Abstract: A panel latch 10 includes at least one flexible latch member 24, 26 having a base portion 36, a first leg 32, and a second leg 34 attached to the first leg via the base portion. The flexible latch member 24, 26 further has a latch portion 46 and a stop member 82 disposed on the first leg 32. The latch portion 46 is separated from the stop member 82 to accommodate therebetween at least two separate parts 12, 14 that are to be latched together. The legs 32, 34 of the flexible latch member can be flexed so as to shift the latch portion 46 and the stop member 82 in a direction toward the second leg 34 to allow the two parts 12, 14 to be unlatched from each other. A generally U-shaped, rigid latch retaining member 28 is provided that has a first leg 54 with free end. A second leg 56 of the latch retaining member 28 is connected to the flexible latch member 24, 26.

Abstract: A clip (10) is provided for securing an object such as a cable to a body (32) such as a wall of a supporting frame, which is of simple and rugged design and that allows one-hand operation. The clip includes first and second jaws (18, 20) with lower ends (60, 62) that are pivotally connected, upper ends (70, 72) that can grasp the object between them when the jaws are pivoted together, and middle parts (94). The body has a slot (22) that receives the middle parts of the jaws to hold the jaws together so the upper parts grasp the object.

Abstract: An attachment connection (18) for securing a vehicle trim component (16) to a vehicle body sheet metal panel (20) includes an attachment projection (22) extending from the trim component with an attachment formation (24) molded in situ thereon from a softer material. An opening (26) in the sheet metal panel (20) includes a cantilevered leaf spring (28) having a terminal end (30) that is engaged with the softer attachment formation (24) upon insertion of the attachment projection into the opening to thereby provide securement of the trim component. The leaf spring (28) has a curved section (32) to provide enhanced spring action thereof and its terminal end (30) preferably has a curved shape that engages the attachment formation (24) on the attachment projection (22).

Abstract: A fastening clip structured to attach a plate-shaped structural part with a second plate-shaped part is disclosed. The parts have fastening openings, one of the openings being oblong. The clip includes a head having a radial conical flange adapted to engage the respective structural part, and a shank having a plurality of resilient legs, the legs being connected to the head at the upper end thereof and forming a conical insertion tip at the free end thereof. The outer sides of the legs have a shoulder adapted to cooperate with the edge of the hole, wherein four legs are provided circumferentially spaced by 90°, the legs being separated by relatively broad slots extending from flange to the insertion tip, the maximum diameter of the shank at the level of the shoulders being slightly larger than the shortest diameter of the oblong hole.

Abstract: A tool-less fastener for use in connecting a computer cable to either a computer or peripheral equipment. An elongated rod with an external expandable sleeve fits into a standard threaded hole and then expanded to fasten the cable to the equipment without the need for a screwdriver or other tool. The tool-less fastener may be independent of or interconnected to the computer cable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quick release hitch pin which comprises an elongated member having a handle thereon which includes a locking assembly. The elongated member has a rod disposed in a central bore spring tensioned outwardly having a plunger on its inner end positioned between a pair of balls positioned in apertures which balls are urged outwardly by the plunger. As the balls are urged outwardly they form a locking member against the underside of the tow bar thereby preventing removal of the elongated member or pin. Alternative embodiments disclose a pair of tabs communicating with the lower portion of a looped rod, with the tabs having tangs thereon which tangs contact the underside of the tow bar when in the extended position thereby preventing removal of the elongated member.

Abstract: The system is designed to definitely couple and fix a mechanism and/or accessory (1) in the interior of a motor vehicle, the mechanism (1) including a pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) with a fixed (5) and a resilient (6) portion, and a skirt (4) in which a slot (3) is provided, wherein upon the passage of such pyramid-shaped protuberance (2) through a hole (8) purposely made in the self-supporting element (7) of the vehicle at issue, which self-supporting element may be the ceiling, a door panel, etc., it is held on a resilient plastic blade (9) in a window (10) identical with that purposely provided in the vehicle bodywork (13), wherein a supplementary wedge element (11) inserted through the bottom, on the pyramid-shaped protuberance (2), definitely fixes said mechanism or accessory (1), the slot (3) thereof leaving the thickness of the resilient blade (9) and the vehicle bodywork shell.

Abstract: A fence connector for interlocking pickets to cross supports to define sections of fence and for interlocking these fence sections to posts. The fence connector using retractable arms that retract for insertion into a hole and then deflect back to an expanded position upon full insertion resulting in a secure, snug connection. The fence connector including a stop for preventing axial movement of the connector upon insertion into a fence rail. A thin flexible piece of hinge may extend between and hinged interconnect an outer end of adjacent retractable arms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastening device for attaching a heat sink to an electronic device package. The fastening device is unitarily formed to include a fastener and a C-shaped spring member. The spring member includes a center section and a pair of arcuate arms extending from opposite ends of the center section. The fastener perpendicularly extends from the center section. The spring member has a depressed surface for facilitating manual actuation. Each arm has a C-shaped flange at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A fastener for an electronic assembly. The fastener may have a spring arm that extends from a stem. The fastener can attach a cover to a heat sink of an electronic assembly. The stem may be inserted into a boss of the cover. The spring arm may exert a force onto the heat sink to press the sink into an integrated circuit package of the assembly.

Abstract: A push button panel fastener including a female portion disposed within an opening in a fixed surface. A male portion is secured to a movable panel and is adapted for removably coupling with the female portion for temporarily securing the movable panel to the fixed surface.

Abstract: A press-stud comprising a female part (11; 317) to which one end (14; 318) of a male part (15; 330) is anchored in the closed configuration by forcing with elastic deformation of a ring (12; 100; 200; 311; 411) that is accommodated in a circumferential groove (13; 316) formed inside the female part (11; 317), the ring being closed, being made of elastomeric material, and being accommodated in the groove (13; 316).

Abstract: An energy absorbing interior trim component of plastics is attached to a supporting structural member of a vehicle by one or more special fastening devices. The trim component has a shell-like main housing defining an interior cavity that contains a plurality of laterally spaced energy absorbing ribs, which are designed to deform and collapse upon predetermined impact loads applied to the trim component. The ribs are strategically located and sized for optimized energy absorbing purposes and in accordance with the interior dimensions and shape of the trim component. Each fastening device comprises a steel spring clip having laterally spaced clamping jaw arms for easy installation and substantially permanent attachment to the ribs and having an attachment head which readily fastens into structure defining a narrow elongated slot in the supporting structural member.

Abstract: A fastener connects panel members in a flush position. The fastener includes a pair of connecting members which are snap-fit within apertures provided within each of the panel members for securing the panel members together. The fastener also disconnects the panel members when secured together. For this purpose, at least one of the connecting members is removable from the panel member aperture to disconnect the panel members. The fastener allows the panels to be assembled together and disassembled quickly and with little or no tooling.

Abstract: An improved fastening device is flush-mountable and provides a means for flush-mount fastening a sheeted material to a surface. The flush-mounted fastening device minimizes distraction from an attractive exterior surface. A flush-mounted receiving means embedded in the surface receives a plunger pin which is attached to and extends through the sheeted material so that the sheeted material may be fastened by a means which is flush with the surface.

Abstract: Bar (6) for attaching a watch wristlet (4) intended to be engaged by sliding into a passage (12, 14) of a watch case (2) and inserted in one of the ends of a wristlet (4), the bar (6) including an elongated body (22) and including a locking device, the locking device including a lock (28) subject to the action of a resilient element (30) and a control (32, 36) for controlling the lock (28) which is accessible from one end of the bar (6), the lock being arranged so as to project in a transverse direction with respect to the body (22) outside the body of the bar (6), in a first position (FIG. 1) in which the control (32, 36) is not actuated, and to retract inside the body (22), in a second position (FIG. 2) when the control (32, 36) is actuated.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect device and method for manually demountably attaching carrier bars to an endless train comprising a conveyor adapted for conveying pellet-like items in a pellet marking machine is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated shank with an enlarged head and a central bore coaxial therethrough. Radially oriented passages disposed adjacent to the end of the shank opposite the head house balls which extend outwardly beyond the outer surface of the shank when a plunger within the central bore is biased to its normal position. Moving the plunger against its biasing spring allows the balls to retract partially within the central bore, allowing the shank to be inserted into mounting holes in the carrier bar and receiving holes in the endless train. When mounted on the train the carrier bar and endless train are sandwiched between the enlarged head and the extended balls, the carrier bar being retained to the endless train thereby.

Abstract: A standoff for mounting two or more printed circuit boards to a chassis in which one keyhole cut printed circuit board may be slidably mounted on the keyhole mount of the standoff and a second printed circuit board may be mounted on the top portion of the standoff spaced away from the first printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board may be affixed to the standoff by either a screw mount, snap lock mount, adhesive, bolt and nut, clamp or other method.

Abstract: An attachment element for a body which can be inserted through a bore in a wall. The attachment, element fixes the body in place by being locked in place. The attachment element is structured to be resilient and can be deformed in such a way, by pressing on suitable points, that the catch hooks are unlocked when pressure is exerted. In this way, the attachment element can be easily released again, without tools and in simple manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with powdered resin feeders that provide a continuous stream of powder to a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of powder to a plurality of work-pieces. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus converts a single powder stream into a plurality of uniform powder streams through the use of a multi-tiered system having dividers and receptacles that accurately divide a single powder stream into a plurality of powder streams. In another preferred embodiment, a double-ended stud having ends with differing break-away torques may be created by the device's ability to distribute different amounts of powder to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: The tree fastener includes a shank, a head and wings on first and second opposed sides of the shank. The wings are split along the tool parting line into wing portions which extend from the shank at different angles so that the spacing between wing portions is one half the distance between successive wings. Additionally, the wing portions are diagonally paired so that wing portions on a first opposed side of the shank and a first side of the tool parting line extend from the shank at the same angle as wing portions on a second opposed side of the shank and a second side of the tool parting line. Likewise, wing portions on a second side of the shank and a first side of the tool parting line extend from the shank at the same angle as wing portions on a first side of the shank and a second side of the tool parting line.

Abstract: A grommet and adjustable strap fastener assembly including an elongate strap member having a head portion at a first end in combination with at least one body member having a first strap aperture for receiving the elongate strap member. A retention member protruding into the first strap aperture of the body member permits adjustable passage of the elongate strap member through the first strap aperture in a first direction. The retention member prevents passage of the elongate strap member through the first strap aperture in a second direction opposite the first direction. According to another aspect of the invention, the body member includes a second strap aperture disposed in a recess wherein the head portion of the elongate strap member is disposable in the recess of the body member when the elongate strap member is disposed through the second strap aperture.

Abstract: The invention includes a fastener with a molded-on compliant seal having a fastener portion including a shaft and an insertion head at a first end for extending through an apertured panel and locking against a rear face thereof. A base for attaching an object thereto is provided at the second end of the shaft. A rigid seal support extends outwardly from the shaft at a location between the first and second ends. The fastener portion including shaft, insertion head, base and seal support are preferably made from a single piece of relatively rigid material. A compliant seal covers at least the portion of the rigid seal support on surface facing the insertion head and extends outwardly from the support. The compliant seal is positioned to engage the front face of the panel providing a water barrier surrounding the aperture. The present invention does not rattle or produce other undesirable sounds during vehicle operation due to the compliant seal.

Abstract: A clip of the invention is inserted into holes of two or more panels to connect the panels. The clip is formed of a female member, and a male member. The female member includes a plurality of elastic pieces arranged to form a hollow portion therein, engaging portions disposed in the elastic pieces, and a collar plate disposed at rear ends of the elastic pieces and having a hole communicating with the hollow portion. The male member includes a head to abut against the collar plate, a leg extending from the head to be inserted into the hollow portion to radially outwardly expand the elastic pieces, and lock portions disposed in the leg. The lock portions engage the engaging portions so that the elastic pieces are prevented from being deviated when deviating force is applied thereto.

Abstract: Locking device for a connector for cooperation with a recess of a member with which the connector is to be connected, said locking device being made of spring elastic material and comprising two shanks which are movable towards and away from each other. At least one of the shanks has, at its end opposite the connector, on its side facing away from the other shank, a protruding hooking means. The shanks are tapered in the direction towards the end opposite the connector and pass over into resilient portions, which have substantially even thickness, have thinner walls than the shanks and project towards each other, said resilient portions being connected by a connecting portion. At the ends facing the connector the shanks form a functionally common base portion.

Abstract: A fixation device and apparatus for inserting the fixation device securely into a bore in an element, e.g. bone. The apparatus is a hand held device having an actuating mechanism and a longitudinally extending member coupled to the hand held device adapted to hold the fixation device at a distal end. The fixation device has a plurality of engaging members adapted to be moved outwardly when the fixation device is inserted into the bore to secure the fixation device in the bore. The extending member has an operating member coupled to the fixation device for exerting a force on the fixation device tending to cause the engaging members to extend outwardly to engage the wall of the bore. The operating member is releasably coupled to the fixation device so that once the fixation device is installed, the hand-held insertion apparatus can be removed. In one embodiment, the fixation device is releasably held by a forceps of the hand held device.

Abstract: Presented is a metallic cannulated rivet adapted for implantation in a bone mass through use of arthroscopic or open surgery for attachment of soft tissue thereto. The rivet in a first configuration is implanted, following which, a portion of the implanted rivet projecting from the bone site and penetrating the soft tissue is reformed in situ to clamp the soft tissue to the bone site. In a second aspect, the invention comprises the method and instrumentalities for effecting implantation of the rivet and reformation thereof in situ to mechanically clamp the soft tissue to the bone site. The method includes forming a small portal or incision to expose and prepare the bone site, torn or severed soft tissue is mobilized to intimately contact the bone site, the soft tissue is retained in proper position and a K-wire is advanced through the portal to penetrate the soft tissue and the bone mass to a predetermined depth and mark the point of implantation of the cannulated rivet.

Abstract: A standoff ground connector for mounting a circuit board to a chassis in a piece of electronic equipment in a standoff grounded position relative thereto includes two pre-load form members, each including two opposed shanks with support portions for the circuit board. A mounting device including an arrowhead shaped portion and a contiguous portion of reduced width forms a detent mounting device for the circuit board. Inward and outward flexing of the arrowhead shaped portion causes the support portions of the pre-load form members to perform a wiping motion. Therefore, as the aperture of the circuit board moves from the arrowhead shaped portion into the detent position within the portion of reduced width, the pre-load form members perform this wiping motion.

Abstract: A snap fastener for securing two structural components to each other has a fastener section with a head and stem with at least one axial slot (6, 7) in the stem opposite the head to form snap-on members (3A, 3B, . . . ) spaced by the slot (6, 7) in the stem (S). A washer fits over the snap-on members around the stem when the snap-on members are pressed toward each other. The locking members have shoulders (4) that engage the washer and form the snap-on connection. A locking bail (12) fits with a central portion into the slot so that the snap-on members cannot be pressed together anymore, thereby preventing the unlocking. The locking bail has at least one locking hook (15 or 16) that engages the washer so that the central portion (13) of the locking bail (12) cannot escape out of the slot. The locking hook can be intentionally disengaged against its elasticity for removing the snap fastener.

Abstract: A container, such as a cardboard carton, has a carrying handle secured by a fixing element at an attachment zone adjacent each end of the handle to opposite side walls of the container. The fixing elements each have a shaft portion transverse to the plane of respective attachment zones extending through the container wall, the shaft portion having a barb extending outwardly on the shaft and engaging with the container to retain the fixing element in position. The handle is attached to the container side wails by forcing the fixing elements through the side walls at the respective attachment zones.

Abstract: A fastener connects panel members in a flush position. The fastener includes a pair of connecting members which are snap-fit within apertures provided within each of the panel members for securing the panel members together. The fastener also disconnects the panel members when secured together. For this purpose, at least one of the connecting members is removable from the panel member aperture to disconnect the panel members. The fastener allows the panels to be assembled together and disassembled quickly and with little or no tooling.

Abstract: A standoff connector for fastening two plates in spaced relation, including a body and a stud for insertion into the body. The body has a base and a trunk projecting upward from the base, and also has a central opening for receiving the stud, with a sleeve carried in the central opening with a plurality of spaced resilient fingers having upper ends fixed in the trunk and lower ends spaced from the trunk for outward radial movement, the lower ends of the fingers having inwardly directed tips for gripping the stud. The stud has a shaft for positioning in the body opening and a handle at one end for rotating the stud, with a shaft having a major diameter adjacent the other end and a minor diameter between the major diameter and the handle for receiving the tips of the body sleeve, with the body and stud having interengaging elements for limiting rotation of the stud in the body.

Abstract: An expansion anchor to be anchored in a hole of one member to connect thereto another member includes a head to abut a surface of the one member. A shaft extends from the head to be inserted through the hole in the one member. The shaft has extending therefrom fins that are deflectable toward the shaft upon insertion of the fins with the shaft into a hole and that are resiliently expandable away from the shaft when the fins have passed through the hole. Thus, the fins abut the opposite surface of the one member to prevent removal of the anchor from the hole. At least one stopper member is positioned relative to the shaft to cooperate with an inner edge of the hole to maintain a desired position of the shaft laterally relative to the hole. The fins have respective projections dimensioned such that, when the fins have passed through the hole, the projections extend into the hole and cooperate with the inner edge thereof to maintain the desired lateral position.

Abstract: A fixing device having a stem (3) adapted to be retained in a wall, this stem having a shaft (9) carrying flexible non-return blades (13A, 13B, 13C, 13D), and having at least three longitudinal wings (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) oriented in respective planes which intersect at the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, with the surface defining the free end of two of such wings being adjacent to the contour provided for the hole when the latter and the shaft are disposed concentrically.

Abstract: A headed fastener clip having a threaded shank with a T-head embedment molded in a hex nut head for rotatably threading the clip into a support. A trim piece attachment post protrudes oppositely from the shank. A pair of spring arms are cantilevered from the post outer free end and diverge dependently therefrom to free ends spaced closely above the nut head. A catch portion adjacent each arm free end dimensioned to overlaps in use mutually opposed marginal edges of a fastener-receiving opening in the trim piece. The nut head has platforms on the head that underlie and support the opening marginal edge when the trim piece is installed on the clip. The fastener clip is first threaded into the support, the trim piece fastener opening registered with clip head and then the trim piece is pushed toward the support.

Abstract: A vehicular leaf spring plate tip liner insert is provided, having a variety of configurations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250), of which one preferred embodiment is referenced by numeral (50). Insert (50) has a pad portion (3) adapted to provide a pad between adjacent leaf spring tips and at least one shank portion (4) extending from pad portion (3). Shank portion (4) is axially divided into two pairs of opposed protuberances (14, 14' and 16, 16'), with each pair having surfaces in registration with each other that are at different axial distances from pad portion (3) and engageable with the side of leaf spring opening opposite to the side into which shank portion (4) is inserted and are able to secure insert (50) to a leaf spring plate having a range of thicknesses upon expanding away from each other upon passing through the leaf spring tip opening.

Abstract: A standoff ground connector for mounting a circuit board to a chassis in a piece of electronic equipment in a standoff grounded position relative thereto includes a support platform onto which a circuit board may be mounted and two legs extending from the support platform for connection to the chassis. At least one pre-load form member having an apex extends between the legs. The apex, which protrudes beyond the support platform relative to the legs, is resiliently depressed toward the support platform when a circuit board is attached thereto. The depression of the apex causes the pre-load form member to bias the legs apart from one another, thereby strengthening the ground connection between the standoff ground connector and the chassis. The apex presses back on the circuit board, thereby strengthening the ground connection between the standoff ground connector and the circuit board, so that the circuit board is effectively grounded to the chassis.

Abstract: A clip for fixing an elastic member having a shaft portion disposed so as to be engaged within a mounting opening of the elastic member; and a fall-preventive plate section disposed integrally with the shaft portion so as to be engaged with a circumferential edge section of the mounting opening of the elastic member when the shaft portion is engaged within the mounting opening of the elastic member.

Abstract: A universal intercept clip connects a muntin bar to a supporting frame member of a window. The clip includes a muntin bar connecting portion, a supporting frame member connecting portion and connecting structure for removably connecting the muntin bar connecting portion to the supporting frame member connecting portion.

Abstract: A device for fixedly interconnecting two parts (1, 2) of a clothes hanger comprising at least one cylinder socket (3) on one part and at least one pin (4) on the other part to be inserted into the socket. The pin (4) has at least one non-cylindrical portion (9) with a radius exceeding the radius of the socket. This portion is flexible in the direction of insertion of the pin for wedging the pin in the socket after insertion.

Abstract: A suture locking button is described. The device includes a base element with a first axial passage for receiving at least one, and preferably two, suture filaments that is attached via a frangible membrane to a locking dement. The locking dement is adapted for movement from a first position, where the locking element extends outwardly from the base dement, to a second position, where the locking element is disposed within the base element by disrupting the frangible membrane to trap the suture filament(s) within the first axial passage between the locking element and the base element. The locking element may have a flange integral with its proximal end that effectively prevents the base element from backing out of the tissue in a direction proximal to the tissue. The invention also pertains to the combination of a suture and a device for securing the suture to a tissue. A method for securing tissue by way of a suture is also included within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: An air bag inflator module adapted for quick action, snap-action, permanent attachment onto a support in a motor vehicle, such as a steering wheel. Installation of the module on the support requires the use of no tools. The module has a base facing and movable toward the support. A fastening system is provided including a plurality of quick action, snap-action type fasteners extending between the base and the support. Either the base or the support includes openings for receiving a first portion of the fasteners extended therethrough as the module is pushed into place on the support with a unidirectional thrust. Each fastener also includes a second portion permanently mounted on the other of the base or the support opposite the opening for supporting the first portion projecting outwardly thereof. A snapaction expandable holding device is provided on the first portion of each fastener for engaging an opposite surface on the base or support after insertion through the opening.

Abstract: A support for medical instruments is provided to securely grasp the instrument during sterilization and storage. The support can be readily rearranged on a sterilization tray and can be securely locked in whatever position is desired. It employs a novel arrangement of locking bayonet fingers and a simple removal tool for changing location of the support.

Abstract: A bayonet-type fastener especially adapted for securing wiring harnesses at predetermined locations within vehicle bodies. A half-arrowhead; i.e., single barb bayonet fastener is formed of flat ribbon stock such as plastic to define an open sided hollow body in which the base legs lie in spaced parallel relationship, a cam surface for insertion purposes is formed on the outer surface of the barb arm, and the barb arm terminates in a retention leg which also lies in spaced parallel relationship to both of the base legs. The entire structure compresses when thrust through an approximately sized aperture and thereafter reexpands to prevent or inhibit removal. The single barb eliminates the ambiguity arising from multiple audible clicks associated with multiple barb type fasteners.

Abstract: A clip includes a head portion, a leg portion extending from an underside of the head portion, reducible-diameter protruding engaging portions provided midway along the length of the leg portion on a peripheral surface thereof, engaging members provided on a part of the peripheral surface of the leg portion and spaced from the protruding engaging portions, the engaging members becoming wider as they extend from an end part of the leg portion toward the underside of the head portion and which are provided at their free end with engaging portions positioned between the protruding engaging portions and the underside of the head portion.

Abstract: A clip not only has a substantially cylindrical clip main body arranged on a side surface of a base plate so as to be integral with the base board, but also has a pair of flexible blades arranged in tonguelike form so as to be sloped upward toward the clip main body at positions close to the clip main body with the base plate as the basal ends of such flexible blades. Further, a pair of retaining protuberances having flexibility are formed on a circumferential wall surface of the clip main body so as to be integral with the clip main body. The flexible blades are disposed so as to be substantially 90.degree. shifted from positions at which the retaining protuberances are formed. Still further, notches are formed so as to accommodate the front ends of the pair of flexible blades at positions confronting the pair of flexible blades on the circumferential wall surface of the clip main body.

Abstract: An air bag mounting system for mounting an air bag module in the preexisting steering wheel air bag receiving pocket of a vehicle. The system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of spaced bolt assemblies extending therefrom receivable in a like plurality of aligned spaced holes in the pocket. The bolt assemblies are non-rotational with respect to the mounting plate and snap into the holes in a locking relationship. The module can be thus mounted from the access side of the pocket, automatically locked thereto, then released by unthreading of a threaded lock portion of the bolt assemblies from the blind side of the pocket.

Abstract: The invention employs a post type fastening member that provides, at one end, an insertion friction connection to the circuit card and at the other end, extending through the heat sink, a compression spring means that urges the heat sink toward the circuit card. A plurality of the post type fasteners are positioned around the periphery of the chip package to retain the heat sink parallel to the circuit card and compressing the chip package. The packaging structure of the invention permits larger area heat sinks than the chip package area to be supported by the circuit card with the only relationship with the chip being that of a compression thermal transfer contact and radiation shield.

Abstract: A clip includes a female member having a cylindrical body having a hole with an expanded engaging portion around an inner surface at an upper end opening of the hole, spreadable legs formed by dividing a lower end portion of the body, and a flange extending outward from a peripheral surface at an upper end portion of the body, and a male member that is inserted into the female member, the male member comprising a head portion, a shaft vertically descending from an underside of the head portion, and an engaging recess formed around a periphery of a lower end of the shaft that can receive the expanded engaging portion of the female member to maintain the male and female members in a provisionally assembled state.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first panel member to a second panel member in a spaced-apart relationship. The fastener comprises a tubular shank portion having first and second end portions, a cavity being formed in the shank portion. A first spring member is secured on the outside of the shank portion and has openings near the first end of the shank portion to enable steel ball members to protrude therefrom. Inside the shank portion cavity is a stepped pin member that is spring loaded and held in place by a combination of the shank portion spring ball retention feature and step angles formed on the pin member.