Mixing clip

Abstract

The invention provides a mixed clamp, a mixed plastic bracket and a metal fastening clamp. The mixed clamp comprises a base plate; a pair of legs extending from the substrate; a locking tab formed on the leg; at least one wing extending from the leg, the wing comprising: an engagement region on the wing; and a buckle joint. The legs bend away from each other to form a head and an introduction section. A locking tab is formed on the second leg. A pair of opposed wingtips at the ends of the first and second wings is operable to engage the chassis slot. The plastic bracket has an opening into which the substrate is inserted. A pair of opposing bracket walls formed on the top end of the bracket flex when the opposing locking tabs slide across the bracket walls; and a pair of opposing locking slots for engaging the opposing locking tabs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to means for fastening objects, and more specifically to fastening clips for insertion into joint structures such as vehicle chassis, hollow substrates, walls, building structures, plates or any suitable surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Many devices and fasteners are currently available for securing panels, automotive interior trim panels, and body panels to the chassis of a vehicle. As used herein, a body panel refers to, for example, any interior or exterior body panel, plastic interior trim, headliner, or any interior trim piece on a vehicle. Additionally, a panel can be any suitable exterior body panel, such as fenders, bumpers, body panels, rear fenders, or door panels. The chassis of a vehicle can include any lining, sheet, body panel, structural frame, chassis components or sub-components, walls, or any suitable structure.

[0003] These body panels typically require attachment to the vehicle chassis with a relatively low level of insertion force, while providing a high level of pull-out force suitable for maintaining the panel's attachment to the chassis. However, conventional fastener setups instead provide roughly equal levels of insertion and pull-out force, or high insertion force and low holding force. Furthermore, conventional fasteners often fail to adequately secure the panels to a vehicle chassis with metal sheets and fasteners of varying curvatures or thicknesses running through the chassis. Moreover, conventional fasteners are unsuitable for various environmental conditions, such as in the presence of vibrations of varying amplitudes and frequencies. For example, fastener setups should prevent or minimize the amount of buzzing, clicking, or any other type of noise that might attract the attention of vehicle occupants or otherwise diminish the attachment. Additionally, conventional fasteners do not adequately accommodate various levels of production tolerances, such as the different dimensions between body panel fasteners and the vehicle chassis. Therefore, conventional fastener setups often fail to adequately tighten to a range of metal sheet thicknesses, and do not minimize or eliminate buzzing and clicking noises, nor adequately accommodate variations in production tolerances.

[0004] Fasteners (such as metal spring fasteners) are known for attaching body panels to a vehicle chassis. For example, a known fastener has a base plate and four stepped arms extending from the base plate. Each stepped arm includes four incremental steps (steps) adapted to engage a slot in the vehicle chassis with one step on each arm. However, the incremental steps allow engagement only in one of the four discrete step positions, rather than engagement in a continuous range of engagement positions. Furthermore, each step has a relatively large rise and extension, such that once inserted, the fastener may move within the range of the step dimensions, resulting in wear and / or noise, including humming and clicking sounds due to vibrations occurring within the vehicle. Additionally, the steps are typically cut into each arm during manufacturing, and each wing on the fastener needs to be twisted to engage the slot in the vehicle chassis. Therefore, only an edge or a portion of the edge of each step engages a hole in the vehicle slot.

[0005] For example, if the thickness of the sheet metal varies, or if the manufacturing tolerances of the slots in the vehicle chassis or trim vary, the engagement of a portion of the hole in the chassis with one of the arms may not provide proper frictional engagement or otherwise cause movement. Furthermore, fewer than all four arms in the chassis will engage with the slots in the vehicle chassis. Torsion of the body panels may be more common because fewer than four contact points are actually formed with the slots in the vehicle chassis. This can lead to wear, squeaking, clicking, humming, corrosion, loss of elasticity, and loss of seals, especially after years of vehicle operation and exposure to vibration and other environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip, known as a "fastening clip," includes a base plate; a pair of legs extending from the base plate; locking tabs formed on the legs; and at least one wing extending from the legs, the wing including: an engagement area on the wing; and a snap-fit ​​joint. The legs are bent away from each other to form a head and an entry section. A locking tab is formed on a second leg. A pair of opposing wingtips at the ends of the first and second wings are operable to engage chassis slots. The plastic bracket has an opening for inserting the base plate. A pair of opposing bracket walls formed on the top of the bracket bend as the opposing locking tabs slide past the bracket walls; and a pair of opposing locking slots engage the opposing locking tabs. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a fastening clamp according to one embodiment;

[0008] Figure 2 This is an exploded side view of a fastening clip according to another embodiment;

[0009] Figure 3This is a perspective view of a vehicle body panel assembly according to one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a fastening clip according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 5 This is another side view of the fastening clamp;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Another side view of the fastening clamp rotated 90 degrees axially;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a vehicle body panel assembly according to another embodiment;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a body panel assembly in a chassis according to another embodiment;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a body panel assembly at different engagement stages in the chassis, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Figure 10 This is another cross-sectional view of the body panel assembly;

[0017] Figure 11 This is a top view of a vehicle body panel assembly according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 12 This is a side view of the body panel assembly; and

[0019] Figure 13 According to exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 12 The side view shown is of the fastener fixed to the chassis rotated 90 degrees. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Among other advantages, the fastening clip offers a high level of pull-out force while firmly and relatively easily facilitating the attachment of body panels (such as interior or exterior body panels) to a primary engagement structure (such as the vehicle chassis). The fastening clip is suitable for heavy-duty applications such as sun visor mounting, headliners, and grab handle fasteners. The wing has engagement areas and dimensions (such as width, length, and thickness) and pivot points to provide a very high level of pull-out force while maintaining a relatively low level of insertion force.

[0021] Furthermore, the same fastening clip can be used for different sheet metal thicknesses and curvatures. Therefore, a vehicle can have different sheet metal thicknesses in various parts of the vehicle and chassis. The slot thickness varies continuously or discretely from a minimum to a maximum thickness. For example, the minimum thickness can be 0.25 mm or less, and the maximum thickness can be 6.0 mm or greater, or any suitable thickness. The fastening clip is operable for insertion into a slot defined in a first engagement structure, such as the vehicle chassis. Because the fastening clip automatically adapts to different sheet metal thicknesses and curvatures, the same fastening clip with different slot thicknesses can be used throughout the vehicle, eliminating the need for specific fastening clips for specific slot thicknesses.

[0022] The joint adapts to variations in the slot's curvature or movement, such as sheet metal thickness, and variations in the thickness of various parts of the vehicle chassis and body panels, to maintain a high level of pull-out force relative to the insertion force. For example, during engagement, the joint continuously adapts to variations in the thickness, curvature, and dimensions of the vehicle chassis and / or body panels, as well as other variations. Therefore, a single fastening clip can be used in a vehicle or application even with variations in sheet metal thickness or if the sheet metal moves or bends. According to one embodiment, each wing independently engages the slot of the vehicle chassis in a continuous rather than discrete manner. Furthermore, each wing adapts to variations, such as chassis deflection and vibrations with a wide range of amplitudes and frequencies, as well as other conditions.

[0023] The joints and optional engagement tabs on each wing allow for relatively easy insertion of the fastening clips into the slots formed within the vehicle chassis, while providing a relatively high level of pull-out force from the chassis. Assembling body panels to the vehicle chassis requires a relatively low level of insertion force compared to the pull-out force, and thus offers numerous ergonomic advantages. For example, the relatively low insertion force is particularly advantageous for assembly line operators who repeatedly insert body panels into the vehicle chassis. The relatively low insertion force required to insert body panels into the vehicle chassis can cause fewer injuries to assembly workers, including injuries associated with repetitive stress syndrome. By eliminating conventional screws used for fastening to the roof, assembling sun visors and headliners to the roof with fasteners significantly reduces assembly and repair time and costs. Furthermore, by eliminating multiple fasteners for different sheet metal thicknesses, confusion during assembly is eliminated or reduced, as the same type of fastener can be used for all slots. Therefore, assembly workers do not need to worry about selecting the wrong fastener for different slot thicknesses.

[0024] The relatively high pull-out force (a characteristic of fasteners) securely attaches body panels (such as interior trim or headliners) to the vehicle chassis (such as the roof). Furthermore, fasteners continuously adapt to changes in environmental conditions, such as vehicle flex, vibration, and thermal expansion. For example, fasteners can accommodate changes in thermal expansion, particularly due to differences in the rates of thermal expansion relative to different metals or metal-plastic composites and / or plastic components (such as interior trim panels attached to a metal vehicle chassis). Another advantage is that fasteners are relatively easy to manufacture using relatively inexpensive processes and materials. The use of fasteners reduces production costs, increases worker productivity and efficiency, and lowers overall vehicle assembly costs. Fasteners securely attach any suitable body panel to the vehicle chassis, improving reliability in both the short and long term, while further enhancing vehicle safety and quality.

[0025] The fastening clips dampen vibrations, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing humming, squeaking, and clicking noises. The fastening clips continuously adapt to changes in environmental conditions, such as vehicle flex, vibration, and thermal expansion. For example, the fastening clips can accommodate changes in thermal expansion, particularly due to differences in the rate of thermal expansion relative to vehicle chassis components between different metals and / or between plastic components (such as interior trim panels attached to a metal vehicle chassis). The fastening clips can also secure to plastic and / or metal joint structures. The fastening clips and brackets 100 can be made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as plastics or treated metals, to provide a long and reliable service life.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hybrid plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10 according to one embodiment. The fastening clip 10 includes a base plate 20 and a first pair and a second pair of laterally offset legs 30 extending from the base plate 20. At least one first wing 40 extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs 30. The at least one first wing 40 has a snap-fit ​​joint 70, an engagement region 270, and a wingtip 50. At least one second wing 40 extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs 30. The at least one first wing 40 extends from (attached to) the first pair of laterally offset legs 30 near a head 250 opposite to the base plate 20. Similarly, at least one second wing 40 extends from (attached to) the second pair of laterally offset legs 30 near a head 250 opposite to the base plate 20.

[0027] Although reference numeral 30 denotes two pairs of outriggers 30, and reference numeral 40 denotes wings 40 on the two pairs of outriggers 30, it should be understood that at least one first wing 40 corresponds to a first pair of outriggers 30, and at least one second wing 40 corresponds to a second pair of outriggers 30. Although the fastening clamp 10 is in Figure 1-13The diagram shows two legs 30 and two wings 40, but any suitable number of legs 30 and wings 40 can be used. For example, four legs 30 and two wings 40 can be used, four legs 30 and four wings 40 can be used, three legs 30, four or more legs 30, etc. According to one embodiment, the legs 30 and wings 40 can have any suitable shape; for example, at least one of the legs 30 and arms can be tapered, straight, curved, or any suitable shape.

[0028] The wing 40 has dimensions (such as width, length, and thickness) and a support point 42 to provide a very high pull-out force level, while the insertion force level is relatively very low. For example, the support point 42 can be widened or narrowed by scoring, stamping, bending, or cutting on the leg 30, or any suitable method, to ensure that the wing 40 springs inward as needed, resulting in a lower insertion force relative to the pull-out force. Since the wing 40 is compressed during pull-out, a narrowed support point 42 does not significantly weaken the pull-out force, but the insertion force is reduced. According to another embodiment, the width of the wing 40 can be increased to further increase the strength of the wing 40, thereby increasing the pull-out force, and also increasing the size of the engagement area. Alternatively, the width of the wing 40 can be reduced, or the wing 40 can have different widths and engagement areas 270 to achieve any desired insertion force, pull-out force, or ratio.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded side view of the fastening clip 10 according to another embodiment. The insertion section 60 is located on a pair of laterally offset legs 30 at the end opposite to the base plate 20. For example, the insertion section 60 may contact or be close together to prevent or reduce movement between the pair of legs 30 and to reinforce the fastening clip 10 to improve engagement.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the support leg 30 is connected at a head 250 that is away from the substrate 20 and opposite to the substrate 20, such as... Figure 3 As shown. For example, the introduction section 60 can provide guidance for inserting the fastening clip 10 into a slot 640 during assembly into a first engagement structure (such as chassis 630 or roof).

[0031] Figure 3This is a perspective view of a body panel assembly 300 according to another embodiment. At least one first and second wing 40 has an engagement region 270 and a wingtip 50. According to one embodiment, the engagement region 270 includes a snap-fit ​​joint 70 formed on each wing 40, such that each snap-fit ​​joint 70 is operable to engage at least a portion of a slot 640 defined in the chassis 630, and operable to accommodate variations or movement of the slot 640. According to the illustrated embodiment, each of a pair of lateral offset legs 30 is coupled to the wing 40 at a head 250 (i.e., away from and opposite to the base plate 20). According to this embodiment, the wing 40 tapers to extend outward toward the base plate 20. Alternatively, the wing 40 may be coupled at or near the base plate 20 and extend toward the head 250.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the support leg 30 is engaged at a head 250 located away from and opposite to the substrate 20. For example, the head 250 and the entry section 60 can provide guidance for inserting the fastening clip 10 into a slot 640 in the chassis 630 (such as the chassis top plate) during assembly.

[0033] Figure 2-6 Further details of the wingtip 50, engagement region 270, and one or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 according to one embodiment are shown. According to one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​joint 70 may include a recess formed on the wing 40. For example, the snap-fit ​​joint 70 may be manufactured by stamping a step or ridge into the wing 40 to form the recess. The size, dimensions, and shape of the snap-fit ​​joint 70 may be formed in any suitable manner to allow the fastening clip 10 to be inserted relatively easily into the chassis 630 while increasing the pull-out force.

[0034] One or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 may include, for example, abrupt edges, gradually angled edges (such as curved portions), single angled edges, discrete multi-angled edges, and sharp edges, or any suitable edge. For example, snap-fit ​​joints 70 may be stamped, cut, molded, etched (i.e., chemical, laser, or knife etching), or formed in any suitable manner such that protrusions, forks, edges, rounded portions, spherical portions, stepped portions, angled portions, and recesses, or other suitable shapes, are formed in a non-planar orientation relative to the ends of wing 40. Snap-fit ​​joints 70 are formed on the engagement region 270 of each wing 40 to engage or “capture” the slot 640 to increase the pull-out force on the fastening clamp 10 upon removal from the slot 640 formed on the chassis 630. The dimensions of the snap-fit ​​joints 70 and / or engagement portions 50 may be set to suitably engage the slot edge 650 of the chassis 630 to obtain a desired level of pull-out force.

[0035] During insertion, the engagement force between the fastening clip 10 and the chassis 630 can be less than the pull-out force. According to one exemplary embodiment, during insertion, the engagement force between the fastening clip 10 and the chassis 630 can be, for example, about 10 pounds (lbs), or 5 to 15 pounds, or any suitable insertion force, while the pull-out force can be about 30 pounds, or 20 to 50 pounds, or any suitable pull-out force. According to another exemplary embodiment, the insertion force is between 5 and 30 pounds, or less, while the pull-out force can be about 200 to 400 pounds, or more. Any other suitable amount or range of insertion and pull-out forces is contemplated for appropriate applications. For example, the amount (large or small) of insertion and pull-out forces for any application will require a corresponding appropriate size and characteristics of the engagement 50 described herein. In another application, such as in a sun visor base, the pull-out force can exceed 100 lbs, such as 200, 300, or even 400 lbs, or more. According to one embodiment, each wing 40 is formed with a joint 230, and the joint 230 has different characteristics depending on the different requirements of the joint of each wing 40.

[0036] According to one embodiment, any portion of the snap-fit ​​joint 70 of the wing 40 engages a slot edge 650 formed by a slot 640 within the chassis 630. The snap-fit ​​joint 70 may also include features such as curved portions and / or edges formed to include a single curvature or multiple curvatures to engage the edge 650. The amount of curvature, the depth of the recess, the width of the recess, and the number of recesses may be sized to provide a desired level of pull-out force due to frictional engagement between any portion of the snap-fit ​​joint 70 and the edge 650 of the chassis 630.

[0037] According to one embodiment, one or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 may also include protrusions, cutouts, points, curves, forks, ribs, teeth, and / or steps or any other suitable structures at any suitable location to frictionally engage the chassis 630. For example, such a structure may be formed on the edge of the snap-fit ​​joint 70 for complementary engagement with the chassis 630. The snap-fit ​​joint 70 may be formed at any angle or curvature (e.g., zero degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 145 degrees, etc.). For example, any portion of the snap-fit ​​joint 70 may continuously and frictionally engage the edge 650 with sufficient elasticity to compensate for and automatically adapt to manufacturing tolerances within the slot 640 of the chassis 630, the body panel 310, the second engagement structure 40, and also to compensate for thermal expansion, vibration, and other environmental conditions over very long periods of time. For example, if the body panel assembly 10 is subjected to vibration, clicking, or other movement relative to the second engagement structure 40, the frictional engagement between one or more snap joints 70 and the edge 650 can continuously move or change while maintaining the frictional engagement continuously or discretely, and thus adapting to and suppressing or preventing any resulting movement. Therefore, the fastening clip 10 can reliably attach the second engagement structure 40 to the chassis 630 via a secure connection over extended periods and under varying conditions.

[0038] According to one embodiment, one or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 include recesses or suitable recesses formed by including a gap between one or more stampings, such that one or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 include recesses or lips for further increasing frictional engagement with the chassis 630. Alternatively, snap-fit ​​joints 70 may include two or more consecutive or alternating curved recesses.

[0039] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a side view of the fastening clip 10. At least two locking tabs 400 protrude from the base plate 20 such that the at least two locking tabs 400 point away from each other and are opposite to each other, so that the locking slot 410 engages with the friction opening. According to one embodiment, the fastening clip 10 also includes side wings 210 to engage the interior or bracket 100 for additional stability. According to one embodiment, the fastening clip 10 also includes wings 40 for engaging the edge of the slot 640, wherein snap joints 70 and optional engagement regions 270 on the first wing 40 and the second wing 40 engage the edge of the slot 640. For example, a relatively narrow engagement on a rectangular or elliptical slot or a relatively wide engagement on a rectangular or elliptical slot.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 7This is a perspective view of a vehicle body panel assembly 300 according to one embodiment. The vehicle body panel assembly 300 includes a vehicle body panel 310 (e.g., a headliner and sun visor mounting assembly) having a housing 320 and an opening 330 for engaging a fastening clip 10. The fastening clip 10 is operably inserted into a slot 640 defined in a chassis 630 (e.g., a vehicle chassis or frame). The fastening clip 10 may optionally adapt to different thicknesses and curvatures of the chassis 630 such that the distance between the engagement area 270 and the base plate 20 is operable to continuously vary according to the thickness of the slot 640.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the fastening clip 10 is made of steel, tin, aluminum, magnesium, copper, carbon fiber, or any suitable metal or alloy. According to another embodiment, the bracket 100 is made of plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or carbon fiber; however, any suitable material, such as steel, tin, and / or any suitable metal, can be used in any combination. According to an alternative embodiment, a coating is applied to the fastening clip 10, which is made of at least one of the following: nickel plating, zinc plating, rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, and / or carbon fiber, to appropriately provide corrosion resistance and reduce clicking noise.

[0042] The body panels 310 (such as sun visor brackets and roof liners) may be made of plastic or any suitable material (such as wood, steel, aluminum, magnesium, wood, plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber or any suitable material).

[0043] Figure 7-11 These are various views of the fastening clip 10 and the body panel assembly 300 according to other embodiments. According to one embodiment, at least one of the wings 40 can be removed, such that the wingtip 50 serves as a removal tab. The wingtip 50 allows for easy removal of the clip 10 by squeezing or compressing at least one of the wingtips 50, thereby resisting the expansion spring force on the wing 40, and thus releasing the engagement area 270 and one or more snap-fit ​​joints 70 from the slot 640.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a side view of the fastening clip 10 before it is secured to the chassis 630 (such as a chassis). The head 250 can provide a guide for inserting the fastening clip 10 into a slot 640 in the chassis 630 (such as a roof or vehicle chassis) during assembly.

[0045] Figure 13 According to exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 12 The fastener 10, fixed to the chassis 630, is shown in a side view rotated 90 degrees. The fastener 10 can optionally adapt to different frame thicknesses 660, such that the distance between the snap-fit ​​joint 70 and the chassis 630 is operable to continuously vary according to the thickness of the slot 640.

[0046] The body panel assembly 300 can be pre-assembled with both fastener 10 and bracket 100 and delivered to the assembler of body panels 310 (such as sun visors or headliner assemblies). Thus, the assembler assembling the body panel assembly 300 into the vehicle simply attaches it by pushing it into the chassis 630. Alternatively, as described herein, the body panel assembly 300 can be attached to a sun visor or headliner to form a headliner assembly for attachment to the roof during final vehicle assembly by pushing the body panel assembly 300 onto the headliner into the roof.

[0047] The bracket 100 includes a locking slot 410 for engaging a first locking tab and a second locking tab "locking tab 400", which is adapted to provide pressure between the bracket 100 and the fastener 10 to reduce clicking noise in particular. The locking slot 410 may be a slot molded (with or without multi-stage molding action) into the bracket 100 at a height adapted to provide a spring force against the fastener 10.

[0048] Therefore, fasteners 10 and body panel assemblies 300 can replace screws or other fasteners to secure body panels 310 (such as roof liners and sun visor assemblies) to the roof, providing the necessary high level of pull-out force while significantly reducing assembly and maintenance time and costs.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a two-piece mold is used, but any suitable number of molds can be used. The bracket 100 or any combination of components can be made of: polypropylene, glass filler, acetal, plastic, vinyl, rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, any suitable polymer material, polycarbonate, thermoplastic resin, glass fiber and carbon fiber, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any suitable material and combination thereof suitable for injection molding.

[0050] It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the invention in its various forms will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the fundamental principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0051] A hybrid plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10 include a base plate 20; a first leg 30 extending from the base plate 20; a first locking tab and a second locking tab "locking tab 400" formed on the first leg 30; at least one first wing 40 extending from the first leg 30, including an engagement region 270 on the first wing 40 and a first snap joint 70; a second leg 30 extending from the base plate 20 such that the first leg 30 and the second leg 30 are bent away from each other to form a head 250 and an introduction section 60; a locking tab 400 formed on the second leg 30; and a locking tab 400 extending from the second leg 30. At least one extended second wing 40 includes: an engagement region 270 on the second wing 40 and a second snap joint 70 opposite to the first snap joint 70; a pair of opposing wingtips 50 at the ends of the first and second wings 40, operable to engage a chassis slot 640; a plastic bracket 100 having an opening 110 for inserting a substrate 20; a pair of opposing bracket walls 120 formed on the top apex 130 of the bracket 100 to bend as opposing locking tabs 400 slide past the bracket 100 walls; and a pair of opposing locking slots 410 for engaging opposing locking tabs 400. The chassis slot 640 may be circular, square, polygonal, or any other suitable shape.

[0052] The hybrid plastic bracket 100 and metal fastening clip 10, wherein the first and second snap joints 70 further include at least one of the following: a curved portion, a curved leg, abrupt edge, a gradually angled edge, a curved portion, a single angled edge, a discrete multi-angled edge, and a sharp edge.

[0053] The plastic bracket 100 and the metal fastener 10 are combined, wherein the metal fastener 10 is formed by at least one of the following: stamping, cutting, molding, etching, casting, machining, forming, welding, embossing, punching, heat treatment, bonding, electroplating, pressing or any suitable manufacturing method.

[0054] The mixed plastic bracket 100 and metal fastening clip 10, wherein the first snap joint and the second snap joint 70 include at least one of the following: a protrusion, a fork, an edge, a round portion, a spherical portion, a stepped portion, an angled portion, a pit, and a recess.

[0055] The plastic bracket 100 and the metal fastening clip 10 are mixed, wherein the bracket wall 120 is bent relative to the first leg and the second leg 30 and the opposing locking tab 400, such that the opposing locking tab 400 slides over the bracket 100 wall to allow the opposing locking tab 400 to engage the corresponding opposing locking slot 410.

[0056] The hybrid plastic bracket 100 and metal fastener 10 also include: a sealing flange 140 formed on the plastic bracket 100 at an end opposite to the top end 130; a sealing support disc 150 for supporting the sealing flange 140; a base disc 160 operable to be releasably detached from a corresponding housing 320 on the body panel 310; and a post 170 between the base disc 160 and the sealing support disc 150 to provide suitable spacing.

[0057] The system comprises a plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the bracket 100 further includes a bracket base plate 450 for engaging the substrate 20 such that the substrate 20 and the bracket base plate 450 are compressed when a pair of opposing locking tabs 400 engage opposing locking slots 410.

[0058] A hybrid plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastener 10 are used, wherein the head 250 and the inlet section 60 are operably inserted into the chassis slot 640 such that opposing snap joints 70 slide through the chassis slot 640 and snap outward, and opposing wingtips 50 engage the chassis slot 640.

[0059] The system comprises a plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastener 10, wherein the curvature of the pair of opposing wingtips 50 matches the curvature of the chassis slot 640.

[0060] A plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10 are combined, wherein the engagement force is less than the pull-out force.

[0061] The plastic bracket 100 and the metal fastening clip 10 are combined, wherein the plastic bracket 100 is made of at least one of the following: rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylic, neoprene, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer or any suitable material.

[0062] The mixed plastic bracket 100 and metal fastening clip 10, wherein the engagement area 270 includes at least one of the following: a protrusion, a fork, an edge, a round portion, a spherical portion, a stepped portion, an angled portion, a pit, and a recess.

[0063] A hybrid plastic bracket 100 and metal fastening clip 10 assembly includes: a vehicle body panel 310 including a housing 320; a metal fastening clip including: a base plate; a first leg 30 extending from the base plate; a locking tab 400 formed on the first leg; at least one first wing 40 extending from the first leg 30, including an engagement region 270 on the first wing 40 and a first snap joint 70; a second leg 30 extending from the base plate 20 such that the first leg 30 and the second leg 30 are bent away from each other to form a head 250 and an introduction section 60; a locking tab 400 formed on the second leg; and at least one second wing 40 extending from the second leg 30. It includes an engagement area 270 on the second wing 40 and a second snap joint opposite to the first snap joint; a pair of opposing wingtips 50 at the ends of the first and second wings 40, operable to engage a chassis slot 640; a plastic bracket 100 having an opening for inserting a base plate 20 and a pair of discs (sealing support disc 150, base disc 160) at opposite ends for snapping into a housing 320; a pair of opposing bracket walls 120 formed on the top end 130 of the bracket 100 to bend as opposing locking tabs 400 slide past the bracket 100 walls; and a pair of opposing locking slots 410 to engage opposing locking tabs 400.

[0064] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the wall of the bracket 100 is bent relative to the first and second legs 30 and the opposing locking tabs 400, such that the opposing locking tabs 400 slide across the bracket wall 120 to allow the opposing locking tabs 400 to engage the opposing locking slots 410.

[0065] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the bracket 100 further includes a bracket base plate 450 for engaging the substrate 20 such that the substrate 20 and the bracket base plate 450 are compressed when a pair of opposing locking tabs 400 engage opposing locking slots 410.

[0066] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the head 250 and the inlet section 60 are operably inserted into a circular chassis slot 640 such that opposing snap joints 70 slide through the chassis slot 640 and snap outward, and opposing wingtips 50 engage the chassis slot 640.

[0067] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastener 10, wherein the metal fastener is formed by at least one of the following: stamping, cutting, molding, etching, casting, machining, forming, welding, embossing, punching, heat treatment, bonding, electroplating, pressing, or any suitable manufacturing method.

[0068] The hybrid plastic bracket 100 and metal fastening clip 10 assembly also includes: a sealing flange 140 formed on the plastic bracket 100 at an end opposite to the top end 130; a sealing support disc 150 for supporting the sealing flange 140; a base disc 160 operable to releasably separate from a corresponding housing 320 on the body panel 310; and a post 170 between the base disc 160 and the sealing support disc 150 to provide a suitable spacing.

[0069] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the plastic bracket 100 is made of at least one of the following: rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylic, neoprene, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer or any suitable material.

[0070] The assembly comprises a mixed plastic bracket 100 and a metal fastening clip 10, wherein the engagement force is less than the pull-out force.

[0071] The vehicle includes: a vehicle chassis with a slot; a body panel 310 including a housing 320; a metal fastening clip including a base plate 20; a first leg 30 extending from the base plate 20; a locking tab 400 formed on the first leg; at least one first wing 40 extending from the first leg 30, including an engagement region 270 and a first snap joint on the first wing 40; a second leg 30 extending from the base plate 20 such that the first leg 30 and the second leg 30 are bent away from each other to form a head 250 and an entry section 60; a locking tab 400 formed on the second leg 30; and at least one first wing 40 extending from the second leg 30. The two wings 40 include: an engagement region 270 on the second wing 40; a second snap joint opposite to the first snap joint 70; a pair of opposing wingtips 50 at the ends of the first and second wings 40, operable to engage a chassis slot 640; a plastic bracket 100 having an opening for inserting a substrate 20 and a pair of discs at opposite ends for snapping into a housing 320; a pair of opposing bracket walls 120 formed on the top end 130 of the bracket 100 to bend as opposing locking tabs 400 slide past the bracket wall 120; and a pair of opposing locking slots 410 for engaging opposing locking tabs 400.

[0072] The vehicle, wherein the wall of the bracket 100 is bent relative to the first leg 30 and the second leg 30 and the opposing locking tab 400, such that the opposing locking tab 400 slides across the wall of the bracket 100 to allow the opposing locking tab 400 to engage the opposing locking slot 410.

[0073] The vehicle, wherein the bracket 100 further includes a bracket base plate 450 to engage the base plate 20 such that when a pair of opposing locking tabs 400 engage opposing locking slots 410, the base plate 20 and the bracket base plate 450 are under compression.

[0074] The vehicle also includes: a sealing flange 140 formed on a plastic bracket 100 at an end opposite to the opening; a sealing support disc 150 supporting the sealing flange 140; a base disc 160 operable to be releasably separated from a housing 320 on the body panel 310; and a pillar 170 between the base disc 160 and the sealing support disc 150 to provide suitable spacing.

Claims

1. A hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip, comprising: Metal fastening clip, the metal fastening clip comprising: substrate; A first leg extends from the substrate; A first locking tab is formed on the first leg; At least one first wing extending from the first leg, the at least one first wing comprising: The first engagement area on at least one first wing; and First locking joint; The second leg extends from the substrate such that the first leg and the second leg bend away from each other to form a head and an introduction section; A second locking tab is formed on the second leg; At least one second wing extending from the second leg, the at least one second wing comprising: The second engagement region on at least one second wing; and The second locking joint opposite to the first locking joint; and A pair of opposing wingtips at the ends of the at least one first wing and the at least one second wing, the pair of opposing wingtips being operable to engage a chassis slot; and A plastic bracket having an opening for inserting the substrate; A pair of opposing bracket walls formed on the top of the plastic bracket to bend as the first locking tab and the second locking tab slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls; and A pair of opposing locking slots for engaging the first locking tab and the second locking tab.

2. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second latching joints further include at least one of the following: a curved portion, a curved leg, abrupt edge, a gradually angled edge, a curved portion, a single angled edge, a discrete multi-angled edge, and a sharp edge.

3. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip according to claim 1, wherein, The metal fastener is formed by at least one of the following: stamping, cutting, molding, etching, casting, machining, forming, welding, embossing, punching, heat treatment, bonding, electroplating, and pressing.

4. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second snap-fit ​​joints include at least one of the following: a protrusion, a fork, an edge, a circular portion, a spherical portion, a stepped portion, an angled portion, a pit, and a recess.

5. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip according to claim 1, wherein: The pair of opposing bracket walls are bent relative to the first and second legs, as well as the first and second locking tabs, and The first locking tab and the second locking tab slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls to allow the first locking tab and the second locking tab to engage the pair of opposing locking slots accordingly.

6. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip according to claim 1, further comprising: A sealing flange is formed on the plastic bracket; A sealing support plate, wherein the sealing support plate is used to support the sealing flange; A base plate, operable to be releasably detached from a corresponding housing on the vehicle body panel; as well as A column is located between the base plate and the sealing support plate to provide a gap.

7. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip according to claim 1, wherein the plastic bracket further comprises: A bracket base plate for engaging the substrate such that when the first locking tab and the second locking tab engage the pair of opposing locking slots, the substrate and the bracket base plate are under compression.

8. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The head and the introduction section are operably inserted into the chassis slot such that the first and second snap-fit ​​joints slide through the chassis slot and snap outward, and the pair of opposing wingtips engage the chassis slot.

9. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The curvature of the pair of opposing wingtips matches the curvature of the chassis slot.

10. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastener of claim 1, wherein the engagement force is less than the pull-out force.

11. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clip according to claim 1, wherein, The plastic bracket is made of at least one of the following: rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylic acid, neoprene rubber, silicone, polyurethane, or thermoplastic elastomer.

12. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The first engagement region and the second engagement region include at least one of the following: a protrusion, a fork, an edge, a circular portion, a spherical portion, a stepped portion, an angled portion, a pit, and a recess.

13. A hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly, comprising: A vehicle body panel, the vehicle body panel including a housing; Metal fastening clip, the metal fastening clip comprising: substrate; A first leg extending from the substrate; A first locking tab is formed on the first leg; At least one first wing extending from the first leg, the at least one first wing comprising: The first engagement area on at least one first wing; and First locking joint; The second leg extends from the substrate such that the first leg and the second leg bend away from each other to form a head and an introduction section; A second locking tab is formed on the second leg; At least one second wing extending from the second leg, the at least one second wing comprising: The second engagement region on at least one second wing; and The second locking joint opposite to the first locking joint; and A pair of opposing wingtips at the ends of the at least one first wing and the at least one second wing, the pair of opposing wingtips being operable to engage a chassis slot; A plastic bracket having an opening for inserting the substrate; and A pair of discs at opposite ends, the pair of discs being used to snap into the housing; A pair of opposing bracket walls formed on the top of the plastic bracket to bend as the first locking tab and the second locking tab slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls; and A pair of opposing locking slots for engaging the first locking tab and the second locking tab.

14. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The pair of opposing bracket walls are bent relative to the first leg and the second leg, as well as the first locking tab and the second locking tab, such that the first locking tab and the second locking tab slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls to allow the first locking tab and the second locking tab to engage the pair of opposing locking slots.

15. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly of claim 13, wherein the plastic bracket further comprises: A bracket base plate is used to engage the substrate such that when the first locking tab and the second locking tab engage the opposing locking slots, the substrate and the bracket base plate are under compression.

16. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The head and the introduction section are operably inserted into the chassis slot such that the first and second snap-fit ​​joints slide through the chassis slot and snap outward, and the pair of opposing wingtips engage the chassis slot.

17. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The metal fastener is formed by at least one of the following: stamping, cutting, molding, etching, casting, machining, forming, welding, embossing, punching, heat treatment, bonding, electroplating, and pressing.

18. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A sealing flange is formed on the plastic bracket at an end opposite to the top end; A sealing support plate, wherein the sealing support plate is used to support the sealing flange; A base plate that is operable to be releasably detached from a corresponding housing on the body panel; as well as A column is located between the base plate and the sealing support plate to provide a gap.

19. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The plastic bracket is made of at least one of the following: rubber, plastisol, plastic, acetal, polyacetal, polyoxymethylene, nylon, glass fiber, and carbon fiber.

20. The hybrid plastic bracket and metal fastening clamp assembly of claim 13, wherein the engagement force is less than the pull-out force.

21. A vehicle comprising: A vehicle chassis having a slot; A vehicle body panel, the vehicle body panel including a housing; as well as Metal fastening clip, the metal fastening clip comprising: substrate; A first leg extending from the substrate; A first locking tab is formed on the first leg; At least one first wing extending from the first leg, the at least one first wing comprising: The first engagement area on the at least one first wing; and First locking joint; The second leg extends from the substrate such that the first leg and the second leg bend away from each other to form a head and an introduction section; A second locking tab is formed on the second leg; At least one second wing extending from the second leg, the at least one second wing comprising: The second engagement region on the at least one second wing; and The second latching joint is opposite to the first latching joint; A pair of opposing wingtips at the ends of the at least one first wing and the at least one second wing, the pair of opposing wingtips being operable to engage the slot; A plastic bracket having an opening for inserting the substrate; A pair of discs at opposite ends, the pair of discs being used to snap into the housing; A pair of opposing bracket walls formed on the top of the plastic bracket to bend as the first locking tab and the second locking tab slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls; and A pair of opposing locking slots for engaging the first locking tab and the second locking tab.

22. The vehicle according to claim 21, wherein, The pair of opposing bracket walls are bent relative to the first and second legs and the first and second locking tabs, such that the first and second locking tabs slide past the pair of opposing bracket walls to allow the first and second locking tabs to engage the opposing locking slots.

23. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein the plastic bracket further comprises: A bracket base plate is used to engage the substrate such that when the first locking tab and the second locking tab engage the opposing locking slots, the substrate and the bracket base plate are under compression.

24. The vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising: A sealing flange is formed on the plastic bracket at the end opposite to the opening; A sealing support plate, wherein the sealing support plate is used to support the sealing flange; A base plate, operable to be releasably detached from the housing on the vehicle body panel; as well as A column is located between the base plate and the sealing support plate to provide a gap.

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