Patent Publication Number: US-2020284280-A1

Title: Rivet-type fastener

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on, claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety Indian Patent Application No. 201921009198, filed on Mar. 8, 2019, and entitled “A RIVET-TYPE FASTENER”. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A rivet-type fastener is typically used in vehicles for securing articles to supporting structures, such as the body of a vehicle. Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to interior panel, exterior panels, and interior or exterior moulding or trim. Generally, such fastener includes a fastener body and a fastener pin. The fastener body may further include a hole through which the fastener pin may be inserted. For fastening the article onto the body of the automobile, the hole of the fastener body may be aligned with the hole in the article and the corresponding hole onto the body of the automobile. Once aligned, the fastener pin may be inserted upon which it may get engaged openings of the article or the body of the automobile. Once engaged, the article is securely attached to the body of the automobile. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a rivet-type fastener, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rivet-type fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of a rivet-type fastener pin, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrates cross-sectional views of the rivet-type fastener in various stages of installation, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an expanded view of a spring element of a rivet-type fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an expanded view of various portions of a rivet-type fastener, in accordance with one implementation of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of the rivet-type fastener, in accordance with another example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of the rivet-type fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a top view of the rivet-type fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an expanded view of a portion of the rivet-type fastener, in accordance with one example of the present subject matter; and 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrates various views of a fastener with supporting protrusions, in accordance with yet another implementation of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     It may be noted that throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed previously, rivet-type fasteners allow various articles or panels to be securely attached to the body of the automobile. In certain known rivet-type fasteners, the fastener body and the fastener pin are independent components, which may be separate from each other before installation. One end of the fastener body may typically include a collared portion, the dimensions of which are larger than the dimensions of the openings through which it was inserted. The fastener body may further include a plurality of flexible elongated portions which may extend in a direction which is orthogonal to the collared portion. As the fastener body is aligned and inserted into the holes of the article and the body, the flexible elongated portions pass through the opening till the collared portion rests on the surface of the article which is to be fastened. The fastener pin, being a rigid body, on being inserted may abut against the inner surfaces of the flexible elongated portions owing to which the elongated portions may bend to move in an outward-radial direction engaging against the body of the supporting structure onto which the article is being fastened. 
     Generally, the fastener body and pin may be independent components, are may be completely separate from one another before installation. In such cases, the fastener pin may be prone to being misplaced. In some cases, the fastener may have to installed in spaces which do not allow maneuverability and may restrict the ease with which the fastener may be installed. Particularly when the fastener pin is relatively short, so the installer attempting to position the pin in the body can be hindered by the edge of the channel or well in which the fastener body is positioned. This can substantially slow the installation process if the pin is dropped or misplaced during installation. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a rivet-type fastener including a body and pin that are more easily manipulated within a restricted installation area. 
     Examples of a rivet-type fastener is described. The rivet-type fastener includes a fastener body and a fastener pin. The fastener pin may include a head portion and a shaft which extends from the head of the fastener pin. In one example, the rivet-type fastener may further include a cantilevered snap element provided at the end of the shaft of the fastener pin. The cantilevered snap element is such that it permits the fastener pin to be inserted into the hole in the collared portion of the fastener body. As the fastener pin passes through the hole, the cantilevered snap element may slightly deform inwards thereby allowing the movement of the fastener pin through the hole. As soon as the cantilevered snap element crosses the edges of the hole of the collared portion, the cantilevered snap element regains its original shape. Once the cantilevered snap element regains its initial shape, it prevents the withdrawal of the fastener pin from the hole of the collared portion. 
     At this stage, the fastener pin is only partially inserted into the fastener body. In this manner, the rivet-fastener, i.e., the fastener body along with the partially inserted fastener pin may be then utilized for securing the desired article to the body of the automobile. Since the fastener pin is securely retained within the fastener body, the possibility of misplacing or losing the same during installation is substantially reduced. 
     In an example, the fastener pin may be further provided with a spring element which is positioned along the shaft of the fastener pin. For installation, the fastener body (along with the partially inserted fastener pin) may be positioned onto the desired location, wherein the rivet-fastener is to be fastened. Once positioned, the fastener pin may be completely inserted through the collared portion. Once the fastener pin is fully inserted, a locking action of the spring element engages with an inner edge of the fastener body thereby securing the fastener pin in the fastener body. In yet another examples, the flexible elongated portions of the fastener body may be provided with additional ribbed protrusions to provide a better engagement with the opening through which the rivet-type fastener may be inserted. The rivet-type fastener, as described, further includes access channels in the collared portion of the fastener body to allow the fastener pin to be partially pulled out from the fastener body of the rivet-type fastener through any prying tool (e.g., a screw driver). 
     The above aspects are further described in conjunction with the figures, and in associated description below. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various assembly that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, may be devised from the description and are included within its scope. 
     An example rivet-type fastener is depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a rivet-type fastener  100  (referred to as fastener  100 ), in accordance with one implementation of the present subject matter. In one example, the fastener  100  includes a fastener pin  102  and fastener body  104 . The fastener body  104  is adapted to seat within holes in articles to be fastened together by fastener  100 . To this end, the fastener body  104  further includes a collared portion  106  having a central axis. The collared portion  106  is such that it allows the fastener body  104  to be supported and positioned onto the surface of the article which is to be securely affixed to the body of the automobile. Continuing further, the collared portion  106  may further include a through central opening  108 . In an example, the central opening  108  may be centred about the central axis of the collared portion  106 . The shape of the central opening  108  may be such that it allows the passage of the fastener pin  102  either partially, i.e., when the fastener pin  102  is to be secured to the fastener body  104  to avoid misplacing or loss, or fully, i.e., when the fastener pin  102  is fully inserted into the fastener body  104  to securely attach the article to the body of the automobile. 
     The fastener body  104  further include a plurality of elongated portion(s)  110 - 1 ,  2  . . . ,  4 , which extend orthogonally with respect to the plane in which collared portion  106  is present. Each of the elongated portion(s)  110 - 1 ,  2  . . . ,  4  (collectively referred to as the elongated portion(s)  110 ) are independent with respect to each other and are radially positioned about the central axis and about the edges of the central opening  108 . Furthermore, the positioning of the elongated portion(s)  110  may be such that each of the adjoining elongated portion(s)  110  define an elongated spacing  112  (between adjacent elongated portions), and a collective central space  114  in between. As would be described, the elongated portion(s)  110  are moveable 
     In the example as illustrated, the ends of the elongated portion(s)  110  may be further provided with corresponding enlarged end(s)  116 . The enlarged end(s)  116  may further include corresponding tapered end(s)  118 . The tapered end(s)  118  on the bottom of the body provide a narrow entrance as compared to the holes present in the articles in which the fastener is to be installed. As the fastener body  104  is inserted, the tapered end(s)  118  may initially pass through the hole (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). As the fastener body  104  is pushed further, the tapered profile of the tapered end(s)  118  may result in the movement of the elongated portion(s)  110  into the central space  114 . As the enlarged end(s)  116  passes through the hole, the elongated portion(s)  110  may retain their original positions, with the fastener body  104  being prevented from being withdrawn from the hole in which it was inserted. 
     The form of the fastener body  104  as just described is exemplary only, and the subject matter can be used with other types of bodies. For example, the length of the elongated portions may be determined according based on the thickness of the article which is to be attached to the body of the automobile. Although  FIG. 1  depicts only four elongated portion(s)  110 , the number of elongated portion(s)  110  may vary without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     The fastener pin  102  includes a head portion  120  and a shaft  122 . The head portion  120  of the fastener pin  102  may be planar. For example, the head portion  120  may be circular in shape. Continuing further the shaft  122  extends axially from the head portion  120 . In an example, the axis of the shaft  122  and the central point of the head portion  120  may be coinciding. The fastener pin  102  is positioned for insertion through the central opening  108  provided in fastener body  104 . The fastener pin  102  when inserted is to engage with either the elongated portion(s)  110  of the fastener body  104  or with the internal edges of the central opening  108 . In an example, the shaft  122  may further include spring element  124 . The spring element  124  is moveable from its original position (i.e., when no force is applied or when no surface abuts against it) to a position which is closer to the shaft  122  (i.e., when a force is applied or a surface, such as the edge of the central opening  108  abuts against it). 
     Additional aspects of the fastener pin  102  are further described in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A-2B .  FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembly  200 , depicting a cross-sectional view of the fastener  100  along with the fastener pin  102  and the fastener body  104 , as per another example.  FIG. 2B , on the other hand, provides a perspective view of an example fastener pin  102 . In operation, the fastener  100  may be deployed within the central opening  108 , with the elongated portion(s)  110  extending through central opening  108  which extends through a layer of an article  206  and through a portion of the body of the automobile, depicted as body  208 . The shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102  further comprises a spring element  124 . The distal end of the shaft  122  is further provided with a cantilevered snap element  202  (interchangeably referred to as the snap element  202 ). The snap element  202 , depicted in  FIG. 2B , may be provided at a distal end of the shaft  122 . The snap element  202  may be such that a portion of the snap element  202  is flexibly moveable with respect to the axis of shaft. For example, the snap element  202  is flexibly moveable such that it may deform from its original configuration (when in a non-deformed state), and move towards the axis of the shaft  122 , as will be explained in the following paragraphs. 
     In an example, the snap element  202  may have a tapered profile, with the snap element  202  being narrow at the end of the shaft  122 , and broader as one proceeds away from the end of the shaft  122 . As a result of the tapered profile, the cross-sectional diameter of the central opening  108  is less than the cross-sectional diameter of the snap element  202 . In operation, the fastener body  104  may be inserted initially. Once the fastener body  104  is inserted, the fastener pin  102  may be inserted through the central opening  108 . As the fastener pin  102  is inserted, the end of the shaft  122  moves beyond the inner edges  204  of the central opening  108 . When inserted partially, the snap element  202  results in retaining the fastener pin  102  within the fastener body  104 , thereby reducing the possibility of loss of the fastener pin  102 . When fully inserted, the spring element  124  engages with the inner edges  204  of the central opening  108  to retain the fastener pin  102  into the fastener body  104  of the fastener  100 , When being inserted, the snap element  202  moves along the elongated spacing  112  present between the adjacent elongated portion(s)  110 . These and other aspects are further described in conjunction with the remaining figures. 
       FIG. 3A-3C  illustrates the example fastener  100 , in various stages of installation. As depicted in  FIG. 3A , the fastener body  104  is to receive the fastener pin  102 . To this end, the fastener pin  102  is brought closer to the central opening  108  present within the fastener body  104 . When being inserted, a distal end  302  of the shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102  approaches the inner edges  204  of the central opening  108 . In an example, the cross-section of the distal end  302  may be less than the cross-section of the central opening  108 . As the fastener pin  102  is further inserted, the distal end  302  of the shaft  122  proceeds beyond the edge  204 . The fastener pin  102  proceeds further till the edges  204  comes into contact with the surface of the snap element  202 . At this stage, it may be noted that the fastener pin  102  is not engaged with the fastener body  104  of the fastener  100 . 
     As the fastener pin  102  is pushed further inwards through the central opening  108 , the cantilevered snap element  202  may slightly deform and move inwards towards the shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102 , as it abuts against the edge  204 . The snap element  202  continues to move further towards the shaft  122  as the shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102  moves through the central opening  108  of the fastener body  104 . As the fastener pin  102  moves further, the edges of the snap element  202  may cross the edges  204  of the central opening  108 . At this stage, the surface of the snap element  202  is no longer in contact with the edge  204  of the central opening  108 . The snap element  202 , thereafter, may again retain its original configuration and shape, such that the edges of the cantilevered snap element  202  may abut and interfere with the edges  204  of the central opening  108 . 
     Owing to the obstruction offered by the edges  204 , the fastener pin  102  is retained within the fastener body  104  when inserted partially (as depicted in  FIG. 3B ). Since the fastener pin  102  is retained within the fastener body  104 , misplacing or loss of the fastener pin  102  during installation of the fastener  100  may be minimized. Furthermore, in cases where installation space restricts manoeuvrability and is not sufficient for inserting the fastener pin  102 , the fastener  100  with the partially inserted fastener pin  102  may be deployed together. Once the fastener body  104  is inserted into the hole through the article (which is to be secured) and the automobile body, the partially inserted fastener pin  102  may be manually pushed completely inside the fastener body  104  to secure the fastener  100  (as depicted in  FIG. 3C ). 
       FIG. 3C  depicts a stage when the fastener pin  102  is completely inserted into the fastener body  104  of the fastener  100 . As depicted in  FIG. 3B , when partially inserted, the spring element  124  may be in its original position is not in contact with any portion of the fastener body  104 . As the fastener pin  102  is being pushed through the central opening  108 , the spring element  124  gets pressed by the edges  204 , as a result of which it moves closer to the shaft  122 . As the spring element  124  crosses the collared portion  106 , it snaps back moving away from the shaft  122  resuming its original position, and locks against the edge  204  of the collared portion  106 . The locking action of the spring element  124  secures the fastener pin  102  within the fastener body  104 . In an example, the shape of the spring element  124  may be so adapted so as to permit engagement of the spring element  124  with the fastener body  104 . The manner in which the spring element  124  engages with the edge  204  of the collared portion  106  is further depicted and described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
     As described in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A-3C , when the fastener pin  102  is fully inserted into the fastener body  104 , the spring element  124  engages and locks with the edges  204  of the central opening  108 , thereby securing the fastener pin  102  when fully inserted into the fastener body  104 .  FIG. 4  provides an expanded view of a portion of the spring element  124 , as per one example. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the spring element  124  positioned along the length of the fastener pin is further provided with a profiled edge  402 . In an example, the profile edge  402  is L-shaped so as rigidly engage with the edge  204 , when the fastener pin  102  is fully inserted. As the fastener pin  102  passes through the central opening  108 , the profiled edge  402  engages with the edge  204  of the collared portion  106 . When fully inserted, the L-shaped profile or the profiled edge  402  abuts against the shape of the edge  204 , thereby preventing any movement of the fastener pin  102  away from the fastener body  104  in the axial direction. It may be noted that the shape of the profiled edge  402 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 , is only one of the other possible examples. Other example shapes of the profiled edge  402  may also be utilized without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As described in conjunction with the preceding figures, the fastener pin  102  may be partially inserted, initially, owing to which the fastener pin  102  is retained within the fastener body  104  to prevent any loss or misplacement of the fastener pin  102  during installation. Thereafter, the fastener body  104  (with the partially inserted fastener pin  102 ) may be deployed to secure an article to the body of the automobile. Thereafter, the fastener pin  102  may be fully inserted into the fastener body  104 . When fully inserted, the fastener pin  102  causes the fastener body  104  to be rigidly held within the hole in which the fastener body  104  was inserted. 
     The rigid securing of the fastener body  104  is explained on conjunction with  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fastener  500 , such as fastener  100 . Prior to the insertion of the fastener pin  102  into the fastener body  104 , the elongated portion(s)  110  of the fastener body  104  are at their original position  502  (as shown in dotted lines). The end of the elongated portion(s)  110  being rigidly coupled to the collared portion  106  of the fastener body  104 , may move about the original position  502 . As discussed in conjunction with  FIG. 1-2 , the elongated portion(s)  110  may move inwards into the central space  114 . 
     As the fastener pin  102  is inserted into the fastener body  104 , the shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102  contacts the inner surfaces of the elongated portion(s)  110  of the fastener body  104 . As the fastener pin  102  moves further inwards through the central opening  108 , the shaft  122  urges the elongated portion(s)  110  to move in a radially outward direction to accommodate the fastener pin  102 . The radially outward movement of one of the elongated portion(s)  110  is depicted by the arrow M. When the fastener pin  102  is completely pushed in, the elongated portion(s)  110  move outwards from their original position  502  to assume the position  504 . In one example, the lengths of the fastener pin  102  and the elongated portion(s)  110  are such, that when the fastener pin  102  is fully inserted and engaged, the leading edge of the shaft  122  and the elongated portion(s)  110  are in line. 
     In another example, the leading edge of the shaft  122  extends beyond the distal ends of the elongated portion(s)  110 . In such case, the elongated portion(s)  110  when present in the position  504 , have their edges which are in line with the distal edges of the shaft  122  of the fastener pin  102 . Furthermore, the greater length of the elongated portion(s)  110  provides better retention capability, when the fastener body  104  is positioned while securing an article to the body of the automobile, under consideration. In another example, the outer surfaces of the elongated portion(s)  110  may be further provided with ribbed protrusion which further enhance the engagement of the elongated portion(s)  110  with the inner surfaces of the hole in which the fastener body  104  is inserted. 
     The fastener  100  as discussed in conjunction with the previous figures may include a plurality of protrusions provided on the fastener pin and the fastener body  104 . These aspects are further explained in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-6C .  FIG. 6A  illustrates a front perspective view of an example fastener  600 . The fastener  600  further includes the fastener pin  602  and the fastener body  604 . Similar to the previous figures, the fastener pin  602  further includes a head portion  606  and the fastener body  604  includes a collared portion  608 . The head portion  606  of the fastener pin  602  may further include a pair of protrusions  610 A and  6106  (collectively referred to as protrusions  610 ). In an example, the protrusions  610  may be located at diametrically opposite positions along the perimeter of the head portion  606 . In an example, the protrusions  610  may aid in handling of the fastener pin  602  when it is being inserted into fastener body  604 . 
     Continuing with the present example, the collared portion  608  of the fastener body  604  may further include a pair of raised projections  612 A and  612 B (collectively referred to as the projections  612 ) from the upper surfaces of the collared portion  608 . In an example, the projections  612  may be positioned at diametrically opposite locations about the peripheral edges of the collared portion  608 . 
     As described earlier, the fastener pin  602  may be fully inserted into the fastener body  604  for securing the article to the body of an automobile.  FIG. 6C  provides a top view of the fastener  600 , when the fastener pin  602  is fully inserted into the fastener body  604 . When fully inserted, the protrusions  610  and the projections  612  may be symmetrically arranged, such that the distance between adjacent protrusions  610  and projections  612  is the same. For example, the distance between the protrusion  610 A, and projections  612 A and  612 B is the same. In a similar manner, the distance between the projection  612 A and the protrusions  610 A and  610 B is the same. 
     In an example, when the fastener pin  602  is fully inserted, the edges of the head portion  606  and raised projections  612  define access channels  614 , therein. For example, an access channel  614 A may be defined between the head portion  606  and the raised projections  612 A, whereas another access channel  6146  may be defined between the edges of the head portion  606  and the projections  6126 . The access channels  614 A and  614 B provide an access point for a prying tool. The prying tool may be inserted into one of the access channels  614 A and  614 B to disengage the spring element  124  (as described in  FIG. 1 ) when used as a lever. For example, when the prying tool is used, a sufficient force may be applied to overcome the abutting force between the spring element  124  and the edges  204  of the central opening  108 . Once the abutting force between the spring element  124  and the edges  204  is overcome, the spring element  124  dislodges from the edges  204 , enabling the fastener pin  602  to be partially free from the fastener body  604 . An example of a prying tool includes, but is not limited to, a screw driver, which may be inserted into any one of the channels  614 A and  614 B to dislodge the fastener pin  602  partially from the fastener body  604 . 
     The construction of the fastener pin may be of plastic material or such similar material. In an example, the fastener pin may be hollow.  FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section of the fastener pin  702  as per one example. The inner surface  706  of the shaft  704  of the fastener pin  702 , further encloses an internal space. In an example, the inner surface  706  includes a structural groove  708 . The structural groove  708  contributes to the ease of ejection of the fastener pin  702  during the process for manufacturing of the rivet-type fastener, such as the fastener  100 . The groove  708  may be provided towards the end of the shaft  704  and extends in a circular path around the inner surface  706  of the shaft  704 . In one example, the inner surface  706  may include a plurality of grooves  708 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  provides a cross-sectional view and a perspective views of example fastener  800  when installed to secure an article to body of an automobile. In certain instances, underside corner of the collared portion, i.e., the portion where the collared portion  806  meets the elongated portion(s)  808 , may be rounded. Such an instance is depicted in  FIG. 8A , depicting a fastener  800 . The fastener  800 , as depicted, includes a fastener pin  802  which is inserted into the fastener body  804 , with the fastener body  804  further comprising a collared portion  806 . Furthermore, a plurality of elongated portion(s)  808  extend from the collared portion  806 . Thereafter, the fastener  800  may be deployed within the hole  810 , with the elongated portion(s)  808  extending through hole  810  which extends through a layer of an article  812  and through a portion of the body of the automobile, depicted as body  814 . The portion of the fastener  800  where collared portion  806  meets the elongated portion(s)  808  is indicated as rounded portion  816 . 
     Continuing further, the hole  810  extending through the article  812  and the body  814  is uniform, i.e., the diameter of the hole formed through the article  812  and the body  814  is the same. Furthermore, the diameter as described by the elongated portion(s)  808  may be equal to the diameter of the hole  810 . In such instances, it is possible, that the fastener body  804  when inserted into the hole  810 , may not be fully supported when the fastener pin  802  is inserted completely in the fastener body  804 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the fastener body  804  may be inserted into the hole  810  which extends through the article  812  and the body  814 . As the fastener body  804  is inserted, the edge of the hole, depicted as edge  818  moves along the outer surfaces of the elongated portion(s)  808 . As the edge  818  moves further, it may encounter the lower portion of the rounded portion  816 . Owing to the curvature of the rounded portion  816 , the edge  818  may not be able to completely come into contact with the lower surface of the collared portion  806 , thereby resulting in the formation of a gap  820 . 
     As would be understood, owing to the gap  820 , the collared portion  806  of the fastener body  804  may not be suitably supported by the upper surfaces of the article  812 . As a result, the fastener body  804 , when subject to uneven forces it may result in bending of the collared portion  806 . This in turn may impact the structural integrity of the fastener  800 . In addition, the formation of the gap  820  may also result in the improper securing of the article  812  to the body  814 . Furthermore, the gap  820  may also result in accumulation of debris and waste, which in turn, may further impact the securing of the article  812  to the body  814 . 
     To this end, a fastener  850 , as depicted in  FIGS. 8B-8C , is described. In an example, the fastener  850  may further include a fastener pin  852  which is insertable into a fastener body  854 . The fastener body  854  may further include collared portion  856 . The collared portion  856  includes a centrally located opening  858 , which extends axially through the collared portion  856 . The collared portion  856  may further include downward extending protrusion(s)  860 - 1 ,  2  (collectively referred to as protrusion(s)  860 ) and elongated portion(s)  862 . The collared portion  856  and the elongated portion(s)  862  extend and are joined at rounded portion  864 . The extent to which the protrusion(s)  860  may extend in the downward direction may be determined based on gap  866  which may be present between a portion of lower surface of the collared portion  856  and a surface of the article which is to be secured to the body of the automobile. The protrusion(s)  860  from the lower surface of the collared portion  856  provide adequate support to the collared portion  856 , in the event that a gap  866  is formed as a result of the rounded portion  864  (as explained with respect to fastener  800 ). 
       FIG. 8C  provide a bottom perspective view of the fastener  850 , which further include protrusion(s)  860 . The protrusion(s)  860  may be such that they extend from a semi-circular segment of the collared portion  856 . It may be noted that the shape and configuration of the protrusion(s)  860  as depicted in  FIG. 8C  is only one of the other possible example. The protrusion(s)  860  may be implemented as other different shapes without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Although aspects and other examples have been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to such specific features or elements as described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter.