WO2022178354A1

WO2022178354A1 - Two-sided snap fastener

Info

Publication number: WO2022178354A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/017158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason M. ZANDER
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2021-02-19
Filing date: 2022-02-21
Publication date: 2022-08-25

Abstract

A fastener for closing an aperture in a panel has a first post and a second post that project from a head. The head has a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer circumferential edge, and a central axis. The first post projects from the bottom surface and has an exterior wall, a bottom wall, and an interior wall. The second post projects from the bottom surface and has an exterior wall, a bottom wall, and an interior wall. The interior wall of the first post and second posts each have a segment that is connected to a respective arm. The second post is radially offset by 180 degrees from the first post around the central axis. The first post and the second post are equidistant from the central axis.

Description

TITLE

TWO-SIDED SNAP FASTENER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/151,309, filed on February 19, 2021, and entitled “TWO-SIDED SNAP”, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Not applicable

BACKGROUND

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a fastener configured to be inserted into an aperture of a panel, a pair of fasteners configured to lockably engage with each other to enclose an aperture in a panel, and a method of securing a pair of fasteners together.

[0005] Panels with apertures have come into common use to provide manufacturers, such as a car manufacturer, an airplane manufacturer, an electronics manufacturer, or other manufacturers a way to guide the wiring of a wide variety of product models utilizing a panel with enough apertures to accommodate any of the desired product model wiring configurations. A common or universal wiring panel may have dozens of apertures or openings, but commonly the wiring systems of a particular chosen product model will not require using every opening or aperture, leaving exposed apertures.

[0006] Often the unchosen or unused apertures are left exposed. This can lead to errors since an operator may mistakenly run a wire through the wrong open aperture. The open aperture can also become a way for unwanted noise to transmit through the panel. The open aperture can also provide a passage for fluids to leak. In addition, the open aperture can also be aesthetically displeasing in appearance and make the completed wiring look un-fmished.

[0007] One common solution to the exposed apertures is to cover them with tape. However, taping over an exposed aperture risks the possibility of the tape being torn or worn off, and then the aperture is returned to the exposed condition. This then permits the exposure of noise, the exposure of leaks, and looks unprofessional. Another common solution is to insert a head into the exposed apertures. However, often the heads are not designed to remain in the aperture under stress, or over time, and often pop out. Another common problem with using a head is that the heads can be difficult to install, which can lead to damage of the head, the aperture, or worse, the entire panel.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a fastener system that can securely and reliably enclose an exposed aperture. A fastener is disclosed that can be inserted into an exposed aperture in a panel and be retained in the aperture by two posts. Two similar fasteners are disclosed that can be used as a pair of fasteners that can be lockably engaged to each other to provide an even more reliably secure coverage of the exposed aperture in the panel. In addition, a method of securing the pair of fasteners to each other within an exposed aperture of the panel is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0009] In some embodiments, a fastener for closing an aperture in a panel has a first post and a second post that project from a head. The head has a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer circumferential edge, and a central axis that intersects the center of the top surface and the center of the bottom surface. The first post projects from the bottom surface and has a first exterior wall, and a first interior wall having a first segment. The second post projects from the bottom surface and has a second exterior wall, and a second interior wall having a second segment. The first segment is connected to a first arm, and the second segment is connected to a second arm. The second post is radially offset by 180 degrees from the first post around the central axis. The first post and the second post are equidistant from the central axis.

[0010] In some embodiments the first interior wall and the second interior wall face toward each other. In some embodiments, the first exterior wall and the second exterior wall face away from each other. In some embodiments, the first arm comprises a first root end connected to the first segment. The first arm has a first branch that bends toward the first interior wall when subject to a force directed toward the first interior wall and flexes away from the first interior wall when not subject to the force. The first branch has a first lock face that is located adjacent the end of the first branch opposite the first root end, and faces away from the first interior wall. In some embodiments, the first lock face is connected to a first locking finger that has a first lower surface that faces away from the bottom surface. A first upper surface faces toward the bottom surface, and a first engagement end projects toward the bottom surface and is positioned at the end of the first locking finger opposite the first lock face. In some embodiments, the first exterior wall and the second exterior wall have a convex shape when viewed from the perspective of the bottom surface. The first interior wall and the second interior wall have a concave shape when viewed from the perspective of the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the first post has a first bottom wall, and the second post has a second bottom wall, and the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall are flat, co-planar surfaces.

[0011] In some embodiments, a pair of interlocking fasteners are configured to close an aperture of a panel. A first fastener has a first head with a first central axis, a first post, and a second post. The first post projects from the first head and has a first interior wall that faces the first central axis. A flexible first arm extends from the first interior wall and extends toward the first central axis. A first locking finger extends from the first arm, and has a first engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis. A second post projects from the first head and includes a second interior wall facing toward the first central axis. A flexible second arm extends from the second interior wall and extends toward the first central axis. A second locking finger extends from the second arm, and has a second engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis. The second post is radially offset by 180 degrees from the first post around the first central axis. The first post and the second post are equidistant from the first central axis. A second fastener has a second head having a second central axis, a third post, and a fourth post. The third post projects from the second head and includes a third interior wall facing toward the second central axis. A flexible third arm extends from the third interior wall and extends toward the second central axis. A third locking finger extends from the third arm, and has a third engagement end that extends toward the second head and the second central axis. The fourth post projects from the second head and includes a fourth interior wall that faces toward the second central axis. A flexible fourth arm extends from the fourth interior wall and extends toward the second central axis. A fourth locking finger extends from the fourth arm, and has a fourth engagement end that extends toward the second head and the second central axis. The fourth post is radially offset by 180 degrees from the third post around the second central axis. The third post and the fourth post are equidistant from the second central axis. The first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged when the third bottom wall and the fourth bottom wall contact the first head, and the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall contact the second head.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first central axis and the second central axis are collinear. The distance between the third post and the fourth post is equal to the distance between the first post and the second post. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the third post is radially offset 90 degrees from the first post and the second post around the first central axis. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first engagement end is closer to the second head than the third engagement end. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a first axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the first engagement end and the third engagement end. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post and the third post are between the first head and the second head. [0013] In some embodiments, a pair of interlocking fasteners for closing an aperture of a panel includes a first fastener and a second fastener. The first fastener has a first head, a first post, a second post, and a third post. The first head includes a first central axis. The first post projects from the first head and includes a first interior wall facing toward the first central axis. A flexible first arm extends from the first interior wall and toward the first central axis. A first locking finger extends from the first arm. The first locking finger has a first engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis. The second post projects from the first head and includes a second interior wall facing toward the first central axis. A flexible second arm extends from the second interior wall and toward the first central axis. A second locking finger extends from the second arm. The second locking finger has a second engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis. The third post projects from the first head and includes a third interior wall facing toward the first central axis. A flexible third arm extends from the third interior wall and toward the first central axis. The third locking finger extends from the third arm.

[0014] The third locking finger has a third engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis. The first post, the second post, and the third post are equidistant from the first central axis. The second fastener has a second head and a central post. The second head includes a second central axis. The central post projects from the second head and includes an external wall facing away from the second central axis. A flexible fourth arm extends from the external wall away from the second central axis. A fourth locking finger extends from the fourth arm. The fourth locking finger has a fourth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head. A flexible fifth arm extends from the external wall away from the second central axis. A fifth locking finger extends from the fifth arm. The fifth locking finger has a fifth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head. A flexible sixth arm extending from the external wall away from the second central axis. A sixth locking finger extends from the sixth arm. The sixth locking finger has a sixth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head. The first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged when the first post, the second post, and the third post contact the second head, and the central post contacts the first head. [0015] In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first central axis and the second central axis are collinear. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first engagement end is closer to the second head than the fourth engagement end. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a first axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the first engagement end and the fourth engagement end. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post and the central post are between the first head and the second head. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post is radially offset by 120 degrees from the second post and the third post around the first central axis. In some embodiments, when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a second axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the second engagement end and the fifth engagement end.

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present device will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, and in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a snap fastener in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the snap fastener of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1, and includes arrows indicating directions of flexure of a pair of flexible arms;

[0021] FIG. 4 is the cross section taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 1, with the flexible portion of the pair of flexible arms indicated by dashed boundaries; [0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two snap fasteners, including the fastener of FIG. 1 and an inverted fastener engaged together, with a cutaway section that illustrates details of the engagement between the two snap fasteners;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross section taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of the two snap fasteners of FIG. 5 shown in a first configuration, fully disengaged from one another;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view of the two snap fasteners of FIG. 5, shown in a second configuration, and fully engaged with one another;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a side view of the two snap fasteners of FIG. 5 in the second configuration, fully engaged with one another, with a cutaway section that illustrates details of the engagement between the two snap fasteners; and

[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross section taken through line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a snap fastener or fastener. The fastener is configured to secure to another identical or substantially similar fastener that is oriented in an inverted fashion and rotated with respect to the other fastener. In some embodiments, when the two fasteners are secured to one another, an audible “snap” sound occurs that indicates that the two fasteners are fully secured to one another. In at least one application, the two-sided secured fasteners can provide a secure closure for an aperture in a panel.

[0029] As a general overview for the following description, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the exterior of a snap fastener 30 from two different views. FIGS. 3 and 4 disclose the components of the snap fastener 30 that are designed to flex. FIGS. 5 and 6 disclose the snap fastener 30 locked or engaged with an inverted and rotated snap fastener 32 that is identical or substantially similar to the snap fastener 30 in all respects except its orientation. FIGS. 7 and 8 disclose the two fasteners 30, 32 in stages of engagement and disengagement, from fully disengaged to a full engagement. FIGS. 9 and 10 disclose more details about the locking or engagement of the two fasteners 30, 32 to one another.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a snap or upright fastener 30 is shown in a front view in FIG. 1 and a side view in FIG. 2. The fastener 30 includes a head 34 having a top surface 36, a bottom surface 38 (see FIG. 5), a first central axis 40 that projects from the center of the top surface 36 to the center of the bottom surface 38, and an edge 42 that demarcates the top surface 36 from the bottom surface 38 along the exterior surface of the head 34. In some embodiments, the head 34 has a generally concave shape, tapering upwards (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 5). In some embodiments, the head 34 has a generally square, rectangular, hexagonal or other shape (not shown), with the top surface 36, the edge 42 and the bottom surface 38 having corresponding different shapes (not shown) to match the shape of the head 34. In some embodiments, the head 34 has a generally cylindrical shape with a recess located in the top surface 36 (not shown), which may serve as a means to press on the snap fastener 30 in a more ergonomic fashion.

[0031] In some embodiments, the top surface 36 may include at least one recess (not shown), at least one embossment (not shown), at least one indicia (not shown), or a combination thereof. The at least one recess and the at least one embossment can provide tactile feedback to an operator regarding the fastener 30 being touched, such as the specific size of the snap fastener 30, or the particular orientation of the snap fastener 30, or can provide an improved ergonomic surface to press down on the top surface 36 of the snap fastener 30. The at least one indicia may include a painted surface in the form of a picture, lettering, or a combination of both. The at least one indicia may include a brand name or a trademark.

[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the edge 42 forms the transition between the top surface 36 and the bottom surface 38. The edge 42 may form a seal along the circumference of the top surface 36, such that when the edge 42 is pressed into contact or against a panel or surface (not shown), the edge 42 can form a fluid seal between the panel and the edge 42. The edge 42 may be a smooth shape that is absent of any distortions that could be detected by tactile contact. The edge 42 may include a jagged or rough portion (not shown) along a portion or segment of the edge 42. The jagged or rough portion may be utilized to provide tactile or visual feedback about how the fastener 30 is oriented, or to provide another option as a form of indicia, such as the particular size of the fastener 30. For example, an exemplary fastener 30 that has a 15 mm widest diameter may have six sides along the edge 42, but a different particular embodiment of the fastener 30 that has a 20 mm widest diameter may have eight sides along the edge 42 (not shown). To that end, a shape of the edge 42 may be determined or dependent upon a size of the fastener 30. This variation in the edge 42 can provide a way to error-proof the operation of applying the snap fasteners 30, 32.

[0033] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 38 may be a flat surface (not shown), or a concave surface (see FIG. 5), or a convex surface (not shown), or a combination of any of the three. The bottom surface 38 may include at least one embossment 44 or at least one recess 46 (see FIG. 3). The at least one recess 46, the at least one embossment 44 or a combination of both, may provide structural reinforcement to the fastener 30, or provide ease in handling the fastener 30 during the molding process (not shown), or provide ease in utilizing a tool while inserting the fastener 30 in an aperture (not shown). The fastener 30 may be molded, preferably injection molded, from one or more of a variety of materials. The fastener 30 may comprise a thermoplastic material, more specifically the fastener 30 may comprise a material from a flexible rubber. A fastener 30 made of a flexible rubber material may provide an improved seal at the edge 42 and may improve the ease of the engagement (see the discussion of FIG. 9 below) of the two fasteners 30, 32. In another embodiment, the fastener 30 may comprise a thermoset plastic material that is more rigid than the alternative flexible rubber material. A fastener 30 having a more rigid thermoset plastic material may be able to produce a stronger resistance to an attempt to disengage the two fasteners 30, 32 (see the discussion of FIG. 9 below). The fastener 30 may be formed using more than one material, a first material that is more flexible, and at least one second material that is more rigid. Molding two or more materials to form the fastener 30 may be achieved by utilizing a two-step overmolding process.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastener 30 comprises a first post 48 and a second post 50. The first post 48 is shown to the left of the second post 50 in FIG. 1. The first post 48 comprises an exterior wall 52, an interior wall 54, a front wall 56, a rear wall 58, a bottom wall 60, and an arm 62. The exterior wall 52 comprises an upper portion 64, a middle portion 66, and a lower portion 68. The lower portion 68 is the portion of the exterior wall 52 that is farthest away or distal from the bottom surface 38 of the head 34. The middle portion 66 is the portion of the exterior wall 52 that is between the lower portion 68 and the upper portion 64. The upper portion 64 is the portion of the exterior wall 52 that is adjacent to the bottom surface 38 of the head 34 and the middle portion 66. In some embodiments, the lower portion 68 is narrower than the middle portion 66 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the lower portion 68 is the same width or wider than the middle portion 66 (not shown).

[0035] In some embodiments, the lower portion 68 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the lower portion 68 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60 or a combination of any of the three walls (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the lower portion 68 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the lower portion 68 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60 or a combination of any of the three walls that is sharp or jagged (not shown). The transition between the lower portion 68 and the middle portion 66 can be smooth (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or be sharp or jagged (not shown).

[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the middle portion 66 is wider than both the lower portion 68 and the upper portion 64. In some embodiments, the middle portion 66 is the same width or narrower than the lower portion 68, the upper portion 64, or both (not shown). In some embodiments, the middle portion 66 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the middle portion 66 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the upper portion 64, the lower portion 68 or a combination of any of the walls and portions (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the middle portion 66 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the middle portion 66 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the upper portion 64, the lower portion 68 or a combination of any of the walls and portions that is sharp or jagged (not shown).

[0037] In some embodiments, the upper portion 64 is wider or the same width as the middle portion 66 (not shown). In some embodiments, the upper portion 64 is narrower than the middle portion 66 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the upper portion 64 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the upper portion 64 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the middle portion 66, the bottom surface 38 or a combination of any of the walls and portions (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the upper portion 64 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the upper portion 64 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the middle portion 66, the bottom surface 38 or a combination of any of the walls and portions that is sharp or jagged (not shown).

[0038] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the interior wall 54 has an upper section 70, a middle section 72, and a lower section 74 (see FIG. 1). The lower section 74 is the section of the interior wall 54 that is farthest away or distal from the bottom surface 38 of the head 34. The middle section 72 is the section of the interior wall 54 that is between the lower section 74 and the upper section 70 that is the section of the interior wall 54 that is adjacent to the bottom surface 38 of the head 34. In some embodiments, the lower section 74 is narrower than the middle section 72 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the lower section 74 is the same width or wider than the middle section 72 (not shown). In some embodiments, the lower section 74 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the lower section 74 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60 or a combination of any of the three walls (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the lower section 74 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the lower section 74 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60 or a combination of any of the three walls that is sharp or jagged (not shown). The transition between the lower section 74 and the middle section 72 can be smooth (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or be sharp or jagged (not shown).

[0039] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the middle section 72 is wider than both the lower section 74 and the upper section 70 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the middle section 72 is the same width or narrower than the lower section 74, the upper section 70, or both (not shown). In some embodiments, the middle section 72 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the middle section 72 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the upper section 70, the lower section 74 or a combination of any of the walls and sections (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the middle section 72 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the middle section 72 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the upper section 70, the lower section 74 or a combination of any of the walls and sections that is sharp or jagged (not shown). [0040] In some embodiments, the upper section 70 is wider or the same width as the middle section 72 (not shown). In some embodiments, the upper section 70 is narrower than the middle section 72 (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the upper section 70 has a consistently smooth edge or contour as the middle section 72 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the middle section 72, the bottom surface 38 or a combination of any of the walls and sections (see FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the upper section 70 has at least one segment of the edge or contour as the upper section 70 transitions to the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the middle section 72, the bottom surface 38 or a combination of any of the walls and sections that are sharp or jagged (not shown).

[0041] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the arm 62 projects from the surface of the interior wall 54 extending along a first segment 76 (see FIG. 7), which may be angled or disposed vertically. In some embodiments, the segment 76 has a height that is similar to a height of the middle section 72 and the lower section 74 (see FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the segment 76 has a height that is similar to an entire height of the upper section 70, the middle section 72, and the lower section 74 (not shown). In some embodiments, the segment 76 has a height similar to a height of only a part of the height of the upper section 70, the middle section 72, the lower section 74, or a combination of the three sections thereof.

[0042] Still referring to FIG. 1, the bottom wall 60 is located on the first post 48 between the exterior wall 52, and the interior wall 54, and between the front wall 56, and the rear wall 58. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 60 is a flat surface that is the surface of the first post 48 that is the farthest away from the head 34 (see FIG. 1). When both of the bottom walls 60 are flat and co-planar, the snap fastener 30 can be stored with the head 34 oriented in an upright fashion. In some embodiments, the bottom walls 60 may be wavy, curved, convex or concave in shape (not shown). In other embodiments, the bottom wall 60 may be eliminated and one or more of the exterior wall 52, the interior wall 54, the front wall 56, and/or the rear wall 58 may curve inwardly to meet the other walls. The front wall 56 is located on the first post 48 between the exterior wall 52, and the interior wall 54, and between the bottom wall 60 (if present), and the bottom surface 38. The rear wall 58 is located on the first post 48 between the exterior wall 52, and the interior wall 54, and between the bottom wall 60 (if present), and the bottom surface 38. The front wall 56 is located closer to the root end 78 than the lock face 82. The rear wall 58 is located on the opposite side of the first post 48 away from the front wall 56. The first post 48 includes the exterior wall 52, the interior wall 54, the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60, and the arm 62. Each of the walls 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, defines an exposed surface and an interior volume or thickness of material. As shown in the present embodiment, the walls 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 are integral with one another.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the arm 62 comprises a root end 78, a branch 80, and a lock face 82. In some embodiments, the root end 78 has a height that is similar to a height of the segment 76 (see FIGS. 7-10). In some embodiments, the root end 78 has a height that is longer or shorter than the segment 76 (not shown). In other words, the height of the arm 62 may be tapered or the height of the arm 62 may be taller than the height of the segment 76 (see FIGS. 7-10). In some embodiments, the root end 78 extends along an angle with respect to the segment (not shown). While one or more portions of the arm 62 are shown as being vertical, one or more portions of the arm 62 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the first central axis 40. The lock face 82 is a surface on the arm 62 that is located adjacent to an end of the branch 80 opposite the root end 78, facing away from the interior wall 54, and facing toward the first central axis 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0044] In some embodiments, the branch 80 has an outer edge 83 with an arc shape when viewed along the cross section as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the outer edge 83 forms a straight line, or wavy, or curved in either a concave or convex shape when viewed along the cross section as shown in FIG. 3 (the other embodiments not shown in FIG. 3 or elsewhere). The branch 80 has the capacity or ability to bend toward the interior wall 54 when subject to a force directed toward the interior wall 54, and flex away from the interior wall 54 when not subjected to the force, in order to move the lock face 82 with respect to the interior wall 54. The root end 78 may also have the capacity to flex to a lesser degree than the amount of flexing capable by the branch 80. [0045] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first locking finger 84 extends from the branch 80 of the arm 62 at the lock face 82. The first locking finger 84 projects from the lock face 82 in a direction away from the interior wall 54 and upwards toward the head 34. The first locking finger 84 projects generally towards the second post 50. The first locking finger 84 comprises a first lower surface 86, a first upper surface 88, and a first engagement end 90. The first engagement end 90 faces the head 34 and is the most distal or farthest away portion of the first locking finger 84 from the lock face 82. The first lower surface 86 is oriented away from the head 34. The first upper surface 88 is oriented toward the head 34. In some embodiments, the first upper surface 88 includes a reinforcement or rib, to provide additional strength and resistance to flexing or distortion. In some embodiments, the first locking finger 84 is made of a different, more rigid material than the material that comprises the branch 80. The first engagement end 90 is located vertically equidistant from the bottom wall 60 and a highest vertical point 92 of the upper section 70, or closer to the bottom wall 60 than the highest vertical point 92 of the upper section 70.

[0046] Turning back to FIG. 1, the first post 48 and the second post 50 are positioned radially opposite or at 180 degrees offset from the first central axis 40. The second post 50 has all the same features and elements of the first post 48 including having the exterior wall 52, the interior wall 54, the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, the bottom wall 60, and the arm 62. The exterior wall 52 comprises the upper portion 64, the middle portion 66, and the lower portion 68. The interior wall 54 has the upper section 70, the middle section 72, and the lower section 74. The arm 62 projects from the surface of the interior wall 54 extending along the segment 76. The arm 62 comprises the root end 78, the branch 80, and the lock face 82. The lock face 82 for the second post 50 connects a second locking finger 94 to the branch 80. The second locking finger 94 projects generally towards the first post 48. The second locking finger 94 comprises a second lower surface 96, a second upper surface 98, and a second engagement end 100.

[0047] The second post 50 may be identical to the first post 48 except for being radially offset 180 degrees from the first post 48 around the first central axis 40, with the exterior wall 52 of the first post 48 and the exterior wall 52 of the second post 50 facing away from the other, the interior wall 54 of the first post 48 and the interior wall 54 of the second post 50 facing toward the other. In some embodiments, the first post 48 and the second post 50 are equidistant from the first central axis 40. The second post 50 may be not identical to the first post 48 in ways beyond the difference in the orientation of the first post 48 with respect to the second post 50. This variation may include having a recess or embossment in the second post 50 that is not present in the exterior wall 52 or the interior wall 54.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5-10, the inverted fastener 32 has a third post 102, a fourth post 104 (see FIG. 10), and a second central axis 106. The third post 102 has elements and features that are identical to or substantially similar to the first post 48. The fourth post 104 has elements and features that are identical to or substantially similar to the second post 50. The third post 102 and the fourth post 104 are oriented radially offset from one another by 180 degrees around the second central axis 106 in the same way that the first post 48 and the second post 50 are positioned and oriented in the upright fastener 30. The third post 102 and the fourth post 104 are equidistant from the second central axis 106. The distance between third post 102 and the fourth post 104 is equal to the distance between the first post 48 and the second post 50.

[0049] In recognition of the identical or substantially similar elements and features of the first post 48 with respect to the second post 50, the third post 102, and the fourth post 104, the majority of the elements of the four posts 48, 50, 102, 104 are given common element numbers. The disclosure above related to the demarcations between the exterior wall 52, the interior wall 54, the bottom wall 60, the front wall 56, the rear wall 58, and the arm 62 in the first post 48 also apply to the second post 50, the third post 102, and the fourth post 104. However, in order to explain how the engagement and locking features of the two snap fasteners 30, 32 operate in a clear fashion, certain elements or features are further distinguished from one another. The second central axis 106 of the inverted snap fastener 32 is oriented the same way that the first central axis 40 is oriented in the upright snap fastener 30. The second post 50 has the second locking finger 94 with the second lower surface 96, the second upper surface 98, and the second engagement end 100. The third post 102 has a third locking finger 108 with a third lower surface 110, a third upper surface 112, and a third engagement end 114. The fourth post 104 has a fourth locking finger 116 with a fourth lower surface 118, a fourth upper surface 120 (not shown but present), and a fourth engagement end 122.

[0050] The first post 48, the second post 50, the third post 102, and the fourth post 104 may have the exterior wall 52 with a concave shape and the interior wall 54 with a convex shape when viewed from the perspective of the bottom surface 38 (see FIGS. 1-6). However, when configured for apertures that are square in shape rather than rounded, the exterior wall 52 and the interior wall 54 of the first post 48, the second post 50, the third post 102, and the fourth post 104 can each be straight or flattened rather than curved (not shown). Although the upright snap fastener 30 is configured to be secured or engaged or locked to the inverted snap fastener 32 to close off an aperture, the upright snap fastener 30 or the inverted snap fastener 32 can be inserted into an aperture to close off the aperture by itself. When inserted without an inverted snap fastener 32, the first post 48 and the second post 50 of the snap fastener 30 are configured to press against the sidewall of the aperture to retain the snap fastener 30 by itself in the aperture (not shown).

[0051] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the upright fastener 30 and the inverted fastener 32 are shown fully secured together. The first central axis 40 and the second central axis 106 are aligned with one another, and the first post 48 projects downward from the head 34 of the upright fastener 30. A cutout section of the arm 62 including the branch 80 and the lock face 82 of the first post 48 are located, in part, within the dotted lined area (see FIG. 5). The first locking finger 84 projects upwards toward the head 34 of the upright fastener 30 and inward toward the second post 50. The first lower surface 86 points downward toward the head 34 of the inverted fastener 32. The first engagement end 90 is positioned underneath the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122 of the inverted snap fastener 32 (see the comparison of FIG. 5 to FIG. 6). The second engagement end 100 is also positioned underneath the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122. The third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122 are both positioned above the first engagement end 90 and the second engagement end 100.

[0052] This arrangement of the four engagement ends 90, 100, 114, 122 is what fully engages or secures or locks the upright snap fastener 30 to the inverted snap fastener 32. Once fully engaged, any effort to withdraw or pull the two fasteners 30, 32 apart would require either the first engagement end 90 and the second engagement end 100 moving through or around the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122, or vice versa. However, the movement of the two fasteners 30, 32 into full engagement requires much less effort.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, the upright snap fastener 30 is depicted above the inverted snap fastener 32 which is also rotated or turned 90 degrees with respect to the orientation of the upright snap fastener 30. The first post 48 and the second post 50 project downward towards the inverted snap fastener 32, and the third post 102 and the fourth post 104 project upward toward the upright snap fastener 30 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 to view the fourth post 104). The first central axis 40 and the second central axis 106 are aligned as the two fasteners 30, 32 move closer together. The two fasteners 30, 32 do not contact one another.

[0054] As the two fasteners 30, 32 move toward one another, the first lower surface 86 and the second lower surface 96 of the upright fastener 30 begin to initiate contact with the third lower surface 110 and the fourth lower surface 118 of the inverted fastener 32. The first engagement end 90 and the second engagement end 100 initially are not seated underneath the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122 as the two fasteners 30, 32 move together one another. However, when the two fasteners 30, 32 are moved close enough to one another the first lower surface 86 and the second lower surface 96 begin to push and be pushed by the third lower surface 110 and the fourth lower surface 118. The first lower surface 86 and the second lower surface 96 each contact the third lower surface 110 and the fourth lower surface 118 as the two fasteners 30, 32 are pushed toward one another. A portion of the first post 48 is closer to the head 34 of the second fastener 32 than a portion of the third post 102. The flexibility of the respective arms 62 to bend and flex allow the first locking finger 84, the second locking finger 94, the third locking finger 108, and the fourth locking finger 116 to bend and flex and distort to push the heads 34 of the two fasteners 30, 32 closer together. When the first lower surface 86 and the second lower surface 96 push past the third lower surface 110 and the fourth lower surface 118, an audible “snap” or “click” sound may be emitted. When the first engagement end 90 and the second engagement end 100 are closer to the head 34 of the inverted snap fastener 32, or the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement end 122 are closer to the head 34 of the upright fastener 30, or both, the two fasteners 30, 32 are lockably engaged or fully engaged or secured or locked together (see FIG. 8).

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates that when the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, the bottom walls of the first post 48 and the second post 50 may contact the bottom surface 38 of the second fastener 32, and the third post 102 and the fourth post 104 may contact the bottom surface 38 of the first fastener 30. When the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, the first central axis 40 and the second central axis 106 are collinear. When the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, the third post 102 and the fourth post 104 are each radially offset 90 degrees from the first post 48 and the second post 50 around the first central axis 40. When the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, the first engagement end 90 is closer to the bottom surface 38 of the second fastener 32 than the third engagement end 114. When the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, a first axis (not shown) that is parallel to the first central axis 40 intersects the first engagement end 90 and the third engagement end 114. When the first fastener 30 and the second fastener 32 are lockably engaged, the first post 48 and the third post 102 are between the head 34 of the first fastener 30 and the head 34 of the second fastener 32.

[0056] FIGS. 9 and 10 provide another view of how the upright fastener 30 and the inverted fastener 32 fit together when fully secured. FIG. 10 is a cross section of FIG. 9 that shows how the four arms 62 of the four posts 48, 50, 102, 104 are positioned with respect to one another. As oriented in FIG. 10, the arms 62 are positioned such that the respective lock faces 82 can position the first locking finger 84, the second locking finger 94, the third locking finger 108, and the fourth locking finger 116 in order to first contact, then distort by flexing the respective arms 62, and finally reach an engaged or locked position once the two fasteners 30, 32 are fully secured to one another. When the two fasteners 30, 32 are fully secured to one another, an aperture in a panel can be closed off by the two fully secured snap fasteners 30, 32 in an aesthetically appealing and reliable way.

[0057] When the two fasteners 30, 32 are lockably engaged, if a force is applied along the first central axis 40 to remove the upright fastener 30 from the inverted fastener 32, the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement 122 would interfere and catch on the first engagement 90 and the second engagement end 100. When the two fasteners 30, 32 are lockably engaged, if a force is applied along the second central axis 106 to remove the inverted fastener 32 from the upright fastener 30, the first engagement 90 and the second engagement end 100 would interfere and catch on the third engagement end 114 and the fourth engagement 122. If a force is applied at an angle to the first central axis 40 or to the second central axis 106 to remove the two fasteners 30, 32 apart, then a combination of all four engagement ends 90, 100, 114, 122 would catch and oppose any effort to unlock the two fasteners 30, 32 from one another.

[0058] Although the fastener 30 is described as having two posts each, namely a first post 48, and a second post 50, it is contemplated that the fastener 30 in a different embodiment may have one or more additional posts (not shown) which are radially offset from one another radially equidistantly around the first central axis 40. Each of the additional posts 48 (for the sake of consistency, the elements of the additional posts will be identified by the element numbers used in conjunction with the first post 48) would each have an arm 62 and a locking finger 94 similar to the first arm 62, and the first locking finger 94 of the first post 48, but each of the posts 48 would be radially offset evenly so that an inverted fastener 32 with the same amount and arranged additional posts 48 could form a lockable engagement similar to the lockable engagement of the upright fastener 30 with the inverted fastener 32. For example, in a specific alternative embodiment, the fastener may have four posts with four arms with four engagement ends total, which when lockably engaged with another similar “four post” fastener, would have eight interlocking engagement ends which could create an even more stable connection between the two “four post” fasteners.

[0059] While the two fasteners 30, 32 are shown as being identical, with one being inverted, the two fasteners 30, 32 could alternatively include different numbers of posts. In some embodiments, the number of posts may be different, but the number of arms and locking fingers for each post may be the same. In one exemplary embodiment, a first fastener may include three posts, each with an arm and a locking finger, the three posts spaced at 120 degrees annularly around the fastener. A second fastener may include a single central post (e.g., of circular, triangular, or any other suitable configuration) with three arms/fingers spaced at 120 degrees annularly around the single central post, wherein each of the three arms/fingers interacts with one of the three posts of the first fastener. Other configurations with any suitable number of posts, arms, and/or fingers for each of the fasteners are contemplated.

[0060] In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the relative directional terms such as upper, lower, rearward, forward and the like are for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modification and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present film. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A fastener for closing an aperture in a panel, comprising: a head having a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer circumferential edge, and a central axis that intersects the center of the top surface and the center of the bottom surface; a first post projecting from the bottom surface and having a first exterior wall and a first interior wall, the first interior wall having a first arm extending therefrom; and a second post projecting from the bottom surface and having a second exterior wall and a second interior wall, the second interior wall having a second arm extending therefrom, wherein the second post is radially offset by 180 degrees from the first post around the central axis, and wherein the first post and the second post are equidistant from the central axis.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first interior wall and the second interior wall face toward each other.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the first exterior wall and the second exterior wall face away from each other.

4. The fastener of claim 3, wherein the first arm comprises a first root end connected to the first interior wall, a first branch that bends toward the first interior wall when subject to a force directed toward the first interior wall and flexes away from the first interior wall when not subject to the force, and a first lock face located adjacent the end of the first branch opposite the first root end, and facing away from the first interior wall.

5. The fastener of claim 4, wherein the first lock face is connected to a first locking finger having a first lower surface facing away from the bottom surface, a first upper surface facing toward the bottom surface, and a first engagement end that extends toward the bottom surface and is positioned at the end of the first locking finger opposite the first lock face.

6. The fastener of claim 5, wherein the first exterior wall and the second exterior wall have a convex shape when viewed from the perspective of the bottom surface, and the first interior wall and the second interior wall have a concave shape when viewed from the perspective of the bottom surface.

7. The fastener of claim 6, wherein the first post further comprises a first bottom wall, and the second post further comprises a second bottom wall, and wherein the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall have flat, co-planar surfaces.

8. A pair of interlocking fasteners for closing an aperture of a panel, comprising: a first fastener comprising: a first head including a first central axis; a first post projecting from the first head and including a first interior wall facing toward the first central axis, a flexible first arm extending from the first interior wall and toward the first central axis, and a first locking finger extending from the first arm, the first locking finger having a first engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis; and a second post projecting from the first head and including a second interior wall facing toward the first central axis, a flexible second arm extending from the second interior wall and toward the first central axis, and a second locking finger extending from the second arm, the second locking finger having a second engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis, wherein the first post and the second post are equidistant from the first central axis, and a second fastener comprising: a second head including a second central axis; a third post projecting from the second head and including a third interior wall facing toward the second central axis, a flexible third arm extending from the third interior wall and toward the second central axis, and a third locking finger extending from the third arm, the third locking finger having a third engagement end that extends toward the second head and the second central axis, and a fourth post projecting from the second head and including a fourth interior wall facing toward the second central axis, a flexible fourth arm extending from the fourth interior wall and toward the second central axis, and a fourth locking finger extending from the fourth arm, the fourth locking finger having a fourth engagement end that extends toward the second head and the second central axis, wherein the third post and the fourth post are equidistant from the second central axis, and wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged when the third post and the fourth post contact the first head, and the first post and the second post contact the second head.

9. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 8 wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first central axis and the second central axis are collinear, and a distance between the third post and the fourth post is equal to the distance between the first post and the second post.

10. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 9 wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the third post is radially offset 90 degrees from the first post and the second post around the first central axis.

11. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 10 wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first engagement end is closer to the second head than the third engagement end.

12. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 11 wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a first axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the first engagement end and the third engagement end.

13. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 12 wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post and the third post are between the first head and the second head.

14. A pair of interlocking fasteners for closing an aperture of a panel, comprising: a first fastener comprising: a first head including a first central axis; a first post projecting from the first head and including a first interior wall facing toward the first central axis, a flexible first arm extending from the first interior wall and toward the first central axis, and a first locking finger extending from the first arm, the first locking finger having a first engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis; and a second post projecting from the first head and including a second interior wall facing toward the first central axis, a flexible second arm extending from the second interior wall and toward the first central axis, and a second locking finger extending from the second arm, the second locking finger having a second engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis, a third post projecting from the first head and including a third interior wall facing toward the first central axis, a flexible third arm extending from the third interior wall and toward the first central axis, and a third locking finger extending from the third arm, the third locking finger having a third engagement end that extends toward the first head and the first central axis, wherein the first post, the second post, and the third post are equidistant from the first central axis, and a second fastener comprising: a second head including a second central axis; a central post projecting from the second head and including an external wall facing away from the second central axis, a flexible fourth arm extending from the external wall away from the second central axis, and a fourth locking finger extending from the fourth arm, the fourth locking finger having a fourth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head, a flexible fifth arm extending from the external wall away from the second central axis, and a fifth locking finger extending from the fifth arm, the fifth locking finger having a fifth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head, a flexible sixth arm extending from the external wall away from the second central axis, and a sixth locking finger extending from the sixth arm, the sixth locking finger having a sixth engagement end that extends away from the central axis and toward the second head, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged when the first post, the second post, and the third post contact the second head, and the central post contacts the first head.

15. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 21, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first central axis and the second central axis are collinear.

16. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 22, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first engagement end is closer to the second head than the fourth engagement end.

17. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 23, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a first axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the first engagement end and the fourth engagement end.

18. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 24, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post and the central post are between the first head and the second head.

19. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 25, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged the first post is radially offset by 120 degrees from the second post and the third post around the first central axis.

20. The pair of interlocking fasteners of claim 25, wherein when the first fastener and the second fastener are lockably engaged a second axis that is parallel to the first central axis intersects the second engagement end and the fifth engagement end.