Abstract: A modular frame comprising a connector (3), a first frame member (1, 2) and a second frame member (1, 2), wherein the first frame member (1, 2) comprises one or more engagement members (5, 7) profiled to key with a first slot (6) on the connector (3) and a second slot (8) on the second frame member (1, 2).

Abstract: An adjustable bonding washer for placement between two metal pieces to create an electrical bond between them. The bonding washer has two metallic parts constrained to slide relative to one another along an axis. Each part has oppositely directed teeth that are forcibly embedded into the metal pieces to make electrical contact with them when they are rigidly clamped together. Adjustability enables the bonding washer to be mated with metal pieces having a range of widths and profiles, such as the slotted rails used to support arrays of photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A fan frame includes a blade holder, a pair of ventilation plates, and at least one side plate. The pair of ventilation plates is attached to opposite sides of the blade holder along a first direction and includes a pair of securing blocks. The at least one side plate is attached to the blade holder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and located between the pair of ventilation plates. The pair of mounting slots is defined in the at least one side plate and engaged with the pair of securing blocks, thereby securing the pair of ventilation plates and the at least one side plate to the blade holder.

Abstract: A wiring clip 1 includes: an attaching portion 10 configured to be overlapped with a wiring harness; a locking portion 11 extended vertically from the attaching portion 10 and configured to be locked in a hole provided on a panel; and a pressing portion 12 configured to press the panel in a direction away from the attaching portion 10 when the locking portion 11 is locked in the hole. The pressing portion 12 includes: an inclined portion 19 continued to the attaching portion 10 and inclined with respect to both a vertically extending direction of the locking portion 11 from the attaching portion 10 and a longitudinal direction of the wiring harness overlapped with the attaching portion 10; and a parallel portion 20 continued to the inclined portion 19 and extended parallel to the locking portion 11 from the inclined portion 19.

Abstract: A fastener arrangement for fastening two or more articles together, the two or more articles having a first length, the fastener arrangement including: a fastener including an elongate clamping member for being received in an aperture of the two or more articles, the elongate clamping member being moveable between a contracted configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is less than the first length and a lengthened configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is greater than the first length, the elongate clamping member being resiliently biased towards the contracted configuration; and an actuator for moving the elongate clamping member, while in the aperture of the two or more articles, from the contracted configuration towards the lengthened configuration to enable the elongate clamping member to protrude through the aperture and to engage the articles in a clamping manner.

Abstract: A fastening system and method of use is disclosed. The fastening system includes a substrate, an aperture and a fastener. The fastener includes flexible wings that allow for insertion of the fastener into an aperture of a vehicle component.

Abstract: A molded plastic rivet for affixing two parts to each other when the rivet is inserted through two mutually aligned apertures in the parts. The rivet includes a pin having a pin head, a pin shank and first and second pin latching offsets at the distal end of the pin shank. The latching elements include at least first latching offsets.

Abstract: A carrier for engaging a panel and a method of making a carrier for engaging a panel are disclosed. The carrier generally includes a base portion, an attachment member disposed on the base portion which is operable to engage a panel, and a springbar disposed on the base portion. The method generally includes forming a base portion, forming an attachment member, and forming a springbar on the base portion. The attachment member cooperates with the base portion to define a maximum panel thickness, and the springbar engages panels having a thickness less than or equal to the maximum panel thickness to provide tension between the base portion and a panel.

Abstract: There is provided a fastener which can be fixed in a mounting hole in an ensured fashion and which can be removed from the mounting hole in an easy and ensured fashion. This fastener 10 includes a main body 20 which is fixed in a mounting hole and a pin member for releasing the engagement of the main body 20 with the mounting hole. The main body 20 has a base portion 21 and a leg portion 30, a pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 are provided on the leg portion 30, and distal end portions 37 of the elastic engagement pieces 35 are extended towards an insertion opening 23 in the pin member 40. The pin member 40 has a head portion 41 and an insertion portion 43, and a pressing surface 48 is provided on the insertion portion 43 for pressing the distal end portions 37 so as to deflect the pair of elastic engagement pieces 35, 35 inwards to such an extent that the elastic engagement pieces are not brought into engagement with the mounting hole when the pin member 40 is pushed in a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention is a bone screw apparatus. The bone screw apparatus has two specialized functions for stabilizing the screw within a bone. The first is a mechanical structure that anchors the screw within a bone and the second is a structure that allows injection of bone cement through the screw assembly and into the interior structure of the bone. The anchoring mechanism functions by an expandable member that slides concentrically over the shaft of the screw. When the expandable member is forced over a portion of the screw shaft with an enlarged diameter, the expandable member extends radially from the screw shaft, and the bone screw is anchored to the interior structure of the bone. The injecting function of the bone screw apparatus functions through the use of a hollow core within the screw shaft. The hollow core of the screw shaft has an inlet at the top of the shaft and at least one outlet near the tip of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A fuse-shaped fastener provides a plastic member having opposed elastically flexible wings, and a metal insert having multiple barbs. The deflectable wings homogenously extend from a molded head and are distally connected by a joining member. The barbs engage within a trim component dog-house assembly. The deflectable wings extend outwardly of the trim component to releasably connect the trim component to an automobile vehicle panel.

Abstract: A temporary securing device for plate-like work pieces includes a split body and an anchor segment, the split body has a resiliently compressible biasing member to allow an outer diameter of the split body to contract allowing passage within a plurality of openings in the work pieces, the split body has an engagement portion near a first end, the engagement portion has an operative surface to engage an outer surface on a first outer work piece, the split body has a second end and a threaded inner support near the second end, the anchor segment is operable to engage an outer surface on a second outer work piece, the anchor segment includes a threaded member to engage the threaded inner support, the threaded member be rotationally operational to draw the split body toward the anchor segment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of two-piece fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a threaded shank for extending through the panel and which has an anchor member threadably secured thereto.

Abstract: A holding device for holding an object having an opening includes: a first member inserted into the opening, having a cylindrical shape, and including multiple divisional portions divided by notches; and a second member including a shaft movable in the cylindrical shape and a head disposed on one end of the shaft and smaller than the opening and larger than an inner dimension of the cylindrical shape. Each divisional portion is expandable by the head so that the expanded divisional portion holds the object when the first member with the second member is inserted into the opening, and the first member is relatively displaced toward the second member.

Abstract: A fastener having a shank with a moveable portion that improves insertion of the fastener into an aperture, as well as improves the retention of the fastener within the aperture and the resistance of the fastener to extraction.

Abstract: A part mounting mechanism includes a boss, and a resin clip adapted to be assembled to the boss. The resin clip includes holding pieces, elastic engagement pieces, and a connecting portion. The part mounting mechanism also includes projecting portions formed on facing inner surfaces of the connecting portion at predetermined intervals in a staggered fashion along a direction in which the boss is inserted. When the boss is inserted into the connecting portion, the projecting portions bite into the distal end portion of the boss.

Abstract: A clipping device including a pin and a grommet, the pin including an engaging groove, an enlarging groove, the grommet including a flange part and a body part, the body part being divided into a plurality of divisional leg portions interposing slits, inwardly directed projections being formed on respective inner faces of the divisional leg portions, wherein the pin is provided with a stepped part on its upper end edge, and a swinging piece which is connected to a side face of the divisional leg portion so as to swing in a horizontal direction is provided in the slit of the grommet, the swinging piece being projected outwardly from the body part of the grommet while it is in a free state, and adapted to be pressed by inner peripheral faces of panel holes when inserted into the panel holes.

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: The description is directed to a snap fastening for fast mounting of fittings such as socket wrench latches, swivel lever latches, hinge parts in openings in a thin wall, comprising a head part which is to be arranged on one, outer side of the thin wall and which overlaps the outer rim of the opening, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and projects through the opening in the mounted position, and holding elements which project from the body part and are flexible in direction of its outer surface, the free end of these holding elements being provided with a first inclined surface (run-in bevel) such that the holding element is pushed back in a spring-loaded manner by the opening edge and with a second inclined surface (stop bevel) for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge of the opening of the other, inner side of the thin wall, which second inclined surface is substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface.

Abstract: The fastener comprises a first part having a stem and a head attached to one end of the stem, and a second part having two elastic feet and a plate from which the elastic feet project transversely, the stem being adapted to slide in an opening formed in the plate, the fastener being adapted to assume a waiting position in which the first part is held in the second part by means of the stem passing through the opening and clamping said plate between a stop surface and a tooth; a locking position; and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A cable mount for receiving and carrying cable bundles comprises a shaft and a cable tie receiving member. The shaft comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion and first and second adjacent projections spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The adjacent projections extend radially from the shaft and are circumferentially displaced about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. The cable tie receiving member comprises a top surface and opposing sidewalls defining a slot to receive a cable tie. The cable tie receiving member is positioned at the top end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A fastener for joining trim pieces to a motor vehicle includes a metal insert molded into an elastomeric body of a fastener. An anti-rotational rib prevents excessive rotation of the fastener after installation. Oppositely extending flexible wings of the metal insert are spaced from each other to allow full deflection upon insert of the fastener without interference between the flexible wings. Protective guards formed at distal ends of a pair of support legs provide improved insertion alignment for the fastener as well as protection between the fastener and metal surfaces of the vehicle. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dog house assembly is provided having aperture and slots mating with the installation features of the silver plate fastener. In still another embodiment, a method for installing a silver plate molding into a vehicle using a fastener of the present disclosure is provided.

Abstract: An attachment member for a strap for a guitar includes a shaft-shaped member fixable inside a hole in a guitar body via an adhesive agent; and a holding member continuous with this shaft-shaped member which is positioned outside the hole. The shaft-shaped member includes a first shaft-shaped portion on a distal end side of the member, a second shaft-shaped portion on a base portion side of the member, and a dividing groove formed in the first and second shaft-shaped portions. The first shaft-shaped portion contacts the hole inner circumferential surface. The second shaft-shaped portion forms a space between itself and the hole inner circumferential surface for containing the adhesive agent. When inserted, the first shaft-shaped portion is deformed in conformity with the hole internal surface configuration while narrowing the groove width of the diving groove. A shaft-shaped member can be firmly and easily fixed inside a hole.

Abstract: A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have 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 abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a pin and a bushing having a hollow shank that is inserted into holes in a plurality of members being attached. A pin shank is inserted into the bushing shank to effect a widened-diameter coupling condition in which the diameter of the bushing shank is widened, and the members being attached are coupled between the diameter-widened bushing shank and a bushing flange. On the bushing shank are pawls for maintaining a non-widened-diameter coupling condition in which the pin and the bushing are coupled with the pin shank partially inserted into the bushing shank, and the diameter of the bushing shank is not widened. On the pin shank there is a groove for engaging the pawls, which normally extend out beyond the diameter of the attachment holes, but can bend inward. The groove has a depth that will accept the pawls when they are bent inward.

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: 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 piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to framing members together.

Abstract: A snap fit mechanism has an elastic tongue provided on a base of the mechanism. On the tip of the tongue is provided an engaging claw that has an engaging inclined face. A far end of the engaging inclined face from the base is arranged so as to be located between the outside face of the elastic tongue and the centerline C in a longitudinal direction of the elastic tongue. Further, on the tip of the elastic tongue is provided an engagement-maintaining inclined face which gives an outward load to the elastic tongue on receiving an accidental load thereon so as to reduce the inward elastic deformation of the elastic tongue, thereby preventing the accidental release of the engagement of the tongue.

Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.

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

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

Abstract: A cover fastening system for a boat, the system including a groove formed along a side of the boat. A plurality of expandable anchors is positionable within the groove. Also included are a plurality of fastening members, each fastening member including a threaded portion and a snap portion, the threaded portion of each fastening member being screwed within a respective anchor to expand and fix the anchor at a desired position along the groove, and the snap portion being adapted to engage a corresponding snap structure of a boat cover.

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

Abstract: 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: A connecting element for connecting two structural components, particularly furniture plates, includes a sleeve with an upper part and a lower part and a bolt having a rearward bolt end and a forward bolt end mounted in the sleeve. The lower part of the sleeve together with the rearward end of the bolt can engage in a recess of a first structural component and the upper part of the sleeve and the forward end of the bolt can engage in a recess of a second structural component and a head of the bolt at the forward end of the bolt can engage in a supporting or clamping device arranged in the second structural component. At least one brace is mounted on a portion of the upper part of the sleeve adjacent the lower part of the sleeve, wherein the at least one brace extends obliquely outwardly towards the lower part of the sleeve and is pivotably towards the sleeve.

Abstract: A high-strength mounting structure is used for attaching a resin article to a body panel. The resin molded article has an elongated main body and a pair of mount ribs formed in several spots intermittently in a longitudinal direction. A protrusion is provided at a distal end of each of the mount ribs. A clip has latch claws for engaging the protrusions of the mount ribs, and a slip-proof lug is located opposite to each latch claw to resist release the latch claws from the protrusions. In addition, the clip has an engagement section engaged with a body panel at a side facing the body panel.

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 harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed, which has a slotted shaft, a toggling mechanism, which deploys from within the slotted shaft, and which is adapted to couple the slotted shaft to a supporting structure, a detent mechanism disposed about the slotted shaft to deter its rotation, and a tightening mechanism adapted to couple to the shaft. The tightening mechanism binds the fastening device securely in place.

Abstract: A fastener having a head and two expandable legs. The fastener further has a Y-shaped funnel configuration, which has been formed by a partial cut of the legs. The sides of the Y-shaped funnel comprise inwardly bent portions which are designed to extend into the slot of an object. The bent portions produce jamming and clamping when an expanding member is inserted through a hole on the head, resulting to highly improved pulling force. The fastener may be used in slots of different widths and may be pulled easily out of the slots, if so desired, in contrast with the fasteners of the present state in the art. Further, the fastener may be used in vehicles to connect one or more parts together.

Abstract: A fastening element for fastening one or more parts to one another, the fastening element including a head, a shank depending form the head, and a flexible pull cord coupled to an end surface of the shank.

Abstract: A fastener having a head and a cylindrical shank, the shank having a first set of opposed wings extending from two opposed longitudinally extending segments and a second set of opposed wings extending from the two other opposed longitudinally extending segments. Wings in opposing segments are identical. Wings in the first set have a larger radial diameter than wings in the second set. Wings in adjacent segments are offset a distance longitudinally. There is a longitudinally extending spacing between one radial edge of each wing in the first set and one radial edge of each wing in the second set. Each of the wings in the second set has a flattened portion on a distal edge that extends to a radial edge. The fastener is particularly useful for maintaining a high ratio of disengage force to engage force over a range of aperture sizes, shapes, and panel thicknesses.

Abstract: A fastener for a heat-radiator on a chip has a leg with a lower end and an upper end. A cone-shaped foot of which a maximum diameter is larger than that of the leg is formed at the lower end of the leg. A head is formed at an upper end of the leg. Two flexible bow arms are oppositely formed at two sides of the leg, each with a first end fixed on a bottom face of the head. A ring is formed on second ends of the bow arms. An opening is defined in the ring for the leg extending therethrough. A resilient member is provided outside the leg and extends through the opening.

Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.

Abstract: A panel fastener for assembling a panel structure to a substructure is herein disclosed. The fastener comprises a body having a pair of offset flanges connected by a hollow support structure having a bore formed therethrough that is connected to a head having a third flange and a shank extending therefrom, by at least one flexible member that is connected between the body and the head of the fastener. The shaft of the head further having at least one retaining mechanism formed therein such that when the shaft of the head is inserted through the bore formed through the hollow support structure of the body of the fastener, the retaining mechanism can engage a bore formed through the substructure so as to secure the panel structure thereto.