Abstract: A vehicle roof structure is provided capable of maintaining side collision performance of a vehicle even without a roof reinforcing member. The vehicle roof structure includes an annular frame that is joined to a circumferential edge of a roof panel (which includes an outer panel and an inner panel), and supports the roof panel. The annular frame has a higher rigidity than the roof panel, is arranged in an opening of a roof, and is joined to a pair of roof side rails, a front header, and a rear header.

Abstract: A retaining apparatus includes a short fold, a long fold, a tube connecting the short and long folds and forming a channel, and at least one enhanced engaging mechanism. The channel is approximately three hundred sixty degrees. The retaining apparatus is made of stainless steel. Each enhanced engaging mechanism includes a first bulge in the short fold, a first recess in the short fold, a second bulge in the long fold and a second recess in the long fold. The bulges and recesses correspond to each other. Each mechanism can be a female or male enhanced engaging mechanism. The first recess receives a portion of the second bulge, or the second recess receives a portion of the first bulge. The short and long folds are approximately parallel to each other. The height of the tube is bigger than the sum of the thicknesses of the short and long folds.

Abstract: A vehicle brake pedal booster pushrod interface assembly is provided that includes: a pivotable brake pedal arm including a protruding peg structure; and an elongate pushrod including a clip structure disposed at one end thereof and adapted to pivotably engage the protruding peg structure of the pivotable brake pedal arm. The brake pedal booster pushrod interface assembly further includes a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be rotatably disposed about the protruding peg structure of the pivotable brake pedal arm and be pivotably engaged by the clip structure of the elongate pushrod. Optionally, the cylindrical sleeve includes an opposed conical section disposed at either end thereof and separated by a cylindrical center portion. The clip structure of the elongate pushrod includes a pair of arms defining an opening and an interior space adapted to receive the protruding peg structure of the pivotable brake pedal arm.

Abstract: A tool shield retainer clip for securing a removable tool to a tool carrier blade, and shielding the tool carrier blade is disclosed herein. The tool shield retainer clip includes a front section including an aperture for receiving a tool, a back section adjacent the front section, a tail flange connected to the back section opposite the front section, and a top section adjacent the front section and opposite the back section.

Abstract: A fastening structure of a resin roof panel is disclosed for fastening a sunshade housing thereto. The sunshade housing includes an attaching portion. The roof panel includes coupling portions. The attaching portion and the coupling portions are fastened to each other by combined members. Each combined member is formed by combining a fastening bolt and a plate spring, and is inserted in an elongated hole. Each combined member permits the attaching portion and the associated coupling portion to be relatively displaced along the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole, and permits the attaching portion and the associated coupling portion to be relatively displaced along the axial direction of the fastening bolt through elastic deformation of the associated plate spring.

Abstract: A spring clip includes two articulated legs having engagement tongues for engagement with an external thread of a threaded shank, and at least one spring leg extending away from a base plate and arranged on a side of the base plate opposite the articulated legs. Engagement of the engagement tongues with the external thread is improved by the spring force exerted by the spring legs. Manipulation tongues are provided for assembly and disassembly of the spring clip, and ensure torque-free handling of the spring clip.

Abstract: A manually installed fastener includes a fastener body having parallel first and second plates, the second plate having an aperture. A bend member integrally joins the first and second plates. The bend member has an outer deflectable leg integrally connected to the first plate and an inner deflectable leg integrally connected to the second plate. A first barb is integrally connected to the first plate and extends through the aperture of the second plate. A second barb is integrally connected to the second plate and is oppositely oriented with respect to the first barb. The second barb and the second plate are elastically displaced with respect to the first barb and the first plate to change a clearance diameter between the first and second barbs.

Abstract: A shaft assembly using spring clips to confine components mounted on the shaft in selected positions. The shaft assembly includes a shaft with components mounted along its length. Each component is confined by a pair of flanking spring clips. Each spring clip has a pair of confronting side panels resiliently coupled together. Holes through the side panels receive the shaft. The side panels are biased to converge toward each other so that a laterally applied force from a confined component acts in the direction of the bias to prevent the clip locked on the shaft from unlocking.

Abstract: A fastening device for fixing a member to be fixed to a fixing member through a screw, the fastening device includes: a top plate portion; and a pair of leg piece portions respectively suspended from the two side edges of the top plate portion, wherein the top plate portion includes two pairs of first elastic securing pieces disposed opposed to each other for defining a first screw hole formed in the screw, and two pairs of regulating pieces respectively interposed between the first elastic securing pieces for defining a first guide hole having a diameter larger than the first screw hole.

Abstract: A heat sink clip (30) includes an elongated resilient main body (31) with two spaced barbs (315) at a first end thereof, a first locking member (33) coupled with a second end of the main body and a moveable second locking member (32) movably coupled with the first end of the main body. The barbs each vertically extend and include a neck (3151) connecting with the main body and a locking end (3152) at a free end thereof. The moveable second locking member includes an operating portion (321) and a locking leg (322) defining two connecting slots (323) therein. Each of the connecting slots includes a longitudinally narrow portion (3231) and a longitudinally wide portion (3232) beside the narrow portion. The barbs enter the connecting slots through the wide portions and the necks are received in the narrow portions.

Abstract: A push nut including a base plate formed with a bolt passing hole at a center of the base plate and four engaging pieces. Pairs of engaging pieces extend respectively from a pair of opposing sides of the base plate, base portions of the four engaging pieces are folded back to have a U-shape, and tip end portions of the engaging pieces extend to a surrounding of the bolt passing hole. The tip end portions of the four engaging pieces surround a periphery of the bolt passing hole. The four engaging pieces incline toward an insertion direction of a bolt and elastically abut against an outer circumference of the bolt, which is inserted into the bolt passing hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a weld adapter including a body portion having a first aperture and at least two flanges connected to the body portion. The present invention also includes a second aperture formed in one of the at least two flanges, with the second aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture. Additionally, one of the flanges is adaptable for being connected to a structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing assembly for securing an object to a profiled element with flanges which delimit a longitudinal slot between them. The securing assembly comprises a metal bearing element which is designed to bear against the outside of the profiled element, an elongate metal anchoring part which is situated on the bottom side of the bearing face of the bearing element, and a support for the anchoring part, which support is provided with one or more spring members and is optionally removably connected to the bearing element and which support supports the anchoring part resiliently in such a manner that the anchoring part can be moved up and down with respect to the bearing element.

Abstract: A resilient clip is disclosed for engaging a structure having a body with a pair of extending body portions and an elastic flange. The flange has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic flange also has a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic flange into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.

Abstract: A symmetrical self-attaching female fastener including a body having a bore, and identical integral tubular barrel portions extending from opposed ends of the body coaxially aligned with the bore. The installation method includes driving either barrel portion through an opening in a panel, which may be formed by piercing the panel with the barrel portion, and simultaneously deforming both barrel portions radially outwardly and inwardly, wherein one barrel portion entraps the panel and the other exposed barrel portion is folded at an acute angle relative to the bore to reduce the overall length of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an improved semi-rigid flexible retainer clip which is adapted for securing components, such as posts, within a sterilization container. The sterilizable, flexible retainer clip comprises a generally “U” shaped planar body having a first planar portion, second planar portion, and an integral hinge portion. Each of the planar portions have two lateral edges and a front end located opposite the hinge portion. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are biased apart from one another. The clip comprises a pair of centrally located apertures, including a first aperture on the first planar portion and a second aperture on the second planar portion. A pair of elongated narrow ridges is located on the surface of the first planar portion, each ridge being adjacent to the first aperture. The first aperture comprises a widened region and narrow region (e.g., keyhole shape). The invention also includes an instrument sterilization system including the clip.

Abstract: A mounting fitting of a heat sink of the present invention is unitarily formed of a first spring, a second spring, a central part disposed in the boundary between the first and second springs, a first arm connected to an end of the first spring on the opposite side from the fulcrum, a second arm connected to an end of the second spring on the opposite side from the fulcrum, a plate part formed in the second spring and near the second arm and having a small hole, and a stopper formed in a space between the second spring and arm. The fitting allows safe removal of the heat sink.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an improved semi-rigid flexible retainer clip which is adapted for securing components, such as posts, within a sterilization container. The sterilizable, flexible retainer clip comprises a generally “U” shaped planar body having a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and an integral hinge portion, each of said planar portions having two lateral edges and a front end located opposite said hinge portion; a pair of apertures, said first planar portion comprising a first aperture and said second planar portion comprising a second aperture, each of said apertures being centrally located on the respective planar portions; and a pair of elongate, narrow ridges located on the first surface of said first planar portion, each ridge adjacent to said first aperture. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are biased apart from one another.

Abstract: A retention mechanism (6, 6′) for an LGA package assembly (1, 1′) consists of a spring clip (60, 60′) and a lever (62, 62′) both attached to a heat sink (5, 5′). The spring clip has a biasing strip (612, 612′) and a pair of opposite engaging legs (610, 610′). The lever includes an arcuate section (680, 680′) positioned beneath the biasing strip, whereby the lever is rotatable from a vertical position where the arcuate section is contained in a plane parallel with the biasing strip to a horizontal position where the arcuate section is contained in a plane perpendicular to the biasing strip and engages with the biasing strip. When the lever is rotated to the horizontal position, the biasing strip is biased upwardly to cause the engaging legs to abut against a bottom surface (22) of a PCB (2), whereby the components of the LGA package assembly are mechanically and electrically connected to one another.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus (10) includes a conduit (50) through which a flow of power steering fluid is conducted and a housing (22) having a chamber (25) which holds power steering fluid. A connector assembly (60) connects the conduit (50) with the housing (22). The connector assembly (60) includes a base (64) which is fixedly connected with the housing (22) and a clip (66) which interconnects the base and the conduit (50). The clip (66) has a pilot portion (76) with cam surfaces (88 and 90) which engage a projection (68) on the conduit (50) to press the conduit into an opening (78) in the base (64) during connection of the conduit with the base. The clip (66) has a retainer portion (74) which cooperates with the base (64) and the projection (68) on the conduit (50) to compress a seal (70) between the projection on the conduit and the base when the conduit is connected with the housing (22).

Abstract: The invention is particularly directed toward a structural member comprising an elongate metal flange having a pair of parallel side walls joined at one end by a transverse base wall to form a web receiving pocket. Each side wall has a plurality of raised teeth, each tooth having a body portion bent outwardly from the side wall along a first line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flange, and a penetrating point portion at the free end of the body portion, bent along a second line parallel to the first line, to extend toward the socket. The invention is also directed toward a composite structural member employing the flange with a web having opposed edge portions. One edge portion of the web is mounted in the pocket of the flange and the teeth on the flange are pressed into the web to joint the web and flange together. The invention is further directed toward a method of making the composite structural member using the metal flange.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly includes a heat sink (30), a clip (40) and two pairs of holders (50). The heat sink has a base (31) and a plurality of fins (32) extending from the base. A groove (34) is defined in each of two opposite side surfaces (36) of the base. The clip presses the heat sink onto an electronic device (60) mounted on a socket (70). Each holder has a fixing portion (51) for being interferentially inserted into the groove of the heat sink, and a positioning portion (52) for engaging with a side edge of the socket. The heat sink is thereby prevented from moving with respect to the electronic device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit system has an increased reliability when subjected to stress and vibration. The system includes heat sink retention clips that provide support to the retention system when an upward force is applied to a heat sink. An EMI shield can be provided that provides peripheral shielding for the circuit package thermally coupled to the heat sink.

Abstract: In a toothed-rack power-assisted steering, which is provided for motor vehicles in particular, a pinion (2) seated in a steering housing (1) is in engagement with a toothed rack (6). A servo motor (8) is disposed as a power assist, whose piston rod (10) is drivingly connected with the toothed rack (6). The two work chambers (12, 13) of the servo motor (8) are connected with a control device (18) via work lines (12, 13), which are connected with a cylinder (11) of the servo motor (8) and with the control device (18) via two connecting elements (24, 25). Each work line (14, 15) has a collar (32). Each line is held on the connecting element (24, 25) by a fastening clasp (34) which projects over the collar (32). The fastening clasp (34) has an essentially rectangular and flat base (35). An elongated slit (36), open toward one side, is located in the base (35), through which the fastening clasp (34) can be pushed from the side over the line (14, 15) and the connecting element (24, 25).

Abstract: A drawer assembly includes a bottom plate, two side plates, a front plate, and a rear plate. Hooks are provided on the bottom plate, the front plate, and the rear plate. Each side plate includes openings defined in each of a bottom member, a front side member, and a rear side member thereof. Each hook extends through an associated opening. A protrusion is formed adjacent to each opening for engagement with a hole defined in the associated hook.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that comprises a catch within a tab extending from one component that locks into a receiving opening on another component. The second component slides between the tab on the first component and the first component from which the tab extends and locks when the catch is received by the receiving opening of the second component.

Abstract: A U-nut that is adapted for use with a stand-off fastener to prevent excessive loads on a panel comprises two legs and a joining portion therebetween and an aligned threaded barrel and aperture in the legs. A resilient spring finger follows the contours of the legs and joining portion and does not intersect with a zone between the aperture and barrel. The spring finger will frictionally engage a panel received between the legs of the U-nut.

Abstract: A clip for fastening an insulation having several layers, such as used on spacecraft. A counterhold which snaps onto the end of an elongated pin is made from an elongated strip of foil backed elastically deformable material. Holes in the elongated strip having a diameter such that they can lock in engagement with an annularly grooved portion of the pin.

Abstract: A wedge for use with tie rods in maintaining a predetermined spaced relation between opposed forms prior to and during the pouring of a concrete wall in the space between the forms incorporates a ramp portion which includes an elongated keyhole slot for receiving a tie rod therethrough, and the portions of the ramp bordering this slot are especially formed to reinforce them against deflection or collapse under the loading applied thereto from the head of a snap tie rod supported thereon and also to provide concave self centering capability and smooth surfaces to avoid nicking.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clip for securing a segmented panel, such as that of a combustor liner for a gas turbine engine, to the outer shell of the combustor, a clip characterized by having two distinctly different spring rates depending on the magnitude of the load which the clip must support.

Abstract: In a component mounting in motor vehicle bodies with a sheet metal nut and a screw bolt, wherein the sheet metal nut has in its base plate a funnel-shaped relief preceding the tubular projection comprising the thread and a holding arm preceding the base plate and comprising a through-opening, and the screw bolt is provided with a point, and the sheet metal nut is provided in the holding arm preceding the funnel-shaped relief with a through-opening which corresponds approximately to the size of the external diameter of the funnel-shaped relief, and the sheet metal nut is held in a restricted and readily movable manner on the body sheet by a holding opening and lateral beads in a region corresponding approximately to the difference between the internal and external diameters of the funnel-shaped relief.

Abstract: Parking brake apparatus of the reaction cable type includes quick-release cable slack adjusting means having a releasable clip member for retaining an adjusting rod against the biasing force of an adjusting spring at a given position relative to the reaction bracket housing. The clip member is of U-shaped resilient construction including a pair of leg portions that are resiliently biased together on opposite sides of a transverse wall portion of the housing containing an opening in which the rod is movably mounted. The clip member is displaceable orthogonally relative to the rod between a locking position in engagement with an annular groove contained in the rod, and a released position remote from the groove, whereby the rod is biased by the spring to remove cable slack.

Abstract: An electrical wiring box for mounting an electrical device therein by means of push inserted screws is provided. The box is defined in part by a pair of parallel spaced sidewalls and a pair of parallel spaced end walls. A mounting bracket is formed on each end wall for the snap mounting of a resilient screw receiving spring clip. Each spring clip is formed of a strip of resilient metal bent to define a base portion, upwardly disposed side portions and inwardly disposed top portions, such that the ends of the strip are positioned adjacent one another. The ends of the top portions are bent downwardly and inwardly of the clip to define a spring receiving space therebetween. The base portion has a spring receiving opening defined by a pair of downwardly bent tabs which is aligned with the space defined by the ends of the strip. In operation the spring clips are snapped into engagement with the respective brackets and the electrical device positioned within the wiring box for mounting.

Abstract: A clip-on nut for enabling a panel to be secured to a support structure, the clip-on nut being secured to the support structure. The clip-on nut has a portion for guiding the clip-on nut into an aperture formed on the support structure, the guide portion comprising a spherically rounded projection.

Abstract: A clasp-like sheet metal nut for automatic fitting onto a support plate comprising a threaded leg, which has a thread profile, and a clasp leg, which is connected to said threaded leg via a cross-piece and is provided with a screw through-hole, the two legs running at an angle toward each other in the direction of their free ends and the free end of the threaded leg having an insertion plate protruding obliquely away from the clasp leg, wherein laterally outward-protruding guide fins are formed on one of the two legs.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a headed fastener in a hole in a plate. The clip is a U-shaped strip of flexible, resilient material with legs for engaging opposite sides of the plate. One leg has a clearance hole for the head of the pin and the other leg has a clearance slot for the shank of the pin. The leg with the head clearance has a tab which overlies the head of the pin to retain the pin in the hole.

Abstract: A two-part front mounted receptacle for a quick-release fastener is disclosed. The receptacle has a body part (10) having a first, substantially planar, front element (11) with an aperture (13) therethrough, and a pair of leg elements (14,18) depending from the ends of the front element (11). A first one (14) of the leg elements has a sprung barb or barbs (15) in use engaging the rear face of the support (30) in which the receptacle is mounted. The receptacle also has a substantially U-shaped spring retainer (20), one side (21) of which is arranged to be engaged and held to each of the legs of the body part and which projects beyond the end of the body part remote from the first leg (14), and the second side (22) of which has a retention mechanism (27,28) for engaging and retaining in use a stud (2) connected therewith.

Abstract: A fastener clip is adapted to be pushed onto an edge of sheet materials of varying thicknesses. The clip has two legs. The first leg has cut from it a U-shaped elongated tongue with an elongate aperture which is between the two legs; the tongue is gutted to provide a clearance between the outer perimeter of the tongue and the surrounding portions of the first leg. The elongated tongue has a length to width ratio of at least 1.3:1. The second leg has a threaded means opposite the elongate aperture for receiving a bolt.

Abstract: A panel coupler for coupling together two facing panels at a predetermined distance from each other by passing a bolt through the panels and tightening a nut on the bolt comprises a panel clamp member having two facing planar portions coupled together by a U-shaped portion, the planar portions being provided with aligned holes through which the bolt is passed, and a cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the edge of the mounting hole of one of the planar portions, the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion being provided with a plurality of axial ribs, and a metal ring pressure fitted on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A nut-like member especially adapted for use with an earring clip in which a threaded screw provides wearing adjustment. The member includes a U-shaped loop through which circular smooth bore openings are disposed in longitudinal alignment. Each opening has a pinched and reformed chordal flat which engages the screw to give thread-like engagement without the expense of providing threaded openings.

Abstract: A fastener clip is adapted to be pushed onto an edge of sheet materials of varying thicknesses. The clip has two legs. The first leg has a U-shaped elongated tongue cut from it and bent towards the second leg to frictionally engage a sheet material disposed between the two legs; the second leg has an integral threaded barrel for receiving a bolt. The U-shaped tongue is formed with offset bends to allow the tongue to yield when the clip is mounted on a thick sheet material.

Abstract: A spring steel clip for connecting a first member to a second member is U-shaped with side tabs on one leg that is bent toward the inner surface of the other leg for limiting the amount the legs may be pressed together by a screw passing through holes in each leg and into an attached threaded nut. The screw may pass through a hole in a first member for connecting it to the edge of a second member to which the clip is clamped.

Abstract: A mounting clip is disclosed which is formed of a pliable metal and is adapted to be bent around an opening in a wall to allow an air duct register to be mounted in place. The clip includes a circular hole which is positioned at the front surface of the wall and a narrow elongated slot at the back surface of the wall. A threaded fastener passes through mounting holes in the air duct register, the circular holes in the mounting clip and the wall, and engages the edges of the narrow slot. The edges of the narrow slot deform to form burrs which engage the wall to firmly hold the clip in place. By providing the clip with an elongated slot, the clip is adjustable and may be used with walls of various thicknesses.

Abstract: The part comprises a hole surrounded by a boss having an end surface perpendicular to its side surface. The nut comprises a threaded screwing cap connected to the base of a coupling mounting having also two legs between which the boss is to be inserted. Near its end surface, the boss is provided with projections, each of which is inserted between one of the legs and the cap.

Abstract: A self-anchoring poke-thru wiring device for the extension of communication and/or electrical wiring through a passage in a floor designed to prevent the spread of fire from one side of the floor to the other and facilitate ready installation and removal of the device from above the floor opening. The device includes a pair of upper conduit portions aligned with a pair of lower conduit portions and a plurality of fire resistant expandable disks retained between an upper and a lower plate intermediate the pairs of conduit portions, the disks and plates including aligned apertures with the conduit portions providing separate wireway channels. The upper conduit portions lead into an outlet box via a floor plate. A pair of generally V-shaped resilient retaining members are removably secured to opposite sides of the upper plate.

Abstract: The one legged fastener is for securing an object to a wall. The one legged fastener has a body with one leg which has a prebent knee that permits the leg to be easily inserted through a desired hole in the wall. The fastener body is made of a bendable material and has a tab portion and a foot portion at the opposite ends of the leg. The tab has a hole in alignment with a threaded hole in the foot portion. By placing a screw through the tab portion hole and turning it through the threaded hole in the foot, the one legged fastener bends at the knee and is secured to the wall to secure an object.

Abstract: A blind spring clip fastener for insertion in a round hole in a work piece has a head portion and a shank portion extending perpendicular to the head portion. The shank portion comprises a pair of spaced-apart mirror image sections extending from opposite side edges of the head portion, each section including a resilient leg and a pair of wings integral with the free ends of the leg and extending toward the head portion at opposite side edges of the leg. Each wing is shaped so that it has a side edge extending upwardly-outwardly beyond the plane of its leg and a free end extending from a point beyond the plane of the associated leg relatively steeply upwardly-inwardly toward the head portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for blind assembly to a support panel includes a bolt retained in one leg of a pair of spaced apart legs of an attaching clip so that a leg having the bolt secured thereto can be inserted through a T-slot in the support panel. The spaced apart legs of the attaching clip firmly grip opposite sides of the support panel to provide improved retention of the fastener assembly to the support panel with the one leg providing additional support for the head of the bolt on the blind side of the support panel.

Abstract: A clamp-like, slip-on nut for fitting on the edge of a support having a perforation therethrough, the nut being formed by bending a piece of sheet metal into a planar lower leg having a passageway therethrough and an upper leg having a structure forming a threaded aperture for receiving a screw inserted through the passageway, the perforation and the aperture, and a device for centering the aperture with the perforation including a substantially annular strip enclosing the passageway cut from the central portion of the lower leg, the strip being surrounded by a cutaway portion except for an integral connection between the strip and the leading edge portion of the lower leg, the strip rising slightly in its trailing edge portion toward the upper leg.