Improved fastening clip

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fastening clip for mounting a component to a support structure. The fastening clip includes a head portion having a plate arranged to retain a portion of the component between the plate and the support structure during use. The fastening clip also includes a body portion extending along the longitudinal axis from the head portion to the lower end region. The body portion includes at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member projecting laterally from a lower end region of the body portion to fixedly engage a surface of the support structure when inserted into the aperture of the support structure. The fastening clip also includes at least one resilient spring element extending from the head portion to contact the support structure in use and bias the retention member into contact with the support structure. Each spring element includes: a transverse portion extending in a direction across the longitudinal axis; and an intermediate portion extending from an end of the lateral portion between the lateral portion and the plate, arranged to engage a portion of the component when the spring element is deflected toward the plate during use.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of fasteners, and more particularly to the field of fastening clips for attaching one or more components, such as airbag devices or luggage loops, to external structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved fastening clip for attaching a side impact airbag or curtain airbag or luggage loop to a vehicle structure. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive industry, fastening clips are used to mount components, structures or panels to the frame of a vehicle.

[0003] Airbags are safety devices that are increasingly used in the automotive industry, which in combination with other safety components (such as seat belts) help reduce casualties in the event of a crash. Vehicle tests and mortality statistics have clearly shown that the use of airbags can significantly improve the safety of car occupants and can significantly reduce mortality in the event of a severe accident (by about 30%) when combined with other forms of passive safety (such as seat belts).

[0004] Today, manufacturers produce frontal airbags (frontal airbags are designed to protect the driver and / or passengers in a head-on collision) as well as side airbags and curtain airbags mounted behind pillars and / or to the sides of vehicle seats, depending on the location of the airbag.

[0005] Curtain airbags are usually located on the side of the car near the roof, for example above the front and rear doors. Such airbags have very stringent requirements regarding the targets set for them and the technical challenges that must be overcome. Typical challenges can be their location in the vehicle and the way they are fastened, the required deployment time and how long the airbags need to remain inflated. Other challenges can come from the fact that there is only a short distance between the vehicle body and the occupants, and there is little vehicle material between the occupants and the impacting vehicle. For example, airbags must be deployed within a fraction of a second, which creates enormous gripping forces on their attachment components, which are then affected by such a collision.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical clip 10 for attaching an airbag, such as a side impact airbag or a curtain airbag. The clip 10 has a head portion 12 from which extend flexible elements, such as spring elements 14, which are adapted to abut against the outer surface of an attachment panel when the clip 10 enters a hole in the panel during use. The clip 10 also has a body portion 16 including depending tangs 18 that create different structures of the clip 10, such as side limbs 20 having surfaces 22 that are configured to abut against the inner surface of the panel so that the support surfaces 22 and the support surfaces provided by the flexible spring elements 14 engage the attachment panel on both sides (i.e., in a sandwich form) so that the clip 10 can be fixedly supported on the panel. The clip 10 can be formed from a single folded and punched layered surface to form a three-dimensional body made of, for example, metal (such as carbon steel).

[0007] Since the airbag deploys in a few thousandths of a second, reaching an expansion speed approximately equal to 300 km / h, the forces involved in the activation of the airbag are enormous and act on the supporting elements of the mechanism and thus on the fastening clips of the airbag. The vibrations involved in the inflation of the airbag exert a violent outward traction on the panel, which acts directly on the above-mentioned clips, but these clips must withstand this outward traction without damaging the ball / curtain or panel to which they are attached. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the pull-out force that a fastening clip (such as clip 10) can withstand. It is also desirable to reduce the risk of elements of the clip (such as edges) causing damage to the panel to which it is attached.

[0008] Another type of fastening clip for a storage compartment of a vehicle is embedded into a bottom panel or a side panel of the storage compartment. This fastening clip is located at one or more than one fixed point of the storage compartment. The fastening clip(s) are connected to luggage loops to which loose objects (such as shopping bags or items) are attached so that these objects do not move around in the storage compartment when the vehicle is in motion.

[0009] An example of such a fastener clip 100 is shown in FIG. 2 , to which a luggage loop 120 is connected. The body 104 of the fastening clip 100 is integrally formed with the head 102. The head 102 has an opening on its top surface, on opposite sides of which mechanical stops 114 are provided. These mechanical stops 114 serve as guides for securing the luggage loop 120 to the fastening clip 100. The head 102 of the fastening clip 100 has retaining arms 112 that are integral with and extend from opposite corners. When the luggage loop 120 is secured to the fastening clip 100, the retaining arms 112 contact and partially surround the luggage loop 120. This allows the luggage loop 120 to be maintained in a desired position, such as the upright position shown in FIG. 2 , by friction during use. The body 104 of the fastening clip 100 is provided with an opening on the side. The opening provides a passage for a portion of the fastening clip 100 to extend from the interior of the body 104 to the exterior. More specifically, the fastening clip 100 is provided with a pair of oppositely protruding resilient arms 110 extending through a corresponding pair of opposite upper openings in the body 104. The resilient arms 110 protrude laterally in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the head 102. The fastening clip 100 is also provided with a pair of oppositely protruding shoulders 108 extending through a corresponding pair of opposite lower openings in the body 104. On each side, the resilient arms 110 and the shoulders 108 are integrally formed. At the end away from the head 102, the fastening clip 100 is provided with a leg 106 for insertion into a panel structure so as to secure the fastening clip 100 to a support structure.

[0010] It is also desirable to increase the pull-out force that a fastening clip, such as clip 100 , can withstand in order to prevent undesired removal when a load is applied to the luggage loop and in order to prevent unwanted damage to the panel to which the luggage loop is attached.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved fastening clip suitable for attaching an airbag, such as a side impact airbag or a curtain airbag, or a luggage loop to a vehicle structure, which fastening clip is robust and efficient, yet ergonomic and safe so as to minimize the risk of accidental removal of the fastening clip and / or damage to the panel in which it is inserted. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, there is provided a fastening clip for mounting a component, such as an airbag or a luggage ring, to a supporting structure, the fastening clip comprising:

[0013] a head portion having a plate arranged to retain a portion of the component between the plate and the support structure during use,

[0014] a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis from the head portion to a lower end region, wherein the body portion includes at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member projecting laterally from the lower end region of the body portion to fixedly engage a surface of a support structure when inserted into an aperture of the support structure; and

[0015] at least one resilient spring element extending from the head portion to, in use, contact an opposite side of the support structure from the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member and bias the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member into contact with the support structure,

[0016] wherein each of the at least one resilient spring element comprises: a transverse portion extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a middle portion extending from an end of the transverse portion and between the transverse portion and the plate, the middle portion being arranged to engage the portion of the component when the resilient spring element is deflected towards the plate during use.

[0017] Thus, in use, when the clamp is mounting a component to a support structure, the resilient spring element is compressed between the component and the support structure and the intermediate portion is pressed against the component. Advantageously, this can help resist rotation of the component relative to the clamp.

[0018] In an example, each of the at least one intermediate portion includes a tab portion extending toward the lateral portion to contact the lateral portion during use and limit deflection of the intermediate portion toward the lateral portion.

[0019] In an example, each of the at least one resilient spring element comprises a longitudinal portion extending from the head portion in a direction having a longitudinal component, and wherein the transverse portion extends from the longitudinal portion.

[0020] In examples, the longitudinal portion extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In an example, the longitudinal portion has a length in the longitudinal direction configured such that the transverse portion is substantially parallel to the support structure in a deflected state when the fastening clip is attached to the opening in the support structure.

[0022] In an example, a portion of the component is rotatable within the fastening clip.

[0023] In an example, the component comprises an annulus, and wherein the portion of the component comprises a portion of the annulus.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is also provided a fastening clip for mounting a component to a supporting structure, the component being, for example, an airbag or a luggage ring, the fastening clip comprising:

[0025] a head portion and a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis from the head portion to a lower end region, wherein the body portion includes at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member projecting laterally from the lower end region of the body portion to fixedly engage a surface of a support structure when inserted into an aperture of the support structure; and

[0026] at least one resilient spring element extending from the head portion to, in use, contact an opposite side of the support structure from the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member and bias the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member into contact with the support structure,

[0027] wherein each of the at least one resilient spring element comprises: a longitudinal portion extending from the head portion in a direction having a longitudinal component; and a transverse portion extending from the longitudinal portion across the longitudinal axis, and

[0028] Therein, the longitudinal portion has a length in the longitudinal direction which is configured such that when the fastening clip is attached to the opening in the support structure, the transverse portion is substantially parallel to the support structure in the deflected state.

[0029] Advantageously, the parallel arrangement of the transverse portion of the elastic spring element and the support structure provides improved stability. In particular, the transverse portion presses against the support structure uniformly along the length of the transverse portion, thereby providing improved resistance to twisting or tilting.

[0030] In examples, the longitudinal portion extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0031] In an example, each of the at least one resilient spring element further comprises a middle portion extending from the lateral portion, between the lateral portion and the head portion.

[0032] In an example, the intermediate portion includes a tab portion extending toward the lateral portion to contact the lateral portion during use and limit deflection of the intermediate portion toward the lateral portion.

[0033] In examples, the head portion comprises a plate adapted to retain a portion of a component between the plate and the support structure during use, and wherein the intermediate portion is arranged to engage the portion of the component when the at least one resilient spring element is deflected during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the specification will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a perspective view of a fastening clip used to attach a component, such as an air bag, to a vehicle chassis;

[0036] FIG. 2 (PRIOR ART) is a perspective view of another fastening clip for attaching a component, such as a luggage ring, to a vehicle chassis;

[0037] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a fastening clip of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a cross-sectional perspective view of the fastening clip shown;

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A front view of the fastening clip shown;

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 a partial front view of the fastening clip shown;

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 a side view of the fastening clip shown;

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 a bottom view of the fastening clip shown;

[0043] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 a top view of the fastening clip shown;

[0044] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 a side view of the fastening clip shown with the spring element in a first position; and

[0045] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A side view of the fastening clip is shown with the spring element in the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The exemplary embodiments described relate to fastening clips suitable for securing equipment and accessories. Embodiments of the invention are generally applicable to vehicles. Although the invention is described with respect to vehicles, the invention is not entirely limited to vehicles but may also be used in other structures where accessories or peripheral components need to be attached to the structure.

[0047] Certain terms used in the following description are for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower", "upper", "front", "rear", "upward", "downward" and "downward" refer to directions referenced in the drawings and are relative to the components described when assembled and installed. The words "inward", "inwardly" and "outwardly", "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, respectively, and the specific meaning is obvious from the context of the description.

[0048] Further, as used herein, the terms "connected," "attached," "coupled," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two components without any other components interposed therebetween, as well as an indirect connection between components with one or more other components interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

[0049] Further, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc. merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referenced and is not intended to mean that the objects so described must be in a given sequence temporally, spatially, in rank, or in any other manner.

[0050] Reference now Figures 3 to 11 , shows an exemplary embodiment of a fastening clip 200 of the present invention. The fastening clip 200 is connected to the luggage ring 120. The fastening clip 200 is of the type formed from a pre-cut 2D blank (patterned and cut for folding). The fastening clip 200 has a body or body portion 204 integrally formed with a head or head portion 202.

[0051] A fastening clip 200, such as a fastening clip according to the present invention, is inserted into an opening made in a surface of an attachment panel (not shown). This surface effectively divides the clip 200 into an upper outer portion (i.e., head portion 202) that is not inserted into the opening and an inner lower portion (i.e., body portion 204) that is inserted into the opening. The upper portion or head portion 202 of the clip 200 corresponds to the outer portion, while the lower portion or body portion 204 of the clip 200 corresponds to the inner portion. Likewise, the ascending direction is from the inner portion to the outer portion (from bottom to top), while the descending direction is from the outer portion to the inner portion (from top to bottom).

[0052] The body 204 includes resiliently deflectable retaining members in the form of depending tangs 210 that create the various configurations of the clip, such as legs 207, resilient arms 212, limbs 234 and mechanical stops 236. In the example, the limbs 234 are U-shaped limbs.

[0053] The body 204 is formed by a box 206 formed by the combination of two surfaces whose transverse cross-section is approximately "U"-shaped, attached by one of their ends, and the attachment is strengthened by a corresponding lug 208, which is produced by dividing the portion of the connecting portion forming the opposite surface. As can be seen in the drawings, the lug 208 located inside the box 206 can have a nail (not shown) shaped to engage in an opening provided in the box 206. The body 204 has a central or longitudinal axis 228.

[0054] The depending tang 210 has an inclination toward the center or longitudinal axis 228 of the clip and extends downward from the box 206 toward the center of the clip 200 to subsequently form a loop or leg 207 and extend away from the center of the clip 200. In a preferred configuration of the invention and as illustrated, the loops or legs 207 of the tang 210 may contact each other. This contact provides strength to the clip against pull-out forces.

[0055] The downwardly depending tang 210 also creates a pair of oppositely projecting resilient arms 212 that are configured to emerge from the interior of the box body 206 toward the exterior of the box body through a corresponding pair of openings or windows 222 made in the surface of the box body 206. The resilient arms 212 project laterally in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the head 202.

[0056] A limb 234 also extends from each of the depending tangs 210. Figure 6 , each limb 234 includes a first portion 238 extending in a generally longitudinal plane relative to the longitudinal axis 228, a second portion 240 spaced apart from the first portion 238 and extending in a generally longitudinal plane relative to the longitudinal axis 228, and a third portion 242 extending from the first portion 238 in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis 228. The first portion 238 and the third portion 242 define a first L-shaped limb portion 216a. In the illustrated embodiment, the limb 234 also has a fourth portion 244. The fourth portion 244 extends from the second portion 240 in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis 228. The second portion 240 and the fourth portion 244 define a second L-shaped limb portion 216b. The third portion 242 and the fourth portion 244 are located in the same transverse plane. In other words, the transverse plane of the third portion 242 is coplanar with the transverse plane of the fourth portion 244.

[0057] The limb 234 is also configured to emerge from the interior of the box body 206 toward the exterior of the box body through a corresponding opening or window 218 made in the surface of the box body 206. In use, the first L-shaped limb portion 216a and the second L-shaped limb portion 216b face each other to form a U-shaped limb 234. The third portion 242 and the fourth portion 244 together define a support surface 220, on which the support structure is supported in use. In other words, the base of the limb 234 defines the support surface 220.

[0058] The depending tangs 210 also create a pair of mechanical stops or stop members 236. Each of the stop members 236 includes an inclined wall 246 extending from a lower end region of the body toward a corresponding opening or window 218 in the body 204. The stop members 236 are positioned within the box body 206 and are not configured to emerge from the interior of the box body 206.

[0059] The head 202 includes a generally rectangular shaped plate 226 having a flat upper surface. The plate 226 is arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis 228 of the body portion 204. Resilient spring elements 214 (ie, bent legs) extend from the plate 226 to contact an attachment panel.

[0060] As illustrated, central portions 230 of two opposing protruding side edges of panel 226 are folded toward and merged into respective sides of body portion 204 (ie, forming box body 206) to form rounded side edges (eg, closed or open hems).

[0061] Two elastic spring elements 214 are arranged on opposite sides of the plate 226. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As most clearly shown in the figure, the resilient spring elements 214 extend from opposite ends of the plate 226 in directions parallel to the body tabs 208 (parallel to the longitudinal axis 228 and perpendicular to the plate 226). The resilient spring elements 214 are oppositely oriented and rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 228. The resilient spring elements 214 are folded from the plane of the plate 226 at the side edges 229 of the plate 226. The side edges 229 form a bend of approximately 90 degrees. The resilient spring elements 214 include longitudinal portions 248 that extend from the side edges 229 in the longitudinal direction toward the limbs 234. At a location proximate to the resilient arm 212 and slightly spaced from the plane of the resilient arm 212 toward the limbs 234, the resilient spring elements 214 are bent into transverse portions 250 that extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis toward opposite sides of the fastening clip 200. As shown in the figure, the resilient spring elements 214 are folded from the plane of the plate 226 at the side edges 229 of the plate 226. The side edges 229 form a bend of approximately 90 degrees. The resilient spring elements 214 include longitudinal portions 248 that extend from the side edges 229 in the longitudinal direction toward the limbs 234. At a location proximate to the resilient arm 212 and slightly spaced from the plane of the resilient arm 212 toward the limbs 234, the resilient spring elements 214 are bent into transverse portions 250 that extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis toward opposite sides of the fastening clip 200. Fig.10As shown, in a relaxed state (before assembly with an attachment panel and without external force applied), the lateral portion 250 is inclined relative to the plate 226 toward the limb 234. At the end of the lateral portion 250, the elastic spring element 214 includes a bend 252 and an intermediate portion 254 extending from the bend 252. The bend 252 can be a U-shaped bend and can have an angle between about 120 degrees and about 180 degrees. The intermediate portion 254 is located between the plate 226 and the lateral portion 250.

[0062] Fig.11 The fastening clip 200 is shown when assembled with the attachment panel 258. The attachment panel 258 is shown in a cross-sectional view with the fastening clip 200 inserted into an opening in the attachment panel 258. As shown, when the resilient arm 212 is deflected toward the plate 226 and the intermediate portion 254 engages the luggage loop 120, particularly the portion of the luggage loop 120 that is received below the plate 226. When the luggage loop 120 is rotatable within the fastening clip 200, the engagement of the intermediate portion 254 on the luggage loop 120 will prevent the luggage loop 120 from rotating. Therefore, the engagement of the intermediate portion 254 and the luggage loop 120 will act to prevent the luggage loop 120 from shaking. In addition, the intermediate portion 254 still allows the user to rotate the luggage loop 120 and serves to prevent the luggage loop 120 from rotating under its own weight. In this way, the luggage loop 120 will remain in a position determined by the user, making the luggage loop easier to use.

[0063] Also like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the ends of the middle portion 254 include tab portions 256 that are bent relative to the middle portion 254 toward the lateral portion 250. The tab portions 256 are not perpendicular to the middle portion 254.

[0064] like Fig.11 As shown, when the fastening clip 200 is assembled with the attachment panel 258, the resilient spring element 214 (particularly the lateral portion 250) contacts the surface of the attachment panel 258 and deflects toward the plate 226 to apply a force to retain the limb 234 (particularly the bearing surface 220) on the opposite side of the attachment panel 258. The resilient spring element 214 thereby reduces the movement and play of the fastening clip 200 within the opening in the attachment panel 258. Once the fastening clip 200 has been assembled with the attachment panel 258, the resilient spring element 214 is in a Fig.11 In this position, the lateral portion 250 is deflected toward the plate 226 and the middle portion 254 has been pushed against the luggage ring 120 as described above. As a result, the curved portion 252 is further bent and the middle portion 254 is deflected toward the lateral portion 250. In this position, the attachment panel 258 is sandwiched between the limb 234 and the resilient spring element 214.

[0065] Advantageously, if Fig.11 As shown, in this position, the transverse portion 250 is approximately parallel to the attachment panel 258. This allows the resilient spring element 214 to provide improved stability because the force forcing the limb 234 against the attachment panel 258 is applied over the length of the transverse portion 250, so the resilient spring element 214 is not twisted. In addition, the resilient spring element 214 can better resist any twisting or tilting of the fastening clip 200 relative to the attachment panel 258 because the two transverse portions 250 together contact the attachment panel 258 along two opposite sides across the width of the fastening clip 200, thus resisting any twisting or tilting.

[0066] It should be understood that the longitudinal length of the longitudinal portion 248 is selected based on the thickness of the attachment panel 258 and therefore the distance between the limb 234 and the surface of the attachment panel 258 that faces the head 202 (and engages the resilient spring element 214). In this way, when the fastening clip 200 is assembled with the attachment panel 258, the transverse portion 250 can be approximately parallel to the attachment panel 258.

[0067] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown, when the fastening clip 200 is assembled with the attachment panel 258, the tab portion 256 is adjacent to or in contact with the lateral portion 250. The tab portion 256 thereby prevents the lateral portion 250 from further deflecting toward the plate 226 (and vice versa), and thus reduces the potential movement of the fastening clip 200 relative to the attachment panel 258 when an external force is applied.

[0068] Specifically, Fig.11 As shown, the arrangement of the luggage loop 120, the middle portion 254, the tab portion 256 and the transverse portion 250 creates an obstruction that prevents the fastening clip 200 from moving longitudinally relative to the attachment panel 258. This reduces the play in the fastening clip 200 and reduces the risk of the fastening clip 200 being twisted or pulled out. Due to the presence of the two resilient spring elements 214, obstructions are formed on both sides of the fastening clip 200. These obstructions (combined with the parallel contact between the transverse portion 250 and the attachment panel 258) also help the fastening clip 200 resist twisting or tilting relative to the attachment panel 258.

[0069] In addition, Fig.11 The non-perpendicular angle between the tab portion 256 and the transverse portion 250 in the illustrated position also creates additional flexibility, allowing some further deformation to occur when needed but only under high forces. Thus, when high forces are applied to the fastening clip 200, the tab portion 256 may experience additional bending.

[0070] The clip 200 may be formed from a single layered surface (i.e., sheet or blank) that is cut and punched in a unique manner, thereby allowing a three-dimensional embodiment of the clip 200 to be formed by simply folding corresponding cut or punched portions of the sheet at predetermined fold lines. In particular, the layered surface (i.e., sheet or blank) may be a sheet metal blank that includes predetermined cuts, bends, and holes that, when folded, form specific pieces and portions of the three-dimensional clip 200. The sheet metal may be cut, punched, stamped, or bent using suitable tools (e.g., presses, drills, laser cutting, etc.).

[0071] The laminated surface or sheet metal blank may be made of, for example, a metal (e.g., carbon steel) that has been heat treated to impart improved strength qualities thereto. Further, the clip 200 may be treated to prevent corrosion and / or receive a suitable coating to improve its service life and wear associated with dust, moisture, and other elements that may corrode the clip 200.

[0072] During assembly, the user simply pushes the fastening clip 200 into the mounting hole (not shown) of the attachment panel (not shown), so that the elastic arm 212 is fixedly engaged in the inner surface (not shown) of the attachment panel. The leg 207 is inserted into the hole (not shown). In order to hold the fastening clip 200 in place in the panel, the elastic arm 212 and the limb 234 are elastically and resiliently biased outward. When the leg 207 of the fastening clip 200 is inserted into the panel opening, force is applied to the limb 234 and the elastic arm 212 to push them inward. When the limb 234 and the elastic arm 212 are deformed inward, the fastening clip 200 can fit through the opening of the panel. After the limb 234 and the elastic arm 212 are inserted through and leave the opening of the panel, the panel no longer applies force to these parts. The limb 234 and the elastic arm 212 are biased outward to return to exceed the width of the opening, thereby holding the fastening clip in place and preventing removal.

[0073] The panel is thus clamped between the bearing surface 220 of the limb 234 and the spring element 214 .

[0074] If it is desired to remove the fastening clip 200, the user can push the resilient arms 212 inwardly. This causes the limbs 234 to be pulled inwardly (toward the interior of the box body 206), and thus the fastening clip 200 can be pulled through the opening in the panel and removed.

[0075] It has been discovered that the arrangement of the limbs 234 increases the force, such as a pull-out force, required to remove the fastening clip 200 from the hole or opening in the panel without the use of the resilient arms 212 (ie, unwanted or undesirable removal of the fastening clip 200 ).

[0076] The stop member 236 limits or restricts the downward movement of the limb 234. It has been found that the arrangement of the stop member 236 advantageously increases the pull-out force of the fastening clip without hindering the insertion of the fastening clip into the hole in the panel.

[0077] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and without any limiting meaning, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The described embodiment is a fastening clip to which a luggage ring has been attached. It will be appreciated that the fastening clip described above may be used to secure other equipment and accessories, including air bags.

Claims

1. A fastening clip (200) for mounting a component to a support structure, the component being, for example, an air bag or a luggage ring, the fastening clip (200) comprising: a head portion (202) having a plate (226) arranged to retain a portion of the component between the plate (226) and the support structure during use, a body portion (204) extending from the head portion (202) to a lower end region along a longitudinal axis (228), wherein the body portion (204) includes at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) projecting laterally from the lower end region of the body portion (204) to fixedly engage a surface of the support structure when inserted into an aperture of the support structure; and at least one resilient spring element (214) extending from the head portion (202) to contact, in use, an opposite side of the support structure from the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) and bias the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) into contact with the support structure, wherein each of the at least one resilient spring element (214) comprises: a transverse portion (250) extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (228); and a middle portion (254) extending from an end of the transverse portion (250) and between the transverse portion (250) and the plate (226), the middle portion (254) being configured to engage the portion of the component when the resilient spring element (214) is deflected toward the plate (226) during use.

2. The fastening clip (200) according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the at least one intermediate portion (254) includes a tab portion (256) extending toward the lateral portion (250) so as to contact the lateral portion (250) during use and limit deflection of the intermediate portion (254) toward the lateral portion (250).

3. The fastening clip (200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: Each of the at least one resilient spring elements (214) includes a longitudinal portion (248) extending from the head portion (202) in a direction having a longitudinal component, and wherein the transverse portion (250) extends from the longitudinal portion (248), and wherein the longitudinal portion (248) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (228).

4. The fastening clip (200) according to claim 3, wherein: The longitudinal portion (248) has a length in the longitudinal direction configured such that when the fastening clip (200) is attached to an opening in the support structure, the transverse portion (250) is substantially parallel to the support structure in a deflected state.

5. The fastening clip (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The portion of the component is rotatable within the fastening clip (200), and wherein the component comprises an annular portion, and wherein the portion of the component comprises a portion of the annular portion.

6. A fastening clip (200) for mounting a component to a support structure, the component being, for example, an air bag or a luggage ring, the fastening clip (200) comprising: a head portion (202) and a body portion (204), the body portion extending from the head portion (202) to a lower end region along a longitudinal axis (228), wherein the body portion (204) includes at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) projecting laterally from the lower end region of the body portion (204) to fixedly engage a surface of the support structure when inserted into an aperture of the support structure; and at least one resilient spring element (214) extending from the head portion (202) to contact, in use, an opposite side of the support structure from the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) and bias the at least one resiliently deflectable retaining member (210) into contact with the support structure, wherein each of the at least one resilient spring element (214) comprises: a longitudinal portion (248) extending from the head portion (202) in a direction having a longitudinal component; and a transverse portion (250) extending from the longitudinal portion (248) across the longitudinal axis (228), and wherein the longitudinal portion (248) has a length in the longitudinal direction, the length being configured such that when the fastening clip (200) is attached to an opening in the support structure, the transverse portion (250) is substantially parallel to the support structure in a deflected state.

7. The fastening clip (200) according to claim 6, wherein: The longitudinal portion (248) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (228).

8. The fastening clip (200) of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: Each of the at least one resilient spring element (214) further includes a middle portion (254) extending from the transverse portion (250) between the transverse portion (250) and the head portion (202).

9. The fastening clip (200) according to claim 8, wherein: The intermediate portion (254) includes a tab portion (256) extending toward the lateral portion (250) to contact the lateral portion (250) during use and limit deflection of the intermediate portion (254) toward the lateral portion (250).

10. The fastening clip (200) of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein: The head portion (202) includes a plate (226) adapted to retain a portion of the component between the plate (226) and the support structure during use, and wherein the intermediate portion (254) is arranged to engage the portion of the component when the at least one resilient spring element (214) is deflected during use.

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