Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Internally threaded fastener element – e.g. – nut – etc. – Multipart
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-09
2001-01-30
Saether, Flemming (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Internally threaded fastener element, e.g., nut, etc.
Multipart
C411S437000, C411S278000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179539
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to a locking clip with a base with multiple internally threaded legs and a moveable collet to encircle the legs in an engaged position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it is known to design a clip, such as a pipe clip, rod end clip or a similar clip. These prior art clips frequently require a rotational or screwing movement to engage the internal threads of the clip to an externally threaded structural member such as a threaded stud or bolt-like structure. This requires a relatively lengthy installation procedure including rotational movement which can ultimately be very costly in assembly-line production, such as automotive manufacturing. Similarly, many prior art clips comprise a plurality of individual parts. This adds to the complexity to the manufacturing, packaging, shipping and installation of the clips.
Some examples of clips in the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,342 entitled “Retainer Element, Specifically for Motor Vehicle Bodies” issued on Oct. 24, 1995 to Dore et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,587 entitled “Clip for Pipes and Cables” issued on Dec. 21, 1993 to Sch{umlaut over (a)}ty et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,602 entitled “Pipe Clip” issued on Sep. 17, 1985 to Potzas et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,297 entitled “Molded Plastic Socket with Easy-On Hard-Off Stud Engager” issued on May 21, 1985 to Kraus.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be installed with a minimum of rotational movements, particular when engaging an externally threaded structural element such as a stud or bolt-like structure.
It is therefore a further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be easily installed and is well-adapted for assembly line installation.
It is therefore a still further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be manufactured, packaged, shipped and installed as a single piece.
It is therefore a still further object of this invention to provide a clip, such as a pipe clip, a rod end clip or a similar clip, which can be economically manufactured.
These and other objects are attained by providing a clip which includes multiple internally threaded legs on a base element and a moveable collet to encircle the legs in the installed position. Preferably, the collet is molded integrally with the base in the manufacturing process. The collet is then pre-driven to a position that limits the deflection of the threaded legs when the clip is installed on the stud. Matching tapers on the outside of the legs and the inside of the collet allow this limited deflection. Tabs and protrusions hold the collet in the desired position. The threaded legs are flexible and are designed to partially surround the stud. Upon installation, the internal taper of the legs center the clip on the stud. The limited travel of the legs provides audible and tactile feedback to the installer and ensures proper mating of the threaded stud to the threaded legs. Once the clip is fully against the panel, the installer drives the collet to a fully installed position. The matching tapers substantially contact each other thereby preventing a further deflection of the legs, locking the clip to the stud. Tabs retain the collet in a fully driven or installed position. For serviceability, the collet can be pried back up with a screwdriver freeing the clip for a straight pull removal. The clip can also be unscrewed in a conventional way.
REFERENCES:
patent: 351474 (1886-10-01), Stevens
patent: 1475907 (1923-11-01), Volman
patent: 2367480 (1945-01-01), Beswick
patent: 4518297 (1985-05-01), Kraus
patent: 4524934 (1985-06-01), Rumble
patent: 4541602 (1985-09-01), Potzas
patent: 4550891 (1985-11-01), Schaty
patent: 4840333 (1989-06-01), Nakayama
patent: 4850778 (1989-07-01), Clough
patent: 4859129 (1989-08-01), Kraus
patent: 4899964 (1990-02-01), Sick
patent: 5002243 (1991-03-01), Kraus et al.
patent: 5033701 (1991-07-01), Kraus
patent: 5197840 (1993-03-01), Peek
patent: 5271587 (1993-12-01), Schaty et al.
patent: 5460342 (1995-10-01), Dore et al.
patent: 5568906 (1996-10-01), Hahn et al.
patent: 5588683 (1996-12-01), Schliessner
patent: 325069 (1989-07-01), None
Benoit Thomas A.
Meyer Charles
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Pitney, Hardin, Kipp and Szuch LLP
Saether Flemming
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