CN220687782U - Pin structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present utility model relates to pin structures. A pin structure comprising: an outer member; a shaft coupled to the outer member and configured to extend into the bore of the fitting; and a retaining member coupled with the shaft and configured to interact with the bore to retain the pin structure on the fitting.

Description

Pin structure

Priority statement

The priority of provisional application serial No. 63/417,285 entitled "pin structure and fitting with through hole for receiving pin structure" filed on month 10, 2022 and provisional application serial No. 63/436,054 entitled "pin structure and fitting with through hole for receiving pin structure" filed on month 12, 2022 and 29, shem Paul McCullough, are claimed in this application and incorporated herein by reference.

Copyright statement

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the patent and trademark office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

Technical Field

The present utility model relates generally to dowel structures and more particularly provides dowel structures and fittings/accessories with holes for attaching the dowel structures.

Background

There are many accessories such as a mobile phone case, earphone, mobile phone charger, electronic equipment case (e.g., handwriting pen case, remote controller case), product packaging, tablet computer case, notebook stand, keyboard, ear plug case, carrying case, backpack, luggage bag, purse, sports bag, dog collar, dog garment, clothing, hat, and the like. Many people prefer to distinguish them by attaching stickers to the accessories. The decals are somewhat permanent and tend to damage the product when the decals are removed. Other ways of distinguishing fittings would be helpful.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present utility model include a pin structure that can be removably attached to a fitting having a hole (e.g., a perforation, an eyelet, a grommet, a cavity, etc.). Example accessories may include a cell phone case, earphone, cell phone charger, electronic device case (e.g., handwriting pen case, remote control case), product packaging, tablet computer case, notebook stand, keyboard, ear plug case, carrying case, backpack, luggage bag, purse, sports bag, dog collar, dog garment, clothing, hat, and the like. Embodiments of the utility model may include any of these or other fittings having one or more holes therein.

According to some embodiments, the present utility model provides a pin structure comprising an outer member; a shaft coupled with the outer member and configured to extend into the bore of the fitting; and a retaining member (retention component) coupled with the shaft and configured to interact with the bore to retain the pin structure to the fitting.

In some embodiments, the outer member may be decorative. The outer member may comprise a functional member. The width of the shaft may be smaller than the width of the hole. The length of the shaft may be slightly longer than the bore length. The shaft may include a length that is shorter than the length of the bore. The width of the widest portion of the retaining member may be greater than the aperture width. The retaining member may include a cylindrical portion and a tapered sheet portion. The tapered sheet portion may include a distal end having a width less than the width of the aperture. The shaft and the retaining member may comprise flat opposing sides. The pin structure may include at least one additional shaft coupled to the pin structure and at least one additional retaining member coupled to the at least one additional shaft. The two or more shafts and the two or more retaining members may be configured to be inserted into adjacent holes in the fitting. The shaft and the retaining member may have hollow sections therein or therethrough. The aperture may be sized on two or more different fittings and the link may be configured to mate with the sized aperture. The aperture may be sized on two or more of a cell phone case, earphone, cell phone charger, electronics case, product package, tablet computer case, notebook stand, keyboard, ear plug case, backpack, luggage bag, purse, sports bag, dog collar, dog garment, or human garment, and the link may be configured to mate with the sized aperture. The outer member and the shaft may be separable. The hole in the fitting may comprise a grommet-based fitting. The shaft and the retaining member may be integrally formed. The shaft and the holding member may be different parts based on the threads of the screw.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a pin structure attached to a handset housing fitting with a hole pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 2 illustrates details of pin structures according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pin structure of fig. 2, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example pin structure with multiple links according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exterior side of a handset housing fitting with three pin structures attached according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 6 illustrates an inner side of a cell phone case fitting having some pin structures attached to the outer side according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 7 is a perspective bottom side view of a cell phone case accessory illustrating a tie rod extending through a plurality of holes and a retaining member of the tie rod that holds a pin structure to the cell phone case accessory according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exterior side of a handset housing assembly having a plurality of pin structures attached thereto and including a handset therein, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cell phone case fitting with holes and a pin structure with a connecting rod, illustrating a shaft extending through two adjacent holes, an outer member flush against an outer surface of the cell phone case fitting, and a retaining member of the connecting rod locking the pin structure to an inner surface of the cell phone case fitting, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 10-16 are different perspective views of an example mobile phone shell accessory having a hole pattern according to some embodiments of the present utility model. Fig. 10 is an exterior left bottom perspective view. Fig. 11 is an internal view. Fig. 12 is an external view. Fig. 13 is a right side view. Fig. 14 is a left side view. Fig. 15 is a bottom side view. Fig. 16 is a top side view.

Fig. 17-22 are various perspective views of an example backpack fitting having buttonhole-based holes, according to some embodiments of the utility model. Fig. 17 illustrates a front view of a backpack fitting with front and top straps with a pattern of buttonhole-based holes (e.g., a row/column). Fig. 18 illustrates a front view of a backpack fitting with front and top straps having several pin structures in buttonhole based holes. Fig. 19 illustrates a front close-up view of a backpack fitting with a front strap having several pin structures in buttonhole based holes. Fig. 20 illustrates another front close-up view of a backpack fitting with front and top straps having several pin structures in buttonhole based holes. Fig. 21 illustrates a rear view of a backpack fitting having shoulder straps with a pattern of buttonhole-based holes (e.g., a row/column) and pin structures located therein. Fig. 22 illustrates a rear view of a backpack fitting with shoulder straps (and top bag) having several pin structures in buttonhole based holes.

Fig. 23 and 24 are various perspective views of an example luggage bag fitting having grommet-based holes according to some embodiments of the present utility model. Fig. 23 illustrates a side perspective view of a luggage bag fitting with a strap having a pattern of buttonhole based apertures thereon. Fig. 24 illustrates another side perspective view of a duffel bag with straps having a number of pin structures in buttonhole based apertures.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an example bag fitment with buttonhole-based apertures in a surface portion of the bag and on the strap, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 26 and 27 are various perspective views of example sports bag accessory products (larger bag accessory and nested bag accessory) with a pattern of buttonhole-based apertures on the sides of each of the larger bag accessory and nested bag accessory, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of two grommet-based holes in one of a larger bag fitting or a nested bag fitting, wherein the right grommet-based hole has a pin structure retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 29 illustrates an example earplug cartridge assembly having a hole pattern, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 30 illustrates the example earplug cartridge assembly of fig. 29 with a number of pin structures in the hole, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 31 illustrates an example headset accessory having a hole pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 32 illustrates the example earphone fitting of fig. 31 with several pin structures in the holes, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 33 illustrates an example wireless speaker accessory with a hole pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 34 illustrates the wireless loudspeaker accessory of fig. 33 with a number of pin structures in the holes, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Detailed Description

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use various embodiments of the utility model. Modifications are possible. The generic principles defined herein may be applied to the disclosed and other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the utility model. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles, features and teachings herein.

Embodiments of the present utility model include a pin structure that can be removably attached to a fitting having a hole (e.g., a perforation, an eyelet, a grommet, a cavity, etc.). Example accessories may include a cell phone case, earphone, cell phone charger, electronic device case (e.g., handwriting pen case, remote control case), product packaging, tablet computer case, notebook stand, keyboard, ear plug case, carrying case, backpack, luggage bag, purse, sports bag, dog collar, dog garment, clothing, hat, and the like. Embodiments of the utility model may include any of these or other fittings having one or more holes therein.

Fig. 1 illustrates a pin structure 102 attached to a cell phone case fitting 100 having a pattern of holes 104 according to some embodiments of the utility model. In the illustrated embodiment, the handset housing assembly 100 includes an iPhone handset housing with diamond-patterned holes 104 on the back. Each aperture 104 may include a perforation through the handset housing assembly 100. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the holes 104 may include a grommet (e.g., a metal or plastic grommet) therein. The shape of the aperture 104 may include a cylindrical tunnel having a circular perimeter at the inlet (on the exterior side) and the outlet (on the interior side), and may include smooth walls therebetween. In some embodiments, the perimeter shape may be a different shape, such as diamond, rectangular, oval, square, and the like. In some embodiments, the wall surface may be serrated or roughened to increase friction to support the retention of the pin structure 102. In some embodiments, the wall surface may include an anatomical structure (e.g., threading) to support the retention of the pin structure 102. In some embodiments, the aperture 104 may be 1-3mm, 2-3mm, 3mm or less, 2mm or more, or 2-4mm.

Notably, the pin structure 102 may include a decorative or functional outer member. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer member comprises a cross pattern.

Fig. 2 illustrates details of the pin structure 102 according to some embodiments of the utility model. The pin structure 102 includes an outer member 202 coupled to a connecting rod 204. In some embodiments, the linkage 204 includes a shaft 206 coupled with a retaining member 208.

In some embodiments, a mating structure (not shown) may attach the outer member 202 to the link 204. The mating structures may include glue, complementary sets of threads, resilient clamping mechanisms, mechanical clips, biasing members, friction engagement mechanisms, magnets, clips, and/or other complementary mating features. In some embodiments, the outer member 202 and the connecting rod 204 may be formed as a single structure, e.g., a single mold. In one overall embodiment, the mating structure is integrated.

In some embodiments, the outer member 202 may include design elements, for example, may include decorative images. In some embodiments, the outer member 202 may have one or more functional elements, such as a rotator, magnet, mirror, screen cleaner, magnifying glass, pen, hair clip, pocket, and the like.

In some embodiments, the link 204 includes a shaft 206 and a retaining member 208 (e.g., flange, edge, lip, threads, lateral extension, dowel (bridge), nut/bolt, etc.). The shaft 206 may be sized to have a width (e.g., diameter) that is approximately the same as or slightly less than the width of the aperture 104. Each retaining member 208 may be sized such that its widest portion has a width (e.g., diameter) that is greater than the width of the aperture 104 or at least greater than the width of the outlet (internal opening) of the aperture 104. Each shaft 206 may be sized to include a length that is shorter, as long, or longer than the bore 104. Thus, the shaft 206 may extend partially into the bore 104, completely through the bore 104, or beyond the interior surface of the bore 104. The retaining member 208 may be sized to include a length sufficient to prevent it from bending or breaking during insertion or withdrawal, and may be short enough to avoid interfering with any object on the interior side of the fitting 100 if the shaft 206 positions the retaining member 208 through the aperture 104. In some embodiments, the shaft 206 may be sized to have a shorter length than the bore 104 such that the retention member 208 resides in the bore 104 when fully inserted and does not interfere with the function or design of the fitting 100. The shaft 206 may be sized to have a length equal to the bore 104 so that the retaining member 208 may lock onto the interior surface of the fitting 100, but extend as far beyond the interior surface as possible. The retaining member 208 may be sized to be thin with a flat terminal surface to reduce or avoid interference with the function or design of the fitting 100. In some embodiments, the retaining member 208 may be only slightly wider than the width of the aperture 104 so that the retaining member may be pulled, rotated, or otherwise manually withdrawn from the aperture 104 with a reasonable amount of force without breaking or disconnecting the link 204 from the outer member 202 or the retaining member 208 from the shaft 206.

In some embodiments, the length of the shaft 206 is designed to be less than the thickness of the bore 104 so that the retaining member 208 can cooperate with the wall of the bore 104. In some embodiments, the shaft 206 and the retaining member 208 are part of the same element (integrated as a single element), such as a threading, a tack, or other component.

In some embodiments, the retaining member 208 may include: a cylindrical disc-shaped portion that cooperates with the bore wall or locks the pin structure 102 to the fitting 104; and tapered or reduced width tab portions that help guide the retaining member into the aperture 104. The tapered or reduced width tab portion may be designed such that the width of the retaining member 208 decreases toward its distal end so that the distal end is less than the width of the aperture 104. In some embodiments, the retaining member 208 does not have a tapered tab portion. In some embodiments, the retention feature 208 does not have a cylindrical feature. Other embodiments include a different retaining member 208.

In some embodiments, the shaft 206 and/or the retention member 208 may include hollow sections therein or extending entirely therethrough.

Each aperture 104 may be sized on two or more different fittings 100, and the link 204 may be configured to cooperate with the sized apertures 104. The aperture 104 may be sized on two or more of a cell phone case, earphone, cell phone charger, electronics case, product package, tablet computer case, notebook stand, keyboard, ear plug case, backpack, luggage bag, purse, sports bag, dog collar, dog garment, or human garment, and the link 204 may be configured to cooperate with the sized aperture 104.

In some embodiments, the pin structure 102 may include a plurality of links 204 for extending through the plurality of holes 104. The multi-link pin structure 102 may support larger ornamental pieces and may prevent rotation of the pin structure 102. The plurality of links 204 of the multi-link pin structure 102 may extend to or through adjacent holes 104 or non-adjacent holes 104. In some embodiments, the outer member 202 and the plurality of links 204 may be coupled together using a plurality of mating structures (not shown).

In some embodiments, the pin structure 102 may be pulled off of the fitting 100 by pulling the outer member 202, which will pull the retaining member 208 through the hole 104 without breaking. In some embodiments, when the outer member 202 and the link 204 are separate structures, the outer member may be removed and replaced without removing the link 204 from its bore 104. In the example of the handset housing assembly 100, in some embodiments, the entirety of the pin structure 102 or the outer member 202 separate from the link 204 may be removed and replaced without removing the handset from the handset housing assembly 100. In some embodiments, when the outer member 202 and the link 204 are separate structures, the link 204 may be positioned into the bore 104 from the inner side and the outer member 202 may be connected to the link 204 (e.g., using a mating structure).

As shown, the outer member 202 may be a decorative cross. In some embodiments, each of the connecting rod 204 and the outer member 202 may include complementary mating structures to connect them together. For example, in some embodiments, the cross pattern structure may be considered a portion of the link 204 and may be used to couple the link 204 with various outer members 202 (whether decorative or functional), e.g., by magnetic force or friction.

In some embodiments, each portion of the pin structure 102 may be manufactured in a unitary construction from a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material that is durable and strong, yet resilient, pliable, smooth, and does not damage the fitting 100. Other materials, including harder materials such as rubber or hard plastic, may also be used. In some embodiments, the handset housing assembly 100 with the aperture 104 may be made of a Polycarbonate (PC) material.

In some embodiments, only the link 204 (and possibly the mating structure) is made of TPU material. The decorative and/or functional portion of the outer member 202 may be made of any other material (fabric, plastic, metal, rubber, paint, etc.). The outer member 202 may form any decorative design (e.g., flowers, images, text, rings, clips, animals, professional decorations, hobby decorations, marketing images, etc.). As described above, trim piece 202 may include functional components or may be fully functional.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pin structure 102 according to some embodiments of the present utility model. As shown, the pin structure 102 may include an outer member 202 and a connecting rod 204. The outer member 202 and the linkage 204 may be separable or integrally formed. When separable, mating structures (not shown) will be used to couple them together. As described above, the mating structures may include glue, complementary sets of threads, resilient gripping mechanisms, mechanical clips, biasing members, friction engagement mechanisms, magnets, clips, and/or other complementary mating features. Although not shown, the shaft 206 and the retaining member 208 may be separable or integrally formed. When separable, they will be coupled together using mating structures (not shown).

Fig. 4 illustrates an example pin structure 102 having a plurality of links 204 according to some embodiments of the utility model. As shown, each link 204 has a shaft 206 and a retaining member 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 206 is not cylindrical, but may be shaped with one or more flat sides such that each flat side appears as if one or more side portions (possibly opposing side portions) in the form of additional bends (e.g., circles) have been/have been cut away vertically. Likewise, as shown, the retention feature 208 may be shaped with one or more flat sides such that each flat side appears as if one or more side portions (possibly opposing side portions) in the form of an additional curve (e.g., a circle) have been/have been cut vertically out (in the same plane as the one or more side portions of the shaft 206).

Fig. 5 illustrates an exterior side 502 of the handset housing assembly 100 to which three pin structures 102a, 102b, and 102c are attached, according to some embodiments of the utility model. Although not shown, the linkage 204 has been pressed into the bore 104, thereby holding the pin structures 120a, 102b, and 102c to the cell phone case fitting 100.

Fig. 6 illustrates an inner side 602 of the handset housing assembly 100 with several pin structures 102 attached to the outer side 502 in accordance with some embodiments of the utility model. As shown, the plurality of retention features 208 of the plurality of links 204 are exposed through the aperture 104 of the cell phone case fitting 104.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an inner side 602 of the handset housing assembly 100 and illustrates the plurality of retaining members 208 of the plurality of links 204 exposed through the apertures 104 and locking the pin structure 102 to the handset housing assembly 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exterior side 502 of a cell phone case accessory 100 having a plurality of pin structures 102 attached thereto and containing a cell phone 802 therein, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the handset housing fitting 100 having a bore 104 and a pin structure 102 having a connecting rod 204. The cross-sectional view illustrates the shaft 206 extending through two adjacent holes 104, the outer member 202 flush with the outer side 502 of the cell phone case fitting 100, and the retaining member 208 locking the pin structure 102 to the inner side 602 of the cell phone case fitting 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 10-16 are different perspective views of a handset housing fitting 100 having a hole pattern according to some embodiments of the utility model. Fig. 10 is a left bottom perspective view of the exterior. Fig. 11 is an internal view. Fig. 12 is an external view. Fig. 13 is a right side view. Fig. 14 is a left side view. Fig. 15 is a bottom side view. Fig. 16 is a top side view.

Fig. 17-22 are various perspective views of an example backpack fitting 1700 with grommet-based holes 1704 and pin structures 102, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 17 illustrates a front view of a backpack assembly 1700 having front and top straps 1702, wherein the front and top straps 1702 have a pattern (e.g., a row/column) of buttonhole-based holes 1704, according to some embodiments of the utility model. The grommet-based hole 1704 may be sized to include the same dimensions as the hole 104 of the phone-based accessory 100. Thus, the same pin structure 102 may be used with both the hole 104 and the grommet-based hole 1704. In other embodiments, the grommet-based hole 1704 may be sized differently to accept different pin structures 102 having different links 204 of different sizes or configurations. In some embodiments, the grommet-based hole 1704 may be sized to include the same width as the phone shell hole 104, but include a different length. Thus, in some embodiments, the link 204 may be sized to extend through the hole 104, but not through the grommet-based hole 1704.

Fig. 18 illustrates a front view of a backpack accessory 1700 with front and top straps 1702, wherein the front and top straps 1702 are described as having a number of pin formations 102 in a grommet-based hole 1704, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 19 illustrates a front close-up view of a backpack accessory 1700 with a front strap 1702, wherein the front strap 1702 has a number of pin formations 102 in a grommet-based hole 1704, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 20 illustrates another front close-up view of a backpack accessory 1700 having front and top straps 1702 with a number of pin formations 102 in buttonhole-based holes 1704 according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 21 illustrates a rear view of a backpack fitting 1700 having shoulder straps 1706 according to some embodiments of the present utility model, wherein the shoulder straps 1706 are provided with a pattern (e.g., rows/columns) of buttonhole-based holes 1704 and pin structures 102 located therein.

Fig. 22 illustrates a rear view of a backpack assembly having shoulder straps 1706 (and top strap 1702) wherein the shoulder straps 1706 have a number of pin formations 102 in buttonhole-based holes 1704, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 23 and 24 are various perspective views of an example luggage bag fitting 2300 with buttonhole-based holes 1704 in a side strap 2302, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 23 illustrates a side perspective view of a luggage piece 2300 having a side strap 2302, wherein the side strap 2302 has a pattern of buttonhole-based holes 1704, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 24 illustrates another side perspective view of a luggage piece 2300 having a side strap 2302, wherein the side strap 2302 has a number of pin structures 102 in a grommet-based hole 1704, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of an example bag fitting 2500 having a grommet-based hole 1704 in a surface portion 2502 of the bag fitting 2500 and strap 2504, according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

Fig. 26 and 27 are various perspective views of the sports bag accessory product 2600 (larger bag accessory 2602 and nested bag accessory 2604) with a pattern of buttonhole-based holes 1704 on the sides of each of the larger bag accessory 2602 and nested bag accessory 2604, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of two grommet-based holes 1704 in one of a larger bag fitting 2602 or a nested bag fitting 2604, wherein the right grommet-based hole 1704 has a pin structure 102 retained therein, according to some embodiments of the present utility model. As shown, the connecting rod 204 extends into the right buttonhole-based hole 1704. As shown, the link 204 extends only partially into the grommet-based hole 1704 and does not extend through the hole. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the retention feature 208 frictionally retains the pin structure 102 to the larger bag fitting 2602 or the nested bag fitting 2604 with a hole wall.

Fig. 29 illustrates an example earplug box fitment 2900 having a pattern of apertures 104, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 30 illustrates an example earplug cartridge assembly 2900 having a number of pin structures 102 in a hole 104, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 31 illustrates an example earphone fitting 3100 having a pattern of holes 104 according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 32 illustrates an example earphone fitting 3100 having a number of pin structures 102 in holes 104 according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 33 illustrates an example wireless speaker fitting 3300 having a pattern of holes 104, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Fig. 34 illustrates an example wireless speaker fitting 3300 having several pin structures 102 in holes 104, according to some embodiments of the utility model.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the rear surface of the fitting 100, 1700, 2300, 2602, 2604 may include a protective layer (e.g., fabric) or other element that acts as a buffer between the holding member 208 and an object on the interior side, such as a phone, device, or person. The protective layer enables the link 204 to extend to the interior side of the fitting 100, but not directly contact objects on the other side.

In some embodiments, all of the holes 104, whether or not buttonholes are present, may be sized according to a fixed standard size so that the pin structure may be attached to any fitting having these standard holes 104. In some embodiments, all of the holes 104 need not be the same size to cooperate with different sized pin structures. In some embodiments, all of the pin structures 102 need not have the same type of shaft 206 or retaining member 208, so that different pin structures 104 may be retained using different types of links 204. In some embodiments, the outer member 202 may be rotatably mounted to the link 204 using, for example, ball bearings (ball bearings) or other rotatable rotational mounts (spinning mount). In some embodiments, the outer member 202 may be rotatably mounted to a plurality of links 204. Other embodiments are also possible.

The above description of the preferred embodiments of the utility model is merely illustrative and other variations and modifications of the above-described embodiments and methods are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The utility model is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A pin structure, comprising:

an outer member;

a shaft coupled with the outer member and configured to extend into a bore in a fitting; and

a retaining member coupled to the shaft and configured to interact with the aperture to retain the pin structure to the fitting, the retaining member including a tapered sheet-like portion having a distal end with a width less than the aperture, a widest portion of the retaining member having a width greater than the aperture, and having flat opposing sides with a distance therebetween less than the aperture width.

2. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said outer member is decorative.

3. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said outer member comprises a functional component.

4. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein a width of said shaft is less than a width of said bore.

5. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein the length of the shaft is slightly longer than the length of the bore.

6. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein the length of the shaft is shorter than the length of the bore.

7. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said retaining member further comprises a cylindrical portion.

8. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said shaft and said retaining member comprise flat opposing sides.

9. The dowel structure of claim 1, comprising at least one additional shaft coupled to the dowel structure and at least one additional retaining member coupled to the at least one additional shaft.

10. The dowel structure of claim 9, wherein two or more shafts and two or more retaining members are configured to be inserted into adjacent holes in the fitting.

11. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said shaft and said retaining member have hollow sections therein or therethrough.

12. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a set size on each of two or more different fittings, and wherein the retaining member is configured to cooperate with the aperture of the set size.

13. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein the aperture has a set size on each of two or more of a cell phone case, a headset, a cell phone charger, an electronics case, a product package, a tablet computer case, a notebook stand, a keyboard, an ear plug case, a backpack, a luggage bag, a purse, a sports bag, a dog collar, a dog garment, or a human garment, and wherein the retaining member is configured to cooperate with the aperture of the set size.

14. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said outer member and said shaft are separable.

15. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said hole is formed by a grommet in said fitting.

16. The pin structure of claim 1, wherein said shaft and said retaining member are integrally formed.