Push-to-fastener

Abstract

A push-to-fastener for engaging on a cylindrical post is disclosed. The push-to-fastener includes a body having oppositely facing first and second outer surfaces and an outer edge perimeter. A central opening extends axially through the body between the oppositely facing first and second outer surfaces and defines an inner perimeter. A first resilient tab includes a first engagement edge and a second resilient tab includes a second engagement edge. The first engagement edge defines the inner perimeter of the central opening and the second engagement edge defines a perimeter of the central opening that is outside of the inner perimeter.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference and priority claims of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 145,476, filed February 4, 2021, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The entire contents of that provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to push-fit fasteners. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a push-fit type metal fastener that can be axially pressed into an engagement position on a support. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, push-fit fasteners are used in conjunction with cylindrical supports or posts. The push-fit nut has a hole or clamping opening for receiving the support. The clamping opening usually comprises multiple blades or teeth that extend into the clamping opening to contact and secure the support. The blades of the clamping opening are typically shaped like a frustum. These teeth are configured to make the push-fit nut easy to slide onto the support, but difficult to slide in the opposite direction or remove. Fasteners are typically installed manually using simple hand tools. Traditional push-fit fasteners typically consist of a single hole or clamping opening of a certain diameter formed therein for installation on supports with a specific fixed diameter or a diameter varying along their length. A clamping opening with a single fixed diameter can only accommodate supports of that single diameter. That is, a different push-fit fastener is required for each specific diameter support. Furthermore, if the support is manufactured with a non-uniform diameter, excessive force may be required to push and install the fastener support where the support diameter is larger than the clamping opening. On the other hand, when the diameter of the support column is smaller than the clamping opening, the fastener can easily detach from the support column because the clamping opening does not make sufficient contact with the support column. Therefore, a push-type fastener that can adapt to supports of different diameters or supports with uneven diameters is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a push-fit metal fastener that can be axially pressed into a mating position on a cylindrical support.

[0006] In a first embodiment, a push-fit fastener for engagement with a stud is disclosed. The push-fit fastener includes a body having a first and a second outer surface facing opposite directions, and an outer edge perimeter. A central opening extends axially through the body between the first and second outer surfaces facing opposite directions and defines an inner perimeter. A first resilient tab includes a first engaging edge, and a second resilient tab includes a second engaging edge. The first engaging edge defines the inner perimeter of the central opening, and the second engaging edge defines an outer perimeter of the central opening located outside the inner perimeter.

[0007] In a second embodiment, a push-fit fastener for engagement with a cylindrical support is disclosed. The push-fit fastener includes a body having a first and a second outer surface facing opposite directions, and an outer edge perimeter. A central opening extends axially through the body between the first and second outer surfaces facing opposite directions and defines an inner perimeter. A first resilient tab includes a first engagement edge, and a second resilient tab includes a second engagement edge. The first tab has less resistance to deflection / flexion than the second tab.

[0008] In other embodiments, the recess extends into the first tab by a greater distance than it extends into the second tab, thereby making the first tab more easily deflected than the second tab. The recess makes the second tab less easily deflected than the first tab. In one example, the fastener includes a plurality of first tabs and a plurality of first engaging edges, each first engaging edge associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of first tabs, the plurality of first engaging edges defining an inner peripheral diameter of the central opening that is smaller than the diameter of the post. In one example, the fastener further includes a plurality of second tabs and a plurality of second engaging edges, each second engaging edge associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of second tabs, the plurality of second engaging edges defining an outer peripheral diameter of the central opening that is larger than the diameter of the inner peripheral diameter. In one example, when the post is inserted into the central opening, the plurality of first engaging edges engage the post along the inner peripheral diameter at a first location on the post, and the second engaging edges engage the post along the outer peripheral diameter at a second location on the post.

[0009] In a third embodiment, a method for forming a push-fit fastener and mounting the fastener on a cylindrical support is disclosed. The method includes forming at least one first resilient tab including a first engagement edge and at least one second resilient tab including a second engagement edge from a body having first and second outer surfaces facing opposite directions. The method further includes forming a central opening extending axially through the body between the first and second outer surfaces and defining an inner periphery, wherein the first engagement edge defines an edge of a first periphery of the central opening, and the second engagement edge defines a central, outer periphery of the central opening. The method also includes forming the first and second engagement edges to extend obliquely relative to the body outside the first outer surface. The method discloses mounting the fastener on the support by inserting the central opening from the first outer surface of the body onto the support and pressing the body downward to allow the first engagement edge to engage with the support at a first position and the second engagement edge to engage with the support at a second position, wherein the second position is axially lower on the support than the first position.

[0010] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following figures, description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To gain a fuller understanding of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A top view of a push-fit fastener according to this disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 A side view of a push-fit fastener according to this disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A side sectional view of a push-fit fastener along line 3-3 according to this disclosure is shown; and

[0015] Figure 4 An isometric view of a push-fit fastener mounted on a support post according to the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The accompanying drawings discussed below, as well as the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the invention in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged means or method.

[0017] Figures 1 to 3An overall arrangement of a push-fit fastener 10 incorporating the present disclosure is shown, and the fastener typically comprises a circular, generally flat, and fairly thin body 12 formed of a relatively high-strength sheet of metal (such as spring steel). The body 12 includes a peripheral flange 13 extending around the outer edge of the body 12. The body 12 is provided with a first outer surface 14 and a second outer surface 16 facing opposite directions, and an outer peripheral edge 15. It should be noted that... Figures 1 to 3 The figure shows a body 12 with a circular peripheral flange 13; however, straight wall segments can also be used to form the flange 13. For example, the flange 13 can be composed of multiple straight segments of equal length and angle that form various geometries (such as decagons or dodecagons).

[0018] The outer edge perimeter 15 extends to a peripheral flange 13 integrally formed with the body 12. The flange 13 preferably extends perpendicular to the outer surfaces 14 and 16. For example... Figure 2 and 3 As best shown in the diagram, a relatively large radius 20 extends between the second outer surface 16 and the associated peripheral flange 13.

[0019] A central opening 24 extends axially through the body 12 between opposite outer surfaces 14 and 16. The dimensions of the opening 24 are determined to be in relation to a cylindrical support, wherein fasteners can be applied to the cylindrical support in a manner described later in this disclosure. The opening 24 preferably has a generally circular configuration and has a first inner periphery and a second inner periphery, each defined by a single or preferably multiple individual finger-like extensions or tabs, wherein the multiple individual finger-like extensions or tabs may have different lengths. Preferably, the first set of tabs 26 is longer than the second set of tabs 27. Preferably, the first set of tabs 26 defines a first inner periphery of the opening 24. Preferably, the second set of tabs 27 is shorter than the first set of tabs 26 and defines a second inner periphery of the opening 24.

[0020] like Figure 3 As best shown, tabs 26 and 27 deflect and tilt upward from the first outer surface 14, and cooperate to define a slightly conical shape around the opening 24. See also... Figure 1 Individual finger-like protrusions 26 and 27 are separated from each other by slot 25. In this exemplary embodiment, slot 25 is generally rectangular in shape; however, other shapes of openings may be used instead of rectangular slot 25, such as oval-shaped slots.

[0021] An elliptical recess 28 may be formed by a slot 25 near the outer edge periphery 15. The recess 28 can remove material from the tabs 26 and 27 to reduce the force required to deflect the tabs. For example, the recess 28 may extend deeper into the tabs 27 than the tabs 26. The dimensions of the recess can be determined to provide variable elasticity to the tabs 26 and 27, which is achieved by offsetting the position of the recess 28 to remove more material from the first set of tabs 26 and less material from the second set of tabs 27. Thus, the first set of tabs 26, with less material, can deflect more than the second set of tabs 27 when subjected to the same deflecting force. Figure 1 As can be seen, the distance D1 between the recesses 28 defining the tab 27 is greater than the distance D2 between the recesses 28 defining the tab 26. Since the tabs 27 have more spring steel material, they are generally harder than the tabs 26. It should be noted that the structure just described and shown in this disclosure is merely one example for implementing this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will fully understand that any number or type of tabs 26 and 27, such as triangular tabs, can be formed on the exemplary push-fit fasteners described herein. Furthermore, the shape of the recesses 28 can be any shape and can be, for example, square or triangular, or any shape capable of providing a greater or lesser degree of spring-type force to the tabs.

[0022] The outer free end of each of the finger-like protrusions 26 and 27 is preferably provided with a relatively sharp edge 30 extending radially inward to a position diametrically opposite to the other, the diameter of which is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the post intended to be used with fasteners.

[0023] It is important to note that, in this disclosure, the total height or deflection distance of the individual finger tabs 26 and 27 is such that they do not extend beyond the outer free end of the circumferentially extending peripheral flange 13. Therefore, tabs 26 and 27 are generally entirely within the outer envelope of the entire fastener body 12. That is, finger tabs 26 and 27 are generally recessed within the flange 13. However, based on different installation requirements, such as mounting the push-fit fastener 10 on a post with a diameter greater than the central opening 24, the finger tabs can be bent at a greater upward angle, which would allow tabs 26 and 27 to extend beyond the outer free end of the circumferentially extending peripheral flange 18.

[0024] Figure 4The fastener 10 of this disclosure is shown used on the support member 40. By way of example and illustration only, the support member 40 is a smooth-surfaced cylindrical support extending outward from the supporting element 42 below and having a constituent element 44. In this example, the support member 40 is shown as having a smooth outer surface 41; however, this disclosure can be equally applied to supports having outer surface features such as threaded walls, ridges, or other features extending vertically around their perimeter from the support surface. The fastener is moved to the appropriate position on the support member 40 by aligning the central opening 24 on the support 40 and applying a downward force to the fastener 10. The finger-like tab elements 26 and 27 bend upward slightly, thereby forming a clamping engagement between the corners 30 at the free ends of the tabs 26 and 27 and the outer surface of the support 40. Additionally, since the tabs 26 are longer and less rigid than the tabs 27, they engage with the support 40 at a higher first position 45 on the outer surface of the support 40. The tab 27 engages with the surface of the support 40 at a second position 46, which is lower than position 45, on the outer surface of the support 40. Thus, tabs 26 and 27 engage with the support 40 at two different positions on the support surface to accommodate supports of different diameters or supports of non-uniform diameters.

[0025] Any attempt to separate the components will result in a cam action or toggle-like movement between the corners 30 of tabs 26 and 27, which enhances the engagement and clamping of the strut 40. This particular type of locking engagement is standard for push-fit fasteners. Regarding the fastener as a subject, it should be noted that the peripheral flange 13 greatly enhances the bending resistance of the fastener 10, providing high strength even when made of relatively thin sheet metal.

[0026] The descriptions in this application should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is a necessary or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the subject matter of the patent claim is defined only by the licensed claims. Furthermore, none of the claims are intended to violate U.S. Law 35 U.S.SC § 112(f) with respect to any appended claim or claim element, unless the exact words “means” or “step” are used in a particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying the function. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “building,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller” within the claims should be understood as referring to a structure known to a person skilled in the art, further modified or enhanced by the features of the claim itself, and is not intended to violate 35 U.S.SC § 112(f).

[0027] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and arrangements of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments does not limit or restrict this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A push-fit fastener (10) for engaging with a support column (40), the push-fit fastener comprising: The body (12) has a first outer surface and a second outer surface (14, 16) facing opposite directions and an outer edge periphery (15). A central opening (24) extends axially through the body (12) between the first and second outer surfaces (14, 16) facing opposite directions and defines an inner periphery; A first elastic tab (26) and a second elastic tab (27), the first elastic tab including a first engagement edge and the second elastic tab including a second engagement edge, the first engagement edge defining the inner periphery of the central opening (24) and the second engagement edge defining the outer periphery of the central opening (24) located outside the inner periphery; The fastener further includes a recess (28) that extends axially between the first and second outer surfaces facing opposite directions, near the outer edge periphery (15) of the body, through the first elastic tab (26) and the second elastic tab (27) adjacent to each other, wherein the recess (28) extends into the first elastic tab (26) by a greater distance than it extends into the second elastic tab (27).

2. The fastener according to claim 1, further comprising a slot (25) extending axially between a first engaging edge of the first resilient tab (26) and a second engaging edge of the second resilient tab (27) into the recess (28).

3. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The first elastic tab (26) and the second elastic tab (27) are oriented at an angle to the outer edge periphery (15).

4. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The outer edge periphery terminates in a flange (13) that extends perpendicularly to the first outer surface (14) along the edge of the outer edge periphery.

5. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein, The fastener (10) is made of spring steel.

6. A method for forming a push-fit fastener (10) and mounting the fastener on a cylindrical support column (40), the method comprising: The body (12) having a first outer surface and a second outer surface (14, 16) facing opposite directions forms at least one first elastic tab (26) including a first engagement edge and at least one second elastic tab (27) including a second engagement edge. A central opening (24) is formed, which extends axially through the body (12) between the first and second outer surfaces (14, 16) facing opposite directions. The first elastic tab engaging edge defines the edge of a first periphery of the central opening (24), and the second engaging edge defines a second periphery of the central opening outside the first periphery. The first and second joining edges are formed to extend obliquely from the body (12) outside the first outer surface (14); as well as The fastener (10) is mounted on the support (40) by inserting a central opening (24) from the first outer surface (14) of the body into the support (40) and pressing the body (12) downward, thereby allowing the first engagement edge to engage the support (40) at a first position (45) and allowing the second engagement edge to engage the support (40) at a second position (46), the second position (46) being axially lower than the first position (45) on the support (40); the method further includes forming a recess (28) near the outer edge periphery (15) of the body (12) extending axially between the opposing first and second outer surfaces (14, 16) through adjacent first elastic tabs (26) and second elastic tabs (27); the recess (28) extends into the first elastic tab (26) by a greater distance than it extends into the second elastic tab (27).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The recess (28) makes the first elastic tab (26) more easily deflected than the second elastic tab (27) so as to allow the first engagement edge to engage the pillar (40) at the first position (45).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The recess (28) makes the second elastic tab (27) less prone to deflection than the first elastic tab (26), so as to allow the second engagement edge to engage the pillar (40) at the second position (46).

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