Plastic Type Patents (Class 24/297)
  • Patent number: 10758060
    Abstract: A cover-material fastening clip includes a locking portion having a guide piece and a hook which includes an extension portion and a distal end portion. The guide piece extends includes a bent portion bent and extended toward the distal end portion. An insertion opening having a predetermined gap and allowing a wire to be inserted therethrough is positioned between the bent portion and the distal end portion. A distal end portion of the guide piece extending from the bent portion is an elastic piece portion being elastically deformed to be spaced from the distal end portion and to widen the insertion opening. In a part of the locking portion, which is located within a range, in which the elastic piece portion can be elastically deformed and thus moved, an escape space is provided to allow a distal end of the elastic piece portion to be positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Genta Matsumura, Shinsuke Saiga, Yoshitomo Iyoda, Takefumi Adachi
  • Patent number: 10753382
    Abstract: A connection assembly is provided that includes a pin and a clip. The pin includes a head portion having two spaced flanges defining a slot therebetween, a tail portion defining a bulb, and a shaft extending between the head and tail portion. The clip includes a plurality of resilient fingers extending radially inward and a central cavity. The pin extends through the central cavity of the clip and the resilient fingers receives and rotationally engages with the bulb of the pin. In one form, the connection assembly connects a molded doghouse to an adjacent part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ana Valeria Vazquez Baca, Jose Israel Castro, Paulina Vazquez Orpinel, Mario Oscar Martinez Ordaz, Martha Patricia Adame Contreras, Ricardo Enrique Navarro Ascencio
  • Patent number: 10677342
    Abstract: An actuator housing is configured to receive an electric motor and a gear set that modifies the output of the motor. The actuator housing includes a gear housing that supports the gear set for rotation. The gear set includes a worm gear that is driven by the motor and has an opening that is concentric with a rotational axis of the gear. The gear housing includes a container and a cover that closes an open end of the container. The container houses the gear and defines a hollow gear shaft that extends through the gear opening. The cover is secured to the open end of the gear housing via a snap-fit mechanical connection between the cover and the gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Mexico Sistemas Automotrices S.A. de C.V., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Luis Angel Ramirez Ortiz, Alex Martin, Pablo Daniel Molina Cardozo
  • Patent number: 10640996
    Abstract: A Hole Cover for penetrations in commercial construction floors. One size of hole cover can accommodate a wide variety of hole diameters, and fit snugly. The device is made from a lightweight, yet durable material. A version having a cap with an internal metal core is also available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Hartman
  • Patent number: 10578138
    Abstract: A clip mounting seat in which a clip is mounted includes walls having side edges that are connected to each other and ends between the side edges, a mounting base disposed at the ends of the walls and including a stopper hole having a hole edge a part of which is open and having an opening, the stopper hole in which the clip inserted through the opening is held, and an elastic stopper extending from one of the ends of one of the walls toward the opening and being opposite the opening. The elastic stopper includes a basal portion that extends from the one end of the one wall and a clip receiver portion that extends from the basal portion toward the opening and is opposite the opening and wider than the basal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kimihiro Izumi, Mariko Wada, Kenji Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10570942
    Abstract: An annular plug coupling which can be fastened within an opening in a first component and has the following features: a central coupling seat, in particular a ball socket, to which a coupling head of a second part can be releasably connected, and an intermediate ring that includes a plurality of curved, radially inward-extending first spring elements connected to the ball socket, and a plurality of curved, radially outward-extending second spring elements which are provided with a locking connection at a radially outward end such that the plug coupling can be locked within the opening in the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Böllhoff Verbindungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Metten, Jasmin Fritzsch
  • Patent number: 10513164
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) case for an HVAC assembly. The HVAC case includes a fastener for coupling a first portion of the HVAC case to a second portion of the HVAC case. A clip of the fastener is included with the first portion of the HVAC case. A retention member of the fastener is included with the second portion of the HVAC case. Cooperation between the clip and the retention member couples the first portion of the HVAC case and the second portion of the HVAC case together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ross Perigo, Carl Williams
  • Patent number: 10485143
    Abstract: A cooling module assembly includes a cold plate to be positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of a processor to receive heat radiated from the processor, and a cold plate mounting bracket attached to the cold plate to mount the cold plate onto the processor. The cold plate mounting bracket includes a first set of mounting slots to be aligned with a second set of mounting slots disposed on a processor mounting bracket that mounts the processor. Each of the mounting slots in the first set and the second set is configured in an asymmetric shape. The first and second sets of mounting slots allow a mounting pin to be inserted through in a first angle and to rotate from the first angle to a second angle after the insertion to interlock the cold plate with the exterior surface of the processor with proper mounting pressure loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Tianyi Gao, Yan Cui
  • Patent number: 10472043
    Abstract: Fuselage assemblies, over-frame blanket assemblies, and methods of installing over-frame blanket assemblies are provided. A fuselage assembly for an aircraft includes a fuselage skin, a cabin liner, and an over-frame blanket assembly. The cabin liner has an outer side facing the fuselage skin. The over-frame blanket assembly is disposed between the fuselage skin and the cabin liner and has a first blanket piece. The first blanket piece includes a first sound barrier layer that defines a first outer surface of the over-frame blanket assembly and a first sound absorbing layer that defines a second outer surface of the over-frame blanket assembly facing the fuselage skin. A method of installing the over-frame blanket assembly includes positioning the first blanket piece in an orientation such that the first sound barrier layer is directly adjacent the cabin liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Lucas, Kristopher Philip Lynch
  • Patent number: 10448743
    Abstract: A clip has an engagement portion including: a first arm with a first claw at the top end side; a second arm with a second claw at the top end side; and a bottom provided at the respective base end sides of the first arm and the second arm. Projections of the first claw and the second claw defines a left-right width of a mouth. A third claw projects into the retaining space at a position closer to the base end of the first arm, and a fourth claw is provided which projects into the retaining space at a position closer to the base end of the second arm. The third claw is narrower than the first claw in their widths along a front-back direction orthogonal to the depth direction of the retaining space extending from the mouth to the bottom and the left-right width direction of the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Saiga, Tetsuya Yoshino, Yoshitomo Iyoda
  • Patent number: 10436233
    Abstract: A spring clip includes a first frangible feature extending between a first cantilever bar and a support post and a second frangible feature extending between a second cantilever bar and the support post. The frangible features provide a readily perceived indication of proper spring clip installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego Santillan Gutierrez, Alejandro Rosas Vazquez, Fernando Paisano Rodriguez, Jezahel Lara Sandoval
  • Patent number: 10427621
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle tether clip which enables the coupling of latch jaws (13a) to a mounting hole of a pillar panel to be easily released by fastening a male screw member (30) to female screw holes (14) formed in hooks (13). Accordingly, the maintenance of the tether clip can be improved and the tether clip can be reused since the tether clip is not damaged during disassembly thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Seoyon E-Hwa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 10407239
    Abstract: A fixing clamp (2) for discharge outlet of intermediate bulk containers is disclosed. The discharge outlet (1) comprises a flange edge (3), a discharge connecting port (5) and a discharge outlet clamping part (4). The discharge outlet clamping part (4) is a polygonal structure. The fixing clamp (2) comprises a fixing clamp body, a clamping portion (8), elastic guiding ribs (7) and anti-release portion (9). A passage for accommodating the discharge outlet clamping part (4) is formed in the middle part of the fixing clamp body. The clamping portion (8) is used for clamping the side surface of the discharge outlet clamping part (4) when the fixing clamp (2) and the discharge outlet (1) have been assembled. The elastic guiding ribs (7) will be squeezed by the side surface of the discharge outlet clamping part (4) to deform When the leading-in surfaces of the elastic guiding ribs (7) contact with the side surface of the discharge outlet clamping part (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HONGYAN RETURNABLE TRANSIT PACKAGINGS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Zhengwei Fang
  • Patent number: 10384623
    Abstract: A clip assembly includes a bracket defining a hole. A vehicle includes a component and the clip assembly attached to the component. The bracket includes an inner surface, a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The hole is defined through the first and second sides. The clip assembly includes a post disposed through the hole and an attachment feature formed to the post. The clip assembly includes a first stop and a second stop each formed to the post. The first stop is disposed between the first side of the bracket and the attachment feature. The second stop is spaced from the first stop, and the bracket is disposed between the first and second stops. The second side of the bracket is open such that the second stop is unsurrounded by the bracket relative to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Dallos, Jr., Michael J. Mukhtar
  • Patent number: 10363882
    Abstract: A temporary fixing unit includes a supporting portion including a distal end portion passed through an aperture, and a holding portion provided with an inclined surface that slides along an edge portion of the aperture when passed through the aperture. The temporary fixing unit also includes a spring portion connecting the distal end portion of the supporting portion and the holding portion and that deforms in a twisted manner as the holding portion is pushed down when the inclined surface of the holding portion slides along the edge portion of the aperture. When the holding portion is passed through the aperture, a portion of a door panel is held between the holding portion and an elastic portion. Furthermore, the elastic portion is elastically deformed so as to press the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyazaki, Kazuhisa Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10336265
    Abstract: A fastener clip system including a carrier and a fastener clip configured to fit over the carrier. The fastener clip includes at least one wing, where the at least one wing is configured to engage a slot in a surface, and one or more hooks that are configured to secure the fastener clip to the carrier. The hooks are configured to engage corresponding retaining ledge underctus on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: TERMAX LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Walter Smith, Michael Tirrell
  • Patent number: 10308149
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a pad including: a first pad part; a second pad part; a step portion formed along at least a part of the boundary; and a groove portion extending from the step portion into between the first and second pad parts over the whole length of the step portion; and a trim cover formed by sewing multiple skin pieces together, the skin pieces including: a first body configured to cover the surface of the first pad part following the surface of the step portion; a first gore configured to cover the surface of the step portion; a second body configured to cover the surface of the second pad part following the surface of the step portion; and a second gore jointed to the second body, wherein an edge of the first gore and an edge of the second gore are respectively stored in the groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Abe, Takahiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10302109
    Abstract: A fastening system comprising a second fastener fastened to a first fastener; the first fastener comprising a hollow housing having a side-wall and a top-wall; a first aperture formed in the side-wall and in the top-wall of the hollow housing, the first aperture configured for entry of the second fastener during fastening of the second fastener and first fastener; a second aperture formed in the side-wall of the hollow housing; a beam formed in the side-wall between the first aperture and the second aperture, the beam attached at opposing ends to the side-wall; the beam blocks the first aperture to inhibit separation of the second fastener from the first fastener through the first aperture; and the beam is configured to be deformed during fastening of the second fastener to the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Francis Michelini, Stanley Curtis Dobson, Aaron Michael Delong, Gaspar Michael Badalamenti
  • Patent number: 10273995
    Abstract: A connector is a unitary member having a male portion extending from a base. The male portion is configured as bifurcated snap pin to be inserted into and retain thereon a grommet of a tarpaulin. The base includes a central aperture configured to receive the threaded fastener, which extends through the central aperture in a direction opposite to the male portion. The base includes an inner flange extending radially between the central aperture and two male members forming the male portion, which is configured to receive a head of the threaded fastener thereagainst so as to compress the base between the fastener and the object. The base includes a central bore extending inward into the base from a surface opposite the male portion in the direction of the two male members. The central bore is configured to receive therein the male snap stud, so as to couple thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: David L. Pulsipher
  • Patent number: 10245938
    Abstract: An air guide is assembled on a structural component of a motor vehicle by at least two fasteners that each include a first component and a second component. The fasteners project laterally from a frame defined by lateral edges of the structural component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction. The first component is joined to the air guide by a retainer that breaks following an impact directed substantially parallel to the fastening direction. Lateral edges of the air guide exhibit guide parts situated substantially opposite second components. Each guide part guides a lateral edge of the structural component supporting a second component inside the air guide following a breakage of the retainer of the first component working together with the second component, the breakage resulting in movement of the air guide towards the structural component in a direction substantially parallel to the fastening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Joseph Bui, Benoit Janier, Gilles Dauboin, Stephane Grevet
  • Patent number: 10227025
    Abstract: Provided is a resin cover for covering a surface of a structure by being inserted and secured together with a metallic clip into a hole portion formed in the structure, the resin cover is formed with a clip squeezing portion for mounting the metallic clip, the clip squeezing portion is formed with a flexure control rib, and the flexure control rib is formed to restrict the defamation amount of a claw portion formed on the metallic clip to prevent the metallic clip from being pulled back from the hole portion formed in the structure when the metallic clip is urged to be pulled back from the hole portion formed in the structure in the state that the metallic clip mounted on the clip squeezing portion is inserted into the hole portion formed in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takamasa Tamai, Naoyuki Makita
  • Patent number: 10197089
    Abstract: A clip for attaching an attaching member to an attached member through a male connector of the attached member, includes a main body portion; a locking portion for engaging the male connector; a claw portion having elasticity to deform when inserted into a hole of the attaching member, and to return to an original form after passing through the hole; a first flange portion extending radially outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion; a second flange portion extending radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion between the first flange portion and the claw portion, for sandwiching the attaching member between the first and second flange portions; and a tool hooking portion on the another side of the main body portion, for receiving a tool to rotate in respect to the male connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: NIFCO AMERICA CORP.
    Inventor: Yong Quan Yu
  • Patent number: 10137846
    Abstract: A connector used in a vehicle part comprises a base plate connected with the vehicle part; and a clip housing disposed on the base plate and forming a receiving space with the vehicle part. The base plate includes a reinforcement portion disposed in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Shen, Xuezhi Jin, Mark Drewe, Wilfried Goex
  • Patent number: 10125804
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for fastening a structural element, which has a retaining device that interacts with a T-stud, wherein the T-stud has a stud shaft and a stud head with an underhead having a contact surface for contacting at least one counter-surface formed on the retaining device. The stud shaft can be welded to a component. The at least one counter-surface of the retaining device is designed on a contact shoulder for the underhead of the stud head which encompasses the stud at least in part. A plurality of recesses are designed in the contact shoulder of the retaining apparatus, interrupting the counter-surface, wherein the contact surface of the underhead contacts the contact shoulder of the retaining apparatus in the plane of the countersurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Krippl, Tuba Baskaya
  • Patent number: 10047779
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided, which includes a locating seat for engaging with a first workpiece; a fastening member including sequentially connected stop unit, shank unit and fastening unit, the fastening unit being configured for fastening to a second workpiece; a reciprocation actuator movably disposed on the locating seat with the shank unit extended through and movably located in the reciprocation actuator and the locating seat, the stop unit abutted on a top of the reciprocation actuator, the fastening unit movable in a reciprocating motion between an inner side and an outer side of the locating seat or outside the locating seat; and an elastic element having an end pressed against the locating seat and another end pressed against the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: DTECH PRECISION INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ting-Jui Wang
  • Patent number: 10046491
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing a two-part fastener may include a fastener-molding housing and an actuating assembly. The fastener-molding housing may include a fastener mold having a first mold section connected to a second mold section through a flash connection mold section. The fastener mold is configured to receive fastener-forming material to form a pre-engaged fastener having a first fastener portion within the first mold section and a second fastener portion within the second mold section. The first fastener portion is temporarily secured to the second fastener portion through a flash connection portion formed within the flash connection mold section. The an actuating assembly includes a stripper plate, a connecting member, and at least one ejection member. The connecting member is configured to securely retain the first fastener portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Tisol, Jr., Brock T. Cooley, Benjamin H. Moerke
  • Patent number: 10041523
    Abstract: A QUICK FASTENING DEVICE FOR PANELS, of the type containing two elements that interact with one another by virtue of the moving parts thereof and which is used to provide an anchoring point for the fastening of an application to the hole in a panel, being formed from a clip and a pin, said clip incorporating tabs descending downwards from the base, and having elastic ability in order to move closer toward the center of said clip through the sliding action of elbows or hooks on said tabs, acting on the inclined profile of cavities provided in said pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Raul Ortega Dona, Jaume Arisa Busquets
  • Patent number: 10023077
    Abstract: A track assembly includes a first pair of tracks, a first lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the first pair of tracks, a second pair of tracks, a second lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the second pair of tracks, and a cross member that may be connected between the first pair of tracks and the second pair of tracks. The cross member may be configured to actuate the first lockset and the second lockset. The cross member may include a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section may be configured to rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Stutika, Peter Necej, Peter Palascak, Miroslav Dedina, Michael Wojatzki, Marian Podhorsky, Norbert Hertling
  • Patent number: 10024351
    Abstract: A fastener clip assembly including a cap configured to be secured to a chassis through a chassis slot and a pin configured to be secured to a body panel. The pin is configured to be secured to the cap. The clip also includes a removable seal configured to be attached between the pin and the cap. The removable seal is configured to form a seal against the chassis based at least upon the pin being secured to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TERMAX LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Tirrell, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 10006479
    Abstract: A fastener clip assembly including a cap configured to be secured to a chassis through a chassis slot and a pin configured to be secured to a body panel. The pin is configured to be secured to the cap. The clip further includes a funnel coupled to the cap and facing in a direction of insertion of the pin. The funnel is configured to guide the pin into the cap based at least upon inserting the pin into the cap off center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: TERMAX LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Dickinson, Michael Tirrell, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 9994165
    Abstract: A vehicle door has a metal door frame having at least one opening, a decorative interior door panel, and at least one post projecting outwardly from an inner side of the decorative interior door panel. The post may have a length, cross sectional shape and cross sectional dimensions to engage within the opening when the decorative interior door panel is secured to the metal door frame. The post and the opening may cooperate to delay separation and movement of the decorative interior door panel upwardly and away from the metal door frame during a side impact crash on the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Barrera Torres, Jesus Edgar E. Dominguez Cuevas
  • Patent number: 9982694
    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: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Michelle E. Bozinovski, Robert A. Murawski
  • Patent number: 9963087
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Leverger, Laurent Huet, Rachid Idjakiren
  • Patent number: 9945406
    Abstract: A fastener for a vehicle lamp assembly has an adjustable stud and grommet. Positioning grooves on the stud interact with positioning fingers on the grommet in a ratcheting fashion to allow more accurate alignment of the lamp assembly prior to securing the lamp assembly to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 9908483
    Abstract: A device for fastening a paneling part to a body structure, particularly an interior body panel, of a motor vehicle and the body structure with an inner side facing toward the paneling part and an outer side facing away from the paneling part. The device includes a first fastening component for fastening to an opening in body structure. The first fastening component has a first section for bearing on the outer side of the body structure and a second section for arrangement in the area of the inner side of the body structure. A second, rod-like fastening component fastens the paneling part to the second fastening component. The second section of the first fastening component is constructed in such manner that the second section can be passed through the opening in the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Michael Horneck
  • Patent number: 9903377
    Abstract: A ventilating device includes a rectangular frame, a louver, an adapter, a helix shell and a circuit board box. A mounting base at a bottom surface of the helix shell is configured for installation of a plurality of functional units thereon. The mounting base is provided with a base circuit board for interfacing with the functional units, and the circuit board box is coupled to the mounting base by a lead wire. Both the circuit board box and the mounting base include a hole, through which the lead wire passes. These holes are arranged in a linear manner in an up-down direction arranged at the side towards an air outlet. The plurality of functional units are configured to be freely assembled or disassembled individually to or from the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: PANASONIC ECOLOGY SYSTEMS GUANGDONG CO., LTD., PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yanbiao He, Guancheng Hou, Shouyong Gao, Bodong Zhong, Fengwei Yan, Daisuke Tsubosa
  • Patent number: 9873388
    Abstract: A grommet has retention wings and a distal end of a barrel with pin retention pawls. The pin retention pawls include an inner retention tooth with a lead-in ramp surface facing toward the grommet head. A lead-out ramp surface is distal of the lead-in ramp surface and facing away from the grommet head. A pin includes a recess receiving the inner retention tooth, with a pin head facing surface positioned and designed to engage the lead-out surface and radially outwardly displace the pin retention pawls during removal of the pin from the grommet. A distal facing outer surface of the pin engages the lead-in surface and radially outwardly displaces the pin retention pawls during insertion of the pin into the grommet. A two-shot molding method of manufacturing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jason A. Meyers, Roger E. Pilon, Tien T. Diep
  • Patent number: 9840208
    Abstract: A door outbelt unit for a vehicle door includes an end piece clip forming a “U”-shaped clip pocket, an end piece forming a pocket boss inserted into a clip pocket, and a door outbelt forming an internal space inserted and enclosed with an end piece to expose the pocket boss to the outside, in which the door outbelt is assembled only by a process of pressing the end piece in an H direction (vertical direction) after an end piece clip is assembled in an L direction (horizontal direction), so as to prevent lifting of the door outbelt or damage of parts during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyung-Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 9821638
    Abstract: A mounting structure of an exterior belt is provided. The structure includes a frame and an end piece, and a door is coupled with an outer panel having a mounting aperture formed exterior an inner panel. Additionally, a first clip is formed at the end piece, and has a protrusion and a first slit formed at a front of the protrusion. A second clip is slidably coupled to the first clip and has a protruding portion. The second clip is inserted into the mounting aperture when the protruding portion is fitted into the first slit, and when one end thereof comes into contact with the inner panel when the protrusion is inserted into the mounting aperture, the other end thereof is moved backward toward the first clip, to restrict the first clip in the mounting aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yong-Hyun Nam
  • Patent number: 9809137
    Abstract: A covered foam cushion (10), such as for an automotive seat, has a foam bun (12) with a contoured outer surface defining an elongated trench (16) between opposing side walls (18, 20). A retainer (28, 28a) is permanently secured to the foam bun and recessed within the trench between the side walls. A cover (14) extends over at least a portion of the foam bun and is held in place by a clip (26, 26a) permanently secured to a distal edge of a flange (24) of the cover within the trench of the foam bun. The clip is fastened to the retainer and has lateral protrusions (30, 30a) that bear against the opposing side walls of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventor: Victor Horst Kheil
  • Patent number: 9809296
    Abstract: An aircraft fuselage comprising a structure, a skin connected to the structure and forming a barrier between the interior and the exterior of the fuselage, an external coating being plated or placed against said skin, wherein the external coating comprises a thermal insulator that covers the fuselage at least in part and has at least one foam insulating layer. The external coating comprises a plurality of juxtaposed panels adhesively bonded to the fuselage and/or secured to the fuselage by mechanical fixings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Olivier Picot
  • Patent number: 9802555
    Abstract: An arrangement having a sealing profile of a vehicle body seal and a trim strip connectable to the sealing profile with the trim strip being pressed against the sealing profile perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the profile. Two connecting projections running parallel to and at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the strip protrude from the trim strip. The sealing profile has groove recesses running in the longitudinal direction of the profile for receiving one connecting projection each. The connecting projections are undercut, as seen counter to the press-on direction, and the groove recesses are undercut in the press-on direction. The undercuts of the groove recesses are formed by rib projections for engagement in one undercut each of the connecting projections. The rib projections are tongues which are elastically bendable by the connecting projections when the trim strip is pressed onto the sealing profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: CQLT SAARGUMMI TECHNOLOGIES S.À.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniel Thiel, Thomas Jungmann
  • Patent number: 9776545
    Abstract: A seat attachment assembly for attaching components to a seat cushion is provided. A central base has at least one footing with an opening adapted for being encapsulated in the cushion. A cylindrical shaft extends generally perpendicular from the central base and defines a cylindrical opening therein. A retention clip has an extension portion sized to be received and retained in the cylindrical opening by an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Lovasz
  • Patent number: 9776475
    Abstract: A glass support member is provided for fixing a glass plate to a body flange of a vehicle. The glass support member includes a base having a first surface and a second surface that face each other, a column that protrudes from the second surface of the base in a direction away from the base, and an inclined member that is arranged at a tip of the column and extends from the tip of the column toward the second surface of the base at an inclination angle with respect to an axis of the column. The tip of the column is configured to be capable of swaying with respect to the axis of the column within a plane including the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Window Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sachio Otani
  • Patent number: 9750376
    Abstract: Spa side panels are trapezoidally-shaped and mounted in respective grooves defined by adjacent tapered corner pieces and their mounting brackets to accommodate differences in coefficients of expansion of the respective parts and prevent structural damage. Angled force transfer members are configured to mate with swept back side surfaces of a spa base pan to achieve a pedestal appearance, and the bottom surface of the base pan is constructed to reduce heat transfer to the spa support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Zeljko Dragovic, Sam Shifron
  • Patent number: 9743777
    Abstract: A drawn instrument for securely attaching a cover includes a tape member having left and right surfaces and attachable to a cover, and a drawn portion provided at the end of the tape member and projected from the left and right surfaces of the tape member, the drawn portion extending along the end of the tape member. The drawn portion includes a plurality of attached portions for clip attachment that are separated along the longitudinal direction of the drawn portion and are recessed at both left and right sides, and a plurality of walls separated along the longitudinal direction of the drawn portion and projected at both left and right sides. At both left and right sides each wall is provided adjacent to the attached portion and positioned inwardly of the tape member relative to the attached portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Saiga, Tetsuya Yoshino, Yoshitomo Iyoda
  • Patent number: 9743808
    Abstract: Spa side panels are trapezoidally-shaped and mounted in respective grooves defined by adjacent tapered corner pieces and their mounting brackets to accommodate differences in coefficients of expansion of the respective parts and prevent structural damage. Angled force transfer members are configured to mate with swept back side surfaces of a spa base pan to achieve a pedestal appearance, and the bottom surface of the base pan is constructed to reduce heat transfer to the spa support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Zeljko Dragovic, Sam Shifron
  • Patent number: 9731636
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat including a first member and a second member allowed to turn relative to the first member to thereby shift between a first state in which the second member faces the first member and a second state in which the second member is farther from the first member than in the first state, a first electric device is provided in the first member, a second electric device is provided in the second member, a first electric wire is connected to the first electric device, a second electric wire is connected to the second electric device, and a tying part is provided which ties the first electric wire and the second electric wire together into a bundle. The tying part is fixed to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taiki Takeuchi, Jeremy Ruff, Sean T. Collins, Robley A. Mangold, Masakazu Okada, Raju Bethina
  • Patent number: 9705447
    Abstract: A photovoltaic panel mounting clip comprising a base, central indexing tabs, flanges, lateral indexing tabs, and vertical indexing tabs. The mounting clip removably attaches one or more panels to a beam or the like structure, both mechanically and electrically. It provides secure locking of the panels in all directions, while providing guidance in all directions for accurate installation of the panels to the beam or the like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Andrés Cavieres, Tristan Al-Haddad, Joseph Goodman
  • Patent number: 9695857
    Abstract: A system enabling the attachment of an object to an element (1) having attachment groove(s), having at least one grooved surface (2) including at least one attachment groove whose mouth (3) is defined longitudinally by two opposing edges (5) that each include an inner salient angle, the system includes an attachment device (6, 7), the element (1), and elements for coupling (8) with the object. The attachment device includes a clamping assembly and a locking element (7) capable of being at least partially inserted in the groove, directly in any of the attachment points along the latter, the assembly being at least partially resiliently or plastically deformable when exposed to a pressure bias exerted by the locking element in order to form, by deforming the material, an anchoring and clamping element capable of anchoring under the edges (5) and/or against the salient angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TARIFOLD (SOCIETE PAR ACTIONS SIMPLIFIEE)
    Inventor: Claude Dietrich