Abstract: A connector for securing an interior trim assembly to a support of an automobile. The connector includes a connector body having a head portion formed at a proximal end of the connector body and a shank portion extending from the head portion toward a distal end of the connector body. A sealing gasket is integrally molded onto the connector body distally of the head portion. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the connector with the connector body being formed in the first shot of the molding process and the sealing gasket being formed onto the connector body in the second shot of the molding process.

Abstract: A spring fastener characterized by a structure having a cavity in which the rib of a first part, such as a plastic panel for example, like a pillar, may be engaged, and is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot of second part, such as a metal sheet for example, like the frame of a car. The spring fastener comprises engagement springs having a peak, engagement regions and-side cuts in the vicinity of the peak, preferably within the engagement regions. The side-cuts, of preferably triangular shape, increase considerably the lever/angle pulling force (pulling force applied on the first part and away from the spring fastener, in order to separate the first part from a second part connected together with the spring fastener). It is highly preferable that the fastener comprises barbs with inwardly bent front ends, and that the engagement regions further have hindrance portions, the combination of which highly improves the balance of insertion to removal ratio.

Abstract: An attachment device to a panel hole includes a female part fitted into the panel hole, and having a pass-through part on a side thereof, and a male part having a leg part inserted into the female part. The leg part has an elastic coupling claw projecting outward from the pass-through part to be coupled in the panel hole, and a turn lock part. A guide member is formed in the female part for guiding rotation of the male part. The male part is assembled with the female part to be capable of rotation from a coupled position to an uncoupled position. A turn lock receiving part is formed in the female part and has a lock receiving surface for impeding rotation of the male part toward the uncoupled position.

Abstract: A fastener device for connecting a first component to a second component comprises a clip having a flange and a shank, and a retaining plate cooperable with the clip to embrace the first component between the flange and the retaining plate when the shank is passed through a hole in the first component and a hole in the retaining plate. When the shank is passed through a hole in the second component, first elastic engagement leaves on the shank engage an edge of that hole. Second elastic engagement leaves on the retaining plate engage portions of the first elastic engagement leaves, and the retaining plate is interposed between the components.

Abstract: A clip which is inserted and engaged in an attaching hole includes a proximal portion for abutting against one surface around a peripheral edge of the attaching hole, a stem extending from the proximal portion and adapted to be inserted in the attaching hole, and a pair of resiliently retaining pieces extending from a distal end portion of the stem toward the proximal portion in the form of an anchor and adapted to engage an edge of the attaching hole in another surface. At least one projection is formed on a side wall of the stem opposing the resiliently retaining piece, and an amount of deflection of the resiliently retaining piece is restricted by the projection.

Abstract: A fastener element includes a fastener body and a locking part. The body includes a shank having two outer webs interconnected by a transverse web. The outer webs have projections including upper and lower ramp surfaces. The locking part includes an aperture having first and second pairs of opposing edges, and L-shaped holding portions each having a first web portion linked to one of the first opposing edges, and a second web portion extending into the aperture. When the outer webs are introduced into slots between the second opposing edges and the holding portions, the lower ramp surfaces move the holding portions away from each other and the second web portions engage the upper ramp surfaces from above. If the shank is introduced in a fastening hole of a support part while the locking part engages the support part, the holding portions are further pivoted away from each other and the second web portions grip the edge of the fastening hole.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly may be plugged into a receiving element in a printed circuit board. A retention element includes upper and lower portions. The lower portion may be plug locked onto a printed circuit board. The upper portion then telescopes into and releaseably locks in the lower portion. The upper portion may include a rod which may be rotated to free the upper portion from the lower portion for disassembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a first component to a second component includes a first component connecting end allowing relative movement between a first component connected thereto and the fastener during assembly and during conditions of expansion and contraction. A second component connecting end of the fastener is configured for connecting to a second component.

Abstract: To provide a degaussing coil holder for fastening a degaussing coil around a cathode ray tube which is easy in use and capable of stretching and fastening the degaussing coil in position, the degaussing coil holder is made of a resin mold having a hook to hang the degaussing coil, a catch to fixedly fit in a small hole made in a selected CRT fastening metal and an expandable strip integrally connected at both ends to the hook and catch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.

Abstract: A pop-up fastener including a tubular retainer for one-way passage into a socket. A fastening member slidably extends through the retainer. The fastening member has helical threads at its top and a protrusion at its bottom. A compressed spring is positioned atop the retainer for urging the protrusion into engagement with the bottom of the retainer and for urging the helical threads from the top of the retainer.

Abstract: A scissor-type connection for the roof support of a collapsible tent, having two rails rotatable relative to each other around an axle, one of the rails having a spring body that lockably engages an opening in the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for an elongated object, in particular a cable tree, having a holder (1) intended for attachment of the elongated object and an adjacency surface (5) for the elongated object, and having a fastening element (16) connectable to the holder (1) for fastening the holder (1) to a part. For connection of the holder (1) to the fastening element (16), a plug-in assemblable snap coupling is provided, closable by a force directed against the adjacency surface (5) of the holder (1).

Abstract: An insert part (1) for insertion in an opening in a wall has a neck (7) to pass through the opening and a flange (4) arranged on the neck (7) and comprising a depression (5) on the under side facing the neck (7). The depression (5) is bounded on the outside by an elevated circumferential edge and contains a body (17) of adhesive capable of being brought into a flowable state by heating. To secure the insert part in the opening of the wall, catches (8) are attached to the neck (7). The body (17) is of such size that it is completely accommodated by the depression (5), and the insert part (1) is of such conformation that, in the installation position in which it is secured by the catches (8) in the opening of the wall, the circumferential edge (6) of the flange (4) is firmly pressed into contact with the wall.

Abstract: A multi-component connection system suitable for automobiles includes a female clip member having a slot, and a male clip member having a male element insertable within the slot. The slot and male element include mutually engageable cooperative structures. A shank connected to the male element includes wings mounted at a distal end and capable of resilient lateral deflection relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank. The female clip member may be affixed to a first component and the male clip member may be insertable within a hole in a second component so as to connect the two components when the male clip member is inserted in the hole, the male element is disposed within the slot, and the cooperative structures are engaged.

Abstract: An explosive assisted fastener for joining steel framing members. The fastener is comprised of an integrally formed member having a head section, a stem section and a tip section, such that the head section is disposed at a first end of the stem section and adapted to be linearly driven by a driving device into the framing members, and the tip section is disposed at a distal second end of the stem section and adapted to penetrate the framing members. The fastener further includes an explosive material embedded in the tip section of the fastener. In operation, the fastener is driven through the framing members until the head section of the fastener seats against an outer surface of the framing members. Once driven into place, the explosive material residing in the fastener is detonated, thereby radially expanding the tip section of the fastener and preventing removal of the fastener from the framing members.

Abstract: A screw grommet comprises a shank inserted into a mounting hole in a workpiece and a flange formed at one end of the shank that is larger than the mounting hole in the workpiece. A cavity is formed in the flange and the shank into which a tapping screw can be screwed after insertion through a hole in a member to be mounted on the workpiece. The shank has a rectangular cross-section appropriate for a rectangular cross-section mounting hole in the workpiece. Both the flange and a portion of the shank are divided by a plurality of axial slits. Protrusions are formed diagonally on the outer periphery of the shank separated axially from the flange by about the thickness of the workpiece. The screw grommet is able to obtain high retention force with respect to a workpiece without rotating together with a turned screw.

Abstract: A fastener assembly has a two part fastener and a pin. The two part fastener interlocks with each other for mounting on a vehicle and sandwiching at least two panels therebetween. The two part fastener has an aperture extending therethrough. The pin interlocks with the two part fastener for mounting a sandwiching at least one other panel to the first two panels.

Abstract: A tool for preassembling with an oil pan a bolt-locating isolator rail and a gasket such that the isolator rail locates a plurality of bolts for securing a flange of the oil pan to an engine block and the gasket forms an oil-tight seal between the flange and the engine block. The tool has a head, a body and a neck between the head and the body. The neck is of reduced diameter relative to the adjacent portions of the head and the body. The head has a first slot adapted to receive an aperture in the gasket. The neck is adapted to receive an aperture in the flange. The body has a reduced midsection adapted to receive an aperture in the isolator rail.

Abstract: An attachment means allows for easy attachment of a decorative item or attachment to a vehicle. The attachment means includes a mounting member comprising a flexible strip, which supports the decorative attachment. A plug is attached to each end of the mounting member. The plug may be easily inserted into and removed from the bottom holes of a license plate on a vehicle. The plugs are attached to the mounting member by extensions, and include slits.

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40), comprises a base (12) having legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A slide (14) is manually slidable relative to the base (12) to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The slide (14) has a first position relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position the slide (14) blocks inward movement of the legs (80, 90) thereby blocking removal of the fastener (10). In a third position the slide (14) holds the legs (80, 90) inward, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: A device for connecting a support, with a panel element is provided including a connecting element (1) with an upper part (3) that can be fastened to the panel element, lower part (4) that can be linked with the support and a neck-shaped intermediate section (5) is provided with locking elements (10) and extends through an engaging element (12) that can be inserted ma support opening (7). The intermediate section (5) is enclosed by an intermediate element (15) and is lockable with the locking elements (10). A sealing element acts upon the upper side of the support (2). The intermediate section (5) is provided with a first zone I and a second zone II of the locking elements (10). In a pre-assembled state, the first zone I, and in an assembled state, the second zone II of the locking elements (10) is locked with the counterlocking elements (22) of the intermediate element (15).

Abstract: A plastic push-in or drive fastener having a enlarged head and a shank is disclosed. The fastener is configured to allow the shank to be pushed through a complementary shaped aperture or opening in an article using a relatively low insertion force. A helical screw or rib formation on the fastener shank provides a retention force opposing the fastener from being axially withdrawn from the article while readily permitting withdrawal of the fastener from the article in response to rotation of the fastener about its axis. Moreover, the fastener shank is configured to prevent inadvertent separation of the fastener from the article through which it passes.

Abstract: A reusable plastic fastener has an elongated shank having two flexible curved flanges secured thereto and a head secured to a central portion of the shank. The flanges are secured at a leading edge to the central portion and curve away to terminate in a trailing edge that is unsupported between a distal end and a base of the central portion. A top edge of each of the flanges is secured to the head of the fastener by a tab. The exterior of the flexible flanges extends outwardly away from the central portion beginning at the distal end of the central portion and is angled back in towards the central portion near the base of the central portion so as to form a shoulder between the flexible flanges and the head of the fastener. The central portion of the shank has at least one cored-out section.

Abstract: A fastener for securing first and second members together at opposing respective flat surfaces thereof, whereby at the point of joining the first member has an aperture concentric with an aperture of the second member, the fastener comprising first and second tubular portions concentric with one another, whereby the second tubular portion is of reduced outside diameter relative to the first tubular portion, a circular flange forming a transverse interior end of the first tubular portion, an interior end of the second tubular portion being rigidly joined to the circular flange, at least one resilient arm being formed in and extending from a sidewall of each one of the first and second tubular portions toward the flange, the at least one resilient arm of each portions each having a free end including a retaining end surface adapted for having close proximity to a side portion surrounding the respective apertures of the first and second members.

Abstract: A fixing means for fixing a screen panel on a support structure includes an insert member adapted to fit into a bore formed on the underside of a corner of a screen panel. The insert member has a first upper curved surface forming the major part of the insert member and having a uniform curvature of substantially more than a semi-circle, a second intermediate cylindrical grooved portion that is contiguous with the lowermost end of the first curved portion and is considerably smaller in cross-section compared to the upper curved portion, a third lower straight cylindrical surface which is a straight cylindrical portion contiguous with the second groove portion and is smaller in cross-section compared to the major top curved first portion, and a fourth straight substantially horizontal surface. The insert member has an inner vertical bore of suitable dimension to accommodate a holding means such as a bolt, a screw, or other equivalent to fixedly hold the insert onto a panel support member.

Abstract: A hand tightened locking pin using a unique internal cam configuration to lock the pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a sleeve and a locking cam unit. The sleeve includes anti-rotation protrusions that match a keyhole in a first metal plate to prevent rotation of the sleeve. The pin assembly is inserted through the keyhole of the first metal plate and a circular hole in a second metal plate that lies on the first metal plate. When the locking cam unit, which is inside the sleeve, is rotated, a lower portion of the sleeve expands, locking the first and metal plates together. The cam is locked in position by concave shaped ends that mate over bulges in the lower portion of the sleeve. A locked/unlocked indicator on top of the pin assembly indicates when the concave shaped ends are mated with the bulges.

Abstract: A throttle device includes a throttle body (1) and a cover (18) adapted to be mounted to the throttle body. A coupling device (13, 15; 51, 53) includes a first engaging portion (15; 51) disposed on one of the throttle body and the cover and a second engaging portion (13; 53) disposed on the other of the throttle body and the cover. The first and second engaging portions are engageable with each other when the throttle body and the cover is moved toward each other in a first direction, so that the throttle body and the cover are prevented from moving away from each other in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Means (1d; 1e: 53b) is provided for preventing accidental or unauthorized intentional access to the first or second engaging portions in order to disengage the first and second engaging portions.

Abstract: A connector for fastening a member having an attaching hole includes a female part and a male part. The female part has a head portion, a leg portion, an inner space formed in the leg portion side and opened at the head portion, and an engaging projection formed on the leg portion for engaging the attaching hole. The engaging projection elastically bends inwardly and engages the attaching hole when the leg portion is inserted into the attaching hole. The male part has a pressing head portion, an inserting leg to be inserted into the inner space of the female part, a first engaging portion for engaging the female part so that the male part is temporarily fixed to the female part, and a second engaging portion for engaging the female part.

Abstract: A fastener comprises an anchor and a central pin. The anchor has a top plate to which a central leg is connected. At the free end of the central leg are two anchor arms that extend up and outward from the free end, forming an arrowhead shape. Each anchor arm has an outwardly extending lip connected to its free end. The anchor arms are flexible and can flex inward as the anchor is placed through a hole in an item to be fastened. Connected to the top surface of the top plate is a push pin. Depressing the push pin breaks the connection areas to create a two-piece anchor from the single part. The push pin comprises a push button and a pin connected to the underside of the push button. The pin consists of a vertical post having a channel therein for accommodating the central leg of the anchor. Pushing the push button downward causes the anchor arms to be pushed outward and to anchor the fastener into the items to be fastened.

Abstract: A fastener assembly including a base consisting of a pair of motherboard snaps on a first end and a hollow shaft on a second end, the motherboard snaps to be inserted through an aperture of a motherboard. The hollow shaft is inserted through an aperture of a heat sink clip. The base further includes a pair of grooves on an exterior of the shaft. The assembly further including a cap consisting of a hollow interior, an integrated post attached to a base of the interior, and a pair of cantilever snaps. The cap is fitted over the exterior surface of the hollow shaft of the base to secure the clip between the base and the cap. The integrated post of the cap to be inserted into the hollow shaft of the base to deflect the motherboard snaps outward on an opposite side of the motherboard aperture to secure the assembly with the motherboard. The cantilever snaps to be positioned in the grooves of the shaft of the base to secure the cap with the base.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion (22) with a pair of top flanges (24), a pair of fastening fingers (26) and a pair of abutting coupling flanges (28). Each of the fastening fingers (26) are coupled to the body portion (22) that is coupled to an associated top flange (24). Each of the abutting flanges (26) has a concave surface, which engages the mounting structure. The fastening finger (26) portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.

Abstract: An assembly unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a lever arm arranged in a bearing block pivotably around an axis on a bolt fixed in mounts of the bearing block. The bearing block has at least one section opening or expanding in case of an accident as a consequence of force acting on the assembly unit. The bolt disengages the mounts as a consequence of the acting force. After the assembly of the assembly unit, the bolt, which has an at least two-part design, has at least one connection area, on which the individual bolt parts are engaged with one another in a positive-locking and nonpositive manner.

Abstract: A clip (10) for fastening a panel (50) to a support structure (52) is provided. The clip (10) has a plate (12) and a stem (14) extending from the plate. The stem 14 has a base (22) and a body section (24). The base (22) has a width greater than a width of the body section (24). A pair of tangs (16) extend from a distal end of the stem (14) toward the plate (12). A sealing flange (18) extends from the base (22). The sealing flange (18) is first molded from a material having a first durometer and then the plate (12), stem (14) and tangs (16) are molded from a material having a second durometer greater than the first durometer.

Abstract: A fastener comprises an anchor and a central pin. The anchor has a top plate to which a central leg is connected. At the free end of the central leg are two anchor arms that extend up and outward from the free end, forming an arrowhead shape. The anchor arms are flexible and can flex inward as the anchor is placed through a hole in an item to be fastened. Connected to the top surface of the top plate is a push pin. Depressing the push pin breaks the connection areas to create a two-piece anchor from the single part. The push pin comprises a push button and a pin connected to the underside of the push button. The pin consists of a vertical post having a channel therein for accommodating the central leg of the anchor. Pushing the push button downward causes the anchor arms to be pushed outward and to anchor the fastener into the items to be fastened.

Abstract: A railing system for porches, decks, steps, ramps and the like having a top and bottom rail formed of wood containing a wood preservative that is corrosive to aluminum, aluminum alloys, paint and the like. The system has hollow metal balusters formed of metals which may be harmed by the corrosive effects of the wood preservative. The metal balusters and, if painted, the paint is protected from the corrosive effects of the wood preservatives by inert connectors interposed between the wooden components of the railing system and the metal or paint of the balusters. The connectors are also useful with untreated wood such as cedar or with synthetic materials.

Abstract: A fall arrest anchorage system for use with a female retaining receiver having grooves or side apertures for engaging connector. The system uses an elongated male connector having a first end and a second end that extend along a connector axis, and a first section of a first dimension and a second section of a second dimension. The first dimension is larger than the second dimension, and the first section will be positioned closer to the first end than the second section. The male connector also includes at least one of a first retractable protrusion on the first section and at least one of a second retractable protrusion on the second section, the first retractable protrusion being positioned along the male portion such that the first retractable protrusion will cooperate with the first groove in the receiver when the second retractable protrusion engages the first groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-piece grommet adapted for holding a cable in an aperture, such as in a desk or work surface so as to absorb any strain imposed on the cable and to provide an attractive covering for the hole drilled to pass the cable. The grommet consists of two portions. The first portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a circular lip. The second portion comprises a cap having an extended flange and adapted to frictionally fit into the cylindrical sleeve and against the lip. The cap has an aperture cut into it through which the cable passes. A pivotal tab is connected under the cap to close the aperture when no cable passes therethrough.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a panel to a substrate is herein disclosed. The fastener has a body portion that is received in a substrate and a pin portion that is passed through a panel and driven into the body portion to secure the panel to the substrate. The body portion has a pair of legs that act to retain the body portion within the substrate and which incorporate an interference control mechanism that controls the force required to insert the pin portion of the fastener into the body portion. The interference control mechanism may include a bore formed through a leg of the body portion, a reduced cross-sectional area formed adjacent the base of a leg at the fastener, or an elastomeric member molded into the base of a leg of the fastener.

Abstract: Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.

Abstract: A fastening clip has an annular portion and two legs extending therefrom, each leg having a locking element. Two identical clips can be fastened together with the locking elements securing against separation. The clips can be used to fasten a panel to opposite walls of an accommodating member by inserting the clips from opposite sides in aligned through bores formed in the panel and the opposite walls, and pushing the clips toward each other until the locking elements engage. The annular portions of the clips have shoulders engaging the panel, while the legs have resilient projections engaging a surface of the through bore of the panel. The legs of each clip are barb-shaped and have distal ends snuggly fitted in spaces formed in the annular portion between the legs of the other clip.

Abstract: A two part fastener (10) for clamping together first and second members (20, 22) that have an opening (40), comprises a base (12) having legs (80, 90) resiliently biased outwardly away from each other and insertable through the opening (40). A slide (14) is manually slidable relative to the base (12) to control the position of the legs (80, 90). The slide (14) has a first position relative to the base (12) in which blocking portions (88, 98) of the legs (80, 90) are in a blocking position to block removal of the legs through the opening (40). In a second position the slide (14) blocks inward movement of the legs (80, 90) thereby blocking removal of the fastener (10). In a third position the slide (14) holds the legs (80, 90) inward, thereby enabling removal of the fastener (10).

Abstract: An fastener assembly including a base consisting of a pair of motherboard snaps on a first end and a hollow shaft on a second end, the motherboard snaps to be inserted through an aperture of a motherboard. The hollow shaft is inserted through an aperture of a heat sink clip. The base further includes a pair of grooves on an exterior of the shaft. The assembly further including a cap consisting of a hollow interior, an integrated post attached to a base of the interior, and a pair of cantilever snaps. The cap is fitted over the exterior surface of the hollow shaft of the base to secure the clip between the base and the cap. The integrated post of the cap to be inserted into the hollow shaft of the base to deflect the motherboard snaps outward on an opposite side of the motherboard aperture to secure the assembly with the motherboard, and the cantilever snaps to be positioned in the grooves of the shaft of the base to secure the cap with the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floor covering for a powered vehicle having a base covering 44 and a least one affixing arrangement 56″ for the affixing of the supplemental mat 42 to the base covering wherein the affixing arrangement 56″ comprises a first affixing element 20 which may be connected releaseably with a complementary second affixing element 60 provided to the supplemental mat 42. In accordance with the present invention the first affixing element 20 is embedded in the base covering 44 wherein the upwardly extending distal end of the first affixing element 20 is provided no higher than the level of the nap side of the base covering 44. A further embodiment of the floor covering of the present invention comprises the supplemental mat 42 wherein a second affixing element 60 is invisibly provided to its underside.

Abstract: A fastener for securing first and second members together at opposing respective flat surfaces thereof, whereby at the point of joining the first member has an aperture concentric with an aperture of the second member, the fastener comprising first and second tubular portions concentric with one another, whereby the second tubular portion is of reduced outside diameter relative to the first tubular portion, a circular flange forming a transverse interior end of the first tubular portion, an interior end of the second tubular portion being rigidly joined to the circular flange, at least one resilient arm being formed in and extending from a sidewall of each one of the first and second tubular portions toward the flange, the at least one resilient arm of each portions each having a free end including a retaining end surface adapted for having close proximity to a side portion surrounding the respective apertures of the first and second members.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a first object such as a headliner to a second object such as the interior of an aircraft or automobile which is also capable of being pre-assembled with the first object in a predetermined orientation is disclosed. A fastener constructed and arranged according to the present invention has an upper head from which extends a shank having a shank fastener formed therein for securing the retainer into a bore formed in the second object. At least one pre-assembly leg is secured to the shank at a predetermined offset distance from the head. A lower head having a bore formed therethrough so that it may be received over the shank of the fastener is secured to a distal end of the at least one pre-assembly leg and actuates the pre-assembly leg so as to double the pre-assembly leg upon itself and simultaneously bias it into contact with the first object, thereby securing the fastener within a bore formed through the first object in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: The tree fastener includes split wing fasteners which engage a passageway in a clip base, including flashgates in the passageway which were formed in the molding process initially joining the tree fastener and the clip base prior to driving to the pre-driven position, and further engage a structural aperture in the driven position. The tree fastener further includes a flexible tab which is joined to the tree fastener near the tip of the tree fastener and which extends upwardly within a slot in the shank of the tree fastener and extends through the head of the tree fastener. The flexible tab includes two generally radially outwardly extending interference bumps which engage one of the flashgates in the pre-driven position. The flexible tab can be manually moved radially inwardly so that the interference bumps release the flashgate so that the tree fastener can be urged to the fully driven position.

Abstract: A grommet of plastic material adapted to be inserted into an opening of a sheet-like support member, with the opening deviating from a circle, the grommet comprising a shank having an inner axial receiving bore for an element having an outer thread and snapping means on the outer circumference which snappingly cooperate with an edge of the receiving opening, a flange-shaped head portion at one end of the shank having a passage connected to the receiving bore, the flange-shaped head being adapted to sealingly engage the facing surface of the support member if the shank is snappingly inserted into the receiving opening, with the shank adjacent to the head on the outer circumference has an approximately radial shoulder at least on diametrically opposing sides, with the contour of the opening and the cross-section of the shank being designed such that the shank may be rotated about a limited angle about its longitudinal axis in the opening whereby the shoulders grip below the edge of the receiving opening of the