FR2632380A1 - REMOVABLE ATTACHMENT FOR RETAINING EXTENDED ELEMENTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a removable clip 10 which is made to releasably hold an elongated member. Clip 10 includes a body 12 and a sliding member 14. Body 12 includes a shank 18 which can be inserted into an opening in a panel when clip 10 is installed and a head 16 having a first seat portion 20. offset from the shank 18 and a first locking means 24. The sliding member 14 is slidably mounted on the shank 18 and has a second seat portion 21 offset from the shank 18 which can be positioned in position. opposite face alignment with the first seat portion 20. The sliding member 14 is movable along the tail 18 to a closed seat position in which the first and second seat portions 20, 21 fit together. 'to each other around an elongated element. The sliding member 14 also has a second locking means 37 which can be engaged with the first locking means 24 to secure the first and second seat portions 20, 21 together in the closed seat position.

Description

Removable clip for retaining elongated elements This invention

  relates to a fastener having seat portions which mate to releasably retain elongated members and more particularly to a fastener which will constantly apply bias in divergent directions to lock the elongate member therein by reducing play. and the risk of loosening

accidental attachment.

  The prior art retaining clips for fixing elongated elements such as fluid tubes, conduits, cable harnesses, electrical wires, control cables and

  Panel-like ones take many forms.

  A first type of fastener includes a base from which a bayonet fastener protrudes into the opening of a panel and resilient arm spaces which define a seat between them. An example of the Z0 elastic arm type fastener is described in US Pat. 4,195,807 published on! April 1980 by Joaquin R. Llauge and includes a pair of C-shaped elastic arms that define a seat in which the elongated element is retained. The elastic nature of the arms allows them to open to receive the element and this elasticity also allows the arms to grasp and retain the element once

that it has been installed.

  A second type of fastener includes a base member C0 having an overhanging bayonet attachment, a seat for the elongated member, and a loop incorporated with a flexible material, such as plastic, which is wrapped around the member. elongated and releasably locked in the ba e. A typical loop type fastener is disclosed in US Patent No. 4,564,163 issued January 14, 1986.

Barrv R. Mr. Barnett.

  A third type of fastener comprises a stirrup of a certain type having a handle portion of dimension adapted to hold the elongated element, the stirrup being

  then attached to the panel by a fastener.

  These types of prior art fasteners will perform satisfactorily in certain environments. However, unr. Many of these fasteners find application in the automotive industry where there is a virtually continuous need for the quick and easy fixing of many different types of extension members at various locations, for example under the hood, under the body or internally, for example, in the doors or in the dashboard. In the past, the main goal of the automaker was to have an inexpensive attachment that allowed for quick installation. Thus, the bayonet of the prior art fasteners discussed above can be quickly depressed into a receiving aperture in the panel or frame, but the ability of the clip to hold and hold the elongate member indoors in all conditions

did not receive so much attention.

  However, buyers have arrived at a stage where they are asking for a silent car and the scrapes and noises of cars have become a source of great concern for builders. Cars must not only be built for

2632138 0

  3- do not make a noise of scrap at the beginning but also not to make then. Automakers have been researching the cause of the wares and it has been found that retaining clips for securing elongated elements were one of the main causes. Fasteners allow scrap sounds to develop in different ways.

  Most fasteners are made of plastic because

  It is inexpensive, easily moldable and remains corrosion-free. Unfortunately, a car, at

  use, encounter a very hostile environment.

  Fasteners are subjected to extremely high heat in summer and at all times when they are close to the engine and exhaust systems. Fasteners are also subjected to extreme cold in winter. In addition, the fasteners are subjected to a strong vibration each time the car is driven, 2._ hard shocks when deformed roads and potholes are encountered, and moisture

when it rains.

  The first elastic-arm type fastener tends to become excessively flexible in the event of high heat and humidity, and its tension and rigidity decrease. In addition, moisture and oil film, much of which comes from the road when it rains, grease the surfaces of the attachment so that 0 vibrations and shocks of the roads occurring while a car roll can result in the elongated element being dislodged from the fastener and making a rattling noise. The reinforcement of the arms of the fastener by secondary arms or appropriate forms does not prevent this disengagement in all conditions. The second loop-type fastener is also unsatisfactory because the flexibility of the loop itself, especially in the case of heat, allows the elongated element to move relative to the panel on which it is mounted and it repeatedly against other parts of the car and causes noise. In addition, if the elongated element does not fill all the space inside the loop, the element can make a scrap noise against the inside of the loop, especially when the loop is stiff to

  because of the cold, and creates a geenant noise.

  The third caliper fastener may also become excessively flexible under high heat and may therefore allow the element to be loose and make a scrap noise. Another object of the stirrup type attack is that it is impractical to first assemble the stirrup with the elongate element. Thus, a sub-supplier can not pre-assemble and block a plurality of brackets on the elongate element, such as a carburettor pipe or a wiring harness, and then dispatcher the subassembly, thereby allowing the constructor automobi'es to make the final assembly by simply pushing the fasteners in openings pierced in advance in

  Suitable places in the automobile.

  What is needed is a simple, inexpensive, reusable fastener, which can, if desired, be pre-assembled on an elongated member and secured thereon by a removable lock and which, once permanently installed, will communicate a constant positive stress in several divergent directions to virtually eliminate: (1) the risk of accidental loosening of the fastener, and (2) the 263 z38 0 movement of the element elongates with or within the fastener per se in order to eliminate scrap noise but which will allow a quick loosening and reuse of the fastener for work

m of maintenance.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, the removable fastener comprises a body and a sliding member. The body includes a shank having a longitudinal axis for insertion into an opening in a panel when the fastener is in an installed position. The body also includes a head which is mounted on the tail and has a first seat portion offset from the axis of the tail and a first locking means. The sliding member of the fastener comprises a second seat portion also offset from the axis of the tail which may be placed in opposite facing alignment with the first seating portion. The sliding member also includes an opening for slidably receiving the shank therein to allow movement of the neck member and the associated seat to and from the head between

  open positions of the seat and closed seat.

  The sliding member further comprises a second locking means that is engageable with the first locking means for securing the first and second seating portions together when the sliding member has moved to the closed seating position for block an elongated element in the fastener

  when installed on a panel or equivalent.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a first biasing means is placed on the fastener to permanently urge the sliding member in an axial direction parallel to the direction of the axis of the tail towards the head for pushing. in a constant manner, the first and second seating portions together and the first locking means in contact with the second locking means when the sliding member is in the closed seating position. More specifically, the head and sliding member elements both extend in a direction radially outwardly from the axis of the shank and a second biasing means is provided to permanently bias the first locking means. to come into contact with the second locking means in the radial direction when the sliding element is in the closed seating position. The first and second locking mcyens preferably comprise locking receiving cavities on one of the elements and interlocking elements on the other of the elements which can be received in the cavities for locking.

  the sliding element in the closed seating position.

  Preferably, the locking receiving cavities will be provided with spaced-apart inner locking surfaces and the locking members will each have a second locking outer surface which can engage one of the first locking surfaces when the locking element sliding is in the closed sitting position. It is also preferred that the second seat portion comprises spider elastic arms which each have a free end, the locking members comprising a tab connected to each of the free ends of the resilient arms to move apart from each other towards the spaced-apart interior locking surfaces of a locking receiving cavity. Preferably, the latch receiving cavities will comprise an assembly of first and second latch cavities mounted on a radially extending arm, the cavities being spaced in the radial direction to define a gap therebetween. The first and second resilient locking members are mounted on a second arm and spaced to extend obliquely in opposite directions to each other, the first and second locking members being movable in the gap between the first and second locking members second locking cavities o the biasing means allows the first and second locking members to flare in the first and second cavities when the sliding member is moved to the closed seating position to lock the elongate member in the attached

when installed.

  In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of first seat portions and second seat portions are provided on the fastener to secure a plurality of elongate members. More specifically, the tail head has a first arm that extends radially outwardly from the tail and a plurality of first seat portions are mounted on the arm. The slide member includes a second arm that extends radially outwardly from the tail and a plurality of second seat portions are mounted on the second arm. A plurality of sets of first and second latches are placed on one of the arms and a plurality of sets of first and second locking members are placed on the other arm to engage each of the first and second portions.

  sitting together and block the elongated element

  in when the clip is in an installed position.

26.32380

  In still another embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a plurality of spaced parallel tails, each having a longitudinal axis. A head is placed on each of the tails and a plurality of first seat portions are placed on each of the heads. The sliding member comprises a plurality of tail receiving apertures corresponding in number to the number of tails. A plurality of second seat portions are placed on the sliding member corresponding in number to the number of first seat portions placed on the heads, the second seat portions being in opposing face alignment with the first seating portions. . A plurality of first locking means are provided on each of the plurality of heads corresponding to the number of first seat portions and a plurality of second locking members are mounted on the sliding member corresponding in number to the number of the first locking means. The first and second locking means may interengage with each other to secure each of the first and second seating portions together when sliding element is in a position

closed of sitting.

  Referring to the drawings: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the detachable fastener showing the sliding member thereof partially in section; fig. 2 is a view from above of the removable clip as shown in FIG. 1; fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

26323'80O

  fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the detachable fastener shown in FIG. 1 representing the sliding element previously brought into a predefined open seating position; fig. 5 is a bottom view of the detachable fastener shown in FIG. 4; fig. 6 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1 and representing the tail with respect to a panel; fig. 7 is a side elevation partially in section showing the fastener of FIG. i in a position installed on a panel and now an element lying inside; fig. 8. is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the fastener showing the sliding member formed to fit the curved surface of a panel; fig. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 8; .5 FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment showing a detachable fastener adapted to hold a plurality of elongate members; fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment showing a detachable fastener for holding a plurality of elongate members; and FIG. 12 is a fifth embodiment of

  the removable fastener embodying the invention.

  The figs. 1 to 7 which represent a first embodiment of the invention will now be described. Referring in particular to FIG. 1, the removable fastener 10 comprises a body 12 and a sliding element 14. The body 12 comprises a head 16 and a tail 18 having a longitudinal axis AX. The tail has a dimension that allows it to be inserted into an opening that is provided in a panel on which the fastener is to be installed. Preferably, the head 16 is integrally molded with the tail and has a first arm 22 which extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis AX of the tail

in one direction.

  The head 16 is equipped with a first seat portion which is carried by the first arm 22 which preferably is formed integrally with the head 16. The first seat portion 2C is radially offset relative to the AX axis of the tail 18. The head 16 is also equipped with a first locking means 24 comprising recesses 26, 28 for receiving the locking. The cavity 26 of the lock has a first inner locking surface 32 and the locking cavity 28 has a first internal locking surface 34. The cavities 26 and 28 are spaced apart in the radially extending direction of the first arm 22 and define an interstice between them. The head 16 also has a cam surface 36 adjacent the cavity

  26 and a cam surface 38 adjacent the cavity 28.

  The shank 18 which is a part of the body 12 comprises only four longitudinally extending ribs 42 which define a circle C which represents the opening in which the shank is to be inserted. The shank 18 also has a plurality of axially spaced flexible tabs 44 that extend laterally or

  radially outward beyond circle C and.

  ribs 42. The tail 18 ends with one end

cone-shaped.

  The sliding element 14 comprises a second seat portion 21 offset from the axis of the shank 18 IC and can be placed in front alignment, space, opposite, with the first seat portion 20. The element slider 14 further includes an opening 23 for slidably receiving the shank 18 to allow movement of the slidable elemenz and the second seat portion 21 towards e- opposite to the head 16 between an open position d the seat which is illustrated in FIG. 4 and a closed seating position which is illustrated in FIG. 7. Preferably, the second seat 21 is carried by a second arm 27 which n C extends in a direction radially outwardly from the axis AX of the tail 18. The arm 27 is connected to a hub 29 which is part of the element

sliding 14.

  The second seat portion comprises resilient, spaced, spaced apart clamping arms 31 and 33, each having a free end 35. The sliding member 14

  also comprises a second locking means 37.

  which can engage with the first locking means 24 to secure the first and second seat portions 20 and 21 together as the slider 14 is moved to the closed seating position shown in FIG. 7. The second locking means 37 comprises a locking element 41 to 5 comprising a tongue connected to the free end 35 of the clamping arm 31 and a locking element 43 comprising a tongue attached to the free eztremite 35 of the arm The locking elements 41 and 42 differ in opposite directions to each other and to the spaced inner cavities 2e. 28 of the first locking means 24. The locking member 41 has a second outer locking surface 47 engageable with the first inner locking surface 32 and the locking member 43 also has a second outer locking surface which can It comes into contact with the first inner locking surface 34 when the sliding element 14 is in the closed seating position shown in FIG. 7. The first and second seating portions 20 and 21 are formed to fit together to define a one-piece seat with any desired inner contour needed to accommodate the outer contour of the seat. an elongated member which is intended to be held inward when the clip is in an installed position. Sliding member 14 comprises 3C- also a tapered conical rim 51 which is compressed between the sliding member -: panel P1 as shown in FIG. 7. orscue- the tie is

in an installed position.

  Preferably, the clip 10 comprises the body 12 and the slide member 14 is molded as a unit formed integrally with a thin, fragile web F holding the slide member 14 on the end of the tail. 18. As another possibility, the body 12 and 3n the sliding element 14 can be rolled as separate pieces and assembled together. With a removable clip having the design described above, the slide member 14 can be brought upstream along the shank 18 to the head 16 for a predetermined distance to expose a portion of the end of the shank for removal. facilitate its insertion into a tail receiving opening in a panel and to place the second seat 21 with the most advantageous spacing relative to the seat 21 to facilitate the insertion of elmennt elongate which must be restrained by the fastener. Therefore, the fastener manufacturer can ship the fasteners in their raw state of manufacture depicted in FIG. 1 or in a

  advance state as shown in fig. 4.

  If the fastener is advanced beforehand, the flexible tabs 44 will maintain the slide member 14 at a pre-selected spacing level relative to the

head 16.

  To make a final installation, the elongated element I5 such as a tube T represents in FIG. 7 is placed in the fastener, the tube T being in the first seat 21. The tail 18 is then pushed into the opening Ai

  so that the sliding element 14 with the tube T

  The elements 41 and 43 engage the cam surfaces S6, 38. The elements 41, 43 and the clamping arms 31. and allow the cam surfaces 36 and 38 to deflect. towards each other. Further movement of the sliding element 2 towards the head will cause the locking elements 41 and 43 to fold in front of the ribs 46 and 48 and then to relax in the cavities 26, 28. As the tail 18 is pressed into the opening A1 in the panel PI, the tabs 44 will take the position shown in FIG. 6 to block the shank 18 in the panel P1 and the conical rim 51 being compressed will constantly push the second seat 21 towards the first seat 20 in the direction of the arrow 61 to block the elongation element T between

Uc them.

  If desired, the clip can be used in a

  assembly that is later installed in a final way. The subassembly may comprise either a plurality of fasteners previously installed on the elongate member, or a plurality of artaches pre-installed on the elongated member and a panel such as the panel PI in FIG. 7. To form the subassembly of fasteners and an element

  extension T, the sliding element 14, with the tube T

  ltD in, is moving along tail 18 towards the head

  iC until the mutual interlock described below

  41. 43 in the cavities 26, $ 2 occurs. A pair of fasteners 10 may be pre-assembled and securely fixed on one or more elongated elements with any prescribed spacing necessary to correspond to the. AI openings provided in the Pi panel on which the subassembly will be installed in the end. If necessary, the fasteners and elongated element can be installed on a PFI panel which is then shipped to the final installer who will install it on a P2 panel which has openings for space.

correspond to the AI openings.

  In all final installations, the force applied in the direction of the arrow 61 by the flange 51 will cause the locking elements to flare in the first and second cavities 26 and 28. The outermost end-end width of the elements lock 41 and 43 is slightly greater than the internal spacing between the cavities 26 and 28 and thus, when the locks 41 and 43 are pushed up into the cavities, the locks are in fact spring-loaded and se n = = then relax to exert a constant bidirectional bias in the direction illustrated by the arrow 62 in FIG. '7. If desired, a stop element in the form of a shoulder ST may also be provided to limit the degree to which the elongate member T can be pushed against the first seat 20. Thus, the elastic conical member 51 constitutes a first biasing means for constantly biasing the slide member 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow 61 to urge the first and second seat portions 21 and 22 together. The elastic nature of the locking elements 41, 43 and / or the elastic nature of the clamping arms 31, 33 constitutes a second means of solicitation for constantly soliciting the locking element elements 41, 43 in contact with them. with the cavities. 2nd. 28 of the first locking means. In all installations, the elongated elements will be compressed and held tightly between the first and second seats 20, 21. In addition, certain elongated elements such as wiring harnesses, rubber or plastic tubes, will elastically deformed by being compressed and this elasticity will also solicit constantly the second eem e lock 41, 43 and clamping arm 31, 33 in the cavities 26, 28 of the first locks. Com-e tabs 44, on the tail 18, are flexible, can easily remove the tail of the opening Ai or openings

  Al-A2 panel pulling up on the head 16.

  In addition, since the clamping arms 31 and 33 and locking elements 41, 43 are resilient, the sliding element 14 of the head 16 can be displaced to separate the first and second seats 20 and 21 in order to disengage the elongate element T for maintenance. None of the elements of the removable clip will be destroyed during this removal and it is possible to reuse the clip a number of times. The first and second seats 20 and 21 can be formed and dimensioned to accommodate any type of elongated member to clamp it tightly between

they when they are installed.

  A second embodiment of the removable fastener, identified by the reference character! OA, is shown in FIG. 8. The fastener 1iA is similar to the fastener 10 shown in the embodiment of the rods 1 to 7 and comprises = first and second seats 20A and 21A which are identical in structure and function to: seats 20 and 2.1 years = the method of realization. of fig. 8, the elastic conical base 51 and replaced by a curved base 5iA formed so as to adhere, for example, to a curved surface in this embodiment, the rayo. of the base iA will be slightly smaller than the radius of the curved element Fi on which it is mounted so that, when the tail 18A is fed into the opening AI, the base 1A relaxes to provide the first biasing means to push the Sliding element 14A to the head 41A, the locking elements 41A, 43A being coughed in the cavity CAA. change the mode of realisator.n this fig. 8, the tab 44A of the tail 18A is provided with a slightly more pronounced cutting edge which will further increase the clamping force of the shank 18A when inserted into the opening A1 as shown in FIG. G. FIG. 1O represents a third embodiment of the removable fastener identified by the reference character 1OB. In this embodiment, the head 16B has a first arm 22B which extends in two radial directions from the shank 18E and has a plurality of first seat portions 20B and a plurality of first and second recesses 25E, 28B locking, a game for each of the first seat portions 20B. Similarly, the second arm 27B on the sliding member 14E also extends in two radial directions from the hub 29B and has a plurality of second seat portions 21E corresponding in number to the first seat portions B, each of second seat parts being placed in opposite face alignment with one of the first seat parts. The second arm 27B also has a plurality of sets of first and second locking elements 41B and 43E corresponding in number to the sets of locking cavities 26B, 28B. The removable clip shown in FIG. 10 operates in exactly the same manner as described above with respect to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7. The shank 18E is seated in an opening in a panel and the first and second locking members 41B, 43E separate and engage in the first and second locking cavities 26B, 28B to block the first and second locking cavities 26B, 28B. : second seat parts 20B, 21B, in relation to

  correspondence with an elongated element fixed inside.

  The third embodiment of FIG. 10 also shows that the first and second seats may be different from one another in size or in D5 form in order to house different types of elongated elements. Fig. 1il represents a fourth embodiment of the removable fastener which is similar to the third embodiment in that it comprises a plurality of first and second seating portions. However, in the fourth embodiment, two tails 18C and 18C ', extending parallel, are provided. The single slide member 14C includes a first arm 27C which is provided with openings 23C, 23C 'spaced apart to allow the slide member 14C to be slidably mounted on the tails 18C and 18C' and a conical compression 51C, 51C 'for each tail. The seated eight seconds 21C are integrally formed with the first arm 27C extending in two radial directions from each of the shanks 18C, 18C 'The shank 18C has a head 16C mounted thereon and similarly the shank 18C' comprises a head 16C 'mounted thereon. The head 16C includes a first arm 22C which extends in two radial directions from the tail 18C and has four first seat portions 20C formed thereon. Similarly, the second head portion 16C 'has a first arm 22C' extending in two radial directions from the tail 18C 'and also ur. total of four firm first seat parts 20C on top. As shown in FIG. 11, this removable fastener must maintain the elongated elements and it is within the scope of the present invention to further increase the number of tails if necessary and to increase the number of first and second seating parts if required by

the particular installation.

  The retaining clip shown in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 11 is assembled in the same manner as the retaining clip of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7 in that sliding member 14C is slid along the shanks 18 and 18C 'until each set of first and second locking elements 41C,. 43C is locked in its first and second cavities 26C, 28C respective locking. Each of the tails 18C and 18C 'can rotate inside its respective opening 23C and 23C'. Thus, the shanks 18C and head 16C and arm 22C, for example, can rotate slightly to provide a larger cuvert space between the arms 22C and 22C 'to allow the elongated members to be inserted into the second seat portions 21C. which are located on the sliding element 14C between the tail 18C and the tail 18C '. The tail 18C then rotates back to bring all the first seat portions 2C in opposite face relation with respect to the second seat portions 21C to allow the final assembly. With the removable clip shown in FIG. 11, a total of eight

  Elongated elements can be assembled on-the tie.

  If desired, the 1OC fastener can also be used to complete a subassembly which can then be installed in a quick and easy way such as

described previously.

  In the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, the slider may be advanced beforehand at the time of attaching the fastener to a position providing an optimum gap between the first and second seats 2C. 21, 20A, 21A, 20B, 21B, or 20C, 21C to facilitate the most efficient insertion of the extension member. Also in the first four modes of reaisatisn, the first and second seating portions may be locked together leaving the free end of the exposed shank 18 for a pre-assembly on a panel, such as the PFi panel shown on fig. 7, the panel and fasteners and the elongated element fixed on it being shipped to the manufacturer ina Dour - complete the construction. For example, the removable clip described in the first four embodiments may be used by a sub-contractor who has assembled the wiring harnesses and harnesses on a panel for final assembly into a car door. The removable fasteners in this type of assembly will be attached to the elongated elongated openings in the panel P1 so that the tails will be precisely spaced for final assembly on a panel, such as the panel P2 shown. in fig. 7. The tails align with a space hole beforehand in the P2 panel to provide a quick and easy assembly. Fig. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the detachable fastener which will operate in substantially the same manner as the fasteners described in Embodiments I to 4. The embodiment of FIG. 12 differs in the type of bayonet fastener used to secure the fastener in the opening of a panel. In the embodiment, the composite element 14D is provided with a single-piece bifurcated element 71 comprising a pair of spaced apart legs 72, 73 connected at their free ends by a end portion 74. The tail 18D as molded initially advances in the sliding member 14D a few thousandths of 2q inch and is interlaced inetégrante manner with the sliding member by a fragile web. The shank 18D comprises enzoches-teles as the notch 75 and 75. The legs 72 and 73 'have opposite inner cam surfaces and during assembly the shank 7 of the tail 18D is fed between the legs 72, 73 to move them apart and block them against the walls defining the opening in a panel, not shown. The rod 78 of the tail may be provided with a notch 75 which cooperates with an actuating tab 77 and the leg 72 so that the tail can be advanced beforehand in the sliding element until the notch 75 comes into contact with the actuating tab 77. This advance value advance will not relax the legs 72 and, 3. When the tail 18D is brought into the final assembly position, fully inserted between the legs 72 and 73, a second notch 79 will come into contact with the actuating tab 77 to resist the outer withdrawal of the tail 18D. With the application of an upward force on the head 16D, the tail can be removed from its fully inserted closed position in which the legs 72, 73 can relax towards each other so that the tail can be removed. of the panel in which it was installed. If desired, a conically shaped compression element similar to the element 51 shown in FIG. 1 may be placed between the arm 14E and the panel in

  which the removable clip is inserted.

  It is preferable in all embodiments that the first seat portions 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D are in the form of a protruding seat leg ST. The length of the tab ST can be finely adjusted so that the distance between the first seat and the second seat corresponds precisely to the external dimension of the tube or elongated element which

0 must be kept inside.

  i appears from the foregoing description and the

  drawings that this invention provides a removable, simple, inexpensive fastener, which may be, if desired, molded in one piece and which is capable of being previously assembled on an elongated member and secured thereon by a releasable lock which ensures constant solicitation in divergent directions to eliminate risk, accidental loosening of the clip and movement of the elongate member with the clip or inside the clip

  to eliminate scrap noise.

Claims (7)

REVEN! R CA r T nn   A panel assembly is a fastener of the type in which said fastener may be inserted into an opening of the panel to releasably engage an elongated member on the panel comprising: a panel (Fi) having outer and inner dimensions and an opening therethrough; a clip (10) comprising a body (12) and a slide member (14), said body comprising; - a shank VI having an axis extending longitudinally, dimensioned to be inserted into said aperture and having flexible retaining tabs (44) protruding therefrom for contacting said inner side of the panel when said shank is inserted into said channel from said outer side of said panel to maintain said shank position, a head mounted on said tail and having a first seat portion of said elongate member with respect to said shank and a first locking member (24); said sliding member (4); ) comprising: - a hub (23> mznte slidably on said tail to come into frictional condact with it and movable towards and in opposition to said head between open positions of sitting and closed seat, a second seating portion (21) mounted on said hub in a manner offset by said shank and being positionable in opposite face alignment with said first seat portion, - spaced elongated arms (31, 33) mounted on said hub, - seconrd locking means mounted on said arms that can come in contact with said first locking means when in a closed seating position and held in contact by the force generated by the inherent resilience of said arms; and - a first biasing means (5'1 mounts between said sliding hub and said outer side of said panel and compressed when said clip is in an installed position, to have a dual function of exerting an axial force on said tail carrying said tabs against said inner side of said panel, and simultaneously pushing said hub and second seat portion toward said first seat portion to provide additional force which is added to the force generated by the resiliency of said arms to make flaring said arms and increasing the holding force of the fastener to maintain an elongated member audedans when in its   positionr. closed seat installed on said panel.   The removable fastener of claim 1, wherein said first biasing means comprises an elastic tapered rim (51) having a concave side which is compressed between said sliding member and said outer side of said panel when the clip is in an installed position.   The detachable fastener of claim 2, wherein: said sliding member (14) comprises a hub (29) having an aperture (23) therethrough dimensioned to 0 'slidably receive said shank; and - said resilient conical flange (51) and said hub form a single piece with said flange surrounding said opening so as to be between said hub and said outer side of said panel when   a5 said fastener is in said installed position.   4. Removable clip (10) adapted to be inserted into an opening (A1) of a panel from the outer side thereof to retain an elongate member (T), including a body (12A, and a sliding member (14): said body comprising: - a shank (18> having a longitudinal axis <AX) for insertion into said opening when said fastener is in an installed position, 1E - a head (16) mounted on said shank and having, a first seat part (20) offset with respect to said axis, and a first locking mechanism (24), and said sliding element (14) comprising: a second seating part ( 21) defined by arms (31,33 spaced elastics, said second seat being offset from said a: e and being positicnnée in opposite face alignment with said first seat portion, -a means (29, 23> for slidably mounting said slidable member and said seat seated on said shank to displace r to and in opposite direction to said head between open positions of sitting and closed seating, - second locking means (37) releasably engageable with said first locking means and held in the engaged position by the easticity of said arms for fixing said first and second seat portions together when 3C said sliding member is moved in said closed seating position; and - a first biasing means (51) on which is continuously compressed between said sliding member and said outer side of said panel when said tail is fixed in a position instaled in said opening to constantly urge said sliding member in an axial direction parallel to the direction of the axis of the tail towards said head to constantly push said first and second seating portions towards each other and provide additional force which is added to the force generated by the elasticity of said hras to make flaring said arms and maintaining said first locking means in contact with said second locking means when said sliding member is in said closed seating position.   The removable fastener of claim 4, wherein said first biasing means comprises a resilient tapered rim (51) having a concave side which is compressed between said slide member and said outer edge of said panel when the clip is in an inStallee position.   The releasable fastener of claim 5, wherein: said sliding member (14) comprises a hub (29) having an aperture (23) through dimensioned to slidably receive said shank, and said elastic conical rim (51); said hub form a single piece with said flange surrounding said opening so as to be between said hub and said outer side of said panel when   said fastener is in said installed position.   $ 3! 7. A removable clip (10) adapted to be inserted into an opening (A1) of a panel from the outer side thereof to retain an extension member (T), which includes a body (12), and a slide member (14): said body comprising 2e - a tail (18) having a longitudinal axis (AX) to be inserted into said opening when said fastener is in an installed position, - a head 1. mounted on said tail and before, R - a first seat portion (20 offset from said axis, and a first locking means (24), and said sliding member (14> comprising: a second seating portion (21 defined by arms I (31, 33) resilient spaces, said second seat being offset from said axis and being positionable in opposing face alignment with said first seating portion, - means ('9, 23) for slidably mounting said eelement sliding and secom: e ass on said tail to move to and in opposite direction to said head between open seating positions and seat trusses, - second locking means (37) being detachably engageable with said first locking means and held in the engaged position by the elasticity of said arms for securing said first and second seat portions together when said sliding member is deelaced in said closed seating position; the improvement comprising; a first biasing means (51) on top which will be continuously compressed between said sliding member and said outer side of said panel when said tail is fixed in a position installed in said opening for constantly urging said sliding member in a parallel axial direction; in the direction of the tail axis toward said head to constantly urge said first and second seating portions towards each other and provide additional force which is added to the force generated by the elasticity of said arms to maintain said first locking means in contact with said second locking mechanism when said sliding member is in said closed seating position; and - a fragile web CF) securely tying said slide member and tail together to temporarily hold said first and second seating portions in said opposing face alignment until said web is broken when said motion   slip of said neck element is necessary.