Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a clip and a method for using the clip. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/134,347, entitled “Clip and Method For Using the Clip,” filed on Jul. 9, 2008, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to an apparatus for securing one or more components together, and more particularly to a clip attachable to one or more components. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Typically, fasteners, such as trim clips, may be utilized for securing various components together. During installation of many products, it is necessary to secure two or more components together. Many difficulties are encountered during manufacture and assembly of components. For example, the various components of the products may require different tools in order to assemble the components. As a result, use of numerous and different tools is time consuming and costly for manufacturers. 
         [0004]    In addition, the installation of some components is difficult due to limited access, such as access on only one side of the components. Furthermore, it is frequently desirable to permit consumers or others to access a fastener that secures the components, to, for example, repair the components, repair the fastener, exchange the components, clean the components, or for other reasons. 
         [0005]    In order to improve efficiency during manufacture, improved fastening devices are needed. The attachment of sun visors in automobiles is one example of a specific application in which an improved fastener is needed. Each of the sun visors typically has a stem portion that secures to a body portion of the sun visor or sun visor bezel. Fasteners have been used to attach the visor portion to the step portion; however, these fasteners are difficult to install and service. Prior fasteners for the sun visor require tooling and result in a practically non-serviceable assembly. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a serviceable clip device that may be attachable to a component without the use of a tool. There is also a need for a clip device that can be used in numerous applications and may be quickly installed to reduce both manufacturing time and expense. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, and wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a clip in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the clip of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a partial close up side view of the clip of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates partial close up front view of the clip of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates the clip of  FIG. 1  prior to installation in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates the clip of  FIG. 1  positioned on a first component in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates the clip of  FIG. 1  installed on a first component in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates the clip of  FIG. 1  installed on a first component and prior to installation on a second component in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the clip installed on the components of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top perspective view of the clip installed on the components of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along section line A-A of the clip of  FIG. 10  attached to a second component in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention is directed to a clip and method for using the clip. An embodiment of the present invention includes a clip for connecting a first component having a stem and a second component. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The base may include a planar configuration, wherein the base may include an aperture that may be sized to receive the stem. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and may extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap may include a tab extending at an angle from the flap, and wherein the flap may be capable of engagement with the first component. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and may extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm may comprise a tab extending at an angle from the arm, and wherein the tabs of the arms may be capable of engaging the arm with the second component. The wing may extend outwardly from the base. 
         [0020]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for using a clip. The method may secure a first component having a stem to a second component. The method may include the steps of placing a clip onto the first component. The clip may comprise a base including an aperture sized to receive the stem, at least one flap including a tab, at least one arm including a tab, and at least one wing. The clip or the first component may be rotated in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The second component may be secured between the tabs and the first component. In addition, the first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    While the present clip may be described in reference to illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present invention should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein are illustrative of the present invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0022]    Moreover, while the present clip may be described in the context of a trim clip, it will be appreciated that the clip may be used in a variety of contexts. In addition, the description of the embodiment provided may refer to a specific orientation of the clip, such as in a particular direction, however, this should not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the clip may be positioned or attached to any number of surfaces and placed in any number of various orientations and directions and the following descriptions should only be taken as illustrative. 
         [0023]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a clip  10  is shown. The clip  10  may be any appropriate type of clip, such as a trim clip. The clip  10  may also be of any appropriate shape, size or thickness and should not be limited to that shown and described herein. The clip  10  may be constructed from any appropriate, suitable, or durable material capable of being secured to a component, including, but not limited to, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, fiberglass, and/or the like, for example. In addition, the material of the clip  10  may be resilient and/or electrically conducive. 
         [0024]    The clip  10  may combine the function of typical prior art fasteners into an easy to use and assemble one-piece component or one-piece stamping. This combination may eliminate the need for multiple components, as well as eliminates the need for any complicated assembly tools, which both result in cost savings, while also speeding up assembly time. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the clip  10  may be used with a first component  100  and a second component  200 , for example. 
         [0025]    As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the trim clip  10  may be an approximate mirror image of itself along a horizontal center line, and may also be a substantial mirror image of itself along a vertical center line. The clip  10  may generally include a base plate  12 , at least one leg  20 , at least one flap  30 , and at least one arm  40 . The base plate  12  may be of any appropriate shape, size or thickness, such as a generally planar configuration and surface, for example. The length and width of the base plate  12  may correspond to the fastening portion of one of the components  100 ,  200 . 
         [0026]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base plate  12  may include an aperture  14 . The aperture  14  may extend therethrough. The aperture  14  may be of any appropriate shape or size and should not be limited to those shown and described herein. In an embodiment, for example, the aperture  14  may be sized to receive a first component  100  therethrough. 
         [0027]    The clip  10  may have one or more legs  20  extending from the base  12 . The legs  20  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a general “S” shape, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the legs  20  may be positioned at any appropriate location on the base  12 , such as being generally located at each corner of the base  12  of the clip  10 . The legs  20  may also extend outward from each respective side of the base  12 . 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, for example, the clip  10  may have a pair of legs  20  located on each side of the clip  10 , for a total of four legs  20 . The pair of legs  20  on each side may be of a similar structure and may be a substantially mirror image of one another. It is to be understood, however, that the legs  20  may be of the same or of a different shape and structure and do not have to be a substantially mirror image of one another. Since the legs  20  are similar, the following description of the leg  20  will be understood to apply to all legs  20  for the clip  10 . 
         [0029]    The legs  20  may be integrally formed with the base  12 . As an alternative, instead of being an integrally formed one piece clip  10 , the base  12  and the legs  20  may be separate pieces that may be secured to one another by any appropriate means, including but not limited to welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc. and the like. 
         [0030]    The legs  20  may be bent or angled away from the base plate  12 . The legs  20  may be bendable and/or flexible to permit connection of the legs  20  within a fixture or component. The legs  20  may be made of any appropriate material, such as the same material as the base plate  12 . The legs  20  may be sized and shaped to contact, slide on or within, to engage or secure to one of the components. For example, the legs  20  may fit or engage apertures or grooves in one of the components. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , one or more flaps  30  may extend from the base plate  12 . In an embodiment, two flaps  30  may be utilized. The flaps  30  may be of any appropriate shape or size and may be positioned at any appropriate location on the base  12 . In an embodiment, the flaps  30  may be located opposite one another toward the center of a side of the clip  10 . 
         [0032]    The pair of flaps  30  may be of a similar structure and may be a substantially mirror image of one another. It is to be understood, however, that the flaps  30  may be of the same or of a different shape and structure and do not have to be a substantially mirror image of one another. Since the flaps  30  are similar, the following description of the flap  30  will be understood to apply to both flaps  30  for the clip  10 . 
         [0033]    The flaps  30  may be integrally formed with the base  12 . As an alternative, instead of being an integrally formed one piece clip  10 , the base  12  and the pair of flaps  30  may be separate pieces that may be secured to one another by any appropriate means, including but not limited to welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc. and the like. 
         [0034]    The flaps  30  may extend away from the base plate  12 . In an embodiment, the flaps  30  may extend a first distance in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate  12 . The first distance may be substantially similar to the distance in which the first component should extend within the clip  10 . To this end, the flaps  30  may act as a stop to prevent the first component from entering further into the clip  10 . 
         [0035]    The flaps  30  may extend a second distance in a second direction such that the flaps  30  fold over and have at least a portion that is generally parallel with the base plate  12 . For example, the flaps  30  may extend inward with respect to the base plate  12 . In such an embodiment, the flaps  30  may align with the edges of the aperture  14  of the base plate  12  or may have at least a portion that extends beyond the edge of the aperture  14  such that it is aligned a predetermined distance above the aperture  14 . The flaps  30  may be sized and shaped to receive a first component  100 . 
         [0036]    The flaps  30  may have one or more apertures  32  that may be sized and shaped to receive a first component  100 . The first component  100 , for example, may have a stem  102 , head portion or an enlarged end that may fit within or engage the apertures  32  of the flaps  30 . The flaps  30  may be locked to the first component  100  to secure the first component  100  to the clip  10 . 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, the apertures  32  may not engage the stem or head portion  102  of the first component  100  and may be sized and shaped to provide clearance for the tabs  34  of the flaps  30 , which may engage a second component  200 . The first component  100  or the clip  10  may be rotated with at least a portion of the first component  100  within the aperture  14  to secure the first component  100  to the clip  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the clip  10  or the first component  100  may be rotated a quarter-turn to secure the first component  100  to the clip  10 , as best shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0038]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , each flap  30  may include a tab  34 . The tab  34  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally square or rectangular shape, for example. The tab  34  may be integrally connected to the flaps  30  at its free end. In addition, the tab  34  may be located at and extend from the approximate center of the free end of the flaps  30 . While the tab  34  may be connected to and extend from the free end of the flap  30 , the tab  34  is not connected to anything at its opposite end. This allows the free end of the tab  34  to stop at and catch onto a structure, such as the second component  200 , as best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In addition, there may be spaces or apertures  32  located on either side of the tab  34 , so that the apertures  32  may be located between the tab  34  and either side of the flap  30  to aid the tab  34  in catching onto a structure, such as the second component  200 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , one or more arms  40  may extend from or otherwise be connected to the base plate  12 . In an embodiment, two arms  40  may be utilized. The arms  40  may be of any appropriate shape or size and may be positioned at any appropriate location on the base  12 . In an embodiment, the arms  40  may be located opposite one another toward the center of a side of the clip  10 , such as the opposite sides as where the flaps  30  may be located, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    The arms  40  may be sized and shaped to connect to a second component  200 . The pair of arms  40  may be of a similar structure and may be a substantially mirror image of one another. It is to be understood, however, that the arms  40  may be of the same or of a different shape and structure and do not have to be a substantially mirror image of one another. Since the arms  40  are similar, the following description of the arm  40  will be understood to apply to both arms  40  for the clip  10 . 
         [0041]    The arms  40  may extend away from the base plate  12 . In an embodiment, the arms  40  may extend a first distance in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate  12 . The arms  40  may extend a second distance in a second direction such that the arms  40  may slightly fold or bend over at an angle from the base plate  12 . For example, the arms  40  may extend inward with respect to the base plate  12 . 
         [0042]    The arms  40  may be integrally formed with the base  12 . As an alternative, instead of being an integrally formed one piece clip  10 , the base  12  and the pair of arms  40  may be separate pieces that may be secured to one another by any appropriate means, including but not limited to welding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc. and the like. 
         [0043]    Each arm  40  may include a tab  44 . The tab  44  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally square or rectangular shape, for example. The tab  44  may be integrally connected to the arms  40  at its free end. In addition, the tab  44  may be located at and extend from the approximate center of the free end of the arms  40 . While the tab  44  may be connected to and extend from the free end of the arm  40 , the tab  44  is not connected to anything at its opposite end. This allows the free end of the tab  44  to stop at and catch onto a structure, such as the second component  200 , as best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In addition, there may be spaces or apertures  42  located on either side of the tab  44 , so that the apertures  42  may be located between the tab  44  and either side of the arm  40  to aid the tab  44  in catching onto a structure, such as the second component  200 , as discussed above. 
         [0044]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , each tab  44  may include a prong  46 . The prong  46  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as a smaller version of a corresponding shape and size of the tab  44 , for example. The prongs  46  may act as an additional securing and retention feature of the clip  10 . 
         [0045]    As mentioned above, the tabs  34 ,  44  may secure or connect the clip  10  to the second component  200 . The arms  40  may extend in a direction perpendicular to the base plate  12 . The tabs  44  of the arms  40  may be biased in a first direction. Connecting the second component  200  to the tabs  34 ,  44  may move the tabs  34 ,  44  in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
         [0046]    As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at least one wing  50  may extend from the base plate  12 . In an embodiment, there may be two wings  50 . For example, the pair of wings  50  may extend inward toward the center of the clip  10 , such as toward the aperture  12 . The wings  50  may be folded or bent over to be generally adjacent to the aperture  14  in the base plate  12 . 
         [0047]    Each wing  50  may include a ramped surface  52 . The ramped surface  52  may be capable of engaging a portion of the first component  100 . The wings  50  may be integrally formed with the base plate  12 , or may be separate piece that may be affixed to the base plate  12  by any appropriate means, including, but not limited to, fasteners, adhesive, welding, and the like. 
         [0048]    In addition, the wings  50  may be positioned at any appropriate location on the clip  10 . For example, the wings  50  may be located on opposite sides and opposite corners of the base plate  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the wings  50  may be located to the same side, such as the right side as viewed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , of the flaps  30 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5-10  illustrate an example of a first component  100  and a second component  200  that may be attached by the clip  10 . While the clip  10  may be shown and described as connecting to the first component  100  and the second component  200  shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , the clip  10  may be attached to any of various types of components, including, but not limited to, valve stems, sun visors, hanger hooks, grab handles, or other components, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0050]    The first component  100  may have a stem  102  extending from the base of the component  100 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . The aperture  14  of the clip  10  may be sized and shaped to receive the stem  102  of the first component  100 . The stem  102  may, for example, be inserted into the aperture  14  of the clip  10 .  FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the clip  10  connected to the first component  100  prior to rotation. As shown, the stem  102  may be inserted into the clip  10  and may contact the flaps  30  to prevent further insertion of the stem  102  into the clip  10 . 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first component  100  and/or the clip  10  may be rotated to secure the clip  10  and the first component  100  together. In an embodiment, the clip  10  may be rotated a quarter-turn to secure the clip  10  to the component  100 . Rotation of the clip  10  and/or the component  100  may cause the stem  102  to engage the wing  50 . For example, rotation of the clip  10  may cause the stem  102  to engage the wing  50  thereby depressing the wing  50 , such as by depressing the ramped surface  52  of the wing  50 . The wings  50  may therefore apply a force onto the stem  102  to force or otherwise bias the stem  102  toward or against the flaps  30 . To this end, the stem  102  may be securely affixed to the clip  10  by, for example, locking or otherwise securing to the flaps  30 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 8-10  illustrate attaching the second component  200  to the clip  10 . The component  200  may have an aperture  202 . The aperture  202  may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as being sized and shaped to align with the arms  40  and/or the flaps  30 . For example, the aperture  202  may be sized such that it is alignable with the exterior sides of the arms  40 . 
         [0053]    In an embodiment, the arms  40  may be spaced to correspond to the size of the aperture  202  of the second component  200 . The aperture  202  may be positioned on the tabs  44  such that the exterior edge of the aperture  202  may contact the tabs  44  of the arms  40 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the clip  10  engaged with the second component  200 . The second component  200  may snap into or otherwise attach to the tabs  44  of the arms  40 , as best shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In addition, there may be a low insertion force as the clip  10  is inserted into the aperture  202  of the second component  200 , while maintaining a high retention force via the tabs  34 ,  44 , for example. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of the clip  10  attached to the first component  100  and the second component  200 . The second component  200  may be attached to the clip  10  such that the second component  200  may be positioned between the tabs  34 ,  44  and the first component  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the clip  10  may be easily serviceable by rotation of the first component  100  and/or the clip  10  to separate the clip  10  from the first component  100 . 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, the clip  10  and/or the first component  100  may be rotated in a second direction to remove the clip  10  which may be opposite to a first direction to attach the clip  10  to the first component  100 . In a preferred embodiment, the clip  10  and/or the first component  100  may be rotated a quarter turn to attach the clip  10  to the first component  100 . In such an embodiment, the clip  10  and/or the first component  100  may be rotated a quarter turn in the opposite direction to separate the clip  10  from the first component  100 . The first component  100  may then be re-installed by being rotated a quarter turn in the opposite direction. 
         [0056]    In an embodiment, no tools may be required for initial installation of the clip  10  into the components  100 ,  200  or for servicing the clip  10  due to its quarter turn serviceability, as discussed above. In addition, there would be no visible fasteners, such as screws or the like, with this clip  10  thereby providing for an improved aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the customer would not need to design an extra piece to cover any exposed fasteners, such as screws, for example. 
         [0057]    The invention has been described above and, obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. The claims as follows is intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claim or the equivalents thereof.