Offset seal clip

Abstract

An offset clip includes a body portion having an offset plate and a pair of resilient legs configured to engage components to retain the offset clip relative to components. An offset cylinder extends from the offset plate and defines a through-hole configured to receive a fastener. The offset cylinder is configured to establish a predetermined spacing between components when a fastener is installed, thereby reducing direct contact between components. In some embodiments, a sealing element is coupled to the distal end of the offset cylinder and configured to form a seal upon exposure to elevated temperatures. The offset clip can provide controlled spacing, retention, load transfer, and isolation between components, including mitigating galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 786,362, filed April 10, 2025, entitled “OffsetSealing Clip,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive components require fastening solutions that are simple to manufacture and assemble while offering high reliability and operational efficiency. In body and chassis applications, clips are frequently used to secure disparate materials, such as securing aluminum panels to steel structures or coated components to exposed substrates. When such materials are placed in direct contact with moisture, salt, or road contaminants, galvanic corrosion can occur, leading to premature degradation, reduced structural integrity, and increased warranty costs. Furthermore, these interfaces are often exposed to environmental ingress, making fastening solutions desirable that provide a seal to limit or prevent the intrusion of water, debris, and other contaminants.

[0003] Therefore, despite existing progress, there is still a need for fastening solutions that not only secure components but also provide electrical and / or physical isolation between adjacent parts, as well as, in some cases, sealing, to mitigate galvanic corrosion and environmental exposure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to an offset clip assembly, substantially as shown in at least one of the figures in the figures and described in conjunction with the description thereof, as set forth more fully in the claims, for use in forming a connection between two components such as vehicle components. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples as shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein.

[0006] Figure 1a A top-side isometric assembly view of a fastening system according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown, the fastening system having a fastener assembly with an offset clamp assembly.

[0007] Figure 1b An isometric assembly view of the first top side of the fastening system is shown.

[0008] Figure 1c An isometric assembly view of the second top side of the fastening system is shown.

[0009] Figure 1dIt shows the section line A–A ( Figure 1c (A cross-sectional side elevation view of the fastening system.)

[0010] Figure 2a It shows about Figures 1a to 1d Isometric view of the top side of the offset clamp.

[0011] Figure 2b The lower isometric view of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0012] Figure 2c A top plan view of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 2d A bottom plan view of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0014] Figure 2e An elevation view of the first side of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0015] Figure 2f An elevation view of the second side of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0016] Figure 2g An elevation view of the third side of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0017] Figure 2h An elevation view of the fourth side of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0018] Figure 2i It shows the section line B–B ( Figure 2a (A side view of the cross-section of the offset clip assembly.)

[0019] Figure 2j The top side isometric assembly view of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0020] Figure 2k A side elevation assembly view of the offset clip assembly is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 The lower isometric view of the offset clip assembly, in which the sealing component is omitted, is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 A side view assembly view of a fastening system according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown, the fastening system having a fastener assembly with an offset clip assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Unless otherwise expressly stated or indicated in the text, items mentioned in the singular should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa. Unless otherwise stated or indicated by the context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of parallel clauses, sentences, words, etc. Unless otherwise stated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to refer individually to any and all values ​​falling within and / or encompassing that range, and each individual value within that range is incorporated into the specification 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 “rear” are words used for convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is positioned adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order of side arrangement. It should be understood that directional references (e.g., up, down, upward, downward) are used for convenience with respect to orientations shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be interpreted as indicating deviations that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to work satisfactorily for the intended purpose. Ranges and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” 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 “e.g.” and “for example” introduce one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Terms such as “may,” “possibly,” and “in some examples” are used to reflect contemplated variations. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for implementing the disclosed examples.

[0025] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more items in a list connected 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".

[0026] This document discloses an offset clip configured to provide isolation and / or sealing at the interface between two components, such as vehicle components, while also facilitating a secure fastening between the two components. The offset clip may be particularly advantageous in environments where controlled spacing, load distribution, and environmental sealing are desired (including but not limited to automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications). Therefore, the disclosed offset clip is configured to establish a predetermined separation distance between adjacent components while simultaneously achieving retention of one component and alignment of the fastener assembly. Particularly when used between dissimilar materials, the offset clip may also include features that facilitate sealing, vibration isolation, and mitigation of galvanic corrosion.

[0027] In one example, an offset clip assembly configured to provide a gap between a first component and a second component includes: a clip body including an offset plate; a pair of legs extending from the clip body, the legs being resiliently deformable and configured to engage the first component to hold the offset clip assembly relative to the first component; an offset cylinder extending from the offset plate, the offset cylinder defining a through-hole configured to receive a fastener; and a sealing element coupled to a distal end of the offset cylinder; wherein the offset cylinder defines a height configured to establish a predetermined gap between the first component and the second component when the fastener is installed, and wherein the sealing element is configured to form a seal relative to at least one of the first component or the second component.

[0028] In some examples, the pair of legs are configured to receive within a pair of clip slots formed in the first component.

[0029] In some examples, the leg includes one or more retaining features configured to engage the edge of the first component.

[0030] In some examples, the retaining feature includes at least one of a protrusion, barb, projection, or pawl.

[0031] In some examples, the legs are generally parallel to each other.

[0032] In some examples, the leg extends substantially vertically from the offset plate.

[0033] In some examples, the clip body includes one or more spring bends configured to allow the leg to elastically deform during engagement with the first component.

[0034] In some examples, the offset cylinder extends substantially vertically from the offset plate.

[0035] In some examples, the offset cylinder includes cylindrical walls.

[0036] In some examples, the cylindrical wall is formed by drawing or extruding material from the offset plate.

[0037] In some examples, the offset cylinder is positioned between the legs.

[0038] In some examples, the through-hole is sized to slidably receive the shank of the fastener extending between the first and second components.

[0039] In some examples, the clamp body, the legs, and the offset cylinder are integrally formed from a single piece of material.

[0040] In some examples, the offset cylinder is attached to the offset plate as a separate component.

[0041] In some examples, the offset clamp further includes an annular collar at the distal end of the offset cylinder, the annular collar and the offset cylinder defining a recess configured to receive the sealing element.

[0042] In some examples, the sealing element is retained by at least one of interference fit, mechanical capture, or adhesive.

[0043] In some examples, the sealing element is configured to soften, flow, or melt when exposed to elevated temperatures.

[0044] In some examples, the sealing element is configured to form a fluid-proof seal during the paint drying oven process.

[0045] In some examples, the offset clip assembly is configured to reduce direct contact between the first and second components to mitigate galvanic corrosion.

[0046] In some examples, the offset clamp assembly is configured such that when the fastener is installed between the first and second components, the compressive load is transmitted through the offset cylinder to maintain the predetermined separation distance.

[0047] Figure 1a –1d illustrates various views of a fastening system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure, the fastening system comprising a fastener assembly 102 having an offset clip assembly 110. Specifically, Figure 1a A top-side isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 is shown; Figure 1b and 1c A corresponding top-side isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 is shown; and Figure 1d It shows along Figure 1c The side elevation view of the fastening system 100 cut by the section line A–A.

[0048] The fastening system 100 may include a fastener assembly 102 configured to engage the first component 104 to the second component 106. While particularly well-suited for automotive applications, the fastening system 100 and the offset clip assembly 110 may also be used in other industries and environments where component isolation, sealing, and / or secure retention are desired, including structural components, appliances, enclosures, and equipment housings.

[0049] Figure 2a –2k shows Figure 1a -1d detailed views of the offset clip component 110. More specifically, Figure 2a A top side isometric view of the offset clip assembly 110 is shown, and Figure 2b The lower isometric view of the offset clip assembly is shown. Figure 2c and 2d The top plan and bottom plan are shown respectively. Figure 2e –2h shows an elevation view of the corresponding side of the offset clip assembly 110. Figure 2i It shows along Figure 2a The side view of the section cut by the cutting line B–B. Figure 2j and 2k Assembly views of the offset clip assembly 110 are shown, including a top isometric assembly view and a side elevation assembly view.

[0050] The fastener assembly 102 shown includes a first fastener 108 (e.g., a male fastener, such as a bolt or screw), a second fastener 132 (e.g., a female fastener, such as a press-fit nut, weld nut, or threaded insert), and an offset clip assembly 110. The second fastener 132 is configured to threadedly receive the first fastener 108 along axis 122. In some embodiments, the second fastener 132 may be rotatably secured relative to the second component 106, such as by press-fitting, welding, or other attachment methods.

[0051] The first component 104 and the second component 106 can be made of similar or different materials. For example, in automotive applications, the first component 104 may include a steel structural member, while the second component 106 may include an aluminum panel, a coated substrate, a composite structure, or a polymer trim component. Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals are placed in contact in the presence of moisture or contaminants. The offset clip assembly 110 is configured to maintain a controlled distance between the first component 104 and the second component 106 during installation, thereby reducing or eliminating direct metal-to-metal contact and mitigating galvanic corrosion.

[0052] To facilitate the installation of the fastener assembly 102, the first component 104 may include a first opening 114 and a pair of clip slots 136, and the second component 106 may include a second opening 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 114 is a large slot sized (e.g., axially or laterally) to receive at least a portion of the first fastener 108 (e.g., shank 108b), while the second opening 120 is generally circular and sized (e.g., axially) to receive at least a portion of the first fastener 108, such as shank 108b. Although shown as a slot, the first opening 114 may also be a generally circular hole, similar to the illustrated second opening 120. The pair of clip slots 136 may be elongated or otherwise shaped to receive portions of the offset clip assembly 110.

[0053] Each of the first opening 114, the second opening 120, and the pair of clamp slots 136 may be formed during the manufacture of the respective component (e.g., stamping, punching, molding, or casting), or may be formed in a secondary operation (e.g., drilling, laser cutting, or machining). Optional chamfers, rounded edges, or lead-in features may be included to facilitate the insertion, centering, and alignment of the offset clamp assembly 110 and / or the first fastener 108.

[0054] During assembly, the second component 106 can be positioned relative to the first component 104 such that the second opening 120 is aligned with the seating area (e.g., the deepest part) of the first opening 114 and the offset cylinder 112 of the offset clip assembly 110 to allow the first fastener 108 to pass through and engage the second fastener 132.

[0055] In this example, the offset clip assembly 110 is configured as a clip body 138 having an offset cylinder 112 extending from the clip body and a sealing assembly 144 coupled to the distal end of the offset cylinder. The clip body 138 may be formed as a stamped metal clip and generally includes an offset plate 142 and a pair of legs 116. The pair of legs 116 are generally parallel to each other and resiliently coupled to the offset plate 142.

[0056] An offset cylinder 112 is formed on or otherwise attached to an offset plate 142 and is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the offset plate 142. In this example, the offset cylinder 112 is formed as a drawn cylinder produced by material deformation of the offset plate 142. A pair of legs 116 are oriented such that the pair of legs 116 are oriented in opposite directions to the offset cylinder 112.

[0057] The distance (offset) between the first component 104 and the second component 106 is achieved and maintained by the offset cylinder 112. The height of the offset cylinder 112, which can also be referred to as the spacing distance, can be selected to establish... Figure 1bThe predetermined gap height (H) is shown. In other words, when installed between components 104 and 106, the height of the offset cylinder 112 corresponds to the desired separation or isolation height.

[0058] To create an offset between the first component 104 and the second component 106, a pair of legs 116 of the offset clip assembly 110 are inserted into a pair of clip slots 136 formed in the first component 104 to securely clamp the offset clip assembly 110 in place relative to the first component 104. During insertion, the legs 116 can resiliently deflect to pass through the clip slots 136 and then return to their original configuration to engage the edges of the clip slots 136.

[0059] As described, the offset clip assembly 110 can be used in situations such as preventing galvanic corrosion between steel and aluminum panels. After the offset clip assembly 110 is secured to the first component 104, the first component 104 (with the offset clip assembly 110 attached) is placed on top of the second component 106 such that the first fastener 108 can pass through the aligned openings 114, 120 to engage the second fastener 132.

[0060] When the first fastener 108 is twisted downwards to the second fastener 132 positioned on the opposite side of the second component 106, the offset cylinder 112 forms and maintains a stable offset between the first component 104 and the second component 106. Once engaged, the offset cylinder 112 acts as a compression limiter.

[0061] In some examples, the offset clip assembly 110 is configured to form a seal with or around the second opening 120. To provide a seal, the sealing assembly 144 may be press-fitted onto the distal end of the offset cylinder 112. In the illustrated example, the sealing assembly 144 includes a sealing element 124 (e.g., a plastic component) and an annular collar 130. As shown, the annular collar 130 generally includes a first cylindrical portion 130a (a narrow cylindrical portion) and a second cylindrical portion 130b (a wider cylindrical portion). When assembled, the annular collar 130 and the offset cylinder 112 form an annular recess configured to receive the sealing element 124. The first cylindrical portion 130a is sized to form a frictional fit with the offset cylinder 112, while the second cylindrical portion 130b is coupled to the first cylindrical portion and sized to form the annular recess. The annular collar 130 (e.g., via the second cylindrical portion 130b) also serves to provide an increase in the contact area between the offset clamp assembly 110 and the second component 106. That is, the annular collar 130 provides a diameter much wider than the diameter of the second opening 120 of the second component 106.

[0062] The annular collar 130 can be configured as a separate component that is press-fitted, welded, bonded, or otherwise adhered to the offset cylinder 112. In other examples, the annular collar 130 can be integrally formed with the offset cylinder 112. The sealing element 124 can be retained within the annular collar 130 (or recess) by interference fit or mechanical capture.

[0063] When the offset clip assembly 110 is exposed to elevated temperatures, such as during passage through a paint oven, the sealing element 124 may soften, flow, or melt. This thermal response can form a watertight or fluid-proof seal around the second opening 120, thereby preventing the ingress of moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

[0064] Therefore, the combination of the offset clip assembly 110 and the sealing assembly 144 provides a stable offset between the first part 104 and the second part 106, while also providing a sealing feature that can be installed before high-temperature treatment and withstand such conditions.

[0065] The offset clip assembly 110 may include a clip body 138, which in some embodiments may be formed from a single piece of material such as a sheet of metal. The clip body 138 may include one or more planar portions, such as an offset plate 142, connected by one or more integral spring bends 140. The spring bends 140 may be L-shaped (e.g., a 90-degree turn) or otherwise profiled and may impart resilient properties to the offset clip assembly 110.

[0066] The spring bend 140 allows the offset clip assembly 110 to elastically deform during insertion into the clip slot 136 and return toward a predetermined stress-free configuration to provide retention and / or clamping force.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the offset plate 142 supports or defines the offset cylinder 112. A pair of legs 116 extend generally vertically from the offset plate 142. One or more attachment features, such as tabs 126, may be provided on the legs 116 to engage the edge of the clip slot 136 and provide retention.

[0068] These retaining features are configured to resist the offset clip assembly 110 being pushed through relative to the first member 104 and to provide tactile and / or audible feedback when the offset clip assembly 110 is fully in place. Upon insertion, the legs 116 are resiliently deflected and then engage the periphery of the clip slot 136 or opening 114.

[0069] The offset plate 142 may include or define an offset cylinder 112. The offset cylinder 112 may include a cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body may be formed by extruding or drawing material from the offset plate 142.

[0070] The second fastener 132 includes an internally threaded opening 128. The opening 128 is configured to threadedly engage the externally threaded shank 108b of the first fastener 108. The second fastener 132 is rotatably secured relative to the second component 106 such that rotation of the first fastener 108 about axis 122 causes the fastener to advance axially without causing substantial rotation of the second fastener 132 or the offset clamp assembly 110.

[0071] The offset cylinder 112 may include a short, hollow cylindrical wall defining a through-hole 134. The through-hole 134 may be aligned along axis 122 with and substantially concentric with the internally threaded opening 128 of the second fastener 132. The through-hole 134 may be sized to slidably receive the shank 108b of the first fastener 108. The inner sidewalls of the through-hole 134 are preferably featureless (e.g., smooth) to reduce interference with the first fastener 108 during assembly.

[0072] During the tightening of the first fastener 108, the compressive load can be transferred from the head 108a and flange 108c of the first fastener 108 to the second component 106, and then through the offset cylinder 112 to the first component 104. Once the offset cylinder 112 engages between the first component 104 and the second component 106, further tightening of the first fastener 108 can primarily cause the load to be transferred through the offset cylinder 112. This configuration reduces direct contact between the first component 104 and the second component 106 and prevents over-compression.

[0073] The first fastener 108 may include a head 108a, a shank 108b, and a flange 108c. The head 108a may be hexagonal or otherwise configured to facilitate tool engagement. The shank 108b may include external threads configured to mate with an internal threaded opening 128. The flange 108c may increase the contact surface area between the head 108a and the second component 106, thereby distributing the clamping load and reducing localized stress.

[0074] During installation, the offset clip assembly 110 can be attached to the first part 104 by inserting the legs 116 into the clip slots 136 in the direction indicated by arrow 118. The legs 116 can be deflected as needed to pass through the clip slots 136 and then engage the periphery to hold the offset clip assembly 110 in place.

[0075] The first component 104 can then be positioned above the second component 106, such that the offset cylinder 112 is aligned with the second opening 120. A first fastener 108 can be inserted, as indicated by arrow 146, through the second opening 120, through the through-hole 134 of the offset cylinder 112, and threadedly engaged with the second fastener 132. Rotation of the first fastener 108 about axis 122 causes the fastener to advance axially and pulls the first component 104 and the second component 106 together, while the offset cylinder 112 maintains a predetermined minimum distance between the components.

[0076] Additional sealing elements may be provided to mitigate the ingress of dust, dirt, water, or other environmental contaminants. For example, a compressible annular seal may be positioned radially around the handle 108b and axially between the first component 104 and the underside of the head 108a.

[0077] Components of the offset clip assembly 110 (e.g., the clip body 138 and the annular collar 130) can be made from sheet metal using stamping, punching, embossing, bending, and extrusion operations. In some embodiments, the offset clip assembly 110 may be formed from a single sheet of metal that is progressively stamped and bent to form the clip body 138, the offset cylinder 112, the legs 116, the tabs 126, and associated features. The offset cylinder 112 may be integrally formed from the material of the clip body 138.

[0078] The first fastener 108 and the second fastener 132 can be made of metal using cold forming, forging, or machining techniques. In alternative embodiments, certain components can be made of polymeric materials using injection molding or additive manufacturing processes, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directional energy deposition, tank photopolymerization, or similar processes.

[0079] The first component 104 and the second component 106 may include automotive panels, trim components, structural members, pillars, dashboard components, seat frames, center consoles, protective panels, sheet metal frames, or other substrates. These components may be made of metals or metal alloys, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (including glass fiber), or combinations thereof.

[0080] The offset clip assembly 110 provides robust retention within component openings, controlled compression via the offset cylinder 112, sealing, and isolation between adjacent components to mitigate galvanic corrosion. By separating the retention and compression limiting functions and integrally forming the engineered compression limiter into an offset clip compatible with standard orifices, the offset clip assembly 110 enhances installation reliability, protects component integrity, and promotes consistent performance throughout repeated installation and maintenance cycles.

[0081] Figure 3 A lower isometric view is shown of an alternative embodiment of the offset clip assembly 110, in which the sealing assembly 144 is omitted, as further described herein. In some cases, a seal may not be desired or required. In these cases, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing element 124 and / or the annular collar 130 of the sealing assembly 144 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the offset clip assembly 110 is configured to, in addition to not providing a sealing function, be aligned with... Figure 1a -1d and Figure 2a Operates in the same manner as described in –2k. The offset cylinder 112 continues to define the spacing distance, and the leg 116 continues to provide retention, thereby enabling the offset clamp assembly 110 to be used as a spacing and retention device without sealing features.

[0082] Although the offset clip assembly 110 has been described as being coupled to the first part 104, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the offset clip assembly 110 may alternatively be coupled to the second part 106 (e.g., adjacent to the second fastener 132).

[0083] Figure 4 A side view of an assembly of a fastening system 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the fastening system including a fastener assembly 102 having an offset clip assembly 110. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1a Variations of the clip assembly 110 shown in –1d and 2a–2k, wherein the clip assembly 110 is configured to engage the second part 106 instead of the first part 104. Figure 4 The components and features of the offset clip assembly 110 are basically similar to those described above. Figure 1a The components and features described in –1d and 2a–2k are as follows. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, such features will not be described in detail, and the following description focuses primarily on the distinguishing aspects of this variant.

[0084] Specifically, the main difference involves the orientation and length of the legs 116. As shown, the pair of legs 116 are kept generally parallel to each other and elastically connected to the offset plate 142; however, in this embodiment, the pair of legs 116 are oriented such that the offset cylinder 112 is positioned between the pair of legs 116.

[0085] Additionally, the length of each of the pair of legs 116 is increased relative to the previously described example to accommodate the height of the offset cylinder 112. In this respect, the legs 116 extend beyond the distal end of the offset cylinder 112, such that the tabs 126 are configured to engage opposing panels (in this case, the second component 106), while the offset cylinder 112 remains positioned between the first component 104 and the second component 106.

[0086] Although specific embodiments have been described, it should be understood that variations in geometry, materials, orientation, and construction may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The offset clip assembly 110 may be adapted to different component geometries, fastening arrangements, and environmental conditions, and may include additional or alternative features required for a particular application.

[0087] Therefore, although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, this method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims both literally and under the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. An offset clip assembly configured to provide a spacing between a first component and a second component, the offset clip assembly comprising: The clamp body includes an offset plate; A pair of legs extending from the clamp body, the legs being elastically deformable and configured to engage the first component to hold the offset clamp assembly relative to the first component; An offset cylinder extends from the offset plate, the offset cylinder defining a through hole configured to receive a fastener; as well as A sealing element connected to the distal end of the offset cylinder; The offset cylinder has a defined height configured to establish a predetermined separation distance between the first and second components when the fastener is installed. The sealing element is configured to form a seal relative to at least one of the first component or the second component.

2. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of legs are configured to be received within a pair of clip slots formed in the first component.

3. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the leg includes one or more retaining features configured to engage the edge of the first component.

4. The offset clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining feature comprises at least one of a tab, barb, protrusion, or pawl.

5. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the legs are substantially parallel to each other.

6. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the leg extends substantially vertically from the offset plate.

7. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip body includes one or more spring bends configured to allow elastic deformation of the leg during engagement with the first component.

8. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset cylinder extends substantially perpendicularly from the offset plate.

9. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset cylinder comprises a cylindrical wall.

10. The offset clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the cylindrical wall is formed by drawing or extruding material from the offset plate.

11. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset cylinder is positioned between the legs.

12. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the through hole is sized to slidably receive a shank of the fastener extending between the first and second components.

13. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp body, the leg, and the offset cylinder are integrally formed from a single piece of material.

14. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset cylinder is attached to the offset plate as a separate component.

15. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, further comprising an annular collar at the distal end of the offset cylinder, the annular collar and the offset cylinder defining a recess configured to receive the sealing element.

16. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is retained by at least one of interference fit, mechanical capture, or adhesive.

17. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is configured to soften, flow, or melt when exposed to elevated temperatures.

18. The offset clip assembly of claim 17, wherein the sealing element is configured to form a fluid-resistant seal during the paint oven process.

19. The offset clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset clip assembly is configured to reduce direct contact between the first component and the second component to mitigate galvanic corrosion.

20. The offset clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the offset clamp assembly is configured such that when the fastener is installed between the first component and the second component, the compressive load is transmitted through the offset cylinder to maintain the predetermined spacing distance.

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