Cap nut retainer

Abstract

A first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer includes a support, a fastener neck ring, and a wing. The fastener neck ring defines an opening and extends downward from the support. The wing extends from the support and has a apex between the support and the fastener neck ring.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 890,395, filed August 22, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a fastening system, and more particularly to a cap nut retainer system configured to securely connect a plurality of components together. BACKGROUND

[0004] In recent years, retainers have been developed for fastening a plurality of panels to one another. For example, vehicles include various panels (e.g., metal or polymeric panels) that are connected to one another to form a vehicle body, a vehicle door, and a vehicle interior.

[0005] Certain known retainers are configured to fit into an opening defined in a panel. When a fastener is threaded into the retainer, the retainer expands to fixedly engage the panel.

[0006] However, the fit of these known retainers does not securely engage relatively thin panels, either before or after installation of the fastener. Relative movement between the retainer and the panel can cause the fastener in the retainer to become misaligned, emit a rattling noise, and / or wear the panel.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a cap nut that is configured to be held in a secure, fixed position relative to a relatively thin component, such as a panel. SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, an example cap nut retainer is disclosed that includes a support, a fastener neck ring, and a wing. The fastener neck ring defines an opening and extends downward from the support. The wing extends from the support and has a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring.

[0009] In another aspect, an example cap nut retainer is disclosed that includes a support, a fastener neck ring, and a wing. The fastener neck ring defines an opening and extends downward from the support. The wing has a bend that curves from the support to a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring.

[0010] In another aspect, an example cap nut retainer is disclosed that includes a support, a fastener neck ring, and a wing. The fastener neck ring defines an opening and extends downward from the support. The wing has a top extension that diagonally extends from the support to a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring. Brief description of the attached figures

[0011] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another isometric view of the first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 End view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figures 1-3 Another end view of the first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figures 1-4 Side view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figures 1-5 Another side view of the first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figures 1-6 A top view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figures 1-7 A bottom view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figures 1-8 The first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 9-9;

[0020] Figure 10 It is installed in the panel Figures 1-9 An isometric view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0021] Figure 11 It is installed in Figure 10 In the panel Figures 1-10 A top view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0022] Figure 12 It is installed in Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the panel Figures 1-11 A bottom view of a first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0023] Figure 13 It is installed in Figures 10-12 In the panel Figures 1-12 The first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 13-13;

[0024] Figure 14 This is a side view of a first exemplary assembly, which includes... Figures 1-13 The installation Figures 10-13 A first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer in the panel and used with fasteners;

[0025] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A bottom view of the first exemplary assembly;

[0026] Figure 16 yes Figure 13 and Figure 14 The first exemplary assembly along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 16-16;

[0027] Figure 17 This is an isometric view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Another isometric view of the second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0029] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 and Figure 18 A second exemplary end view of a cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figures 17-19 Another end view of the second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0031] Figure 21 yes Figures 17-20 Side view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0032] Figure 22 yes Figures 17-21 Another side view of the second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0033] Figure 23 yes Figures 17-22 A top view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0034] Figure 24 yes Figures 17-23 A bottom view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0035] Figure 25 yes Figures 17-24 The second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer along Figure 24 A cross-sectional view taken along section line 25-25;

[0036] Figure 26 It is installed in Figures 10-16 In the panel Figures 17-25 A top view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0037] Figure 27 It is installed in Figures 10-16 and Figure 26 In the panel Figures 17-26 A bottom view of a second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0038] Figure 28 It is installed in Figures 10-16 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 In the panel Figures 17-27 The second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer along Figure 27 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 28-28;

[0039] Figure 29 This is a side view of a second exemplary assembly, which includes components mounted on... Figures 10-16 and Figures 26-28 In the panel and with Figures 14-16 Fasteners used together Figures 17-28 A second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer;

[0040] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A bottom view of the second exemplary assembly; and

[0041] Figure 31 yes Figure 29 and Figure 30 The second exemplary assembly along Figure 30 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line 31-31.

[0042] Before detailing the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to limit its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of different ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof is intended to cover all items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Embodiments of this disclosure provide features for the first and second cap nut retainers that facilitate mounting the first and second cap nut retainers into relatively thin panels and thus provide attachment points for fasteners to the relatively thin panels.

[0044] exist Figures 1-16 The image depicts a first exemplary cap nut retainer 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cap nut retainer 100 includes a support member 102 extending through the length of the cap nut retainer 100. (Refer to...) Figures 1-6 , Figures 8-10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The cap-shaped nut retainer 100 further includes a fastener collar 106, a first wing 110, and a second wing 112.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 8-10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The support member 102 and the fastener neck 106 define an opening 116. More specifically, the fastener neck 106 extends downward from the support member 102 to define the opening 116. The opening 116 extends through the support member 102. The fastener neck 106 is centrally positioned relative to the support member 102. (See reference...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figures 10-12 The support member 102 includes a first protrusion 122, a second protrusion 124, a third protrusion 126, and a fourth protrusion 128. The first protrusion 122 is opposite to the second protrusion 124. The third protrusion 126 is opposite to the fourth protrusion 128. The first protrusion 122 is adjacent to both the third and fourth protrusions 126 and 128. The second protrusion 124 is adjacent to both the third and fourth protrusions 126 and 128. Therefore, the support member 102 is generally cross-shaped. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The fastener collar 106 is located between the first protrusion 122, the second protrusion 124, the third protrusion 126, and the fourth protrusion 128. (Refer to...) Figures 1-4 and Figures 7-13 The first tab 122 includes a first retaining recess 132. The second tab 124 includes a second retaining recess 134. The first tab 122 is longer than the third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128. The second tab 124 is longer than the third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 andFigure 10 The first wing 110 includes a first leg 138, a second leg 140, a first connector 142, and a first latching arm 144. The first connector 142 is connected to the first leg 138 and the second leg 140. The first latching arm 144 extends from the first connector 142 between the first leg 138 and the second leg 140. The first leg 138 and the second leg 140 are preferably C-shaped. The first latching arm 144 is L-shaped. The first latching arm 144 extends outward and diagonally beyond the first leg 138 and the second leg 140 toward the support 102.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 The second wing includes a third leg 148, a fourth leg 150, a second connector 152, and a second latching arm 154. The second connector 152 is connected to the third leg 148 and the fourth leg 150. The second latching arm 154 extends from the second connector 152 towards the support member 102 between the third leg 148 and the fourth leg 150. The third leg 148 and the fourth leg 150 are preferably C-shaped. The second latching arm 154 is L-shaped. The second latching arm 154 extends outward and diagonally towards the support member 102 beyond the third leg 148 and the fourth leg 150. The second latching arm 154 extends beyond the support member 102. The first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 extend in opposite directions to each other.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 The first wing 110 and the second wing 112 are connected to the support member 102 opposite to each other. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 10 More specifically, the first leg 138 and the third leg 148 are connected to the third tab 126 opposite to each other. Further, the second leg 140 and the fourth leg 150 are connected to the fourth tab 128 opposite to each other.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 The first leg 138 includes a first top extension 158, a first lower extension 160, and a first bottom extension 162. The first top extension 158 includes a first bend 164. The first bend 164 is arc-shaped. The first top extension 158 is connected to the support 102 via a third tab 126. The first lower extension 160 is connected to the first top extension 158 and the first bottom extension 162. The first top extension 158 extends downwardly in a curved manner from the third tab 126 between the fastener collar 106 and the first tab 122.

[0050] Reference Figure 3The second leg 140 includes a second top extension 168, a second lower extension 170, and a second bottom extension 172. The second top extension includes a second bend 174, which is arc-shaped. The second top extension 168 is connected to the support 102 via a fourth tab 128. The second lower extension 170 is connected to the second top extension 168 and the second bottom extension 172. The second top extension 168 extends downwardly in a curved manner from the fourth tab 128 between the fastener collar 106 and the first tab 122. (See reference...) Figure 8 The first bottom extension 162 is connected to the second bottom extension 172 via the first connector 142.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 The third leg 148 includes a third top extension 178, a third lower extension 180, and a third bottom extension 182. The third top extension 178 includes a third bend 184. The third bend 184 is arc-shaped. The third top extension 178 is connected to the support 102 opposite to the first top extension 158 via a third tab 126. The third lower extension 180 connects to the third top extension 178 and the third bottom extension 182. The third top extension 178 extends downwardly in a curved manner from the third tab 126 between the fastener collar 106 and the second tab 124.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 The fourth leg 150 includes a fourth top extension 188, a fourth lower extension 190, and a fourth bottom extension 192. The fourth top extension includes a fourth bend 194, which is arc-shaped. The fourth top extension 188 is connected to the support 102 opposite to the second top extension 168 via a fourth tab 128. The fourth lower extension 190 connects to the fourth top extension 188 and the fourth bottom extension 192. The fourth top extension 188 extends downwardly in a curved manner from the fourth tab 128 between the fastener collar 106 and the second tab 124. (See reference...) Figure 8 The third bottom extension 182 is connected to the fourth bottom extension 192 via the second connector 152.

[0053] Reference Figure 7 The first top extension 158 and the second top extension 168 are generally parallel to each other. The third top extension 178 and the fourth top extension 188 are also generally parallel to each other.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 The first lower extension 160 and the first top extension 158 define a first apex 198. Additionally, the first lower extension 160 and the first bottom extension 162 define a first bottom 200.

[0055] Reference Figure 3The second lower extension 170 and the second top extension 168 define the second apex 204. Additionally, the second lower extension 170 and the second bottom extension 172 define the second bottom apex 206.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 The third lower extension 180 and the third top extension 178 define the third top corner 210. In addition, the third lower extension 180 and the third bottom extension 182 define the third bottom corner 212.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 The fourth lower extension 190 and the fourth top extension 188 define the fourth apex 216. Additionally, the fourth lower extension 190 and the fourth bottom extension 192 define the fourth bottom 218.

[0058] Reference Figures 1-13 The cap nut retainer 100 is shown in the relaxed state 224. (Refer to...) Figures 14-16 The cap-shaped nut retainer 100 is shown in the deployed state 226. (Refer to...) Figures 1-4 , Figures 7-13 When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the relaxed state 224, the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 overlap each other at the overlap region 232. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 7-13 The overlapping area 232 at least partially covers the opening 116. (See reference...) Figure 3 When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the relaxed state 224, the second apex 204 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the first protrusion 122. When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the relaxed state 224, the fourth apex 216 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the second protrusion 124. (Refer to...) Figure 4 When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the relaxed state 224, the first apex 198 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the first tab 122. When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the relaxed state 224, the third apex 210 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the second tab 124.

[0059] Reference Figures 10-13 A first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer 100 is mounted in a panel 236. The panel 236 defines a hole 238. (See reference...) Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 Panel 236 includes a wall 240 and a top surface 242. (See reference...) Figure 12 and Figure 13 Panel 236 includes a bottom surface 244. (See reference...)Figures 10-13 More specifically, wall 240 defines hole 238. (See reference...) Figures 10-12 Hole 238 is non-circular (e.g., rectangular, square, polygonal, oval, etc.).

[0060] Reference Figures 14-17 A first exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer 100 is mounted in a panel 236 and engages with a fastener 248 (e.g., a screw or bolt). The fastener 248 has external threads. A fastener neck 106 is configured to receive the fastener 248. In some embodiments, the fastener neck 106 has internal threads to guide and / or align the fastener 248 so that it passes through the fastener neck 106.

[0061] Reference Figures 14-17 Additionally or alternatively, the fastener collar 106 may be configured to receive a specific type of fastener. However, as a non-limiting example, the fastener collar 106 may be configured to receive M-series fasteners. The fastener collar 106 may be configured to have an inner diameter appropriate for a specific M-series fastener. Optionally, M-series screws and / or bolts are based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 965, "ISO General Metric Threads – Tolerances", American National Standards Institute B4.2-1978, "Preferred Metric Limits and Fits", American National Standards Institute B1.13M, "Metric Threads: Type M", etc. In other examples, the fastener collar 106 may be configured to receive unthreaded fasteners (e.g., rivets, barbed push-in fasteners, shanks, dovetails, etc.).

[0062] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 In operation, when the first exemplary cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236, the support 102, the first wing 110, and the second wing 112 engage the panel 236. The cap nut retainer 100 is inserted into the hole 238 through the first wing 110 and the second wing 112.

[0063] Reference Figure 13 It should be understood that during operation, when the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 are inserted into the hole 238, the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 flex inward toward the fastener neck 106. Once the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 have passed the bottom surface 244, they elastically spring back outward away from the fastener neck 106. Therefore, the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 prevent the cap nut retainer 100 from being pulled out of the hole 238 in the panel 236. (Refer to...) Figure 10 and Figure 11The third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128 engage the top surface 242 to prevent the cap nut retainer 100 from being pushed completely through the hole 238 in the panel 236. (See reference...) Figure 10 In other words, the third tab 126, the fourth tab 128, the first latching arm 144, and the second latching arm 154 laterally hold the cap nut retainer 100 in the hole 238 of the panel 236. It should be understood that when the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and in the relaxed state 224, the third tab 126, the fourth tab 128, the first latching arm 144, and the second latching arm 154 loosely hold the cap nut retainer 100 in the hole 238 of the panel 236.

[0064] Reference Figures 10-12 The first wing 110, the second wing 112, the first tab 122, and the second tab 124 engage with the wall 240 of the panel 236. More specifically, refer to... Figure 10 and Figure 13 When the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236, the first retaining recess 132 and the second retaining recess 134 are partially disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244 to engage with the wall 240 abutting against it. Further, the second top extension 168 and the fourth top extension 188 are partially disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244 to engage with the wall 240 abutting against it. Additionally, refer to... Figure 10 The first top extension 158 and the third top extension 178 are partially disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244 to engage with the wall 240 abutting against it. Therefore, the first retaining recess 132, the second retaining recess 134, the first top extension 158, the second top extension 168, the third top extension 178, and the fourth top extension 188 prevent the cap nut retainer 100 from sliding relative to the panel 236. In other words, the support 102, the first wing 110, and the second wing 112 laterally hold the cap nut retainer 100 in the hole 238 of the panel 236.

[0065] Reference Figure 13 When the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the relaxed state 224, the second apex 204, the second bend 174, the fourth apex 216, and the fourth bend 194 are located between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244. Additionally, refer to... Figure 10 When the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the relaxed state 224, the first apex 198, the first bend 164, the third apex 210 and the third bend 184 are located between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244.

[0066] Reference Figure 14Furthermore, during operation, when the fastener 248 is screwed into the fastener neck 106, the fastener 248 first contacts the second wing 112, and then contacts the first wing 110. When the fastener 248 is driven by the thread against the first wing 110 and the second wing 112, the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 pivot relative to the support 102 to flex outward from the fastener neck 106 and enter the deployed state 226. More specifically, the first leg 138, the second leg 140, the third leg 148, and the fourth leg 150 bend at the first bend 164, the second bend 174, the third bend 184, and the fourth bend 194, respectively. When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the extended state 226, the first apex 198, the second apex 204, the third apex 210, and the fourth apex 216 are pushed out of the hole 238, extending beyond the top surface 242 and the support member 102. Therefore, referring to... Figure 14 and Figure 16 When the cap nut retainer 100 is in the extended state 226, the second lower extension 170 and the fourth lower extension 190 contact the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244. (Refer to...) Figure 14 The first lower extension 160 and the third lower extension 180 also contact the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244. In other words, when the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 are deployed under the pressure applied by the fastener 248, the first lower extension 160, the second lower extension 170, the third lower extension 180, and the fourth lower extension 190 are driven to abut against the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244 to pull the third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128 against the upper surface 242. Therefore, when the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the deployed state 226, the third tab 126, the fourth tab 128, the first wing 110, and the second wing 112 securely hold the cap nut retainer 100 in the hole 238 of the panel 236. In other words, when the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the unfolded state 226, the panel 236 is sandwiched between the support 102 and the first wing 110 and between the support 102 and the second wing 112.

[0067] Reference Figures 14-16 It should be understood that additional components (e.g., a second panel, armor line, brake line selector, etc.) (not shown) may be used with fastener 248. Fastener 248 may be driven into cap nut retainer 100 to securely attach the additional components to panel 236.

[0068] exist Figures 17-31 A second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. (Refer to...) Figures 17-22 , Figure 24 , Figure 25 , Figures 27-29 andFigure 31 The cap nut retainer 300 includes the support 102 and fastener collar 106 as described above. The cap nut retainer 300 also includes a first wing 310 and a second wing 312.

[0069] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The first wing 310 includes a first leg 338, a second leg 340, a first connector 142, and a first latching arm 144. The first connector 142 is connected to the first leg 338 and the second leg 340. The first latching arm 144 extends from the first connector 142 between the first leg 338 and the second leg 340. The first leg 338 and the second leg 340 are preferably C-shaped. The first latching arm 144 is L-shaped. The first latching arm 144 extends outward and diagonally beyond the first leg 338 and the second leg 340 toward the support 102.

[0070] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The second wing 312 includes a third leg 348, a fourth leg 350, a second connector 152, and a second latching arm 154. The second connector 152 is connected to the third leg 348 and the fourth leg 350. The second latching arm 154 extends from the second connector 152 between the third leg 348 and the fourth leg 350. The third leg 348 and the fourth leg 350 are C-shaped. The second latching arm 154 is L-shaped. The second latching arm 154 extends outward and diagonally toward the support 102 beyond the third leg 348 and the fourth leg 350. The second latching arm 154 extends beyond the support 102. The first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 extend in opposite directions to each other.

[0071] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the first wing 310 and the second wing 312 are connected to the support 102 opposite to each other. More specifically, the first leg 338 and the third leg 348 are connected to the third tab 126 opposite to each other. Further, the second leg 340 and the fourth leg 350 are connected to the fourth tab 128 opposite to each other.

[0072] Reference Figure 20 The first leg 338 includes a first top extension 358, a first lower extension 360, and a first bottom extension 162. The first top extension 358 is connected to the support 102 via a third tab 126. The first lower extension 360 is connected to the first top extension 158 and the first bottom extension 162. The first top extension 358 extends diagonally downward from the third tab 126 between the fastener collar 106 and the first tab 122.

[0073] Reference Figure 19 The second leg 340 includes a second top extension 368, a second lower extension 370, and a second bottom extension 172. The second top extension 368 is connected to the support 102 via a fourth tab 128. The second lower extension 370 is connected to the second top extension 368 and the second bottom extension 172. The second top extension 368 extends diagonally downward from the fourth tab 128 between the fastener collar 106 and the first tab 122. (See reference...) Figure 24 The first bottom extension 162 is connected to the second bottom extension 172 via the first connector 142.

[0074] Reference Figure 20 The third leg 348 includes a third top extension 378, a third lower extension 380, and a third bottom extension 182. The third top extension 378 is connected to the support 102 opposite to the first top extension 358 via a third tab 126. The third lower extension 180 connects to the third top extension 378 and the third bottom extension 182. The third top extension 378 extends diagonally downward from the third tab 126 between the fastener collar 106 and the second tab 124.

[0075] Reference Figure 19 The fourth leg 350 includes a fourth top extension 388, a fourth lower extension 390, and a fourth bottom extension 192. The fourth top extension 388 is connected to the support 102 opposite to the second top extension 368 via a fourth tab 128. The fourth lower extension 390 connects to the fourth top extension 388 and the fourth bottom extension 192. The fourth top extension 388 extends diagonally downward from the fourth tab 128 between the fastener collar 106 and the second tab 124. (See reference...) Figure 24 The third bottom extension 182 is connected to the fourth bottom extension 192 via the second connector 152.

[0076] Reference Figure 23 The first top extension 358 and the second top extension 368 are generally parallel to each other. The third top extension 378 and the fourth top extension 388 are also generally parallel to each other.

[0077] Reference Figure 20 The first lower extension 360 and the first top extension 358 define a first apex corner 398. Additionally, the first lower extension 360 and the first bottom extension 362 define a first bottom corner 400.

[0078] Reference Figure 19 The second lower extension 370 and the second top extension 368 define the second apex portion 404. Additionally, the second lower extension 370 and the second bottom extension 372 define the second bottom corner portion 406.

[0079] Reference Figure 20 The third lower extension 380 and the third top extension 378 define the third apex 410. Additionally, the third lower extension 380 and the third bottom extension 182 define the third bottom 412.

[0080] Reference Figure 19 The fourth lower extension 390 and the fourth top extension 388 define the fourth apex corner 416. Additionally, the fourth lower extension 390 and the fourth bottom extension 192 define the fourth bottom corner 418.

[0081] Reference Figures 17-28 The cap nut retainer 300 is shown in the relaxed state 424. (Refer to...) Figures 29-31 The cap-shaped nut retainer 300 is shown in the deployed state 426. (Refer to...) Figures 17-20 , Figures 23-28 When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the relaxed state 424, the first wing 310 and the second wing 312 overlap each other at the overlapping area 432. (Refer to...) Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figures 23-28 The overlapping area 232 at least partially covers the opening 116. (See reference...) Figure 19 When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the relaxed state 424, the second apex 404 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the first protrusion 122. When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the relaxed state 424, the fourth apex 416 is located below the support 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the second protrusion 124. (Refer to...) Figure 20 When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the relaxed state 424, the first apex 398 is located below the support member 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the first protrusion 122. When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the relaxed state 424, the third apex 410 is located below the support member 102, between the fastener neck 106 and the second protrusion 124.

[0082] Reference Figures 26-28 A second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer 300 is mounted in panel 236. Panel 236 is as described above.

[0083] Reference Figures 29-31 A second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainer 300 is mounted in panel 236 and engages with fastener 248 as described above.

[0084] Reference Figure 26In operation, when the second exemplary cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236, the support 102, the first wing 310, and the second wing 312 engage the panel 236. The cap nut retainer 300 is inserted into the hole 238 through the first wing 310 and the second wing 312.

[0085] Reference Figure 28 It should be understood that during operation, when the first wing 310 and the second wing 312 are inserted into the hole 238, the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 flex inward toward the fastener neck 106. Once the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 have passed the bottom surface 244, they elastically spring back outward away from the fastener neck 106. Therefore, the first latching arm 144 and the second latching arm 154 prevent the cap nut retainer 300 from being pulled out of the hole 238 in the panel 236. (Refer to...) Figure 26 The third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128 engage the top surface 242 to prevent the cap nut retainer 300 from being pushed completely through the hole 238 in the panel 236. In other words, ( Figure 28 The third tab 126, fourth tab 128, first latching arm 144, and second latching arm 154 (shown in the diagram) laterally hold the cap nut retainer 300 in the hole 238 of the panel 236. It should be understood that when the cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the relaxed state 224, ( Figure 28 The third tab 126, the fourth tab 128, the first snap-fit ​​arm 144 and the second snap-fit ​​arm 154 shown in the diagram loosely hold the cap nut retainer 300 in the hole 238 of the panel 236.

[0086] Reference Figures 26-28 The first wing 310, the second wing 312, the first tab 122, and the second tab 124 engage with the wall 240 of the panel 236. More specifically, refer to... Figure 28 When the cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236, the first retaining recess 132 and the second retaining recess 134 are partially disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244 to engage with the wall 240 abutting against it. Further, a second top extension 368 and a fourth top extension 388 are disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244 to engage with the wall 240 abutting against it. Additionally, refer to... Figure 26 The first top extension 358 and the third top extension 378 are disposed between the top surface 242 and the bottom surface 244. Figure 28(As shown in the diagram), it engages with the wall 240 abutting against the ground. Therefore, the first retaining recess 132, the second retaining recess 134, the first top extension 358, the second top extension 368, the third top extension 378, and the fourth top extension 388 prevent the cap nut retainer 300 from sliding relative to the panel 236. In other words, the support 102, the first wing 310, and the second wing 312 laterally hold the cap nut retainer 300 in the hole 238 of the panel 236.

[0087] Reference Figure 28 When the cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236 and in the relaxed state 424, the second apex 404 and the fourth apex 216 are aligned with the bottom surface 244. Additionally, refer to... Figure 27 When the cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the relaxed state 224, the first apex portion 398 and the third apex portion 410 are aligned with the bottom surface 244.

[0088] Reference Figure 29 Furthermore, in operation, when the fastener 248 is screwed into the fastener neck 106, the fastener 248 first contacts the second wing 312, and then contacts the first wing 310. As the fastener 248 is threaded against the first wing 310 and the second wing 312, the first wing 310 and the second wing 312 pivot relative to the support to flex outward from the fastener neck 106 into the deployed state 426. More specifically, the first leg 338, the second leg 340, the third leg 348, and the fourth leg 350 bend upward toward the bottom surface 244. When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the deployed state 426, the first apex 398, the second apex 404, the third apex 410, and the fourth apex 416 are pushed out of the hole 238, beyond the top surface 242, thereby aligning with the support 102. Therefore, referring to… Figure 29 and Figure 31 When the cap nut retainer 300 is in the extended state 426, the second lower extension 370 and the fourth lower extension 390 contact the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244. (Refer to...) Figure 29The first lower extension 360 and the third lower extension 380 also contact the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244. In other words, when the first wing 310 and the second wing 312 are deployed under the pressure applied by the fastener 248, the first lower extension 360, the second lower extension 370, the third lower extension 380, and the fourth lower extension 390 are driven to abut against the wall 240 and the bottom surface 244 to pull the third tab 126 and the fourth tab 128 against the upper surface 242. Therefore, when the cap nut retainer 300 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the deployed state 226, the third tab 126, the fourth tab 128, the first wing 310, and the second wing 312 hold the cap nut retainer 300 tightly in the hole 238 of the panel 236. In other words, when the cap nut retainer 100 is installed in the panel 236 and is in the unfolded state 226, the panel 236 is sandwiched between the support 102 and the first wing 310 and between the support 102 and the second wing 312.

[0089] Reference Figures 29-31 It should be understood that additional components (e.g., a second panel, armor line, brake line selector, etc.) (not shown) may be used with fastener 248. Fastener 248 may be driven into cap nut retainer 300 to securely attach the additional components to panel 236.

[0090] As used herein, a panel can refer to any component that can be attached to or assembled to another component. Any panel described herein can be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0091] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a fastening system, and more specifically, a cap nut retainer system configured to securely connect multiple components together. The cap nut retainer system includes opposing wings with apex corners between a support member and a fastener neck ring, which guide the wings to engage with the bottom surface of the panel when the support member is engaged against the top surface of the panel.

[0092] As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the first and second exemplary cap-shaped nut retainers 100, 300 described above are adapted to engage with the top and bottom surfaces of a substrate. Therefore, the cap-shaped nut retainers 100, 300 can be used with relatively thin substrates. Because the cap-shaped nut retainers 100, 300 can be used with relatively thin substrate panels, relatively thin and therefore lighter substrate panels can be used in a wider range of applications. Therefore, vehicles manufactured using the cap-shaped nut retainers 100, 300 and thinner, lighter substrate panels can be lighter than existing vehicles. Therefore, compared to existing fasteners, the above-disclosed cap-shaped nut retainer 100 saves resources and can improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

[0093] While various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, and front may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0094] Variations and modifications of the foregoing fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute a variety of different alternative aspects of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein illustrate the best mode known for practicing this disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize this disclosure. The claims should be construed as including alternative embodiments within the scope permitted by the prior art.

[0095] Within the scope of use of the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as concise English equivalents to the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, within the scope of use of the appended claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the scope of the appended claims is not written in a functionally defined format and is not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.SC §112(f), unless and until the scope of such claims explicitly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by no further structural functional description.

[0096] The appended claims set forth a number of different features of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cap nut retainer comprising: a support defining a first tab, a second tab opposite the first tab, a third tab, and a fourth tab opposite the third tab, the first and second tabs being perpendicular to the third and fourth tabs; a fastener neck ring defining an opening and extending downward from the support; and a wing extending from the support and having a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring; wherein the first and second tabs include a retaining recess configured to abut a wall of a hole of a panel when the cap nut retainer is installed in the hole of the panel. The wing has a top extension connected to the support and extending between the support and the fastener neck ring.

2. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The wing has a lower extension connected to the top extension, the top extension and the lower extension defining the top corner.

3. The cap nut retainer of claim 2, wherein, The fastener neck ring is internally threaded.

4. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The wing has a snap arm extending toward the support.

5. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The snap arm extends beyond the support.

6. The cap nut retainer of claim 5, wherein, The snap arm is L-shaped.

7. The cap nut retainer of claim 5, wherein, The snap arm is resiliently pivoted relative to a leg of the wing.

8. The cap nut retainer of claim 5, wherein, The wing partially obscures the opening.

9. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The wing is C-shaped.

10. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The wing is a first wing and further includes a second wing extending from the support and overlapping the first wing.

11. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, The first and second tabs are shorter than the third and fourth tabs.

12. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, 13. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein: the top corner is a first top corner, the wing has a first leg and a second leg connected to the first leg, the first leg includes the first top corner, and the second leg includes a second top corner. The wing is configured to be unfolded to rest against a bottom surface of a panel to draw the support against a top surface of the panel.

14. The cap nut retainer of claim 1, wherein, 15. A cap nut retainer comprising: a support; a fastener neck ring defining an opening and extending downward from the support; and a wing having a bend from the support to a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring. The wing has a lower extension connected to the bend, the bend and the lower extension defining the top corner. The wing is pivoted relative to the support by the bend.

16. The cap nut retainer of claim 15, wherein, 18. A cap nut retainer comprising:

17. The cap nut retainer of claim 15, wherein, a support; a fastener neck ring defining an opening and extending downward from the support; and a wing having a top extension diagonally extending from the support to a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring.

19. The cap nut retainer of claim 18, wherein: the wing has a lower extension connected to the top extension by the top corner, and ​ ​ ​ The wing is configured to pivot relative to the support to drive the overhang against a bottom surface of a panel to draw the support against a top surface of the panel.

20. A cap nut retainer comprising: a support, wherein the support has a first tab and a second tab; a fastener neck ring defining an opening and extending downward from the support; and a wing extending from the support and having a top extension extending from the first tab and an overhang connected to the top extension, the top extension and the overhang defining a top corner below the support and between the first tab and the second tab; wherein the second tab includes a retention recess.

21. The cap nut retainer of claim 20, wherein the top extension of the wing has a bend extending from the support to the top corner; and wherein the wing pivots relative to the support through the bend.

22. The cap nut retainer of claim 20, wherein the top extension extends diagonally from the support to the top corner; and wherein the wing is configured to pivot relative to the support to drive the overhang against a bottom surface of a panel to draw the support against a top surface of the panel.

23. A cap nut retainer comprising: a support defining a first tab, a second tab opposite the first tab, a third tab, and a fourth tab opposite the third tab, the first and second tabs being perpendicular to the third and fourth tabs; a fastener neck ring defining an opening and extending downward from the support; and a wing extending from the support and having a top corner between the support and the fastener neck ring; wherein the first and second tabs include retention recesses configured to abut a panel when the cap nut retainer is installed in the panel, thereby preventing the cap nut retainer from sliding relative to the panel. ​

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