Trim Molding Fastener Patents (Class 24/289)
  • Patent number: 5581852
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for engaging a lattice-like structure, which includes a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented and vertically oriented components, and wherein the fastener assembly includes a first portion, a second portion which matingly interfits with the second portion thereby forming an assembled unit and which further includes individual portions which interact with at least one of the components of the lattice; an object of interest borne by the assembled unit and operable to be releasably secured on the assembled unit; and a fastener operable to engage the assembled unit and the object of interest thereby securing the assembled unit and the object of interest on the lattice-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: DCI Marketing
    Inventor: Jerry Zakrajsek
  • Patent number: 5577301
    Abstract: A clip fastener includes a retainer member having a spring clip cooperating with a post projecting from the underlying sheet metal of the vehicle such that the retainer can be slid over the post and locked into position by the clip. An accessory, such as a grab handle, is attached to the retainer using a conventional fastener. The retainer preferably includes a tapered slot for allowing the fastener to slide into locking engagement with the mounting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Donald N. De Maagd
  • Patent number: 5542158
    Abstract: A fastener grommet assembly of soft or flexible plastic material which forms a non-porous "bathtub" enclosure that fits into an aperture in the body panel part of the automobile. A depending lug from an interior part of the automobile is provided with a metal retainer member that forms a pliable prong that can be pushed into a snap-fit relationship with the flexible grommet member and thus cause opposing wall portions of the grommet to expand into a seal-tight engagement with the rim of the aperture of the exterior body panel part of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J. Gronau, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 5533237
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for fastening an interior panel to an exterior or body panel of an automobile comprising a grommet of plastic material that forms a non-porous seamless bathtub-like enclosure surrounding a metal clip retainer member which is secured within the interior thereof; the retainer-grommet is designed to snap-fit into a hole in the body panel of an automobile. A depending lug or prong from the interior panel of the automobile is provided with an enlarged tip that cooperates with the metal clip retainer so that the prong can be pushed into a snap-fit relationship with the metal clip member within the sealed enclosure of the grommet or by pulling can be removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5526553
    Abstract: A spring clip for releasably attaching a first member, such as the carrier of a fascia panel cover, to a second member, such as an electric component rack module. The spring clip is anchored to a support plate extending from carrier. The spring clip has two forwardly extending U-shaped spring elements that cooperate with a locking tab and a rearwardly extending U-shaped spring element. Deformation of the forwardly extending spring elements during installation of the spring clip causes the locking tab to snap onto the lower edge of the support plate, thereby firmly anchoring the spring clip to the support plate. A latch extending from the rack module engages the rearwardly extending spring element so as to secure the fascia cover panel to the rack module. Application of a force to the rearwardly extending spring element causes elastic deformation of the forwardly extending spring elements and disengages the locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventor: Peter P. Klein
  • Patent number: 5509182
    Abstract: A clip 1 has a head 2 and an engagement portion 3, and the head and the engagement portion is connected via a pair of arms 4, 4 which form a flange when hinges 5 in the middle thereof are bent radially outwardly. The clip can be fixed to a carpet 18 and the engagement portion is to be attached to a panel such as a vehicle body. The head 2 has a large-diameter flange 7 the surface of which has no hole and which presses a surface of the carpet, and a shank 8 extending from the flange downwardly to an extent that is the same as the thickness of the carpet. The engagement portion 3 has an engagement pawl 12 to engage with hooks hanging down from the head flange 7 when the engagement pawl is pressed onto the shank of the head 2, and an engagement portion shank 15 passing through a panel hole to bend radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Hideaki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5494542
    Abstract: A method of simultaneously vacuum forming a plastic article and integrally joining a device thereto is disclosed wherein a lock defining surface is formed on an anchoring end of the device, a heat activated adhesive is applied to the lock defining surface, and air is drawn through vacuum holes in the mold surface that defines the shape of the article and is also drawn through vacuum holes in the lock defining surface to draw a heated sheet of thermoplastic material onto the mold surface and also into interlocking relationship with the lock defining surface to form the article and to mechanically interlock and adhere the device to the formed article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: John Muller
  • Patent number: 5458319
    Abstract: A flat retainer device has elongated fingers on the left and right sides thereof, said fingers running opposite a side wall of the central portion of the retainer. A slot is formed between each of the fingers and the central portion, the fingers and the main body portion forming a locking hook structure. A protuberance is formed on the lower portion of each side of the central portions opposite each finger, these protuberances closing off most of the opening to the slot on the free end of the fingers. The left and right hand sides of the device are mirror images of each other and have the same structural characteristics. The top and bottom ends of the central portion of the device have indentations formed therein. An elongated groove is formed in the slat, the length of this groove being designed to receive the central portion of the retainer member with the indentations thereof abutting against the end walls of the groove in a force fit relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Dana J. Mackay
  • Patent number: 5448804
    Abstract: A clip member for securement of a trim member to a slot in the sheet of a vehicle. The clip member includes a base portion which includes a dovetail for attachment of the base portion to a trim member. The clip also includes a shaft portion which has an axis and is connected to the base member. The shaft member is adapted for allowing resilient rotational deflection about the axis of the shaft. A locking protrusion extends from the shaft portion and includes a locking shelf for engaging the sheet portion of the vehicle. The locking protrusion also includes a ramp portion which is operable for deflecting in response to engaging the slot and rotating the locking protrusion about the axis of the shaft during insertion of the protrusion into the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: The Standard Products Company
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Warren
  • Patent number: 5376423
    Abstract: A clip for joining end pieces of weather stripping in abutting relationship to form a continuous loop. The clip forms around an attachment portion of the weather stripping such that it does not interfere with the use of weather stripping in sealing. A pair of barbs hold the two pieces of weather stripping in abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: The Dayton Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 5373611
    Abstract: A clip. A leg portion is inserted through a mounting hole formed in a member to be mounted, and into a mounting hole formed in a holding member which holds the member to be mounted. A head portion is formed at one end portion of the leg portion. The member to be mounted is interposed between the head portion and the holding member and is fixed to the holding member. A core member is provided in the leg portion so as to extend from one end portion of the leg portion to another end portion of the leg portion. A plurality of supporting members are provided so as to extend in a radial direction from the core member and are provided along a longitudinal direction of the core member. A portion of an elastic deforming member is supported at respective distal end portions of the plurality of supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Norihiko Murata
  • Patent number: 5363537
    Abstract: A retaining clip for securing a weather sealing strip to the perimeter of a window opening of an automotive vehicle includes a substantially planar vertical centered portion; an integral downwardly depending, substantially planar arm connected to one side of, and substantially parallel with the central portion; a pair of wings which extend upwardly and outwardly from the downwardly depending arms and being adapted to engage the narrow sides of, and secure the downwardly depending arm within, a narrow rectangular slot formed in a sheet material such as a sheet metal body panel; and an integral, substantially upwardly extending arm connected to the other side of the central portion. The clip is adapted to secure a weather sealing strip between the control portion of the clip and the upwardly extending arm.In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, a tab is provided on a shoulder portion of each wing to facilitate removal of the clip for servicing or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Schneider, Rick L. Rogers, Eric E. Gardner
  • Patent number: 5347691
    Abstract: A clip assembly is used to connect a base member, such as a vehicle bumper, to a fitting member, such as an ornamental plate. The base member includes a plurality of projections, and the fitting member includes a plurality of corresponding through holes. The projections of the base member are inserted through the through holes of the fitting member. The fitting member is secured to the base member by means of the projections which are clamped by a plurality of clips. A plurality of holding members retain the clips in position during installation, and are disposed around the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masahiko Terazoe
  • Patent number: 5345658
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one piece self sustaining fastener for securing a protective liner to the bed of a pick-up truck, the liner having on its two opposite vertical sides openings for receiving individual fasteners, each fastener having an extending portion adapted to pass into an opening of the liner and pass around and out of contact with an adjacent horizontal projecting portion of the rail of the bed, the extending portion having a free end that by a flexing action engages the inside wall of the rail at a point close to but spaced from the upper inside wall of the rail, the fastener also has a base portion at the inner end of the extending portion, including a projecting surface that has a portion that exceeds the dimension of the opening and which engages the outside adjacent surface of the liner, the base portion also has a portion that acts as a pivot when inserting the fastener into the opening and an opposite portion that by thumb pressure assumes a snap locking position after which the extending portion a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: York Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5341544
    Abstract: A fastener assembly for detachably connecting a molded door trim panel to an apertured inner door panel of a vehicle, where upon disassembly, the fastener assembly will disengage, or a replaceable portion will fracture without damaging the molded door trim panel. A detent is utilized to connect a hook portion to a retainer housing that is molded into the molded door trim panel. Upon the hook portion being mistakenly pulled against the inner door panel during disassembly, the detent will either disengage the hook portion from the retainer housing, or the hook portion will fracture before the retainer housing is damaged or disconnected from the molded door trim panel. By preventing damage to the retainer housing and molded door trim panel, only the hook portion of the hook fastener assembly need be replaced or reconnected, instead of the entire molded door trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Richter, Michael W. Jary
  • Patent number: 5320461
    Abstract: A fastener device is provided for mounting an air current deflector shield to the stiffener panel of the hood of a vehicle without making any holes in the hood. The device includes a substantially flat base member with a post extending downwardly therefrom. Double-stick adhesive tape adheres the base member to the hood. The posts are adapted to extend through corresponding apertures in the shield, and a securement clip engages the post so as to sandwich the shield between the base member and clip of the fastener device and prevent removal of the shield from the post. The clip can be removed from the post using the tip of a tool, such as a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: DFM-Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Stanesic
  • Patent number: 5291639
    Abstract: A plastics push button for fastening an article such as trim strip or body panel to a motor body using weld studs attached to the surface of the motor body comprises a large circular retaining head at one end of a short, hollow cylindrical stem and a circular skirt at or near the other end of the stem, the diameter of the skirt being substantially equal to the diameter of mounting holes provided around a panel or at intervals along the length of a trim strip and the diameter of the head being greater than that of mounting holes, the skirt being provided with a plurality of protruding, resilient fringe members which can lightly engage the rim of a mounting hole and the bore of the cylindrical stem being provided with resilient fingers which can engage the projections of a weld stud when the push button is pressed through a mounting hole so that the cylindrical head abuts the top surface of the article and the cylindrical stem passes through the mounting hole and is pressed over the weld stud so that the articl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz-Otto Baum, Lothar Schliessner
  • Patent number: 5288530
    Abstract: This invention employs a structure wherein the coupling section 23b of the clip 23 is engaged to the coupling section 25b of the holder 25 by sliding the clip 23 at an angle to the widthwise direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trim 24, wherein the position of the coupling section 25b of the holder 25 is set closer toward the back surface of the trim 24, and wherein the recessed groove in the automobile body panel 21 for installation of said trim may be formed by shallower drawing, thus enabling satisfactory molding of trim 24 to be realized without affecting the standard press working processes of the automobile body panel 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Renji Maki
  • Patent number: 5263233
    Abstract: An apparatus and an electrostatic process employing the apparatus which is capable of flocking spring clips of the type used in commercial applications, such as those used in the automotive industry to attach an instrument panel to an interior support structure. The apparatus and process are capable of securely adhering the flocking fibers uniformly over the irregular surfaces of a spring clip such that the spring clip can be more readily assembled while also acting to significantly dampen the vibration between the members joined by the clip. In addition, the apparatus also provides the added feature of requiring minimal space by introducing the fibers at a single point on the perimeter of the apparatus. The fibers are guided by the perimeter of the apparatus until a sufficient electrostatic charge is imparted to attract the fibers to the spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: John C. Kim, John C. Kim, II
  • Patent number: 5229175
    Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a plastic molding strip to a vehicle metal panel exterior surface provided with two parallel rows of weld-on studs fixedly securing a series of T-shaped molding mounting plastic clips to the panel. Each clip, fixedly secured to the panel by an associated upper and lower pair of the studs, has an upper cross-head formed with an upwardly facing notched guide shoulder and a lower foot formed with a snap action fastener. The molding strip is generally C-shaped having interned flanges extending along the upper and lower edges thereof. The upper interned flange is formed with a downwardly directed upper guided rib while an inwardly directed lower guided flange, having a plurality of longitudinally spaced buttons molded thereon, is formed adjacent the lower interned flange. Attachment of the molding strip to the clips is achieved by initially slidably positioning the upper guided rib in the notched guide shoulder of each clip cross-head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Seabolt
  • Patent number: 5197167
    Abstract: A fastening for securing a trim panel to a support panel includes an elongate element defining a plurality of transverse detent members spaced along its length, the elongate element being secured to the trim panel with the detent members spaced from the trim panel on the inside thereof, a plurality of clips are provided on the support panel, each clip corresponding to one of the detent members, the clips having a surface diverging away from the support panel for engagement of the detent members, so that movement of the trim panel longitudinally of the elongate member will cause each detent member to engage and move along the surface of a clip, the detent members and trim panel being drawn towards the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Albert C. Marler
  • Patent number: 5099549
    Abstract: A retaining clip for fastening a construction part to a carrier plate, in which the retaining clip has a supporting plate that rests on the carrier plate, a clamping tab for holding the part to the clip and a compressible fastening sleeve formed of two sleeve wall halves for anchoring the clip in a hole in the carrier plate. At least one of the sleeve halves has a pair of outwardly projecting, resiliently compressible hooks that pass through the hole and then engage the plate from behind when the sleeve of the clip is pressed into the hole to hold the clip in place, and a pair of tabs adjacent the hooks that project outwardly beyond the edges of the hole on the front side of the carrier plate, so that when the tabs are squeezed together, the hooks will be released and the clip can be readily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: A. Raymond et cie.
    Inventors: Klaus Hullmann, Ingo Klamm
  • Patent number: 5008986
    Abstract: Slide fastener for footwear or protective garments constituted of two support tapes (13) off chains of teeth (11) and a slide-tab (16). The chains of teeth (11) of the slide fastener are connected to their respective support tape (13) and mounted, brought together, such that they are located raised on the single side (13") of said tapes adapted to be turned towards the inside of said footwear or garment.Figure of the abstract: figure 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Laudet, Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 5005265
    Abstract: A self-licking stud assembly including male and female segaments. The male segment includes a base for mounting or being integrally molded on a panel member to be joined with a second panel member in a side-by-side relationship, a central stem extending from teh base, with a plurality of equally spaced deflectable fingers formed on the end thereof so as to extend outwardly and toward the base. The female segment includes a base for mounting or being integrally molded on the second panel member, a flange or collar formed on one side of the base, and an opening through the base and the collar, with a frustoconically shaped surface formed on the inner surface of the collar. The outer edges of the fingers are selectively shaped to lockingly cooperate with the frustoconically shaped surface once the fingers are urged through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Lavidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: John Muller
  • Patent number: 4936066
    Abstract: The connecting element (1) has a flat head (2) with an inside hexagon (3), a shaft (7, 8) and two studs (5, 6). The two studs (5, 6) are offset against one another through 90.degree.. The first stud (5) molded on the free shaft end is shorter than the second stud (6). The connecting element (1) is suited especially for connecting the side wall (37) of a supply body of a room divider with vertical, tubular columns (35) of the room divider. The connecting element is very rapidly mounted. In the installed state the second stud (6) holds the side wall (37) spaced from the column (35). For this reason the supply body is somewhat shorter than the clear distance between adjacent columns (35). The supply bodies, therefore, can be installed in and removed from the room divider very simply and rapidly subsequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Embru-Werke, Mantel & Cie.
    Inventors: Wendolin Rutsche, Rudolf Menzi
  • Patent number: 4890966
    Abstract: A plastic clip for securing a panel or like member to a stud or like securement member is disclosed. The clip comprises a first member having a head portion having a through hole and a pair of locking portions extending from the head portion and capable of being pivoted relative to the head portion and a second member having an insertion portion to be inserted through the through hole and a locking portion to be locked to the securement member. By inserting the insertion portion of the second member into the through hole of the first member after insertion of the pair of locking portions of the first member through a mounting hole of the member to be secured, the pair of locking portions are pivoted away from each other so as to clamp the member to be secured. In this state, the locking portion of the second member is secured to the securement member, thus securing the member to be secured to the securement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Umezawa
  • Patent number: 4878273
    Abstract: A metal trim attaching assembly secures an element, such as a molding strip, upon a supporting surface. The assembly includes an isolator that has a substantially flexible mounting plate with a mounting surface yieldable to conform generally to the contour of the supporting surface. Retaining flanges are formed integral with the mounting plate. The retaining flanges are grippable by the element to hold the element into a structural relationship with the mounting plate. Supporting flanges, also formed integral with the yieldable toward the mounting plate, provide supportable leverage for the element in cooperation with the retaining flanges. Double sided adhesive tape secures the mounting surface to the supporting surface. A method involves steps of stripping protective backing from the tape and securing it, with the isolator and trim, to the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Aluminum Products Division
    Inventors: Philip B. West, Robert D. Major, Gary D. Fuerstenberg
  • Patent number: 4860409
    Abstract: A molding retention clip assembly has a molded plastic base having a planar bottom surface adapted to rest upon the painted surface of the vehicle body and a keyhole slot adapted to fit over a head stud welded to the vehicle body. The headed stud retains the base on the body but permits rotation of the base. A stamped metal spring clip has a base wall overlying the plastic base and attached thereto. First and second retaining clips are integral with the base wall and positioned in spaced apart relation on opposite sides of the keyhole slot of the plastic base. Installation of the molding into the first and second clips causes the clip assembly to rotate so that the first and second clips obtain effective grip of the molding to retain the molding on the vehicle body and the molding in turn retains the clip assembly against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anton J. Bering, William V. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 4797983
    Abstract: A connector is inserted moulded into a panel and a fitting adapted to support, or attach an item to the panel interengages the connector. In one embodiment the connector is a plastics socket connector which comprises a hollow boss having a substantially flat end wall and a continuous side wall, a slot in the end wall, a raised membrane of material overyling and closing the slot and a closure shaped and adapted to be press fitted into the hollow boss to close the end of the boss opposite to the end wall. In this embodiment the slot is key-hole-shaped and receives a head of a headed stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: TRW United-Carr Limited, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. M. Barnett, David C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4784430
    Abstract: A flair molding arrangement for a vehicle wheel opening wherein the molding is formed of plastic with a generally right angled L-shaped section defining inner and outer legs. A plurality of spring metal clips are formed with inner and outer arms oriented at a predetermined interior acute angle. The molding outer leg hidden surface has an inwardly facing channel formed along its free edge for receiving each clip outer arm therein. The molding inner leg hidden surface has a plurality of raised lugs formed therealong adapted to lockingly capture an associated clip inner arm whereby a lug through-bore is aligned with a hole in the clip inner arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Richard F. Biermacher
  • Patent number: 4779313
    Abstract: A retainer for a molded panel has a base 10 with a flat region 15 and projections 13 extending into the material of the molded panel to retain base 10 securely in place. Edge regions 12, extending away from the panel surface, interlock with a cap 11 located to straddle base 10 and have a central region 20 spaced from base 10 to receive and hold a fastener securing the cap, retainer and panel in place. Interchangeable caps 11, made in varying heights to span varying distances between a panel and its anchorage, can be mounted on universal base 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Voplex Corporation
    Inventor: Albert J. Gonas
  • Patent number: 4765036
    Abstract: There is disclosed a clip structure insertable through an apertured work piece for protecting coated surfaces of the work piece comprising a main clip body including resilient clip means adapted to be snapped through the aperture and a protecting cap having a dome into which the clip means may be inserted and further having lateral window means through which the clip means may at least partially project when in assembled relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Iguchi, Kunihiro Fukuhara, Tsutomu Kadomiya, Moritoshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4716632
    Abstract: A mounting fastener 2 which includes various combinations of base plate 30, mounting bracket 4, and fastener 18 is disclosed. The mounting bracket 4 is a formed wire bracket to provide the stand-off distance between a supporting structure and a mounted panel. Mounting bracket 4 has a pair of parallel feet 6 and a pair of parallel legs 8 extending upward from these feet and a yoke 10 joining the legs in a generally transverse plane (which may or may not be parallel with the feet 6) over the feet, yoke 10 defining a collar 14 into which fastener 18 is resiliently snapped. Opposed tips 16, one extending at the end of each foot 6, adapt mounting bracket 4 for resilient snap engagement to a panel member. Bracket 4 snaps into engagement in channels 38 and tip holes 40 of the base plate 30. A simpler form of bracket 50 is adapted to hang on a supporting structure, also effecting the spacing of the mounted panel from the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Voplex Corporation
    Inventor: Uwe W. Perl
  • Patent number: 4702517
    Abstract: A detachable-type vehicle sun shade apparatus is disclosed for use in vehicles having glass sun roofs installed between a center roof material and an exterior panel, both of which define an opening. The opening has a flange mounted trim strip therearound and a holder is mounted along a first edge of the opening. A sun shade has a first edge receivable between the holder and the trim strip. A stopper is rotatably mounted on the sun shade adjacent the second edge of the sun shade, with the stopper including edge engaging structure for engaging the trim strip along a second edge of the opening which is adjacent the second edge of the sun shade. A knob is provided for rotating the stopper and bringing the edge engaging structure into engagement with the trim strip along the second edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignees: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Maeda, Toshiaki Nogami, Shigeru Kashiwagi, Kenji Sakurai, Kunio Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 4698882
    Abstract: A molding attaching clip includes a lock down/spring member having a keyhole slot therein for mounting onto the head of a head stud fixed to a support panel with a pair of spaced apart resilient pawl arms at one end thereof and a spring arm and a molding clip body member sized so as to receive the lock down/spring member therein such that the resilient pawl arms operatively engage ratchet teeth in the molding clip body member whereby this member can move against the bias force of the spring arm relative to the lock down/spring member in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Lang
  • Patent number: 4644612
    Abstract: A resilient clip is provided for retaining a projection formed on a panel into an opening in a support structure. The clip has a "V" or "U" shaped lead portion provided with locking legs for retaining the projection in the lead portion and a pair of centrally located legs having locking shoulders for retaining the clip in the opening. The free ends of the centrally located locking legs have portions removed therefrom such that they are capable of being moved one past the other, when the locking shoulders are moved toward one another during entry of the fastener into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: USM Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Osterland
  • Patent number: 4623752
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an elongated, articulated gasket assembly which finds particular application in the EMI/RFI shielding of the gaps between adjacent panels of a metal cabinet, such as that used in a mainframe computer. The gasket assembly is characterized by its double-action capability, that is, it may be wiped in either direction under a compressive force, without sustaining any damage. Likewise, the gasket assembly exhibits excellent durability during the routine handling of the panels. Finally, since installation of the present gasket assembly does not restrict movement of the panels, a desired panel may be removed during service procedures without affecting any other panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Burroughs Corporation
    Inventors: Grant F. Steen, Michael Holloway
  • Patent number: 4529244
    Abstract: A vehicle body panel structure includes a plastic panel mounted upon an underlying metal substructure. A fastener fixedly attaches one end portion of the plastic panel on the metal structure. A mounting block is slidably mounted on the metal substructure longitudinally spaced from the fastener to define a path of longitudinal movement of the mounting block toward and away from the fixed end portion of the plastic panel. A spring urges the mounting block to a certain longitudinal position and is yieldable to permit movement of the mounting block away from the certain longitudinal position. A fastener attaches the plastic panel to the mounting block so that the plastic panel is effectively supported in a manner enabling longitudinal movement relative to the fixed one end portion to accommodate thermal or hygroscopic growth of the plastic panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Wieslaw S. Zaydel
  • Patent number: 4510653
    Abstract: A method for tying balloons and the like, having apertured ends and necks, comprising the steps of: looping the neck of the balloon around a pair of movable jaws resiliently urged toward one another and defining a channel therebetween perpendicular to their plane of movement; moving the end of the balloon over the loop and through the jaws, so as to extend through the channel; and, rolling the loop over the end of the balloon, continuing toward and off the ends of the jaws, whereby the loop resiliently snaps into place, forming a knot in the neck of the balloon. The method may further comprise the step of feeding a string through one of the pair of movable jaws so as to extend through the loop prior to rolling the loop over the end of the jaws, whereby a plurality of balloons can be sequentially and automatically tied on the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Mark Semanko
  • Patent number: 4506419
    Abstract: A clip comprises a male member and a female socket both molded of plastics. The male member is adapted to be detachably fastened to a substrate such as a panel of an automobile body and the female socket is adapted to accommodate the male member rotatably therein and to be fastened to a part such as a radiator grille. Union of the substrate and the part accomplished by the use of this clip can be easily broken by causing the male member to be rotated relative to the female socket with a tool such as a screw driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Mitomi
  • Patent number: 4499636
    Abstract: A fastener comprising a male member formed of a flat base, a clipping shank provided on the underside of the base, and a pillar erected upright from the upper side of the base and provided at the leading end thereof with a head, and a female member formed of a tubular part, a pair of depressing blades raised through thin-walled hinges from the tubular part and projected parts provided at the lower ends of the depressing blades. This fastener provides the fastening of a compressible sheet such as an insulator sheet or carpet to an interior decorative panel in an automobile, for example, by having the tubular part set around the pillar of the male member with the depressing blades kept in an upright position, causing the head of the pillar to force the depressing blades down to a level position thereby bringing the projected parts into fast engagement with the underside of the head of the pillar and nipping the compressible sheet fast in position between the male member and the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshie Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4497516
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for a front-pillar and side-door arrangement of an automotive vehicle, the pillar and door arrangement including a front pillar having a wall portion formed with an opening and a side-door sash assembly including a front portion extending along the front pillar and spaced apart from the wall portion of the pillar, the sealing assembly comprising a flexible sealing member having an inner portion attached to the front pillar and an outer portion warped from the outer portion and held in elastically pressing contact with the front portion of the side-door sash assembly, the sealing member being formed with an opening in the inner portion thereof, and a snap element having a head portion passed through the opening in the sealing member and a stem portion projecting into the front pillar through the opening in the wall portion of the pillar and smaller in cross sectional area than the head portion so that the head portion has adjacent to the stem portion an end face which is held in contact with
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinori Morita, Yutaka Ohmura
  • Patent number: 4489465
    Abstract: An integrally formed fastener molded of plastic material. Such fastener comprises an enlarged head, a shank, shoulders defined near the upper end of the shank, a pair of flexible wings joined to the lower end of the shank, and a pair of stops defined on the shank to limit the movement of the wings toward the shank. The wings flex inwardly until they contact the stops, and then the wings roll inwardly about the stops as the fastener is pushed through aligned apertures in security boxes, panels, etc. While the plastic material, such as polypropylene, possesses sufficient resiliency to be rolled inwardly, the wings will break and/or the shank may fail when the fastener is forcibly withdrawn from its seated position, thus providing a positive indication of an attempted breach of security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventor: Jack Lemkin
  • Patent number: 4488206
    Abstract: A plurality of plastic fastener members each provided with a fixing part, a resilient piece, and an engaging face are attached fast to the side walls of the lamp housing for an automobile. When the lamp housing is inserted into an insertion hole formed in advance in the body panel of the automobile, the engaging faces of the fastener members come into fast engagement with the rear side of the edge of the insertion hole. Thus, the lamp housing is safely fastened to the automobile body by one action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 4472861
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for clamping plastic workpieces such as replacement engine and transmission covers in the automotive aftermarket. The mounting arrangement includes a metal eyelet crimped over an annular bead on the workpiece and having a flat central portion with a mounting opening. An annular metal spacer is captured on and carried by the eyelet surrounding the mounting opening to position the head of a mounting bolt above the plane of the workpiece for access by a socket wrench or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Sealed Power Corporation
    Inventors: A. David Joseph, Charles J. Mullally
  • Patent number: 4472918
    Abstract: A fastener receiver for a vehicle panel construction, panel construction employing same, and method of fastening such panel construction employing such receiver are provided wherein the receiver is an improved two-piece receiver which is adapted to receive a portion of an associated fastener which is fastened to a vehicle frame to thereby fasten the panel construction to such frame in a concealed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Allen Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore E. Mach
  • Patent number: 4470178
    Abstract: In a fastener of the invention, a base is connected to an attachment mechanism, support element having pushing planes are connected to the base through arms slanted upwards from the base, and surface of a board is pushed by pushing planes by means of resilient deformation of the support elements, thereby the board is fixed above a chassis spaced by a given distance without interfering with other electronic parts on the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsui
  • Patent number: 4424612
    Abstract: A fastening plate for securing door-panel snap pins to an automobile's body to fix the interior panel to the automobile door. The fastening plate includes an aperture for slideably receiving a snap pin and a resilient rest plate positioned under the aperture for pressing the head of the snap pin against the portion of the holding plate surrounding the aperture. The resultant fastening plate securedly holds the snap pin perpendicular while permitting the radial movement of the snap pin within the clearance between the neck of the snap pin and the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: A. Raymond
    Inventors: Klaus Muller, Leon Tancer
  • Patent number: 4422222
    Abstract: A fastener for detachably fastening first and second workpieces together is disclosed. The first workpiece has a through aperture of predetermined shape. The second workpiece has a through aperture of predetermined shape which includes a first small diameter portion having first opposed edges spaced apart a first predetermined distance and a second annularly displaced portion having second opposed edges spaced apart a second, relatively larger predetermined distance. The fastener comprises a base, a first catch portion integral with and extending outwardly from a first side of the base, a second catch portion integral with and extending outwardly from the base oppositely from the first catch portion, and a twistable stem integral with the base for enabling at least one of the first and second catch portions to be twisted for angularly spacing such catch portion for disengagement of the fastener from the aperture of at least one of the first and second workpieces with which such catch portion is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Notoya
  • Patent number: 4402118
    Abstract: A generally "U" or "V" shaped clip type fastener adapted to secure a projection on one part in an opening or aperture in another part. The fastener has a lead portion for insertion into the opening with locking tabs for attachment to the projection and a trailing locking portion which passes over the projection and has oppositely disposed locking shoulder abutting the sides of the opening to lock the projection into the opening. In this arrangement, the clip can be inserted onto the projection with the locking tabs retaining the clip on the projection. The part with the projection can then be secured to the part with the opening by merely inserting the clip into the opening and forcing the parts together to "snap fit" the clip into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: USM Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Benedetti