Patent ID: 6581252
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A fastener system adapted to secure first and second components together in abutting relation, the fastener system comprising:a fastener including a transverse center flange and oppositely facing first and second connector sections extending from the center flange, each of the first and second connector sections including a stem and a pair of resilient arms extending from the stem at a reverse angle toward the center flange, the arms each being adapted to flex inwardly as the arms are extended through marginal material forming a hole and being adapted to flex outwardly when free ends of the arms clear the marginal material, the ends of the arms being shaped to frictionally engage a blind side of the marginal material to retain the fastener in the hole, whereby the first connector section is adapted to fit into a first hole in the first component and securely engage the first component, and the second connector section is adapted to fit into a second hole in the second component and to securely engage the second component independent of the first component, whereby the fastener can be pre-attached to the first component and then the first component and the fastener as a unit can be attached to the second component by orienting and engaging the fastener with the second component; the first and second connector sections defining a longitudinally-extending center line, and the arms of the first and second connector sections being oriented circumferentially at about 90 degrees to each other.