Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Strap-end-attaching devices – Buckle connected
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-24
2001-05-15
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Strap-end-attaching devices
Buckle connected
C024S11500R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230372
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fasteners for securing panel members and to retaining devices for permanently or temporarily holding various elements.
2. Brief Description of Prior Art
Various fastening devices are known for securing together panel members. One example of the various applications for which such fasteners are used is for securing molding or trim to a quarter panel of a vehicle. Such fasteners for this purpose typically are in the nature of screws or rivets, however, a drawback with such types of fasteners are that assembly can be difficult and/or time consuming, and also it is difficult if not impossible to remove the fastener after it has been installed, for example, so as to remove the trim from the quarter panel such as for maintenance of the vehicle.
In addition, retaining devices are known which operate to support various elements, one example of which comprises a length of strap material, such as elastic cord typically known as bungee cord and two hook elements secured to the opposing ends. In use, each of the hook ends are attached at different locations to a separate retaining device, such as to an edge of a panel; for example, the edge defined by the door or trunk on a vehicle. One drawback with such types of devices is that there often is no readily accessible portion on a panel member to operate as a retaining device, and which is also strong enough to support the various elements, such as the hook member when under tension by stretching of the flexible cord.
The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing and to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a fastener for securing together panel members as well as a retaining member for securing various elements. While the fastener and retaining member can be provided as separate elements, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as will be described herein, a fastener and retaining member is disclosed comprised in a single device. For this purpose, the present invention comprises in one embodiment a bezel having means for attachment to a panel and a retainer connected with the bezel.
In accordance with the present invention, it is an object to provide a fastener for securing together panel members.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a retaining member which can be fastened to a member and in operation secure various elements.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastener adapted for securing together panel members, with the fastener including a retaining member for securing various elements.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fastener having means for being snapped into a panel member.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastener having a plurality of different features which operate to retain two panel members in a fastened position.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a retaining member capable of being provided in a number of different forms, such as a hoop, and with the retaining member where desired also having the capability of adjustment.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable retaining member in which movement of the retaining member is controlled.
Another object is to provide an adjustable retaining member, which, when adjusted, will retain the adjusted position.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable retaining member and which can be moved into one or more detent positions.
Still another object is to provide a fastener capable of securing together panel members as well as accommodating disassembly of the panel members without damage to either the panel members or the fastener itself.
These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and attached drawings.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 1407884 (1922-02-01), Ohnstrand
patent: 2701114 (1955-02-01), Donaldson
patent: 3082473 (1963-03-01), West
patent: 3158284 (1964-11-01), Henchert et al.
patent: 3963104 (1976-06-01), Lautin
patent: 4297962 (1981-11-01), Johnson, Jr.
patent: 5461755 (1995-10-01), Hardigg et al.
patent: 5774948 (1998-07-01), Petschke et al.
Goham Thomas D.
Hyp Eric D.
Pinkow Christopher J.
Sokurenko William E.
Tieu Loc B.
Brittain James R.
Paul & Paul
Southco Inc.
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