Fastener

A fastener connects a first object to a second object and includes an anchor securable to the second object and configured to have a portion thereof pass through a hole in the first object. A latch is connectable to the anchor on a side of the first object opposite the second object. The latch is connectable without tools, and provides clamping force for securing the objects to each other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fasteners for detachably, yet securely connecting one object to another object, and, more particularly, to fasteners used to attach assemblies to frames, such as door module assemblies to motor vehicle door panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of fastener configurations are used to connect subassemblies to each other and to frames of machines in which they operate. In the automotive industry, for example, it is known to assemble various subassemblies and thereafter to install the subassemblies in the automobile. It is known to assemble a door module to include the lock and handle mechanisms, and thereafter to fasten the door module to an inner sheet metal component using metal bolts and weld nuts. Attachment may require the use of ten or twelve such fasteners at selected locations within the module to securely affix the module in the proper location.

The process of connecting door modules to the door frame using metal bolts and weld nuts is both time consuming and expensive. One or more hand or power tools need to be available, and must be used efficiently and properly, including the proper engagement of the tool with the fastener. Even a slight delay while engaging the tool with the fastener or while operating the tool to tighten the fastener projected over the large number of fasteners used can substantially increase the assembly time required. Conversely, a relatively small change in efficiency per fastener projected over the large number of fasteners used increases the production efficiency significantly.

Fasteners for securing door modules or other subassemblies in place must be strong and secure, yet desirably are detachable so that the subassembly can be removed for servicing or repair. Bolt-like fasteners can be difficult to disengage after having remained in position for an extended period of time. Threads of threaded fasteners can become distorted, and corrosion can cause the fastener to be difficult to operate. Once detached, many fasteners are not suitable for re-use, increasing the expensive for servicing and repair.

What is needed is a fastener that is strong and secure, is reusable and provides sufficient clamping force for securing relatively large objects in place. Preferably, the fastener can be operated without the use of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a fastener having an anchor that can be pre-assembled to one object, and a latch attachable to the anchor to secure a second object to the first object. The latch can be engaged without the use of tools, and provides a clamping force sufficient to secure objects together.

In one aspect thereof, the present invention provides a fastener for securing a first object having a hole therethrough to a second object. The fastener has an anchor for attachment to the second object. The anchor includes a base configured for attachment to the second object, a post projecting from the base and an enlargement at the distal end of the post. The post is configured for inserting in the hole of the first object. A latch is configured for selective engagement with and disengagement from the base. The latch includes a body having an end face and first and second adjacent faces extending away from opposite edges of the end face. The body defines a cavity configured for receiving and holding the enlargement. The cavity extends from the first adjacent face to the second adjacent face and has an opening in the first adjacent face sufficiently large for the enlargement to enter the cavity. A restriction in the cavity prevents the enlargement from passing there past to the second adjacent face. A channel is open to the cavity, to the end face and to the first and second adjacent faces. The channel is of sufficient width for the post to pass therethrough and of insufficient width at least adjacent the cavity for the enlargement to enter the channel.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a fastener for securing a first object having a hole therethrough to a second object. The fastener has an anchor connectable to the second object. The anchor includes a base configured for attachment to the second object, a post projecting from the base; and an enlargement on a distal end of the post. The enlargement is configured to pass through the hole. A latch includes a body having an end face and first and second faces adjacent opposite edges of the end face. A generally keyhole shaped slot extends into the body between the first face and the second face, the slot including a cavity having an opening in the first face of sufficient size for the enlargement to enter therethrough. The cavity has a restriction therein between the first and second faces for preventing the enlargement from passing there past. The slot includes a channel open to the cavity and extending through the body between the first face and the second face, and between the cavity and the end face. The channel is of sufficient width for the post to move therethrough and is sufficiently narrow adjacent the cavity to prevent the enlargement from entering the channel.

In a still further aspect thereof, the present invention provides a fastener for securing a first object having a hole therethrough to a second object. The fastener has an anchor connectable to the second object. The anchor includes a base configured for attachment to the second object, a post projecting from the base; and an enlargement on a distal end of the post. The enlargement is configured to pass through the hole. A latch includes a body having a slot for disengageable receiving and engaging the post and the enlargement in a first position. The latch is configured for tilting to a second position to lock the post and enlargement into the latch and to compress the first and second objects toward each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now more specifically to the drawings and toFIG. 1in particular, numeral10designates a fastener in accordance with the present invention. Fastener10includes an anchor12and a latch14. Fastener10is used to secure a first object16to a second object18.

First object16and second object18are depicted in the drawings as plate-like structures for purposes of simplicity. However, it should be understood that first and second objects16and18can be of a variety of different forms and constructions. For example, first object16can be a door module in an automobile, and may include door handle and lock mechanisms and the like (not shown). Second object18can be a sheet panel in the door, or frame-like structure of the door. Other examples of structures for which fastener10can be used include, but are not limited to fuse boxes and covers, air filter housings and covers, jack stowage compartments and covers, etc. It should be further understood that depending on the size, shape and construction of first and second objects16and18, a plurality of fasteners10can be used to secure first object16to second object18. For example, eight to twelve fasteners10may be required around a door module provided as first object16, to secure the module to a door panel provided as second object18. Objects16and18can be of a variety of materials including metals and plastic. Objects16and18define therein holes20,22respectively, one set of holes20,22for each fastener10being used.

Anchor12and latch14also can be of a variety of materials, such as metal or plastics. For example, acetal is a suitable material for anchor12and for latch14. Forming anchor12and latch14can be by molding or other suitable and efficient forming techniques, as those skilled in the art will understand readily.

Anchor12includes a base24, a post26extending axially from base24and an enlargement28on a distal end of post26, opposite base24. Anchor12including base24, post26and enlargement28can be formed as a monolithic body of cast material, as those skilled in the art will readily understand.

Base24is configured for attaching anchor12to second object18, and in the embodiment illustrated is configured specifically for attaching anchor12in hole22of second object18. Base24thereby includes a central elongation30and one or more lateral members32extending outwardly from elongation30. Elongation30can be a substantially cylindrical hollow body, with lateral members32being deflectable portions thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, two lateral members32are shown substantially diametrically opposed to each other on elongation30. However, those skilled in the art will understand that one, or more than two lateral members also can be used, and lateral members32may take other shapes and forms than that shown. Lateral members32define an outer perimeter larger in diameter than hole22of second object18. Lateral members32deflect radially inwardly toward and/or into elongation30, as base24is inserted in hole22. Lateral members32spring outwardly as the lateral members32are pushed completely through hole22of second object18. Elongation30may include a tapered end34to facilitate insertion of base24in hole22by allowing easy alignment thereof in hole22.

A circumferential flange36is provided at the transition between base24and post26, and may be formed also monolithically with base24and post26. Flange36is of greater diameter than hole22so that flange36cannot pass through hole22. Flange36and ends of lateral members32are spaced from each other by a distance substantially similar to a thickness dimension of second object18immediately adjacent hole22. Second object18is securely held in the space between lateral members32and flange36when base24is fully inserted in hole22, with lateral member32and flange36confronting opposite faces38,40of second object18, as shown inFIG. 8.

Anchor12can be pre-installed in second object18at any time convenient to the assembly process. Installation of anchor12can occur when first object16is to be attached thereto, or can be performed at any time prior to the time at which first object16is to be connected thereto. When first and second objects16and18are separately assembled and later brought together, anchor12can be installed in second object18while other components of second object18are being installed, during a phase of the assembly of second object18when the installation of anchor12is convenient and easy.

Flange36can be provided with a resilient layer42thereon against which first object16is compressed when latch10is connected. Resilient layer42can be made of material sufficient to provide a weather-tight seal when such is desirable or simply to facilitate secure mounting of first object16on anchor12. In one embodiment, resilient layer42is an elastomer formed as an over-molding on anchor12. Discrete washers also can be used. Santoprene is a suitable material for layer42when a seal resistant to moisture intrusion is desired.

Post26and enlargement28are configured to pass through hole20of first object16so that first object16can be inserted on anchor12to rest against flange36and/or resilient layer42. It is noted that in an alternative arrangement, flange36can be smaller than hole20so as to enable the user to install anchor12after first object16is positioned against second object18. This arrangement may be desirable when a seal or more secure mounting assembly is not required.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate further embodiments of anchor12. Post12is provided with one or more angular wing44that will center and/or wedge within hole20of first object16. A domed cap46can be used in place of the flatter flange36illustrated inFIG. 1. Other variations are possible, to accommodate desired design objectives for strength, rigidity, sealing and the like.

Latch14includes a main body50having an end face52and first and second adjacent faces54,56, respectively, extending from generally opposite edges of end face52. A keyhole-shaped slot58extends through body50from first face54to second face56. Keyhole-shaped slot58includes a cavity60and a channel62, each opening in first face54. Cavity60is of sufficient size for enlargement28to enter therein, and channel62is of sufficient size for post26to enter therein. A restriction64is provided in cavity60, to prevent enlargement28from passing completely through body12from first face54thereof to second face56thereof. Channel62extends between cavity60and end face52. Channel62further extends completely through body50from first face54thereof to second face56thereof. Channel62is of sufficient width through out to allow post26to move therethrough. Channel62tis sufficiently narrow adjacent cavity60that enlargement28cannot enter channel62.

Channel62substantially bisects end face52into first and second sides66,68. Curved transitions70,72, respectively, are provided between first and second sides66,68and the adjacent portions of second face56.

A thickness dimension of body50between first adjacent face54and second adjacent face56is greater nearest end face52and becomes less farther from end face52. Thus, body52gets progressively narrower in the dimension between first face54and second face56further from end face52.

A handle74projects from body50substantially opposite end face52, substantially along first adjacent face54.

In the use of fastener10, anchor12is secured to second object18by inserting elongation30into hole22of second object18, with anchor20being forced therein until lateral members32are pushed through hole22. Lateral members32deflect inwardly to allow insertion of base24in hole22, and spring outwardly when pushed past face38.

First object16is positioned to slide hole20over enlargement28and around and along post26. First object16is pushed along post26until first object16rests against flange36and/or resilient layer42.

Latch14is positioned substantially as shown inFIG. 7, with end face52against first object16and first adjacent face54approaching and confronting a distal end portion of post26and enlargement28. Enlargement28and post26enter slot58as latch14is slid forward, with adjacent face54sliding past post16. Latch14is slid there along until enlargement18confronts restriction64in cavity60. By pressing on handle74, an installer causes latch14to tilt, rotating on curved transitions70,72so that end face52is elevated away from first object16and second adjacent face56is moved toward first object16. Enlargement28is held in cavity60by restriction64and by the narrowness of channel62adjacent cavity60. Thus, enlargement28slides along surfaces of cavity60as latch14is tilted from the position shown inFIG. 7to that shown inFIG. 8. Post26swings through channel62until it projects outwardly from cavity60in second adjacent face56.

Since body50is of greater thickness between first face54and second face56nearer end face52than further from end face52, slightly more than 90° rotation is required along curved transitions70and72. In the affixed position, handle74angles downwardly toward first object16from end face52to the distal end of handle74.

By providing controlled relative dimensions of channel62, a compressive force is applied as latch14is rotated and secured. To achieve the compressive force, the dimension of channel62between cavity60and end face52is less than the dimension between restriction64and second face56. As latch14is moved from having end face52against first object16to having second adjacent face56against first object16, first object16is forced downwardly against flange36and/or resilient layer42. By controlling the dimensions of channel62, the desired degree of compressive force can be applied. Since body50becomes thinner away from end face52, as latch14is moved to the tightened position, second adjacent face56snaps against first object16, indicating the fastener is secured properly. Both visual and audible indications of a completed connection can be provided. The length and position of handle74provides a mechanical advantage so that rotation of latch14can be completed without the use of tools, even when significant compressive force is applied by the completion of the connection of latch14to anchor12.

First object16can be provided with a compressive seal76to create a further moisture-tight seal between first object16and second object18, as compressive force is applied by fastener10. While depicted in the drawings as surrounding fastener10, seal76can be provided at relevant contact points between first object16and second object18. Again, by way of example, when first object16is a door module, and second object18is a primary door panel, and a plurality of fasteners10are used to secure the module to the panel, seal76can be provided around the perimeter of the door module.