Multidirectional adjustable fastener

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an adjustable fastener to facilitate adjustment of an assembly that allows adjustment of any two or more components relative to each other and controls the interface region therebetween. The adjustable fastener may include features that facilitate adjustment in a plurality of axes and within a particular range. Adjustments within each of the plurality of axes may be effected independently of one another. Such adjustment capabilities may help improve alignment of the parts during and after assembly to achieve a desired arrangement with high precision and accuracy.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Vehicles often include assembled parts that are designed to align in a particular manner. For example, surfaces and / or edges of separate parts can be aligned with a desired gap and / or flush with each other. Such alignment can extend across opposing surfaces and / or edges of separate parts. In the event that one or more of the parts have a shape that is not within tolerance and / or changes over time, it may be desirable to adjust the space between the assembled parts to achieve the desired alignment.

[0002] Aspects of the present technology may help improve the alignment of assembled parts by providing multi-directional adjustability with adjustable fasteners. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present specification as a whole relates to adjustable assemblies, including, for example, adjustable assemblies for vehicles. Various aspects of the present technology can help improve the alignment of assembled parts by providing multi-directional adjustability with adjustable fasteners. Specific implementations of the subject technology described herein provide an adjustable fastener to facilitate adjustment of the assembly, which allows any two or more components to be adjusted relative to each other and controls the interface area therebetween. One or more specific implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a mechanism for adjusting components in various directions and within a specific range during assembly to achieve a desired alignment. One or more specific implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a mechanism for adjusting components after assembly to compensate for changes in the component parts.

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an adjustable fastener may include a plunger, a disk key, a selector key, and a locking ring. The plunger may include a head, a shaft, and a plunger engagement member extending from the head beside the shaft. The disk key may be configured to receive the shaft and have a plurality of sections, each of which defines a corresponding height that is different from the height of another section. The selector key may be configured to receive the shaft and include teeth for contacting a selected section of the sections of the disk key. The locking ring may be configured to engage the shaft and secure the selector key against the disk key.

[0005] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the plunger may include a head, an axis for extending through a bracket, and a plunger engagement piece configured to engage one of a plurality of bracket engagement pieces of the bracket to ensure alignment along a first axis. The disk key may be configured to be rotationally locked to the axis and have a plurality of sections. The selector key may be configured to rotate around the axis, wherein the rotational orientation of the selector key relative to the disk key defines the distance between the selector key and the head of the plunger along a second axis. The locking ring may be configured to engage the axis in an adjustable manner and to push the selector key against the disk key. The first axis may be orthogonal to the second axis.

[0006] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an adjustable assembly may include a first component, a second component, a plunger, a disk key, a locking ring, and a selector key. The first component may form a bracket including a bracket opening and a plurality of bracket engagement members. The second component may form a mounting pad including a pad opening. The plunger may include an axis extending through the bracket opening and the pad opening, and the plunger engagement member may be configured to engage one of the bracket engagement members to limit the movement of the bracket on the mounting pad. The disk key may have a plurality of sections, each of which defines a corresponding height that is different from the height of another section. The locking ring may extend through the pad opening and engage the axis of the plunger. The selector key may be positioned between the locking ring and the disk key, and the selector key may be rotated to engage a selected section of the sections of the disk key, which determines the corresponding distance between the bracket and the mounting pad.

[0007] According to some aspects, the shaft of the plunger may include: a first section defining a first cross-sectional shape for rotationally engaging a disc key; a second section defining a second cross-sectional shape for receiving a selector key; and a third section defining threads for engagement by a locking ring.

[0008] According to some aspects, the disk key defines a disk opening for receiving a shaft, and each of the segments of the disk key is circumferentially adjacent to another of the segments having a different height and radially opposite to another of the segments having the same height. Each of the segments of the disk key may define a ridge together with an adjacent another of the segments. The segments of the disk key may define surfaces facing the same direction, each of the surfaces being concave.

[0009] According to some aspects, the selector key may include a selector opening for receiving the shaft and a pair of teeth located on opposite sides of the selector opening. The teeth of the selector key may be first teeth, the selector key may define a selector opening for receiving the shaft, and the selector key may include second teeth opposite the first teeth across the selector opening.

[0010] According to some aspects, the locking ring may include a first flange and a second flange defining an annular recess therebetween. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic perspective side view of an exemplary implementation of a vehicle according to one or more implementations is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 2A schematic front perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a vehicle according to one or more implementations is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 3 A perspective view of an adjustable assembly according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 4 The specific implementation of the subject technology is illustrated Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an adjustable component.

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective view of an adjustable fastener according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 6 The specific implementation of the subject technology is illustrated Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an adjustable fastener.

[0018] Figure 7 A rear view of a plunger according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 8 A front view of a bracket according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0020] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a puck key according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0021] Fig.10 A perspective view of a selector key is illustrated in accordance with an implementation of the subject technology.

[0022] Fig.11 A side view diagram of a disc key and a selector key according to a specific implementation of the present technology is illustrated.

[0023] Fig.12 A perspective cutaway view of an adjustable fastener according to an implementation of the subject technology is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The specific embodiments set forth below are intended to be described as various configurations of the subject technology, and are not intended to represent the only configurations that can practice the subject technology. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein, and one or more other specific implementations can be used to practice. In one or more specific implementations, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion to the concepts of the subject technology.

[0025] In many vehicles, parts are assembled to have an expected gap and / or alignment (e.g., abutment) between the assembled parts. For example, external parts may be arranged to present an alignment of parallel edges and / or flush surfaces. Therefore, it may be desirable to control various aspects of any interface area to maintain consistent alignment between any two assembled parts. Adjustable fasteners may provide compensating members to align the components of the assembly. For example, it may be advantageous to provide a mechanism for adjusting the components in various directions and within a modification range during assembly to achieve a desired alignment. Additionally or alternatively, misalignments that occur after assembly may also be corrected by operating the adjustable fasteners to align the components as desired.

[0026] Implementations of the subject technology described herein provide an adjustable fastener to facilitate adjustment of an assembly, the adjustable fastener allowing any two or more components to be adjusted relative to each other and controlling the interface area therebetween. As described herein, aspects of the subject technology can help improve alignment of parts during and after assembly to achieve a desired arrangement with high precision and accuracy.

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of an apparatus as described herein. Figure 1 In an example of , the device is implemented as a mobile device, such as a vehicle 102. As shown, the vehicle 102 can have a front 104 and a rear 106. A cabin 108 can be located between the front 104 and the rear 106 of the vehicle 102. The cabin 108 can include an entry door 109. As illustrated, the vehicle 102 has a left side 112 and a right side 116.

[0028] The vehicle 102 may include a roof 114. The vehicle 102 may have one or more cargo compartments, such as a cargo box or truck bed 118 (also referred to herein as a "trunk") and / or a hood 160 (e.g., covering a cargo area, front trunk, or "boot"). The cargo box 118 is generally located at or near the rear 106 of the vehicle. The vehicle 102 may have one or more front wheels 192 and one or more rear wheels 194. Figure 1 The vehicle 102 may be a unibody truck, which may have a storage area. One or more portions of the body 180 of the vehicle 102 may be constructed of steel alloys and / or aluminum alloys or other suitable materials.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown in the example of , the vehicle 102 may include one or more cowl panels, such as a side cowl panel 170, an upper cowl panel 172, and / or a lower cowl panel 174. As shown, the side cowl panel 170 is located at the front end of the vehicle 102. Each of the side cowl panel 170, the upper cowl panel 172, and / or the lower cowl panel 174 may provide an aesthetically pleasing front appearance to the vehicle 102, and may be arranged to provide external aerodynamic features to the vehicle 102. By further example, one or more of the side cowl panel 170, the upper cowl panel 172, and / or the lower cowl panel 174 may function as a fender or a bumper. In one or more specific implementations, each of the side cowl 170, the upper cowl 172, and / or the lower cowl 174 can be implemented as a removable section of the front portion 104 of the vehicle 102 and can be composed of a plastic or non-metal component (carbon fiber) that hides one or more structural elements (e.g., body / frame) and gives the vehicle a desired exterior shape. Each of the side cowl 170, the upper cowl 172, and / or the lower cowl 174 can be adjustably coupled to the body 180 of the vehicle 102, as further described herein.

[0030] like Figure 1 As further shown in the example of, the vehicle 102 may include one or more rear panels, such as a rear panel 190. As shown, the rear panel 190 is located at the rear 106 of the vehicle 102. The rear panel 190 can provide an aesthetically pleasing rear appearance for the vehicle 102, and can be arranged to provide external aerodynamic features for the vehicle 102. By further example, the rear panel 190 can be used as a fender or a bumper. In one or more specific implementations, the rear panel 190 can be implemented as a removable section of the rear 106 of the vehicle 102, and can be composed of plastic or non-metallic components (carbon fiber), which hide one or more structural elements (e.g., body / frame) and give the vehicle a desired external shape. The rear panel 190 can be coupled to the body 180 of the vehicle 102 in an adjustable manner, as further described herein.

[0031] Although the examples illustrated herein show adjustable fasteners and assemblies for coupling certain components of a vehicle (e.g., a front or rear panel and a vehicle body, etc.), it should be understood that the adjustable fasteners and / or assemblies described herein can be applied to any two or more components of a vehicle. In addition, it should be understood that the adjustable fasteners and / or assemblies described herein can be applied to any of a variety of techniques, including any assembly of parts.

[0032] Reference now Figure 2 , a portion of a vehicle (e.g., the front) may include an assembly of parts. Figure 2 A front perspective view of a front portion 104 of a vehicle 102 is illustrated according to one or more implementations. Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 102 may include a vehicle body 180, wherein each of the side cowl panels 170, the upper cowl panel 172, and / or the lower cowl panel 174 is adjustably coupled to the vehicle body 180 and / or another structure. Figure 2 As shown, the interface area 150 may be formed between any two components of the vehicle 102. Such an interface area 150 may form a gap, other space, or abutment between two or more components. For example, the interface area 150 may be formed between the hood 160 and the side cowl 170, between the hood 160 and the upper cowl 172, between the upper cowl 172 and the lower cowl 174, and / or between any other two components.

[0033] Reference now Figure 3 , an adjustable fastener may couple any two components of a vehicle together to provide the ability to adjust the two (and / or other) components relative to each other. Figure 3 As shown, the adjustable assembly 2 may include a first component 110 and a second component 130. The adjustable fastener 10 may be directly coupled to each of the first component 110 and the second component 130.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the first component 110 is shown as including or being a portion of a side dash panel 170, and the second component 130 is shown as including or being a portion of a vehicle body 180. It should be understood that the first component 110 and / or the second component 130 may represent any one or more components of a vehicle. Thus, the adjustable assembly 2 may include an adjustable fastener 10 that is directly coupled to any two components to adjust their relative positions.

[0035] The first component 110 may provide a bracket 120 for engaging with the adjustable fastener 10. The bracket 120 may be formed by, coupled to, included with, and / or defined by the first component 110. For example, one or more portions of the first component 110 may have a position corresponding to the position of the bracket 120. The second component 130 may provide a mounting pad 140 for engaging with the adjustable fastener 10. The mounting pad 140 may be formed by, coupled to, included with, and / or defined by the second component 130. For example, one or more portions of the second component 130 may have a position corresponding to the position of the mounting pad 140. By adjusting the adjustable fastener 10, the relative position of the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140 may be adjusted, thereby adjusting the relative position of the first component 110 and the second component 130.

[0036] The adjustable fastener 10 can provide the ability to adjustably fix the first component 110 and the second component 130 relative to each other in one of a plurality of configurations. For example, the adjustable fastener 10 can be adjusted to be fixed in one of a plurality of positions along the first axis 4 and / or the second axis 6. Based on the configuration of the adjustable fastener 10, the first component 110 can have a first position relative to the second component 130 along the first axis 4. For example, the adjustment of the adjustable fastener 10 relative to the first axis 4 can represent the selection of the lateral position of the first component 110 relative to the second component 130, such as by sliding on each other. In addition, based on the configuration of the adjustable fastener 10, the first component 110 can have a first position relative to the second component 130 along the second axis 6. For example, the adjustment of the adjustable fastener 10 relative to the second axis 6 can represent the selection of the distance between the first component 110 and the second component 130. In some specific implementations, the first axis 4 can be transverse to the second axis 6. In some specific implementations, the first axis 4 can be orthogonal to the second axis 6. The adjustable fastener 10 is independently adjustable in each of the first axis 4 and the second axis 6. By providing independent adjustability in each of the two different axes, the relative position of the first component 110 and the second component 130 can be adjusted so that the interface area 150 is controlled as desired.

[0037] It should be understood that the interface region 150 may be formed between any two components (e.g., the first component 110 and the second component 130), including components to which the adjustable fastener 10 is not directly coupled. Figure 3 As shown, the adjustable fastener 10 may be directly coupled to each of the side cowl panel 170 and the vehicle body 180 , wherein adjustment of the adjustable fastener 10 may change the interface area 150 formed between the side cowl panel 170 and the hood 160 .

[0038] It may be desirable to control aspects of the interface region to maintain consistent alignment between any two components. For example, the interface region may extend along the length between any two components. It may be desirable to provide a specific gap between two components and / or align the components to abut one another. It may also be desirable to maintain a consistent gap or abutment along the entire length between the two components. Thus, the adjustable fasteners of the present disclosure may provide an adjustable assembly that allows any two or more components to be adjusted relative to one another and control the interface region therebetween.

[0039] Although in Figure 3Only one adjustable fastener 10 is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that a plurality of adjustable fasteners 10 may be provided. For example, any number of adjustable fasteners 10 may be provided to couple the first component 110 to the second component 130. Each of the plurality of adjustable fasteners 10 may be distributed along the length of each of the first component 110 and the second component 130. Each of the adjustable fasteners 10 may be independently adjustable in each of a plurality of axes to control various aspects of a corresponding portion of an interface region 150 between the first component 110 and the second component 130 (and / or other components). Thus, an interface region 150 having a length may be adjusted at a plurality of portions thereof to maintain a consistent or otherwise desired feature thereof along its length.

[0040] Although the adjustable fastener 10 Figure 3 1 and 130 are shown as having a particular orientation to provide adjustment in the corresponding first and second axes 4 and 6, but it should be understood that the features of the first and second components 110 and 130 can be configured to receive the adjustable fastener 10 in any orientation. Therefore, the first and second axes 4 and 6 along which adjustment can be provided can be defined by the following

[0041] Reference now Figure 4 , the adjustable fastener 10 may be coupled to each of the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140, each of which corresponds to a different component of the adjustable assembly. Figure 4 As shown, the adjustable fastener 10 itself may include various components assembled together, such as a plunger 20, a disk key ( Figure 4 ), selector key 60, and locking ring 80. The adjustable fastener 10 may include features that are easily accessible for adjustment thereof. For example, a portion of the plunger 20 may be accessible on one side of the bracket 120 to adjust the plunger 20 relative to the bracket 120. By further example, each of the selector key 60 and the locking ring 80 may be accessible for adjustment (e.g., rotation) to adjust its distance relative to the plunger 20 and / or the bracket 120. Figure 4 As further shown, the mounting pad 140 may include a window 144 for providing access to the locking ring 80 .

[0042] Reference now Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the adjustable fastener 10 may be coupled to each of the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140. The adjustable fastener 10 may provide an adjustment capability to adjust the relative position of the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140 relative to each other in multiple axes. Figure 5As shown, the adjustable fastener 10 may include a plunger 20, a disk key 40, a selector key 60, and a locking ring 80. The plunger 20 may extend from and through the bracket 120, through the disk key 40 and / or the selector key 60, and to the mounting pad 140 and / or the locking ring 80. Thus, the disk key 40 and the selector key 60 may be positioned between the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140 and / or between the plunger 20 (or a portion thereof) and the locking ring 80.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, the plunger 20 may include a head 30 and a shaft 22 extending from the head 30. The plunger 20 may also include at least one plunger engagement member 32 extending from the head 30 and alongside the shaft 22. The plunger engagement member 32 may engage the bracket 120 to fix the adjustable fastener 10 relative to the adjustment axis, as further described herein. The shaft 22 of the plunger 20 may include: a first section 24 defining a first cross-sectional shape for rotationally engaging the disk key 40; a second section 26 defining a second cross-sectional shape for being received by the selector key 60; and a third section 28 defining a threaded or other engagement feature for being engaged by the locking ring 80.

[0044] like Figure 6 As further shown, the disk key 40 can be configured to be rotationally locked to the shaft 22 of the plunger 20. For example, the disk key 40 can define a disk opening 42 having a specific (e.g., non-circular) cross-sectional shape. The first section 24 of the shaft 22 can include a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the disk opening 42 of the disk key 40. Therefore, the disk key 40 can be rotationally locked to the plunger 20 so that neither the plunger 20 nor the disk key 40 rotates relative to the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140. The disk key 40 can also provide a plurality of sections 52. Each of these sections can define a circumferential area of ​​the disk key 40, wherein the sections 52 are circumferentially adjacent to each other around the disk opening 42. Each of the sections 52 defines a corresponding height different from the height of at least one other section 52, as further described herein, and engages with the shaft 22 of the plunger 20. The selector key 60 may be positioned between the locking ring 80 and the disk key 40 and may be rotated to engage a selected one of the segments 52 of the disk key 40 that determines a corresponding distance between the bracket 120 and the mounting pad 140 .

[0045] like Figure 6As further shown, the selector key 60 can be configured to rotate about the shaft 22. For example, the selector key 60 can define a selector opening 62 having a specific (e.g., circular) cross-sectional shape. The second section 26 of the shaft 22 can include a circular or other cross-sectional shape that enables the selector key 60 to rotate about the second section 26 of the shaft 22. The selector key 60 can be rotated relative to the disk key 40 to have a specific orientation. The rotational orientation of the selector key 60 relative to the disk key 40 defines the distance between the selector key 60 and the head 30 of the plunger 20 and / or the bracket 120, as further described herein.

[0046] like Figure 6As further shown, the locking ring 80 can be configured to adjustably engage the shaft 22 and urge the selector key 60 against the disk key 40. When assembled, the locking ring 80 can extend through the pad opening 142 of the mounting pad 140. For example, the mounting pad 140 can include a pad opening 142 for receiving at least a portion of the locking ring 80. By further example, the locking ring 80 can include a first flange 84 and a second flange 86, defining an annular recess 88 between the first flange 84 and the second flange 86. The first flange 84 and the second flange 86 can be positioned on opposite sides of the pad opening 142, and the portion of the mounting pad 140 defining the pad opening 142 can extend radially inward into the annular recess 88 of the locking ring 80. The locking ring 80 can have a rotational or other capability within the pad opening 142 while limiting its axial movement through the pad opening 142. For example, the locking ring 80 can define a lock opening 82, and the third section 28 of the shaft 22 can extend through the lock opening 82 of the locking ring 80. By further example, the locking ring 80 may include a lock engagement member 92 for engaging the third section 28 of the shaft 22. For example, the third section 28 of the shaft 22 may include threads, and the lock engagement member 92 may include threads or other threaded engagement features for axially fixing the locking ring 80 relative to the shaft 22 of the plunger. By further example, rotation of the locking ring 80 may cause the shaft 22 to advance axially relative to the locking ring 80. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft 22 and the locking ring 80 may include one or more other types of engagement members. For example, the lock engagement member 92 and / or the third section 28 of the shaft 22 may include mechanisms such as locks, latches, snaps, slides, channels, screws, clasps, threads, magnets, pins, interference (e.g., friction) fits, rollers, bayonets, fused materials, braids, knits, tassels, hook-and-loop fasteners, and / or combinations thereof to couple and / or secure the locking ring 80 to the plunger 20. Adjustment of the lock engagement member 92 and / or the third section 28 may change the distance between: (i) the lock ring 80, the selector key 60 and / or the mounting pad 140, and (ii) the disk key 40, the bracket 120 and / or the head 30 of the plunger 20. For example, the lock engagement member 92 and / or the third section 28 may be adjusted until the parts of the adjustable fastener 10 contact each other, e.g., without slack or play along the axis of the adjustable fastener 10. This tightness may allow the selector key 60 to contact one or more sections of the disk key 40 and / or the plunger engagement member 32 to contact the bracket engagement member ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 not shown) are securely joined.

[0047] Reference now Figures 7 and 8 , the plunger and bracket can provide engagement and adjustment capabilities to select one of a variety of possible arrangements along the axis and within the range. Figure 7As shown, the plunger 20 may include a head 30 and a shaft 22 extending from the head 30. The shaft 22 of the plunger 20 may include a first section 24, a second section 26, and a third section 28. The plunger engagement member 32 may engage the bracket 120 to fix the adjustable fastener 10 relative to the adjustment axis, as further described herein. The plunger 20 may also include one or more plunger engagement members 32 that are configured to fix the plunger 20 relative to the bracket 120. For example, the plunger engagement members 32 may each engage one of the plurality of bracket engagement members 132 of the bracket 120, such as Figure 8 As shown, to ensure that the plunger 20 is aligned along the first axis 4 and within the range defined by the bracket 120.

[0048] like Figure 8 As further shown, the bracket 120 may include a bracket opening 122 for receiving the shaft 22 of the plunger 20. The bracket 120 may further define one or more bracket engagement members 132. The bracket engagement members 132 may each be arranged in a group for receiving a corresponding one of the one or more plunger engagement members 32. For example, a plurality of bracket engagement members 132 may be distributed in a row along the first axis 4. The plunger engagement member 32 may be fixed relative to one of the plurality of bracket engagement members 132. When fixed thereto, the plunger engagement member 32 may be restrained relative to the first axis 4 so that the plunger 20 will not move along the first axis 4 until the plunger engagement member 32 is released from the selected bracket engagement member in the bracket engagement member 132. Such release may be achieved, for example, by moving the plunger 20 away from the bracket 120, such as along a second axis that is transverse to (e.g., orthogonal to) the first axis 4. It should be understood that such release may be prevented by the arrangement of the locking ring relative to the plunger 20, as described herein.

[0049] The plunger engagement member 32 and / or the bracket engagement member 132 can be arranged to provide a variety of possible arrangements to choose from. For example, by selecting the arrangement of the plunger engagement member 32 relative to the bracket engagement member 132, any number of arrangements, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more than 9 arrangements, can be provided. Each arrangement can correspond to a different alignment along the first axis 4. Therefore, a selected engagement between the plunger engagement member 32 and / or the bracket engagement member 132 can be performed to achieve a desired alignment of the corresponding components along the first axis 4 (e.g., the interface area).

[0050] As shown, the plunger engagement members 32 may each include a protrusion, and the bracket engagement members 132 may each include a recess for receiving the protrusion. Each recess of the bracket engagement member 132 may be separated from the other recesses at least in part, for example, by a separator. It should be understood that other arrangements may be provided, such as arrangements in which the plunger engagement members 32 may each include a recess and the bracket engagement members 132 may each include a protrusion. Although multiple bracket engagement members 132 are shown for each plunger engagement member 32, it should be understood that other arrangements may be provided, such as a bracket engagement member 132 for engaging one of the plunger engagement members in the multiple plunger engagement members 32. In addition or alternatively, the plunger engagement member 32 and the bracket engagement member 132 may include one or more other types of engagement members. For example, the plunger engagement member 32 and the bracket engagement member 132 may include the following mechanisms, such as locks, latches, snaps, slides, channels, screws, hooks, threads, magnets, pins, interference (e.g., friction) fits, rollers, bayonet pins, fused materials, braids, knitted fabrics, braids, hook and loop fasteners and / or combinations thereof to connect and / or secure the locking ring 80 to the plunger 20.

[0051] Reference now Figures 9 to 11 , the disc key and selector key can provide engagement and adjustment capability to select one of a variety of possible arrangements along another axis and within a range. Fig. 9 As shown, the disk key 40 may include a disk opening 42 for receiving the shaft of the plunger. The disk key 40 may also include a plurality of segments 52 distributed circumferentially around the disk opening 42. Each of the segments 52 may have a different height than one or more of the segments 52. The plurality of segments 52 may have the same height. For example, each segment 52 may have the same height as one or more other segments 52, which may optionally be opposite (e.g., opposite) each other or otherwise provide radial symmetry around the disk opening 42.

[0052] like Fig.10As shown, the selector key 60 may include a selector opening 62 for receiving the shaft of the plunger and one or more teeth 72. The teeth 72 may be distributed circumferentially around the selector opening 62. Each of the teeth 72 may have the same height. The teeth 72 may be opposite each other (e.g., opposite) or otherwise provide radial symmetry around the selector opening 62. The number, size, shape, and / or other features of the teeth 72 may correspond to the number, size, shape, and / or other features of the segments 52 of the disk key 40 that have the same height to each other. For example, in the case where two or more segments 52 of the disk key 40 have the same height and / or are distributed radially symmetrically around the disk opening 42, the selector key 60 may provide an equal number of teeth 72 with the same or similar radial symmetry around the selector opening 62. In this way, each of the teeth 72 of the selector key 60 may simultaneously abut a corresponding one of the segments 52 of the disk key 40, wherein each such segment 52 has the same height. This can help distribute force between the disk key 40 and the selector key 60. By further example, both the teeth 72 and the segments 52 may taper as they extend radially inward toward the selector opening 62 or the disk opening 42 , respectively.

[0053] The selector key 60 may also include a sidewall 66 extending annularly around the teeth 72 and / or the selector opening 62. The selector key 60 may also include one or more selector markings 78 that indicate the rotational alignment of the selector key 60 relative to the disk key 40. The disk key 40 may also include one or more disk markings 58 that indicate the rotational alignment of the disk key 40 relative to the selector key 60. For example, the disk markings 58 may indicate a value representing the height of a corresponding segment 52 of the disk key 40. The alignment of the selector markings 78 relative to the disk markings 58 may correspond to and indicate the alignment of the teeth 72 with the corresponding one or more of the segments 52 of the disk key 40 and / or the selected distance set by the engagement of the teeth 72 of the selector key 60 with the selected segment 52 of the disk key 40. Thus, by referencing the selector markings 78 and the disk markings 58, the operator may infer the selected distance along the second axis 6, as well as which other distances may be selected by rotating or otherwise operating the selector key 60.

[0054] The segments 52 and / or teeth 72 may be arranged to provide a variety of possible arrangements to choose from. For example, by selecting the arrangement of the segments 52 relative to the teeth 72, any number of arrangements may be provided, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more than 9 arrangements. Each arrangement may correspond to a different alignment along the second axis 6. Thus, a selected engagement between the segments 52 and / or teeth 72 may be performed to achieve a desired alignment of the corresponding components along the second axis 6 (e.g., an interface region).

[0055] like Fig.11As shown, each of the teeth 72 of the selector key 60 may engage a corresponding segment 52 of the disk key 40. The teeth 72 of the selector key 60 and / or the segments 52 of the disk key 40 may have complementary shapes and / or sizes to facilitate engagement. The segments 52 of the disk key 40 may define surfaces 54 facing the same direction (e.g., along the second axis 6). For example, the segments 52 of the disk key 40 may define the surfaces 54 so that they provide, for example, a concave (e.g., concave, serrated, curved, etc.) shape. By further example, the teeth 72 of the selector key 60 may define a surface 74 that provides, for example, a convex (e.g., protruding, convex, curved, etc.) shape. When pushed together, the disk key 40 and the selector key 60 may prevent the teeth 72 from disengaging from the segments 52 until the disk key 40 and the selector key 60 move away from each other along the second axis 6. It should be understood that such shapes are merely exemplary and a variety of shapes may be provided to facilitate engagement. For example, the shapes may be changed (eg, swapped) to be different from those shown in the figures.

[0056] like Fig.11 As further shown, the segments 52 may define a discontinuity in their height such that the teeth 72 will not move to an adjacent segment 52 having a greater height until the selector key 60 moves away from the disk key 40 along the second axis 6. Fig.11 As further shown, the segments 52 may define other features, such as ridges 56, so that the teeth 72 do not move to an adjacent segment 52 having a smaller height until the selector key 60 moves away from the disk key 40 along the second axis 6. Each of the segments 52 of the disk key 40 may define a ridge 56 along with another adjacent segment 52. It should be understood that such shapes are merely exemplary and that a variety of shapes may be provided to facilitate adjustment.

[0057] Reference now Fig.12 , the adjustable fastener of the adjustable assembly can provide independent selection of alignment in each of the two axes. Fig.12 As shown, the bracket 120 may define one or more bracket engagement members 132, each of which is used to receive a corresponding one of the one or more plunger engagement members 32 of the plunger 20. The plunger engagement member 32 can be fixed relative to one of the plurality of bracket engagement members 132. When fixed thereto, the plunger engagement member 32 can be restrained relative to the first axis 4 so that the plunger 20 will not move along the first axis 4 until the plunger engagement member 32 is released from the selected one of the bracket engagement members 132. Such release can be achieved, for example, by moving the plunger 20 away from the bracket 120, such as along the second axis 6, which can be restrained until the locking ring 80 is released relative to the plunger 20.

[0058] The selector key 60 can be rotated to engage a selected portion of the disk key 40. The selector key 60 can be rotated about the second section 26 of the shaft 22, while the disk key 40 is rotationally locked to the first section 24 of the shaft 22. The rotational orientation of the selector key 60 relative to the disk key 40 allows the teeth of the selector key 60 to engage a selected section of the disk key 40. Thus, the distance between the disk key 40 and the opposing ends of the selector key 60 along the second axis 6 can be selected based on the relative orientation and engagement between the disk key 40 and the selector key 60.

[0059] like Fig.12 As further shown, the locking ring 80 can be configured to adjustably engage the third segment 28 of the shaft 22 and urge the selector key 60 against the disk key 40. The locking ring 80 can be provided with a rotational or other capability relative to the mounting pad 140. Rotation or other manipulation of the locking ring 80 can cause the shaft 22 to be axially advanced relative to the locking ring 80 until the locking ring 80 abuts the selector key 60, the selector key 60 abuts the disk key 40 (i.e., at the teeth and segments), the disk key 40 abuts the bracket 120, and the bracket 120 abuts the head 30 of the plunger 20 (i.e., the plunger engagement member 32 is fixed to the bracket engagement member 132). The locking ring 80 can maintain at least nominal compression to maintain the parts assembled together along the second axis 6.

[0060] Thus, adjustment of the locking ring 80 relative to the shaft 22 of the plunger 20 can change the distance between: (i) the locking ring 80, the selector key 60 and / or the mounting pad 140, and (ii) the disk key 40, the bracket 120 and / or the head 30 of the plunger 20. The adjustable fastener 10 may include such features to facilitate adjustment in multiple axes and within a specific range. Adjustments in each of the multiple axes can be achieved independently of each other. Such adjustment capabilities can help improve the alignment of the parts during and after assembly to achieve a desired arrangement with high precision and accuracy.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, an element mentioned in the singular is not intended to represent one and only one, but one or more. For example, "a" module may refer to one or more modules. In the absence of further constraints, an element beginning with "a", "an", "the" or "said" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements.

[0062] Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the terms "including" or "having" and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as understood when "including" is used as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0063] Phrases such as an aspect, this aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, a specific implementation, this specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, an embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject technology, this disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, etc. are for convenience and do not imply that the disclosures associated with such phrases are necessary for the subject technology, or that such disclosures are applicable to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosures associated with such phrases may be applicable to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosures associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this is similarly applicable to other aforementioned phrases.

[0064] The phrase "at least one" preceding a list of items, with the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any of those items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than as each constituent item of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any of those items, and / or at least one of any combination of those items, and / or at least one of each of those items. As an example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0065] It should be understood that the specific order or level of the disclosed steps, operations or processes is an illustration of an exemplary method. Unless otherwise clearly stated, it should be understood that the specific order or level of steps, operations or processes can be performed in different orders. Some of the steps, operations or processes can be performed simultaneously. The attached method claims (if any) present the elements of various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or level presented. These can be performed continuously, linearly, in parallel or in different orders. It should be understood that the instructions, operations and systems described can usually be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or packaged into multiple software / hardware products.

[0066] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0067] Terms such as top, bottom, front, back, side, horizontal, vertical, etc. refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not the ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, such terms may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational reference frame.

[0068] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion with the various concepts of the subject technology. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate various modifications to these aspects, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0069] All structural and functional equivalents of the various elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure are known or will later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and these equivalents are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to serve the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element should be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "means for..." or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step for..."

[0070] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative frames, modules, elements, parts, methods and algorithms described herein can be implemented as hardware, electronic hardware, computer software or a combination thereof. In order to illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative frames, modules, elements, parts, methods and algorithms have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application. Various parts and frames can be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in different orders or divided in different ways), all of which do not depart from the scope of this subject technology.

[0071] The invention title, background technology, figure description, abstract of the specification, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure rather than as limiting descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, the description provides illustrative examples and various features are grouped together in various specific implementations. The method of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0072] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should it be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. An adjustable fastener, comprising: a plunger comprising a head, a shaft, and a plunger engagement member extending from the head alongside the shaft; a disk key configured to receive the shaft and having a plurality of segments, each of the segments defining a corresponding height that is different than a height of another segment; a selector key configured to receive the shaft and including teeth for contacting selected ones of the segments of the disk key; and A locking ring is configured to engage the shaft and secure the selector key against the disk key.

2. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein the shaft of the plunger comprises: a first section defining a first cross-sectional shape for rotationally engaging the disk key; a second section defining a second cross-sectional shape for receiving the selector key; and A third section defines threads for engagement by the locking ring.

3. The adjustable fastener of claim 1 , wherein the disc key defines a disc opening for receiving the shaft, and each of the segments of the disc key is circumferentially adjacent to another of the segments having a different height and radially opposite to another of the segments having the same height.

4. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein each of the segments of the disk key together with an adjacent other of the segments defines a ridge.

5. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein the sections of the disk key define surfaces facing in the same direction, each of the surfaces being concave.

6. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein the tooth is a first tooth, the selector key defines a selector opening for receiving the shaft, and the selector key further includes a second tooth opposite the first tooth across the selector opening.

7. The adjustable fastener of claim 1, wherein the locking ring includes a first flange and a second flange, an annular recess being defined therebetween.

8. An adjustable fastener, comprising: a plunger including a head, a shaft for extending through the bracket, and a plunger engagement member configured to engage one of a plurality of bracket engagement members of the bracket to ensure alignment along a first axis; a disk key configured to be rotationally locked to the shaft and having a plurality of segments; a selector key configured to rotate about the shaft, wherein a rotational orientation of the selector key relative to the disk key defines a distance between the selector key and the head of the plunger along a second axis; and A locking ring is configured to adjustably engage the shaft and urge the selector key against the disk key.

9. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein the shaft of the plunger comprises: a first section defining a first cross-sectional shape for rotationally engaging the disk key; a second section defining a second cross-sectional shape for receipt by the selector key; and A third section defines threads for engagement by the locking ring.

10. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein the disk key defines a disk opening for receiving the shaft, and each of the segments of the disk key is circumferentially adjacent to another of the segments having a different height and radially opposed to another of the segments having the same height.

11. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein each of the segments of the disk key defines a ridge together with an adjacent other of the segments.

12. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein the selector key comprises: a selector opening for receiving the shaft; and A pair of teeth are located on opposite sides of the selector opening.

13. The adjustable fastener of claim 8, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis.

14. A vehicle, comprising: a first component, the first component forming a bracket, the bracket including a bracket opening and a plurality of bracket engagement members; a second component, the second component forming a mounting pad, the mounting pad including a pad opening; A plunger, the plunger comprising: a shaft extending through the bracket opening and the pad opening; and a plunger engagement member configured to engage one of the bracket engagement members to limit movement of the bracket on the mounting pad; a disc key having a plurality of segments, each of the segments defining a corresponding height that is different from a height of another of the segments; a locking ring extending through the pad opening and engaging the shaft of the plunger; and A selector key is located between the locking ring and the disk key, the selector key being rotatable to engage a selected one of the segments of the disk key, the selected segment determining a corresponding distance between the bracket and the mounting pad.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein: The first component is a panel of the vehicle; and The second component is a body of the vehicle at least partially covered by the apron, wherein the apron is adjustably coupled to the body to form an interface area between the apron and the body, the interface area being defined by the arrangement of the plunger relative to the bracket and the selector key relative to the disk key.

16. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the shaft of the plunger comprises: a first section defining a first cross-sectional shape for rotationally engaging the disk key; a second section defining a second cross-sectional shape for receiving the selector key; and A third section defines threads for engagement by the locking ring.

17. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the disc key defines a disc opening for receiving the shaft, and each of the segments of the disc key is circumferentially adjacent to another of the segments having a different height and radially opposite to another of the segments having the same height.

18. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein each of the segments of the disc key together with an adjacent other of the segments defines a ridge.

19. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the sections of the puck key define surfaces facing the same direction, each of the surfaces being concave.

20. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the selector key comprises: a selector opening for receiving the shaft; and A pair of teeth are located on opposite sides of the selector opening.

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