Plugs, clips, and fasteners

Abstract

Plugs, clips, and fasteners that can be used on die casted parts and panels for a vehicle assembly are disclosed herein. Various aspects of this disclosure described below may reduce of manufacturing processing steps, tolerate greater load, and allow longer use.

Description

PLUGS, CLIPS, AND FASTENERSCLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 527,897, filed July 20, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to plugs, clips, and fasteners. More particularly, the plugs, clips, and fasteners can be used on die casted parts.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of plugs, clips, and fasteners are needed during manufacturing and assembling processes of many devices, for example, vehicles. Production and installation of some plugs, clips, and fasteners may be timeconsuming during manufacturing processes. Such plugs, clips, and fasteners may wear off or break due to use. There remains a need for more durable plugs, clips, and fasteners that are easier and more efficient to produce and install.SUMMARY

[0004] Some examples described herein generally relate to improved designs for plugs, clips, and fasteners, primarily used in manufacturing and assembly processes, such as in vehicle assembly. These components can be important, if not essential, for holding parts together securely and efficiently.

[0005] In some examples, a hole plug is proved. An example hole plug comprises a soft piece and a hard piece. The soft piece is designed to cover a hole and attach to it with a snap fit, featuring receiving bays for the hard piece. The hard piece fits inside the soft piece and has extrusions that lock into the receiving bays of the soft piece. The design allows for easy and secure attachment, providing a durable solution that can withstand significant loads without substantial deformation. This arrangement may be particularly useful in environments where components are subject to frequent stress.

[0006] In some examples, a panel clip is provided. An example panel clip comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion, and is used to attach two panels together. The bottom portion includes a column with awindow that allows snap fit joints to flex and lock into place, making installation easier. The clip accommodates varying panel thicknesses and hole sizes, which may be beneficial for materials like aluminum die casted panels that may have inconsistent dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances. It requires lower insertion force while ensuring a strong hold, reducing the risk of damage during assembly.

[0007] In some examples, a clip nut is provided. An example clip nut includes a clip with a window and a nut that attaches to the clip. The nut overlaps with a hole in the panel, allowing a fastener to secure everything in place. Various designs allow the clip nut to attach to different parts of a panel, including edges and corners, with some designs allowing the nut to slide along the clip for adjustable positioning. The clip nut is easy to install and can be adjusted or removed for maintenance, offering flexibility in use. It may be particularly useful for die casted panels, reducing the need for additional machining of holes.

[0008] In some examples, a threaded nut is provided. An example threaded nut features a hexagonal head, a cylindrical body with tri-lobular threads, and a collar with angular teeth. The design allows for quick and secure fastening with just a quarter turn, making it ideal for fast-paced assembly lines. The tri-lobular threads provide a strong hold in the panel, suitable for creating semi-permanent j oints.

[0009] In some examples, these plugs, clips, and fasteners seek to streamline manufacturing and assembly processes, reduce the need for additional tools or steps, and enhance the durability and reliability of the connections in various applications, particularly in automotive manufacturing.

[0010] One aspect is directed to a hole plug comprising a soft piece sized and shaped to cover a hole and be coupled to the hole with a snap fit, the soft piece comprising one or more receiving bays. The hole plug further comprises a hard piece sized and shaped to fit at least partially inside the soft piece, the hard piece comprising at least one extrusion configured to be fit inside the at least one receiving bay and couple the hard piece to the soft piece.

[0011] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the soft piece and the hard piece are further configured to be coupled with a snap fit.

[0012] Another aspect is directed to a panel clip comprising a top portion configured to be attached to a first panel, a bottom portion configured to beattached to a second panel, and a middle portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The bottom portion comprises a column extending from a bottom side of the panel clip to the middle portion, and at least one snap fit joint extending from the bottom side of the panel clip. The column comprises a window configured to receive a top end of the at least one snap fit joint when the at least one snap fit joint is deflected inward towards the column.

[0013] Another aspect is directed to a clip nut comprising a clip and a nut. The clip comprises a clip body, the clip body comprising a window, and a clip head, the clip head configured to attach to a panel with one or more teeth, the panel having a hole. The nut comprises a tab and a hole, the tab configured couple the nut to the clip body. The hole of the nut overlaps with the hole in the panel and at least a portion of the window, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0014] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the panel comprises a first side and a second side, the nut being configured to be positioned on the first side of the panel, and the fastener being configured to be inserted from the second side of the panel.

[0015] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the panel is curved.

[0016] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the panel clip head is configured to attach to an edge of the panel.

[0017] Another aspect is directed to a clip nut comprising a clip and a nut. The clip comprises a clip body, the clip body comprising an elongated window having at least one channel; and a clip head sized and shaped to grip on to an edge of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip to the panel, the panel having a hole. The nut comprises a tab and a hole, the tab configured to be fit inside the at least one channel and couple the nut to the clip body, the tab being movable along the at least one channel. The nut is sized and shaped to be inserted into the hole of the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0018] Another aspect is directed to a clip nut a clip and a nut. The clip comprises a clip body, the clip body comprising a window and a clip ring extending from a side of the window; and a clip head sized and shaped to fit into an inner side of a corner of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip head to the panel, the panel having a hole. The nut comprises a tab and a hole, the tab configured to couple the nut to the clip body.The clip ring of the clip body is configured to snap onto the hole on the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0019] Another aspect is directed to an adjustable clip nut configured to grip on an edge of a panel and engage with a hole in the panel. The adjustable clip comprises a clip body and a nut. The clip body is configured to grip on the edge of the panel and extend along at least a portion of the panel. The nut is engaged with the clip body to slide along the clip body and the portion of the panel so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

[0020] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0021] Another aspect is directed to a clip nut configured to fit within a corner between two legs of a panel and engage with a hole in one of the two legs. The clip nut comprises a clip body and a nut. The clip body is configured to engage the corner of the panel and extend along at least a portion of the one of the two legs. The nut is engaged with the clip body so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

[0022] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0023] Another aspect is directed to a threaded nut comprising a cavity extending from a top side to a bottom side, a head proximate to the top side and having a hexagonal outer shape, a cylindrical body proximate to the bottom side, a plurality of tri-lobular threads disposed over an outer surface of the cylindrical body, and a collar positioned between the head and the cylindrical body.

[0024] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of tri- lobular threads are sized and shaped to secure the fastener when the head is rotated a quarter turn.

[0025] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the collar comprises angular teeth.

[0026] A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a fastener.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein:

[0028] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a hole plug according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. IB is a perspective exploded view of the hole plug of Fig.1A

[0030] Fig. 1C is a top view of the hole plug of Fig. 1A installed in a hole.

[0031] Fig. ID is a cross-sectional view of the hole plug in Fig. 1C taken along line ID-ID.

[0032] Fig. IE is a cross-sectional view of the hole plug in Fig. 1C taken along line 1E-1E.

[0033] Fig. IF is a close-up view of the hole plug in Fig. IE.

[0034] Fig. 1G is a close-up view of the hole plug in Fig. IE.

[0035] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a panel clip according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 2B is a bottom view of the panel clip of Fig. 2A.

[0037] Fig. 2C is a side view of the panel clip of Fig. 2A.

[0038] Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the panel clip in Fig. 2C taken along line 2D-2D.

[0039] Fig. 2E is a front view of the panel clip of Fig. 2A.

[0040] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a clip nut having a movable nut according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. 3B illustrates the clip nut of Fig. 3A being aligned with and moving towards the panel.

[0042] Fig. 3C illustrates adjusting a position of the nut along the clip nut so as to align the nut with a hole in the panel.

[0043] Fig. 3D illustrates the clip nut of Fig. 3A about to be clipped onto the panel.

[0044] Fig. 4A is a front perspective view of a clip nut according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 4B is a rear view of the clip nut of Fig. 4A.

[0046] Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the clip nut of Fig. 4A taken along line A-A.

[0047] Fig. 4D is a front view of the clip nut of Fig. 4A.

[0048] Fig. 4E illustrates the clip nut of Fig. 4A moving into a corner of a panel.

[0049] Fig. 4F illustrates the clip nut of Fig. 4A about to be snapped onto a hole in the panel.

[0050] Fig. 4G is a close-up view of the hole in the panel from Fig. 4F.

[0051] Fig. 4H is a rear perspective view of the clip nut of Fig. 4A.

[0052] Fig. 5A is a top view of a quarter turn nut according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. 5B is a bottom view of the quarter turn nut of Fig. 5A.

[0054] Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the quarter turn nut of Fig.5A taken along line 5C-5C.

[0055] Fig. 5D is a top view of a quarter turn nut according to an example of this present disclosure.

[0056] Fig. 5E is a bottom view of the quarter turn nut of Fig. 5D.

[0057] Fig. 5F is a cross-sectional view of the quarter turn nut of Fig. 5D taken along line 5F-5F.

[0058] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of another example of a quarter turn nut.

[0059] Fig. 6B is a bottom view of the quarter turn nut of Fig. 6A.

[0060] Fig. 6C is a side view of the quarter turn nut of Fig. 6A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to plugs, clips, and fasteners. In certain examples, this disclosure relates to plugs, clips, and fasteners that can be used on die casted parts and panels for a vehicle assembly. Various aspects of this disclosure described below may reduce manufacturing processing steps, tolerate greater load, and allow longer use.

[0062] One aspect of this disclosure includes a hole plug that has a large load resistance. In some examples, the hole plug can be used with oversized holes. As shown in Figs. 1A-1G, an example of a hole plug 100 according to this disclosure can include a soft piece 120 and a hard piece 110. In some examples, the soft piece 120 can be attached onto a hole 190 (see Fig. 1C) to cover the hole 190. In some examples, the soft piece 120 can be attached to the hole 190 through a snap fit, a snug fit, or another other desirable fastening mechanism. As shown in Fig. 1G, the soft piece 120 can include one or more snap fit joints 150 configured to couple the soft piece 120 to the hole 190.

[0063] In some examples, the hard piece 110 of the hole plug 100 can be attached onto the soft piece 120 through a snap fit, a snug fit, or any other desirable attachment mechanism. For example, the hard piece 110 can include one or more extrusions 112 configured to fit inside one or more corresponding receiving bays 122 on the soft piece 120. Interference 130 between the one or more extrusions 112 of the hard piece 110 and the one or more corresponding receiving bays 122 of the soft piece 120 may create a snug fit and couple the hard piece 110 and soft piece 120 together. The hard piece 110 may further include one or more snap fit joints 140 to secure the hard piece 110 to the soft piece 120 as shown in Fig. 1G. In accordance with various examples, a hole plug disclosed herein may withstand a load in the ranges of, e.g., 100-200N, 50- 200N, 150-200N, over a diameter in the ranges of, e.g., 100-300mm, 10-300mm, 50-200mm, 150-200mm, without significant deflection, e.g., within 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, or 15mm. Of course other load ranges and other diameters also fall within this disclosure.

[0064] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a panel clip for holding panels together that can accommodate a range of panel thicknesses and hole sizes. For example, such panel clips can be used on aluminum die casted panels, which may have greater manufacturing tolerances, resulting in varying panel thicknesses Pminto Pmax (e.g., varying between thickness ranges of l-5mm, 1- 3mm, 1.5-3mm, etc.) and hole sizes W (e.g., decreasing or increasing within 5mm, 3mm, 7mm, etc.).

[0065] As shown in Figs. 2A-2E, the panel clip 200 disclosed herein can include a top portion 210, a bottom portion 220, and a middle portion 230 disposed between the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 220. In some examples, the top portion 210 is configured to be coupled to a first panel, and the bottom portion 210 is configured to be coupled to a second panel, thereby retaining the first and the second panels together, with the middle portion 230 positioned between the first and the second panels. In some examples, the top portion 210 can be coupled to the first panel by snapping a top plate 212 of the top portion 210 into a hole in the first panel, and keeping the first panel between the top plate 212 and a bottom plate 214 of the top portion 210 (see Fig. 2A).

[0066] In some examples, the bottom portion 220 can include a column 222 and one or more snap fit joints 224 extending upward from a bottom side of the panel clip 200 from the column 222. When being inserted into a hole on thesecond panel, the one or more snap fit joints 224 may be pushed towards the column 222 by the hole, and return to their starting position once fully inserted. The column 222 of the bottom portion 220 can further include a cavity or window 226, allowing the one or more snap fit joints 224 to move further into the column 222 when being inserted into the hole. With the window 226, the one or more snap fit joints 224 may have more room to bend, requiring a lower insertion force (e.g., around 30N, 40N, 45N, or 50N) while maintaining a higher extraction force (e.g., around 170N, 200N, 220N, 250N).

[0067] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a clip nut that can provide a nut to a hole on a panel by clipping the nut onto the hole. Various examples of the clip nut can be easy to install and adaptable to different hole locations. In some examples, the clip nut can be implemented on a hole on a die casted panel to reduce manufacturing steps in machining the hole. In some examples, the clip nut can also be removed for service.

[0068] The clip nut can include a clip portion and a nut portion. In some examples, the nut portion can be coupled to the clip portion by fitting a tab of the nut portion inside two slots on two sides of the clip portion. In some examples, the clip portion can further include a window that at least partially overlaps with a hole on the nut portion. The hole on the nut portion can be configured to receive a bolt. In some examples, the clip portion can include one or more teeth configured to bite onto the panel and secure the clip nut to the panel.

[0069] As shown in Figs. 3A-3D, a clip nut 300 can include a clip portion 310 that is elongated, and a nut portion 320 coupled to the clip portion 310. In some examples, the nut portion 320 can be coupled to the clip portion 310 by inserting a tab 322 of the nut portion 320 into two slots or channels 312 on two sides of the clip portion 310. In some examples, the nut portion 320 can be movable along the channels 312 relative to the clip portion 310. In some examples, the clip portion 310 of the clip nut 300 may include a clip body 318 and a clip head 314. In some examples, the clip head 314 can be configured to clip onto an edge of a panel 390. In some examples, at least a portion of the panel proximate the edge is flat.

[0070] As shown in Figs. 3B-3D, the clip nut 300 can be clipped onto the panel 390 with the clip head 314. In some examples, the clip head 314 can include on or more teeth 316 configured to bite onto the panel 390 and prevent the clip nut 300 from disengaging from the panel 390. While moving the clipnut 300 towards the panel 390, the nut portion 320 can be moved to a position along the channels 312 in correspondence to a location of a hole 392 in the panel 390 and inserted into the hole 392. In some examples, the nut portion 320 can be sized and shaped to be smaller than or approximately equal to the hole 392 in the panel 390 so that it can be easily inserted through the hole 392. A hole 324 inside the nut portion 320 can be configured to receive a bolt. For example, in some examples, the hole 324 can include threads on an inner side of the hole 324. When the nut portion 320 of the clip nut 300 is inserted into the hole 392, the hole 324 on the nut portion 320 can be configured to receive a bolt in lieu of the hole 392 on the panel 390.

[0071] Figs. 4A-4H shows another example of a clip nut 400 according to this disclosure. The clip nut 400 can similarly include a clip portion 410 and a nut portion 420. The nut portion 420 can be coupled to the clip portion 410 by fitting a tab 422 of the nut portion 420 inside two slots 412 of the clip portion 410. The clip nut 400 can be different from the clip nut 300 in that the nut portion 420 may be fixed inside the slots 412. In some examples, the clip portion 410 can include a clip head 414 and a clip body 418 having a window 417 that overlaps with a hole 424 on the nut portion 420. In some examples, the hole 424 of the nut portion 420 can include threads and be configured to receive and secure a bolt inside the hole 424.

[0072] In some examples, the clip head 414 of the clip portion 410 may be configured to fit inside a curved corner 490 of a panel (e.g., sheet metal), having a curvature that can be similar or greater than that of the curved corner 490 such that the clip nut 400 might be secured to the panel. In some examples, the clip head 414 of the clip portion 410 may further include a plurality of teeth 416 configured to bite onto the panel when the clip nut 400 is inserted into the curved corner 490, preventing the clip nut 400 from disengaging from the panel. In some examples, the clip body 418 can further include a clip ring 419 extending from a side of the window 417. The clip ring 419 can be sized and shaped to be able to snap onto a hole 492 on the panel to further secure the attachment of the clip nut 400 to the panel. When the clip nut 400 is attached in place, the hole 424 of the nut portion 420 of the clip nut 400 may substantially overlap with the hole 492 on the panel such that the hole 424 of the clip nut 400 may act as a nut hole in lieu of the hole 492 on the panel to receive a bolt.

[0073] This disclosure also includes a quarter turn nut that does not require any special equipment (e.g., a c-clamp) to create a single sided access assembly. Of course the quarter fastener can be configured to rotate more or less than a quarter turn and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, a torque gun can be used to install the quarter turn nut. In some examples, the quarter turn nut can be used with any panel that is thicker than a predetermined thickness (e.g., 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm). In some examples, the quarter turn nut can include angular teeth on an under-head collar of the quarter turn nut to create a semi-permanent joint to the panel, which can be used to attach to other panels. In some examples, the quarter turn nut can be made of a material that is strong than plastic, e.g., metal. As shown in Figs. 5A-5C, a quarter turn nut 500 disclosed herein can include tri-lobular threads 510 disposed over a cylindrical surface of the quarter turn nut 500. Similarly, as shown in Figs. 5D-5F, a quarter turn nut 600 disclosed herein can include tri-lobular threads 610 disposed over a cylindrical surface of the quarter turn nut 600. The tri-lobular threads 610 can be steeply angled so that less rotation is required to attach the quarter turn nut 600 to a panel. Fig. 6A-6C shows another exemplary example of a quarter turn nut 700 similar to the quarter turn nuts 500 and 600 above.EXAMPLES

[0074] Some examples may include the following aspects.

[0075] Example 1 includes a hole plug comprising: a soft piece sized and shaped to cover a hole and be coupled to the hole with a snap fit, the soft piece comprising one or more receiving bays; and a hard piece sized and shaped to fit at least partially inside the soft piece, the hard piece comprising at least one extrusion configured to be fit inside the at least one receiving bay and couple the hard piece to the soft piece.

[0076] Example 2 includes the hole plug of Example 1, wherein the soft piece and the hard piece are further configured to be coupled with a snap fit.

[0077] Example 3 includes a panel clip comprising: a top portion configured to be attached to a first panel; a bottom portion configured to be attached to a second panel; and a middle portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion comprises: a column extending from a bottom side of the panel clip to the middle portion, and at leastone snap fit joint extending from the bottom side of the panel clip, wherein the column comprises a window configured to receive a top end of the at least one snap fit joint when the at least one snap fit joint is deflected inward towards the column.

[0078] Example 4 includes a clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising a window; and a clip head, the clip head configured to attach to a panel with one or more teeth, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured couple the nut to the clip body, wherein the hole of the nut overlaps with the hole in the panel and at least a portion of the window, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0079] Example 5 includes the clip nut of Example 4, wherein the panel comprises a first side and a second side, the nut being configured to be positioned on the first side of the panel, and the fastener being configured to be inserted from the second side of the panel.

[0080] Example 6 includes the clip nut of Example 4 or Example 5, wherein the panel is curved.

[0081] Example 7 includes the clip nut of any one of Examples 4-6, wherein the panel clip head is configured to attach to an edge of the panel.

[0082] Example 8 includes a clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising an elongated window having at least one channel; and a clip head sized and shaped to grip on to an edge of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip to the panel, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured to be fit inside the at least one channel and couple the nut to the clip body, the tab being movable along the at least one channel, wherein the nut is sized and shaped to be inserted into the hole of the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0083] Example 9 includes a clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising a window and a clip ring extending from a side of the window; and a clip head sized and shaped to fit into an inner side of a corner of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip head to the panel, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured to couple the nut to the clip body; wherein theclip ring of the clip body is configured to snap onto the hole on the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0084] Example 10 includes an adjustable clip nut configured to grip on an edge of a panel and engage with a hole in the panel, the adjustable clip comprising: a clip body and a nut, the clip body being configured to grip on the edge of the panel and extend along at least a portion of the panel, the nut being engaged with the clip body to slide along the clip body and the portion of the panel so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

[0085] Example 11 includes the adjustable clip nut of Example 10, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0086] Example 12 includes a clip nut configured to fit within a corner between two legs of a panel and engage with a hole in one of the two legs, the clip nut comprising: a clip body and a nut, the clip body being configured to engage the corner of the panel and extend along at least a portion of the one of the two legs, the nut being engaged with the clip body so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

[0087] Example 13 includes the clip nut of Example 12, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

[0088] Example 14 includes a threaded nut comprising: a cavity extending from a top side to a bottom side; a head proximate to the top side and having a hexagonal outer shape; a cylindrical body proximate to the bottom side; a plurality of tri-lobular threads disposed over an outer surface of the cylindrical body; and a collar positioned between the head and the cylindrical body.

[0089] Example 15 includes the threaded nut of Example 14, wherein the plurality of tri-lobular threads are sized and shaped to secure the fastener when the head is rotated a quarter turn.

[0090] Example 16 includes the threaded nut of Example 14 or Example15, wherein the collar comprises angular teeth.

[0091] Example 17 includes the threaded nut of any one of Examples 14-16, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a fastener.

[0092] In some examples, a hole plug comprises: a soft piece configured to cover and attach to a hole via a snap fit, the soft piece including multiple receiving bays; a hard piece designed to fit at least partially within the soft piece, featuring multiple extrusions each configured to engage with a corresponding receiving bay in the soft piece; wherein the engagement between the extrusionsand the receiving bays provides a reversible locking mechanism allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0093] In some examples, the soft piece is made from a flexible polymer material and the hard piece is made from a durable metal, providing a combination of flexibility and strength.

[0094] In some examples, the soft piece includes a textured surface around the receiving bays to increase friction and enhance the secure fit between the soft and hard pieces.

[0095] In some examples, a panel clip comprises: a top portion designed to attach to a first panel; a bottom portion designed to attach to a second panel; a middle portion extending between the top and bottom portions; wherein the bottom portion includes a flexible snap fit joint capable of accommodating variations in panel thickness and hole size; further comprising a locking mechanism within the bottom portion to enhance the retention force after installation.

[0096] In some examples, the top portion includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to temporarily hold the clip in place during assembly before permanent attachment.

[0097] In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a ratchet feature that allows for incremental adjustments of the snap fit joint's tension.

[0098] In some examples, a clip nut comprises: a clip body with an integrated window and a clip head designed to attach to a panel via multiple teeth; a nut with a tab and a threaded hole, where the tab is designed to slide within channels located on the clip body; wherein the nut is adjustable along the length of the clip body to align with a hole in the panel; further comprising a locking mechanism to secure the nut's position once aligned.

[0099] In some examples, the channels in the clip body are lined with a wear-resistant material to prolong the life of the clip nut during repeated adjustments.

[0100] In some examples, the clip nut further comprising a spring mechanism integrated into the clip body to automatically align the nut with the panel hole when positioned nearby.

[0101] In some examples, a threaded nut, comprises: a hexagonal head and a cylindrical body; tri-lobular threads on the cylindrical body designed for rapid engagement with a panel; a collar with angular teeth positioned betweenthe head and the cylindrical body; wherein the collar is designed to engage with the panel surface to prevent rotational movement once installed.

[0102] In some examples, the tri-lobular threads are coated with an anticorrosion treatment to enhance durability in harsh environments.

[0103] In some examples, the angular teeth on the collar are replaceable to allow for maintenance and prolong the operational lifespan of the nut.

[0104] In some examples, a fastening system comprises: a combination of a hole plug, a panel clip, and a clip nut as summarized above, wherein each component is configured to interlock with at least one other component; wherein the system provides a modular approach to assembly, allowing for various configurations depending on application requirements; further comprising a unified installation tool designed to engage with each component of the system.

[0105] In some examples, the unified installation tool includes a digital interface to provide feedback on the installation force and alignment accuracy during use.

[0106] In some examples, each component of the system is color-coded according to its function, facilitating easier identification and assembly by technicians.

[0107] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate examples and / or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described examples of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0108] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various examples disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various examples of the disclosed clips, plugs, and fasteners. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative examples. Equivalent elements, materials, processes orsteps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure.Expressions such as "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "have," "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

[0109] Further, various examples disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "main" or any other ordinary and / or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, examples, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, example, variation and / or modification relative to, or over, another element, example, variation and / or modification.

[0110] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hole plug comprising: a soft piece sized and shaped to cover a hole and be coupled to the hole with a snap fit, the soft piece comprising one or more receiving bays; and a hard piece sized and shaped to fit at least partially inside the soft piece, the hard piece comprising at least one extrusion configured to be fit inside the one or more receiving bays and couple the hard piece to the soft piece.

2. The hole plug of Claim 1, wherein the soft piece and the hard piece are further configured to be coupled with a snap fit.

3. A panel clip comprising: a top portion configured to be attached to a first panel; a bottom portion configured to be attached to a second panel; and a middle portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion comprises: a column extending from a bottom side of the panel clip to the middle portion, and at least one snap fit joint extending from the bottom side of the panel clip, wherein the column comprises a window configured to receive a top end of the at least one snap fit joint when the at least one snap fit joint is deflected inward towards the column.

4. A clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising a window; and a clip head, the clip head configured to attach to a panel with one or more teeth, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured couple the nut to the clip body,wherein the hole of the nut overlaps with the hole in the panel and at least a portion of the window, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

5. The clip nut of Claim 4, wherein the panel comprises a first side and a second side, the nut being configured to be positioned on the first side of the panel, and the fastener being configured to be inserted from the second side of the panel.

6. The clip nut of Claim 4, wherein the panel is curved.

7. The clip nut of Claim 4, wherein the clip head is configured to attach to an edge of the panel.

8. A clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising an elongated window having at least one channel; and a clip head sized and shaped to grip on to an edge of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip to the panel, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured to be fit inside the at least one channel and couple the nut to the clip body, the tab being movable along the at least one channel, wherein the nut is sized and shaped to be inserted into the hole of the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

9. A clip nut comprising: a clip comprising: a clip body, the clip body comprising a window and a clip ring extending from a side of the window; and a clip head sized and shaped to fit into an inner side of a corner of a panel, the clip head comprising one or more teeth configured to secure the clip head to the panel, the panel having a hole; and a nut comprising a tab and a hole, the tab configured to couple the nut to the clip body;wherein the clip ring of the clip body is configured to snap onto the hole on the panel, and the hole of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

10. An adjustable clip nut configured to grip on an edge of a panel and engage with a hole in the panel, the adjustable clip nut comprising: a clip body and a nut, the clip body being configured to grip on the edge of the panel and extend along at least a portion of the panel, the nut being engaged with the clip body to slide along the clip body and the portion of the panel so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

11. The adjustable clip nut of Claim 10, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

12. A clip nut configured to fit within a corner between two legs of a panel and engage with a hole in one of the two legs, the clip nut comprising: a clip body and a nut, the clip body being configured to engage the corner of the panel and extend along at least a portion of one of the two legs, the nut being engaged with the clip body so as to locate at least a portion of the nut in the hole.

13. The clip nut of Claim 12, wherein the portion of the nut is configured to receive a fastener.

14. A threaded nut comprising: a cavity extending from a top side to a bottom side; a head proximate to the top side and having a hexagonal outer shape; a cylindrical body proximate to the bottom side; a plurality of tri-lobular threads disposed over an outer surface of the cylindrical body; and a collar positioned between the head and the cylindrical body.

15. The threaded nut of Claim 14, wherein the plurality of tri-lobular threads are sized and shaped to secure the threaded nut when the head is rotated a quarter turn.

16. The threaded nut of Claim 14, wherein the collar comprises angular teeth.

17. The threaded nut of Claim 14, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a fastener.

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