Serviceable edge clip assembly

An edge clip assembly for attachment of a component, and, more specifically, an edge clip assembly which is serviceable and self-locking, includes a clip body and a spacer provided within the clip body, and further includes an interlock securing the spacer in a final position in which the clip body can be engaged with the component to hold the component under tension. A ramp disposed on the spacer forms a service tool gap, and a tool can be wedged into the tool gap to disengage the interlock.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a fastener and, more specifically, to a serviceable edge clip assembly for attachment of a component and/or coupling two components together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Clip fasteners, or edge clips replace traditional screw fixings in many applications, and have a variety of uses in a wide range of industries. Generally speaking, edge clips are utilized for fastening two or more components together. One challenge faced by industries reliant on edge clips relates to fastening locations thereof, which may offer only limited access for assembly during manufacture and removal and/or adjustment during maintenance and service. Some clips are not serviceable and are difficult to remove, often requiring a specialized removal tool or permanent damage to the clip or component. Another challenge includes damage to the fastened components, as traditional edge clips can scratch or gauge the components, which can be particularly problematic when the surface of the component is painted or has another surface coating. For example, a scratched surface undesirably impacts aesthetics and, for metal surfaces, potential passivation properties and corrosion resistance. Each of these challenges has the potential to increase assembly cost because of extra assembly time, as well as potentially requiring repair time for the components.

Edge clips commonly find particular utility in the automotive sector. In the automotive sector, edge clips have many uses, including in air bag assembly, window construction, instrument panels and interior and exterior trim attachment. Some automotive components must meet installation and removal standards for service.

Modern demands on the design and construction of edge clips mean that new clip fastener solutions need to contribute to ease of assembly as used in production, particularly in view of increasing automation, ease of removal for servicing, and provide excellent attachment strength, while maintaining high reliability and low production costs. Compliance with the requirements of the various industries, including the automotive industry, has proved challenging to current edge clip designs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-locking edge clip assembly is provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the edge clip assembly includes a clip body changeable between an open configuration in which a component may be freely inserted and an engaged configuration in which the component is captured thereby. The edge clip assembly also includes a spacer slideably and linearly moveable in the clip interior between an initial position in which the clip body is in the open configuration and a final position in which the clip body is in the engaged configuration, the spacer extending partially outside the clip body when in the initial position, and an interlock securing the spacer in the final position. A ramp is disposed on the spacer and confronts a portion of the clip body in the final position, the ramp and the clip body defining a tool gap therebetween, whereby a tool can be wedged into the tool gap to pry the clip body outwardly and disengage the interlock.

In some embodiments, the clip body can include a first clip leg, a second clip leg, and a clip end connecting the first and second clip legs. The ramp is provided on the first clip leg.

In these and other embodiments, at least the first clip leg has a slot defined thereby, and the spacer comprises a rib extending along a surface thereof, with the interlock formed by an engagement of the rib with the slot.

In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the edge clip assembly includes a u-shaped clip body comprising a first clip leg, a second clip leg, a clip end wall connecting the first and second clip legs, and a slot in the first clip leg. The edge clip assembly further includes a u-shaped spacer slideably moveable in the clip body between an initial position and a final position, the spacer comprising a first spacer leg, a second spacer leg, a spacer end wall connecting the first and second spacer legs, and a rib extending from the first spacer leg. The first and second spacer legs extend partially outside the clip body when in the initial position and being disposed entirely within the clip body when in the final position. An interlock is formed between the rib and the slot, the interlock securing the spacer in the final position. A ramp is disposed on the first spacer leg, and confronts the first clip leg in the final position, the ramp and the first clip leg defining a tool gap therebetween, whereby a tool can be wedged into the tool gap to pry the first clip leg outwardly and disengage the rib from the slot.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A serviceable, self-locking edge clip assembly is described below. As will be appreciated from the description herein, the self-locking (or self-closing or self-latching or self-retaining) edge clip assembly, also referred to herein as the “edge clip assembly,” has myriad end use applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the edge clip assembly, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. As but one example, the edge clip assembly may be used to secure one component of a vehicle (e.g. a panel) to another component of the vehicle during assembly. However, end use applications of the edge clip assembly are not so limited, including with respect to the automotive industry. At least some embodiments of the edge clip assembly provided herein functions through the various elements thereof, as described below, to provide improved serviceability via a serviceable configuration that allows the edge clip assembly to be removed from a component without damaging the assembly or component. After servicing, the edge clip can be reinstalled on the component. At least some embodiments of the edge clip assembly provided herein functions through the various elements thereof, as described below, to provide clearance from a biting feature of the edge clip assembly until the component is fully seated and thereby avoids scratching or gauging the component. By avoiding the scratching or gauging of a painted surface, the risk of corrosion is also minimized or entirely eliminated. At least some embodiments of the edge clip assembly provided herein functions through the various elements thereof, as described below, to function as a traditional edge clip fastener in the absence of a clearance component. At least some embodiments of the edge clip assembly provided herein functions through the various elements thereof, as described below, to prevent interlocking of the biting feature during shipping and/or transit, thereby arriving at its end destination ready to use. At least some embodiments of the edge clip assembly provided herein function through the various elements thereof, as described below, to support a cable tie in multiple orientations, thereby offering flexible application across multiple industries. As such, certain features of the spacer may be considered functional, but may also be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.

In an exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-2, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the edge clip assembly is illustrated and generally designated at10. The edge clip assembly10includes a clip body12and a spacer14provided within the clip body12. The clip body12can be changeable between an open configuration, one example of which is shown inFIG. 1, wherein a component may be freely inserted, and an engaged configuration, wherein a component16is captured by the clip body12, one example of which is shown inFIG. 2. The spacer14is slideably moveable relative to the clip body12between an initial position, one example of which is shown inFIG. 1, in which the clip body12is in the open configuration and a final position, one example of which is shown inFIG. 2, in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration. As described in further detail below, the spacer14provides clearance between the component16and a biting feature of the clip body12until the component16is fully seated, i.e. until the clip body12is in the engaged configuration, and thereby avoids scratching or gauging the component16.

An interlock can be provided for securing the spacer14in the final position, in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration and applies locking tension to the component16. The interlock can further coordinate the movement of the spacer14relative to the clip body12, and may aid in constraining the spacer14for linear movement within the clip interior24.

As described in further detail below, the edge clip assembly10has a serviceable configuration for removing the edge clip assembly10from a component without damaging the assembly or the component, and without the use of a specialized tool. The serviceable feature of the edge clip assembly10is a ramp80disposed on the spacer14. The ramp80and clip body12are relatively positioned to each to define, in the engaged configuration shown inFIG. 2a tool gap82for insertion of a tool therein to disengage the interlock. A removal tool, such as a screwdriver or another non-specialized tool having an end fittable into the tool gap82, may be used to pry or bend a portion of the clip body12away from the spacer14to facilitate disengagement of the interlock.

The clip body12, spacer14, and ramp80can comprise any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold the component16with enough tension so as to prevent the component16from separating from the edge clip10. The spacer14and ramp80can further be composed a material which will not scratch, gauge, or otherwise damage the surface of the component16.

The clip body12can comprise a metal or a metal alloy, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon steel.

In some embodiments, the spacer14and ramp80can comprise a polymeric material, such as a resin. Examples of suitable resins typically comprise the reaction product of a monomer and a curing agent, although resins formed of self-polymerizing monomers (i.e., those acting as both a monomer and a curing agent) may also be utilized. It is to be appreciated that such resins are conventionally named/identified according to a particular functional group present in the reaction product. For example, the term “polyurethane resin” represents a polymeric compound comprising a reaction product of an isocyanate (i.e., a monomer) and a polyol (i.e., a chain extender/curing agent). The reaction of the isocyanate and the polyol create urethane functional groups, which were not present in either of the unreacted monomer or curing agent. However, it is also to be appreciated that, in certain instances, resins are named according to a particular functional group present in the monomer (i.e., a cure site). For example, the term “epoxy resin” represents a polymeric compound comprising a cross-linked reaction product of a monomer having one or more epoxide groups (i.e., an epoxide) and a curing agent. However, once cured, the epoxy resin is no longer an epoxy, or no longer includes epoxide groups, but for any unreacted or residual epoxide groups (i.e., cure sites), which may remain after curing, as understood in the art. In other instances, however, resins may be named according to a functional group present in both the monomer and the reaction product (i.e., an unreacted functional group).

The spacer14can be made via various techniques, which is typically a function of its material. For example, the spacer14can be made via molding, extrusion, etc. Alternatively, the spacer14can be made via an additive manufacturing process, e.g. a 3-D printing process. The ramp80can be integrally formed with the spacer14, or formed separately and attached using a suitable joining technique.

However, myriad materials may be used to manufacture the clip body12, spacer14, and ramp80, with each typically being selected as a function of availability, cost, performance/end use applications, etc. Moreover, metals, metal alloys, resins are not exhaustive of suitable materials that may be used.

Referring toFIGS. 3-6, the clip body12includes a first clip leg18and a second clip leg20. The first and second clip legs18,20can be connected by a clip end22, which is at least partially closed so as to connect the first and second clip legs18,20. The clip end22can be formed as one or more end walls connecting the legs18,20, and can be curved or straight. In certain embodiments, the clip body12is generally U-shaped.

The clip legs18,20and end22together define a clip interior24having an open end26. The open end26can generally be defined between free ends28,30of the clip legs18,20opposite the clip end22. One or both of the ends28,30of the clip legs18,20can be out-turned, e.g. by bending or otherwise forming the end to angle outwardly. Having out-turned ends28,30defining the open end26of the clip body12allows for easy insertion of the component16into the clip interior24. As will be described in further detail below, the out-turned ends28,30define, in part, the tool gap82(FIG. 2).

To assure that the component16is securely held to the clip body12, at least one biting feature can be provided on the clip body12. One embodiment of a biting feature is a component-gripping barb32,34,36,38provided on at least one of the clip legs18,20. Optionally, at least one barb is provided on each leg18,20, and/or multiple barbs are provided per leg18,20. In the illustrated embodiment, two lateral barbs32are formed on the clip first leg18and two medial barbs34are formed in between the lateral barbs32. Similarly, two lateral barbs36are formed on the second clip leg20and a medial barb38is formed in between the lateral barbs36. The barbs32,34,36,38assure that only unidirectional movement of the component16into the clip body12is possible, and resist movement of the component16out of the clip body12. The barbs32,34,36,38can have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, or spiked. In other embodiments, the clip body12can be configured to apply locking tension to the component16without at least one biting feature.

The various barbs32,34,36,38can be staggered laterally. In the embodiment shown, the lateral barbs32of the first clip leg18are disposed laterally, e.g. outside, the lateral barbs36of the second clip leg20. To stagger the lateral barbs32,36, the end28of the first clip leg18can be wider than the end30of the second clip leg20. The medial barbs34of the first clip leg18are disposed laterally, e.g. to either side of, the medial barb38of the second clip leg20. In other embodiments, the barbs32,34,36,38can have different relative positions or can be provided on the clip body12in different orientations.

Referring toFIGS. 7-9, the spacer14can include a first spacer leg42and a second spacer leg44. The first and second spacer legs42,44can be connected by a spacer end46, which is at least partially closed so as to connect the first and second spacer legs42,44. The spacer end46can be formed as one or more end walls connecting the legs42,44, and can be curved or straight. Optionally, the spacer14is generally U-shaped.

The spacer legs42,44and end46can together define a spacer interior48having an open end50. The open end50can generally be defined between ends52of the spacer legs42,44opposite the spacer end46. The open end50and ends52can be generally orthogonal to the direction of sliding and/or movement of the spacer14, as shown herein. Alternatively, the open end50and ends52can be non-orthogonal to the direction of sliding and/or movement of the spacer14.

The spacer legs42,44can include center portions54and side rail portions55attached to the center portions54by web portions56,57. The clip legs18,20can slide over the center portions54and between the rail portions55, with the side rail portions55overlapping the lateral sides of the clip legs18,20to limit the lateral displacement of the clip legs18,20relative to the center portions54of the spacer legs42,44.

The ends52of the spacer legs42,44can extend laterally between the ramps80and forward ends of the rail portions55. It is noted that rear ends of the rail portions55and second web portions57may form a portion of the spacer end46.

As introduced above, the spacer14is slideably moveable in the interior24of the clip body12, between an initial position, which can be an as-shipped position, in which the clip body12is in the open configuration, an example of which is shown inFIG. 1, and a final position in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration, an example of which is shown inFIG. 2. When in the initial position, the spacer14can extend partially outside the clip body12. For example, a portion of the spacer14can be disposed between the clip legs18,20and a portion of the spacer14can extend outwardly from the open end26of the clip body12. When in the final position, a substantial portion of the spacer14can be disposed within the clip body12. For example, a substantial portion of the spacer14can be disposed between the clip legs18,20, with only a small portion of the spacer14extending outwardly from the open end26of the clip body12. The portion of the spacer14that remains outside the clip legs18,20in the final position can include the ramps80. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second spacer legs42,44can extend partially outside the clip body12when in the initial position and can be disposed substantially entirely within the clip body12when in the final position. More specifically, the ends52of the spacer legs42,44can protrude beyond the free ends28,30of the clip legs18,20in the initial position. The spacer end46, and portions of the spacer legs42,44, can be disposed within the clip body12in both the initial and final positions, with the spacer14moving linearly within the clip body12to translate the spacer end46closer to the clip end22in the final position. The rail portions55travel along the outside of the clip body12.

As briefly described above, the edge clip assembly10can include an interlock that secures the spacer14in the final position, an example of which is shown inFIG. 2, in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration and applies locking tension to the component16. In one embodiment, the interlock can comprise at least one rib58extending from the spacer14and at least one slot60defined by the clip body12. The interlock can be formed between the rib58within the slot60, i.e. by the engagement or registry of the rib58with the slot60.

The at least one rib58can extend along a surface of the spacer14, such as along an outer surface of the center portion54of one or both of the spacer legs42,44. Optionally, at least one rib58is provided on each leg42,44, and/or multiple ribs58are provided per leg42,44. In the illustrated embodiment, two ribs58are formed on the first spacer leg42and two ribs58are formed on the second spacer leg44. The ribs58on each leg42,44can be parallel to each other. The ribs58on each leg42,44can have the same or different lengths.

Referring toFIGS. 8-9, the ribs58can include a first end64and a second end66, with the first end64nearer or at the open end50of the spacer14and the second end66nearer or at the spacer end46. The ribs58can include a notch68in between the first and second ends64,66in which the legs18,20of the clip body12rest in the pre-assembled/initial position.

The spacer14can comprise a window70disposed between the ramps80and the spacer end46. Optionally, the ribs58can be provided at either side of the window70. The window70, which can be formed as opening through each spacer leg42,44, can be sufficiently large so that the medial barbs34,38may pass therethrough upon sliding movement of the spacer14to the final position in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration.

The at least one slot60can be defined in one of the clip legs18,20, and can comprise a narrow, elongated depression, groove, notch, slit, or aperture for receiving or admitting the at least one rib58. In certain embodiments, the at least one slot60can be disposed orthogonal to the open end26, i.e. the lengthwise extension of the slot60can be orthogonal, including generally orthogonal, to the open end26, to assure that the spacer14slides orthogonally relative to the open end26. In other embodiments, the at least one slot60can be disposed non-orthogonally to the open end26. Optionally, at least one slot60is defined by each clip leg18,20, and/or multiple slots60are defined per leg18,20. In the illustrated embodiment, two slots60are defined by the first clip leg18and two slots60are defined by the second clip leg20. The slots60can be elongated and the engagement of the ribs58with the elongated slots can constrain the spacer14to linear movement within the clip body12in the direction of elongation.

Referring toFIG. 6, the slots60can include a first or closed end72and a second or open end74, with the closed end72nearer the open end26of the clip body12and the open end74nearer the clip end22. The closed end72can be formed by an edge of the slot60. Optionally, the slots60on each leg18,20can be provided at either side of the medial barbs34,38and between the lateral barbs32,36.

With multiple ribs58and slots60provided, multiple interlocks can be formed between the ribs58and slots60. The engagement or registry of the ribs58with the slots60assure that only linear movement of the spacer14within the clip body12is possible, and secures the spacer14in the final position, in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration. The further provision of latches associated with the interlock resists movement of the spacer14out of the clip body12, and reduces the possibility of the spacer14being displaced from the clip body12prior to use, such as during shipping or transit.

It is also noted that the number and location of ribs58and slots60can vary from the illustrated embodiment, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the edge clip assembly10can use different numbers of ribs58and slots60and in different locations in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiment shown herein includes ribs58on each spacer leg42,44and slots60on each clip leg18,20, in other embodiments, ribs58can be provided on only one of the spacer legs42,44, with slots60correspondingly provided on only one of the clip legs18,20. Such a one-sided interlock may be sufficient to secure the spacer14in the final position.

The edge clip assembly10can include at least one latch to limit the slideable withdrawal of the spacer14from the clip body12. For example, the latch can prevent the spacer14from withdrawing past the initial position. The at least one latch can be associated with the interlock between the spacer14and the clip body12, and can more specifically be associated with the at least one rib58of the spacer14.

Optionally, the latch can comprise at least one locking element76on one of the spacer14or the clip body12that engages with an element on the other of the spacer14or the clip body12to limit the slideable withdrawal of the spacer14from the clip body12. In the illustration embodiment, at least one locking element76is provided on each rib58, such as between the notch68and the second end66of the rib58. The locking element76can have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, round, or barbed. The locking element76can project into and slide within the slot60. The locking element76can engage the closed end or edge72of the slot60to limit the slideable withdrawal of the spacer14from the clip body12to no further than the initial position. The notch68can be spaced from the locking element76in a direction of slideable and linear movement of the spacer14. The provision of the open ends74on the slots60can allow the spacer14to freely slide further into the clip body12until the medial barbs34,38reach the window70and engage the component16. While shown as being spaced inwardly from the lateral sides of the spacer14, the locking elements76can be provided at the lateral sides of the spacer end46, or at various other locations on the spacer14.

As briefly described above, the edge clip assembly10can has a serviceable configuration for removal of the clip assembly10without a specialized removal tool or permanent damage to the clip assembly10. In one embodiment, the spacer14can comprise at least one ramp80that defines, in the engaged configuration (FIG. 2), a tool gap82for insertion of a tool therein to disengage the interlock. More particularly, a generic release tool, such as a screwdriver or other tool, can be wedged into the tool gap82to pry the clip leg18,20away from the spacer leg42,44, thereby freeing at least the first end64of the rib58, also referred to herein as the locking end64, from engagement with the end72of the slot60. This release and/or disassembly may be utilized to remove, recycle, repurpose, re-install, or otherwise service the edge clip assembly10after installation. It is noted that the tool release may need to be performed for both clip legs18,20or just one of the clip leg18,20or, depending on the configuration of the interlock.

With the serviceable configuration disclosed herein, a tool is necessary to disengage the interlock between the clip body12and spacer14once the interlock has been engaged, so that inadvertent disengagement of the clip body12from the spacer14does not occur. Thus, the serviceable configuration disclosed herein is superior to clip fasteners that rely on a serviceable arrangement involving screws or bolts, as such screws or bolts are liable to loosen over time. However, the tool need not be specialized, and can be any tool providing sufficient leverage force to pry the clip leg18,20away from the spacer leg42,44.

The ramp80is generally disposed at the open end50of the spacer14. Various supporting structures for the ramp80are possible. As shown, the spacer14can include a projecting portion86on which the ramp80is disposed. The projecting portion86can extend from the center portion54of the spacer leg42,44. In various embodiments, the ramp80can be partially disposed on the projecting portion86and partially disposed on the center portion54, fully disposed on the projecting portion86, fully disposed on the center portion54, or disposed elsewhere on the spacer leg42,44in a position to confront one of the clip legs18,20in the final position and form tool gap82therebetween.

The ramp80can be wedge-shaped or otherwise shape with a slope. The ramp80can slope downwardly in a direction extending from the open end50to the spacer end46.

The ramp80can extend from an outwardly-facing surface of the spacer14toward an inwardly-facing surface of the clip leg18.20. The bottom of the ramp80can meet the outer surface of the center portion54or another portion of the spacer leg42,44. The top of the ramp80can extend outwardly to a stiffening portion88that connects the ramp80to a portion of the spacer leg42,44, such as to the projecting portion86, and reduces flexing of the ramp80.

The embodiment shown herein includes ramps80on each spacer leg42,44. The ramps80can be axially aligned with the ribs58, as best seen inFIG. 9. It is noted that the number and location of the ramps80of the spacer14can vary from the illustrated embodiment, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the spacer14can use different numbers of ramps and in different locations in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiment shown herein includes two ramps80on each spacer leg42,44, in other embodiments, one ramp80can be provided on the spacer legs42,44, or more than two ramps80can be provided on each spacer leg42,44. In yet another embodiment, one or more ramps80can be provided on one of the spacer legs42,44, rather than on both of the legs42,44.

In this embodiment, the projecting portions86are elongated laterally along the ends52of the spacer legs42,44, to support multiple laterally-spaced ramps80. The elongated projecting portions86can also assist in guiding the component16(FIG. 1) between the legs42,44of the spacer14and the legs18,20of the clip body12. In some embodiments, the projecting portions86may lie against the outer surface of the component16engaged by the assembly10, increasing contact area and assisting in gripping the component16.

In some embodiments, the spacer14can have bilateral symmetry. For example, in the embodiment shown, the sides of the spacer14generally corresponding to the spacer legs42,44can be divided into approximate mirror images of each other along a midline separating the legs42,44. With reference toFIG. 8, the spacer14can be bilaterally symmetrical across a plane bisecting the spacer14, i.e. a plane P1 extending through the spacer end46to divide the spacer14equally. The illustrated spacer14is further bilaterally symmetrical when viewed from the top, as shown inFIG. 9. With reference toFIG. 9, the spacer14can be bilaterally symmetrical across a plane P2 bisecting the spacer14, i.e. a plane extending between the ribs58and ramps80to divide the spacer14equally. With the spacer14being bilaterally symmetrical, the edge clip assembly10can be easy to assemble and use since the spacer14does not have a predetermined top and bottom or left and right side, and can be inserted into the clip body12with either spacer leg42,44is matched to either clip leg18,20.

Each rib58can be elongated along the same direction as the ramp80aligned with the rib58, with the rib58and ramp80being aligned along a common axis or plane. Such an axis or plane can be parallel the plane P2. The ramps80can slope downwardly to meet an outer surface of the spacer14, with this lower end of the ramp80being spaced from the first end64of the rib58.

FIG. 11is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI ofFIG. 1, and shows the edge clip assembly10in the initial position in which the clip body12is open and ready to receive a component. This position can represent an as-shipped position of the edge clip assembly10.FIG. 12is a sectional view taken long line XII-XII ofFIG. 2, and shows the edge clip assembly10in the final position in which the component16is captured thereby. The ramps80are spaced from the clip ends28,30in the initial position, which assists in clipping the assembly10over a section of the component16, as the projecting portions86and spacer ends52can flex outwardly as the assembly10is pushed over the component16without constraint from the clip end.28,30.

The tool gap82is generally formed by the sloping surface of the ramp80and an inward side90of the angled clip leg end28,30. The ramp80and inward side90confront each other in the final position (FIG. 12), with a space therebetween that is sized for insertion of a tool. The inclined ramp80provides enough space to allow a tool to be wedged into the tool gap82, under the inward side90of the clip end28,30, in order for the clip leg18,20to be levered upwardly, high enough for the slots60to clear the ribs58. This spacing also assists in removal of the edge clip assembly10, since a screwdriver or other removal tool may be used to pry up the clip ends28,30more easily than with an embodiment wherein the ramps80lie flush against the clip ends28,30without the tool gap82.

As noted above, the ends28,30of the clip legs18,20can be out-turned, e.g. by bending or otherwise forming the end to angle outwardly. Such a bend further affords a larger tool gap82between the inward sides90of the clip end28,30and the ramps80for the insertion of a tool when it is desired to unlatch the clip body12from the spacer14.

The edge clip assembly10can be provided to an end user in a pre-attachment state as illustrated inFIG. 11. In this state, the movable spacer14is in the initial positon and is positioned toward the open end of the clip body12. The locking elements76on the spacer14engage the slot ends72in the clip body12. This engagement prevents the spacer14from detaching from the clip body12.

The initial position of the spacer14maintains a widely-spaced relationship between the free ends28,30of the clip legs18,20, thereby allowing insertion of the component16therebetween. The wedging action of the spacer14can be provided by the ribs58, with the distance between opposing outer surfaces of the ribs58being greater than the distance between the legs18,20. The ribs58can exert a force pushing the first clip leg18and the second clip leg20apart when the spacer14is in the initial position. The projecting portions86can assist in guiding the component16between the legs42,44of the spacer14. The widely spaced relationship between the clip legs18,20also spaces the barbs32,34,36,38(FIGS. 3-6) on the legs18,20apart, which can prevent interlocking of these biting features during shipping and/or transit, ensuring that the edge clip assembly10is ready to use at its end destination.

Insertion of the component16slides the spacer14to the final position as shown inFIG. 12, in which the clip body12is in the engaged with the component16to hold the component16under tension. In some embodiments, the component16may be inserted into the spacer14without substantial movement of the spacer14relative to the clip body12until the inserted end of the component16reaches the spacer end46. Further insertion of the component16initiates sliding movement of the spacer14within the clip body12until spacer14reaches the final position. In other embodiments, the spacer14may move relative to the clip body12as the component16is inserted into the spacer14, e.g. before the inserted end of the component16reaches the spacer end46.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, in the final position or attachment state, the clip legs18,20are closed together and the barbs32,34,36,38grip opposing surfaces of the component16. The ramps80on the spacer14have slid toward and now confront the inward side90of each clip leg end28,30, thereby forming the tool gaps82. In the final position, the ribs58are received by the slots60and do not exert force on the clip legs to push them apart. The ramps80also do not exert force on the clip legs18,20to push them apart, ensuring that the clip legs18,20are closed together.

Referring toFIG. 13, in the event the component16or an area adjacent the component requires servicing, the clip body12, and thereby the component16, may be withdrawn back to the open configuration by disengaging the interlock. By inserting a generic release tool84into the tool gap82and applying sufficient force F to pry the clip leg18,20away from the spacer leg42,44, the slots60are removed from the ribs58, and the clip body12can be slid back to the initial position shown inFIG. 11, permitting removal from the component16if desired. It is noted that the tool release may need to be performed for both clip legs18,20or just one of the clip leg18,20or, depending on the configuration of the interlock.FIG. 13shows the tool84prying the first clip leg18in a direction D away from the first spacer leg42.

When it is desired to disengage the interlock, the screwdriver or other generic release tool84is slid into the tool gap82, e.g. inwardly and downwardly relative to the ramp80, until the tool84fits under the leg end28of clip leg18. By a leverage action, the clip end28is raised from the position ofFIG. 12to the position ofFIG. 13, where the ribs58are free of the slots60. Also by this action, the medial barbs34,38on the clip body12clear the windows70on the spacer14. Thereupon, the clip leg18can be moved back to where the slot end72is over the top of the rib58, with the ribs58holding the clip leg18away from the spacer leg42. The process can be repeated on the other side. The clip body12can then be moved to the initial or pre-assembled position ofFIG. 11, without damage to the clip body12, spacer14, or component16.

An exemplary method of using of the edge clip assembly10includes inserting the component16within the clip edge clip assembly10, and more particularly within the interior48of the spacer14, between the spacer legs42,44, and pushing the component16into the clip body12until the component16is captured by the clip body12. Pushing the component16into the clip body12includes displacement of the spacer14between the initial position and the final position, in which the clip body12is in the engaged configuration and the component16is captured by the clip body12. During insertion, the spacer14prevents scratching of the component16by the clip body12before the clip body12is in the engaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the clip body12can be configured to apply locking tension to the component16. Optionally, in the engaged configuration, the barbs32,34,36,38can bite into the component16to securely hold the component16. In certain embodiments, the component16comprises a material susceptible to corrosion, while the clip body12comprises a metal or metal alloy. In such embodiments, the spacer14can comprise a polymeric material to avoid the scratching or gauging of a painted surface by the barbs32,34,36,38, which can minimize or entirely eliminate the risk of corrosion on the component16.

In least some embodiments, the edge clip assembly10is also useable to securely hold a component in the absence of the spacer14. In such an instance, the clip body12functions like a traditional edge clip fastener. An exemplary method of using of the edge clip assembly10in such an instance includes inserting a component directly into with the interior24of the clip body12, between the clip legs18,20, and pushing the component into the clip body12until the component is captured by the clip body12. In the engaged configuration, the barbs32,34,36,38can bite into the component to securely hold the component.

Referring toFIG. 14, a cable tie100can be coupled with the edge clip assembly10and can be used to secure another component, not limited to a cable, to the component16held by the edge clip assembly10. The edge clip assembly10can have at least one cable tie receiver92,94,96for holding the cable tie100. Optionally, the cable tie100can be held by the edge clip assembly10in multiple orientations. Accordingly, the edge clip assembly10can be provided with multiple cable tie receivers for holding the cable tie100in one of the multiple orientations. Each cable tie receiver determines the orientation of the cable tie100, and the cable tie100can be fed through the receiver such that the head and strap ends protrude from opposing sides of the receiver. The cable tie receivers can be configured to limit movement of the cable tie100relative to the edge clip assembly10, for example to limit the rotation of the cable tie100within the receiver to +/−5 degrees relative to their intended orientation.FIG. 14shows one cable tie100inserted in a first orientation and two other phantom-line cable ties100illustrating two alternative orientations.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first cable tie receiver92comprising aligned openings through each leg18,20of the clip body12, a second cable tie receiver94formed along the closed end22of the clip body12and extends laterally between the clip legs18,20, and a third and fourth cable tie receiver96comprising a U-shaped guide extending outwardly from each leg18,20. The edge clip assembly10can support a cable tie in multiple orientations in any one of the receivers92,94,96, or support multiple cables ties at once in more than one receiver, thereby offering flexible application depending on the needs of the industry.

It is noted that throughout the figures, the component16is illustrated as a generic wall or vehicle panel. In other cases, the edge clip assembly10is useable to hold other components under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. In automotive applications alone, the edge clip assembly10can be utilized in air bag assembly, window construction, instrument panels and interior and exterior trim attachment.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.