Abstract: The non-destructive fastener clip is a suitable aftermarket replacement for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) trim clip. These OEM trim clips often break upon disassembly from removing an automotive trim panel from an automotive fixture. The non-destructive fastener clip assembly contains an anchor fastener, and a fastener clip. The anchor fastener comprises an anchoring element and a receiving element. The fastener clip comprises an upper fastener portion, a lower fastener portion, at least one connecting element, and at least one latching element. The anchoring element is connected terminally adjacent to the receiving element. The at least one connecting element is distributed about the lower fastener portion. The at least one latching element is distributed about the upper fastener portion. Each of the at least one connecting element is connected adjacent to the receiving element.

Abstract: A fastener clip system including a carrier and a fastener clip configured to fit over the carrier. The fastener clip includes at least one wing. The wing includes an engagement region that includes a depressed portion configured to be secured against a slot.

Abstract: A fastening structure for a vehicle includes an upper trim of which an outer clip inserted into a panel is formed thereon, and a lower trim of which an inner clip inserted into the outer clip is formed thereon.

Abstract: A U-base clip component can include a pair of rib coupling barbs which can extend inwardly from two opposing clip side walls. A seal component can include two opposing aperture retention wings coupled to a central wall. A first and a second component annular seal can extend from opposite respective sides of the central wall. The U-base clip component and the seal component can define an interior rib receiving cavity between both the clip side walls and the aperture retention wings. A pair of rib coupling barbs can extend into the interior rib receiving cavity from the clip side walls and the two opposing aperture retention wings can extend exteriorly from the clip side walls. The rib coupling barbs of the U-base clip can be designed to couple fastener to the rib and the aperture retention wings can be designed to couple the dual component sealing fastener to the aperture.

Abstract: A bathtub component includes a structural plastic part and a plurality of separate flexible seal parts integrated together. Each of two tub side walls of a structural plastic part can have an aperture retention tab extending exteriorly therefrom. Openings in the structural plastic part on lateral sides of the aperture retention tabs are each sealed with a separate flexible seal part. Another separate flexible seal part can form an umbrella seal. A U-base clip component includes a rib retention protrusion and can extend interiorly from clip side walls into a rib receiving cavity the U-base clip component. The U-base clip component is received in an interior clip receiving cavity of the bathtub component. Clip retention protrusions can extend from the structural plastic part into a clip receiving cavity to engage apertures in the clip side walls to releasably couple the bathtub and U-base clip components together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for anchoring soft tissue, tissue grafts, and the like to a bone are provided. In one example, an assembly includes a suture anchor, suture, and inserter. In another example, a method provides for reattaching soft tissue to a bone.

Abstract: An inner housing defines a pin retaining receptacle elongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extending parallel to the X-direction. The inner housing is slidably coupled to an outer housing and extends into an interior thereof. A plurality of centering blades extend into the interior and between the inner and outer housings to locate the pin retaining receptacle in a central position within the interior in a Y-direction prior to insertion of the pin into the pin retention receptacle. The centering blades are movable in the Y-direction to permit the pin retaining receptacle of the inner housing to move to a non-central position relative to the housing in the Y-direction as a result of the inner housing moving the centering blades in response to the pin engaging the entry ramps during insertion of the pin into the pin receiving receptacle. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A car fastening system includes a metal clip and a plastics locking body. When an insertion portion of the metal clip is completely inserted into a door module opening, at least two supporting tabs rest on an upper side of the door module and at least two first latching legs engage behind the opening. The insertion portion of the metal clip forms a receptacle for the plastics locking body. By insertion of the plastics locking body into the receptacle, at least two second latching legs are pressed elastically outwards out of an inoperative position such that the latching legs engage behind an opening in the car door. When the plastics locking body is completely inserted into the receptacle, a shifting movement of the second latching legs in order to release the engagement behind the opening in the car door is blocked by the plastics locking body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.

Abstract: A piston damper has a cylinder including an attachment portion; a piston reciprocatingly disposed inside the cylinder; and a rod including an attachment portion that is moved synchronously with the piston. Each of the attachment portions of the cylinder and the rod is adapted to connect to different one of a first member and a second member to damp a movement of the other member relative to one member among both the members. At least one of the attachment portion of the cylinder and the attachment portion of the rod is formed with a fitting hole, and the attachment portion is axially supported in a fitted state between the fitting hole and an axis relative to at least one of the first member and the second member, and includes an urging device absorbing looseness of the fitting hole relative to the axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a fastener that extends through a surface. The apparatus comprises a housing having a base and cap, wherein the cap is configured to cover a portion of a fastener extending through a surface, and wherein the housing is configured to apply suction to the surface.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a retainer, a first panel, and a second panel. A weld stud extends from the first panel. The second panel is positioned adjacent to the first panel and defines a hole that circumscribes the weld stud. The retainer includes a base and a nut. The base includes an annular cap and a cylindrical guide feature. The nut has radial fins, one of which is beveled. The cylindrical guide feature is positioned within the hole and circumscribes the weld stud. One of the radial fins is positioned adjacent to an upper surface of the cap, while the radial fin having the beveled surface is received within a slot defined by the cap to secure the nut to the base and the stud. Tabs may be arranged on an inner bore of the nut. A method of using the retainer in a panel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of a retaining mechanism for holding a portion of the suture of a suture anchor are disclosed. When a suture anchor is inserted into a patient, the portion of the suture extending from the body is held in tension by a two-piece snap-fit mechanism. One piece has a base with an extending shaft portion and a bulbous head, and a lumen runs through the shaft. The second piece has a hole or space for snapping the second piece onto the first piece. The extending portion of the suture runs through the lumen in the first piece and can be wrapped around the shaft. Snapping the second piece onto the first contains the suture and prevents loss of tension in it.

Abstract: A fastener for securing workpieces is faster and easier to use than a conventional bolt or rivet, requires no tools to use, and is made from a material that does not rust, such as plastic. The fastener comprises a bottom plate with a ribbed shaft extending therefrom and inserted into a top plate with a throughhole adapted to accept the ribbed shaft. Workpieces intended for fastening are placed in between the two plates with the ribbed shaft inserted through them. Protruding from the interior of the throughhole of the top plate is at least one locking tab adapted to engage the ribs of the ribbed shaft to ensure securement.

Abstract: Device for fastening a first component (42) with a through opening (44) on a second component (40) with a through opening (18) being essentially rectangular in cross section, comprising a first fastening element (10) which comprises a radial flange (12) on one end and a shaft section (16) with rectangular cross section, which is insertable into the through opening of the second component and comprising a second fastening element which relative to the first fastening element is at least partly axially moveable, which second fastening element comprises an axial bore for receiving a fastening screw. The first fastening element comprises at least one first section (18) of a first, harder material and at least one second section (20) of a second, softer material, wherein the second fastening element upon screwing the fastening screw is pressed against the second section of the first fastening element and thereby deforming it in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener.

Abstract: A locking twist pin screen panel retainer system utilizes a plurality of twist pins, each with a mushroom-shaped screen panel engaging head. Each one of the locking twist pins is positionable in a deformable receiver which is attachable to a support tube or bottom rail of a vibrating separatory machine. Insertion of the individual twist pins each into a cooperating one of the retainers, and the subsequent rotation of each twist pin through 90°, both secures the pin in the cooperating receiver and also secures the receiver in place on the underlying support tube or rail of the vibrating separatory machine. Removal of the pins and their receivers, if necessary, is accomplished by a further rotation of each pin through another 90°.

Abstract: A hollow fastening nut assembly including an upper head adapted to engage a wrench or other tightening tool and an integral co-axial, internally threaded lower section of reduced diameter adapted for insertion into an access opening in a fastened component. The lower section acts as a compression limiter. An optional annular disc spring may be disposed about the internally threaded lower section for engagement with the rear surface of the fastened component. A locking structure may be disposed at the exterior surface of the internally threaded lower section to engage the interior of the access opening to lock the nut assembly in place.

Abstract: Device for fastening a first component (42) with a through opening (44) on a second component (40) with a through opening (18) being essentially rectangular in cross section, comprising a first fastening element (10) which comprises a radial flange (12) on one end and a shaft section (16) with rectangular cross section, which is insertable into the through opening of the second component and comprising a second fastening element which relative to the first fastening element is at least partly axially moveable, which second fastening element comprises an axial bore for receiving a fastening screw. The first fastening element comprises at least one first section (18) of a first, harder material and at least one second section (20) of a second, softer material, wherein the second fastening element upon screwing the fastening screw is pressed against the second section of the first fastening element and thereby deforming it in a sealing manner.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided to cover below a front hood of a motor vehicle has an elastic fixing element for mounting a widened area implemented as a radial expansion of a shaft. When the cover is pressed down, the fixing element detaches from the widened area and arrives over the shaft. In this way, the fastening device is made yielding.

Abstract: A spacer accessory including: a shank extending in an axial direction, one end of which includes a mechanism for securing the shank to a structural element of the wall that is to be lined and the other end of which includes a mechanism assembling the shank with lining studwork; two claws surrounding the shank; and a mechanism locking the two claws against one another with axial clamping.

Abstract: In a configuration in which a fixing screw is tightened and fixed between opposite ends of an attaching section of a whetstone cover, the fixing screw can be prevented from being removed from the end of the attaching section by fitting a rubber ring to a threaded shank of the fixing screw between opposite ends of the attaching section .

Abstract: Methods and devices for locking a fastener in a thru-bore are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchor is provided that includes a bone engaging fastener, an anti-backout mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The anti-backout mechanism can be movable between a retracted position in which it is disposed within the fastener and a deployed position in which is extends from the bone engaging fastener. The locking mechanism can be matable to the bone engaging fastener and can be configured to move the anti-backout mechanism from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the anti-backout mechanism can prevent the bone engaging fastener from backing out of a thru-bore in a spinal plate.

Abstract: A bolt and receiver are provided to securely attach a device (e.g. light reflector or a lane marker) to a surface (such as a roadway). In addition to initially attaching the device to the surface, the bolt will nest progressively within the receiver as the surface thickness erodes or deteriorates over time, thus reducing the bolt's effective overall length (and thus the bolt's height above the surface), in order not to protrude and puncture or damage tires.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a fastening system includes two opposing plates, and a retainer material that is activated to increase the flexibility of the retainer material. The retainer material surrounds at least a portion of two opposing plates, the plates and the retainer material mounted to allow the plates to move apart and back together when the retainer material is flexible. A pin is insertable through an opening between the plates. The pin includes a first tapered portion configured to separate the plates as the pin is inserted in the opening via a pushing force. The retainer material becomes rigid when deactivated to lock the pin between the plates.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing at least one screw of an electric terminal includes a deformable insulating housing element, and at least one shaft having a shaft wall extending vertically in the housing element. The shaft wall includes profiling in an area thereof. The shaft is configured to receive a screw having a screw-head so that the screw is countersunk. The profiling is elastically deformable and configured to deform during insertion of the screw and to elastically return towards an interior of the shaft so as to secure the screw. At least one of the shaft and the screw has a non-circular shape.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.

Abstract: A novel, reusable apparatus for affixing gift material to a presentation device. The apparatus comprises a dynamic fastener for clasping or holding a gift material, allowing for the transportation, packaging, and delivery of the combination of the apparatus and the gift material. The fastener uses one or more prongs to exert force upon the gift material towards the vertical axis of the fastener, thereby retaining said gift material. The fastener is connected to the presentation device in order to create an overall arrangement that is pleasing to the many senses of the user and recipient. Embodiments leverage known materials, themes and branding to enhance or achieve a commercial objective.

Abstract: A screw hole seal structure seals a screw hole (13) in molding a fiber-reinforced resin member (1) in which an insert member (4) provided with the screw hole (13) is integrally incorporated. In the structure, a screw member (5) is tightened in the screw hole (13). In the structure, an elastic seal member (6) is compressed within the screw hole (13), in an axial direction of the screw member (5), and is therefore deformed radially outwards by compression force that is created by tightening of the screw member (5), and an air-tight state of the screw hole (13) is maintained by deformation of the elastic seal member (6).

Abstract: In a configuration in which a fixing screw 25 is tightened and fixed between opposite ends 22a and 22b of an attaching section 22 of a whetstone cover, the fixing screw 25 can be prevented from being removed from the end 22b of the attaching section 22 by fitting a rubber ring 26 to a threaded shank 25a of the fixing screw 25 between opposite ends 22a and 22b of the attaching section 22.

Abstract: A quick release fastener mechanism for easy installation and removal of conventional hurricane storm shutters over and from a window or door of a structure. The device comprises a removable stud for engaging and securing the hurricane shutters and a spring-actuated panel fastener that includes a leaf spring and hinged locking element to engage and hold the removable stud in position. The quick release fastener is installed and removed from outside the building by actuating or depressing a lever end of the hinged locking element to lock or to unlock and release the removable stud from within the spring-actuated panel fastener.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a fastening member that fixedly fastens fastened members, and a driving member that is capable of releasing a fastening state of the fastening member by applying a driving force to a moving portion provided in the fastening member to drive it, wherein the driving member is formed of a shape memory alloy, and the driving force is a restoring force of the shape memory alloy to its memory shape.

Abstract: A vibration isolation fastener insert structure adapted to be partially or wholly snugly received in a hole in a panel comprising: a rigid cylindrical hub having an externally extending flange and a through longitudinal opening adapted to receive a fastener element; an elastomeric bushing snugly carried or formed around said hub and having a slot therein receiving said external flange; an upper housing; a lower housing; the upper housing being disposed around the side of said bushing and having a flange over the top of said bushing and the lower housing disposed around the external side of said upper housing and having a flange extending below a lower surface of said bushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper system with a wiper drive (1), which is comprised of a wiper motor (2) and a gear (3). A wiper arm shaft (14) for a wiper arm (19) can be driven via the output shaft (5) of the gear (3). Linking points (31, 32, 33) for accommodating the wiper drive (1) on a surface (24, 40) are arranged in the housing area (7) of the wiper drive (1). The linking points (31, 32, 33) of the wiper drive (1) each feature a decoupling element (41, 42, 43), in which fastening elements (55) to mount the wiper drive (1) either on a vehicle body (24) or on a screw-down surface (40) are accommodated.

Abstract: A fastening unit includes a fastening component and a hole-defining unit. The fastening component is adapted to be fixed to a first body, and includes a cylindrical post body and at least one surrounding member. The post body extends along a post axis. The surrounding member surrounds and is fixed to an outer post surface of the post body, and a portion of lines tangent to points on an outermost perimeter of the surrounding member are at non-90° angles with respect to the post axis. The hole-defining unit is adapted to be provided in a surface of a second body, and defines a fastener hole that fittingly receives the fastening component for interconnecting the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A fastening unit includes a hole-defining unit and a fastening component. The hole-defining unit comprises a first body, defines a fastener hole, and at least one first engaging part. The fastening component is adapted to be fixed to a second body, has a post body provided with a second engaging part equal in number to and having a structure complementing the first engaging part, and at least one surrounding member. When the fastening component is extended in an axial direction into the fastener hole to interconnect the first and second bodies, the first engaging part and the second engaging part cooperate so that the fastening component is prevented from rotating in the fastener hole.

Abstract: A fastening unit includes a hole-defining unit and a fastening component. The hole-defining unit is adapted to be provided in a surface of a first body, and includes a non-circular fastener hole and at least one first engaging part. The fastening component is adapted to be fixed to a second body, is extendible in an axial direction into the fastener hole, and includes a post body and at least one surrounding member. The post body has a non-circular cross-section along a plane transverse to the axial direction, and is provided with at least one second engaging part equal in number to and having a structure complementing the first engaging part. When the fastening component is pushed into the fastener hole to interconnect the first and second bodies, the first and second engaging parts cooperate so that the fastening component is prevented from rotating in the fastener hole.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for attaching an automotive surface component, such as a carpet and/or trim, to a primary surface on an automotive panel forming a wall of an automotive structural member, such as a rocker panel. The automotive panel has a space therebehind and holes therethrough. Plug portions of plug fastener assemblies having hollow bodies are pressed through the holes prior to filling the space behind the panel with foam. Fastener insert portions of the plug fastener assemblies for retaining carpet and/or other automotive surface components, such as trim strips, are inserted into the hollow bodies of the plug portions. Cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the plug portions in the panel and cooperating shoulders and flanges hold the fastener insert portions in the hollow bodies of the plug portions. While the use described is for rockers in automotive vehicles, the plug fastener arrangement is usable as fasteners for other purposes.

Abstract: A fastener kit includes male clips that include bodies having a tapered bottom tip having a cone shape and an upper portion with a diameter equal to a bottom tip maximum diameter. A striking region is monolithically formed with the upper portion, has a greater diameter than the upper portion, and has a downwardly sloping outer edge. Female clips that are engageable about the male clips have cylindrical bodies provided with an axial bore extending therealong, an open end, and a closed end. The female body has a striking region formed at the closed end having a planar surface with an outwardly beveled outer edge. Selected female bodies have a fluted outer surface. The bore of the female body has a fluted interior surface for interlocking with the male body. Annular seals that are engageable about the male clips have beveled outer edges sloping away from a center thereof.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: The female attachment, which is made of plastics material, has a recess and at least two lugs projecting into the recess for clipping it to a stud. It includes connecting members extending between a first body and a second body and delimiting the recess, the connecting members comprising at least one rigid arm and at least two flexible strips separated from each other. The obturator includes a female attachment of the above kind and a skirt.

Abstract: A fastener that can be used in various applications, that is more durable than known fasteners, and that increases the removal forces necessary to remove the fastener from the connecting substrate is made of a plastic material that defines a base and one or more fastening legs. The fastening legs extend outwardly from the base, are joined together at a common post and connect to the base at leg ends. Each of the fastening legs may have an angled surface at the leg ends and near the base. This angled surface provides a contact surface with the substrate to which the fastener is mounted and also increases the removal force needed to remove the fastener from the substrate. The leg ends are connected to the base and define a thickness at this connection point that provides sufficient flexibility for installation to the connecting substrate to prevent damage to the fastening legs so that greater extraction forces will be necessary to remove the fastener from the connecting substrate.

Abstract: A w-base fastener includes multiple legs that compress towards a common member, to which the legs are attached, during the installation through an opening of a structure. These legs then engage the backside of the structure to which the fastener is mounted to hold the fastener in a mounted position within the opening. The fastener also includes a head or similar structure that permits items to be mounted to the fastener. The w-base fastener described herein also includes opposite flex arm features for thermal expansion for assembling moldings to a panel. Embodiments of the invention are used to provide for the ease of assembly, proper fit, and functional retention of moldings to structural panels, while also providing for the thermal expansion of the moldings. Aspects of the invention may be advantageously employed on automotive body side moldings including doors, rockers, wheel flares and other areas.

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 one-piece molded apparatus includes a first body section having a head, a skirt, a pair of support posts joined to the skirt, and a first engagement wing. A second body section includes a second engagement wing, and a living hinge joining the second wing to the support posts. The second wing rotates about the living hinge and engages with the support posts such that at least the second wing can thereafter deflect. In another embodiment, a dog-house assembly is provided on a trim piece to mate with the apparatus. In still another embodiment, a method for forming the fasteners is provided. In yet another embodiment, a method to attach a trim piece to a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.

Abstract: The disclosed fastener includes a body having a cavity therein and a wall at least partially surrounding said cavity. The fastener additionally includes a finger having a first member extending from the wall. The first member is attached to a second member having at least one engagement mechanism on its distal end adapted to cooperate with a second engagement mechanism on the stud to retain the fastener on the stud. The first member extends outwardly from the wall and the second member extends inwardly into the cavity. A plurality of fingers each include a lower surface angled upwardly toward the center of the cavity such that a stud contacting the lower surface will be moved toward the center of the cavity.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for securing a first molded component to a second molded component is provided. The fastener assembly includes a stud that is a molded part of the first component and extends outward from the first component and a cylindrical wall that is a molded part of the second component. A longitudinal bore is defined by the cylindrical wall and at least one flute extends radially from the cylindrical wall into the bore and longitudinally along the cylindrical wall in a helical manner. The flute secures the stud in the bore of the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the stud into the bore. A method of fastening a first component to a second component is also provided.

Abstract: A device for holding a piece in a bore comprises a cylindrical sleeve constructed to be inserted into the bore and held therein by engagement of its outer surface with an inner surface of the bore, and a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the sleeve, the fins being spaced from each other circumferentially of the sleeve with tips disposed to engage an outer surface of a piece inserted into the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic, and the fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are force toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.