Fastener assembly for blind installation

Abstract

A fastener assembly includes a pin and a body. The pin includes a shaft inserted into a central passage of the body. The body includes a flange, and a first arm and a second arm attached to a nose at a distal end. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes an outer flex point, an inner flex point, and a proximal end. The first arm is configured to move about a first proximal articulation. The second arm is configured to move about a second proximal articulation. A first bracket extends from the first arm, a second bracket extends from the second arm, and the first bracket and the second bracket form an overlapping region between the first arm and the second arm.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 015,304, filed April 24, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0004] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to a fastener assembly, and more specifically, to a fastener assembly capable of being blind-mounted in a panel. Background Technology

[0006] In manufacturing, fasteners are used to assemble components. Fasteners typically pass through panels with pre-made orifices for receiving them. Furthermore, some fasteners pass through multiple stacked or arranged panels, requiring alignment of the orifices on each component so that the fastener can be accurately inserted through each orifice. However, aligning multiple orifices may require physical contact with both the front and back sides of the panel and may also require careful, time-consuming attention to achieve a tight alignment.

[0007] One solution provides a multi-part fastener assembly. However, this typically requires tooling throughout the assembly process and may still require physical access to the front and rear of the panel. Furthermore, multi-part fastener assemblies may include small parts that are easily lost and / or damaged. Another solution provides a single-part fastener assembly. However, securing multiple panels typically requires insertion through multiple loosely aligned holes and may further require high clamping forces to achieve proper assembly. Moreover, such single-part fastener assemblies are often not removable for repair or reuse. These challenges result in component damage, excessive physical labor, and / or increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] On one hand, the fastener assembly includes a pin and a body. The pin includes a shaft that inserts into a central channel in the body. The body includes a flange and a first arm and a second arm that are attached to a nose at a distal end. Each of the first and second arms includes an outer flexure point, an inner flexure point, and a proximal end. The first arm is configured to move about a first proximal hinge portion. The second arm is configured to move about a second proximal hinge portion. A first bracket extends from the first arm, a second bracket extends from the second arm, and the first and second brackets form an overlapping area between the first and second arms.

[0009] In one example, the body further includes a first rib and a second rib disposed within the central passage, and the pin includes a first notch and a second notch disposed along the shaft. The first notch and the second notch are configured to receive the first rib and the second rib in the shipping configuration. The shaft further includes a first slot and a second slot configured to receive the first rib and the second rib in the installed configuration. In some examples, the flange of the body includes an upper surface having an upper thin section, a lower surface having a lower thin section, and an aperture formed through the flange. A gap is defined between the bottom surface of the head and the upper thin section of the flange.

[0010] In some examples, the fastener assembly includes a pin having a shaft extending from a head of the pin, and a body having a flange including a central passage, a first arm, a second arm, and a nose. The shaft is configured to be inserted into the central passage, wherein the first arm and the second arm are joined at a distal end near the nose, and wherein each of the first arm and the second arm includes an outer flex point, an inner flex point, and an arcuate brace, the arcuate brace of the first arm extending toward the second arm.

[0011] For example, the shaft of the pin includes a first notch, the body includes a first rib, and the first notch is configured to receive the first rib. The first notch is disposed on a first notch wall adjacent to a first notch surface. The first rib is disposed within the central passage. The shaft of the pin includes a second notch, the body includes a second rib, and the second notch is configured to receive the second rib. The second notch is disposed on a second notch wall adjacent to a second notch surface. The first rib and the second rib are disposed within the central passage. The shaft of the pin includes a first slot disposed closer to the head than the first notch, the first slot configured to receive the first rib of the body. The shaft of the pin includes a second slot disposed closer to the head than the second notch, the second slot configured to receive the second rib. The pin and the body are integrally formed. Prior to installation, the pin is separate from the body.

[0012] In some examples, the fastener assembly includes a pin having a shaft, a body having a nose, and a panel having an opening configured to receive the pin and the body. When the fastener assembly is inserted into the opening and the pin is inserted within the central passage of the body, the pin and the nose move toward the panel, and the body includes a pair of alignment tabs that mate with a pair of notch walls on the shaft of the pin. The pin includes a shaft having a first notch on a first surface and a second notch on a second surface. The body includes a flange, a first arm having a first brace, and a second arm having a second brace.

[0013] When the shaft of the pin is partially received within the central passage of the body, the first notch and the second notch are located near the flange. When the shaft of the pin is fully received within the central passage of the body, the first notch and the second notch are spaced apart from the flange. The pin and the body are integrally formed.

[0014] The pin has a head from which a shaft extends, the head having a lower surface configured to face the panel without contacting the panel. The body defines a V-shaped region configured to at least partially receive the shaft.

[0015] In some examples, the fastener assembly includes a pin having a shaft extending away from a lower surface of a head, and a body having a flange, a nose, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are both coupled to the flange and the nose. The first arm is configured to move about a first proximal articulation, and the second arm is configured to move about a second proximal articulation. A first bracket extends from the first arm and a second bracket extends from the second arm. The body includes a pair of ribs disposed within a central channel. The shaft includes a foot, a first surface, a second surface, a pair of notches, and a pair of slots. The pair of ribs are configured to fit within at least one of the pair of notches or the pair of slots, and the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to engage the first surface and the second surface of the shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a right, front, and top view of an example fastener assembly;

[0017] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an isometric view of a left, rear, and bottom view of the fastener assembly of

[0018] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a right side elevational view of the fastener assembly of

[0019] Figure 4 is a left side elevational view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1

[0020] Figure 5A is a right side elevational view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 5B is a right side elevational view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 5C is a right side elevational view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 Figure 5C

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly of Figure 1 ​​​​​​a left side elevation view of the fastener assembly showing the fastener in an installed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Examples of the present disclosure provide a fastener assembly that includes a pin that engages a body. The pin includes a shaft having a notch and a slot disposed therealong. The body includes a flange and a first extension arm and a second extension arm joined to one another at a nose. Each of the first and second extension arms includes an outer flex point, an inner flex point, and a cradle. The flange of the body includes a central aperture having a pair of ribs disposed therein. The notch of the pin is configured to receive the pair of ribs when the fastener assembly is in a shipping configuration, and the slot is configured to receive the pair of ribs when the fastener assembly is in an installed configuration. The shaft of the pin further includes a first recessed surface and a second recessed surface configured to receive the cradle of the first arm and the cradle of the second arm, respectively, when the fastener assembly is in the installed configuration. The outer flex point and the inner flex point of each arm provide controlled collapse that prevents unwanted wear on the body and thus facilitates continued use, reuse, replacement, and extended service life.

[0026] In some examples, the pin and the body are integrally formed as a unitary component. For example, the pin and the body can be manufactured through a single molding process. The shaft of the pin includes a molded tab that connects to the flange of the body. The molded tab can provide a path for flow of material during the molding process. The molded tab can also secure the pin to the body prior to shipping, which can simplify the manufacturing and shipping processes and thus reduce associated costs.

[0027] In some examples, the pin and the body are installable by hand force only, e.g., without tools or machinery. For example, the fastener assembly can be inserted by hand through one or more apertures in one or more panels, and the pin can be fully installed by hand within the body to provide a rigid clamping force for securing the one or more panels together and for securing the fastener assembly to the one or more panels. The pin and the body interact with one another in a manner that provides tactile feedback to the hand of a user during and after the process of installing the pin within the body, such that the user can feel when the pin and the body have reached an installed position.

[0028] In some examples, the cradle of each of the first and second arms of the body further includes an alignment tab that engages a groove wall disposed along the shaft of the pin. The alignment tab and the groove wall cooperate to prevent misalignment during installation of the fastener assembly, and further prevent misalignment or separation of the pin from the body after installation and during use, such as by any external forces or vibrations that can be experienced.

[0029] Figure 1A fastener assembly 100 according to one example of the present disclosure is shown. The fastener assembly includes a pin 102 and a body 104. The pin 102 includes a head 110 and a shaft 112 extending away from a bottom surface 114 (see Figure 2 ). The head 110 includes a top surface 116 configured to be pressed, pushed, or otherwise engaged by a user (such as by a hand of the user), a tool, or the like. The head 110 also includes an edge 118 between the top surface 116 and the bottom surface 114. In the present example, the head 110 is disc-shaped or cylindrical; however, in other examples, the head 110 can be any shape, such as rectangular, square, triangular, or the like. As shown in Figure 2 , the shaft 112 extends away from the bottom surface 114 in a substantially orthogonal direction; however, in other examples, the shaft 112 can extend away from the bottom surface 114 at a different angle. Further, the shaft 112 extends away from a center of the bottom surface 114; however, in some examples, the shaft 112 can extend from a position of the bottom surface 114 that is off-center from one or more portions of the edge 118, or the shaft 112 can extend from a portion of the edge 118 rather than a portion of the bottom surface 114.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the shaft 112 includes a right side wall 120 and a top side wall 122, as well as a bottom side wall 124 and a left side wall 126. The right side wall 120 includes an axial channel 128 formed thereon and extending between the bottom surface 114 of the head 110 and a foot 130 of the shaft 112. A planar foot surface 132 is located at the foot 130 of the shaft 112. As depicted in Figure 1 , a molded tab 134 extends from the foot surface 132 near the right side wall 120. It is contemplated that the molded tab 134 can extend from different surfaces of the pin 102. The top side wall 122 contains a first recessed surface 140 defined at least in part by a step 142 and a groove wall 144. The groove wall 144 has a first notch 146 formed thereon at a location closer to the foot 130 than the step 142. The first notch 146 has a curved shape with a depth of approximately half the height of the groove wall 144, as further shown in Figure 3 .

[0031] With continued reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2The left sidewall 126 includes an axial channel 150 formed thereon and extending between the bottom surface 114 of the head 110 and the foot 130 of the shaft 112. The bottom sidewall 124 includes a second concave surface 152 defined at least in part by a step 154 and a groove wall 156. The groove wall 156 has a second notch 158 formed thereon at a location closer to the foot 130 than the step 154. In addition, a first slot (or slot groove) 162 and a second slot 164 are formed on the top sidewall 122 and the bottom sidewall 124, respectively, at locations closer to the head 110 than the foot 130. As shown in Figure 3 , the first slot 162 and the second slot 164 are disposed at similar distances from the head 110.

[0032] Still referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the body 104 includes a flange 180 having an upper surface 182 and a lower surface 184 with a peripheral edge 186 formed therebetween. An aperture 188 is formed through the flange 180 and is in communication with a central channel 190. An upper thin section 192 is formed on the upper surface 182 and is defined at least in part by track walls 194 extending parallel to each other between the peripheral edge 186 and the aperture 188. Thus, the upper thin section 192 extends between the aperture 188 and the peripheral edge 186, and more particularly, between the aperture 188 and a straight edge 196 of the peripheral edge 186. As such, the upper thin section 192 has a generally rectangular shape. However, the peripheral edge 186 is curved between the upper thin section 192 and a lower thin section 200. On the other hand, the flange 180 can have any shape, such as a rectangle, a square, a triangle, etc. A lower thin section 200 is formed on the lower surface 184 and is defined at least in part by track walls 202 extending parallel to each other between the peripheral edge 186 and the central channel 190. Thus, the lower thin section 200 extends between the central channel 190 and the peripheral edge 186, and more particularly, between the central channel 190 and a straight edge 204 of the peripheral edge 186. As such, the lower thin section 200 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 4The body 104 further includes a first arm 206, a second arm 208, and a nose 210. Both the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 extend between a distal end 212 near the nose 210 and a proximal end 214 near the lower surface 184 of the flange 180. The first arm 206 includes an external flex point 220, such as a living hinge, at an interruption 222 in an outer surface 224 of the first arm 206. The external flex point 220 is defined by a hinged portion 226 disposed between and interconnecting angled portions 228. Further, the first arm 206 includes an internal flex point 230, such as a living hinge, at an interruption 232 in an inner surface 234 of the first arm 206. The internal flex point 230 is defined by a hinged portion 236 disposed between and interconnecting angled portions 238. A first ledge 240 extends from a location on the inner surface 234 proximate the internal flex point 230. A gap 242 is formed in the outer surface 224 at a location corresponding to or aligned with the location of the first ledge 240 on the inner surface 234. The first ledge 240 is hook-shaped and includes an inner side 244, an outer side 246, a tip 248, and a free end 250.

[0034] With continuing reference to Figures 1 to 4 The second arm 208 includes an external flex point 260, such as a living hinge, at an interruption 262 in an outer surface 264 of the second arm 208. The external flex point 260 is defined by a hinged portion 266 disposed between and interconnecting angled portions 268. Further, the second arm 208 includes an internal flex point 270, such as a living hinge, at an interruption 272 in an inner surface 274 of the second arm 208. The internal flex point 270 is defined by a hinged portion 276 disposed between and interconnecting angled portions 278. A second ledge 280 extends from a location on the inner surface 274 proximate the internal flex point 270. A gap 282 is formed in the outer surface 264 at a location corresponding to or aligned with the location of the second ledge 280 on the inner surface 274. The second ledge 280 is hook-shaped and includes an inner side 284, an outer side 286, a tip 288, and a free end 290.

[0035] As Figure 3As shown in the middle, the first arm 206 includes a first proximal articulation portion 300, such as a living hinge, proximate the proximal end 214. The first proximal articulation portion 300 couples the proximal end 214 of the first arm 206 with a first extension wall 302. Similarly, the second arm 208 includes a second proximal articulation portion 304, such as a living hinge, proximate the proximal end 214. The second proximal articulation portion 304 couples the proximal end 214 of the second arm 208 with a second extension wall 306. The first and second extension walls 302, 306 have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first and second arms 206, 208, and the proximal end 214 of each of the first and second arms 206, 208 is curved. Thus, the curved shape of the proximal end 214 cooperates with the reduced thickness of the first and second extension walls 302, 306 to facilitate rotation about the first and second proximal articulation portions 300, 304, respectively.

[0036] Still referring to Figure 3 , the first and second notches 146, 158 and the first and second slots 162, 164 have similar depth and width dimensions. The first and second slots 162, 164 are configured to receive the first and second ribs 310, 312 of the body 104 in the installed configuration, as shown in Figure 5C . The first and second ribs 310, 312 are disposed along the central passage walls 320, 326 that define the central passage 190 below the aperture 188 formed through the flange 180. The first and second ribs 310, 312 are configured to fit within the first and second slots 162, 164 in a manner that resists vibration, displacement, and other external forces, particularly those associated with application in a vehicle. The inner side 244 of the first bracket 240 can be understood from Figure 3 It will be appreciated that the first bracket 240 is shaped as an arcuate member with the free end 250 and the tip 248 disposed proximate the first extension wall 302. Similarly, the outer side 286 of the second bracket 280 can be understood from Figure 3 It will be appreciated that the second bracket 280 is shaped as an arcuate member with the free end 290 and the tip 288 disposed proximate the second extension wall 306.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4 , the outer side 246, the tip 248, and the free end 250 of the first bracket 240 are shown, from which the inner side 284 of the second bracket 280 can be understood. As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the shapes of the first support 240 and the second support 280 are mirror images of each other and form an overlapping region 322 between the first arm 206 and the second arm 208. Furthermore, a V-shaped region 324 is formed between the first arm 206 and the second arm 208, more specifically between their inner surfaces 234 and 274. The outlines of the outer deflection points 220 and 260 and the inner deflection points 230 and 270 are shown, from which the thicknesses of the hinge portions 226, 236, 266, and 276 relative to the thicknesses of the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 can be understood.

[0038] As from Figures 1 to 4 As can be understood, the lengths of the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 are greater than the length of the shaft. Therefore, the body 104 can initially insert the nose 210, for example, through an opening in the panel or multiple aligned openings in a stack of panels. Furthermore, due to the long, thin shape of the first arm 206 and the second arm 208, and because they are joined together at their distal ends 212 near the nose 210, the fastener assembly can be inserted through a blind opening (i.e., an opening not visible to the user during insertion). The following... Figures 5A to 5C Examples depicting the insertion and assembly process are shown in the image.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 5A The diagram illustrates a fastener assembly 100 in a molded configuration or state, such that the molded tab 134 of the shaft 112 remains intact, thereby attaching the pin 102 to the body 104. In some examples, the pin 102 and the body 104 are formed simultaneously via a single-cycle molding process, and the molded tab 134 is formed during the molding process to allow material in a liquid state during molding to flow through the mold cavity. In this way, the pin 102 and the body 104 can be formed simultaneously from the same material (e.g., a plastic material). In some examples, various other suitable molding processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, thermoforming, etc.) can be used to form the pin 102 and the body 104. In some examples, the pin 102 and the body 104 can be manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0040] refer to Figure 5B The fastener assembly 100 in a transport configuration is shown, such that the molded tab 134 is separated from or sheared off the upper surface 182 of the flange 180. The shaft foot 130 is inserted through the orifice 188 and into the central channel 190 of the body 104, such that the first recess 146 and the second recess 158 engage with the first rib 310 and the second rib 312. The first rib 310 and the second rib 312 are fitted into the first recess 146 and the second recess 158 in a manner that resists any external forces caused by transport. Therefore, when mounted or inserted into the panel 350 (e.g., Figure 5C and Figure 6Prior to the installation of the fastener assembly 100 into the panel 350 (as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6), the shaft 112 and thus the pin 102 is captured by the body 104. Thus, the fastener assembly 100 undergoes a demarcation between the molded configuration and the shipping configuration prior to installation, such that the pin 102 and the body 104 are no longer one integral component. In the shipping configuration, the first leg 240 and the second leg 280 maintain the overlap region 322, and the free ends 250, 290 are on opposite sides of the central passage 190, respectively, such that the free end 250 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the second arm 208, the free end 290 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the first arm 206, and both free ends 250, 290 are closer to the lower surface 184 of the flange 180 than the interior flex points 230, 270.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a fastener assembly 100 is shown in a shipping configuration. In the shipping configuration, the shaft 112 and thus the pin 102 is captured by the body 104. Thus, the fastener assembly 100 undergoes a demarcation between the molded configuration and the shipping configuration prior to installation, such that the pin 102 and the body 104 are no longer one integral component. In the shipping configuration, the first leg 240 and the second leg 280 maintain the overlap region 322, and the free ends 250, 290 are on opposite sides of the central passage 190, respectively, such that the free end 250 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the second arm 208, the free end 290 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the first arm 206, and both free ends 250, 290 are closer to the lower surface 184 of the flange 180 than the interior flex points 230, 270. Figure 5C Referring to FIG. 6, the fastener assembly 100 is shown in an installed configuration. Upon installation, the nose 210 of the body 104 is screwed into or inserted through an opening of a panel 350. The shape of the body 104 (e.g., length and elongated profile) facilitates insertion of the body 104 (particularly the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 and the nose 210) into a blind opening, or an opening that is not visible from a vantage point of a user, or multiple openings stacked together. A user inserts the body 104 into such an opening(s), and after the lower surface 184 of the flange 180 contacts the panel 350, the user presses or pushes on the top surface 116 of the head 110 to force the shaft 112 through the central passage 190 of the body 104. In this manner, the first rib 310 and the second rib 312 are displaced from their fit within the first notch 146 and the second notch 158, and the pin 102 continues to move axially toward the flange 180 of the body 104. The displacement of the first rib 310 and the second rib 312 from the first notch 146 and the second notch 158 can provide a perceivable sensation or sound to the user.

[0042] During insertion, the foot surface 132 of the shaft 112 pushes against the free ends 250, 290 of the first and second brackets 240, 280. As a result, the first and second brackets 240, 280 move (e.g., rotate) about the first and second proximal articulation portions 300, 304, and the arms flex or bend about their outer flex points 220, 260 and inner flex points 230, 270. In this manner, each of the first and second brackets 240, 280 move away from one another, thereby eliminating the area of the overlap region 322. In the installed configuration, the free ends 250, 290 are moved to opposite sides of the central passage 190, such that the free end 250 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the first arm 206, the free end 290 is on the same side of the central passage 190 as the second arm 208, and both free ends 250, 290 are further from the lower surface 184 of the flange 180 than the inner flex points 230, 270. As a result, the V-shaped region 324 widens, and the nose 210 moves closer to the foot surface 132, and also closer to the faceplate 350, while remaining spaced apart therefrom. In this manner, the body 104 collapses in length, thus reducing the occupied volume after installation. Ultimately, after the shaft 112 is fully inserted into the body 104, the first and second ribs 310, 312 fit within the first and second slots 162, 164 on the shaft 112, whereby a perceivable sensation or sound (e.g., haptic feedback) can be provided to the user indicating that the installed position has been reached.

[0043] With reference to Figure 6 For example, during insertion of the pin 102 into the body 104 in sliding relation, the first bracket 240 engages the first groove wall 144 and the second bracket 280 engages the second groove wall 156, thereby experiencing a frictional resistance facilitated by the compressive force exerted therebetween. During insertion, and after reaching the fully installed configuration, the tip 248 of the first bracket 240 extends toward the first recessed surface 140 of the shaft, and the tip 288 of the second bracket 280 extends toward the second recessed surface 152 of the shaft 112. In this manner, the tip 248 of the first bracket 240 and the tip 288 of the second bracket 280 facilitate alignment during installation by mating with the first and second groove walls 144, 156, respectively. Further, the first and second brackets 240, 280 securely lock the body 104 to the pin 102, thereby preventing or resisting loosening of the pin 102 from the body 104 during reverse progression of the above-described configuration, and further preventing misalignment in multiple directions, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, lateral forces, etc.

[0044] In the installed configuration, as Figure 5C and Figure 6As depicted in the middle, a clamping force is formed between the pin 102 and the body 104 such that the panel 350 can be secured by the fastener assembly 100. In particular, a clamping force is formed between the lower surface 184 of the head 110 and the outer surfaces 224, 264 of the first arm 206 and the second arm 208, respectively. The clamping force is a result of the shaft 112 being inserted into the body 104. During insertion, the foot surface 132 of the shaft 112 moves (e.g., rotates) the first bracket 240 and the second bracket 280 about the first proximal hinge portion 300 and the second proximal hinge portion 304, respectively. As described herein, this movement causes the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 to flex about the outer flex points 220, 260 and the inner flex points 230, 270. In this manner, the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 experience a controlled collapse or partial bending movement about the outer flex points 220, 260 and the inner flex points 230, 270, which prevents unwanted and undesirable wear on the body 104. As a result of the combination of movement about the first proximal hinge portion 300 and the second proximal hinge portion 304, the inner flex points 230, 270, and the outer flex points 220, 260, the first clamping portion 328 of the first arm 206 and the second clamping portion 330 of the second arm 208 exert a force on the panel 350, i.e., a portion of the total clamping force. In some examples, the first arm 206 and the second arm 208 can include textured surfaces along them. For example, the first clamping portion 328 and the second clamping portion 330 can include textured features (e.g., knurling, ribs, dots, etc.), which can increase the frictional resistance with the panel 350.

[0045] With reference to Figure 7 A gap 340 is defined between the bottom surface of the head 110 and the upper thin section 192 defined by the track wall 194 and the straight edge 196 of the peripheral edge 186. A user can insert a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver) into the gap 340 to pry the pin 102 out of the body 104. In this manner, the fastener assembly 100 can be removed or disassembled after installation and subsequently repaired or replaced. After the pin 102 is removed from the body 104, the fastener assembly is configured to be reinstalled elsewhere. For example, the right side wall 120 and the left side wall 126 of the shaft 112 are provided without any laterally disposed notches or slots that can engage with the ribs 310, 312, and the axial channels 128, 150 of the shaft 112 are sized and shaped to prevent insertion of the tips 248, 288 of the first bracket 240 and the second bracket 280, thereby causing a misalignment that a user can notice and correct.

[0046] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, and the like can be used herein to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations illustrated in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0047] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the examples disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The claims should be construed to include alternative examples that, while not explicitly described or shown in the text and / or drawings, are nonetheless within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly, comprising: A pin having an axis extending from the head of the pin; as well as The body has a single flange member including a central channel passing through it, a first arm, a second arm, and a nose. The shaft is configured to be inserted into the central channel. The first arm and the second arm are connected at their distal ends near the nose. The first arm and the second arm are connected to the flange at a proximal end opposite to the distal end. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes an external flexure point, an internal flexure point, and an arcuate support, wherein the arcuate support of the first arm extends toward the second arm, and When the shaft is inserted into the central channel, each of the first arm and the second arm is configured to pivot about the outer flexure point and the inner flexure point.

2. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The pin's shaft includes a first notch, the body includes a first rib, and the first notch is configured to receive the first rib.

3. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first notch is provided on the first groove wall adjacent to the surface of the first groove.

4. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The first rib is located within the central channel.

5. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The pin's shaft includes a second notch, the body includes a second rib, and the second notch is configured to receive the second rib.

6. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The second notch is provided on the second groove wall adjacent to the surface of the second groove.

7. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The shaft of the pin includes a second groove arranged closer to the head than the second notch, and the second groove is configured to receive a second rib.

8. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The body includes a pair of ends that mate with a first groove wall and a second groove wall on the shaft of the pin.

9. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first rib and the second rib are disposed within the central channel.

10. The fastener assembly of claim 5, wherein, When the shaft of the pin is partially received within the central channel of the body, the first notch and the second notch are located near the flange.

11. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, When the shaft of the pin is fully received within the central channel of the body, the first notch and the second notch are spaced apart from the flange.

12. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The shaft of the pin includes a first groove arranged closer to the head than the first notch, and the first groove is configured to receive the first rib of the body.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The pin and the main body are integrally formed.

14. The fastener assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Before installation, the pin is separated from the body.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A panel having an opening configured to receive the pin and the body, and When the fastener assembly is inserted into the opening and the pin is inserted into the central channel of the body, the pin and the nose move toward the panel.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 15, wherein, The head of the pin is configured to face the panel without contacting the lower surface of the panel.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein, The body defines a V-shaped region, which is configured to at least partially receive the axis.

18. A fastener assembly comprising: A pin having an axis extending from a lower surface away from the head; as well as The body has a single flange member including a central channel passing through it, a nose, a first arm, and a second arm, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are connected to the flange and the nose at opposite ends. Both the first arm and the second arm include a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion. When the shaft is inserted into the central channel, the first arm is configured to move about the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion, and the second arm is configured to move about the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion. The first bracket extends from the first arm, and the second bracket extends from the second arm. The main body includes a pair of ribs disposed within the central channel. The shaft includes a foot, a first surface, a second surface, a pair of recesses, and a pair of grooves. The pair of ribs are configured to fit within at least one of the pair of recesses or the pair of slots, and the first bracket and the second bracket are configured to engage the first surface and the second surface of the shaft.

19. The fastener assembly of claim 18, wherein, The pair of notches includes a first notch on the first surface and a second notch on the second surface.

20. The fastener assembly of claim 18, wherein, The pin and the body are integrally formed and connected by a detachable molded tab.

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