Patent Abstract:
A self-locking push-on clip fastener for securing two components together is disclosed. The clip fastener includes a u-shaped clip body that includes upper and lower legs and a curved end that connects the legs. The clip body has an open end into which the component to be attached is inserted. The legs are movable between an initial, spaced apart arrangement in which the component may be inserted into the clip body, to a final component-engaging position, in which the component is captured between the legs. A slidably movable u-shaped trigger is attached to the clip body. A trigger-guiding channel is formed on the inner wall of one or both of the legs of the clip body. The trigger is slidably movable in the channel. An interlock system comprising first and second windows is formed in one of the legs of the clip body and a flange extending from the trigger.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The disclosed inventive concept relates generally to fasteners for use in coupling two components together. More particularly, the disclosed inventive concept relates to edge clip fasteners that are self-locking. A trigger is movably displaced from its initial, pre-locking position, to a locking position. In the locking position, the position of the trigger is locked while the component is fixed to the edge clip fastener. Also in the locking position, the trigger is entirely disposed within the body of the edge clip fastener. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Clip fasteners replace traditional screw fixings in many applications and have may uses in a wide variety of industries. Broadly speaking, clip fasteners are utilized for fastening two or more components together. Challenges faced by industries include different types of tools needed for assembly and different materials to be fastened together. Other challenges include fastening locations, which may offer only limited access for both assembly during manufacture and removal or adjustment during maintenance. Each of these challenges has the potential for increasing assembly cost to manufacturers because of added tooling as well as extra assembly time. 
         [0003]    Clip fasteners commonly find utility in the energy and automotive sectors. In the energy sector, clip fasteners are commonly used to hold solar panels to underlying framework. Also in the energy sector, clip fasteners are also used to fasten and ground photovoltaic modules and in the fastening of electric cables. 
         [0004]    In the automotive sector, clip fasteners have many uses, including in air bag assembly, window construction, instrument panels and interior and exterior trim attachment. These are some examples of the many uses known for clip fasteners. 
         [0005]    Modern demands on the design and construction of clip fasteners mean that new clip fastener solutions need to contribute to ease of assembly as used in production (particularly in view of increasing automation) and provide excellent attachment strength, while maintaining high reliability and low production costs. Compliance with the need for standardization and the requirements of the automotive industry has proved challenging to current clip fastener designs. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, and as is the case in many industries, known clip fasteners approaches to attaching components together are undesirable and impractical. An improved arrangement for attaching two components together remains wanting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The disclosed inventive concept overcomes the problems associated with edge clips by providing a simple and cost-effective response to the demands of the marketplace. Particularly, the self-locking (or self-latching or self-retaining) edge clip for attachment of a component according to the disclosed inventive concept includes a u-shaped clip body adaptable between a first position in which the component may be freely inserted to a second position in which the component is captured by the clip. The clip body includes upper and lower legs and a curved end that connects the legs. The clip body has an open end into which the component to be attached is inserted. The legs are movable between an initial, spaced apart arrangement in which the component may be inserted into the clip body, to a final component-engaging position, in which the component is captured between the legs. The edge clip of the disclosed inventive concept may have a broad variety of applications that include, but are not limited to, attachment of components in an automobile. 
         [0008]    A slidably movable u-shaped trigger is attached to the clip body. According to the preferred embodiments, the u-shaped trigger is provided substantially if not entirely within the clip body. A trigger-guiding channel is formed on the inner wall of one or both of the legs of the clip body. The trigger is slidably movable in the channel. An interlock system comprising a first window and a second window formed in one of the legs of the clip body and a flange extending from the trigger. The first window is provided so that the trigger flange may be locked in its initial position in which the legs are held in their spaced apart positions by the trigger. The second window is provided so that the trigger flange may be locked in its final position in which the legs apply locking tension to the component. The second window may be formed in the curved end of the clip body. 
         [0009]    Variations of the self-locking edge clip according to the disclosed inventive concept include a frangible bridge that attaches the trigger to the clip body. The frangible bridge may be broken for placement of the trigger within the clip body prior to attachment of the component. In another variation, the trigger includes an underside that slides along the inner wall of one of the legs, guided on both sides by a pair of spaced-apart lateral arms that extend over the opposed edges of the leg. In yet another variation of the disclosed inventive concept, the trigger may be ejected out of the clip body upon insertion of the component. 
         [0010]    Upon insertion of the component into the clip body, the trigger is displaced from its initial position in which the trigger holds the legs apart to its final position when the trigger is pushed clip-inward, resulting in the legs applying a capturing tension to the component. One or more barbs may be provided that extend from the inside wall of one of the legs to help frictionally engage the component, thereby further assuring that, once locked into the edge, clip, the component is not easily released. Provision of the barbs in their various embodiment minimize or eliminate entirely the risk of scratching of the painted surface of the component being attached. By avoiding the scratching of the painted surface, the risk of corrosion is also minimized or entirely eliminated. 
         [0011]    The above advantages and other advantages and features will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 1 , but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is the same view as  FIG. 3  but showing the edge clip and component in cross-section; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 1  again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the edge clip and component combination of  FIG. 5  in which the component is awaiting insertion; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the edge clip according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention in its final position with the component fully inserted; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is the same view as  FIG. 7  but showing the edge clip in its final position together with the component in cross-section; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an end view of the edge clip and component shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 11 , but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 11  illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is the same view as  FIG. 13  but showing the edge clip and component in cross-section; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an end view of the edge clip and component combination of  FIG. 14  in which the component is awaiting insertion; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 11  again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the edge clip according to the second embodiment of the disclosed invention in its final position with the component fully inserted; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is the same view as  FIG. 17  but showing the edge clip in its final position together with the component in cross-section; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the edge clip and component shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 21  illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion in which the edge clip and the component are shown in cross-section; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 21  illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the edge clip according to the third embodiment of the disclosed invention in its final position with the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a top plan view of the edge clip according to the third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept in its final position with the component fully inserted; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 26 , but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section; 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 27 , but illustrating the trigger having been broken off of the lower leg of the clip body and inserted into the edge clip body to receive the component; 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the edge clip according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position with a component in position awaiting insertion; 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is the same view as  FIG. 29  but shown in cross-section; 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is the same view as  FIG. 29  but showing the component fully inserted and the edge clip in its final position; 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is the same view as  FIG. 31  but shown in cross-section; 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an edge clip according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept shown in its initial position; 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 33 , but illustrating the clip edge in cross-section; 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  is a side view of the edge clip in its initial position as shown in  FIG. 33  and further illustrating a component in position in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  is the same view as  FIG. 35  but shown in cross-section; 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  is a top plan view of the edge clip shown in  FIG. 33  again illustrating a component in the clip body awaiting insertion; 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  is a side view of the edge clip in its final position in which the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position; 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  is the same view as  FIG. 38  but shown in cross-section; and 
           [0052]      FIG. 40  is a plan view of the edge clip in its final position in which the trigger has been fully inserted and the component is in its captured position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0053]    As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to any one of the Figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce alternative embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations. 
         [0054]    Various embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept are illustrated in the figures and are discussed in conjunction therewith. Specifically,  FIGS. 1 through 10  illustrate a first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.  FIGS. 11 through 20  illustrate a second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.  FIGS. 21 through 25  illustrate a third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept.  FIGS. 26 through 32  illustrate a fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. And  FIGS. 33 through 40  illustrate a fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept. It is to be understood that each embodiment as illustrated is suggestive and not intended as being limiting, as sizes and overall configurations may be varied without deviating from the scope and spirit of the various embodiments of the disclosed inventive concept. 
         [0055]    Referring to the first embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 10 , an edge clip, generally illustrated as  10 , is shown in perspective view. The edge clip  10  has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. The edge clip  10  includes a generally u-shaped clip body  12 . The clip body  12  may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from the edge clip  10 . 
         [0056]    The clip body  12  includes a first or upper leg  14  and a second or lower leg  16 . The first leg  14  and the second leg  16  are connected by a curved clip end  18 . Formed on the inner side of the first leg  14  is a first deep drawn channel  20  and formed on the inner side of the second leg  16  is a second deep drawn channel  22 . The widths of the deep drawn channels  20  and  22  may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same. 
         [0057]    To assure that the component is securely held to the clip body  12 , at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably a first barb  24  and a second barb  24 ′ are formed on the first leg  14 . The barbs  24  and  24 ′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into the clip body  12  is possible. The barbs  24  and  24 ′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked. 
         [0058]    The first leg  14  includes an upturned end  26  at its end opposite the curved clip end  18 . The upturned end  26  allows for easy insertion of the component into the clip body  12 . A first window  28  is formed in the deep drawn channel  20  of the first leg  14 . The first window  28  is relatively close to the upturned end  26  of the first leg  14 . An elongated second window  29  is also formed in the deep drawn channel  20  of the first leg  14 . The second window  29  extends into the curved clip end  18 . 
         [0059]    A movable trigger  30  is provided within the clip body  12 . The movable trigger  30  includes first or upper trigger leg  31  having a clip body engagement flange  32  extending therefrom. The movable trigger  30  also includes a second or lower leg  34  that is attached to the first leg  31  by a curved trigger end  36 . The first leg  31  of the clip body  12  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  20  of the first leg  14  of the clip body  12 . The second leg  34  of the clip body  12  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  22  of the second leg  16 . The window  29  formed in the clip body  12  is sufficiently large so that the trigger  30  may pass therethrough upon insertion of the component as discussed below. 
         [0060]    The clip body  12  is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . In this state, the movable trigger  30  is positioned toward the open end of the clip body  12 . In this position, the flange  32  of the trigger  30  engages the first window  28 . This engagement prevents the trigger  30  from prematurely being moved out of position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the pre-attachment position of the trigger  30  maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of the first leg  14  and the second leg  16 , thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween. 
         [0061]    Upon initial insertion of a component  38  into the clip body  12  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 6 , the leading edge of the component  38  is placed into contact with the inside of the curved clip end  18 . As the component  38  is pushed clip-inward by the operator into the clip body  12 , the leading edge of the component  38  forces the flange  32  of the trigger  30  to become disengaged from the window  28 . 
         [0062]    Clip-inward movement of the component  38  continues until the flange  32  of the trigger  30  is moved into and past the second window  29 , thereby being ejected out of the clip body  12 . With the component  38  inserted into the clip body  12  to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to the component  38  by the barbs  24  and  24 ′ prevents release of the component  38  from the clip body  12 . 
         [0063]    Referring to the second embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 20 , an edge clip, generally illustrated as  50 , is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clip  10  referenced above, the edge clip  50  has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. The edge clip  50  includes a generally u-shaped clip body  52 . The clip body  52  also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from the edge clip  50 . 
         [0064]    The clip body  52  includes a first or upper leg  54  and a second or lower leg  56 . The first leg  54  and the second leg  56  are connected by a solid curved clip end  58 . Formed on the inner side of the first leg  54  is a first deep drawn channel  60  and formed on the inner side of the second leg  56  is a second deep drawn channel  62 . The widths of the deep drawn channels  60  and  62  may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same. 
         [0065]    To assure that the component is securely held to the clip body  52 , at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably a first barb  64  and a second barb  64 ′ are formed on the first leg  54 . The barbs  64  and  64 ′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into the clip body  52  is possible. The barbs  64  and  64 ′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked. 
         [0066]    The first leg  64  includes an upturned end  66  at its end opposite the curved clip end  58 . The upturned end  66  allows for easy insertion of the component into the clip body  52 . A first window  68  is formed in the deep drawn channel  60  of the first leg  54 . The first window  68  is relatively close to the upturned end  66  of the first leg  54 . A second window  70  is also formed in the deep drawn channel  60  of the first leg  54 , although the second window  70  is relatively close to the curved clip end  58 . 
         [0067]    A movable trigger  72  is provided within the clip body  52 . The movable trigger  72  includes first or upper trigger leg  74  having a clip body engagement flange  76  extending therefrom. The movable trigger  72  also includes a second or lower leg  78  that is attached to the first leg  74  by a curved trigger end  80 . The first leg  54  of the clip body  52  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  60  of the first leg  54  of the clip body  52 . The second leg  78  of the clip body  52  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  62  of the second leg  56 . 
         [0068]    The clip body  52  is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 15 . In this state, the movable trigger  72  is positioned toward the open end of the clip body  52 . In this position, the flange  76  of the trigger  72  engages the first window  68 . This engagement prevents the trigger  72  from prematurely being moved out of position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 14 , the pre-attachment position of the trigger  72  maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of the first leg  54  and the second leg  56 , thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween. 
         [0069]    Upon initial insertion of the component  38  into the clip body  52  as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 through 16 , the leading edge of the component  38  is placed into contact with the inside of the curved clip end  58 . As the component  38  is pushed clip-inward by the operator into the clip body  52 , the leading edge of the component  38  forces the flange  76  of the trigger  72  to become disengaged from the first window  68 . Clip-inward movement of the component  38  continues until the flange  76  of the trigger  72  is moved into engagement with the second window  70 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 through 20 . With the component  38  inserted into the clip body  52  to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to the component  38  by the barbs  64  and  64 ′ prevents release of the component  38  from the clip body  52 . 
         [0070]    Referring to the third embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated in  FIGS. 21 through 25 , an edge clip, generally illustrated as  100 , is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips  10  and  50  referenced above, the edge clip  100  has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. The edge clip  100  includes a generally u-shaped clip body  102 . The clip body  102  also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from the edge clip  100 . 
         [0071]    The clip body  102  includes a first or upper leg  104  and a second or lower leg  106 . The first leg  104  and the second leg  106  are connected by a solid curved clip end  108 . Formed on the inner side of the second leg  106  is a deep drawn channel  110 . The width of the deep drawn channel  110  may be other than that shown. 
         [0072]    To assure that the component is securely held to the clip body  102 , at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably a first barb  112  and a second barb  112 ′ are formed on the first leg  104 . The barbs  112  and  112 ′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into the clip body  102  is possible. The barbs  112  and  112 ′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked. 
         [0073]    The first leg  104  includes an upturned end  114  at its end opposite the curved clip end  108 . The upturned end  114  allows for easy insertion of the component into the clip body  102 . A first window  116  is formed in first leg  104 . The first window  116  is relatively close to the upturned end  114  of the first leg  104 . A second window  118  is also formed in the first leg  104 . The second window  118  is relatively close to the curved clip end  108 . 
         [0074]    A movable trigger  120  is provided within the clip body  102 . The movable trigger  120  includes first or upper trigger leg  122  having a clip body engagement flange  124  extending therefrom. The movable trigger  120  also includes a second or lower leg  126  that is attached to the first leg  122  by a curved trigger end  128 . The second leg  126  of the trigger  120  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  110  of the second leg  106 . 
         [0075]    The clip body  102  is provided to the end user in its pre-attachment state as illustrated in  FIGS. 21 through 23 . In this state, the movable trigger  120  is positioned toward the open end of the clip body  102 . In this position, the flange  124  of the trigger  120  engages the first window  116 . This engagement prevents the trigger  120  from prematurely being moved out of position. As also illustrated in  FIGS. 21 through 23 , the pre-attachment position of the trigger  120  maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of the first leg  104  and the second leg  106 , thereby allowing insertion of the component therebetween. 
         [0076]    Upon initial insertion of the component  38  into the clip body  102  as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the leading edge of the component  38  is placed into contact with the inside of the curved clip end  108 . As the component  38  is pushed clip-inward by the operator into the clip body  102 , the leading edge of the component  38  forces the flange  124  of the trigger  120  to become disengaged from the first window  116 . Clip-inward movement of the component  38  continues until the flange  124  of the trigger  120  is moved into engagement with the second window  118 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . With the component  38  inserted into the clip body  102  to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to the component  38  by the barbs  112  and  112 ′ prevents release of the component  38  from the clip body  102 . 
         [0077]    Referring to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated in  FIGS. 26 through 32 , an edge clip, generally illustrated as  150 , is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips  10 ,  50  and  100  referenced above, the edge clip  150  has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. The edge clip  150  includes a generally u-shaped clip body  152 . The clip body  152  also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from the edge clip  150 . 
         [0078]    The clip body  152  includes a first or upper leg  154  and a second or lower leg  156 . The first leg  154  and the second leg  156  are connected by a solid curved clip end  158 . Formed on the inner side of the first leg  154  is a first deep drawn channel  160  and formed on the inner side of the second leg  156  is a second deep drawn channel  162 . The widths of the deep drawn channels  160  and  162  may be other than those shown and are not necessarily the same. 
         [0079]    To assure that the component is securely held to the clip body  152 , at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably a first barb  164  and a second barb  164 ′ are formed on the first leg  154 . The barbs  164  and  164 ′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into the clip body  152  is possible. The barbs  164  and  164 ′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked. 
         [0080]    The first leg  154  includes an upturned end  166  at its end opposite the curved clip end  158 . The upturned end  166  allows for easy insertion of the component into the clip body  152 . A first window  168  is formed in the deep drawn channel  160  of the first leg  154 . The first window  168  is relatively close to the upturned end  166  of the first leg  154 . A second window  170  is also formed in the deep drawn channel  160  of the first leg  154 , although the second window  170  is relatively close to the curved clip end  158 . 
         [0081]    A movable trigger  172  is provided within the clip body  152 . The movable trigger  172  includes first or upper trigger leg  174  having a clip body engagement flange  176  extending therefrom. The movable trigger  172  also includes a second or lower leg  178  that is attached to the first leg  174  by a curved trigger end  180 . A frangible attachment bridge  182  preliminarily attaches the trigger  172  to the second leg  156  of the clip body  152 . 
         [0082]    The clip body  152  is provided to the end user in its pre-assembled state as illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . In this state, the movable trigger  172  is suspended from the second leg  156  of the clip body  152  by the frangible attachment bridge  182 . The user then removes the movable trigger  172  from the second leg  156  by breaking the frangible attachment bridge  182  in any of several known ways, including, but not limited to, back-and-forth movement of the trigger  172  relative to the clip body  152  until the frangible attachment bridge  182  is weakened to the point of breakage. 
         [0083]    Once separated from the clip body  152 , the movable trigger  172  is inserted into the clip body in such a way that the first leg  154  of the clip body  152  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  160  of the first leg  154  while the second leg  178  is slidably positioned in the deep drawn channel  162  of the second leg  156 . The trigger  172  is inserted clip body-inward curved trigger end  180  first by the operator into the clip body  152  until the flange  176  engages the first window  168  of the first leg  154 . The proper, pre-attachment positioning of the trigger  172  within the clip body  152  is illustrated in  FIG. 28 . In addition, and referring also to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the pre-attachment position of the trigger  172  is illustrated, showing how the trigger  172  maintains a widely spaced relationship between the ends of the first leg  154  and the second leg  156 . Thus positioned, the assembled clip body  152  is now ready for insertion of the component  38 . 
         [0084]    Upon initial insertion of the component  38  into the clip body  152  as illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the leading edge of the component  38  is placed into contact with the inside of the curved clip end  158 . As the component  38  is pushed clip-inward by the operator into the clip body  152 , the leading edge of the component  38  forces the flange  176  of the trigger  172  to become disengaged from the first window  168 . Clip-inward movement of the component  38  continues until the flange  176  of the trigger  172  is moved into engagement with the second window  170 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . With the component  38  inserted into the clip body  152  to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to the component  38  by the barbs  164  and  164 ′ prevents release of the component  38  from the clip body  152 . 
         [0085]    Referring to the fifth embodiment of the disclosed inventive concept illustrated in  FIGS. 33 through 40 , an edge clip, generally illustrated as  200 , is shown in perspective view. Like the edge clips  10 ,  50 ,  100  and  150  referenced above, the edge clip  200  has multiple applications but is generally used to hold a component under tension to the clip, thus providing broad application across multiple industries. The edge clip  200  includes a generally u-shaped clip body  202 . The clip body  202  also may be composed of any material capable of generating a clamp load to hold a component with enough tension so as to prevent the component from separating from the edge clip  200 . 
         [0086]    The clip body  202  includes a first or upper leg  204  and a second or lower leg  206 . The first leg  204  and the second leg  206  are connected by a solid curved clip end  208 . To assure that the component is securely held to the clip body  202 , at least one but preferably two barbs are provided. Most preferably a first barb  210  and a second barb  210 ′ are formed on the first leg  204 . The barbs  210  and  210 ′ assure that only unidirectional movement of the component into the clip body  202  is possible. The barbs  210  and  210 ′ may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to flat, sharp, round, and spiked. 
         [0087]    A first window  212  is formed in the first leg  204 . The first window  212  is relatively close to the open end of the first leg  204 . A second window  214  is also formed in the first leg  204 , although the second window  214  is relatively close to the curved clip end  208 . 
         [0088]    A movable trigger  216  is provided within the clip body  202 . The trigger  216  may be made from a wide variety of materials, although a pliable polymerized material such as nylon is preferred. The movable trigger  216  includes a front wall  218  that faces the open end of the clip body  202 . A component-receiving channel  220  is formed in the front wall  218 . A clip body engagement flange  222  is integrally formed with the trigger  216 . The trigger  216  further includes a back wall  224  that faces the curved clip end  208 . The back wall  224  preferably but not absolutely includes a channel  225 . The channel  225  provides flexibility to the back wall  224  so as to more readily fit against the inner surface of the curved clip end  208 . 
         [0089]    The trigger  216  further includes a lower channel  226  having a pair of spaced-apart lateral arms  228  and  228 ′. The lateral arms  228  and  228 ′ engage the sides of the second leg  206  and allow the trigger  216  to slide linearly along the second leg  206 . 
         [0090]    Upon initial insertion of the component  38  into the clip body  202  as illustrated in  FIGS. 35 through 37 , the leading edge of the component  38  is placed into contact with channel  220  formed on the front wall  218  of the trigger  216 . As the component  38  is pushed clip-inward by the operator into the clip body  202 , the leading edge of the component  38  forces the flange  222  of the trigger  216  to become disengaged from the first window  212 . Clip-inward movement of the component  38  continues until the flange  222  of the trigger  216  is moved into engagement with the second window  214 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 38 through 40 . With the component  38  inserted into the clip body  202  to its maximum position, the maximum tension applied to the component  38  by the barbs  210  and  210 ′ prevents release of the component  38  from the clip body  202 . 
         [0091]    It is to be understood that while the first through fifth embodiments illustrated in the figures and discussed in conjunction therewith illustrate only a single trigger, two or more triggers positioned side-by-side may also be provided for attaching larger components. Other multiple trigger arrangements are possible, such that multiple components could be attached to a single edge clip. Accordingly, the illustration of single triggers is not intended as being limiting. 
         [0092]    One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5