Fastening device

Abstract

A fastening device includes a base. The base includes a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side relative to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side relative to the second axis, a top side and a bottom side spaced apart from the top side relative to the third axis, the first axis, the second axis and the third axis being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receptacles disposed between the top side and the bottom side. The fastening device also includes one or more clips disposed in the one or more receptacles.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general context of this disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, and in respect of aspects that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither expressly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fastening devices, and more specifically, to fasteners for securing pipes to vehicles or machinery. Background Technology

[0004] Fasteners, or clamps, are commonly used to help secure components (such as brake lines, fuel lines, wiring harnesses, etc.) to another component or structure (such as a vehicle or machine). These fasteners play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of various systems within a vehicle by ensuring components remain firmly in place, preventing damage, and ensuring optimal performance. However, the manufacture of these fasteners requires a significant amount of tooling to accommodate pipes, tubes, tubing, and other components of varying shapes and diameters. This manufacturing complexity limits the flexibility and adaptability of fasteners for different applications.

[0005] Despite their widespread use, existing fasteners often fail to meet the diverse needs of modern vehicle designs. Many current fasteners lack the versatility to securely hold components of different sizes and shapes without requiring multiple different fasteners, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and application. This disclosure aims to address these shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one configuration, a fastening device is provided, comprising a base. The base includes a plate having a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side relative to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side relative to a second axis, a top side and a bottom side spaced apart from the top side relative to a third axis, the first, second, and third axes being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receiving portions disposed between the top and bottom sides. The fastening device further includes one or more clamping members disposed in the one or more receiving portions.

[0007] The fastening device may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, one or more receiving portions may include a first guide and a second guide spaced apart from the first guide relative to a first axis. The first guide may include a first surface facing a second side, and the second guide may include a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the first side. The first guide may include a first groove extending between the first surface and the first side relative to the first axis and between a third side and a fourth side relative to the second axis, and the second guide may include a second groove extending between the second surface and the second side and between the third side and the fourth side relative to the second axis, the first groove and the second groove defining an opening. The plate may also include a locking arm disposed in the opening between the first guide and the second guide. The locking arm may include a locking member having a traveling surface facing a third side and a retaining surface facing a fourth side.

[0008] According to at least one aspect, the base may further include a fastener having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end may be coupled to the underside of the plate, and one or more engagement legs may be coupled to the distal end and extend toward the underside of the plate. The fastener may include a flange overhanging away from the underside of the plate and one or more steps disposed on the engagement legs opposite to the flange.

[0009] In another configuration, a fastening device is provided, comprising a base. The base includes a plate having one or more receiving portions and fasteners coupled to the plate. The fastening device includes one or more clamping members disposed in one or more receiving portions. The one or more clamping members include a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side, a top side and a bottom side spaced apart from the top side, and cavities extending between the third side and the fourth side and between the top side and the bottom side.

[0010] The fastening device may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, the one or more clamping elements may include at least one first clamping element configured to receive a pipe having a first diameter and one or more additional clamping elements configured to receive a pipe having a diameter different from the first diameter.

[0011] According to at least one aspect, the one or more clamping members further include an arm having a proximal end coupled to the top side and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, the distal end being disposed within the cavity. The arm may be cantilevered relative to the cavity and includes an engagement surface extending between the proximal and distal ends.

[0012] According to another aspect, the one or more clamping members may further include a first guide rail and a second guide rail coupled to the bottom side, the first guide rail being arranged parallel to the second guide rail. The first guide rail may include a first inner surface and a first outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The first guide rail may include a first guide groove extending from the first outer surface toward the second side. The second guide rail may include a second inner surface and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface. The second guide rail may include a second guide groove extending from the second outer surface toward the first side and a latch coupled to the second inner surface and extending toward the first inner surface.

[0013] In another configuration, a vehicle is provided, comprising a body and at least one piping assembly having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end relative to a longitudinal axis, the at least one piping assembly being coupled to the body and extending between the first end and the second end. The at least one piping assembly includes one or more fastening devices. The one or more fastening devices include a base having a plate including a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side relative to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side relative to the second axis, a top side and a bottom side spaced apart from the top side relative to a third axis, the first, second, and third axes being perpendicular to each other, and one or more receiving portions disposed between the top and bottom sides. The at least one fastening device includes one or more clamping members coupled to the plate. The one or more clamping members include a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side of the one or more clamping members relative to a first axis, a third side and a fourth side spaced apart from the third side of the one or more clamping members relative to the second axis, and a top side and a bottom side spaced apart from the top side of the one or more clamping members relative to the third axis.

[0014] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, the third side of one or more clamping members may be arranged flush with the third side of the plate. The fourth side of one or more clamping members may be arranged flush with the fourth side of the plate.

[0015] According to at least one aspect, the at least one piping assembly may further include one or more pipes having varying diameters and extending between a first end and a second end of the vehicle body, the one or more pipes being coupled to each piping assembly. The one or more pipes include at least one of brake lines, fuel lines, and wiring harnesses. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only for the selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 It is a side view of a vehicle based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an illustrative example of a pipe assembly that includes one or more fasteners;

[0019] Figure 3 It includes a base and one or more clamping parts. Figure 2 Rear perspective view of one or more fasteners;

[0020] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 Top perspective view of the base;

[0021] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 Bottom perspective view of the base;

[0022] Figure 4C yes Figure 3 Front view of the base;

[0023] Figure 4D yes Figure 3 A top view of the base;

[0024] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 Rear perspective view of one or more clamping elements;

[0025] Figure 5B yes Figure 3 Rear view of one or more clamping elements;

[0026] Figure 5C yes Figure 3 Front view of one or more clamping elements;

[0027] Figure 5D yes Figure 3 A top view of one or more clamping components;

[0028] Figure 5E yes Figure 3 A bottom view of one or more clamping components; and

[0029] Figure 6 It is arranged in Figure 1 Part of the vehicle body Figure 3 Front view of the fastener.

[0030] Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the relevant parts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The exemplary configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular articles “a” and “the” may be intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0033] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0035] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0036] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium, and therefore can be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0037] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0038] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0039] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0040] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0041] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, which includes at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0042] The processes and logic described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logic can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, both general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0043] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, voice, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 This provides an illustrative example of a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 having a first end or front end 14 and a second end or rear end 16 spaced apart from the front end 14 relative to a longitudinal axis 18. The vehicle 10 includes one or more wheels 20 coupled to the body 12.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Vehicle 10 includes one or more pipe assemblies 100 extending between a front end 14 and a rear end 16. Pipe assembly 100 may include a pipe 102, which includes a first end 104 and a second end 106 spaced apart from the first end 104. Pipe 102 may be configured to transport fluid (e.g., fuel, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, etc.) between the first end 104 and the second end 106. Pipe 102 may also be configured to accommodate one or more electrical wires (e.g., a wiring harness). Continue to reference Figure 2 The pipe assembly 100 may include one or more fastening devices 200 (hereinafter referred to as one or more fastening devices) for securing the pipe 102 to a part of the vehicle 10, such as the body 12.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 An illustrative example of a fastening device 200 is provided, and the fastening device 200 includes a first or upper end 202 and a second or lower end 204 spaced apart from the upper end 202. The fastening device 200 also includes a first end or right end 206, a second end or left end 208 spaced apart from the first end 206, a first side or front side 210, and a second side or rear side 212 spaced apart from the first side 210. The fastening device 200 includes a base 300 and one or more clamping members 400 disposed on or otherwise coupled to the base 300.

[0047] refer to Figures 4A to 4D An illustrative example of a base 300 is provided. The base 300 includes a plate 302 and one or more fasteners 304 (hereinafter, one or more fasteners) coupled to the plate 302. The plate 302 includes a first side 306 and a second side 308 spaced apart from the first side 306 relative to a first axis 310. The plate 302 also includes a third side 312 and a fourth side 314, the third side 312 extending between the first side 306 and the second side 308, and the fourth side 314 spaced apart from the third side 312 relative to a second axis 316 and extending between the first side 306 and the second side 308. The first axis 310 is arranged perpendicular to the second axis 316. The plate 302 includes a top side 318 and a bottom side 320 spaced apart from the top side 318 relative to a third axis 322 perpendicular to both the first axis 310 and the second axis 316. One or more receiving portions 324 may be arranged between the first side 306 and the second side 308, and between the top side 318 and the bottom side 320, such as Figure 4CAs shown. In this illustrative configuration, plate 302 includes three receiving portions 324; however, the number of receiving portions can vary (i.e., one, two, n receiving portions, etc.), and the principles of this disclosure still apply. Each of the receiving portions 324 includes a first guide 326 and a second guide 328 spaced apart from the first guide 326 relative to the first axis 310. The first guide 326 includes a first surface 330 facing the second side 308 (…). Figure 4B The second guide 328 includes a second surface 332 that is opposite to the first surface 330 and faces the first side 306. Figure 4A The first guide 326 may include a first recess 334 extending relative to a first axis 310 between a first surface 330 and a first side 306, and relative to a second axis 316 between a third side 312 and a fourth side 314. The second guide 328 may include a second recess 336 extending relative to a second axis 316 between a second surface 332 and a second side 308, and between a third side 312 and a fourth side 314. The first recess 334 and the second recess 336 define an opening 338, and, as will be discussed in more detail below, the first recess 334 and the second recess 336 may be configured to receive a portion of one or more clamping members 400. The plate 302 may also include a locking arm 339 disposed in the opening 338 between the first guide 326 and the second guide 328. The locking arm 339 includes a proximal end 340 and a distal end 342 spaced apart from the proximal end 340. Reference Figure 4C and Figure 4D The proximal end 340 may be arranged adjacent to the fourth side 314 and extend toward the third side 312, such that the locking arm 339 cantilevered between the proximal end 340 and the distal end 342. The distal end 342 may include a locking member 344, which includes a drive-on surface or tapered surface 346 and a retaining surface 348. As will be discussed in more detail below, one or more clamping members 400 may be configured to contact the drive surface 346 and flex the locking arm 339 relative to the first axis 310. For example, when the clamping member 400 moves past the drive surface 346, the locking arm 339 may return to its initial position, and the retaining surface 348 may engage with the clamping member 400 and retain and / or prevent the clamping member 400 from being unintentionally removed from the base 300.

[0048] refer to Figure 4B and Figure 4CFastener 304 is attached to the bottom side 320 of plate 302 and extends away from plate 302 relative to the third axis 322. In this exemplary configuration, base 300 includes one fastener 304; however, the number of fasteners can vary (i.e., two, three, n fasteners, etc.), and the principles of this disclosure apply equally. Fastener 304 may include a flange 350, which is attached to and hangs from the bottom side 320 of plate 302. Fastener 304 includes a central post 352 attached to flange 350 and / or plate 302. More specifically, refer to Figure 4B The center post 352 includes a proximal end 354 coupled to the flange 350 and / or the plate 302 and a distal end 356 spaced apart from the proximal end 354. Engaging legs 358 are coupled to the distal end 356 and extend toward the plate 302. Each engaging leg 358 includes one or more steps 360 facing the bottom side 320 of the plate 302. Typically, the fastener 304 may be configured to engage and capture a substrate (e.g., a portion of the body 12) between the flange 350 and the one or more steps 360.

[0049] refer to Figure 5A An illustrative example of a clamping member 400 is provided, showing that the clamping member 400 is configured to receive and secure conduits, such as brake lines, fuel lines, wiring harnesses, etc. The clamping member 400 includes a first side 402 and a second side 404 spaced apart from the first side 402 relative to a first axis 310. The clamping member 400 also includes a third side 406 extending between the first side 402 and the second side 404, and a fourth side 408 spaced apart from the third side 406 relative to a second axis 316 and extending between the first side 402 and the second side 404. The clamping member 400 includes a top side 410 and a bottom side 412 spaced apart from the top side 410 relative to a third axis 322.

[0050] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CEach clamping member 400 includes a cavity 414 extending between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408 and between the top side 410 and the bottom side 412. The cavity 414 may include a slot 416 also extending between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408. The slot 416 may be configured to receive and / or retain a portion of the conduit 102 or another component commonly used in the automotive industry. For example, a lip 418 may extend from the slot 416 into the cavity 414 between the third side 406 and the fourth side 408. The lip 418 is intended to retain a portion of the conduit 102 within the slot 416. According to one aspect, the slot 416 may have a radius corresponding to the radius of the conduit 102. Note that the clamping member 400 may be configured to receive conduits having a certain diameter range. In other words, one of the clamping members 400 can be configured to receive a pipe with a diameter ranging between a first diameter and a second diameter, and another clamping member 400 can be configured to receive a pipe with a diameter ranging between a third diameter and a fourth diameter. In other words, one of the clamping members 400 can be configured to receive a brake line, one of the clamping members 400 can be configured to receive a fuel line, and another of the clamping members can be configured to receive a wiring harness, wherein one or more of the aforementioned components have a diameter different from the other components. The clamping member 400 can be configured to receive other components found in the automotive industry that are not listed herein.

[0051] Refer again Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The clamping member 400 may include an arm 420 extending from a top side 410 toward a bottom side 412 into a cavity 414. More specifically, the arm 420 may include a proximal end 422 coupled to and / or defining a portion of the top side 410 and a distal end 424 spaced apart from the proximal end 422. As will be discussed in more detail below, the arm 420 is overhanging relative to the cavity 414 and can be bent and returned to or approach its original position. The arm 420 includes an outer surface or engagement surface 426 and an inner surface 428 opposite to the engagement surface 426. The arm 420 may also include a hand portion 430 coupled to and disposed at the distal end of the arm 420. The hand portion 430 may extend between a third side 406 and a fourth side 408 and may be overhanging relative to the arm 420. One or more finger-like portions 432 may be connected to and extend from the hand-like portion 430. For example, the finger 430 and one or more finger-like portions 432 may engage with the cavity 414 and help retain the conduit 102 within the cavity 414.

[0052] Refer again Figure 3The clamping members 400 can be configured to be connected to each other. In this illustrative example, the clamping members 400 are configured to be connected to each other before being attached to the base 300. However, in another configuration, the clamping members 400 can be configured to be connected to each other when they are also attached to the base 300.

[0053] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5D and Figure 5E The tongue-shaped portion 434 may be coupled to or otherwise attached to the first side 402 and extends between the top side 410 and the bottom side 412. The tongue-shaped portion 434 may include a first segment 436 coupled to the first side 402 and a second segment 438 coupled to the first segment 436 and arranged perpendicular to the first segment 436.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5D Channel 440 may extend between top side 410 and bottom side 412 and may be configured to receive tongue 434. In other words, channel 440 includes a first opening 442 extending through a portion of the second side 404 and between the top side 410 and bottom side 412. Channel 440 also includes a second opening 444 extending through the top side 410 toward the bottom side 412. The first opening 442 may be arranged perpendicular to the second opening 444. In assembly, refer to... Figure 3 The tongue 434 of one of the clamping members 400 can be arranged in the channel 440 of another clamping member 400. More specifically, relative to the third axis 322, the first segment 436 can slide into the first opening 442, and the second segment 438 can slide into the second opening 444.

[0055] refer to Figure 5E One or more guide rails are arranged on the bottom side 412 and configured to correspond to and / or engage with one of the receiving portions 324. The one or more guide rails may include a first guide rail 446 and a second guide rail 448 parallel to the first guide rail 446. The first guide rail 446 and the second guide rail 448 extend between a third side 406 and a fourth side 408. The first guide rail 446 includes a first inner surface 450 and a first outer surface 452 opposite to the first inner surface 450. The first guide rail 446 may further include a first guide groove 454 extending from the first outer surface 452 toward the second side 404 relative to a first axis 310. The first guide rail 454 may be configured to correspond to a first recess 334 of the receiving portion 324. The second guide rail 448 includes a second inner surface 456 and a second outer surface 458 opposite to the second inner surface 456. The second guide rail 448 may further include a second guide groove 460 (…). Figure 5AThe second guide groove 460 extends from the second outer surface 458 toward the first side 402 relative to the first axis 310. The second guide groove 460 may be configured to correspond to the second recess 336 of the receiving portion 324. The second guide 460 may also include a latch 462, which is coupled to the second inner surface 456 and extends toward the first inner surface 450. The latch 462 may include a first latch surface 464 facing the fourth side 408 and a second latch surface 466 facing the third side 406.

[0056] During assembly, one of the clamping members 400 can be joined together as described above and then aligned with the receiving portion 324 on the third side 312. In other words, a first guide rail 446 of each clamping member 400 is arranged between the first guide 326 and the locking arm 339 of one of the receiving portions 324, and a second guide rail 448 is arranged between the second guide 328 and the locking arm 339 of the same receiving portion 324. A user or machine can advance the clamping member 400 relative to the second axis 316 such that the first latching surface 464 of the clamping member 400 engages with the traveling surface 346 of the locking member 344. The locking arm 339 will flex relative to the first axis 310 such that the latch 462 can move past the locking member 344. As the latch 462 moves past the locking arm 339, the locking arm 339 will gradually return to or approach its original position, and the second latching surface 466 will engage with the retaining surface 348. The third side 312 of the base 300 can be flush with the third side 406 of the clamping member 400. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth side 314 of the base 300 can be flush with the fourth side 408 of the clamping member 400.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 The fastening device 200 can be arranged relative to a portion of the vehicle body 12. In other words, the fastener 304 can be inserted into the opening 22 of the vehicle body 12. The engaging leg 358 will contact a portion of the opening 22 and bend inward relative to the first axis 310. This portion of the vehicle body 12 can be contained between one or more steps 360 and flanges 350. According to at least one aspect, the fastening device 200, and more specifically the fastener 304, can be configured such that it cannot be easily removed from the vehicle body 12 without damaging the fastener 304.

[0058] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0059] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fastening device, comprising: Base, the base comprising: The plate, the plate comprising: A first side and a second side, wherein the second side is spaced apart from the first side relative to the first axis. The third side and the fourth side, wherein the fourth side is spaced apart from the third side relative to the second axis. Top side and bottom side, the bottom side being spaced apart from the top side relative to the third axis, the first axis, the second axis and the third axis being perpendicular to each other, and One or more receiving portions arranged between the top side and the bottom side; and One or more clamping members are arranged in one or more receiving portions.

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more receiving portions include a first guide and a second guide spaced apart from the first guide relative to the first axis.

3. The fastening device according to claim 2, wherein, The first guide includes a first surface facing the second side, and the second guide includes a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the first side.

4. The fastening device according to claim 3, wherein, The first guide includes a first groove extending relative to the first axis between the first surface and the first side and between the third side and the fourth side relative to the second axis, and the second guide includes a second groove extending relative to the second axis between the second surface and the second side and between the third side and the fourth side, the first groove and the second groove defining an opening.

5. The fastening device according to claim 4, wherein, The plate also includes a locking arm disposed in the opening between the first guide and the second guide.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein, The locking arm includes a locking member having a traveling surface facing the third side and a retaining surface facing the fourth side.

7. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The base also includes a fastener having a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the proximal end being coupled to the bottom side of the plate, and one or more engagement legs being coupled to the distal end and extending toward the bottom side of the plate.

8. The fastening device according to claim 7, wherein, The fastener includes a flange hanging off the bottom side away from the plate and one or more steps disposed on the engagement leg, the one or more steps being opposite to the flange.

9. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more clamping elements include: A first side and a second side, wherein the second side is spaced apart from the first side of the one or more clamping members relative to the first axis. The third and fourth sides, the fourth side being spaced apart from the third side of the one or more clamping members relative to the second axis, and The top side and the bottom side, wherein the bottom side is spaced apart from the top side of the one or more clamping members relative to the third axis.

10. The fastening device according to claim 9, wherein, The third side of the one or more clamping members is arranged to be flush with the third side of the plate, and the fourth side of the one or more clamping members is arranged to be flush with the fourth side of the plate.

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