Sheet Metal Formed Patents (Class 24/295)
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Patent number: 7134170Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges, a pair of fastening members and a pair of abutting flanges. Each of the fastening members has a base portion that is coupled to an associated one of the top flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has a locking fingers which engages the mounting structure. Finger flange portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Matthew H. Gibbons, Roger E. Pilon
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Patent number: 7120971Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Robert W Osterland, Jeff A Slobodecki
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Patent number: 7114221Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges, a pair of fastening members and a pair of abutting flanges. Each of the fastening members has a base portion that is coupled to an associated one of the top flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has a locking fingers which engages the mounting structure. Finger flange portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Matthew H. Gibbons, Roger E. Pilon, Lawrence J. Higgins
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Patent number: 7096638Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion 22 with a pair of top flanges 24, a pair of fastening fingers 26 and a pair of abutting coupling flanges 28. Each of the fastening fingers 26 are coupled to the body portion 22 that is coupled to an associated top flange 24. Each of the abutting flanges 26 has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger 26 portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component. An optional sealing member 122 may be used to provide sealing engagement.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Robert W. Osterland, Jeff A. Slobodecki, Matthew H. Gibbons
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Patent number: 7086125Abstract: A fastener joining an object to a panel includes a fastener plate nonrotatably receiving the object. Elastically displaceable elements, each having multiple concave shaped detents alternately engage a panel mounting aperture when the displaceable elements are inserted into the mounting aperture. Multiple retention positions are provided by the multiple detents.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Jeffrey A Slobodecki, Jacob A Siudym, II
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Patent number: 7086124Abstract: For attaching an accessory to the body of vehicle, a clip is fitted with elastically deformable arms which are inserted by pressure and are secured in a mounting opening in the bodywork sheet. Each clip has a central base and at least six arms. The arms have end formations which rest in opposing senses against the opposite surfaces of the bodywork sheet around the mounting opening. Half of the arms rest on the exterior surface of the sheet and the other half of the arms rest on the interior surface of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.Inventor: Ruben Del Pozo Abejon
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Patent number: 7051408Abstract: This clip in the general shape of a V comprising an intermediate portion (5) from which two lateral wings (6, 7) extend, provided with outward tab means (8, 9) comprising angled spring means (12, 13) for parting a point of resistance and for holding the clip (1) on the edges of a hole (4) in a first part (2) and with inward tab means (10, 11) provided with means (20) for gripping the second part, in order to fix this second part (3) to the first (2), is characterized in that the inward tab means comprise portions (18, 19) which are bent toward the interior of the clip in the direction of its intermediate portion (5), in that the means (20) for gripping the second part (3) are situated on these bent portions of the inward tab means, and that the points where the latter are bent (21) are situated at the level of the angled means (12, 13) of the outward tab means (8, 9).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: AttaxInventors: Helder De Azevedo, Dominique Dubost
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Patent number: 6976292Abstract: A resilient clip having an engagement tab, which terminates at a load distributing element, and wing members that are configured to co-engage a structure to which the resilient clip is to be coupled. The wing members terminate at an engagement edge and are configured to co-engage the structure at a location along a length of their engagement edge. The load distributing element being configured to contact the structure in response to application of a withdrawing force to the resilient clip so that the load distributing element increases an area over which the withdrawing force.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Terrence B. MacPherson, Jeffrey A. Slobodecki
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Patent number: 6971146Abstract: A fastening spring that includes a tolerance zone and a restraint zone. The tolerance zone has a steep incline and the adjoining restraint zone has a flat incline. This allows for tolerance compensation that is increased by the disassembly strength. Furthermore, the fastening spring can be easily manufactured and allows for a damage-free disassembly and assembly of a first component into a second component.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Volker Gessner, Harald Schelbert
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Patent number: 6928705Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Robert Williams Osterland, Jeff A. Slobodecki
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Patent number: 6918162Abstract: A clip system for fixing an attachment to a support part is provided using a connecting clip (1) consisting of a resilient material. The connecting clip (1) can be clamped to a retaining rib (8) of the attachment (6) and can be inserted into an essentially rectangular orifice (9) of the support part (7). The connecting clip (1) has two springloaded limbs (3), which originate from a central segment (2) and are bent back on themselves, whose free ends (4) are bent outwards and backwards in such a way that when the external limbs (5) formed by the bend are introduced into the orifice (9), they are pressed together in a spring-loaded manner between the edges (10) and snap into the opening, thus securing the connecting clip (1) in a non-positive fit. Once the connecting clip (1) has been introduced into the orifice (9), additional tension is exerted on the claws (16) by the pressure of the external sprig-loaded limbs (5), thus further increasing the retaining force on the retaining rib (8).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: A. Raymond & CIEInventor: Giuseppe Bodo
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Patent number: 6868588Abstract: Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6857168Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Daniel J. Lubera, Jacob A. Siudym, II, Robert Osterland
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Publication number: 20040244156Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener mounting clip for use in securing a fastener to sheet material having a bore hole formed therein. The fastener mounting clip is preferably formed of a single sheet of thin spring steel. The mounting clip includes a rectilinear planar surface having opposing guide arms and opposing retainer arms extending beneath its outer edge at obtuse angles. The guide arms are operative to minimize the insertion force required for seating the fastener mounting clip in the bore hole formed in the sheet material. The retaining arms are resiliently flexible and compress and expand during insertion wherein a top end of the retaining arm abuts against the sheet material when the fastener mounting clip is fully seated within the bore hole. The planar surface includes support tabs for supporting the planar surface in the plane of the sheet material and also includes a recessed aperture for receiving and retaining a fastener therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Nicholas Jackson, Richard G. Babiak, James P. Nagle
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Patent number: 6804864Abstract: A fastener for securing a first object such as a headliner to a second object such as the interior of an aircraft or automobile which is also capable of being pre-assembled with the first object in a predetermined orientation is disclosed. A fastener constructed and arranged according to the present invention has an upper head from which extends a shank having a shank fastener formed therein for securing the retainer into a bore formed in the second object. At least one pre-assembly leg is secured to the shank at a predetermined offset distance from the head. A lower head having a bore formed therethrough so that it may be received over the shank of the fastener is secured to a distal end of the at least one pre-assembly leg and actuates the pre-assembly leg so as to double the pre-assembly leg upon itself and simultaneously bias it into contact with the first object, thereby securing the fastener within a bore formed through the first object in the predetermined orientation.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James T. Kirchen, James S. Tisol, Jr.
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Patent number: 6760957Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Nagamine
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Patent number: 6745440Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fasteners, which comprise one or more snapping engagement segments. The snapping engagement segments have engagement sections, which in turn have engagement bent portions. The engagement bent portions provide the sealing spring fasteners with considerably increased holding power. The invention also pertains a method of making the fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Eustathios Vassiliou Revocable TrustInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Publication number: 20040083582Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richared H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6718599Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clemens, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6695367Abstract: A system for attaching a fender trim molding piece adapted to be held firmly and removably in place by a combination of hooked mounting fasteners. The hooked ends of the mounting fasteners hold the edge of the fender wheel well opening. The flat end of the fasteners are inserted through mounting holes or slots in the fender trim molding and are then pulled through the holes with a tool such as common pliers. The fasteners are then bent back over the fender trim towards the hooked end thereby trapping the fastener and leaving the fender trim piece attached to the edge of the wheel well.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: TFP, Inc.Inventor: Robert William Shymkiw
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Patent number: 6691380Abstract: This invention discloses fasteners characterized by the use of barbs to secure a primary object in place. More particularly, the barbs which are used are critically shaped barbs resulting in considerable increase of the holding force without sacrificing the flexibility of the barbs, the force needed to insert part of the primary object into the fastener, and without sacrificing the broad acceptability of various thicknesses of the primary object to be fastened. The distance between the front point of a barb and the respective opposite side structure may preferably be smaller than the thickness of said material, such as sheet metal for example, that the fastener is made from. The fasteners of this invention may also be provided with spring members of intricate and critical structure, which despite easy insertion of the fastener into a slot of a secondary object, the removal force is greatly increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Eustathios Vassiliou Revocable TrustInventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Publication number: 20040016087Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Robert Williams Osterland, Jeff A. Slobodecki
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Patent number: 6671934Abstract: A retention clip for securing a trim piece to a vehicle. The retention clip includes a trim piece affixing portion, a first leg member, and second leg member that extends from a head portion. The trim piece affixing portion is defined by at least one pair of grips that includes a plurality of retention barbs. Each first and second leg member is defined by a first leg portion, an intermediate knee portion, and a second leg portion. Each second leg portion is defined by a first and second length and a first and second deployment angle, respectively. The retention clip has a resilient retention feature that allows the retention clip to deform inwardly to during installation, then outwardly when affixing a trim piece to a vehicle in order to provide a perpendicular biasing force and a later, outboard biasing force.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Stanley J. Wenzlick, Walter P. Kornylo
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Patent number: 6665914Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6644886Abstract: Connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first component with a second component, the first and second components having aligned openings. The arrangement includes a retaining bolt including an internal opening. At least one side wall opening and an external ring-shaped retaining groove is provided. The retaining bolt is adapted to be connected to the first component. A retaining-spring arrangement is provided having at least one leaf-spring arm and being adapted to be connected to the second component. The ring-shaped retaining groove of the retaining bolt is adapted to extend through the aligned opening of the second component. A free end of the at least one leaf-spring arm is engagable with the ring-shaped retaining groove. A movable disengaging element is provided and is adapted to disengage the at least one leaf-spring arm from the retaining groove of the retaining bolt.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme GmbHInventor: Helmut Schwarz
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Patent number: 6643987Abstract: Supporting element of spring steel or plastic for separable fastening of cover strips (2) in the transition region between wall and floor panel (4). The supporting element is constructed as a one-piece clip which is clipped onto the floor panel from the front face, whereby the supporting element has a wall plate (5) and a clamping plate (6) projecting generally at right angles from the wall plate which, in the installed state of the supporting element, lies on the underside of the floor panel (4). Whereby the wall plate (1) has at least one first support section (7, 8) which in the installed state of the supporting element is braced on the upper side of the floor panels such that the upper and central part of the wall plate is acted upon in the direction of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Ernst Rüsch GmbHInventors: Andreas Rusch, Norbert Rusch
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Patent number: 6637172Abstract: A clip for attachment to the flanges of a structural steel member for purposes of securing sheet material to the member is comprised of a rectangular-shaped clip of lightweight sheet material having opposite sides and opposite ends and enclosing an open center portion. A clip element is formed from a protrusion of the sheet metal material and extends outwardly from the clip and terminates in a free end which is spaced from the clip to create an open space to partially receive a flange of a steel member. The clip element is positioned with respect to the clip so that the clip dwells outwardly of the flange when mounted thereon. The clip element is comprised of a spring-like material so as to be able to frictionally engage the flange. The clip has a plurality of protruding frictional elements thereon to enhance the frictional engagement of the clip to the flange.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Donavon G. Bousquet
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Patent number: 6634065Abstract: A retainer clip receives a keypad and the like on a beltline molding. The clip has a face plate having a plurality of apertures. A wall extends from the face plate. The wall has a plurality of tangs spaced thereabout. The wall is configured to be received within an aperture in the beltline molding. The wall is sized to position the face plate in the aperture of the beltline molding. The tangs cooperate with the beltline molding to retain the faceplate to the beltline molding. The wall and keypad are configured to snappingly engage each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey A. Chesson, Gerald Y. Ruppert, Steven D. Haar
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Patent number: 6625041Abstract: The present invention discloses an expansion card fixture for fixing the expansion card using in a network to a socket on a printed circuit board, which comprises a first plate, a second plate, a supporting member, at least one blocking plate and at least two side plates, where one end of the second plate connects to the bottom of the first plate, and thus the second plate directs to the first plate at an angle. The deformed structure constituted of the first plate and the second plate can recover to its original shape. One end of the supporting member connects to the middle of the first plate to support the expansion card. The blocking plate comprises an edge plate and a top hook, in which the edge plate whose bottom connects to the top of the first plate is perpendicular to the second plate to prevent longitudinal movement of the expansion card.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Accton Technology CorporationInventor: Sheng-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 6606766Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for mounting an article, comprising a base member being of a plate shape and having a through hole thereon; a pair of flanges extended from opposite ends of the base member in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the base member; a pair of insertion parts extended from opposite sides of the base member and bent upwardly to be in contact with each other; and a pair of anchoring plates which are downwardly cut from the center area of each insertion part, are projected outwardly, are elastically deformable, and have a stepped part formed with inward and outward bent parts at a free end of each anchoring plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides a clip for firmly and easily mounting article on a support structure and for easily separating the article from the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Han Il E HWA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheol-gyu Ko
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Publication number: 20030145438Abstract: A retention clip for securing a trim piece to a vehicle. The retention clip includes a trim piece affixing portion, a first leg member, and second leg member that extends from a head portion. The trim piece affixing portion is defined by at least one pair of grips that includes a plurality of retention barbs. Each first and second leg member is defined by a first leg portion, an intermediate knee portion, and a second leg portion. Each second leg portion is defined by a first and second length and a first and second deployment angle, respectively. The retention clip has a resilient retention feature that allows the retention clip to deform inwardly to during installation, then outwardly when affixing a trim piece to a vehicle in order to provide a perpendicular biasing force and a later, outboard biasing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: Stanley Joseph Wenzlick, Walter Paul Kornylo
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Patent number: 6568045Abstract: A spring fastener for securing one or more sheets of material on another sheet of material having a V-shaped clip, which clip has two sides. Preferably, one of the sides has a wide angle bent, while the other side has one or more embosses and/or recesses. The fastener also comprises an elastic body extending from the vicinity of the top section of the V-shaped clip to at least one of the embosses. Examples of elastic bodies are foamed or un-foamed plastisol, polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and a combination thereof. The substantially central part of the elastic body, between the first side and the second side of the V-shaped comprises a cavity with a closed cavity bottom, thus providing to the fastener easy insertion to an opening of a first rigid sheet, combined with unexpectedly improved sealing performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Termax CorporationInventor: Walter Michael Smith
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Publication number: 20030024078Abstract: This invention discloses fasteners characterized by the use of barbs to secure a primary object in place. More particularly, the barbs which are used are critically shaped barbs resulting in considerable increase of the holding force without sacrificing the flexibility of the barbs, the force needed to insert part of the primary object into the fastener, and without sacrificing the broad acceptability of various thicknesses of the primary object to be fastened. The distance between the front point of a barb and the respective opposite side structure may preferably be smaller than the thickness of said material, such as sheet metal for example, that the fastener is made from. The fasteners of this invention may also be provided with spring members of intricate and critical structure, which despite easy insertion of the fastener into a slot of a secondary object, the removal force is greatly increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Publication number: 20030024077Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fasteners, which comprise one or more snapping engagement segments. The snapping engagement segments have engagement sections, which in turn have engagement bent portions. The engagement bent portions provide the sealing spring fasteners with considerably increased holding power. The invention also pertains a method of making the fasteners, as well as vehicles comprising such fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6499198Abstract: An integral spring clip and computer slot cover is disclosed for mounting over an expansion slot of a PC. The cover has an integrally formed spring clip assembly for capturing a ledge of the PC case over an expansion slot therein at one end and means formed at an opposite end of said cover assembly for retaining that end of said cover assembly to the computer case to allow either a slot cover to be mounted over the slot without the use of screws or to mount an expansion card therein by mounting the card through an opening formed in the cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignees: Trans Technology Engineered Componenets, LLC, National City BankInventor: Robert T. Eckenrode
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Patent number: 6499782Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary-handle fixture for a modular headliner of an automobile, which enables an easy mounting and nevertheless guarantees a firm securement of accessaries.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Daehan Solution Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hoe Hyun Kwon
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Publication number: 20020194710Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Lawrence John Conway, Edward Sacha, Paul Lester Clements, Mark Fleydervish, Richard H. Ducato, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6497011Abstract: This invention relates to vehicles having parts connected with a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a hermetically closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot. In a preferred version, the sealing fastener comprises a substantially non-elastic tough casing around portion of the elastic body in order to avoid rapture during insertion of the fastener into the slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Michael Walter Smith, Richard H. Ducato, Mark Fleydervish, Werner Politzki, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6453522Abstract: The fixing system comprises a clip (1) and a peg (15) previously fixed to the respective accessory (13) which is to be attached to the clip (1) to define an integral assembly that is fixable to the respective self-supporting panel or element. The clip (1) has a window (14) on its base, allowing a peg (15) through, the peg being fixed by means of the facing top edges (11) in which the sides (8) of the actual clip (1) end, the foregoing in order that, by inserting and clipping the peg (15) through the clip (1), the integral clip-peg-accessory assembly may be fix onto the respective bodywork vehicle directly, without anchorage screws being required. Dismounting can be easily made by means of a suitable implement which is driven to turn and separate the top edges (11), allowing the clip to be rendered independent from the peg, and hence the assembly to be dismounted.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Irausa Ingenieria, S.A.Inventors: Antonio Romero Magariño, Jesús Tomé Pérez
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Publication number: 20020100146Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for mounting an article, comprising a base member being of a plate shape and having a through hole thereon; a pair of flanges extended from opposite ends of the base member in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the base member; a pair of insertion parts extended from opposite sides of the base member and bent upwardly to be in contact with each other; and a pair of anchoring plates which are downwardly cut from the center area of each insertion part, are projected outwardly, are elastically deformable, and have a stepped part formed with inward and outward bent parts at a free end of each anchoring plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides a clip for firmly and easily mounting article on a support structure and for easily separating the article from the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Cheol-gyu Ko
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Patent number: 6408589Abstract: A clip for attachment to the flanges of a structural steel member for purposes of securing sheet material to the member is comprised of a rectangular-shaped clip of lightweight sheet material having opposite sides and opposite ends and enclosing an open center portion. A clip element is formed from a protrusion of the sheet metal material and extends outwardly from the clip and terminates in a free end which is spaced from the clip to create an open space to partially receive a flange of a steel member. The clip element is positioned with respect to the clip so that the clip dwells outwardly of the flange when mounted thereon. The clip element is comprised of a spring-like material so as to be able to frictionally engage the flange. The clip has a plurality of protruding frictional elements thereon to enhance the frictional engagement of the clip to the flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Donavon G. Bousquet
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Publication number: 20020069492Abstract: A spring fastener for securing one or more sheets of material on another sheet of material having a V-shaped clip, which clip has two sides. Preferably, one of the sides has a wide angle bent, while the other side has one or more embosses and/or recesses. The fastener also comprises an elastic body extending from the vicinity of the top section of the V-shaped clip to at least one of the embosses. Examples of elastic bodies are foamed or un-foamed plastisol, polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, and a combination thereof. The substantially central part of the elastic body, between the first side and the second side of the V-shaped comprises a cavity with a closed cavity bottom, thus providing to the fastener easy insertion to an opening of a first rigid sheet, combined with unexpectedly improved sealing performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Walter Michael Smith
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Patent number: 6401311Abstract: A spring clip having a flexible leg portion ending in a tab is made to be mountable in an expansion slot of a PC to allow the tab of the clip to capture either an expansion slot cover or a PC expansion card by having the tab spring into a hole found in both the expansion card and the blank cover fitting therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, LLCInventor: Robert T. Eckenrode
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Patent number: 6389658Abstract: A clip for mounting an object such as an electrical box on a stud is provided which comprises a fist side portion for engaging a first surface of the stud; a second side portion for engaging a second surface of the stud; the second side portion including at least one box clip arm for securing the electrical box to the clip; and at least one support member extending between the electrical box and the second surface of the stud for substantially preventing flexing of the clip and inward movement of the electrical box when a force is applied generally inwardly of the electrical box.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Mark Jerome Pfaller, Mark Anthony Bailey
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Patent number: 6381811Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a hermetically closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot. In a preferred version, the sealing fastener comprises a substantially non-elastic tough casing around portion of the elastic body in order to avoid rapture during insertion of the fastener into the slot.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Termax CorporationInventors: Michael Walter Smith, Richard H. Ducato, Mark Fleydervish, Werner Politzki, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6353981Abstract: This invention relates to a spring fastener, which comprises side structures, preferably connected to form a U-shaped structure. The two side structures have multiple engagement springs comprising pairs of recesses and respective peaks. The number of these pairs is different on one spring than the number of pairs on the other springs. The spring fastener may further comprise an elastic or resilient body under the top end of the fastener, thus providing noise elimination or dampening. In a different embodiment, the fastener may also comprise rigid supports over the two extremities of its top end, which rigid supports force the resilient body all the way around on the fastened article, so that this configuration provides, in addition to noise elimination or dampening, excellent waterproofing properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Termax CorporationInventor: Edward John Smith
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Publication number: 20020017009Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing spring fastener, which comprises a U-shaped structure, on which an elastic body has been incorporated. The elastic body has a hermetically closed cavity within the U-shaped structure. The sealing spring fastener can form an assembly with an extension of a panel, preferably a plastic panel. The assembly or the fastener by itself can be engaged into the slot of a solid sheet, preferably a metal sheet, in a manner that one side of the sheet is sealed from the other side of the sheet in the vicinity of the slot. In a preferred version, the sealing fastener comprises a substantially non-elastic tough casing around portion of the elastic body in order to avoid rapture during insertion of the fastener into the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Richard H. Ducato, Mark Fleydervish, Werner Politzki, Eustathios Vassiliou
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Patent number: 6341466Abstract: A new and useful clip is disclosed for securing an elongate member, or lather's channel, to a horizontal T-bar of a ceiling grid, conventionally used to form a drop ceiling. The clip comprises a body having a downwardly opening recess therein for permitting the body to be placed over the lather's channel, without removing the channel from the T-bar. The lather's channel is in a seated position in which the channel is received in the recess of the clip. The clip has clasps depending from the body configured so that as the body is moved toward its seated position, the clasps assume positions on opposite sides of the stem of the T-bar for clasping the T-bar and securing the clip to the T-bar. The clip further includes a spring finger formed integrally with the body. The finger is engageable with the lather's channel as the body is moved to its seated position.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Kenneth H. Kehoe, Eric R. Rinderer
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Publication number: 20010049864Abstract: An integral spring clip and computer slot cover is disclosed for mounting over an expansion slot of a PC. The cover has an integrally formed spring clip assembly for capturing a ledge of the PC case over an expansion slot therein at one end and means formed at an opposite end of said cover assembly for retaining that end of said cover assembly to the computer case to allow either a slot cover to be mounted over the slot without the use of screws or to mount an expansion card therein by mounting the card through an opening formed in the cover assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventor: Robert T. Eckenrode
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Patent number: 6327758Abstract: The subject matter is a resilient unitary lighting clip which connects a bar hanger to a T-bar in an overhead lighting assembly. The clip includes a face plate which has a lock formed integral with the face plate to secure the clip to the bar hanger. A U-shaped connector is formed integral with the face plate for receiving a bar hanger. A support is formed integral with the connector for receiving a portion of a T-bar. A catch is formed integral with the support and is resiliently connectable to the T-bar. A tab is formed integral with the support and is engageable with the T-bar for positioning the clip relative to the T-bar.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Juno Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: John Petrakis, George L. Janos