CN117212316A

CN117212316A - logo retainer

Info

Publication number: CN117212316A
Application number: CN202310677956.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克·A·拜尔
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2022-06-09
Filing date: 2023-06-08
Publication date: 2023-12-12

Abstract

Systems and methods of a retention system that couples a component to a panel via a retainer are disclosed. The retainers may couple the components to panels of different thicknesses. The retainer includes a body portion and at least one panel engagement feature coupled to the body portion. The body portion has a pair of legs that are spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel. The size and shape of the channel isDesigned to receive a tower associated with the component. At least one panel engagement feature is coupled to one of the pair of legs and engages an opening of a panel having a thickness that varies from a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Within a range of (2).

Description

Logo retainer

Cross reference

The present application is based on the benefit of U.S. c. ≡119 (e) claiming U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/350,612 entitled "Emblem Retainer [ logo Retainer ]" filed on 6/9 of 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Metal retainers may be used to make blind connections between the component and the panel (such as between an automotive component and the panel). Conventionally, a simple metal retainer may be received within an opening (e.g., window or aperture) formed in a main panel and configured to engage a blade structure extending from a lower surface of a component (which may be a secondary panel). The range of allowable panel thicknesses for existing retainers is limited, meaning that retainers are traditionally designed to be secured to panels of a given thickness and with relatively small tolerances. Furthermore, existing retainers typically use only small barbs to secure to the blade.

In view of the above, there is a need for a retention system with retainers that can be used for a wider variety of panel thicknesses, thereby reducing the amount of different retainers currently required due to limited panel range applicability while allowing strong attachment.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a retention system for forming a blind connection between a component and a panel (e.g., between an automotive component and a panel) as set forth more fully in the claims, substantially as shown and described with respect to at least one of the figures.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings; wherein like or similar reference numerals designate like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems and methods described herein.

Fig. 1a illustrates an assembled perspective view of an exemplary retention system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1b illustrates an assembled perspective view of an exemplary retention system with a thin panel.

Fig. 1c illustrates an assembled perspective view of an exemplary retention system and thick panel.

Fig. 1d illustrates an assembled side view of an exemplary retention system with a thin panel.

Fig. 1e illustrates an assembled side view of an exemplary retention system with a thick panel.

Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2b shows a top plan view of the retainer of fig. 2 a.

Fig. 2c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer of fig. 2 a.

Fig. 2 d-2 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer of fig. 2 a.

Fig. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3b shows a top plan view of the retainer of fig. 3 a.

Fig. 3c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer of fig. 3 a.

Fig. 3 d-3 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer of fig. 3 a.

Fig. 4a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4b shows a top plan view of the retainer of fig. 4 a.

Fig. 4c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer of fig. 4 a.

Fig. 4 d-4 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer of fig. 4 a.

Detailed Description

Reference to an item in the singular is to be construed to include the plural and vice versa unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to convey any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of contiguous clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise specified or clear from context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise indicated herein, but rather, is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to any and all values falling within the range and/or including the range, and each separate value falling within the range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "rear," and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is positioned adjacent or near the second side, the terms "first side" and "second side" do not imply any particular order in which the sides are ordered.

When accompanied by a numerical value, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and the like should be construed as indicating a deviation, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose. The values and/or ranges of values are provided herein by way of example only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms "such as" and "for example" refer to a list having one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

The term "and/or" refers to any one or more of a plurality of items in a manifest that are connected by "and/or". For example, "x and/or y" refers to any element in the triplet set { (x), (y), (x, y) }. In other words, "x and/or y" refers to "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y, and/or z" refers to any element in a seven-element set { (x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z) }. In other words, "x, y, and/or z" refers to "one or more of x, y, and z".

The allowable panel thickness of existing fasteners is limited, meaning that fasteners are traditionally designed to be secured to panels of a given thickness and with relatively small tolerances. In addition, existing fasteners typically use small barbs to secure to the blade. To this end, the subject disclosure is directed to fasteners that can be used for a greater range of panel thicknesses, thereby reducing the number of different fastener versions required for different panel ranges. The disclosed fastener also allows for tough attachment to the tower. That is, while the fastener is typically secured to the tower only by a series of small barb features, the disclosed fastener provides retention at multiple locations along the length of the tower to produce a higher retention value relative to the tower.

In one example, a retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses includes: a retention head portion; a body portion extending from the retention head portion, the body portion having a pair of legs spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a tower associated with the component; and at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Within a range of (2).

In another example, a stamped metal retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses includes: a body portion having a pair of legs spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a tower associated with a component; and at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Wherein at least one panel engagement feature is a saw tooth structure.

In another example, a stamped metal retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses includes: a body portion having a pair of legs spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a tower associated with a component; and at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is arranged to both engage and retain the tower within the channel and the retainer within the opening.

In some examples, the at least one panel engagement feature is a saw tooth structure. The saw tooth structure may include a fin and a plurality of steps. Each of the plurality of steps may be offset relative to one of the pair of legs.

In some examples, the at least one panel engagement feature comprises a plurality of resilient tab structures. Each of the plurality of resilient tab structures may include a resilient tab resiliently connected at a first end to one of the pair of legs and a foot coupled to a second end of the resilient tab. The legs may be oriented toward the channel. In some examples, each of the plurality of resilient tab structures has a different length.

In some examples, the retainer further includes a retention tab extending inwardly from one of the pair of legs to the channel. In some examples, the retainer further comprises a pair of flanges, wherein each flange of the pair of flanges is connected to and extends outwardly from the body portion. In some examples, each flange of the pair of flanges is shaped as a resilient member to absorb movement between the component and the panel. In some examples, at least one panel engagement feature is arranged to both engage and retain the tower within the channel and the retainer within the opening. In some examples, the pair of legs are parallel to each other.

Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective assembly view of an exemplary retention system 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 1b and 1c illustrate an exemplary retention system 100 and a first thickness (T ₁ ) And a second thickness (T) ₂ ) An assembled perspective view of the thick panel 104. Fig. 1d and 1e show assembled side views of an exemplary retention system 100 with a thin panel 104 and a thick panel 104, respectively. As illustrated, the retention system 100 generally includes a component 102 that is secured via a retainer 106 (also referred to as a clip or fastenerPiece) is coupled to the panel 104 to form a blind connection between the component 102 and the panel 104. As will become apparent, it may be useful to assemble the panel 104 and the component 102 to form an assembly by first inserting the retainer 106 into the opening 110 of the panel 104 and then subsequently inserting the tower 108 of the component 102 into the retainer 106.

The retainers 106 disclosed herein can be used to form blind connections with panels of various thicknesses. The retainers 106 may be made of sheet metal, for example, via a metal stamping process. For example, a flat blank may be stamped from sheet metal and then bent to form the finished stamped metal retainer 106. Depending on the application, the component 102 and the panel 104 may be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In one example, the component 102 is a sub-panel of an automobile and the panel 104 is a main panel of an automobile. In the automotive industry, exemplary components 102 include, but are not limited to, logos, door trim panels, molded articles, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used on interior or exterior surfaces).

The component 102 may define an a surface 102a and a B surface 102B (shown as lower surfaces). The a-surface 102a (also referred to as a class a surface) is typically a surface that is visible after assembly, and thus is more aesthetically pleasing (e.g., includes logos, is textured, coated, or otherwise decorated) and is typically free of attachment devices and/or related features. In contrast, the B surface 102B (also referred to as a class B surface) is generally a surface that is not visible after assembly and generally includes various attachment devices and/or related features, such as a tower 108.

The component 102 may include, define, or otherwise be associated with an attachment device and/or a related feature (such as one or more towers 108). For example, the illustrated component 102 includes at least one tower 108 protruding from the B surface 102B. Each tower 108 (sometimes referred to as a blade or protrusion) may be shaped, for example, as a blade or flat tab. Depending on the type of material, one or more towers 108 may be formed on the B-surface 102B during molding or bonding of the component 102, or attached after manufacture (e.g., using adhesives or mechanical fasteners).

To form a blind connection between the component 102 and the panel 104, the leading edge end 112 of the retainer 106 is first inserted into an opening 110 formed in or on the surface 104a of the panel 104. In some examples, the retainers 106 may be inserted into the openings 110 to define a part assembly (PIA). In addition, the opening 110 may be sized and shaped to also strengthen the retainer 106 against removal. Once the retainers 106 are inserted into the openings 110, the tower 108 of the component 102 may be inserted into the channel formed by the retainers 106 via the windows 114 to effectively lock the retainers 106 in place, thereby securing the component 102 and the panel 104 to each other.

After assembly, the component 102 at least partially covers the panel 104. The panel 104 may be, for example, a structural component of a vehicle such as a door, a pillar (e.g., a-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, etc.), an instrument panel component (e.g., a cross member, a bracket, a frame, etc.), a seat frame, a center console, a fender, a sheet metal frame, etc.

As illustrated, the retainer 106 includes one or more panel engagement features 116 to allow the retainer 106 to be engaged into a wider range of panels 104 (e.g., panels of various thicknesses) while also providing a more secure engagement with the tower 108. For example, as best shown in fig. 1b and 1c, the panel engagement feature 116 enables the retainer 106 to be aligned with a panel having a first thickness (T ₁ ) The thin panel 104 (e.g., of minimum thickness) is coupled to a panel having a second thickness (T ₂ ) A thick panel 104 (e.g., of maximum thickness) is coupled to and of a first thickness (T ₁ ) And a second thickness (T ₂ ) The panels of various third thicknesses (e.g., intermediate thicknesses) are coupled. As will be discussed in connection with the following figures, the panel engagement features 116 may be provided as, for example, a saw tooth structure and/or a resilient tab structure.

Fig. 2a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer 106a according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 2b shows a top plan view of the retainer 106a of fig. 2a, while fig. 2c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer 106 a. Fig. 2 d-2 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer 106 a. As previously described, the disclosed retainers (including retainer 106 a) may be stamped metal retainers. For example, the flat sheet of metal may be stamped (e.g., coined) to define the outer perimeter, the profile, and various apertures 208 to define various features of the retainer 106a, including, among other things, the panel engagement features 116, the retention tabs 210, and the like. After stamping, the flat sheet metal blank may be bent and/or up-turned along one or more lines or at one or more points through one or more manufacturing steps to define the retainers 106a and various features thereof. The retainers 106a may be manufactured in various sizes depending on the application.

As illustrated, the retainer 106a generally includes a body portion 202 and a retention head portion 204. The body portion 202 is formed by a pair of opposing legs 212 that are resiliently connected at their upper ends via the retention head portion 204 to form a channel 214 therebetween that can reach the tower 108 via a window 114 formed in or through the head portion 204.

The pair of opposing legs 212 are resiliently connected such that the pair of opposing legs 212 default (e.g., spring back) to a predetermined shape. For example, as best shown in fig. 2f and 2g, the channel 214 is generally U-shaped in cross-section. During assembly, the legs 212 may be biased (e.g., pushed) inwardly and/or outwardly, but return to a default generally U-shaped shape in the absence of such external forces. As illustrated, the pair of legs 212 are generally parallel to each other. For example, the pair of legs 212 define a pair of leg planes 220 that are generally parallel to each other. Alternatively, the legs 212 may be angled or offset outwardly such that the leg planes 220 of the pair of legs 212 form non-parallel angles with each other.

In the illustrated example, the legs 212 are not fixedly coupled to each other at the leading end 112 of the retainer 106a, thereby allowing the pair of opposing legs 212 to flex relative to each other because, in this example, the pair of legs are resiliently connected to each other via the head portion 204 (although other configurations are contemplated). As illustrated, the material flaps 206 are wrapped around the leading edge ends 112 of the retainers 106a to prevent the leading edge ends from getting caught or hooked during installation and from nesting together during shipping and handling.

As illustrated, each of the plurality of legs 212 is formed with one or more apertures 208 therethrough for forming and/or defining various features of the retainer 106a, and in some cases for reducing weight and material. The retention head portion 204 may similarly include an aperture 208. The size and shape of the aperture 208 may vary, typically determined by the characteristics punched out of the sheet metal. For example, the panel engagement features 116, retention tabs 210, etc. may be stamped and bent outwardly (away from the channel 214) or inwardly (toward the channel 214) using material stamped from the aperture 208.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 106a includes four panel engagement features 116, although more or fewer panel engagement features 116 may be provided based on, for example, the size and/or dimensions of the body portion 202. In this example, the panel engagement feature 116 is a saw tooth structure having a fin 216 and a plurality of steps 218 (e.g., teeth, lugs, etc.). In some examples, as illustrated, the leading edges of the fins 216 are angled relative to the leg planes 220 of the corresponding legs 212 to form a ramp to better guide the panel engagement features 116 and the body portion 202 into the opening 110 during installation. Further, the plurality of steps 218 may be staggered/offset with respect to the leg plane 220 by different distances to increase engagement with the panel as the legs 212 flex inward during installation. Once installed, the one or more steps 218 engage and/or bite into the material of the panel 104 to resist pullout. The number of steps 218 that engage and/or bite into the material of the panel 104 may be determined by the thickness of the panel 104.

In the illustrated example, each panel engagement feature 116 includes a fin 216 and three steps 218a, 218b, 218c; however, more or fewer steps 218 may be employed depending on the length of the body portion 202 and/or the desired acceptable panel thickness range of the panel 104. For example, a greater number of steps 218 allows compatibility with thicker panels 104. In the illustrated exampleHas a first thickness (T ₁ ) Will be secured between the head portion 204 and the step 218a furthest from the leading edge end 112 (i.e., the step 218a adjacent the head portion 204), as shown in fig. 1d, however having a second thickness (T ₂ ) Will be secured between the head portion 204 and the step 218c closest to the leading edge end 112, as illustrated in fig. 1 e. In the latter example, other steps 218 may engage and/or bite into the material of the panel 104 at the opening 110 to resist pullout.

The panel engagement features 116 may be connected to their corresponding legs 212 along their lengths such that the panel engagement features do not flex relative to the legs 212, but rather move as the legs 212 flex. The panel engagement features 116 on opposite sides of the channel 214 may be symmetrical with respect to each other. In other examples, one or more panel engagement features 116 may be provided on only one side of the channel 214. The panel engagement feature 116 may be formed, for example, during a stamping process and bent outwardly away from the channel 214. Thus, the panel engagement feature 116 may be integral with its corresponding leg 212. In the illustrated example, the fins 216 are bent along their length at a 90 degree angle relative to the leg plane 220. The edge of each panel engagement feature 116 may be any suitable shape, but may be provided with at least one sharp edge to better capture the panel 104 when assembled.

The legs 212 may engage the tower 108 using one or more retention tabs 210. Once the tower 108 is inserted into the channel 214, the one or more retention tabs 210 engage the tower 108 via, for example, an interference fit. Further, inserting the tower 108 into the channel 214 causes the legs 212 to be biased outwardly (e.g., away from each other) and against the panel 104 (via the opening 110). This outward deflection pushes the panel engagement feature 116 into the material of the panel 104 while also increasing the contact pressure between the tower 108 and the one or more retention tabs 210.

In one example, one or more retention tabs 210 are coupled to the leg 212 and extend downwardly and inwardly into the channel 214. For example, from an upper surface 208a of the orifice 208. As illustrated, the one or more retention tabs 210 are oriented inwardly and toward the leading edge end 112. Additionally or alternatively, one or more retention tabs 210 are coupled to the head portion 204 at or near the window 114 and slope inwardly and toward the leading edge end 112. One or more retention tabs 210 coupled to the head portion 204 may be formed or defined when the window 114 is stamped during manufacture of the blank. In some examples, aperture 208 may be omitted. For example, one or both of the pair of legs 212 may be stamped to define one or more retention tabs 210 without apertures 208. The retention tabs 210 on opposite sides of the channel 214 may be symmetrical with respect to each other.

While each of the plurality of legs 212 is shown with one retention tab 210 and the head portion 204 includes six retention tabs 210 (three on each side of the channel 214), those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or fewer retention tabs 210 may be used. For example, the leg 212 may be provided with a plurality of retention tabs 210 or even no retention tabs 210. In the latter example, instead of being sandwiched between two retention tabs 210 as illustrated, the tower 108 may be secured against (e.g., offset toward) one leg 212 using the retention tabs 210 of the other leg 212. Likewise, depending on design requirements, if the tower 108 is otherwise sufficiently secured, the retention tabs 210 may be omitted from the head portion 204.

The retention tabs 210 may be connected to their corresponding legs 212 at an upper surface 208a of the aperture 208 (e.g., a surface of the aperture 208 proximate the retention head portion 204). In other examples, one or more retention tabs 210 may be provided on only one side of the channel 214. The retention tabs 210 may be formed, for example, during a stamping process and bent inwardly toward the channel 214. Thus, the retention tabs 210 may be integral with their corresponding legs 212. The end of each retention tab 210 may be of any suitable shape, but may be provided with at least one sharp edge to better capture the tower 108 when assembled.

The retainers 106a are designed to fit into a panel 104 having an opening 110, which may be rectangular or any other suitable shape. The tower 108 of the component 102 is then pressed into the channel 214 formed by the body portion 202 such that the retention tab(s) 210 interact with the tower 108 to prevent removal of the tower 108 (and thus the component 102) from the channel 214. As described above, the retainers 106a are first installed into the panel 104 and then into the member 102, which is applicable to both the smaller sized retainers 106a and the openings 110. The tower 108 reinforces the retainer 106a and provides resistance to removal of the retainer 106a from the panel 104. Further, the tower 108 is integral with the retention system 100 by preventing the retainers 106a from being able to be withdrawn from the panel 104.

Once the tower 108 is fully seated within the retainer 106a, the retention tabs 210 and the panel engagement features 116 act to prevent the component 102 and the panel 104 from easily separating. For example, when a pull-out force (pull-out force) is applied to the component 102, the interaction between the retention tab 210 and the panel engagement feature 116 will generate an opposing force. In some examples, the pair of legs 212 of the body portion 202 of the retainer 106a may be offset outward to further engage a feature (e.g., a retention bead) of the panel 104 to securely retain the retainer 106a in the opening 110 formed in the panel 104.

The flexible nature of the retention tabs 210 and legs 212 allows for a lower insertion force required to insert the retainer into the opening 110 and then insert the tower 108 into the window 114 of the retainer 106 a. In some examples, the insertion force may be about two pounds. In the illustrated example, the retainers 106a define one or more sets of retention tabs 210 to engage the tower 108. However, it should be understood that the retainers 106a may include any number of retention tabs 210 and/or panel engagement features 116.

The panel engagement features 116 and/or retention tabs 210 of the retainers 106a may engage a planar surface of the tower 108 as shown, or in some examples, engage one or more features formed in or on a surface of the tower 108. For example, the tower 108 may include one or more protrusions, recesses, apertures, or lugs to increase friction between the tower 108 and the retention tabs 210 and/or the panel engagement features 116.

Fig. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer 106b according to another aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 3b shows a top plan view of the retainer 106b, while fig. 3c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer 106 b. Fig. 3 d-3 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer 106 b. The retainer 106b is similar to the retainer 106a described in connection with fig. 2 a-2 g, and for brevity, corresponding features will not be repeated, but rather the differences and/or additional features are emphasized. For example, as with the retainer 106a described in connection with fig. 2 a-2 g, the retainer 106b is a stamped metal retainer configured to form blind connections with panels 104 of various thicknesses, but in this example, the panel engagement features 116 are provided using a resilient tab structure rather than a saw tooth structure. Furthermore, as will be discussed, the retention head portion 204 and the leading edge end 112 of the retainer 106b are of different designs.

The retainer 106b generally includes a body portion 202 and a retention head portion 204. In this example, the body portion 202 is formed from a pair of opposing legs 212 that are resiliently connected at their bottom ends via a connecting portion 302 (e.g., defining a portion of a bend, joint, etc.) to form a generally U-shaped body in one example having a channel 214 (e.g., a U-shaped channel) between the pair of legs. The pair of opposing legs 212 are resiliently connected such that the pair of opposing legs 212 are configured to a predetermined shape by default.

Each of the plurality of legs 212 is formed with one or more flanges 304 that extend outwardly to form the retention head portion 204 of the retainer 106 b. Each flange 304 may be shaped as a resilient member and configured to absorb movement between the component 102 and the panel 104 once assembly is complete, while also increasing manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the set of flanges 304 may be angled to define a spring. Absorbing movement provides advantages such as reducing noise to limit BSR (e.g., less squeak, crunching, etc.), and reducing the risk of the retention system 100 becoming loose.

In some aspects, each of the legs 212 is formed with one or more apertures 208 therethrough, similar to the retainers 106 a. For example, the panel engagement features 116, retention tabs 210, etc. may be stamped and bent outwardly (toward and/or away from the channel 214) using material stamped from the aperture 208. While each of the plurality of legs 212 is shown as having two retention tabs 210 adjacent to the retention head portion 204, those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or fewer retention tabs 210 may be employed.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 106b includes four panel engagement features 116, although additional or fewer panel engagement features 116 may be provided based on, for example, the size and/or dimensions of the body portion 202. In this example, the panel engagement feature 116 is implemented as a resilient tab structure having a resilient tab 306 and a foot 308 at a distal end thereof, the toe (e.g., distal end) of the foot facing generally inwardly toward the channel 214. As shown, the resilient tabs 306 on a given side of the channel 214 have different lengths to engage a wider variety of panels 104 (e.g., panels of various thicknesses). The panel engagement feature 116 is further configured to engage the tower 108 via the legs 308 of the resilient tab 306 to provide an outward tension on the panel engagement feature 116 to ensure positive engagement of the panel engagement feature 116 with the panel 104. Further, the different length resilient tabs 306 allow the panel engagement feature 116 to engage the tower 108 at multiple points along the length of the tower 108 (rather than just at the retention tabs 210).

The panel engagement feature 116 may be formed, for example, during a stamping process and bent outwardly away from the channel 214 at a pivot point. Thus, the panel engagement feature 116 may be integral with its corresponding leg 212. The edge of each panel engagement feature 116 may be any suitable shape.

The aforementioned panel engagement features 116 are not limited to the retainer designs described, but may be used with virtually any stamped metal retainer, and the number of panel engagement features 116 may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) to achieve a desired pull-out strength.

Fig. 4a illustrates a perspective view of a retainer 106c according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 4b shows a top plan view of the retainer 106c, while fig. 4c shows a bottom plan view of the retainer 106 c. Fig. 4 d-4 g illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side elevation views of the retainer 106 c. The retainer 106c is similar to the retainer 106a described in connection with fig. 2 a-2 g, and for brevity, corresponding features will not be repeated, but rather the differences and/or additional features are emphasized. For example, as with the retainer 106a described in connection with fig. 2 a-2 g, the retainer 106c is a stamped metal retainer configured to form blind connections with panels 104 of various thicknesses, but in this example, the panel engagement features 116 are provided using a resilient tab structure rather than a saw tooth structure.

In the illustrated example, the retainer 106c includes six panel engagement features 116, although more or fewer panel engagement features 116 may be provided based on, for example, the size and/or dimensions of the body portion 202. In this example, the panel engagement feature 116 is implemented as a resilient tab structure having a resilient tab 306 that is resiliently connected at a first end to the leg 212 and a foot 308 that is coupled to a second (i.e., distal) end of the resilient tab. In some examples, the legs 308 are oriented (e.g., face) inwardly toward the channel 214 to engage the tower 108 when assembled.

As illustrated and described in connection with the retainers 106b of fig. 3 a-3 g, the resilient tabs 306 on a given side of the channel 214 have different lengths to engage a wider variety of panels 104 (e.g., panels of various thicknesses). The panel engagement feature 116 is further configured to engage the tower 108 via the legs 308 of the resilient tab 306 to provide an outward tension on the panel engagement feature 116 to ensure positive engagement of the panel engagement feature 116 with the panel 104. Further, the different length resilient tabs 306 allow the panel engagement feature 116 to engage the tower 108 at multiple points along the length of the tower 108 (rather than just at the retention tabs 210).

While the present method and/or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and/or system. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. For example, blocks and/or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present methods and/or systems are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, the present method and/or system is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses, the retainer comprising:

a retention head portion;

a body portion extending from the retention head portion, the body portion having a pair of legs spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a tower associated with the component; and

at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Within a range of (2).

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is a saw tooth structure.

3. The fixture of claim 2, wherein the serration structure comprises a fin and a plurality of steps.

4. The retainer of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of steps is offset relative to the one of the pair of legs.

5. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel engagement feature comprises a plurality of resilient tab structures.

6. The retainer of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of resilient tab structures includes a resilient tab resiliently connected at a first end to one of the pair of legs and a foot coupled to a second end of the resilient tab.

7. The retainer of claim 6, wherein the legs are oriented toward the channel.

8. The retainer of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of resilient tab structures has a different length.

9. The retainer of claim 1, further comprising: a retention tab extending inwardly from one of the pair of legs to the channel.

10. The retainer of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of flanges, wherein each flange of the pair of flanges is connected to and extends outwardly from the body portion.

11. The retainer of claim 10, wherein each flange of the pair of flanges is shaped as a resilient member to absorb movement between the member and the panel.

12. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is arranged to both engage and retain the tower within the channel and the retainer within the opening.

13. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs are parallel to each other.

14. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the retainer is a stamped metal retainer.

15. A stamped metal retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses, the retainer comprising:

a body portion having a pair of legs spaced apart and flexibly connected to one another to define a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a tower associated with the component; and

at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is a saw tooth structure.

16. The stamped metal retainer of claim 15, wherein the serrations include a fin and a plurality of steps.

17. The stamped metal retainer of claim 15, wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is arranged to both engage and retain the tower within the channel and the retainer within the opening.

18. A stamped metal retainer for coupling a component with panels of different thicknesses, the retainer comprising:

at least one panel engagement feature coupled to one of the pair of legs and configured to engage an opening of a panel having a thickness that is less than a first thickness (T ₁ ) To be greater than the first thickness (T ₁ ) A large second thickness (T ₂ ) Within the range of (2),

wherein the at least one panel engagement feature is arranged to both engage and retain the tower within the channel and the retainer within the opening.

19. The stamped metal retainer of claim 18, wherein the at least one panel engagement feature comprises a plurality of resilient tab structures, wherein each of the plurality of resilient tab structures comprises a resilient tab resiliently connected to the leg at a first end and a foot coupled to a second end of the resilient tab.

20. The stamped metal retainer of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of resilient tab structures has a different length.