the elongate hole includes centering members constructed in such a manner that an inserted securing clip is retained in a centered position. Consequently, the tolerance compensation function of the clips is optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Horst Lauxen, Volker Krolzig, René Berns
  • Publication number: 20140091588
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory retention clip is used to attach a vehicular accessory, such as vehicular trim, to a vehicle. The vehicular accessory may have a substrate component that has at least one reinforcement post, and the vehicle may have a vehicular base component that has at least one corresponding opening configured to receive the reinforcement post. The retention clip has at least two walls that extend from an edge of a platform, each wall having an exterior tab and an interior tab configured to engage with the walls of the opening and the reinforcement post, respectively. The retention clip is slid onto the reinforcement post until the interior tabs engage with the reinforcement post, and the combination of the retention clip and reinforcement post is inserted until the exterior tabs engage with the walls of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Paul W. Renius
  • Patent number: 8615962
    Abstract: A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tito G. Perez, Jose Elias Ruede
  • Patent number: 8555468
    Abstract: A magnet fastener includes a carrier connectable to a first component and a magnet for attachment to a second, metal component. The carrier includes structures for holding a magnet assembly including the magnet in a manner that reduces rattle caused by vibration but provides flex so the magnet can articulate and adjust to a surface of the metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin H. Moerke
  • Publication number: 20130255065
    Abstract: A push on doghouse retainer arrangement used for providing a connection between the B-pillar of an automobile, and an appliqué having a high-gloss surface, or “show surface.” The a push on doghouse includes a formed low profile spring steel base and a slightly raised low profile doghouse portion, which includes a slot for receiving a base of a clip portion. The base also includes at least one attachment aperture. The attachment aperture includes an effective amount of serrations for holding of the doghouse onto a low profile rib molded into the part. The present invention simplifies mold design, minimizes potential for a read condition, and provides a robust engagement for a winged clip type fastener in limited space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Bachelder, Adam M. Lyon, Ronald J. Andor, Michael S. Gignilliat, Matthew C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8474107
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement is provided. The attachment arrangement includes a mounting structure having an opening, an attachment element to be inserted into the opening for attaching a part to the mounting structure, and a locking element of the attachment element for locking the attachment element to the mounting structure. The locking element is inserted as a part of the attachment element along an insertion direction into the opening in the mounting structure up to an end position and engages behind the opening in the end position such that it prevents removal of the attachment element from the opening and thus locks the attachment element to the mounting structure. The locking element has at least a first section and a second section that rest against the edge of the opening in succession when the attachment element is inserted through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Peter Baumgartner, Bernd Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8474111
    Abstract: Improvements to panel fastening clips, especially to those used in curtain and/or lateral airbags, of the kinds of clips that are formed by a surface and/or several flexing arms that are designed to be located in the outer part of the panel into whose opening they are inserted, including several feet that are more or less elastic and that tend to converge at their ends in the general shape of an inverted “V” in the direction in which the clip is inserted, as well as several wings whose ends work against the lower surface of said panel and which ensure that said clip is fastened to said panel, characterized by the fact that the ends of said wings have an enlarged working surface against the lower surface of said panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Metal Fasteners, S.L.
    Inventor: Oscar Ribes Marti
  • Patent number: 8469438
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a trim panel to a substrate of a door includes a clip portion configured for slideable insertion over an edge of the substrate, and a latch configured for passing through a slot defined by the trim panel from a direction approximately perpendicular relative to a first wall plane. The latch includes at least one finger configured for biasing against the trim panel to limit movement of the trim panel relative to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lorin A. Mazur, Jesus E Dominguez Cuevas, Edwin A. Pineda Jahen, Jose L. Fajardo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8458862
    Abstract: A locked base trim clip is described. The trim clip may secure two or more components together, such as a blade and a panel. The trim clip may include an outer frame having a top portion and a base portion. The base portion may be capable of engagement with a first component. The trim clip may include at least one tongue that may extend outward from the top portion and may engage with a second component. The trim clip may include at least one tab extending outward from the base portion that may engage the first component. The trim clip may include at least one locking feature that may include an inner U-portion and an outer U-portion. The locking feature may increase the ratio of insertion to retention within the second component to be greater than 1:2 or 1:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Publication number: 20130031865
    Abstract: A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Besedich, Michael E. Williamson, Alain Pelchat, Alcino Oliveira, Faisal Sultan, Marc R. Risdale, Matthew C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8316513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attaching two add-on parts (36, 37) to a carrier part (35), said device having an outer clamp (1) and an inner clamp (11) that arrests any movement of the outer clamp (1), said clamps being insertable, in an interlocked arrangement, into a single insertion opening configured in the carrier part (35) so as to hold not only an add-on part (37) that is movable relative to the carrier part (35), but also the additional add-on part (36), on the carrier part (35) with a high extraction force for each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Michael DeJong, Jens Breitenfeld
  • Patent number: 8152405
    Abstract: This system, comprising a fastener (1) which is V-shaped and which comprises an intermediate portion (2) which is in the form of a clamp having two arms (3, 4), for receiving a projecting portion (12a, 12b) of the first component (12) and from which wings (6, 7) extend and are provided with engagement means for passing an over-center position on an edge of the second component (13) and in the region of the junction zone of each wing and the corresponding arm, at least one harpoon-like cut-out (8, 9) extending in continuation of the wing in the direction of the intermediate portion, is characterized in that the engagement means of the wings (6, 7) comprise means for resilient snap-fitting thereof on the edge of the second component (13), allowing the projecting portion (12a, 12b) of the first component (12) to be engaged, to a greater or lesser depth, in the intermediate clamp-like portion (2) of the fastener (1) during assembly thereof, in order to adjust the two components relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Attax
    Inventor: Dominique Dubost
  • Publication number: 20120073089
    Abstract: A fastener including: a shank designed to be throughly accommodated in use with a clearance in a slot of a body part; a hammer-like head which overhangingly extends from both sides of the shank, perpendicularly to a symmetric axis of the shank, insertable in use through the slot under the edge of the latter and oriented parallel to the slot; and an elastically deformable, suction-cap-shaped flange carried by the shank on the side opposite to the head, distanced from therefrom; a rotation of the shank to arrange the head perpendicularly to the slot makes it cooperate by interference under the edge of the slot with a consequent elastic deformation of the flange; the shank carries two elastically deformable oblique arms, which overhangingly extend from both sides of the shank, in a direction perpendicular to the head and so as to reciprocally move away from each other towards the flange, dimensioned so as to elastically cooperate against the shank when the head is introduced through the slot, and then stretch to
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Lara Buillas
  • Publication number: 20110314642
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a clip and a retaining element. The clip has a head from which lateral wings for fastening to a panel and resilient lugs for fastening the retaining element to the clip extend laterally. The retaining element temporarily fastened inside the clip is inserted in this state inside a mounting hole or opening where final fastening of the device to the panel is performed. The retaining element has an internal cavity for disassembling the clip. The resilient lugs have a fold from which they extend so as to form inner wings which are provided with an opening. Upon insertion of the retaining element, projections of the retaining element engage inside the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Victor Diez Herrera
  • Patent number: 8038167
    Abstract: A fastener system for use with an air bag includes a fastener having a rounded base having a flat portion, and first and second arms oriented transverse to the flat portion. A first set of engagement devices is connected proximate the rounded base. A second set of engagement devices is connected spatially separated from both the first set and the rounded base. A vehicle component has a dog-house. The rounded base is received and engaged in a dog-house cavity connecting the fastener and vehicle component. The vehicle component displaces upon air bag deployment from a first engagement position having the first engagement device set engaged with a vehicle body panel, to a second engagement position having the second engagement device set engaged with the vehicle body panel. A second fastener sliding part allows telescopic extension of the vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Slobodecki, Lynn M. Stanton, Jacob A. Siudym, II, Daniel J. Lubera, Matthew L. Kosiara
  • Patent number: 7963613
    Abstract: A padded shower seat for use when showering, the shower seat comprising a seat element having one or more openings therein, and a padded element engaged with the seat element, the padded element including one or more integrally formed projections push-fit received in a respective said opening and at least one reinforcing element associated with at least one said projection for preventing or inhibiting unintentional disengagement of the padded element from the seat element, or damage to the padded element, during lateral urging of the padded element parallel to the seat element. A water-resistant padded element and a reinforcing element are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventor: Ian Felmeri
  • Patent number: 7950115
    Abstract: A device for fastening an add-on part to a support part is equipped with a fastening bracket, which has a flat cover plate and, at opposite sides, bracket arms which are attached to the cover plate, and with a bearing part which can be connected to the fastening bracket. The bearing part has a receiving space in which the cover plate of the fastening bracket is mounted so as to be rotatable between a locking position, in which the bracket arms engage behind the support part, and a release position in which the bracket arms are not in engagement with the support part. In this way, an add-on part can be connected to and disconnected again from a support part in an efficient and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et Cie
    Inventor: Uwe Spitz
  • Patent number: 7908717
    Abstract: A fastener for components of a motor vehicle includes a tubular rivet, with a rivet head and a shank, wherein the shank has at least two longitudinal slits, between which lugs which can deflect in an elastically rebounding manner. The fastener includes a support bearing with a tubular mounting into which the shank of the rivet for the holding of at least a component between rivet head and support bearing can be inserted. Corresponding engagement elements are formed on the outer circumference of the shank and on the inner circumference of the mounting which, in a fixing position of the rivet in the mounting are engaged so that the rivet is held against slipping out of the mounting. The fastener includes a pin which can be inserted in the tubular rivet and which in a securing position in the rivet blocks a deflection of the lugs so that disengagement of the engagement elements is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Alhof, Klaus-Albert Priess