Abstract:
A connector for securing first and second substrates together, comprising: an outer fastener and an inner fastener is disclosed and claimed. The outer fastener comprises a dowel shaped stud. The inner fastener comprises a flange and a pair of clips. The pair of clips includes a first portion and a second portion. The flange is lanced and includes a punched out portion. The stud interengages the flange and the second portion of the pair of clips urges the clips away from each other and away from the stud. The outer fastener is pressed into the first substrate and the second portion of the clips is pressed into the second substrate. The second portion of the clips include a turned back portion and the turned back portion of the clip grip the second substrate preventing removal of the inner fastener from the second substrate. The connector is tolerant of the misalignment of the inner and outer fasteners and the bores in which the fasteners reside.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is in the field of furniture fasteners. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view  100  of a prior art outer Christmas tree fastener  110 ,  111 ,  111 A,  111 B inserted into an outer back  106  in proximity with an aperture  102  in an inner back  101 . Foam  103  is placed over inner back  101 . Typically, inner back  101  is made of wood or it may be plastic in some instances. A covering  104 , for example, which may be leather or some other material, is placed over foam  103  and is stapled  105  to the wood substrate  101  as shown. Stapling wraps the covering around the foam and secures the foam in place. Christmas tree fastener  110 ,  111  is typically made of plastic and includes a shank portion  111 ,  111 A as illustrated in  FIG. 1F . Shank portion  111 ,  111 A is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being aligned with aperture or bore  102  in inner back  101 . As used herein the terms “bore” and “through-bore” are used interchangeably. 
   Head  110  of the Christmas tree abuts the exterior surface of outer back  106 . Outer back  106  may be masonite, stiff cardboard or thin plywood. The outer back may be 0.125 inches thick by way of example. Other thicknesses and materials may be used for the outer back. Shank  111 ,  111 A is press fit into bore  106 A of outer back  106 . Bore  106 A is formed by drilling as described below. Foam  107  or other padding covers outer back  106  and a leather cover  108  is wrapped over the foam  107  and stapled  109  as illustrated to form a surface which appears to be homogeneous. Shank  111 ,  111 A has a diameter which is larger than the through bore  106 A and is thus formed therein and retained by the deformation of the Christmas tree branches  111 ,  111 A. 
     FIG. 1F  is a perspective view  100 F of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1E  illustrating branches  111 ,  111 A of the Christmas tree alternately and orthogonally arranged with respect to each other. As the branches  111 ,  111 A are inserted into through-bore  102  they are deformed. In fact, branches  111 ,  111 A are deformed as they are inserted into through-bore  106 A. Reference numeral  111 B is used to denote a knob on the end of the Christmas tree fastener. 
     FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view  100 A of the prior art outer Christmas tree fastener inserted into an outer back  106  which in turn has been inserted into the inner back  101  joining the inner  101  and outer backs  106  together. Branches  111 ,  111 A of the Christmas tree fastener are bent as they are forced into a smaller diameter through-bore  102  of the inner back  101 . A small gap exists between the outer surface  120  of the of the inner back  101  and the inner surface  120 A of the outer back  106  caused by the build up of the thicknesses of the covers  104 ,  108 . 
     FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view  100 B of the prior art Christmas tree fastener in an arrangement similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the outer back  106  and the inner back  101  positioned in proximity to each other and with the inner back  101  having an aperture or through bore  102 B which is not coaxial (not aligned) with the aperture or through bore  106 A inserted into the outer back  106 . 
   Further, branches  111 ,  111 A of the Christmas tree fastener can be thought of as forming a cylindrically-shaped outer surface which is to be inserted into a cylindrical through-bore  102 B.  FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view  100 C of the prior art Christmas tree fastener similar to the view of  FIG. 1B  with the Christmas tree fastener partially inserted in the inner back  101  and broken as indicated by reference numeral  111 C. Stress buildup is caused within the plastic Christmas tree fastener as the shank  111 ,  11 A is pushed and shoved into receiving bore  102 B which is not aligned with bore  106 A of the outer back  106 . 
   The contoured inner and outer backs typically made of wood are used in furniture construction. The contours make drilling of through-bores in the inner and outer backs difficult. During the furniture manufacture and assembly process the contoured inner and outer backs are processed so as to include bores or through bores as they are sometimes referred to herein. The bores are processed in one of three fashions, to wit: (1) the material is put into a press and the holes are punched out in the wood, masonite or cardboard; (2) the inner back may be made out of plastic and the holes are molded during the molding process; and, (3) the plywood inner backs or masonite outer back are drilled in multiple headed drilling equipment. All of these processes produce bores or through bores as they are called which are perpendicular to the work surface of the machine processing the component. This causes holes that are not perpendicular to the point the hole (bore) is produced since the seats have multiple compound curves in them. This induces failure in the prior art Christmas tree Easterners as described herein. As such, alignment of the through bores is not always achieved creating a need for a fastener system which is capable of tolerating alignment faults. When through bores are drilled in the inner backs, they are drilled on a machine surface. The operator of the drill does not always drill the through holes perpendicular to the surface of the wood. Rather, the operator tends to drill through-bores perpendicular to the machine surface and not perpendicular to the surface of a piece of wood. 
   The wood pieces (back) may be at an angle with respect to the drilling machine surface at the time the through-bore is drilled. If the operator drills through the piece of wood perpendicular to the machine surface then the through-hole is not perpendicular to a line tangent to the surface of the piece of wood being drilled. 
   In the furniture manufacturing assembly process the misalignment of the through bores in the outer and inner backs is a known problem which creates difficulties in the assembly of the outer back and the inner back together. If the Christmas tree connector of the prior art breaks as illustrated and described herein then the cover (which may be leather) must be removed along with the foam to access the area of the outer back in the vicinity of the broken Christmas tree connector. Staples are then used to join the outer back  106  and the inner back  101  together. If the covering is leather or some other soft material, however, then the staples used to join the outer and the inner backs together tends to tear the leather or any other soft covering which may be used. 
     FIG. 1D  is a plan view  100 D of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1C . 
     FIG. 1E  is a shank end view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1C . 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,582 to Magnuson entitled Self-Aligning Fastener System Having Stud-Engaging Resilient Legs discloses a fastener having male and female members (fasteners). Stud fasteners 26 have a first end 72 which engage threads of a T-nut 25. Second end 74 of the stud 26 is generally rippled and extends through center apertures 102 of female fastener 46, aperture 38 of seat shell 14, aperture 51 of washer 50 (or retainer) and between resilient legs 76, 78 of female fastener. The fastener system of the &#39;582 patent provides for a female member which may be moved in two axial directions to accommodate insertion of the male member therein. 
   The structure of the instant invention and the advantages its provides will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art when reference is made to the Summary Of The Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, Description of the Invention and Claims which follow hereinbelow. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A connector for securing first and second substrates together, comprising: an outer fastener and an inner fastener is disclosed and claimed. The outer fastener comprises a dowel shaped stud. The inner fastener comprises a flange and a pair of clips. Each of the clips includes a first portion and a second portion. The flange is lanced and includes a punched out portion. The stud interengages the flange and the second portion of the pair of clips urges the clips away from each other and away from the stud. The outer fastener is pressed into the first substrate and the second portion of the clips is pressed into the second substrate. The second portion of the clips include a turned back portion and the turned back portion of the clip prevents removal of the inner fastener from the second substrate. The connector is tolerant of the misalignment of the inner and outer fasteners and the bores in which the fasteners reside. 
   A method for joining the first and second substrates having first and second through bores is disclosed and claimed. The method includes the steps of: inserting and press-fitting a male outer fastener member having a stud portion into the first through bore in the first substrate; inserting and press-fitting a female inner fastener member, the female inner fastener member comprising a flange having a portion which has been lanced and punched out, a pair of clips extending from the flange and each clip of the pair of clips includes a first portion and a second portion; interengaging the stud and the punched out portion of the flange; and, urging the second portion of each of the pair of clips away from each other and away from the stud. The method includes joining the first and second substrates together when the first and second bores are axially misaligned. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a fastener which includes an inner female member which is tolerant of misalignment with respect to the outer male member. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to secure two substrates together with each substrate having a bore therein and wherein each of the bores are not aligned with each other. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to secure two or more substrates together with each substrate having a bore therein. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a connector which connects under low force and disconnects under high force. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a connector which easily connects and which is difficult to disconnect. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a process for securing two substrates together utilizing through-bores in the substrates which are not axially aligned. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a process for utilizing a female fastener having a lanced, punched out flange and a pair of clips along with a male fastener having a cylindrical stud to secure two substrates having through- bores therein which are not axially aligned. 
   These and other objects of the invention will be best understood when reference is made to the Brief Description Of The Drawings and Claims which follow hereinbelow. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art outer Christmas tree fastener inserted into an outer back in proximity with an aperture in an inner back. 
       FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the prior art fastener with the outer Christmas tree fastener inserted into an outer back which in turn has been inserted into the inner back joining the inner and outer backs together. 
       FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the prior art fastener in an arrangement similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the outer back and the inner back positioned in proximity to each other and with the inner back having a through hole (aperture) which is not coaxial (not aligned) with the through hole (aperture) in the outer back. 
       FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of the prior art fastener similar to the view of  FIG. 1B  with the Christmas tree fastener partially inserted in the inner back and broken. 
       FIG. 1D  is a plan view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1C . 
       FIG. 1E  is an end view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1C . 
       FIG. 1F  is a perspective view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIGS. 1-1E . 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the outer fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is an end view of the outer fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2B  is a clip-end view of the inner fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2C  is a left side view of the inner fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2D  is left side plan view of the inner fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2E  is a flange-end view of the inner fastener of the instant invention. 
       FIG. 2F  is a perspective view of the fastener of the instant invention illustrating both the inner and outer fasteners of the instant invention spaced apart. 
       FIG. 2G  is a perspective view of the fastener of the instant invention illustrating both the inner and outer fasteners joined together. 
       FIG. 2H  is a partial cross-sectional view of the inner fastener of the instant invention fitted into the inner back. 
       FIG. 2I  is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer fastener of the instant invention fitted into the outer back. 
       FIG. 2J  is a partial cross-sectional view of the outer and inner fasteners joined together and with the inner and outer backs (substrates) joined together. 
       FIG. 2K  is a partial cross-sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 2H  with a bore in the inner back which is not perpendicular to the outer surface of the inner back. 
       FIG. 2L  is a partial cross-sectional view similar to the view of  FIG. 2J  with the outer and inner fasteners joined together and with the outer and inner backs (substrates) joined together. 
       FIG. 2M  is a cross-sectional view of the outer fastener mounted in the outer back and the inner fastener mounted in the inner back. 
       FIG. 2N  is cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention which employs a stud whose length is longer than the stud of  FIG. 2G . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a chair. 
       FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the chair of  FIG. 3  illustrating inner back, the outer back, the insulation for covering the outer back and the covering of the back. 
   

   The drawings will be best understood when reference is made to the Description of the Invention and Claims below. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1-1F  have been described above in connection with the Background of the Invention. 
   As used herein the female portion of the fastener is referred to as the portion which receives the male portion of the fastener. The outer fastener  200  as described herein is the male portion of the fastener (male fastener) and the inner fastener  238  as described herein is the female portion of the fastener (female fastener). 
     FIG. 2  is a plan view of the outer fastener  200  of the instant invention.  FIG. 2A  is an end view  200 A of the outer fastener  200  of the instant invention. The outer fastener  200  includes flange  201  and reference numeral  201  A indicates the inner surface of flange  201  and reference numeral  201 B indicates the outer surface of the flange  201 . Inner surface  201  A of the flange  201  of the male fastener engages the outer back as illustrated in  FIG. 2I . A shank extends from the flange and the shank includes a larger diametrical portion  202  and a smaller diametrical portion  204 . A tapered portion  205  leads to the end  206  of the shank. The larger diametrical portion  202  of the shank of the outer fastener is press-fit into the first substrate which is sometimes referred to herein as the outer back  106  as illustrated in  FIG. 2I .  FIG. 2I  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 I of the outer fastener  200  of the instant invention fitted into the outer back  106 . Reference numeral  231  indicates the bore in the outer back  106 . The outer fastener  200  is zinc plated carbon steel and is shown in a plan view (i.e. not in cross-section) in  FIG. 2I . The diameter  202  of the shank is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore  231 . 
     FIG. 2B  is a clip-end view  200 B of the inner fastener  238  of the instant invention.  FIG. 2B  illustrates the flange  221  which is generally rectangularly shaped with rounded corners. Inner grip portion  224 B is turned back so as to grip the inner substrate or inner back as described in more detail later herein. Neck portion  224  of the clips is illustrated and it is this neck portion which interengages stud  204  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2F  and G. Inner surface  223  of flange  221  interengages surface  120  of inner back  101 . See  FIG. 3 . Inner back  101  is typically 0.5 inches thick and usually is made of plywood or particle board. However, plywood and other synthetic materials may be used. Reference numeral  228  indicates a punched out portion of flange  221  to create an aperture in the wall of the flange  221  which receives stud or shank  204  of the male fastener  200 . Reference numeral  228 A indicates a lanced (or cut) portion of the wall of the flange. 
     FIG. 2C  is a left side view  200 C of the inner fastener  238  of the instant invention taken along the lines  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2B . Outer surface  222  of flange  221  is illustrated in this view. Clips  224  are shown along with neck portions  224 A and turned back portions  224 B. Punched out portion  228  of flange  221  can be viewed well in  FIG. 2C . Preferably, the material of the inner fastener is zinc plated carbon steel which has been baked to neutralize embrittlement. Different thicknesses of the metal can be used. One such thickness by example only which may be used is 0.017 inches. 
     FIG. 2D  is a left side plan view  200 D of the inner fastener  238  of the instant invention taken along the lines  2 D- 2 D of  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 2E  is a flange-end view  200 E of the inner fastener of the instant invention taken along the lines  2 E- 2 E of  FIG. 2C .  FIG. 2E  illustrates the punched out portion  228  of flange  221  as including two V-shaped notches  228  and two straight portions  228 S. The V-shaped notches  228 V each engage the shank  204  in at least two places when fully inserted in the flange/female fastener  238 . Therefore, there are at least four points of contact between shank/stud  204  and the V-shaped notches. Reference numeral  228 B as used in  FIG. 2B and 2D  illustrates the wall thickness of the flange where it has been deformed by lancing/punching it so as to form the punched out portion  228 . 
     FIG. 2F  is a perspective view  200 F of the fastener of the instant invention illustrating both the inner  238  and outer  200  fasteners of the instant invention spaced apart.  FIG. 2G  is a perspective view  200 G of the fastener of the instant invention illustrating both the inner  238  and outer  200  fasteners joined together. Neither  FIGS. 2G  nor  2 F illustrate the first (outer) and second (inner) substrates. 
     FIG. 2H  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 H of the inner fastener  238  of the instant invention press fitted into the inner back  101 . Reference numeral  230  identifies a through bore in a 0.5 inch thick inner back. Inner fastener  238  is shown in a plan view (i.e. an elevational view not in cross section) and is press fitted with relatively slight pressure into through bore  230 . Clips  224  engage the cylindrical walls of bore  230  and secure the female fastener  238  within the bore  230 .  FIG. 2I  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 I of the outer fastener  200  of the instant invention fitted into the outer back  106  and shown aligned with the through bore  230  illustrated in  FIG. 2H . Outer fastener  200  is shown in a plan view in  FIG. 21 . Referring to  FIG. 2I , shank  202  is press fit into bore  231  in the outer back  106 . 
     FIG. 2J  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 J of the outer and inner fasteners joined together thus affixing inner  101  and outer  106  backs together. Fasteners  200 ,  238  are shown in a plan view in  FIG. 2J . Stud  204  spreads the neck  224 A of clip  224  so that turned back portions  224 B extend radially outwardly past cylindrical base  230  and over inner back  101  such that turned end portions  224 B would engage inner back  101  if the inner fastener (female fastener)  238  were to be extracted from the bore  230 . Referring to  FIGS. 2H ,  21  and  2 J reference numerals used in connection with describing the foam and the coverings for the furniture are the same as described above in connection with the prior art  FIGS. 1-1F . 
   It will be noticed when referring to  FIGS. 2G and 2J  that the punched out portion  228  of the flange is illustrated as gripping the stud  204 . As stud or shank is inserted under pressure into the female fastener  238  the walls  228 C of the punched out portion are deformed and separated as illustrated in  FIG. 2G . The V-shaped notch of the punched out portion is sized so as to frictionally grip the exterior of the stud  204 . Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 2E  two V-shaped notches are viewed for gripping stud  204  when inserted in the punched out portion  228 . It will be noticed that at least four (4) contact points are created when stud  204  is inserted in the punched out portion  228 . Referring to  FIGS. 2F and 2G  it will be noticed that the angle of inclination of the V-shaped punched out portion is larger in  FIG. 2G  as compared to  FIG. 2F . 
     FIG. 2K  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 K similar to the view of  FIG. 2H  with a bore  230 K in the inner back  101  which is not perpendicular to the outer surface  120  of the inner back  101 .  FIG. 2K  illustrates the fasteners  200 ,  238  in a plan view, not in cross-section.  FIG. 2K  also illustrates the outer fastener press fit into the outer back  106  in proximity to inner fastener  238  which has been press fitted within bore  230 K. Bore  230 K in inner back  101  is not in alignment with bore  231  in outer back  106 . This misalignment is caused by drilling the inner back  101  separately from drilling outer back  106 . In other words, substrates  101  and  106  are not clamped together when drilled. Additionally the inner and outer backs have contours and they are often drilled on a flat machine surface. As such, the bores or through-bores are not axially aligned and are at an acute angle when assembled. 
     FIG. 2L  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 L similar to the view of  FIG. 2J  with the outer and inner fasteners  200 ,  238  joined together and with the outer back (first substrate)  106  and inner back (second substrate)  101  joined together.  FIG. 2L  illustrates the fasteners  200 ,  238  in a plan view. The fastener of the instant invention is fault tolerant in that the bores  231 ,  230 K of the outer back  106  and the inner back  101  do not have to be aligned with respect to each other to successfully join the connector (fastener) of the instant invention together thus joining the first and second substrates together. This represents a distinct manufacturing advantage in the assembly of the furniture as compared to the disassembly of the covering and cushion over the back of the outer back of the chair to staple the outer and inner backs together upon the fracture (breakage) of the prior art Christmas tree fastener. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2G ,  2 J and  2 L the fastener of the instant invention does not permit disconnection of the male fastener  200  from the female fastener  238  unless an abnormally high separation force is applied. The separation force of the instant invention is more than three times the separation force of the prior art Christmas tree fastener. Referring to  FIG. 2G , reference numeral  228 C illustrates the frictional engagement of the punched out portion  228  of the flange  221  and the shank  204  of the male fastener  201 . Separation of fasteners  200 ,  238  requires that the V-shaped notches in the punched-out portion  228  of the flange must be deformed by folding back on themselves. 
     FIG. 2M  is a cross-sectional view  200 M of the outer fastener  200  mounted in the outer back  106  and the inner fastener  238  mounted in the inner back. 
     FIG. 2N  is a partial cross-sectional view  200 N of another embodiment of the invention which employs a stud  204 A whose length is longer than the stud  204  previously described and shown herein. Use of a stud having an extended length enables joinder of a third substrate  250  as illustrated.  FIG. 2N  illustrates fasteners  200 ,  238  in a plan view. 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view  300  of a chair.  FIG. 3A  is an exploded view  300 A of the chair of  FIG. 3  illustrating the outer surface  120  of the inner back  101 , the outer back  106 , the insulation  107  which covers the outer back  106  and the covering  108  of the outer back. The instant invention allows for easy assembly and connection of the outer back to the inner back without the need for uncovering the insulation  107  and the cover  108  to staple the outer back  106  to the inner back  101 . 
   A method for joining the first and second substrates having first and second through bores includes the steps of: inserting and press-fitting a male outer fastener member having a stud portion into the first through bore in the first substrate; inserting and press-fitting a female inner fastener member, the female inner fastener member comprising a flange having a portion which has been lanced and punched out, a pair of clips extending from the flange and each clip of the pair of clips includes a first portion and a second portion; interengaging the stud and the punched out portion of the flange; and, urging the second portion of each of the pair of clips away from each other and away from the stud. The method includes joining the first and second substrates together when the first and second bores are axially misaligned. 
   LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
         100  cross-section of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIG. 1   
         100 A cross section of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIG. 1A   
         100 B cross section of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIG. 1B   
         100 C cross section of the prior art Christmas tree fastener of  FIG. 1C   
         100 D plan view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener 
         100 E end view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener 
         100 F perspective view of the prior art Christmas tree fastener 
         101  inner back (wood or plywood) substrate 
         102  bore or aperture in the inner back 
         102 B non-perpendicular bore in the inner back 
         103  cushion/elastomeric cushion 
         104  cover over cushion 
         105  staple affixing the cover to the cushion 
         106  outer back (wood or plywood) substrate 
         106 A interference fit of the Christmas tree in a bore in the outer back 
         107  cushion or elastomeric cushion 
         108  cover over the cushion 
         109  staple affixing cover to outer back (wood or plywood) substrate 
         110  head of christmas tree 
         111  branch of Christmas tree body 
         111 A branch of Christmas tree body 
         111 B end of the Christmas tree body 
         111 C break point of the Christmas tree fastener 
         120  outer surface of inner back  101   
         200  plan view of the outer fastener (male fastener) 
         200 A end view of the outer fastener 
         200 B clip-end view of the inner fastener 
         200 C left side view of the inner fastener 
         200 D top view of the inner fastener 
         200 E flange-end view of the inner fastener 
         200 F perspective view of the inner and outer fasteners 
         200 G perspective view of the inner and outer fasteners coupled together 
         200 H cross-sectional view of the inner fastener in the through-bore of the inner back 
         200 I cross-sectional view of the outer fastener in the through-bore of the outer back 
         200 J cross-sectional view of the inner and outer fasteners coupled together 
         200 K cross-sectional view of the inner fastener in the inner back in proximity to the outer fastener in the outer back 
         200 L cross-sectional view of the inner and outer fasteners joined together 
         201  flange of the outer fastener 
         201 A inner surface of the flange 
         201 B outer surface of the flange 
         202  larger diametrical portion of the shank of the outer fastener 
         203  shoulder 
         204  smaller diametrical portion of the shank 
         205  tapered end of the shank 
         206  end of the shank 
         221  flange of the inner fastener 
         222  outer surface of flange of inner fastener 
         223  inner surface of flange of outer fastener 
         224  clip of inner fastener 
         224 A neck of clip of inner fastener 
         224 B inner grip portion of clip of inner fastener 
         228  punched out portion 
         228 A lanced portion of the flange 
         228 B wall of punched out portion 
         228 C frictional interference 
         228 S straight portion of punched out portions 
         228 V V-shaped portion of punched out portions 
         230  through-bore in inner back 
         231  through-bore in outer back 
         230 K non-perpendicular through-bore in inner back 
         238  Inner fastener (female fastener) 
         250  second inner back 
         300  perspective view of a chair 
         300 A exploded perspective view of the chair 
     
  
   Those skilled in the art will realize that the invention has been set forth with particularity by way of example only and that many changes may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.