Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
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Patent number: 6793439Abstract: A securing device for a drainage channel with a channel body, including a cover that can be set onto an upper edge of the channel body. At least two recesses are situated substantially opposite one another in the inner surfaces of the side walls of the channel body. At least one traversing element in the form of an elongated, profiled plate, can be set into the recesses by way of its opposed ends in such a way that it is within the channel and substantially perpendicular to the long axis thereof, and which is provided with a locking element at at least one of its two longitudinal ends. The locking element is an exchangeable, recesses by way of its opposed ends in such a way that it is within the channel and substantially perpendicular to the long axis thereof, and which is provided with a locking element at at least one of its two longitudinal ends.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: ACO Severin Ahlmann GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Arm, Brunhild Schmidtke, Markus Blaschke
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Publication number: 20040177480Abstract: A clip comprises a bush (20) and a pin (10) to be inserted into the bush. The pin includes a flange (11), a shank (12) extending downward from the lower surface of the flange, and an enlarged portion (15) at the lower end of the shank. The bush includes a ring portion (21) having a step for receiving the flange therein, a holding portion (23) provided on the downside of the periphery of the ring portion, a pair of opposed legs (25) each provided on the downside of the ring and on the inside of the holding portion, the legs are inclining inwardly. The bush also includes a pair of retaining portions (27) each provided at the lower end of the corresponding leg. After the pin and the bush are assembled, the assembled pin and bush are inserted into respective mounting holes of plate members to be fastened.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventor: Hideki Kanie
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Publication number: 20040163218Abstract: A spacer (10) to be inserted into a dash silencer comprises a cylindrical hollow body (12), a first flange (13) extending radially outward from one of the ends of the body, a second flange (a contact flange) (14) extending radially outward from the other end of the body, and a plurality of engagement pawls each extending from the outer surface of the other end of the body toward the first flange. The engagement pawls include a resilient engagement pawl (17) and a rigid engagement pawl (18). The contact flange has an outer diameter slightly larger than the hole diameter of a mounting hole formed in the dash silencer to allow the spacer to be readily inserted into the mounting hole. Each of the engagement pawls (17, 18) has an outer shape expanding upwards outward to allow the spacer to be inserted into the mounting hole while aligning the respective centers of the spacer the mounting hole with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Kiyoteru Yuta, Osamu Uemura
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Patent number: 6772484Abstract: A high-strength mounting structure is used for attaching a resin article to a body panel. The resin molded article has an elongated main body and a pair of mount ribs formed in several spots intermittently in a longitudinal direction. A protrusion is provided at a distal end of each of the mount ribs. A clip has latch claws for engaging the protrusions of the mount ribs, and a slip-proof lug is located opposite to each latch claw to resist release the latch claws from the protrusions. In addition, the clip has an engagement section engaged with a body panel at a side facing the body panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., LTDInventors: Tetsuya Miyano, Daiichiro Kawashima, Tomokazu Nishikawa, Sadao Nada, Moriyoshi Takagi, Toshiro Shibagaki
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Publication number: 20040134043Abstract: In a medicine supply apparatus for filling medicines into containers using a plurality of reception compartments into which medicines can be voluntarily fed, an object is to improve usability of the apparatus and prevent supply of wrong medicines. The medicine supply apparatus includes a plurality of reception compartments into which medicines can be respectively put arbitrarily, discharge means for discharging the medicines in the reception compartments, respectively, and filling means for filling the medicines discharged from the reception compartments into containers such as bags or vials. The medicine supply apparatus is provided with LED lamps for identifiably showing the plurality of reception compartments, respectively, and control means for controlling the discharge means, the LED lamps, and the filling means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicants: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Uema, Manabu Haraguchi
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Patent number: 6760957Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Nagamine
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Publication number: 20040083583Abstract: A retention structure includes a retainer housing for retaining an object, such as a fastener, commonly used to secure trim panel to an inner vehicle panel. The retainer housing is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a back wall, and a base. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the back wall extend from the substrate to the base, and a retention portion for retaining an object. The base includes a first deflection slot, a second deflection slot, a first tab formed by the first deflection slot and an insertion slot, and a second tab formed by the second deflection slot and the insertion slot. The object is inserted into the retention portion with a relatively low insertion force and is retained within the retention portion with a relatively high retention force. The retainer housing can be integrally formed with a substrate by using well known molding techniques. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Brian Bradley, Stan Trala
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Patent number: 6715185Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Roger A. Angellotti
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Publication number: 20040049895Abstract: Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Kraig D. Draggoo, Eric D. Hyp, Loc B. Tieu, David A. Minnich, William E. Sokurenko
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Publication number: 20040020016Abstract: A two-piece clip includes a grommet and a pin. The grommet includes a plurality of elastic leg portions separately extending from a flange. The pin includes a shaft for radially expanding the elastic leg portions when the shaft is inserted among the elastic leg portions through the center hole. At an intermediate portion of the shaft, a temporarily locking piece and a locking protrusion are formed. Both ends of the temporarily locking portion are coupled with the shaft in a shaft direction to have a bridge-like shape. The temporarily locking piece protrudes in an outer radial direction. The locking protrusion is adjacent to the temporarily locking piece in a shaft tip end direction. An inner peripheral edge of the flange is engaged between the temporarily locking piece and the locking protrusion so that the pin is temporarily locked to the grommet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: Piolax, Inc.Inventor: Akira Yoneoka
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Publication number: 20040016088Abstract: A panel fastener forming a blind connection between a primary and secondary panel is herein disclosed. The panel fastener is constructed and arranged to be preassembled with an attachment structure extending from an undersurface of the primary panel. The head of the panel fastener has an alignment detent or detent extending therefrom that engages the attachment structure of the primary panel so as to maintain the panel fastener in a predetermined orientation therewith. The panel fastener has a shank with a retaining mechanism constructed and arranged to be received and retained in a bore formed through a secondary panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Roger A. Angellotti
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Patent number: 6668429Abstract: The invention is a deep-groove fastener which securely retains a seat cover within the groove of a deeply contoured seat bun. The fastener comprises an elongated body generally concave in cross section and having an interior cavity. A plurality of notched ridges are located on the surface of the interior cavity. The notched ridges serve as fastening elements for engaging loop or other material attached to the underside of a seat cover. Anchor elements are located on the exterior, non-cavity surface of the main body, to aid in anchoring the invention within a foam seat bun. The main body additionally comprises two flange-like sealing legs having a relatively flat bottom surface, to seal the sides of the invention against fouling during the seat bun molding process. Magnetically attractable particles are incorporated into the sealing legs, to hold the invention securely to a magnetized seat bun forming mold.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: YKK Corporation of AmericaInventors: Nobuo Fujisawa, Craig Jay Graham, Wolfgang Eduardo Coronel, Joel William Pfeil
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Patent number: 6668430Abstract: In a clip for attaching a cover member of the invention, a base plate of the clip is bonded to and fixed at a bottom of a concave section formed in a vehicle. The base plate is provided with a holding section for holding a holder for attaching the cover. Also, plural pairs of elastic pieces elastically abutting against both side surfaces forming the concave section are provided at both sides of the base plate. Accordingly, the clip for attaching the cover member can be easily bonded to and fixed at a center of a width direction of the concave section.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
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Patent number: 6665914Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6643987Abstract: Supporting element of spring steel or plastic for separable fastening of cover strips (2) in the transition region between wall and floor panel (4). The supporting element is constructed as a one-piece clip which is clipped onto the floor panel from the front face, whereby the supporting element has a wall plate (5) and a clamping plate (6) projecting generally at right angles from the wall plate which, in the installed state of the supporting element, lies on the underside of the floor panel (4). Whereby the wall plate (1) has at least one first support section (7, 8) which in the installed state of the supporting element is braced on the upper side of the floor panels such that the upper and central part of the wall plate is acted upon in the direction of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Ernst Rüsch GmbHInventors: Andreas Rusch, Norbert Rusch
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Publication number: 20030200634Abstract: A retaining clip comprising a U-shaped body having a pair of legs that are flexibly connected at their bottom ends and spaced apart to receive therebetween a blade fastener is herein disclosed. Each of the legs of the retaining clip has a head projection that extends laterally from its top end and a cooperating pair of detent structures, each extending laterally from the exterior surface of the respective legs at a predetermined distance below the head projections. Retaining tabs are disposed within and extend inwardly from respective tab apertures formed through each of the legs. These retaining tabs are inclined toward the bottom ends of the legs and are constructed and arranged to easily allow a blade fastener to be inserted therebetween and to subsequently engage the blade fastener to securely retain the blade fastener within the retaining clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventor: Wayne Hansen
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Patent number: 6634065Abstract: A retainer clip receives a keypad and the like on a beltline molding. The clip has a face plate having a plurality of apertures. A wall extends from the face plate. The wall has a plurality of tangs spaced thereabout. The wall is configured to be received within an aperture in the beltline molding. The wall is sized to position the face plate in the aperture of the beltline molding. The tangs cooperate with the beltline molding to retain the faceplate to the beltline molding. The wall and keypad are configured to snappingly engage each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey A. Chesson, Gerald Y. Ruppert, Steven D. Haar
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Patent number: 6634693Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of assembly for securely attaching an instrument panel to an automobile. In one embodiment of the invention, a housing containing electronic components for the instrument panel is attached to the frame structure of an automobile. The bezel panel containing the control and display areas is then attached to the housing. The cover panel is then attached to the bezel panel and the housing by fasteners extending through the bezel panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Britta Straesser, Jr.
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Patent number: 6615459Abstract: A holding fastener 1 comprising a shank 3 adapted to be inserted into a mounting hole of an attachment member. The holding fastener having a first holding portion 5 disposed at one end of the shank and adapted to extend radially and outward from the mounting hole of the attachment member to engage and hold one surface of the attachment member, and a second holding portion 6 disposed at the other end of the shank and adapted to engage and hold the other surface of the attachment member. The second holding portion 6 includes a holding piece 9 connected to the shank 3 through a hinge 7 to allow the holding piece to be pivoted or rotated between an insertion position extending along the axis of the shank and a holding position extending orthogonal to the axis of the shank. An insertion tube 15 is provided at the one end of the shank. The insertion tube 15 is adapted to be inserted axially into a hollow portion of the shank from the side of the first holding portion to the side of the second holding portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Takahiro Sano
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Patent number: 6612795Abstract: The fastener includes a head with an oval-shaped base. The head is supported by a cylindrical post and includes overhanging or cantilevered portions along the major axis of the oval-shaped base. These overhanging portions are ramped and face a first seal. The head engages a slot in a panel by first being inserted therethrough and then being twisted by one quarter turn so that the edges of the slot are engaged between the first seal and the cantilevered portions. Flex tabs lock the head in place. The fastener further includes a cylindrical retainer with flexible retaining fingers which is inserted by a linear motion into an aperture in another panel, thereby engaging the panel between the retaining fingers and the second seal.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: James T. Kirchen
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Publication number: 20030159256Abstract: Disclosed is a two shot molding method which can be used to make a fastener device having a fastener portion and integral seal portion of different material. More particularly, the invention relates to a fastener device comprising a fastener part having a plastic head and anchor stem with prongs and a flexible seal of different material integral with the fastener part and the two molded together in a two-shot molding technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Martin D.H. Clarke
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Patent number: 6606766Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for mounting an article, comprising a base member being of a plate shape and having a through hole thereon; a pair of flanges extended from opposite ends of the base member in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the base member; a pair of insertion parts extended from opposite sides of the base member and bent upwardly to be in contact with each other; and a pair of anchoring plates which are downwardly cut from the center area of each insertion part, are projected outwardly, are elastically deformable, and have a stepped part formed with inward and outward bent parts at a free end of each anchoring plate. With this configuration, the present invention provides a clip for firmly and easily mounting article on a support structure and for easily separating the article from the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Han Il E HWA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheol-gyu Ko
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Patent number: 6604780Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for mounting a crash pad of an automobile and more particularly, to the structure for mounting a crash pad of an automobile which can prevent from easy separation of a pin from a cap by employing an interlocking structure between the pin of a crash pad and the cap of a cowl panel and ensure better efficient processability by having a locking means formed at a lower end of the pin to lock a low portion of a cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jong Yong Lee
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Patent number: 6594870Abstract: A fastener for coupling a trim panel to a support member includes a mounting grommet with a funnel-shaped receiver communicating with an aperture for receiving one end of a fastener pin having a plurality of spaced annular ratcheting grooves formed thereon. The opposite or second end of the pin includes a pointed end with a pair of resilient locking arms, which extend divergently outwardly and away from an apex of the second end of the pin at an acute angle and at a spacing of about 180°, for insertion into an aperture of a support structure. Interposed between the first and second ends of the fastening pin is a resilient, generally cup-shaped seal which engages a surface of the support structure opposite the locking arms for providing a seal surrounding the aperture in the support structure to which the fastening pin is inserted. The grommet includes an annular slot defined by a collar on one side and a shoulder of the funnel-shaped receiver on the other.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Martin Lambrecht, Andrew Johnston, Kathy J. Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Jr., Shawn E. Roberts
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Patent number: 6588071Abstract: A clip member for sealing an opening in a sheet material includes a body which is fluid tight in an axial direction, at least one flange portion adapted to engage a surface of the sheet material, at least one resiliently deformable arm attached to the body and radially bendable relative to the body for facilitating introduction of the body into the opening and locking of the body in the opening, and a deformable film surrounding the arm. The film is tied on both the body and the flange portion to seal the opening and deformed concurrently with the deformation or bending of the arm. A locking portion is provided on the arm to engage an edge of the opening when the body is fit into the opening with a snapping action of the arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Gramss
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Patent number: 6581252Abstract: A plastic grille is attached to vehicle fenders by fasteners having a first connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the grille, and having an oppositely-facing second connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the fenders. The first and second connector sections are shaped for optimal low insertion force, yet high retention force. The first and second connectors have flexible arms that are oriented 90 degrees apart, permitting the connectors to slip in perpendicular directions in their respective receiving holes, thus providing improved tolerance and adjustability during installation. A method of assembly includes pre-attaching the fastener to the plastic component, and then attaching them as a unit to the metal component.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Sedlock, Robert L. Allen, Kenneth Bailey, Sr., David Means
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Patent number: 6575681Abstract: A resin clip includes a head for abutting on one surface of a panel upon insertion into an attachment hole thereof, a pillar extending from the center of the head, and a pair of elastic legs folded back at a tip portion of the pillar toward the head and spreading out in a V shape. Locking parts in shapes of multiple steps are formed outside the elastic leg. In addition, one side in a width direction inside the elastic leg is more protruded toward the pillar than the other side, and the pillar includes a dented portion for receiving the protruded portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Tsutomu Kojima, Kazunori Asano
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Patent number: 6572317Abstract: A fastener has a head for retaining a vehicle component and a leg to be fitted into a mounting hole of a panel. The leg has a plurality of resilient engaging walls extending in the axis direction with a plurality of vertical slits interposed therebetween. Upper ends of the walls are connected to the head and lower ends of the walls are connected to one another. Each upper end connected to the head is provided with a lateral cut. The presence of the cut makes the wall to easily flex inwardly when the leg is inserted into the mounting hole of the panel, enabling the insertion of the leg with smaller force, resulting in significant improvement in workability.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignees: Piolax Inc., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Okada, Kazunori Machida, Hiroshi Takemoto
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Patent number: 6565116Abstract: A head-protecting airbag device includes an airbag cover mounted on the body of a vehicle for covering a folded airbag. The airbag cover includes an airbag cover body and a clip portion protruding from the back side of the airbag cover body. The clip portion is inserted into a retaining of the vehicle body and is retained by the vehicle body. The clip portion can establish two states: a first retaining state, in which the clip portion is so unextractably retained in the retaining hole that the clip portion cannot be pulled from the body; and a second retaining state, in which the clip portion is inserted farther into the retaining hole compared to the first retaining state and is extractably retained to permit extraction of the clip portion from the body. The head-protecting airbag device can firmly mount the airbag cover to and easily dismount the airbag cover from the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Tajima, Yutaka Nagai, Fumitake Kobayashi, Chiharu Totani, Yasuyuki Osawa, Yoshitaka Terada
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Patent number: 6564433Abstract: A clip for attaching a cover member to cover a groove section includes a base plate attached to a bottom surface of the groove section, a pair of engaging sections projected from the base plate and engaging side engaging sections of the cover member, and an abutting piece section projected from the base plate and having a free end abutting against an inner surface of the cover member to restrain an excessive movement thereof. In the condition that the cover member is attached, a spring force of the free end is applied to the cover member so that friction between the cover member and the engaging sections of the clip at both sides of the trim is effectively increased. Accordingly, the trim can be held in the width direction without loosening.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Norimasa Nagasawa
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Patent number: 6557956Abstract: Connectors for attaching a false front panel over an opening in an object comprise a body portion that is configured to abut and attach to a rear side of the false front panel, and first and second snap clips that extend from the body portion and which are configured to engage opposing walls that define the opening in the object. These connectors may further include a third snap clip that extends from the body portion and that is configured to engage a third of the walls that defines the opening. The body portion of the connectors may extend the full width of the opening to be covered to facilitate alignment of the connector on the rear side of the false front panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
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Publication number: 20030079316Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: NIFCO INC.Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
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Patent number: 6547317Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle structural component, especially a specialized front wall, comprising a functional part made of molded plastic intended to support functional members of the vehicle and a structural part intended to withstand the various mechanical stresses generated by the use of the vehicle, the structural part consisting of the combination of two rigid assemblies, namely, in the first place, an array of stiffening ribs and, in the second place, metal reinforcements. The functional part and one of the rigid assemblies are made as one piece when molding the plastic functional part, while the other rigid assembly is attached to the first rigid assembly to which it is fixed by snap-fastening.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium S.A.Inventors: Hugues Cheron, Frederic Copier, Johnny Busolin, Yves Alphand, Fredereic Pierrot
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Patent number: 6530130Abstract: Clip arrangement for fixing a strip, in particular a decorative strip in a vehicle, with a retaining part (1) and a snap-on part (2), wherein the retaining part has a receiving slot (13) with an upper guide (14) and a lower guide (17), into which receiving slot (13) there projects obliquely at least one latching finger (15) having a latching opening (16) at its free end, wherein the snap-on part (2) also has at least one projection (23) with a plurality of latching lugs (24) which can latch with a latching opening (16) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13). Each latching finger (15) is designed and directed in such a way that it can gently yield to the latching lugs (24) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13), but prevents the snap-on part (2) from being withdrawn after the latching lugs (24) have been latched into latching openings (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Frank Rosemann
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Publication number: 20030019083Abstract: Disclosed are clips for mounting a vehicle sunvisor made of plastic wherein multiply stepped sloping roof trim is made to be in close contact with the bottom part of the clips so that sunvisors can be securely fixed onto the headlining; sloping elastic wings, which are extended laterally from the projection of the clip on both sides, are inserted into clip assembly holes prepared for the insertion of the projection of the clip, and fixed thereon; the bottom part is fixed by bolting down bolts through the clip bolt holes thus preventing the dislocation or horizontal movement; which can prevent contact noise and also reduce its weight to become much lighter as compared to the conventional clips made of steel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Sung-Jai Won
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Patent number: 6508092Abstract: A generally cylindrical body of a device such as a cam lock is provided with a snap-in mount that enables the body to be mounted from one side of and through mounting holes formed in support panels of distinctly different thicknesses. The body has a shoulder that faces in one direction toward one side of a support panel, and carries sets of movable arms that define engagement surfaces located at different distances from the shoulder that snap outwardly after being inserted through a panel mounting hole to face toward the opposite side of the support panel. The body can be mounted on panels having three different thicknesses if three sets of arms are provided that each define engagement surfaces located at a different distance from the shoulder. More panel thicknesses can be accommodated if one or more of the sets of arms define two or more sets of engagement surfaces each located at a distinctly different distance from the shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventors: Timothy P. Laabs, Michael O. Misner, John J. Crocco
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Patent number: 6505386Abstract: A grommet having a tubular shank and a head. Retainers project radially outwardly from said shank. The shank has an annular sealing ring between the head and the retainers. The shank is adapted to be inserted into a hole in a panel by pressing the shank, open and first, into the hole from the outer side of the panel in an axially inward direction to a position in which the sealing ring makes sealing contact with the hole and the retainers retain the head of the grommet in sealing contact with an outer surface of the panel. The shank has a hollow interior provided with ridges capturing a fastener pressed into the shank through an open end of said shank in an axially outward direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: James A Allie
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Publication number: 20030000048Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic clip, for the detachable connection of a trim plate to a support piece, in particular, to the door frame of a motor vehicle. The clip comprises a head piece (1) and an anchoring foot (2), which may be inserted in an opening in the support piece (4) and an upper part (3), for fixing to the trim plate (6), which may be connected to the head piece (1) in a snap-fastening manner. The head piece (1) has the form of an open cylinder, with a central recess (7), on the edge (8) of which inwardly-projecting support segments (9) are formed, in order to guarantee application of the clip, even with variations in tolerance between the fixing site on the trim plate (6) and the fixing opening (5) in the support piece (4). Furthermore, a support plate (10) is provided above the anchoring foot (2), above which a T-shaped support pin (11) extends.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Daniel Boville
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Patent number: 6494412Abstract: A device is provided for securing a flat object to a carrier plate. The device includes a base plate with a pair of spaced apart end sections, and a middle section extending between the end sections. A pair of upwardly protruding extensions each has a lower end attached to the middle section of the base, and an upper end spaced therefrom. The extensions are spaced apart by a distance and are elastic such that the upper ends may be pushed apart. A bridge extends between the upper ends of the extension. The bridge has a pair of spaced apart ends interconnected with the upper ends of the extension and a midportion therebetween. The bridge has a total length greater than the length the distance between the extensions. The bridge has a disengaged position wherein the midportion is spaced from the middle section of the base plate and the upper ends of the extension are not pushed apart.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventor: Stephane Gombert
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Patent number: 6496372Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assembly that includes an integrated circuit package, a heat sink, and a fastener which connects the heat sink to the integrated circuit package to cool the integrated circuit package. The fastener includes a stem that extends through the heat sink and the integrated circuit package. The fastener further includes a clamp that is connected to one end of the stem and a spring head that is connected to an opposing end of the stem. The spring head includes a first biasing member that extends around the longitudinal axis of the stem to compress the heat sink and the integrated circuit package against the clamp in order to reduce the thermal impedance between the heat sink and the integrated circuit package.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Peter A. Davison, Lee M. Langseth, Patrick S. Johnson
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Patent number: 6484370Abstract: A molding fastener assembly 1 to connect a molding to a vehicle body. The molding fastener assembly 1 having a clip 3 including a base 25 and a molding holder 26 integrated with the base, and a blind rivet 2 including a rivet body 11 having a flange 10 at one end thereof and a mandrel 13 extending through the rivet body beyond the flange from the other end thereof opposite to the flange. The rivet body 11 is covered with a tubular resin cap 5 extending from the tip end of the rivet body toward the flange. The resin cap 5 is formed with a first flange 21 at a position spaced apart from the rivet body flange 10 toward the one end of the rivet body by a predetermined distance equal to or more than the thickness of the clip base 25. The mandrel is adapted to be pulled off to secure the rivet body with the resin cap to a vehicle body while keeping the resin cap flange in contact with the vehicle body and keeping the rivet body flange at the predetermined distance from the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Emhart LLCInventors: H. Kanie, M. Kato
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Patent number: 6481682Abstract: A plate member mounting structure is used to mount a plate to a panel with an opening without forming a hole to the plate. The mounting structure is formed of a plate member to be attached to the panel and formed on the plate, and a clip to be disposed in the opening of the panel. The plate member has an insertion portion, and an engagement portion to project outwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the insertion portion. The clip includes an accommodating portion for receiving the insertion portion of the plate member, an engagement piece provided at the accommodating portion and engaging the engagement portion of the plate member, an anchor piece formed at one side of the clip to engage the panel, and a positioning piece formed at a head portion of the clip for engaging the panel together with the anchor piece.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Hideya Miura
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Publication number: 20020162195Abstract: A grommet is mounted on a panel of an automobile. The grommet includes a tubular body, a fitting portion, a flange portion, projected portions, and a lip. A wire harness is passed through the grommet body. The fitting portion is formed at an end of the grommet body, and is fitted in a hole in the panel. The flange portion includes a pair of straight portions, and a pair of arcuate portions. The pair of straight portions are spaced from each other in parallel. The pair of arcuate portions interconnect the pair of straight portions. The projected portions project outwardly from the straight portions, respectively. The lip is formed at an outer peripheral edge portion of the flange portion, and when the fitting portion is fitted in the hole, the lip is held in contact with the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Noriyuki Nagamine
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Patent number: 6471313Abstract: A heat-insulated housing for use in a refrigerator etc. includes a housing body having a rectangular opening in one side thereof, the opening having four corners each of which is defined by two side plates generally perpendicular to each other, either one of the side plates being formed with a hole having an engagement open edge, a corner cover including two closing plates disposed to be perpendicular to each other so as to have a generally L-shaped section, the closing plates having backs thereof abutting against the side plates of the housing body respectively, an engagement protrusion formed on the back of either closing plate abutting against the side plate formed with the hole, the protrusion being inserted into the hole of the side plate and elastically deformable, and a plurality of engaging teeth formed on the protrusion so as to be aligned in a direction of insertion of the protrusion, one of the teeth elastically engaging the opening edge of the hole when the protrusion is inserted into the hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Ueda, Mitsuyuki Takaoka, Taito Yamakawa
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Patent number: 6457217Abstract: A component attaching device for attaching a component to an attaching member is formed of a first attaching section to be attached to the attaching member, and a second attaching section connected to the first attaching section to be attached to the component. A releasing section is formed near the first or second attaching section for releasing an attached condition of the attaching member with the first attaching section or an attached condition of the component with the second attaching section. The attached conditions is released when a force of relatively moving the attaching member and the component exceeds a predetermined value. Also, a holding section is formed near the releasing section such that the attaching member and the component are relatively moved.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yoshii, Tomoharu Izume
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Patent number: 6449814Abstract: A fastener is provided for mounting a first structure having an insertion rib with a retention slot to a second structure having a mounting opening. The fastener comprises a U-shaped body having a bight portion at an upper portion thereof with a pair of outer legs depending therefrom. Each of the pair of outer legs has an outer surface adapted to receive an edge of the mounting opening to removably mount the outer legs to the second structure, and a pair of inner legs between the pair of outer legs. The pair of inner legs cooperate to define at least in part an elongated channel therebetween having opposing inner surfaces adapted to receive the insertion rib. Each of the inner legs has, at a lower portion thereof, a retainer adapted to be received within the retention slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Summit Polymers, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Dinsmore, Kristie A. Kubinski, Robert V. Rhea, Benjamin D. Schultheiss
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Patent number: 6438804Abstract: The metallo-plastic clip comprises a clip and a plastic shank of which is part the corresponding accessory to be placed in an opening provided on the vehicle body, with an interposed vechicle roof. The clip provided with flexible flaps with a bend after which there is a horizontal segment of maximum size with a notch for attaching the clip to the opening of the vechicle body, while in a central area the flexible flaps are provided with a cut without loss of material forming center segments projected towards the center and with rounded corners which allow passage between them, with their corresponding lateral displacement and thereby also of the flaps, of any tool in order to free the clip from the shank.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.Inventor: Antonio Romero Magariño
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Patent number: 6422643Abstract: A connection structure is provided for attaching a component (e.g., a front grill or other vehicle component) to a vehicle. The connection structure includes first and second side-by-side prongs or projections which are inserted at least partially into an aperture in a support structure of the vehicle. As the prongs are inserted into the aperture, the prongs are biased in opposite directions until a point in time when the first prong gets far enough into the aperture so that it can latch onto a wall of the aperture. When the first prong latches onto the wall of the aperture in order to prevent the prong (and thus the component) from being pulled out of the aperture, the other or second prong is lodged in the aperture in order to prevent the first prong from being unlatched.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventor: Elden Pease
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Patent number: 6419307Abstract: A component mounting structure is for temporarily fastening a small component (2) such as an assist grip to a large component (3) such as a large interior or exterior component of an automobile. A fastening hole of the small component is aligned with a fastening hole of the large component and the small component is temporarily fastened to the large component by inserting a clip (1) into the both fastening holes. The clip comprises a first engagement portion (6) to be brought into surface-contact with the large component, a shank (7) extending from the first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion (9) integrally formed with the shank (7) so as to be engaged with the small component, wherein the first engagement portion, the shank, and the second engagement portion of the clip are formed to have a hollow portion so that a screw component can axially be inserted therein. The screw component (13) is inserted and held in the clip under the temporary fastening condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Emhart LLCInventors: Toshio Maruyama, Masaaki Yamagata
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Patent number: 6406242Abstract: An apparatus (10) for securing a first plate, which may be a pull handle bracket, in a spaced relationship to a second plate, which may be a door panel. The apparatus (10) comprises a fastener (16) having a head portion (22) and a base portion (24). The head portion (22) is insertable into a hole in the first plate and supports the first plate. The base portion (24) is insertable into a hole in the second plate and attaches to the second plate. Part of the base portion (24) of the fastener (16) extends on a side of the second plate opposite the first plate. The apparatus (10) further includes a retainer (18) having an elongated main body (90) for inserting into the head portion (22) of the fastener (16) and for securing the first plate to the head portion (22) of the fastener (16). The part of the base portion (24) of the fastener (16) that extends on a side of the second plate opposite the first plate has a width that increases to resist a force attempting to separate the first plate from the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Gary G. Gordon