Patent Publication Number: US-9833888-B2

Title: Clip installation tool

Description:
FIELD 
     The subject matter described herein relates in general to the joining two or more structures together using a fastener and, more particularly, to tools for facilitating the installation of such fasteners. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trim is used in some automobiles for cosmetic reasons to provide a more pleasing aesthetic appearance. For instance, trim may be used to cover portions of a vehicle frame. The trim can include a plastic or metal cover. The trim can be attached to the vehicle frame or other structure by clips. The clips may be installed by pushing on the clip with using a finger or another object. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to a clip installation tool. The clip installation tool includes a base element and a plunger element. The base element can include a plunger installation cavity and a clip receiving cavity. At least a portion of the plunger element can be retainably received in base element. The plunger element can be movable within the base element between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, a portion of the plunger element can extend into the clip receiving cavity. 
     In another respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to a clip installation tool. The clip installation tool can include a base element and a plunger element. The base element can include a plunger installation cavity and a clip receiving cavity. The base element can include a passage connecting between the plunger installation cavity and the clip receiving cavity. The clip receiving cavity can be configured to retainably engage a two-stage clip. At least a portion of the plunger element can be retainably received in base element. The plunger element can be movable within the base element between a retracted position and an extended position. A portion of the plunger element can extend into the clip receiving cavity in the extended position. The plunger element can include a pad portion and a shaft portion. The pad portion can be transverse to the shaft portion. 
     In still another respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to a method of installing a two-stage clip using a clip installation tool. The two-stage clip can include a first stage and a second stage. The clip installation tool can include a base element and a plunger element. The base element can include a plunger installation cavity and a clip receiving cavity. At least a portion of the plunger element can be retainably received in base element. The plunger element can be movable within the base element between a retracted position and an extended position. A portion of the plunger element can extend into the clip receiving cavity in the extended position. 
     The method can include bringing together the clip installation tool and the two-stage clip such that the second stage of the two-stage clip is retainably received within the clip receiving cavity of the installation tool. The method can also include inserting the first stage of the two-stage clip into substantially aligned apertures of two or more vehicle components. The method can further include activating the first stage of the two-stage clip using the clip installation tool. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an example of a clip installation tool. 
         FIG. 2  is an example of a plunger element of the clip installation tool. 
         FIG. 3  is an example of a base element of the clip installation tool. 
         FIG. 4  is view of a first end of the base element of the clip installation tool, showing a plunger insertion cavity. 
         FIG. 5  is view of a second end of the base element of the clip installation tool, showing a clip receiving cavity. 
         FIG. 6A  is cross-sectional view of the clip installation tool, showing the plunger element in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 6B  is cross-sectional view of the clip installation tool, showing the plunger element in an extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the clip installation tool, showing a two-stage clip received in the clip receiving cavity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This detailed description relates to clip installation tools and the use of such tools. More particularly, the clip installation tool can include a base element and a plunger element. The base element can include a clip receiving cavity to receive a clip (e.g., a two-stage clip) therein. At least a portion of the plunger element can be retainably received in base element. The plunger element can be movable within the base element between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, a portion of the plunger element can extend into the clip receiving cavity. Such a portion of the plunger element can engage a second stage of the clip so as to activate a first stage of the clip. The present detailed description relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate one or more of such features. In at least some instances, such apparatuses, systems, and methods reduce or eliminate ergonomic strain on a human finger when installing a clip and/or can facilitate transport or handling of the clip. 
     Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Various embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , but the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or application. 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an example of a clip installation tool  100  is shown. The clip installation tool  100  can have a base element  110  and a plunger element  130 . The plunger element  130  can be separate from the base element  110 . Each of these elements will be described in turn below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an example of the plunger element  130  is shown. The plunger element  130  can have any suitable configuration. For instance, the plunger element  130  can have a pad portion  131  and a shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132  can be formed as a single piece. In one or more arrangements, the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132  can be formed as separate pieces and operatively connected to each other. The term “operatively connected,” as used throughout this description, can include direct or indirect connections, including connections without direct physical contact. For instance, the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132  can be operatively connected to each other by one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. 
     There can be any suitable transition between the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, a shoulder  137  can be defined between the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132 . The shoulder  137  can be formed in any suitable manner. As an example, the plunger element  130  can include an intermediate portion  133 . 
     The intermediate portion  133  can have any suitable form. In one or more arrangements, the intermediate portion  133  can be substantially cylindrical, but it will be understood that other shapes are possible, including, for example, substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially polygonal or irregular. As used herein, the term “substantially” includes exactly the term it modifies and slight variations therefrom. Thus, the term “substantially cylindrical” means exactly cylindrical and slight variations therefrom. 
     The intermediate portion  133  can be located between the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, the intermediate portion  133  can be formed with the pad portion  131  or the shaft portion  132  as a unitary construction. In one or more arrangements, the intermediate portion  133 , the pad portion  131 , and the shaft portion  132  can be formed as a unitary structure. In one or more arrangements, the intermediate portion  133  can separate from the pad portion  131  and/or the shaft portion  132 . In such instances, the intermediate portion  133  can be operatively connected to the pad portion  131  and/or the shaft portion  132  in any suitable manner, such as by one or more adhesives, one or more fasteners, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. 
     The intermediate portion  133  can have an associated diameter. The shaft portion  132  can have an associated diameter. In one or more arrangements, the diameter of the intermediate portion  133  can be greater the diameter of the shaft portion  132 . 
     The pad portion  131  can have any suitable form. The pad portion  131  can be configured to be engaged by a portion of the hand of a user (e.g., a person). More particularly, the pad portion  131  can be configured to be engaged by at least a portion of the palm of a user. In one or more arrangements, the pad portion  131  can be padded. In one or more arrangements, the pad portion  131  can include one or more ergonomic features to facilitate a user&#39;s engagement with the plunger element  130 . The pad portion  131  can be made of one or more suitable materials. For instance, at least a portion of the pad portion  131  can be made of a flexible, soft, and/or gel material. 
     The shaft portion  132  can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can be substantially straight. The shaft portion  132  can have an associated longitudinal axis  136 . In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can include one or more non-straight features, including one or more bends, curves, steps, etc. 
     In one or more arrangements, the pad portion  131  can extend in a direction that is generally transverse to the shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can extend at substantially 90 degrees relative to the pad portion  131 , as is shown in  FIG. 2 . However, the plunger element  130  is not limited to such an arrangement between the pad portion  131  and the shaft portion  132 . Indeed, the shaft portion  132  can extend at any suitable angle relative to the pad portion  131 . 
     The shaft portion  132  can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, the shaft portion  132  can have a substantially circular cross sectional shape. However, it will be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion  132  is not limited to being substantially circular. Indeed, in one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can be substantially oval, substantially rectangular, substantially polygonal, substantially triangular, or irregular, just to name a few possibilities. 
     The shaft portion  132  can have any suitable length. The cross-sectional size, shape, and/or area of the shaft portion  132  can be substantially constant along the length of the shaft portion  132 . Alternatively, the cross-sectional size, shape, and/or area of the shaft portion  132  can vary along at least a portion of the length of the shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can extend from the pad portion  131  to a distal end  134 . The term “distal” is used for convenience to indicate the relative location of the end of the shaft portion  132  with respect to the pad portion  131 . However, it will be understood that use of the term “distal” is not intended to be limiting. 
     The distal end  134  can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the distal end  134  can be substantially flat. In such case, the distal end  134  can be oriented at substantially 90 degrees or other suitable angle relative to the longitudinal axis  136 . In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can taper, conical, and/or otherwise reduce in cross-sectional area at or near the distal end  134 . In one or more arrangements, the distal end  134  can be rounded. The distal end  134  can be configured to engage a second stage of a two-stage clip, as will be described herein. 
     The shaft portion  132  can include a retention element  135 . The retention element  135  can have any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration. In one or more arrangements, the retention element  135  can be substantially rectangular. While the retention element  135  is shown and described herein as being substantially rectangular, it will be understood that the retention element  135  is not limited to this configuration. Indeed, the retention element  135  can have any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration. In one or more arrangements, the shaft portion  132  can be substantially cylindrical, substantially polygonal, substantially triangular, substantially trapezoidal, or irregular, just to name a few possibilities. The retention element  135  can extend transversely from an outer peripheral surface  138  of the shaft portion  132 . In one or more arrangements, the retention element  135  can extend at substantially 90 degrees relative to the outer peripheral surface  138  of the shaft portion  132 . However, it will be understood that the retention element  135  can extend at any suitable angle relative to the shaft portion  132 . 
     The plunger element  130  can be made of any suitable material. For instance, the plunger element  130  can be made of nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other suitable polymer. The plunger element  130  can be made of a material that will minimize or avoid damage to a clip that is engaged by the plunger element  130 , as will be described herein. In one or more arrangements, the plunger element  130  can be made of a single material. In one or more arrangements, the plunger element  130  can be made of a plurality of materials. For instance, the pad portion  131  can be made of a different material than the shaft portion  132  and/or the intermediate portion  133 . 
     The plunger element  130  can be substantially solid. Alternatively, at least a portion of the plunger element  130  can be hollow. 
     As noted above, the clip installation tool  100  can include the base element  110 . The base element  110  can have any suitable configuration. One example of the base element  110  is shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . In one or more arrangements, the base element  110  can have a main body  111 . The main body  111  can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the main body  111  can be substantially cylindrical, as is shown in  FIG. 3 . However, it will be understood that the main body  111  is not limited to being substantially cylindrical. Indeed, the main body  111  can have any suitable shape, including for example, substantially rectangular, substantially polygonal or substantially triangular, substantially oval, or irregular just to name a few possibilities. 
     The main body  111  can have a first end  112  and a second end  113 . The first end  112  and/or the second end  113  can be substantially flat. In one or more arrangements, the first end  112  and the second end  113  can be substantially parallel to each other. The main body  111  can have a longitudinal axis  114 . 
     A plunger insertion cavity  115  can be defined in the main body  111 . The plunger insertion cavity  115  can be defined at least partially by an inner peripheral surface  116  formed in the main body  111 . Alternatively or in addition, the plunger insertion cavity  115  can be defined at least partially by a bottom wall  124  formed in the main body  111  (see  FIG. 4 ). The plunger insertion cavity  115  can open to the first end  112  of the main body  111 , as is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     A clip receiving cavity  118  can be defined in the main body  111 . The clip receiving cavity  118  can be defined at least partially by an inner peripheral surface  119  formed in the main body  111  (see  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively or in addition, the clip receiving cavity  118  can be defined at least partially by a top wall  126  formed in the main body. The clip receiving cavity  118  can open to the second end  113  of the main body  111 . In one or more arrangements, the clip receiving cavity  118  can be substantially cylindrical. 
     It will be appreciated that the terms “top” and “bottom,” as used in connection with the top wall  126  and the bottom wall  124 , are used merely for convenience to facilitate the description. However, it will be understood that arrangements are not limited by these terms. Indeed, the particular relative location of the walls  124 ,  126  can vary depending on the orientation of the clip installation tool  100 . 
     The plunger insertion cavity  115  can have any suitable configuration to receive at least a portion of the plunger element  130  therein. More particularly, the plunger insertion cavity  115  can be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to receive at least a portion of the intermediate portion  133  of the plunger element  130 . The plunger insertion cavity  115  can also be configured to allow the shaft portion  132  to be received therein and/or pass therethrough. 
     In one or more arrangements, the inner peripheral surface  116  of the plunger insertion cavity  115  can be substantially cylindrical. However, it will be understood that the inner peripheral surface  116  of the plunger insertion cavity  115  can have any suitable size, shape, and/or conformation. Indeed, in one or more arrangements, the inner peripheral surface  116  can be substantially rectangular, substantially polygonal or substantially triangular, substantially oval, or irregular, just to name a few possibilities. In one or more arrangements, the shape of the plunger insertion cavity  115  can be substantially geometrically similar to the shape of at least a portion of the plunger element  130  (e.g., the intermediate portion  133 ). 
     As noted above, the plunger insertion cavity  115  can have a bottom wall  124 . The bottom wall  124  can be configured to limit the motion of the plunger element  130  within the base element  110 . In one or more arrangements, as will be described herein, the bottom wall  124  can be used to engage the shoulder  137  of the plunger element  130 . 
     The clip receiving cavity  118  can have any suitable configuration to receive at least a portion of a fastener therein. More particularly, the clip receiving cavity  118  can be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to receive at least a portion of a clip. Still more particularly, the clip receiving cavity  118  can be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to receive at least a portion of a two-stage clip (e.g. the second stage of a two-stage clip) therein. The clip receiving cavity  118  can also be configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft portion  132 , including the distal end  134  of the shaft portion  132 . 
     In one or more arrangements, the inner peripheral surface  119  of the clip receiving cavity  118  can be substantially cylindrical. However, it will be understood that the inner peripheral surface  119  of the clip receiving cavity  118  can have any suitable size, shape, and/or conformation. Indeed, in one or more arrangements, the inner peripheral surface  119  can be substantially rectangular, substantially polygonal or substantially triangular, substantially oval, or irregular, just to name a few possibilities. 
     In one or more arrangements, the clip receiving cavity  118  can be configured to retainably engage a clip therein. In this context, “retainably engage” or “retainable engagement” means that the clip receiving cavity and a clip engage each other in such a way that allows the clip to held in the clip receiving cavity, while allowing the clip to be easily removed from the clip receiving cavity, such as by applying of a force to the clip. To that end, the clip receiving cavity  118  can have one or more features to facilitate such retainable engagement. For instance, the clip receiving cavity  118  can include one or more protrusions  125 , as is shown in  FIG. 5 . The one or more protrusions  125  can project inwardly from the inner peripheral surface  119 . The one or more protrusions  125  can have any suitable configuration. 
     There can be any suitable quantity of protrusions  125 . In one or more arrangements, there can be a plurality of protrusions  125 . In one or more arrangements, there can be three protrusions  125 , as is shown in  FIG. 5 . In one or more arrangements, the protrusions  125  can spaced substantially equally about the inner peripheral surface  119  of the clip receiving cavity  118 . The protrusions  125  can be substantially identical to each other at least in terms of size and/or shape. In one or more arrangements, one or more of the protrusions  125  can be different from the other protrusions  125  in one or more respects, including, for example, in terms of size and/or shape. 
     The protrusions  125  can be disposed at substantially the same point along the longitudinal axis  114  of the base element  110 . The protrusions  125  can be located at substantially the same depth within the clip receiving cavity  118  with respect to the second end  113  of the base element  110 . However, in one or more arrangements, one or more of the protrusions  125  can be disposed at a different point along the longitudinal axis  114  than the other protrusions  125 . 
     One or more of the protrusions  125  can be formed with the base element  110  as a unitary structure. Alternatively, one or more of the protrusions can be formed separately and operatively connected to the base element  110  in any suitable manner. 
     The one or more protrusions  125  can be configured to retainably engage a clip in place within the clip receiving cavity  118 . In one or more arrangements, the one or more protrusions  125  can be configured to retainably engage the clip within the clip receiving cavity  118  by frictional engagement. 
     The plunger insertion cavity  115  can be in communication with the clip receiving cavity  118  by a connecting passage  120 . The connecting passage  120  can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the connecting passage  120  can be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. However, the connecting passage  120  can have other cross-sectional shapes. The connecting passage  120  can extend from the plunger insertion cavity  115  to the clip receiving cavity  118 . The connecting passage  120  can be configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger element  130  (e.g., at least a portion of the shaft portion  132 ) therein. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, the connecting passage  120  can include a keyway  121  ( FIG. 4 ). The keyway  121  can be in communication with a guide passage  122  ( FIGS. 4, 6A and 6B ) in the main body  111  of the base element  110 . For instance, the keyway  121  can be in communication with the guide passage  122  by a transfer passage  123  ( FIG. 4 ). In one or more arrangements, the guide passage  122  can be offset from the keyway  121  by about 90 degrees. The keyway  121  can extend along at least a portion of the length of the connecting passage  120 . In one or more arrangements, the keyway  121  can extend from the plunger insertion cavity  115  to at least a guide passage  122  (see  FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B ). 
     The base element  110  can include a handle  117 . The handle  117  can extend generally transverse to the main body  111 . The handle  117  can extend from opposite sides of the main body  111 . In one or more arrangements, the handle  117  may extend from only one side of the main body  111 . The handle  117  can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the handle  117  can be substantially cylindrical. The handle  117  can have substantially hemi-spherical ends, as is shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . In one or more arrangements, the handle  117  can be substantially solid. In one or more arrangements, at least a portion of the handle  117  can be hollow. 
     The handle  117  can be configured to facilitate engagement by a user. More particularly, the handle  117  can be configured to facilitate engagement by at least a portion of a human hand. More particularly, the handle  117  can be configured for engagement by at least a portion of one or more human fingers. In one or more arrangements, the handle  117  can include grips, recesses, contours, and/or other ergonomic features to facilitate such engagement. 
     As will be described in more detail herein, the handle  117  can facilitate transport of the clip installation tool  100  by a user. The handle  117  can also facilitate user engagement with and/or activation of the clip installation tool  100 . 
     The handle  117  can be formed together with the main body  111  as a unitary structure. Alternatively the handle  117  can be formed separately from the main body  111  and operatively connected thereto in any suitable manner, such as by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, one or more forms of mechanical engagement, one or more forms of welding, one or more forms of brazing, and/or any combination thereof. 
     The base element  110  can be made of any suitable material. For instance, the base element  110  can be made of nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other suitable polymer. In one or more arrangements, the base element  110  can be made of a single material. In one or more arrangements, the base element  110  can be made of a plurality of materials. The base element  110  can be made of the same material as the plunger element  130 . Alternatively, the base element  110  can be made of a different material than the plunger element  130 . 
     Now that the individual components of the clip installation tool  100  have been described, one manner of assembling the clip installation tool  100  will now be presented. The plunger element  130  and/or the base element  110  can be brought together. “Brought together” or “bringing together” means that the plunger element  130  and/or the base element  110  is manipulated so as to come proximate to and/or in contact with each other. The plunger element  130  and the base element  110  can be brought together such that the distal end  134  of the plunger element  130  can be received in the plunger insertion cavity  115  of the base element  110 . More particularly, the plunger element  130  and the base element  110  can be brought together such that the distal end  134  of the plunger element  130  is received in the connecting passage  120  and such that the retention element is received in and/or aligned with the keyway  121 . 
     The plunger element  130  can be moved generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis  114  of the base element  110  toward the second end  113 . The plunger element  130  can be moved a sufficient distance such that the retention element  135  can be substantially aligned with the transfer passage  123  ( FIG. 4 ). In such condition, the plunger element  130  and/or the base element  110  can be manipulated such that the retention element  135  is moved into the guide passage  122 . For instance, the plunger element  130  can be rotated about the longitudinal axis  136 . During such rotation, the retention element  135  can move from the keyway  121  and into the transfer passage  123 . The rotation of the plunger element  130  can continue until the retention element  135  is received in the guide passage  122 . 
     Once the retention element  135  is received in the guide passage  122 , the plunger element  130  can be retainably engaged in the base element  110 . “Retainably engaged” means that the plunger element and the base element are held together, while permitting movement of the plunger element within the base element, so that unintentional separation of the plunger element and the base element is reduced. In the arrangement described herein, the plunger element  130  and the base element  110  are retainably engaged as a result of the retention element  135  being received in the guide passage  122 . It will be understood that this arrangement is merely one possible manner of configuring the base element  110  and/or the plunger element  130  for retainable engagement. However, other forms of retainable engagement are possible. It should be noted that, when the plunger element  130  is retainably engaged in the base element  110 , the handle  117  can extend in substantially the same direction as the pad portion  131 , as is shown in  FIG. 1 . When the plunger element  130  is retainably engaged in the base element  110 , the plunger element  130  and the base element  110  can be selectively separated by a user by manipulating the plunger element  130  and/or the base element  110  such that the retention element  135  is moved out of the guide passage  122 , through the transfer passage  123 , and into the keyway  121 . 
     When the retention element  135  is received in the guide passage  122 , further movement of the plunger element  130  within the base element  110  is allowed in the direction of the longitudinal axis  136 . The plunger element  130  can have any suitable range of motion. The plunger element  130  can include a retracted position and an extended position. 
       FIG. 6A  shows an example of the plunger element  130  in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the distal end  134  of the shaft portion  132  is not located within the clip receiving cavity  118 . The shoulder  137  of the plunger element  130  is spaced from the bottom wall  124  of the plunger insertion cavity  115 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows an example of the plunger element  130  in an extended position. In the extended position, a portion of the shaft portion  132  including the distal end  134  is located within the clip receiving cavity  118 . In such position, the distal end  134  of the shaft portion  132  can engage a portion of a clip received within the clip receiving cavity  118 . In one or more arrangements, the distal end  134  does not extend beyond the second end  113  of the base element  110 . 
     It will be appreciated that, in one or more arrangements, it may be desirable to control or limit the extended position of the plunger element  130 . The controlling or limiting of the extended position may be desirable to prevent over engagement of the clip, which may damage or cause failure of the clip. The controlling or limiting of the extended position can be achieved in any suitable manner. For instance, the plunger insertion cavity  115  can be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured so that the shoulder  137  of the plunger element  130  engages the bottom wall  124  of the plunger insertion cavity  115 . In this way, the maximum extended position of the plunger element  130  can be established. 
     The clip installation tool  100  can be used in connection with various fasteners. For instance, the clip installation tool  100  can be used in connection with a two-stage clip  190  (see  FIG. 7 ). The two-stage clip  190  can be any suitable two-stage clip, now known of later developed. Generally, the two-stage clip  190  can have a first stage  194  and a second stage  192 . The first stage  194  can be configured to be inserted into substantially aligned apertures (not shown) in two or more components. “Substantially aligned” means that the two apertures are positioned relative to each other such that a fastener (e.g., the first stage of a two-stage clip) can be received in both apertures at the same time. In one or more arrangements, one component can be a trim panel and another component can be a portion of a vehicle frame. 
     The first stage  194  can be configured as an elongated protrusion, as is shown in  FIG. 7 . The second stage  192  can have any suitable form. In one or more arrangements, the second stage  192  can be generally circular. The second stage  192  can be engaged (e.g., pressed toward the first stage  194 ) to activate the first stage  194  of the two-stage clip  190 . For instance, the second stage  192  can be pressed toward the first stage  194  to cause the first stage  194  to expand within the substantially aligned apertures and/or on an opposite side of the substantially aligned apertures from the second stage  192 , thereby operatively connecting the two or more components. 
     Now that the various potential systems, devices, elements and/or components have been described, various methods for using the clip installation tool  100  will now be described. Various possible steps of method will now be described. The method described herein may be applicable to the embodiments described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 , but it is understood that the method can be carried out with other suitable systems and arrangements. Moreover, the method may include other steps that are not described here, and in fact, the method is not limited to including every step described herein. The steps that are mentioned here as part of the method are not limited to this particular chronological order. Indeed, some of the steps may be performed in a different order than what is shown and/or at least some of the steps shown can occur simultaneously. 
     The two-stage clip  190  and the clip installation tool  100  can be brought together such that at least a portion of the two-stage clip  190  is received in the clip receiving cavity  118 . More particularly, at least the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190  can be received in the clip receiving cavity  118 . In some instances, a portion of the first stage  194  of the two-stage clip  190  can also be received in the clip receiving cavity  118 . The two-stage clip  190  can be retainably engaged within the clip receiving cavity  118  by the one or more protrusions  125 . For example, the one or more protrusions  125  can directly contact the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190  and can retain the two-stage clip  190  by frictional engagement. With the two-stage clip  190  retainably engaged within the clip receiving cavity  118 , a user can move the clip to a desired location. 
     The clip installation tool  100  and the substantially aligned apertures of two or more components of a vehicle can be brought together. As used herein, “vehicle” means any form of motorized transport. In one or more implementations, the vehicle can be an automobile. While arrangements will be described herein with respect to automobiles, it will be understood that embodiments are not limited to automobiles. In one or more implementations, the vehicle may be a watercraft, an aircraft or any other form of motorized transport. 
     In one or more arrangements, the clip installation tool  100  and the substantially aligned apertures of two or more components of a vehicle can be brought together by moving the clip installation tool  100  toward the substantially aligned apertures. The first stage  194  of the two-stage clip  190  can be inserted into the substantially aligned apertures. The clip installation tool  100  can be pushed toward the substantially aligned apertures to ensure that the first stage  194  is substantially fully inserted. In some instances, the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190  can contact one of the vehicle components being operatively connected to each other. 
     After the first stage  194  is inserted into the substantially aligned apertures of the vehicle components, the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190  can be engaged to activate the first stage  194 . Such engagement can be achieved in any suitable manner. For instance, the clip installation tool  100  can be manipulated so that it is in the extended position. In such case, the distal end  134  of the plunger element  130  can directly contact the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190 . 
     The plunger element  130  can be moved in this manner using only one hand. For instance, a user can grasp the handle  117  with his or her fingers while pushing the pad portion  131  toward the handle  117  using his or her palm. When the plunger element  130  engages the second stage  192 , the first stage  194  can be activated such that the first stage the diameter and/or cross-sectional area of the first stage  194  increases, such as by deforming radially outward. In this way, the two or more vehicle components can be operatively connected to each other. The movement of the plunger element  130  can be limited by the bottom wall  124  of the plunger insertion cavity  115 . In this way over engagement of the second stage  192  can be prevented. 
     The clip installation tool  100  can be separated from the two-stage clip  190  and withdrawn for other use. Such separation between the clip installation tool  100  and the two-stage clip  190  may occur automatically as a result of the plunger element  130  engaging the second stage  192 . Otherwise, such separation can be achieved by pulling or otherwise moving the clip installation tool  100  away from the two-stage clip  190 . 
     If it is desired to remove the two-stage clip  190  from the operatively connected two or more vehicle components, the two-stage clip  190  can be disengaged from the substantially aligned apertures by further engagement of the second stage  192 . The clip installation tool  100  can be used to do so. For instance, the plunger element  130  can be separated from the base element  110 . The distal end  134  of the plunger element  130  can be brought into direct contact with the second stage  192  of the two-stage clip  190 . If sufficient force is applied to the second stage  192 , the first stage  194  can revert to its previous state such that the diameter and/or cross-sectional area of the first stage  194  decreases. In such a condition, the two-stage clip  190  can be removed from the substantially aligned apertures by hand or using any suitable tool. 
     It will be appreciated that arrangements described herein can provide numerous benefits, including one or more of the benefits mentioned herein. For example, arrangements described herein can reduce or eliminate ergonomic strain on a human finger when installing a clip. In some instances, a higher force may be required to install the clip due to various reasons, such as the presence of burs or anomalies in the clip receiving passages of the trim and/or the other structure, misaligned parts, etc. Arrangements described herein can allow a clip to be retained in the clip installation tool prior to actual installation of the clip. As such, misplacing, dropping, and/or direct handling of the clip are minimized. Further, such a feature can facilitate transportation of the clip by a user. Arrangements described herein can facilitate a user&#39;s holding, handling, and/or manipulation of the clip. Indeed, some areas of a vehicle may be difficult to access and may impede manipulation of the clip by hand. Arrangements described herein can allow two stage clips to be installed without over engagement of the second stage, thereby preventing damage to or failure of the clip. 
     The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open language). The phrase “at least one of . . . and . . . ” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g. AB, AC, BC or ABC). 
     Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.