AIRBAG HOLDER WITH ASSEMBLY PREVENTION AND INSPECTION

Abstract

Described is a fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component. The assembly includes a fastener and a stamped metal retainer. The fastener includes a head and a shank, while the stamped metal retainer has a body portion and a pair of retainer legs resiliently connected to the body portion and transitioning between first and second positions. The body portion incorporates an internally threaded socket defining a retainer opening capable of receiving and securing at least a portion of the shank. Each retainer leg includes a planar portion having a first tab and a second tab disposed on opposite sides of the planar portion.In the first position, the first tab prevents the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket; in the second position, it allows the fastener to be driven into the socket.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 610,467, filed December 15, 2023, entitled "Airbag Holder with Installation Prevention and Verification," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Automotive components require fastening techniques that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the fastening techniques should, above all, be reliable and efficient. In some cases, objects must be secured to the vehicle to minimize movement and / or displacement during operation, which could lead to damage or kinking of the objects. For example, airbags, pipes, hoses, wires, and other objects are often secured to vehicle components using fasteners. If a fastener is incorrectly installed to the extent that the fastener is not fully inserted into the opening, the fastener may work loose and / or the object being fastened may become damaged or loose. Likewise, an object that is incorrectly attached to a fastener may work loose from the fastener, become damaged, or become loose.

[0003] During manufacturing and assembly operations, particularly in the assembly of automotive and structural components, it is essential to ensure that each fastener is correctly positioned and securely fastened. Improper installation can lead to misalignment, structural weaknesses, and potential failures. Visual inspections or automated systems are often used to address these issues, but these methods may not guarantee complete precision. Therefore, there is a need for a fastening system that includes a built-in verification mechanism to confirm safe and proper installation. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a fastening system for forming a connection between components, as substantially illustrated and described by at least one of the figures, as more particularly set forth in the claims. DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective assembly view of the fastening system with a fastener assembly according to aspects of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 1b illustrates a perspective view of the fastening system in an assembled position. Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d illustrate a first and a second perspective assembly view of the fastener assembly. Fig. 1e to 1h illustrate first, second, third and fourth side assembly views of the fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 2a illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly taken along section line AA ( Fig. 1b). Fig. Figure 2b illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly taken along section line AA ( Fig. 1b). Fig. Figure 2c illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly taken along section line BB ( Fig. 1e). Fig. Figures 3a to 3d each illustrate a side view of the fastener assembly in different assembly stages. DESCRIPTION

[0006] References to singular elements should be understood to include plural elements and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise or evident from the text. Linguistic conjunctions are intended to express all disjunctive and conjunctive links of related clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or evident from the context. Any mention of value ranges herein is not intended to be limiting. Instead, it refers individually to all values ​​falling within and / or including the range, unless otherwise stated herein, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if individually recited herein.In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "back," and the like are used for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, while in some examples a first page is adjacent or proximate to a second page, the terms "first page" and "second page" do not imply any particular order in which the pages are arranged.

[0007] When used in conjunction with a numerical value, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," or the like are intended to indicate a deviation that would be considered satisfactory for the intended purpose by one of ordinary skill in the art. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein as examples only and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. The use of any examples or exemplary terms ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) provided herein are merely intended to better illustrate the disclosed examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. The terms "e.g.," "for example," and "for example" are intended to represent enumerations of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.No language in the patent specification should be construed to identify any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0008] The term "and / or" means one or more of the elements in the list joined by "and / or." As an example, "x and / or y" means 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" means 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."

[0009] Disclosed is a fastener assembly comprising a retainer and a stud, pre-assembled as a part-in-assembly (PIA) for optimized delivery to the customer. Unlike conventional fastener assemblies, this design significantly reduces packaging space requirements. Furthermore, the disclosed fastener assembly provides easier installation, enables assembly verification through torque / angle monitoring, and eliminates the need for a weld nut in the component (e.g., vehicle body), thereby increasing efficiency and reliability. Although the disclosed fastener can be used in a variety of applications, one such application includes the installation of an airbag in a vehicle.

[0010] In one example, a fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component comprises: a fastener having a head and a shank;and a stamped metal retainer having a body portion and a pair of retainer legs resiliently coupled to the body portion and configured to transition between a first position and a second position during installation in the second component, the body portion having an internally threaded socket defining a retainer opening configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shank, each of the pair of retainer legs having a planar portion with a first tab and a second tab disposed on opposite sides of the planar portion, the first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position;

[0011] In some examples, each of the first tab and the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry.

[0012] In another example, a fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component comprises: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a retainer having a body portion and a pair of retainer legs resiliently connected to the body portion and configured to transition between a first position and a second position, wherein the body portion includes an internally threaded socket defining a retainer opening configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shank, and wherein each of the pair of retainer legs includes a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position.

[0013] In some examples, each of the pair of retainer legs includes an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a curved portion.

[0014] In some examples, the first tab is coupled to the first planar section.

[0015] In some examples, the first tab is coupled to the outer planar section at a transverse angle.

[0016] In some examples, each of the pair of retainer legs includes a second tab coupled to the outer planar portion opposite the first tab.

[0017] In some examples, the second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle.

[0018] In some examples, the first tab has a generally L-shaped geometry.

[0019] In some examples, the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry.

[0020] In some examples, the first tab of one of the pair of retainer legs is configured to engage the second tab of the other retainer leg.

[0021] In some examples, the first and second tabs are disposed at different vertical positions along the outer planar portion.

[0022] In some examples, a distance between the first tab and the body portion is less than a distance between the second tab and the body portion.

[0023] In some examples, the holder is a stamped metal holder.

[0024] In some examples, the fastener is a metal bolt.

[0025] In yet another example, a stamped metal retainer configured to couple to a fastener having a head and a shank, comprising: a body portion having an internally threaded socket defining a retainer opening configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shank; and a pair of retainer legs resiliently connected to the body portion and configured to transition between a first position and a second position, each of the pair of retainer legs including a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the socket when in the second position.

[0026] In some examples, each of the pair of retainer legs includes an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a curved portion.

[0027] In some examples, the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle and a second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle, wherein the first and second tabs are disposed on opposite sides of the outer planar portion.

[0028] In some examples, both the first tab and the second tab have a generally L-shaped geometry.

[0029] In some examples, the first tab of one retaining leg is optionally further configured to engage with the second tab of the other retaining leg.

[0030] Fig. 1a illustrates a perspective assembly view of the fastening system 100 with a fastener assembly 102 according to aspects of this disclosure, while Fig. 1b illustrates a perspective assembly view of the exemplary fastening system 100 in an assembled position. The illustrated fastening system 100 generally includes a fastener assembly 102 for incorporation into a first component 104 and a second component 112. As illustrated, the fastener assembly 102 is comprised of multiple components, including a fastener 108 and a retainer 116, configured to mate together in one or more positions, including a first position (e.g., a delivery position, such as a partially assembled position) and a second position (e.g., an installed position). Fig. 1c and Fig. 1d illustrate first and second perspective assembly views of the fastener assembly 102, while the Fig. 1e to 1h illustrate first, second, third and fourth side assembly views of the fastener assembly 102.

[0031] The Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b illustrate isometric and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of the fastener assembly 102, taken along section line AA ( Fig. 1b), while Fig. 2c is a top cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly 102 taken along section line BB ( Fig. 1e). As can be seen, the fastener 108 and the retainer 116 of the fastener assembly 102 are configured to engage and securely hold each other, enabling a reliable connection between the first component 104, the second component 112, and another component (e.g., an airbag) via the fastener 108. This engagement ensures that the first component 104 and the second component 112 remain properly aligned and connected throughout assembly and installation.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the first component 104 defines an A-side surface 104a (e.g., a first surface, such as an exterior surface) and a B-side surface 104b (e.g., a second surface, such as an interior surface). The second component 112 similarly defines an A-side surface 112a (e.g., a first surface, such as an exterior surface) and a B-side surface 112b (e.g., a second surface, such as an interior surface). The first component 104 and / or the second component 112 may be, for example, an automotive panel or a structural component of a vehicle, such as doors, pillars (e.g., an A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, etc.), airbag components, instrument panel components (e.g., a cross member, bracket, frame, etc.), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, or the like.Depending on the application, the first component 104 and / or the second component 112 may be made of metal (or a metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or a combination thereof.

[0033] Each of the first component 104 and the second component 112 includes, defines, or otherwise provides one or more openings (e.g., holes, windows, or cutouts) that are formed as needed during manufacture of the first component 104 and the second component 112. As best shown in Fig. 1a, the first component 104 defines a first opening 106 and the second component 112 defines a second opening 140, each configured to receive and retain the fastener assembly 102 when aligned with respect to the first component 104 and the second component 112. In the illustrated example, the first component 104 provides the first opening 106 as a rectangular window sized to receive a portion of the fastener assembly 102, while the second component 112 provides the second opening 140 as a rectangular window sized to receive a portion of the fastener assembly 102.

[0034] As illustrated, fastener 128 includes a head 128a and a shank 130. Shank 130 extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom of head 128a. In the illustrated example, head 128a is hexagonal, and shank 130 is threaded. While fastener 128 is illustrated as a threaded bolt with a hexagonal head 128a, other types of fasteners are contemplated. For example, fastener 128 is illustrated as a flanged bolt with a flange 128b between head 128a and threaded shank 130.

[0035] The retainer 116 includes a body portion 142 and a fastener portion 136 having retainer legs 132. The body portion 142 defines a retainer opening 138 through which the shank 130 of the fastener 128 passes during assembly. In the illustrated example, the retainer 116 includes an internally threaded sleeve 110 defining the retainer opening 138. The illustrated internally threaded sleeve 110 is directed downwardly to extend between the retainer legs 132 of the portion of the fastener portion 136. The fastener 128 engages the internally threaded sleeve 110 by pivotal movement about a central longitudinal axis 114. The body portion 142 may include one or more spring tongues 134 configured to contact the first component 104 in the installed state and thereby reduce unwanted movement and / or buzz, squeek, and rattle (BSR).

[0036] The illustrated fastener portion 136 includes two retainer legs 132 resiliently attached to and below the body portion 142. The retainer legs 132 are configured to flex with respect to the central longitudinal axis 114 when the fastener portion 136 is inserted through aligned openings 106, 140 into the first and second components 104, 112. In the illustrated example, each retainer leg 132 includes an outer portion 132a and an inner portion 132b connected by a bent portion 132c (e.g., a U-shaped bent portion). Each of the outer portion 132a and the inner portion 132b is illustrated as being generally planar (e.g., flat), parallel, and spaced apart to form a gap therebetween.

[0037] Each holder leg 132 includes one or more tabs attached to its outer portion 132a. In the illustrated example, each holder leg 132 has a pair of tabs: a first tab 120 and a second tab 110. These tabs are disposed on opposite sides of the outer portion 132a. As best shown in Fig. 2c, each of the first tab 120 and the second tab 110 has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising two planar portions connected at a transverse angle, illustrated as a 90° angle. The first tab 120 and the second tab 110 are in turn attached to the outer portion 132a at a transverse angle (e.g., 90 degrees). Additionally, the first tab 120 and the second tab 110 are positioned at different vertical positions along the outer portion 132a, thereby allowing the first tab 120 on one holder leg 132 to complement or interlock with the second tab 122 on the opposite holder leg 132, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. That is, the distance between the first tab 120 and the body portion 142 is smaller than a distance between the second tab 110 and the body portion 142.

[0038] The components of fastener assembly 102 may be formed as a one-piece structure. Retainer 116 may be manufactured as a single component using a metal stamping process. For example, retainer 116 may be stamped from a sheet metal using a stamping tool process to define the geometry of the various features and then bent to assume the shape of retainer 116 in one or more bending steps. Internally threaded sleeve 110 may be extruded and / or cold formed.

[0039] The fastener 108 may be fabricated from metal by forming a metal blank through processes such as hot forming or precision machining to achieve the desired size and shape for the shank 130 and head 128a. The shank 130 is then threaded using dies or threading tools, and in some cases, the fastener 108 is subjected to a heat treatment to improve its mechanical properties, followed by surface treatments (e.g., galvanizing or plating to improve corrosion resistance and durability).

[0040] In another example, the fastener 108 may be manufactured from plastic using a mold and a plastic injection molding process. In yet another example, the fastener 108 may be a printed component made of thermoplastic material, which can be printed with high accuracy and numerous details, which is advantageous, for example, when creating components that require complex and / or precise features. Additive manufacturing techniques eliminate the need for mold tools, as is typically the case with plastic injection molding, thereby reducing upfront manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous for low-volume production runs. In some examples, the fastener assembly 102 may be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g.,Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Material Jetting, Binder Jetting, Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, Electron Photopolymerization and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing processes).

[0041] The Fig. 3a to 3d each illustrate side views of the fastener assembly 102 in four assembly stages. During installation, with reference to Fig. 3a to 3d, when the fastener assembly 102 is inserted into the aligned first opening 106 in the first component 104 and the second opening 140 in the second component 112, as indicated by arrow 118, the inner walls of the retainer compress the retainer legs 132 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 114.

[0042] For example, when manufactured as a stamped metal component, the first tab 120 and the second tab 110 are bent inward (toward the longitudinal axis 114) or otherwise aligned to partially obstruct the path of the fastener at the lower portion of the retainer opening 138. This configuration ensures that the tabs 120, 122 prevent the fastener 108 from being driven into the retainer 116 unless the retainer 116 is properly installed into the second component 112. As shown in Fig. 3a, the fastening arrangement 102 is initially in its first position. When the holder 116 is installed into the first component 104 (e.g., a first panel, such as an airbag flange) at the customer's site, the tabs 120, 122 remain in a locked position and prevent the fastening element 108 from being disengaged, as shown in Fig. 3b at position 124.

[0043] Upon installation of the retainer 116 into the second component 112 (e.g., a secondary panel such as a vehicle body panel), the retainer legs 132 are biased outward upon contact with the second component 112, as indicated by arrow 126, thereby repositioning the first tab 120 and the second tab 122. This movement removes the lock, allowing the fastener 108 to be inserted into the second component 112, as shown in Fig. 3c, into position. If an operator attempts to advance the fastener 108 before the retainer 116 is properly installed in the second component 112, the fastener driver will prematurely "spin out," indicating a failed installation. However, once the retainer 116 is properly seated in the second component 112, the fastener 108 can be fully advanced to, as shown in Fig. 3d shown to take its second position.

[0044] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to particular implementations, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system are not limited to the particular implementations disclosed.Instead, the present method and / or system includes all implementations that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

[0045] Aspects of the revelation are described in the following numbered sentences: Set 1. Fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a stamped metal holder having a body portion and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and configured to change between a first position and a second position during installation in the second component, wherein the body portion comprises an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening adapted to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft, wherein each of the pair of holder legs has a planar portion with a first tab and a second tab disposed on opposite sides of the planar portion, and wherein the first tab is configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position. Clause 2. The fastener assembly of clause 1, wherein each of the first tab and the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry. Set 3. Fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a holder having a body portion and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and adapted to change between a first position and a second position, wherein the body portion comprises an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening adapted to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft, and wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position. Clause 4. The fastener assembly of clause 3, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a bent portion. Clause 5. The fastener assembly of clause 4, wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion. Clause 6. The fastener assembly of clause 4, wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle. Clause 7. The fastener assembly of clause 5, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has a second tab coupled to the outer planar portion opposite the first tab. Clause 8. The fastener assembly of clause 7, wherein the second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle. Clause 9. The fastener assembly of clause 4, wherein the first tab has a generally L-shaped geometry. Clause 10. The fastener assembly of clause 7, wherein the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry. Clause 11. The fastener assembly of clause 7, wherein the first tab of one of the pair of retainer legs is configured to engage the second tab of the other retainer leg. Clause 12. The fastener assembly of clause 7, wherein the first and second tabs are disposed at different vertical positions along the outer planar portion. Clause 13. The fastener assembly of clause 7, wherein a distance between the first tab and the body portion is less than a distance between the second tab and the body portion. Clause 14. The fastener assembly of clause 3, wherein the retainer is a stamped metal retainer. Clause 15. The fastener assembly of clause 3, wherein the fastener is a metal bolt. Set 16. A stamped metal fastener adapted to couple to a fastener having a head and a shank, the stamped metal fastener comprising: a body portion having an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft; and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and adapted to change between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the socket when in the second position. Clause 17. The stamped metal holder of clause 16, wherein each of the pair of holder legs has an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a bent portion. Clause 18. The stamped metal holder of clause 17, wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle and a second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle, the first and second tabs being disposed on opposite sides of the outer planar portion. Clause 19. The stamped metal holder of clause 18, wherein each of the first and second tabs has a generally L-shaped geometry. Clause 20. The stamped metal holder of clause 18, wherein the first tab of one retaining leg is adapted to engage with the second tab of the other retaining leg. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 610,467

[0001]

Claims

[1] Fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a stamped metal holder having a body portion and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and configured to change between a first position and a second position during installation in the second component, wherein the body portion comprises an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening adapted to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft, wherein each of the pair of holder legs has a planar portion with a first tab and a second tab disposed on opposite sides of the planar portion, and wherein the first tab is configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position. [2] The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first tab and the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry. [3] Fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a holder having a body portion and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and adapted to change between a first position and a second position, wherein the body portion comprises an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening adapted to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft, and wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the internally threaded socket when in the second position. [4] A fastener assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a bent portion, and / or wherein the holder is a stamped metal holder, and / or wherein the fastener is a metal bolt, and / or wherein the first tab has a generally L-shaped geometry. [5] The fastener assembly of claim 4, wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion, and optionally wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle. [6] The fastener assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs includes a second tab coupled to the outer planar portion opposite the first tab, and / or wherein the second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle, and / or wherein the second tab has a generally L-shaped geometry, and / or wherein the first tab of one of the pair of retainer legs is adapted to engage with the second tab of the other retainer leg, and / or wherein the first and second tabs are arranged at different vertical positions along the outer planar portion, and / or wherein a distance between the first tab and the body portion is smaller than a distance between the second tab and the body portion. [7] The fastener assembly of claim 6, wherein a distance between the first tab and the body portion is less than a distance between the second tab and the body portion. [8] A stamped metal holder adapted to couple to a fastener having a head and a shank, the stamped metal holder comprising: a body portion having an internally threaded sleeve defining a retainer opening configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shaft; and a pair of holder legs elastically coupled to the body portion and adapted to change between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the pair of retainer legs has a first tab configured to prevent the fastener from being driven into the internally threaded socket when in the first position and to allow the fastener to be driven into the socket when in the second position. [9] A stamped metal holder according to claim 8, wherein each of the pair of holder legs has an outer planar portion and an inner planar portion connected by a bent portion. [10] A stamped metal holder according to claim 9, wherein the first tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle and a second tab is coupled to the outer planar portion at a transverse angle, the first and second tabs being disposed on opposite sides of the outer planar portion, and optionally wherein each of the first and second tabs optionally has a generally L-shaped geometry, and further optionally wherein the first tab of one holding leg is adapted to engage with the second tab of the other holding leg.

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