Plural Ridges Or Flanges Patents (Class 411/510)
  • Patent number: 11964615
    Abstract: A fastening device, configured for interlocking attachment in a through-opening of a structural element, wherein the fastening device comprises a contact surface for contact on a first side of the structural element delimiting the through-opening as well as at least one first latching tab and at least one second latching tab, wherein the latching tabs each have at least one latching projection, wherein the latching projections are configured to engage behind the through-opening on a second side of the structural element delimiting the through-opening, wherein the distance of the latching projection of the second latching tab from the contact surface is greater than the corresponding distance in the case of the first latching tab. The fastening device can be, in particular, part of a container, for example of a coolant expansion tank, of a motor vehicle and the structural element part of a body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Diedrich, Mirko Arndt, Joerg Ohlhoff
  • Patent number: 11788565
    Abstract: A structural supporting bearing is comprised of a flange with a hole in the center and a cylindrical hollow tube. The cylindrical tube section is inserted through an appropriately sized hole in hollow fiberglass plastic tubing. The flange creates a stop for the cylinder against the outer wall of the tube. The length of the cylindrical tube is sized to approximately one-half the cross-section of the tube, so as to allow a similar bearing to be mounted to the other side of the tube. A plurality of other structural members is placed over the flanges as desired. The aforementioned assembly is configured to receive a suitably sized bolt through it and be secured in place with a receiving nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Cyrco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Martich, Hayward Sean Levy
  • Patent number: 11685435
    Abstract: A damper unit for use in a vibration-reducing assembly for a steering wheel is disclosed. The damper unit includes a slider configured, upon horn activation, to slide on a guide shaft. A damper element made from an elastomeric material is arranged on a first part of the slider. A molded horn spring element is molded directly on a second part of the slider and is configured to exert a spring force on the slider. The damper unit provides a unitary structure providing both a vibration damping function and a horn spring function in one single assembly unit, reducing the number of components to assemble. A vibration-reducing damper assembly including one or more such damper units is also disclosed, as well as a method of making such a damper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: VIBRACOUSTIC FORSHEDA AB
    Inventor: Erik Myklebust
  • Patent number: 11637391
    Abstract: A miniaturized card edge connector providing reliable operation. A connector may have a reinforcing member comprising a main body, a first connector engaging portion and a second connector engaging portion. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion extend from the main body in a first vertical direction and are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The first connector engaging portion and the second connector engaging portion are configured to be engaged to both sides of a card slot of the electrical connector. The reinforcing member may effectively protect the insulating body of the electrical connector against deformation or even damage. The reinforcing member can strengthen the connection between the electrical connector and the circuit board to ensure their stable connection. Since the reinforcing member itself is multifunctional and is convenient for mounting, the assembly period may be shortened and the product cost may be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Amphenol Commercial Products (Chengdu) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryan Guo, Xiaodong Hu
  • Patent number: 11536142
    Abstract: An airfoil a metal body, a cover panel carried on the metal body, and push fasteners extending through the cover panel and locking the cover panel on the metal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric W. Malmborg, Larry Foster
  • Patent number: 11344173
    Abstract: Provided are a cleaning robot and a cleaning cloth bracket for the cleaning robot, including a cleaning cloth bracket, where the cleaning cloth bracket includes a main body, a soft member and a raised portion, a cleaning cloth is provided under the cleaning cloth bracket, the cleaning cloth bracket is floatingly disposed at a bottom of a base of the cleaning robot, the raised portion is provided at a front end of the main body through the soft member, and the raised portion is in contact with the bottom of the base. According to the present disclosure, by increasing the height of the raised portion and providing the soft member between the raised portion and the main body of the cleaning cloth bracket, the range of application of the cleaning robot is improved, the cleaning robot is allowed to overcome higher obstacles, and the cleaning efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zeheng Tang, Shoumu Wang, Jinting Bi
  • Patent number: 11221033
    Abstract: Aperture retention arms can extend outwardly away from an aperture shaft. An insertion end can be positioned below the aperture retention arms and can have an overall conical shape. The insertion end can include an opening having a closed interior terminal end separating a portion of a first lateral half of the insertion end and leaving another portion of the first lateral half as a connecting bridge below one of the aperture retention arms. The opening can include a channel extending from the closed interior terminal end to an open exterior terminal end to separate a second lateral half of the insertion end below another of the aperture retention arms. The insertion end below the open exterior terminal end of the channel can extend laterally outwardly beyond a straight exterior line defined by laterally outermost points of an outer longitudinal side of the second aperture retention arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Najwan Rassam, Tien T. Diep, Roger Pilon, Andrew C. Heidacker, Oday Amer Safry, Jason A. Meyers, Ryan Ostach, Steven M. Benedetti
  • Patent number: 11160593
    Abstract: Device for bone fixation with a head portion (5), a tapering front portion (8) and a shaft (3) between said head portion (5) and said tapering front portion (8), said shaft (3) having a distal portion (3a) adjacent to said tapering front portion (8) and a proximal portion (3b) adjacent to said head portion (5); whereby said distal portion (3a) being provided with a thread and having a constant outer diameter DA and an inner core diameter DI; at least the proximal portion (3b) of said shaft (3) has a core (2) consisting of a biologically non-degradable material with degradation rate BND and having a diameter d?DI; a sleeve (9) surrounding said core and consisting of a biologically degradable material with degradation rate BD, whereby BD>BND and said sleeve (9) being fixed to said core in a non-rotatable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Biomech Innovations SA
    Inventor: Stefano Brianza
  • Patent number: 10989239
    Abstract: An aperture fastener piece has an intermediate head and an aperture shaft, including aperture retention arms extending from a side of the intermediate head. A receiver includes an annular wall extending from a base, and a plurality of plate retention surfaces supported by and positioned inwardly of the annular wall. A coupling plate can be engaged and retained by the plurality of plate retention surfaces within the receiver to couple the doghouse fastener piece and the aperture fastener piece together. Each of the receiver and the coupling plate extends from different ones of the intermediate head as part of the aperture fastener piece and the doghouse shaft as part of the doghouse fastener piece. The coupling plate can extend from a second of the opposite side of the intermediate head as part of the aperture fastener piece, and the doghouse shaft as part of the doghouse fastener piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Najwan Rassam, Tien T. Diep, Roger E. Pilon, Andrew C. Heidacker, Oday Amer Safry, Jason A. Meyers
  • Patent number: 10941796
    Abstract: An aperture fastener piece has an intermediate head and an aperture shaft, including aperture retention arms extending from a side of the intermediate head. A receiver includes an annular wall extending from a base, and a plurality of plate retention surfaces supported by and positioned inwardly of the annular wall. A coupling plate can be engaged and retained by the plurality of plate retention surfaces within the receiver to couple the doghouse fastener piece and the aperture fastener piece together. Each of the receiver and the coupling plate extends from different ones of the intermediate head as part of the aperture fastener piece and the doghouse shaft as part of the doghouse fastener piece. The coupling plate can extend from a second of the opposite side of the intermediate head as part of the aperture fastener piece, and the doghouse shaft as part of the doghouse fastener piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Najwan Rassam, Tien T. Diep, Roger E. Pilon, Andrew C. Heidacker, Oday Amer Safry, Jason A. Meyers, Ryan Ostach, Steven M. Benedetti
  • Patent number: 10724560
    Abstract: A fastener mounting assembly is configured to securely mount to at least one panel of a component. The fastener mounting assembly may include a base, a fastener mount extending from the base, and at least one panel-engaging member connected to one or both of the base and the fastener. The panel-engaging member(s) is configured to securely engage the panel(s) of the component to securely lock the fastener mounting assembly to the panel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark O. Lepper, James T. Kirchen, Stephen M. Everard, Brian R. Peek
  • Patent number: 10688943
    Abstract: A retainer for limited space attachment of a vehicle part with a class A surface to a vehicle. The retainer has a low profile portion and also an attachment base operable for being connected to heat stake ribs of the vehicle part. The attachment base includes at least one attachment aperture to provide attachment with the heat stake ribs. There is provided desired degrees of clip float and/or two-way limited clip float providing desired free movement of the clip when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Bachelder, Michael S. Gignilliat
  • Patent number: 10683882
    Abstract: A connection assembly adapted to join a surface element to an underlying support structure while maintaining a substantially zero gap abutting relation between the surface element and the support structure. The connection assembly includes a press-in retainer with a circumferential seal having a sealing foot. The sealing foot flexes about a living hinge while maintaining continuous sliding contact with the support panel without interfering with downward movement of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Michelle E. Bozinovski, Robert A. Murawski
  • Patent number: 10668871
    Abstract: A retaining device (1) including: a box-like element (5) designed so that it can be inserted so as to pass through a perforation (4) of parts to be connected; a pivot (8) mounted inside the box-like element rotatably about an axis (A) of symmetry thereof and provided with a head (9) arranged on the outside of the box-like element; and a pair of elastically deformable wings (10) mounted in an angularly integral manner on the pivot (8) and projecting from opposite sides transversely so as to jut out through a pair of opposite through-windows (11) formed in a side wall (12) of the box-like element (5) and designed to assume an elastically deformed or retracted configuration, in which they are fully folded up inside the box-like element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Fulvio Pacifico Yon
  • Patent number: 10286097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deodorization device (1) for a vehicle, with a container (2) for a deodorant (3), wherein the container (2) for the deodorant (3) is provided with at least one opening (7, 8), and with a holding device (4) for mounting the deodorization device (1) on a ventilation slot in the interior of a vehicle, wherein the holding device (4) comprises at least one clamping part (6). The at least one clamping part (6) is made of elastic material, has an elliptical or circular cross section and is configured so as to be able to be introduced in a holding manner into a ventilation slot of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Supair-Tel AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Guggenheim, Beat Keller
  • Patent number: 10012241
    Abstract: The present invention relates a fan assembly (1) suitable for use in a refrigeration appliance, comprising a fan system (2) including a fan frame (3) having a first opening (4) defining a first airflow path, a plurality of supporting ribs (5) extending from the fan frame (3) towards a center of the first opening (4), an axial fan (6) and a fan motor (7) for driving the axial fan (6), located within the first opening (4) and held by the plurality of supporting ribs (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Sati Mutlu Bozay, Yigit Ozsacmaci, Gurkan Oztop, Altinal Caliskan
  • Patent number: 9655266
    Abstract: To improve a seating property of a mounting member with respect to a supporting member and enhance the positional accuracy of the mounting member. The mounting member has a protruding portion that protrudes from a support face of a frame body, and a shaft body that is thinner than the protruding portion. At a base portion of the shaft body, a relief recess is formed over the entire circumference of a boundary region with the protruding portion, and a supported face of the protruding portion is configured so as to contact with a support face of the frame body in a state in which the mounting member is supported by the frame body. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member is used as a guide pin of a floating plate that accommodates an IC socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Ueyama
  • Patent number: 9624956
    Abstract: Bulging portions elastically coming into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a fixation hole of a panel member are formed on an outer peripheral surface of a shaft portion of a waterproof clip made of an elastic material, thereby sealing a space between these surfaces by elasticity of the bulging portions to obtain a waterproof function, and firmly fixing the shaft portion to the panel member by friction force between the inner peripheral surface and the bulging portions. The clip requires no special seal member, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembly steps. Each bulging portion is formed narrower toward the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft portion, thereby easily press fitting the shaft portion into the fixation hole while improving waterproofness and airtightness by sufficiently compressing the bulging portions. The clip can surely fix an interior material to the panel member with excellent sealability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Keita Ishizaka, Mamoru Ishii, Yohei Nagahori
  • Patent number: 9458876
    Abstract: An elastically deformable alignment fastener has the form of a unitary object having a head portion and an integrally formed body portion. The body portion has an elastically deformable lobular hollow tube having a proximal end proximate the head portion and a distal end axially displaced from the head portion. The lobular hollow tube has an outer surface having one or more retention features oriented to provide a plurality of radially extending engagement surfaces along a length of the hollow tube. The head portion has a flange that circumscribes the proximal end of the lobular hollow tube. Portions of the elastically deformable lobular hollow tube when inserted into circular apertures of first and second components elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns the first and second components in four planar orthogonal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Marc J. Tahnoose, Michael E. McGuire, Jennifer P. Lawall
  • Patent number: 9211167
    Abstract: The present invention is a dental implant utilizing a polymeric dental post. The actual prosthetic portion of the implant may also be manufactured from a polymer. Various post designs are disclosed for setting and securing the post in a patient's jaw. Numerous polymers are disclosed and may be blended to achieve desired characteristics for both the post and prosthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9133934
    Abstract: A seal cap is formed of an elastically deformable material and includes a cap portion that closes a passage port, a grip portion that can be grasped, and a joining portion which integrally joins the cap portion and the grip portion. The joining portion has a bolt insertion portion through which a stud bolt can be inserted. The grip portion is formed on a side of the bolt insertion portion that corresponds to the cap portion. The joining portion is formed between the bolt insertion portion and the cap portion and is provided with a cut which communicates with the bolt insertion portion. The cut allows the cap portion to be bent and deformed by the contact between the cap portion and the stud bolt during pulling out of the seal cap from a connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Masato Yoneda, Hiroyuki Nagai, Masaru Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 9079341
    Abstract: A one piece snap-in retainer of multi-shot molded construction adapted to separate along a molded-in fracture line upon application of axial tensioning force. The retainer includes a base clip portion of molded polymer with a proximal barrel segment and a distal snap-in element projecting outwardly away from the barrel segment. The retainer also includes a head portion of molded polymer at least partially surrounding the proximal barrel segment. The molded-in fracture line includes a protuberance molded into the proximal barrel segment or the head portion at the interface in combination with an opposing complimentary mating depression molded into the other of the proximal barrel segment or the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R Risdale, Robert A Murawski
  • Publication number: 20150139755
    Abstract: A flexible positioning post includes a base, a metal post and a plurality of metal elastic pieces. The base has an upper surface. The metal post has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the first end is connected to the upper surface of the base. Each of the metal elastic pieces has a fixed end and a free end opposite to each other. The fixed end is securely assembled at the second end of the metal post, and the free end is adjacent to the upper surface of the base and bent toward the metal post to form a bending portion. Consequently, upon receiving a foreign force, the free end of each of the metal elastic pieces is moved toward the metal post; conversely, once the foreign force is removed, the free end of each of the metal elastic pieces is moved resiliently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng LU, Wen-Cheng CHANG
  • Patent number: 9033635
    Abstract: A unitary fastening pin the design of which has flexible protrusions on the lower ? of its shank (2), preferably in the shape of convergent geometrical figures (spade-shaped), molded round the longitudinal axis. The outer overall diameter of the protrusions (2) is greater than the hole into which it is to be inserted. The pin includes a flexing neck (6) between the lower shank and the head (4) and also has tapered alignment splines (16). The pin is particularly suitable for fastening threshold strips to cover floor-covering joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Malgorzata Wesolowska
  • Publication number: 20150104272
    Abstract: Bulging portions elastically coming into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a fixation hole of a panel member are formed on an outer peripheral surface of a shaft portion of a waterproof clip made of an elastic material, thereby sealing a space between these surfaces by elasticity of the bulging portions to obtain a waterproof function, and firmly fixing the shaft portion to the panel member by friction force between the inner peripheral surface and the bulging portions. The clip requires no special seal member, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembly steps. Each bulging portion is formed narrower toward the front side in the insertion direction of the shaft portion, thereby easily press fitting the shaft portion into the fixation hole while improving waterproofness and airtightness by sufficiently compressing the bulging portions. The clip can surely fix an interior material to the panel member with excellent sealability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Keita ISHIZAKA, Mamoru ISHII, Yohei NAGAHORI
  • Publication number: 20150043994
    Abstract: A plug insert comprising a shank configured to be removably received in a fastener hole in a panel in a position where an outer end of the plug insert is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the panel. A longitudinal cavity is disposed within the shank and a barrier is disposed on the plug insert to protect against damage and/or contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
    Inventor: Richard A. Luepke
  • Publication number: 20150023018
    Abstract: A fastener includes a head portion and a shank portion that extends from the head portion. The shank portion has a distal end that is distal from the head portion and that is formed with at least two bendable anchor segments. The fastener is used to fasten a base plate of a light emitting bar to a base of a light source module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Radiant Opto-Electronics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Wei ZHAO, Hao-Ling YEN, Shih-Hsien CHEN
  • Patent number: 8898866
    Abstract: A clip capable of connecting to the panel member may include a clip body and a sealing body. The clip body includes an anchor that is capable of being engaged with an attaching hole formed in the panel member, and a support portion that is arranged and constructed to be pressed to a surface of the panel member when the anchor is engaged with the attaching hole of the panel member. The sealing body includes a lip portion that is positioned in an inner side of an outer circumference of the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Asai
  • Patent number: 8870131
    Abstract: A wiring clip 1 includes: an attaching portion 10 configured to be overlapped with a wiring harness; a locking portion 11 extended vertically from the attaching portion 10 and configured to be locked in a hole provided on a panel; and a pressing portion 12 configured to press the panel in a direction away from the attaching portion 10 when the locking portion 11 is locked in the hole. The pressing portion 12 includes: an inclined portion 19 continued to the attaching portion 10 and inclined with respect to both a vertically extending direction of the locking portion 11 from the attaching portion 10 and a longitudinal direction of the wiring harness overlapped with the attaching portion 10; and a parallel portion 20 continued to the inclined portion 19 and extended parallel to the locking portion 11 from the inclined portion 19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Gotou, Takashi Nomoto
  • Patent number: 8790058
    Abstract: A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Quaderer, Eric N. White
  • Patent number: 8757951
    Abstract: A clip for connecting at least two components that are provided with fastening through openings, the clip having a base body that includes a dished flange at one end and a fastening section at the opposite end, on the fastening section are located first elastic retaining fingers, which extend axially toward the flange, and second elastic retaining fingers, which extend axially away from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Frank Rosemann, Markus Jung, Karl Heinz Mielke
  • Patent number: 8672601
    Abstract: A fastening system and method of use is disclosed. The fastening system includes a substrate, an aperture and a fastener. The fastener includes flexible wings that allow for insertion of the fastener into an aperture of a vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Nitsche
  • Patent number: 8533919
    Abstract: A holding element for fastening in a hole of a carrier part has a central shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a supporting part fastened to the far end of the shaft and projecting laterally, and at least one arm, a fastening end of which is fastened movable to the shaft. The arm extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and for some distance from the shaft and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is supportable on the supporting part and in the opposite direction is supportable on a guide part fastened to the front end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Lothar Schliessner
  • Patent number: 8511962
    Abstract: A connecting member for two parts includes a first half (2) and a second half (3) meeting at a center (M) of the connecting member (1). The first half (2) includes a first number of ramp portions (41-45) widening toward center (M) in an axial direction (X) thereof. The second half (3) includes a second number of ramp portions (51-55) widening toward center (M) in an axial direction (X) thereof so that the first half (2) and the second half (3) have opposite toothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Andrea Schuech, Peter Haas
  • Publication number: 20130209197
    Abstract: A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Quaderer, Eric N. White
  • Patent number: 8490928
    Abstract: A grommet is disclosed which couples with a component under a hood of an automobile. The grommet has an insertion end with four wipers, a body, and a retaining loop opposite the insertion end. The wipers are generally triangular in cross-section with a distal tip of the triangle sweeping toward the body so that when the grommet couples with an orifice in the component by pressing the insertion end into the orifice, the wipers deform, but resist insertion. Due to the angle of the wipers, the wipers resist decoupling of the grommet from the component. The retaining loop defines an opening through which a tube, pipe, and/or wires are placed and secured with a bolt that engages threads of a bolt hole in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Howard Saunders
  • Patent number: 8469646
    Abstract: A clip may include an anchor portion, an elastic engagement strip and two ribs. The engagement strip is formed in a portion adjacent to a distal end of the anchor portion and is extended vertically therefrom toward a proximal end of the anchor portion. The two ribs are formed in an outer surface of the engagement strip and are vertically spaced from each other. The ribs are formed such that the rib that is away from the distal end of the anchor portion has a projection amount smaller than the rib that is close to the distal end of the anchor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuya Kono, Kiyoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8459920
    Abstract: A integrally molded fastener for use in connection with a substrate, the substrate includes foam backing and a slot therein and the substrate includes a front side and a back side. An upper plate has first and second longitudinal tabs and first and second transverse tabs. A longitudinal head is interconnected with an upper plate by a shank. A shaft extends from the upper plate and branches extend from the shaft. The longitudinal head includes cutting edges, the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotatable and, cutting edges of the longitudinal head cut the foam backing of the substrate as the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotated. A method for using the integrally molded fastener which includes engaging, slidingly, the side wall portions proximate the wider portion of the longitudinal tabs with the walls of the slot first. Riding the side wall portions of the longitudinal tabs on the front side of said substrate and as rotation of the fastener and the longitudinal tabs continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Stafast Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Selle
  • Patent number: 8443493
    Abstract: A fastening device for attaching a structural member to a support member includes a lower portion having a shank portion attachable to the support member, and an upper portion having a radial flange at the outer side and an axial passage. The shank portion is insertable into the axial passage of the upper portion from one end thereof. At least one outer side of the shank portion has an axially parallel extending row of saw-tooth-shaped teeth, and a resilient pawl being formed at the axial passage for cooperating with the row of teeth in a ratchet manner, when the upper portion is pushed onto the shank portion in a first direction, to block a displacement of the upper and lower portions in a second, opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Seidel
  • Patent number: 8393058
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange and a leg. The leg includes: a pillar portion that vertically extends from the flange; a tip portion provided at a distal end in an axial direction; a rib that outwardly extends from the pillar portion to be connected to the flange and the tip portion; and an elastic engagement piece that extends from a distal end of the rib in a circumferential direction. The elastic engagement piece includes: a rigid portion that is connected to the rib and that is connected to the flange and the tip portion; and a deformable portion that is extended from the rigid portion and that is disconnected from the flange and the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Takeshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8381368
    Abstract: A centering clip device can include a clip base having an opening for receiving a clip. The clip base can have a top surface that has a first bump, a second bump and a third bump all spaced away from each other. A clip can be included that has a substantially elongated body, a bottom flange formed on a bottom end of the clip, a top flange, an annular slot formed between the top flange and the bottom flange, and an umbrella structure. The top flange may also be formed as an umbrella structure having an inclined camming surface formed on its lower surface. The clip base can be configured to releasably engage the clip within the clip base. The camming surface can be biased against the first, second and third bumps to center the clip within the clip base, and permit connection between a first vehicle component, such as a roofliner, to a second vehicle component, such as a roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haithi Donahue-Yan, Shinichi Yamase, James Seale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8328489
    Abstract: An adjustable strap handle that can be used in connection with a packaging frame. The strap handle provides not only that the effective length of the strap is adjustable, but also provides that no tool needs to be used to install the strap. Additionally, a dual head self-pierce rivet is described that can be used in connection with a packaging frame, specifically to secure cardboard edge pieces to thin sheet metal or cardboard corner pieces and provide structure with which strap handles can engage. The dual head self-pierce rivet has a shank and a poke at its end. The poke is configured to pierce through the cardboard edge pieces of a cube frame, advance into the edge pieces, and flare into a profiled anvil. While a lower head of the rivet seats against the cardboard, an upper head contains and holds a strap handle in a ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Hovestadt, Robert Francis McPherson
  • Patent number: 8221042
    Abstract: An automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with a head, a base with an elongated cross-section sized to fit within the slotted aperture for limiting rotation of the base therein, a first array of fins, and a second array of fins offset axially from the first array of fins. The fins in each array extend along respective peripheral regions of the base. The first region is less than half of the base perimeter and spaced apart and opposed from the second region. A automotive fastener for insertion into a slotted aperture is provided with means for connecting a component to a panel; and means for inserting the fastener into the slotted aperture, the means sized to fit and limit rotation therein. The fastener has first and second retainer means for retaining the fastener in the aperture; the second retainer means offset axially from the first means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Vitali
  • Patent number: 8218319
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a fan including a frame, an enclosure, and many fixing members engaged with the enclosure to fix the fan in the enclosure. The frame includes many mounting holes positioned in corners of the frame, respectively. The enclosure includes many sidewalls and many fixing members corresponding to the mounting holes. Each fixing member includes a base, a fixing portion extending from a top surface of the base, an angle shaped clasping portion extending from a sidewall of the base. Each base includes a locating block received in a corresponding locating member, and at least one fixing arms abuts against the corresponding locating member. Each fixing portion extends through the locating member and is received in a corresponding mounting hole. Each clasping portion extends through the corresponding locating member and clasps an inner wall of the corresponding mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Ambit Microsystems (Shanghai) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bao-Kun Wu
  • Publication number: 20120020757
    Abstract: A safety tack has a pin that is extended from a head of the tack in one state and retracted into the head in another state. The pin retracts and extends into and from the head by using a turning mechanism similar to the mechanism that allows a bolt to turn into and out of a complimentary component (e.g. a nut). By having the retracted state, the tack can be handled without injury; and by having the extended configuration, the tack can be used to tack one object to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Albert Cecchini
  • Publication number: 20120000061
    Abstract: A fastening system and method of use is disclosed. The fastening system includes a substrate, an aperture and a fastener. The fastener includes flexible wings that allow for insertion of the fastener into an aperture of a vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Nitsche
  • Patent number: 8075250
    Abstract: A fastening device is used for connecting a first and a second fan together. The two fans each have an upper flange and a lower flange and a cylindrical body interconnecting the upper flange and the lower flange. The fastening device includes a plate-shaped pad and two resilient portions respectively extending perpendicularly from two opposite sides of the pad. The two resilient portions respectively extend through the lower flange of the first fan and the upper flange of the second fan, pressing against the first fan and the second fan toward each other. The pad is sandwiched between the lower flange of the first fan and the upper flange of the second fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi-Yong Zhou, Qiao-Li Ding, Hai-Bing Cao
  • Publication number: 20110243688
    Abstract: A retaining clip (1) for fixing an equipment on a structure, includes a base member (4), from which an anchoring end piece (3) extends with a first portion (80) which has a general shape tapered towards a free end opposite to the base member (4). The first portion (80) continues into a second portion (90) which substantially forms a fixation constriction (9) near the base member (4). An elastically deformable sliding surface (20) extends between the first portion (80) and the second portion (90), with which it is connected via a first contact bend and a second contact bend, respectively, which are separate from each other and each protrude at least on a part of their length on the one hand with respect to the sliding region (20) and on the other hand with respect to the first portion (80) or to the second portion (90), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jean Luc Klein, Michel Kuhm
  • Patent number: 8028962
    Abstract: The disclosed device provides an improved mounting assembly for securely supporting elongated items against a surface. The assembly provides a mount with an aperture, which interacts with a flexible tie for retaining the items. The aperture contains a tab, which provides frictional force for the flexible tie when it is placed through the aperture in a preassembled state. The device may also include a diaphragm and a mounting stud extending downwardly from the mount. The diaphragm will provide tension and resistance when the mounting stud is inserted into a supporting surface. The stud may also contain staggered or asymmetrical branches that extend from either side of a center section of the stud. Furthermore, the stud may include a pilot branch located at the end of the stud that will be inserted into the supporting surface. The stud may have a spine and rib that assist in securing the device within a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: HellermannTyton Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard G. Geiger
  • Patent number: 8029222
    Abstract: A fastening system and method of use is disclosed. The fastening system includes a substrate, an aperture and a fastener. The fastener includes flexible wings that allow for insertion of the fastener into an aperture of a vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Nitsche