Abstract:
The clip of the present invention includes a plurality of internally threaded legs which form an aperture for receiving an externally threaded stud or similar structural device. A moveable circular collet is attached to a plunger and travels from a pre-driven position wherein the collet is substantially free from engagement with the internally threaded legs and allows for flexure of the internally threaded legs and a fully driven position wherein the collet engages the internally threaded legs in a locked position, inhibiting flexure and engaging the externally threaded stud.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains to a locking clip with a base with multiple internally threaded legs and a moveable collet to encircle the legs in an engaged position. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In the prior art, it is known to design a clip, such as a pipe clip, rod end clip or a similar clip. These prior art clips frequently require a rotational or screwing movement to engage the internal threads of the clip to an externally threaded structural member such as a threaded stud or bolt-like structure. This requires a relatively lengthy installation procedure including rotational movement which can ultimately be very costly in assembly-line production, such as automotive manufacturing. Similarly, many prior art clips comprise a plurality of individual parts. This adds to the complexity to the manufacturing, packaging, shipping and installation of the clips. 
     Some examples of clips in the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,342 entitled “Retainer Element, Specifically for Motor Vehicle Bodies” issued on Oct. 24, 1995 to Dore et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,587 entitled “Clip for Pipes and Cables” issued on Dec. 21, 1993 to Sch{umlaut over (a)}ty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,602 entitled “Pipe Clip” issued on Sep. 17, 1985 to Potzas et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,297 entitled “Molded Plastic Socket with Easy-On Hard-Off Stud Engager” issued on May 21, 1985 to Kraus. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be installed with a minimum of rotational movements, particular when engaging an externally threaded structural element such as a stud or bolt-like structure. 
     It is therefore a further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be easily installed and is well-adapted for assembly line installation. 
     It is therefore a still further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be manufactured, packaged, shipped and installed as a single piece. 
     It is therefore a still further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be economically manufactured. 
     These and other objects are attained by providing a clip which includes multiple internally threaded legs on a base element and a moveable collet to encircle the legs in the installed position. Preferably, the collet is molded integrally with the base in the manufacturing process. The collet is then pre-driven to a position that limits the deflection of the threaded legs when the clip is installed on the stud. Matching tapers on the outside of the legs and the inside of the collet allow this limited deflection. Tabs and protrusions hold the collet in the desired position. The threaded legs are flexible and are designed to partially surround the stud. Upon installation, the internal taper of the legs center the clip on the stud. The limited travel of the legs provides audible and tactile feedback to the installer and ensures proper mating of the threaded stud to the threaded legs. Once the clip is fully against the panel, the installer drives the collet to a fully installed position. The matching tapers substantially contact each other thereby preventing a further deflection of the legs, locking the clip to the stud. Tabs retain the collet in a fully driven or installed position. For serviceability, the collet can be pried back up with a screwdriver freeing the clip for a straight pull removal. The clip can also be unscrewed in a conventional way. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the as-manufactured or as-molded position. 
     FIG. 2 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the as-manufactured or as-molded position. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 a  is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 4 b  is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 4 c  is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the fully driven or installed position. 
     FIG. 4 d  is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the stud retainer embodiment of the present invention, shown in the fully driven or installed position. 
     FIG. 5 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the pipe clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view, partially in phantom, of the pipe clip embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the pipe clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 9 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the as-manufactured or as-molded position. 
     FIG. 10 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the as-manufactured or as-molded position. 
     FIG. 11 a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 12 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 13 is a front plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the fully driven or installed position. 
     FIG. 14 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the locking clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the fully driven or installed position. 
     FIG. 15 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the rod end clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 16 is a top plan view, partially in phantom, of the rod end clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the pre-driven position. 
     FIG. 17 is an end plan view, partially in phantom, of the rod end clip of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a side plan view of the rod end clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the installed position. 
     FIG. 19 is a side plan view of the rod end clip embodiment of the present invention, shown in the as-manufactured or as-molded position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, one sees that FIG. 1 is a front plan view, partially in phantom of the stud retainer embodiment  10  of the present invention. Generally planar base  12  is formed with aperture  14  passing through a center thereof (also see FIG.  3 ). Alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  rise from base  12  and form 90° of the internal circumference of aperture  14 , with 90° separating alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  from each other. The internal threads of legs  16 ,  18  are designed to engage an externally threaded structure such as a stud or other bolt-like structure (not shown). In the pre-driven positions shown in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  and additionally in the as-manufactured or as-molded positions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is enough flexibility within alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  that the stud or other bolt-like structure (not shown) can be inserted between threaded legs  16 ,  18  and threadedly engaged therebetween by a relatively linear motion, without the necessity for substantial rotational or screwing motion. External opposed sidewalls  20 ,  22  rise perpendicularly from base  12  and support planar top  27 . First detent notch  25  is formed immediately downwardly adjacent from planar top  27 . Second detent notch  29  is formed with cross-member  31  spans external opposed sidewalls  20 ,  22 , above internally tapered wall  24  but below planar top  27 . 
     Alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  have externally tapered walls  24 ,  26 , respectively. Downwardly tapered partially toroidal channel  28  is formed between externally tapered walls  24 ,  26  of alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  and external opposed sidewalls  20 ,  22 . 
     Plunger  30  includes head  32  and shaft  34 . Collet  36  is formed at the bottom of shaft  34  and is initially molded as adjoining planar top  27 . The connection between collet  36  and planar top  27  is subsequently broken in order to reach the pre-driven or fully driven position. Shaft  34  further is formed from horizontal elements  38 ,  40 . Outwardly extending pre-drive positioning tabs  42 ,  44  are formed on collet  36  and horizontal element  38 , respectively. Internal inclined wall  46  is formed within shaft  34  by the internal inclined surfaces of  48 ,  50 ,  52  of collet  36  and horizontal elements  38 ,  40 , respectively. Internal inclined wall  46 , as formed by internal inclined surfaces  48 ,  50 ,  52 , has an angle of inclination complementary to that of externally tapered walls  24 ,  26 . Cylindrical portion  54  is formed immediately below head  32  as part of shaft  34  and includes radially extending alignment element  56  and full drive retention tab  58 . 
     In the pre-driven position shown in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b,  outwardly extending pre-drive positioning tabs  42 ,  44  engage second detent notch  29  and first detent notch  25 , respectively. After the pre-driven position is achieved and the stud (not shown) is engaged between alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18 , the installer typically drives plunger  30  downwardly to the fully driven position shown in FIGS. 4 c  and  4   d  so that full drive retention tab  58  engages first detent notch  25  and horizontal element  40  engages second detent notch  29 . Most importantly, collet  36  extends through downwardly tapered partially toroidal channel  28  and internal inclined wall  46  engages externally tapered walls  24 ,  26  of internally threaded legs  16 ,  18 , thereby locking the internal threads of legs  16 ,  18  against the externally threaded stud or other bolt-like element (not shown). 
     FIGS. 5,  6  and  7  disclose a pipe clip embodiment  60  of the present invention. Pipe clip embodiment  60  includes all of the elements of the stud retainer embodiment  10  and further includes pipe clip retaining elements  62 ,  64  integrally formed with and extending from sidewalls  20 ,  22 , respectively. 
     FIGS. 8-14 disclose a locking clip embodiment  70  of the present invention. Locking clip embodiment  70  is similar to stud retainer embodiment  10 . However, plunger  30  includes cylindrical wall  72  with collet retention tabs  74 ,  76  at a lower end thereof. Collet retention tabs  74 ,  76  are formed integrally with planar top  27  in the as-molded or as-manufactured position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This connection between the collet retention tabs  74 ,  76  and planar top  27  is subsequently broken to reach the pre-driven or fully driven position. Collet retention tabs  74 ,  76  engage edge  78  formed underneath planar top  27  in the pre-driven position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and abut base  12  in the fully driven position shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. 
     Full drive retention tab  80  is formed at a relatively upward portion of plunger  30  and pre-drive positioning tabs  82 ,  84  are formed at somewhat lower positions along plunger  30 . As can be seen from FIG. 12, in the pre-driven position, pre-drive positioning tab  82  abuts planar top  27  while pre-drive positioning tab  84  engages detent notch  86  formed within planar top  27 . As can be seen from FIG. 14, in the fully driven position, full drive retention tab  80  engages detent notch  86 . 
     FIGS. 15-19 disclose the rod end clip embodiment  90  of the present invention. Alternately opposed internally threaded legs  16 ,  18  are integrally molded on end  92  of cylindrical support  94  and shares a common longitudinal axis therewith. Cylindrical support  94  likewise integral with generally cubic body  96  which, in turn, is integral with panel clip  98 . Panel clip  98  is oriented at a right angle with respect to cylindrical support  94  and legs  16 ,  18 . Panel clip  98  is generally cylindrical for being inserted through an aperture of a panel (not shown), and further includes radially extending wings  100 ,  102  so that a panel can be engaged within gap  104  formed between wings  100 ,  102  and cubic body  96 . Full drive retention wings  106 ,  108  extend radially outwardly from legs  16 ,  18  respectively. Pre-drive positioning tabs  110 ,  112  are formed radially outward proximate to end  92  of cylindrical support  94 . 
     Collet  36  is formed as a narrowed neck  114  of externally sliding plunger  116 . Sliding plunger  116  further includes enlarged portion  118 . Narrowed neck  114  is initially molded at the ends of legs  16 ,  18  as shown in FIG.  19 . The integral connection between narrowed neck  114  and legs  16 ,  18  is subsequently broken to reach the pre-driven or fully driven positions. In order to reach the pre-driven position, narrowed neck  114  is driven past legs  16 ,  18  to engage cylindrical support  94  in the position shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and is held in this position by cylindrical body  96  on one end and pre-drive positioning tabs  110 ,  112  on the other end. In order to reach the fully driven position or installed position shown in FIG. 18 from the pre-driven position of FIGS. 15 and 16, the sliding plunger  116  is withdrawn away from cubic body  96  so that narrowed neck  114  is positioned between full drive retention wings  106 ,  108  and pre-drive positioning tabs  110 ,  112  and engaging legs  16 ,  18  thereby limiting deflection of legs  16 ,  18  and locking legs  16 ,  18  about an externally threaded stud or other bolt-like structural element. 
     In order to install any of the embodiments  10 ,  60 ,  70 ,  90  of the present invention, the installer typically begins in the respective pre-driven position wherein legs  16 ,  18  have an ability to deflect. The user then inserts an externally threaded stud or other bolt-like structure between legs  16 ,  18  and urges collet  36  to the fully driven position thereby limiting the deflection of legs  16 ,  18  and locking legs  16 ,  18  to the stud. Other connections, such as to pipes or wires with pipe clip  60  or to a panel such as with rod end clip  90 , may be done before or after the locking of legs  16 ,  18  as described above. 
     Thus the several aforementioned objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.