Patent Description:
Publication <CIT> discloses a wire tray assembly including a wire tray, a first insert, and a second insert. The wire tray has a first mounting tab defining a first aperture, and a second mounting tab defining a second aperture. The first insert is releasably retained by the first mounting tab and a first mounting stud extends through the first aperture into the first insert. The first insert is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the first mounting stud. The first insert defines a first cavity into which are disposed first pawls configured to releasably engage threads of the first mounting stud. The second insert is releasably retained by the second mounting tab and a second mounting stud extends through the second aperture into the second insert. The second body defines a second cavity into which are disposed second pawls configured to releasably engage threads of the second mounting stud. The first pawls engage the threads of the first mounting stud and the second pawls engage the threads of the second mounting stud when an installation force is applied the first insert and the second insert along the longitudinal axis of the first mounting stud and the second mounting stud.

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate. In aspects, the techniques and apparatuses include one or more of wire trays, mounting inserts, or assemblies thereof, and enable the removal of an attached wire tray from a mounted substrate without first removing a mounting insert from a mounting stud extending from the substrate.

In aspects, disclosed is a system that includes a wire tray and a first insert. The wire tray includes a mount. The mount includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface, an aperture, and a connecting ledge extending from the top surface of the mount. The aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface and defines a sidewall. The first insert is configured to be releasably retained by the mount. The first insert includes a body and a cantilevered lug. The body has an upper end configured for insertion into the aperture through the bottom surface and a lower end spaced apart from the upper end. A cavity extends into the body, and includes a threaded receiver configured to releasably engage threads of a mounting stud. The cantilever lug is configured for snap-fit connection with the connecting ledge. The cantilever lug comprising includes a beam, a catch, and a stop. The beam has a root end connecting to the body at the lower end and extending upwards from the lower end towards an insertion end, and the insertion end configured for insertion through the aperture. The catch extends downwardly from the insertion end of the beam and is configured to engage the connecting ledge. The stop is configured for limiting the insertion of the body through the aperture. The stop extends from the body between the upper end and the lower end and is positioned intermediate the catch and the lower end. The first insert is configured for insertion into the aperture through the bottom surface of the mount, with the stop bearing against the bottom surface of the mount. The first insert is configured to receive the mounting stud therethrough, the mounting stud extending through the aperture into the first insert, the threads of the mounting stud engaging the threaded receiver.

This Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate, which are further described below in the Detailed Description and are illustrated in the Drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The details of one or more aspects of techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate are described in this document with reference to the following drawings:.

The use of same numbers in different instances may indicate similar features or components.

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate. In aspects, the techniques and apparatuses may include one or more of wire trays, mounting inserts ("inserts"), or assemblies thereof. Aspects of the present disclosure address technical problems associated with the attachment and removal of a wire tray to a substrate.

In one example, a threaded mounting stud extends from a substrate (e.g., a substrate of a vehicle, such as a sill plate) and a thread-engaging mounting insert is inserted through a bottom surface of a wire tray and into an aperture defined through the wire tray at a mount. An assembly (system) is formed by the actuation of a snap-fit connection between the insert and the mount. The insert may then be pressed onto the stud to removably attach the assembly to the substrate. To remove the wire tray from the substrate, the snap-fit connection between the insert and the mount may be unactuated, enabling the wire tray and mount to be removed from the substrate to which the insert is mounted without first unscrewing the insert from the stud. This is but one example of how the described techniques and apparatuses may be used to address technical problems associated with the attachment and removal of a wire tray to a substrate. Other examples and implementations are described throughout this document.

<FIG> is a first side, perspective, environmental view that illustrates an example environment <NUM> in which techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object, such as a wire tray, to a substrate can be implemented. The environment <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM> (e.g., surface of an object, panel of a vehicle) onto which a wire tray assembly <NUM> may be mounted.

The substrate <NUM> may include one or more connectors (e.g., flanges, ridges, fasteners, screws, pins, bolts, and the like) to which a wire tray <NUM>, having a mount, may be mounted utilizing an insert. The connectors may include a threaded bolt, for example, one or more mounting studs (e.g., stud <NUM>, stud <NUM>, stud <NUM>) that extend from the substrate <NUM>. A stud may be formed of any material, such as a steel alloy, and in the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, stud <NUM> and stud <NUM> include helical threads (e.g., threads <NUM>, threads <NUM>) formed into an outer surface.

The wire tray assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a wire tray <NUM>, at least one mount (e.g., first mount <NUM>, second mount <NUM>, third mount <NUM>), and at least one mounting insert (e.g., first insert <NUM>, second insert <NUM>, third insert <NUM>). The wire tray <NUM> is preferably formed of a polymeric dielectric material, such as a polypropylene, which may be molded to fit a contour of the substrate <NUM>. The mounts and/or mounting inserts may be formed of a different material than is utilized for the wire tray <NUM>. The mounting inserts may be formed of any material, including, but not limited to, polyamide polymers (e.g., NYLON) that have a greater strength and wear resistance than the material utilized for the wire tray <NUM>.

The wire tray <NUM> is configured for routing at least one object, for example, a wiring harness of a vehicle. The wire tray <NUM> includes a base <NUM>. The base <NUM> defines a channel configured to receive the objects for routing thereon. The wire tray <NUM> may include one or more channel walls (e.g., first channel wall <NUM>, a second channel wall <NUM>) that, together with the base <NUM>, define the channel (e.g., channel <NUM>). A mounting insert (e.g., first insert <NUM>) may be utilized to releasably connect the wire tray <NUM> to the substrate <NUM> via the connector (e.g., stud <NUM>), for example, with the first insert releasably retained by the mount.

The wire tray <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes multiple mounts, namely, a first mount <NUM>, a second mount <NUM>, and a third mount <NUM>. The wire tray <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated with the first mount <NUM> and the third mount <NUM> located outside the first channel wall <NUM>, the second mount <NUM> located outside the second channel wall <NUM>, and all three of the mounts located outside of the channel <NUM>. In other aspects, one or more of the mounts can be located inside the channel, or outside the channel, one or more of the mounts can be located outside a sidewall, and/or one or more of the mounts may be located inside the sidewall. In a first example, all mounts are located on the same side of the wire tray (e.g., all on a first side, all on a second side). In a second example, at least one of the mounts is located on a first side of the wire tray, and at least one of the mounts is located on a second side of the wire tray. In a third example, one or more of the mounts are located in the channel of the wire tray.

In aspects, an insert may have a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinear shape, or another shape. In the wire tray assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the first insert <NUM> and the third insert <NUM> have a generally rectilinear shape extending beyond a stop and aligned with a longitudinal axis of the first stud <NUM>, whereas the second insert <NUM> has a generally cylindrical shape extending beyond a stop and aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second stud <NUM>. One or more of the inserts may be oriented differently from one or more of the other inserts. For example, both the first insert <NUM> and the third insert <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> have generally rectilinear shapes, but the inserts are rotated <NUM> degrees relative to one another.

The wire tray assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a first mount <NUM> and a first insert <NUM>, as further illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first insert <NUM> is configured for mounting the first mount <NUM> to a substrate <NUM> at a stud <NUM> that extends from the substrate <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The first mount <NUM> may include a base <NUM> that extends from the wire tray <NUM> (e.g., from first channel wall <NUM>). The base <NUM> may be defined in a plane generally parallel to a plane of the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, with an aperture <NUM> defined therebetween.

The first insert <NUM> is configured to connect to the first mount <NUM> through a snap-fit connection. Through such a connection, the aperture <NUM> receives at least one insertion end (e.g., insertion end <NUM>, insertion end <NUM>) of a cantilever lug (e.g., cantilever lug <NUM>, cantilever lug <NUM>) of the first insert <NUM> therethrough. The aperture <NUM> may include a ramp (e.g., ramp <NUM>, ramp <NUM>) configured to guide the insertion end into the aperture <NUM>, which may facilitate a more-accurate, secure snap-fit connection.

The aperture <NUM>, further illustrated in <FIG>, includes at least one sidewall <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> extends between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is cross-shaped, including ends (first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>) shaped to receive a rectilinear-shaped first insert <NUM> therein, and including spaced-apart sides (first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>). In other aspects, the shape of the aperture <NUM> may differ.

The first insert <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having an upper end <NUM> configured for insertion into the aperture <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> opposite the upper end <NUM>. In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, a cavity <NUM> is defined in the body <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> extends into at least a portion of the body <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> includes at least one thread-engaging receiver <NUM> (threaded receiver <NUM>) configured to releasably engage the threads (e.g., threads <NUM>) of a mounting stud (e.g., stud <NUM>) extending from the substrate <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be configured to accept a tool to rotate the first insert <NUM> about a longitudinal axis of the first stud <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a flat-blade screwdriver, or similar tool, may be inserted into the cavity <NUM> to either tighten or loosen the first insert <NUM> on the stud <NUM>.

The threaded receiver <NUM> may include at least one pawl <NUM> configured to releasably engage the threads of the mounting stud. As illustrated in <FIG>, a pair of pawls <NUM> attach to an inner surface <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> by webs <NUM> that define pivot points. The pivot points enable the pawls <NUM> to outwardly deflect when engaging the threads of the stud during installation. The webs <NUM> provide a spring-force such that the pawls <NUM> form a ratchet mechanism with the threads of the stud, thereby enabling the installation over the stud with the installation force. The threaded receiver <NUM> can be disengaged from the threads of the mounting stud to remove the insert from the stud. For example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver or the tips of pliers, and the tool may be utilized by an operator to disengage one or more of the pawls <NUM> from the stud, thereby enabling the removal of the insert from the stud. The cavity <NUM> may further be configured to receive the fingertips of an operator, which can be used to disengage one or more of the pawls <NUM> from the stud, thereby enabling the removal of the insert from the stud. The insert (e.g., first insert <NUM>) may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the mounting stud. That is, the first insert <NUM> may be threaded on and off the stud <NUM> similar to a nut and bolt combination.

The first insert <NUM> includes at least one resilient cantilever lug (e.g., cantilever lug <NUM>, cantilever lug <NUM>) configured for flexible insertion through the aperture <NUM> and for snap-fit connection with at least one connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge <NUM>, connecting ledge <NUM>) of the mount, namely a connecting ledge on a top surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM>. The resilient cantilever lug is configured to flex to permit a portion of the cantilever lug to be inserted through the aperture and couple to the connecting ledge in an engaged mode, and to decouple from the connecting ledge and flex to permit the portion of the cantilever lug to be withdrawn from the aperture in a disengaged mode. The connecting ledge extends from the top surface of the mount. The aspect illustrated in <FIG> includes a first cantilever lug <NUM> configured for snap-fit connection with a first connecting ledge <NUM> and a second cantilever lug <NUM> configured for snap-fit connection with a second connecting ledge <NUM>.

The insert (e.g., first insert <NUM>) is configured to be pushed in through the bottom surface <NUM> of the wire tray <NUM> to removably attach the wire tray <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>. Through use of the snap-fit connection, the catch of the cantilever lug can be disengaged from the connecting ledge, permitting the wire tray <NUM> to be removed from the substrate <NUM>, while the first insert <NUM> remains attached to the stud <NUM>.

The connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge <NUM>, connecting ledge <NUM>) may include at least one chamfer (e.g., chamfer <NUM>, chamfer <NUM>). The chamfer may be at any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the angle of the chamfer is <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the angle of the chamfer is <NUM> degrees from horizontal, or the angle of the chamfer is at least greater than zero, but less than ninety degrees from horizontal. The chamfer further includes an undercut face (e.g., undercut face <NUM>, undercut face <NUM>). The undercut face is configured to engage a retention face (e.g., retention face <NUM> of catch <NUM>, retention face <NUM> of catch <NUM>) when the snap-fit connection is actuated. In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, connecting ledge <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> and chamfer <NUM> extends from the rim <NUM> to the top surface <NUM>. Further, connecting ledge <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> and chamfer <NUM> extends from the rim <NUM> to the top surface <NUM>. The chamfer may extend, at a first end, upwards away from the top surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> and, at a second end, extend from the aperture <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other aspects, the chamfer may be spaced apart from the aperture <NUM>. The undercut face may be positioned at an arcuate angle to the aperture <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> defines a top surface plane (T), and a rim plane (R) is defined between rim <NUM> and rim <NUM>. The rim plane (R) may be generally parallel to the top surface plane (T) and vertically spaced from the top surface plane (T).

The cantilever lug includes a beam (e.g., beam <NUM>, beam <NUM>) and a catch (e.g., catch <NUM>, catch <NUM>). The beam includes a root end (e.g., root end <NUM>, root end <NUM>) connecting to the body <NUM> and extending upwards therefrom to an insertion end (e.g., insertion end <NUM>, insertion end <NUM>). The root end connects to the body <NUM> at the lower end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The insertion end is configured for insertion through the aperture <NUM>. The catch extends downwardly from the insertion end of the beam and is configured for engaging a connecting ledge of the base <NUM> to form the snap-fit connection.

The catch includes a tip (e.g., tip <NUM>, tip <NUM>) located between an insertion face (e.g., insertion face <NUM>, insertion face <NUM>) and a retention face (e.g., retention face <NUM>, retention face <NUM>). The insertion face is configured for contacting the sidewall and for inward deflection during actuation and deactuation of the snap-fit connection. The retention face is configured to engage the connecting ledge on the top surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In aspects, the retention face is at an arcuate angle to the insertion face. The retention face angle may be any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the retention face angle is <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the retention face angle is <NUM> degrees from horizontal. In yet other aspects, the retention face angle is at least greater than zero, but less than ninety degrees from horizontal.

The first insert <NUM> further includes at least one stop (e.g., stop <NUM>, stop <NUM>). The stop extends from the body <NUM> between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM>. The stop is configured to limit the insertion of the body <NUM> through the aperture <NUM>. The stop is positioned intermediate the catch and the lower end <NUM>. The stop includes an upper side (e.g., upper side <NUM>, upper side <NUM>) configured for contacting and bearing against the bottom surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> and a lower side (e.g., lower side <NUM>, lower side <NUM>) spaced apart from the upper side. When inserted to the limit, the stop is positioned adjacently to the bottom surface <NUM> of mount <NUM>, and the catch of the cantilever lug is positioned adjacently to a top surface <NUM> of the mount <NUM>, releasably holding the first insert <NUM> onto the first mount <NUM> between the stop and the catch. The contact between the upper side of the stop and the bottom surface <NUM> transfers a retention force from the stud <NUM> to the first mount <NUM> when the wire tray assembly <NUM> is installed on the substrate <NUM>.

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> has a generally rectilinear shape between the upper end <NUM> and the stop, and the upper end <NUM> of the body <NUM> is configured for receipt into the cross-shaped aperture <NUM>. In other aspects, the body may have a cross-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinear shape, or another shape between the upper end and the stop.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> includes the connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge <NUM>, connecting ledge <NUM>). The connecting ledge is configured for snap-fit connection with a cantilever lug of the first insert <NUM>. The connecting ledge is positioned above the plane of the top surface <NUM>. When the snap-fit connection is actuated, the catch of the cantilever lug engages the connecting ledge, the stop (e.g., stop <NUM>, stop <NUM>) is brought into contact with the bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), and the wire tray <NUM> is connected to the first insert <NUM> at the first mount <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The first mount <NUM> may include at least one fence <NUM> extending from the base <NUM> and surrounding at least a portion of the aperture <NUM>. The fence <NUM> is configured for protecting the mount and/or insert connected thereto. In <FIG>, the fence <NUM> is not illustrated, whereas the fence <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate an assembly sequence where the first insert <NUM> attaches to the wire tray <NUM>. To mount the wire tray <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>, the upper end <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the insertion ends of the cantilever lugs of the first insert <NUM> are inserted through the aperture <NUM> of the mount <NUM> and are pushed in through the bottom surface <NUM> of the mount <NUM> to releasably lock the first insert <NUM> onto the mount <NUM> of the wire tray <NUM>. Once attached, the first insert <NUM> can then be positioned for engagement with the threads <NUM> of the stud <NUM>, for example, by the pawls <NUM> engaging the threads <NUM> of the stud <NUM> to releasably attach the insert and mount of the wire tray assembly to the substrate <NUM>.

To disengage the first insert <NUM> from the first mount <NUM> and unmount the wire tray <NUM> from the substrate <NUM>, for example, to replace or fix a wire harness that is positioned in and/or attached to the channel <NUM>, an operator may manipulate the snap-fit connection of the first insert <NUM> to de-actuate the connection. For example, by applying a force to the insertion faces to move the catches to disengage the connecting ledges, and then sliding the catches out of the aperture <NUM> of the first mount <NUM> to remove the first mount <NUM> from the first insert <NUM>.

After removing the wire tray <NUM> from the stud <NUM>, the first insert <NUM> can then be unscrewed from the stud <NUM> or can be left attached to the stud <NUM>. If the first insert <NUM> is left attached to the stud <NUM>, to reinstall the wire tray <NUM> back onto the first insert <NUM> (e.g., after replacing or fixing the wire harness), the operator can insert the catches back into the aperture <NUM> and into snap-fit engagement with the connecting ledges, increasing the efficiency of the process of detaching and reattaching a wire tray to the substrate, for example, when an operator is replacing or fixing a wire harness that is positioned in and/or attached to the channel of the wire tray.

The wire tray assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> further includes a second mount <NUM> and a second insert <NUM>, as further illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The second insert <NUM> is configured for mounting the second mount <NUM> to a substrate <NUM> at a stud <NUM> that extends from the substrate <NUM>. The second mount <NUM> may include a base <NUM> that extends from the wire tray <NUM> (e.g., from the second channel wall <NUM>). The base <NUM> may be defined in a plane generally parallel to a plane of the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> opposite a bottom surface <NUM>, with an aperture <NUM> defined therebetween. The second insert <NUM> is configured to connect to the second mount <NUM>, through a snap-fit connection. Through such a connection, the aperture <NUM> receives at least one insertion end (e.g., insertion end <NUM>, insertion end <NUM>) of a cantilever lug (e.g., cantilever lug <NUM>, cantilever lug <NUM>) of the second insert <NUM> therethrough. The aperture <NUM> may include a ramp <NUM> configured to guide the insertion end into the aperture <NUM>.

The aperture <NUM> is further illustrated in <FIG> and includes at least one sidewall <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> extends between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is further illustrated in <FIG>. The aperture <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as generally circularshaped, having a sidewall <NUM> shaped to receive a cylindrical-shaped second insert <NUM> therein. In aspects, an aperture may have a cross-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinear shape, or another shape.

The second insert <NUM> includes a body <NUM> having an upper end <NUM> configured for insertion into the aperture <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> opposite the upper end <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be configured to accept a tool to rotate the second insert <NUM> about a longitudinal axis of the second stud <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a flat-blade screwdriver, or similar tool, may be inserted into the cavity <NUM> to either tighten or loosen the second insert <NUM> on the stud <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a cavity <NUM> is defined in the body <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> extends into at least a portion of the body <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> includes at least one thread-engaging receiver <NUM> (threaded receiver <NUM>) configured to releasably engage the threads (e.g., threads <NUM>) of a mounting stud (e.g., mounting stud <NUM>) extending from the substrate <NUM>.

The threaded receiver <NUM> may include one or more pawls <NUM> configured to releasably engage the threads of the mounting stud. The aspect illustrated in <FIG> includes four pawls. As illustrated in <FIG>, the pawls <NUM> may attach to an inner surface <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> by webs <NUM> that define pivot points. The pivot points enable the pawls <NUM> to outwardly deflect when engaging the threads of the stud during installation. The webs <NUM> provide a spring-force such that the pawls <NUM> form a ratchet mechanism with the threads of the stud, thereby enabling the installation over the stud with the installation force. The threaded receiver <NUM> can be disengaged from the threads of the mounting stud to remove the insert from the stud. For example, the cavity <NUM> may be configured to receive a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver, and the tool may be utilized by an operator to disengage one or more of the pawls <NUM> from the stud <NUM>, thereby enabling the removal of the second insert <NUM> from the stud <NUM>.

The insert (e.g., second insert <NUM>) may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the mounting stud, enabling the insert to be threaded onto the stud. Likewise, the insert can be threaded off an engaged mounting stud. That is, the second insert <NUM> may be threaded on and off the stud <NUM> similar to a nut and bolt combination.

The second insert <NUM> includes at least one resilient cantilever lug (e.g., cantilever lug <NUM>, cantilever lug <NUM>) configured for flexible insertion through the aperture <NUM> and for snap-fit connection with a connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge <NUM>) of the second mount <NUM>, a connecting ledge on a top surface <NUM> of the mount. The connecting ledge extends from the top surface of the mount. The aspect illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> includes a first cantilever lug <NUM> configured for snap-fit connection with the connecting ledge <NUM> and a second cantilever lug <NUM> configured for snap-fit connection with the connecting ledge <NUM>.

The second insert <NUM> is configured to be pushed into the aperture <NUM> through the bottom surface <NUM> of the wire tray <NUM> to removably attach the wire tray <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>. Through use of the snap-fit connection, a catch of the cantilever lug can be disengaged from the connecting ledge, permitting the wire tray <NUM> to be removed from the substrate <NUM>, while the second insert <NUM> remains attached to the stud <NUM>.

The connecting ledge <NUM> may include a chamfer <NUM>. The chamfer may be defined at any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the angle of the chamfer is <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the angle of the chamfer is <NUM> degrees from horizontal. The chamfer further includes an undercut face <NUM> configured to engage a retention face (e.g., retention face <NUM> of catch <NUM>, retention face <NUM> of catch <NUM>) when the snap-fit connection is actuated. The connecting ledge <NUM> may be an annular chamfer concentric with the aperture <NUM>. The annular chamfer may extend from the rim <NUM> to the top surface <NUM>. The chamfer may extend, at a first end, upwards away from the top surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>, and, at a second end, extend from the aperture <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other aspects, the chamfer may be spaced apart from the aperture <NUM>. The undercut face may be positioned at an arcuate angle to the aperture <NUM>.

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, connecting ledge <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> and the chamfer <NUM> extends from the rim <NUM> to the top surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> defines a top surface plane (T), and a rim plane (R) is defined between sides of the rim <NUM>. The rim plane (R) may be generally parallel to the top surface plane (T) and vertically spaced from the top surface plane (T).

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second insert <NUM> includes a first cantilever lug <NUM> and a second cantilever lug <NUM>. A cantilever lug includes a beam (e.g., beam <NUM>, beam <NUM>) and a catch (e.g., catch <NUM>, catch <NUM>). The beam includes a root end (e.g., root end <NUM>, root end <NUM>) connecting to the body <NUM> and extending upwards therefrom to an insertion end (e.g., insertion end <NUM>, insertion end <NUM>). The root end connects to the body <NUM> at the lower end <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The insertion end is configured for insertion through the aperture <NUM>. The catch extends downwardly from the insertion end of the beam and is configured for engaging a connecting ledge of the base <NUM> to form the snap-fit connection.

The catch includes a tip (e.g., tip <NUM>, tip <NUM>) located between an insertion face (e.g., insertion face <NUM>, insertion face <NUM>) and a retention face (e.g., retention face <NUM>, retention face <NUM>). The insertion face is configured for contacting the sidewall and for inward deflection during actuation and deactuation of the snap-fit connection. The retention face is configured to engage the connecting ledge on the top surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In aspects, the retention face is at an arcuate angle to the insertion face. The retention face angle may be any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the retention face angle is <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the retention face angle is <NUM> degrees from horizontal.

The second insert <NUM> further includes at least one stop (e.g., stop <NUM>, stop <NUM>). The stop extends from the body <NUM> between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM>. The stop is configured to limit the insertion of the body <NUM> through the aperture <NUM>. The stop is positioned intermediate the catch and the lower end <NUM>. The stop includes an upper side (e.g., upper side <NUM>, upper side <NUM>) configured for contacting and bearing against the bottom surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and a lower side (e.g., lower side <NUM>, lower side <NUM>) spaced apart from the upper side. When inserted to the limit, the stop is positioned adjacently to the bottom surface <NUM> of second mount <NUM> and the catch of the cantilever lug is positioned adjacently a top surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM>, releasably holding the second insert <NUM> onto the second mount <NUM> between the stop and the catch. The contact between the upper side of the stop and the bottom surface transfers a retention-force from the stud <NUM> to the second mount <NUM> when the wire tray assembly <NUM> is installed on the substrate <NUM>.

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the body <NUM> has a generally circular shape between the upper end <NUM> and the stop, and the upper end <NUM> of the body <NUM> is configured for receipt into the circular aperture <NUM>. In other aspects, the body may have a cross-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinear shape, or another shape.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> includes the connecting ledge <NUM>. The connecting ledge is configured for snap-fit connection with a cantilever lug of the second insert <NUM>. The connecting ledge is positioned above the plane of the top surface <NUM>. When the snap-fit connection is actuated, the catch of the cantilever lug engages the connecting ledge <NUM>, the stop (e.g., stop <NUM>, stop <NUM>) is brought into contact with the bottom surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), and the wire tray <NUM> is connected to the second insert <NUM> at the second mount <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The second mount <NUM> may include at least one fence <NUM> extending from the base <NUM> and surrounding at least a portion of the aperture <NUM>. The fence <NUM> is configured for protecting the mount and/or insert connected thereto. In <FIG>, the fence <NUM> is not illustrated, whereas the fence <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate an assembly sequence where the second insert <NUM> attaches to the wire tray <NUM>. To mount the wire tray <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>, the upper end <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the insertion ends of the cantilever lugs of the second insert <NUM> are inserted through the aperture <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> and are pushed in through the bottom surface <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> to releasably lock the second insert <NUM> onto the second mount <NUM> of the wire tray <NUM>. Once attached, the second insert <NUM> can then be positioned for engagement with the threads <NUM> of the stud <NUM>, for example, by the pawls <NUM> engaging the threads <NUM> of the stud <NUM> to releasably attach the insert and the mount of the wire tray assembly to the substrate <NUM>.

To disengage the second insert <NUM> from the second mount <NUM> and unmount the wire tray <NUM> from the substrate <NUM>, for example, to replace or fix a wire harness that is positioned in and/or attached to the channel <NUM>, an operator may manipulate the snap-fit connection of the second insert <NUM> to de-actuate the connection. For example, by applying a force to the insertion faces to move the catches to disengage the connecting ledges, and then sliding the catches out of the aperture <NUM> of the second mount <NUM> to remove the second mount <NUM> from the second insert <NUM>.

After removing the wire tray <NUM> from the stud <NUM>, the second insert <NUM> can then be unscrewed from the stud <NUM> or can be left attached to the stud <NUM>. If the second insert <NUM> is left attached to the stud <NUM>, to reinstall the wire tray <NUM> back onto the second insert <NUM> (e.g., after replacing or fixing the wire harness), the operator can insert the catches back into the aperture <NUM> and into snap-fit engagement with the connecting ledges.

<FIG> further illustrates a third insert <NUM> and a third mount <NUM>. The third insert <NUM> and third mount <NUM> are similar to the first mount <NUM> and the first insert <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and described above, except as detailed below. In <FIG>, the third mount <NUM> is illustrated rotated <NUM>-degrees with respect to the wire tray <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system, comprising:
a wire tray (<NUM>), the wire tray comprising:
a mount (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the mount comprising:
a top surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposite a bottom surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined in the mount, the aperture extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the aperture further comprising a sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a connecting ledge (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the top surface of the mount;
a first insert (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be releasably retained by the mount, the first insert comprising:
a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an upper end (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for insertion into the aperture through the bottom surface;
a lower end (<NUM>, <NUM>) spaced apart from the upper end (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending into the body (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a threaded receiver (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to releasably engage threads of a mounting stud (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a cantilever lug (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for snap-fit connection with the connecting ledge (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cantilever lug comprising:
a beam (<NUM>, <NUM>), the beam comprising:
a root end (<NUM>, <NUM>) connecting to the body at the lower end and extending upwards from the lower end towards an insertion end (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
the insertion end configured for insertion through the aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a catch (<NUM>, <NUM>), the catch extending downwardly from the insertion end of the beam, the catch configured to engage the connecting ledge (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a stop (<NUM>, <NUM>), the stop configured for limiting the insertion of the body (<NUM>, <NUM>) through the aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>), the stop extending from the body between the upper end and the lower end, the stop is positioned intermediate the catch and the lower end,
wherein the first insert (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured for insertion into the aperture through the bottom surface of the mount, with the stop bearing against the bottom surface of the mount (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the first insert (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured for receiving the mounting stud therethrough, the mounting stud extending through the aperture (<NUM>) into the first insert (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the threads of the mounting stud (<NUM>) engaging the threaded receiver (<NUM>).