US2115312A

US2115312A - Clip fastener

Info

Publication number: US2115312A
Application number: US116004A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herman G Lombard
Original assignee: ALBERT H TINNERMAN
Current assignee: ALBERT H TINNERMAN
Priority date: 1936-12-15
Filing date: 1936-12-15
Publication date: 1938-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 1955-04-26

Description

April 25, 1938 H. G. LOMBARD 2,115,312

CLIP FASTENER Filed Dec. 15, 193e .36mjg J wud@ uw? /2 i i JY K/ Yl/ZZB f@ EN Patented Apr. V26,v 1938 AUNITED STATES toAlbert PATENT vOFFICE 11. Tinnerman. Cleveland, Gliio Application December 15, 1936, Serial No. 116,004

12 Claims.

This invention relates to fastening devices and particularly those of the type constructed of metal sheet or strip material such as spring steel, sheet metal, cold rolled metal and the like.

The fastening devices of this invention comprise what may be termed clip devices composed of relatively yieldable arm or jaw elements adapted to engage opposite faces of a thickness of work in applied position. A

Clip devices of this type are made in various forms such as to engage a plurality of layers of work to retain the same rigidly in desired position; other forms carry a fastening means designed to receive or be received in a cooperating element or part in applied fastening position in an installation. Still other forms have an element or elements so designed as to support or clamp an object or a plurality of objects relative to the adjacent work surface.

Heretofore, such clip fastening devices havev been made from strip stock of suitable width deformed into a return bend to provide a substantially U-shaped device having relatively yieldable arms adapted to seat in applied position by a gripping or frictional engagement with opposite faces of the work. In a number of applications such forms of devices have been used somewhat satisfactorily where no great degree of vibration, strain or jarring takes place; however, in certain instances as, for example, the frame of an automobile, much' jarring and vibration is necessarily present, and it has been found that clip devices depending entirely on a frictional engagement of the arms for retaining them in position have a tendency toward working loose and becoming removed from their effective fastening position.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a fastening means comprising a clip composed of relatively yieldable arms or jaws adapted to engage the opposite faces of a thickness of work in fastening position under an extraordinary tension thus minimizing possibility of the device becoming loosened from such position.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a clip device which may be constructed from a single thickness blank of material of suitable size and configuration such that relatively yieldable arms may be provided from a minimum of stock without loss or waste of material.

A still further object is to provide a clip device constructed of a single thickness blank of material and in which the jaws are formed entirely from such blank and disposed in separate planes.

Another object is to provide a clip fastening means constructed of a single thickness blank of material, in which the arms formed from such blank are disposed in separate planes and pronounced locking means are Vprovided to positively lock and retain the device in the desired position to which it is applied.

Further new and useful objects'and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds, attention being had to the accompanying drawing in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the same and in which:

Fig. 1 represents a blank outline from which the various forms of clip devices may be constructed.

Fig. 2 shows in front elevation a form of clip fastening means constructed fr om the blank of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an end view in perspective of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of an alternate form of clip device constructed from the blank of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows in front elevation the device of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view in perspective of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 represents a form of clip fastening means constructed from the form of device shown in Figs. 4 to 6 inclusive.

Fig. 8 shows the device of Fig. 7 applied in fastening position to work and supporting an object such as a line, wire, tube. cable, or the like.

Fig. 9 represents a modification in which the device supports a plurality of objects.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a blank for an alternate form of clip construction.

Fig. 11 shows in front elevation the blank of Fig. 10 as deformed for holding a nut element.

Fig. 12 shows an installation of the device of Figfll.

Fig. 13 represents a blank outline for an alternate form of clip device.

Fig. 14 is an installation of a clip device constructed from the blank of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows, in an installation, a form of clip having integral bolt engaging elements.

Fig. 16 is a top view in perspective of the device of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 represents an installation of an alternate construction of clip device having integral bolt engaging means. v

Fig. 18 is a top view in perspective of the clip device of Fig. 17.

A clip fastening device of the type shown in Figs. 1-3 inclusive is preferably constructed from a blank outline such as shown in Fig. 1. The blank outline may comprise a substantially rectangular section, provided from either sheet stock or strip stock of suitable width. The

stamping of the said blank I is such that it is severed, slit or cut along lines within its periphery to provide integral sections, 2, 2, 4, and il as shown in Fig. 1; during the stamping operation' or in .-a separate, distinct step the said integral sections are deformed into spaced relation as shown in Fig. 2 to provide a plurality of integral jaws or arms, one of which, designated 3, 'extends out of the plane of the base which includes arm members 2-2 and which hereafter is referred to as one arm of the device. As shown in Fig. 1, one arm element may be stamped in a substantially V-shape at its free end whereby the complementary section 4 thereto, presents a substantially lnctch configuration denning prongs or spurs 5, 6. 'I'he end section 4 is preferably slit along lines 1, I in order that such end may be bent as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 to provide spurs 5, i and dispose them in upwardly extending relation' toward the cooperating arm I. The opposite end section l may be deformed either upwardly or downwardly with respect to the arm with which it is integral to provide a blow-receiving element which may be struck to advance the device to desired fastening position. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the inclined end section 4 serves a dual purpose in that it carries the prongs or spurs 5, I rigidly in upwardly extend- ,ing, most effective relation for anchoring into the work, and also provides a n ared entering end to the device facilitating application thereof to an edge of work, or an edge defined by an aperture in work. In use, this form of device may be applied to fastening position with the open end as the leading end; suitable force, such as hammer blows, is applied to the end section 9 whereby the arms 2, 3 move into desired fastening position gripping opposite faces of a supporting structure or layers of work. Since the entering end of the device including the inclined section 4 presents a flared mouth to the jaws or arms 2, I, the device is readily seated on being applied, and, as the device is driven home in one direction the prongs or spurs glide past the adjacent work surface until the device is in desired position whe'reupon said spurs dig into and embed themselves in the work under tension exerted by the arms; thus .the device is anchored in desired position and reverse movement and possibility .of loosening thereof is minimized and in many instances completely eliminated. 'I'he tension supplied by the arms is provided by the speciiic spacing thereof with respect'to a certain thickness of work, their spacing in normal position being less than the overall thickness of the work, whereby the work is gripped under extraordinary tension of the arms attempting to assume their normal spaced relation. Unusual stillness, rigidity and clamping action of the arms vmay be obtained by corrugating the same. or curving them longitudinally with respect to each other such that their combined. gripping action in fastening position is most effective.

The form of device disclosed in Figs. 4-6 inclusive. is substantially similar in operation to that described in connection with Figs. 1-3 inclusive but is distinguished therefrom in that the armV I2, whichmaybe said to be in the base of the device, is provided by bending the same out of the plane of the cooperating arm I3. In the construction of this form of clip fastening, the upper imperforate arm I3 is thus provided with a greater keilfective length in that portions of the baserather than the upper arm as in Figs. 1-3 inclusive are utilized for connecting the arms and disposing them in spaced relation. This greater effective length in the imperforate arm is important in that various forms of fastening and securing elements may be formed or struck therefrom and so designed as to receive or be received in a cooperating fastening element or object to be secured.

Among fastening or securing elements which may be formed or struck from the imperforate arm 3, Figs. 2 and 3and 13, Figs. 5 and 6, are cooperating elements defining a snap stud adapted to seat into a cooperating socket, or a socket adapted to receive a cooperating snap stud; internally threaded elements adapted to receive a bolt, or externally threaded elements adapted to receiveL a nut: auxiliary cooperating elements designed to receive an object such as a line. wire, tube, or cable or the like; and auxiliary clip elements designed to receive a post, tube or the like.

As shown in Figs. 'I and 8 the imperforate arm I I may be deformed into an element such as I5 adapted to clamp an object such as, for example, a wire W against the adjacent surface of the support S, Fig. 8. A plurality of such elements II obviously may be provided on the arm I I whereby a plurality of objects may be clamped.

Fig. 9 discloses a modified construction whereby the free end of the imperforate arm I3 may be deformed into a return bend adapted to clamp and support either one or a plurality of objects such as line L, and wire W.

In Figs. 10-12 inclusive is shown a form of device wherein the free end 26 of the arm I2 may be deformed to retain a nut element N; an auxiliary element 25 may also be provided by striking a section from the opposite end portion of arm I3, which auxiliary element may be deformed to engage an opposite side of the nut N as shown in Fig. 11. An aperture 21, Figs. 10 and 1l permits insertion of a bolt to be threaded into'the nut N from the underside thereof. A clip device assembly of the type shown in Fig. 11 may be advantageously employed in an installation such as shown in Fig- 12 wherein the work piece S is readily accessible from one side only. On application, the device is inserted, free ends forward, such that arm Il carrying the nut N- is passed through the slot orvaperture A and' advanced to desired position by hammer blows applied to end section 9. The home position, wherein the prongs orvspurs I, 6 anchor the device in position, is such that the threaded opening of the nut is substantially in line with the aperture .A' of the support S. A jig pin or the like may be employed for fully aligning the nut opening and the aperture A, whereupon a plate or member S' to be supported may be secured by a bolt applied to the nut through the aperture 2l in the clip. I

An alternate construction of clip device designed to serve as a nut supporting means is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 wherein the free end 36 of arm I3 and the tail section l5 of the blank may be suitably deformed as shown in Fig. 14

to retain a nut element. An `aperture 31 in the clip `permits insertion of avbolt to the underside of nut N for securing a plate or member S' relative to support S In operation and use this form of clip device for retaining a nut element is similar to that described in connection wit Figs. 10-12 inclusive. Figs. 15 and 16 show a clip construction wherein integral bolt engaging means are struck and formed from the imperforate arm thereof. As

shown, the bolt engaging means may comprise u to most effectively engage the threads of a bolt applied thereto. In operation and use, this type of fastening means is similar to that described in connection with the forms of nut-carrying clip devices shown in Figs. 10-12 inclusive and Figs. 13 and 14. It is obvious however, that this type'of nut clip device has many advantages over such. forms of nut-carrying clips invthat the use of a separate nut element is dispensed with, thus, eliml inating the necessity of a distinct operation for assembling the nut and also a separate opera# tion of stamping and deforming elements for retaining the nut on the clip member. Also the nut clip devices of Figs. 15 and 16 may be made comparatively small in size for securing lightweight work and constructed from a minimum amount of stock without loss or waste of material.

Figs. 17 and 18 show an alternateconstruction similar in application and use to that disclosed in Figs. 15 and 16. As shown in the installation represented in Fig. 1'7, the bolt engaging means are formed from an irregular shaped aperture 54 which when deformed presents

elements

55, 56 adapted to receive in threaded engagement the threads of a bolt for securing in desired position a plate or member S to be supported.

The various forms of clip devices herein disclosed and described have many advantages over the prior art structures chief among such advantages being the facility with which the devices may be applied to fastening position by reason of the flared entering end.

Another advantage is in the great saving of time and operation in construction of the devices in that clip structures of the type disclosed may be formed by a single stamping and forming die in one operation. Clip devices heretofore known required in their construction in addition to the stamping operation, a separate tool and bending operation for providing a U-shape defining the spaced arms of the clip.

A further advantage resides in the unusual holding power of the clips in fastening which holding power is accomplished by the use of pronounced anchoring spurs or prongs simply and effectively provided without requiring the use of added material.

A still further advantage is provided in that clip devices of the type described may be formed from a single thickness of metal strip from a minimum of stock and without loss or waste of material whatsoever.

Various changes and modifications may be made in the arrangement, application and construction of the various elements and parts of the herein disclosed and described forms of devices without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is therefore to be considered that the scope of the invention be indicated by the following claims rather than the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clip fastening device, a base, an element depending from said base from within an outer edge thereof and extending in spaced relation thereto, said element and base being adapted to cooperate in engaging opposite faces of work in fastening position, the free end of the base being deformed to provide means for anchoring the device and the said element being deformed to engage an object.

means for engaging an object."

2. A clip fastening device including a base, an

`arm struckfrom said base to depend therefrom v at points within the periphery thereof, said arm being'struck of such conguration that the complementary-section thereto of the base, when deformed outof the plane thereof, denes a locking means permitting movement of the device .to fastening, position in one direction and preventing 'f movement thereof in an opposite direction, said andhaving arm beingl spaced from. "thebase aan cu fastening device. 'including abase member, an arm member depending from. said base from Within an outer edge thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided with integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, the other of said members being deformed to provide means to engage an object.

4. A clip fastening device including a. base member, van arm member 'depending from sail base from within an outer edge thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided with integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, the other of said members being deformed to provide means to engage an object, and one of said members being deformed at its free end to provide a flared entering end to the device.

5. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm member depending from said base from within an outer edge thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided with integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, and one of said members being provided with means adapted to receive hammer blows for advancing the device to fastening position.

6. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm member depending from said base from within an outer edge thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, one of said members being provided with integral anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement thereof from such fastening position in an opposite direction, and one of said members being-suitably deformed to provide means to engage an object.

7. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm member depending from said base member from within the periphery thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, said base member including anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction, and preventing reverse movement thereof in an opposite direction, one of said members being deformed at its free end to provide a. flared entering end to the device, the other of said members being adapted to receive an object.

8. A clip fastening device including a base member, an arm member depending from said base member from within the periphery thereof and extending generally parallel thereto, said base member including anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement in an opposite direction, one of said members being deformed at its free end to provide a flared entering end to-tbe device, and means deformed from one ofv saidy members adapted to receive hammer' blows for advancing the device to fastening position( Y 9. A clip `fastening device including yxl. base membenan arm member depending from said base member from within the periphery thereof and extending generally ,parallel thereto, said base member including anchoring means permitting movement of the device to fastening position in one direction and preventing reverse movement in an opposite direction,A one of said members being, deformed at its free end to provide a flared entering end to the device, means carried by one of saidmembers adapted toreceive hammer blows kfor advancing the device to'fastening position,

and means formed on one of said members adapted to engage an object.

10. A onepiece clip fastening device comprising a substantially flat section of sheet metal providing a base member, a cooperating member struck and formed from said base member to extend in generally parallel and spaced relation thereto, said members being adapted to cooperate in engaging opposite faces of work in fastening position, one of said members including means to retain the'device in 'applied fastening position andere y .s

in the and one of said -members being .de formed to provide means for receivingan obiect to lhold the same relative to the work.

-11. A one-piece cup fastening device compra? ing a substantially flat section'of sheet metal providingabasemember,acooperatingmember struck and formed fromsaid'base member to ex- 'y tend in generally parallel land spaced relation thereto. said members being adapted to cooperate 'in engaging Opposite faces of work in fastening position, one of said members including means to retain the device in applied fastening position in the work, saidoooperating member struck and -formed from the base member being deformed to provide a retaining means for a nut device to hold the same on the work in position to'r'eceive a cooperating threaded memberv l2. A one-piece clip fastening device comprising a substantially iiat section of sheet metal pro- .viding a base member, a cooperating member struck and formed from said base member to extend in generally parallel and spaced relation thereto, said members being adapted tos cooperate in engaging Opposite faces oi' work in fastening position, one of said members including means to retain the device in applied fastening position in formed from the base member being deformed to the work, said cooperating member struck and provide integral fastener receiving means adapted to receive a cooperating threaded member.

HERMAN G. LOMBARD.