Tongue-type Retainer Patents (Class 411/48)
  • Patent number: 11572026
    Abstract: A fastener includes a fastening pin and a sleeve component disposed around the fastening pin and movable up and down relative to the fastening pin. The sleeve component includes fixing claws that are able to stretch outward and retract inward. A pin of the fastening pin comprises a small-diameter rod section and an upper large-diameter rod section. When the fixing claws move relative to the pin to abut against an outer surface of the upper large-diameter rod section, the fixing claws stretch outward, and the fastener is in a locked state. When the fixing claws move to the outside of the small-diameter rod section relative to the pin, the fixing claws retract inward, and the fastener is in a release state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Xing Wang, Mengli Sun
  • Patent number: 11542973
    Abstract: A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a clip including a grommet and a pin, which does not degrade design quality and allows the clip to be removed easily from members to be attached without causing damage. The grommet is configured to be inserted into attachment holes of the members to be attached, and includes a grommet hole into which a pin is to be inserted. Depending on an insertion position of the pin relative to the grommet, the grommet undergoes elastic deformation to allow the members to be attached to each other or detached from each other. A flange portion of the grommet has an engagement hole so that the clip can be removed from the members by engaging a tool with the engagement hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: NIFCO, Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohei Takahashi, Kota Shimosato
  • Patent number: 11408453
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping element to clamp to a portion of an element. The clamping element has a housing with a receiving space, the housing having an opening that connects the outside of the housing with the receiving space, a clip arranged inside the housing, the clip having a first leg and a second leg arranged opposite each other, a bridge connecting the first leg and the second leg, the receiving space at least partially being arranged between the first leg and the second leg, wherein a force needs to be applied to move the first leg away from the second leg and in a pre-assembly state of the clip, which describes the position that the elements of the clip have prior to the portion of the element that is to be clamped having been introduced into the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Sven Binkert, David Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 10411547
    Abstract: A terminal insertion hole is formed in a rear end frame. A grommet has a main body portion and a flanged portion. A terminal holding hole is formed in the main body portion of the grommet. The grommet is inserted into the terminal insertion hole of the rear end frame and the flanged portion is in contact with a rear-side axial-end surface of the rear end frame, that is, a peripheral portion of a rear-side open end of the terminal insertion hole. The grommet is assembled to the rear end frame by inserting the grommet into the terminal insertion hole from the rear-side open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rintaro Horizumi
  • Patent number: 10221873
    Abstract: A fastener assembly may include a pin including a central shaft connected to a distal tip, and a grommet including at least one leg. The pin and the grommet are configured to be positioned in an expanded state in which the fastener assembly securely fastens to the component, and a retracted state in which the leg(s) is drawn toward the central shaft to reduce an axial envelope of the leg(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Flynn
  • Patent number: 9982700
    Abstract: A fastener attached to an attachment hole of an attachment member, wherein a grommet has a head section having an opening, and a plurality of leg pieces having an outer surface capable of engaging with an edge of the attachment hole of the attachment member by expansion of the leg pieces. A pin member is pressed in from the opening to splay the plurality of leg pieces. The leg pieces each have: a flexure section that extends downward from the head section and is flexible for spreading out; and an inclined surface that is formed radially inwardly away from an inner surface of the flexure section, inclined downwardly toward the center axis, and subjected to a pressing force from the pin member when the pin member is pressed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PIOLAX, INC.
    Inventor: Masahiro Najima
  • Patent number: 9845061
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fastener comprising a foot and a head comprising a plate to which said foot is linked, a wedge and a shank connecting said plate to said wedge, which comprises a back-plate, a rim and flexible arms connecting said rim to said back-plate, each arm comprises a first and a second curved section, and an elbow connecting them, said first section is connected to said back-plate by a first end of said arm and said second section is connected to said rim by a second end of said arm, said back-plate and each flexible arm are configured such that the distance between the center of said back-plate and said second section increases along said second section from said elbow to said rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Christian Courtin, Laurent Huet
  • Patent number: 9592786
    Abstract: A clip includes a clip main body. The clip main body has a pair of locking pawls which are deformable in a direction in which they approach each other. The pair of the locking pawls have internal side faces opposed to each other. A projection/recess is provided on at least part of the internal side face of the pair of the locking pawls. A projection portion of the projection/recess of the locking pawl on one side is opposed to a recess portion of the projection/recess of the locking pawl on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9541114
    Abstract: A fastening element for positive, materially integral and/or non-positive arrangement on or in a fiber composite component includes a sleeve-like portion, on the first end of which there is formed a tapering conical or cone-shaped portion in which a plurality of slots are made which are aligned in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the fastening element and in this way subdivide the conical or cone-shaped portion into individual segments. On the second end of the sleeve-like portion, there is arranged a holding portion which is angled at a right angle from the sleeve-like portion and in this way enlarges an outer diameter of the sleeve-like portion and forms planar bearing surfaces. A method is also described for mounting a fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Dustin Flock
  • Patent number: 9155362
    Abstract: A clip includes a male member having a head portion and a shaft portion, and a female member having a base portion, a fitting portion into an attachment hole for one attachment object, and a reception hole for the shaft portion. The clip is formed to hold another attachment object between the head portion and the base portion. An inside of the reception hole of the female member includes a first sliding contact portion relative to a first cam portion formed at an end of the shaft portion, an engagement concave portion relative to an engagement protrusion formed in a middle of the shaft portion, and a second sliding contact portion located at a hole opening of the reception hole and relative to a second cam portion formed at the engagement protrusion. The shaft portion can be inserted into and released from the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Shimizu, Yuki Hirano
  • Patent number: 9086084
    Abstract: A clip includes a pin; and a grommet including an insertion hole where the pin can be inserted, and forming a plurality of leg pieces by a slit provided in a length direction of a leg portion. In the clip, the grommet can spread portions by inserting the pin into the insertion hole. A prevention portion, which prevents a foreign matter such as gravel and the like from entering in, is provided at least in either one of the pin or the grommet (for example, the pin). The prevention portion may be positioned in one portion of an insertion leg of the pin, or positioned in one portion of the leg piece of the grommet, or provided to extend along a length direction of the slit from a lower surface of a flange of the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8794887
    Abstract: Insertion force for installing a clip to a body panel, and retaining force of the clip after installation, are obtained by an engagement leg section. A click sensation when the clip is installed to the body panel is obtained by a click leg section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masaaki Nishino
  • Publication number: 20140050549
    Abstract: A clip is provided which can flexibly deal with a change in thickness of a member in which a mounting hole is formed so as to be stably fixed in the mounting hole without any looseness. This clip 10 includes a grommet 20 and a pin 40. The pin 40 has a head portion 41, a shaft portion 43 which projects from one side of the head portion 41, first locking pieces 50 which are provided flexibly on an outer circumference of the shaft portion 43 so as to be brought into engagement with a circumferential edge of the mounting hole 3 and first engagement portions 50 which are brought into engagement with the grommet 20 so as to prevent the dislodgement of the pin 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventor: Nobuya SHINOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20140050548
    Abstract: In a fastening clip (10) for fastening a component to a carrier (24), in particular a lining part (26) of a motor vehicle to a body sheet, having an anchoring member (12) which can be inserted into an opening (22) of the carrier (24) and has latching tabs (38) which, in a latching position, can rest against an edge of the opening (22) and/or can latch thereon, and having a locking member (16) which can cooperate with the component, extends through the anchoring member (12) and is displaceable relative to these between a mounting position and a locking position in which the locking member (16) fixes the latching tabs (38) in place in the latching position, holding members (40) are provided on the anchoring member (12), with the locking member (16), upon a movement of the locking member (16) from the locking position to the mounting position, urging the holding members (40) radially outwards to a holding position, in which they engage the edge of the opening (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Loewe, Juergen Hofmann, Philipp Kroell, Franz Hammer, Carsten Lange
  • Patent number: 8572818
    Abstract: A connection assembly for fastening an attaching element on a support (10) comprises a holding clip (16), which can be inserted into a mounting opening (20) of the support (10) and has holders (54) for axially fixing the holding clip (16) to the support (10), and a pin (12), which can be reversibly attached to a coupling piece (14) fastened to the attachment element and inserted into the holding clip (16). The pull-off force of the pin (12) in an intermediate position of the connecting assembly, in which the pin (12) has a first orientation relative to the holding clip (16), is larger than in a mounting position of the connection assembly, in which the pin (12) also has the first orientation and is inserted fully into the holding clip (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Hofmann, Hubert Loewe
  • Patent number: 8438802
    Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Muhler Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry M. Hay, Bruce Weber
  • Patent number: 8419330
    Abstract: A clip includes a pin having at at least a part thereof a noncircular cross-section, and a grommet having an insertion hole into which the pin can be inserted, wherein a part of the grommet is adapted to be expandable by insertion of the pin into the insertion hole. The grommet has slope surfaces provided at an entrance-side hole edge of the insertion hole to lead the pin into the insertion hole when the pin is displaced from a normal position to be in contact with the entrance-side hole edge of the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110150598
    Abstract: There is provided a structure for mounting an attachment for vehicle capable of absorbing the marginal difference of a front spoiler and reducing the procedures for controlling the dimension of the front spoiler. The structure for mounting a front spoiler on a front bumper includes: a male clip provided on the front spoiler; an insertion hole provided on the front bumper for inserting the male clip therethrough; and a female clip engaged with the male clip and allowing the front spoiler to be held by the front bumper. The male clip is loosely inserted through the insertion hole and engaged with the female clip around said insertion hole via an abutting brim, thereby producing a gap between the insertion hole and the male clip, thus increasing the degree of freedom of positional adjustment, reducing the steps for mounting and controlling the accuracy of the attachment, reducing the overall cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Mitsuo, Ryoichi Adachi, Jun Takada, Masanori Seo
  • Patent number: 7862275
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a plate element, in particular a door or wall lining, on a carrier, in particular a body part of a motor vehicle, can take a preassembly position and a final assembly position. The fastening device includes a connecting element (10), which can be connected with the plate element and defines an axial mounting direction (A). The fastening device further comprises an engaging part (12) for locking the fastening device behind an opening of the carrier. Both the connecting element (10) and the engaging part (12) have integrally formed functional elements, which in the preassembly position directly cooperate with associated functional elements or regions of the engaging part (12) and with associated functional elements or regions of the connecting element (10), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Jatzke
  • Patent number: 7862272
    Abstract: A clip which is easily removed from an object to be fixed is provided. The clip includes: two parts including a first member 1 and a second member 2, the first member having a head portion 4 and a shaft portion 5, and the second member having a flange portion 11 and a leg portion 12, wherein an opening 13 is formed in the flange portion of the second member, and the leg portion of the second member is split into two split leg portions 16 to form a gap 17, which communicates with the opening and into which the shaft portion of the first member is inserted between the split leg portions 16, and wherein elastic blades 18 projecting radially are provided in multiple stages along a vertical direction on outer peripheral surfaces of the split leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7862273
    Abstract: A part mounting mechanism includes a boss, and a resin clip adapted to be assembled to the boss. The resin clip includes holding pieces, elastic engagement pieces, and a connecting portion. The part mounting mechanism also includes projecting portions formed on facing inner surfaces of the connecting portion at predetermined intervals in a staggered fashion along a direction in which the boss is inserted. When the boss is inserted into the connecting portion, the projecting portions bite into the distal end portion of the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Ooyama, Takeshi Kuroda, Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 7837408
    Abstract: A board fixing module fixes a board to a base body. The board fixing module includes: a fixing element embedded into the base body, a bottom portion passed through the board and a latch element latched with the fixing element, and a passing rod passed into the latch element for maintaining the latch condition of the latch element and the fixing element. The invention is characterized in that users simply need to press the passing rod inward to release the latch condition of the latch element and the fixing element in order to separate the board from the base body, and thus the invention achieves the effect of a convenient installation or dismount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kenmark Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Hawang
  • Publication number: 20100172714
    Abstract: A pin having a head and a plurality of legs extending from that head, and a bushing having a flange and a shank extending from that flange, are comprised. In the flange, holes for accepting a plurality of legs are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs, and in the shank, corresponding spaces for accepting each of the legs which have passed through the holes are provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of legs. The cross-section of the shank is polygonal, spaces are disposed on the surfaces of the shank capable of forming that polygon, and elastic latching pieces extending outward in lateral directions are provided at positions adjacent to the flange in a plurality corresponding to the spaces. By inserting the legs into the spaces, the elastic latching pieces are prevented from being displaced in directions whereby they would approach the spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Takahiro SANO
  • Patent number: 7726922
    Abstract: A quick release support post and associated method are provided to attach a cable to a structure and later move the cable location without the need for many small parts and tools. Thus, cables and wires may be installed in hard-to-reach areas quicker and easier than with conventional clamps because no tools are required and an installer generally does not have to use both hands. Because the quick release support posts and associated method require only a hole in the structure for installation, there is no need for extra materials, and minimal weight is added to the structure during installation or movement. In addition, the quick release support posts and associated method of the present invention create efficient cable management systems because the support posts may be various lengths and cables may be grouped and secured to the support posts together, which makes trouble shooting and later moves much easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Slyter
  • Publication number: 20080298925
    Abstract: Provided is a two-piece clip that can be detached from a mounting hole easily and reliably. A two-piece clip includes a grommet and a pin. The pin has a flange portion, a shaft portion, and a first lock member to be engaged with the peripheral edge of a mounting hole. A first lock groove is formed in the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the shaft portion, and, further, a second lock groove is formed in the outer periphery of the shaft portion on the proximal end side of the first lock groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PIOLAX INC.
    Inventor: Nobuya Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 7413367
    Abstract: A combinational commodity engaging unit which can connect by engaging plates of a computer desk, a TV cabinet etc. in order to assemble the combinational commodity without using an auxiliary tool, the engaging unit includes at least: a fixing seat embedded in a first plate, a hollow engaging member embedded in a second plate and having its bottom portion engaged in the fixing seat, and a fixing rod extended into the interior of the hollow engaging member to maintain the hollow engaging member in a state of engaging the fixing seat. By combination of the above stated fixing seat, hollow engaging member and fixing rod, the combinational commodity can be assembled without using an auxiliary tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kenmark Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Hawang
  • Publication number: 20080193250
    Abstract: A detachable metal fixing rivet comprising a retaining body (12) and a pin (11) having an elongate shaft equipped with at least a first notch and a second notch spaced longitudinally along the shaft (14). The retaining body (12) is made of cut and folded metal sheet, having a first pair of guide tabs (24a) for guiding the shaft (14), and a second pair of elastic tabs (25a) provided with a series of latching lugs (40) that ensure positive locking at the end of the insertion travel of the pin (11) into the body (12). The first pair of guide tabs (24a) is provided with at least one spring leaf (27a) cooperating either with the first notch (16a) of the shaft (14), in an “up,” premounted position of the pin (11), or with the second notch, in a “down,” locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventor: Mohieddine Boubtane
  • Publication number: 20080170927
    Abstract: Disclosed is a push button latch mechanism including a catch, a spring, and a plunger. The catch includes two legs connected to a catch face. Each leg includes a first hook insertable through and retained in a hole in the structure, a second hook extending inward and toward the catch face from the free end, and a third hook insertable into and retained in a hole formed in the cover. The plunger includes a shaft having one or more tabs insertable into a hole in the catch face and retained by it, and a v-notch at the free end of the shaft configured to be accepted into the second hooks of the catch when the plunger is pushed, thereby forcing the legs of the catch closer together and releasing the first hooks from the hole in the structure allowing the cover to be removed. The spring is disposed around the shaft and configured such that when the plunger is released, the plunger returns to its original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael A. Boraas
  • Publication number: 20080066266
    Abstract: A fastener assembly configured to secure a first panel with respect to a second panel includes a base having lateral wings connected to a central post. The lateral wings and the central post converge at a distal tip. Each of the lateral wings includes a first outer surface and a second outer surface, wherein the first outer surface is inwardly angled toward the distal tip. The fastener assembly also includes angled retaining ledges located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The angled retaining ledges are canted in a non-parallel fashion with respect to a plane of at least one of the first and second panels. The angled retaining ledges allow for safe and easy removal of the base from at least one of the first and second panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland, Brett J. Jurily
  • Patent number: 7249922
    Abstract: A jointing member has a grommet and a pin. The grommet includes a flange portion and a leg portion capable of being opened, in which an insertion hole is formed from the center of the flange portion to the inner portion of the leg portion, and an engagement portion is formed at the inner surface of the leg portion. The pin includes a head portion and a shaft portion to be inserted into the insertion hole, in which an engagement surface and a lock surface each engaging with the engagement portions are formed at the shaft portion. In the jointed and fixed state of panel members, when an unexpected external force is applied to the tip end of the shaft portion of the pin, the engagement portion engages with the lock surface of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Yoneoka
  • Patent number: 7243401
    Abstract: A clip includes an insertion member whose cross-sectional shape is in a T-shape, having a head portion and a shaft portion connected downwardly from the head portion; a latch member in a V-shape disposed on an outer side of the shaft portion; and a hinge member connecting the shaft portion and the latch member. Split flanges, mated in a flange-shape by surrounding the shaft portion when both side leg portions are closed, are provided to be continued from upper end portions of the both side leg portions. One side of an abutting surface of each split flange protrudes to form an L-shape in a plan view and abuts against a corresponding side portion of the shaft portion. A retaining protruding piece extending from a side portion opposite to a protruding portion and engaging with corresponding side portion of the shaft portion is formed on each both side leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Sawatani
  • Patent number: 7237995
    Abstract: A device, for attaching a panel to a support, incorporates a body with an elongated lower sector having a lower segment, an intermediate segment and an upper segment in which incuts are made to operatively engage and locate a retention bushing. The retention bushing has an annular head and alternated elongate and short legs that are configured to engage the lower and intermediate segments respectively when the retention bushing is at a lower position on the elongated lower sector, and configured so that the elongate legs are deflected outwardly by engagement with vertical ribs on the elongate lower sector while the short legs engage the upper segment, when the bushing is a high position on the elongate lower sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Espana, S.A.
    Inventors: Jesus Randez Perez, Josep Ventallo Sabater
  • Patent number: 7222398
    Abstract: A clip includes: a pin having a head and a shank; and a grommet having a collar and a leg. The leg of the grommet is divided into a plurality of expansion leg pieces by means of slits extending along an axial direction. The expansion leg pieces of the leg are expanded outwardly by the insertion of the pin into an inner side of the grommet, so as to clamp plate-like members by the collar and the expansion leg pieces. The leg of the grommet has resilient beams which project outwardly of the expansion leg pieces on a collar side when the pin is inserted into the inner side of the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Koike
  • Patent number: 7207759
    Abstract: A fastener comprises a pin and a bushing having a hollow shank that is inserted into holes in a plurality of members being attached. A pin shank is inserted into the bushing shank to effect a widened-diameter coupling condition in which the diameter of the bushing shank is widened, and the members being attached are coupled between the diameter-widened bushing shank and a bushing flange. On the bushing shank are pawls for maintaining a non-widened-diameter coupling condition in which the pin and the bushing are coupled with the pin shank partially inserted into the bushing shank, and the diameter of the bushing shank is not widened. On the pin shank there is a groove for engaging the pawls, which normally extend out beyond the diameter of the attachment holes, but can bend inward. The groove has a depth that will accept the pawls when they are bent inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 7188393
    Abstract: A fastener device for connecting a first component to a second component comprises a clip having a flange and a shank, and a retaining plate cooperable with the clip to embrace the first component between the flange and the retaining plate when the shank is passed through a hole in the first component and a hole in the retaining plate. When the shank is passed through a hole in the second component, first elastic engagement leaves on the shank engage an edge of that hole. Second elastic engagement leaves on the retaining plate engage portions of the first elastic engagement leaves, and the retaining plate is interposed between the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 7131806
    Abstract: An anchoring structure for components such as a ball-stud grommet includes a head and a plurality of retention legs defining lips in spaced, confronting relationship with a surface of the head. The legs are arranged in a circle and are provided in sufficient number and in sufficiently close spaced relation that at least one leg on opposite sides engage edges of a slot for any rotational position of the fastener relative to the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Wayne M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7033121
    Abstract: A substantially watertight grommet having a sealing mechanism that can simultaneously form a watertight seal between the grommet and a pin received therein and between the grommet and a panel within which the grommet is received is herein described. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism is formed integrally with the head of the grommet by an overmolding process. A body of the grommet has a retention structure for securing the grommet within a bore formed in a panel and a catchment mechanism for securing a pin within the grommet. The catchment mechanism is constructed so as to permit the pin to be secured within the grommet in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: James T. Kirchen
  • Patent number: 6984096
    Abstract: A device for connecting a support, with a panel element is provided including a connecting element (1) with an upper part (3) that can be fastened to the panel element, lower part (4) that can be linked with the support and a neck-shaped intermediate section (5) is provided with locking elements (10) and extends through an engaging element (12) that can be inserted ma support opening (7). The intermediate section (5) is enclosed by an intermediate element (15) and is lockable with the locking elements (10). A sealing element acts upon the upper side of the support (2). The intermediate section (5) is provided with a first zone I and a second zone II of the locking elements (10). In a pre-assembled state, the first zone I, and in an assembled state, the second zone II of the locking elements (10) is locked with the counterlocking elements (22) of the intermediate element (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6905296
    Abstract: A peel type blind rivet for securement in an aperture of one or more workpieces, the rivet having a tubular shell a flange abutting one side of the workpieces, together with a mandrel with a stem extending through the shell and forming an enlarged head adjacent to the tail end face of the shell, whereby the head has a plurality of axially extending cutting edges for engaging with the body shell the setting process of the rivet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Maurice Millington
  • Patent number: 6726417
    Abstract: The clip 1 comprises a hollow bushing 6 with a flange 10 and a shank 11, and a pin 5 with a shank 9 inserted into the bushing 6. The pin shank 9 is inserted into the bushing shank 11 to enlarge the bushing shank 11 so workpieces 2, 3 are connected to each other by the enlarged section of the bushing shank 26 and the bushing flange 10. A guide 13 extending from the end of the bushing shank so the pin shank is inserted into the bushing shank 11 without enlarging the bushing shank is formed in the end of the pin shank 5. The guide 13 has a large diameter section 14 larger than the end of the bushing shank. The diameter of the large diameter section 14 is formed so as to be larger than the diameter of a thick section 26 of the creep-deformed bushing shank when enlarged by the pin shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hideki Kanie
  • Patent number: 6685407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element between a support, in particular part of a motor vehicle body and a bearing part which is to be fixed onto said support. The connecting element comprises an outer part (1) which can be connected to the bearing part and an inner part (2) which is used in the assembly position to expand at least one section of the outer part (1) behind and/or in an opening of the support. The outer part (1) has an upper flange (10), containing centered internal toothing (11) which can be engaged by counter-toothing (21) in the inner part (2), when in the assembly position. The inner part (2) has at least one catch groove in a catch area between two cylindrical sections. At least one counter-catch of the outer part (1) is inserted into said catch groove in the assembly position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Carr France
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Holzman, Jean-Luc Klein
  • Patent number: 6676348
    Abstract: The invention relates to an expansible anchor (10) for fastening to a panel-shaped building material, having an anchor sleeve (12) with forwardly projecting expansion tongues (18) that can be spread open by drawing in an expander body (24) having an expander cone (26). The invention proposes to form the expansible anchor (10) with a locking connection (20, 36) which locks the expander body (24) on the expansible anchor (10) in a position in which the expander body (24) is drawn in between the expansion tongues (18) and holds the expansion tongues (18) in a spread-open position. The invention has the advantage that the expander body (24) remains in its position in which it is drawn in between the expansion tongues (18) and holds the expansion tongues in a spread-open position even when an expander screw is unscrewed from the expansible anchor (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Hoppe
  • Patent number: 6652206
    Abstract: A rivet-type fastener is disclosed, suitable for panel fasteners and other applications in which retention in a hole is required. The act of inserting the fastener expands fastener arms to secure the fastener in the hole, and positions locking protrusions of a post within notches of the arms, to lock the fastener within the hole. In some embodiments the fastener can be released, for removal and re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Heflin, George Siragusa
  • Patent number: 6616479
    Abstract: A retention device (1) for separable connection of the present invention includes a first member (10) and a second member (12) engageable with each other. The first member includes a base portion (14) and at least two elastic latches (16) extending from the base portion for inserting into a hole (54, 56) defined in boards (50, 52) to which the retention device is fastened. Each elastic latch has a hook (17) for engaging with bottom face of one of the boards. The base portion of the first member defines an opening (20) in which the second member is received. The second member includes at least two wedge portions (28) which, when the second member is pushed into the opening of the second member, drive the at least two elastic latches to move inwardly, thereby disengaging the hooks of the first member from the boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis B. Jones
  • Patent number: 6594870
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Martin Lambrecht, Andrew Johnston, Kathy J. Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Jr., Shawn E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6540461
    Abstract: A retaining member structure. The structure includes a retaining rod member and a joint clamping member used to retain two object members. The joint clamping member extends between the jointed surfaces of two object members and the upper thereof has receiving slots, and the lower thereof has resilient clamping plates, and the center thereof has a through round hole which is provided for the retaining rod member to extend into, to make a retaining rod extend outside the resilient retaining plate and to further push the plate open to push against the inside of the inner insert hole of an object member, to assemble the retaining member engaged by the retaining rod member and the joint clamping member for fastening two object members. The retaining rod member and the joint clamping member can be separated to withdraw from two object members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kenmark Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Hawang
  • Patent number: 6514024
    Abstract: A clip 1 includes both a pin 7 having a flange 10 and a shank 11, and a bush 9 having a flange 13 and a shank 14 with the bush 9 having a hollow configuration to receive the shank of the pin 11. The shank of the bush is inserted into holes of a plurality of attachment members to be connected with each other. Then, the shank of the pin is inserted into the hollow shank of the bush to enlarge the diameter of the shank of the bush so as to connect the attachment members each other by the enlarged shank of the bush and the flange of the bush. The shank of the bush 14 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending legs 31 which are divided in the circumferential direction of the shank of the bush. Each of the legs 31 includes a thin wall portion, which extends longitudinally from the root portion of the leg adjacent to the flange of the bush to the intermediate portion 34 of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Akema, Takashi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 6511273
    Abstract: A clip is used to hold two or more sheet-like materials, for example, an automobile panel and a trim, together. The clip comprises a grommet having a V-shaped leg portion, a pin movable in the axial direction in a space between the V-shaped leg, and a pair of hinges coupling the pin with the V-shaped leg portion of the grommet. The V-shaped leg has a pair of leg pieces and a bottom connecting the leg pieces. The hinges are curved in the free state, and extend in planes perpendicular to the plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the leg pieces of the V-shaped leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 6398473
    Abstract: A plastic connector 1 is provided for connecting an associated support member with an associated plate element. A generally cylindrical elongate neck shaped intermediate zone 5 defines a longitudinal axis and carries on a first end an upper part 2 and on a second end a lower part 3. The upper part is selectively attachable to the associated plate element. The lower part 3 is selectively connectable with the associated support member and includes a cover cone portion 22 defining a generally pointed conical tip S. A plurality of ribs 15, 15′ are arranged longitudinally on the lower part and extend radially outwardly from the lower part by a first height H, the first height being greater than an outer diameter D formed by the intermediate zone 5. A spherical constriction portion 20 is defined between the intermediate zone 5 and the cover cone portion 22 to enable secure connection between the associated support member and plate element and to assist in installation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Willibald Kraus
  • Patent number: 6364586
    Abstract: A clip 1 is provided with a grommet 4 and a pin member 6. The grommet 4 has an axial leg 3 formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder by a plurality of elastic pieces 2. The pin member 6 is provided with an axial portion 7, recess grooves 8 and dams 10. Temporarily stopping pieces 9 are provided for the above recess grooves 8. Further, the above dams 10, 10 are formed at the leading half portions of the above recess grooves which the above axial leg comes into elastic contact with. By inserting the above axial portion 7 into a hollow portion 5 formed in the axial leg 3, the above elastic pieces 2 are expanded and plural panels are coupled to one another. At the temporarily fixing time, the temporarily stopping pieces 9 fit in fitting receivers 12 of the base ends of slits each of which is formed between the adjacent elastic pieces 2, thereby to prevent the pin member 6 from dropping out of the grommet. Further, the rotation of the pin member 6 is prevented by the dams 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeo Okada