Blind hole fastener with click

Abstract

A fastener assembly for attaching a first component to a second component through a hole in the second component. The assembly includes a fastener fitted into the bore and a neck ring connected to the fastener. The neck ring has two sides and two upper verification arms extend from one side. Two lower verification arms extend from the fastener. When the fastener is inserted, the two sets of arms can be bent. When the fastener is fully inserted, the snap feature on the lower arm end is designed to snap into the mating cutout feature on the upper arm end. This snap action provides auditory feedback to the user to indicate that the fastener is in the correct position.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 674,887, filed July 24, 2024, entitled “Blind Hole Fastener With Clicking,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive components require fastening technologies that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, these fastening technologies must first and foremost be reliable and efficient. Blind hole fasteners are frequently used in applications where access to only one side of the workpiece is required, such as in vehicle interiors, electronic housings, or structural panels. These fasteners are designed to hold components into pre-formed holes for installation or engagement without touching the rear surface.

[0003] However, verifying that blind hole fasteners are correctly positioned or secured often presents challenges, especially in environments where visual inspection is impractical or impossible. Improper installation under dynamic loads or vibration can lead to insufficient retention, unnecessary movement, or long-term reliability issues.

[0004] Accordingly, blind-hole fasteners that facilitate or enhance installation verification are still needed. In particular, fasteners that can provide user-perceptible feedback (such as tactile or auditory feedback) during installation are needed to assist in confirming that a full engagement has been achieved without visual confirmation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a blind hole fastener, substantially as illustrated and described in conjunction with at least one accompanying drawing, and as set forth more fully in the claims. More specifically, this disclosure generally relates to a blind hole fastener that provides tactile and / or auditory feedback to verify installation. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples as shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals denote like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] Figure 1a An isometric assembly view of a fastener system including blind fastener components, according to one aspect of this disclosure, is shown.

[0008] Figure 1b A side view of an assembled fastener system according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 1c An isometric view of a partially assembled blind fastener assembly is shown.

[0010] Figure 1d An isometric view of the fully assembled blind fastener assembly is shown.

[0011] Figure 2a This demonstrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figures 1a to 1d The top side isometric view of the blind fastener assembly shown.

[0012] Figure 2b An isometric view of the lower side of the blind fastener assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 2c and Figure 2d The top and bottom views of the fastener assembly are shown respectively.

[0014] Figure 2e A side view of the fastener assembly is shown, while Figure 2f Showed along Figure 2e The side view is cut off by the section line AA.

[0015] Figure 2g A side view of the fastener assembly is shown, while Figure 2h Showed along Figure 2g The side view is cut off by the section line BB in the middle.

[0016] Figure 3 An enlarged side view of the verification arm of the fastener assembly is shown (detail A).

[0017] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Enlarged views of the verification arm of the fastener assembly are shown (details B and C).

[0018] Figures 5a to 5f Fasteners of additional styles suitable for connecting a carrier component to another component are shown according to a further aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] References to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​are not intended to be restrictive, but rather to individually refer to any and all values ​​falling within and / or including that range, and each individual value within such a range is included in the description as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “back” are convenient words and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, while in some examples the first side is positioned as adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order in which these sides are ordered.

[0020] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be interpreted as indicating the deviations allowed for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein by way of example only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (“…”) for example The use of terms such as “for example” is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. for example The words “for example” and “e.g.” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating that any element not described in the claims is essential for the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0021] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items in the list linked by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z".

[0022] A fastener component that connects a first component to a second component via an opening associated with the second component includes: a fastener configured to be secured to the second component via the opening; a neck ring connected to the fastener and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a pair of upper verification arms extending from the second surface of the neck ring, each upper verification arm having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pair of lower verification arms extending from a surface of the fastener, each lower verification arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each of the pair of upper verification arms and the pair of lower verification arms is resiliently deflectable during fastener insertion into the opening, and wherein one or more snap-fit ​​features formed in or on the distal end of the lower verification arm are configured to move toward one or more cutout features formed in or on the distal end of the upper verification arm and mechanically engage the one or more cutout features upon full insertion to provide feedback to the user.

[0023] In some examples, the feedback is tactile feedback.

[0024] In some examples, the feedback is auditory feedback.

[0025] In some examples, at least one of the snap-fit ​​features includes a spherical protrusion. The spherical protrusion may be oriented away from the neck ring.

[0026] In some examples, at least one of the snap-fit ​​features includes a pair of snap-fit ​​arms 146.

[0027] In some examples, at least one of one or more snap features includes a spherical protrusion and a pair of snap arms, wherein the spherical protrusion is oriented away from the neck ring.

[0028] In some examples, one or more cut features are trapezoidal in shape.

[0029] In some examples, one or more cut features are quadrilateral in shape.

[0030] In some examples, the lower arm is integrally formed with the fastener.

[0031] In some examples, the upper arm and neck ring are formed as a single unit.

[0032] In some examples, each upper core arm extends at a first angle relative to the plane defined by the second surface of the neck ring, and each lower core arm extends at a second angle relative to the plane defined by the second surface of the neck ring.

[0033] In some examples, the first angle is between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

[0034] In some examples, the second angle is between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 40 degrees.

[0035] In some examples, the lower verification arm is configured to engage the surface of the second component during insertion and flex toward the upper verification arm.

[0036] In some examples, the fastener component is a one-piece plastic part.

[0037] In some examples, the fastener assembly further includes a second fastener oriented in the opposite direction to the fastener.

[0038] In some examples, the second fastener includes a threaded shank.

[0039] In some examples, the neck ring is positioned between the fastener and the second fastener.

[0040] In some examples, the fastener and the second fastener are concentric.

[0041] Figure 1a An isometric assembly view of a fastener system 100 including a blind fastener assembly 102, according to one aspect of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 1b A side view of an assembled fastener system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown, while Figure 1c An isometric view of a partially assembled blind fastener assembly 102 is shown, and Figure 1d An isometric view of the fully assembled blind fastener assembly 102 is shown.

[0042] The illustrated fastener system 100 includes a blind fastener assembly 102, a first component 104, and a second component 106. The blind fastener assembly 102 is configured to connect the first component 104 and the second component 106 via, for example, a nut 108 and / or one or more features formed in or on the first component 104 and the second component 106. In this example, the blind fastener assembly 102 generally includes a double-ended fastener 110 and a clip 112. The double-ended fastener 110 includes a first fastener 118, a second fastener 120, and a collar 122.

[0043] In the example shown, the first fastener 118 is connected to the collar 122 via a body 160 (shown as a cylindrical body) and includes a fastener feature 136, which is plastic and works in conjunction with a stamped metal clip 112. However, other fastener features 136 are conceivable, including those for bonding... Figures 5a to 5fThe fastener features described. The second fastener 120 shown is a shank including a tapered head 130, a hole 140 extending longitudinally along the second fastener 120, and threads 128 formed on at least a portion of the shank 126. The second fastener 120 is similar to the shank of a shoulder bolt because only a portion of the shank 126 includes threads 128, but other configurations are conceivable.

[0044] As shown, each of the first component 104 and the second component 106 may include one or more engagement features that facilitate attachment to the blind fastener assembly 102. For example, the first component 104 is shown having a first opening 114 formed therein, and the second component 106 is shown having a second opening 116 formed therein. The first opening 114 and / or the second opening 116 may be formed in or on the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 during their manufacture, or by mechanical processes. （ For example, drilling, cutting, carving, or other methods can be added after manufacturing.

[0045] Although Figure 1a The fastener system 100 is shown as being coupled to the first component 104 via a nut 108, but other fastening techniques and arrangements are contemplated. For example, friction-based fasteners (e.g., clips, sleeves, etc.) could be used instead of the threaded nut 108. In another example, the first opening 114 formed in the first component 104 could be threaded and configured to engage a second fastener 120 of a double-ended fastener 110, thus eliminating the need for an additional fastener (e.g., nut 108).

[0046] As in Figure 1b As most clearly shown, after the first component 104 and the second component 106 are assembled, the second component 106 may be at least partially covered by the first component 104. In some examples, one or both of the first component 104 and the second component 106 may include additional attachment features.

[0047] The first component 104 and the second component 106 can be, for example, an automotive panel or other automotive component. Depending on the application, one or both of the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 can be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or a combination thereof. In the automotive industry, example first component 104 includes, but is not limited to, rear spoilers, door trim panels, molded parts, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used as inner or outer surfaces). The second component 106 can be, for example, a frame, automotive panel, structural components of a vehicle such as doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, etc.), dashboard components (e.g., lateral members, brackets, frames, etc.), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, etc. Depending on the application, the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 can be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or a combination thereof. example like It is made of plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or a combination thereof.

[0048] Figure 2a This demonstrates one aspect of the disclosure. Figures 1a to 1d Top side isometric view of the blind fastener assembly 102 shown. Figure 2b An isometric view of the lower side of the blind fastener assembly 102 is shown, while Figure 2c and Figure 2d The top and bottom views of the fastener assembly are shown respectively. Figure 2e A side view of the fastener assembly is shown, while Figure 2f Showed along Figure 2e The side view is cut off by the section line AA. Figure 2g A side view of the fastener assembly is shown, while Figure 2h Showed along Figure 2g The side view is cut off by the section line BB in the middle.

[0049] The illustrated double-ended fastener 110 includes a first fastener 118 and a second fastener 120 oriented in opposite directions, with a neck ring 122 positioned between them. In the illustrated example, the first fastener 118 and the second fastener 120 are aligned along a central axis 124 (e.g., substantially coaxial). While the first fastener 118 of the double-ended fastener 110 is shown to be shorter in length than the second fastener 120, in other examples, the first fastener 118 may have the same length as or longer than the second fastener 120. The second fastener 120 may each define one or more threads 128 configured to engage one of the nuts 108 (or other types of female fasteners). The first fastener 118 may cooperate with a clip 112 to engage and secure with the second component 106 via a second opening 116.

[0050] Neck ring 122 ( For example A platform or plate is positioned between the first fastener 118 and the second fastener 120. In the example shown, the neck ring 122 is a generally annular plate defining a first surface 122a and a second surface 122b. Each of the first surface 122a and the second surface 122b shown is flat. The first surface 122a shown is oriented to face or abut against the first component 104, while the second surface 122b shown is oriented to face or abut against the second component 106.

[0051] As noted, tactile and / or auditory feedback is expected to be provided during assembly of the double-ended fastener 110 with the second opening 116 of the second component 106 to verify the installation. Accordingly, the double-ended fastener 110 includes a plurality of upper verification arms 132 and lower verification arms 134, which cooperate with each other to provide tactile and / or auditory feedback to the user.

[0052] The plurality of verification arms shown include a pair of upper verification arms 132 (e.g., a pair of first verification arms) and a pair of lower verification arms 134 (e.g., a pair of second verification arms). Each of the upper verification arms 132 and the lower verification arms 134 is angled outward relative to the central axis 124 of the fastener assembly. In some embodiments, each lower verification arm 134 has a greater width than each upper verification arm 132.

[0053] In the example shown, the upper verification arm 132 and the lower verification arm 134 are positioned on opposite sides of the central axis 124; that is, a set of upper verification arms 132 and lower verification arms 134 are positioned on each side of the central axis 124. Although two upper verification arms 132 and two lower verification arms 134 are shown, more or fewer verification arms 132, 134 can be used. For example, three or more sets of upper verification arms 132 and lower verification arms 134 can be used and distributed (e.g., evenly distributed) around the central axis 124.

[0054] It is envisioned that certain components of the blind fastener assembly 102 may be made of plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. The double-ended fastener 110 may be made of plastic material using plastic injection molding, additive manufacturing, or other methods. However, it is envisioned that the double-ended fastener 110 and / or the clip 112 may also be made using material extrusion methods (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), photopolymerization (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process). In some examples, the double-ended fastener 110 (e.g., a portion thereof), the clip 112, and the nut 108 may be made of metal, for example, using metal drawing or other metal forming techniques. For instance, one or more of the double-ended fastener 110, the clip 112, and the nut 108 may be manufactured using metal stamping or cold metal forming techniques, wherein threads are added via thread rolling or tapping. The metal components may be heat-treated to increase strength and hardness.

[0055] In some examples, a seal may be provided to mitigate the ingress of liquid and / or debris through the first opening 114 or the second opening 116. The seal may be made of foam material, thermoplastic, rubber, etc. For example, the seal may be configured to surround the double-ended fastener 110 ( For example The seal is part of the second fastener 120. The seal may be formed, for example, on the surface of the neck ring 122 (e.g., the surface adjacent to the first component 104).

[0056] Figure 3An enlarged side view (detail A) of the upper verification arm 132 and lower verification arm 134 of the fastener assembly is shown. Figures 4A and 4B show enlarged views (details B and C, respectively) of the verification arms 132 and 134 of the fastener assembly 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper verification arm 132 is resiliently coupled to the second surface 122b of the collar 122, while the lower verification arm 134 is resiliently coupled to the outer surface of the body 160 of the first fastener 118. In some embodiments, the verification arms 132 and 134 may be integrally formed with one or more components of the double-ended fastener 110 (e.g., the collar 122 and / or the first fastener 118) to facilitate manufacturing convenience, alignment, and mechanical robustness during assembly.

[0057] Each upper arm 132 is generally flat and extends distally from its proximal attachment point 152 on the second surface 122b of the neck ring 122. The distal end 142 of each upper arm 132 is angled outward relative to the central axis 124 and includes a rounded profile that bulges slightly toward the neck ring 122, thus forming a dome or arc-shaped end. A notch feature 158 is disposed near the distal end 142 of each upper arm 132. As shown, the notch feature 158 is centrally located along the width of the distal end and is shown as generally rectangular in shape. However, alternative geometries are contemplated, including square, trapezoidal, elliptical, and other polygonal shapes. The sidewalls of the notch feature 158 may be substantially orthogonal, or in some embodiments, may be inclined or tapered to better facilitate mechanical engagement with the corresponding snap-fit ​​feature. The size and positioning of the notch feature 158 are determined to serve as a mechanical receiving portion for mating features during fastener installation.

[0058] Each lower verification arm 134 is also generally linear in its relaxed state and is elastically connected at its proximal end 154 to the side surface of the body 160 of the first fastener 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower verification arm 134 is narrower than the upper verification arm 132 to allow for greater flexibility and facilitate controlled deflection during insertion. The distal end 144 of each lower verification arm 134 extends outward at an angle similar to that of the upper verification arm 132 and includes a snap-fit ​​feature 156 designed to engage with and be secured by a cutout feature 158 of the corresponding upper verification arm 132.

[0059] The snap-fit ​​feature 156 includes a central spherical protrusion 150 and a pair of outwardly extending flexible snap-fit ​​arms 146. The central spherical protrusion is oriented distally during fastener installation, i.e., away from the neck ring 122 and towards the second component 106. The snap-fit ​​arms 146 are configured to elastically deform during insertion and then pop outwards upon full installation to engage the sidewalls of the cutout feature 158. This engagement produces a tactile and / or audible "buckle" that provides feedback to the installer, indicating verification of correct arm positioning and consequently indicating full engagement of the fastener assembly 102.

[0060] The spherical protrusion 150 serves as an alignment and deflection guide, initially contacting the surface of the second component 106 and deflecting the lower verification arm 134 upward toward the upper verification arm 132 during fastener feeding. When the fastener reaches its final installed position, the snap-fit ​​arm 146 aligns with and engages the cutout feature 158, with the spherical protrusion 150 helping to stabilize the connection. The snap-fit ​​arm 146 is oriented outward from the lower verification arm 134. The outer surface of the snap-fit ​​arm 146 may be substantially orthogonal, or in some embodiments, may be inclined or tapered to better facilitate mechanical engagement with the corresponding cutout feature 158. The interference created between the snap-fit ​​feature 156 and the cutout feature 158 holds the lower and upper verification arms together, creating a temporary or semi-permanent hold that can serve as an installation confirmation mechanism, position lock, or alignment indicator.

[0061] This cooperative interaction between the snap-fit ​​feature 156 and the notch feature 158 ensures reliable and repeatable engagement, increases user confidence during assembly, and optionally prevents the verification arms from accidentally disengaging after installation. While the snap-fit ​​feature 156 is depicted as being located at the distal end of each lower verification arm 134, and the notch feature 158 is depicted as being located at the distal end of each upper verification arm 132, this configuration may be reversed in some embodiments. Specifically, the notch feature 158 may alternatively be located at the distal end of each lower verification arm 134, while the snap-fit ​​feature 156 may be located at the distal end of each upper verification arm 132.

[0062] In a pre-installed (i.e., relaxed) state, each upper verification arm 132 is arranged at a first angle α° relative to the second surface 122b of the neck ring 122, and each lower verification arm 134 is arranged at a second angle β° relative to the second surface 122b. In some embodiments, the first angle α° and the second angle β° may be substantially the same or different to specifically form a desired tactile and / or auditory feedback response. For example, the range of the first angle α° may be from about 15° to about 55°, from about 25° to about 45°, or about 35°, and the range of the second angle β° may also be from about 5° to about 50°, from about 20° to about 40°, or about 30°.

[0063] During assembly, the lower verification arm 134 first engages the surface of the second component 106 (e.g., ...). Figure 1c As the blind fastener assembly 102 is fed along the insertion direction indicated by arrow 138 and enters the second opening 116, the lower verification arm 134 deflects inward toward the upper verification arm 132.

[0064] When fully inserted or assembled, the distal end 142 of the upper verification arm 132 engages the distal end 144 of the lower verification arm 134, such that the cutout feature 158 receives the snap-fit ​​feature 156. The mechanical interaction between the cutout feature 158 and the snap-fit ​​feature 156 produces a tactile and / or auditory feedback response, thereby providing confirmation of correct installation.

[0065] Although fastener feature 136 is shown in the accompanying drawings as having a specific fastener design, other fastener designs are conceivable. For example, Figures 5a to 5f Additional fastener features 136, suitable for connecting fastener 136 to second component 104, are shown according to other aspects of this disclosure. Specifically, Figures 5a to 5f The following fasteners are shown: W-shaped clamp fastener 502 (shown as a 2-legged clamp fastener), pin fastener 504, push-pull fastener 506 (shown as a 2-legged box-type fork fastener), and special clamp assembly 508 (e.g., available from Deltar). ® The obtained CenterLok™ fastener), a clip assembly 510 with four retaining legs, and a clip assembly 512 with two snap-fit ​​engagement seats. Figure 5e The clamp assembly 510 with four retaining legs, shown in a cross-sectional view, is further described in conjunction with U.S. Patent No. 10,385,901, co-owned by Jeffrey J. Steltz. Figure 5f The clip assembly with two snap-fit ​​engagement seats is further described in conjunction with U.S. Patent No. 10,018,214, jointly owned by Fulvio PacificoYon.

[0066] The patents and patent publications cited above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Although the method and / or system have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly that connects a first component to a second component via an opening associated with the second component, the fastener assembly comprising: A fastener configured to be secured to the second component via the opening; A neck ring, which is coupled to the fastener and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; A pair of upper verification arms, the pair of upper verification arms extending from the second surface of the neck ring, each upper verification arm having a proximal end and a distal end; as well as A pair of lower verification arms, each extending from the surface of the fastener, having a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the pair of upper verification arms and the pair of lower verification arms is resiliently deflectable during the insertion of the fastener into the opening, and One or more snap-fit ​​features formed in or on the distal end of the lower verification arm are configured to move toward one or more cutout features formed in or on the distal end of the upper verification arm and mechanically engage the one or more cutout features upon full insertion to provide feedback to the user.

2. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The feedback is tactile feedback.

3. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The feedback mentioned is auditory feedback.

4. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the one or more snap-fit ​​features includes a spherical protrusion.

5. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The spherical protrusion is oriented away from the neck ring.

6. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the one or more snap-fit ​​features includes a pair of snap-fit ​​arms.

7. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least one of the one or more snap-fit ​​features includes a spherical protrusion and a pair of snap-fit ​​arms, wherein the spherical protrusion is oriented away from the neck ring.

8. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The shape of the one or more cut features is trapezoidal.

9. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The shape of the one or more cut features is quadrilateral.

10. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The lower verification arm is integrally formed with the fastener.

11. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The upper arm is integrally formed with the neck ring.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each of the upper verification arms extends at a first angle relative to the plane defined by the second surface of the neck ring, and wherein each of the lower verification arms extends at a second angle relative to the plane defined by the second surface of the neck ring.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 12, wherein, The first angle is between approximately 25 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 12, wherein, The second angle is between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 40 degrees.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The lower verification arm is configured to engage the surface of the second component during insertion and flex toward the upper verification arm.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The fastener assembly is a one-piece plastic component.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The fastener assembly further includes a second fastener oriented in the opposite direction to the fastener.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 17, wherein, The second fastener includes a threaded shank.

19. The fastener assembly of claim 17, wherein, The neck ring is positioned between the fastener and the second fastener.

20. The fastener assembly of claim 17, wherein, The fastener and the second fastener are concentric.

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