Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
  • Patent number: 11940002
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a two-part adjustable potted insert to be received within an insert hole of a honeycomb panel for fastening a threaded fastener thereon. The insert comprises an outer structural member which is configured to be received within the insert hole, and an inner structural member in a releasable engagement with the outer structural member. The outer structural member comprises an external main body which defines an external surface configured to resist pull-out and torque-out to retain the outer structural member in the honeycomb panel when inserted in the insert hole, a threaded opening within the external main body which defines a bottom surface, and a locking recess formed within the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Millecento Designs Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Calcagni
  • Patent number: 11933347
    Abstract: Examples of rivet-type fastener are described. The rivet-type fastener may further include a fastener pin. The fastener pin includes a planar head portion and a shaft longitudinally extending from the head portion. The fastener pin may further include a cantilevered snap element at a distal end of the shaft. A portion of the cantilevered snap element is flexibly moveable with respect to the axis of shaft. The rivet-type fastener comprises a fastener body which in turn comprises a collared portion with a central opening. A plurality of elongated portions extend orthogonally from the collared portion, wherein the elongated portions are radially positioned about the central axis and about the edges of the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mahantesh S. Gokavi, Ganesh Kumar, Lokesh Chauhan, Bhupendra Pandey
  • Patent number: 11883603
    Abstract: A component useable with one or more tube comprises a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Laurence Gulliver, Michael Paul Ronayne, Puqing Zhang, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Rex Gordon Faithfull
  • Patent number: 11867214
    Abstract: A clip includes a clip portion, a neck, and a hook portion. The clip portion includes a base arranged at the bottom side and having at least one tooth projecting from it, at least one clip arm connected to the base at a proximal end and having an opposite distal end spaced from the base and extending toward the rear end. A neck is connected to the clip portion and extends toward the front end. A hook portion is connected to the neck opposite the clip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Steven S. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 11835075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for fastening a first element to a second element, the clip having a head and a tip and a first side and a second side, wherein the first side extends from the head toward the tip and the second side extends from the head toward the tip. A first sidewall extends from the first side toward the second side and a second sidewall extends from the second side toward the first side, the clip having a latching projection projecting in a latching direction and having a latching face facing the latching direction. The latching face is arranged in a plane which is not parallel to the first sidewall and/or not parallel to the second sidewall. The clip further includes a latching receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Rainer Mutz
  • Patent number: 11833981
    Abstract: A support element fastens an interior lining part to a structural part of a vehicle, wherein the interior lining part is fastenable to the structural part via the support element. The support element has at least one deformation region which is of meandering design in at least one plane and is deformable under the application of a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Harald Distler, Sascha Engel, Ralf Mueller, Andreas Petermann, Wolfgang Witek
  • Patent number: 11834891
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus includes: a tubular base element having a sheath wall and a flange-like bottom wall portion. An inner wall portion of the sheath wall bounds a receiving space and an outer threading is integrally formed on an outer wall portion of the sheath wall. A pin passage is configured in the bottom wall. A fastening device is provided on the side of the bottom wall opposite the sheath wall for connecting the spacer apparatus to a carrier component. The spacer apparatus includes a pin element arranged in the receiving space for actuating the fastening device, which pin element extends through the pin passage, and a bowl-shaped stopper cap having an inner threading that is engaged with the outer threading and a stopper wall extending orthogonally to an axial direction. The stopper cap and the fastening device are approximately flush with one another in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Sven Sanchez Burger, Moritz Heilek
  • Patent number: 11821451
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first panel to a second panel via a fastening system. The fastening system comprises fastener, a doghouse structure, and a seal assembly. The fastener includes a head assembly coupled to a collar. The head assembly is configured to engage a doghouse structure positioned on the first panel and the collar is configured to pass through and to retain the second panel via an opening formed in the second panel. The seal assembly includes a seal and a seal carrier. The seal carrier is coupled to the fastener via a frangible connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark O. Lepper
  • Patent number: 11815125
    Abstract: An example retaining device includes a retaining feature to retain an article, and a first arm. The first arm projects in a first direction and includes a first protrusion extending away from a first face of the first arm. The first protrusion is to engage another article to retain the retaining device relative to the other article. The first arm includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion and extending away from the first face of the first arm. The width of the second protrusion increases in the first direction so as to provide a sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alberto Borrego Lebrato, Marc Clotet Marti, Cesar Luis Coelho Morais de Serpa Rosa
  • Patent number: 11815124
    Abstract: A clip for a fastener assembly includes a main body and a base that includes a pair of fingers that each have a nub. The fingers extend from opposing ends of the base and the nubs are centrally disposed between the opposing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Tisol, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11686332
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a panel to a substructure includes a flange having a bore, a base disposed under the flange and having a post extending upwardly from the base, the post having a retaining member at an upper portion thereof, and at least one flexible hinge resiliently connecting the base and the flange such that when the base is pushed toward the flange, the post with the retaining member passes through the bore adapted to engage with other member. The flange further includes flexible walls formed around the bore and extending outward with retaining clips formed at respective leading ends thereof. The flexible walls bend towards the bore when pressed into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NIFCO AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: William R Rhoades, Kevin Flaute, Reis Lehman
  • Patent number: 11680594
    Abstract: A hollow chamber blocking tool includes: a first blocking tool having a first foamable base material on a first holder plate; and a second blocking tool having a second foamable base material on a second holder plate. The first blocking tool includes a steel plate fixing portion locked to a steel plate. The second blocking tool includes an integrated portion locked to the steel plate fixing portion. The second holder plate includes a rotating portion rotatably connected to the first blocking tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsumi Hirano
  • Patent number: 11597335
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications that attaches to an existing interior structure of the vehicle, including but not limited to, inner rocker panels on pickup trucks, pinch welds on wheel openings, and bumper mounting points. The vehicle accessory bracket is also designed to provide a proper mounting surface for the rocker accessory. The vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications is disclosed herein comprising a longitudinal body, a rib and an opening for engaging and mounting to the existing structure of the vehicle. The vehicle accessory bracket can be used to cover up rusty/unsightly blemishes on vehicles, especially rocker panels on pickup trucks as disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: ORIGINAL APPEARANCE MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Shaffer, Zach Kowalik, Luke Shaffer
  • Patent number: 11585365
    Abstract: A fastener includes a grommet and a pin. The grommet has a bottom set of lead in features. The pin is configured to removably snapably engage the grommet. The pin has a lead in feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Steltz
  • Patent number: 11549541
    Abstract: A fastener for attaching an element to a support includes a fastening base intended to pass through an opening provided in the support by ways of an axial compression force, a head, and a frustoconical and elastically deformable compression collar. The collar, when compressed, is intended to bear against the support. The collar is connected to the head in a connection region. The compression collar has a first bending region, and at least a second bending region, the first and the second bending regions being configured to deform in a predetermined manner when the fastener is subjected to the axial compression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Virginie Pouzols, Grégory Paulin, Jimmy Voniez
  • Patent number: 11540586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective helmet (10) comprising an outer shell (12) and a visor (14) removably coupled to the outer shell (12) by means of a fastening mechanism (20) positioned on facing surfaces of the shell (12) and the visor (14). According to the invention the fastening mechanism (20) comprises complementarily shaped elements (22, 24) comprising at least one protrusion (22) and at least one receiving seat (24) provided with a flexible holding portion (26). The at least one protrusion (22) is adapted to be removably fixed inside the at least one receiving seat (24) by engaging the flexible holding portion (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: ALPINESTARS RESEARCH S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Mazzarolo, Roberto Parissenti
  • Patent number: 11519444
    Abstract: A stud-mount insert configured to be releasably retained by a mounting-tab of a wire-tray assembly. The stud-mount insert includes a flange and a body configured to rotate about a longitudinal-axis of a mounting-stud. The flange is configured to overlay an aperture defined by the mounting-tab such that the mounting-stud extends through the aperture into the body. The flange is further configured to engage a top-surface of the mounting-tab proximate a perimeter of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: HellermannTyton Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Teece, Scott J. Adams
  • Patent number: 11519445
    Abstract: A clip is structured for coupling together a first component and a second component. The clip includes a body portion and an opposing wall residing opposite and spaced apart from the body portion. At least one connecting member spans a space between the body portion and the opposing wall to connect the body portion and the opposing wall. The at least one connecting member is structured to enable resilient movement of each of the body portion and the opposing wall with respect to the other one of the body portion and the opposing wall responsive to a force acting on the body portion and/or a force acting on the opposing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc..
    Inventor: Praveen Kumar
  • Patent number: 11454270
    Abstract: A fastening element (1) for insertion into an opening (50) of a part (51), in particular a vehicle body part, wherein the fastening element (1) has a head region (2), a flange region (3), which is connected to the head region (2) via a first shaft region (4), and a second shaft region (5), which continues from the flange region (3) on the side opposite the head region (2) and is formed such that, in the inserted state of the fastening element (1) in the opening (50), it extends through the opening (50), at least in certain regions, and forms a snap connection with the part (51), in particular vehicle body part, wherein at least one indicator element (6) is associated with the fastening element (1) for, in particular, acoustically and/or visually signaling an assembly state of the fastening element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Kluge, Martina Brautigam
  • Patent number: 11401963
    Abstract: A fastener assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the fastener assembly includes a panel fastener and a lock pin insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position. The lock pin including a flexible arm configured to upon insertion of the lock pin into the panel fastener in a first direction to the first position, flex inwardly and then outwardly to bring an end surface of the flexible arm into engagement with a panel retention tab of the panel fastener. Upon insertion of the lock pin into the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, the flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly to allow a retention tab to pass into the panel fastener to bring a retention surface of the lock pin into engagement with a first panel retention surface of the panel fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joel R. Lee
  • Patent number: 11347274
    Abstract: A computer includes a chassis, a circuit board installed in the chassis, and a support member. The support member includes a support portion, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are respectively located at two ends of the support portion. The first clamping portion is configured to clamp the circuit board. The second clamping portion is configured to clamp the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Pei Zhang, Ya-Ni Zhang, Han-Yu Li
  • Patent number: 11262813
    Abstract: An M.2 fastening system has an M.2 riser card with two module-receiving sides and a plurality of adjustment positions. The M.2 fastening system further has a pair of M.2 fasteners mounted respectively on the module-receiving sides. Each M.2 fastener has a main body defined by a top surface and a bottom surface; a module attachment extending from the top surface; and a hook extending from the bottom surface along a lateral side of the main body. The hook of one of the M.2 fasteners is received through an attachment aperture of an adjustment position. The hook is pressed-fit over the top surface of the main body of another M.2 fastener. The hook secures the M.2 riser card between the pair of M.2 fasteners in a tool-less manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Chun Chang, Yu-Syuan Lin, Ting-Kuang Pao
  • Patent number: 11230238
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame; a wire harness routed along the seat frame; and a fixture configured to fix the wire harness to the seat frame. The fixture is formed of a resin molded product made of a single member including a portion to be held and a plurality of holding portions, the portion to be held being configured to be held by the seat frame, and each of the plurality of holding portions being configured to hold a corresponding one of a plurality of different portions in the wire harness that are located in an extending direction of the wire harness. The wire harness is routed in a state where the wire harness in a bent state is held by the plurality of holding portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takehiro Kajihara, Kenji Hayata, Hiroka Kohama
  • Patent number: 11215213
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a component to a support component, in particular a support component of a vehicle, includes a retaining element which can be inserted into an opening of the support component and which has a latching feature for releasably latching to the opening of the support component. A locking element can be inserted into the retaining element, wherein, when the locking element is inserted into the retaining element, the latching feature of the retaining element is/are blocked so as to prevent release of the latching. The retaining element has a sealing ring for bearing in a sealing manner against the opening of the support component, which sealing ring, when inserted into the opening of the support component, bears in a sealing manner against opposite sides of the support component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Ulsamer, Jochen Beck
  • Patent number: 11186153
    Abstract: Sealing strip (9) intended to be mounted on an upper edge (3A) of an exterior panel (3) of the door provided with a window (5), comprising: a body (11) forming a slot (13) with two opposing faces (15, 17) able to fit over the upper edge (3A); a lip (19) extending along the body (11), intended to contact the window (5); and wherein at least one of the two opposing faces (15, 17) of the slot (13) comprises edge corners (25) running transversely to the strip (9) and each having an end face (25A) external to the slot (13), having a profile that makes a mean angle (?, ?) comprised between 10° and 30° with a main direction of said slot (13) so as to encourage insertion of the edge (3A) in the slot (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Farid Hasnaoui, Amar Hasnaou
  • Patent number: 11130267
    Abstract: A fastener including a pin and a grommet. The pin is pre-engaged to the grommet with at least one flash connection, the pin is configured to be secured to the grommet at least by the flash connection being broken, and one of the pin or the grommet moves relative to the other of the pin or the grommet to break the at least one flash connection. Further, the pin is configured to engage and be secured to a first component and the grommet is configured to engage and be secured to a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
  • Patent number: 11111944
    Abstract: The clip retention assembly includes a base for attaching to a surface. The base includes a body, one or more snaps and a retaining member such that the surface is positioned between the one or more snaps and the retaining member to secure the base to the surface. A cap moves on the body from a released position to a retention position. The cap includes a head, a plurality of second snaps for retaining the cap on the base and a core. The core extends through the base body such that in the cap retention position the core is adjacent the base one or more snaps to prevent deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael W Sulkowski, Joseph A Casilio, Sami R Oweis
  • Patent number: 11110783
    Abstract: An outer waist seal assembly for a vehicle including an exterior body panel, including: an elongate body structure adapted to be disposed about an edge of the exterior body panel and including an interior arm adapted to be disposed on an interior side of the exterior body panel and an exterior arm adapted to be disposed on an exterior side of the exterior body panel, the interior arm including a friction structure, lip, rail, channel, or hole disposed on or through an interior surface thereof; and a clip structure adapted to be secured in a slot or hole defined adjacent to the edge of the exterior body panel and engage the friction structure, lip, rail, channel, or hole disposed on or through the interior surface of the interior arm of the elongate body structure, thereby securing the elongate body structure to the exterior body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Jörgen Sävström
  • Patent number: 11097682
    Abstract: An airbag chute assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a rigid chute frame, a door, and at least one hinge interconnecting the door to the rigid chute frame, wherein, the rigid chute frame and the door are unitarily injection molded from a single material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Charles P. Byers
  • Patent number: 11067109
    Abstract: An engagement structure engages a first part with a second part, and includes a receive portion provided on the first part and an insertion portion provided on the second part. The insertion portion includes an insertion main body protruded in its insertion direction to the receive portion, and protrusions protruded from a side face of the insertion main body and having elasticity to be deformable. The receive portion includes an opening provided with an opening main portion into which the insertion main body is inserted and cutouts into which the protrusions are inserted when the insertion main body is inserted into the opening main portion, and overhangs that are disposed adjacently to the opening main portion to prevent, on a back surface of the receive portion, the protrusions from being pulled out due to elastic restorations of the protrusions that have passed through the cutouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Horimizu, Atsushi Ihara
  • Patent number: 11060544
    Abstract: A fastener may include a plate-shaped connecting base, at least one pair of projecting portions respectively formed in the connecting base, and undercut portions formed in the at least one pair of projecting portions. The at least one pair of projecting portions oppositely project in a lateral direction of the connecting base. The at least one pair of projecting portions respectively have first surfaces sloped toward distal ends thereof. The undercut portions are defined by the first surfaces of the at least one pair of projecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: DAIWA KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kawaguchi, Naohiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 11027672
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications that attaches to an existing interior structure of the vehicle, including but not limited to, inner rocker panels on pickup trucks, pinch welds on wheel openings, and bumper mounting points. The vehicle accessory bracket is also designed to provide a proper mounting surface for the rocker accessory. The vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications is disclosed herein comprising a longitudinal body, a rib and an opening for engaging and mounting to the existing structure of the vehicle. The vehicle accessory bracket can be used to cover up rusty/unsightly blemishes on vehicles, especially rocker panels on pickup trucks as disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventors: Sam Shaffer, Zach Kowalik, Luke Shaffer
  • Patent number: 11015633
    Abstract: A snap fit fastener may include a head, a first group of wings, and a second group of wings. The first group of wings may be disposed axially around a center axis of the head, each of the first group of wings has a first length, and includes a first end connected to the head and a second end opposing the first end. The second group of wings may be disposed axially around the center axis of the head, each of the second group of wings has a second length, and includes a first end connected to the head and a second end opposing the first end. The first length may be different from the second length. A snap fit fastener with at least two groups of protrusions for fitting multiple heights is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Abel Hsu
  • Patent number: 10995783
    Abstract: A system and method including a fastener clip assembly including a cap configured to be secured to a chassis through a chassis slot and a pin configured to be secured to a body panel, wherein the pin is configured to be secured to the cap. The pin includes a pin head having a bottom surface and the cap includes one or more fingers. The fingers are configured to bend outward from an original position based at least in part on the pin being inserted into the cap and are configured to bend back to the original position based at least in part on the pin head moving past the fingers. The fingers are configured to secure the pin to cap based at least in part on the fingers engaging a bottom surface of the pin head. The cap includes one or more limiters corresponding to the one or more fingers. The limiters are located to the outside of the fingers, and the limiters are configured to prevent breaking of the fingers based at least in part on the limiters limiting an outward bending of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: TERMAX LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 10994593
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a doorframe molding includes an upper edge part that defines an upper side of a window frame of a vehicle door. The mounting structure further includes an engaging part that includes a shaft part and a rib part extending from a lower end of the shaft part in a vehicle front-rear direction or a vehicle width direction, a body part of the doorframe molding, and a bracket that projects from the body part and is engaged with the engaging part. The bracket has a cut-out part that is made by cutting out the bracket. The shaft part is inserted into the cut-out part, and a peripheral part of the cut-out part is engaged with the rib part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Okazaki, Naoki Tsutsumi, Ryuta Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 10946816
    Abstract: A method of aligning a first component and a second component with elastic averaging includes offsetting a first part and a second part of the first component and creating a shut-off slot between the first part and the second part of the first component by offsetting the first part and the second part. The shut-off slot has a slot vector that is not parallel to a main die vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Perez-Ruiz, Steven Morris
  • Patent number: 10933786
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a foam body having a first region, a second region, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and a trench defined by and between the first and second regions. The trench includes at least one section including a narrow portion having a first width and extending downwardly into the trench from the top surface, and a base portion below the narrow portion having a second width greater than the first width. The vehicle seat further includes a trim attachment fixture disposed in the foam body below the trench, wherein the trim attachment fixture is configured to be secured to a trim cover by an attachment member disposed in the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Krause, Mark Duso, Josh A. Van Bergen
  • Patent number: 10926681
    Abstract: A backboard fastening device for vehicle seats capable of preventing the movement of a backboard attached to the rear surface of a seat and the generation of rattle noise due to the movement of the backboard includes a clip framework and a compressible and elastically restorable fastening clip. The clip framework is formed at a clip mounting end of the backboard. A fastening clip, which is configured to exhibit elastic restoring force when compressed, is mounted to the clip framework, thereby improving assembly durability of the backboard to a seat back, easily restraining the generation of assembly tolerance and rattle noise, and easily achieving separation of the backboard for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC.
    Inventor: Ju Yeong Yu
  • Patent number: 10919197
    Abstract: A device for reinforcing, sealing or insulating a structural element in a motor vehicle includes a support having a clip for pre-fixing the device in the structural element. The clip includes a base and two flexible wings arranged on the base. The device furthermore includes an adhesive for adhesively bonding the support in the structural element. The device furthermore includes an insertion element, which can be inserted in such a way into an interspace between the base and the wings of the clip when the device is pre-fixed on the structural element by the clip that the flexible wings are restricted in their freedom of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Heinz Etterli
  • Patent number: 10894517
    Abstract: A doghouse retainer includes a body having an end wall incorporating a clip receiver and a sidewall having an ultrasonic heating concentration feature. A door assembly is provided including a door inner and a door trim panel incorporating such a doghouse retainer. A method of adjusting a gap between two components is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Juergen Koehler, Javier Polo, Linh Ngoc Doan
  • Patent number: 10875485
    Abstract: A trim panel assembly includes a trim panel configured to be removably connected to a pillar of a vehicle body structure. A connecting member includes a first part connected to the trim panel and a second part configured to be connected to the pillar. The first part is configured to be separable from the second part. A fastening member is connected between the first and second parts of the connecting member to limit a separation distance of the trim panel when the first part separates from the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Martinez Beltran
  • Patent number: 10851827
    Abstract: A vehicle component fastener for fastening a first component to a second component of a vehicle, including a first part having a pin socket for receiving a head of a pin of the second component, and a second part having a fastening structure for fastening of the first component. The first part and the second part are connected to each other via a preassembly locking device in a preassembly position from which axial displacement into a final assembly position can occur. The preassembly locking device is releasable by introduction of the head of the ball pin or T pin into the pin socket such that the axial displacement into the final assembly position a) can be carried out with less effort than when the head of the ball pin or T pin is not introduced into the pin socket, or b) can be carried out at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Marina Bohl, Thiemo Ammann, Markus Elsner
  • Patent number: 10843639
    Abstract: An elongated pillar garnish configured to be attached to a gap between a peripheral edge portion of a window pane of a vehicle and a pillar of the vehicle, the pillar garnish including: an elongated attachment member for attaching the pillar garnish to the gap; and an elongated decorative member assembled to a front surface side of the attachment member, in which the attachment member includes an elongated main body part, and a cover part provided to at least one end of the main body part in a longitudinal direction, in which the cover part has a covering portion covering at least a part of a front surface of the decorative member, and a supporting wall portion erected from the main body part toward the outer side and supporting the covering portion, and in which the supporting wall portion is provided along a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: TOKAI KOGYO CO., LTD., TAKARAKASEI KOGYO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motohiro Morishita, Kohji Kamiya, Renji Maki, Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 10821914
    Abstract: A retaining clip tower includes a locking feature with a circular opening for a clip stem to be inserted and a rectangular opening disposed below the circular opening that can allow for a lower flange of a clip to be inserted at an angle into the locking feature wherein that the clip can complete the angled slide in such that the entire clip sits level inside the locking feature with the lower flange disposed below the locking feature and such that the clip resists extraction against vertical and horizontal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: James Collin Benson, Jarrod M. Daul
  • Patent number: 10814763
    Abstract: An assist grip assembly is configured to be secured to a component. The assist grip assembly includes a handle defining a retention chamber, and a fastening assembly pivotally secured to the retention chamber of the handle. The fastening assembly includes a mounting cushion having a central channel and at least one mounting stud pivotally coupled to the retention chamber. The mounting cushion secures the fastening assembly to the handle. A retaining clip is coupled to the mounting cushion. The retaining clip is configured to secure to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Cramer, Todd Callister, Walter Belchine, III, Joseph Tassone
  • Patent number: 10806058
    Abstract: Provided is a power distribution board including: a bus bar; and a heat dissipation member that is disposed on one side of the bus bar via an adhesive layer, wherein the bus bar includes a recess that is open to the adhesive layer side, and that is filled with a constituent material of the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shungo Hiratani, Kazuyoshi Ohara, Munsoku O
  • Patent number: 10790602
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting an electrical conductor to a circuit board includes a housing electrically connected on a connecting side of the electrical connector to an electrical connecting part and including a contact side having one or more contacts, in order to make electrical contact with one or more mating contacts of the circuit board. A locking pin assembly passes through an opening of the circuit board and moves from a release position to a locking position in which its diameter on the side of the opening facing away from the housing is larger than the diameter of the opening of the circuit board. The housing includes at least one activating device and the locking pin assembly includes at least two functional elements which move relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Wright, Sascha Nolte
  • Patent number: 10780844
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a locking pin, a doghouse, including a receiver, and a retainer body held in the receiver. The retainer body includes a retention feature adapted to receive and hold the locking pin. The fastening system is useful in a method of securing a trim component to a door inner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Linh Ngoc Doan, Juergen Koehler
  • Patent number: 10774864
    Abstract: A clip comprises a member mounting portion for attaching a mounting member; an umbrella shaped flange; a flat plate-like shaft extending downward from the center of the umbrella flange; a pair of arms extending obliquely downward and outward from the umbrella center; a pair of legs extending from the upper outer side to the lower inner side; and a pair of locking portions near the upper end of each leg and having a distance between the outer surfaces smaller than the distance between the outer surfaces of the upper ends of the legs. The distal end of each arm is connected to the middle of a leg. A leg connector connects the lower ends of the legs to each other. As the clip is pushed into the mounting hole, the upper portions of the legs move inward and the lower portions of the legs move outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shinoda
  • Patent number: 10758060
    Abstract: A cover-material fastening clip includes a locking portion having a guide piece and a hook which includes an extension portion and a distal end portion. The guide piece extends includes a bent portion bent and extended toward the distal end portion. An insertion opening having a predetermined gap and allowing a wire to be inserted therethrough is positioned between the bent portion and the distal end portion. A distal end portion of the guide piece extending from the bent portion is an elastic piece portion being elastically deformed to be spaced from the distal end portion and to widen the insertion opening. In a part of the locking portion, which is located within a range, in which the elastic piece portion can be elastically deformed and thus moved, an escape space is provided to allow a distal end of the elastic piece portion to be positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Genta Matsumura, Shinsuke Saiga, Yoshitomo Iyoda, Takefumi Adachi