Joints and connections – Rod side to plate or side – Resilient clip
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-03
2001-01-09
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Rod side to plate or side
Resilient clip
C403S331000, C248S049000, C248S074400, C024S616000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171014
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a clip with a sliding pillbox-type lid which can be used for attaching rods, particularly for attaching rods within an automotive seat assembly, such as a lumbar support, or for holding a tubular component such as a brake line.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it is known to use clips for securing the rods in an automotive seat assembly, such as associated with a lumbar assembly. Typically, these prior art clips have included a “fold-over” design wherein two gripping portions have been attached by a living hinge or similar hinge, and a rod has been engaged between the two gripping portions which are then fastened to each other. These clips have been difficult to install.
Similar clips have been used for attaching pipes or conduits.
Additionally, some prior art clips have been metallic clips which are difficult to install and which may include sharp metallic edges which are dangerous to the installer. Moreover, the metallic clips have been expensive to manufacture.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a clip, particularly for automotive seat applications, which is simple to install.
It is therefore a further object of this invention to provide a clip, particularly for automotive seat applications, which is made from plastic.
It is therefore a still further object of this invention to provide a clip which has reduced costs of manufacture.
It is therefore a further object of this invention to provide a clip which can be adapted for securing pipes or conduits.
These and other objects are attained by providing a clip with a body and a pillbox-style sliding lid. The body and lid are initially molded as a single piece of plastic. The body includes a trough on its upper surface for engaging a first rod set and a rabbit ear type retention device on its lower surface for engaging a second rod set. The body further includes rails upon which the lid rides. The body includes a first set of ramped stop tabs to hold the lid in a pre-driven state with the trough exposed. The body includes a second set of ramped stop tabs to hold the lid in a fully closed position wherein the lid covers the trough thereby securing the rod which is engaged in the trough. The body further includes anti-bowing tabs which engage the leading edge of the lid in the fully closed position. The rails of the body upon which the lid rides are angled at approximately three degrees so that the lid does not contact the rod within the trough until the lid is nearly closed. This reduces the amount of force required to close the lid while maintaining a secure engagement to the first rod set.
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patent: 5803414 (1998-09-01), Wright
Bochna David E.
Browne Lynne H.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP
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