Clamp, assembly and procedure
The bracket with a clamping feed and barbed thighs simplifies vehicle seat cover attachment by minimizing rotation and component complexity, ensuring secure and efficient installation and removal.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE112023001007
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-18
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle seat cover attachment methods often require multiple components and complex constructions, limiting material choices and increasing complexity, especially when using fastening elements like wires embedded in foamed cushions.
A bracket with a clamping feed and two thighs, each featuring barbs, is designed to securely attach a cover to a base section without rotating, using a hanger retention cavity and barbs that minimize the distance between their centers to facilitate easy installation and secure attachment.
The bracket allows for simple, secure, and efficient attachment of vehicle seat covers without additional torque, reducing installation complexity and material limitations while maintaining stability and ease of removal.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clip, an assembly, and a method. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clip for a vehicle interior, an assembly, and a method. BACKGROUND
[0002] A driver's seat or a passenger seat of a vehicle may have a surface with a cover or an interior surface. The seat may include a base section that serves as a cushion and an interior cover. Although there are vehicles that do not require separate base sections or interior covers, many vehicles are equipped with both a base section and an interior cover for comfort, appearance, and / or other reasons. A manufacturer generally uses a variety of fasteners to secure an interior covering made of fabric, leather, or other materials in a fixed position around a base section.There is also a fastening method that uses a wire or other fastener embedded in a foam pad, but in this case, the number of components may increase, the overall design becomes complicated, and the type of material that can be used to form the main body of the base section is limited. Depending on whether different materials and manufacturing processes are used for the base section, a new assembly method and fastener may be required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
[0003] It should be understood that this summary does not provide a comprehensive overview of the present disclosure. This summary is merely exemplary and non-limiting, and is not intended to specify major or important elements of the present disclosure or to define its scope. The sole purpose of this summary is to describe a particular concept of the present disclosure as an introductory part of the following full and comprehensive detailed description.
[0004] In one aspect, a clip for securing a cover or cover to a base portion is disclosed. The clip includes a chuck defining a hanger-retaining cavity, the hanger-retaining cavity having a dimension and configuration for receiving a hanger attached to the cover; a first leg extending from the chuck and having a first barb, the first barb extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the clip; and a second leg extending from the chuck and having a second barb, the second barb extending outwardly with respect to the central axis line of the clip.A total leg offset distance between the centerline of the first leg barb and the centerline of the second leg barb, measured in the X-axis direction of the staple, is equal to or less than the secondary width of either the first leg barb or the second leg barb in the X-axis direction.
[0005] In another aspect, a clip for securing a cover to a base portion is disclosed. The clip includes a chuck defining a hanger-retaining cavity, the hanger-retaining cavity having a dimension and configuration for receiving a hanger attached to the cover; a first leg extending from the chuck and including a first barb, the first barb extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the clip, the first barb extending from a portion of the first leg extending from the chuck and defining an inner barb shoulder portion angled with respect to the portion of the first leg;and a second leg extending from the chuck and having a second barb, the second barb extending outwardly with respect to the central axis of the staple, the second barb extending from a portion of the second leg extending from the chuck and forming an inner barb shoulder portion that is angled with respect to the portion of the second leg. Each of the tip end portions of the first barb of the first leg and the second barb of the second leg extends beyond the corresponding inner barb shoulder portion in a Z-axis direction of the staple.
[0006] In another aspect, a method is disclosed that includes inserting a clip for securing an inner cover into a hole defined in a base portion, the clip including a chuck defining a hanger retaining cavity, the hanger retaining cavity having a dimension and a configuration for receiving a hanger attached to the cover, a first leg extending from the chuck and including a first barb, the first barb extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the clip, and a second leg extending from the chuck and including a second barb, the second barb extending outwardly with respect to the central axis line of the clip,and wherein a distance between a centerline of the barb of the first leg and a centerline of the barb of the second leg in an X-axis direction of the staple is equal to or less than a thickness of either the barb of the first leg or the barb of the second leg in the X-axis direction; and inserting or inserting the staple into the hole defined in the base portion without applying a moment to promote rotation of the staple about the X-axis direction or an inverse moment to suppress rotation of the staple about a Z-axis direction of the staple.
[0007] Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that are not necessarily explicitly disclosed in the present description, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art after examining the following detailed description and the accompanying figures. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included in the present disclosure and protected by the appended claims. Features and advantages of such implementations may be implemented and acquired by a system, method, and feature particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These features and other features will be fully understood from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by implementing example implementations as described below.
[0008] The accompanying figures, which are included in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and, together with this specification, play a role in describing various principles of the present disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding functional units and components in the figures may be designated by like reference numerals for consistency and clarity. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS [ Fig. 1A] Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a bracket according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 1B] Fig. 1B is a perspective view from below of the bracket in Fig. 1A. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an end view or a front view of the bracket in Fig. 1A. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a first side view of the bracket in Fig. 1A. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a second side view of the bracket in Fig. 1A, and the second side view is a side opposite the first side view. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the bracket in Fig. 1A. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the bracket in Fig. 1A. [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned end view of a state in which a hanger is attached to the bracket in Fig. 1A, with only the hanger in a cross-section by cutting along a line 7-7 in Fig. 8 is shown. [ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a side view of the clamp and hanger in Fig. 7. [ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an end view of the bracket in Fig. 1A in a state in which two legs are folded inwards away from each other. [ Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an end view of an assembly with the clamp in Fig. 1 and a base section of a seat, showing the assembly after installation of the clamp on the base section and along a line 10-10 in Fig. 11 is included. [ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the bracket in Fig. 10 from above after mounting on the base section. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a pair of needle nose pliers used to remove the staples described in the present specification, including the staple in Fig. 10, is used. [ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view showing an assembly of a cover and a base portion, including a pair of needle-nose pliers used in a method of removing the clip in Fig. 10 from the base section in Fig. 10 is shown. [ Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of a portion of the assembly in Fig. 10 having a base portion configured, by way of example, as a backrest cushion according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a rear view of a part of the Fig. 14, illustrating a state in which a plurality of reinforcing rings installed in the base portion are provided and the reinforcing rings are hidden. [ Fig. 16] Fig. Fig. 16 is a detailed view of a state in which a reinforcing ring formed from a detailed section 16 in Fig. 15 from a variety of reinforcement rings of the clamp in Fig. 1, which allows installation on the base section in Fig. 14, illustrating a staple according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a perspective view from below showing a state in which the clamp in Fig. 16 is installed through a reinforcement ring. [ Fig. 18A] Fig. 18A is a top perspective view of a bracket according to a modification. [ Fig. 18B] Fig. 18B is a perspective view from below of the bracket in Fig. 18A. [ Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is an end view or a front view of the bracket in Fig. 18A. [ Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a first side view of the bracket in Fig. 18A. [ Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a second side view of the bracket in Fig. 18A, and the second side view is a side opposite the first side view. [ Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a plan view of the bracket in Fig. 18A. [ Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the bracket in Fig. 18A. [ Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a partially sectioned end view of a state in which a hanger is attached to the bracket in Fig. 18A is mounted. [ Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is an end view of the bracket in Fig. 18A in a state in which two legs are folded inwards away from each other. [ Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is an end view of an assembly that includes the clamp in Fig. 18A and a base portion of a seat, and shows the assembly after the bracket is installed on the base portion. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0009] The present disclosure may be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description, examples, figures, claims, and descriptions before and after the foregoing. However, before disclosing and describing the present apparatus, system, and / or method, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus, system, and / or method disclosed, as the present disclosure may be modified in various ways unless otherwise indicated. It is to be understood that the terms used in the present description are for the purpose of describing particular aspects and not for the purpose of limiting particular aspects.
[0010] The following description is provided as a teaching enabling an apparatus, system, and / or method according to the present invention in the best aspects currently known. Therefore, those skilled in the art can recognize and understand that many changes can be made to various aspects described in the present description while obtaining useful results from the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be apparent that some desired advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by selecting some functional units of the present disclosure without using other functional units. Therefore, those skilled in the art can recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the present disclosure are possible, may even be desirable under certain circumstances, and are part of the present disclosure.Therefore, the following description serves as an example of the principle of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure.
[0011] The singular forms "a" and "a," as used in this specification, include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, for example, a reference to the set of one of the specific elements may be included in two or more such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, each of the elements described in this specification may refer to a first such element, a second such element, and the like (for example, even in a case where only "device" is referred to, a first device and a second device).
[0012] In the present description, a range may be expressed as a range from "approximately" a certain value and / or up to "approximately" another specific value. In a case where such a range is presented, from a certain specific value and / or up to another specific value is included in another aspect. Similarly, in a case where a value is expressed as an approximation, it is assumed that a certain value creates another aspect by using a precedent such as "approximately" or "substantially." It is further understood that with respect to other endpoints, one endpoint of each range is also meaningful independently of the other endpoints.
[0013] For the purposes of the present disclosure, material properties or dimensions that are approximately X or substantially X on a specific measurement scale are within a range between a value obtained by adding an upper limit tolerance of an industry standard of a prescribed measurement value to X and a value obtained by subtracting a lower limit tolerance of the industry standard of the prescribed measurement value from X. Since tolerance varies depending on a material, a process, and a type, the tolerance of a specific measurement value of a specific component may fall within a tolerance range.
[0014] The term "arbitrary" or "free" as used in this description means that an event or situation to be described later may or may not occur, and the description includes an example in which the event or situation occurs and an example in which the event or situation does not occur.
[0015] As used in this specification, the term "or" means any member of a particular list and includes any combination of members of the list. As used in this specification, the term "at least one of A and B" means "only A, only B, or both A and B," and the term "one of A and B" means "A or B."
[0016] When the term "monolithic" is used in this description of the part / component, it means that the part / component is formed as a single part / component made of a single material without a connecting section or seam, unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0017] Components are disclosed that can be used to carry out the disclosed method and system. It is understood that when such components are disclosed in the present description, and combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, and the like of these components are disclosed, specific reference targets of individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, but for all methods and systems, each of the individual and collective combinations and permutations is expressly provided and described in the present description. This applies to all aspects of the present application, including, but not limited to, the steps of the disclosed method.Therefore, if there are several additional steps that can be performed, each of the additional steps can be performed in each of the specific aspects of the disclosed method or in a combination of the aspects.
[0018] The following describes a cover fastening clip 100 based on the coordinate axes in the XYZ direction shown in the figures. An X-axis direction can be referred to as left-right or horizontal. As shown in Fig. 1, the X-axis direction coincides, for example, with an extension direction of a hanger 700 (in Fig. 7) which is housed in a hanger retaining cavity 138 (in Fig. 1) of the bracket 100 (in Fig. 1).
[0019] A Y-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the X-axis (left-right) and a Z-axis (top-bottom) direction and can also be referred to as a front-back direction. A surface parallel to the front-back direction of a structure can be referred to as a side surface.
[0020] The up-down direction is the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and generally coincides with a height direction of the bracket 100. For example, a direction in which the hanger 700 fits into a gap 168 (in Fig. 1) of the clamp 100 and engageable with the clamp 100 may be referred to as the Z-axis direction. The up-down direction may coincide with a direction perpendicular to a surface of a cover 1090 (in Fig. 10) which extends to a base section 1010 (in Fig. 10).
[0021] In one aspect, the present specification discloses a cover fastening clamp, an associated method, system, and apparatus, as well as various devices. In one aspect, a clamp may include a chuck and a pair of legs.
[0022] Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the bracket 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in the top perspective view of Fig. 1, the clamp 100 may include a chuck 120, a first leg 200, and a second leg 300. The clamp 100, in particular the chuck 120, may have a front end or first end portion 105 and a rear end or second end portion 106 (shown in Fig. 1B). The clamp 100, in particular the chuck 120, may further define a central axis line 101 into which the hanger 700 (shown in Fig. 7) can be used.
[0023] The chuck 120 may include a chuck base portion 140, a pair of chuck walls 150a and 150b extending from the chuck base portion 140, and a pair of retaining flanges 160a and 160b extending from the respective chuck walls 150a and 150b. The chuck 120 may define the cavity 138 for retaining the hangers (hanger retaining cavity) and form an inner surface 121. In some aspects, tabs 712a and 712b may extend from the inner surface 121 of the chuck 120, as shown in the figure. The tabs 712a and 712b may extend in the Y-axis direction of the clamp 100. The retaining flange 160a and the retaining flange 160b may define the gap 168 therebetween, which may be configured to receive the hanger 700.
[0024] The first leg 200 extends from the chuck 120 and may define a proximal end 203 proximate the chuck 120 and a distal end 204 remote from the chuck 120. More specifically, the first leg 200 may include a first portion 210 extending from the chuck 120 and a second portion 220 extending from and connected to the first portion 210. Both the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 may form a major portion of the first leg 200. In some aspects, either the first portion 210 or the second portion 220 may be linear along the X-axis direction when viewed from an end portion of the clamp 100, as illustrated in the figure. More specifically, the first portion 210 may have a tapered shape such that a portion near the chuck 120 is wider than a portion remote from the chuck 120.In some aspects, either the first portion 210 or the second portion 220 may be curved in the X-axis direction when viewed from the end portion of the staple 100. The first leg 200 may include a third portion 230 that may extend from the main portion of the first leg 200, more specifically, from the second portion 220 and the distal end 204 of the first leg 200. The third portion 230 may include a barb 250 that may extend outwardly relative to the central axis line 101 of the staple 100. In some aspects, the barb 250 may taper from the base portion 252 when viewed in at least one direction, ie, at least along the X-axis direction, and here, the base portion 252 may extend from the second portion 220 of the first leg 200 to a tip end portion 254.Similarly, in some aspects, the barb 250 may have a constant thickness from the base portion 252 to the tip end portion 254. The barb 250 of the first leg 200 may form an end surface 255 at the tip end portion 254, and the portion may be rounded or flat. The first leg 200 may have a leading end, or first end portion, 205 and a trailing end, or second end portion 206 (shown in FIG. Fig. 3). The first leg 200 may extend parallel to each other and may further form an inner surface 221 and an outer surface 222, which may extend in the X-axis direction of the bracket 100. Both the inner surface 221 and the outer surface 222 may terminate at the distal end 204, which may be the outermost portion of the first leg 200 in the Z-axis direction.
[0025] The second leg 300 extends from the chuck 120 and may define a proximal end 303 proximate the chuck 120 and a distal end 304 remote from the chuck 120. More specifically, the second leg 300 may include a first portion 310 extending from the chuck 120 and a second portion 320 extending from and connected to the first portion 310. Both the first portion 310 and the second portion 320 may form a major portion of the second leg 300. In some aspects, either the first portion 310 or the second portion 320 may be linear along the X-axis direction when viewed from an end portion of the clamp 100, as illustrated in the figure. More specifically, the first portion 310 may have a tapered shape such that a portion near the chuck 120 is wider than a portion remote from the chuck 120.In some aspects, either the first portion 310 or the second portion 320 may be curved along the X-axis direction when viewed from the end portion of the staple 100. The second leg 300 may include a third portion 330 that may extend from the main portion of the second leg 300, more specifically, from the second portion 320 of the second leg 300 and from the distal end 304 of the second leg 300. The third portion 330 may include a barb 350 that may extend outwardly from the central axis line 101 of the staple 100.
[0026] In some aspects, the barb 350 may taper from a base portion 352 when viewed in at least one direction, e.g., in the forward direction, i.e., at least along the X-axis direction. Here, the base portion 352 may extend from the second portion 320 of the second leg 300 to a tip end portion 354. In some aspects, similarly viewed, the barb 350 may have a constant thickness from the base portion 352 to the tip end portion 354. The barb 350 of the second leg 300 may form an end surface 355 at the tip end portion 354, and the portion may be rounded or flat. The second leg 300 may form a forward end or first end portion 305 and a rearward end or second end portion 306 (in Fig. 4). The second leg 300 may be parallel to each other and may further have an inner surface 321 (in Fig. 1B) and an outer surface 322, which may extend in the X-axis direction of the bracket 100. Both the inner surface 321 and the outer surface 322 may terminate at the distal end 304, which may be the outermost portion of the second leg 300 in the Z-axis direction.
[0027] The second portion 220, and more generally the main portion of the first leg 200, may form a recess 240. The recess 240 may be defined in the first end portion 205 of the first leg 200. In some aspects, an end portion (e.g., the first end portion 205) in which the recess 240 is defined in the first leg 200 may oppose an end portion of the second leg 300 in which a recess 340 is defined. In some aspects, the recess 240 and the recess 340 may oppose each other on the opposite side in the X-axis direction. The recess 240 may define a first portion 242 that may be angled with respect to the inner surface 221, more specifically, angled 90 degrees with respect to the inner surface 221. The recess 240 may further form a second portion 244 that may be angled with respect to the first portion 242.An angle between the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
[0028] The first leg 200, more specifically a portion of either the second portion 220 or the third portion 230 near the distal end 204 and / or an intersection point between the second portion 220 and the third portion 230 may define a tool engagement shoulder portion 232 (shown in Fig. 1B). Although not limited, the tool engagement shoulder portion 232 may, for example, comprise one or more surfaces, such as a flat surface or a curved surface, with which a tool 1200 (shown in Fig. 12). In some aspects, the tool-engaging shoulder portion 232 may be aligned with or parallel to the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100. In some cases, the tool-engaging shoulder portion 232 may be angled relative to the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100.
[0029] Similarly, the second leg 300, more specifically, a portion of either the second portion 320 or the third portion 330 near the distal end 304 and / or an intersection point between the second portion 320 and the third portion 330 may define a tool engagement shoulder portion 332 (shown in Fig. 1A). Although not limited, the tool engagement shoulder portion 332 may, for example, include one or more surfaces, such as a flat surface or a curved surface, with which the tool 1200 (shown in Fig. 12). In some aspects, the tool engagement shoulder portion 332 may be aligned with or parallel to the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100. In some cases, the tool engagement shoulder portion 332 may be angled with respect to the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100. In some cases, the tool engagement shoulder portions 232 and 332, or their directions, may have a mirror image surface texture with respect to the central axis line 101. The tool engagement shoulder portion 232 of the first leg 200 and the tool engagement shoulder portion 332 of the second leg 300 may be configured to simultaneously engage the tool 1200 during removal of the clamp 100 from the base portion 1010 (e.g., foam pad), thereby bringing the tool 1200 closer to each other during such removal.
[0030] As in Fig. 1B, the second portion 320, and more generally the main portion of the second leg 300 of the bracket 100, may define the recess 340. The recess 340 may be formed in the second end portion 306 of the second leg 300. More specifically, as described above, an end portion (e.g., the second end portion 306) in which the recess 340 is defined in the second leg 300 may be opposite the end portion of the first leg 200 in which the recess 240 is defined. The recess 340 may define a first portion 342 that may be angled with respect to the inner surface 321, more specifically, angled 90 degrees with respect to the inner surface 321. The recess 340 may further define a second portion 344 that may be angled relative to the first portion 342. An angle between the first portion 342 and the second portion 344 may be greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.In some aspects, as illustrated in the figure, the recess 340 of the second leg 300 and, similarly, the recess 240 of the first leg 200 may be defined by a planar surface that intersects a cross-section or functional unit. In some cases, the recess 340 of the second leg 300 and, similarly, the recess 240 of the first leg 200 may be defined at least partially by a curved surface.
[0031] Fig. 2 is an end view or a front view of the clamp 100. The chuck walls 150a and 150b may be angled with respect to the chuck base portion 140 of the chuck 120. To match the shape of the hanger 700 (shown in Fig. 7), inclined portions 151a and 151b, which are angled, of the respective chuck walls 150a and 150b can be angled with respect to the central axis line 101, and vertical portions 152a and 152b of the respective chuck walls 150a and 150b can be aligned parallel to the central axis line 101. As shown in Fig. 2, the first leg 200 may extend from the inclined portion 151a, which is angled, of the chuck wall 150a, and the second leg 300 may extend from the inclined portion 151b, which is angled, of the chuck wall 150b.
[0032] Since the first portion 210 of the first leg 200 may define an outer radius R210 and / or an inner radius (although shown, the reference number is not provided), the second portion 220 may be slightly bent relative to the first portion 210. The first portion 210 may extend from the chuck wall 150a, from the chuck base portion 140, or from an intersection of the chuck wall 150a and the chuck base portion 140. The second portion 220 may be straight or include a straight portion extending downward from the first portion 210. At a position where the first portion 210 is attached to the chuck 120, a centerline 216 of the first portion 210 may be angled relative to an adjacent surface of the chuck 120. The second portion 220 of the first leg 200 may be angled with respect to the first portion 210 of the first leg 200.More specifically, a centerline 226 of the second portion 220 may be angled by a leg angle 227 with respect to the center axis line 101 and may be angled by a leg angle 228 with respect to an outer surface of the chuck base portion 140. A reference line 256 of the barb 250, which may be defined by a portion of the outer surface 222 defining the barb 250, may be angled by an angle 257 with respect to the center axis line 101, by an angle 258 with respect to the horizontal direction or the Y-axis direction, and by an angle 259 with respect to the centerline 226 of the second portion 220. Each of the angles mentioned, including leg angles 227 and 228 and angles 257, 258 and 259, in particular leg angle 228, may be an acute angle, ie an angle of less than 90 degrees.
[0033] Since the first portion 310 of the second leg 300 may define an outer radius R310 and / or an inner radius (although shown, the reference number is not provided), the second portion 320 may be slightly bent relative to the first portion 310. The first portion 310 may extend from the chuck wall 150b, from the chuck base portion 140, or from an intersection of the chuck wall 150b and the chuck base portion 140. The second portion 320 may be straight or include a straight portion extending downward from the first portion 310. At a position where the first portion 310 is attached to the chuck 120, a centerline 316 of the first portion 310 may be angled relative to an adjacent surface of the chuck 120. The second portion 320 of the second leg 300 may be angled with respect to the first portion 310 of the second leg 300.More specifically, the centerline 326 of the second portion 320 may be angled by a leg angle 327 with respect to the central axis line 101 and may be angled by a leg angle 328 with respect to the outer surface of the chuck base portion 140. A reference line 356 of the barb 350, which may be defined by a portion of the outer surface 322 defining the barb 350, may be angled by a barb angle 357 with respect to the central axis line 101, by a barb angle 358 with respect to the horizontal direction or the Y-axis direction, and by a barb angle 359 with respect to the centerline 326 of the second portion 320. Each of the angles mentioned, including the leg angles 327, 328 and the barb angles 357, 358 and 359, in particular the leg angle 328, may be acute.The reference lines 256 and 356 may be defined by the tangents of the corresponding inner barb shoulder portions 954 that are closest to the respective tip end portions 254 and 354, but do not include the respective tip end portions 254 and 354 themselves when viewed in the X-axis direction.
[0034] Leg angle 328 may be equal to leg angle 228. In some aspects, barb angles 258 and 358 may be at least 20 degrees. In various aspects, barb angles 258 and 358 may be other angles that are not zero. In some aspects, as described above, each of the angles described above is described with reference to centerlines of various structural elements or other specified reference lines. In another aspect, the same applies to the angle measured with respect to one of the opposing surfaces of the structural elements.
[0035] A leg thickness 309 of the second leg 300 may be equal to a leg thickness 209 of the first leg 200. To increase stiffness and strength or for other reasons, a portion of one or both legs 200 and 300 may define leg thicknesses 209 and 309 that differ from each other, or the leg thicknesses of the legs 200 and 300 may be made different by other methods. For example, the thickness 239, measured along a direction in a YZ plane extending between the inner surface 221 and the outer surface 222, may be greater than the leg thickness 209. Similarly, the thickness 339, measured along the direction in the YZ plane extending between the inner surface 321 and the outer surface 322, may be made greater than the leg thickness 309.
[0036] Fig. 3 is a first side view of the bracket 100, and Fig. 4 is a second side view of the clamp 100. The first leg 200 may define a primary width 207 measured from the first end portion 205 to the second end portion 206. The third portion 230 of the first leg 200 may similarly define a secondary width 237 measured from the first end portion 205 to the second end portion 206. As illustrated in the figure, the secondary width 237 may be wider or greater than the primary width 207 of the first leg 200. In some aspects, as illustrated in the figure, the secondary width 237 of the third portion 230 of the first leg 200 may be made smaller than a width 127 of the chuck 120. In another aspect, the secondary width 237 may be half or more of the width 127. As shown in the figure, the width 127 of the chuck 120 may be equal to or greater than the primary width 207 of the second portion 220 of the first leg 200.
[0037] As in Fig. 4, the second leg 300 may define a primary width 307 measured from the first end portion 305 to the second end portion 306. The third portion 330 of the second leg 300 may similarly define a secondary width 337 measured from the first end portion 305 to the second end portion 306. As shown in the figure, the secondary width 337 may be wider or greater than the primary width 307 of the second leg 300. In some aspects, as shown in the figure, the secondary width 337 of the third portion 330 of the second leg 300 may be less than the width 127 of the liner 120. In another aspect, the secondary width 337 may be half or more of the width 127. As shown in the figure, the width 127 of the chuck 120 may be equal to or greater than the primary width 307 of the second portion 320 of the second leg 300.
[0038] As shown in the figure, the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 may be at least partially offset from each other in the X-axis direction. As described with respect to the description of the center lines 201 and 301 and the center lines 202 and 302 in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the legs 200 and 300, or a portion thereof, may be offset from each other in the X-axis direction by lying on different YZ planes. The legs 200 and 300 may define the respective centerlines 201 and 301 near the chuck 120. The legs 200 and 300, more specifically the third portions 230 and 330, may define the centerlines 202 and 302 at the distal ends 204 and 304, respectively (shown in Fig. 1A). Depending on the shape of each leg when viewed along the Y-axis direction in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the legs 200 and 300, in particular the second portions 220 and 320, may extend opposite each other in the X-axis direction, which is angled with respect to the central axis line 101, such that the centerlines 201 and 301 of the legs 200 and 300 are aligned with the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100 on the chuck 120, but are offset from the chuck 120, i.e., at the distal ends 204 and 304, as shown in the figures. More specifically, as shown in the figure, a portion of the legs 200 and 300 or their centerlines may be offset by an amount greater than the total leg offset distance 602.
[0039] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the bracket 100, and Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the clamp 100. As shown in the figures, the centerline 201 of the first leg 200 and the centerline 301 of the second leg 300 intersect the central axis line 101 of the clamp 100 and may define a centerline of the chuck 120. As shown in the figures, the centerline 202 of the third portion 230, more specifically the barb 250 of the first leg 200, may be offset in the X-axis direction from the centerline 101 of the clamp 100. Similarly, the centerline 302 of the third portion 330, more specifically the barb 350 of the second leg 300, may be offset in the X-axis direction from the centerline 101 of the clamp 100. As shown in the figures, the center lines 202 and 302 may be offset in opposite directions (e.g., on opposite sides of the center lines 201 and 302).Furthermore, in some aspects, the staple 100 may exhibit rotational symmetry consistent with the shape, position, and orientation of the second leg 300 when the first leg 200 is rotated about the central axis line 101, ignoring at least any relief angle. For example, in some aspects, but not limited, at least a portion of the staple 100 may exhibit or indicate plane symmetry with respect to a plane equidistant from a structure having symmetry, such as legs 200 and 300, near a location where the staple 100 is attached to the chuck 120. Such a plane may intersect the central axis line 101. For example, in some aspects, but not limited, at least a portion of the staple 100 may exhibit or indicate point symmetry with respect to a point equidistant from a structure having symmetry, such as barbs 250 and 350.Such a point may lie on the central axis line 101. As shown in various figures, including the . Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the bracket 100 defines a taper or a bevel in one or more of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions (in Fig. 1) and can be easily manufactured by injection molding the bracket 100, but this can be facilitated by incorporating the skew angle.
[0040] As in Fig. 6, the total leg offset 602, measured in the X-axis direction of the staple 100 between the centerline 202 of the barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the centerline 302 of the barb 350 of the second leg 300, may be equal to or less than the secondary widths 237 and 337 of the respective legs 200 and 300 in the X-axis direction. In some aspects, as shown in the figure, each of the leg offset distances 620 and 630 may be less than half of one of the secondary widths 237 and 337 of the legs 200 and 300 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, to reduce the tendency for the staple 100 to twist during assembly to the base portion 1010 (shown in Fig. 10), the total leg offset distance 602 and the leg offset distances 620 and 630 may be minimized and further reduced. In some aspects, the total leg offset distance 602 may be less than half of the secondary widths 237 and 337. In some aspects, the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are configured to increase the total leg offset distance 602 when the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 contact and move in the Y-axis direction while rubbing against each other. By reducing the above-described offset distance within the illustrated range, the bracket 100f can be more easily installed, for example, in a hole 1080 provided in the base portion 1010 without applying an inverse moment for suppressing rotation of the bracket 100 about an insertion direction of the bracket 100.In some of the embodiments considered so far, an inverse moment is necessary or not sufficient to suppress such rotation of the clamp 100 during assembly.
[0041] The first sections 242 and 342 of the respective recesses 240 and 340 of the legs 200 and 300 may be parallel to each other and freely offset from each other in the X-axis direction by a gap 640. Similarly, the second sections 244 and 344 of the respective recesses 240 and 340 of the legs 200 and 300 may be parallel to each other. By implementing one or both of the functions of the gap 640 and the parallel arrangement of the first sections 242 and 342, an initial force required to rub the legs 200 and 300 against each other in a nested arrangement (e.g., as in Fig. 9), be as small as a force required to simply bend the legs 200 and 300. In other words, even if the legs 200 and 300 overlap, at least initially, it is not necessary to create additional resistance to bending the legs 200 and 300. Immediately after the legs 200 and 300 come into contact with each other, more specifically, when the first leg 200 comes into contact with the second portion 344 of the second leg 300 and the second leg 300 comes into contact with the second portion 244 of the first leg 200, the force may be increased to prevent the legs 200 and 300 from being excessively bent, or to promote the springback of the legs 200 and 300 to their original position after bending, or for other reasons.More specifically, a substantially maximum bending or resistance to bending of the legs 200 and 300 can be achieved by adjusting the lengths and angles of the first portions 242 and 342 or the second portions 244 and 344 of the respective recesses 240 and 340.
[0042] Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned end view of the bracket 100 in a state in which the hanger 700 is mounted thereon. Although not limited, the hanger 700 may, for example, be a hanger available as part of an EZ-Hanger (registered trademark) attached product from YKK Corporation and may be attached to an inner cover. The chuck 120 of the bracket 100 may be bent or deformed between a non-flexible or non-flexible state (shown) and a flexible or flexible state (not shown). The bending may be caused by an outward force exerted by the hanger 700 on the retaining flanges 160a and 160b of the chuck 120 during assembly of the hanger 700 to the bracket 100. More specifically, the bracket 100 may define the gap 168 (shown in FIG.1) or enlarge the dimension of the gap 168 to allow the suspender member 700 to pass through and be inserted. A tapered main body 710 of the hanger 700 and a side surface defined by the tapered body 710 can be pressed against the retaining flanges 160a and 160b, particularly against the innermost edge, which may be beveled or rounded. As shown in the figure, the main body 710 of the hanger 700 can be received in the hanger retaining cavity 138 and, once so received, can be held by the chuck base portion 140 of the chuck 120 in a state in which it is in contact with the retaining flanges 160a and 160b.A flange 720 of the hanger 700 may facilitate insertion of the hanger 700 into the chuck 120 by providing a surface on either side of a band 790 of the hanger 700 onto which an installer of the clamp 100 or another user may more easily press the hanger 700 into the clamp 100. The assembly or an assembly direction of the hanger 700 may be aligned with the center axis line 101 of the clamp 100.
[0043] As shown in the figure, the tabs 712a and 712b may extend from the inner surface 121 of the chuck 120. The tabs 712a and 712b may be dimensioned to engage or be configured to fit into one of a plurality of recesses 810a and 810b of the hanger 700, and accordingly, a position in a lateral direction (i.e., in the direction shown in Fig. 1) of the hanger 700 with respect to the bracket 100.
[0044] Each of the tip end portions 254 and 354 of the respective barbs 250 and 350 of the respective legs 200 and 300 may include an upwardly directed projection 750 such as a “nail” or a claw (and more generally a functional fastening unit) for tensile or pull-out strength (i.e., resistance to withdrawal of the staple 100 from the Fig. 10). Each of the projections 750 of the barbs 250 and 350 can define an inner or first side surface 751 and an outer or second side surface 752. More specifically, in some aspects, the first side surface 751 and the second side surface 752 can extend from or beyond the respective reference lines 256 and 356. In some aspects, the respective tip end portions 254 and 354 of the first barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the second barb 350 of the second leg 300 can extend beyond the corresponding inner barb shoulder portions 954 in the Z-axis direction of the staple 100.In some aspects, the protrusions 750 and the orientation angles of the tip ends 770 defined by the protrusions 750 may be angled relative to the remaining portions of the corresponding barbs 250 and 350 and / or the reference lines 256 and 356.
[0045] In some aspects, the tangents of the bracket to the first side surface 751 and the second side surface 752 with respect to the Y-axis direction may be angled at corresponding surface orientation angles 771 and 772, each forming 90 degrees or less, in either the non-flexible state or the flexible state of the legs 200 and 300, or in both states. On the other hand, a center line of the protrusion 750 or a bisector of the two tangents may define the orientation angle 770 at the tip end, which is 90 degrees or more. By defining the surfaces 751 and 752 in this way, the friction along the tip end portions 254 and 354, more specifically, along the surface of the base portion 1010 with which the protrusion 750 is brought into contact, increases, making it possible to easily suppress sliding and improve the pull-out strength.
[0046] Friction is generally a function of a force acting between two contacting surfaces, as well as properties of the surfaces and the joint, and can be captured or characterized by a coefficient of friction. As disclosed in the present specification, a force acting to pull the staple 100 out in a pointed shape and direction from each of the projections 750 of the tip end portions 254 and 354 can, of course, act on a relatively small area, which can be defined by the area of the projection 750 in contact with the base portion 1010. More specifically, the pull-out force can be concentrated rather than distributed over a large area, and therefore increases at the projections 750 and decreases at the tip end portions 254 and 354, where the projection 750 is smaller or nonexistent. Of course, the shape of the projections 750 can also increase the coefficient of friction.Although the protrusions 750 are defined as a radial structure through the use of the respective tip end portions 254 and 354, the actual clip 100 may be much smaller than the enlarged size shown (for example, each of the protrusions 750 may have a width and height of less than 1 mm), and manufacturability may be facilitated by incorporating the radial structure. Therefore, as described in the present specification, the tip end portions 254 and 354 may define a relatively small area to which a pull-out force is applied.
[0047] Fig. Fig. 8 is a side view of an assembly of the bracket 100 and the hanger 700 in a state in which the hanger is tilted in the directions of the X-axis, the Y-axis (in Fig. 7) and the Z-axis inside the hanger holding cavity 138 (in Fig. 7) of the chuck 120. Since each of the plurality of recesses 810a and 810b (810a in Fig. 7) with the tabs 712a and 712b (both in Fig. 7), the position of the hanger 700 within the clamp 100 can be adjusted laterally as desired. Immediately after inserting the hanger 700 into the chuck 120 of the clamp 100, the hanger 700 can be "locked" or fixed in this position relative to the clamp 100.
[0048] Fig. 9 is an end view showing the bracket 100 in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B in a state in which the two legs 200 and 300 are bent inward in the Y-axis direction, ie, in a bending state. When the bracket 100 changes from the non-flexible state to the flexible state due to a force exerted on the bracket 100 at the time of installation or removal, the bracket 100 can be pushed through the hole 1080 (in Fig. 10) of the base section 1010 (in Fig. 10) by bending the legs 200 and 300 toward each other. The first leg 200 and the second leg 300 can be configured to bend uniformly at the time of installation of the bracket 100. The first sections 210 and 310 of the respective legs 200 and 300 can serve as hinge points about which the second sections 220 and 320 and other sections can pivot, and the corresponding leg angles 228 and 328 can be reduced in the process. An overall width 910 of the bracket 100, measured through the legs 200 and 300, can be reduced by inserting the bracket 100 into the hole 1080 or by bending the legs 200 and 300 toward each other.
[0049] A portion 950 of each of the outer surfaces 222 and 322 of the respective legs 200 and 300 may be angled at an angle 970, which is an acute angle, with respect to the central axis line 101, thereby facilitating insertion of the staple 100 into the hole 1080. Further, the distal ends 204 and 304 of the respective legs 200 and 300 may define a respective radius R204 and R304, which facilitates insertion of the staple 100 into the hole 1080. Outer barbed shoulder portions 952 may extend from the respective tool engagement shoulder portions 232 and 332 (232 in Fig. 1B and Fig. 332 in Fig. 1A) and may be angled with respect to the respective tool engagement shoulder portions 232 and 332. Similarly, the inner barb shoulder portions 954 may extend from the corresponding second portions 220 and 320 of the respective legs 200 and 300 and may be angled with respect to the second portions 220 and 320. The outer barb shoulder portion 952 of each of the legs 200 and 300 may restrict the movement of the tool 1200 (in Fig. 12) with respect to the staple 100 along the central axis line 101 during removal of the staple 100, thus maintaining a condition in which the tool 1200 reliably engages the tool engagement shoulder portions 232 and 332. In some aspects, the barbed shoulder portions 952 and 954 of the respective legs 200 and 300 may be angled with respect to the central axis line 101.
[0050] Fig. Figure 10 is an end view of an assembly 1000 including the bracket 100 and the cover 1090 mounted on the base portion 1010, taken along line 10-10 in Fig. 11. The bracket 100, or more specifically, the legs 200 and 300, more clearly illustrate the structure of the base portion 1010 and are shown in a bent or deformed state to represent the shape of the bracket at the time of passing through an intermediate portion 1082 of the hole 1080. However, when the bracket 100 returns to the unbent or undeformed position after the bracket 100 is installed, a part of the hole 1080 is deformed, and the bracket 100 can be more reliably fixed in a fixed position. Although not limited, the base portion 1010 may be, for example, a cushion such as a seat cushion (not shown) of a vehicle seat or a backrest cushion of the vehicle seat after the bracket 100 is installed on the base portion 1010, or may include the cushion.The base portion 1010 may include a main body defining a bottom surface or first surface 1011 and a top surface or second surface 1012, and further defining one or more holes 1080 extending from the bottom surface 1011 to the top surface 1012. In some aspects, as illustrated in the figure, the intermediate portion 1082 of each hole 1080 defined in the base portion 1010 may have a width or diameter smaller than that of an upper portion or first portion 1084 of the same hole 1080 defined in the top surface 1012, or a lower portion or second portion 1086 of the same hole 1080 defined in the bottom surface 1011. In various aspects, the hole 1080 may have a square shape, a circular shape, or another shape to correspond to a shape or another shape of the bracket 100.In some aspects, as illustrated in the figure, the first portion 1084 may be a groove extending between the plurality of holes 1080 and adapted to receive the extended length of the hanger 700 therein. Any portion of the hole 1080, such as two side surfaces of the illustrated first portion 1084, may be sloped, i.e., angled with respect to the central axis line 1001, such that a lower end of the first portion 1084 may be smaller in at least one dimension than an upper end of the first portion 1084.
[0051] A step or variation in width or diameter between the intermediate portion 1082 and at least the first portion 1084 of the hole 1080 may form or define a stepped surface or a shoulder surface 1083. A step or variation in width or diameter between the intermediate portion 1082 and at least the second portion 1086 of the hole 1080 may provide or define a shoulder surface 1088. The barbs 250 and 350 of the respective legs 200 and 300 of the staple 100 may be captured and held by the shoulder surface 1088, and the position of the staple 100 may be actively maintained or fixed after assembly. In particular, the shoulder surface 1088 may include or define a domed portion 1089 that may be engaged, in particular, with the tip end portions 254 and 354 of the respective barbs 250 and 350 to suppress further movement.For example, although not limited, a force resulting from depressing the clip 100 and / or the hanger 700 and / or an upper portion of the cover 1090 with a tool or an operator's finger may force the clip 100 out through the hole 1080. The central axis line 101 of the clip 100 may be aligned with the central axis line 1001 of the base part 1010 at any time during the assembly process, continuing throughout the assembly process.
[0052] A plurality of clips 100 may be attached to the hanger 700 at desired positions before the clip 100 or the plurality of clips 100 are installed on the base portion 1010. Although not limited, the hanger 700 may be attached to the cover 1090, for example, using one or more stitching pieces, thereby defining one or more seams 1095. The cover 1090 may be a seat cover and, although not limited, may be made from a wide variety of flexible materials, such as natural or synthetic fabric and leather. The cover 1090 may have an inner surface 1091 that may face the base portion 1010 and an outer surface 1092 that may face away from the base portion 1010 or in a direction opposite the base portion 1010.The cover 1090 may be formed or defined from individual panels 1094a and 1094b and may be used to cover the base portion 1010.
[0053] In particular, if the cover 1090 is secured by assembling the hanger 700 with the clip 100 using a different method (although not shown, in a different hole spaced from the illustrated hole 1080), the cover 1090 can be tightened or greatly stretched on the top surface 1012 and any other surface of the base portion 1010 as desired. In a state in which the assembly 1000 is finally assembled, the base portion 1010 can be at least partially positioned between the cover 1090 and the barbs 250 and 350 of the clip 100. More specifically, the centerline 101 of the bracket can be aligned with the centerline 1001, and the legs 200 and 300 of the bracket 100 can be pressed against the inner surface of the base portion 1010 such as the shoulder surface 1088 at the intermediate portion 1082 of the hole 1080.As shown in the figure, the barbs 250 and 350 can suppress upward movement of the clip 100 even when a load is applied by the stretched cover 1090. The presence and extension of the hanger 700 on one side of the hole 1080, more specifically in the X-axis direction of the intermediate portion 1082, can prevent the clip 100 from passing through the hole 1080 and moving downward beyond the shoulder surface 1083 defined by the hole 1080. In some aspects, the resistance to inserting the clip 100 into the base portion 1010 can be overcome by the deformable nature of the base portion 1010 and by the continued use of the installation tool and / or the additional pressure applied to the clip 100 by the operator.
[0054] In some aspects, as illustrated in the figure, either the bracket 100 or the base portion 1010, or both, may form monolithic components. In some aspects, in particular, the base portion 1010 may comprise two or more layers or components sandwiched together. In some aspects, the base portion 1010, or a portion thereof, may be formed from a deformable material (e.g., a foam body, whether soft or hard). In some aspects, the base portion 1010, or a portion thereof, may be formed from a hard or rigid material, such as a molded, extruded, stamped, and / or machined material, although not limited to metal, plastic, or a composite material.A portion of a main body defining the bottom surface 1011 may function as a backing plate and, although not limited, may provide advantages such as providing greater rigidity to the base portion 1010 and making it more difficult for the clip 100 to be pulled through the hole 1080. In some aspects, when at least the base portion 1010 comprises a plurality of layers or portions, each portion may be formed from a deformable material or each portion may be formed from a hard or rigid material. The second portion 1086 of the hole 1080 may form a "blind" pocket (not shown, invisible when facing the bottom surface 1011) rather than a through-hole, passing entirely through the base portion 1010.
[0055] Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of the assembly 1000 according to another aspect of the present disclosure. More specifically, Fig. 11 the bracket 100 and the base section 1010, after the Fig. 10 has been installed on the base portion 1010, in a state in which the chuck 120 extends on the shoulder surface 1083. The first portion 1084 of the bore 1080 shown as a groove is wider and flatter than the first portion 1084 of the bore 1080 in Fig. 10.
[0056] Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of the tool 1200, which may be a pair of pliers, more specifically, a pair of needle-nose pliers, as shown. The tool 1200 may include handles 1210 and jaws 1220. A tip end portion 1224 of each of the jaws 1220 may be angled relative to a base end portion 1222 of the jaw 1220 to urge the tool 1200 against the bottom surface 1011 of the base portion 1010 without a hand of the operator of the tool 1200 coming into contact with the bottom surface 1011, and to position the tool 1200 slightly beneath the barbs 250 and 350 of the staple 100.
[0057] Fig. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly 1000 showing the tool 1200 in a process of removing the clamp 100 from the base portion 1010. As shown in the figure, the tip end portions 1224 of the respective jaws 1220 of the tool 1200 can be positioned with respect to the legs 200 and 300, more specifically with respect to the shoulder portions 232 and 332 that engage the tool (232 shown in Fig. 1B and Fig. 332 shown in Fig. 1A) and by an inward movement 1310 of one or both barbs 250 and 350, the handles 1210 (in Fig. 12) and pulled until the barbs 250 and 350 approach each other sufficiently to be able to pass through the hole 1080 and in particular the intermediate portion 1082.
[0058] In various aspects, the length of one or both legs 200 and 300, measured from the attachment points on the chuck 120, may be increased or decreased to accommodate the use of the clamp 100 on the base portion 1010 (shown in Fig. 10) the bending amount or thickness of the legs 200 and 300, or more precisely, on the base section 1010 (in Fig. 10), in which the intermediate section 1082 (in Fig. 10) of hole 1080 (in Fig. 10) is taller (or thicker) or shorter (or thinner). Variables that affect the flexibility of individual legs 200 and 300 generally include their length, leg thicknesses 209 and 309, and primary widths 207 and 307.
[0059] Although not explicitly shown, assembly 1000 (shown in Fig. 10) may comprise any of a plurality of aspects of the bracket 100 located with respect to a portion of the hole 1080 formed in the lower surface 1011 (shown in Fig. 10) or the base section 1010 (shown in Fig. 10). In various aspects, the bracket 100 can be installed in any number through the base portion 1010 to secure the cover 1090 (in Fig. 10). In some aspects, the bracket 100 may be defined with a specific number. In another aspect, a distance between brackets 100 adjacent in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may be set. As the number of brackets 100 increases and the distance between the adjacent brackets 100 decreases, the appearance may be improved in some aspects. In some aspects, but are not limited to, the distance between the brackets 100 may be set to, for example, at least 5 millimeters or at least the entire width of the brackets 100 in the X-axis direction. In some aspects, the distance between the brackets may be about 100 millimeters. In some aspects, it is possible to use any physically available distance.
[0060] For example, although not limited, the bracket 100 may be made from a variety of deformable materials, including a synthetic polymer capable of elastic deformation to the extent described. Examples of a synthetic polymer include polyoxymethylene (POM). The bracket 100 may be manufactured by an injection molding process, and although not limited, it is also contemplated that the bracket 100 may be manufactured by other processes, such as an extrusion molding process and / or a machining process. The base portion 1010 itself may be manufactured from any desired material using various processes, and this fact can be a great advantage in allowing the bracket 100 to provide a unique anchoring function without being dependent on the material of the base portion 1010.
[0061] Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of the assembly 1000 including the base portion 1010 or at least a portion of the assembly 1000. The base portion 1010 is configured, by way of example, as a seatback cushion of a vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the figure, the base portion 1010 may define the plurality of holes 1080, and each set may include a corresponding groove for retaining the hanger 700 (illustrated in Fig. 10) and a plurality of intermediate sections 1082 for receiving the bracket 100. The hole 1080 can be oriented anywhere in the base section, including an intersection area of the surface and other locations where it is useful to attach the cover 1090 (in Fig. 10) to be precisely or firmly held to the base portion 1010. For example, hole 1080 may include holes 1080a, 1080b, and 1080c.
[0062] Fig. 15 is a rear view of the assembly in Fig. 14 including the base portion 1010. As shown in the figure, the base portion 1010 may include a plurality of reinforcing rings 1510. Each of the reinforcing rings 1510 may be a bushing with a flange, a band, an annular body, a washer, a plate, a grommet, or any other shape that can receive the clamp 100 (shown in Fig. 16). Although not limited, the reinforcement ring 1510 may be formed from a solid material by an injection molding process or as a solid material. In this case, various shapes may be used for the reinforcement ring 1510. In some aspects, the reinforcement ring 1510 may include a wire or other cross member extending across the reinforcement ring 1510 to assist in the fixation or rotation suppression of the staple 100, regardless of the pressing or molding process. In some aspects, the reinforcement ring 1510 may define a recess on an outer surface in an axial direction of the reinforcement ring 1510, and in this case, the barbs 250 and 350 may be received in the recess.
[0063] As shown in the figure, a panel 1520 can be arranged between the reinforcement ring 1510 and the base portion 1010 and can be formed into any desired shape. The panel 1520, which can be used as an installation panel or reinforcement panel, can comprise or be formed from any nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a scrim of knitted fabric. As shown in the figure, a single panel 1520 can be laid under and between the plurality of desired reinforcement rings 1510 as a whole. At the same time, the use of the panel 1520 can be minimized by limiting the dimensions of the panels 1520. For example, the panel 1520 can extend a limited distance from an end portion or a center of the reinforcement rings 1510 and also extend between the adjacent reinforcement rings 1510, as desired.In some aspects, the panel 1520 can reduce or eliminate noises such as creaking that are heard when an end user of a vehicle sits in a seat that includes the base portion 1010. Although not limited, such noise can be caused, for example, by contact between the surface of the base portion 1010 and a structure (not shown) that supports the base portion 1010 when no panel 1520 is disposed therebetween. In some aspects, the panel 1520 can reinforce the base portion 1010 such that the reinforcement ring 1510 can compress the surface of the base portion 1010 over time during installation of the reinforcement ring 1510 or during use of an assembled product, such as a seat that includes the assembly 1000 (shown in FIG. Fig. 10) does not pull out or deform.
[0064] In some aspects, the panel 1520, the reinforcement ring 1510, or both the panel 1520 and the reinforcement ring 1510 may be assembled at a predetermined position before or during the formation of the base portion 1010. For example, although not limited, the panel 1520 or the reinforcement ring 1510 may be disposed within a mold used to form the base portion 1010, they may be formed as part of the base portion 1010 during the molding process, they may be assembled simultaneously, and they may be attached to the base portion 1010. In particular, the reinforcement ring 1510 may contain a magnetic material, such as iron, and thus be attracted to an inner surface of the mold during the molding process.In some aspects, the panel 1520, the reinforcement ring 1510, or both the panel 1520 and the reinforcement ring 1510 may be assembled at a predetermined position after the formation of the base portion 1010. For example, although not limited, the panel 1520 may be positioned or fixed with respect to the base portion 1010 after molding, and in some aspects, it is advantageous for a hole 1680 (in FIG. Fig. 16) of the base portion 1010, a hole (not shown) of the panel 1520, or both the hole 1680 of the base portion 1010 and the hole of the panel 1520 may be formed in advance to facilitate positioning of the panel 1520, and the reinforcing ring 1510 may be easily received without further cutting or forming the base portion 1010. Although not limited, the reinforcing ring 1510 may be assembled to the base portion 1010 by one or more different methods, such as friction between the reinforcing ring 1510 and the base portion 1010 or an adhesive, or it may be formed at a predetermined position on the base portion 1010 by an overmolding process or the like.
[0065] Fig. 16 is a detailed view of the bracket 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating a state of installation on the base portion 1010 (in Fig. 14) by one of the plurality of reinforcing rings 1510 from a detail section 16 in Fig. 15. As shown in the figure, the central axis line 101 may be substantially aligned with an axis 1601 of the reinforcement ring 1510. An inner diameter 1660 of any one of the plurality of reinforcement rings 1510 or each of the reinforcement rings 1510 may be set to a small dimension sufficient to allow the barbs 250 and 350 of the respective legs 200 and 300 to pass through during installation and to engage the same barbs 250 and 350 after installation. More specifically, the inner diameter 1660 may be larger than the entire width 910 (shown in Fig. 9) the legs 200 and 300 of the clamp 100 when the clamp, more specifically the legs 200 and 300, are in the bent position. At the same time, the inner diameter 1660 may be smaller than the total width 910 of the legs 200 and 300 of the clamp 100 when the clamp, specifically the legs 200 and 300, are in the non-bend position or in the final engagement position after installation. An outer diameter 1670 of any one of the plurality of reinforcement rings 1510 or each of the reinforcement rings 1510 may be larger than the total width 910 of the legs 200 and 300 of the clamp 100 in any position or state, including the non-bend position or the final engagement position after installation.
[0066] Fig. 17 is a side perspective view showing a state in which the staple 100 is installed through the reinforcing ring 1510. As shown in the figure, the tip end portions 254 and 354 of the respective barbs 250 and 350 may contact an outer surface 1511 of the reinforcing ring 1510, while the barbs 250 and 350 of the respective legs 200 and 300 are engaged with the reinforcing ring 1510. As shown in the figure, a bore 1780 of the reinforcing ring 1510 may be a hole 1080b that includes an intermediate portion 1082b and may define the hole 1080b. Fig. 17, a slight overlap can be seen between the legs 200 and 300 of the bracket 100 and the reinforcing ring 1510, but such overlap need not exist in all aspects or in every aspect.
[0067] In some aspects, the hole 1080, the intermediate portion 1082 thereof, a hole (not shown) defined in the panel 1520 for receiving the reinforcement ring 1510, or the bore 1780 may have a circular shape. In another aspect, the hole 1080, the intermediate portion 1082 thereof, the hole defined in the panel 1520 for receiving the reinforcement ring 1510, or the bore 1780 may have a rectangular shape or, more generally, a polygonal shape. In some aspects, the hole 1080, the intermediate portion 1082 thereof, the hole defined in a panel 3620 for receiving the reinforcement ring 1510, or the bore 1780 may have a different shape. Although not limited, the hole 1080, the intermediate portion 1082 thereof, the hole defined in the panel 1520 for receiving the reinforcing ring 1510, or the bore 1780 may be formed from the base portion 1010, the panel 1520, or thethe reinforcement ring 1510 using a stamping process, or may be integrally formed during manufacture of the base portion 1010, the panel 1520, or the reinforcement ring 1510, respectively.
[0068] As described in WO2020 / 245670 published on December 10, 2020, which is incorporated into the present specification by reference, the cover 1090 (in Fig. 10) with the hanger 700 (in Fig. 10) and the clamp 100 by a simple tool configured to press against the seam 1095 (in Fig. 10) is pressed to the base portion 1010. This force then acts on the hanger 700 and the clamp 100 to connect the clamp 100 to the base part 1010.
[0069] An assembly method may include obtaining the base portion 1010, which may define the first surface 1011, the second surface 1012, and the plurality of holes 1080 extending from the first surface 1011 to the second surface 1012. This method may include inserting the bracket 100 into the hole 1080 defined in the base portion 1010 and engaging the bracket with the hole 1080 in an engageable manner. Inserting the bracket 100 into the hole 1080 defined in the base portion 1010 may include aligning the central axis line 101 of the bracket 100 with the central axis line 1001 of the hole 1080 defined in the base portion 1010. This method may include manually or mechanically attaching the bracket 100.In some aspects, engaging the staple 100 with the hole 1080 in an engaging manner may include engaging the first barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the second barb 350 of the second leg 300 with the base portion 1010 by approaching the first surface 1011 of the base portion 1010 or by contacting the first surface 1011 of the base portion 1010. More specifically, this method may include interlocking the first barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the second barb 350 of the second leg 300, more specifically the tip end portions 254 and 354, with the domed portion 1089 of the base portion 1010.In some aspects, engaging the staple in an engageable manner may include bringing the surface of the base portion 1010 into contact with the respective tip end portions 254 and 354 of the first barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the second barb 350 of the second leg 300. More specifically, the respective tip end portions 254 and 354 of the first barb 250 of the first leg 200 and the second barb 350 of the second leg 300 may extend beyond the corresponding inner barb shoulder portions 954 in the Z-axis direction. This method may further include sliding the seam 1095 of the cover 1090 forming the staple 100 to fully engage the base portion 1010.In some aspects, engaging the clip 100 with the base portion 1010 may include pushing the clip 100 from the outer surface 1092 of the cover 1090 with an assembly tool. In some aspects, engaging the clip 100 with the base portion 1010 may include directly or indirectly manually or mechanically pushing the clip 100 through the cover 1090. In some aspects, engaging the clip 100 into the hole 1080 may include increasing the total leg offset distance 602 as the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 contact and move in the Y-axis direction while rubbing against each other. During assembly, the clamp 100 may be configured so that it does not rotate when inserted into the base section 1010 if there is no inverse moment to suppress the rotation of the clamp 100 about the insertion direction of the clamp, e.g., the Z-axis direction.When one or more structures disclosed in the present description are used, such rotation can be suppressed, and the bracket 100 can be pushed into the hole 1080 by fully applying a bracket insertion force without rotating the bracket 100. In some aspects, the advantages of not rotating the bracket 100 during installation may include reducing the installation force of the bracket, reducing the load on the bracket 100 during installation, and making it very easy to position the bracket and maintain the positioning of the bracket 100 in the opening 1080 of the base portion.
[0070] This procedure may involve mounting the bracket 100 on the hanger 700 (shown in Fig. 7) prior to assembling the clip 100 to the base portion 1010. This method may include reducing the overall width 910 of the clip 100 at the legs 200 and 300 by depressing an upper portion of the clip 100 in a direction that is angled relative to the overall width 910. Although not limited, this method may include, for example, removing the clip 100 from a mating piece such as the base portion 1010 using the tool 1200. In some aspects, the method of removing the clip 100 with the tool 1200 may further include engaging the tool 1200 with the tool engagement shoulder portion 232 of the first leg 200 and the tool engagement shoulder portion 332 of the second leg 300 of the clip 100. This method may further include bending the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 toward each other by the tool 1200.In some aspects, the method may further include pushing the staple 100 downward (i.e., in a negative Z-axis direction) at the upper portion while the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are bent toward each other by the tool 1200.
[0071] Next, a modification of the bracket 100 will be described in which the dimensions of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 in the up-down direction are reduced to correspond to a case where the intermediate portion 1082 (see Fig. 10) formed between the pair of upper and lower shoulder surfaces 1083 and 1088 of the base portion 1010 is thin in the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction) (see Fig. 26). The intermediate section 1082 can be described as a form.
[0072] Fig. 18A and Fig. 18B are a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of the bracket 100 according to a modification of the present disclosure. Fig. 19 is an end view or a front view of the bracket 100 according to the modification. Fig. 20 is a first side view of the bracket 100 according to the modification. Fig. 21 is a second side view of the bracket 100 according to the modification. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the bracket 100 according to the modification. Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the bracket 100 according to the modification. Fig. 24 is a partially sectional end view of the bracket 100 according to the modification in a state where the hanger 700 is mounted thereon. Fig. 25 is an end view showing the bracket 100 according to the modification in a state where the two legs 200 and 300 are bent inward in the Y-axis direction, that is, in a bent or deformed state. Fig. 26 is an end view of the assembly 1000 including the bracket 100 according to the modification and the cover 1090 mounted on the base portion 1010, which is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 10 is.
[0073] As described above, since the bracket 100 according to the present modification corresponds to a case where the intermediate portion 1082 of the base portion 1010, which is also referred to as a shape, is thin (see Fig. 26), the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are shorter in the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction) than the one in Fig. 1A to 10 described bracket 100. More precisely, as in Fig. 19, a dimension L in the top-bottom direction from the distal ends 204 and 304 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 to the bottom surface 140a of the chuck base portion 140 of the chuck 120 is short. Other configurations of the clamp 100 according to the present modification are substantially the same as those of the clamp 100 shown in FIGS. Fig. 1A to 10, and therefore, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
[0074] The chuck 120 of the clamp 100 according to the present modification includes the chuck base portion 140 extending in a planar shape in an X direction and a Y direction, the pair of chuck walls 150a and 150b extending from the chuck base portion 140, and the pair of holding flanges 160a and 160b extending from the respective chuck walls 150a and 150b.
[0075] The pair of chuck walls 150a and 150b includes the inclined portions 151a and 151b connected to both end portions of the chuck base portion 140 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) and inclined upward toward the front-rear direction, and the vertical portions 152a and 152b connected to the respective upper end portions of the inclined portions 151a and 151b and extending upward parallel to the central axis line 101.
[0076] In the Fig. In the bracket 100 described in FIGS. 1A to 10, the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are connected to the respective inclined portions 151a and 151b and extend downward. In contrast, in the bracket 100 according to the present modification, the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are connected to the respective vertical portions 152a and 152b, extend in the front-to-rear direction, and then extend downward.
[0077] The proximal ends 203 and 303 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are connected to the lower end positions of the vertical portions 152a and 152b of the outer surface 122 of the chuck 120. In the illustrated example, the connecting portions of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 to the chuck 120 are located above an upper surface 140b of the chuck base portion 140 and are arranged at positions that overlap with the tabs 712a and 712b in the up-down direction. The connecting portions of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 with the chuck 120 are not particularly limited as long as the connecting portions are located above the upper surface 140b of the chuck base portion 140, and may be connected to middle portions or upper portions in the up-down direction of the vertical portions 152a and 152b of the outer surface 122 of the chuck 120.
[0078] The first portions 210 and 310 include extension portions 212 and 312 extending in the front-to-back direction from the chuck 120, and suspended portions 213 and 313 extending downward from end portions in the front-to-back direction of the respective extension portions 212 and 312 and having a substantially L-shaped configuration as viewed from the X-axis direction. The inner surfaces of the first portions 210 and 310 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 include groove portions 211 and 311 recessed upward to be separated from the chuck 120 in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). In the illustrated example, the groove portions 211 and 311 have a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, but the shape is not particularly limited.The proximal ends of the groove portions 211 and 311 connected to the chuck 120 are smoothly connected to the outer surfaces of the inclined portions 151a and 151b of the chuck walls 150a and 150b, respectively.
[0079] In the present modification, since the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are short, the bending rigidity is high, and when the clamp 100 is inserted through the hole 1080 (see Fig. 26) of the base portion 1010, there is a concern that it is difficult to bend the two legs 200 and 300 inward in the Y-axis direction. However, as described above, since the groove portions 211 and 311 are provided in the inner surfaces of the proximal ends 203 and 303 of the legs 200 and 300, respectively, the bending amount of the legs 200 and 300 can be increased. Therefore, the bracket 100 can be inserted through the hole 1080 (see Fig. 26) of the base section 1010 to ensure trouble-free assembly.
[0080] Since the proximal ends 203 and 303 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are connected to the vertical portions 152a and 152b of the outer surface 122 of the chuck 120, respectively, the curvature of the groove portions 211 and 311 can be increased and the bending amount of the legs 200 and 300 can be increased compared to a connection with the inclined portions 151a and 151b.
[0081] Since the proximal ends 203 and 303 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300 are connected to the vertical portions 152a and 152b of the outer surface 122 of the chuck 120, respectively, the dimension of the clamp 100 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) can be reduced as a whole, and the clamp 100 can be made compact compared to when connected to the inclined portions 151a and 151b.
[0082] Although not shown, the clamp 100 according to the present modification may also be provided with tool engagement shoulder portions 232 and 332 (see Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B).
[0083] The first leg 200 and the second leg 300 of the bracket 100 according to the present modification may define the recesses 240 and 340, respectively. The recesses 240 and 340 may be formed in the first end portions 205 and 305 of the first leg 200 and the second leg 300, respectively. The end portion (e.g., the first end portion 205) in which the recess 240 is formed in the first leg 200 may be opposite the end portion of the second leg 300 in which the recess 340 is formed. In some aspects, the recess 240 and the recess 340 may be opposite each other in the X-axis direction on the opposite side. The recesses 240 and 340 may be angled with respect to the inner surfaces 221 and 321, respectively. The recesses 240 and 340 of the Fig. 1A to 10 have two sections (the first sections 242 and 342 and the second sections 244 and 344) with different inclination angles, but the recesses 240 and 340 according to the present modification are formed from only one section. The recesses 240 and 340 according to the present modification can be arranged parallel to each other. Due to the parallel arrangement of the recesses 240 and 340, as shown, for example, in Fig. 25, the initial force required to rub the legs 200 and 300 against each other in the nested arrangement can be as small as the force required to simply bend the legs 200 and 300. In other words, even if the legs 200 and 300 overlap, at least initially, there is no need to create additional resistance to bend the legs 200 and 300.
[0084] In particular, conditional words such as "may," "could," "possible," and "may" are generally intended to indicate that a particular aspect includes a particular functional unit, element, and / or step, and other aspects will not include the particular functional unit, element, and / or step, unless otherwise stated or understood in the context of use. Therefore, such conditional words are generally not intended to imply that a functional unit, element, and / or step is required in any form in one or more particular aspects, or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic to determine whether the functional unit, element, and / or step is included in a particular aspect or is to be performed regardless of the presence or absence of user input or command.
[0085] It should be emphasized that the aspects described above are merely possible examples of implementations presented solely for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Each process description or block in the flowchart should be understood to represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a particular logical function or step in a process, and also includes an alternative implementation that does not include or cannot perform a function. One skilled in the art of the present disclosure will understand that, depending on the associated functions, the implementation may be performed in a different order than the order of presentation or description, including substantially at the same time or in reverse order.Many variations and modifications may be made to the aspects described above without materially affecting the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to include any combination of all elements, functional units, and aspects described above, as well as any combination of lower levels. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of all possible claims for combinations of individual aspects, elements, or steps is supported by the present disclosure.
[0086] This application is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 675,638, filed on February 18, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 brackets 101 central axis line 105a, 105b chuck wall 160a, 160b retaining flange 120 chucks 138 Hanger holding cavity 140 chuck base 140a lower surface 140b upper surface 150a, 150b chuck wall 151a, 151b oblique section 152a, 152b vertical section 200 first leg 300 second leg 203, 303 proximal end 204, 304 distal end 207, 307 primary width 237, 337 secondary width 210, 242, 310, 342, 1084 first section 211, 311 groove section 212, 312 Extension section in direction of travel front / rear 213, 313 suspended section 220, 244, 320, 344, 1086 second section 230, 330 third section 232, 332 tool engagement shoulder section 240, 340 recess 250 first barbs 350 second barb 252, 352, 1010 base section 254, 354 tip end section 256, 356 reference line 316 Center line 700 hangers 750 lead 751 first side surface 752 second side surface 952 Shoulder section of the outer barb 954 Shoulder section of the inner barb 1000 assemblies 1001 center line 1011 first area 1012 second area 1080 holes 1082 Intermediate section 1083, 1088 shoulder area 1089 vaulted section 1090 Cover 1200 tools 1510 reinforcement ring QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] WO 2020 / 245670
[0068] US 17 / 675,638
[0086]
Claims
[1] A clamp (100) for securing a cover (1090) to a base portion (1010), the clamp (100) comprising: a chuck (120) defining a hanger retaining cavity (138), the hanger retaining cavity (138) having a dimension and a configuration for receiving a hanger (700) attached to the cover (1090); a first leg (200) extending from the chuck (120) and having a first barb (250), the first barb (250) extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the staple (100); and a second leg (300) extending from the chuck (120) and having a second barb (350), the second barb (350) extending outwardly with respect to the central axis line of the staple (100), wherein a total leg offset distance (602) between a centerline (202) of the barb (250) of the first leg (200) and a centerline (302) of the barb (350) of the second leg (300), measured in an X-axis direction of the staple (100), is equal to or less than a secondary width (237, 337) of either the barb (250) of the first leg (200) or the barb (350) of the second leg (300) in the X-axis direction. [2] Clamp (100) according to claim 1, wherein both the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) define a tool engagement shoulder portion (232, 332) near a distal end (204, 304) of both the first leg (200) and the second leg, the tool engagement shoulder portion (232) of the first leg (200) and the tool engagement shoulder portion (332) of the second leg (300) are substantially parallel to each other when the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) are in a non-flexible state, and the tool engagement shoulder portion (232) of the first leg (200) and the tool engagement shoulder portion (332) of the second leg (300) are configured to be simultaneously engaged by a tool (1200) during removal, thereby bringing them into proximity with each other during removal by the tool (1200). [3] Clamp (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first leg (200) and at least a part of the second leg (300) are point-symmetric, and at least the part of the first leg (200) and at least the part of the second leg (300) are plane-symmetrical. [4] The clip (100) of claim 1, wherein the first leg (200) defines a recess (240) in an end portion (205) of the first leg (200), the second leg (300) defines a recess (340) in an end portion (305) of the second leg (300), and the recess (240) of the first leg (200) and the recess (340) of the second leg (300) point to opposite sides in the X-axis direction. [5] Clamp (100) according to claim 4, wherein each of the recesses (240, 340) of the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) defines a first portion (242, 342) and a second portion (244, 344), and the second portion (244, 344) is angled with respect to the first portion (242, 342), the first sections (242, 342) of the recesses (240, 340) of the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) are parallel to each other, and the second sections (244, 344) of the recesses (240, 340) of the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) are parallel to each other. [6] The clamp (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) is configured such that the total leg offset distance is increased when the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) contact each other in a Y-axis direction and move while rubbing against each other. [7] The clip (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) overlap in the X-axis direction, but the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) may rub against each other at the time of a bending state and accordingly overlap at least partially in the Y-axis direction. [8] The bracket (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bracket (100) is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis line. [9] Assembly comprising: the suspension (700); and the clamp (100) according to claim 1, wherein the clamp (100) is attached to the hanger (700). [10] Clamp (100) for attaching a cover (1090) to a base part (1010), the clamp (100) comprising a chuck (120) defining a hanger retaining cavity (138), the hanger retaining cavity (138) having a dimension and a configuration for receiving a hanger (700) attached to the cover (1090); a first leg (200) extending from the chuck (120) and having a first barb (250), the first barb (250) extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the staple (100); and a second leg (300) extending from the chuck (120) and having a second barb (350), the second barb (350) extending outwardly with respect to the central axis line of the staple (100), wherein a tip end portion of each of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) is angled with respect to a remaining portion of the corresponding barb. [11] Clamp (100) according to claim 10, wherein each of the first barbs (250) and the second barbs (350) defines an inner barb shoulder portion extending from a portion of the corresponding leg extending from the chuck (120) and angled with respect to the portion of the corresponding leg, the tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) extend beyond corresponding reference lines of the barbs, and each of the reference lines is defined by a tangent of the corresponding inner barb shoulder portion closest to the tip end portion, but does not include the tip end portion when the staple (100) is viewed along an X-axis direction. [12] The staple (100) of claim 10, wherein each of the tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) defines a first side surface and a second side surface, respectively, and each of the tangents of the staple (100) to the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, defines a plane side angle (azimuth angle) of the staple (100) with respect to a Y-axis direction that is 90 degrees or less. [13] The staple (100) according to claim 10, wherein each of the tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) defines a first side surface and a second side surface, and an orientation angle of the tip end portion of the staple (100) with respect to a Y-axis direction is defined to be 90 degrees or more. [14] Assembly comprising: a base portion (1010) defining a hole configured to receive the bracket (100), the hole defining a curved portion; and the staple (100) of claim 10, wherein the tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) engage the curved portion. [15] The clip (100) of claim 10, wherein the clip (100) is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis line. [16] Assembly comprising: the hanger (700); and the clamp (100) according to claim 10, wherein the clamp (100) is attached to the hanger (700). [17] Method comprising: Inserting a clamp (100) for securing an inner cover (1090) into a hole defined in a base portion (1010), wherein the bracket (100) comprises: a chuck (120) defining a hanger retaining cavity (138), the hanger retaining cavity (138) having a dimension and a configuration for receiving a hanger (700) attached to the inner cover (1090) a first leg (200) extending from the chuck (120) and having a first barb (250), the first barb (250) extending outwardly with respect to a central axis line of the staple (100), and a second leg (300) extending from the chuck (120) and having a second barb (350), the second barb (350) extending outwardly with respect to the central axis line of the staple (100), and a distance between a center line of the barb of the first leg (200) and a center line of the barb of the second leg (300) in an X-axis direction of the staple (100) is equal to or less than a thickness of either the barb of the first leg (200) or the barb of the second leg (300) in the X-axis direction; and Inserting the bracket (100) into the hole defined in the base portion (1010) without applying a moment for promoting rotation of the bracket (100) about the X-axis direction or an inverse moment for suppressing rotation of the bracket (100) about a Z-axis direction of the bracket (100). [18] The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the clip (100) into the hole includes a total leg offset distance that increases as the first leg (200) and the second leg (300) contact and move in a Y-axis direction while rubbing against each other, and the method further includes engaging the clip (100) with the hole of the base portion (1010) in an engageable manner. [19] The method of claim 18, wherein the first barb (250) extends from a portion of the first leg (200) extending from the chuck (120) and defines an inner barb shoulder portion angled with respect to the portion of the first leg (200), the second barb (350) extends from a portion of the second leg (300) extending from the chuck (120) and defines an inner barb shoulder portion angled with respect to the portion of the second leg (300), and engaging the staple (100) in the engageable manner comprises bringing a surface of the base portion (1010) into contact with tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300), and each of the tip end portions of the first barb (250) of the first leg (200) and the second barb (350) of the second leg (300) extends in the Z-axis direction beyond the corresponding inner barb shoulder portion. [20] The method of claim 17, wherein the bracket (100) is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis line.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Clip for upholstery cover
WO2020245670A1
US-PATENTANMELDUNGNR.17/675,638
US17675638B2
