Fastening clip assembly with expandable cap

Abstract

A fastening clip assembly with an expandable cap includes a cap comprising: a cap top; one or more cap legs extending from the top; one or more feet at the bottom of the legs; and one or more tabs extending inwardly on the one or more legs. The fastening clip assembly also includes a pin configured to form a cap-pin assembly for snap-closing around the cap, the pin being configured to slide about and within the cap. The cap-pin assembly is configured to attach to a groove in a chassis and to a panel, at least based on the pin, to engage the panel to the groove in the chassis. The cap is configured to expand about the groove in the chassis, at least based on the pin being configured to push the tabs outward in response to the pin being pushed upward over them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to means for fastening objects, and more specifically to fastening clamp assemblies for insertion into engagement structures such as vehicle chassis, hollow substrates, walls, plates or any suitable surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, various devices and fasteners are available for securing panels, such as body panels and automotive interior trim panels, to the vehicle chassis. As used herein, body panel refers, for example, to any interior or exterior body panel, plastic interior trim, door panel, headliner, or any interior trim on a vehicle. Additionally, the panel can be any suitable exterior body panel, such as fenders, bumpers, fender panels, or door panels. The vehicle chassis can include any base, plate, body panel, structural frame, chassis components or sub-components, walls, or any suitable object.

[0003] These traditional fasteners provide roughly equal levels of insertion and pull-out force. These body panels are typically attached to the vehicle chassis with a relatively high level of insertion force, while providing a relatively low level of pull-out force.

[0004] Fasteners, such as two-piece fasteners (multi-piece fasteners), are known to be used to attach body panels to the vehicle chassis. Using two-piece fasteners allows them to be pulled apart if the panel is removed after initial installation (e.g., for repairing parts in a door), leaving one part attached to the metal panel and the other to the trim panel. These two parts can also be reattached after separation. However, two-piece fasteners require the manufacture of multiple parts and involve labor-intensive assembly, making them relatively expensive.

[0005] One-piece fasteners are generally cheaper than two-piece or multi-piece fasteners. A one-piece fastener has a base, a strut, and wings. The base is attached to the body panel, the strut is attached to the base, and the wings are attached to the top of the strut at least at the tip of the fastener used to fasten to the frame slot. However, if the frame slot and the fastener are misaligned, the forces on the wings are unequal because the wing closest to the edge of the slot experiences higher wing compression, while the other wing may not have enough elasticity to engage the slot. Such high forces on one wing when the clamp is driven into the slot can cause the wing to break, thus preventing the fastener from securing the body panel to the frame. Worse still, a broken, damaged, or weakened wing can cause the body panel to detach or produce a clicking sound.

[0006] Traditional fasteners have sharp, rough grooves on their flanges to engage the edges of frame slots. However, when the clip is removed, the sharp edges of these frame slots cut into the softer plastic and sever the grooves. During manufacturing, these slots are typically formed in the vehicle frame, such as in the interior roof or door panel structure, by stamping sheet metal. As the punch enters the sheet metal, it pushes the outer portion inward, creating metal perforations or ridges on the inner side of the sheet. The groove edges created on the outer portion are relatively smooth; however, the inner portion of the groove edge is sharp and rough. When the fastener is removed, the sharp edges of the frame cut through the grooves, making the clip potentially unreintegrable and unusable.

[0007] For example, if the groove is off-center, or if the thickness of the sheet metal varies, or if there are tolerances in the production of the groove in the vehicle chassis or trim, the engagement of a portion of the hole in the chassis with one of the wing sections may not provide a proper frictional engagement. Twisting of the body panel can be even more common because not all contact points are actually formed using the groove in the vehicle chassis. Thus, when fasteners and body panels are misaligned, conventional one-piece fasteners will not self-align and are prone to wing breakage, making reattachment impossible.

[0008] Traditional fasteners are often insufficient to adequately secure panels to vehicle chassis with varying groove sizes and positions, or to metal sheets with different curvatures or thicknesses. When fasteners and body panels misalign, traditional single-piece fasteners do not self-align and are prone to wing breakage, making reattachment impossible. Furthermore, traditional fasteners are unsuitable for various environmental conditions, such as those involving vibrations at varying amplitudes and frequencies. For example, this type of traditional fastener typically fails to prevent or minimize humming, clicking, or any other type of noise that may attract the attention of vehicle occupants or otherwise weaken the attachment. Traditional fasteners cannot adequately accommodate various levels of manufacturing tolerances, such as the different dimensions between body panels and the vehicle chassis. Therefore, traditional fastener setups are often unable to self-align, adequately tighten to a range of sheet thicknesses, minimize or eliminate humming and clicking, and adequately adapt to variations in manufacturing tolerances. As a result, wear, squeaking, clicking, buzzing, corrosion, and loss of elasticity and sealing may occur, especially after the vehicle has been in operation for many years and exposed to vibration, high temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1This is an exploded view of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an alternative exploded view of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of another fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 4 This is an alternative exploded view of another fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a view of the cap of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a view of another cap of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a view of the pins of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a view of another pin of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a view of interlocking pins and caps according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 10 It is an assembly diagram of interlocking pins and caps according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a view of another pin and another cap that are interlocked with each other according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 12 It is an assembly diagram of another pin and another cap that are interlocked with each other according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 13 This is an assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 14 This is an assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly prior to engagement with a chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 15 This is yet another assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly in an engaged position, according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 16 This is an assembly diagram of another fastening clamp assembly prior to engagement with the chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 17This is an assembly diagram of another fastening clamp assembly in an engaged position, according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 18 This is an alternative assembly diagram of another fastening clip attached to the chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0028] While the invention can be subject to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and detailed description. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments. Instead, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following discloses various concepts related to systems and methods for automatically detecting similarity between sensors in order to identify and match sensors with similar properties and types, as well as embodiments of these systems and methods.

[0030] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an alternative exploded view of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fastening clamp assembly includes a cap / loop 1100 and a pin / pin retainer 1200. The pin 1200 is configured to slide against the cap 1100 when both are in an interlocked position, at least based on the fact that the pin 1200 engages the cap 1100 and secures itself to the cap.

[0033] In some embodiments, the two-piece assembly can be configured to hold various trim panels (e.g., panel 1400) to the vehicle chassis (e.g., chassis 1500). However, it should be noted that the fastening clamp assembly can be configured to bind various other objects together.

[0034] The cap / pin assembly can be configured to attach at one end to a slot / hole in the chassis 1500 and at the other end to a doghouse or similar object in the panel 1400. The pin 1200 can be attached to the doghouse by laterally engaging a corresponding rod / recess on the pin 1200 into a receiving opening in the panel 1400. In some embodiments, the doghouse can be attached to the panel 1400 by various means (e.g., adhesive), or the doghouse can be molded onto the panel 1400.

[0035] In some embodiments, the sealing member 1300 is configured to attach to the pin 1200 and form a seal relative to the surface of the chassis 1500 when the pin / cap assembly is attached to the chassis 1500. In some embodiments, the seal relative to the surface of the chassis 1500 prevents water, dirt, and other debris from entering the interior of the chassis from the outside through chassis grooves.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of another fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an alternative exploded view of another fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fastening clamp assembly includes a cap 2100 and a pin / pin retainer 2200. At least based on the fact that the pin 2200 and the cap 2100 are configured to slide internally to each other when both are in an interlocked position, the pin 2200 is configured to engage the cap 2100 and secure itself to the cap.

[0039] In some embodiments, the two-piece assembly can be configured to hold various trim panels (e.g., panel 1400) to the vehicle chassis (e.g., chassis 1500). However, it should be noted that the fastening clamp assembly can be configured to bind various other objects together.

[0040] The cap / pin assembly can be configured to attach at one end to a slot / hole in the chassis 1500 and at the other end to a drum-shaped cover or similar object in the panel 1400. The pin 2200 can be attached to the drum-shaped cover by laterally engaging a corresponding rod / recess on the pin 2200 into a receiving opening in the panel 1400. In some embodiments, the drum-shaped cover can be attached to the panel 1400 by various means (e.g., adhesive), or the drum-shaped cover can be molded onto the panel 1400.

[0041] In some embodiments, an optional sealing element (not shown in the figures) may be configured to attach to pin 2200 and form a seal relative to the surface of chassis 1500 when the pin / cap assembly is attached to chassis 1500. In some embodiments, the seal relative to chassis surface 1500 prevents water, dirt, and other debris from entering the interior of the chassis from the outside through chassis grooves.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a view of the cap of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cap 1100 is configured to interlock with the pin 1200, and the two-piece assembly is configured to engage and attach to a slot in the chassis, and also engage and attach to a panel.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cap 1100 includes a cap top 10, from which a pair of wall / leg portions 15 extend and terminate at cap feet 25. The cap 1100 may also include four cap latches 40, with a pair of cap latches on each cap foot 25. The paired legs and paired feet form two halves of the cap with a gap between them configured to receive a portion of the pin 1200 when the cap and pin are in the interlocked position.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least based on the opposing pair of snap locks 40 being male and female and configured to lock each other, the pair of feet 25 are configured to connect with each other. Thus, the two halves of the cap come together to form a cap surrounding a portion of the pin, while allowing the pin to slide up and down relative to the cap within the space formed inside the locked cap 1100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cap 1100 includes tabs 35 configured to cause the legs 15 to expand outwards, at least based on a portion of the pin 1200 being pushed upwards relative to the cap 1100. In some embodiments, at least based on the outward expansion of the legs 15, the ribbed portions 20 of the legs are configured to grip a groove in the chassis and secure the cap to the chassis, the fastening clip being inserted into the groove.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cap 1100 includes a cap-type snap lock 30 configured to receive and lock onto a corresponding portion of the pin 1200 to secure the pin to the cap.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a view of another cap of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0049] In some embodiments, cap 2100 is configured to interlock with pin 2200, and the two-piece assembly is configured to engage and attach to a groove in the chassis, and further engage and attach to a panel. In some embodiments, cap 2100 may be made of metal. In other embodiments, a variety of other materials may be used.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cap 2100 includes a cap top 210, a pair of legs 215 extending from the cap top and terminating at cap feet 225. The pair of legs and the pair of feet form a gap between them, the gap being configured to receive a portion of the pin 2200 when the pin is interlocked on the cap.

[0051] In some embodiments, the paired feet 225 terminate in raised foot portions 227 configured to provide a stop for the cap 2100 relative to the chassis when the cap 2100 is pushed into a groove on the chassis.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cap 2100 may further include a pair of wings 220 extending upward from the foot portion 225. The wings 220 may be configured to project through a gap in the leg portion 215 and terminate in a tab 235. In some embodiments, the tab 35 is configured to cause the wings 220 to expand outward, at least based on the upward pushing of a corresponding portion of the pin 220 relative to the cap 2100. In some embodiments, at least based on the outward expansion of the wings 220, the wings 220 are configured to grip a slot in the chassis and secure the cap to the chassis, the fastening clip being inserted into the slot.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least based on some flexibility in the wing 220, the outward movement of the wing 220 is configured to engage a chassis of a certain width range.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cap 2100 includes a female snap-lock 230 that is coupled to the leg portion 215. The female snap-lock 215 is configured to receive and lock onto a corresponding portion of the pin 2200, thereby securing the pin to the cap.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a view of the pins of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0056] In some embodiments, pin 1200 is configured to interlock with cap 1100, and the two-piece assembly is configured to engage and attach to a slot in the chassis, and also engage and attach to a panel.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pin 1200 includes a pin top 45 that extends downward into a pair of legs 50. In some embodiments, the pin top is configured to first enter a groove in the chassis, thereby protecting the cap and other parts of the assembly from damage or improper pushing in response to the clip being inserted into the groove.

[0058] At the bottom end, the leg 50 includes a first surface 65 and a second surface 70 connected via a rod 66. In some embodiments, the pin 1200 is configured to be attached / engaged to a drum-shaped cover via the rod 66, while being supported on the drum-shaped cover by the first surface 65 and the second surface 70.

[0059] In some embodiments, pin 1200 may further include an optional edge 75 configured to receive a seal, such as seal 1300. In some embodiments, the seal may be configured to form a seal relative to the chassis. In some embodiments, the seal may prevent debris and moisture from entering the vehicle. In some embodiments, seal 1300 may be overmolded onto pin 1200 using rubber or other such materials. In some embodiments, the rubber from seal 1300 may extend into a channel through pin 1200 to increase stability.

[0060] In some embodiments, pin 1200 further includes a pin latch 60, which includes a male portion and a female portion, one on each pin leg 50. In some embodiments, the pin latch 60 is configured to engage the two halves of pin 1200 together in response to the two halves being pushed together during assembly.

[0061] In some embodiments, the two halves of the pin define a gap therebetween, the gap being configured to receive a portion of the pin when the pin and cap are interlocked. In some embodiments, the male pin-type snap lock 55 is configured to engage a corresponding female cap-type snap lock 30 in response to the pin being pushed upward relative to the cap. In the interlocked position, the pin and cap are configured to slide up and down relative to each other.

[0062] In some embodiments, pin 1200 includes a downwardly sloping surface 52. This downwardly sloping surface 52 is configured to press against a corresponding tab on cap 1100, at least based on the pin being pushed upward relative to cap during insertion of the pin-cap assembly into a slot in the chassis. Cap wall 50 is configured to expand within the slot and attach the pin-cap assembly to the chassis slot, at least partially based on the pin tab being pushed outward.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a view of another pin of the fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0064] In some embodiments, pin 2200 is configured to interlock with cap 2100, and the two-piece assembly is configured to engage and attach to a slot in the chassis, and also engage and attach to a panel.

[0065] In some embodiments, pin 2200 includes a pin top 245 that extends downward into a pair of legs 250. In some embodiments, the pin top is configured to first enter a groove in the chassis, thereby protecting the cap and other parts of the assembly from damage or erroneous pushing in response to the clip being inserted into the groove.

[0066] At the bottom end, the leg 250 includes a first surface 265 and a second surface 270 connected via a rod 266. In some embodiments, the pin 2200 is configured to attach / engage to a drum-shaped cover via the rod 266, while being supported on the drum-shaped cover from above and below by the first surface 265 and the second surface 270.

[0067] In some embodiments, pin 2200 may further include an optional edge 275 configured to receive an optional seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be configured to form a seal relative to the chassis. In some embodiments, the seal may prevent debris and moisture from entering the vehicle. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded onto pin 2200 using rubber or other such materials. In some embodiments, rubber from the seal may extend into a channel through pin 2200 to increase stability.

[0068] In some embodiments, pin 2200 further includes a pin latch 260, which includes a male portion and a female portion, one on each pin leg 250. In some embodiments, the pin latch 260 is configured to engage the two halves of pin 2200 together in response to the two halves being pushed together during assembly.

[0069] In some embodiments, the two halves of the pin define a gap therebetween, the gap being configured to receive a portion of the pin when the pin and cap are interlocked. In some embodiments, the male pin-type snap lock 255 is configured to engage a corresponding female cap-type snap lock 230 in response to the pin being pushed upward relative to the cap. In the interlocked position, the pin and cap are configured to slide up and down relative to each other.

[0070] In some embodiments, pin 2200 includes a downwardly sloping surface 252. This downwardly sloping surface 252 is configured to press against a corresponding tab on cap 2100, at least based on the pin being pushed upward relative to the cap during insertion of the pin-cap assembly into a slot in the chassis. Cap wall 250 is configured to expand within the slot and attach the pin-cap assembly to the chassis slot, at least partially based on the pin tab being pushed outward.

[0071] Figure 9 This is a view of interlocking pins and caps according to some embodiments.

[0072] Figure 10 It is an assembly diagram of interlocking pins and caps according to some embodiments.

[0073] In some embodiments, the cap 1100 and the pin 1200 are configured to interlock with each other. In some embodiments, the cap 1100 is first placed inside the pin 1200. Then, the pin 1200 is snapped closed over the cap 1100. The pin latch lock 60 (male and female portions) is configured to hold the pin in the closed position.

[0074] Then, the cap 1100 snaps shut on the already closed pin 1200, thereby interlocking the cap and pin together. In some embodiments, the cap snap lock 40 (male and female portions) is configured to snap shut so that the cap is held around the pin in the closed position.

[0075] In some embodiments, while the cap and pin are interlocked together, the pin and cap are configured to slide up and down relative to each other and slide within each other. Based at least on the cap and pin being configured to slide up and down relative to each other, the two-piece assembly can be removably attached to a slot in the chassis.

[0076] Figure 11 This is a view of another pin and another cap that are interlocked with each other according to some embodiments.

[0077] Figure 12 It is an assembly diagram of another pin and another cap that are interlocked with each other according to some embodiments.

[0078] In some embodiments, the cap 2100 and the pin 2200 are configured to interlock with each other. In some embodiments, the cap 2100 is placed inside the pin 2200. The pin 2200 is then snapped closed over the cap 2100. The pin latch lock 260 (male and female portions) is configured to hold the pin in the closed position.

[0079] In some embodiments, while the cap and pin are interlocked together, the pin and cap are configured to slide up and down relative to each other and slide within each other. At least based on the cap and pin being configured to slide up and down relative to each other, the two-piece assembly can be removably attached to a slot in the chassis.

[0080] Figure 13 This is an assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly according to some embodiments.

[0081] Figure 14 This is an assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly prior to engagement with a chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0082] Figure 15 This is yet another assembly diagram of a fastening clamp assembly in an engaged position, according to some embodiments.

[0083] In some embodiments, optionally when the seal 1300 is molded onto the pin 1200, the pin 1200 and the cap 1100 may be interlocked together as described above.

[0084] In some embodiments, the bottom of the pin-cap assembly may be attached to a drum-shaped cover on the panel 1400. The panel can then be attached to the chassis 1500 at least by pushing the top of the pin-cap assembly attached to the panel through a slot in the chassis 1500.

[0085] like Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, when initially inserted into the chassis, pin 1200 is in a lower position relative to cap 1100. Thus, the male pin-type latch 55 has not yet engaged the female cap-type latch 30, and the tab 35 is not pushed outward by the pin.

[0086] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, when the panel is pushed toward the chassis, the foot of the cap 1100 reaches the chassis, causing the cap to stop. In that position, the ribbed portion 20 of the cap reaches a groove in the chassis 1500.

[0087] In some embodiments, the panel continues to be pushed toward the chassis (e.g.) Figure 15 As shown, the pin 1200 attached to the panel begins to move upward relative to the cap 1100. Finally, the male pin latch 55 reaches the female cap latch 30 and attaches the pin to the cap in this upper position for the pin.

[0088] In some embodiments, in response to upward movement of the pins relative to the cap, the sides of the pins are configured to press against the tabs 35 of the cap. In response to the tabs 35 being pushed outward, the wall of the cap 1100 is pushed to expand outward over a slot in the chassis, thereby expanding the effective diameter of the cap over the slot in the chassis. As the wall of the cap expands in this position, the cap is now secured to the slot in the chassis. The ribbed portion 20 of the cap further increases the firm attachment of the cap to the chassis through friction. Since the pins are secured to the cap via a male pin-type snap-lock 55 and a female cap-type snap-lock 30, the pins are now also secured to the chassis.

[0089] It should be noted that the expansion of the cap wall to attach the cap to the groove in the chassis can accommodate a certain range of chassis thicknesses, and is not limited to a specific chassis width, because the expansion of the cap wall can accommodate chassis of various thicknesses.

[0090] In some embodiments, the seal 1300 is configured to form a seal relative to the chassis 1500 based at least on an upward pushing pin toward the chassis.

[0091] In some embodiments, the fastening clip can be manufactured by injection molding using materials such as plastic nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM, also known as acetal), ABS, polypropylene, and rubber materials of various hardnesses. Again, it should be noted that different materials can be used for different parts of the fastening clip.

[0092] Figure 16 This is an assembly diagram of another fastening clamp assembly prior to engagement with the chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0093] Figure 17 This is an assembly diagram of another fastening clamp assembly in an engaged position, according to some embodiments.

[0094] Figure 18 This is an alternative assembly diagram of another fastening clip attached to the chassis, according to some embodiments.

[0095] In some embodiments, pin 2200 and cap 2100 may be interlocked together as described above. Optionally, a seal may be overmolded onto pin 2200.

[0096] In some embodiments, the bottom of the pin-cap assembly can be attached to a drum-shaped cover on the panel 1400. The panel can then be attached to the chassis 1500 by pushing the top of the pin-cap assembly attached to the panel through a slot in the chassis 1500.

[0097] like Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, when initially inserted into the chassis, pin 2200 is in a lower position relative to cap 2100. Thus, the male pin latch 255 has not yet engaged the female cap latch 230, and the tab 235 has not yet been pushed outward by pin 2200.

[0098] like Figure 17 As shown, in some embodiments, when the panel is pushed toward the chassis, the foot of the cap 2100 (more precisely, the protruding foot portion 227) reaches the chassis, causing the cap to stop. In that position, the wing portion 220 of the cap reaches a slot in the chassis 1500.

[0099] In some embodiments, the panel is pushed upward toward the chassis (e.g.) Figure 17 As shown, the pin 2200 attached to the panel begins to move upward relative to the cap 2100. Finally, the male pin latch 255 reaches the female cap latch 230, and attaches the pin to the cap in this upper position for the pin.

[0100] In some embodiments, in response to upward movement of the pin relative to the cap, the inclined side of the pin adjacent to the wing 220 of the cap 2100 is configured to press against the tab 235 of the cap. In response to the tab 235 being pushed outward, the wing 220 is pushed outward over and around the slot in the chassis, thereby expanding the effective diameter of the cap over the slot in the chassis. Due to the expansion of the wing 220, the cap is now secured to the slot in the chassis. The wing 220 of the cap further increases the firm attachment of the cap to the chassis through friction. Since the pin is secured to the cap via a male pin-type snap-lock 255 and a female cap-type snap-lock 230, the pin is now also secured to the chassis.

[0101] It should be noted that attaching the cap to the groove in the chassis via the expansion of the wing can accommodate a range of chassis thicknesses and is not limited to a specific chassis width.

[0102] In some embodiments, an optional seal may be fitted to pin 2200. In some embodiments, the optional seal may be configured to form a seal relative to chassis 1500 based at least on pushing the pin upward toward the chassis.

[0103] In some embodiments, the fastening clip can be manufactured by injection molding using materials such as plastic nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM, also known as acetal), ABS, polypropylene, and rubber materials of various hardnesses. Again, it should be noted that different materials can be used for different parts of the fastening clip.

[0104] In some embodiments, the cap 2100 may be made of metal.

[0105] It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the invention in its various aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated that the invention covers any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0106] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and intended to illustrate the invention, not limit it. While the invention is applicable to a wide variety of systems, those skilled in the art will recognize that it is not possible to include all possible embodiments and contexts of the invention within this disclosure. Many alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0107] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0108] The benefits and advantages that the invention can provide have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause or make these benefits and advantages to occur or become more apparent, should not be construed as being critical, essential, or fundamental features of any or all claims. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to be interpreted as non-exclusively including the elements or limitations following these terms. Therefore, a system, method, or other embodiment that comprises a set of elements is not limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the claimed embodiments.

[0109] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the above embodiments are possible. It is contemplated that such variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the invention as detailed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fastening clamp assembly, comprising: A cap, the cap comprising: Top of the hat; One or more cap legs, the one or more cap legs extending from the top; One or more feet, said one or more feet being located at the bottom of the leg; One or more tabs, the one or more tabs extending on the interior of the one or more legs; A pin, at least based on the pin being configured to snap-close around the cap to form a cap-pin assembly, the pin being configured to slide around and within the cap, wherein the cap is first placed within the pin, and then the pin is snap-closed on the cap to interlock the cap and the pin with each other. Specifically, at least based on the cap-pin assembly being configured to attach to a groove in the chassis and to a panel, the cap-pin assembly being configured to connect the panel to the groove in the chassis. Wherein, at least based on the pin being configured to push the tab outward in response to the pin being pushed upward past the tab, the cap being configured to expand around the groove of the chassis.

2. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap includes one or more wings attached to one or more cap legs, wherein, in response to the pin being configured to push the tab outward in response to the pin being pushed upward past the tab, the wings are configured to expand outward around a groove in the chassis.

3. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pin includes one or more downwardly inclined surfaces configured to push the one or more tabs outward based on the pin being pushed upward relative to the cap.

4. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The pin is configured to push upward relative to the cap, at least based on the foot of the cap reaching and resting on the chassis.

5. The fastening clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a cap lock and wherein the pin includes a pin lock, wherein, The pin is configured to be secured to the cap based at least on the pin being pushed upward and the pin locking engaging the cap lock.

6. The fastening clamp assembly of claim 1 further includes a seal attached to the pin, wherein, The seal is configured to form a seal relative to the chassis, at least based on the pin being pushed upward into the chassis.

7. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is made of metal.

8. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cap is molded from plastic and is configured to be assembled together by at least one cap snap lock.

9. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At the location where the cap engages with the groove in the chassis, the cap includes a ribbed portion on the cap leg.

10. A fastening clamp assembly, comprising: A chassis, the chassis including a chassis groove configured to receive a cap from a pin-cap assembly; A panel, the panel including a receiving opening configured as a receiving pin; A cap, the cap comprising: Top of the hat; One or more cap legs, the one or more cap legs extending from the top; One or more feet, said one or more feet being located at the bottom of the leg; One or more tabs, the one or more tabs extending on the interior of the one or more legs; A pin, at least based on the pin being configured to snap-close around the cap to form a cap-pin assembly, the pin being configured to slide around and within the cap, wherein the cap is first placed within the pin, and then the pin is snap-closed on the cap to interlock the cap and the pin with each other. Specifically, at least based on the cap-pin assembly being configured to attach to the slot in the chassis and to the panel, the cap-pin assembly is configured to connect the panel to the slot in the chassis. Wherein, at least based on the pin being configured to push the tab outward in response to the pin being pushed upward past the tab, the cap being configured to expand around the chassis groove.

11. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The cap includes one or more wings attached to one or more cap legs, wherein, in response to the pin being configured to push the tab outward in response to the pin being pushed upward past the tab, the wings are configured to expand outward around the chassis groove.

12. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The pin includes one or more downwardly inclined surfaces configured to push the one or more tabs outward based on the pin being pushed upward relative to the cap.

13. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The pin is configured to reach and rest on the chassis at least based on the foot of the cap, while being pushed upward relative to the cap.

14. The fastening clamp assembly of claim 10, wherein the cap includes a cap lock and wherein the pin includes a pin lock, wherein, The pin is configured to be secured to the cap based at least on the pin being pushed upward and the pin engaging the cap lock.

15. The fastening clamp assembly of claim 10, further comprising a seal attached to the pin, wherein, The seal is configured to form a seal relative to the chassis, at least based on the pin being pushed upward into the chassis.

16. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The cap is made of metal.

17. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The cap is molded from plastic and is configured to be snapped together by at least one cap snap fastener.

18. The fastening clamp assembly according to claim 10, wherein, At the location where the cap engages with the groove in the chassis, the cap includes a ribbed portion on the cap leg.

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