Fastener assembly

Abstract

A fastening assembly for attaching a first structure to a second structure located at least partially behind the first structure may include a clip configured to be inserted into an opening in the first structure in an axial direction. The clip may be configured to engage the first structure when inserted in an axial direction into an opening of the first structure such that the clip is configured to be retained axially to the first structure, the clip defining a through channel. The assembly may include a fastener configured to be inserted through the through channel to extend beyond the clip in the axial direction to mate with the mating portion of the second structure. The clip and fastener may be configured such that when the fastener is advanced through the through channel beyond a critical insertion position, the clip axially restricts movement of the fastener to captively retain the fastener and prevent the fastener from exiting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fastener assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, certain electrical panel covers have recesses into which a user can simply insert a screw and attempt to align it with a female hole in an internal structure. However, the panel cover holes and female threaded holes in the internal structure may be misaligned, making it difficult to insert the screw. Additionally, loose screws and cover holes can fall between the panel cover and the internal structure.

[0003] Conventional methods and systems are generally considered satisfactory for their intended purposes. However, there is still a need for improvement in the art. The present disclosure provides a solution to this need. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A fastening assembly for attaching a first structure to a second structure at least partially behind the first structure can include a clip configured to be inserted axially into an opening in the first structure. The clip can be configured to engage the first structure when inserted axially into the opening in the first structure such that the clip is configured to be axially retained to the first structure, and the clip defines a through-channel. The assembly can include a fastener configured to be inserted through the through-channel to extend axially beyond the clip to mate with a mating portion of the second structure. The clip and the fastener can be configured such that when the fastener is advanced through the through-channel beyond a critical insertion position, the clip axially restricts movement of the fastener to captively hold the fastener and prevent the fastener from exiting.

[0005] In some embodiments, the clip can include a base portion and a snap-fit shaft extending axially from the base portion. The base portion can be configured to abut the first structure at the opening in the first structure, and the snap-fit shaft can be configured to extend through the opening in the first structure to extend axially beyond the first structure.

[0006] In some embodiments, the snap-fit shaft can include a first leaf spring member and a second leaf spring member separated by one or more slots (such as axially defined slots) to allow the first leaf spring member and the second leaf spring member to bend relative to each other. In some embodiments, the snap-fit shaft can include outer ramps formed and / or extending outwardly from each of the first and second leaf spring members. Each outer ramp can be configured to contact the first structure when inserted through the opening to cause the corresponding leaf spring member to bend inwardly when inserted through the opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, each outer ramp may be positioned to allow the respective leaf spring member to snap outwardly when each ramp is advanced beyond a first structure. In some embodiments, each outer ramp has an inclined surface defining a proximal sidewall, and a recess may be formed between the proximal sidewall and the base portion of each outer ramp. The recess may be configured to receive a wall of the first structure to secure the clip to the wall.

[0008] In some embodiments, the snap fit shaft may include a reduced inner dimension between a proximal portion and a distal portion, such that the snap fit shaft includes at least a first inner dimension and a second inner dimension distal to the first inner dimension. The second inner dimension may be less than the first inner dimension.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fastener may include a head, a shank portion having a first outer dimension, and a distal portion having a second outer dimension. The second outer dimension may be greater than the second inner dimension such that insertion of the fastener through the snap fit shaft causes the snap fit shaft to bend outwardly until the fastener moves to or beyond a critical insertion position. The snap fit shaft may be configured to move rearwardly when the fastener is inserted to or beyond the critical insertion position, thereby creating an axial rear stop for the distal portion of the fastener to tetheringly hold the fastener and prevent the fastener from exiting. For example, the first outer dimension may be equal to or less than the second inner dimension.

[0010] In some embodiments, the head of the fastener may be larger than the through-channel and configured to contact the base portion of the clip when the fastener is inserted maximally into the through-channel. In some embodiments, the shank portion of the fastener may be longer than the snap fit shaft such that the shank portion extends axially beyond the snap fit shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, each leaf spring member may include an inner ramp defined between the first inner dimension and the second inner dimension of the snap fit shaft. In some embodiments, each inner ramp may be positioned distally relative to the outer ramp.

[0012] In some embodiments, the distal portion of the fastener may include a distally extending ramp shape configured to contact the inner ramp of each leaf spring member. In some embodiments, the fastener may include threads on the distal portion proximate the distally extending ramp shape configured to engage mating threads of a mating portion of a second structure. The shank portion and / or the distally extending ramp shape may be smooth.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base portion of the clip may include a bowl shape conforming to a recess in the first structure. In some embodiments, the clip may be made of a flexible and / or electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the fastener may be made of metal.

[0014] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a clip for a fastening assembly can be configured to be inserted axially into an opening in a first structure. The clip can be configured to engage the first structure when inserted axially into the opening in the first structure such that the clip is configured to be axially retained to the first structure, and the clip defines a through-channel. The clip can be configured to axially limit the movement of a fastener when the fastener is advanced through the through-channel beyond a critical insertion position to tetheredly retain the fastener and prevent the fastener from exiting. The clip can be or include any suitable clip or portion thereof disclosed herein.

[0015] From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will more readily appreciate these and other features of the embodiments of the present subject matter disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present subject matter disclosure pertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the present subject matter disclosure without undue experimentation. Embodiments thereof will now be described in detail with reference to certain drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastening assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0019] Figure 2A is Figure 1A a perspective view of an embodiment of a clip of the assembly of

[0020] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a rear perspective view of an embodiment of

[0021] Figure 2C is Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 1A a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener of the assembly of

[0023] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a first structure according to the present disclosure, showing an embodiment of Figure 1A mounted therein;

[0024] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a rear perspective view of an embodiment of

[0025] Figure 5 is an internal perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure, showing the assembly according to the present disclosure for attaching a first structure to a second structure. Detailed implementation manners

[0026] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent similar structural features or aspects of the present subject matter disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, illustrative views of embodiments of a fastening assembly in accordance with the present disclosure are shown in Figure 1A and are generally designated by reference numeral 100. Other views, embodiments, and / or aspects of the present disclosure are shown in Figure 1B-5 .

[0027] Referring to Figure 1A and 1B , a fastening assembly 100 for attaching a first structure (such as a cover 400, as shown in Figure 4A-5 ) to a second structure (such as an electrical component housing 500, as shown in Figure 5 ) that is at least partially behind the first structure may include a clip 200 configured to be inserted into an opening (such as opening 401 shown in Figure 1B ) in the first structure in an axial direction (such as the right side of the page shown in Figure 4B ). The clip 200 may be configured to engage the first structure when inserted into the opening of the first structure in the axial direction such that the clip 200 is configured to be axially retained to the first structure. The clip 200 may define a through-channel 201.

[0028] The assembly 100 may include a fastener 300 configured to be inserted through the through-channel 201 to extend axially beyond the clip 200 to mate (such as by threading or other suitable attachment) with a mating portion (such as a female threaded portion or other suitable mating attachment) of the second structure. The clip 200 and the fastener 300 may be configured such that the clip 200 axially restricts the movement of the fastener 300 (such as shown in Figure 1A and 1B ) when the fastener 300 is advanced through the through-channel 201 beyond a critical insertion position to tether and retain the fastener 300 and prevent the fastener 300 from withdrawing.

[0029] In certain embodiments, and with additional reference to Figure 2A , 2B and 2C, the clip 200 may include a base portion 203 and a snap-fit shaft 205 extending from the base portion 203 in the axial direction. The base portion 203 may be configured to abut the first structure at the opening in the first structure, and the snap-fit shaft 205 may be configured to extend through the opening in the first structure to extend axially beyond the first structure (such as shown in Figure 4B and Figure 5 ).

[0030] In some embodiments, the snap-fit shaft 205 can include a first leaf spring member 205a and a second leaf spring member 205b separated by one or more slots 207 (such as the axially defined slots shown), to allow the first leaf spring member 205a and the second leaf spring member 205b to bend relative to each other. In some embodiments, the snap-fit shaft 205 can include outer ramps 209 formed and / or extending outwardly from each of the first and second leaf spring members 205a, 205b. Each outer ramp 209 can be configured to contact a first structure when inserted through an opening, causing the respective leaf spring members 205a, 205b to bend inwardly when inserted through the opening.

[0031] In some embodiments, with additional reference to Figure 4A , 4B and 5, each outer ramp 209 can be positioned to allow the respective leaf spring members 205a, 205b to snap outwardly (such as Figure 4B shown) when each ramp 209 is advanced beyond the first structure 400. In some embodiments, each outer ramp 209 has an inclined surface 209a that defines a proximal sidewall 209b. A recess 211 can be formed between the proximal sidewall 209b of each outer ramp 209 and a base portion 203 (such as the distal sidewall 203a of the base portion 203). The recess 211 can be configured to receive a wall 403 of the first structure 400 to secure the clip 200 to the wall 403 (such as having a recessed shape to sink into the fastener 300). As shown, the base portion 203 and each leaf spring member 205a, 205b can also have cutouts 206 adjacent to the recess 211 to provide additional flexibility and / or for more efficient tools in manufacturing. Some embodiments do not include the cutouts 206. Embodiments can be manufactured by subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, or in any suitable manner and / or combination of manners.

[0032] In some embodiments, the snap-fit shaft 205 can include a reduced inner dimension between a proximal portion 205c and a distal portion 205d (such as each formed by the first and second leaf spring members 205a, 205b as shown), such that the snap-fit shaft 205 includes at least a first inner dimension 213a (such as an inner radius) and a second inner dimension 213b (such as an inner radius) located distal to the first inner dimension 213a. As shown, the second inner dimension 213b can be less than the first inner dimension 213a. The distal portion 205d can have threads to receive threads from the fastener 300 and / or can be smooth, allowing the fastener 300 to be pushed through the distal portion 205d without a screwing action.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fastener 300 may include a head 301, a shank portion 303 having a first outer dimension 303a (e.g., outer diameter), and a distal portion 305 having a second outer dimension 305a (e.g., outer diameter). The second outer dimension 305a may be greater than the second inner dimension 213b such that the fastener 300 is inserted through the snap-fit shaft 205 causing the snap-fit shaft 205 to bend outwardly until the fastener 300 moves to or past a critical insertion position (e.g., Figure 1B as shown). The snap-fit shaft 205 may be configured to move rearwardly (e.g., elastically return to Figure 1A-2C the position shown) when the fastener 300 is inserted to or past the critical insertion position (e.g., when the distal portion 305 having the second outer dimension 305a moves past the distal end of the distal portion 205d and / or the second inner diameter 213b) to create an axial rear stop for the distal portion 305 of the fastener 300, thereby retaining the fastener 300 tethered and preventing the fastener 300 from exiting (e.g., by contacting the proximal sidewall 305b of the distal portion 305). For example, the first outer dimension 303a may be equal to or less than the second inner dimension 213b.

[0034] In some embodiments, the head 301 of the fastener 300 may be larger than the through-channel 201 and configured to contact the base portion 203 of the clip 200 when the fastener 300 is inserted maximally into the through-channel 201 (e.g., Figure 1B as shown). In some embodiments, the shank portion 303 of the fastener 300 may be longer than the snap-fit shaft 205 such that the shank portion 303 extends axially beyond the snap-fit shaft 205 (e.g., to provide some axial play / adjustment space for alignment with the second structure 500).

[0035] In some embodiments, each leaf spring member 205a, 205b may include an inner ramp 215 defined between a first inner dimension 213a and a second inner dimension 213b of the snap-fit shaft 205. In some embodiments, each inner ramp 215 may be positioned distally relative to the outer ramp.

[0036] In some embodiments, the distal portion 305 of the fastener 300 may include a distally extending ramp shape 305c configured to contact the inner ramps 215 of each leaf spring member 205a, 205b. The distally extending ramp shape 305c may additionally or alternatively be configured to assist in positioning the fastener 300 into the mating portion 501 of the second structure 500, such as by guiding the end of the fastener 300 into a hole, even where there is a slight misalignment. In some embodiments, the fastener 300 may include threads on the distal portion 305 proximate the distally extending ramp shape 503c configured to engage receiving threads (e.g., tapped threads / sheet metal) of the mating portion 501 of the second structure 500. In some embodiments, the shaft portion 303 and / or the distally extending ramp shape 305c may be smooth.

[0037] In some embodiments, the base portion 203 of the clip 200 may include a bowl shape that conforms to a recess (e.g., formed by the wall 403) in the first structure 400. In some embodiments, the clip 200 may be made of a flexible and / or electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic). In some embodiments, the fastener 300 may be made of metal. The clip 200 may be configured to allow the fastener 300 to move slightly away from the entrance by a bending action of the snap - fit shaft 205 or a portion thereof to allow a certain amount of axial misalignment of the fastener 300 with the clip 200, thereby allowing mating with a misaligned hole in the second structure 500. Any suitable mating structure 501 for any suitable type of fastener 300 may be contemplated herein.

[0038] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a clip 200 for a fastening assembly (e.g., assembly 100) may be configured to be inserted axially into an opening 401 in a first structure 400. The clip 200 may be configured to engage the first structure 400 when inserted axially into the opening 401 of the first structure 400 such that the clip 200 is configured to be axially retained to the first structure 400. The clip 200 may define a through - channel 201. The clip 200 may be configured to axially restrict the movement of a fastener (e.g., fastener 300) when the fastener 300 is advanced through the through - channel 201 beyond a critical insertion position to tetheredly retain the fastener 300 and prevent the fastener 300 from exiting. The clip 200 may be or include any suitable clip (e.g., clip 200) or portion thereof disclosed herein.

[0039] In an electrical system, conventionally, a panel cover has a recess into which a user simply inserts a screw and attempts to align the screw with a female hole in a rear structure. However, the screw often falls into the assembly, and / or the holes are not aligned such that the screw does not insert into the female hole.

[0040] Some embodiments may include clips made of a flexible material and / or having one or more flexible features (e.g., for snap-in and / or fastener insertion and alignment). Some embodiments may include a wider inner diameter portion and a narrower threaded inner diameter portion. For example, the threaded portion of a screw fastener may contact the narrow inner diameter and push it out when axially advanced (e.g., by a screwing action or a linear push), and then the narrow inner diameter portion may snap back around the narrower shaft of the screw fastener. Some embodiments may include a gradually decreasing outer diameter to maintain a uniform wall thickness as the inner diameter decreases. The clip may have an overall shape configured to mimic and flushly contact an embossing (e.g., a recess) on a cover panel (e.g., a first structure). Other suitable shapes (e.g., flat) may be envisioned herein.

[0041] Embodiments of the fastener are sized to include an axial clearance length and a thread advance distance (e.g., such that the fastener is at least long enough to mate with a second structure at its maximum insertion (when butted against the fixture to the end). This length may be the length of the screw threadedly engaged with the mounting portion. Some embodiments may include a ramp for advancing and capturing the clip, which may cause the leaf portion to deflect inward.

[0042] Some embodiments of the fastener include a taper on the distal end for helping the fastener find the hole when the fastener is slightly misaligned. Some embodiments of the fastener are designed to cut threads into a sheet metal frame of a second structure (e.g., a self-tapping screw). The clearance between the clip inner diameter and the fastener may define how tightly and straight the fastener is held within the clip. Some embodiments may result in a clearance of less than about 10 degrees relative to the axial direction (e.g., ±5 degrees or ±10 degrees).

[0043] Some embodiments include a plastic clip that is designed to snap into a cover and ensure that the screw is held tethered. Some embodiments of the clip also ensure that the mounting screw remains orthogonal to the front surface of the cover while allowing some movement along the long axis for engagement. Some embodiments include a mounting screw designed with a reduced shank. This reduction in shank diameter can be used as part of a tethering feature. In some embodiments, once fully inserted into the plastic clip, the shoulder created by the reduced shank prevents the screw from moving backward.

[0044] Some embodiments include slots that are designed to allow the axial dimension of the clip to contract enough to snap the clip into a cover hole. In some embodiments, once it is snapped onto the cover, the slots allow the axial diameter to expand enough to allow the screw to be inserted.

[0045] Some embodiments may be used with electrical panels, low-voltage switchboards, power products, general enclosures, devices, connection, and / or distribution systems. Use with any suitable fastening device and / or any suitable structure may be envisioned herein.

[0046] The embodiments improve the mechanical fastening of covers, such as for low-voltage switchboards, switchboards or enclosures of any other electrical equipment. Certain embodiments of the assembly include special screws with a reduced rod profile and specially designed plastic clips that are fixed to the cover, align the screws orthogonal to the cover surface, and hold the screws. Certain embodiments of the assembly are also designed to meet multiple industrial design parameters for appearance and user interaction.

[0047] When installing the cover with a tethered screw, the most challenging aspect is to keep the screw perpendicular to the cover and aligned with the mounting holes on the enclosure. If the screws are not held in this position, they will typically be pinched between the cover and the enclosure at an undesirable angle. Certain embodiments are designed to minimize the rotation of the screw away from this vertical position. Certain embodiments may also allow some axial movement of the screw before it engages with the enclosure. The embodiments can be more cost-effective than traditional solutions where welding is required to recess the screw head below the cover surface. Certain embodiments of the system include sheet metal embossing on the cover (e.g., the first / front structure).

[0048] Certain embodiments include clips designed to be inserted into the cover first, which requires a certain amount of shrinkage of the axis of the plastic clip in order to snap into the hole. Once the clip has been fixed to the sheet metal cover, the fasteners (e.g., screws) disclosed herein can be inserted through the clip. In certain embodiments, this insertion requires the axis of the plastic clip to then expand to allow the screw to pass through until it reaches the reduced rod portion of the screw. In certain embodiments, once this state is reached, the screw can be held tethered and positioned perpendicular to the cover. The screw length and reduced rod can be optimized to ensure proper engagement with the enclosure mounting holes, but with sufficient clearance for misalignment or tolerance-related issues. A person of ordinary skill in the art knows how to determine the dimensions of the rod accordingly based on the present disclosure and the system to which the assembly is applied.

[0049] A person of ordinary skill in the art understands that any numerical value disclosed herein can be an exact value or can be a value within a range. Additionally, any approximate terms used in the present disclosure (e.g., "about", "approximately", "around") can indicate the value within a range. For example, in certain embodiments, the range can be within (±)20%, or within 10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable percentage or number understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., for known tolerances or error ranges).

[0050] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles "a", "an", and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims refer to one or more than one (i.e., at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. For example, "a component" means one component or more than one component.

[0051] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" shall be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that are present together in some cases and separate in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" shall be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so combined. In addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, other elements may optionally exist, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" may in one embodiment refer only to A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment only to B (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc.

[0052] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" shall be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted inclusively, i.e., including at least one of a plurality or series of elements, but also including more than one, and optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms that expressly state the contrary, such as "only one" or "exactly one," or "consisting of" when used in a claim, will refer to including exactly one element of a plurality or series of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by an exclusive term, such as "either," "one," "only one," or "exactly one."

[0053] In view of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable combination of any disclosed embodiment and / or any suitable portion thereof is contemplated herein.

[0054] The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide improvements in their respective fields. While the subject matter disclosure includes references to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosure.

Claims

1. A fastening assembly for attaching a first structure to a second structure at least partially located behind the first structure, the assembly comprising: a clip configured to be inserted into the opening in the first structure in an axial direction, wherein the clip is configured to engage the first structure when inserted into the opening in the first structure in the axial direction such that the clip is configured to be axially retained to the first structure, the clip defining a through passage; as well as A fastener is configured to be inserted through the through passage to extend beyond the clip in an axial direction to engage with a mating portion of the second structure, wherein the clip and fastener are configured such that when the fastener is advanced through the through passage beyond a critical insertion position, the clip axially limits movement of the fastener to captively retain the fastener and prevent withdrawal of the fastener.

2. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The clip includes a base portion and a snap-fit ​​shaft extending from the base portion in an axial direction, wherein the base portion is configured to abut the first structure at an opening in the first structure, and the snap-fit ​​shaft is configured to extend through the opening in the first structure to extend beyond the first structure in the axial direction.

3. The fastening assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The snap-fit ​​shaft includes first and second leaf spring members separated by one or more slots to allow the first and second leaf spring members to flex relative to each other.

4. The fastening assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The snap-fit ​​shaft includes an outer ramp formed by and / or extending outwardly from each of the first and second leaf spring members, each outer ramp being configured to contact the first structure when inserted through the opening to cause the corresponding leaf spring member to flex inwardly when inserted through the opening.

5. The fastening assembly according to claim 4, wherein: Each outer ramp is positioned to allow a corresponding leaf spring member to snap outwardly when advanced beyond the first structure.

6. The fastening assembly according to claim 5, wherein: Each outer ramp has an inclined surface defining a proximal wall, wherein a pocket is formed between the proximal wall of each outer ramp and the base portion, the pocket being configured to receive a wall of the first structure to secure the clip to the wall.

7. The fastening assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The snap-fit ​​shaft includes a decreasing inner dimension between the proximal portion and the distal portion such that the snap-fit ​​shaft includes at least a first inner dimension and a second inner dimension distal to the first inner dimension, the second inner dimension being smaller than the first inner dimension.

8. The fastening assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The fastener includes a head, a shaft portion having a first outer dimension, and a distal portion having a second outer dimension, wherein the second outer dimension is greater than the second inner dimension, such that insertion of the fastener through the snap-fit ​​shaft causes the snap-fit ​​shaft to bend outwardly until the fastener moves to or beyond the critical insertion position.

9. The fastening assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The snap-fit ​​shaft is configured to move rearwardly when the fastener is inserted to or beyond the critical insertion position, thereby creating an axial rear stop for a distal end portion of the fastener to captively retain the fastener and prevent withdrawal of the fastener.

10. The fastening assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first outer dimension is equal to or smaller than the second inner dimension.

11. The fastening assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The head of the fastener is larger than the through passage and contacts the base portion of the clip when the fastener is maximally inserted into the through passage.

12. The fastening assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The shank portion of the fastener is longer than the snap-fit ​​shaft such that the shank portion extends beyond the snap-fit ​​shaft in an axial direction.

13. The fastening assembly according to claim 12, wherein: Each leaf spring member includes an inner ramp defined between a first inner dimension and a second inner dimension of the snap-fit ​​shaft.

14. The fastening assembly according to claim 13, wherein: Each inner ramp is positioned distally relative to the outer ramp.

15. The fastening assembly of claim 14, wherein: The distal portion of the fastener includes a distally extending ramp shape configured to contact an inner ramp of each leaf spring member.

16. The fastening assembly of claim 15, wherein: The fastener includes threads on the distal portion proximate the distally extending ramp shape configured to engage with receiving threads of a mating portion of the second structure, wherein the shaft portion and / or the distally extending ramp shape is smooth.

17. The fastening assembly of claim 1, wherein: The base portion of the clip includes a bowl shape that conforms to the recess in the first structure.

18. The fastening assembly of claim 1, wherein: The clip is made of a flexible and / or electrically insulating material, wherein the fastener is made of metal.

19. A clip for a fastening assembly, the clip being configured to be inserted into an opening in a first structure in an axial direction, wherein the clip is configured to engage the first structure when inserted into the opening in the first structure in an axial direction so that the clip is configured to be axially retained to the first structure, the clip defining a through-channel, wherein the clip is configured to axially limit the movement of the fastener when the fastener is advanced through the through-channel beyond a critical insertion position to captively retain the fastener and prevent the fastener from withdrawing.

20. The clip of claim 19, wherein: The clip includes a base portion and a snap-fit ​​shaft extending from the base portion in an axial direction, wherein the base portion is configured to abut the first structure at an opening in the first structure, and the snap-fit ​​shaft is configured to extend through the opening in the first structure to extend beyond the first structure in the axial direction.

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