Line holder

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a line holder including a body including a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The sidewalls at least partially define a slot configured to receive any one of a plurality of different sized lines. The sidewalls define an opening of the slot. The line holder includes a set of opposing legs extending from the first and second sidewalls into the slot adjacent to a front support wall and a back support wall, and a first set of opposing arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the slot adjacent to the opening. The line holder includes a second set of opposing arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the slot between the first set of opposing arms and the set of opposing legs.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 010,292 filed on April 15, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 119,286 filed on November 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 164,342 filed on March 22, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Typically, a vehicle has various lines of wires (such as for lights, power windows, and other electronic devices) and pipes (such as for fuel, coolant, washer fluid, etc.) running through various sections of the vehicle. Various retainers have been developed to secure the wires and pipes to various sections of the vehicle.

[0004] Various known retainers are configured to snap onto various sections of a vehicle. These known retainers include an outer wall defining a slot configured to receive and hold wires or pipes. Each known retainer is configured to hold a single size of wire or pipe. Consequently, multiple retainers of different sizes are typically required to secure a vehicle's various pipe sizes, which can increase inventory time and costs, as well as assembly time and costs. Therefore, there remains a continuing need for a retainer capable of securing a relatively wide range of pipe sizes to various sections of a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tubing retainer that can securely hold any one of a range of different sized tubings to streamline inventory and assembly processes and reduce costs.

[0006] An exemplary line retainer of the present disclosure includes a body comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls partially define a line receiving slot configured to receive any one of a plurality of different-sized lines, including a first-sized line and a second-sized line. The first-sized line has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the second-sized line. The first and second sidewalls define an opening of the line receiving slot. The exemplary line retainer includes a set of opposed legs extending from the first and second sidewalls into the line receiving slot, and a first set of opposed arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the line receiving slot adjacent to the opening. When the first-sized line is positioned in the line receiving slot, the first set of opposed arms can engage the first-sized line. The exemplary line retainer includes a second set of opposed arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the line receiving slot between the first set of opposed arms and the set of opposed legs. The first set of opposed arms are engageable with the second size tubing when the second size tubing is positioned in the tubing-receiving slot.

[0007] Another exemplary line retainer of the present disclosure includes a body comprising a base wall, a first sidewall extending from the base wall, and a second sidewall extending from the base wall and spaced apart from the first sidewall. The base wall, and the first and second sidewalls define a line receiving slot that can be engaged with any of a plurality of different sized lines. The first and second sidewalls define an opening of the line receiving slot that is opposite the base wall. The exemplary line retainer includes a first set of opposed legs extending from the first and second sidewalls adjacent to the base wall into the line receiving slot, and a set of opposed arms extending from the first and second sidewalls adjacent to the opening into the line receiving slot. Each arm in the set of opposing arms includes a proximal section extending from the first side wall or the second side in a direction at least partially away from the base wall; an intermediate section extending from the proximal section in a direction at least partially toward the base wall and inward toward the tubing receiving slot; and a distal section extending from the intermediate section in a direction at least partially toward the base wall into the tubing receiving slot.

[0008] Another exemplary pipeline retainer of the present disclosure includes a body comprising a base wall, a first side wall extending from the base wall, and a second side wall extending from the base wall and spaced apart from the first side wall. The base wall, and the first and second side walls define a pipeline receiving slot configured to receive any one of a plurality of pipelines of different sizes. The first and second side walls define an opening of the pipeline receiving slot, the opening being opposite the base wall. The exemplary pipeline retainer includes a set of opposing legs extending from the base wall into the pipeline receiving slot. Each leg in the set of opposing legs includes: a proximal leg segment extending toward the opening; a middle leg segment extending inwardly at a first acute angle relative to the proximal leg segment and toward the base wall; and a distal leg segment extending outwardly at a second acute angle relative to the middle leg segment and away from the base wall. The distal segment defines a pipeline retaining leg surface. The exemplary tubing retainer includes a set of opposed arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the tubing receiving slot adjacent the opening. Each arm in the set of opposed arms includes: a proximal arm segment extending inwardly toward the opening; a mid-arm segment extending inwardly toward the base wall at a third acute angle relative to the proximal arm segment; and a distal arm segment extending outwardly toward the base wall at an obtuse angle relative to the mid-arm segment. The distal arm segment defines a tubing retaining arm surface.

[0009] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A partial front view of a portion of a line retainer.

[0012] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0013] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A Another partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0014] Figure 1E It is a partial front view, which uses a set of solid lines to depict the pipeline while maintaining the first size. Figure 1A The arms and legs of the tubing holder are depicted in a set of dashed lines when alternatively holding tubing of a second size.

[0015] Figure 2A is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A partial front view of a portion of a line retainer.

[0017] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0018] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A Another partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0019] Figure 2E It is a partial front view, which uses a set of solid lines to depict the pipeline while maintaining the first size. Figure 2A The arms and legs of the tubing holder are depicted with a first set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a second size tubing, and with a second set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a third size tubing.

[0020] Figure 3A is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A partial front view of a portion of a line retainer.

[0022] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0023] Figure 3D It is a partial front view, which uses a set of solid lines to depict the pipeline while maintaining the first size. Figure 3A The arms and legs of the tubing holder are depicted with a first set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a second size tubing, and with a second set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a third size tubing.

[0024] Figure 4A is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A partial front view of a portion of a line retainer.

[0026] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0027] Figure 4D It is a partial front view, which uses a set of solid lines to depict the pipeline while maintaining the first size. Figure 4AThe arms and legs of the tubing holder are depicted with a first set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a second size tubing, and with a second set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a third size tubing.

[0028] Figure 5A is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A partial front view of a portion of a line retainer.

[0030] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A partial perspective view of this portion of the pipeline retainer.

[0031] Figure 5D It is a partial front view, which uses a set of solid lines to depict the pipeline while maintaining the first size. Figure 5A The arms and legs of the tubing holder are depicted with a first set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a second size tubing, and with a second set of dashed lines when alternatively holding a third size tubing.

[0032] Figure 6 is a front view of an exemplary line retainer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The drawings show and the specification describes certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, however, the systems, apparatus and methods described herein may be embodied in various forms. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the specification are required, and some embodiments may include additional, different or fewer components. Changes may be made to the arrangement and type of components, the shape, size and material of the components; and the manner in which the components are connected without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, any direction referred to in this specification reflects the orientation of the components shown in the corresponding drawings and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms referring to installation methods such as mounting, connecting, etc. are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods, but should be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operative mounting, connecting, and similar installation methods. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole and to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a line retainer for one or more lines (such as wiring lines and / or plumbing lines) that can securely hold any one of a range of different sized lines. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the line retainer is configured to hold any one of a range of lines having different outer diameters, thereby reducing the number of different line retainers that need to be purchased, stored, and tracked, and / or reducing assembly time by reducing the number of different parts used to assemble a vehicle. It should be understood that the line retainer of the present disclosure is not limited to use in assembling vehicles.

[0035] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the pipeline retainer includes a body having a base wall and opposed side walls extending from the base wall. The body, and in particular the base wall and the opposed side walls, define a pipeline receiving slot having an opening opposite the base wall. The pipeline retainer further includes: (1) a set of opposed arms extending from the opposed side walls into the slot adjacent to the opening of the slot; and (2) a set of opposed legs extending inwardly from the base wall and / or adjacent to the base wall from the opposed side walls into the slot. The set of opposed arms and the set of opposed legs are elastic (to a certain extent), flexible (to a certain extent), and are arranged to engage pipelines having different outer diameters so that the pipeline retainer can securely retain any of those pipelines having different outer diameters within the pipeline receiving slot. Generally speaking, the arms are configured to (1) flex generally toward the base wall of the body to facilitate insertion of the tubing into the slot upon application of a suitable insertion force, and (2) resist flexing generally toward the opening of the slot to prevent removal of the tubing from the slot until a suitable withdrawal force is applied. In various embodiments, the insertion force is significantly less than the withdrawal force. Additionally, the set of arms and the set of legs are configured to appropriately grip the tubing to inhibit the tubing from axially sliding out of the slot.

[0036] As used herein, "a set of opposed arms or a set of opposed legs" refers to two or more arms or legs arranged in an opposed configuration. A first non-limiting exemplary set of opposed arms includes one arm extending from a first side wall and another arm extending from a second side wall in an opposed configuration. Another non-limiting exemplary set of opposed arms includes two or more arms extending from a first side wall and another two or more arms extending from a second side wall in an opposed configuration. Another non-limiting exemplary set of opposed arms includes one arm extending from a first side wall and another two or more arms extending from a second side wall in an opposed configuration.

[0037] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 1D ,and Figure 1EAn exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. Figure 1A As best shown, the illustrated line holder 100 includes: (1) a frame 110 configured to be connected to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 120 defining a line receiving slot 122 configured to receive and retain any one of a plurality of differently sized lines having different outer diameters. The frame 110 includes any suitable connection mechanism(s) to attach the line holder 100 to the section of the vehicle. The body 120 extends from the frame 110 of the line holder 100 and is suitably formed (e.g., via molding) integrally and particularly unitarily therewith. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the body 120 defines one slot to enable the line holder 100 to retain one line at a time. It should be understood that the body may alternatively define multiple line receiving slots that are arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from one another to enable the line holder of the present disclosure to retain multiple lines simultaneously.

[0038] The body 120 of the illustrated exemplary pipeline retainer 100 includes: (1) a front end 124; (2) a rear end 126 opposite the front end 124; (3) a base wall 128; (4) a first side wall 130 connected to the base wall 128 and extending between the front end 124 and the rear end 126; (5) a second side wall 132 opposite and spaced apart from the first side wall 130, connected to the base wall 128 and extending between the front end 124 and the rear end 126; (6) a front support wall 134 connected to the base wall 128, the first side wall 130, and the second side wall 132 and extending along the front end 124; (7) a rear support wall 136 opposite and spaced apart from the front support wall 134, connected to the base wall 128, the first side wall 130, and the second side wall 132 and extending along the rear end 126; and (8) a central support column 138.

[0039] like Figure 1C As best shown, the base wall 128 includes: (1) a front extension 140 extending along the front end 124 ; and (2) a rear extension 142 extending along the rear end 126 opposite and spaced from the front extension 140 .

[0040] like Figure 1C and Figure 1DAs best shown, the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132 each extend between the front end 124 and the rear end 126 to define the depth of the body 120 of the line retainer 100. The first side wall 130 defines a first recess 144, and the second side wall 132 defines a second recess 146. The first side wall 130 includes: (1) a front support post 148 extending laterally from the front extension 140 of the base wall 128 along the front end 124; and (2) a rear support post 150 extending laterally from the rear extension 142 of the base wall 128 along the rear end 126 and opposite and spaced apart from the front support post 148.

[0041] The front support wall 134 extends transversely from the front extension 140 along the front end 124 between the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132. The rear support wall 136 extends transversely from the rear extension 142 along the rear end 126 between the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132, and is opposite and spaced apart from the front support wall 134. The front support wall 134 forms a circumferential arc having a lowest point connected to the front extension 140, while the rear support wall 136 forms a circumferential arc having a lowest point connected to the rear extension 142. The front support wall 134 defines a front pipeline contact surface 152 that is circumferentially arcuate and configured to contact and support a pipeline, while the rear support wall 136 defines a rear pipeline contact surface 154 that is circumferentially arcuate and configured to contact and support a pipeline.

[0042] The first and second side walls 130, 132, and the front and rear support walls 134, 136 define a line receiving slot 122 configured to receive any one of a plurality of differently sized lines having different outer diameters and to securely retain such lines therein. The first and second side walls 130, 132 also define an opening 156 of the line receiving slot 122, which is opposite the base wall 128 so that any one of such different lines can be inserted into the line receiving slot 122 through the opening 156. The front extension 140 and the front support wall 134 are opposite and spaced from the rear extension 142 and the rear support wall 136 to define a gap 158 extending between the first and second side walls 130, 132.

[0043] The illustrated exemplary pipeline retainer 100 also includes: (1) a first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200 and 220, which extend from the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132, respectively, into the pipeline receiving slot 122, adjacent to the opening 156; (2) a second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, which extend from the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132, respectively, into the pipeline receiving slot 122; and (3) a set of opposing legs 280 and 300, which extend from the first side wall 130 and the second side wall 132, respectively, adjacent to the front support wall 134 and the rear support wall 136.

[0044] like Figure 1C and Figure 1D As best shown, the first set of opposed arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 includes: (1) a first arm 160 extending from the first side wall 130 adjacent the front end 124 of the body 120; (2) a second arm 180 extending from the first side wall 130 adjacent the rear end 126 of the body 120; (3) a third arm 200 extending from the second side wall 132 adjacent the front end 124 and opposite the first arm 160; and (4) a fourth arm 220 extending from the second side wall 132 adjacent the rear end 126 and opposite the second arm 180. The second arm 180 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm 160. The fourth arm 220 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm 200.

[0045] like Figure 1B As best shown, the first arm 160 includes: (1) a first segment 162 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 130; (2) a second segment 164 extending from the first segment 162. The second segment 164 includes: (1) a proximal end 166 connected to the first segment 162; (2) a distal end 168 opposite the proximal end 166; and (3) a tubing contact surface 170 extending between the proximal end 166 and the distal end 168; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 172 at and / or near the distal end 168. The second segment 164 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 168 is the portion of the first arm 160 closest to the base wall 128. Figure 1E As most clearly shown, the first arm 160 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 164 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 162 toward the base wall 128 .

[0046] Similarly, if Figure 1DAs best shown, the second arm 180 includes: (1) a first segment 182 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 130; (2) a second segment 184 extending from the first segment 182. The second segment 184 includes: (1) a proximal end 186 connected to the first segment 182; (2) a distal end 188 opposite the proximal end 186; and (3) a tubing contact surface 190 extending between the proximal end 186 and the distal end 188; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 192 at and / or near the distal end 188. The second segment 184 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 188 is the portion of the second arm 180 closest to the base wall 128. The second arm 180 is biased toward a rest position in which the second segment 194 is at an obtuse angle relative to the first segment 182 toward the base wall 128.

[0047] Similarly, if Figure 1B As best shown, the third arm 200 includes: (1) a first segment 202 extending inwardly from the second sidewall 132; and (2) a second segment 204 extending from the first segment 202. The second segment 204 includes: (1) a proximal end 206 connected to the first segment 202; (2) a distal end 208 opposite the proximal end 206; and (3) a tubing contact surface 210 extending between the proximal end 206 and the distal end 208; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 212 at and / or near the distal end 208. The second segment 204 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 208 is the portion of the third arm 200 closest to the base wall 128. The third arm 200 is biased toward a rest position in which the second segment 204 is angled toward the base wall 128 relative to the first segment 202.

[0048] Similarly, if Figure 1C As best shown, the fourth arm 220 includes: (1) a first segment 222 extending inwardly from the second sidewall 132; and (2) a second segment 224 extending from the first segment 222. The second segment 224 includes: (1) a proximal end 226 connected to the first segment 222; (2) a distal end 228 opposite the proximal end 226; and (3) a tubing contact surface 230 extending between the proximal end 226 and the distal end 228; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 232 at and / or near the distal end 228. The second segment 224 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 228 is the portion of the fourth arm 220 closest to the base wall 128. The fourth arm 220 is biased toward a rest position in which the second segment 224 is angled toward the base wall 128 relative to the first segment 222.

[0049] The second set of opposed arms 240 and 260 includes: (1) a fifth arm 240 extending from the first side wall 130 of the body 120; and (2) a sixth arm 260 extending from the second side wall 132 and opposite the fifth arm 240. The fifth arm 240 extends from the first side wall 130 between (1) the first and second arms 160, 180 and (2) the base wall 128. More specifically, the fifth arm 240 extends from the first side wall 130 between (1) the first and second arms 160, 180 and (2) the first recess 144 defined by the first side wall 130. Similarly, the sixth arm 260 extends from the second side wall 132 between (1) the third and fourth arms 200, 220 and (2) the base wall 128. More specifically, the sixth arm 260 extends from the second side wall 132 between (1) the third and fourth arms 200, 220 and (2) the second recess 146 defined by the second side wall 132. Each of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 is also offset from and centrally located between the front and rear ends 124, 126 of the body 120.

[0050] like Figure 1B As best shown, the fifth arm 240 includes: (1) a first segment 242 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 130; (2) a second segment 244 extending from the first segment 242. The second segment 244 includes: (1) a proximal end 246 connected to the first segment 242; (2) a distal end 248 opposite the proximal end 246; and (3) a tubing contact surface 250 extending between the proximal end 246 and the distal end 248; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 252 at and / or near the distal end 248. The second segment 244 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 248 is the portion of the fifth arm 240 closest to the base wall 128. Figure 1E As most clearly shown, the fifth arm 240 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 244 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 242 toward the base wall 128 .

[0051] Similarly, if Figure 1B As best shown, the sixth arm 260 includes: (1) a first segment 262 extending inwardly from the second sidewall 132; and (2) a second segment 264 extending from the first segment 262. The second segment 264 includes: (1) a proximal end 266 connected to the first segment 262; (2) a distal end 268 opposite the proximal end 266; and (3) a tubing contact surface 270 extending between the proximal end 266 and the distal end 268; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 272 at and / or near the distal end 268. The second segment 264 is angled toward the base wall 128 of the body 120 such that the distal end 268 is the portion of the sixth arm 260 closest to the base wall 128. The sixth arm 260 is biased toward a rest position in which the second segment 264 is angled toward the base wall 128 relative to the first segment 262.

[0052] The illustrated set of opposed legs 280 and 300 of the exemplary pipeline retainer 100 includes: (1) a first leg 280 extending from the first side wall 130 of the body 120; and (2) a second leg 300 extending from the second side wall 132 opposite the first leg 280. The first leg 280 has a concave shape and is offset from and centrally located between the front end 124 and the rear end 126 of the body 120. The first leg 280 has a pipeline contact surface 282 that has a concave shape and is configured to receive and engage a portion of the pipeline. Similarly, the second leg 300 has a concave shape and is offset from and centrally located between the front end 124 and the rear end 126 of the body 120. The second leg 300 has a pipeline contact surface 302 that has a concave shape and is configured to receive and engage a portion of the pipeline.

[0053] The frame 110, body 120, first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200 and 220, second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, and set of opposing legs 280 and 300 of the illustrated exemplary line holder 100 are suitably formed (e.g., via molding) integrally and specifically unitarily from a semi-rigid material (e.g., but not limited to, nylon, acetyl and / or other plastic(s), or combinations thereof). The semi-rigid material enables the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200 and 220, second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, and set of opposing legs 280 and 300 to (1) flex to enable any one of a plurality of different sized lines having different outer diameters to be inserted through the opening 156 into the line receiving slot 122, and (2) accommodate such lines having different outer diameters (e.g., between about 8 mm and 12 mm). The flexibility of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 and the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 enable any such tubing to be inserted into the tubing receiving slot 122 with an insertion force that can be easily applied by an assembler. The rigidity of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 and the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 also provide rigidity to inhibit the tubing from being removed from the tubing receiving slot 122 through the opening 156 unless a withdrawal force greater than the insertion force is applied.

[0054] like Figure 1EAs best shown by the solid line group shown in FIG, the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 is configured to engage a first size tubing (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) when the tubing is positioned within the tubing receiving slot 122 to securely hold the first size tubing within the tubing receiving slot 122. The distal ends 168, 188, 208, and 228 of the second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 are thicker than the corresponding proximal ends 166, 186, 206, and 226 to increase the rigidity of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 and, in turn, significantly increase the extraction force for removing the first size tubing from the tubing receiving slot 122.

[0055] like Figure 1E As best shown by the dashed group of arms 240 and 260, the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 is configured to engage a second-sized tubing of a different second size (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) when the tubing is positioned within the tubing-receiving slot 122 to securely retain the second-sized tubing within the tubing-receiving slot 122. The distal ends 248 and 268 of the second sections 244 and 264 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 are thicker than the corresponding proximal ends 246 and 266 to increase the rigidity of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 and, in turn, significantly increase the extraction force required to remove the second-sized tubing from the tubing-receiving slot 122.

[0056] like Figure 1E As best shown, each of the sets of opposed legs 280 and 300 is configured to engage any one of a plurality of differently sized tubings. For example, when a second-sized tubing is positioned within the tubing-receiving slot 122, the tubing-contacting surfaces 282 and 302 of the corresponding sets of opposed legs 280 and 300 are configured to engage the second-sized tubing when the sets of opposed legs 280 and 300 are in their respective resting positions. When a first-sized tubing is positioned within the tubing-receiving slot 122, the tubing-contacting surfaces 282 and 302 are configured to engage the first-sized tubing, and the sets of opposed legs 280 and 300 are configured to at least partially flex into the void 158 to accommodate the larger outer diameter of the first-sized tubing.

[0057] The first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 and the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 are staggered relative to one another to facilitate retaining any one of a plurality of differently sized pipelines within the pipeline receiving slot 122. For example, the staggered arrangement of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 and the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 (1) prevents the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 from obstructing flexure of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 when a pipeline is inserted through the opening 156, and (2) inhibits the pipeline from sliding out of either end of the pipeline receiving slot 122. The set of opposing legs 280 and 300 and the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 are also staggered relative to one another to facilitate retaining any one of a plurality of differently sized pipelines within the pipeline receiving slot 122.

[0058] As the pipeline is inserted through the opening 156 toward the pipeline receiving slot 122, the pipeline contact surfaces 170, 190, 210, and 230 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 engage the pipeline and the second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 130, 132. As the pipeline is pushed further into the opening 156, the pipeline contact surfaces 250 and 270 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 engage the pipeline and the second sections 244 and 264 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 130, 132. The distal ends 248 and 268 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 are configured to at least partially pivot into the first recess 144 and the second recess 146, respectively, to enable the tubing to be positioned within the tubing receiving slot 122. The first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 are configured to rebound and return to their respective resting positions once the tubing is pushed far enough into the tubing receiving slot 122 to pass over the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220. Similarly, the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 are configured to rebound and return to their respective resting positions once the tubing is pushed far enough into the tubing receiving slot 122 to pass over the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260. The line contact surfaces 282 and 302 of the respective set of opposed legs 280 and 300 are configured to engage the line once the line is inserted into the line receiving slot 122. Additionally, depending on the outer diameter of the line, the set of opposed legs 280 and 300 are configured to at least partially flex into the void 158 and the front and rear line contact surfaces 152, 154 of the respective front and rear support walls 134, 136 once the line is inserted into the line receiving slot 122.

[0059] For example, Figure 1EThe solid line group depicts a relatively large size tubing (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) retained within the tubing receiving slot 122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 156 into the tubing receiving slot 122 by the insertion force, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 170, 190, 210, and 230 of the second segments 164, 184, 204, and 224 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220, causing the second segments 164, 184, 204, and 224 to flex outwardly. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 250 and 270 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, causing the second segments 244 and 264 to flex outwardly from their resting positions into the first and second recesses 144, 146. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 282 and 302 of the respective set of opposed legs 280 and 300 and pushes the set of opposed legs 280 and 300 to at least partially flex into the void 158. Once the tubing engages and rests on the front and rear tubing contact surfaces 152 and 154 of the respective front and rear support walls 134 and 136, the tubing reaches a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 122. Once the tubing is pushed into the retained position, the distal ends 168, 188, 208 and 228 of the first set of opposed arms 160, 180, 200 and 220 rebound and return to their respective resting positions to prevent the tubing from being removed through the opening 156. Figure 1E As most clearly shown, the pipeline contact surfaces 282 and 302 of one set of opposing legs 280 and 300, the pipeline contact surfaces 250 and 270 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, and / or the pipeline retaining surfaces 172, 192, 212 and 232 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200 and 220 engage the pipeline in a retained position to secure the pipeline within the pipeline receiving slot 122.

[0060] Figure 1EThe dashed line group depicts a relatively small size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) held within the tubing receiving slot 122. When the tubing is pushed into the tubing receiving slot 122 through the opening 156, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 170, 190, 210, and 230 of the second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220, causing the second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224 to flex outward. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 250 and 270 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, causing the second sections 244 and 264 to flex outward from their respective resting positions toward the first and second recesses 144, 146. Subsequently, as the tubing is pushed further into the tubing receiving slot 122 and disengages from the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220, the distal ends 168, 188, 208, and 228 of the first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220 rebound and return to their respective resting positions. Once the tubing is pushed to a retaining position within the tubing receiving slot 122, the distal ends 248 and 268 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 rebound to their respective resting positions to prevent the tubing from being removed through the opening 156. Additionally, the tubing engages and rests against the tubing contact surfaces 282 and 302 of the set of opposing legs 280 and 300, which remain in their respective resting positions when receiving the tubing. When the tubing is in a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 122 , the tubing retaining surfaces 252 and 272 of the second set of opposing arms 240 and 260 and the tubing contacting surfaces 282 and 302 of the set of opposing legs 280 and 300 engage the tubing to secure the tubing within the tubing receiving slot 122 .

[0061] When a medium-sized tubing (e.g., third-sized tubing having an outer diameter of 10 mm) is pushed through opening 156 into tubing-receiving slot 122, the tubing first engages tubing-contacting surfaces 170, 190, 210, and 230 of second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224 of first set of opposing arms 160, 180, 200, and 220, and outwardly flexes second sections 164, 184, 204, and 224. The tubing then engages tubing-contacting surfaces 250 and 270 of second set of opposing arms 240 and 260, and outwardly flexes second sections 244 and 264 from their respective resting positions toward first and second recesses 144, 146. 144 and the second set of opposing arms 260 are positioned intermediate between the first and second recesses 144 and 146 and their respective resting positions. In the intermediate position, the line contact surfaces 250 and 270 of the second set of opposed arms 240 and 260 remain engaged with the line to secure the line within the line receiving slot 122. When the line is in the retained position within the line receiving slot 122, (1) the second sections 244 and 264 of the respective second set of opposed arms 240 and 260 and (2) the line contact surfaces 282 and 302 of the set of opposed legs 280 and 300 engage the line to secure the line within the line receiving slot 122.

[0062] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C 、 Figure 2D ,and Figure 2E Another exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by the reference numeral 1000. Figure 2AAs best shown in FIG, the illustrated line holder 1000 includes: (1) a frame 1110 configured to be connected to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 1120 defining a line receiving slot 1122 configured to receive and retain any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters. The frame 1110 includes any suitable connection mechanism(s) to attach the line holder 1000 to the section of the vehicle. The body 1120 extends from and is integrally formed with the frame 1110 of the line holder 1000 and is particularly suitably formed (e.g., via molding) as a whole. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the body 1120 defines one slot to enable the line holder 1000 to retain one line at a time. It should be understood that the body may alternatively define multiple line receiving slots that are arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from one another to enable the line holder of the present disclosure to retain multiple lines simultaneously.

[0063] The body 1120 of the illustrated exemplary line holder 1000 includes: (1) a front end 1124; (2) a rear end 1126 opposite the front end 1124; (3) a base wall 1128; (4) a first side wall 1130 connected to the base wall 1128 and extending between the front end 1124 and the rear end 1126; (5) a second side wall 1132 opposite and spaced from the first side wall 1130, connected to the base wall 1128 and extending between the front end 1124 and the rear end 1126. 24 and extends between the rear end 1126; (6) a front support wall 1134, which is connected to the base wall 1128, the first side wall 1130, and the second side wall 1132, and extends along the front end 1124; (7) a rear support wall 1136 opposite and spaced apart from the front support wall 1134, which is connected to the base wall 1128, the first side wall 1130, and the second side wall 1132, and extends along the rear end 1126; (8) a central support column 1138.

[0064] like Figure 2C As most clearly shown, base wall 1128 includes: (1) a front extension 1140 extending along front end 1124 ; and (2) a rear extension 1142 extending along rear end 1126 opposite and spaced from front extension 1140 .

[0065] like Figure 2C and Figure 2DAs best shown, a first side wall 1130 and a second side wall 1132 each extend between a front end 1124 and a rear end 1126 to define the depth of the body 1120 of the line holder 1000. The first side wall 1130 defines a first recess 1144, and the second side wall 1132 defines a second recess 1146. The first side wall 1130 includes: (1) a front support post 1148 extending laterally from a front extension 1140 of the base wall 1128 along the front end 1124; and (2) a rear support post 1150 extending laterally from the rear extension 1142 of the base wall 1128 along the rear end 1126 and opposite and spaced apart from the front support post 1148.

[0066] A front support wall 1134 extends transversely from a front extension 1140 along a front end 1124 between the first side wall 1130 and the second side wall 1132. A rear support wall 1136 extends transversely from a rear extension 1142 along a rear end 1126 between the first side wall 1130 and the second side wall 1132, and is opposite and spaced apart from the front support wall 1134. The front support wall 1134 forms a circumferential arc having a lowest point connected to the front extension 1140, while the rear support wall 1136 forms a circumferential arc having a lowest point connected to the rear extension 1142. The front support wall 1134 defines a front pipeline contact surface 1152 that is circumferentially arcuate and configured to contact and support a pipeline, while the rear support wall 1136 defines a rear pipeline contact surface 1154 that is circumferentially arcuate and configured to contact and support a pipeline.

[0067] First and second sidewalls 1130, 1132, and front and rear support walls 1134, 1136 define a line receiving slot 1122 configured to receive any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters, and to securely retain such lines within the slot. First and second sidewalls 1130, 1132 also define an opening 1156 of line receiving slot 1122, which is opposite base wall 1128, such that any one of the different lines can be inserted through opening 1156 into line receiving slot 1122. Front extension 1140 and front support wall 1134 are opposite and spaced from rear extension 1142 and rear support wall 1136 to define a gap 1158 extending between first and second sidewalls 1130, 1132.

[0068] The exemplary pipeline retainer 1000 shown also includes: (1) a first group of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220, which are adjacent to the opening 1156 and extend from the first side wall 1130 and the second side wall 1132, respectively, into the pipeline receiving slot 1122; (2) a second group of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, which are adjacent to the front support wall 1134 and the rear support wall 1136 and extend from the first side wall 1130 and the second side wall 1132, respectively, into the pipeline receiving slot 1122.

[0069] like Figure 2C and Figure 2D As best shown, the first set of opposed arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 includes: (1) a first arm 1160 extending from the first side wall 1130 adjacent the front end 1124 of the body 1120; (2) a second arm 1180 extending from the first side wall 1130 adjacent the rear end 1126 of the body 1120; (3) a third arm 1200 extending from the second side wall 1132 adjacent the front end 1124 and opposite the first arm 1160; and (4) a fourth arm 1220 extending from the second side wall 1132 adjacent the rear end 1126 and opposite the second arm 1180. The second arm 1180 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm 1160. The fourth arm 1220 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm 1200.

[0070] like Figure 2B As most clearly shown, the first arm 1160 includes: (1) a first segment 1162 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 1130; (2) a second segment 1164 extending from the first segment 1162. The second segment 1164 includes: (1) a proximal end 1166 connected to the first segment 1162; (2) a distal end 1168 opposite the proximal end 1166; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1170 extending between the proximal end 1166 and the distal end 1168; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1172 at and / or near the distal end 1168. The second segment 1164 is angled toward the base wall 1128 of the body 1120 such that the distal end 1168 is the portion of the first arm 1160 closest to the base wall 1128. As shown in FIG. Figure 2E As most clearly shown, the first arm 1160 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 164 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1162 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0071] Similarly, if Figure 2CAs best shown, second arm 1180 includes: (1) a first segment 1182 extending inwardly from first sidewall 1130; (2) a second segment 1184 extending from first segment 1182. Second segment 1184 includes: (1) a proximal end 1186 connected to first segment 1182; (2) a distal end 1188 opposite proximal end 1186; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1190 extending between proximal end 1186 and distal end 1188; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1192 at and / or near distal end 1188. Second segment 1184 is angled toward base wall 1128 of body 1120 such that distal end 1188 is the portion of second arm 1180 closest to base wall 1128. The second arm 1180 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 1184 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1182 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0072] Similarly, if Figure 2B As best shown, third arm 1200 includes: (1) a first segment 1202 extending inwardly from second sidewall 1132; and (2) a second segment 1204 extending from first segment 1202. Second segment 1204 includes: (1) a proximal end 1206 connected to first segment 1202; (2) a distal end 1208 opposite proximal end 1206; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1210 extending between proximal end 1206 and distal end 1208; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1212 at and / or near distal end 1208. Second segment 1204 is angled toward base wall 1128 of body 1120 such that distal end 1208 is the portion of third arm 1200 closest to base wall 1128. The third arm 1200 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 1204 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1202 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0073] Similarly, if Figure 2C As best shown, fourth arm 1220 includes: (1) a first segment 1222 extending inwardly from second sidewall 1132; and (2) a second segment 1224 extending from first segment 1222. Second segment 1224 includes: (1) a proximal end 1226 connected to first segment 1222; (2) a distal end 1228 opposite proximal end 1226; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1230 extending between proximal end 1226 and distal end 1228; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1232 at and / or near distal end 1228. Second segment 1224 is angled toward base wall 1128 of body 1120 such that distal end 1228 is the portion of fourth arm 1220 closest to base wall 1128. The fourth arm 1220 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 1224 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1222 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0074] like Figure 2B As most clearly shown, the second set of opposed arms 1240 and 1260 includes: (1) a fifth arm 1240 extending from the first side wall 1130 of the body 1120; and (2) a sixth arm 1260 extending from the second side wall 1132 and opposite the fifth arm 1240. The fifth arm 1240 extends from the first side wall 1130 between (1) the first and second arms 1160, 1180 and (2) the base wall 1128. More specifically, the fifth arm 1240 extends from the first side wall 1130 between (1) the first and second arms 1160, 1180 and (2) the first recess 1144 defined by the first side wall 1130. Similarly, the sixth arm 1260 extends from the second side wall 1132 between (1) the third and fourth arms 1200, 1220 and (2) the base wall 1128. More specifically, the sixth arm 1260 extends from the second side wall 1132 between (1) the third and fourth arms 1200, 1220 and (2) the second recess 1146 defined by the second side wall 1132. Each of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 is also offset from and centrally located between the front and rear ends 1124, 1126 of the body 1120.

[0075] like Figure 2B As best shown, the fifth arm 1240 includes: (1) a first segment 1242 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 1130; (2) a second segment 1244 extending from the first segment 1242. The second segment 1244 includes: (1) a proximal end 1246 connected to the first segment 1242; (2) a distal end 1248 opposite the proximal end 1246; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1250 extending between the proximal end 1246 and the distal end 1248; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1252 at and / or near the distal end 1248. The second segment 1244 is angled toward the base wall 1128 of the body 1120 such that the distal end 1248 is the portion of the fifth arm 1240 closest to the base wall 1128. Figure 2E As most clearly shown, the fifth arm 1240 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 1244 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1242 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0076] Similarly, if Figure 2BAs best shown, sixth arm 1260 includes: (1) a first segment 1262 extending inwardly from second sidewall 1132; and (2) a second segment 1264 extending from first segment 1262. Second segment 1264 includes: (1) a proximal end 1266 connected to first segment 1262; (2) a distal end 1268 opposite proximal end 1266; and (3) a tubing contact surface 1270 extending between proximal end 1266 and distal end 1268; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 1272 at and / or near distal end 1268. Second segment 1264 is angled toward base wall 1128 of body 1120 such that distal end 1268 is the portion of sixth arm 1260 closest to base wall 1128. The sixth arm 1260 is biased toward a rest position in which the second section 1264 is angled obtusely relative to the first section 1262 toward the base wall 1128 .

[0077] The illustrated set of opposed legs 1280 and 1300 of the exemplary tubing retainer 1000 includes: (1) a first leg 1280 extending from the first side wall 1130 of the body 1120; and (2) a second leg 1300 extending from the second side wall 1132 opposite the first leg 1280. The first leg 1280 has a convex shape and is offset from and centrally located between the front end 1124 and the rear end 1126 of the body 1120. The first leg 1280 has a tubing contact surface 1282 that has a convex shape and is configured to receive and engage a portion of the tubing. The first leg 1280 includes: (1) a proximal end 1284 extending from the first side wall 1130; and (2) a distal end 1286. The first leg 1280 defines a notch 1288 between the proximal end 1284 and the distal end 1286. 1306 . The first leg 1300 includes a first leg 1300 and a second leg 130 ... The notch 1308 facilitates flexing of the distal end 1306 when a larger size tubing contacts the tubing contact surface 1302 to enable the second leg 1300 to receive the larger size tubing within the tubing receiving slot 1122. In the illustrated example, the distal end 1286 of the first leg 1280 is spaced apart from the distal end 1306 of the second leg 1300. In other examples, the distal end 1286 of the first leg 1280 and the distal end 1306 of the second leg 1300 are connected together so that the first leg 1280 and the second leg 1300 provide an increased reaction force.

[0078] The frame 1110, body 1120, first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220, second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, and set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 of the illustrated exemplary pipeline retainer 1000 are suitably formed (e.g., via molding) integrally and specifically unitarily from a semi-rigid material (e.g., but not limited to: nylon, acetyl and / or (various) other plastics, or combinations thereof). The semi-rigid material enables the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220, the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, and the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 to flex (1) to enable any of a plurality of different tubings having different outer diameters to be inserted through opening 1156 into tubing receiving slot 1122; and (2) to accommodate such tubings having different outer diameters (e.g., outer diameters between about 8 mm and 12 mm). The flexibility of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 and the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 enable any such tubing to be inserted into tubing receiving slot 1122 with an insertion force that can be easily applied by an assembler. The rigidity of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220 and second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 also provide rigidity to inhibit removal of the tubing from tubing receiving slot 1122 through opening 1156 unless a withdrawal force greater than the insertion force is applied.

[0079] like Figure 2E As best shown in the solid line group, the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 are configured to engage a first size tubing (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) when the tubing is positioned within the tubing receiving slot 1122 to securely hold the first size tubing within the tubing receiving slot 1122. The distal ends 1168, 1188, 1208, and 1228 of the second sections 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 are thicker than the corresponding proximal ends 1166, 1186, 1206, and 1226 to increase the rigidity of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 and, in turn, increase the extraction force used to remove the first size tubing from the tubing receiving slot 1122.

[0080] like Figure 2EAs best shown by the dashed group of arms 1240 and 1260, the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 is configured to engage a second-sized tubing of a different second size (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) when the tubing is positioned within the tubing-receiving slot 1122 to securely retain the second-sized tubing within the tubing-receiving slot 1122. The distal ends 1248 and 1268 of the second sections 1244 and 1264 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 are thicker than the respective proximal ends 1246 and 1266 to increase the rigidity of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 and, in turn, significantly increase the extraction force for removing the second-sized tubing from the tubing-receiving slot 1122.

[0081] like Figure 2E As best shown, each of the line contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the respective set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 is configured to engage any one of a plurality of differently sized lines. For example, when a second-sized line is positioned within the line-receiving slot 1122, the line contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the respective set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 are configured to engage the second-sized line when the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 are in their respective resting positions. When a first-sized line is positioned within the line-receiving slot 1122, the line contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 are configured to engage the first-sized line, and the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 are configured to at least partially flex into the void 158 to accommodate the larger outer diameter of the first-sized line.

[0082] The first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 and the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 are staggered relative to each other to help retain any one of a plurality of differently sized tubings within the tubing receiving slot 1122. For example, the staggered arrangement of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 and the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 (1) prevents the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 from obstructing the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 from flexing when a tubing is inserted through the opening 1156, and (2) inhibits the tubing from slipping out of either end of the tubing receiving slot 1122. The set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 and the first set of opposing arms 1160 , 1180 , 1200 , and 1220 are also staggered relative to one another to facilitate retaining any one of a plurality of different sized tubings within the tubing-receiving slot 1122 .

[0083] As the tubing is inserted through the opening 1156 toward the tubing receiving slot 1122, the tubing contacting surfaces 1170, 1190, 1210, and 1230 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 engage the tubing and the second sections 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 1130, 1132. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 1156, the tubing contacting surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 engage the tubing and the second sections 1244 and 1264 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 1130, 1132. The distal ends 1248 and 1268 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 are configured to at least partially pivot into the first recess 1144 and the second recess 1146, respectively, to enable the tubing to be positioned within the tubing receiving slot 1122. The first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 are configured to rebound and return to their respective resting positions once the tubing is pushed far enough into the tubing receiving slot 1122 to pass over the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220. Similarly, the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 are configured to rebound and return to their respective resting positions once the tubing is pushed far enough into the tubing receiving slot 1122 to pass over the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260. The line contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the respective set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 are configured to engage the line once the line is inserted into the line receiving slot 1122. Additionally, depending on the outer diameter of the line, the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 are configured to at least partially flex into the void 1158 and the front and rear line contact surfaces 1152, 1154 of the respective front and rear support walls 1134, 1136 once the line is inserted into the line receiving slot 1122.

[0084] For example, Figure 2EThe solid line group depicts a relatively large size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) retained within the tubing receiving slot 1122. When the tubing is pushed into the tubing receiving slot 1122 through the opening 1156 by the insertion force, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 1170, 1190, 1210, and 1230 of the second segments 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220, causing the second segments 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 to flex outwardly. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, causing the second segments 1244 and 1264 to flex outwardly from their respective resting positions into the first and second recesses 1144, 1146. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 and pushes the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 to at least partially flex into the void 1158. Once the tubing engages and rests on the front and rear tubing contact surfaces 1152 and 1154 of the respective front and rear support walls 1134 and 1136, the tubing reaches a retaining position within the tubing receiving slot 1122. Once the tubing is pushed into the retaining position, the distal ends 1168, 1188, 1208 and 1228 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220 rebound and return to their respective resting positions to prevent the tubing from being removed through the opening 1156. Figure 2E As most clearly shown, the pipeline contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of one set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300, the pipeline contact surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, and / or the pipeline retaining surfaces 1172, 1192, 1212 and 1232 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220 engage the pipeline in a retaining position to secure the pipeline within the pipeline receiving slot 1122.

[0085] Figure 2EThe first set of dashed lines depicts a relatively small size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) held within the tubing receiving slot 1122. When the tubing is pushed into the tubing receiving slot 1122 through the opening 1156, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 1170, 1190, 1210, and 1230 of the second segments 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220, causing the second segments 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 to flex outward. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, causing the second segments 1244 and 1264 to flex outward from their respective resting positions toward the first and second recesses 1144, 1146. Subsequently, as the tubing is pushed further into the tubing receiving slot 1122 and disengages from the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220, the distal ends 1168, 1188, 1208, and 1228 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220 rebound and return to their respective resting positions. Once the tubing is pushed into the retaining position within the tubing receiving slot 1122, the distal ends 1248 and 1268 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 rebound to their respective resting positions to prevent the tubing from being removed through the opening 1156. Additionally, the tubing engages and rests on the tubing contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300, which remain in the retaining position when the tubing is received. When the pipeline is in a retained position within the pipeline receiving slot 1122 , the pipeline retaining surfaces 1252 and 1272 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 and the pipeline contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of a set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 engage the pipeline to securely retain the pipeline within the pipeline receiving slot 1122 .

[0086] Figure 2EThe second set of dashed lines depicts a medium-sized tubing (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 10 mm) held within the tubing receiving slot 1122. When the medium-sized tubing is pushed into the tubing receiving slot 1122 through the opening 1156, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 1170, 1190, 1210, and 1230 of the second sections 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 of the first set of opposing arms 1160, 1180, 1200, and 1220, causing the second sections 1164, 1184, 1204, and 1224 to flex outward. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260, causing the second sections 1244 and 1264 to flex outward from their respective resting positions toward the first and second recesses 1144, 1146. 1200 and 1220. The tubing then engages the tubing contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the set of opposed legs 1280 and 1300 and pushes the set of opposed legs 1280 and 1300 to at least partially deflect to an intermediate position within the void 1158. Then, as the tubing continues to be pushed into the tubing receiving slot 1122 and disengages from the first set of opposed arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220, the distal ends 1168, 1188, 1208 and 1228 of the first set of opposed arms 1160, 1180, 1200 and 1220 rebound and return to their respective resting positions. When the tubing is pushed into the retaining position within the tubing receiving slot 1122, the second set of opposed arms 1240 and 1260 are in an intermediate position between the first and second recesses 1144, 1146 and their respective resting positions. In the intermediate position, the line contact surfaces 1250 and 1270 of the second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 remain engaged with the line to secure the line within the line receiving slot 1122. When the line is in the retained position within the line receiving slot 1122, (1) the second sections 1244 and 1264 of the respective second set of opposing arms 1240 and 1260 and (2) the line contact surfaces 1282 and 1302 of the set of opposing legs 1280 and 1300 engage the line to secure the line within the line receiving slot 1122.

[0087] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 3C ,and Figure 3D Another exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by the reference numeral 2000. Figure 3AAs best shown in FIG, the illustrated line holder 2000 includes: (1) a frame 2110 configured to be connected to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 2120 defining a line receiving slot 2122 configured to receive and retain any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters. The frame 2110 includes any suitable connection mechanism(s) to attach the line holder 2000 to the section of the vehicle. The body 2120 extends from and is integrally formed with the frame 2110 of the line holder 2000 and is particularly suitably formed (e.g., via molding) as a whole. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the body 2120 defines one slot to enable the line holder 2000 to retain one line at a time. It should be understood that the body may alternatively define multiple line receiving slots that are arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from one another to enable the line holder of the present disclosure to retain multiple lines simultaneously.

[0088] The body 2120 of the illustrated exemplary line holder 2000 includes: (1) a front end 2124; (2) a rear end 2126 opposite the front end 2124; (3) a base wall 2128; (4) a first side wall 2130 connected to the base wall 2128 and extending between the front end 2124 and the rear end 2126; (5) a second side wall 2132 opposite and spaced from the first side wall 2130, connected to the base wall 2128 and extending between the front end 2124 and the rear end 2126. (6) a first truss 2134 connected to and extending between the base wall 2128 and the first side wall 2130; (7) a second truss 2135 opposite the first truss 2134, connected to and extending between the base wall 2128 and the first side wall 2130; and (8) a support wall 2136 connected to the base wall 2128, the first side wall 2130, and the second side wall 2132 and extending laterally along them between the front end 2124 and the rear end 2126.

[0089] like Figure 3C As best shown, the first sidewall 2130 and the second sidewall 2132 each extend between the front end 2124 and the rear end 2126 to define the depth of the body 2120 of the line holder 2000. The base wall 2128 and the first and second sidewalls 2130, 2132 define a line receiving slot 2122 that is configured to receive any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters, and such lines are configured to be securely retained in the line receiving slot. The first and second sidewalls 2130, 2132 also define an opening 2138 of the line receiving slot 2122 that is opposite the base wall 2128 so that any one of such different lines can be inserted into the line receiving slot 2122 through the opening 2138.

[0090] The exemplary pipeline retainer 2000 shown also includes: (1) a set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160, which extend from the first side wall 2130 and the second side wall 2132, respectively, adjacent to the opening 2138, and (2) a set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240 and 2270, which extend from the first side wall 2130 and the second side wall 2132, respectively, into the pipeline receiving slot 2122 between the opening 2138 and the base wall 2128.

[0091] The set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 includes: (1) a first arm 2140 extending from a first side wall 2130 between a front end 2124 and a rear end 2126 of the body 1120; and (2) a second arm 2160 extending from a second side wall 2132 between a front end 2124 and a rear end 2126 of the body 1120.

[0092] like Figure 3B As best shown, the first arm 2140 includes: (1) a proximal segment 2142 extending from the first side wall 2130 in a direction at least partially away from the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 2132; (2) an intermediate segment 2144 extending from the proximal segment 2142 in a direction at least partially toward the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 2132; and (3) a distal segment 2146 extending from the intermediate segment 2144 in a direction toward the base wall 2128. The first arm 2140 includes a first arm 2140 and a second arm 2140 extending slightly toward the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 2132 into the tubing receiving slot 2122; (4) a tubing contact surface 2148 defined by the intermediate section 2144 and the distal section 2146; (5) a tubing retaining surface 2150 defined by the distal section 2146; and (6) an inner surface 2152 defined by the proximal section 2142, the intermediate section 2144, and the distal section 2146, opposite the tubing contact surface 2148. The tubing contact surface 2148 has a convex surface, while the inner surface 2152 has a concave surface. The first arm 2140 defines a notch 2154 along the inner surface 2152 between the intermediate section 2144 and the distal section 2146 to facilitate flexing of the distal section 2146 toward the first side wall 2130.

[0093] Similarly, the second arm 2160 includes: (1) a proximal segment 2162 extending from the second side wall 2132 in a direction at least partially away from the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 2130; (2) an intermediate segment 2164 extending from the proximal segment 2162 in a direction at least partially toward the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 2130; and (3) a distal segment 2166 extending from the intermediate segment 2166 in a direction at least partially away from the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 2130. The second arm 2160 includes a first arm 2164 and a second arm 2166, which extend partially toward the base wall 2128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 2130 into the tubing receiving slot 2122; (4) a tubing contact surface 2168 defined by the intermediate section 2164 and the distal section 2166; (5) a tubing retaining surface 2170 defined by the distal section 2166; and (6) an inner surface 2172 defined by the proximal section 2162, the intermediate section 2164, and the distal section 2166, opposite the tubing contact surface 2168. The tubing contact surface 2168 has a convex surface, while the inner surface 2172 has a concave surface. The second arm 2160 defines a notch 2174 along the inner surface 2172 between the intermediate section 2164 and the distal section 2166 to facilitate flexing of the distal section 2166 toward the second side wall 2132.

[0094] like Figure 3C As best shown, a set of opposed legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 includes: (1) a first leg 2180 extending from the first side wall 2130 adjacent the front end 2124 of the body 2120; (2) a second leg 2210 extending from the first side wall 2130 adjacent the rear end 2126 of the body 2120; (3) a third leg 2240 extending from the second side wall 2132 adjacent the front end 2124 and opposite the first leg 2180; and (4) a fourth leg 2270 extending from the second side wall 2132 adjacent the rear end 2126 and opposite the second leg 2210. The second leg 2210 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first leg 2180. The fourth leg 2270 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third leg 2240.

[0095] like Figure 3BAs best shown, the first leg 2180 includes: (1) a proximal section 2182 extending inwardly from the first side wall 2130 into the tubing receiving slot 2122; (2) a first bend 2184 extending from the proximal section 2182 and having an obtuse angle; (3) a first intermediate section 2186 extending from the first bend 2184 toward the opening 2138 at an obtuse angle relative to the proximal section 2182; (4) a second bend 2188 extending from the first intermediate section 2186 and having an acute angle; (5) a second intermediate section 2190 extending from the second bend 2188 toward the base wall 2128 at an acute angle relative to the first intermediate section 2186; and (6) a third bend 2192 extending from the second intermediate section 2186. 90 and having an obtuse angle; (7) a third intermediate section 2194, which extends from the third bend 2192 toward the first side wall 2130 at an obtuse angle relative to the second intermediate section 2190; (8) a fourth bend 2196, which extends from the third intermediate section 2194 and has an acute angle; (9) a fourth intermediate section 2198, which extends from the fourth bend 2196 toward the second side wall 2132 at an acute angle relative to the third intermediate section 2194; (10) a fifth bend 2200, which extends from the fourth intermediate section 2198 and has an obtuse angle; and (11) a distal section 2202, which extends from the fifth bend 2200 toward the base wall 2128 and the second side wall 2132 at an obtuse angle relative to the fourth intermediate section 2198. The distal section 2202 defines a first tubing contact surface 2204 configured to receive any one of a plurality of tubings of different sizes. The second intermediate section 2190, the third bend 2192, and / or the third intermediate section 2194 define a second tubing contact surface 2206 configured to contact some of the tubings of different sizes.

[0096] The second leg 2210 is similar to the first leg 2180 except for its position relative to the first sidewall 2130 and the tubing receiving slot 2122. Because the second leg 2210 is similar to the first leg 2180, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the second leg 2210. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first leg 2180 also apply to the second leg 2210.

[0097] like Figure 3BAs best shown, the third leg 2240 includes: (1) a proximal section 2242 extending inwardly from the second side wall 2132 into the line receiving slot 2122; (2) a first bend 2244 extending from the proximal section 2242 and having an obtuse angle; (3) a first intermediate section 2246 extending from the first bend 2244 toward the opening 2138 at an obtuse angle relative to the proximal section 2242; (4) a second bend 2248 extending from the first intermediate section 2246 and having an acute angle; (5) a second intermediate section 2250 extending from the second bend 2248 toward the base wall 2128 at an acute angle relative to the first intermediate section 2246; and (6) a third bend 2252 extending from the second intermediate section 2246. 50 and having an obtuse angle; (7) a third intermediate section 2254, which extends from the third bend 2252 toward the second side wall 2132 at an obtuse angle relative to the second intermediate section 2250; (8) a fourth bend 2256, which extends from the third intermediate section 2254 and has an acute angle; (9) a fourth intermediate section 2258, which extends from the fourth bend 2256 toward the first side wall 2130 at an acute angle relative to the third intermediate section 2254; (10) a fifth bend 2260, which extends from the fourth intermediate section 2258 and has an obtuse angle; and (11) a distal section 2262, which extends from the fifth bend 2260 toward the base wall 2128 and the first side wall 2130 at an obtuse angle relative to the fourth intermediate section 2258. The distal section 2262 defines a first line contact surface 2264 configured to receive any one of a plurality of differently sized lines. The second intermediate section 2250, the third bend 2252, and / or the third intermediate section 2254 define a second line contact surface 2266 configured to contact some of the differently sized lines.

[0098] The fourth leg 2270 is similar to the third leg 2240 except for its position relative to the second sidewall 2132 and the tubing receiving slot 2122. Because the fourth leg 2270 is similar to the third leg 2240, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the fourth leg 2270 are described in this section. Therefore, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the third leg 2240 also apply to the fourth leg 2270.

[0099] The frame 2110, body 2120, set of opposed arms 2140 and 2160, and set of opposed legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 of the illustrated exemplary tubing holder 2000 are suitably formed (e.g., via molding) integrally and specifically unitarily from a semi-rigid material (such as, but not limited to, nylon, acetyl, and / or other plastic(s), or combinations thereof). The semi-rigid material enables the set of opposed arms 2140 and 2160 and the set of opposed legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 to flex (1) to enable any of a plurality of different tubings having different outer diameters to be inserted through the opening 2138 into the tubing receiving slot 2122, and (2) to accommodate such tubings having different outer diameters (e.g., between about 8 mm and 12 mm). The flexibility of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposed arms 2140 and 2160 and the set of opposed legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 enable any such tubing to be inserted into the tubing receiving slot 2122 with an insertion force that can be easily applied by the assembler. The rigidity of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposed arms 2140 and 2160 and the set of opposed legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 also provide rigidity to inhibit the tubing from being removed from the tubing receiving slot 2122 through the opening 2138 unless a withdrawal force greater than the insertion force is applied.

[0100] As the tubing is inserted through the opening 2138 toward the tubing receiving slot 2122, the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of the set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 engage the tubing, and the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 flex outward from their respective resting positions toward the first and second sidewalls 2130 and 2132. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 2138, the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 continue to engage the tubing. Additionally, the first tubing contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180 and 2240 and the corresponding first tubing contact surfaces of the set of opposing legs 2210 and 2270 engage the tubing. Depending on the outer diameter of the tubing, either (1) one set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 remains in a partially flexed position and the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 remain in contact with the tubing, or (2) one set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 returns to its respective resting positions and the tubing retaining surfaces 2150 and 2170 engage the tubing to secure it in a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 2122. Additionally, depending on the outer diameter of the tubing, either (1) one set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 is configured to flex, and / or (2) the second tubing contact surfaces 2206 and 2266 is configured to engage the tubing to secure it in a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 2122.

[0101] For example, Figure 3DThe solid line group depicts a relatively large tubing (e.g., a tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) retained within the tubing receiving slot 2122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 2138 into the tubing receiving slot 2122 by an insertion force, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of a set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160, causing the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 to flex outward. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 2138, the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 continue to engage the tubing. The second tubing contact surfaces 2206 and 2266 of a set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 contact the tubing. Additionally, the tubing engages and flexes the first tubing contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270. When the tubing is in a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 2122, the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of the set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160, the first tubing contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270, and the second tubing contact surfaces 2206 and 2266 of the set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270 engage the tubing to secure the tubing within the tubing receiving slot 2122.

[0102] Figure 3D The first set of dashed lines depicts a relatively small size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) held within the tubing receiving slot 2122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 2138 into the tubing receiving slot 2122 by an insertion force, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of a set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 and causes the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 to flex outwardly. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 2138, the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 continue to engage the tubing. Once the line engages and rests on the first line contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180 and 2240 and the corresponding first line contact surfaces of the set of opposing legs 2210 and 2270, the line reaches a retaining position within the line receiving slot 2122. Once the line is pushed into the retaining position, the set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 return to their respective resting positions and the line retaining surfaces 2150 and 2170 engage the line to prevent it from being removed through the opening 2138. Figure 3D As most clearly shown, the pipeline retaining surfaces 2150 and 2170 of a set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160, and the first pipeline contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of a set of opposing legs 2180 and 2240, and the corresponding first pipeline contact surfaces of a set of opposing legs 2210 and 2270 engage the pipeline in a retaining position to secure the pipeline within the pipeline receiving slot 2122.

[0103] Figure 3D The second set of dashed lines depicts a medium-sized tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 10 mm) held within the tubing receiving slot 2122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 2138 into the tubing receiving slot 2122 by an insertion force, the tubing first engages the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of a set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160, causing the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 to flex outward. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 2138, the distal segments 2146 and 2166 and / or the intermediate segments 2144 and 2164 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 continue to engage the tubing. Additionally, the tubing engages the first tubing contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180 and 2240 and the corresponding first tubing contact surfaces of the set of opposing legs 2210 and 2270 and flexes the set of opposing legs 2180, 2210, 2240, and 2270. When the tubing is in a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 2122, the tubing contact surfaces 2148 and 2168 of the set of opposing arms 2140 and 2160 and the first tubing contact surfaces 2204 and 2264 of the set of opposing legs 2180 and 2240 and the corresponding first tubing contact surfaces of the set of opposing legs 2210 and 2270 engage the tubing to secure the tubing within the tubing receiving slot 2122.

[0104] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C ,and Figure 4D Another exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by the reference numeral 3000. Figure 4AAs best shown in FIG, the illustrated line holder 3000 includes: (1) a frame 3110 configured to be connected to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 3120 defining a line receiving slot 3122 configured to receive and retain any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters. The frame 3110 includes any suitable connection mechanism(s) to attach the line holder 3000 to the section of the vehicle. The body 3120 extends from and is integrally formed with the frame 3110 of the line holder 3000 and is particularly suitably formed (e.g., via molding) as a whole. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the body 3120 defines one slot to enable the line holder 3000 to retain one line at a time. It should be understood that the body may alternatively define multiple line receiving slots that are arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from one another to enable the line holder of the present disclosure to retain multiple lines simultaneously.

[0105] The body 3120 of the illustrated exemplary line holder 3000 includes: (1) a front end 3124; (2) a rear end 3126 opposite the front end 3124; (3) a base wall 3128; (4) a first side wall 3130 connected to the base wall 3128 and extending between the front end 3124 and the rear end 3126; (5) a second side wall 3132 opposite and spaced from the first side wall 3130, connected to the base wall 3128 and extending between the front end 3124 and the rear end 3126. (6) a first truss 3134 connected to and extending between the base wall 3128 and the first side wall 3130; (7) a second truss 3135 opposite the first truss 3134, connected to and extending between the base wall 3128 and the first side wall 3130; and (8) a support wall 3136 connected to the base wall 3128, the first side wall 3130, and the second side wall 3132 and extending laterally therefrom between the front end 3124 and the rear end 3126.

[0106] like Figure 4C As best shown, the first sidewall 3130 and the second sidewall 3132 each extend between the front end 3124 and the rear end 3126 to define the depth of the body 3120 of the line holder 3000. The base wall 3128 and the first and second sidewalls 3130 and 3132 define a line receiving slot 3122 that is configured to receive any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters, and such lines are configured to be securely retained in the line receiving slot. The first and second sidewalls 3130 and 3132 also define an opening 3138 of the line receiving slot 3122 that is opposite the base wall 3128 so that any one of such different lines can be inserted into the line receiving slot 3122 through the opening 3138.

[0107] The illustrated exemplary line retainer 3000 further includes: (1) a set of opposed arms 3140, 3160, 3180, and 3200 extending from the first side wall 3130 and the second side wall 3132, respectively, into the line receiving slot 3122 adjacent to the opening 3138; and (2) a first set of opposed legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 extending from the first side wall 3130 and the second side wall 3132, respectively, between the opening 3138 and the base wall 3128. Wall 3130 and the second side wall 3132 extend into the pipeline receiving slot 3122; and (3) a second group of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360, which extend from the first side wall 3130 and the second side wall 3132 into the pipeline receiving slot 3122 between the group of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200 and the first group of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280 respectively.

[0108] A set of opposed arms 3140, 3160, 3180, and 3200 includes: (1) a first arm 3140 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent to the front end 3124 of the body 3120; (2) a second arm 3160 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent to the rear end 3126 of the body 3120; (3) a third arm 3180 extending from the second side wall 3132 adjacent to the front end 3124 of the body 3120; and (4) a fourth arm 3200 extending from the second side wall 3132 adjacent to the rear end 3126 of the body 3120. The second arm 3160 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm 3140. The fourth arm 3200 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm 3180.

[0109] like Figure 4BAs best shown, the first arm 3140 includes: (1) a proximal segment 3142 extending from the first side wall 3130 in a direction at least partially away from the base wall 3128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 3132; (2) an intermediate segment 3144 extending from the proximal segment 3142 in a direction at least partially toward the base wall 3128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 3132; and (3) a distal segment 3146 extending from the intermediate segment 3146 in a direction toward the distal end. The first arm 3140 includes a first arm 3140 and a second arm 3141, which extend slightly toward the base wall 3128 and inwardly toward the second side wall 3132 into the tubing receiving slot 3122; (4) a tubing contact surface 3148 defined by the intermediate section 3144 and the distal section 3146; (5) a tubing retaining surface 3150 defined by the distal section 3146; and (6) an inner surface 3152 defined by the proximal section 3142, the intermediate section 3144, and the distal section 3146, opposite the tubing contact surface 3148. The tubing contact surface 3148 has a convex surface, while the inner surface 3152 has a concave surface. The first arm 3140 defines a notch 3154 along the inner surface 3152 between the intermediate section 3144 and the distal section 3146 to facilitate flexure of the distal section 3146 toward the first side wall 3130.

[0110] The second arm 3160 is similar to the first arm 3140 except for its position relative to the first sidewall 3130 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the second arm 3160 is similar to the first arm 3140, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the second arm 3160. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first arm 3140 also apply to the second arm 3160.

[0111] like Figure 4BAs best shown, the third arm 3180 includes: (1) a proximal segment 3182 extending from the second side wall 3132 in a direction at least partially away from the base wall 3128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 3130; (2) an intermediate segment 3184 extending from the proximal segment 3182 in a direction at least partially toward the base wall 3128 and inwardly toward the first side wall 3130; and (3) a distal segment 3186 extending from the intermediate segment 3184 in a direction toward the distal end. The third arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181, wherein the first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181. The first arm 3180 includes a first arm 3180 and a second arm 3181.

[0112] The fourth arm 3200 is similar to the third arm 3180 except for its position relative to the second sidewall 3132 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the fourth arm 3200 is similar to the third arm 3180, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the fourth arm 3200 are described in this section. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the third arm 3180 also apply to the fourth arm 3200.

[0113] like Figure 4C As best shown, the first set of opposed legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 includes: (1) a first leg 3220 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent the front end 3124 of the body 3120; (2) a second leg 3240 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent the rear end 3126 of the body 3120; (3) a third leg 3260 extending from the second side wall 3132 opposite the first leg 3220 and adjacent the front end 3124; and (4) a fourth leg 3280 extending from the second side wall 3132 opposite the second leg 3240 and adjacent the rear end 3126. The second leg 3240 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first leg 3220. The fourth leg 3280 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third leg 3260.

[0114] like Figure 4BAs best shown, the first leg 3220 extends inwardly from the first side wall 3130 into the tubing receiving slot 3122 and extends at least partially toward the base wall 3128. The first leg 3220 includes: (1) a proximal end 3222 connected to and extending from the first side wall 3130; (2) a distal end 3224 opposite the proximal end 3222; (3) a tubing contact surface 3226 extending adjacent to the distal end 3224 on a side at least partially facing the opening 3138; and (4) a tubing retaining surface 3228 at the distal end 3224. An obtuse angle is formed between the tubing contact surface 3226 and the tubing retaining surface 3228.

[0115] The second leg 3240 is similar to the first leg 3220 except for its position relative to the first sidewall 3130 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the second leg 3240 is similar to the first leg 3220, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the second leg 3240. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first leg 3220 also apply to the second leg 3240.

[0116] like Figure 4B As best shown, the third leg 3260 extends inwardly from the second side wall 3132 into the line receiving slot 3122 and at least partially toward the base wall 3128 of the line receiving slot 3122. The third leg 3260 includes: (1) a proximal end 3262 connected to and extending from the second side wall 3132; (2) a distal end 3264 opposite the proximal end 3262; (3) a line contact surface 3266 extending adjacent to the distal end 3264 on a side at least partially facing the opening 3138; and (4) a line retaining surface 3268 at the distal end 3264. An obtuse angle is formed between the line contact surface 3266 and the line retaining surface 3268.

[0117] The fourth leg 3280 is similar to the third leg 3260 except for its position relative to the second sidewall 3132 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the fourth leg 3280 is similar to the third leg 3260, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the fourth leg 3280 are described in this section. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the third leg 3260 also apply to the fourth leg 3280.

[0118] The second set of opposed legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 includes: (1) a fifth leg 3300 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent to the front end 3124 of the body 3120; (2) a sixth leg 3320 extending from the first side wall 3130 adjacent to the rear end 3126 of the body 3120; (3) a seventh leg 3340 extending from the second side wall 3132 adjacent to the front end 3124, opposite to the first leg 3220; and (4) an eighth leg 3360 extending from the second side wall 3132 adjacent to the rear end 3126, opposite to the second leg 3240. The sixth leg 3320 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the fifth leg 3300. The eighth leg 3360 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the seventh leg 3340.

[0119] The fifth leg 3300 extends inwardly from the first side wall 3130 into the line receiving slot 3122 and at least partially toward the opening 3138 of the line receiving slot 3122. The fifth leg 3300 and the first leg 3220 are adjacent to each other and arranged to form a "<" shape. The fifth leg 3300 and the first leg 3220 are arranged to form a side V-shape, wherein the first leg 3220 extends at least partially toward the base wall 3128 and the fifth leg 3300 extends partially toward the opening 3138. Fifth leg 3300 includes: (1) a proximal end 3302 connected to and extending from first sidewall 3130; (2) a distal end 3304 opposite proximal end 3302; (3) a line contact surface 3306 extending adjacent to distal end 3304 on a side at least partially facing opening 3138; (4) a first line retaining surface 3308 at distal end 3304; and (5) a second line retaining surface 3310 adjacent to distal end 3304 on a side at least partially facing base wall 3128. An acute angle is formed between line contact surface 3306 and first line retaining surface 3308. An obtuse angle is formed between first line retaining surface 3308 and second line retaining surface 3310.

[0120] The sixth leg 3320 is similar to the fifth leg 3300 except for its position relative to the first sidewall 3130 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the sixth leg 3320 is similar to the fifth leg 3300, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the sixth leg 3320 are described in this section. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the fifth leg 3300 also apply to the sixth leg 3320.

[0121] The seventh leg 3340 extends inwardly from the second side wall 3132 into the line receiving slot 3122 and at least partially toward the opening 3138 of the line receiving slot 3122. The seventh leg 3340 and the third leg 3260 are arranged to form a side V shape, wherein the third leg 3260 extends at least partially toward the base wall 3128 and the seventh leg 3340 extends partially toward the opening 3138. Figure 4B As best shown, seventh leg 3340 includes: (1) a proximal end 3342 connected to and extending from second sidewall 3132; (2) a distal end 3344 opposite proximal end 3342; (3) a line contact surface 3346 extending adjacent distal end 3344 on a side at least partially facing opening 3138; (4) a first line retaining surface 3348 at distal end 3344; and (5) a second line retaining surface 3350 adjacent distal end 3344 on a side at least partially facing base wall 3128. An acute angle is formed between line contact surface 3346 and first line retaining surface 3348. An obtuse angle is formed between first line retaining surface 3348 and second line retaining surface 3350.

[0122] The eighth leg 3360 is similar to the seventh leg 3340 except for its position relative to the second sidewall 3132 and the tubing receiving slot 3122. Because the eighth leg 3360 is similar to the seventh leg 3340, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the eighth leg 3360 are described in this section. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the seventh leg 3340 also apply to the eighth leg 3360.

[0123] The frame 3110, body 3120, set of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200, first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280, and second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 of the illustrated exemplary pipeline retainer 3000 are integrally and specifically unitarily suitably formed (e.g., via molding) from a semi-rigid material (e.g., but not limited to: nylon, acetyl and / or (various) other plastics, or combinations thereof). The semi-rigid material enables a set of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200, a first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280, and a second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 to flex (1) to enable any one of a plurality of different pipelines having different outer diameters to be inserted through the opening 3138 into the pipeline receiving slot 3122; and (2) to accommodate such pipelines having different outer diameters (e.g., an outer diameter between approximately 8 mm and 12 mm). The flexibility of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposed arms 3140, 3160, 3180, and 3200, the first set of opposed legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280, and the second set of opposed legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 enable any such tubing to be inserted into the tubing receiving slot 3122 with an insertion force that can be easily applied by an assembler. The rigidity of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposed arms 3140, 3160, 3180, and 3200 and the second set of opposed legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 also provide rigidity to inhibit removal of the tubing from the tubing receiving slot 3122 through the opening 3138 unless a withdrawal force greater than the insertion force is applied.

[0124] As tubing is inserted through the opening 3138 toward the tubing receiving slot 3122, the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of the set of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180, and 3200 engage the tubing and the distal segments 3146 and 3186, and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 3130, 3132. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 3138, the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 continue to engage the tubing. The tubing also engages the tubing contact surfaces 3306 and 3346 of the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 and pushes the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 toward the base wall 3128. As the tubing continues to be pushed further into the opening 3138, the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 rebounds toward the opening 3138 and the first tubing retaining surfaces 3308 and 3348 and / or the second tubing retaining surfaces 3310 and 3350 engage the tubing. Additionally, the tubing engages the tubing contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 and / or the tubing retaining surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280. Depending on the outer diameter of the pipeline, (1) a set of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200 remain in a partially flexed position and the pipeline contact surfaces 3148 and 3168 remain in contact with the pipeline; or (2) a set of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200 return to their respective resting positions and the pipeline retaining surfaces 3150 and 3170 engage the pipeline to secure the pipeline in a retained position within the pipeline receiving slot 3122. In addition, depending on the outer diameter of the pipeline, (1) the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280 and the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 are configured to flex; (2) the pipeline holding surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280 and the first set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 are configured to flex. The pipeline retaining surfaces 3308 and 3348 are configured to engage the pipeline; and / or (3) the pipeline contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 of the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260 and 3280 and the second pipeline retaining surfaces 3310 and 3350 of the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 are configured to engage the pipeline to secure the pipeline in a retained position within the pipeline receiving slot 3122.

[0125] For example, Figure 4DThe solid line group depicts a relatively large size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 12 mm) held by the tubing receiving slot 3122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 3138 into the tubing receiving slot 3122 by an insertion force, the tubing initially engages the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of one set of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding tubing contact surfaces of one set of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, causing the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 to flex outwardly. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 3138, the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 continue to engage the tubing. The tubing also engages the tubing contact surfaces 3306 and 3346 of the second set of opposing legs 3300 and 3340 and corresponding tubing contact surfaces of one set of opposing legs 3320 and 3360 and pushes the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 toward the base wall 3128. As the tubing continues to be pushed further into the opening 3138, (1) the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 rebounds and is pushed further toward the opening 3138; and (2) the first tubing retaining surfaces 3308 and 3348 and / or the second tubing retaining surfaces 3310 and 3350 engage the tubing. Additionally, the tubing (1) engages the tubing contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 and / or tubing retaining surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first set of opposing legs 3220 and 3260, and the corresponding tubing contact surfaces and tubing retaining surfaces of the first set of opposing legs 3240 and 3280, and (2) flexes the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 toward the base wall 3128. When the tubing reaches a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 3122, the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 and the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 remain flexed. In order to secure the pipeline in a holding position, the pipeline contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of a set of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding pipeline contact surfaces of a set of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, the pipeline contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 of the first set of opposing legs 3220 and 3260 and the corresponding pipeline contact surfaces of the first set of opposing legs 3240 and 3280, and the second pipeline holding surfaces 3310 and 3350 of the second set of opposing legs 3300 and 3340 and the corresponding second pipeline holding surfaces of the second set of opposing legs 3320 and 3360 are configured to engage the pipeline.

[0126] Figure 4DThe first set of dashed lines depicts a relatively small size tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 8 mm) held by the tubing receiving slot 3122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 3138 into the tubing receiving slot 3122 by an insertion force, the tubing initially engages the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of one set of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding tubing contact surfaces of one set of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, and causes the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 to flex outwardly. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 3138, the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 continue to engage the tubing. The tubing also engages the tubing contacting surfaces 3306 and 3346 of the second set of opposing legs 3300 and 3340 and corresponding tubing contacting surfaces of one set of opposing legs 3320 and 3360 and pushes the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 toward the base wall 3128. As the tubing continues to be pushed further into the opening 3138, the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 rebound toward their respective resting positions. When the pipeline reaches the holding position within the pipeline receiving slot 3122, (1) the pipeline retaining surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first group of opposing legs 3220 and 3260 and the corresponding pipeline retaining surfaces of the first group of opposing legs 3240 and 3280 receive the pipeline; (2) one group of opposing arms 3140, 3160, 3180 and 3200 rebounds and returns to their corresponding resting positions; and (3) the second group of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340 and 3360 rebounds and returns to their corresponding resting positions. The pipeline contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of a group of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding pipeline contact surfaces of a group of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, the pipeline retaining surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first group of opposing legs 3220 and 3260 and the corresponding pipeline retaining surfaces of the first group of opposing legs 3240 and 3280, and the first pipeline retaining surfaces 3308 and 3348 of the second group of opposing arms 3300 and 3340 and the corresponding first pipeline retaining surfaces of the second group of opposing arms 3320 and 3360 engage the pipeline in a retaining position to fix the pipeline in the pipeline receiving slot 3122.

[0127] Figure 4DThe second set of dashed lines depicts a medium-sized tubing (e.g., tubing having an outer diameter of 10 mm) held by the tubing receiving slot 3122. When the tubing is pushed through the opening 3138 into the tubing receiving slot 3122 by the insertion force, the tubing initially engages the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of one set of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding tubing contact surfaces of one set of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, and causes the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 to flex outwardly. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 3138, the distal segments 3146 and 3186 and / or the intermediate segments 3144 and 3184 begin to flex back toward their respective resting positions while the tubing contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 continue to engage the tubing. The tubing also engages the tubing contact surfaces 3306 and 3346 of the second set of opposing legs 3300 and 3340 and corresponding tubing contact surfaces of one set of opposing legs 3320 and 3360 and pushes the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 toward the base wall 3128. As the tubing continues to be pushed further into the opening 3138, (1) the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 rebounds and is pushed further toward the opening 3138; and (2) the first tubing retaining surfaces 3308 and 3348 and / or the second tubing retaining surfaces 3310 and 3350 engage the tubing. Additionally, the tubing (1) engages the tubing contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 and / or tubing retaining surfaces 3228 and 3268 of the first set of opposing legs 3220 and 3260, and the corresponding tubing contact surfaces and tubing retaining surfaces of the first set of opposing legs 3240 and 3280, and (2) flexes the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 toward the base wall 3128. When the tubing reaches a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 3122, the first set of opposing legs 3220, 3240, 3260, and 3280 and the second set of opposing legs 3300, 3320, 3340, and 3360 remain flexed. In order to secure the pipeline in a holding position, the pipeline contact surfaces 3148 and 3188 of a set of opposing arms 3140 and 3180 and the corresponding pipeline contact surfaces of a set of opposing arms 3160 and 3200, the pipeline holding surfaces 3228 and 3268 and / or the pipeline contact surfaces 3226 and 3266 of a first set of opposing legs 3220 and 3260 and the corresponding pipeline holding surfaces and pipeline contact surfaces of the first set of opposing legs 3240 and 3280, and the first pipeline holding surfaces 3308 and 3348 and / or the second pipeline holding surfaces 3310 and 3350 of the second set of opposing legs 3300 and 3340 and the corresponding first pipeline holding surfaces and second pipeline holding surfaces of the second set of opposing legs 3320 and 3360 are configured to engage the pipeline.

[0128] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C ,and Figure 5D Another exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally indicated by the reference numeral 4000. Figure 5A As best shown in FIG, the illustrated line holder 4000 includes: (1) a frame 4110 configured to be connected to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 4120 defining a line receiving slot 4122 configured to receive and retain any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters. The frame 4110 includes any suitable connection mechanism(s) to attach the line holder 4000 to the section of the vehicle. The body 4120 extends from and is integrally formed with the frame 4110 of the line holder 4000 and is particularly suitably formed (e.g., via molding) as a whole. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the body 4120 defines one slot to enable the line holder 4000 to retain one line at a time. It should be understood that the body may alternatively define multiple line receiving slots that are arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from one another to enable the line holder of the present disclosure to retain multiple lines simultaneously.

[0129] The body 4120 of the exemplary pipeline retainer 4000 shown includes: (1) a front end 4124; (2) a rear end 4126 opposite the front end 4124; (3) a base wall 4128; (4) a first side wall 4130, which is connected to the base wall 4128 and extends between the front end 4124 and the rear end 4126; (5) a second side wall 4132 opposite and spaced apart from the first side wall 4130, which is connected to the base wall 4128 and extends between the front end 4124 and the rear end 4126; and (6) a support wall 4134, which is connected to the base wall 4128, the first side wall 4130, and the second side wall 4132 and extends laterally therefrom between the front end 4124 and the rear end 4126.

[0130] like Figure 5CAs best shown, the first sidewall 4130 and the second sidewall 4132 each extend between a front end 4124 and a rear end 4126 to define the depth of the body 4120 of the line holder 4000. The base wall 4128, the first and second sidewalls 4130, 4132, and / or the support wall 4134 define a line receiving slot 4122 that is configured to receive any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters, and such lines are configured to be securely retained within the line receiving slot. The first and second sidewalls 4130, 4132 also define an opening 4136 of the line receiving slot 4122 that is opposite the base wall 4128, such that any one of such different lines can be inserted through the opening 4136 into the line receiving slot 4122.

[0131] The exemplary pipeline retainer 4000 shown also includes: (1) a set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200 and 4230, which extend from the first side wall 4130 and the second side wall 4132 respectively adjacent to the opening 4136 into the pipeline receiving slot 4122; and (2) a set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320 and 4350, which extend from the base wall 4128 adjacent to the first side wall 4130 and the second side wall 4132 respectively.

[0132] A set of opposed arms 4140, 4170, 4200, and 4230 includes: (1) a first arm 4140 extending from the first side wall 4130 adjacent to the front end 4124 of the body 4120; (2) a second arm 4170 extending from the first side wall 4130 adjacent to the rear end 4126 of the body 4120; (3) a third arm 4200 extending from the second side wall 4132 adjacent to the front end 4124 of the body 4120; and (4) a fourth arm 4230 extending from the second side wall 4132 adjacent to the rear end 4126 of the body 4120. The second arm 4170 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm 4140. The fourth arm 4230 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm 4200.

[0133] like Figure 5BAs best shown, the first arm 4140 includes: (1) a proximal section 4142 extending inwardly from the first sidewall 4130 and toward the opening 4136; (2) a first bend 4144 extending from the proximal section 4142 and having an acute angle; (3) an intermediate section 4146 extending inwardly from the first bend 4144 and toward the base wall 4128 at an acute angle relative to the proximal section 4142; (4) a second bend 4148 extending from the intermediate section 4146 and having an obtuse angle; and (5) a distal section 4150 extending outwardly from the second bend 4148 and toward the base wall 4128 at an obtuse angle relative to the intermediate section 4146. The intermediate section 4146 defines a tubing contact surface 4152 configured to contact any one of a plurality of tubings of different sizes. The distal section 4150 defines a line retaining surface 4154 configured to contact and retain any one of a plurality of differently sized lines. The line retaining surface 4154 has a concave shape. The first sidewall 4130 and the proximal section 4142 define a first notch 4156 to facilitate flexing of the first arm 4140. The first arm 4140 further defines: (1) a second notch 4158 adjacent to the first bend 4144; and (2) a third notch 4160 adjacent to the second bend 4148 to facilitate flexing of the first arm 4140.

[0134] The second arm 4170 is similar to the first arm 4140 except for its position relative to the first sidewall 4130 and the tubing receiving slot 4122. Because the second arm 4170 is similar to the first arm 4140, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the second arm 4170. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first arm 4140 also apply to the second arm 4170.

[0135] The third arm 4200 includes: (1) a proximal section 4202 extending inwardly from the second sidewall 4132 and toward the opening 4136; (2) a first bend 4204 extending from the proximal section 4202 and having an acute angle; (3) an intermediate section 4206 extending inwardly from the first bend 4204 and toward the base wall 4128 at an acute angle relative to the proximal section 4202; (4) a second bend 4208 extending from the intermediate section 4206 and having an obtuse angle; and (5) a distal section 4210 extending outwardly from the second bend 4208 and toward the base wall 4128 at an obtuse angle relative to the intermediate section 4206. The intermediate section 4206 defines a tubing contact surface 4212 configured to contact any one of a plurality of tubings of different sizes. The distal section 4210 defines a line retaining surface 4214 configured to contact and retain any one of a plurality of differently sized lines. The line retaining surface 4214 has a concave shape. The second sidewall 4132 and the proximal section 4202 define a first notch 4216 to facilitate flexing of the third arm 4200. The third arm 4200 further defines: (1) a second notch 4218 adjacent to the first bend 4204; and (2) a third notch 4220 adjacent to the second bend 4208 to facilitate flexing of the third arm 4200.

[0136] The fourth arm 4230 is similar to the third arm 4200 except for its position relative to the second sidewall 4132 and the tubing receiving slot 4122. Because the fourth arm 4230 is similar to the third arm 4200, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the fourth arm 4230 are described in this section. Therefore, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the third arm 4200 also apply to the fourth arm 4230.

[0137] A set of opposed legs 4260, 4290, 4320, and 4350 includes: (1) a first leg 4260 extending from the base wall 4128 adjacent the first side wall 4130 and the front end 4124 of the body 4120; (2) a second leg 4290 extending from the base wall 4128 adjacent the first side wall 4130 and the rear end 4126 of the body 4120; (3) a third leg 4320 extending from the base wall 4128 opposite the first leg 4260 and adjacent the second side wall 4132 and the front end 4124; and (4) a fourth leg 4350 extending from the base wall 4128 opposite the second leg 4290 and adjacent the second side wall 4132 and the rear end 4126. The second leg 4290 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the first leg 4260. The fourth leg 4350 is longitudinally aligned with and spaced apart from the third leg 4320.

[0138] like Figure 5BAs most clearly shown, the first leg 4260 includes: (1) a proximal segment 4262 extending from the base wall 4128 toward the opening 4136 and the first side wall 4130; (2) a first bend 4264 extending from the proximal segment 4262 and having an acute angle; (3) an intermediate segment 4266 extending inwardly and back toward the base wall 4128 from the first bend 4264 at an acute angle relative to the proximal segment 4262; (4) a second bend 4268 extending from the intermediate segment 4266 and having an acute angle; and (5) a distal segment 4270 extending outwardly and toward the opening 4136 from the second bend 4268 at an acute angle relative to the intermediate segment 4266. The distal section 4270 defines a line contact surface 4272 configured to contact any one of a plurality of different sized lines. The line contact surface 4272 has a concave shape. The first leg 4260 also defines: (1) a first notch 4274 adjacent to the first bend 4264; and (2) a second notch 4276 adjacent to the second bend 4268 to facilitate flexure of the first leg 4260.

[0139] The second leg 4290 is similar to the first leg 4260 except for its position relative to the base wall 4128 and the tubing receiving slot 4122. Because the second leg 4290 is similar to the first leg 4260, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the second leg 4290. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first leg 4260 also apply to the second leg 4290.

[0140] like Figure 5B As most clearly shown, the third leg 4320 includes: (1) a proximal segment 4322 extending from the base wall 4128 toward the opening 4136 and the second side wall 4132; (2) a first bend 4324 extending from the proximal segment 4322 and having an acute angle; (3) an intermediate segment 4326 extending inward from the first bend 4324 and back toward the base wall 4128 at an acute angle relative to the proximal segment 4322; (4) a second bend 4328 extending from the intermediate segment 4326 and having an acute angle; and (5) a distal segment 4330 extending outward from the second bend 4328 and toward the opening 4136 at an acute angle relative to the intermediate segment 4326. The distal section 4330 defines a tubing contact surface 4332 configured to contact any one of a plurality of tubings of different sizes. The tubing contact surface 4332 has a concave shape. The third leg 4320 also defines: (1) a first notch 4334 adjacent to the first bend 4324; and (2) a second notch 4336 adjacent to the second bend 4328 to facilitate flexure of the third leg 4320.

[0141] The fourth leg 4350 is similar to the third leg 4320 except for its position relative to the base wall 4128 and the tubing receiving slot 4122. Because the fourth leg 4350 is similar to the third leg 4320, for the sake of brevity, only certain aspects of the fourth leg 4350 are described in this section. Thus, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the third leg 4320 also apply to the fourth leg 4350.

[0142] The frame 4110, body 4120, set of opposed arms 4140, 4170, 4200, and 4230, and set of opposed legs 4260, 4290, 4320, and 4350 of the illustrated exemplary tubing holder 4000 are suitably formed (e.g., via molding) integrally and specifically unitarily from a semi-rigid material (e.g., but not limited to, nylon, acetyl, and / or other plastic(s), or combinations thereof). The semi-rigid material enables the set of opposed arms 4140, 4170, 4200, and 4230, and the set of opposed legs 4260, 4290, 4320, and 4350 to flex (1) to enable any one of a plurality of different tubings having different outer diameters to be inserted through the opening 4136 into the tubing receiving slot 4122, and (2) to accommodate such tubings having different outer diameters (e.g., between about 8 mm and 12 mm). The flexibility of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200, and 4230 and the set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320, and 4350 enable any such tubing to be inserted into the tubing receiving slot 4122 with an insertion force that can be easily applied by the assembler. The rigidity of the semi-rigid material and the arrangement of the set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200, and 4230 and the set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320, and 4350 also provide rigidity to inhibit the tubing from being removed from the tubing receiving slot 4122 through the opening 4136 unless a withdrawal force greater than the insertion force is applied.

[0143] As the tubing is inserted through the opening 4136 toward the tubing receiving slot 4122, (1) the tubing contacting surfaces 4152 and 4212 of the set of opposing arms 4140 and 4200 and the corresponding tubing contacting surfaces of the set of opposing arms 4170 and 4230 engage the tubing, and (2) the intermediate sections 4146 and 4206 and the distal sections 4150 and 4210 flex outwardly from their respective resting positions toward the first and second side walls 4130 and 4132. As the tubing is pushed further into the opening 4136, the intermediate sections 4146 and 4206 and the distal sections 4150 and 4210 begin to rebound toward their respective resting positions until the tubing reaches a retained position within the tubing receiving slot 4122. When the pipeline is in the holding position, a set of pipeline holding surfaces 4154 and 4214 of opposing arms 4140 and 4200 and corresponding pipeline holding surfaces of a set of opposing arms 4170 and 4230, as well as a set of pipeline contact surfaces 4272 and 4332 of opposing legs 4260 and 4320 and corresponding pipeline contact surfaces of a set of opposing legs 4290 and 4350 engage the pipeline to secure the pipeline in the holding position within the pipeline receiving slot 4122.

[0144] like Figure 5D As best shown, when the tubing is in the holding position, the positioning of the set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200, 4230 and the set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320 and 4350 varies based on the size of the tubing. The solid line group depicts a relatively large tubing (e.g., a tubing with an outer diameter of 12 mm), the first dashed line group depicts a relatively small tubing (e.g., a tubing with an outer diameter of 8 mm), and the second dashed line group depicts a medium tubing (e.g., a tubing with an outer diameter of 10 mm). The set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200 and 4230 and the set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320 and 4350 flex outward to hold the large tubing. A set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200 and 4230 and a set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320 and 4350 are in respective resting positions to hold small size tubing. A set of opposing arms 4140, 4170, 4200 and 4230 and a set of opposing legs 4260, 4290, 4320 and 4350 are flexed outwardly in an intermediate position to hold medium size tubing.

[0145] Figure 6Another exemplary embodiment of a line retainer of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 5000. The illustrated exemplary line retainer 5000 includes: (1) a frame 5110 configured to be attached to a section of a vehicle; and (2) a body 5120 defining a line receiving slot 5122 and an opening 5156 for any one of a plurality of different lines having different outer diameters. The frame 5110 and the body 5120 are similar to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 1D ,and Figure 1E For example, the body 5120 includes a base wall 5128, a first side wall 5130, and a second side wall 5132, which are similar to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 1D ,and Figure 1E 120 .

[0146] The body 5120 of the illustrated exemplary line holder 5000 also includes a rear support wall 5136 extending laterally along the rear end of the body 5120 between the first side wall 5130 and the second side wall 5132. Figure 6 As shown, the rear support wall 5136 forms a circumferential arc that is configured to contact and support a tubing positioned within the slot 5122. Additionally or alternatively, the body 5120 can include a similarly shaped front support wall to contact and support a tubing.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, the second sidewall 5132 defines: (1) an inwardly extending surface 5135; and (2) a circumferential recess 5137 adjacent to the inwardly extending surface 5135. The inwardly extending surface 5135 is located adjacent to the opening 5156 and extends inwardly toward the first sidewall 5130 and downwardly toward the base wall 5128. The circumferential recess 5137 is located between the base wall 5128 and the inwardly extending surface 5135. The circumferential recess 5137 is configured to at least partially contact and secure the pipeline located within the slot 5122.

[0148] The illustrated exemplary line retainer 5000 also includes: (1) arms 5160 and 5180 extending from the first side wall 5130 into the line receiving slot 5122 opposite the inwardly extending surface 5135 of the second side wall 5132 and adjacent the opening 5156; and (2) legs 5300 extending from the second side wall 1132 into the line receiving slot 5122. The arms 5160 and 5180 include a first arm 5160 and a second arm 5180.

[0149] The first arm 5160 and the second arm 5180 are similar to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 1D ,and Figure 1E The first arm 160 and the second arm 180 of the tubing retainer 100 are shown in FIG. 1 . Therefore, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the first arm 5160 and the second arm 5180. Therefore, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the first arm 160 and the second arm 180 also apply to the first arm 5160 and the second arm 5180, respectively, unless otherwise disclosed below. For example, the size, shape, and orientation of the first arm 5160 and the second arm are determined so that (1) the respective tubing contact surfaces 5170 and 5190 are configured to engage a larger size tubing to retain the larger size tubing within the tubing receiving slot 5122; and (2) the respective distal ends 5168 and 5188 are configured to engage a smaller size tubing to retain the smaller size tubing within the tubing receiving slot 5122.

[0150] Leg 5300 is similar to Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C 、 Figure 1D ,and Figure 1E Therefore, for the sake of brevity, this section only describes certain aspects of the leg 5300. Therefore, the features, functions, and alternatives described with respect to the second leg 300 also apply to the leg 5300 unless otherwise disclosed below. Figure 6 As shown, the legs 5300 have a concave shape to receive and engage the portion of tubing located within the slot 5122. The legs 5300 extend from the circumferential recess 5137. The curvature of the legs 5300 is similar to the curvature of the circumferential recess 5137 to facilitate securely receiving the tubing within the slot 5122.

[0151] It will be appreciated that the combination of the arms 5160 and 5180 extending from the first side wall 5130, the legs 5300 extending from the second side wall 5132, and the circumferential recess 5137 defined by the second side wall 5132 enables the line retainer 5000 to securely retain any one of a range of different sized lines within the line receiving slot 5122. While the line retainer 5000 includes one or more arms and one or more legs similar to the line retainer 100, it will be appreciated that other line retainers in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure include a circumferential recess on one side in combination with one or more arms and one or more legs of other exemplary line retainers, such as line retainers 1000, 2000, 3000, and / or 4000, to securely retain any one of a range of different sized lines within the line receiving slot.

[0152] It will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments of the above-described line retainers provide the advantages of securely retaining any one of a range of different sized lines, reducing the number of different line retainers that need to be purchased, stored, and tracked, and / or reducing assembly time by reducing the number of different parts used to assemble a vehicle.

[0153] Various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. For example, it should be understood that the set of opposing arms and the set of opposing legs of the embodiments described herein are interchangeable, such that any set of opposing arms of one embodiment described herein can be used with any set of opposing legs of another embodiment described herein. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A pipeline retainer, comprising: A body, comprising: front end; rear end; a first side wall; a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall; The first and second sidewalls partially define a line receiving slot configured to receive any one of a plurality of different sized lines including a first sized line and a second sized line, the first sized line having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second sized line; the first and second side walls defining an opening of the line-receiving slot; a set of opposed legs extending from the first and second side walls into the line-receiving slot, wherein the set of opposed legs comprises: a first leg extending from the first sidewall; and a second leg extending from the second side wall opposite to the first leg, each leg of the set of opposed legs being offset from and positioned between the front and rear ends of the body, each leg of the set of opposed legs being flexible and having a convex shape, each leg having a tubing contacting surface having a convex shape and configured to receive and engage a portion of any one of the plurality of differently sized tubings, each leg of the set of opposed legs including a proximal end and a distal end and defining a recess positioned between the proximal and distal ends; a first set of opposed arms extending from the first and second sidewalls into the line-receiving slot adjacent the opening, the first set of opposed arms being engageable with the first size line when the first size line is positioned in the line-receiving slot; and A second set of opposing arms extends from the first side wall and the second side wall into the line receiving slot between the first set of opposing arms and the set of opposing legs, and the second set of opposing arms can engage with the second size pipeline when the second size pipeline is positioned in the pipeline receiving slot.

2. The pipeline retainer according to claim 1, wherein The first set of opposing arms comprises: a first arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent to the front end of the body; a second arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent the rear end of the body, the second arm aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm; a third arm extending from the second side wall opposite the first arm and adjacent to the front end; and A fourth arm extends from the second sidewall opposite the second arm and adjacent to the rear end, the fourth arm being aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm.

3. The pipeline retainer according to claim 2, wherein: The second set of opposed arms comprises: a fifth arm extending from the first sidewall; and a sixth arm extending from the second side wall opposite to the fifth arm, Each arm of the second set of opposed arms is offset from and located between the front and rear ends of the body, The first set of opposing arms and the second set of opposing arms are staggered relative to each other.

4. The pipeline retainer according to claim 1, wherein: Each arm of the first set of opposed arms and the second set of opposed arms comprises: a first segment extending inwardly from one of the first and second side walls; and A second section extends from the first section toward a base wall of the body opposite the opening, the second section including a proximal end connected to the first section and a distal end thicker than the proximal end.

5. The pipeline retainer according to claim 1, wherein Each arm of the first set of opposed arms and the second set of opposed arms is biased toward a rest position such that the arm: pivotable from the resting position as the line is inserted into the line-receiving slot through the opening; as well as is biased back toward the rest position to retain the line within the line-receiving slot.

6. The pipeline retainer according to claim 5, wherein: The first sidewall defines a first recess and the second sidewall defines a second recess, each of the first recess and the second recess being sized and arranged to receive a distal end of a corresponding arm of the second set of opposing arms to enable the first size tubing to be positioned and retained within the tubing-receiving slot.

7. The pipeline retainer according to claim 5, wherein: Each arm of the second set of opposed arms is pivotable from the rest position to an intermediate position to engage a third size tubing within the tubing receiving slot, the third size tubing having an outer diameter between the outer diameters of the first and second size tubings.

8. A pipeline retainer comprising: A body, the body comprising base wall; a first side wall extending from the base wall; as well as a second sidewall extending from the base wall and spaced apart from the first sidewall; The base wall, and the first and second side walls define a line-receiving slot engageable with any one of a plurality of differently sized lines; the first and second side walls defining an opening of the line receiving slot, the opening being opposite the base wall; a first set of opposed legs extending from the first and second side walls into the line-receiving slot adjacent the base wall, wherein each leg of the first set of opposed legs comprises: a proximal section extending inwardly into the tubing-receiving slot; a first intermediate section extending at a first obtuse angle relative to the proximal section; a second intermediate section extending toward the base wall at a first acute angle relative to the first intermediate section; a third intermediate section extending outwardly at a second obtuse angle relative to the second intermediate section; a fourth intermediate section extending inwardly at a second acute angle relative to the third intermediate section; and a distal section extending inwardly and toward the base wall at a third obtuse angle relative to the fourth intermediate section, the distal section defining a tubing contact surface engageable with any one of the plurality of differently sized tubings; and a set of opposed arms extending from the first and second side walls into the line-receiving slot adjacent the opening, each arm of the set of opposed arms comprising: a proximal section extending from the first side wall or the second side wall in a direction at least partially away from the base wall; an intermediate section extending from the proximal section in a direction at least partially toward the base wall and inwardly toward the tubing-receiving slot; and A distal section extends from the intermediate section in a direction at least partially toward the base wall into the tubing receiving slot.

9. The pipeline retainer according to claim 8, wherein: Each arm of the set of opposed arms extends through a depth of the body between a front end of the body and a rear end of the body, the set of opposed arms including a first arm extending from the first sidewall and a second arm extending from the second sidewall.

10. The pipeline retainer according to claim 8, wherein The set of opposed arms comprises: a first arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent to the front end of the body; a second arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent to a rear end of the body, the second arm being aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm; a third arm extending from the second side wall opposite the first arm and adjacent to the front end; and A fourth arm extends from the second sidewall opposite the second arm and adjacent to the rear end, the fourth arm being aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm.

11. The pipeline retainer according to claim 8, wherein: Each arm of the set of opposed arms defines a notch between the intermediate section and the distal section to facilitate flexing of the distal section as the tubing is inserted into the tubing-receiving slot through the opening.

12. The pipeline retainer according to claim 8, wherein The first set of opposed legs comprises: a first leg extending from the first side wall adjacent to the front end of the body; a second leg extending from the first sidewall adjacent a rear end of the body, the second leg aligned with and spaced apart from the first leg; a third leg extending from the second side wall opposite the first leg and adjacent the front end; and A fourth leg extends from the second side wall opposite the second leg and adjacent to the rear end, the fourth leg being aligned with and spaced apart from the third leg.

13. A pipeline retainer comprising: A body, the body comprising base wall; a first side wall extending from the base wall; as well as a second sidewall extending from the base wall and spaced apart from the first sidewall; The base wall, and the first and second side walls define a line-receiving slot configured to receive any one of a plurality of differently sized lines; the first and second side walls defining an opening of the line receiving slot, the opening being opposite the base wall; a set of opposed legs extending from the base wall into the line-receiving slot, each leg of the set of opposed legs comprising: a proximal leg section extending toward the opening; a mid-leg section extending inwardly and toward the base wall at a first acute angle relative to the proximal leg section; and a leg distal section extending outwardly and away from the base wall at a second acute angle relative to the leg mid-section, the distal section defining a leg tubing retention surface; and a set of opposed arms extending from the first and second side walls into the line-receiving slot adjacent the opening, each arm of the set of opposed arms comprising: a proximal arm section extending inwardly and toward the opening; an arm intermediate section extending inwardly and toward the base wall at a third acute angle relative to the arm proximal section; and An arm distal section extends outwardly and toward the base wall at an obtuse angle relative to the arm mid-section, the arm distal section defining an arm tubing retention surface.

14. The line retainer of claim 13, wherein: The set of opposed arms comprises: a first arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent to the front end of the body; a second arm extending from the first sidewall adjacent to a rear end of the body, the second arm being aligned with and spaced apart from the first arm; a third arm extending from the second side wall opposite the first arm and adjacent to the front end; and A fourth arm extends from the second sidewall opposite the second arm and adjacent to the rear end, the fourth arm being aligned with and spaced apart from the third arm.

15. The pipeline retainer according to claim 13, wherein The set of opposed legs comprises: a first leg extending adjacent to the first sidewall and the front end of the body; a second leg extending adjacent the first sidewall and rear end of the body, the second leg aligned with and spaced apart from the first leg; a third leg extending adjacent to the second side wall and the front end of the body and opposite the first leg; and A fourth leg extends adjacent to the second sidewall and the rear end and opposite the second leg, the fourth leg being aligned with and spaced apart from the third leg.

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