Fastening clip with visual seal

Abstract

A fastening clip for fastening to one or more support structures is provided. The fastening clip includes a clip body and a seal. The seal is disposed about an outer peripheral edge of the clip body and includes a first end portion engaged with the clip body and a sealing foot projecting from the first end portion toward a second end portion such that the second end portion is disposed radially outward from the first end portion and, in an uninstalled configuration, is radially aligned with or disposed radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. In an installed configuration, the circumferential seal is configured to flex relative to the support structure in response to an applied pressure between the seal and the support structure such that the second end portion is disposed radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 959,227, filed January 10, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to seals for fasteners, and more specifically to seals that provide visual inspection of assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Clips are commonly used to secure one or more structures, panels, or components to one or more mating structures, panels, or components. Some existing clips have one or more predetermined mounting positions. That is, the clip must be positioned in one of these mounting positions relative to the structure below to securely fasten it to that structure. These positions can be indicated by markings on the structure and / or the clip itself. However, having only selectable mounting positions can limit consumers. Therefore, there is a need for a clip that provides visual indication of the mounting configuration rather than being limited to a specific mounting position. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment, a fastening clip for insertion into an opening in one or more support structures is disclosed. The fastening clip includes a clip body comprising a base portion and a fastening portion. The base portion includes a neck ring having a first side and an opposite second side, the first side having a first surface and the second side having a second surface surrounded by an annular shoulder disposed radially inward from an outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The annular shoulder defines a reduced-thickness outer annular lip, and the fastening portion extends from the second side of the neck ring. The fastening clip also includes a circumferentially disposed seal around the neck ring having a proximal end and a sealing foot, the proximal end engaging the annular shoulder of the neck ring, the sealing foot projecting from the proximal end toward a free edge such that the free edge is disposed radially outward from the proximal end. In an unmounted configuration, the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a first angle with the second surface of the neck ring. The fastening portion of the clip body includes at least one locking protrusion configured to abut against a lower surface of the support structure adjacent to the opening in an mounted configuration to lock the fastening clip within the opening of the support structure. Furthermore, in the uninstalled configuration, the free edge of the seal is a first radial distance from the central axis of the clamping clip, the first radial distance being less than or equal to the radius between the outer peripheral edge and the central axis. In the installed configuration, the seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the support structure, such that the free edge of the seal is a second radial distance from the central axis of the clamping clip, and the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a second angle with the second surface of the neck ring, the second radial distance being greater than the radius of the outer peripheral edge, and the second angle being greater than the first angle.

[0006] In another embodiment, a fastening clip for fastening to one or more support structures is disclosed. The fastening clip includes a clip body having a base portion and a fastening portion, the base portion including a neck ring having an outer peripheral edge. The fastening clip also includes a circumferential seal at least partially disposed around the neck ring and including a first end and a sealing foot, the first end engaging the neck ring. The sealing foot protrudes from the first end toward a second end such that the second end is radially outwardly disposed from the first end, and in an unmounted configuration, the second end is radially aligned with or radially inwardly disposed from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The fastening portion of the clip body is configured to engage a support structure in an mounted configuration. Furthermore, in the mounted configuration, the circumferential seal is configured to flex relative to the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the support structure, such that the second end is radially outwardly disposed from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring.

[0007] In another embodiment, a fastening clip for insertion into an opening in one or more support structures is disclosed. The fastening clip includes a clip body comprising a base portion and a fastening portion. The base portion includes a neck ring having a first side and an opposite second side. The first side has a first surface, and the second side has a second surface surrounded by an annular shoulder disposed radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The outer peripheral edge of the neck ring has a radius measured from the central axis of the fastening clip. The annular shoulder defines a reduced-thickness outer annular lip, and the fastening portion extends from the second side of the neck ring. The fastening clip also includes a seal circumferentially disposed around the neck ring having a proximal end that engages with the annular shoulder of the neck ring. A sealing foot protrudes from the proximal end to the distal end such that the distal end is disposed radially outward from the proximal end, and such that the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a first angle with the second surface of the neck ring. The fastening portion of the clamp includes at least one locking protrusion configured to engage with the lower surface of an opening surrounding the support structure in the installed configuration to lock the clamp within the opening of the support structure. In the uninstalled configuration, the distal end of the seal is a first radial distance from the central axis of the clamp, the first radial distance being less than or equal to the radius of the outer peripheral edge. In the installed configuration, the seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the support structure, such that the distal end of the seal is a second radial distance from the central axis, and such that the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a second angle with the second surface of the neck ring, the second radial distance being greater than the radius of the outer peripheral edge, and the second angle being greater than the first angle. The clamp is configured to rotate between the installed and uninstalled configurations. Rotation of the clamp from the uninstalled to the installed configuration establishes engagement between at least one locking protrusion and the lower surface of the support structure, and applies pressure between the seal and the upper surface of the support structure. Furthermore, the seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the upper surface of the support structure, such that the free end of the seal is set to extend radially beyond the outer periphery of the neck ring. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a fastening clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front elevation view of the fastening clamp;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the bottom of the fastening clamp;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the fastening clamp from below;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Side elevation view of the fastening clamps and support structure in the uninstalled configuration;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Frontal elevation view of the fastening clamps and support structure in the installed configuration;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A plan view of the fastening clamps and support structure in the installed configuration;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The fastening clamps and support structures along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 8-8;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The fastening clamps and support structures along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken by section line 9-9;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The fastening clamps and support structures along Figure 12 Cross-sectional view taken by section line 10-10;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 A top plan view of the fastening clamps and support structure in their uninstalled configuration; and

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 The plan view of the fastening clamps and support structure in the installed configuration.

[0020] Before detailing the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited 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 can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in many 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 the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Conventional fasteners typically have predefined mounting positions. That is, the fastener must be positioned in one or two different locations to maintain the installed configuration. Indication of the installed configuration can be provided by markings on the structure to which the fastener is attached. However, this type of visual indication is unreliable and limited. Therefore, there is a need for a fastener that provides visual indication to the user to identify the fastener's placement while enabling various mounting orientations.

[0022] This disclosure mitigates the aforementioned and other drawbacks of conventional systems. Generally, this disclosure provides a fastening clip including a seal configured to visually indicate when the fastening clip is in an installed / locked configuration. Embodiments of this disclosure are discussed herein in conjunction with a torsion clip configured to rotate from an uninstalled configuration to an installed configuration; however, various aspects of this disclosure can be used with a wide range of existing fasteners. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can be used with plugs, clips, screws, bushings, anchors, nuts, rivets, grommets, etc.

[0023] Figure 1 A fastening clip 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the fastening clip being configured to provide visual indication of its installation position. More specifically, the fastening clip 100 includes a clip body 104 and a seal 108 configured to provide visual indication as the clip 100 moves between an installed configuration and an uninstalled configuration.

[0024] Still refer to Figure 1 The clamp 104 includes a base portion 116 having a longitudinal central axis 124 and a fastening portion 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 116 and the fastening portion 120 are integrally formed, making the clamp 104 a monolithic component. However, the clamp in alternative embodiments may include one or more discrete components. For example, in some embodiments, the base portion and the fastening portion may be manufactured separately and subsequently fastened or joined. The base portion 116 includes a collar 132 having a first side 136 and an opposite second side 140 (see...). Figure 3 ) and the outer perimeter 144. (Refer to...) Figure 2The outer peripheral edge 144 has a radius (R). In some embodiments, the radius (R) may be about 2.5 centimeters (“cm”). In some embodiments, the radius (R) may be about 2.1 cm, about 2.3 cm, about 2.7 cm, about 2.9 cm, or about 3.0 cm. In some embodiments, the radius (R) may be between about 2.0 cm and about 3.0 cm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the radius (R) may be between about 2.4 cm and about 2.9 cm, between about 2.5 cm and about 2.6 cm, or between about 2.6 cm and about 2.8 cm. Moreover, the radius (R) may be less than about 3.0 cm, greater than about 2.0 cm, or greater than about 2.5 cm.

[0025] Refer again Figure 1 The first side 136 has a first surface 152, on which finger-engaging tabs 156 are disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger-engaging tabs 156 comprise two complementary engaging tabs 156 that are rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 124. Typically, each finger-engaging tab 156 includes a support portion 160 and an engaging portion 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 160 and the engaging portion 164 are arranged such that they extend substantially perpendicular to each other. However, in some embodiments, the support portion 160 and the engaging portion 164 may be arranged at different angles, such as, for example, between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees, between about 20 degrees and about 100 degrees, between about 50 degrees and about 120 degrees, between about 70 degrees and about 150 degrees, between about 80 degrees and about 110 degrees, or between about 90 degrees and about 100 degrees. Further, the engaging portion 164 extends further from the first surface 152 of the neck ring 132 than the support portion 160. The engagement portion 164 has a generally circular outline in this embodiment, but in alternative embodiments it may have a different outline, such as square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or no fixed shape. The engagement portion 164 is typically configured to engage by a user's fingers, allowing the clip 100 to rotate between an installed and uninstalled configuration.

[0026] Reference Figure 3 The second side 140 has a second surface 172 opposite to the first surface 152. The second side 140 includes an annular shoulder 176 surrounding the second surface 172. The annular shoulder 176 is disposed radially inward from the outer peripheral edge 144, thereby defining an outer annular lip 180 with reduced thickness. (Refer again) Figure 2In some embodiments, the outer peripheral edge 144 defines a radius (R) relative to the central axis 124 of the fastening clamp 100, and the annular shoulder 176 is located at a distance of at least 70% of the radius R away from the central axis 124. In some embodiments, the annular shoulder 176 is located at a distance of at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90% of the radius R away from the central axis 124.

[0027] Still refer to Figure 2 The fastening portion 120 extends along the central axis 124 from the second surface 172 to the insertion end 188 and includes an alignment member 192 and a locking member 196. The alignment member 192 includes a pair of connecting arms 200 that extend from near the second surface 172 of the neck ring 132 to the insertion end 188 and may be symmetrical. The locking member 196 includes a central beam 208 extending along the central axis 124 to the distal end 212. (Steering) Figure 3 The distal end 212 of the central beam 208 has lateral extensions 216, which may be removably and / or rotatably disposed within an opening 220 of the connecting arm 200 adjacent to its insertion end 188. The proximal end 224 of the central beam 208 is connected to the locking arm 228 via a connecting region 232. The locking arm 228 extends from the connecting region 232 toward the insertion end 188 of the fastening portion 120 and is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 124. In the illustrated embodiment, each locking arm 228 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape and tapers from a position adjacent to the proximal end 224 toward the distal end 212. Furthermore, each locking arm 228 includes a locking protrusion 236 disposed near the proximal end 224 of the central beam 208. The locking protrusion 236 may define the farthest point of the respective locking arm 228 in the radial direction relative to the central axis 124. As will be described in more detail below, the locking protrusion 236 is configured to engage with the surface of the support structure to lock the fastening clip 100 in the installed configuration. The locking member 196 may be integral with the base portion 116 (i.e., the collar 132), while the alignment member 192 may be a discrete member coupled to the locking member 196 and thus to the base portion 116. In some embodiments, one or more of the base portion, locking member, and alignment member may include one or more discrete members. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the base portion, locking member, and alignment member may be integrally formed.

[0028] Still refer to Figure 3 A seal 108 is circumferentially disposed around a neck ring 132. The seal 108 includes a first end portion 224 proximal to engage a portion of the neck ring 132. In the illustrated embodiment, as... Figure 8As shown, the first end 244 of the seal 108 is located on the annular shoulder 176 of the neck ring 132, such that the first end 244 is positioned within a receiving region 226a, which is defined between a reduced-thickness outer lip 180 and an annular extension 226b extending radially from the annular shoulder 176. For example, the seal 108 can be secured to the clamp 104 using an adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the seal 108 can be secured via a stretch fit. That is, the stiffness of the seal 108 can be less than the stiffness of the clamp 104, such that the annular seal 108 can be stretched to fit around the annular shoulder 176. Alternatively still, the seal 108 can be attached in any other suitable manner.

[0029] return Figure 2 The seal 108 further includes a sealing foot 248 extending from a first end 244 to a distal end 252, the first end 244 and the sealing foot 248 being connected by a movable hinge 256. In this embodiment, the distal end 252 is a free edge. The sealing foot 248 extends from the first end 244 to the second end 252 such that the second end 252 is radially outward from the first end 244. The sealing foot 248 includes a sealing surface 260 projecting generally toward the fastening portion 120. Turning back... Figure 8 In the unmounted configuration, the sealing surface 260 forms a first angle α with the second surface 172 of the neck ring 132. Furthermore, in the unmounted configuration, the second end 252 (i.e., the free edge) of the sealing foot 248 is located at a first radial distance (r1) from the central axis 124. In some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) is less than or equal to the radius (R) of the outer peripheral edge 144. In some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) is approximately 99%, approximately 98%, approximately 96%, approximately 95%, approximately 94%, approximately 92%, or approximately 90% of the radius R. In some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) may be approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, or approximately 5 mm smaller than the radius R. In some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) is approximately 5 mm smaller than the radius R. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) may be approximately 1 mm, approximately 2 mm, approximately 3 mm, approximately 4 mm, or approximately 5 mm smaller than the radius R. In some embodiments, in the unmounted configuration, the second end 252 may extend radially beyond the outer peripheral edge 144. In some embodiments, the first radial distance (r1) may be determined using the radius (R), the difference factor (D1), and the following Equation 1.

[0030] r1=R±D1 (Equation 1)

[0031] In some embodiments, the difference factor (D1) is about 0.5 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 3.0 mm, or about 4.0 mm. Therefore, for example, the first radial distance (r1) can be between approximately radius (R) plus 2.0 mm and approximately radius (R) minus 2.0 mm. Alternatively, for example, the first radial distance (r1) can be between radius (R) plus approximately 4.0 mm and radius (R) minus approximately 4.0 mm.

[0032] Reference Figure 5 The fastening clip 100 is generally configured to be inserted into an opening in one or more support structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening clip 100 is shown inserted into an opening 272 in the support structure 276, the opening 272 generally having a generally square edge 280 (see [link]). Figure 7 However, the fastening clip 100 can be simultaneously secured to more than one support structure, component, or panel with holes of different shapes (e.g., elliptical, rectangular, triangular, rhomboid, etc.). See also... Figure 7 The fastening clip 100 is inserted into the opening 272 until the locking protrusion 236 engages with the lower surface 284 of the support structure 276, and the second end 252 of the seal 108 contacts the upper surface 288 of the support structure 276 (see [link]). Figure 6 Therefore, the fastening clip 100 is inserted into the opening 272 approximately in the direction defined by the central axis 124 (see...). Figure 5 The fastening clip 100 is aligned with the opening 272, such that the connecting arm 200 is inserted into the opening 272 while aligning with the corner 292 of the opening 272 (see...). Figure 7 The clamping clip 100 is then further inserted into the opening 272 to compress the seal 108 against the upper surface 288, and can subsequently be rotated about the central axis 124 to secure the clip 100 within the opening 272. More specifically, the locking protrusion 236 is configured to abut / engage with the lower surface 284 of the support structure 276 as the clip 100 rotates about the central axis 124. As the clip is rotated, the connecting arm 200 maintains the rotational position of the alignment member 196 relative to the alignment member 192, such that the locking protrusion 236 contacts the edge 280 of the lower surface 284 of the support structure 276. Thus, in the installed configuration, the locking protrusion 236 engages with the lower surface 284 on opposite sides of the opening 272, thereby preventing the clamping clip 100 from being removed from the opening 272.

[0033] return Figure 6In the installed configuration, the sealing foot 248 is configured to flex around the movable hinge 256, such that its second end 252 is radially outwardly translated from its position in the uninstalled configuration. Therefore, the second end 252 of the seal 108 is radially outwardly positioned from the outer peripheral edge 144 and is configured to be located at a second radial distance (r2) when in the installed configuration. The second radial distance (r2) can be determined using the radius R, the difference factor (D2), and the following Equation 2.

[0034] r² = R + D² (Equation 2)

[0035] In some embodiments, the difference factor (D2) may be about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 8 mm, or about 10 mm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the difference factor (D2) is between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 2 mm and about 6 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the second radial distance (r2) may be larger than the radius (R) by about 2 mm to about 12 mm, about 2 mm to about 10 mm, or about 4 mm to about 8 mm. Similarly, the second radial distance (r2) is greater than the first radial distance (r1). In some embodiments, the second radial distance (r2) is at least about 3 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 12 mm larger than the first radial distance (r1). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second radial distance (r2) is larger than the first radial distance (r1) by about 1 mm to about 10 mm, about 1 mm to about 6 mm, or about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

[0036] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the installed configuration, the seal 108 is configured to flex about the movable hinge 256, such that the sealing surface 260 contacts or rests on the upper surface 288 of the support structure 276. Therefore, in the installed configuration, the sealing surface 260 forms a second angle β with the second surface 172 of the neck ring 132 (see...). Figure 9 The second angle β is greater than the first angle α of the unmounted configuration (see...). Figure 8 In some embodiments, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the sealing surface 260 is in contact with the upper surface 288 of the support structure 276. In some embodiments, about 60% to about 90% of the surface area of ​​the sealing surface 260 is in contact with the upper surface 288 of the support structure 276.

[0037] Therefore, now refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the fastening clamp 100 is never installed in the configuration ( Figure 11Rotate to the installed configuration. Figure 12 When the clamp 100 is in the mounting configuration, the seal 108 provides a visual indication of the position of the clamp 100. For example, a user can identify the mounted configuration because, in the mounted configuration, the seal 108 is seen substantially beyond the outer peripheral edge 144 in a plan view of the clamp 100, whereas in the unmounted configuration, the seal 108 is substantially obscured by the collar 132. More specifically, in the mounted configuration, the distal end 252 of the seal 108 extends beyond the contour of the outer peripheral edge 144, i.e., beyond the coverage area defined by the outer peripheral edge 144. Thus, in a plan view, the seal 108 can be seen radially outward from the outer peripheral edge 144. Typically, the seal 108 is visible along the entire outer periphery of the outer peripheral edge 144. However, in some embodiments, the seal 108 is visible only along at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60%, or at least 50% of the outer peripheral edge 144. The visual indication of the mounted configuration can also be seen from other advantageous locations. For example, from the top perspective view and the side elevation view, the seal 108 remains visible radially beyond the outer peripheral edge 144. In some embodiments, the clamp 104 and the seal 108 may have contrasting colors, making the seal 108 easily identifiable around the neck ring 132. As a result, during assembly, the user can definitively position the fastening clamp in the installed configuration, thereby reducing installation errors and speeding up the installation process. Therefore, the fastening clamp 100 and other clamps according to embodiments of this disclosure offer advantages over existing clamps that lack reliable visual indication capabilities.

[0038] 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 inverted, rotated, or otherwise altered, such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0039] Variations and modifications to the foregoing are 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 embodiments of this disclosure. The claims should be interpreted to include alternative embodiments within the scope permitted by the prior art.

[0040] Various features of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastening clip for insertion into an opening in one or more support structures, the fastening clip comprising: A clamp body includes a base portion and a fastening portion. The base portion has a neck ring having a first side and an opposite second side. The first side has a first surface, and the second side has a second surface surrounded by an annular shoulder of the neck ring, the annular shoulder being disposed radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring and defining an outer annular lip with reduced thickness. The fastening portion extends from the second side of the neck ring. as well as A seal is circumferentially disposed around the neck ring, the seal having a proximal end and a sealing foot, the proximal end engaging the annular shoulder of the neck ring, the sealing foot projecting from the proximal end toward a free edge such that the free edge is radially outward from the proximal end, and in the unmounted configuration, the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a first angle with the second surface of the neck ring. The fastening portion of the clamp includes at least one locking protrusion configured to abut against the lower surface of the support structure adjacent to the opening in the installed configuration to lock the fastening clamp within the opening of the support structure. In the uninstalled configuration, the free edge of the seal is separated from the central axis of the fastening clamp by a first radial distance, wherein the first radial distance is less than or equal to the radius between the outer peripheral edge and the central axis. In the installed configuration, the seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the support structure, such that the free edge of the seal is a second radial distance away from the central axis of the fastening clamp, and the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a second angle with the second surface of the neck ring, the second radial distance being greater than the radius of the outer peripheral edge, and the second angle being greater than the first angle. The fastening clamp is configured to rotate between the installed configuration and the uninstalled configuration. The rotation of the fastening clip from the unmounted configuration to the mounted configuration establishes engagement between the at least one locking protrusion and the lower surface of the support structure, and applies pressure between the seal and the upper surface of the support structure. The seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the lower surface of the support structure, such that the free edge of the seal is radially translated beyond the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring.

2. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The clamp is a torsion clamp.

3. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The hardness of the seal is lower than that of the clamp.

4. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, The second radial distance is at least 1 mm larger than the radius of the outer peripheral edge.

5. The fastening clamp as described in claim 1, wherein, In the installed configuration, at least 70% of the sealing surface of the sealing foot is in contact with the upper surface of the support structure.

6. A fastening clip for fastening to one or more support structures, the fastening clip comprising: A clamp body, the clamp body comprising a base portion and a fastening portion, the base portion including a neck ring having an outer peripheral edge; as well as A circumferential seal, at least partially disposed around the neck ring, includes a first end and a sealing foot, the first end engaging the neck ring, the sealing foot projecting from the first end toward a second end such that the second end is radially outwardly disposed from the first end, and in an unmounted configuration, the second end is radially aligned with or radially inwardly disposed from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The fastening portion of the clamp is configured to engage with the support structure in the installed configuration. In the installed configuration, the circumferential seal is configured to flex relative to the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the support structure, such that the second end is radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The fastening clip is configured to be inserted into one or more openings in the support structure. The fastening portion includes at least one locking protrusion configured to abut against the lower surface of the support structure in the installed configuration to lock the fastening clip within the opening. The second end of the seal is configured to engage with the upper surface of the support structure. The fastening clamp is configured to rotate between the installed configuration and the uninstalled configuration. The rotation of the fastening clip from the unmounted configuration to the mounted configuration establishes engagement between the at least one locking protrusion and the lower surface of the support structure, and applies pressure between the seal and the lower surface of the support structure. The seal is configured to flex relative to the upper surface of the support structure in response to pressure applied between the seal and the upper surface of the support structure, such that the second end of the seal is radially translated beyond the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring.

7. The fastening clamp as described in claim 6, wherein, The neck ring has a first side and an opposite second side, the first side having a first surface and the second side having a second surface, and The fastening portion extends from the second surface of the neck ring.

8. The fastening clamp as described in claim 7, wherein, The second side of the neck ring includes an annular shoulder that surrounds the second surface and is disposed radially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the neck ring. The annular shoulder defines an outer annular lip with reduced thickness. The first end of the seal engages with the annular shoulder.

9. The fastening clamp as described in claim 7, wherein, In the uninstalled configuration, the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a first angle with the second surface of the neck ring, and In the installed configuration, the sealing surface of the sealing foot forms a second angle with the second surface of the neck ring, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

10. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 9, wherein, In the installed configuration, the seal flexes such that the surface of the sealing foot contacts the upper surface of the support structure.

11. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 10, wherein, In the installed configuration, at least 70% of the surface area of ​​the sealing surface is in contact with the upper surface of the support structure.

12. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 6, wherein, In the uninstalled configuration, the second end of the seal is a first radial distance from the central axis of the fastening clamp, the first radial distance being less than or equal to the radius of the outer peripheral edge.

13. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 12, wherein, In the installed configuration, the second end of the seal is a second radial distance from the central axis, the second radial distance being greater than the radius of the outer peripheral edge.

14. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second radial distance is at least 1 mm larger than the radius of the outer peripheral edge.

15. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second radial distance is at least 3 mm larger than the radius of the outer peripheral edge.

16. The fastening clamp as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The hardness of the seal is lower than that of the clamp.

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