CN118128815A

CN118128815A - Capture fastener for low profile components

Info

Publication number: CN118128815A
Application number: CN202311636090.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 扎得·M·克拉克
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-02
Filing date: 2023-12-01
Publication date: 2024-06-04

Abstract

A retainer assembly for securely coupling a fastener to a component is disclosed having a sleeve and a retainer. The sleeve has a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar. The sleeve defines a central passage having a central longitudinal axis. The first flange and the second flange are separated by a tube. The collar includes one or more external rib-like features formed in or on an outer surface of the collar and configured to be pressed into and retained in the component. The collar is configured to reside within the opening and provide compression limits to the component. The retainer is located within the central passage and is securely located between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the fastener.

Description

Capture fastener for low profile components

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/429,584, entitled "Captured Fastener for Thin Pads [ captured fastener for thin mat ]" filed on month 12 of 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background

Automotive parts require simple fastening techniques for manufacture and assembly. Further, the fastening technique should be reliable and efficient in the first place.

For example, automotive components include various panels and structures that are connected to other panels or structures or to the automotive frame itself. Fasteners (e.g., bolts) are typically used to secure the components together. Fasteners of different sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. are used to secure components together in different applications.

To accommodate longer fasteners and/or to accommodate fasteners at different locations, a metal strip may be spot welded to the flange region of the component or a metal spacer may be mechanically crimped to the flange region of the component to thicken the clamping joint under the bolt head. It is appreciated that welding and/or crimping increases the time and cost of the manufacturing process. In addition, special tools may be required to secure the fastener to the component.

Thus, despite some advances made so far, it is highly desirable to have a pre-capture fastener for low profile components.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a pre-capture fastener, substantially as shown in and described in connection with at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely in the claims.

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 refer to 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 isometric view of components of a fastener-retaining system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1b and 1c illustrate a partially assembled isometric view and a fully assembled isometric view, respectively, of a fastener-retaining system.

FIG. 1d illustrates a side view of the components of the fastener-retaining system.

Fig. 1e and 1f illustrate a partially assembled side view and a fully assembled side view, respectively, of a fastener-retaining system.

FIG. 1g illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of the fastener-retaining system taken along cut line A-A (FIG. 1 c).

Fig. 2a illustrates an isometric view of components of a fastener-retaining system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2b illustrates a side view of the components of the fastener-retaining system.

Fig. 2c illustrates a fully assembled isometric view of the retainer assembly.

Figure 2d illustrates a cross-sectional isometric view of the holder assembly taken along cut line B-B (figure 2 c).

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of a fastening system in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of components of a fastening system according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the context, reference to an item in the singular should be understood to include the plural and vice versa. Unless otherwise indicated or clear from context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of contiguous clauses, sentences, words, and the like. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise indicated herein, but rather, are 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 located 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 numerical values, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and the like should be construed to indicate deviations for satisfactory operation to achieve the intended purpose as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The values and/or ranges of values provided herein are by way of example only and are not limiting as to 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 of 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 the plurality of items in the list 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 present disclosure provides various methods of pre-capturing fasteners to thin components (e.g., thin panels, which may be thin metal, plastic, or composite panels or sheets) to more easily fasten the components. Variants include solutions for metal or plastic/composite panels and nuts, bolts or stud fasteners. The disclosed pre-capture fastener assembly provides a number of competing advantages. For example, captive fastening has various advantages such as increased assembly speed. In addition, the number of parts in stock that need to be managed and the number of parts that need to be purchased are also smaller. Further, the quality is improved as the risk of mixing, losing and dropping loose parts is reduced. Components with pre-capture fasteners may also provide higher value and lower shipping costs.

The additional grip length provided by the disclosed fastener-retaining system improves bolt tensile and clamping load characteristics. In some examples, the clamp on the solution may be ergonomically mounted without the need for automation. The integrated compression limitation helps to prevent damage to the component due to clamping loads and provides joint predictability. Finally, fastener retraction allows the component to be fully seated prior to tightening the fastener. This provides more reliable alignment and reduces cross threading problems. The disclosed fastener assembly may be cost effective to manufacturers because currently known methods of increasing bolt stretching are accomplished by spot welding large thick material metal strips to the flange region of the component and/or mechanically crimping spacers to the flange region of the component to thicken the clamped joint under the bolt head.

In one example, a retainer assembly configured to securely couple a fastener to a component having an opening includes: a sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar; and a retainer located within the central passage of the sleeve. The sleeve defines a central passage having a central longitudinal axis. The first flange and the second flange are separated by a tube. The collar is configured to reside within/be positioned within the opening and provide compression limits to the component. The retainer includes a first portion fixedly coupled to the sleeve and a second portion configured to be fixedly coupled to a portion of the fastener.

In another example, a fastener assembly for use with a component having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein an opening is formed through the component from the first surface to the second surface, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener comprising a head connected to a shank; and a retainer assembly securely coupling the fastener to the component, the retainer assembly comprising: a sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar; and a retainer located within the central passage of the sleeve. The sleeve defines a central passage having a central longitudinal axis. The first flange and the second flange are separated by a tube. The collar is configured to reside within/be positioned within the opening and provide compression limits to the component. The retainer includes a first portion fixedly coupled to the sleeve and a second portion configured to be fixedly coupled to a portion of the fastener.

In yet another example, a retainer assembly configured to securely couple a fastener to a component, the retainer assembly comprising: a sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar, wherein the sleeve defines a central passage having a central longitudinal axis, wherein the first flange and the second flange are separated by the tube, wherein the collar includes one or more external rib-like features formed in or on an outer surface of the collar and configured to be pressed into and retained in the component, and wherein the collar is configured to reside within/be positioned within the opening and provide compression restriction to the component; and a retainer positioned within the central passage, wherein the retainer is configured to be securely positioned between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the fastener.

In some examples, the sleeve includes one or more external rib-like features configured to be pressed into and retained in the component.

In some examples, one or more external rib-like features are formed in or on an outer surface of the collar.

In some examples, the second portion includes one or more arcuate inwardly directed sections that curve toward the central longitudinal axis of the retainer and extend longitudinally along the retainer from a first edge of the retainer to a second edge of the retainer such that the arcuate inwardly directed sections include the first edge and the second edge.

In some examples, the one or more inwardly directed sections are configured to abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

In some examples, the retainer is configured to be securely located between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the fastener.

In some examples, the retainer further includes a retaining wall including the first portion and the second portion.

In some examples, the retaining wall has a clover shape.

In some examples, the first portion includes one or more outwardly directed sections that directly abut an inner surface of the sleeve, and wherein the second portion includes one or more inwardly directed sections that are configured to directly abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

Fig. 1 a-1 d illustrate a fastener-retaining system 100 having a fastener assembly 102 configured to couple a first component 104 relative to a second component 106 via a fastener 108 and a retainer assembly 110, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. For illustration purposes, the second component 106 is omitted from fig. 1a to 1d, but a non-limiting example is illustrated in fig. 1 g.

More specifically, fig. 1a illustrates an isometric view of components of a fastener-retaining system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, while fig. 1b and 1c illustrate a partially assembled isometric view and a fully assembled isometric view, respectively, of the fastener-retaining system 100. Fig. 1d illustrates a side view of the components of the fastener-retaining system 100, while fig. 1e and 1f illustrate a partially assembled side view and a fully assembled side view, respectively, of the fastener-retaining system 100. FIG. 1g illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of the fastener-retaining system 100 taken along cut line A-A (FIG. 1 c).

The illustrated fastener-retaining system 100 includes a first component 104, a second component 106, and a fastener assembly 102. The fastener assembly 102 is configured to join the first component 104 and the second component 106. In this example, the fastener assembly 102 generally includes a fastener 108 and a retainer assembly 110. The retainer assembly 110 is illustrated as a multi-component retainer clip assembly having a retainer 112 and a sleeve 114. The retainer 112 is configured to be securely connected to and within the interior central passage 106 of the sleeve 114, while the fastener 108 resides within the central passage 118 of the retainer 112. The sleeve 114 is configured to be secured to the first component 104 via, for example, a collar 120 and/or one or more external rib features 122. The structure and features of the retainer assembly 110 will be discussed in more detail in connection with fig. 2a-2 d.

The fastener assembly 102 may be used with a first component 104, for example in the form of a thin metal panel or sheet, having an opening 124 (or cutout) to receive the retainer assembly 110. The fastener assembly 102 provides a strong connection with the first component 104. The fastener 108 is pre-captured into the retainer assembly 110, sleeve 114 using the friction retainer 112. Indeed, the fastener assembly 102 may be provided as a pre-assembly that is then installed into the first component 104 for pre-capture. The preassembled fastener assembly 102 solution enables fastener retraction, which allows the first component 104 to be laid flat on a surface prior to tightening the fastener 108. The height of the sleeve 114 allows for an increase in the initial clamping force without the use of additional spacers. For example, strength, robustness, and clamping force are due at least in part to an increase in the amount of fastening stretch. The first component 104 generally benefits from the additional grip length provided by the fastener assembly 102.

To facilitate attachment via the fastener assembly 102, each of the first and second components 104, 106 may include one or more engagement features. For example, the first and second members 104, 106 are each illustrated as having an opening 124 formed therein. The opening 124 may be formed in the first component 104 and/or the second component 106 during manufacture thereof, or added after manufacture by a mechanical process (e.g., drilling, cutting, engraving, etc.). The illustrated opening 124 extends between and through opposite surfaces 104a and 104b (e.g., top and bottom surfaces) of the first member 104. In some examples, the opening 124 may be threaded. For example, the opening 124 in the second component 106 may be threaded and configured to engage the fastener 108.

The fastener 108 is illustrated as a male fastener (e.g., a head 108a connected with a collar 108c with an externally threaded shank 108 b) configured to engage a female fastener (e.g., an internally threaded component such as a threaded collar, threaded opening, nut 126, etc.). For example, the fastener 108 may be a bolt. At least a portion of the handle 108b is externally threaded. The shank 108b is coaxial with the head 108a and collar 108 c. In the illustrated example, the male fastener 108 is a threaded bolt having a hex head, although other types of fasteners and fastener heads are also contemplated. The shank 108b of the fastener 108 passes through the central passage 118 of the retainer 112. As illustrated, when assembled, the lower surface 128 of the collar 108c abuts the upper edge 130 (e.g., at the upper flange 134 a) of the tube 132 of the sleeve 114. Although bolts are illustrated, studs (or other similar components) may be used instead of bolts.

The fastener 108 is configured to pass through the opening 124 and the retainer assembly 110 to mechanically engage and couple with the second component 106 and/or the nut 126. The male fastener 108 may be rotated about its rotational axis relative to the nut 126 to join and compress the first and second members 104, 106 relative to one another. The sleeve 114 abuts the surface 104a and is positioned over the opening 124 of the first member 104. The handle 108b extends through the central passage 118 and the opening 124. The fastener retention system 100 securely connects the fastener 108 to the first component 104. When assembled, the sleeve 114 is compressively trapped between the upper surface 104a of the first component 104 and a portion of the fastener 108 (e.g., the lower surface 128 of the collar 108 c).

It is contemplated that certain components of the retainer assembly 110 may be made from metal tubing and/or sheet metal via metal drawing, metal stamping, or other metal forming techniques. Some other components of the retainer assembly 110 may be made of plastic material using plastic injection molding techniques, additive manufacturing, or other means. However, it is contemplated that the retainer assembly 110 may also be fabricated using material extrusion (e.g., fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), light curing (SLA), selective Laser Sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusing, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and/or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing/3D printing process). In one example, the retainer 112 is formed of plastic (e.g., 3D print or injection molded) or other such material and is configured to interact with the drawn metal compression limiting sleeve 114.

The first and second components 104, 106 may be, for example, automotive panels or other automotive components. Depending on the application, one or both of the first and/or second components 104, 106 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 the automotive industry, exemplary first components 104 include, but are not limited to, door trim panels, molded pieces, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used as an interior or exterior surface). The second component 106 may be, for example, a frame, an automotive panel, 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-beam, a bracket, a frame, etc.), a seat frame, a center console, a fender, a sheet metal frame, etc. Depending on the application, the first component 104 and/or the second component 106 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 some examples, the fastener assembly 102 may include a seal to mitigate penetration of dust, dirt, and/or moisture through the opening 124, if desired. The seal may be implemented as a ring (e.g., an annulus) and made of foam, thermoplastic, rubber, or the like. For example, the seal may be configured to surround a portion of the male fastener 108 (e.g., the shank 108 b) and be located between the sleeve 114 and the first component 104 and/or between the head 108a and the sleeve 114.

As best illustrated in fig. 1g, after the first and second components 104, 106 are assembled, the second component 106 may be at least partially covered by the first component 104. In some examples, one or both of the first component 104 and the second component 106 may include additional attachment features.

While fig. 1g illustrates the fastener-retaining system 100 coupled to the second component 106 via the nut 126 such that the first and second components 104, 106 abut one another, other fastening techniques and arrangements are contemplated. For example, friction-based fasteners (e.g., clips, sleeves, etc.) may be used instead of threaded nuts 126. In another example, the opening 124 formed in the second component 106 may be threaded and configured to engage the fastener 108, thereby eliminating the need for additional fasteners (e.g., the nut 126). Further, it is also contemplated that the second member 106 may be located on an opposite side of the sleeve 114 (e.g., between the upper flange 134a and the head 108 a).

Fig. 2 a-2 d illustrate enlarged views of an exemplary retainer assembly 110. More specifically, fig. 2a illustrates an isometric view of components of a fastener-retaining system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, while fig. 2b illustrates a side view of components of the fastener-retaining system. Fig. 2c illustrates a fully assembled isometric view of the retainer assembly 110, while fig. 2d illustrates a cross-sectional isometric view of the retainer assembly 110 taken along cut line B-B (fig. 2 c). The illustrated retainer assembly 110 includes a compression limiting sleeve 114 that engages and couples with the retainer 112.

The retainer assembly 110 is configured to securely retain the fastener 108 and securely connect the fastener 108 to the first component 104. The retainer assembly 110 provides an efficient, cost-effective system for accommodating fasteners at different heights and locations relative to the first component 104. The retainer assembly 110 captures the fastener 108 and couples the fastener 108 to the first component 104 without the need for a separate tool. That is, an individual may manually couple the fastener retaining system 100 to the fastener 108 and the first component 104.

The fastener-retaining system 100 includes a sleeve 114 and a retainer 112 positioned within an internal central passage 116 defined by the sleeve 114. The retainer 112 includes a retaining wall 202 around a periphery of a portion of the handle 108 b. The retaining wall 202 includes an inwardly directed section 204 that abuts the outer surface of the handle 108 b. The illustrated retainer 112 includes a section or clover feature that may be used to retain the fastener 108 within the sleeve 114. The inwardly directed section 204 is arcuate and curves inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis 136. The inner surface of the inwardly directed section 204 may be threaded for threaded engagement with the externally threaded portion of the shank 108b of the fastener 108. The outwardly directed section 206 is curved outwardly (e.g., in the opposite direction than the inward curvature of the inwardly directed section 204) so as to abut an inner surface 208 of the sleeve 114. The retaining wall 202 provides a body configured to be positioned between the sleeve 114 and the shank 108b of the fastener 108.

The retaining wall 202 surrounds a periphery of a portion of the handle 108 b. The retaining wall 202 includes an outwardly directed section 206 integrally connected with an inwardly directed section 204. The inner surface of the retaining wall 202 defines a central passage 118 through which the shank 108b of the fastener 108 may pass through the central passage 118. In at least one embodiment, the inner surface of the inwardly directed section 204 is threaded and is in threaded engagement with the externally threaded portion of the handle 108 b.

As shown, the retaining wall 202 includes four outwardly directed sections 206 alternating with four inwardly directed sections 204. Alternatively, the retaining wall 202 may include more or fewer sections 206 and 204 than shown. The outwardly directed section 206 abuts the inner surface of the sleeve 114, thereby firmly supporting the retainer 112 in the sleeve 114. The inwardly directed section 204 abuts the outer surface of the shank 108b of the fastener 108. A portion of the outer surface of the retainer 112 (such as the outwardly directed section 206) may abut the inner surface 208 of the sleeve 114. In this way, the sleeve 114 is securely coupled to the retainer 112. Further, the sleeve 114 is securely clamped between the head 108a of the fastener 108 and the upper surface 104a of the first member 104. The retainer 112 retains the shank 108b of the fastener 108 by the inwardly directed section 204 abutting the shank 108b. The sleeve 114 is secured about the retainer 112, such as by the outwardly directed segments 206 abutting the inner surface 192 of the sleeve 114.

The sleeve 114 may be formed of metal and includes an annular tube 132 connected to one or more turned-out flanges 134a, 134b. Flanges 134a, 134b extend circumferentially from the upper and lower ends of tube 132. The tube 132 defines a central passage in which the retainer 112 is secured. As shown, sleeve 114 includes two flanges 134a, 134b; one flange at each end of the tube 132. Alternatively, the sleeve 114 may include flanges 134a, 134b at only one end. The sleeve 114 is securely coupled to the retainer 112 by the outwardly directed sections 206 abutting the inner surface of the sleeve 114. The inwardly directed section 204 is securely coupled to the shank 108b of the fastener 108. The flange 134a of the sleeve 114 provides an increased support surface area relative to the lower surface 128 of the collar 108 c. Similarly, the flange 134b allows for an increase in support surface area relative to the upper surface 104a of the first member 104. Alternatively, sleeve 114 may not include flange 134a and/or flange 134b.

The sleeve 114 includes an external rib feature 122 for pressing into and retaining in the first member 104. The rib-like features 122 may be in the form of bumps, ridges, barbs, etc. Flange 134b tightly holds first member 104 when tightened. The sleeve 114 has an additional height above the first member 104 to increase the fastener gripping length and thereby improve joint performance. The sleeve 114 includes a collar 120 below the intermediate flange 134b to provide compression limits to the first component 104 to prevent the first component from being crushed by the fastener 108 load. The height of collar 120 generally corresponds to the thickness of first member 104, and the diameter of collar 120 corresponds to the diameter of opening 124 formed in first member 104.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of a fastening system in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. The fastener assembly 102 of fig. 3 is similar to the fastener assembly 102 of fig. 1 a-1 g and 2 a-2 d, except that the fastener 108 is pre-captured relative to the sleeve 114 by an internal protrusion 302 in the sleeve 114 that engages with an interference fit an annular ring 304 formed on the shank 108b of the fastener 108. As illustrated, the annular ring 304 engages the inner tab 302 to reduce the risk of pullout. In this example, the retainer 112 is omitted, and the annular ring 304 and the inner tab 302 are used.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of components of a fastening system according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. The fastener assembly 102 of fig. 3 is similar to the fastener assembly 102 of fig. 1 a-1 g and 2 a-2 d, except that a retainer nut 402 is used in place of the fastener 108. The retainer nut 402 is designed to be screwed onto a fixed externally threaded stud 404 by rotating the internally threaded hex retainer nut 402. This design allows the retainer nut 402 to telescope inside the sleeve 114. This reduces the overall height of the design and allows the retainer nut 402 to be fully retracted. In this example, the retainer 112 is omitted. In some examples, the retainer nut 402 may be retained within 116 via the annular ring 304 and the inner tab 302 (not visible in fig. 4).

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. In addition, 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 assembly configured to securely couple a fastener to a component having an opening, the retainer assembly comprising:

A sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar,

Wherein the sleeve defines a central passage having a central longitudinal axis,

Wherein the first flange and the second flange are separated by the tube, an

Wherein the collar is configured to reside within the opening and provide compression limits to the component; and

A retainer positioned within the central passage,

Wherein the retainer includes a first portion fixedly coupled to the sleeve and a second portion configured to be fixedly coupled to a portion of the fastener.

2. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes one or more external rib-like features configured to be pressed into and retained in the component.

3. The retainer assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more external rib-like features are formed in or on an outer surface of the collar.

4. The holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises one or more arcuate inwardly directed sections that curve toward a central longitudinal axis of the holder and extend longitudinally along the holder from a first edge of the holder to a second edge of the holder such that the arcuate inwardly directed sections comprise the first edge and the second edge.

5. The retainer assembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more inwardly directed sections are configured to abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

6. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer is configured to be securely located between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the fastener.

7. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer further comprises a retaining wall comprising the first portion and the second portion.

8. The holder assembly of claim 7, wherein the retaining wall has a clover shape.

9. The retainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes one or more outwardly directed sections that directly abut an inner surface of the sleeve, and wherein the second portion includes one or more inwardly directed sections that are configured to directly abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

10. A fastener assembly for use with a component having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein an opening is formed through the component from the first surface to the second surface, the fastener assembly comprising:

a fastener comprising a head connected to a handle; and

A retainer assembly securely coupling the fastener to the component, the retainer assembly comprising:

A sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar,

Wherein the first flange and the second flange are separated by the tube, an

A retainer positioned within the central passage,

11. The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the sleeve includes one or more external rib-like features configured to be pressed into and retained in the component.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more external rib-like features are formed in or on an outer surface of the collar.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the second portion includes one or more arcuate inwardly directed sections that curve toward a central longitudinal axis of the retainer and extend longitudinally along the retainer from a first edge of the retainer to a second edge of the retainer such that the arcuate inwardly directed sections include the first edge and the second edge.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more inwardly directed sections are configured to abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the retainer is configured to be securely located between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the fastener.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the retainer further comprises a retaining wall comprising the first portion and the second portion.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 16, wherein the retaining wall has a clover shape.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 10, wherein the first portion includes one or more outwardly directed sections that directly abut an inner surface of the sleeve, and wherein the second portion includes one or more inwardly directed sections that are configured to directly abut an outer surface of the portion of the fastener.

19. A retainer assembly configured to securely couple a fastener to a component, the retainer assembly comprising:

A sleeve having a tube, a first flange, a second flange, and a collar,

Wherein the first flange and the second flange are separated by the tube,

Wherein the collar comprises one or more external rib-like features formed in or on an outer surface of the collar and configured to be pressed into and retained in the component, and

A retainer located within the central passage, wherein the retainer is configured to be securely located between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the fastener.

20. The retainer assembly of claim 19, wherein the retainer comprises a clover-shaped retaining wall defining a central longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of outwardly directed sections directly abutting an inner surface of the sleeve to securely couple the retainer to the sleeve and a plurality of inwardly directed sections configured to directly abut an outer surface of a shank of the fastener to securely connect the sleeve to the fastener, wherein each inwardly directed section is curved toward the central longitudinal axis, and wherein each inwardly directed section alternates with each outwardly directed section.