Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
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Patent number: 6405413Abstract: A clip is attached to an insertion part of an object and inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving attachment. The clip is formed of a pair of clamping plates facing each other for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the object and having elasticity for expanding outward. The clamping plates have a plurality of teeth with tips formed on inner surfaces. The tips form a multiple stage pattern across a direction of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to the insertion part. Also, coupling arms are provided outside the clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion into the attachment hole after being elastically bent inward upon insertion of the insertion part of the object into the attachment hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventors: Takahide Ichimaru, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 6401311Abstract: A spring clip having a flexible leg portion ending in a tab is made to be mountable in an expansion slot of a PC to allow the tab of the clip to capture either an expansion slot cover or a PC expansion card by having the tab spring into a hole found in both the expansion card and the blank cover fitting therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, LLCInventor: Robert T. Eckenrode
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Publication number: 20020066166Abstract: A clip-like member of plastic material, comprisingType: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: ITW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Rainer Gramss
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Publication number: 20020050029Abstract: The mounting structure for an energy absorber mounts securely an energy absorber to a member such as a trim without causing backlash and without using hot-melt adhesives. A trim 1 is provided with a rod 2 projecting therefrom and the rod 2 is inserted into the mounting hole 4 of the energy absorber 3. A cylindrical member 7 is fitted onto the rod 2. The cylindrical member 7 has cylindrical portion 7a and a flanged portion 7b integrally. The cylindrical portion 7a is fitted into the mounting hole 4 and the flanged portion 7b is overlapped with the peripheral portion about the mounting hole 4. The cylindrical member 7 is put on the rod 2 in such a manner that the cylindrical portion 7a is fitted into the mounting hole 4 and the flanged portion 7b is laid on the energy absorber 3. After that, the top end of the rod 2 is caulked to form an enlarged portion 2a.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Applicant: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Yoichi Nabeshima
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Patent number: 6364589Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a support panel. The fastener assembly includes a clip portion having a handle end, a guide leg projecting from the handle end and a pair of locking legs projecting from the handle end and spaced parallel on opposing sides of the guide leg. The fastener assembly further includes a base portion having a bridge portion extending from a pair of base plates and defining a slot therebetween for removably receiving the guide leg therethrough, a pair of locating projections extending longitudinally from the respective pair of base plates opposite the bridge to a distal end, and a locking tab projecting from each of the locating projections toward the base plates. The base portion is adapted to retain the support panel between the locking tabs and the base plates and the clip portion is cooperable with the base portion to retain the trim panel between the base plates and the clip portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Magna Interior Systems, Inc.Inventor: Paul Virgil Wenglinski
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Patent number: 6345420Abstract: A mounting structure for an energy absorber with a mounting hole includes a member, to which the energy absorber is mounted. The member has a rod projecting from a mounting surface thereof. A cylindrical member is fitted onto and engages the rod. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion, and a flanged portion overhanging from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is inserted into the mounting hole of the energy absorber, and the flanged portion is overlapped with a peripheral portion about the mounting hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Yoichi Nabeshima
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Patent number: 6342286Abstract: An embossment for a plastic panel is provided. The embossment projects out from the panel and can secure the panel to an object or support the panel away from the object as a standoff. A plurality of support legs are integrally formed to both the embossment and the panel which separates the embossment from the panel and provides stability to the embossment. While attaching the embossment to the vehicle, such as by rotationally inserting a screw, the support legs prevent the embossment from rotating and/or disconnecting from the panel. In this manner, the panel is maintained in a proper location during installation. The support legs have a reduced contact area with the panel such that abnormalities on the show surface that would be created by the embossment are eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: GenCorp. Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Hollingshead, Terry L. Farber, Rodney Hardesty
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Publication number: 20020004971Abstract: A clip is attached to an insertion part of an object and inserted into an attachment hole formed in an object receiving attachment. The clip is formed of a pair of clamping plates facing each other for receiving therebetween the insertion part of the object and having elasticity for expanding outward. The clamping plates have a plurality of teeth with tips formed on inner surfaces. The tips form a multiple stage pattern across a direction of insertion into the attachment hole to be pressed to the insertion part. Also, coupling arms are provided outside the clamping plates. The coupling arms are coupled into the attachment hole by elasticity at a final position of insertion into the attachment hole after being elastically bent inward upon insertion of the insertion part of the object into the attachment hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Takahide Ichimaru, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 6336768Abstract: The invention relates to a connection unit between a support 3, such as a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, such as the facing of a door. An upper part 1 is attachable to the plate element via an attachment region 5 and an engagement region 6 selectively receives a holding element 2, which is connectable to the support. The engagement region 6 of the upper part 1 consists of two pockets 8, 9, arranged above each other and separated by a cross piece 10. The holding element 2 is equipped, above an attachment region 7, connectable with support 3, with a circumferential elastic sealing lip 27 and two flanges 14, 15 of different elasticity, arranged at axial distance from each other, cross-wise to the longitudinal direction L—L defined by the holding element.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Willibald Kraus
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Patent number: 6324731Abstract: An isolator fan fastener for securing a cooling fan housing to the interior chassis of a computer is described. The fastener is comprised of a pin made of a hard impact resistant plastic and an isolator grommet made of a soft resiliently flexible plastic. The pin is frictionally engageable with the isolator grommet. In operation the isolator grommet is preinstalled in the fan housing. Insertion of the pin through the chassis and into the isolator grommet completes the mounting. An isolator fan fastener in accordance with the invention yields enhanced acoustical properties when compared to prior art fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Frank V. Pliml, Jr.
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Patent number: 6322126Abstract: An apparatus (30) for supporting a visor (10) in a vehicle (14) that has a roof panel (122) and a headliner (100) that covers the roof panel includes a clip (40) for receiving a part (32) of the visor. The clip (40) includes a body portion (42). At least one flange (60, 62) extends from the body portion (42) and is insertable into an opening (106, 124) that extends through the headliner (100) and the roof panel (122) such that a portion (112) of the headliner (100) is trapped between the flange and the body portion to connect the clip (40) to the headliner. At least two legs (72) extend from the body portion (42) through the opening (124). A pin (80), which is connected to the body portion (42), is movable from a first position to a second position when the part (32) of the visor (10) is received by the clip (40). When the pin (80) is in the second position, the pin urges the legs (72) against edges (126) of the opening (124) in the roof panel (122) to connect the clip (40) to the roof panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Willi Kraus
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Patent number: 6317937Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface Is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kojima Press Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuuichirou Ishihara, Takeshi Mizuno, Masaaki Yamakami
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Patent number: 6295701Abstract: The inclination of the sliding contact surface of the securing hook that can be slidingly contacted with part of a member to be secured is so set as to become steeper gradually in the mounting direction of the member to be secured, thereby being able to prevent an increase in the pressure angle of the sliding contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventor: Akira Bessho
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Patent number: 6289560Abstract: A clip for mounting a thermoplastic part on a support, the clip integrated with the part having a body extended by a nose carrying rims for snap-fastening on the support, ribs coming into abutment against the outside surface of the support.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Eurostyle (S.A.S)Inventor: Robert Guyot
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Patent number: 6280130Abstract: A pin (11) is formed projecting upwardly integrally with a face side holder (10) and a slit (13) is formed at a side thereof. On a rear side of the face side holder (10), a stationary pinching portion (20) is provided substantially in parallel therewith and a movable pinching portion (23) and is provided substantially in parallel therewith through a hinge portion (22). Each pinching portion (20, 23) is arranged to have free ends (20a) and (23a) at each tip side and is possible to change from a state where they are mutually horizontal interposing the hinge portion (22) therebetween to a state where they open outwardly so as to separate the tip thereof. The movable pinching portion (23) is integrated with a pin fitting portion (27) which extends to an opposite direction to the pin (11). The pin fitting portion (27) fits into a slit (13) by bending at the hinge portion (22) and is engaged to be one body with the pin (11) by means of an engaging portion (28).Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventors: Hirotaka Haraguchi, Tomio Shibuya
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Patent number: 6264393Abstract: A connection element (1) between a support (2), specifically a body part of a motor vehicle, and a plate element, specifically a door or wall facing. The connection element (1) includes an upper piece (3) attachable to the plate element and a lower piece (4) connectable with a support (2). A neck-shaped intermediate region (5) is provided between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4). The intermediate region (5) is equipped with locking elements (10) and penetrates into a support opening (7) embeddable contact piece (12). The intermediate region (5) above the support (2) is surrounded by a casing part (15), which is lockable with the locking elements (10) and the contact piece (12). A sealing element (20), which acts upon the surface of the support (2), is arranged between a casing piece (15) and a contact piece (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Willibald Kraus
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Patent number: 6243928Abstract: A clip (10) is provided for securing an object such as a cable to a body (32) such as a wall of a supporting frame, which is of simple and rugged design and that allows one-hand operation. The clip includes first and second jaws (18, 20) with lower ends (60, 62) that are pivotally connected, upper ends (70, 72) that can grasp the object between them when the jaws are pivoted together, and middle parts (94). The body has a slot (22) that receives the middle parts of the jaws to hold the jaws together so the upper parts grasp the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: David Powell
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Patent number: 6233792Abstract: A bumper holding clip for fastening an attachment member onto a workpiece, in which the clip includes a base, a holding portion and a fixing portion. The holding portion is formed on one of the surfaces of the base for receiving and holding a supporting portion of the attachment member, such as a bumper. The holding portion has a receiving portion for receiving the supporting portion of the attachment member. The receiving portion is formed on one side of a wall, on which the opposite side has affixed thereto a centrally located resilient holding member that engages the supporting portion of the attachment member from slipping out of the holding portion. The wall is rigid at its opposite corners to immovably support the supporting portion of the attachment member within the receiving portion. The receiving portion is a bag-like insertion groove that has an elongated cross section to receive a plate-like supporting portion of the attachment member.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Hideki Kanie
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Patent number: 6224066Abstract: A bellows-type cover into which a clamping member is adapted to be securely integrated to form a preassembled unit; the groove-shaped recess near one end of the bellows-type cover adapted to receive the clamping member has a two-tier positioning arrangement with a radially inward, circumferentially extending bottom surface for engagement by the clamping member when fully tightened and with a temporary bottom for the clamping member to provide a releasable self-retaining support for the closed, but not yet fully tightened clamping member at a radial distance between the bottom surface and the radially outer limit of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Hans Detiker Maschinen-und Apparate fabrikInventor: Hans Oetiker
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Patent number: 6209175Abstract: A locking device includes a projecting member and a retaining member. The projecting member has a bulbous head which is securely retained by the retaining member which includes a body portion having a passageway or void formed therethrough. An interference defined by at least one embossment is disposed within the passageway to provide a reduced diameter portion which precludes separation of the projecting member from the retainer. Depending on the materials of construction the interlocking relationship between the projecting member and the retainer can be permanent.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Bruce Gershenson
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Patent number: 6209178Abstract: A fastening clip structured to attach a plate-shaped structural part with a second plate-shaped part is disclosed. The parts have fastening openings, one of the openings being oblong. The clip includes a head having a radial conical flange adapted to engage the respective structural part, and a shank having a plurality of resilient legs, the legs being connected to the head at the upper end thereof and forming a conical insertion tip at the free end thereof. The outer sides of the legs have a shoulder adapted to cooperate with the edge of the hole, wherein four legs are provided circumferentially spaced by 90°, the legs being separated by relatively broad slots extending from flange to the insertion tip, the maximum diameter of the shank at the level of the shoulders being slightly larger than the shortest diameter of the oblong hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: ITW-ATECO G.m.b.H.Inventors: Heiner Wiese, Albert Sbongk
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Patent number: 6205625Abstract: A weld stud comprises a leg portion having a root that is adapted to be welded to a workpiece and a resilient engagement pawl portion integrally formed at least on one side of the leg portion. The resilient engagement pawl portion extends diagonally outwardly from the end of the leg portion toward the root and is capable of bending radially inwardly with respect to the leg portion. On the outside of a lower end portion of the leg portion, an engagement step which is an inward recess formed like a step is provided. Although it is not always necessary to make the weld stud from synthetic resin, it is preferable that the entire weld stud is made of synthetic resin and is molded as a one-piece article since its use is predominantly for synthetic resin members.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
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Patent number: 6203240Abstract: A component retaining leg is disclosed, which comprises a base to be provided on a component such as a clamp and a clip, a pillar depending from the base, and a flexible retaining piece extending from the free end of the pillar in a folded fashion toward the base. The free end of the retaining piece has an engagement step section for engaging a mounting hole of a panel. The engagement step section has a plurality of engagement steps formed at a predetermined interval.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Daiwa Kogyo KabushikiInventors: Katsuhito Hironaka, Makoto Fukase
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Patent number: 6178605Abstract: The system is designed to definitely couple and fix a mechanism and/or accessory (1) in the interior of a motor vehicle, the mechanism (1) including a pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) with a fixed (5) and a resilient (6) portion, and a skirt (4) in which a slot (3) is provided, wherein upon the passage of such pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) through a hole (8) purposely made in the self-supporting element (7) of the vehicle at issue, which self-supporting element may be the ceiling, a door panel, etc., it is held on a resilient plastic blade (9) in a window (10) identical with that purposely provided in the vehicle bodywork (13), wherein a supplementary wedge element (11) inserted through the bottom, on the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2), definitely fixes said mechanism or accessory (1), the slot (3) thereof leaving the thickness of the resilient blade (9) and the vehicle bodywork shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Irausa Ingenieria, S.A.Inventors: Antonio Romero Magari{tilde over (n)}o, Felipe Barrero Serrano
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Patent number: 6164890Abstract: A generally trumpet-shaped fastener includes a generally circular flange portion flared outwardly from an elongated pin portion. The fastener is hollow and open at the flange portion and the opposite end of the pin portion, thus allowing air to escape during securement of the fastener to an attachment member that is to be held in place on a base member by the fastener. In addition, a number of discrete ridges or other protuberances are formed on the outer side of the flange portion in order to enhance the engagement and securement of the flange portion of the fastener to the underside of an attachment member, either by integrally molding or by ultrasonic welding.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: The Standard Products CompanyInventor: Douglas N. Malm
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Patent number: 6164603Abstract: A base mounting structure which can easily be mounted in a minimal operation space with a minimal protrusion from the underside of a board. The base mounting structure is provided with first and second mounting portions 17 and 27 protruding downwardly and outwardly from opposite ends 14 and 24 of a base 10 having a central hinge portion 11 and resilient engaging members 30a and 30b having engaging portions 33a and 33b protruding outwardly from lower ends thereof. When the first and second mounting portions 17 and 27 and the engaging members 30a and 30b are inserted into holes 51, 52 and 53 in a board 50, the base 10 is firmly mounted to the board 50. An upper portion of the base 10 is provided with an openable/closable cable holding portion 40 and a locking portion 42 for locking the cable holding portion 40.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., LtdInventor: Tsutomu Kawai
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Patent number: 6154933Abstract: A device for fastening a first flat component (1) to a second flat component (2) comprises a spring clip (3). The second component (2) has a rectangular recess (4) which is engaged by the first component (1) with two opposing, angled plane material sections (5) in which slot-type recesses (6) are configured oriented parallel to the second component (2). The spring clip (3) has a U- or V-shaped cross-section and outwardly bent flanges (7). These flanges (7) are inserted between the material sections (5) and supported in the first component (1). The angled flanges (7) of the spring clip (3) extend in a final fitted position through the slot-type recesses (6) and engage behind the second component (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Johannes Vetter, Michael Tracht
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Patent number: 6135425Abstract: A fence connector for interlocking pickets to cross supports to define sections of fence and for interlocking these fence sections to posts. The fence connector using retractable arms that retract for insertion into a hole and then deflect back to an expanded position upon full insertion resulting in a secure, snug connection. The fence connector including a stop for preventing axial movement of the connector upon insertion into a fence rail. A thin flexible piece of hinge may extend between and hinged interconnect an outer end of adjacent retractable arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Robert E. Platt
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Patent number: 6136407Abstract: A molding element for car bodies is provided which comprises a main body (2) of elongated conformation and attachment projections (9) operatively associated with the main body (2) and adapted to engage a corresponding anchoring region (5a) formed on a car body (5). The attachment projections (9) are rigidly in engagement with a continuous support element (7) to be fitted in a longitudinal housing (10) formed in the main body (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Industrie Ilpea, S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Cittadini, Pier Paolo Ferrante, Ralf Laudwein
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Patent number: 6132154Abstract: A fastening device 1 for securing an instrument panel 3 to a vehicle body 5 comprising a first striker member 7 for passing through a bore 9 in the instrument panel 3, the first striker member 7 comprising an enlarged head 11, and a nose 13, extending from the head 11 and coupled to the head 11 by a shank 15 having a transverse cross section which is smaller than the transverse cross section of the head 11, the nose 13 having a transverse cross section 17 greater than the transverse cross section of the shank 15 such that a shoulder area 19 is defined, the nose 13 tapering from a region 17 to the nose tip 21, and a second catch member 23 on the vehicle body 5 having a nose receiving housing 27 shaped to receive the nose 13 with a mouth 29 into which the nose 13 may be pushed and a throat region having resilient walls to grip the nose 13 when inserted in the housing 25, the throat 33 and cavity 31 defining a shoulder region 35 which inhibits the removal of the nose 13 from the cavity 31 by the shoulder 19 of tType: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventor: Robert Leslie Easter
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Patent number: 6119306Abstract: A deck lid bumper having a stud with a head and a shaft, the head adapted to bump against the deck upon closure of the deck against the bumper, the receptacle adapted to receive the shaft of the stud, the receptacle having means to secure the receptacle in a frame. A frictional surface is provided between the shaft of the stud and the receptacle sufficient to support the stud in a desired position within the receptacle and a lock is provided to lock the shaft portion of the stud into the receptacle by rotating the head of the stud with respect to the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Antonucci, Thomas Weuthen
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Patent number: 6119316Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kojima Press Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuuichirou Ishihara, Takeshi Mizuno, Masaaki Yamakami
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Patent number: 6101686Abstract: A spring clip has a first and second retention member. The first retention member retains a first part to the spring clip. The second retention member retains the spring clip in a second part. The second retention member provides for retention in a first and second position. In the first position, the first and second parts are in an engagement position and in the second position, the retention member enables servicing of the first part while still connecting the first and second members.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Manchester Plastics, Ltd.Inventors: Michael J. Velthoven, Edoardo Panziera
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Patent number: 6095594Abstract: An exterior cladding attachment for a motor vehicle includes a main body portion and a plurality of carets integrally formed therewith which extend in an inboard direction. Each of the plurality of carets is adapted to engage an aperture provided in a body side panel of the motor vehicle and is formed to include a base portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion passes through the associated aperture and has a stop surface for retaining the caret therein. The base portion includes first and second spaced apart sides having a thickness adjacent to the main body portion which is approximately 25% or less than the nominal thickness of the main body portion. To further secure the main body portion to the motor vehicle, the cladding attachment includes an adhesive strip disposed adjacent horizontally extending adjacent a lower edge of the main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, Textron Automotive Company Inc.Inventors: Christopher L. Riddle, Michael J. Marlow, Michael J. Bazydlo
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Patent number: 6094785Abstract: The present invention relates to a snap arrangement comprising snap hooks (208) associated with a first housing (200) that snap over corresponding protrusions (111) in a second housing (100). The snap hooks preferably include an inclined portion (212) such that a finger (504) of a certain width of a removal tool (502) will force them apart to the deflection required for disassembly. Once the tool has been inserted beyond the elbow (213), the snap hook is not deflected any further regardless of the motion of the tool. This enables the tool to continue moving the front housing apart from the rear housing without further deflecting the snap hooks. This ensures that the snap hooks are never overstressed, that the front housing comes completely off of the rear housing every time, and that repeated disassembly will only minimally affect the strength of the snaps.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Douglas Montgomery, Leonardo Diego Moral
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Patent number: 6088878Abstract: A deck lid bumper having a stud with a head and a shaft, the head adapted to bump against the deck upon closure of the deck against the bumper, the receptacle adapted to receive the shaft of the stud, the receptacle having means to secure the receptacle in a frame. A frictional surface is provided between the shaft of the stud and the receptacle sufficient to support the stud in a desired position within the receptacle and a lock is provided to lock the shaft portion of the stud into the receptacle by rotating the head of the stud with respect to the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Antonucci, Thomas Weuthen
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Patent number: 6086306Abstract: A bilaterally split retainer pin which is structurally robust, having a head easily insertable into an aperture yet highly resistant to backing out through the aperture. The bilaterally split retainer pin includes a post base having a periphery and a pair of legs integrally connected thereto which are mutually separated by a bilateral slot. Each of the legs is composed of a post segment integrally connected with the post base and a head integrally connected with the respective post segment. Each head is characterized by a tapered surface and an abutment surface, wherein a barb radially projects outwardly relative to the periphery a radial length defined by an abutment surface. The tapered surface includes the barb and converges radially toward a respective tip. Each leg has a transverse cut originating at the post base and extending to the tip, wherein the transverse cut slopes from the periphery toward a midsection of the bilaterally split pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John H. Bakker, William G. Flask, Vickey E. Reed, John Kountz
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Patent number: 6074150Abstract: A part mounting structure has a projection which is provided on one side of a part and includes a recess portion. A mounting member, which is adapted to be received in and locked with a mounting hole of a base, has a locking member which has a latch claw to be latched with the recess portion of the projection.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Nobuya Shinozaki, Oomi Arisaka
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Patent number: 6044528Abstract: A strap retainer including a base having an integrally formed post projecting therefrom, and a post receiving member, spaced from the base wherein the post receiving member has an opening formed therein for receipt of the post. A member connects the base and the post receiving member and the post generally includes a cylindrical body portion, a generally cylindrical plug portion, each one of which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the post receiving member. The post includes a neck interposed between the body portion and the plug portion, the neck having a diameter less than the diameter of the post receiving member opening. The plug portion of the post includes a tapered end portion having a longitudinal slot formed therein for enabling deformation of the plug so that the plug portion contracts when the plug is pressed into the post receiving member opening for retention therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Thomas M. Schottin
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Patent number: 6042296Abstract: A fastener connects panel members in a flush position. The fastener includes a pair of connecting members which are snap-fit within apertures provided within each of the panel members for securing the panel members together. The fastener also disconnects the panel members when secured together. For this purpose, at least one of the connecting members is removable from the panel member aperture to disconnect the panel members. The fastener allows the panels to be assembled together and disassembled quickly and with little or no tooling.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: J. Michael Wittig, William R. Frame, William A. Wiedmann, Ralph Ulisse
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Patent number: 6009562Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet is disposed along the upper shell surface and aligned over the mounting hole. A receptacle housing is disposed along the lower shell surface and has a receptacle aligned to and facing the mounting hole. Engagement prongs secure the grommet to the receptacle housing with the shell member therebetween. The helmet accessory has at least one mounting member, such as a protrusion or screw. The receptacle includes a device for removably engaging the mounting member when the mounting member is inserted through the mounting hole in order to removably mount the helmet accessory to the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
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Patent number: 6009561Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable and adjustable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet with a access hole formed therethrough is attached to the outer shell so that the access hole is aligned with the mounting hole. A helmet accessory has at least one mounting member insertable through the access hole. An engagement member is rotatably attached to the grommet with a predetermined amount of friction therebetween, and has means for removably engaging the helmet accessory mounting member inserted through the access hole for removably mounting the helmet accessory to the helmet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Bell Sports Inc.Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
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Patent number: 5988678Abstract: Simplified structure and arrangement for fixing an internal part to a vehicle body forming member in a single step during assembly of an automobile without use of a separate fixing member. This enhances efficient assembly of the internal part to the vehicle body forming member. An insert boss integrally provided on an internal part such as a shock absorbing member and having a deformable portion is inserted into an insert bore in a roof side rail as a vehicle body forming member while deforming the portion, to fix the shock absorbing member to the roof side rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kumi Kasei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keishin Nakamura, Daijiro Sawane
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Patent number: 5966782Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignees: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Kojima Press Kogy Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuuichirou Ishihara, Takeshi Mizuno, Masaaki Yamakami
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Patent number: 5964017Abstract: A retainer apparatus for attaching a seat cover to a foam cushion, wherein the retainer apparatus has a base component embedded in the foam cushion and an anchor component connected with the seat cover, wherein further the connection of the anchor component to the seat cover is facilitated by its being selectively reconfigured for that purpose. The base component has a plurality of engagement apertures formed therein. The anchor component includes a bifurcated pedestal and a plurality of rams upstanding therefrom. Each ram has a barbed head for being anchoringly engaged with a respective engagement aperture. Each of the heads has a living hinge at its tip which serves to enable the anchor component to be reconfigured between an open configuration, used when attaching the seat cover to the bifurcated pedestal, and a closed configuration, used when the rams are inserted into the engagement apertures.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Clifford D. Roberts
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Patent number: 5956821Abstract: A one-piece catch for installation on a panel having a front side and a rear side, for holding a folding handle in a folded position to the front side of the panel, or an other article in place, including a panel attachment means for installing the one-piece catch on the panel by inserting the one-piece catch through the panel and rotating the catch ninety degrees to seat the catch in position, and a releasable pawl formed integral to the panel attachment means having a head section with a camming surface adapted to contact the handle as the handle is folded to the folded position, the handle moving the pawl back to force the pawl away from the handle as the handle is latched to the one-piece catch, the pawl springing forward as the handle passes over the camming surface to seat the handle under the pawl, the handle releasable from the pawl by the application of pressure to the pawl away from the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: Edward Kurek, III, Richard E. Schlack
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Patent number: 5947631Abstract: A component retaining leg is disclosed, which comprises a base to be provided on a component such as a clamp and a clip, a pillar depending from the base, and a flexible retaining piece extending from the free end of the pillar in a folded fashion toward the base. The free end of the retaining piece has an engagement step section for engaging a mounting hole of a panel. The engagement step section has a plurality of engagement steps formed at a predetermined interval.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Daiwa Kogyo KabushikiInventors: Katsuhito Hironaka, Makoto Fukase
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Patent number: 5937486Abstract: A closure element is provided made of plastic, particularly for sealing off at least one opening 2, 3 in at least one support member 20, 30, in particular, in a automotive body, the closure element including a head section 4 located above the support, and a basic body portion 5 extending through the support 20, 30. At least one region of the closure element is made of a material which expands under the influence of temperature. The basic body portion 5 and the head section 4 of the closure element 1' is preferably formed of a single piece of thermal plastic material, which, is with increased thermal influence, media-tight bondable via a gluing action within the openings 2, 3.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: TRW United-Carr GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Alexander Bockenheimer
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Patent number: 5934758Abstract: An office-type chair, having separate seat and back parts each cushioned and employing a thin inner plastic shell having a perforated central region formed as a thin membrane which is supported solely around the peripheral edge thereof by a suitable ringlike support frame. This membrane is semi-rigid in the plane thereof, but possesses at least limited resiliency in the thickness direction and, being free of direct underlying support, provides direct support for the cushion which in turn engages either the back or posterior of the user to provide limited flexibility and desirable comfort and ergonomic support. The membrane in the central region is provided with a first series of wavy strips which extend between the border of the membrane, with the first strips extending transversely across the membrane in one direction in spaced relationship, and a second series of wavy strips extending transversely across the membrane in the other transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: David J. Ritch, Mark B. Saffell, Larry A. Wilkerson
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Patent number: 5931525Abstract: A vehicle headliner pull handle assembly is attachable to a vehicle interior sheet metal component which is covered by a head impact foam having openings formed therein. The assembly includes a pull handle body portion forming a grip and having first and second ends, wherein each end forms a peripheral edge. An extended attachment portion protrudes from each end and extends through one of the openings in the head impact foam for attachment to the sheet metal component. A headliner has the attachment portions extending there-through. A stabilizer plug is positioned over each attachment portion against the sheet metal component for providing strength to the assembly and for trapping the headliner against the peripheral edge of the respective end of the pull handle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Ted Rickabus