Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
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Patent number: 8225464Abstract: A fastener arrangement comprises: a) a fastener receiver (12) having a lip (13); b) a fastener element (14) having a body part (15) and a resiliently connected latch member (16) having a hook (17) adapted to engage the lip; c) the body part comprising a fulcrum (18) adapted to bear against the receiver at a position spaced from the lip when the hook engages the lip, with relative flexure of the body part and the latch member giving rise to a force holding the hook under the lip and the fulcrum against the receiver; d) the body part having a press-to-engage, press-to-release actuator member (19) connected to the body part on the side of the fulcrum remote from the latch member; f) the hook having a camming face which, when the engaged fastener element is tipped about the fulcrum by pressure on the actuator member, cooperates with the lip to flex the latch member away from the lip to release the latch member so that the fastener element can be withdrawn from the receiver. A no-release version is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Touac International LimitedInventor: Peter Maxwell Robson
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Patent number: 8220762Abstract: A mounting clip for mounting a component on a supporting part having an aperture includes a head section for attaching the component. A shank section is insertable in the aperture. At least two latching fingers are resiliently held apart from the head section on opposite shank section sides which spread outward toward the head section. At free ends the latching fingers have latching surfaces that rest against a supporting part underside when the mounting clip is inserted in the aperture. The shank section has on one side which extends perpendicular to the sides having the latching fingers, a contact surface that is supported on the aperture inner edge, and has on the side opposite the contact surface an elastically resilient rib or tongue that is supported with a preload against the aperture inner edge after the mounting clip is placed in the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Mario Stigler, Hans Peter Seng
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Publication number: 20120174345Abstract: A multi-piece snap-in fastener adapted to adjoin a surface element to a backing panel. The fastener includes a docking base of tray-like construction including a pair of opposing lateral sidewalls including at least one inboard protuberance element projecting in overlying relation to the interior surface. A displaceable clip head including at least one male projection element extending outwardly from one side of a support platform is configured for insertion in nesting relation between the lateral sidewalls. The support platform includes outboard protuberance elements projecting outwardly from lateral sides of the support platform such that upon insertion of the support platform between the lateral sidewalls, the outboard protuberance elements are disposed in underlapping relation to opposing inboard protuberance elements projecting from the lateral sidewalls.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: David D. Scroggie, Robert Osterland, Aaron Jagoda
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Patent number: 8156615Abstract: A connecting structure for connecting a first component to a second component may include a clip and a hollow seat portion. The clip is capable of engaging the second component and has a hollow main body. The main body has a support shaft and at least one engagement blade formed therein. The hollow seat portion is integrally formed in the first component and has at least one engagement wall portion. The clip main body is constructed to be placed on the seat portion while the seat portion is introduced thereinto. The support shaft is constructed to be introduced into the seat portion when the clip main body is placed on the seat portion. The at least one engagement wall portion has at least one rib portion that is capable of contacting the support shaft introduced into the seat portion. The at least one engagement blade is arranged and constructed to engage the at least one engagement wall portion when the clip is rotated about an axis thereof, so that the clip can be secured to the seat portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jyun Komeno, Toshio Iwahara
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Patent number: 8122567Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
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Patent number: 8099837Abstract: A low-profile clip adapted to secure a listing bead to a foam substrate and is constructed from a material that affords resilience, durability, high resistance to a wide range of temperatures during field use and seat assembly and ease of bead installation with high pull-out strength. The clip includes a base and a pair of legs extending upwardly from the base to a top barb. In this embodiment, the legs each extend upwardly from the base at a first angle of approximately 80 to 85 degrees and therefrom to each of the respective barbs at a second angle, with respect to a plane parallel to the base of approximately 88 to 90 degrees. In this manner the clip exhibits high performance while defining an overall height from tops of the legs to a bottom of the base of approximately ten millimeters or less making the clip particularly desirable for use in modern, thinner foam substrates.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Hope Global, division of NFA CorporationInventors: Andrew W. Santin, Pasquale Rossi, David F. Jones, Timothy E. T. Scott
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Patent number: 8099839Abstract: Each clip 1 is fitted into a cutaway groove portion 6 of a pedestal portion 5 of each assembling portion 3 provided on a bottom surface portion of a console box 2. After that, a positioning boss 7 is fitted into a long hole 43 formed in an attachment receiving member 41, and at the same time, a fitting head portion 28 of each clip 1 is fitted into each long hole 42 formed in the attachment receiving member 41. As each fitting head portion 28 is fitted into each long hole 42 formed in the attachment receiving member 41 and a boss portion 22 slides in the cutaway groove portion 6. Each of a pair of elastic locking pieces 31 is elastically locked with the periphery of each longer side portion of each long hole 42.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Katoh, Haruhisa Kamiya, Shinichi Sawada, Minoru Shibata, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
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Patent number: 8091184Abstract: This invention provides a single or multi-ganged clip that can be grouped into a festooned arrangement. That is, a plurality of clips are arranged together into a discrete assembly along a line of extension so that a human or automated handler can retrieve a grouping, separate one-clip-at-a-time from the grouping, and apply the separated clip to a mold cavity or other assembly structure. Each clip can include a base with opposing ends aligned in the direction of extension and transverse to an elongation direction for a connecting segment (if any) between ganged clip members. In an illustrative embodiment, these base ends include opposing male and female connectors. In this embodiment the male connector is a cylinder with an axis that extends transverse to the direction of elongation and the female connector defines a conforming cylindrical inner diameter, which allows it to nest over the male cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hope Global, division of NFA Corp.Inventors: Andrew W. Santin, David F. Jones, Pasquale Rossi, Timothy E. T. Scott
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Patent number: 8056193Abstract: A fastener includes a fastener body having a pair of legs. A shoulder portion causes the legs to be elastically engaged with inner edges of a mounting aperture when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture. A gripper portion includes a pair of gripper arms that interpose an insertion rib between a pair of opposite gripper surfaces of the pair of gripper arms when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib. An engagement projection is formed on any one of the pair of gripper surfaces and extends from one of the pair of gripper surfaces to a height exceeding half of the distance between the pair of gripper surfaces so as to engage with an engagement slot formed on the insertion rib.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: TRW Controls & Fasteners IncInventor: Yoon-Hwa Park
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Patent number: 8047475Abstract: When an insertion portion of a clip is inserted into a through hole and passes through the through hole, lug portions revert toward their original shape, and the top faces of the lug portions are contactable with peripheral edge portions of the through hole. An operation lever is inserted into a fixing hole of a body panel in this state, and after passing through the fixing hole, the operation lever reverts toward its original shape, and the operation lever is contactable to peripheral edge portions of the fixing hole. An operation portion is tilted from this state, and a lock bar is engaged with a lock groove. Movement of the operation lever is thereby restricted, and a housing is fixed to the body panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: NIFCO, Inc.Inventors: Mitsuru Fukumoto, Yasuhiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 8046879Abstract: A fastener with a shank and, arranged at one end of the shank, a head intended for welding to a workpiece, has multiple detent pawls formed on the shank that extend radially outward from the shank toward the head and that are elastically resilient in the radially inward direction. On the outside, each detent pawl has an engagement recess with support surfaces. The shank has a longitudinal hole, in which is located a stud, wherein one end of the stud projects out of the longitudinal hole and forms the head for welding. Also formed on the shank is a flange that is elastically resilient in the axial direction, whose outermost edge region is located opposite the engagement recess of the detent pawls.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Wolfgang Werner, Mario Stigler, Michael Schneider, Johann-Adalbert Reindl, Thomas Schmidt
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Patent number: 8046880Abstract: A long hole of a seat plate member is fittingly inserted to a fitting head portion provided on an upper surface of a flat plate portion of a clip in an upright posture, so as to attach the clip to the cutaway groove portion with the seat plate member in contact with a flat plate portion, and the fitting head portion is fitted to a long hole formed in an attachment receiving member. As the fitting head portion is fitted to the long hole, the boss portion moves within the cutaway groove portion to bring the seat plate member into contact with the attachment receiving member and to elastically lock a pair of elastic locking pieces with the periphery of each longer side portion of the long hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd., Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Katoh, Haruhisa Kamiya, Toshio Iwahara, Tetsuya Ogino, Shinichi Sawada, Minoru Shibata, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
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Patent number: 8043038Abstract: A pin having a head and a plurality of legs extending from that head, and a bushing having a flange and a shank extending from that flange, are comprised. In the flange, holes for accepting a plurality of legs are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs, and in the shank, corresponding spaces for accepting each of the legs which have passed through the holes are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs. The cross-section of the shank is polygonal, spaces are disposed on the surfaces of the shank capable of forming that polygon, and elastic latching pieces extending outward in lateral directions are provided at positions adjacent to the flange in a plurality corresponding to the spaces. By inserting the legs into the spaces, the elastic latching pieces are prevented from being displaced in directions whereby they would approach the spaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Takahiro Sano
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Patent number: 8037582Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener including: a fastener body including: a cylindrical portion having an insertion hole formed therethrough; and a locking portion protruding outward from the cylindrical portion; and an unlocking member inserted into the insertion hole, wherein the locking portion is inserted into an attachment hole of an attachment object from a front side thereof, and exposed from a rear side of the attachment hole, wherein the locking portion has an elastic claw locked to an edge of the attachment hole at the rear side, wherein the elastic claw is elastically reducible in diameter, wherein the unlocking member is movable in a position rearward of the elastic claw, and wherein the locking portion is reduced in diameter when the unlocking member is pushed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Kouichi Kato
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Publication number: 20110225778Abstract: A fastener with a base part and a pair of arms connected to the base part. The base part includes a wide portion and a body portion which is narrower than the wide portion and the body portion has a first end at the wide portion and extends from the wide portion and terminates at a second end. The second end of the body part includes an insertion opening, the arms including an insertion portion which is inserted into the insertion opening and connect the arms to the body portion. The arms also an angled portion, the angled portion extending at an angle from the insertion portion, towards the wide portion and outwardly from the body portion. The arms additionally include a concave portion adjacent to the angled portion and further extending toward the wide portion, a peak being defined between the angled portion and the concave portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: NEWFREY LLCInventors: Daniel J. LUBERA, Jacob A. SIUDYM, II
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Patent number: 8011068Abstract: A structure for attaching to a support a protective member having a rib comprises a single-piece clip with a rib-fastening section and a support-fastening section. The rib-fastening section has a pair of walls defining a space into which the rib is inserted, and the walls have respective resilient pawls that engage opposite sides of the rib to resist withdrawal of the rib from the space. The walls have reinforcing braces outside the space. The support-fastening section has a tube with a tapered lead-in member for receiving a stud projecting from the support.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Tatsuya Kaneko, Noriaki Kojima
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Patent number: 7984535Abstract: A mounting strip for mounting a formed part on a body of a motor vehicle includes a strip-shaped basic body, a plurality of pins formed directly at the rear side of the basic body as locking elements for holding the mounting strip in corresponding openings in the motor vehicle body; and attachment elements formed at the front side of the basic body for receiving and holding in place the formed part, wherein the mounting strip comprises weakened areas located in direct proximity to the formed on pins and including ribs extending vertical relative to the longitudinal direction of the mounting strip.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Peguform GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Happle
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Patent number: 7966702Abstract: An energy absorption (EA) member is provided with a clip, and a structure for securing the EA member. A clip 20 has a flange 21, a shaft 22 projecting from the flange 21, an anchor 23 spreading from an end of the shaft 22, a cut 24 provided in the anchor 23, and a locking section 30 projecting from the flange 21 on a side opposite the shaft 22. The locking section 30 has a cylindrical upright segment 31 standing upright from the flange 21, and a resilient locking piece 32 projecting laterally from the side surface of the upright segment 31. The EA member 1 is put on metal panel 2A or 2B while the clip 20 is inserted into a hole 4 provided in the metal panel 2A or 2B. A projecting point 40 is passed through the hole 4, to hold the EA member 1 to the metal panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Horimatsu, Kunihiko Nishiura
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Patent number: 7963548Abstract: In a fastener and a fastening system for fixing a curtain airbag in a vehicle, the fastener is fixed to a mounting hole in a body frame or the like of the vehicle by inserting an attachment portion of the fastener into the mounting hole while a head portion securing the attachment of the airbag curtain to the fastener and the vehicle. The fastener is formed as one single piece made from polymeric material.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: ITW Sverige ABInventor: Kristian Oestergren
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Patent number: 7963613Abstract: A padded shower seat for use when showering, the shower seat comprising a seat element having one or more openings therein, and a padded element engaged with the seat element, the padded element including one or more integrally formed projections push-fit received in a respective said opening and at least one reinforcing element associated with at least one said projection for preventing or inhibiting unintentional disengagement of the padded element from the seat element, or damage to the padded element, during lateral urging of the padded element parallel to the seat element. A water-resistant padded element and a reinforcing element are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: DLP LimitedInventor: Ian Felmeri
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Patent number: 7954206Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel to a second panel includes a pin and a grommet. The pin includes a shaft connected to a tip. The grommet is configured to snapably secure into a hole of a panel. The grommet includes a central passage. The shaft is adjustably secured within the central passage, such that the shaft is allowed to shift a fixed distance within the central passage in a first direction, but is locked in place in the central passage with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland, Aaron Jagoda
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Patent number: 7954205Abstract: The present invention discloses a clip retainer which includes a top surface having a groove and a bottom surface which has stopping ribs and a barb formed between the stopping ribs. The top surface and the stopping ribs of the bottom surface clamp a flange of a clip. A slope of an inclined plane of the barb in a slide-in direction of the clip is smaller than that of an inclined plane of the barb in a slide-out direction of the clip. Based on the above structure, the clip retainer can meet the function requirements of small slide-in force and large slide-out force of the clip and has a simple structure. Furthermore, the clip retainer can produce repeated insertion and extraction deformation and is very reliable to use.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignees: Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems Co, Ltd, Yangfeng Visteon Jinqiao Automotve Trim Systems Co., LtdInventors: Zhang Xueyong, Sun Wei, Li Jun, Liu Haihong, Peng Jun
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Patent number: 7950115Abstract: A device for fastening an add-on part to a support part is equipped with a fastening bracket, which has a flat cover plate and, at opposite sides, bracket arms which are attached to the cover plate, and with a bearing part which can be connected to the fastening bracket. The bearing part has a receiving space in which the cover plate of the fastening bracket is mounted so as to be rotatable between a locking position, in which the bracket arms engage behind the support part, and a release position in which the bracket arms are not in engagement with the support part. In this way, an add-on part can be connected to and disconnected again from a support part in an efficient and reliable manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: A. Raymond Et CieInventor: Uwe Spitz
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Patent number: 7908717Abstract: A fastener for components of a motor vehicle includes a tubular rivet, with a rivet head and a shank, wherein the shank has at least two longitudinal slits, between which lugs which can deflect in an elastically rebounding manner. The fastener includes a support bearing with a tubular mounting into which the shank of the rivet for the holding of at least a component between rivet head and support bearing can be inserted. Corresponding engagement elements are formed on the outer circumference of the shank and on the inner circumference of the mounting which, in a fixing position of the rivet in the mounting are engaged so that the rivet is held against slipping out of the mounting. The fastener includes a pin which can be inserted in the tubular rivet and which in a securing position in the rivet blocks a deflection of the lugs so that disengagement of the engagement elements is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael Alhof, Klaus-Albert Priess
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Patent number: 7904994Abstract: Mounting device for connecting a fastening system selected from a number of available standard fastening systems to an automotive finishing element like e.g. a door inner panel, a dashboard, etc designed to be fixed to a vehicle body; the mounting device consists in: a standardized mounting tower provided integral with or fixable to said automotive finishing element; and in an intermediate, shallow mounting element designed to be interposed between the fastening system and the mounting tower, having first and second coupling means; said first coupling means being designed to mate with first coupling means of the fastening system designed to provide anchorage with the mounting tower; and said second coupling means being of the snap-on kind and being designed to mate with an attachment seat of prefixed shape for said shallow mounting element provided in said mounting tower, on a side thereof opposite to the automotive finishing element to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: ITW Automotive Italia S.r.L. Con Unico SocioInventors: Franco Girodo, Calogero Serrone
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Patent number: 7878749Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a break joint configured to break at a predetermined load. This break joint permits the fastener to be easily extracted when it breaks under the predetermined load. As the two sections of the fastener are separated, hooks on the fastener body engage tabs on the legs and pull the legs of the w-base fastener inward to prevent interference between the legs and the panel as the fastener is extracted from the hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: David W. Edland
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Patent number: 7874048Abstract: When an operation wall of an inner member is inserted into an insertion portion of an outer member and an engagement piece does not receive a cam operation due to a slanted cam portion, contact pieces of the outer member do not correspond to a positioning hole of the inner member and are located in a position so as not to be inserted into the positioning hole. When the outer member is inserted into an attachment hole of an attachment receiving member with maintaining a state where the engagement piece does not receive the cam operation due to the slanted cam portion, the contact pieces are elastically deformed inwardly and located in a position so as to be inserted into the positioning hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Saiwa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Katoh, Toshio Iwahara, Haruhisa Kamiya, Tetsuya Ogino, Kosei Asano, Minoru Shibata, Katsuhiro Katagiri, Hiroshi Suyama, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
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Patent number: 7870648Abstract: A disk-shaped object of synthetic thermoplastic material has contact surfaces on opposite sides that possess a rough texture. In a method for production of the disk-shaped object, synthetic material is injected under pressure in a plasticized state into a cooled molding tool and removed therefrom after a cooling phase, the molding tool having correspondingly rough molding surfaces to form the rough contact surfaces of the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Harald Schäty
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Patent number: 7862274Abstract: A fastener to affix a component in a support fitted with an aperture, comprising an affixation casing of resilient plastic, further a hollow conical shell, and at one end a radial flange that cooperates in sealing manner with the support surface facing it when the affixation casing has been mounted in said aperture, the casing being fitted peripherally with radial bosses, ribs or the like that engage from below the aperture rim when the affixation casing, being temporarily deformed radially at its bosses, ribs or the like is being inserted into said aperture, further comprising a plastic core which is fitted with a head and which can be inserted from the affixation casing's flanged end into the core cavity and which radially expands the casing and prevents it from being removable from the aperture, characterized by at least one radially inwardly pointing boss on the wall of the casing cavity and by the core being fitted at its end with a preferably peripheral groove that is entered by said boss when the coreType: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Alexander Limpert, Udo Henkelmann
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Patent number: 7837225Abstract: A fastener for securing an airbag assembly in a motor vehicle includes first and second body components held one against another with a fastening tab of an airbag there between. A flexible collet from the body of the fastener is secured in a hole of a supporting component in a vehicle roof, and a pin pushed into the collet secures the installation. Tools and fastener structures for verification testing are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Brock T. Cooley, James T. Kirchen, Frank Otte
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Patent number: 7832064Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Rosalind A. Nessel, Steven M. Benedetti, Jeff A. Slobodecki
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Patent number: 7828372Abstract: A vehicle cladding mounting arrangement and method for securing a cladding panel to a vehicle body include a plastic body cladding having a main panel portion and an integrally formed cladding clip structure extending from the main panel portion and a plastic support bracket having a body portion for overlaying the main panel portion of the body cladding and an integrally formed bracket clip structure extending from the body portion. A vehicle body defines a mounting aperture. The integrally formed bracket clip structure is received in the mounting aperture. The integrally formed cladding clip structure is also received in the mounting aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Terrie Ellison
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Patent number: 7805815Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Philip Joseph Babian, Paxton S. Williams
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Patent number: 7802955Abstract: A dowel for insertion into an opening (12) of a wall (14), in particular on a vehicle body, has a shank section (16) which extends through the opening (12) in an inserted state and a flange (18) adjoined thereto and made of a first material component, and a sealing section (20) made of a second material component. The second material component is a plastic material which expands at an elevated temperature and tightly closes the opening (12) in the expanded state.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventor: Stefan Jatzke
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Publication number: 20100223765Abstract: An automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with a head, a base with an elongated cross-section sized to fit within the slotted aperture for limiting rotation of the base therein, a first array of fins, and a second array of fins offset axially from the first array of fins. The fins in each array extend along respective peripheral regions of the base. The first region is less than half of the base perimeter and spaced apart and opposed from the second region. A automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with means for connecting a component to a panel; and means for inserting the fastener into the slotted aperture, the means sized to fit and limit rotation therein. The fastener has first and second retainer means for retaining the fastener in the aperture; the second retainer means offset axially from the first means.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Robert Vitali
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Publication number: 20100212252Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes a trim body, with a primary fastener extending from the trim body. The primary fastener includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a push clip head that is configured to substantially fit and project through an aperture in the vehicle panel. The second end is connected to the trim body. The secondary fastener is rotatably connected to the trim body by a living hinge and is positioned to engage the vehicle panel at an edge portion of the vehicle panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: ShuiFang Chou, Jennifer Macalaguin, James M. Park, Richard Louis Hamilton
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Patent number: 7770266Abstract: A retainer employs a flexible arm with an internal rib. In another aspect of the present invention, a retainer has at least one generally triangularly shaped projection laterally extending from an arm. A further aspect of the present invention retainer provides a laterally enlarged member, a trim panel-retaining head and stem, a central post, one or more flexible wings flexibly spanning between a tip of the post and the laterally enlarged member, and an internal rib and/or at least a pair of generally angular extensions flexibly extending from each arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Higgins, Steven Michael Benedetti, Girishsingh A. Mokashi
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Patent number: 7753698Abstract: A conductive band for an electrical connector that includes an elastic metal strap with first and second ends and an array of flexible members extending between the first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends has a terminal lead. A clip is coupled to the terminal leads of the first and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Amphenol CorporationInventor: Jon A. Fisher
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Patent number: 7752720Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for attaching a trim cover to a flexible/resilient substrate, typically constructed from foam, which includes a plurality of clips that each has a base molded into the substrate. The bases each include a central “keyhole” slot that receives a corresponding key formed on a stem at a bottom of a clip projection. The clip projection defines a cavity for receiving a trim cover bead through a gap formed between a pair of legs that extend from the bottom. The stem has a length that is approximately the thickness of the slot. By passing the key through the slot and rotating the key to a locked position, the clip projection may be removably mounted to the substrate for repair or replacement as needed. The base may be constructed from a material that adheres effectively to the substrate, while the clip projection may be constructed from a material that exhibits high elasticity and wear-resistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Lyle J. Smith
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Patent number: 7748089Abstract: An auger clip assembly configured to be secured to a foam panel may include a main body having a cylindrical main wall that define a central chamber, a first set of opposed threads radially extending from the main wall and a connection stud secured to the main body. Each of the threads includes a leading edge connected to a trailing end, which is in turn connected to a stop flap that outwardly extends from the main wall. The connection stud is configured to securely mate into a reciprocal hole of a structure, such as a vehicle frame. The main body securely connects within a mating hole of the foam panel through a quarter turn.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Shaun Jalbert, Marc Risdale
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Patent number: 7740432Abstract: An article-attaching device includes a casing and a holding member fitted into the casing. The holding member has engageable portions configured to be engageable with a hook of an article. The holding member includes a frame portion fitted to the casing and a pair of torsionally-deformable members extending downward from opposed portions of the frame portion. The torsionally-deformable members have engageable portions and a hook receiver under the engageable portions. A hook passes between the engageable portions from inside of the frame portion, causing the respective torsionally-deformable members to be elastically spread and be torsionally deformed, followed by entering the receiver to be prevented from coming out thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Akinori Harada
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Patent number: 7726922Abstract: A quick release support post and associated method are provided to attach a cable to a structure and later move the cable location without the need for many small parts and tools. Thus, cables and wires may be installed in hard-to-reach areas quicker and easier than with conventional clamps because no tools are required and an installer generally does not have to use both hands. Because the quick release support posts and associated method require only a hole in the structure for installation, there is no need for extra materials, and minimal weight is added to the structure during installation or movement. In addition, the quick release support posts and associated method of the present invention create efficient cable management systems because the support posts may be various lengths and cables may be grouped and secured to the support posts together, which makes trouble shooting and later moves much easier.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kenneth M. Slyter
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Patent number: 7698787Abstract: A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
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Patent number: 7698788Abstract: A fastening clip with a flexible tether for use with a vehicle includes a first fastener attached to a component such as a vehicle body, and a second fastener attached to a removable component such as a vehicle trim panel. The first and second fasteners may be connected by generally rigid arms joined by an integral hinge and by at least one flexible tether capable of elongating and contracting. The hinged arms and tether provide multiple means to prevent the trim section from freely detaching from the vehicle body and becoming a projectile following deployment of an air bag from behind the trim panel. In addition, the rigid arms cause the trim panel to move in a controlled arc. A further aspect of the invention provides a tether that is capable of stretching to allow unimpeded air bag deployment followed by contracting to pull the trim panel back towards its original position on the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Wayne M. Hansen, Mark Leuthe
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Publication number: 20100088860Abstract: A fastener including a base and a support part extending from the base. The support part includes two legs and an end portion; the two legs extend from the base and are connected to one another by the end portion. A retention finger is located between the legs of the support, a first end of the retention finger being attached to the base and a second end of the retention finger being attached to the end portion of the support. The retention finger extends outwardly to a peak and tapers inwardly from the peak towards the first and second ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: NEWFREY LLCInventors: Steven M. BENEDETTI, Matthew L. KOSIARA
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Patent number: 7686266Abstract: An article support having a mount section comprising: a first engaging element (18) that has a pillar protruding from a base and a first hook extending from the pillar so that it can be displaced elastically; and a second engaging element that has a pillar protruding from the base and a second hook extending from the pillar so that it can be displaced elastically. The first hook and the second hook can be displaced elastically independently of each other and are disposed on the sides opposite to each other with respect to the pillars and. When the mount section is attached to an object, the pillar of the first engaging element bears a load on the object and the first hook and the second hook are engaged with the object to fixedly hold the article support on the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Shinji Torigoe, Kazutomo Osada, Hidetoshi Yoshida, Yukihiro Maeda, Atsushi Kakuta, Isao Nakanuma, Takayoshi Inagaki, Kazuyuki Furubetsupu
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Patent number: 7681843Abstract: A display and mounting clip, particularly adapted to mount flatware to a display board, has a shank supporting a closed loop through which the displayed item is inserted. Opposed support arms, coupled to the shank, support the item within the loop. The shank is adapted to extend through the mounting board. Flexible locking means extend from the shank and can be placed into a splayed orientation below the mounting board to retain the clip in position.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Cambridge Silversmiths Ltd., Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. McQueeny
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Patent number: 7669295Abstract: A clip to be inserted into and fixed to a rectangular hole formed in an attached member includes: a base body portion that engages the rectangular hole on a one side of the attached member; a stem portion that extends from the base body portion to be insertable into the rectangular hole; and a pair of engaging legs that extend from an end portion of the stem portion toward the base body portion in an anchor leg-like manner. Engaging portions are disposed in ends of the engaging legs, respectively, to engage the rectangular hole on the other side of the attached member. Widths of the engaging legs are formed to be gradually enlarged from the end portion of the stem portion toward the base body portion, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Piolax, Inc.Inventor: Yasuki Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 7672126Abstract: A mounting apparatus is used to mount a fan having a bottom panel with a mounting hole defined therein. The mounting apparatus is configured to support the bottom panel on a top side thereof. The board forms a clip on the top side of the board, and defines a through hole adjacent the clip. The clip includes a elastic shank standing on the top side of the board, a flange formed on a top end of the shank and suspended over the shank, and a driving pole extending downwards from the shank and through the through hole of the board to have a driving end of the driving pole located below the board adapted to bend the shank. The clip is inserted in the mounting hole of the bottom panel with the flange engaging on a top surface of the bottom panel. The bottom panel is sandwiched between the flange and the top side of the board. The driving end of the driving pole is manually bendable to disengage the flange of the clip from the top surface of the bottom panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Indsutry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chin-Wen Yeh, Zhen-Neng Lin
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Patent number: 7644975Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing a cladding to a vehicle body includes a vehicle body defining at least one aperture and a cladding having a body portion and at least one integral attachment structure extending from the body portion. The attachment structure includes a retaining portion received through the at least one aperture for securing the body portion to the vehicle body and a plurality of spaced apart ribs connecting the retaining portion to the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: James P. Ryan, Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Jason B. Ruminski