Abstract:
A modular system of routing clip subcomponents having compatible interlocking features allows for as-needed assembly of multiple clips and extensions, thereby eliminating the need for specialized standoff brackets and clipping devices when routing vehicle wires, hoses, tubes, cables, harnesses, and the like. Generally molded from high-impact and decay resistant polymers, the elements of the modular system are inexpensive to manufacture and simple to assemble by hand.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to vehicle hose, tube, and wiring clips or retainers, and more particularly, to a modular system of individual clip or retainer sub-components which can be assembled in multiple configurations in order to meet varying installation requirements. The sub-components are molded from plastic or similar material, and are formed in such a way that they snap easily and securely together, interchangeably. In this way, the need for vehicle manufacturers to manufacture and stock a large number of specialized clips, standoffs, and extensions is eliminated. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Ground traveling vehicles possess a large number of wires, hoses, tubes, cables, electrical harnesses, lines, and the like, which must be carefully clipped and routed to avoid chafing, interference with vehicle componentry, or exposure to adverse environmental factors, such as high temperatures. In order to accomplish this, vehicle manufacturers utilize a tremendous variety of plastic and metal clips, zip-ties, retainers, brackets, standoffs, and fasteners. This is inefficient from a manufacturing standpoint, and results in greater costs to the vehicle manufacturer, both in the price of the individual components, as well as in overhead costs associated with inventory and distribution of service parts. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is the object of the present invention to reduce or eliminate the number of routing clips and brackets used by vehicle manufacturers by providing a modular system of clip sub-components that can be assembled as needed in order to meet the majority of such routing and clipping requirements. In order to accomplish this, a series of interlocking molded polymer elements are used. Typically, the polymer selected will be high-impact and ultraviolet decay resistant. The elements may be divided into several types, including mounting elements, straight extension elements, angled elements, and clip elements. They are provided with a common set of interlocking features, such as a barbed protrusion or protrusions that fit into a recess or slot, or posts that fit into corresponding holes, or even a lateral T-section that slides into a corresponding lateral T-slot. In any given embodiment, the interlocking features are designed in such a way that the parts lock together when assembled, preferably with a positive audible or tactile feedback, such that the elements “snap-together”. Further, the interlocking features may be configured so that they are releasable by manual manipulation, or by use of a tool. 
   The mounting element may simply be a body with a hole, which hole is provided in several common sizes, in increments of half a millimeter in the smaller sizes, full millimeters in the larger sizes, or sixteenths of an inch. In this way, a common fastener may be used to attach the mounting element to the vehicle. The mounting element may be provided with an overmolded metal insert for strength in compression, so that the common fastener may be tightened securely. The hole, whether in the parent molded material of the mounting element, or whether in the overmolded metal insert, may be threaded with or without a locking feature, so that only a male common threaded fastener need be used to attach the mounting element to the vehicle. The threads provided may be in metric or SAE standard. Alternately, the mounting element may be provided with a mounting stud, whether formed out of the parent molded material, or as an overmolded or otherwise attached metal insert. The stud may be provided in several sizes and lengths, with metric or SAE standard thread. Further embodiments of mounting elements include elements provided with a fir-tree or rosebud press-in type feature insertable into a hole provided in the vehicle structure, and elements provided with a high-bonding adhesive backing. 
   The extension elements are provided in incremental lengths of about fifteen millimeters or half an inch increments. Angled elements in the same way are molded in incremental angles of about fifteen degrees increment, except that a single smaller angle element may be available, such that the elements available may be 7.5°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and so forth. Further, one or more twist elements, or elements that change angle along the long axis, may be provided. Elbows and tees may be part of the set of modular elements as well. 
   The line clipping or retainer elements are generally cylindrical with a separation along one side, and a living hinge along the other, generally opposed side. There are interlocking closures between the two hinged halves, such that once the clip is closed around a hose or tube, it locks in the closed position. Similar to the interlocking features used to assemble the elements, the interlocking closures between the two hinged halves may be configured so that they are releasable by manual manipulation, or using a tool. The interlocking closures used to hold the line clip or retainer closed may be co-planar with the interlocking features used to assemble the elements, or the interlocking features used to assemble the elements may be located perpendicular to the interlocking closures. Further, the axis of the line clip or retainer may be oblique to the axis of the body of the modular clip element. The axis of the line clip or retainer may even be rotatable relative to the body of the modular clip element. 
   Another embodiment of the line clipping or retainer element involves the use of a resilient clip as is well-known in the industry, wherein the clip is generally cylindrical with an opening along its axis that is of a lesser distance that the diameter of the hose or tube to be inserted into it. Again, the axis of the line clip or retainer may be oblique to the axis of the body of the modular clip element. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG.  1 —Prior art routing and clipping installation. 
     FIG.  2 —A view of a first embodiment of the present invention 
     FIG.  3 —A view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  4 —A view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  5 —A view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  6 —A view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  7 —A view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  8 —A view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  9 —A view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  10 —A view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  11 —A view of a tenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  12 —A view of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  13 —A view of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  14 —A view of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  15 —A view of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  16 —A view of a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  17 —A view of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  18 —A view of a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  19 —A view of an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  20 —A view of a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  21 —A view of a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  22 —A view of a twenty first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  23 —A view of a twenty second embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a typical prior art routing and clipping installation. A standoff bracket  102  of complex shape is attached to a vehicle mounting surface  101 . Routing clips  103  of various sizes are attached to the standoff bracket  102 , using common fasteners  105 , also of various sizes. Lines to be routed  104  are securely held in place by the clips  103 . 
     FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the present invention, a modular route and clip system  150  comprised of modular route and clip system elements  151 . Each modular route and clip system element  151  is provided with an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system elements  151  may be connected one to the next. The modular route and clip system elements  151  shown in  FIG. 2  are shown projected from their assembled positions, so that the nature of their interlocking relationship may be more readily shown. The interlocking features  153  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  are made up of barbs  154  and compatible recesses  155 , into which the barbs  154  are made to slide. Each recess  155  has barb holes  156 , such that the barbs  154  are firmly retained in the recesses  155  once installed. Several different types of modular route and clip system elements  151  are shown, including mounting elements  200  having mounting holes  201 , angled extension elements  300 , and clip elements  500 . The clip elements  500  are provided with living hinges  501  and interlocking closures  502 , so that lines to be routed  104  (not shown) may be retained therein. Additional types of modular route and clip system elements  151  are disclosed in subsequent drawings. 
     FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the present invention, a modular route and clip system  150  comprised of modular route and clip system elements  151 , similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , except that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is shown with the modular route and clip system elements  151  assembled and ready for installation. The barbs  154  of the interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are not fully shown, are engaged to the barb holes  156 , thereby firmly retaining one modular route and clip system element  151  to the next. Again, several different types of modular route and clip system elements  151  are shown, including mounting elements  200  having mounting holes  201 , angled extension elements  300 , and clip elements  500 . 
     FIG. 4  shows a partial view of an embodiment of the present invention, a modular route and clip system  150  comprised of modular route and clip system elements  151 , similar to the modular route and clip system  150  shown in  FIG. 2 . Each modular route and clip system element  151  is provided with an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system elements  151  may be connected one to the next. The modular route and clip system elements  151  shown in  FIG. 4  are again shown projected from their assembled positions, so that the nature of their interlocking relationship may be more readily shown. The interlocking features  153  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  are made up of posts  157  and post holes  158 . The posts  157  are sized relative to the post holes  158  such that they must be pressed firmly together, and remain firmly attached once assembled. 
     FIG. 5  shows a partial view of another embodiment of the present invention, a modular route and clip system  150  comprised of modular route and clip system elements  151 , similar to the modular route and clip system  150  shown in  FIG. 2 . Each modular route and clip system element  151  is provided with an element body  152  interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system elements  151  may be connected one to the next. The modular route and clip system elements  151  shown in  FIG. 5  are again shown projected from their assembled positions, so that the nature of their interlocking relationship may be more readily shown. The interlocking features  153  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  are made up of lateral T-sections  159  and lateral T-slots  160 . Similar to the posts  157  and post holes  158  shown in  FIG. 4 , the lateral T-sections  159  and lateral T-slots  160  shown in  FIG. 5  are sized such that they must be pressed firmly together, and remain firmly attached once assembled. 
     FIG. 6  shows a view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200 , having a mounting hole  201 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 6 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The diameter of the mounting hole  201  is provided in increments of half a millimeter in the smaller sizes, full millimeters in the larger sizes, or sixteenths of an inch, according to need. 
     FIG. 7  shows a partial cut-away view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200 , which modular route and clip system mounting element  200  is provided with a mounting hole overmolded insert  202 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 7 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The mounting hole overmolded insert  202  functions to provide crush strength, so that the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be tightened securely against a mounting surface. The mounting hole overmolded insert  202  is provided with a mounting hole  201 . The diameter of the mounting hole  201  is again provided in increments of half a millimeter in the smaller sizes, full millimeters in the larger sizes, or sixteenths of an inch, according to need. 
     FIG. 8  shows a view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200 , having a mounting hole  201 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 8 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The mounting hole  201  is provided with screw threads  203 . The screw threads  203  are provided in several common thread sizes, such as ¼″-20, 5/16″-18, M6-1, M8-1.25, or M10-1.5, according to need. 
     FIG. 9  shows a view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200  having a parent-material mounting stud  204 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 9 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The parent-material mounting stud  204  is provided with screw threads  203 . The screw threads  203  are provided in several common thread sizes, such as ¼″-20, 5/16″-18, M6-1, M8-1.25, or M10-1.5, and the parent-material mounting stud  204  is provided in lengths of several increments, according to need. 
     FIG. 10  shows a partial cut-away view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200  having an overmolded mounting stud  205 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 10 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The overmolded mounting stud  205  is provided with screw threads  203 . The screw threads  203  are provided in several common thread sizes, such as ¼″-20, 5/16″-18, M6-1, M8-1.25, or M10-1.5, and the overmolded mounting stud  205  is provided in lengths of several increments, according to need. 
     FIG. 11  shows a view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200  having a press-in feature  206 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 11 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The press-in feature  206  allows the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  to be affixed to a mating hole, and firmly retained without the use of tools or compatible fasteners. 
     FIG. 12  shows a view of a modular route and clip system mounting element  200  having adhesive strips  207 . The modular route and clip system mounting element  200  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , which interlocking features  153  are only partially shown in  FIG. 12 . By means of the interlocking features  153 , the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The adhesive strips  207  allow the modular route and clip system mounting element  200  to be affixed to a mating surface, and firmly retained without the use of tools or compatible fasteners. 
     FIG. 13  shows a view of a modular route and clip system straight element  250 . The modular route and clip system straight element  250  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system straight element  250  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The modular route and clip system straight element  250  is provided in length increments from interlocking feature  153  to interlocking feature  153  of about fifteen millimeters from about fifteen millimeters to about sixty millimeters, in length increments of about half an inch from about half an inch to about two and a half inches. 
     FIG. 14  shows a view of a modular route and clip system angled element  300 . The modular route and clip system angled element  300  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system angled element  300  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The modular route and clip system angled element  300  is provided in angle increments of about 7.5°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. 
     FIG. 15  shows a view of a modular route and clip system twist element  350 . The modular route and clip system twist element  350  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system twist element  350  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). The modular route and clip system twist element  350  is provided in angle increments of about 7.5°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. 
     FIG. 16  shows a view of a modular route and clip system elbow element  400 . The modular route and clip system elbow element  400  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system elbow element  400  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). 
     FIG. 17  shows a view of a modular route and clip system tee element  450 . The modular route and clip system tee element  450  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system tee element  450  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). 
     FIG. 18  shows a view of a modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  in the open position. The modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). Further, the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  is configured with a living hinge  502  and an interlocking closure  503 , such that the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  may be opened as shown, a line to be routed  104  (not shown) may be inserted therein, and the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  closed, thereby engaging the interlocking closure  503  and securely retaining the line to be routed  104  (not shown). 
     FIG. 19  shows a view of a modular route and clip system line clipping element  500 , similar to the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 18 . The modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 19  again has an element body  152 , interlocking features  153 , a living hinge  502 , and an interlocking closure  503 . The modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  is shown in the closed position with the interlocking closure  503  securely engaged. 
     FIG. 20  shows a view of a modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  in the open position, similar to the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 18 . The modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 20  again has an element body  152 , interlocking features  153 , a living hinge  502 , and an interlocking closure  503 . Additionally, the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  has a separate retaining portion  501 . The living hinge  502  and the interlocking closure  503  are positioned on planes perpendicular to the axis of the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500 , such that the retaining portion  501  may be in the open position when the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  is installed between other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). 
     FIG. 21  shows a view of a modular route and clip system oblique line clipping element  504  in the open position, similar to the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 20 . The modular route and clip system oblique line clipping element  504  shown in  FIG. 21  again has an element body  152 , interlocking features  153 , a separate retaining portion  501 , a living hinge  502 , and an interlocking closure  503 . The living hinge  502  and the interlocking closure  503  are positioned oblique to the axis of the element body  152 , such that the line to be routed  104  (not shown) is at an angle to the axis of the element body  152  when in the installed position. The angle between the installed position of the line to be routed  104  (not shown) and the axis of the element body  152  depends on the configuration of the modular route and clip system oblique line clipping element  504 , which may be provided in angle increments of about 82.5°, 75°, 60°, 45°, 30°, and 0°. 
     FIG. 22  shows a partial view of a modular route and clip system rotatable line clipping element  505  in the open position, similar to the modular route and clip system line clipping element  500  shown in  FIG. 20 . The modular route and clip system rotatable line clipping element  505  shown in  FIG. 22  again has an element body  152 , interlocking features  153 , a separate retaining portion  501 , a living hinge  502 , and an interlocking closure  503 . However, the element body  152  of the modular route and clip system rotatable line clipping element  505  is further provided with a rotatable body  506  of which the separate retaining portion  501 , the living hinge  502 , and the interlocking closure  503  are part. The rotatable body  506  is provided with a pivot pin  507 , which is securely retained and free to pivot within a pivot hole  508  provided in the element body  152 . In this way, the line to be routed  104  (not shown) is free to rotate relative to the axis of the element body  152  when in the installed position. 
     FIG. 23  shows a view of a modular route and clip system resilient line clipping element  509 . The modular route and clip system resilient line clipping element  509  has an element body  152  and interlocking features  153 , by means of which the modular route and clip system resilient line clipping element  509  may be connected to other modular route and clip system elements  151  (not shown). Further, the modular route and clip system resilient line clipping element  509  is configured with resilient fingers  510 , which are spaced apart at a distance less than the diameter of a line to be routed  104  (not shown), such that when the line to be routed  104  (not shown) is pressed therebetween, it is securely retained. 
   Other permutations of the invention are possible without departing from the teachings disclosed herein, provided that the function of the invention is to reduce or eliminate the number of routing clips and brackets by providing a modular system of clip sub-components that can be assembled as needed, which clips have interlocking features and are generally configured as mounting elements, extension elements, angled elements, twist elements, and clip elements. Other advantages to a modular system of clip sub-components may also be inherent in the invention, without having been described above.