Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
  • Patent number: 7672126
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Indsutry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Yeh, Zhen-Neng Lin
  • Patent number: 7644975
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James P. Ryan, Andrew K. Swayne, Jeremy J. Weinandy, Jason B. Ruminski
  • Patent number: 7641250
    Abstract: A body molding with integral lock feature that is located within a channel formed in a body of a vehicle includes an elongated cover portion that is generally planar, with opposed side edges, an upper surface and a lower surface and opposed side edges. A retention member projects radially from the lower surface of the cover portion. The retention member includes at least two links interconnected via a joint, and each link is formed from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined link durometer. The joint is made from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined joint durometer. The link durometer is greater than the joint durometer, so that the retention member has a first predetermined shape prior to installation in the channel and a second predetermined shape after installation in the channel, to maintain the retention member in the channel via interference contact between a contacting joint and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brady James Gambatese
  • Patent number: 7627973
    Abstract: A frame structure disposing thereon a specific one of plural display panels having at least a first thickness and a second thickness is provided. The frame structure includes a receptacle disposing thereon the specific display panel having a specific thickness equivalent to one of the first and second thicknesses, a set of first fastening elements, each of which includes a first protrusion, and a set of second fastening elements, each of which includes a second protrusions, wherein the sets of first fastening elements and second fastening elements are peripherally disposed around the receptacle, each of the first protrusions has a height corresponding to the first thickness and each of the second protrusions has a height corresponding to the second thickness, whereby the specific display panel is fastened by one of sets of the first and second protrusions having the respective height corresponding to the specific thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Pin Lin, Kuan-Cheng Hsieh, Wen-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 7614125
    Abstract: A positive hold tube weld stud assembly connectable to a vehicle body panel includes a substantially hollow tubular-shaped body. The body includes an inner body wall defined by a body internal aperture. A raised engagement portion extends inwardly from the inner body wall. A first chamfer positioned proximate an end surface of the body transitions between the inner body wall and the raised engagement portion. A second chamfer transitions between the raised engagement portion and the inner body wall. An insert is partially received in the body internal aperture and is adapted to engage a body connectable device. The insert includes a chamfered stud engagement portion releasably engageable with the second chamfer in an insert installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Mark H. Delcourt, Bradley D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090249587
    Abstract: A centering clip device can include a clip base having an opening for receiving a clip. The clip base can have a top surface that has a first bump, a second bump and a third bump all spaced away from each other. A clip can be included that has a substantially elongated body, a bottom flange formed on a bottom end of the clip, a top flange, an annular slot formed between the top flange and the bottom flange, and an umbrella structure. The top flange may also be formed as an umbrella structure having an inclined camming surface formed on its lower surface. The clip base can be configured to releasably engage the clip within the clip base. The camming surface can be biased against the first, second and third bumps to center the clip within the clip base, and permit connection between a first vehicle component, such as a roofliner, to a second vehicle component, such as a roof frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Haithi Donahue-Yan, Shinichi Yamase, James Seale, JR.
  • Patent number: 7594368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening termination strips, in particular skirting, wall termination strips or the like, comprising an angle profile which bears against the wall and/or floor and which has a fastening part in the form of a receiving finger onto which the termination strip can be fitted and held with a clamping fit, it is intended to simplify manufacture, make adaptation to variable floors possible and allow retrofitting by proposing that the receiving finger is a web which is notched out of the floor leg of the angle profile situated on the floor and which is formed upwards in a curve, this web extending in a straight and at an acute angle towards the wall leg of the angle profile and engaging in a longitudinal groove made in the bottom of the termination strip, in which groove the curve of the web presses against the outwardly directed lower wall of the longitudinal groove and the upper endpiece of the receiving finger presses against the inwardly directed wall of the longitudinal gro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Karl Pedross AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Kurz
  • Publication number: 20090211064
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: TOUAC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Maxwell Robson
  • Patent number: 7575390
    Abstract: A coupling device for a piston rod type damper used to open and close a movable body on a main body is interposed between the main body and the movable body, and has a part of the damper attached so as to be capable of rotation. The device includes a clip having a shaft part with an encircling groove projecting on the upper side of a flange part, a locking leg projecting on the lower side of the flange part, and a cap capable of coupling with the encircling groove. The locking leg is locked in an attachment hole provided on a movable body or main body, and the shaft part is inserted through a shaft hole provided in the damper to prevent the shaft part from slipping out of the cap. The device provides both excellent coupling operability and reliability, and desirable external appearance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yousuke Yanagita
  • Publication number: 20090188086
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange and a leg. The leg includes: a pillar portion that vertically extends from the flange; a tip portion provided at a distal end in an axial direction; a rib that outwardly extends from the pillar portion to be connected to the flange and the tip portion; and an elastic engagement piece that extends from a distal end of the rib in a circumferential direction. The elastic engagement piece includes: a rigid portion that is connected to the rib and that is connected to the flange and the tip portion; and a deformable portion that is extended from the rigid portion and that is disconnected from the flange and the tip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventors: Shigeo OKADA, Takeshi NAKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 7562420
    Abstract: A clip (1) comprises a base (6), a shank (7) extending from the base (6), a pair of legs (9A, 9B) extending from an end of the shank towards the base and away from a side of the shank, and a pair of elastic fingers (11A, 11B) extending from the end of the shank towards the base and away from a side of the shank, juxtaposed with the legs. A curved end (12)is formed at the end of each finger to engage the edge of a mounting hole (5) in a workpiece. Complementary parts of a molded plastic clip, connected by a hinge, are fastened to one another before mounting of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20090165263
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Lyle J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7552516
    Abstract: A clamp is provided having a synthetic clip and a metal plate spring. The clip includes a pair of side walls opposed each other at a certain distance, engaging shoulder portions each formed at an outer surface of each of the side walls and configured to be engaged with a peripheral edge of a mounting hole of a panel at the time of securing a mounting member to the panel. The spring is attached to one of the side walls of the clip. A press-fitting portion is formed at an inner surface of the other side wall and configured to be pressed against a boss portion of the mounting member. The spring includes a bite-into portion facing the press-fitting portion and configured to bite into the boss portion of the mounting member at the time of securing the mounting member to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax Inc
    Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Kouichi Katou
  • Patent number: 7549830
    Abstract: 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 secondary connection into the w-base fastener. This secondary connection permits the fastener to be easily extracted by providing a technique for pulling the legs of the w-base fastener inward prior to extraction of the fastener from the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Brock T. Cooley, Wayne M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7549199
    Abstract: A device for connecting a carrier part and an add-on piece. The device includes a receiving part (1), an anchoring part (3) and a connecting part (2). The connecting part can be connected to the receiving part (1) and the anchoring part (3). The connecting part (2) is provided with two flange disks (13, 14) that are connected to each other via an interpiece. The receiving part (1) is configured with a plurality of arms (19) that bend away from the direct connecting line between an inner receiving element (21) serving to receive the interpiece, and an outer fixing region. The flange disks (13, 14) clasp, edgewise, a plate-shaped region (16) in which the outer fixing region of the arms (19) is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Eric Bügner
  • Patent number: 7546661
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090133228
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang WERNER, Mario STIGLER, Michael SCHNEIDER, Johann-Adalbert REINDL, Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 7536755
    Abstract: A clip for fixing a mounting part with a boss portion provided on and suspended perpendicularly from the back surface thereof to a panel with a mounting hole formed therein, includes: a base body having a U-shaped section and including a pair of mutually opposed side walls; a pair of elastic arms respectively extended from the inner surfaces of their associated side walls of the base; a pair of securing shoulders respectively provided on and projected from the outer surfaces of their associated side walls of the base body; engaging pawl portions engageable with an engaging portion formed in the boss portion; recessed portions provided in one of the inner surfaces of the side walls of the base body and the outer surfaces of the elastic arms corresponding to the inner surfaces of the side walls, and projecting portions provided in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakajima, Shigeo Okada
  • Patent number: 7526841
    Abstract: A device and method for forming an indented female connector where the dimension of the indented female connector provides for removing a male molding component without damaging a set of internal ribs formed inside the female connector. A structure comprising an indented female blow-molded connector having a first wall having a top surface and a thickness, with the first wall surrounding an opening. At least one inner wall extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall and borders the opening. At least one rib is formed in the inner wall. A bottom wall is joined to the inner wall and the distance from the rib to the top surface is greater than the thickness of the first wall. The structure further comprising a male connector having a contact edge that, when positioned inside the indented female blow-molded connector, engage the at least one rib, such that the male connector and indented female blow-molded connector are releaseably joinable with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Confer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Lipniarski
  • Publication number: 20090094800
    Abstract: A clip having a body portion and a fastener portion is provided. The clip has an opening extending therethrough that is securable to a trim panel post. The fastener portion is retained at least partially within the opening. One or more prongs of the fastener portion secure the trim panel post to the clip. One or more spring-arms on the body portion are biased in an outward direction and snap or other fit into the body panel to secure the body panel to the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Publication number: 20090089982
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence John Higgins, Steven Michael Benedetti, Girishsingh A. Mokashi
  • Patent number: 7503528
    Abstract: A cable mount for receiving and carrying cable bundles comprises a shaft and a cable tie receiving member. The shaft comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion and first and second adjacent projections spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The adjacent projections extend radially from the shaft and are circumferentially displaced about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. The cable tie receiving member comprises a top surface and opposing sidewalls defining a slot to receive a cable tie. The cable tie receiving member is positioned at the top end portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Adams, Kevin Larry Nelson
  • Patent number: 7487575
    Abstract: 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 “key-hole” 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Lyle J Smith
  • Patent number: 7481474
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence John Higgins, Steven Michael Benedetti, Girishsingh A. Mokashi
  • Patent number: 7464514
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector for easily connecting tubular muntin bars. This connector can be slipped into an opening of one muntin bar so that both ends will be anchored in the interior of that muntin bar. Then, by moving in one direction, the lever can be slipped into the interior of another muntin bar, and, by moving in an opposite direction the protrusion can be slipped into the interior of the other muntin bar. With the connector such placed, slight pressure on the muntin bars will lock the lever, so that the connector firmly connects the muntin bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Hänggli
  • Patent number: 7461436
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a vehicle interior material, includes: a boss part protruded from a rear surface of a vehicle interior material; a clip which has a U-shaped body; a mounting hole punched through the vehicle body; a first engaging piece to be engaged with an engaging hole provided on the boss part; a second engaging piece that faces the engaging hole; and an inclined shoulder to be locked by an edge of the mounting hole, wherein: the vehicle interior material is mounted on a vehicle body by locking the boss part in the mounting hole; the first engaging piece is formed on an inner surface of one sidewall, and the second engaging piece is formed on an inner surface of the other sidewall of the U-shaped body; and the inclined shoulder is form on the upper outer surface of the other sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunori Asano
  • Publication number: 20080298890
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an interior part mounting clip for mounting an interior part on a panel member including: a pin portion having a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of a mounting hole formed in a frame-shaped mounting seat formed on the interior part and inserted into and made movable in the mounting hole; a head portion formed at one end of the pin portion and engaging with the mounting seat; and a stem portion formed at the other end of the pin portion and engaging with an engaging hole formed in the panel member. The head portion includes at least three protrusions protruding radially outward of the pin portion, and an outer frame mounted in a manner to be elastically displaced relative to the pin portion through a plurality of elastic portions extending radially outward from the portions of the pin portion between the protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventor: Takashi Koike
  • Patent number: 7444721
    Abstract: A fastener clip includes a pair of laterally offset legs joined at a head portion, wherein the legs form a clip opening at an opposite end of the head portion. A pair of arms are coupled to the pair of legs adjacent to the head portion such that the arms move substantially independently from the pair of legs, wherein the arms project toward the clip opening to form a frictional opening and to permit insertion or withdrawal of a post such that the post causes a non-compressive force between the arms when the post is withdrawn. The post may be a blade, post or tower on a body panel or any suitable flat post. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into a hole defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7419206
    Abstract: A quick connect fastener system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a snap-in fastener is used for retaining an automotive vehicle interior trim member. A further aspect of the present invention employs a base and a resilient retainer, one of which includes a metallic portion and the other of which includes a polymeric portion. Moreover, a generally rigid polymeric base employs a channel operably receiving a metallic retainer in a laterally sliding manner to ease in assembly of the retainer to the base in an adhesive and screw-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Slobodecki, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7407224
    Abstract: A molding attaching clip 30 includes a fixed portion 31 to be fixed in a groove 15 of a roof panel 10, a pair of elastically deformable wall portions 32 which are erected from the fixed portion 31, a pair of engaging portions 33 which are provided on the pair of wall portions 32, and an elastically deformable guide portion 36 which is projected from the fixed portion 31. A roof molding 20 includes a head portion 21 for covering the groove 15, and a projected portion 27 which is protruded from a back face of the head portion 21. The projected portion has a pair of locking portions 24 which are provided on both side faces thereof, and a receiving groove 26 which is formed in the projected portion 27. On occasion of engaging the roof molding 20 with the molding attaching clip 30, the roof molding 20 is positioned so that the pair of locking portions 24 can be engaged with the pair of engaging portions 33, by butting the receiving groove 26 against the guide portion 36.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd., Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Okabe, Tsukasa Murase, Keiichi Fukushima, Masahiro Kuwabara, Noriyuki Miyata
  • Publication number: 20080172845
    Abstract: A clip for fixing a mounting part with a boss portion provided on and suspended perpendicularly from the back surface thereof to a panel with a mounting hole formed therein, includes: a base body having a U-shaped section and including a pair of mutually opposed side walls; a pair of elastic arms respectively extended from the inner surfaces of their associated side walls of the base; a pair of securing shoulders respectively provided on and projected from the outer surfaces of their associated side walls of the base body; engaging pawl portions engageable with an engaging portion formed in the boss portion; recessed portions provided in one of the inner surfaces of the side walls of the base body and the outer surfaces of the elastic arms corresponding to the inner surfaces of the side walls, and projecting portions provided in the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakajima, Shigeo Okada
  • Patent number: 7401388
    Abstract: A rib clip for connecting first and second components is provided with first and second legs deflectable relative to each other. One leg is substantially straight and includes a shelf. The other leg is bent and includes inner and outer arms biased against a component held between the legs. The rib clip is inserted in a window of the other component, which compresses the legs toward each other, securing the first and second components relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080141501
    Abstract: A clip includes: a head portion; and a leg portion including: a pair of first engagement arms that are provided on a pair of facing side surfaces of the leg portion; a pair of second engagement arms that are provided on the other pair of facing side surfaces of the leg portion, the pair of second engagement arms including abutment portions adapted to be individually brought into abutment with circumferential edges of respective diametrically extended hole portions of a trim and a panel; a pair of first stopper walls for holding a hole edge of the mounting hole of the panel in cooperation with the respective first engagement arms; and a pair of second stop walls for holding the circumferential edges of the diametrically extended hole portions of the panel in cooperation with the abutment portions of the respective second engagement arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20080098576
    Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Mark Fleydervish, Daniel James Dickinson, Joseph W. Lawry, Edward Sacha
  • Patent number: 7364382
    Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the silver plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a silver plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present disclosure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Rosalind A. Nessel
  • Patent number: 7356886
    Abstract: A clamp is provided having a synthetic clip and a metal plate spring. The clip includes a pair of side walls opposed each other at a certain distance, engaging shoulder portions each formed at an outer surface of each of the side walls and configured to be engaged with a peripheral edge of a mounting hole of a panel at the time of securing a mounting member to the panel. The spring is attached to one of the side walls of the clip. A press-fitting craw portion is formed at an inner surface of the other side wall and configured to be pressed against a boss portion of the mounting member. The spring includes a pull-out preventing tongue facing the craw portion and configured to bite into the boss portion of the mounting member at the time of securing the mounting member to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeo Okada
  • Patent number: 7351023
    Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7347655
    Abstract: A hole plug includes a head portion and a foot portion projecting from a back surface of the head portion to be inserted into a hole to be blocked. The foot portion has a cylindrical shape formed of several uprising plates extending from the back surface of the head portion. An engaging step portion is formed at a base end of each uprising plate for holding a rim of the hole to be blocked together with the head portion. A supporting device is formed at an inside of each uprising plate for limiting bending of each uprising plate inwardly in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Norimasa Nagasawa, Noboru Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20080066266
    Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel with respect to a second panel includes a base having lateral wings connected to a central post. The lateral wings and the central post converge at a distal tip. Each of the lateral wings includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein the first outer surface is inwardly angled toward the distal tip. The fastener assembly also includes angled retaining ledges located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The angled retaining ledges are canted in a non-parallel fashion with respect to a plane of at least one of the first and second panels. The angled retaining ledges allow for safe and easy removal of the base from at least one of the first and second panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland, Brett J. Jurily
  • Patent number: 7344331
    Abstract: A molded product assembly includes a molded product being mountable to a body to be mounted having a mounting hole via a fastener. The molded product has a post projecting toward the mounting hole and disposed on a back surface of the molded product, at least a part of the post projecting through the mounting hole to a back surface side of the body to be mounted in mounting the molded product to the body to be mounted, and a holding portion disposed on the part of the post to hold the fastener. The fastener has a portion to be held that is held by the holding portion, and an elastic engagement leg being elastically deformable and having an engagement portion to be engaged with a peripheral edge of the mounting hole, the elastic engagement leg being located on the back surface side of the body to be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohsuke Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Wato
  • Publication number: 20080052878
    Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Lewis, Roger E. Pilon, Steven M. Benedetti, Charles K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7337505
    Abstract: A w-based panel fastener for securing a molding to a panel includes a nose and a pair of offset wings extending from the nose. The nose has a longitudinal length, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The wings are spaced from each other along the longitudinal length of the nose, and each of the wings includes a guide portion extending from the outer surface of the nose and a retainer portion extending generally from the inner surface of the nose. The spaced apart guide portions of the wings form a surface for initial insertion into the opening in the panel. The retainer portion of the wings is adapted to interfit with the opening in the panel to secure the fastener to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7338068
    Abstract: A garnish clip comprises a body attachment portion for attachment to a vehicle body and a garnish attachment portion for attachment to a garnish. The garnish attachment portion comprises a plate-shaped base with one end connected to the body attachment portion and a plate-shaped garnish engagement portion connected to the other end of the base by a U-shaped connection. The garnish engagement portion is latched to a head of the body attachment portion. Ribs on the garnish attachment portion provide rigidity to limit opening of the garnish engagement portion away from the head when the airbag deploys and the latch is released by collision or roll-over forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kawai, Koya Teshima
  • Patent number: 7328489
    Abstract: A fastener for fixing a panel to a support is provided with a snapping-in foot adapted to contract elastically to enter a fixing orifice of the support. The fastener is further provided with a head having a plate, a hub, a shank and a deformable member, the plate and the hub being connected by the shank adapted to be received in a keyhole-shaped groove of the panel formed within the thickness of the panel in which the member and the hub are adapted to be received. The fastener also has a deformable rim including a plurality of arcs and deformable arms, each disposed between one of the arcs and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: I.T.W. De France
    Inventors: Eric Leverger, Laurent Huet
  • Publication number: 20070289107
    Abstract: A fastener for components of a motor vehicle, comprising 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 are formed and comprising a support bearing with a tubular mounting 210 into which the shank of the rivet for the holding of at least a component between rivet head and support bearing can be inserted, wherein engagement elements assigned to one another 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, and comprising 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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael ALHOF, Klaus-Albert PRIESS
  • Patent number: 7300089
    Abstract: A fixing member includes a base portion having an opening portion at side surfaces thereof, a pair of flange portions protruding from a free end portion of the base portion, at least one elastic portion perpendicularly extending from a lower surface of each flange portion toward within the opening portion of the base portion, and at least one pair of engagement portions protruding from inner surfaces of the base portion. The inner surfaces of the base portion are opposed to each other. When the fixing member for fixing car interior material to a vehicle body is engaged with a boss member, the elastic portion presses against both sides of the boss portion by its distal end portion of the elastic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7290795
    Abstract: A garnish clip comprises a body attachment portion for attachment to a vehicle body and a garnish attachment portion for attachment to a garnish. The garnish attachment portion comprises a plate-shaped base with one end connected to the body attachment portion and a plate-shaped garnish engagement portion connected to the other end of the base by a U-shaped connection. The garnish engagement portion and the base are also connected by a thin breakable connector near the body attachment portion. Ribs on the garnish attachment portion provide rigidity to limit opening of the garnish engagement portion away from the body attachment portion when the airbag deploys and the thin connector breaks due to collision or roll-over forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kawai, Koya Teshima
  • Patent number: 7287305
    Abstract: A clip for retaining a trim cover assembly against a foam pad of a vehicle seat including a base having a hook end and a lock end. The base also includes a flange extending out therefrom. The hook end defines a hook, which secures the trim cover assembly to the clip. The lock end includes a lock and a lock hook. The foam pad includes a pair of inner foam pad walls that define a trench, through which the clip initially passes before contacting the foam pad. The clip is inserted into the foam pad so that the lock end passes completely through the foam pad to an underlying “B” surface. The lock hook is then rotated relative to the base until the lock hook engages the flange. The clip is firmly anchored within the foam pad by the lock end, which has a width greater than the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew M. Bednarski
  • Patent number: D570203
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Tadahide Shiomoto
  • Patent number: D572129
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: ITW Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory K. Keays