U.S. patent application number 11/564840 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for spring fastener with highly improved lever/angle pulling force.
Invention is credited to Daniel James Dickinson, Mark Fleydervish, Michael Anthony Giugliano, Joseph William Lowry, Michael Walter Smith.
Application Number | 20070084024 11/564840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34577024 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070084024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giugliano; Michael Anthony ;
et al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Spring fastener with highly improved lever/angle pulling force
Abstract
A spring fastener engages the rib of a first part, such as a
plastic panel for example, like a pillar for example, may be
engaged, and they are also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a
slot of second part, such as a metal sheet for example, like the
frame of a car for example. The spring fastener comprises
engagement springs having a peak, engagement regions and-side cuts
in the vicinity of the peak, for example within the engagement
regions. The side-cuts, of preferably triangular shape, increase
the lever/angle pulling force (pulling force applied on the first
part and away from the spring fastener, in order to separate the
first part from a second part connected together with the spring
fastener). According to one embodiment, the fastener comprises
barbs with inwardly bent front ends, and the engagement regions
further have hindrance portions.
Inventors: |
Giugliano; Michael Anthony;
(Elgin, IL) ; Smith; Michael Walter; (Lake Zurich,
IL) ; Fleydervish; Mark; (Buffalo Grove, IL) ;
Dickinson; Daniel James; (Arlington Heights, IL) ;
Lowry; Joseph William; (Libertyville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THEMI ANAGNOS
437 NORTH ASHLAND AVE.
LA GRANGE PARK
IL
60526
US
|
Family ID: |
34577024 |
Appl. No.: |
11/564840 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10942634 |
Sep 16, 2004 |
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11564840 |
Nov 29, 2006 |
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60520807 |
Nov 17, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 21/075 20130101;
F16B 5/0657 20130101; Y10T 24/307 20150115; F16B 5/065 20130101;
Y10T 24/304 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/293 |
International
Class: |
E04F 19/02 20060101
E04F019/02 |
Claims
1. A fastener comprising: a first side; a second side opposite the
first side, the first side connected to the second side thereby
forming a U-shaped structure; a bottom portion wherein the first
side and the second side are connected; a first engagement spring
connected to the first side in the vicinity of the bottom portion;
and a second engagement spring connected to the second side in the
vicinity of the bottom portion; wherein at least one of: the first
engagement spring and the second engagement spring comprises
side-cuts being across each other.
2. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein the engagement
region further comprises one structure selected from at least one:
depression ripple, side rib, upward solid bent extension parallel
to the peak, knurled region, bent teeth, each having a depth, a
bump, and a combination thereof.
3. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of
the side-cuts has a triangular shape.
4. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein each side-cut
further includes an upper edge and a lower edge partially bent
outwardly.
5. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, further comprising
first barbs and second barbs being cut portions of the respective
first and second side.
6. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of
the side cuts are aligned with a peak on at least one of the
engagement springs.
7. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of
the side cuts includes an upper edge and a lower edge connecting
with a spring side of the corresponding engagement spring.
8. A spring fastener as defined in claim 1, wherein the spring
fastener further comprises an elastic body molded on the spring
fastener.
9. An assembly of a first part comprising a rib and a spring
fastener, the spring fastener comprising a first side; a second
side opposite the first side, the first side connected to the
second side thereby forming a U-shaped structure; a bottom portion
wherein the first side and the second side are connected; a first
engagement spring connected to the first side in the vicinity of
the bottom portion; and a second engagement spring connected to the
second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion; wherein at least
one of: the first engagement spring and the second engagement
spring comprises side-cuts being across each other.
10. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, wherein the engagement
region further comprises one structure selected from at least one:
depression ripple, side rib, upward solid bent extension parallel
to the peak, knurled region, bent teeth, each having a depth, a
bump, and a combination thereof.
11. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, wherein at least one
of the side-cuts has a triangular shape.
12. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, further comprising
first barbs and second barbs being cut portions of the respective
first and second side.
13. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, wherein at least one
of the side cuts are aligned with a peak on at least one of the
engagement springs.
14. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, wherein at least one
of the side cuts includes an upper edge and a lower edge connecting
with a spring side of the corresponding engagement spring.
15. A spring fastener as defined in claim 9, wherein the spring
fastener further comprises an elastic body molded on the spring
fastener.
16. A vehicle comprising parts connected with a spring fastener,
the spring fastener comprising: a first side; a second side
opposite the first side, the first side connected to the second
side thereby forming a U-shaped structure; a bottom portion wherein
the first side and the second side are connected; a first
engagement spring connected to the first side in the vicinity of
the bottom portion; and a second engagement spring connected to the
second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion; wherein at least
one of: the first engagement spring and the second engagement
spring comprises side-cuts being across each other.
17. A spring fastener as defined in claim 16, wherein the
engagement region further comprises one structure selected from at
least one: depression ripple, side rib, upward solid bent extension
parallel to the peak, knurled region, bent teeth, each having a
depth, a bump, and a combination thereof.
18. A spring fastener as defined in claim 16, wherein at least one
of the side-cuts has at a triangular shape.
19. A spring fastener as defined in claim 16, wherein at least one
of the side cuts are aligned with a peak on at least one of the
engagement springs.
20. A spring fastener as defined in claim 16, wherein at least one
of the side cuts includes an upper edge and a lower edge connecting
with a spring side of the corresponding engagement spring.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/942,634 entitled "Spring fastener with
highly improved lever/angle pulling force", filed on Sep. 16, 2004
and owned by the instant assignee, which claims priority from
provisional application 60/520,807 filed on Nov. 17, 2003 also
owned by the instant assignee.
FIELD OF THE ART
[0002] This application relates to spring fasteners. This
application also relates to an assembly as connected to each other
through the fastener, as well as vehicles comprising such
assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A number of fasteners have been used in the past for
securing one object on another object, as for example, securing an
article such as for example a plastic sheet on a metal or other
rigid plastic sheet. However, these fasteners have a rather low
ratio of insertion force to removal force. In other words, they
require considerable force to be inserted into a slot in order to
provide adequate removal resistance in order to be removed from the
slot. This is ergonomically inferior performance, and the operators
may suffer miscellaneous ailments, while productivity is also
considerably undermined. In addition the fasteners of the present
state in the art suffer from rather inferior Lever/Angle Pulling
force.
[0004] Lever/Angle pulling force is defined as the force required
to separate one part from another part connected with a fastener by
pulling said parts apart, not straight away form each other, but
sideways from each other, as will be described in more detail
herein below.
[0005] According to one embodiment, the fasteners have a
considerably higher Lever/Angle pulling force than the fasteners of
the present state in the art.
[0006] Recently, a fastener has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,718,599 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference,
characterized by ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force
ratio. However, even in this case, the Lever/Angle pulling force is
relatively low.
[0007] Examples of other state in the art fasteners are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,811 (Smith et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,981,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,150 (Shinozaki et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,714
(Smith); U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,319 (Smith); U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,158
(Gronau et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,789 (Fisher et al.), U.S. Pat.
No. 5,373,611 (Murata); U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,280 (Gagliardi); U.S.
Pat. No. 5,095,592 (Doerfling); U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,984 (Wyckoff),
U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,475 (Bien); U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,622 (Ohelke);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,170 (Schnabl); U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,652 (Kelly
et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,789 (Leitner); U.S. Pat. No. 3,673,643
(Kindell); U.S. Pat. No. 3,525,129 (Holton); U.S. Pat. No.
2,825,948 (Parkin); U.S. Pat. No. 2,607,971 (Bedford, Jr.); U.S.
Pat. No. 2,542,883 (Tinnerman); U.S. Pat. No. 2,329,688 (Bedford,
Jr.); U.S. Pat. No. 2,322,656 (Murphy), among others.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,019 (Fisher) provides fasteners which
can only be permanently installed into a slot; they can only be
inserted but not extracted without damage to parts of the fastener.
The major engagement is performed by spring strips, while
frictional portions of the fastener pass through the slot with at
most slight compression, and immediately after the insertion of the
fastener they are located in slightly spaced or barely contacting
relation with the edges of the slot. They are only activated for
engagement after the insertion of a bolt into a hole at the base
plate. Thus, the profound effect of the increased removal to
insertion ratio (explained in detail herein below) is not
recognized, mentioned, or implied. Thus, the distance of the
frictional portions away from the edges of the slot by Fisher,
during insertion and before use of the bolt, increases the
insertion force.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,837 (Wisniewski) describes a spring
fastener comprising bulbous and outwardly projecting portions,
which assist in preventing withdrawal of the clip and associated
molding from an aperture of a vehicle frame. However, "bulbous
projections" are necessarily voluminous, take most of the space
between the "reverse bents", and unless they are manufactured
within tight tolerances with regard to the thickness of the frame,
the "base plates" do not sit on the frame (see also the Figures),
rendering the structure unstable.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,240 B1 (Hironaka et al.), U.S. Pat. No.
5,129,768 (Hoyle et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,550 (Bettini), U.S.
Pat. No. 4,981,310 (Belissaire), U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,341 (Harris,
Jr. et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,325 (Moran et al.), U.S. Pat. No.
4,431,355 (Junemann), U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,246 (Small), and U.S.
Pat. No. 2,424,757 (F. Klump, Jr.) are directed to plastic or metal
fasteners which are designed to be just inserted into the slot of a
panel, but not extracted without damage to the fastener (if such
extraction would be attempted from the front side; the side from
which the fastener is inserted into the panel, since the back part
of the panel is not reachable in the cases, wherein such types of
fasteners are used).
[0011] None of the above disclosures of the present state in the
art provide satisfactory Lever/Angle pulling force.
SUMMARY
[0012] According to one embodiment, a spring fastener engages the
rib of a first part, such as a plastic panel for example. The
spring fastener is also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a slot
of second part, such as a metal sheet or the frame of a car for
example. According to one embodiment an assembly of the first and
the second part as connected to each other through the fastener, as
well as vehicles comprising such assemblies. According to one
embodiment, the spring fasteners have a Lever/Angle pulling force,
which is considerably higher than that characterizing spring
fasteners of the present state in the art.
[0013] According to one embodiment, an increase in Lever/Angle
pulling force is attained by forming a side-cut section, especially
at least partially bent outwardly, disposed in the spring fastener,
as will described in more detail herein below.
[0014] Outwardly means away from the fastener.
[0015] According to one embodiment, a spring fastener comprises a
first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first
side connected to the second side thereby forming a U-shaped
structure. According to one embodiment, a cavity is formed between
the first side and the second side. The fastener further comprises
a bottom portion wherein the first side and the second side are
connected, and a top portion. The first side comprises a first
engagement spring, the first engagement spring connected to the
first side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. The second side
comprises a second engagement spring, the second engagement spring
connected to the second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion.
At least one of: the first engagement spring and/or the second
engagement spring comprises side-cuts being across each other.
According to one embodiment, each of the first and second
engagement springs comprising a peak, a free end in the vicinity of
the top portion, and an engagement region between the peak and the
front end. According to one embodiment, at least one engagement
spring further having a side-cut section or notch, preferably in
the vicinity the respective peak, the side-cut section or notch
oriented substantially parallel to the peak. According to one
embodiment, however, that each spring has two side-cut sections,
one opposite to the other.
[0016] The side-cut sections or notches have an upper edge and a
lower edge. According to one embodiment, that at least one of the
lower edges, or all lower edges are at least partially bent
outwardly.
[0017] The spring fastener according to one embodiment pertains an
assembly comprising:
[0018] a spring fastener comprises a first side and a second side
opposite the first side, the first side connected to the second
side thereby forming a U-shaped structure. According to one
embodiment, a cavity is formed between the first side and the
second side. The fastener further comprises a bottom portion
wherein the first side and the second side are connected, and a top
portion. The first side comprises a first engagement spring, the
first engagement spring connected to the first side in the vicinity
of the bottom portion. The second side comprises a second
engagement spring, the second engagement spring connected to the
second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. At least one of:
the first engagement spring and/or the second engagement spring
comprises side-cuts being across each other. According to one
embodiment, each of the first and second engagement springs
comprising a peak, a free end in the vicinity of the top portion,
and an engagement region between the peak and the front end.
According to one embodiment, at least one engagement spring further
having a side-cut section or notch, preferably in the vicinity the
respective peak, the side-cut section or notch oriented
substantially parallel to the peak. According to one embodiment,
however, that each spring has two side-cut sections, one opposite
to the other;
[0019] a first part comprising a rib inserted into the cavity of
the spring fastener and engaged to the first and second barbs;
and/or
[0020] a second part comprising a slot, the slot having a width and
edges, the fastener being disposed in the slot in a manner that the
edges of said slot are engaged to the engagement regions of the
spring fastener.
[0021] According to one embodiment, a vehicle comprises an
assembly, the assembly comprising vehicle comprising an assembly,
the assembly comprising:
[0022] a spring fastener comprises a first side and a second side
opposite the first side, the first side connected to the second
side thereby forming a U-shaped structure. According to one
embodiment, a cavity is formed between the first side and the
second side. The fastener further comprises a bottom portion
wherein the first side and the second side are connected, and a top
portion. The first side comprises a first engagement spring, the
first engagement spring connected to the first side in the vicinity
of the bottom portion. The second side comprises a second
engagement spring, the second engagement spring connected to the
second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. At least one of:
the first engagement spring and/or the second engagement spring
comprises side-cuts being across each other. According to one
embodiment, each of the first and second engagement springs
comprising a peak, a free end in the vicinity of the top portion,
and an engagement region between the peak and the front end.
According to one embodiment, at least one engagement spring further
having a side-cut section or notch, preferably in the vicinity the
respective peak, the side-cut section or notch oriented
substantially parallel to the peak. According to one embodiment,
however, that each spring has two side-cut sections, one opposite
to the other;
[0023] a first part comprising a rib inserted into the cavity of
the spring fastener and engaged to the first and second barbs;
and
[0024] a second part comprising a slot, the slot having a width and
edges, the fastener being disposed in the slot in a manner that the
edges of said slot are engaged to the engagement regions of the
spring fastener.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the fastener comprises
hindrance portion within the engagement region, and the side-cut
section is disposed within the engagement region. According to one
embodiment, the side-cut section has a triangular shape.
[0026] The spring fastener may further comprise a recess within the
engagement region, in the vicinity of the top end.
[0027] The hindrance portion may have any suitable structure, which
hinders to a desired degree the removal of the spring fastener from
the slot described above. According to one embodiment, the said
hindrance portion comprises one structure selected from ripple,
side rib, upward solid bent extension parallel to the peak and the
optional recess, knurled region, bent teeth, each having a depth, a
bump or bulbous formation, and a combination thereof.
[0028] According to one embodiment, there may be a single ripple in
the vicinity of the peak or the ripple may have a back side with a
curvature of a gradually decreasing slope. Preferably, the
gradually decreasing slope has the shape of an arc in the range of
50-70 degrees with a radius in the range of 0.03-0.05 mm.
[0029] More details regarding configurations of engagement regions
are described in Non-provisional patent application Ser. No.
10/164,963, filed Jun. 7, 2002, and its respective Patent
Application Publication US 2002/0194710 A1, Pub. Date Dec. 26,
2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0030] According to one embodiment the spring fastener further
comprises first barbs and second barbs being cut portions of the
respective first and second side of the spring fastener,
originating from the vicinity of the top portion of said spring
fastener and directed toward the bottom portion the spring
fastener, the first barbs and the second barbs comprising
respective first back sections and first front sections, the first
sections being bent portions of the first back sections, and second
back sections and second front sections, the second front sections
being bent portions of the second back sections.
[0031] The barbs are selected from a group consisting essentially
of:
[0032] first barbs being outer barbs and second barbs being inner
barbs;
[0033] first barbs being outside outer barbs and second barbs being
inside outer barbs; and
[0034] first barbs being inner barbs and second barbs being inner
barbs.
[0035] It is preferable that the barbs which are cut from their
respective side, are flexible, and bent in the vicinity of their
respective front end as described for example in U.S. Pat. No.
6,279,207 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference, and more
particularly in FIG. 1A of said patent, with an angle of bent in
the range of 5-25 degrees.
[0036] The barbs are considered to be flexible if they do not cause
the width W3 (FIG. 1B) to increase more than 30%, preferably 20%,
and more preferably 10%, when the rib 46 is inserted into the
cavity 19 of the fastener 10 (FIG. 4A), and provided that the first
object 46 is adequately hard to hinder the barbs 36 from
substantially digging into it.
[0037] Regarding the outside outer barbs, it is preferable that
their front points are at a distance from the second side smaller
than the thickness of the material from which the spring fastener
was made. This is to avoid interconnection of the fasteners, when
said fasteners are stored in bulk.
[0038] The barbs may have variable width along their length, or
they may have substantially the same width along their length.
Further, the front points of the barbs may be toothed.
[0039] More details regarding bent barbs are also described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,279,207 B1 and 6,691,380 B2, both of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0040] The spring fastener may further comprise a molded elastic
body at least under the top portion of said spring fastener for
sealing purposes. Such arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,353,981 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other
sealing arrangements are also included, as described for example in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,471 B2, which is also incorporated herein by
reference.
[0041] In another embodiment, the spring fastener may further
comprise:
[0042] an elastic body comprised of at least a gasket, the gasket
extending away from the cavity in the vicinity of the top portion
of the fastener and enclosing at least partially the cavity;
and
[0043] a casing surrounding at least partially the spring fastener
under the top portion, except at least the engagement section of
each engagement spring, the casing also at least partially
surrounding the cavity and such portion of the elastic body which
at least partially encloses the cavity;
[0044] wherein the casing has lower ultimate elongation, higher
Shore hardness, and higher shear strength than the elastic body.
Thus, preferably the casing is substantially non-elastic.
[0045] Such arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,381,811
B2, 6,497,011 B2, 6,527,471 B2, and 6,648,547 B2, all of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0046] According to one embodiment the fasteners described above
and their equivalents may be used in any assembly in which the
first part and/or the second part are connected with the fastener,
as well as in any vehicle comprising such an assembly or such a
fastener or its equivalents
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The reader's understanding of practical implementation of
embodiments will be enhanced by reference to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with perusal of the drawing
figures, wherein:
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a spring fastener
according to an embodiment, wherein the engagement regions of the
first and second springs have side-cut sections or notches in the
vicinity of the bent.
[0049] FIG. 1A 1 illustrates a perspective view of a spring
fastener according to another embodiment, wherein the hindrance
portion comprises a single-sided ripple and bent barbs, and the
engagement regions of the first and second springs have side-cut
sections or notches in the vicinity of the bent.
[0050] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the spring fastener of FIG.
1A.
[0051] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a spring fastener
according to another embodiment, wherein the lower edges of the
side-cut sections or notches are at least partially bent
outwardly.
[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a spring fastener
according to another embodiment, wherein the hindrance portion
comprises one two-sided ripple and bent barbs, and the engagement
regions of the first and second springs have side-cut sections or
notches in the vicinity of the bent.
[0053] FIG. 3A illustrates side view of an engagement spring,
wherein the hindrance portion comprises a single-sided ripple, and
the engagement regions have side-cut sections or notches in the
vicinity of the bent.
[0054] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an engagement spring,
wherein the hindrance portion comprises one two-sided ripple, and
the engagement regions have side-cut sections or notches in the
vicinity of the bent.
[0055] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of an engagement spring,
wherein the hindrance portion comprises two two-sided ripples, and
the engagement regions have side-cut sections or notches in the
vicinity of the bent.
[0056] FIG. 3D illustrates a side view slice of an engagement
spring, wherein the hindrance portion comprises three two-sided
ripples, and the engagement regions have side-cut sections or
notches in the vicinity of the bent.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates two parts, which can be connected with
the fastener according to one embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 4A illustrates the side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A
and a cross sectional slice of the rib of a first part, such as a
panel or an automotive pillar, for example, inserted into the
cavity of the fastener.
[0059] FIG. 4B illustrates the same elements shown in FIG. 4A after
insertion of the fastener into the slot of a second part, such as
the frame of an automobile for example.
[0060] FIG. 4C illustrates a partial cross section of the second
part of FIG. 4B and the edges of the slot in relation with the
engagement regions of the engagement springs of the fastener.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed diagram of a ripple in the
hindrance portion according to one embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed diagram of a single-sided
ripple having a back side in the form of a curvature in the
hindrance portion according to one embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a stamped fastener before final formation
according to another embodiment, wherein the fastener comprises
outer and inner barbs, as well as relief portions in the vicinity
of the bottom of the fastener.
[0064] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of the fastener of FIG. 6
after final formation.
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a stamped fastener before final formation
according to another embodiment, wherein the fastener comprises
outside outer barbs on the first side and inside outer barbs on the
second side.
[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a stamped fastener before final formation
according to another embodiment, wherein the fastener comprises
only inner barbs.
[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates a stamped fastener before final formation
according to another embodiment, wherein the fastener comprises
upper and lower outer and inner barbs.
[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a stamped fastener before final
formation according to another embodiment, wherein the fastener
comprises two engagement springs per side of the fastener, and only
one upper and one lower barb per side.
[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates a stamped fastener before final
formation according to another embodiment, wherein the barbs have
uniform width along their length.
[0070] FIG. 12 illustrates a stamped fastener before final
formation according to another embodiment, wherein the barbs have
uniform width along their length, and they are toothed at their
front ends.
[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional slice of the middle
portion of a spring fastener, according to another embodiment,
wherein a molded elastic body 54 is disposed at least under the top
portion of said spring fastener.
[0072] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fastener, according to
still another embodiment, wherein the lower portion of the fastener
is covered by a casing, while an elastic body is disposed in the
vicinity of the top portion and encloses the cavity, at least
partially.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] A spring fastener engages the rib of a first part, such as a
plastic panel for example, like a pillar for example, may be
engaged, and they are also suitable to be engaged reversibly in a
slot of second part, such as a metal sheet for example, like the
frame of a car for example. An assembly of the first part connected
to the fastener, the first and the second part connected to each
other through the fastener, as well as vehicles comprising such
assemblies.
[0074] More particularly, as better shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, a
spring fastener 10 comprising a first side 12 and a second side 14
opposite the first side 12. The first side 12 is connected to the
second side 14 forming a U-shaped structure which has a cavity 19
between the first side 12 and the second side 14. The fastener 10
also has a bottom portion 16, wherein the first side 12 and the
second side 14 are connected. It further has a top portion 18a and
18b (collectively 18).
[0075] In all cases, numerals referring to the first side 12
contain the letter "a", while numerals referring the second side 14
contain the letter "b". The same numerals without the letters "a"
or "b" refer collectively to the respective elements of both
sides.
[0076] The first side 12 comprises a first engagement spring 20a,
which is connected to the first side 12 in the vicinity of the
bottom portion 16.
[0077] The second side 14 comprises a second engagement spring 20b,
which is connected to the second side 14, also in the vicinity of
the bottom portion.
[0078] Each of the first and second engagement springs 20a and 20b
may preferably, but not necessarily, have a first and second
recess, 24a and 24b, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and
a first and second free end, 22a and 22b, respectively, in the
vicinity of the top portion 18 (18a and 18b, respectively). Each
spring also comprises a first and a second peak, 26a and 26b,
respectively, and a first and second engagement region, 28a and
28b, respectively.
[0079] According to one embodiment, within the engagement region,
such as in the vicinity of the peaks 26, there are side-cut
sections 8a and 8b (collectively 8), of triangular shape, or any
suitable shape, which render the lever/angle pulling force
considerably higher than it would have been in their absence. Each
of the side-cut sections or notches 8 has an upper edge 7 (7a and
7b), and a lower edge 9 (9a and 9b). According to one embodiment
the lower edges 9 (9a and 9b) are at least partially bent
outwardly, as better illustrated in FIG. 1C.
[0080] The lever/angle pulling force is defined as the force
required to separate one part from another part connected with a
fastener by pulling said parts apart, not straight away form each
other, but sideways from each other.
[0081] According to one embodiment the engagement regions 28,
further comprise a first and second hindrance portion, 29a and 29b,
respectively, between the bents 26 and the front ends 22.
[0082] The hindrance portions provide increased removal force, when
the fastener 10 is pulled by a rib or extension 46 (FIG. 4B) of a
first part 44 (FIG. 4) engaged to the first and second barbs, 36a
and 36b, respectively, after the fastener 10 has been inserted into
a slot 50 of a second part 48 (FIG. 4), the slot 50 having a slot
width W2 (FIGS. 4 and 4C) and edges 51 (FIG. 4C) on which edges the
engagement regions 28a and 28b are engaged. The removal force is
measured by pulling rib 46 of the first part 44 straight away from
the second part 48 in the vicinity of point F1.
[0083] The increased removal force is due to the hindrance portions
29a and 29b (FIG. 4C), which in this particular case comprise
single ripples with only back sides 34, as it will be explained at
a later point in more detail. According to one embodiment, the
engagement portions 28a and 28b and the hindrance regions 29a and
29b are such that the fastener 10 can be extracted from the slot 50
when pulled by the rib 46 without damage to said fastener 10, and
with a higher force than a force required in the absence of the
hindrance portions 29a and 29b.
[0084] The lever/angle pulling force is measured by pulling the
first part 44 apart from the second part 48, not straight away, but
sideways from each other, that is for example by pulling the first
part 44 from a point F2 away from the rib 46, such as the edge 45
for example of the first part 44, such as an automotive pillar for
example.
[0085] In different applications, the exact position of point F2
may be different, as well as the required increase in lever/angle
force by the use of the side-cut sections.
[0086] The first side 12 also comprises first barbs 36a, which in
the case shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are outer barbs, since they are
disposed in an outer portion of the first side 12. The barbs 36a
have first front ends 38a. In the particular cases of FIGS. 1A and
1B, the first barbs 36a are bent inwardly in the vicinity of the
front ends 38a, according to one embodiment.
[0087] The second side 14 comprises second barbs 36b, which in the
case of FIGS. 1A and 1B are inner barbs, since they are disposed in
an inner portion of the second side 14. The second barbs have
second front ends 38b. In this particular case of FIGS. 1A and 1B
the second barbs 36b are also bent inwardly in the vicinity of the
front ends 38b, according one embodiment.
[0088] In the case of FIG. 1, the barbs 36a and 36b are
straight.
[0089] According to one embodiment an assembly 11, as better shown
in FIG. 4B, comprising a spring fastener as described above or in
the embodiments and their equivalents presented herein below, and a
first part 44 (FIG. 4) comprising a rib 46 (FIG. 4A) inserted into
the cavity 19 of the spring fastener 10 and engaged to the first
and second barbs 36a and 36b.
[0090] Further, an assembly 1, as better shown in FIG. 4B,
comprising a spring fastener as described above or in the
embodiments presented herein below; a first part 44 (FIG. 4)
comprising a rib 46 (FIG. 4A) inserted into the cavity 19 of the
spring fastener 10 and engaged to the first and second barbs 36a
and 36b; and a second part 48 (FIGS. 4 and 4B) comprising a slot
50, which slot 50 has a width W2 and edges 51 (FIG. 4C), so that
the edges 51 of said slot are engaged to the engagement regions 28a
and 28b of the spring fastener 10. In this case also, by pulling
the rib 46, the fastener 10 is extracted from the slot 50 without
damage to the fastener 10, and with a higher force than a force
required in the absence of the hindrance portions 29a and 29b.
[0091] According to one embodiment, a vehicle comprises an assembly
11 as described above.
[0092] In operation of the above embodiments, the spring fastener
10 is intended to connect a first part, such as a panel 44 for
example, which panel may have a rib 46, with a second part, such as
a frame 48 of a car for example, having a slot 50, as illustrated
in FIG. 4.
[0093] The rib 46 of the panel 44 is according to one embodiment
first inserted into the cavity 19 of the fastener 10 (see FIG. 4A),
where, it is secured by barbs 36a and 36b. Then, the fastener 10,
which has been secured on the extension 46 of the panel 44, is
inserted into the slot 50 of the frame 48, as better shown in FIG.
4B. However the sequence inserting the fastener may be the
opposite.
[0094] In this manner, the first part, exemplified by panel 44, has
been connected on the second part, exemplified by frame 48, through
the fastener 10.
[0095] According to one embodiment, the length Le (see FIG. 4A) of
the engagement regions 28 is not higher than 2-4 mm, while the
thickness T.sub.f of the frame 48 (see FIG. 4B) may vary in most
occasions in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm. This may make it rather
difficult to form large hindrance portions. Thus, the "bulbous
projections" suggested by U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,837 (Wisniewski) are
likely too bulky and voluminous, take most of the space between the
"reverse bents" (engagement regions between the peak and the recess
in the case), and unless they are manufactured within tight
tolerances with regard to the thickness of the frame (which in
practice may vary considerably), the "base plates" (top portions in
the case) do not sit on the frame (see also Wisniewski's Figures),
rendering the structure considerably unstable.
[0096] According to one embodiment, and for ergonomic purposes
combined with practical aspects, the force to insert the rib of the
first part into the cavity of the spring fastener may be less than
40 lbs, less than 15 lbs, and even less that 10 lbs; the force to
insert the spring fastener into the slot may be less that 30 lbs,
less than 15 lbs, and less than 10 lbs; and the force to extract
the spring fastener from the slot should be in the range of 30-100
lbs, and preferably in the range of 50-70 lbs.
[0097] According to one embodiment, in order to achieve the above
results, the hindrance portions could comprise rather minute
elements. Such huge structural components render respective
fasteners to be irreversibly inserted into slots. Any attempt to
extract these fasteners from the side of the panel that they were
inserted could result in destruction of the fasteners.
[0098] According to one embodiment, the hindrance portions 29a and
29b may comprise minute elements, such as ripples, upward solid
bent extensions parallel to the peaks and the recesses, knurled
regions, bent teeth, each having a depth, the depth of which
according to one embodiment does exceed 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm.
[0099] The depth for any element is substantially defined in the
same manner as defined at a later point for the ripples.
[0100] According to one embodiment the fastener includes any
structure which satisfies the claims, such as for example upward
solid bent extensions parallel to the peaks and the recesses,
knurled regions, bent teeth, as described in at least one of the
provisional patent application 60/301,364, filed Jun. 25, 2001,
60/327,814, filed Oct. 9, 2001, and 60/353,515, filed Feb. 1, 2002,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,718,599 B2, and 6,745,440 B2, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference, according to one embodiment,
their depth does not exceed 0.2 mm, or a configuration is one that
comprises at most three ripples having a preferable depth not
exceeding 0.2 mm, and more preferably not exceeding 0.1 mm.
According to one embodiment the hindrance portion comprises not
more than two ripples, and even more preferable one ripple.
Structures with one to three two-sided ripples 30 are shown in
FIGS. 3B to 3D, respectively.
[0101] FIG. 2 illustrates a spring fastener 10 according to one
embodiment, wherein the hindrance portion 29 comprises one
two-sided ripple 30 and bent barbs 36.
[0102] The most efficient and effective case, however, according to
one embodiment, is the use of only one single-sided ripple 30, as
shown for example in FIGS. 1A and 3A.
[0103] The operation of these embodiments is substantially the same
as the operation of the previous embodiments.
[0104] According to one embodiment each ripple 30 is in the form of
a depression, as better shown in FIG. 5. The depression has a
deepest part Z, a front side 32, a back side 34, and a width W1.
The hindrance portion 29 has a surface E, and the depth D of each
ripple 30 is defined as the distance between the surface E of the
hindrance portion 29 and the deepest part Z of the respective
ripple 30.
[0105] For better performance, the ripple width is larger than the
depth of the ripple, and preferably the ripple width is at least
twice the size of the depth of the ripple. The ripple width is
preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm and the ripple depth is in
the range of 0.01 to 0.1 mm, as aforementioned.
[0106] According to one embodiment, the back side 34 of the ripple
30 is substantially linear and has a slope S in the range of 15 to
30 degrees with regard to the general plane of the surface E of the
hindrance portion 29, and it is also preferable that the front side
32 has a higher slope than the back side. The slope of the front
side is measured in the same manner as the slope of the back side.
Thus, if the front side 32 is substantially perpendicular to the
surface E, the slope is substantially 0 degrees, while if the front
side 32 is substantially parallel to the plane of surface E and the
continuation of the deepest part Z, it is substantially 90
degrees.
[0107] According to one embodiment the back side 34 has the form of
a curvature with a gradually decreasing slope. For example, the
gradually decreasing slope of back side 34 may have the shape of an
arc corresponding to an angle A1, preferably in the range of 50-70
degrees, with a radius R, preferably in the range of 0.03-0.05 mm.,
as better shown in FIG. 5A.
[0108] According to one embodiment during vibrations, the edges 51
of the slot 50 (FIG. 4C) slide smoothly on the engagement regions
28 as well as the hindrance portions 29 during operation, and when
they reach the back sides 34 of the single-sided ripples 30 (FIG.
5A), they continue sliding smoothly finding increasingly higher
resistance in a continuous manner, which eliminates any rattling
noises. Such rattling noises would be present in a case that the
edges 51 would hit abrupt obstacles or would suddenly jump down,
even without hitting such obstacles.
[0109] The barbs are preferably selected from a group consisting
essentially of:
[0110] first barbs 36a being outer barbs, and second barbs 36b
being inner barbs, as better shown in FIG. 6 (blank before forming)
and 6A (side view);
[0111] first barbs 36a being outside outer barbs, and second barbs
36b being inside outer barbs, as better shown in FIG. 7 (blank
before forming); and
[0112] first barbs 36a being inner barbs, and second barbs 36b
being inner barbs, as better shown in FIG. 8 (blank before
forming).
[0113] In operation, the barbs engage on the rib 46 of the first
part 44, and when an adequate pulling force is applied on the firs
part 44, the fastener remains on said first part 44, but is
extracted from the slot 50.
[0114] The spring fastener 10 may also comprise relief openings 42a
and 42b in the vicinity of the bottom 16 of the spring fastener 10,
as better shown in FIG. 6 (blank before forming). These relief
openings facilitate the insertion of the fastener into the slot
50.
[0115] The spring fastener 10 may further comprise additional lower
barbs 40a and 40b pointing inwardly and originating form the
vicinity of the bottom portion 16 of the first side and the second
side, respectively, of the fastener 10, as better shown in FIG. 9
(blank before forming).
[0116] According to one embodiment, better illustrated in FIG. 10
(blank before forming), the first side of the spring fastener 10
has only one upper barb 36a and one lower barb 40a, while the
second side also has also only one upper barb 36b and only one
lower barb 40b, in a manner that the upper barb of one side faces
the lower barb of the other side and vice versa.
[0117] The barbs 36 may have variable width along their length, as
illustrated in for example in FIGS. 6-10, or they may have
substantially the same width along their length as better shown in
FIG. 11. Further, the front points of the barbs 36 may be toothed,
as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0118] Regarding outside outer barbs 36, it is preferable that
their front points 38 are at a distance C from the second side 14
smaller than the thickness T of the material from which the spring
fastener 10 is made, as better shown in FIG. 1B. This is to avoid
interconnection of the fasteners, when said fasteners are stored in
bulk.
[0119] According to one embodiment the barbs are cut from their
respective side, are flexible, and bent in the vicinity of their
respective front end as described for example in U.S. Pat. No.
6,279,207 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference, and more
particularly in FIG. 1A of said patent, with an angle of bent in
the range of 5-25 degrees.
[0120] According to one embodiment the fastener 10 has a width W3
(FIG. 1B) in the vicinity of the top portion 18 of the fastener 10,
which is at least 60%, and more preferably at least 70%, as wide as
the slot width W2 (FIG. 4C). According to one embodiment the whole
fastener complies with this requirement, or at least a portion in
the vicinity of the top. This is to avoid reversal of the direction
and failure of the barbs 36, when and if the rib 46 is forcefully
pulled away from the second part 48 (FIG. 4B).
[0121] With respect to the engagement regions 28, it is preferable
that these regions are at least partially wider than the rest of
the respective engagement springs 20 (see for example FIG. 6).
[0122] The more barbs are present, or the more bent their front
points are, the stronger the engagement of the rib 46 in the cavity
19. However, in many occasions it is desirable that this engagement
is not so strong so as to destroy the integrity of the fastener or
the rib, when an adequate force is applied to separate the fastener
10 from the rib 46.
[0123] The spring fasteners 10 may have two engagement springs 20
at the edges of each side instead of one engagement spring 20 in
substantially the middle portion of each side (see for Example FIG.
10).
[0124] The spring fastener 10 may further comprise a molded elastic
body 54 at least under the top portion 18 of said spring fastener
10, as better shown in FIG. 13. Such arrangements are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,981 B1, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0125] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation
of the previously described embodiments with the difference that
the elastic body provides moderate sealing properties to the
fastener when the fastener is inserted into the slot.
[0126] According to one embodiment, the spring fastener may further
comprise:
[0127] an elastic body 54 comprised of at least a gasket 56, the
gasket 56 extending away from the closed cavity 19 in the vicinity
of the top portion 18 of the fastener 10 and enclosing at least
partially the cavity 19; and
[0128] a casing 58 surrounding at least partially the spring
fastener under the top portion 18, except at least the engagement
region 28 of each engagement spring 20, the casing 58 also at least
partially surrounding the cavity 19 and such portion of the elastic
body 54 which at least partially encloses the cavity;
[0129] wherein the casing 58 has lower ultimate elongation, higher
Shore hardness, and higher shear strength than the elastic body
54;
[0130] as better shown in FIG. 14.
[0131] The presence of lips 60 improves considerably the sealing
properties of the elastic body.
[0132] Such arrangements are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,381,811 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0133] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation
of the previously described embodiments with the difference that
the combination of the elastic body 54 with the casing 58 provide
outstanding sealing properties to the fastener 10 when the fastener
10 is inserted into the slot 50, and the casing itself facilitates
the insertion of the fastener 10 into the slot 50.
[0134] According to one embodiment, any embodiments of fasteners
described above and their equivalents may be used in any assembly
in which the first part and the second part are connected with the
fastener, as well as in any vehicle comprising such an assembly or
such a fastener or its equivalents.
* * * * *