Patent Description:
This application is also based on, claims priority to, <CIT>, and entitled "Extended Range Fastener.

This application is also based on, claims priority to, <CIT>, and entitled "Fastening Clip Assemblies.

The present disclosure generally relates to fastening clip assemblies and, more particularly, fastener clip assemblies configured to secure a plurality of components together and fastener clip assemblies configured to secure a component at multiple positions or setup heights.

Fastener assemblies, such as those discussed in <CIT>, may be used in a variety of applications, including automobile manufacturing. For example, during a manufacturing process for a vehicle, various components may be secured together by a fastener or fastener assembly. Particular examples may include an interior frame panel that may be secured to an exterior door panel. Typically, components are secured together using one or more fasteners or fastener assemblies. Snap-fit assemblies may be used to connect components together and, in some instances, a fastener may be preassembled with a first component or panel, while additional components or panels may be connected to the preassembly later during assembly. A plurality of fasteners may be used to connect large components or panels together, and such fasteners may be provided in a variety of shapes and configurations suitable to the particular components to be connected.

One type of fastener that may be used to connect components together is a symmetrical connector having an insertion portion with a W-shape. W-shape fasteners provide quick and easy assembly and, in addition, W-shape fasteners may retain moldings of structural panels, while also being relatively easy to remove. Another type of fastener that may be used includes opposed securing members that axially collapse as the fastener is inserted into an opening of a panel. The axial collapsing of these securing members may allow the opposed securing members to pass through the opening of the panel during assembly.

Typically, the aforementioned fasteners are configured to connect components having a particular thickness and have limited variability to fasten together components having a range of thicknesses. A need therefore exists for a fastener or fastener assembly that can be easily used to fasten together components of varying thicknesses.

Further, once the aforementioned fasteners are secured to one or more components, there is usually a spacing or distance between the components, which may be defined as a setup height. However, typically the aforementioned fasteners provide limited setup heights and, in most instances, only include a single setup height. Therefore, a need also exists for a fastener or fastener assembly having a variable setup height, or a fastener or fastener assembly configured to accommodate and secure the one or more components at various positions on the fastener or fastener assembly.

In accordance with the claimed invention, a fastening clip assembly configured to secure one or more components is provided. The fastening clip assembly comprises a collar having a lower surface, a stem extending from the lower surface of the collar to a lead-in nose, a first leg having a first knuckle, and a second leg having a second knuckle. Further, the first leg and the second leg extend from the lead-in nose. The first knuckle is located a first distance from the lower surface of the collar, the second knuckle is located a second distance from the lower surface of the collar, and the first distance is different than the second distance. The fastening clip assembly further includes a third leg having a third knuckle and a fourth leg having a fourth knuckle. An interior surface of the first leg and an interior surface of the second leg define an aperture, and a brace spans between the first leg and the second leg and extends across the aperture. An interior surface of the third leg and an interior surface of the fourth leg define an aperture, and a brace spans between the third leg and the fourth leg.

In some embodiments, the third knuckle is located a third distance from the lower surface of the collar, the fourth knuckle is located a fourth distance from the lower surface of the collar, and the third distance is different than the fourth distance. The first distance may also be equal to the third distance and the second distance may be equal to the fourth distance. In further embodiments, the first leg includes a first intermediate beam that extends between the lead-in nose and the first knuckle, the second leg includes a second intermediate beam that extends between the lead-in nose and the second knuckle, the third leg includes a third intermediate beam that extends between the lead-in nose and the third knuckle, and the fourth leg includes a fourth intermediate beam that extends between the lead-in nose and the fourth knuckle. Further, the first leg may include a first back-angle section, the second leg may include a second back-angle section, the third leg may include a third back-angle section, and the fourth leg may include a fourth back-angle section.

The fastening clip assembly may also include a support base and a post, which can extend between the collar and the support base. In such embodiments, the fastening clip assembly may be configured to secure a first component between the collar and the support base, and may secure a second component between the first and second legs and the lower surface of the collar. In particular, the fastening clip assembly may be configured to secure the second component between the first knuckle and the lower surface of the collar, or the fastening clip assembly may be configured to secure the second component between the second knuckle and the lower surface of the collar.

In accordance with another aspect of the claimed invention, a fastening clip assembly comprising a collar and a panel-engaging retainer is provided. The panel-engaging retainer includes a lead-in nose, a first leg having a first beam extending from the lead-in nose and to a first back-angle section, a second leg having a second beam extending from the lead-in nose and to a second back-angle section, a third leg having a third beam that extends from the lead-in nose and to a third back-angle section, and a fourth leg having a fourth beam extending from the lead-in nose and to a fourth back-angle section. The panel-engaging retainer is connected to the collar, and the first beam is longer than the second beam. A brace extends between an interior surface of the first back-angle section and an interior surface of the second back-angle section. A brace also extends between an interior surface of the third back-angle section and an interior surface of the fourth back-angle section.

Further, the first leg may include a first knuckle between the first beam and the first back-angle section, the second leg may include a second knuckle between the second beam and the second back-angle section, the third leg may include a third knuckle between the third beam and the third back-angle section, and the fourth leg may include a fourth knuckle between the fourth beam and the fourth back-angle section. In these embodiments, the third beam may also be longer than the fourth beam. The panel-engaging retainer may further include a stem that extends between the collar and the lead-in nose.

In some embodiments, the fastening clip assembly may further include a head, and a post that extends between the head and the collar. In these embodiments, the fastening clip assembly may be configured to secure a first component between the head and the collar, and may be configured to secure a second component between at least the second knuckle and the collar.

The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure.

Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure will be better understood and features, aspects, and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fastening clip assembly that may be configured to engage and secure a plurality of components together, e.g., a first component and a second component. Various embodiments also provide a fastening clip assembly configured to engage and secure components having varying thicknesses, as well as a fastening clip assembly configured to secure components at multiple positions or setup heights.

<FIG> illustrate a fastening clip assembly <NUM>, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The fastening clip assembly <NUM> may include a panel-engaging retainer <NUM> integrally molded and formed with a collar <NUM>, which, in turn, integrally connects to a support base <NUM> by way of a central post or neck <NUM>. With particular reference to <FIG>, the collar <NUM> may be generally rectangular, and may include a lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM>. Further, a distal wall <NUM> projects upwardly from the lower surface <NUM> and extends between the lower surface <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM>. Similarly, with particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support base <NUM> may also be generally rectangular and, in this embodiment, may have a shape that conforms with the shape of the collar <NUM>. Further, although the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> are generally rectangular in this embodiment, the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> may each, individually, be annular, square, conical, or any other desired shape.

As noted above, the central post <NUM> may extend between the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> and, as such, may connect the collar <NUM> to the support base <NUM>. The central post <NUM> may also be generally aligned with a longitudinal axis <NUM>. In this embodiment, the central post <NUM> is generally circular or cylindrical, and forms a spacing <NUM> between the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM>. The spacing <NUM> may provide a space or area into which a first component may be placed and affixed. For example, as will be further discussed herein, a first component, such as a first component or panel <NUM> (see <FIG>), may be placed between the upper surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> of the support base <NUM>. Further, the central post <NUM> may be placed within and may extend through an aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and, as a result, the support base <NUM> and the collar <NUM> may engage and secure a first component therebetween.

In particular embodiments, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be integrally molded and may be formed as a single, unitary body. The fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be integrally molded and formed as a single piece using an injection-molded plastic, for example.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may further include a central pedestal or stem <NUM> that extends downwardly from a center of the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Further, as best shown in <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> extends between the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and a lead-in nose <NUM>, and connects to the lead-in nose <NUM> by way of a shaft <NUM>. As such, the central stem <NUM> may provide a brace that protects the lead-in nose <NUM> from collapsing toward the collar <NUM>, and provides a bracing support that resists crushing of the panel-engaging retainer <NUM>. The lead-in nose <NUM>, in some embodiments, may be beveled and may be configured to guide the panel-engaging retainer <NUM> through or into an opening of a component, such as an opening or aperture <NUM> of a second component or panel <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The central stem <NUM> may also be centered about the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be generally aligned with the central post <NUM>. Further, as best shown in <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis <NUM> (e.g., to the left and right of the longitudinal axis <NUM> and/or to the top and bottom of the longitudinal axis <NUM>, as shown and seen in <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> may include a solid medial section or central beam <NUM> and two lateral prongs or beams <NUM>. Put differently, the central stem <NUM> may include two cut-out sections <NUM> proximate a lower end of the central stem <NUM> that define the two lateral prongs <NUM>. Further, the cut-out sections <NUM> extend between the medial section <NUM> and the lateral prongs <NUM>, and may be present to accommodate or support slides during the molding process. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> may also include a cross brace <NUM> coupled to a front surface <NUM> of the central stem <NUM> and a cross brace <NUM> coupled to a rear surface <NUM> of the central stem <NUM>.

The panel-engaging retainer <NUM> may further include a plurality of wings or retaining legs that extend upward from the beveled lead-in nose <NUM> and/or outward from an end of the central pedestal or stem <NUM>. More particularly, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may include a first leg <NUM>, a second leg <NUM>, a third leg <NUM>, and a fourth leg <NUM> that extend upward and outward from the lead-in nose <NUM> and/or the central stem <NUM>. Each leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may each individually include a flexible base portion or root <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that is proximate a lower end of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Further, as best shown in <FIG>, the flexible roots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the lead-in nose <NUM> and connect to an intermediate extension beam <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having generally concave outer surfaces. In particular, the first leg <NUM>, the second leg <NUM>, the third leg <NUM>, and the fourth leg <NUM> each include an intermediate extension beam <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, that extends upward and outwardly from the flexible roots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, toward a knuckle <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The intermediate extension beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each have an outward extension that increases moving from the flexible roots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be, in turn, further connected to a ramped section or back-angle section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, that is inwardly-canting or angles inwardly toward the central stem <NUM> and the collar <NUM>. As a result, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are a vertex between the extension beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and may be defined by an interior angle. In some instances, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be final retention features at a lower end of the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are positioned between the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the lead-in nose <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may not be present altogether. As such, particular reference to the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> herein, may also be in reference to the location along the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, at which point the intermediate extension beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connect or transition to the back-angle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, particular reference to the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> herein, may be in reference to the portion of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that is farthest from the longitudinal axis <NUM> or the portion of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having the widest width.

The legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may further include a tab <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that extends upwardly from the back-angle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and toward the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a spacing may also be present between the tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>.

Referencing <FIG> and <FIG>, an interior surface <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may define a generally parabolic aperture <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and an interior surface <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> may define a generally parabolic aperture <NUM> (see <FIG>). A center leg or brace <NUM> spans between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> and extends across the aperture <NUM>, and a center leg or brace <NUM> spans between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> and extends across the aperture <NUM>. More particularly, as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the brace <NUM> extends from and between an interior surface of the back-angle section <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and an interior surface of the back-angle section <NUM> of the second leg <NUM>, and the brace <NUM> extends from and between an interior surface of the back-angle section <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and an interior surface of the back-angle section <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM>. Further, in particular embodiments, the center leg or brace <NUM> and the center leg or brace <NUM> may each be, individually, V-shaped, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In further embodiments, the brace <NUM> extends downward from the back-angle section <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and downward from the back-angle section <NUM> of the second leg <NUM>, and toward a vertex or lower distal end <NUM> positioned between the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM>, and the brace <NUM> extends downward from the back-angle section <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and downward from the back-angle section <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM>, and toward a vertex or lower distal end <NUM> positioned between the third and fourth legs <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the vertex <NUM> may be located at a central position between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and the vertex <NUM> may be located at a central position between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. The vertex <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may also be centrally aligned with the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be positioned above the lead-in nose <NUM>. In other embodiments, the vertex <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be slightly offset relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be in closer proximity to the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>, respectively. As will be further discussed herein, the brace <NUM> may function to support the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> and may function to distribute a load therebetween. Similarly, the brace <NUM> may function to support the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> and may function to distribute a load therebetween.

The retaining legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be regularly spaced about or around the central stem <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> may extend from a front face <NUM> of the lead-in nose <NUM>, and the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> may extend from a rear face <NUM> of the lead-in nose <NUM>. Further, with particular reference to <FIG>, the knuckle <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and the knuckle <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may be offset relative to one another. More particularly, in this embodiment, the knuckle <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is positioned closer to the lead-in nose <NUM> in relation to the knuckle <NUM> of the first leg <NUM>. As a result, the intermediate extension beam <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is shorter than the intermediate extension beam <NUM> of the first leg <NUM>, or the back-angle section <NUM> and/or the tab <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> is shorter than the back-angle section <NUM> and/or the tab <NUM> of the second leg <NUM>. Similarly, with reference to <FIG>, the knuckle <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and the knuckle <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> are offset relative to one another and, in this embodiment, the knuckle <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> is positioned closer to the lead-in nose <NUM> in relation to the knuckle <NUM> of the third leg <NUM>. As a result, the intermediate extension beam <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> is shorter than the intermediate extension beam <NUM> of the third leg <NUM>, and/or the back-angle section <NUM> and/or the tab <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> is shorter than the back-angle section <NUM> and/or the tab <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM>.

As discussed above, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be generally spaced from a lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. For example, in this particular embodiment, the knuckle <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D <NUM> from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and the knuckle <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D2 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Further, the knuckle <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D3 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and the knuckle <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D4 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. As previously discussed herein, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may not be present in some embodiments and, in such embodiments, the distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may be measured from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> to a lower end of the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In one particular embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the distance D1 is less than the distance D2 and, specifically, the distance D1 may be approximately half to <NUM>/3rds the distance D2. Further, in this particular embodiment, the distance D3 is less than the distance D4 and, specifically, the distance D3 may be approximately half to <NUM>/3rds the distance D4. Even further, in this embodiment, the distance D1 may be equal to the distance D3 and the distance D2 may be equal to the distance D4. In other embodiments, the distance D1 and the distance D3 may be approximately <NUM>/4th, or approximately <NUM>/3rd, or approximately <NUM>/3rds, or approximately <NUM>/4ths of the distance D2 and/or the distance D4. In further embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the distance D1 and distance D3 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a component having a first thickness. In particular, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may accommodate a component between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, such that the component engages the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the distance D2 and the distance D4 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a component having a second thickness, which may be larger than the distance D1 and/or the distance D3. In this embodiment, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may accommodate the component having the second thickness between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, such that the component engages the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other embodiments, as will be further discussed herein, the distance D2 and the distance D4 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a plurality of components having a combined thickness, all of which may be secured by the fastening clip assembly <NUM>. For example, a first component may engage and be secured by the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, and may have a relative thickness equal to or less than the distances D1 and/or D3, and a second component may be secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and a lower surface of the first component secured by the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>. In such embodiments, the distances D2 and D4 may be relatively equal to or greater than the combined thicknesses of all of the components secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may each, individually, be spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may be equal. In an alternative embodiment, the distance D1 may be different than the distances D2, D3, D4, all of which may be equal. In another embodiment, as previously discussed herein, the distance D1 and the distance D3 may be equal and the distance D2 and the distance D4 may be equal, and the distances D1, D3 may be different than the distances D2, D4. Alternatively, the distance D <NUM> and the distance D2 may be equal and the distance D3 and the distance D4 may be equal, and the distances D1, D2 may be different than the distances D3, D4. Further, the distances D1 and the distance D4 may be equal and the distance D2 and the distance D3 may be equal, and the distances D1, D4 may be different than the distances D2, D3. In yet another embodiment, two of the distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may be equal, while the other two distances may be different. Still further, the distances D1, D2, D3, D4 may all be different from one another.

The inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion of legs having back-angles and/or tabs located at varying heights increases the range of components the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may secure. For instance, the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>, may accommodate, engage, and secure panels having a first thickness, and the first leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM>, may accommodate, engage, and secure panels having a second thickness that is different than the first thickness accommodated by the legs <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion of legs having back-angles located at varying heights may increase the setup height variation of the fastener clip assembly <NUM>. The setup height may be defined as the spacing or distance between the components to be secured by the fastener clip assembly <NUM>, e.g., first component <NUM> and second component <NUM>. And, as will be further discussed herein, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion of legs having back-angles located at varying heights increases the locations at which the panel-engaging retainer <NUM> (and the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> thereof) may engage and secure a component thereon. As a result, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may have multiple setup heights. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the second component <NUM> may engage the back-angle section <NUM> and have a setup height H1 (see <FIG>) or the second component <NUM> may engage the back-angle section <NUM> and have a setup height H2 (see <FIG>).

Turning back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the legs having knuckles closer to the lead-in nose <NUM> (e.g., legs <NUM>, <NUM>) and the legs having knuckles closer to the lower surface <NUM> (e.g., legs <NUM>, <NUM>) may be staggered. Or, put another way, the legs disposed around the panel-engaging retainer <NUM> may alternate between legs having knuckles closer to the lead-in nose <NUM> (e.g., legs <NUM>, <NUM>) and legs having knuckles closer to the lower surface <NUM> (e.g., legs <NUM>, <NUM>). For instance, the first leg <NUM> may be kitty-corner or cater-cornered relative to the third leg <NUM> (or vice-versa), and the second leg <NUM> may be kitty-corner or cater-corned relative to the fourth leg <NUM> (or vice-versa). As will be further discussed herein, having the first leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM> cater-cornered and the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> cater-corned may equally distribute a load across the fastening clip assembly <NUM>.

Further, as previously discussed herein, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> includes a center leg or brace <NUM> that spans between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and a center leg or brace <NUM> that spans between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. Therefore, during use, the brace <NUM> may function to distribute a load between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and the brace <NUM> may function to distribute a load between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. More particularly, as discussed above, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may engage and secure a component between the first leg <NUM> and lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and between the third leg <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, in some embodiments. In such embodiments, a load or force applied to the first leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) and the third leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) may be greater than a load or force applied to the second leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) and the fourth leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof). As such, when a force or load is applied to the first leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM> during use, the braces <NUM>, <NUM> may distribute a portion of the load to the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may engage and secure a component between the second leg <NUM> and lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and between the fourth leg <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. In these embodiments, a load or force applied to the second leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) and the fourth leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) may be greater than a load or force applied to the first leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof) and the third leg <NUM> (or the knuckle <NUM> thereof). As such, when a force or load is applied to the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM> during use, the braces <NUM>, <NUM> may distribute a portion of the load to the first leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a method of using the fastening clip assembly <NUM> and, in particular, a process in which the fastening clip assembly <NUM> fastens or secures a first component <NUM>, e.g., a first panel, together with a second component <NUM>, e.g., a second panel, and optionally, a third component <NUM> (see <FIG>), e.g., a third panel.

First, as shown in <FIG>, a user may align the fastening clip assembly <NUM> with one or more holes or apertures, e.g., the aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. Then, a user may push the first component <NUM> toward the central stem <NUM> so that the first component <NUM> snaps in engagement with the fastening clip assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>). Once engaged, the central stem <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may extend through the aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM>, and the first component <NUM> may be positioned and secured between the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM>.

Next, the lead-in nose <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be urged into and through the aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM> until the second component <NUM> is positioned between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG>), or until the second component <NUM> is positioned between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG>). As previously discussed, the second component <NUM> may have a variety of thicknesses, and depending on the thickness of the second component <NUM>, either the legs <NUM>, <NUM> or the legs <NUM>, <NUM> may engage a lower surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. Alternatively, as also previously discussed herein, multiple setup heights between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> may be desired. And depending on the desired setup height, either the legs <NUM>, <NUM> or the legs <NUM>, <NUM> may engage a lower surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

The legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (as well as the first brace <NUM> and the second brace <NUM>) may flex or compress inwardly toward the longitudinal axis <NUM> as the fastening clip assembly <NUM> is urged through the second aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. The fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be continuously urged through the second aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM> until the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> pass through the second aperture <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In particular embodiments, the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> may also abut against an upper surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>, which surrounds the second aperture <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the back-angle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may extend through and engage an interior edge <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the second aperture <NUM> or the lower surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the back-angle section <NUM> of the leg <NUM> may extend through the second aperture <NUM> and an outer surface of the back-angle section <NUM> may contact or engage the interior edge <NUM> of the second aperture <NUM>. As previously mentioned herein, the thickness of the second component <NUM> may vary and the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be used to fasten together components having varying thicknesses. However, in particular embodiments, the second component <NUM> may have a thickness relatively equal to or smaller than the distance D1 and the distance D3 (see <FIG>, for example), or a thickness relatively equal to or smaller than the distance D2 and the distance D4 (see <FIG>, for example).

Further, as previously discussed herein, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion legs having back-angles located at various heights may increase the setup height variation of the fastener clip assembly <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may have a first setup height H1 (see <FIG>), a second setup height H2 (see <FIG>), and a third setup height (see <FIG>). More particularly, in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the first setup height H1 is the maximum potential setup height, the second setup height H2 is an intermediate setup height, and the third setup height (not shown) is the minimum setup height, which may be relatively equal to a thickness of the collar <NUM>.

In other embodiments, after the second component <NUM> is positioned between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), the lead-in nose <NUM> may be urged through an aperture of a third component <NUM> (see <FIG>) until the third component <NUM> is positioned and secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> or until the third component <NUM> is positioned and secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>. This process may be repeated to fasten a plurality of components between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may also include a flexible seal <NUM> positioned below the collar <NUM> and coupled to the lower surface <NUM> thereof. The flexible seal <NUM> may be a compressible foam washer or a soft, thermoplastic elastomer material. In other embodiments, the flexible seal <NUM> may be a flexible, umbrella-shaped seal or collar, and may be a substitute for the collar <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the flexible seal <NUM> is configured to compress between the collar <NUM> and a component retained by the panel-engaging retainer <NUM>, such as the second component <NUM>.

<FIG> depict another fastening clip assembly <NUM>, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, that includes a panel-engaging retainer <NUM>, a collar <NUM>, a support base <NUM>, and a central post or neck <NUM>. Similar to the fastening clip assembly <NUM>, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> further includes a distal wall <NUM> that projects upwardly from a lower surface <NUM> and extends between the lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> may each, individually be rectangular, as shown in <FIG>. Further, although the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> are generally rectangular in this embodiment, the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM> may each, individually, be annular, square, conical, or any other desired shape.

The central post <NUM> may extend between the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM>, may be generally aligned with a longitudinal axis <NUM>, and may provide a spacing <NUM> into which a first component may be placed and affixed. For example, similar to the fastening clip assembly <NUM>, a first component <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be placed between the upper surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> of the support base <NUM>. Further, an aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM> may extend around the central post <NUM> and, as a result, the support base <NUM> and the collar <NUM> may engage and secure the first component <NUM> therebetween.

The fastening clip assembly <NUM> may also be integrally molded and may be formed as a single, unitary body. The fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be integrally molded and formed as a single piece using an injection-molded plastic, for example.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may further include a central stem <NUM> that extends downwardly from a center of the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Further, as best shown in <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> extends between the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> and a lead-in nose <NUM>, and connects to the lead-in nose <NUM> by way of a shaft <NUM>.

Similar to the fastening clip assembly <NUM>, the central stem <NUM> may also be centered about the longitudinal axis <NUM>, and may include a solid medial section or central beam <NUM> and two lateral prongs or beams <NUM>. The central stem <NUM> further includes cut-out sections <NUM> that may define the two lateral prongs <NUM>. Looking to <FIG> and <FIG>, the central stem <NUM> may also include a cross brace <NUM> on a front surface <NUM> of the central stem <NUM> and a cross brace <NUM> on a rear surface <NUM> of the central stem <NUM>.

The panel-engaging retainer <NUM> may also include a plurality of wings or retaining legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that extend upward from the beveled lead-in nose <NUM> and/or outward from an end of the central pedestal or stem <NUM>. In particular, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> includes a first leg <NUM>, a second leg <NUM>, a third leg <NUM>, and a fourth leg <NUM>. Similar to the fastening clip assembly <NUM>, each leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may include a flexible root <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, an intermediate extension beam <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a knuckle <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a back-angle section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and an upwardly extending tab <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be defined as a vertex between the extension beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and may be further defined by an interior angle. In some instances, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be final retention features at a lower end of the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are positioned between the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the lead-in nose <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may not be present altogether. As such, particular reference to the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> herein, may also be in reference to the location along the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, at which point the intermediate extension beams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connect or transition to the back-angle sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, particular reference to the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> herein, may be in reference to the portion of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that is farthest from the longitudinal axis <NUM> or the portion of the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> having the widest width.

Referring to <FIG>, an interior surface <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may define a generally parabolic aperture <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and an interior surface <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> may define a generally parabolic aperture <NUM> (see <FIG>). A center leg or brace <NUM> extends or spans between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and a center leg or brace <NUM> extends or spans between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the center leg or brace <NUM> extends downward from the interior surface <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and the interior surface <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> and, in particular embodiments, the center leg <NUM> may be V-shaped. And, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the center leg or brace <NUM> extends downward from the interior surface <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> and the interior surface <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> and, in particular embodiments, the center leg <NUM> may be V-shaped.

In further embodiments, the center leg <NUM> may extend toward a vertex or distal end <NUM> positioned between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and the center leg <NUM> may extend toward a vertex distal end <NUM> positioned between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. The vertex <NUM> may be located at a central position between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>, and the vertex <NUM> may be located at a central position between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. The vertex <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may also be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be positioned above the lead-in nose <NUM>. In other embodiments, the vertex <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be slightly offset relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be in closer proximity to the second leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>, respectively.

The center leg <NUM> and the center leg <NUM> may further include a distal extension <NUM> and a distal extension <NUM>, respectively. First, with reference to <FIG>, the distal extension <NUM> projects from the distal end <NUM> of the center leg <NUM> and connects to an interior surface <NUM> of the panel-engaging retainer <NUM> that is between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM>. Similarly, with reference to <FIG>, the distal extension <NUM> projects from the distal end <NUM> of the center leg <NUM> and connects to an interior surface <NUM> of the panel-engaging retainer <NUM> that is between the third leg <NUM> and the fourth leg <NUM>. The center leg or brace <NUM> and the center leg or brace <NUM> also each individually connect to the central stem <NUM> (see <FIG>). As a result, the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the central stem <NUM> at the lead-in nose <NUM> and further connected to the central stem <NUM> through the center legs <NUM>, <NUM>. The center leg <NUM>, the center leg <NUM>, and the central stem <NUM> each function to support the first leg <NUM>, the second leg <NUM>, the third leg <NUM>, and the fourth leg <NUM> by distributing load therebetween.

Further, using this configuration, each leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a respective brace therefor. In particular, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the portion of the center leg <NUM> extending between the first leg <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be an individual brace for the first leg <NUM>, the portion of the center leg <NUM> extending between the second leg <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be an individual brace for the second leg <NUM>, the portion of the center leg <NUM> extending between the third leg <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be an individual brace for the third leg <NUM>, and the portion of the center leg <NUM> extending between the fourth leg <NUM> and the vertex <NUM> may be an individual brace for the fourth leg <NUM>.

The retaining legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be regularly spaced about or around the central stem <NUM>. Further, similar to the fastening clip assembly <NUM>, the knuckle <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> and the knuckle <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may be offset relative to one another, and the knuckle <NUM> and the knuckle <NUM> may be offset relative to one another. More particularly, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be generally spaced from a lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. And, in this particular embodiment, the knuckle <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D5 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and the knuckle <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D6 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Further, the knuckle <NUM> of the third leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D7 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, and the knuckle <NUM> of the fourth leg <NUM> may be spaced a distance D8 from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>.

Further, as previously discussed herein, the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may not be present in some embodiments and, in such embodiments, the distances D5, D6, D7, D8 may be measured from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> to a lower end of the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In one particular embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the distance D5 is less than the distance D6 and, specifically, the distance D5 may be approximately half to <NUM>/3rds the distance D6. Further, in this particular embodiment, the distance D7 is less than the distance D8 and, specifically, the distance D7 may be approximately half to <NUM>/3rds the distance D8. Even further, in this embodiment, the distance D5 may be equal to the distance D7 and the distance D6 may be equal to the distance D8. In other embodiments, the distance D5 and the distance D7 may be approximately <NUM>/4th, or approximately <NUM>/3rd, or approximately <NUM>/3rds, or approximately <NUM>/4ths of the distance D6 and/or the distance D8. In further embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the distance D5 and distance D7 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a component having a first thickness. In particular, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may accommodate a component between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, such that the component engages the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the distance D6 and D8 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a component having a second thickness, which may be larger than the distance D1 and/or the distance D3. In this embodiment, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may accommodate the component having the second thickness between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>, such that the component engages the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other embodiments, as will be further discussed herein, the distance D6 and the distance D8 may be a predetermined distance large enough to accommodate and secure a plurality of components having a combined thickness, all of which may be secured by the fastening clip assembly <NUM>. For example, a first component may be secured by the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>, and may have a relative thickness equal or less than the distances D5 and/or D7, and a second component may be secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and a lower surface of the first component secured by the back-angled sections <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM>. In such embodiments, the distances D6 and D8 may be relatively equal to or greater than the combined thicknesses of all of the components secured between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the distances D5, D6, D7, D8 may each, individually, be spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the distances D5, D6, D7, D8 may be equal. In an alternative embodiment, the distance D5 may be different than the distances D6, D7, D8, all of which may be equal. In another embodiment, as previously discussed herein, the distance D5 and the distance D7 may be equal, the distance D6 and the distance D8 may be equal, and the distances D5, D7 may be different than the distances D6, D8. Alternatively, the distance D5 and the distance D6 may be equal, the distance D7 and the distance D8 may be equal, and the distances D5, D6 may be different than the distances D7, D8. Further, the distances D5 and the distance D8 may be equal, the distance D6 and the distance D7 may be equal, and the distances D5, D8 may be different than the distances D6, D7. In yet another embodiment, two of the distances D5, D6, D7, D8 may be equal, while the other two distances may be different. Still further, the distances D5, D6, D7, D8 may all be different from one another.

As previously discussed herein, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion of legs having back-angles and/or tabs located at varying heights increases the range of components the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may secure. Further, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or the inclusion of legs having back-angles located at varying heights may increase the setup height variation of the fastener clip assembly <NUM>.

First, as shown in <FIG>, a user may align the fastening clip assembly <NUM> with one or more holes or apertures, e.g., the aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and an aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. Then, a user may push the first component <NUM> toward the central stem <NUM> so that the first component <NUM> snaps in engagement with the fastening clip assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>). Once engaged, the central stem <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may extend through the aperture <NUM> of the first component <NUM>, and the first component <NUM> may be positioned and secured between the collar <NUM> and the support base <NUM>.

Next, the lead-in nose <NUM> of the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may be urged into and through the aperture <NUM> of the second component <NUM> until the second component <NUM> is positioned between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (see <FIG>), or until the second component <NUM> is positioned between the knuckles <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (see <FIG>). As previously discussed, the second component <NUM> may have a variety of thicknesses, and depending on the thickness of the second component <NUM>, either the legs <NUM>, <NUM> or the legs <NUM>, <NUM> may engage a lower surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. Alternatively, as also previously discussed herein, multiple setup heights between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> may be desired. And depending on the desired setup height, either the legs <NUM>, <NUM> or the legs <NUM>, <NUM> may engage the lower surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

The inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs may allow the fastener clip assembly <NUM> to accommodate a component having varying thickness, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. Further, the inclusion of legs having knuckles located at various heights along the legs and/or back-angled sections located at various heights along the legs may increase the setup height variation of the fastener clip assembly <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the fastener clip assembly <NUM> may have a first setup height H3 (see <FIG>), a second setup height H4 (see <FIG>), and a third setup height (see <FIG>). In this embodiment, the first setup height H3 is the maximum potential setup height, the second setup height H4 is an intermediate setup height, and the third setup height (not shown) is the minimum setup height, which may be relatively equal to a thickness of the collar <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the fastening clip assembly <NUM> may also include a flexible seal <NUM> positioned below the collar <NUM> and coupled to the lower surface <NUM> thereof. The flexible seal <NUM> may be a compressible foam washer or a soft, thermoplastic elastomer material. In other embodiments, the flexible seal <NUM> may be a flexible, umbrella-shaped seal or collar, and may be a substitute for the collar <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the flexible seal <NUM> may be configured to compress between the collar <NUM> and a component retained by the panel-engaging retainer <NUM>, such as the second component <NUM>.

The term "about," as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures for embodiments of the disclosure herein. Throughout the disclosure, the terms "about" refer to a range of values ± <NUM>% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, rear, and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Claim 1:
A fastening clip assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to secure to one or more components (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the fastening clip assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a lower surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a stem (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the lower surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) to a lead-in nose (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a second knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a third leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a third knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a fourth leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a fourth knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first and second leg (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extend from the lead-in nose (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>) is located a first distance (D1) from the lower surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second knuckle (<NUM>, <NUM>) is located a second distance (D2) from the lower surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the first distance (D <NUM>) is different than the second distance (D2),
characterised in that an interior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an interior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) define an aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>), and in that a brace (<NUM>, <NUM>) spans between the first leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) and extends across the aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>), and in that an interior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the third leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an interior surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the fourth leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) define an aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>), and in that a brace (<NUM>, <NUM>) spans between the third leg (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the fourth leg (<NUM>, <NUM>).