Having Laterally Extending Biasing Appendage Patents (Class 24/292)
  • Patent number: 11639316
    Abstract: Fiber tows including a heat-activatable sizing are described. The sizing compositions have a first modulus at 25° C. of at least 150 megapascals (MPa) and no greater than 400 MPa; and a second modulus of 100,000 pascals (Pa) at a temperature of no greater than 160° C. Methods of preparing articles from such sized fiber tows and the articles comprising such sized fiber tows, including unidirectional and bidirectional constructions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron R. Beaber, Kari A. McGee, Kimberly C. M. Schultz, Erica M. McCready, Aric W. Ross, Zachary A. Danielson
  • Patent number: 11454263
    Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell
  • Patent number: 10864863
    Abstract: A resin-molded component includes a mounting member which protrudes from a back surface of a main body and to which an attachment component is attached. The mounting member includes two side walls upstanding from the back surface and facing with each other, a connect part that connects respective tips of these side walls, and a mounting seat-surface which covers these side walls and the connect part and to which an attachment component is fastened. A hollow space is formed between the step, second side-wall part, connect part and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: MORIROKU TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenta Shinohara
  • Patent number: 10799739
    Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a sprinkler drop, the sprinkler drop including a flexible conduit and an elbow disposed opposite from the flexible conduit; and a bracket assembly defining a central opening, the sprinkler drop extending at least partially through the central opening, the bracket assembly including at least one clamp member extending upwards from the bracket assembly, the at least one clamp member engaging the sprinkler drop between the flexible conduit and the elbow; a first seating member extending downwards from the bracket assembly; and a support arm extending laterally beneath the sprinkler drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Anvil International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Beagen, Odair Dafonseca
  • Patent number: 10099628
    Abstract: A clip may include an anchor portion configured to be inserted into an insertion hole formed in a subject member. The anchor portion has at least a pair of pillars separated via a slot that continuously extends between distal and proximal ends of the anchor portion, flexible strips respectively connected to the pillars and configured to engage a periphery of the insertion hole, and a cap portion positioned on the distal end of the anchor portion. The pillars are configured to be flexed about proximal ends thereof in a direction in which the pillars can intersect with each other. The cap portion is formed in a distal end of one of the pillars and is configured to cover a distal end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DAIWA KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Kato, Junya Ukai, Atsutoshi Kaji
  • Patent number: 9827920
    Abstract: A detachable interior trim panel assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an interior trim panel that has an inside surface, an outside surface, and a trim panel perimeter. The interior trim panel includes at least one finger and at least one spring snap that are positioned along the trim panel perimeter. The at least one finger and the at least one spring snap are configured to detachably retain the interior trim panel on a trim panel mounting location of the vehicle. The at least one finger extends outwardly from the trim panel perimeter and is sized to be received in at least one finger receptacle positioned along the trim panel mounting location and the at least one spring snap includes a moveable leg that is configured to engage at least one spring snap receptacle that is also positioned along the trim panel mounting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jose Alberto Sanchez Cruz, Daniel Corro Flores, Jason E Schultz, Maurice J. Gisler
  • Patent number: 9657481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-built ceiling/wall, having a framework (1) and one or more construction panels (2) fixed to an associated upright profile (4), wherein the construction panels (2) are fixed to the respective upright profile (4) with the interposition of fastening elements (5) and to this end the fastening element (5) is equipped for example with lug ends (6) that grasp profile limbs (4a) of the upright profile (4). In addition to the at least two lug ends (6) for final fixing, the fastening element (5) is also equipped with one or more hooks (7) for pre-fixing the fastening element (5) to the respective profile limb (4a) of the upright profile (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KNAUF GIPS KG
    Inventors: Oliver Florenske, Sebastian Mittnacht
  • Patent number: 9561756
    Abstract: A trim member attachment structure for a vehicle includes a trim member, a base portion extending from the trim member and an end portion extending from the base portion. An engagement surface extends from a first side of the base portion and faces the trim member. A shoulder extends from the base portion on a second side of the base portion. A first end of the shoulder and a first end of the engagement surface are positioned at substantially equal distances along a length of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Dan Polovich
  • Patent number: 9302631
    Abstract: A serviceable safety clip for retaining an automotive trim panel to an inner panel. The serviceable safety clip includes a pin secured to the trim panel, wherein the pin includes a plurality of blades that each include a low retention detent and a high retention detent. The serviceable safety clip also includes a receiver that is secured to the inner panel, wherein the receiver includes an angled face to facilitate insertion of the pin detents and a holding face that retains the pin detents. Insertion of the blades into the receiver includes pushing the pin to flex the blades inward and thereby move the high retention detent beyond the holding face and pushing the pin further to again flex the blades inward and to move the low retention detent into engagement with the holding face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yun Shin Lee
  • Publication number: 20150135484
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fastener comprising a head and a foot comprising a rigid core and three curved flexible wings each joining said rigid core along one side, having opposite a face of said core an inside surface bordered by a longitudinal edge and by a transverse edge, and having an outside surface respectively tapering towards a pointed end which is an opposite end to said head and towards said transverse edge, on respective opposite sides of an inflection plane, each said wing being configured to bend by elastic deformation towards said core; said core comprising a hub and three small walls extending radially from said hub, whereby said core is star-shaped in cross-section; and said inside surface of each said wing is bordered by a said respective small wall which is remotely opposite said longitudinal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Eric Leverger, Laurent Huet, Rachid Idjakiren
  • Patent number: 8904607
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a clip and a retaining element. The clip has a head from which lateral wings for fastening to a panel and resilient lugs for fastening the retaining element to the clip extend laterally. The retaining element temporarily fastened inside the clip is inserted in this state inside a mounting hole or opening where final fastening of the device to the panel is performed. The retaining element has an internal cavity for disassembling the clip. The resilient lugs have a fold from which they extend so as to form inner wings which are provided with an opening. Upon insertion of the retaining element, projections of the retaining element engage inside the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Diez Herrera
  • 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: 8894340
    Abstract: Provided is a clip able to lock axial movement and circumferential movement thereof by employing a simple configuration. A hub of the clip can be inserted into an insertion hole formed in an undercover. In each elastic flap, a basal part is supported in a cantilever manner, and a free end part elastically deforms around the basal part which forms a fulcrum so as to approach or separate from an outer periphery. Each elastic flap spreads out from the basal part toward the free end part so as to increase in width in a circumferential direction. The clip is attached to the undercover such that axial movement and circumferential movement of the clip are locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Industry Co., ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Kamiya, Makoto Kato, Atsutoshi Kaji
  • 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: 8865290
    Abstract: A fastening clip assembly configured to securely fasten to a mounting stud of a panel includes a main clip and a tapered member, such as a tapered locking pin. The main clip may include a central column defining a central passage. The central column may include a ledge. The tapered locking pin integrally connects to the central column through at least one flash joint integrally connected to the main clip proximate the ledge. The said tapered locking pin is configured to move into the central passage in order to securely fasten the assembly to the mounting stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Yury Shkolnikov, James T. Kirchen
  • Patent number: 8832907
    Abstract: A fastening device having spring legs formed onto a cover plate, including support flanges, which are disposed in support flange recesses. The fastening element thereby has a very high pull-out force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Michael De Jong, Jens Breitenfeld, Thomas Podsadny
  • Patent number: 8800065
    Abstract: A helmet is provided which is to be worn on the head of a helmet wearer and can be removed from the head with a comparatively small force. Operation for removing the helmet, including preliminary operation for it, can be performed easily and quickly. A recess-projection engaging mechanism to attach a blockish inside pad to a head protecting cap portion side includes an engaging pin on the inside pad side or head protecting cap portion side, and a notched engaging hole on the head protecting cap portion side or inside pad side. When pulling the inside pad outward from inside the head protecting cap portion at least partly, the engaging pin moves relative to outside the engaging hole through a notch of the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8793845
    Abstract: A fastener including a base and a support part extending from the base. The support part includes two legs and an end portion; the two legs extend from the base and are connected to one another by the end portion. A retention finger is located between the legs of the support, a first end of the retention finger being attached to the base and a second end of the retention finger being attached to the end portion of the support. The retention finger extends outwardly to a peak and tapers inwardly from the peak towards the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Matthew L. Kosiara
  • Publication number: 20140201957
    Abstract: A retainer adapted for disposition within a vehicle roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall to hold an elongate molding strip in covering relation to the vehicle roof ditch. The retainer includes at least one body portion adapted for disposition within the roof ditch in operative connection to a base portion of the roof ditch. The body portion has a length dimension adapted for orientation along a length segment of the roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The body portion includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to engage an underside of the elongate molding strip and at least one spring biasing leg disposed at an elevation below the molding attachment elements, which extends an operative length away from one side of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Derek SCROGGIE, Robert OSTERLAND
  • Patent number: 8769779
    Abstract: A pin assembly for retaining a trim panel to an inner panel is provided that comprises a hollow pushpin having a fin on a surface of the pushpin, wherein the fin is configured to flex into a void. The pin assembly further includes a first spring located proximate a first end of the pushpin, a second spring located proximate a second end of the pushpin, and an inertia pin disposed substantially within the pushpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yun Shin Lee
  • Publication number: 20140137374
    Abstract: A clip-mounting seat for mounting a clip to a vehicle interior component is disclosed. The clip includes a pillar-shaped axial portion. The clip-mounting seat includes a clip seating section having an engaging hole that receives the axial portion, and a pair of guide edge portions extending to the engaging hole from a side of the clip seating section forming a tapered slit having an inner end smaller in size than an outer diameter of the axial portion, the engaging hole having a circular shape having a size larger than the outer diameter of the axial portion, and the engaging hole continuing from inner ends of the guide edge portions. A guide edge portion is provided with a protruding piece projecting into the engaging hole from an inner end of the at least one of the guide edge portions, the protruding piece including a tip end surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: TS TECH Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8707525
    Abstract: A fastener assembly and for joining a first body to a second body and a method for using the fastener assembly are disclosed herein. The fastener assembly includes, but is not limited to, a base component that is configured for engagement with the first body. The base component includes a class A surface. The fastener assembly further includes a fastening component that is connected to the base component and that extends therefrom. The fastening component is configured to translate for a predetermined distance with respect to the base component. The fastening component is further configured to engage the second body. The fastener assembly still further includes a biasing feature that is configured to urge the fastening component towards a substantially concentric arrangement with respect to the base component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fauceria Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Davies
  • Patent number: 8695177
    Abstract: A clip may include a main body and a pin member. In the clip, an engagement condition of the anchor to an attaching hole formed in a plate member can be maintained by inserting an elastic shank portion of the pin member into the anchor of the main body. The elastic shank portion inserted into the anchor is received by a stopper of the anchor, so that the pin member can be locked in a temporary insertion position. An interfering portion of the elastic shank portion is exposed to an exterior portion the anchor. When the anchor is inserted into the attaching hole, the interfering portion of the elastic shank portion interferes with a periphery of the attaching hole, so that a condition in which the pin member is locked in the temporary insertion position can be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kato, Haruhisa Kamiya, Toshio Iwahara, Hideyuki Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8677572
    Abstract: A retainer adapted for disposition within a vehicle roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall to hold an elongate molding strip in covering relation to the vehicle roof ditch. The retainer includes at least one body portion adapted for disposition within the roof ditch in operative connection to a base portion of the roof ditch. The body portion has a length dimension adapted for orientation along a length segment of the roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The body portion includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to engage an underside of the elongate molding strip. The body portion further includes at least one spring biasing leg disposed at an elevation below the molding attachment elements, the spring biasing leg extends an operative length away from one side of the body portion for contacting, flexing relation with the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
  • 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: 8650722
    Abstract: A clip for a vehicle including: a substantially hollow clip main unit that has a distal end portion to be fixedly pressed into a fixation member on a vehicle body side, and a base portion in which an opening is formed; and a main unit support member that is capable of supporting the clip main unit from an inside thereof in a state where the main unit support member is completely inserted into the opening of the clip main unit, wherein a clip linking device is provided to the clip main unit and the main unit support member for engaging the clip main unit with the main unit support member so as to restrict the relative displacement in the insertion direction between the clip main unit and the main unit support member, in a state where the main unit support member is half-inserted into the clip main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizuo Hosoya, Nobumoto Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20140020213
    Abstract: An attachment system for mounting a trim component to a vehicle body panel having an aperture includes a self-locating fastener affixed to the trim component. The fastener has a domed head that terminates at a shoulder and includes a plurality of legs separated by a gap and configured to resiliently deflect inward. The domed head is configured to provide for location of the trim component relative to the body panel during installation, and the shoulder is configured to engage the aperture upon installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Huelke, Justin Lee Healy, Todd Jared Konet, James Allen Stec
  • Patent number: 8615962
    Abstract: A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tito G. Perez, Jose Elias Ruede
  • Patent number: 8584325
    Abstract: A structure for fastening to a trim board a clip that has projection for fastening to a clip fitting seat of the trim board and a second projection for fastening to a vehicle body-side member. The first projection has an engagement portion and the clip fitting seat has multiple latch lugs used to position the clip. A distance between the latch lugs is enlargeable as the engagement portion is engaged therewith. The first projection has at least two types of engagement portions that differ in diameter at locations that are separated in a fastening direction. Thus, the clip is fastened to the clip fitting seat in at least two stages, including one state in which the clip is fastened to the clip fitting seat at low fastening load, and a fastened state that is achieved by fastening the clip to the clip fitting seat at high fastening load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Onuma
  • Patent number: 8474111
    Abstract: Improvements to panel fastening clips, especially to those used in curtain and/or lateral airbags, of the kinds of clips that are formed by a surface and/or several flexing arms that are designed to be located in the outer part of the panel into whose opening they are inserted, including several feet that are more or less elastic and that tend to converge at their ends in the general shape of an inverted “V” in the direction in which the clip is inserted, as well as several wings whose ends work against the lower surface of said panel and which ensure that said clip is fastened to said panel, characterized by the fact that the ends of said wings have an enlarged working surface against the lower surface of said panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Metal Fasteners, S.L.
    Inventor: Oscar Ribes Marti
  • Patent number: 8458862
    Abstract: A locked base trim clip is described. The trim clip may secure two or more components together, such as a blade and a panel. The trim clip may include an outer frame having a top portion and a base portion. The base portion may be capable of engagement with a first component. The trim clip may include at least one tongue that may extend outward from the top portion and may engage with a second component. The trim clip may include at least one tab extending outward from the base portion that may engage the first component. The trim clip may include at least one locking feature that may include an inner U-portion and an outer U-portion. The locking feature may increase the ratio of insertion to retention within the second component to be greater than 1:2 or 1:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Publication number: 20130117969
    Abstract: A fastener is configured to attach to a hole of a primary panel and to mate to a doghouse. The fastener includes a core having a doghouse end and a piercing end; a datum feature; a neck extending from the datum feature toward the doghouse end; a foot feature on the doghouse end; a cone on the piercing end; and at least three snap features, which are symmetric about the core. The cone is configured to pierce any rain paper covering the holes. The doghouse is configured to join a trim component to the fastener. The doghouse includes a fastener end configured to support the fastener and a trim end configured to attach to the trim panel. The doghouse also includes a cradle formed on the fastener end, and configured to hold the fastener, and a collar configured to allow the fastener access to the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Lorin A. Mazur
  • Patent number: 8381371
    Abstract: The description relates to a clip fastening for fastening fitting parts such as locks, hinges, grips and/or for fastening thin-walled structural component parts provided with an opening to a thin wall, such as a sheet-metal cabinet door, provided with an opening or openings, comprising a head part with a flange which overlaps the outer rim or edge of the opening after assembly, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and extends through the opening after assembly, a substantially U-shaped spring being held at the end of the body part and supported by its leg ends on the inner edge of the opening. According to the invention, the spring is a flat structural component part with U-legs that are cut off or shaped at the free end substantially at right angles to the running direction of the U-leg in such a way that they are supported on the rim or edge of the opening after assembly at a slight inclination to the plane of the thin wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8370999
    Abstract: A clip for holding first and second parts together snaps into an opening in a first part and includes a central housing for receiving and retaining a male portion on a second part using catches. The clip has a spring structure allowing sideways displacement of the catches so that it occupies either a locked position in which it projects into the central housing to prevent axial movement of the male portion, or a position of release of the male portion in which it is withdrawn from the central housing. The clip also includes a mechanism for causing the catches to move to their locked positions automatically by snapping the clip onto the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et Cie
    Inventor: Pascal Camus
  • Publication number: 20130014353
    Abstract: An adapter for the vehicle-side installation of a component, in particular of a lining part, has a first fastening element to which a component-side holding piece can be attached, and a second fastening element to which a vehicle-side retaining element can be attached. The first and second fastening elements are coupled to each other via at least one spring element so as to be movable to a limited extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Hubert Loewe, Oliver Marx, Juergen Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8322669
    Abstract: A storage bin retaining member for releasable attachment to a support panel having a pair of horizontally spaced openings includes a body having an upper arm portion extending outwardly from each side thereof, a lower support portion extending outwardly from each side thereof and a central portion connecting the upper arm and the lower support portion. A pair of resilient tabs extending downwardly from the upper ends of the upper arm portion engage a pair of openings in the support panel to secure the retaining member to the support panel and a spring member connected to the bottom of the lower support portion engages a storage bin attached to a lower pair of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Akro-Mils, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrold Brown
  • Publication number: 20120240362
    Abstract: A pin assembly for retaining a trim panel to an inner panel is provided that comprises a hollow pushpin having a fin on a surface of the pushpin, wherein the fin is configured to flex into a void. The pin assembly further includes a first spring located proximate a first end of the pushpin, a second spring located proximate a second end of the pushpin, and an inertia pin disposed substantially within the pushpin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yun Shin Lee
  • Patent number: 8245367
    Abstract: There is provided a fastener which can be fixed in a mounting hole in an ensured fashion and which can be removed from the mounting hole in an easy and ensured fashion. This fastener 10 includes a main body 20 which is fixed in a mounting hole and a pin member for releasing the engagement of the main body 20 with the mounting hole. The main body 20 has a base portion 21 and a leg portion 30, a pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 are provided on the leg portion 30, and distal end portions 37 of the elastic engagement pieces 35 are extended towards an insertion opening 23 in the pin member 40. The pin member 40 has a head portion 41 and an insertion portion 43, and a pressing surface 48 is provided on the insertion portion 43 for pressing the distal end portions 37 so as to deflect the pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 inwards to such an extent that the elastic engagement pieces are not brought into engagement with the mounting hole when the pin member 40 is pushed in a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kato, Shigeo Okada, Takeshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8201848
    Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Peter Baumgartner, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
  • Publication number: 20120110918
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for mounting a decorative panel on a vehicle door that includes, but is not limited to a frame profile forming an opening for a side window of the vehicle door, on which the decorative panel for covering the profile is mounted with a fastener. The fastener includes, but is not limited to an elongate fastening piece passing through an opening in the frame profile and a fastening counterpiece connected to the fastening piece. The fastening counterpiece is connected to the decorative panel. The elongate fastening piece extends perpendicular to a door plane and can be connected to the fastening counterpiece from a door inner side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Alistair LOVE
  • Patent number: 8046879
    Abstract: A fastener with a shank and, arranged at one end of the shank, a head intended for welding to a workpiece, has multiple detent pawls formed on the shank that extend radially outward from the shank toward the head and that are elastically resilient in the radially inward direction. On the outside, each detent pawl has an engagement recess with support surfaces. The shank has a longitudinal hole, in which is located a stud, wherein one end of the stud projects out of the longitudinal hole and forms the head for welding. Also formed on the shank is a flange that is elastically resilient in the axial direction, whose outermost edge region is located opposite the engagement recess of the detent pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang Werner, Mario Stigler, Michael Schneider, Johann-Adalbert Reindl, Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110131918
    Abstract: A re-usable vehicle trim component (20) for attaching to a support member (38), such as a passenger seat, includes a trim panel (22) and a fastener (24) integral with the trim panel (22). A base (26) is coupled to the trim panel (22) by dog house walls (46). A pair of shafts (28) extend transversely from the base (26), a cross beam (30) extends between the shafts (28), and an elastically flexible return arm (32) extends from the cross beam (30) toward the base (26) to a distal end (68). A catch (34) extends outwardly from the return arm (32). The return arm (32) deflects as the fastener (24) is inserted into an aperture (36) of the support member (38). The support member (38) is secured between the catch (34) and the base (26). The trim component (20) can be removed and re-installed without damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Jerrold Scott Glynn, James D. Biebel, James Lewis Aleksa
  • Publication number: 20110010898
    Abstract: A retainer adapted for disposition within a vehicle roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall to hold an elongate molding strip in covering relation to the vehicle roof ditch. The retainer includes at least one body portion adapted for disposition within the roof ditch in operative connection to a base portion of the roof ditch. The body portion has a length dimension adapted for orientation along a length segment of the roof ditch between a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The body portion includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to engage an underside of the elongate molding strip. The body portion further includes at least one spring biasing leg disposed at an elevation below the molding attachment elements, the spring biasing leg extends an operative length away from one side of the body portion for contacting, flexing relation with the first sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
  • Patent number: 7798740
    Abstract: Fixing element for fixing a first and second panel to one another, which fixing element is provided on both sides with first and second insertion ends facing away from one another for insertion in a complementary cut-out in each panel, comprising at least a first snap-fit member on the first insertion end and at least one associated first bearing surface facing said snap-fit member for clamping the first panel between them, as well as at least a second snap-fit member on the second insertion end and at least one associated second bearing surface facing said snap-fit member for clamping the second panel between them. The bearing surfaces lie in the same plane in different positions, so that panels that have been fixed to one another with the fixing element are directly in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Van Zandbergen Industrieel Plaatwerk B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Pieter Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20100162534
    Abstract: There is provided a fastener which can be fixed in a mounting hole in an ensured fashion and which can be removed from the mounting hole in an easy and ensured fashion. This fastener 10 includes a main body 20 which is fixed in a mounting hole and a pin member for releasing the engagement of the main body 20 with the mounting hole. The main body 20 has a base portion 21 and a leg portion 30, a pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 are provided on the leg portion 30, and distal end portions 37 of the elastic engagement pieces 35 are extended towards an insertion opening 23 in the pin member 40. The pin member 40 has a head portion 41 and an insertion portion 43, and a pressing surface 48 is provided on the insertion portion 43 for pressing the distal end portions 37 so as to deflect the pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 inwards to such an extent that the elastic engagement pieces are not brought into engagement with the mounting hole when the pin member 40 is pushed in a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20100146744
    Abstract: A fastening device, in particular for hand grips for the interior of a motor vehicle, is equipped with a bearing block, which can be inserted into a recess in a plate-like structure, with a stopper which can be inserted into the bearing block, and with means which, upon insertion of the stopper, make it possible for rear engagement of the fastening device behind a plate-like structure. The invention makes provision for the rear-engagement means to be formed separately and to be produced preferably in the manner of wings from sheet steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Welter, Frederic Selvini
  • Publication number: 20100107372
    Abstract: A locked base trim clip is described. The trim clip may secure two or more components together, such as a blade and a panel. The trim clip may include an outer frame having a top portion and a base portion. The base portion may be capable of engagement with a first component. The trim clip may include at least one tongue that may extend outward from the top portion and may engage with a second component. The trim clip may include at least one tab extending outward from the base portion that may engage the first component. The trim clip may include at least one locking feature that may include an inner U-portion and an outer U-portion. The locking feature may increase the ratio of insertion to retention within the second component to be greater than 1:2 or 1:3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Patent number: 7641250
    Abstract: A body molding with integral lock feature that is located within a channel formed in a body of a vehicle includes an elongated cover portion that is generally planar, with opposed side edges, an upper surface and a lower surface and opposed side edges. A retention member projects radially from the lower surface of the cover portion. The retention member includes at least two links interconnected via a joint, and each link is formed from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined link durometer. The joint is made from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined joint durometer. The link durometer is greater than the joint durometer, so that the retention member has a first predetermined shape prior to installation in the channel and a second predetermined shape after installation in the channel, to maintain the retention member in the channel via interference contact between a contacting joint and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brady James Gambatese
  • Patent number: 7621574
    Abstract: A vehicle ditch molding for insertion and retention in a recess, such as a roof ditch, formed between a first vehicle body panel and a second vehicle body panel is disclosed. The vehicle ditch molding may include a head extending outward from a ditch molding centerline and configured to cover an opening to the recess, and a stem extending from the head along the ditch molding centerline and configured to be narrower than the opening to the recess. Also, the vehicle ditch molding may include a pair of wings extending outward from the stem, with each of the wings having an upper surface facing the head and a lower surface, with each having a wing lower notch extending into the wing lower surface defining an inner living hinge extending between the respective wing lower notch and the corresponding upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien P. Mourou, Amit A. Wavde, Anton J. Bering, Jimmie C. Wilkins, Keith D. Alvord, Jason L. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20090151134
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for fastening a cover profile (4) for the transition between two surfaces (12, 13) which are perpendicular with respect to each other, comprising a support (1) which can be fastened to one of said surfaces (12, 13) and comprises two clamping legs (2, 3) for the cover profile (4) which extend in the longitudinal direction of the cover profile (4) and protrude against the cover profile (4), which profile can be mounted on the clamping legs (2, 3) under mutually opposite resilient contact of the clamping legs (2, 3) on the clamping surfaces (6) of the cover profile (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Franz Neuhofer, JR.