Fastener

Abstract

A plastic fastener for coupling a first component to a second component is disclosed. The fastener includes a body portion, a pair of tower legs, and at least one mating feature. The body portion extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first end and a second end. And a pair of tower legs extending from the body portion at a second end, each tower leg being resiliently deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis. The at least one mating feature is positioned on the inwardly facing surface of each tower leg and is configured to engage a corresponding seating portion of the ribbed tower of the second component. The mating feature is configured to facilitate insertion of the ribbed tower between the pair of tower legs and resiliently engage the seating portion to mechanically retain the fastener to the ribbed tower.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 719,191, filed November 12, 2024, entitled “Riblok device for metal,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive components require simple fastening techniques for manufacturing and assembly. Furthermore, these fastening techniques must first and foremost be reliable and efficient. Fasteners such as pins and cable ring fasteners can be used to secure sub-panels to the main panel.

[0003] Various types of fasteners are used to secure components. For example, in the case of a vehicle's dashboard, fasteners can be used to hold adjacent panels together or to secure one or more objects to the panel. One type of fastener can be used with holes of different types, sizes, and shapes provided in the components to be secured together. In other words, for this type of fastener used to secure components, at least one of the components has a hole. One of these components is mounted on the fastener, while the other component with the hole receives the fastener component assembly.

[0004] Therefore, despite the various advancements made to date, there is still a desire, for example, to provide a plastic fastener that can be used with metal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a fastening system for forming a blind connection between panels (such as automotive panels), substantially as shown and described with respect to at least one of the accompanying drawings and more fully set forth in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals denote like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] Figure 1 An isometric view of the assembly of a fastening system according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figures 2a to 2c The image shows a side view of the fastening system at different assembly stages.

[0009] Figure 2d The fastening system in the assembled position is shown along, as Figure 1The side cross-sectional view shown is taken by the section line AA.

[0010] Figures 3a to 3c The top side isometric view, the first bottom side isometric view, and the second bottom side isometric view of the fastener are shown respectively.

[0011] Figure 3d A side view of the fastener is shown.

[0012] Figure 3e and Figure 3f The front and rear views of the fastener are shown.

[0013] Figure 3g and Figure 3h The top and bottom views of the fastener are shown respectively.

[0014] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The fasteners are shown separately along the lines such as Figure 3e and Figure 3g The equidistant cross-sectional view is shown by the cutting lines BB and CC.

[0015] Figure 4c The fastener is shown along the edge as follows Figure 3e The top view of the cross section cut by the section line CC is shown.

[0016] Figure 4d The fastener is shown along the edge as follows Figure 3g The front elevation view of the cross section cut by the section line DD shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] References to singular items should be understood to include plural items and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are configured to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​are not configured to be restrictive, but rather to individually refer to any and all values ​​falling within and / or including that range, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the description as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “back” are convenient words and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples the position of the first side is adjacent to or close to the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order in which these sides are ordered.

[0018] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be interpreted as indicating the permissible deviations for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein by way of example only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“for example,” “like,” etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “for instance,” (e.g.,) and “for example” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0019] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more items in the list linked by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z".

[0020] In one aspect, a fastener is provided for connecting a first component and a second component. The fastener includes a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a first end and a second end. A pair of tower legs extend from the second end of the body portion, wherein each tower leg is resiliently deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one mating feature is located on an inwardly facing surface of each tower leg and configured to engage a corresponding seating portion of a ribbed tower associated with the second component. The mating feature facilitates insertion of the ribbed tower between the pair of tower legs and resiliently engages the seating portion to mechanically secure the fastener to the ribbed tower.

[0021] In some respects, each mating feature may include a generally wedge-shaped protrusion having an inclined front surface that guides the ribbed tower during insertion. The wedge-shaped protrusion may further define a rear surface configured to engage the edge of the seated portion once installed to resist withdrawal of fasteners.

[0022] The fastener may further include at least one locking protrusion disposed on the outward-facing surface of each tower leg. Each locking protrusion may engage an edge of the opening when the fastener is installed through it formed in the first component. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion extends outward from the tower leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to deflect inward during insertion through the opening.

[0023] In all aspects, the tower legs are connected by bridging sections located at the second end of the body section. The bridging sections provide structural support and contribute to the elasticity of the tower legs during insertion. The dimensions of the bridging sections can also be determined to enhance the flexibility of the tower legs while preventing breakage or fatigue during repeated insertion and removal cycles.

[0024] The head portion can be connected to the body portion at the first end of the fastener. The head portion may include multiple cantilever arms connected by connecting elements. In some configurations, the connecting elements include wing features extending outward from the longitudinal axis to provide a manually engaged surface that facilitates manipulation or installation.

[0025] In some aspects, the tower legs and mating features are integrated into the terrain as a single molded unit. Fasteners may be formed from polymeric materials (e.g., synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers) chosen to provide sufficient elasticity for repeated insertion and removal cycles without permanent deformation.

[0026] The mating features and locking protrusions can be arranged on opposite sides of each tower leg to provide dual engagement functionality. The tower legs can also be offset towards each other to provide self-centering action during engagement with the ribbed tower. When fasteners are installed, the rear surface of each mating feature can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, thereby enhancing retention.

[0027] The mating feature and locking protrusion cooperate to simultaneously secure the fastener to both the ribbed tower of the second component and the first component. The engagement of the mating feature with the seated portion prevents the fastener from being pulled forward from the ribbed tower, while the engagement of the locking protrusion with the first component prevents the fastener from being pulled backward from the opening.

[0028] In another aspect, a fastener assembly is provided. The assembly includes the aforementioned fastener, a ribbed tower forming part of a second component, and a first component defining an opening for receiving the fastener. The ribbed tower includes a seating portion configured to receive and engage mating features of the fastener. The fastener mechanically connects the first and second components together through engagement of the mating features with the ribbed tower and engagement of a locking protrusion with the first component.

[0029] In some aspects of this component, the fastener is formed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (such as nylon or acetal). In another aspect, the fastener can be formed entirely of plastic, wherein the body portion, tower legs, and mating features are molded into a single continuous piece. The plastic fastener may include a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis, a pair of resiliently deflectable tower legs extending from one end, and an inwardly facing mating feature configured to engage a seating portion of a ribbed tower. The mating feature facilitates insertion of the ribbed tower between the tower legs and resiliently engages the seating portion to mechanically secure the plastic fastener to the ribbed tower.

[0030] Figure 1 An isometric view of an assembled fastening system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. The illustrated fastening system 100 includes a fastener 102 configured to connect a first component 104 to a second component 110 via a ribbed tower 112 associated with the second component 110. The fastener 102 facilitates the connection between the first component 104 and the second component 110. The first component 104 and the second component 110 may be, for example, an automotive panel.

[0031] The first component 104, the second component 110, and the ribbed tower 112 can be made of materials such as metals, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or combinations thereof. In automotive applications, these panels can include door trim panels, trim strips, trim pieces, hoods, doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, etc.), dashboard components (e.g., transverse members, brackets, frames), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, and other substrates for inner or outer surfaces.

[0032] The first component 104 includes one or more openings 106, while the second component 110 includes one or more ribbed towers 112 having, for example, seating portions 116 (e.g., windows, openings, holes, etc.). Each opening 106 is configured to receive or engage a fastener 102 and its corresponding ribbed tower 112. The fastener 102 and its corresponding ribbed tower 112 may be provided as a part in assembly (PIA) component 108. The ribbed tower 112 is configured to engage the fastener 102 via, for example, features of the fastener 102 and the seating portions 116. The first component 104 defines an A surface 104a and a B surface 104b (bottom surface), and similarly, the second component 110 defines an A surface 110a and a B surface 110b (bottom surface). The A surface 104a of the first component 104 is an outward-facing surface, while the B surface 104b is an inward-facing surface. When assembled, the A surface 104a of the first component 104 faces the B surface 110b of the second component 110.

[0033] Surface 110a (also known as a Class A surface) remains visible after assembly and typically has better aesthetics (e.g., textured, coated, or decorated) and generally has no attachments or associated features. In contrast, surface 110b or a Class B surface is hidden after assembly and typically contains various attachments or associated features. For example, in a vehicle's instrument panel, the second component 110 may be a dashboard, and the first component 104 may be an instrument cluster mounted on the dashboard, or vice versa.

[0034] The second component 110 may include attachment devices or features protruding from surface B 110b, such as ribbed towers 112. Each ribbed tower 112 is generally perpendicular to the surface of the second component 110 (e.g., a flat surface) and may include a seating portion 116 (whether a slot, window, or others) configured to receive or otherwise engage part of the fastener 102. The ribbed tower 112 may be integral with the second component 110 (e.g., co-molded) or separately attached (e.g., using adhesive).

[0035] Fastener 102 can be secured to the ribbed tower 112 of the second component 110, thereby forming a Part in Assembly (PIA) component 108. For example, fastener 102 defines a clamping channel 114 configured to receive at least a portion of the ribbed tower 112 (e.g., starting from the front end of the ribbed tower 112). The PIA component 108 can then be attached to the first component 104 by the end user. In some scenarios, the PIA component 108 is pre-assembled at the factory and shipped to the end user for final assembly with the first component 104.

[0036] In some examples, the fastener 102 is configured to be more ergonomic during insertion into the opening 106 of the first component 104, requiring, for example, a relatively low insertion force. However, during separation from or withdrawal from the opening 106, the fastener 102 may require a significantly higher force compared to insertion. In other words, the fastener 102 is configured to have a low insertion force but a relatively high separation force. It is worth noting that the insertion force and separation force are independent of each other.

[0037] Fastener 102 can be constructed from a generally rigid material, such as plastic. Fastener 102 can be made from polymeric materials, whether synthetic or semi-synthetic. For example, plastic materials may include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or combinations thereof. It is noteworthy that fastener 102 can be made of plastic while still being suitable for use with metal components. Thus, in one example, fastener 102 is made of plastic, while the first component 104 and / or the second component 110 are metal, plastic, composite materials, or similar materials.

[0038] Fastener 102 can be formed via plastic injection molding. In other examples, fastener 102 can be a printed thermoplastic part formed via additive manufacturing techniques, which are advantageous for forming complex or detailed features. Additive manufacturing techniques eliminate the need for mold processing associated with plastic injection molding, thereby reducing initial manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous for small-batch production. Example additive manufacturing processes include material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directional energy deposition, and tank photopolymerization.

[0039] Figures 2a to 2c The side views of the fastening system 100 at different assembly stages are shown, while Figure 2d The fastening system 100 in the assembled position is shown along, as... Figure 1 The side cross-sectional view shown is taken by section line AA. Specifically, Figure 2a The second component 110 and fastener 102 are shown, wherein fastener 102, as indicated by arrow 202, slides onto the ribbed tower 112 of the second component 110 to define the PIA component 108. Figure 2b The fasteners 102 and ribbed tower 112 of the assembled PIA component 108 are shown to be at least partially inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104 as indicated by arrow 204. Figure 2c The PIA component 108, fully assembled with the first component 104, is shown. Figure 2d A cross-sectional view is shown to illustrate the interaction between the fastener 102 and the ribbed tower 112 (e.g., at the seating portion 116).

[0040] Figures 3a to 3h Showing Figure 1 and Figures 2a to 2d A detailed view of fastener 102. Specifically, Figures 3a to 3c The top side isometric view, the first bottom side isometric view, and the second bottom side isometric view of the fastener 102 are shown respectively. Figure 3d A side view of fastener 102 is shown. Figure 3e and Figure 3f The front and rear views of fastener 102 are shown. Figure 3g and Figure 3h The top and bottom views of fastener 102 are shown respectively. Furthermore, Figures 4a to 4d A cross-sectional view is shown to better depict certain parts of fastener 102. Specifically, Figure 4a and Figure 4b The fastener 102 is shown along the respective... Figure 3e and Figure 3g The equidistant cross-sectional view is shown by the cutting lines BB and CC. Figure 4c The fastener 102 is shown along the edge as shown. Figure 3e The top view of the cross-section cut by the section line CC is shown, and Figure 4d The fastener 102 is shown along the edge as shown. Figure 3g The front view of the cross section cut by the section line DD shown.

[0041] Fastener 102 generally includes a body portion 302 and a head portion 306, which together define a first end 314 and a second end 324. As can be understood from the example images, the body portion 302 and the head portion 306 may be an integral structure (i.e., a single monolithic component). The body portion 302 includes a plurality of ribs 304. As shown, the plurality of ribs 304 are arranged in two sets of parallel ribs 304, which are connected at one end via a curved section 312 at the front end (e.g., the second end 324) to create a clamping channel 114 having a generally U-shaped or V-shaped profile when viewed from the side, such as... Figure 3e and Figure 3f The most clearly shown (but other shapes are conceivable). The curved section 312 defines the second end 324 opposite to the first end 314.

[0042] A head portion 306 extends from a body portion 302 and includes a plurality of arms 308. Each arm 308 is connected to a free end of a rib 304 and extends away from the body portion 302 (i.e., away from the second end 324 and toward the first end 314). Arms 308 may be generally linear (e.g., straight segments). As shown, the plurality of arms 308 are arranged as two sets of parallel arms 308 (corresponding to two sets of parallel ribs 304 and extending from the parallel ribs), which are connected at one end via a connecting element 316 at a rear end (e.g., the first end 314). The arms 308 are arranged at their connection point 310 at an angle relative to the ribs 304, thereby allowing the arms to hinge or flex at the joint between the arm 308 and the rib 304. The ribs 304 shown have a curved profile. The connecting element 316 is positioned at the first end 314 of the fastener 102. In the example shown, the connecting element 316 is positioned at the protrusion 328.

[0043] Therefore, the fastener 102 includes two connecting elements 316 at the first end 314, one on each side of the curved section 312. Each connecting element 316 includes a wing feature 332 extending away from the axis 330. In other words, the shape of the shown connecting element 316 is defined such that it defines a wing feature 332 extending outward from the fastener 102 at its distal end. In operation, a user can use the engagement feature 332 to grip the fastener 102 (e.g., during installation or removal from the ribbed tower 112) or engage the first component 104 and / or the second component 110. For example, the engagement feature 332 can be configured to prevent the fastener 102 from completely passing through the opening 106, thus acting as a stop.

[0044] At the second end 324 of the fastener 102, i.e., at the bent section 312, the rib 304 is connected by a bridging portion 326. The bridging portion 326 is configured to connect the rib 304 while maintaining flexibility when inserted into the opening 106. In some examples, the rib 304 tapers along its length to enhance flexibility without compromising strength, thereby allowing the rib 304 to bend when inserted into the opening 106 and then return to its original span without failure.

[0045] Fastener 102 further includes a plurality of tower legs 318, such as a pair of tower legs 318, for attachment to the second component 110. In one example, at least one tower leg 318 is provided on each side of axis 330. As shown, the tower legs 318 are resiliently supported at a second end 324 by a bridging portion 326. In the fastener 102 shown, each tower leg 318 is positioned between a pair of ribs 304, such as, for example Figure 3d As shown.

[0046] Each of the pair of tower legs 318 includes a mating feature 320 configured to directly contact the corresponding surface of the ribbed tower 112 and mechanically engage the seating portion 116 of the ribbed tower. In some embodiments, the mating feature 320 is integrally formed with the corresponding tower leg 318 and extends inward from the tower leg toward the opposing clamping arm. The outline of the shown mating feature 320 is generally triangular or wedge-shaped and includes a sloped front surface and a rear surface with opposite orientation. The sloped front surface (i.e., the surface generally facing the central portion of the fastener body) is configured to facilitate the insertion of the ribbed tower 112 between the pair of tower legs 318 during assembly, thereby promoting self-alignment and self-centering of the ribbed tower 112 relative to the fastener 102. The rear surface of mating feature 320 is relatively flat (e.g., perpendicular to axis 330 or slightly angled relative to the axis, such as 5 to 15 degrees, as shown) and is oriented to engage the edge or boundary surface of seated portion 116 once fastener 102 is fully installed.

[0047] During assembly, the ribbed tower 112 is fed between the pair of tower legs 318, causing the corresponding mating features 320 to slide along the outer surface of the ribbed tower 112. The elasticity of the tower legs 318 allows the mating features 320 to deflect outward as they pass over the tower surface. When the mating features 320 are aligned with the seating portion 116, the deflection of the tower legs 318 causes the mating features 320 to snap or otherwise elastically return inward, thereby seating them within the seating portion 116 to form a mechanical engagement between the fastener 102 and the ribbed tower 112. In this seating configuration, the rear surface of each mating feature 320 abuts against the corresponding edge of the seating portion 116 to prevent the fastener 102 from undesirably being pulled out of the ribbed tower 112, thereby providing enhanced retention and resistance to disengagement under pull-out or vibration loads.

[0048] Each of the tower legs 318 further includes a locking protrusion 322 configured to contact and mechanically engage with the edge of the opening 106 formed in the first member 104. The locking protrusion 322 is positioned on a generally outward-facing portion of the tower leg 318 opposite the mating feature 320 and is configured to engage the material around the opening 106 when the fastener 102 is installed through the first member 104. In some embodiments, each locking protrusion 322 is integrally formed with its corresponding tower leg 318 and extends outward from the tower leg in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower leg 318 and toward the periphery of the opening 106.

[0049] During the insertion of the fastener 102 through the opening 106, the locking protrusion 322 is slightly deflected inward via the tower leg 318 to allow passage through the opening 106. Once the fastener 102 is fully seated and the tower leg 318 has returned to its natural, unoffset position, the locking protrusion 322 moves to interfere with the rear surface or edge of the opening 106, as... Figure 2d This is most clearly shown in the diagram. Under these engagement conditions, the locking protrusion 322 operates to inhibit the removal of the fastener 102 from the ribbed tower 112 by resisting rearward movement of the tower leg 318. The locking protrusion 322 serves to prevent the fastener 102 from disengaging from the ribbed tower 112 during pull-out or under pull-out load, thereby maintaining a secure connection between the fastener 102, the first component 104, and the ribbed tower 112.

[0050] Once fastener 102 is installed on the second component 110 (e.g., via ribbed tower 112), the assembly of fastener 102 and the second component 110 can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, thereby connecting the first component 104 and the second component 110. For example, fastener 102 can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, with the second end 324 entering first, such as... Figure 2b As indicated by arrow 204. The second end 324 is tapered and / or chamfered to facilitate the insertion of the fastener 102 into the opening 106 of the first component 104.

[0051] Fastener 102 is engineered to take into account both the insertion force required to insert the fastener into opening 106 and the separation force required to remove the fastener. In one aspect, fastener 102 is configured such that the insertion force does not affect the separation force, and vice versa. For example, fastener 102 may require a small insertion force to achieve user ergonomics, while requiring a significantly higher separation force compared to the insertion force.

[0052] In some respects, the dimensions of the bridging portion 326 are determined to be compact, thereby increasing the flexibility of the rib 304 at the bending section 312, thus reducing the insertion force required to insert the fastener 102 into the second component 110. Additionally, the dimensions of the bridging portion 326 are determined to prevent the fastener 102 from failing or breaking during insertion and withdrawal cycles (e.g., five or more cycles). That is, the disclosed fastener 102 allows for the use of short-set-height fasteners made of plastic, but in cases where one or two components (e.g., the first component 104 and / or the second component 110) are metal, such as in the case of a metal-fitting panel. The part retains a degree of retention even after multiple removals and installations. Therefore, the dimensions of the bridging portion 326 are optimized based on a balance between the insertion force of the fastener 102 and structural integrity. Thus, the material selection of the fastener 102 also affects the dimensions of the bridging portion 326, taking into account the factors described above.

[0053] The design (e.g., shape) of rib 304 further affects the insertion force. To enhance the flexibility of the rib without compromising strength, rib 304 may have a tapered shape along its length. The increased flexibility of rib 304 allows fastener 102 to require only a smaller insertion force, enabling rib 304 to bend during entry into opening 106 and subsequently return to its original shape without failure.

[0054] In some respects, the fastener 102 is characterized based on the required separation force, which is the force required to pull the fastener 102 out of the first component 104. For example, the fastener 102 may be configured to withstand a separation force of at least 130 Newtons (N), while the insertion force remains below about 45 N. These values ​​are exemplary and not limiting; depending on the design and application, smaller insertion and separation forces may exceed the specified range.

[0055] Although the method and / or system have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the method and / or system. Therefore, although examples of fasteners have been described using language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of fasteners. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the method and / or system are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener for connecting a first component and a second component, the fastener comprising: The body portion extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first end and a second end; A pair of tower legs, the pair of tower legs extending from the body portion at the second end, each tower leg being elastically deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis; as well as At least one mating feature is located on the inward-facing surface of each tower leg and is configured to engage the corresponding seating portion of the ribbed tower of the second component. The mating features are configured to facilitate the insertion of the ribbed tower between the pair of tower legs and to resiliently engage the seating portion to mechanically secure the fastener to the ribbed tower.

2. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each mating feature includes a generally wedge-shaped protrusion having an inclined front surface configured to guide the ribbed tower during insertion.

3. The fastener as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The generally wedge-shaped protrusion further defines a rear surface, which is configured to engage the edge of the seated portion to resist withdrawal.

4. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising at least one locking protrusion disposed on the outward-facing surface of each tower leg.

5. The fastener as claimed in claim 4, wherein, Each locking protrusion is configured to engage the edge of the opening when the fastener is installed through the opening formed in the first component.

6. The fastener as claimed in claim 4, wherein, Each locking protrusion extends outward from the tower leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to deflect inward during insertion.

7. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The tower legs are connected by a bridging portion at the second end of the body portion, which provides structural support and elasticity during insertion.

8. The fastener as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The dimensions of the bridging section were determined to enhance the flexibility of the tower legs while preventing breakage during repeated insertion and removal cycles.

9. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a head portion connected to the body portion at the first end, the head portion comprising a plurality of cantilever arms connected by connecting elements.

10. The fastener as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The connecting element includes a wing feature extending outward from the longitudinal axis to provide a manually engaged surface.

11. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The tower legs and the mating features form a single molded unit.

12. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fastener is made of polymer material.

13. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mating features and the locking protrusions are positioned on opposite sides of each tower leg.

14. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The tower legs are offset toward each other to provide self-centering action during engagement with the ribbed tower.

15. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the fastener is in the installed position, the rear surface of each mating feature is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

16. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mating feature and the locking protrusion cooperate to simultaneously secure the fastener to the ribbed tower of the second component and the first component.

17. The fastener as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The engagement of the fitting feature with the seated portion prevents the fastener from being pulled forward from the ribbed tower, and the engagement of the locking protrusion with the first component prevents the fastener from being pulled backward from the opening.

18. A fastener assembly comprising: Fasteners, the fasteners comprising: The body portion extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first end and a second end. A pair of tower legs, the pair of tower legs extending from the body portion at the second end, each tower leg being elastically deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis, and At least one mating feature is located on the inward-facing surface of each tower leg and is configured to engage the corresponding seated portion of the ribbed tower of the second component; A ribbed tower, forming part of a second component, the ribbed tower including a seating portion configured to receive mating features of the fastener; and A first component defines an opening configured to receive the fastener and engage the locking protrusion. The fastener is configured to mechanically connect the first component and the second component together by the engagement of the mating feature with the ribbed tower and the engagement of the locking protrusion with the first component.

19. The fastener assembly of claim 18, wherein, The fastener is formed from a synthetic polymer or a semi-synthetic polymer.

20. A plastic fastener for connecting a first component and a second component, the plastic fastener comprising: The body portion extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first end and a second end; A pair of tower legs, the pair of tower legs extending from the body portion at the second end, each tower leg being elastically deflectable relative to the longitudinal axis; as well as At least one mating feature is located on the inward-facing surface of each tower leg and is configured to engage the corresponding seating portion of the ribbed tower of the second component. The mating features are configured to facilitate the insertion of the ribbed tower between the pair of tower legs and to resiliently engage the seating portion to mechanically secure the plastic fastener to the rib.

Images