Connector

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12173739-B2
Application number	US-202217716851-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 8, 2022
Priority date	Apr 9, 2021
Publication date	Dec 24, 2024
Grant date	Dec 24, 2024

Abstract

A connector having a head that holds a first component and a body connected to the head. The body has a central channel extending along a central axis of the connector, and the central channel receives a fastener. The body has at least two resilient legs. The resilient legs extend obliquely toward the central axis in a direction from the body to the head. The resilient legs engage with the fastener, to attach the connector to the fastener.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A connector, comprising:
a head, wherein the head is configured to hold a first component;
a body, wherein the body is connected to the head, the body comprising a central channel extending along a central axis of the connector, and the central channel is configured to receive a fastener; and
at least two resilient legs, wherein the at least two resilient legs are connected to the body, wherein the at least two resilient legs include a first resilient leg and a second resilient leg, each of the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg define an extension length and a bent portion, the at least two resilient legs are configured to engage with the fastener that is inserted into the central channel to attach the connector to the fastener, wherein each of the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg consists of a lower segment that is disposed between the body and the bent portion and an upper segment that is disposed between the bent portion and the head, wherein each of the upper segments extends obliquely away from the bent portion to a distal end that is located farther from the central axis than the bent portion, such that the bent portion of each resilient leg forms an engagement portion that is positioned closest to the central axis for engagement with the fastener, and wherein the bent portion of each resilient leg is arranged at a different axial position relative to the central axis, such that an extension length defined by the lower segment of the first resilient leg is greater than an extension length defined by the lower segment of the second resilient leg.

2. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the body comprises:
at least two connecting posts, wherein the at least two connecting posts have first ends connected to the head and extend in a direction parallel to the central axis, and the at least two connecting posts are arranged around the central channel; and
a tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is connected to second ends of the at least two connecting posts, and the tubular portion comprises an inner wall forming a part of the central channel.

3. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein
the tubular portion comprises a proximal end proximate to the head and a distal end remote from the head, and in the vicinity of the distal end the inner wall of the tubular portion is shaped as a truncated cone tapered in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end.

4. The connector according to claim 3 , wherein
the tubular portion comprises a cylindrical tube forming the proximal end and a conical tube forming the distal end, the conical tube is connected to the cylindrical tube and is tapered in the direction from the distal end toward the proximal end, and the cylindrical tube has an inner diameter equal to a minimum inner diameter of the conical tube.

5. The connector according to claim 3 , wherein
the at least two resilient legs are connected to the proximal end of the tubular portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein
the head comprises a main body, and a first flange and a second flange wherein the first flange and a second flange are arranged around the main body and protrude radially, the first flange and the second flange are spaced apart by a predetermined distance for clamping the first component, and the main body is insertable into an opening of the first component.

7. The connector according to claim 6 , wherein
the main body of the head is movable in the opening of the first component.

8. The connector according to claim 6 , wherein the first flange and the second flange are configured as annular platforms.

9. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein
the head comprises a central aperture, and the central aperture is in communication with the central channel of the body and is configured to receive the fastener.

10. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein an axial section of the head is I-shaped.

Assignees

• Illinois Tool Works

Inventors

• Wang Xing
• Sun Mengli

Classifications

• F16B37/0857 Primary

  with the threaded portions of the nut engaging the thread of the bolt by the action of one or more springs or resilient retaining members (F16B37/0821 and F16B37/0835 take precedence) · CPC title

• B60R13/0206

  Arrangements of fasteners and clips specially adapted for attaching inner vehicle liners or mouldings (devices for fastening or securing F16B) · CPC title

• B60R13/0243

  Doors · CPC title

• F16B21/073

  the socket having a resilient part on its inside · CPC title

• F16B5/0657

  at least one of the plates providing a raised structure, e.g. of the doghouse type, for connection with the clamps or clips of the other plate · CPC title