Abstract: A fastener (10) for mounting a heat-radiator (20) to an electronic device (30) on a circuit board (40) is disclosed. The heat-radiator and the circuit board have aligned holes (22, 44). The fastener includes a head (11) having an upper portion (112) with a large diameter and a lower portion (113) with a smaller diameter, a cylindrical spring (14) captured around the lower portion of the head for exerting a spring force against the heat-radiator, and a metallic wire (15) having a first end portion fixed on said head and a second end portion bent to form an engaging portion (152). The engaging portion of the metallic wire compressively passes through the aligned holes of the heat-radiator and the circuit board and is engaged with an underside of the circuit board.

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: 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 plastic clip, for the detachable connection of a trim plate to a support piece, in particular, to the door frame of a motor vehicle. The clip comprises a head piece (1) and an anchoring foot (2), which may be inserted in an opening in the support piece (4) and an upper part (3), for fixing to the trim plate (6), which may be connected to the head piece (1) in a snap-fastening manner. The head piece (1) has the form of an open cylinder, with a central recess (7), on the edge (8) of which inwardly-projecting support segments (9) are formed, in order to guarantee application of the clip, even with variations in tolerance between the fixing site on the trim plate (6) and the fixing opening (5) in the support piece (4). Furthermore, a support plate (10) is provided above the anchoring foot (2), above which a T-shaped support pin (11) extends.

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: 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 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 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 snap lock device is disclosed for hingedly securing an extension to a downspout. The device includes a first member having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank extends through a first hole defined by the extension and through a second hole defined by the downspout. A second member cooperates with the first member and the second member defines an aperture for the locking reception therein of the shank for locking the extension and downspout together.

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 heat sink fastener includes a locating bolt having a compressible barbed tip for securing the heat sink to the circuit board, and a buffer spring mounted on the locating bolt and adapted to force the heat sink downwards into close contact with the CPU at the circuit board, the buffer spring has a top ring defining a top receiving space, a bottom ring defining a bottom receiving space, and a double conical spiral spring body connected between the top ring and the bottom ring and receivable in the top receiving space and the bottom receiving space when compressed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sleeve for receiving a pip pin. The sleeve is configured to be embedded in a bulkhead and includes a cylindrical housing. The housing has an axis and defines a bore along that axis. There are a plurality of spaced-apart annular lands defined within the bore. Each land is arranged to engage a plurality of locking balls on a shaft of a pip pin to secure the pip pin in the bore.

Abstract: A clip fastener includes a base and a clip head that is distant from the base. The clip head includes a barb having a rounded outer surface including a ramp that increases in diameter towards the base. An elongate clip neck connects the base with the clip head. The clip neck has sufficient resilience under compressive forces exerted on the rounded outer surface of the barb to permit movement of the barb. The clip may be formed as an individual unit for use in fastening operations, or it may be molded into component structures, such as fan carriers for computer fans.

Abstract: A glass and cup holding assembly for an automatic dishwasher includes a rack and a rack extender. The rack has side walls with an upper edge having spaced apart upwardly opening sockets. The rack extender has side walls with a lower edge defining connector pins each having a shaft, at least a portion of which tapers inwardly from the lower edge, and an enlarged head defining a catch surface. The pins engage the sockets such that the shaft is disposed within the socket and the head catch surface engages an underside of the upper edge of the side wall.

Abstract: The fastener includes a head with an oval-shaped base. The head is supported by a cylindrical post and includes overhanging or cantilevered portions along the major axis of the oval-shaped base. These overhanging portions are ramped and face a first seal. The head engages a slot in a panel by first being inserted therethrough and then being twisted by one quarter turn so that the edges of the slot are engaged between the first seal and the cantilevered portions. Flex tabs lock the head in place. The fastener further includes a cylindrical retainer with flexible retaining fingers which is inserted by a linear motion into an aperture in another panel, thereby engaging the panel between the retaining fingers and the second seal.

Abstract: The spring rod end retention clip includes a detent head with retention arms spaced a first distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively lesser thicknesses and a snap fit prong spaced a second distance from the enlarged detent head for engaging panels within a range of relatively greater thicknesses. The retention arms include tapered interior edges so that the retention arms can flex inwardly when a rod is engaged within the detent head and a panel of the range of relatively greater thicknesses is engaged by the detent head.

Abstract: A tote bin seal for securing sheet material lids via aligned lid apertures includes a flange forming an ID flag attached to a locking device having a hollow core body at one body end and two semi-circular arrays of tangs at the other body end, the tangs formed of stems and reverse hooks or barbs. The body is somewhat oval with a rectangular central portion, the tangs depending from each arcuate end of the oval. Each of the tangs and the body have an interior axially extending triangular stiffening rib. An insert with a head and a bifurcated shank is attached to the flange opposite the body and may be sheared from the flange for insertion into the body core. The shank forms a locking opening which captures a web in the body core for securing the insert locked to the body. The insert prevents the tangs from compressing inwardly to open the seal. The flange has a living hinge so it can be folded over to permit reading ID data from the flange in stacked bins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic assembly that includes an integrated circuit package, a heat sink, and a fastener which connects the heat sink to the integrated circuit package to cool the integrated circuit package. The fastener includes a stem that extends through the heat sink and the integrated circuit package. The fastener further includes a clamp that is connected to one end of the stem and a spring head that is connected to an opposing end of the stem. The spring head includes a first biasing member that extends around the longitudinal axis of the stem to compress the heat sink and the integrated circuit package against the clamp in order to reduce the thermal impedance between the heat sink and the integrated circuit package.

Abstract: A plate member mounting structure is used to mount a plate to a panel with an opening without forming a hole to the plate. The mounting structure is formed of a plate member to be attached to the panel and formed on the plate, and a clip to be disposed in the opening of the panel. The plate member has an insertion portion, and an engagement portion to project outwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the insertion portion. The clip includes an accommodating portion for receiving the insertion portion of the plate member, an engagement piece provided at the accommodating portion and engaging the engagement portion of the plate member, an anchor piece formed at one side of the clip to engage the panel, and a positioning piece formed at a head portion of the clip for engaging the panel together with the anchor piece.

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

Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink (80) and an assembling device for securing the heat sink to a, chip (90) mounted on a printed circuit board (100). The heat sink has a pair of ears (82) each defining an aperture (84) therein. The assembling device includes a clip (70), a pair of sleeves (50) each defining a cavity (62) therethrough, and a pair of springs (60). Each sleeve extends through the aperture of a corresponding ear of the heat sink, and the springs are disposed respectively between the ears and an end of the sleeves. The clip has a pair of posts (66) for extending through the printed circuit board to engage with the corresponding cavities.

Abstract: A panel fastener includes a metallic screw insert with an overmolded plastic cap. The screw insert is preferably manufactured by means of cold forming process which allows fabrication of the internal drive recesses and dog point ends for easy location of the mating threads while providing increased thread strength. The plastic cap is in the form of a knob which has large flutes on its outer diameter for ergonomic finger operation. In addition the knob may have a slot molded into its top to allow screwdriver or coin operation. The metallic insert may also be accessed by a drive through a central cavity in the knob. Assembly of the screw to the ferrule is achieved by passing the screw threads through the ferrule body which includes an internal annular retaining ring. The ring is very narrow and dimensioned to allow the screw to be easily pressed through the annular opening since the ring elastically expands as the thread portion of the screw passes through it.

Abstract: The snapping-in foot (3) of this fastener (1) has a flat rigid web (10) and two curved flexible flanges (11A, 11B) each connected to the web (10) and having, opposite a plane face (14A) of the web, an internal surface bordered by this plane face of the web, by a longitudinal edge (16A) of this flange and by a transverse edge of this flange, with the internal surface of each flange (11A) being concave and with the longitudinal edge (16A) of each flange having, seen by an observer disposed parallel to the plane face (14A) of the web (10) opposite this internal surface, a V shape whose apex, directed outwards, is situated at the level of a change-of-direction plane (18) on each side of which the external surface of the foot (3) tapers.

Abstract: A clip includes a pin (40) and a leaf spring (50). The pin includes a columnar body (44), an expanded head (42) formed at a top end of the body, and a cone-shaped plug (48) formed at a bottom end of the body opposite the head. A slot (488) is defined through the plug and a bottom portion of the body, to enable the plug to elastically deform. The plug is thus adapted for extending through a heat sink and engaging with a printed circuit board. A flange (46) extends perpendicularly from the body between the head and the plug. The leaf spring includes a base (51), with an opening (52) defined therein for extension of the pin therethrough. A pair of inflexed prolongations (53) extends progressively downwards from opposite corners of the base, with the width of each prolongation being less than half the width of the base.

Abstract: A locking device includes a projecting member and a retaining member. The projecting member has a bulbous head which is securely retained by the retaining member which includes a body portion having a passageway or void formed therethrough. An interference defined by at least one embossment is disposed within the passageway to provide a reduced diameter portion which precludes separation of the projecting member from the retainer. Depending on the materials of construction the interlocking relationship between the projecting member and the retainer can be permanent.

Abstract: A fastening incorporates a tubular rivet (11) passing through an aperture in a workpiece (17, 19). The rivet has a tubular shank (15) which is deformed outwardly to retain the rivet in the aperture, the extent of the deformation being such that the tubular shank is rolled outwardly, for example through an angle greater than 180.degree., forming a toroid in which material which was originally on an inner surface of the tubular shank prior to deformation is on an outer surface of the toroid and able to contact the workpiece (19) and also that material which was originally on an outer surface of the tubular shank prior to deformation is on an inner surface of the toroid and is distant from the workpiece. The deformation is referred to as a "full-roll".

Abstract: A child's car seat (20) includes a backrest (26) with a plurality of strap slots (34) formed therein, a seat portion (24), and a removable headrest (22). The headrest (22) has a pair of projections (50) each having a pair of leaves (86) that extend outwardly from the other toward opposed peaks (88) and inwardly from the peaks (88) to form a head (80). The head (80) is rounded and the leaves (86) are flexible, such that upon initial insertion into the strap slots (34) the leaves (86) compress to facilitate ingress of the projection (50), and upon complete insertion, the leaves (86) expand to inhibit removal of the headrest (22). The position of the headrest (22) relative to the seat (20) is thus adjustable, according to the size of the child, dependent on into which of the plurality of slots (34) the projections (50) are inserted. The headrest (22) includes a pillow (54) shaped to have a lower portion (58) which helps to support the child's head and deter its forward motion.

Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.

Abstract: A bilaterally split retainer pin which is structurally robust, having a head easily insertable into an aperture yet highly resistant to backing out through the aperture. The bilaterally split retainer pin includes a post base having a periphery and a pair of legs integrally connected thereto which are mutually separated by a bilateral slot. Each of the legs is composed of a post segment integrally connected with the post base and a head integrally connected with the respective post segment. Each head is characterized by a tapered surface and an abutment surface, wherein a barb radially projects outwardly relative to the periphery a radial length defined by an abutment surface. The tapered surface includes the barb and converges radially toward a respective tip. Each leg has a transverse cut originating at the post base and extending to the tip, wherein the transverse cut slopes from the periphery toward a midsection of the bilaterally split pin.

Abstract: A pin for a two piece type fastener includes a flexible member attached to a free end of the pin. The flexible member has a diameter slightly larger than a bore in a workpiece through which it is inserted so that the pin is retained in the bore after insertion. The flexible member also cleans debris from the bore as the pin is installed in the bore, thereby reducing the possibility of the debris from fouling the grooves in the pin.

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 body, plastic molded, comprises a plate with an integral, extending hub, having a throughgoing bore in which to nest a coaxial coupler. The hub has an outer periphery which is uniformly fluted, for holding the hub fast to the inner surface of a hub-receiving hole formed in a wall, floor, or ceiling of a structure, while the plate unobtrusively interfaces the planar surface of the structure. Consequently, a coaxial coupler can be emplaced, securely, without need for a supporting junction box, vertical stud, or any such prop, anywhere in a wall, floor or ceiling.

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: A system comprising: a fastener and a housing (70), the fastener including a rivet portion having a first head (304) and a shaft (302) extending therefrom, a spring cup (210) received upon the shaft having a top portion (211) adjacent the head (304) and a plurality of spring fingers (212) extending from the top (211) and a hollow collar (214) having a first portion (216) received within the spring cup (210) and a second portion (218) extending beyond the fingers (212), an end portion (308) of the shaft opposite the head (304) being malleable and formable into a rivet head (308') to mate with the housing.

Abstract: A device for disconnection of a connecting device between an implant (2) and a device (12) connectable thereto, which coupling device is of the type incorporating a first and a second coupling part (6 and 11, resp.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a threaded fastener component in a hole in a supporting panel structure, the anchor being formed of a flat sheet metal disc portion of a greater diameter than the hole and having strips attached at one end to the disc portion and extending radially inward and outward to position a tip inclined edge across the hole perimeter. The strips are cammed to be deflected inwardly as the anchor is forced into the hole with the disc portion against the front side of the supporting structure. The anchor is captured by the perimeter of the hole between the disc outer perimeter and the strip tips. The tips are captured in slotted tabs extending from the rear side of the disc portion.

Abstract: The control cable self-adjusting device has an extended cylindrically shaped hollow base body (5) open at one of its ends (9) and a regulating stem (6) held inside the interior of the base body (5) by a retaining device. The closed end (10) of the base body (5) and the front end (15) of the regulating stem (6) are connected to respective intermediate ends (13,14) of the sheath (4) of a control cable (2). The retaining device (7) includes a saw-toothed threaded section (25) in the interior of the base body (5) and a retaining coil (26) connected to the stem (6) and engaged with the threaded section (25). The control cable length adjustment is made by pulling apart the intermediate ends (14,15) of the sheath (4) to deform the retaining coil (26) and move it from the inside to the outside of the base body (5) or by screwing the base body (5) on the stem (6) in either direction via the retaining coil (26).

Abstract: A resin flush-mounted plug (11) for insertion into an internally threaded hole (1) with a countersink (2) formed in a pallet of a machine tool has a head (12) for filling the countersink (2) of the threaded hole (1) and a pair of legs (13) formed integrally with the head (12) for fitting into an internally threaded portion (3) of the threaded hole (1). The head (12) has a tapered under surface (12a) for filling the countersink (2) of the threaded hole (1). Also provided in the head (12) is a slot (12b), a hexagonal hole, or some other recess for accommodating a screwdriver blade, a wrench, or some other appropriate tool used to remove the flush-mounted plug (11). The legs (13) project outward radially from the underside of the head (12). The outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed ends of the legs (13) to the head (12) are arranged on a circumference whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter C of the internally threaded portion (3) (A<C with A the diameter of the circumference).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fastener which is welded by arc welding by one end face to a component and which is in the form of a radially resilient sleeve with a longitudinal slit and designed to permit resilient compression of the fastener, to a welding assembly apparatus for welding on elongate fateners, with a feed channel and an axially displaceable holder for the fasteners, and to an arrangement for securing an assembly part on a fastener which has been welded by arc welding on to a component.

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 plastic fastener for insertion inside a complementary opening in a part in the course of manufacture, in particular, a panel fastener for insertion inside a prismatic hole formed in a vehicle body part; the fastener compromising a head, and a shank in turn compromising elastic engaging members which snap on to respective sides of the opening and are oriented in at least one plane crosswise to the shank; the fastener being characterized in that the shank comprises an appendix projecting axially in front of the elastic engaging members with respect to the insertion direction of the fastener inside the opening; the appendix being pointed, and presenting at least one rib of a width substantially equal to the diagonal extension of the prismatic opening, and of a thickness much smaller than the width; and the rib being oriented, width-wise, in a plane forming an angle with the plane of the elastic engaging members.

Abstract: A device for securing a floor mat to the floor carpet of an automobile, comprising a base plate with an aperture that is positioned on top of a hole in an automobile floor carpet and two leg members attached to the base plate near the aperture and extending downward through the hole. The leg members are foldable at intermediate portions thereof such that the intermediate portions can move apart from each other. A connecting section is attached to the bottom ends of the two leg members to connect them together. A post having at least one prong is mounted on the connecting section and extends upward toward the base plate such that when the leg members are folded, at least a portion of the post extends through the aperture in the base plate and the hole in the carpet. The post also has means for maintaining the leg members in a folded state so that the post extends through the aperture in the base plate. The invention also comprises means for detachably engaging the post with a floor mat.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a housing for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint module to a vehicle steering wheel armature includes at least two snap-in fasteners for holding the housing in assembled relation with the armature. A resiliently compressible member is interposed intermediate the steering wheel armature and the housing to permit overtravel of the snap-in fasteners relative to the armature during assembly with the housing and to thereafter exert a force upon the housing to maintain a firm engagement of the snap-in fasteners with the housing and with the armature, and thereby maintain engagement between the housing and the armature.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a rotation member to an attached member is formed of a clip for rotationally supporting the rotation member to the attached member, and circular member. The clip includes a leg elastically engaging a hole in the attached member, a shaft part fixed to the leg and disposed in a hole of the rotation member for rotationally supporting the rotation member, and a stopping piece attached to the shaft part for preventing the rotation member from coming off from the shaft part. The circular member has a hole in which the shaft part of the clip is disposed, and an elastic pressing piece situated outside the hole. The circular member is disposed between the rotation member and the attached member to elastically press the rotation member to the stopping piece.

Abstract: A snap fastener assembly includes a cylindrical C-shaped spring retainer member having a hollow open core with an exterior longitudinal slit aperture extending into the core. The spring retainer member is mounted on a stud member having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining head at the other end, and a longitudinal shaft that is dimensioned to be substantially enclosed by the spring retainer member. The stud member can be used for both the insertion and retraction of the cylindrical spring retainer member. The retainer member can be actively fastened to a hole, for example, to hold panels on a wall.

Abstract: A steering column support having a bracket on the steering column secured to vehicle support structure by fasteners at the rear edge of the bracket. Isolator pads at the front edge of the bracket are clamped under pressure between the bracket and the support structure The isolator pads dampen vibration of the steering column and also prevent undesirable tilting or rocking of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A connecting device of the invention is used to connect two members together. The connecting device is formed of a base flange, a support column extending downwardly from the base flange, and elastically deformable engaging members formed at both lateral sides of the support column and projecting from the base flange. The support column has first and second side edges, and the lateral sides extending between the first and second side edges. The distance between the first and second side edges is greater than that between the lateral sides. The first side edge is cut diagonally from a longitudinal middle portion of the support column to a lower end portion of the support column, and the second side edge is cut diagonally from near a top of the support column to the lower end portion. The engaging members have lower ends terminating at and joining with the lower end portion.

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 plastic fastening element includes an insert portion 2 attachable in an aperture of a support. The insert portion has elastic wings 4 joined about the circumference of a rigid core 9 to extend in an axial direction relative to the support aperture. The wings 4 are designed in the shape of a triangle with the first triangle side 7 connected to core 9 of the insert piece 2, and the opposite outer triangle corner 8 defining the outer limit of a second and third triangle side 5 and 6 each of which extend from the triangle corner 8 to the core 9 of the insert piece 2. The second triangle side of each wing 4 ascends from the lower end of the core in spirally-wound form up to the respective triangle corner 8 and the third triangle side 6 of each wing 4 ascends in spirally-wound form from the respective triangle corner 8 to the core 9 of the insert portion 2.