Sheet Metal Formed Patents (Class 24/295)
  • Patent number: 8627552
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into a hole (slot) defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis. At least four wings extend from the arms. Each wing includes at least one engagement portion including a depressed portion formed on each wing, wherein each depressed portion is operative to engage a portion of the hole. According to one embodiment, each arm is coupled to at least one wing at a distal end of each arm (i.e., a long arm), so that each wing extends inwardly towards the base plate. According to an alternative embodiment, each arm (i.e., a short arm) is coupled to the at least one wing, so that each wing extends outwardly away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Edward Sacha, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Patent number: 8573881
    Abstract: A device for securing an add-on to a support comprises a back wall (3) and a front wall arrangement (14) which is resilient with respect to the back wall (3) and which, when the device is arranged as intended, comes into engagement with an insertion opening provided in an edge region of the support. The device according to the invention comprises a manipulation structure (15, 16, 21) by which, to release the engagement, the front wall arrangement (14) can be moved toward the back wall (3) with the aid of a tool that is introduced through a tool channel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Uwe Spitz
  • Patent number: 8528295
    Abstract: A re-usable vehicle trim component (20) for attaching to a support member (38), such as a passenger seat, includes a trim panel (22) and a fastener (24) integral with the trim panel (22). A base (26) is coupled to the trim panel (22) by dog house walls (46). A pair of shafts (28) extend transversely from the base (26), a cross beam (30) extends between the shafts (28), and an elastically flexible return arm (32) extends from the cross beam (30) toward the base (26) to a distal end (68). A catch (34) extends outwardly from the return arm (32). The return arm (32) deflects as the fastener (24) is inserted into an aperture (36) of the support member (38). The support member (38) is secured between the catch (34) and the base (26). The trim component (20) can be removed and re-installed without damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jerrold Scott Glynn, James D. Biebel, James Lewis Aleksa
  • 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 ā€œVā€ 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8370999
    Abstract: A clip for holding first and second parts together snaps into an opening in a first part and includes a central housing for receiving and retaining a male portion on a second part using catches. The clip has a spring structure allowing sideways displacement of the catches so that it occupies either a locked position in which it projects into the central housing to prevent axial movement of the male portion, or a position of release of the male portion in which it is withdrawn from the central housing. The clip also includes a mechanism for causing the catches to move to their locked positions automatically by snapping the clip onto the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et Cie
    Inventor: Pascal Camus
  • Patent number: 8342460
    Abstract: A bracket part and a securing part are provided to connect an add-on part to a carrier part. The securing part is displaceable relative to the bracket part. The bracket part includes a carrier part receptacle that receives an edge region of the carrier part that is adjacent a carrier-part opening. In a final mounting arrangement, the securing part secures the bracket part via a mounting operation that can be performed by displacing the bracket part and the securing part. The final mounting arrangement can be easily checked for proper execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Sven Binkert, Uwe Motsch
  • 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: 8181991
    Abstract: An instrument panel assembly having a locking feature. The instrument panel assembly includes an elongated member attached to a portion of the vehicle and extending towards the instrument panel assembly, a lower panel spaced apart from the elongated member, at least one clip disposed on one of either the lower panel or the elongated member; and a corresponding number of tabs disposed on the other of said lower panel or said elongated member. The clip and tabs are spaced apart from and registered to each other so as to lockingly engage each other and keep the lower panel in contact with the elongated member when the lower panel and elongated member are driven into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Dei, Robert Joseph Panek, Phouvadol Peter Khouphongsy
  • Patent number: 8047581
    Abstract: A temporary closure device for an opening element on a fixed chassis part of a motor vehicle, in which the opening element includes a housing for receiving a lock and the fixed part includes at least one tapped hole for fixing a strike. The device includes a plastic body equipped with means for mounting it in the tapped hole. An end of the device includes a limit stop element that co-operates with a first rim of the housing as the opening element is closed, while another end of the device includes a means for retaining the opening element in the closed position against the fixed part, which is intended to penetrate the housing behind a second rim thereof. The retaining means is formed by a resilient tongue, which can bend under stress from the second rim when the opening element is moved from the free position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Exsto
    Inventors: Didier Corre, Fabrice Hermetz, Alexandre Astorg, Virginie Huguon
  • Patent number: 8011153
    Abstract: A clip device for fastening first and second structural members typically decking members. The clip device has a base portion with first and second opposed ends and a thickness a first vertical leg portion integral with the leg base portion is horizontally spaced apart from a second vertical leg portion integral with the base portion. Arm flange portions integral to the first and second vertical leg portions are horizontally spaced from the base and aligned respectively towards said first and second opposed ends. A fastener receiving hole in the base is used to attach the clip device to the joist. The base portion, vertical leg portion and arm flange portion define diametrically opposed U-shaped jaw elements for holding the structural member to the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Keith Orchard
  • Patent number: 7874775
    Abstract: A fastening device to be fitted into a support part (22) has a cover plate (1) and two clamping arms (6, 7). Each clamping arm (6, 7) has an inner leg (5) and an outer leg (10) which has a bracing structure on its end facing the cover plate (1). The bracing structure of each clamping arm (6) is provided with two flat side cheeks (15, 16) that are joined to mutually opposite side margins (13, 14) of the respective outer leg (10) and extend toward the other clamping arm (6, 7). Each side cheek (15, 16) has an end face (17) that is oriented at an angle to the cover plate (1) and falls away toward the respective outer leg (10) from the end remote from that outer leg (10). The fastening device according to the invention can consequently be used in the presence of relatively high extraction forces with support parts that vary in thickness over a relatively large range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Klaus Hullmann, Michael De Jong, Thomas Eckert
  • Patent number: 7866099
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a solar cell module includes a fastening for mounting the solar cell module on a lateral beam. The fastening includes a body, and a plurality of hooks formed at an end of the body. The hooks have a hook having a form bent toward one side, having an end directed downward and serving as a first hook, and a hook having a form bent away from the one side, having an end directed downward and serving as a second hook. The hooks are opposed to and engaged with a projection of a hooked and L-shaped form formed on the solar cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Komamine, Yoshihiro Aramaki, Yasushi Ohkoshi
  • Patent number: 7849567
    Abstract: A fastener comprises two engagement springs on opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an elongated rib. The elongated ribs may have a substantially rectangular shape, or any suitable shape, and they may protrude away from the opposite side of the fastener. Additionally, the elongated ribs may have same or different slopes at each end of the ribs. According to one embodiment, the elongated rib increases the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement springs do not have the elongated rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Paul Lester Clements
  • Patent number: 7805815
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a clip for attaching an object to a sheet having an aperture spaced apart from a leading edge of the sheet. The clip includes a base with a generally planar lower member, the lower member having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The base also has a generally planar upper member extending across the lower member, the upper member also having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an opening between the upper member leading edge and trailing edge. The trailing edge of the upper member is attached to and extends from the base proximate the trailing edge of the lower member. The upper member also includes a spring located proximate to the trailing edge of the upper member and extending into the opening in a generally leading edge direction. The finger spring is operable to apply a force in a generally leading edge direction onto a sheet edge of a sheet inserted and located between the lower member and the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Joseph Babian, Paxton S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7784159
    Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance. The combination of the above structures with the presence of barbs being bent at their front portion improves immensely the ergonomic character of the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 7757365
    Abstract: A method for securing two frame halves of a frame assembly, including providing a pair of frame halves each having an axially extending attachment rib. The frame halves are temporarily secured for storage and transport by detachably clipping the attachment ribs together with a clip. The frame halves can be disengaged, rotated, and lockingly clipped together for final installation with the same clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Indutries Cover Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Ouellette
  • Patent number: 7753402
    Abstract: An air bag assembly mounting system comprising: a fastener having a base plate with a front side and a rear side, a resilient expansion element along the rear side of the base plate which is configured to extend through an opening in a structural member of a vehicle so as to clamp the structural member of the vehicle and through a portion of an air bag or an air bag cover between the rear side of the base plate and the expansion element, the resilient expansion element comprising two co-acting resilient clips each having a center leg extending from the back plate and a resilient outer leg resiliently supported by the center leg; the outer leg, at a distal end, including extending wings which during assembly to the structural member rotate and over-travel the center leg to reduce the dimension between the wings of one of the outer legs and the wings of the other of the outer legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Volkmann, Volker Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7725991
    Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lubera, Jacob A. Siudym
  • Patent number: 7676893
    Abstract: A fastener to removably mount an object in a mounting aperture of a panel is provided. The fastener includes a body having two opposing side members and defining a second aperture configured to accept at least a portion of the object, at least one elastic abutting flange disposed between the fastener body and the mounting aperture, a corrosion resistant coating, and a silencer plating overlying the corrosion resistant coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Matthew H. Gibbons, Terrence B. MacPherson
  • Patent number: 7641220
    Abstract: An airbag system in a motor vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags and at least one airbag fold bracket configured to indicate the location of at least one airbag fold of the inflatable airbag. The airbag fold bracket may also be configured to maintain the position and shape of the airbag fold of the inflatable airbag while in the undeployed state. Furthermore, the airbag fold bracket may be configured to adjust and tune the deployment of the inflatable airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Visker, Hiroshi Noma
  • Patent number: 7640707
    Abstract: A fastening clip configured to secure a first panel to a second panel may include a base supporting a plurality of resilient beams, and a plurality of tangs outwardly extending from an outer surface of each of the resilient beams. The plurality of tangs are configured to securely engage the first and/or second panels. The fastening clip may also include stabilizing flaps on either side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Illinios Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Johnson, Brian M. Parisi
  • Patent number: 7640635
    Abstract: A fixing clip for fixing an interior part of a vehicle is provided. The fixing clip is assembled in a body with the interior part via a headlining by a screw and is fixed to a mounting bracket provided in a vehicle body. The fixing clip includes a bottom part provided with a screw hole through which the screw is fastened and being in close contact with an upper surface of the interior part, a pair of body parts extending and being bent upwardly from both ends of the bottom part to face each other, and a pair of coupling parts extending and being bent outwardly and downwardly from upper ends of the body parts and being inserted into clip insertion holes provided on the mounting bracket. Accordingly, the clip can firmly and easily mount/separate an interior part on/from the vehicle body with its deformation, damage, or unexpected seceding due to an external force prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: NVH Korea Inc.
    Inventors: Hwi Woo Kim, Hwa Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7640634
    Abstract: Fasteners characterized by structures which are suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of a rigid part, such as a metal sheet or the frame of a car for example. The structure provides easy insertion but difficult extraction of the fastener from the slot, without producing squeaking noises during end-use. Easy manufacturing and high dimensional accuracy are also great assets of the fasteners. The invention also pertains to an assembly of said rigid part and the fastener, an assembly connecting parts with the fastener of this invention, as well as vehicles comprising such assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 7544895
    Abstract: A wire duct tray having at least two successive segments, with each of the segments including parallel longitudinal wires crossed by transverse wires. The two segments are connected by a fishplate, which may be sheet metal, and which includes a core presenting first and second longitudinal edges. Each of the segments has end transverse wires, and the core bears against the end transverse wire of each segment. Two tabs extend from the first edge of the core and are aligned with one another. Each tab surrounds a longitudinal wire on one of the segments, and may extend around the wire up to 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Societe de Constructions Electriques de la Seine (CES)
    Inventor: Mickaƫl Penichon
  • Patent number: 7506414
    Abstract: This fastener is characterized in that it comprises a clip-like portion (5) which is suitable for being resiliently hooked to an edge of the first component (2) and from one branch of which at least two hooking lugs (6, 7) extend, the first (7) of which comprises a folded portion which is provided with means (9) for hooking to the first component (2), and the second (6) of which comprises means (8), in the form of a resilient hook for passing an over-center position, for hooking the fastener, and therefore the first component (2), to an edge of a slot (4) of the second component (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: ATTAX
    Inventors: Dominique Dubost, Helder De Azevedo
  • Patent number: 7496993
    Abstract: A retention clip includes a generally cylindrical main portion having a leading end configured to pass into a hole of a panel, at least one retaining tab extending from the main portion, and at least one spring member extending from the main portion. The at least one retaining tab and the at least one spring member are configured to compressively sandwich a portion of the panel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Kosidlo, James B. Carrier, Kent S. Gimmy
  • Publication number: 20080289155
    Abstract: A fixing clip for fixing an interior part of a vehicle is provided. The fixing clip is assembled in a body with the interior part via a headlining by a screw and is fixed to a mounting bracket provided in a vehicle body. The fixing clip includes a bottom part provided with a screw hole through which the screw is fastened and being in close contact with an upper surface of the interior part, a pair of body parts extending and being bent upwardly from both ends of the bottom part to face each other, and a pair of coupling parts extending and being bent outwardly and downwardly from upper ends of the body parts and being inserted into clip insertion holes provided on the mounting bracket. Accordingly, the clip can firmly and easily mount/separate an interior part on/from the vehicle body with its deformation, damage, or unexpected seceding due to an external force prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Hwi Woo Kim, Hwa Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7428770
    Abstract: A spring fastener, which comprises two engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement portion comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement portion does not have the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion into, with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Paul Lester Clements
  • Patent number: 7419206
    Abstract: A quick connect fastener system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a snap-in fastener is used for retaining an automotive vehicle interior trim member. A further aspect of the present invention employs a base and a resilient retainer, one of which includes a metallic portion and the other of which includes a polymeric portion. Moreover, a generally rigid polymeric base employs a channel operably receiving a metallic retainer in a laterally sliding manner to ease in assembly of the retainer to the base in an adhesive and screw-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Slobodecki, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7415752
    Abstract: The resilient fastener for fixing two parts onto each other, having a general V-shape including an intermediate portion (2) in the shape of a pincer with two limbs (3, 4), and adapted to be engaged on a first part and from at least one of the limbs of which extends at least one lateral wing (6, 7) equipped with means, passing an over-center position, for fastening onto a corresponding edge of the second part in order to attach the fastener, and therefore the first part, to the second part, is characterized in that it has at the junction zone of the or each lateral wing (6, 7) and the corresponding limb (3, 4) of the intermediate portion, at least one cut-away portion in the shape of a barb (10, 11) extending in prolongation of the corresponding wing (6, 7) and in the direction of the intermediate portion, in order to lock the intermediate portion of the fastener on the first part
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: ATTAX
    Inventors: Helder De Azevedo, Dominique Dubost
  • Publication number: 20080174151
    Abstract: A fastener comprises two engagement springs on opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an elongated rib. The elongated ribs may have a substantially rectangular shape, or any suitable shape, and they may protrude away from the opposite side of the fastener. Additionally, the elongated ribs may have same or different slopes at each end of the ribs. According to one embodiment, the elongated rib increases the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement springs do not have the elongated rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickenson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Paul Lester Clements
  • Patent number: 7399151
    Abstract: A resilient clip is disclosed for engaging a structure having a body with a pair of extending body portions and an elastic flange. The flange has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic flange also has a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic flange into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym
  • Patent number: 7386959
    Abstract: A frame assembly comprised of a pair of frame halves each having an axially extending attachment rib is temporarily secured for storage and transport by detachably clipping the attachment ribs together. The frame halves are disengaged, rotated, and lockingly clipped together for final installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Industries Cover Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Ouellette
  • Patent number: 7320157
    Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym, II, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7318256
    Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym, II, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7287945
    Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym
  • Patent number: 7281359
    Abstract: A spacer is provided for use in a standing seam roof system in which roof panels are provided having a base portion and upstanding side flanges along opposed longitudinal sides of the panel. The panels are installed sequentially along roof purlins in a working direction. Occasionally a portion of each panel being installed trails in the working direction in relation to the remainder of the panel. A spacer element is provided with a hook for being suspended in the seam between upstanding side flanges of adjacent panels to advance the trailing portion of the panels and thereby straighten the panels of the roof system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Joe Marshall
  • Patent number: 7278189
    Abstract: A spring fastener characterized by a structure having a top portion and a cavity in which the rib of a first article, such as a plastic panel for example having a lower side, may be engaged, and is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of a second article, such as a metal sheet for example, like the frame of a car for example. The spring fastener also comprises engagement springs having a peak, a front end, and an engagement region between the peak and the front end. The spring fastener further comprises side spacers disposed at the top portion and being adaptable to reach the vicinity or touch the lower side of the first article. It is highly preferable that the fastener comprises barbs with inwardly bent front ends, and that the engagement regions further have a single sided ripple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 7264214
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stock bar and T-bar coupling structure for mounting a sprinkler. In the present invention, a locking bracket is easily securely coupled to a T-bar using an elastic locking unit and a wing bolt. Furthermore, a stock bar made of standard rectangular pipe is coupled to the locking bracket by a first locking unit such that the stock bar crosses over the T-bar. Because this locking bracket is manufactured as a separate component from the stock bar, the present invention can be used without limiting the distance between the T-bars. Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that a standard rectangular pipe can be easily used as a stock bar merely by cutting the pipe to a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 7240884
    Abstract: A mounting device of a sprinkler comprises: a main body provided with a pair of side plates and an upper plate disposed on upper portions of the side plate; a rail mounting portion formed at lower ends of the side plates and insertedly fixed to a support rail; a support bar fixing portion formed at an upper side of the main body, for supporting the support bar; and a locking member inserted in the side plates in a lateral direction, for preventing the rail mounting portion from being separated from the support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7234209
    Abstract: A clip engages an assist grip with an engaging portion of the clip engaged with a clip insertion hole of an attachment part. The assist grip is mounted to a body panel by engaging a first locking pawl of the clip with a rear surface of the body panel, and engaging a second locking pawl of the clip with a front surface of the body panel. A pressure plug is fitted into a rear end gap portion of the clip when a cap on the attachment part is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiharu Totani, Shuji Inui, Hidenori Yokoyama, Hiroyuki Tajima, Takeshi Hosokawa, Hikaru Ando, Mitsuyoshi Ohno
  • Patent number: 7213304
    Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J Lubera, Jacob A Siudym, II, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7204000
    Abstract: A fastener joining accessories to automobiles includes a molded portion having a flexible skirt and two support posts extending from the flexible skirt. A metallic portion insert molded with the molded portion includes both a pair of deflection wings and a pair of looped bights oppositely extending from the flexible skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M Benedetti, Rosalind A Nessel
  • Patent number: 7200899
    Abstract: A coupling is provided between a sheet member with an edge of a thickness T, having at least one opening formed adjacent the edge, and a receiving member formed with a recess of a width W and spacers defining within the recess a groove of a width w, which meets the condition T<w<W. The recess comprises at least one projection protruding into the groove, and the groove is adapted to slidingly receive the edge of the sheet member with the projection snap-fitting into the opening, thereby providing a secure coupling between the sheet and receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventor: Sami Sagol
  • Patent number: 7188392
    Abstract: A spring fastener characterized by a structure having a cavity in which the rib of a first part, such as a plastic panel for example, like a pillar, may be engaged, and is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of second part, such as a metal sheet for example, like the frame of a car. The spring fastener comprises engagement springs having a peak, engagement regions and-side cuts in the vicinity of the peak, preferably within the engagement regions. The side-cuts, of preferably triangular shape, increase considerably the lever/angle pulling force (pulling force applied on the first part and away from the spring fastener, in order to separate the first part from a second part connected together with the spring fastener). It is highly preferable that the fastener comprises barbs with inwardly bent front ends, and that the engagement regions further have hindrance portions, the combination of which highly improves the balance of insertion to removal ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Giugliano, Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Joseph William Lowry
  • Patent number: 7178850
    Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Joseph W. Lowry, Edward Sacha, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7168138
    Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lubera, Jacob A. Siudym, II, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7155783
    Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members. The first member also includes a hooked end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Rosalind A Nessel, Steven M Benedetti, Jeff A Slobodecki, Joshua J Giddings, Charles K Fischer