Fastener clamp

Abstract

The present application relates to a fastener clamp adapted to attach an element to a vehicle chassis. The fastener clamp (102) includes a top portion (104) and one or more arms (110) in mechanical communication with the top portion. The one or more arms include at least one pressure surface (112) arranged to releasably clamp a part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This clamp belongs to the field of fasteners preferred for use in the automotive industry, such as for securing rigid plastic automotive ventilation ducts that must be anchored to the chassis of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, there is a great demand for various components and parts involved in fastening. Pipes, for example, are made of rigid plastic and incorporate holes for attaching fasteners, such as screws, to the chassis.

[0003] In known technologies, for example, plastic screws are often used in combination with square-headed screws inserted into the interior of the panel for this purpose. The tightening action causes the legs of the square-headed screw to expand, thereby opening the legs and preventing the part from protruding from the hole in the chassis. The screw is secured by shrinking the screw and its head or washer, which in turn secures the applied part tightly against the chassis and the square-headed screw. Various improved forms of this part exist, primarily made entirely of plastic.

[0004] This design has several drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that, because it is made of plastic, play can develop after a period of use and as the parts are subjected to stress, which can cause the fasteners to loosen. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to this disclosure, a fastener clamp is provided, adapted to attach components to a vehicle chassis. The fastener clamp includes: a top portion; and one or more arms mechanically connected to the top portion; wherein the one or more arms include at least one pressure surface arranged to releasably clamp the part. The fastener clamp is sized and resilient such that it can preferably be hand-assembled by pressing fingers on the top portion without the need for additional tools.

[0006] The top portion may have an orifice suitable for receiving a tool. This allows for the intentional removal of the fastener clamp, and also allows the top portion to be mounted flush with the substrate, while the orifice provides a position for the tool to grip the fastener clamp so as to push the fastener clamp away from the substrate.

[0007] At least one pressure surface may be arranged to release the clamping of the part when the tool applies a pull-out force to the fastener clamp, and optionally, the tool applies a pull-out force at the orifice (other features may be provided for the tool to act on to intentionally remove the fastener clamp).

[0008] One or more arms can be connected to the top portion via one or more legs. Optionally, one or more legs can be connected to the peripheral edge of the top portion, and / or one or more legs are arranged to coincide with the central axis and / or the orifice. The legs can provide some structure for the fastener clamp to allow the arms to be inserted into the substrate.

[0009] One or more arms may include at least one stop to prevent over-insertion and / or provide a guarantee of successful insertion.

[0010] At least one stop may be arranged near the top portion, and / or at least one stop may be located between the top portion and the pressure surface.

[0011] One or more arms may have a shape that essentially resembles the number "5", where the crossbar (using the terminology used to describe the anatomical structure of the font) can form a stop.

[0012] The pressure surface may include a ramp surface to aid insertion. Optionally, the ramp surface is arranged such that a first end of the ramp near the top is closer to the central axis than a second end of the ramp away from the top.

[0013] The opening may be provided with an edge, optionally a reinforced edge. The edge allows the fastener clamp to present a smooth surface when pressed with fingers, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to sharp edges.

[0014] Fastener clamps can be formed from a single piece of material, preferably in a single manufacturing step. Fastener clamps can be formed of metal. One or more arms and optionally or alternatively one or more legs may include embossed areas to increase the strength of the associated part. Embossed areas can be located at any suitable location on the fastener clamp to improve rigidity.

[0015] The fastener clamp may include at least one tensioning finger to prevent unwanted vibrations once assembled and / or to allow for variations or inconsistencies in the size of the substrate. At least one tensioning finger may be arranged between the top portion and the pressure surface to clamp the part between the at least one tensioning finger and the pressure surface during use. At least one tensioning finger may be arranged to twist or tilt relative to one or more arms about a central axis. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 Corresponding to from Figure 1The front view of the fixture in the middle, viewed from the orthogonal position.

[0019] Figure 3 Corresponding to from Figure 1 A front view of the fixture from its side position.

[0020] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The cross-section is cut with a vertical plane that extends from the center of the part at its top and through the lower base.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastener clamp according to the present invention, the fastener clamp having a circular central hole.

[0022] Figure 6 A bottom view of a fastener clamp is shown, which may correspond to any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0023] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates A) a side view of the fastener clamp and B) another side view of the fastener clamp.

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates A) a top view of the fastener clamp and B) a bottom view of the fastener clamp.

[0026] Figure 10 illustrates the cross-section and unfolded view of A) a tool for pulling out a fastener clamp and B) a tool attached to a fastener clamp.

[0027] Figure 11 A perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 12 illustrates A) a side view of the fastener clamp and B) another side view of the fastener clamp.

[0029] Figure 13 illustrates A) a top view of the fastener clamp and B) a bottom view of the fastener clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The use of certain terms in the following description is for convenience only and not restrictive. The terms “right,” “left,” “down,” “up,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” and “downward” in the accompanying drawings indicate the direction of reference and are relative to the component described during assembly and installation. The terms “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from the specified centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, respectively, and their specific meanings are self-evident from the context of the description.

[0031] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “attachment,” “joint,” and “installation” are intended to include both a direct connection between two components, where no other component is inserted between them, and an indirect connection between components, where one or more other components are inserted between them. This terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0032] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as “first,” “second,” and “third” merely indicates different instances of similar objects mentioned, and is not intended to imply that the objects described must be in a given order in time, space, sequence, or any other way.

[0033] The same reference numerals are always used to depict the same features.

[0034] The technical field covered by this invention includes securing ventilation ducts to a vehicle chassis. One of the main objectives of this invention is to overcome the disadvantages of plastic fasteners as discussed above and to provide metal fasteners for this type of application.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is to obtain a clamp that can be adapted to a fixed frame or a surface to be joined of different thicknesses.

[0036] Another object of the present invention is that the clamp can be removable, for example, by using a pull-out tool.

[0037] Finally, another object of the invention is that the clamp is ergonomic and allows for manual installation using the pressure of human fingers if needed.

[0038] This invention includes a fastener clamp of the type used in the automotive industry for securing components to the chassis of a vehicle, particularly for securing air ducts to the chassis. The fastener clamp is metallic and has a top portion that may be, but is not limited to, a cup shape having an optional center hole, and a pair of opposing legs extending from said top portion until they engage at a lower base remote from said top portion.

[0039] The lower base is the starting point of the upwardly extending legs in the direction of the top portion, which create a lower pressure surface; the extension of the lower legs creates the upper wings through appropriate folding.

[0040] Overall, the clamp of the present invention may have: a top portion having a cup-shaped upper surface with chamfered edges and a central hole; and a set of downward extensions forming an inverted prism three-dimensional shape. That is, it has a "V" shaped cross section, which facilitates insertion into a hole in the chassis.

[0041] This clamp achieves surprising results because the fastener clamp secures accessories (such as pipes) to the chassis, trapping them like a sandwich between the inner and outer wings. The flexibility gained through the clamp's construction design allows it to automatically adapt to different thicknesses of accessory-panel or accessory-chassis assemblies.

[0042] Additionally, the fastener clamp has been designed to allow its use in a "push-in fit" operation, where installation is accomplished by, for example, applying pressure to the upper base or top portion with the thumb to sink the clamp into a hole in the chassis. In this case, the component is held by the fastener clamp, which flexibly compresses the internal and external parts of the chassis and accessories.

[0043] The fastener clamp can be unlocked, allowing the fastener clamp to be removed using a tool (such as a hook inserted into a hole in the top portion, which may exist without a cup portion), and the lower leg portion to be compressed toward the axial axis of the clamp, thereby allowing it to extend beyond the hole in the panel or chassis.

[0044] In this way, all the objectives contemplated by the present invention have been achieved, providing an ergonomic metal fastener clamp that can adapt to various thicknesses of the surfaces to be joined, is removable, and is obtained from only one metal sheet through die-cutting and deformation, thereby producing an economical, high-performance fastener clamp.

[0045] This invention includes a fastener clamp of the type used in the automotive industry for securing components to a vehicle chassis, particularly for securing air ducts to a chassis. The fastener clamp (102) comprises a deformed and die-cut sheet metal having a top portion (104) from which legs (106) extend downward, forming a base (108) away from and below the top portion (104) when engaged. The base (108) is the starting surface for forming arms (110) of pressure surfaces (112) and fins (114). The fastener clamp 102 secures a component or accessory to a vehicle chassis, sandwiching both between the pressure surfaces (112) and the fins (114).

[0046] The fastener described in the preceding paragraph is elastic and adaptable to panels or surfaces of varying thicknesses to be joined. For example, the arm (110) is movable toward the vertical axial axis of the clamp (102) in a direction parallel to the surface of the top portion (104); the pressure surface (112) has a certain degree of vertical flexibility, while the fins (114) are configured to have a wide range of flexibility in the vertical direction of the fastener clamp 102 (i.e. toward the top portion 104 away from the base 108), thereby facilitating adaptation to parts of varying thicknesses to be joined.

[0047] For example, and depending on the specific properties of the fixture material (hardened steel, aluminum, etc.), the adaptability of the thickness of the surface to be attached can be in the range of 3mm to 6mm, and more specifically from 3.3cm to 5.5cm.

[0048] The fastener clamp (102) is formed of a top portion (104), which may have an opening (116) and a chamfered edge (118). A pair of opposing legs (106) extend downward from the top portion (104) and engage at a base (108) located below and away from the top portion (104). The top portion may be cup-shaped.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In this design, the orifice (116) is a slotted orifice, that is, a generally rectangular shape with a curved short side. This shape is designed to facilitate the insertion and removal of the tool. Of course, in other possible embodiments, the orifice (116) may have other shapes and sizes. For example, Figure 5 A top view is shown, in which the top portion (104) may have a circular opening (116).

[0050] The legs (106) form a seamless surface that extends from the top portion (104) and joins at the base (108). For this purpose, any type of joint (202) is provided that closes and joins the different sections of the legs (106), thereby providing greater structural strength to the assembly.

[0051] The leg (106) rises from the base (108) toward the top portion (104), thereby forming both a pressure surface (112) and a fin (114) that abut against the outside of the surface or panel to be joined. The lower pressure surface (112) is formed with a slight inclination toward the center of the clamp (102).

[0052] As can be clearly seen in the diagram, these surfaces have a slight inclination, which can be described as the segment closest to the central axis (402) of the clamp (102), which is closest to the top portion (104), while the opposite segment is furthest from the top portion. This inclination is configured to facilitate the clamp's removal and passage over the edge of the application hole when the arm (110) retracts toward the central axis (402) of the clamp (102).

[0053] In itself, the fin (114) is formed by arms (110) having a section close to the central axis 402 of the clamp (102), and at least one flat section (302) extending from this section. In the embodiment shown graphically in each arm (110), two flat sections (302) extend parallel to each other, generally parallel to the top portion (104), which form the fin (114) by bending themselves in the direction of the central axis (402) of the clamp (102), presenting an inclination of approximately 45° relative to the axis (402).

[0054] Overall, the clamp (102) of the present invention forms an inverted prism three-dimensional shape, that is, the cross section is “V” shaped, which facilitates insertion into the application hole starting from the narrow end at its base (108), and its body gradually widens until it reaches the top portion (104) of the clamp (102).

[0055] The clamp of the present invention is quite ergonomic in its use. In fact, it is preferably designed for manual installation without the use of any tools. For example, it is sufficient to apply pressure of about 45 N to the top portion (104) in the direction of the opening (116) of the clamp with your fingers. This action allows the pressure surface (112) to extend beyond the edge of the opening (116), opening away from the central axis (402) of the clamp (102), and locking like a sandwich between the panel or surface engaged between the pressure surface (112) and the fin (114).

[0056] The fin (114) has a bent tip (304). The fin is generally arranged such that the portion of the fin near the central axis (402) of the fastener clamp (102) is closer to the base (108) than the portion of the fin away from the central axis (402). The bent tip (304) (when present) reverses this and ensures that the tip of the fin is arranged such that the portion of the bent tip (304) near the central axis (402) of the fastener clamp (102) is closer to the top portion (104) than the portion of the bent tip away from the central axis (402). The fin is connected to the arm via a link (306).

[0057] Removing the clamp is also simple. A suitable tool, such as a hook, is simply inserted through the orifice (116) in the top portion (104) to retract the arm (110) toward the central axis (402) of the clamp (102). This action allows the clamp (102) to be removed from the application hole by extending the pressure surface (112) beyond the edge of the mounting hole. In this way, all the objectives contemplated by the invention have been achieved, resulting in an ergonomic, metallic, resilient fastening clamp that allows for flexible adaptation to surfaces of varying thicknesses to be joined, thus allowing for manual installation, and that the clamp is removable. The described clamp allows for a secure and robust attachment that, due to its structural nature, does not deteriorate over a considerable period of time, successfully resisting eventual wear caused by forces applied to the part.

[0058] This document discloses a type of fastener clamp used in the automotive industry for securing components to a vehicle chassis, particularly for securing air ducts to the chassis. The clamp (102) is made of a deformed and die-cut sheet metal forming an upper top portion (104), from which legs (106) extend downwards, forming a base (108) that is remote from and below the top portion when engaged. The base is the starting surface for forming arms (110) of a lower pressure surface (112) and an upper fin (114). The assembly secures a component or accessory to the vehicle chassis, sandwiching both between the lower pressure surface and the upper fin like a sandwich.

[0059] It should be understood that, under the present circumstances, any details of the surface treatment and shape of the fixture of the present invention that do not substantially change may be variable, primarily as described in the claims appended to this specification.

[0060] refer to Figures 7 to 1 0, indicating the relationship with Figures 1 to 6 The fastener clamp shown is a similar alternative to the one shown. Similar features are provided with similar reference numerals to avoid repetition.

[0061] The fastener clamp differs in that it lacks a base. The fins also prevent the clamp from passing through the item it is attached to and provide independent tensioning fingers (702) to apply tension to the system to eliminate slack and absorb vibration.

[0062] As described above, the fastener clamp is adapted to attach components to a vehicle chassis. The fastener clamp (102) includes a top portion (104) which may have an opening (116) adapted to receive a tool (1002). The top portion may be cup-shaped or non-cup-shaped. The tool is intended to assist in removing the fastener clamp, not for assembly. The tool allows a pull-out force to be applied to the fastener clamp to preferably pull the fastener clamp from the attached article by hand.

[0063] One or more arms (110) are configured to be in mechanical communication with the top portion. Each or more arms includes at least one pressure surface (112) arranged to releasably clamp (i.e., hold and thereby attach the fastener clamp to) a part. The at least one pressure surface is arranged to release the clamping of the part when a tool applies a pull-out force to the orifice (116). This arrangement is provided by ensuring that the pressure surface is inclined (or ramped) relative to the part it is fitted to during use, which allows force to be transmitted toward the central axis (402) when a pull-out force is applied to the fastener clamp by the tool.

[0064] One or more arms can be connected to the top portion via one or more legs (106). One or more legs can be connected to the peripheral edge of the top portion, but obviously any connection point can be used. Using the peripheral edge allows the fastener clamp to be formed from a single piece of material, such as by stamping, and also ensures that the legs do not obstruct tool access to the orifice (116) (there is sufficient clearance between the orifice and the legs to allow the tool to clamp the orifice without colliding with the legs, although the legs may optionally be arranged to coincide with the orifice). Thus, by folding the legs rearward toward the central axis under the top portion, one or more legs can be arranged to coincide with the central axis (402) and / or the orifice.

[0065] One or more arms may include at least one stop (704) to prevent the end of the arm from passing through into an article that would obstruct removal. Optionally, at least one fin is arranged near the top portion and / or at least one fin is located between the top portion and the pressure surface.

[0066] One or more arms may have a shape that essentially resembles the number "5", with fins forming a cap-like portion of the "5" and pressure surfaces forming a bowl-like portion (using the terminology describing the anatomical structure of the font).

[0067] The pressure surface may include a ramp surface. The ramp surface is arranged such that a first end of the ramp near the top is closer to the central axis (402) than a second end of the ramp away from the top. In this way, when a pull-out force is applied to the fastener clamp, the ramp surface can push the arm toward the central axis and allow the pressure surface to pull out the article in which the fastener clamp is located, thereby allowing removal.

[0068] The orifice may be provided with an edge (1004), optionally a reinforced edge. The edge allows the tool to grip the orifice firmly, thereby minimizing the risk of tearing or ripping the orifice. Reinforcement may be provided by any suitable means, such as by embossing, providing an eyelet, providing an area of ​​thickened material, or folding / providing a surface or topology to provide resistance to pull-out forces.

[0069] Fastener clamps can be formed from a single piece of material. Suitable materials include metals such as steel, but it is obvious that any suitable material can be used.

[0070] One or more arms and optionally one or more legs may include embossed areas (802) that, similar to edges, provide structural reinforcement to prevent accidental deformation of the arms or legs. Other reinforcements may be suitable, such as providing thickened areas or materials, folded materials, or other supports.

[0071] The fastener clamp may include at least one tensioning finger (702). The at least one tensioning finger is arranged between the top portion and the pressure surface to clamp the part between the at least one tensioning finger and the pressure surface during use to remove any slack in the system, and is adaptable to various material thicknesses (e.g., 3 mm to 5 mm) with a single fastener clamp. Optionally, the at least one tensioning finger is arranged to twist or tilt relative to one or more arms about a central axis. This is to aid in pull-out, as applying rotation to the tool during pull-out may cause the originally arranged finger to collide or interfere with the arms, thus preventing successful pull-out.

[0072] Figures 11 to 1 Alternative fastener clamps are shown in Figure 3. Identical features are labeled with similar reference numerals and will not be discussed further for brevity. The top portion 104 has a planar configuration and, like other fastener clamps disclosed herein, is sized to ergonomically accommodate pressure from fingers. No orifices are provided on the top portion; however, the fastener clamp can still be removed using suitable tools. Alternatively, orifices for tools may be provided.

[0073] Embossing areas 802 are provided on the chamfered edges 118 and / or arms 110 to increase strength and resilience. Embossing areas 802 can be located in any suitable position.

[0074] Further aspects of this disclosure are presented in the following terms: 1. A fastener clamp for use in the automotive industry for securing components to a vehicle chassis, particularly for securing air ducts to a chassis, characterized in that the clamp comprises a deformed and die-cut metal sheet having an upper top portion and legs extending downward from the upper top portion, the legs forming a base away from and below the top portion when engaged, the base being a starting surface for forming arms of a lower pressure surface and an upper fin, the assembly securing a component or accessory to the vehicle chassis, trapping both like a sandwich between the lower pressure surface and the upper fin.

[0075] 2. The fastener clamp according to the preceding clause, characterized in that the arm is movable toward the vertical axial axis of the clamp in a direction parallel to the surface of the top portion.

[0076] 3. The fastener clamp according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the lower pressure surface has a slight inclination, wherein the section closest to the axial axis of the clamp is closest to the top portion, and the opposite section is furthest from the top portion, the inclination being configured to facilitate the clamp being pulled out and over the edge of the application hole when the arm (110) retracts toward the axial axis of the clamp.

[0077] 4. The fastener clamp according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the upper fin is formed by the arm (110), the arm having a section near the central axis (402) of the clamp, and extending from the section at least one flat section generally parallel to the top portion, the at least one flat section being formed by folding down in the direction of the axial axis of the clamp to form the upper fin.

[0078] 5. The fastener clamp according to the preceding clause, characterized in that the upper fin has elastic mobility in the vertical direction of the clamp, the elasticity being configured to adapt to the thickness of the surfaces to be joined, which is approximately 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0079] 6. The fastener clamp according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the lower legs form units with each other, and the continuity from the top portion to the lower surface is uninterrupted, thereby providing greater structural strength.

[0080] 7. The fastener clamp according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the top portion has a chamfered edge and an opening (116) configured for use by a tool for removing the clamp, and optionally, the top portion has a cup shape and / or a cup-shaped element.

[0081] 8. The fastener clamp according to the preceding clause, characterized in that the orifice (116) is a slotted orifice, that is, a rectangular shape with rounded ends.

[0082] 9. The fastener clamp according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the clamp is integrally formed as an inverted prism three-dimensional shape, that is, having a “V” shaped cross section to facilitate insertion into the application hole starting from its narrow end, and its body gradually widens until reaching the top portion of the clamp.

[0083] 10. A method for installing a fastener clamp as described in Clause 1, characterized in that the method comprises applying force at approximately 45 degrees in the direction of the opening (116) of the clamp, for example by hand pointing at the surface of the top portion, the action of which allows the lower pressure surface to extend beyond the edge of the opening, open away from the central axis (402), and, like a sandwich, lock the panel or surface to be joined between the lower surface and the upper fin.

[0084] 11. A method for removing the fastener clamp described in Clause 1, characterized in that the method comprises inserting a suitable tool, such as a hook, through an opening (116) provided in the base, which retracts the clamp of the arm (110) toward the central axis (402). This action allows the clamp to be removed from the application hole when the lower pressure surface extends beyond the edge of the mounting hole.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed examples described above are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting, and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications can be made to the detailed examples described above.

[0086] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprising” and “containing” and their variations mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, wholes, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. Specifically, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to consider both the plural and the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0087] The features, integrals, characteristics, compounds, chemical portions, or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel single feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, or drawings), or any novel single feature or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A fastener clamp adapted to attach components to a vehicle chassis, the fastener clamp (102) comprising: Top section (104); and One or more arms (110) are mechanically connected to the top portion; The one or more arms include at least one pressure surface (112) arranged to releasably clamp the part.

2. The fastener clamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion has an opening (116) adapted to receive a tool (1002).

3. The fastener clamp as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one pressure surface is arranged to release the clamping of the part when the tool applies a pull-out force to the fastener clamp (102), and optionally, when dependent on claim 2, the tool applies a pull-out force on the orifice (116).

4. The fastener clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more arms are connected to the top portion via one or more legs (106), and optionally, wherein The one or more legs are connected to the peripheral edge of the top portion, and / or The one or more legs are arranged to coincide with the central axis (402) and / or the orifice.

5. The fastener clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more arms include at least one stop (704).

6. The fastener clamp of claim 5, wherein the at least one stop is arranged close to the top portion, and / or the at least one stop is located between the top portion and the pressure surface.

7. The fastener clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more arms have a shape that substantially resembles the number "5".

8. The fastener clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressure surface includes a ramp surface, optionally wherein the ramp surface is arranged such that a first end of the ramp near the top portion is closer to the central axis (402) than a second end of the ramp away from the top portion.

9. The fastener clamp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastener clamp is formed from a single piece of material, and optionally or alternatively, wherein the fastener clamp is formed of metal, and optionally or alternatively, wherein the one or more arms and optionally or alternatively, the one or more legs include embossed areas (802).

10. The fastener clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastener clamp includes at least one tensioning finger (702), optionally wherein the at least one tensioning finger is arranged between the top portion and the pressure surface to clamp the part between the at least one tensioning finger and the pressure surface in use, and optionally or alternatively wherein the at least one tensioning finger is arranged to be twisted or tilted about a central axis relative to the one or more arms.

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