Patent ID: 12221990

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure provide a fastener assembly including a pin that engages a body. The pin includes a shaft having notches and slots positioned therealong. The body includes first and second extended arms joined to each other at a nose and a flange. Each of the first and second extended arms includes an exterior flexure point, an interior flexure point, and a brace. The flange of the body includes a central aperture having a pair of ribs disposed therein. The notches of the pin are configured to receive the pair of ribs when the fastener assembly is in an as-shipped configuration, and the slots are configured to receive the pair of ribs when the fastener assembly is in an as-installed configuration. The shaft of the pin further includes first and second recessed surfaces being configured to receive the brace of the first arm and the second arm, respectively, when the fastener assembly is in the as-installed configuration. The exterior flexure point and the interior flexure point of each arm provide a controlled collapse that prevents unwanted wear on the body and, thus, promotes continued use, reuse, replacement, and an extended service life.

In some examples, the pin and the body are integrally formed as a unitary component. For example, the pin and the body may be manufactured by a single-shot molding process. The shaft of the pin includes a molding tab that connects to the flange of the body. The molding tab can provide a pathway for material to flow during a molding process. The molding tab may also secure the pin to the body prior to shipping, which can streamline the manufacturing and shipping processes and, thus, reduce associated costs.

In some examples the pin and the body are capable of being installed by mere hand forces, e.g., without tools or machinery. For example, the fastener assembly can be inserted by hand through one or more apertures in one or more panels, and the pin can be fully installed within the body by hand to provide a rigid clamping force for securing the one or more panels together and for securing the fastener assembly to the one or more panels. During and after the pin is installed within the body, the pin and the body interact with each other in a way that provides tactile feedback to a hand of a user, such that a user can feel when the pin and the body have reached an installed position.

In some examples, the brace of each of the first and second arms of the body further includes an alignment tab that engages a recess wall positioned along the shaft of the pin. The alignment tab and the recess wall cooperate to prevent misalignment during installation of the fastener assembly, and further prevent misalignment or detachment of the pin from the body after installation and while in use, such as by any external forces or vibrations that may be experienced.

FIG.1illustrates a fastener assembly100, according to one example of the present disclosure. The fastener assembly includes a pin102and a body104. The pin102comprises a head110and a shaft112that extends away from a bottom surface114(seeFIG.2). The head110includes a top surface116configured to be pressed, pushed, or otherwise engaged by a user, such as by a user's hand, a tool, or the like. The head110also includes an edge118between the top surface116and the bottom surface114. In the present example, the head110is disc-shaped, or cylindrical; however, in other examples the head110may be any shape, e.g., a rectangle, a square, a triangle, or the like. As illustrated inFIG.2, the shaft112extends away from the bottom surface114in a substantially orthogonal direction; however, in other examples, the shaft112may extend away from the bottom surface114at a different angle. Further, the shaft112extends away from a center of the bottom surface114; however, in some examples, the shaft112may extend from an off-center location of the bottom surface114, nearer to one or more portions of the edge118, or from a portion of the edge118instead of the bottom surface114.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, the shaft112includes a right sidewall120and a top sidewall122, as well as a bottom sidewall124and a left sidewall126. The right sidewall120includes an axial channel128formed thereon and extending between the bottom surface114of the head110and a foot130of the shaft112. A planar foot surface132is located at the foot130of the shaft112. As depicted inFIG.1, a molding tab134extends from the foot surface132near the right sidewall120. It is contemplated that the molding tab134could extend from a different surface of the pin102. The top sidewall122includes first recessed surface140defined, at least partially, by a step142and a recess wall144. The recess wall144has a first notch146formed thereon at a position nearer to the foot130than the step142. The first notch146has a curved shape with a depth about half the height of the recess wall144, as further illustrated inFIG.3.

With continued reference toFIGS.1and2, the left sidewall126includes an axial channel150formed thereon and extending between the bottom surface114of the head110and the foot130of the shaft112. The bottom sidewall124includes a second recessed surface152that is defined, at least partially, by a step154and a recess wall156. The recess wall156has a second notch158formed thereon at a position nearer to the foot130than the step154. Further, first and second slots162,164are formed on the top sidewall122and the bottom sidewall124, respectively, at a position nearer to the head110than to the foot130. As illustrated inFIG.3, the first and second slots162,164are positioned at a similar distance from the head110.

Still referring toFIGS.1and2, the body104includes a flange180having an upper surface182and a lower surface184with a peripheral edge186formed therebetween. An aperture188is formed through the flange180and in communication with a central passage190. An upper thin section192is formed on the upper surface182and defined, at least partially, by track walls194running parallel with one another between the peripheral edge186and the aperture188. Thus, the upper thin section192extends between the aperture188and the peripheral edge186, and more particularly, a straight side196of the peripheral edge186. As such, the upper thin section192has a generally rectangular shape. However, the peripheral edge186curves between the upper thin section192and a lower thin section200. In another aspect, the flange180can have any shape, e.g., a rectangle, a square, a triangle, or the like. The lower thin section200is formed on the lower surface184and defined, at least partially, by track walls202running parallel with one another between the peripheral edge186and the central passage190. Thus, the lower thin section200extends between the central passage190and the peripheral edge186, and more particularly, a straight side204of the peripheral edge186. As such, the lower thin section200has a generally rectangular shape.

With reference toFIGS.1-4, the body104further comprises a first arm206, a second arm208, and a nose210. Both the first arm206and the second arm208extend between a distal end212near the nose210and a proximal end214near the lower surface184of the flange180. The first arm206includes an exterior flex point220, e.g., a living hinge, located at a break222in an exterior surface224of the first arm206. The exterior flex point220is defined by a hinge portion226that is positioned between and interconnects angled portions228. Further, the first arm206includes an interior flex point230, e.g., a living hinge, located at a break232in an interior surface234of the first arm206. The interior flex point230is defined by a hinge portion236that is positioned between and interconnects angled portions238. A first brace240extends from a position on the interior surface234that is adjacent the interior flex point230. A void242is formed in the exterior surface224at a position that corresponds or aligns with the position of the first brace240on the interior surface234. The first brace240is hook-shaped and includes an inner side244, an outer side246, a tip248, and a free end250.

With continued reference toFIGS.1-4, the second arm208includes an exterior flex point260, e.g., a living hinge, located at a break262in an exterior surface264of the second arm208. The exterior flex point260is defined by a hinge portion266that is positioned and interconnects angled portions268. Further, the second arm208includes an interior flex point270, e.g., a living hinge, located at a break272in an interior surface274of the second arm208. The interior flex point270is defined by a hinge portion276that is positioned between and interconnects angled portions278. A second brace280extends from a position on the interior surface274that is adjacent the interior flex point270. A void282is formed in the exterior surface264at a position that corresponds or aligns with the position of the second brace280on the interior surface274. The second brace280is hook-shaped and includes an inner side284, an outer side286, a tip288, and a free end290.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the first arm206includes a first proximal hinge portion300, e.g., a living hinge, positioned near the proximal end214. The first proximal hinge portion300joins the proximal end214of the first arm206and a first extended wall302. Similarly, the second arm208includes a second proximal hinge portion304, e.g., a living hinge, positioned near the proximal end214. The second proximal hinge portion304joins the proximal end214of the second arm208and a second extended wall306. The first and second extended walls302,306have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first and second arms206,208, and the proximal end214of each of the first arm206and the second arm208are curved. Accordingly, the curved shape of the proximal ends214and the reduced thickness of the first and second extended walls302,306cooperate to promote rotation about the first and second proximal hinge portions300,304, respectively.

Still referring toFIG.3, the first and second notches146,158and first and second slots162,164have similar depth and width dimensions. Each of the first and second notches146,158and the first and second slots162,164are configured to receive a first and second rib310,312of the body104in an installed configuration, as seen inFIG.5C. The first and second ribs310,312are disposed along central passage walls320,326that define the central passage190below the aperture188formed through the flange180. The first and second ribs310,312are configured to fit within the first and second slots162,164in a manner that resists vibration, dislodgement, and other external forces, especially those forces associated with application in vehicles. The inner side244of the first brace240can be appreciated fromFIG.3, the first brace240being shaped as an arcuate member with the free end250and the tip248positioned near the first extended wall302. Similarly, the outer side286of the second brace280can be appreciated fromFIG.3, the second brace280being shaped as an arcuate member with the free end290and the tip288positioned near the second extended wall306.

Referring toFIG.4, the outer side246of the first brace240, the tip248, and the free end250are illustrated, from which the inner side284of the second brace280can be appreciated. As seen inFIGS.3and4, the shapes of the first and second braces240,280mirror each other and create an overlap area322between the first and second arms206,208. In addition, a V-shaped area324is created between the first and second arms206,208, and more specifically between the interior surfaces234,274thereof. The profile of the exterior flex points220,260and the interior flex points230,270are illustrated, from which can be appreciated the thickness of the hinge portions226,236,266,276relative to the thickness of the first and second arms206,208.

As can be appreciated fromFIGS.1-4, the first and second arms206,208have a length that is greater than a length of the shaft. Accordingly, the body104can be inserted nose210first, for example, through an opening in a panel, or multiple aligned openings in stacked panels. Further, due to the long and slender shape of the first and second arms206,208, and because they are joined together at the distal end212near the nose210, the fastener assembly is capable of being inserted through blind openings, i.e., openings not visible to a user during insertion. An example of the insertion and assembly process is depicted below inFIGS.5A-5C.

Now referring toFIG.5A, the fastener assembly100is illustrated in a molded configuration, or an as-molded state, such that the molding tab134of the shaft112remains intact, attaching the pin102to the body104. In some examples the pin102and the body104are formed simultaneously from a single cycle molding process, and the molding tab134is formed during the molding process to allow the material, in a liquid state, to flow through a mold cavity during the molding process. In this manner, the pin102and the body104can be formed simultaneously of the same material, e.g., a plastic material. In some examples, the pin102and the body104may be formed using a variety of other suitable molding processes, e.g., additive manufacturing, thermoforming, or the like. In some examples, the pin102and the body104can be manufactured separately and joined together subsequently.

Referring toFIG.5B, the fastener assembly100is illustrated in a shipping configuration, such that the molding tab134is detached or sheared from the upper surface182of the flange180. The foot130of the shaft is inserted through the aperture188and into the central passage190of the body104to cause the first and second notches146,158to engage the first and second ribs310,312. The first and second ribs310,312fit within the first and second notches146,158in a manner resisting any external forces caused by shipping. Accordingly, the shaft112, and therefore the pin102, is captured by the body104prior to installation or insertion in a panel350, as illustrated in phantom lines inFIGS.5C and6. Thus, the fastener assembly100undergoes division, such that the pin102and the body104are no longer one integral component, between a molded configuration and a shipping configuration, prior to being installed. In the shipping configuration, the first brace240and the second brace280maintain the overlap area322, and the free ends250,290, respectively, are on opposing sides of the central passage190such that the free end250is located on the same side of the central passage190as the second arm208, the free end290is located on the same side of the central passage190as the first arm206, and both the free ends250,290are located nearer to the lower surface184of the flange180than interior flex points230,270.

With reference toFIG.5C, the fastener assembly100is illustrated in an installed configuration. When installed, the nose210of the body104is threaded or inserted through an opening of the panel350. The shape, e.g., the length and slim profile, of the body104facilitates insertion of the body104, and particularly the first and second arms206,208and the nose210into a blind opening, or an opening that is not visible from a user's vantage point, or multiple openings stacked together. The user inserts the body104into such an opening(s), and after the lower surface184of the flange180contacts the panel350, the user presses or pushes the top surface116of the head110to force the shaft112through the central passage190of the body104. In this manner, the first and second ribs310,312become dislodged from their fit within the first and second notches146,158, and the pin102continues moving axially toward the flange180of the body104. The dislodgement of the first and second ribs310,312from the first and second notches146,158may provide a perceivable sensation or sound to a user.

During insertion, the foot surface132of the shaft112pushes on the free ends,250,290of the first and second braces240,280. As a result, the first and second braces240,280move, e.g., rotate, about the first and second proximal hinge portions300,304, and the arms flex or bend about their exterior flex points220,260and interior flex points230,270. In this manner, each of the first and second braces240,280moves away from each other, eliminating the overlap area322area. In the installed configuration, the free ends250,290, respectively, are moved to opposing sides of the central passage190such that the free end250is located on the same side of the central passage190as the first arm206, the free end290is located on the same side of the central passage190as the second arm208, and both the free ends250,290are located farther from the lower surface184of the flange180than interior flex points230,270. Accordingly, the V-shaped area324widens and the nose210moves closer to the foot surface132, and also to the panel350, while remaining spaced apart therefrom. In this way, the body104collapses in length and, thus, reduces an occupied volume after installation. Ultimately, after the shaft112is fully inserted into the body104, the first and second ribs310,312fit within the first and second slots162,164on the shaft112and, thus, can provide a perceivable sensation or sound to a user that indicates an installed position is reached, e.g., tactile feedback.

Referring toFIG.6, the first brace240engages the first recess wall144and the second brace280engages the second recess wall156, such as in a sliding relationship during insertion of the pin102into the body104, experiencing frictional resistance promoted by compressive forces exerted therebetween. During insertion, and after reaching a fully installed configuration, the tip248of the first brace240extends toward the first recessed surface140of the shaft, and the tip288of the second brace280extends toward the second recessed surface152of the shaft112. In this manner, the tip248of the first brace240and the tip288of the second brace280promote alignment during installation by cooperating with the first recess wall144and the second recess wall156, respectively. Further, the first brace240and the second brace280securely lock the body104to the pin102, preventing or resisting unfastening of the pin102from the body104in a reverse progression of the configurations described above, and further preventing misalignment in several directions, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, lateral forces, etc.

In the installed configuration, as depicted inFIGS.5C and6, a clamping force is created between the pin102and the body104such that the panel350may be secured by the fastener assembly100. In particular, the clamping force is created between the lower surface184of the head110and the exterior surfaces224,264of the first and second arms206,208, respectively. The clamping force is a result of the shaft112being inserted into the body104. During insertion, the foot surface132of the shaft112causes the first and second braces240,280to move, e.g., rotate, about the first and second proximal hinge portions300,304, respectively. As described herein, this movement causes the first and second arms206,208to flex about the exterior and interior flex points220,260,230,270. In this manner, the first and second arms206,208undergo a controlled collapse or bending movement localized around the exterior and interior flex points220,260,230,270that prevents unnecessary and unwanted wear on the body104. Due to the combination of the movement about the first and second proximal hinge portions300,304, the interior flex points230,270, and the exterior flex points220,260, a first clamping portion328of the first arm206and a second clamping portion330of the second arm208exert a force, i.e., a portion of the total clamping force, against the panel350. In some examples, the first arm206and the second arm208may include a textured surface therealong. For example, the first clamping portion328and the second clamping portion330may include textural features, e.g., knurling, ribs, dots, etc., that can increase frictional resistance with the panel350.

With reference toFIG.7, a gap340is defined between the bottom surface of the head110and the upper thin section192, defined by the track walls194and the straight side196of the peripheral edge186. A user can insert a tool, e.g., a flat head screwdriver, inside the gap340to pry the pin102from the body104. In this manner, the fastener assembly100is capable of being extracted, or uninstalled, and subsequently serviced, or replaced, after installation. After the pin102is removed from the body104, the fastener assembly is configured to be re-installed elsewhere. For example, right and left sidewalls120,126of the shaft112are provided without any laterally disposed grooves or slots that could engage the ribs310,312, and the axial channels128,150of the shaft112are sized and shaped to prevent the tip248of the first brace240and the tip288of the second brace280from insertion, thus causing misalignment that a user can notice and correct.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front 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.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the examples 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 examples to the extent permitted by the prior art.