Fasteners

Abstract

Providing fasteners, fastener assemblies, and plastic fasteners. [Solution] A plastic fastener for connecting a first component and a second component is disclosed. The fastener comprises a body, a pair of tower legs, and at least one mating feature. The body extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first end and a second end. The pair of tower legs extend from the body at the second end, and each tower leg is elastically flexible relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one mating feature is positioned on the inward surface of each tower leg and is configured to engage with a corresponding seat of the rib tower portion of the second component. The mating feature is configured to facilitate insertion of the rib tower portion between the pair of tower legs and to elastically engage with the seat to mechanically hold the fastener in place on the rib tower portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 719,191, entitled "Riblok for Metal," filed on November 12, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application (this specification).

Background Art

[0002] Automotive parts require fastening techniques that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the fastening techniques must be highly reliable and efficient, especially. Fasteners such as pins and grommet fasteners can be used to fix a secondary panel to a primary panel.

[0003] Various types of fasteners are used to fasten components together. For example, in the case of a vehicle's instrument panel, fasteners can be used to fix adjacent panels together or to fix one or more objects onto a panel. One such type of fastener can be used with holes of different types, sizes, and shapes provided in the components to be fastened together. In other words, such a fastener has holes provided in at least one of the components in order to fasten the components together. One component is attached to the fastener, and the other component having the holes receives the assembly of the fastener and the component.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, despite various advancements heretofore, it is still desirable to provide, for example, plastic fasteners that can be used with metals.

[0005] This disclosure, more broadly, relates to a fastening system for forming blind connections between panels, such as automotive panels, and is substantially illustrated and described in relation thereto by at least one of the drawings and more fully expressed in the claims.

[0006] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein, as well as other purposes, features, and advantages, will become apparent from the following description of specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings, where similar or similar reference numerals refer to similar or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are primarily intended to illustrate the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an isometric assembly drawing of a fastening system according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 2a] This is a side view of the fastening system at different stages of assembly. [Figure 2b] This is a side view of the fastening system at different stages of assembly. [Figure 2c] This is a side view of the fastening system at different stages of assembly.

[0009] [Figure 2d] This is a side cross-sectional view of the fastening system at the assembly position, cut along line AA shown in Figure 1.

[0010] [Figure 3a] This is an isometric view of the top of the fastener. [Figure 3b] This is a first lower isometric view of the fastener. [Figure 3c] This is a second lower isometric view of the fastener.

[0011] [Figure 3d] This is a side view of the fastener.

[0012] [Figure 3e] It is a front view of the fastener. [Figure 3f] It is a rear view of the fastener.

[0013] [Figure 3g] It is a top-side plan view of the fastener. [Figure 3h] It is a bottom-side plan view of the fastener.

[0014] [Figure 4a] It is an isometric cross-sectional view of the fastener cut along the B-B line shown in Fig. 3e. [Figure 4b] It is an isometric cross-sectional view of the fastener cut along the C-C line shown in Fig. 3g.

[0015] [Figure 4c] It is a top surface cross-sectional view of the fastener cut along the C-C line shown in Fig. 3e.

[0016] [Figure 4d] It is a front cross-sectional view of the fastener cut along the D-D line shown in Fig. 3g.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] For items referred to as singular, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the description, it should be understood that the items include the case where there are multiple items and vice versa. Regarding grammatical connections, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context, they are configured to represent any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of combined clauses, sentences, words, etc. The enumeration of value ranges in this disclosure is not configured to be limiting, and unless otherwise indicated in this disclosure, it individually refers to any and all values that fall within and / or include that range, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into this disclosure as if it were individually listed in this disclosure. In the following description, terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "rear", etc. are words for convenience and are understood not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, in some examples, the first side is adjacent or proximate to the second side, while the terms "first side" and "second side" do not implicitly indicate any particular order in which the sides are ordered.

[0018] Terms such as "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc., when accompanied by numerical values, are construed to indicate deviations that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art as being sufficient for the intended purpose. Value ranges and / or numerical values are provided in this disclosure only as examples and do not constitute a limitation to the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (such as "e.g.", "such as", etc.) provided in this disclosure is merely intended to better emphasize the examples of the disclosure and does not present a limitation to the scope of this disclosure. The term "e.g." and "for example" is the beginning of an enumeration of one or more non-limiting examples, specific examples, or instances. Words in the specification should not be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the implementation of the disclosed examples.

[0019] The term "and / or" means any one or more items in a list linked by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". Another example is "x, y and / or z" meaning any element of 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".

[0020] In one embodiment, a fastener is provided for connecting a first component and a second component. The fastener extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a body portion defining a first end and a second end. A pair of tower legs extend from the body portion at the second end, and each tower leg is elastically flexible relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one mating (forming a pair) feature portion is positioned on the inward-facing surface (inward-facing surface) of each tower leg and is configured to engage with a corresponding seat portion of a rib tower portion attached to the second component. The mating feature portion facilitates the insertion of the rib tower portion between the pair of tower legs and elastically engages with the seat portion to mechanically hold the fastener in place on the rib tower portion.

[0021] In certain embodiments, each mating feature may include a generally wedge-shaped projection having an inclined leading surface that guides the rib tower during insertion. The generally wedge-shaped projection may further define a trailing surface configured to engage with the edge of the seat to resist pull-out of the fastener once it is installed.

[0022] The fastener may further comprise at least one locking projection positioned on the outward-facing surface (outward-facing surface) of each tower leg. Each locking projection can engage with the edge of the opening when the fastener is installed through the opening formed in the first component. In some embodiments, the locking projections extend outward from the tower leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are configured to flex inward during insertion through the opening.

[0023] In various embodiments, the tower legs are connected by a bridge located at the second end of the main body. The bridge provides structural support and contributes to the elasticity of the tower legs during insertion. The bridge can also be dimensioned to enhance the flexibility of the tower legs while preventing breakage or fatigue during repeated insertion and removal cycles.

[0024] The head portion can be connected to the main body portion at the first end of the fastener. The head portion may comprise a plurality of cantilever arms joined by a connecting element. In a particular configuration, the connecting element has wing-like features extending outward from the longitudinal axis to provide a manual engagement surface for easier handling or installation.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tower legs and fitting features can be integrally formed as a single molded unit. The fasteners can be formed from a polymer material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer, selected to provide sufficient resilience to repeated insertion and removal cycles without permanent deformation.

[0026] The mating features and locking projections can be positioned on opposite sides of each tower leg to provide a dual engagement function. The tower legs can also be biased toward each other to provide an automatic centering action during engagement with the rib tower section. When the fastener is installed, the trailing surface of each mating feature can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to enhance the retaining force.

[0027] The mating feature and the locking projection cooperate to simultaneously secure the fastener to both the rib tower portion of the second component and the first component. The engagement of the mating feature with the seat prevents the fastener from being pulled forward from the rib tower portion, and the engagement of the locking projection with the first component prevents the fastener from being pulled backward from the opening.

[0028] In another embodiment, a fastener assembly is provided. The assembly comprises the fastener described above, a rib tower portion forming part of a second component, and a first component defining an opening for receiving the fastener. The rib tower portion includes a seat configured to receive and engage with the mating feature portion of the fastener. The fastener mechanically connects the first component and the second component together through the engagement of the mating feature portion with the rib tower portion and the engagement of the locking projection portion with the first component.

[0029] In certain embodiments of the assembly, the fastener is formed of a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer such as nylon or acetal. In yet another embodiment, the fastener can be formed entirely of plastic, with the body, tower legs, and mating feature molded as a single continuous piece. The plastic fastener may comprise a body extending along a longitudinal axis, a pair of elastically flexible tower legs extending from one end, and an inward-facing mating feature configured to engage with a seat portion of the rib tower section. The mating feature facilitates the insertion of the rib tower section between the tower legs and elastically engages with the seat portion to mechanically hold the plastic fastener in place of the rib tower section.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an isometric assembly drawing of a fastening system 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The illustrated fastening system 100 includes a fastener 102 configured to connect a first component 104 to a second component 110 via a rib tower portion 112 attached to the second component 110. The fastener 102 facilitates the connection between the first component 104 and the second component 110. The first component 104 and the second component 110 can be, for example, automotive panels.

[0031] The first component 104, the second component 110, and the rib tower section 112 can be manufactured from materials such as metal, synthetic polymers or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or combinations thereof. In automotive applications, these panels may include door trim panels, moldings, trim pieces, hoods, doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars), dashboard components (e.g., cross members, brackets, frames), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frameworks, and other substrates used for interior or exterior surfaces.

[0032] The first component 104 comprises one or more openings 106, and the second component 110 comprises one or more rib tower portions 112 having, for example, seat portions 116 (e.g., windows, openings, holes, etc.). Each opening 106 is configured to receive or engage with a fastener 102 and its corresponding rib tower portion 112. The fastener 102 and its corresponding rib tower portion 112 can be provided as a part-in-assembly (PIA) component 108. The rib tower portion 112 is configured to engage with the fastener 102, for example, via the feature portion of the fastener 102 and the seat portion 116. The first component 104 defines surface A 104a and surface B 104b (bottom and back surfaces), and similarly, the second component 110 defines surface A 110a and surface B 110b (bottom and back surfaces). Surface A 104a of the first component 104 is an outward-facing surface, and surface B 104b is an inward-facing surface. During assembly, surface A 104a of the first component 104 faces surface B 110b of the second component 110.

[0033] Surface A 110a, also known as a Class A surface, is visible after assembly, is often aesthetically enhanced (e.g., textured, coated, or decorated), and typically does not have mounting devices or associated features. In contrast, surface B 110b, i.e., a Class B surface, is concealed after assembly and usually incorporates various mounting devices or associated features. For example, in a vehicle instrument panel, the second component 110 may be the dashboard, and the first component 104 may be a group of instruments mounted on the dashboard, or vice versa.

[0034] The second component 110 may incorporate mounting devices or features, such as rib tower sections 112, that protrude from surface B 110b. Each rib tower section 112 may be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the second component 110 (e.g., a flat surface) and may include a seat 116 configured to receive or otherwise engage a portion of a fastener 102, whether it be a slot, window, or otherwise. The rib tower sections 112 may be integral with the second component 110 (e.g., co-molded) or attached separately (e.g., using adhesive).

[0035] The fastener 102 can be fixed onto the rib tower portion 112 of the second component 110 to form a part-in-assembly (PIA) component 108. For example, the fastener 102 defines a clip channel portion 114 configured to receive at least a portion of the rib tower portion 112 (e.g., starting from the leading end of the rib tower portion 112). The PIA component 108 can then be attached to the first component 104 by the end user. In some scenarios, the PIA component 108 is pre-assembled at the factory and shipped to the end user for final assembly with the first component 104.

[0036] In some examples, the fastener 102 is configured to be more ergonomic during insertion into the opening 106 of the first component 104, requiring, for example, a relatively low insertion force. However, during separation or withdrawal from the opening 106, the fastener 102 may require a much greater force compared to the insertion force. In other words, the fastener 102 is configured to have a low insertion force but a relatively large separation force. It should be noted that the insertion force and the separation force are independent of each other.

[0037] The fastener 102 can be constructed from a rigid material such as plastic. The fastener 102 can be manufactured from polymer materials, whether synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers. Examples of plastic materials include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or combinations thereof. Notably, the fastener 102 can be manufactured from plastic while being suitable for use with metal components. Thus, in one example, the first component 104 and / or the second component 110 may be metal, plastic, composite material, or similar material, while the fastener 102 is made from plastic.

[0038] The fastener 102 can be formed via a plastic injection molding process. In other examples, the fastener 102 can be a printed thermoplastic component formed via additive manufacturing techniques that are advantageous for creating complex or fine features. Additive manufacturing techniques eliminate the need for molds associated with plastic injection molding, reduce initial manufacturing costs, and are particularly beneficial for small-volume production. Exemplary additive manufacturing processes include material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and vat photopolymerization.

[0039] Figures 2a and 2c show side views of the fastening system 100 at different stages of assembly, and Figure 2d shows a side cross-sectional view of the fastening system 100 at the assembly position, cut along line AA shown in Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 2a shows the second component 110 with the fastener 102 slipped over the rib tower portion 112 of the second component 110 to define the PIA component 108, as indicated by arrow 202; Figure 2b shows the fastener 102 and rib tower portion 112 of the assembled PIA component 108 being at least partially inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, as indicated by arrow 204; Figure 2c shows the first component 104 and the fully assembled PIA component 108; and Figure 2d shows a cross-sectional view thereof to show the interaction between the fastener 102 and the rib tower portion 112 (e.g., at the seat portion 116).

[0040] Figures 3a to 3h show detailed views of the fastener 102 shown in Figures 1 and 2a to 2d. Specifically, Figures 3a to 3c show the top isometric view, the first bottom isometric view, and the second bottom isometric view of the fastener 102, respectively. Figure 3d shows a side view of the fastener 102. Figures 3e and 3f show the front view and rear view of the fastener 102. Figures 3g and 3h show the top plan view and bottom plan view of the fastener 102, respectively. Furthermore, Figures 4a to 4d show cross-sectional views to better illustrate a specific part of the fastener 102. Specifically, Figures 4a and 4b show isometric cross-sectional views of the fastener 102 cut along the BB line and CC line shown in Figures 3e and 3g, respectively. Figure 4c shows a top cross-sectional view of the fastener 102 cut along the CC line shown in Figure 3e, and Figure 4d shows a front cross-sectional view of the fastener 102 cut along the DD line shown in Figure 3g.

[0041] The fastener 102 generally comprises a body portion 302 and a head portion 306 that collectively define a first end 314 and a second end 324. As can be seen from the illustrative images, the body portion 302 and the head portion 306 can be a single integrated structure (i.e., a single integrated component). The body portion 302 comprises a plurality of ribs 304. As shown in the figures, the plurality of ribs 304 are arranged as two sets of parallel ribs 304 joined at one end via a bent portion 312 at the leading end (e.g., the second end 324), forming a clip channel portion 114 that has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped outline when viewed from the side (although other shapes are also possible), as best shown in Figures 3e and 3f. The bent portion 312 defines the second end 324, which is opposite the first end 314.

[0042] A head portion 306, comprising a plurality of arms 308, extends from the main body portion 302. Each arm 308 is connected to the free end of a rib 304 and extends away from the main body portion 302 (i.e., away from the second end portion 324 and toward the first end portion 314). The arms 308 can be generally linear (e.g., a straight section). As shown in the figure, the plurality of arms 308 are arranged as two sets of parallel arms 308 (corresponding to and extending from two sets of parallel ribs 304) joined at one end via a connecting element 316 at a subsequent end (e.g., the first end portion 314). The arms 308 are positioned to form an angle with respect to the rib 304 at their connection point 310, which allows them to function as a hinge or bend at the joint between the arm 308 and the rib 304. The illustrated rib 304 has a curved outer shape. The connecting element 316 is positioned on the first end 314 of the fastener 102. In the illustrated example, the connecting element 316 is positioned on the ledge portion 328.

[0043] Therefore, the fastener 102 has two connecting elements 316 at the first end 314 and one on each side of the bent portion 312. Each connecting element 316 has a wing-shaped feature 332 extending away from the axis 330. In other words, the illustrated connecting element 316 is molded to define a wing-shaped feature 332 at its distal end that extends outward from the fastener 102. During operation, the engaging feature 332 can be used by the user to grasp the fastener 102 (e.g., during installation or removal from the rib tower portion 112) or to engage the first component 104 and / or the second component 110. For example, the engaging feature 332 can be configured to prevent the fastener 102 from passing completely through the opening 106, and thus function as a stopper.

[0044] At the second end 324 of the fastener 102, i.e., at the bent portion 312, the ribs 304 are joined together by a bridge 326. The bridge 326 is configured to connect the ribs 304 while maintaining flexibility during insertion into the opening 106. In some examples, the ribs 304 are tapered along their length to increase flexibility without compromising strength, allowing the ribs 304 to bend during insertion into the opening 106 and then return to their original length without failure.

[0045] The fastener 102 further comprises a plurality of tower legs 318, for example, a pair of tower legs 318, for attachment to the second component 110. In one example, at least one tower leg 318 is provided on each side of the axis 330. As shown, the tower legs 318 are elastically supported by a bridge 326 at the second end 324. In the illustrated fastener 102, each tower leg 318 is positioned between a pair of ribs 304, for example, as shown in Figure 3d.

[0046] Each of the pair of tower legs 318 is provided with a mating feature 320 configured to directly contact the corresponding surface of the rib tower section 112 and to mechanically engage with its seat 116. In a particular embodiment, the mating feature 320 is integrally formed with the corresponding tower leg 318 and extends inward from there toward the opposite clip arm. The illustrated mating feature 320 has a generally triangular or wedge-shaped outline and comprises an inclined leading surface and a trailing surface oriented toward the opposite side. The inclined leading surface (i.e., the surface facing the central part of the fastener body as a whole) is configured to facilitate the insertion of the rib tower section 112 between the pair of tower legs 318 during assembly, and thus to promote the self-alignment and self-centering of the rib tower section 112 relative to the fastener 102. The trailing surface of the fitting feature portion 320 is relatively flat (for example, perpendicular to the axis 330, or at a slight angle, e.g., 5 to 15 degrees, as shown in the figure) and is oriented to engage with the edge or boundary surface of the seat portion 116 when the fastener 102 is fully installed.

[0047] During assembly, the rib tower section 112 is advanced between a pair of tower legs 318, causing each of its fitting features 320 to slide along the outer surface of the rib tower section 112. Due to the elasticity of the tower legs 318, the fitting features 320 can flex outward as they traverse the tower surface. When the fitting features 320 align with the seat 116, the biasing force of the tower legs 318 causes the fitting features 320 to snap inward or otherwise elastically return, seating within the seat 116 and forming a mechanical engagement between the fastener 102 and the rib tower section 112. In this seating configuration, the trailing surface of each fitting feature 320 abuts against the corresponding edge of the seat 116, preventing the fastener 102 from being unintentionally pulled out of the rib tower section 112, thereby providing enhanced retention and resistance to disengagement under pull-out or vibration loads.

[0048] Each of the pair of tower legs 318 further comprises a locking projection 322 configured to contact and mechanically interact with the edge of the opening 106 formed in the first component 104. The locking projection 322 is located on the outward-facing portion of the tower leg 318, opposite the entire mating feature 320, and is configured to engage with the material surrounding the opening 106 when the fastener 102 is installed through the first component 104. In a particular embodiment, each locking projection 322 is integrally formed with its corresponding tower leg 318 and extends outward toward the outer circumference of the opening 106 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower leg 318.

[0049] While the fastener 102 is inserted through the opening 106, the locking projection 322 flexes slightly inward via the tower leg 318, allowing it to pass through the opening 106. Once the fastener 102 is fully seated and the tower leg 318 returns to its natural unbiased position, the locking projection 322 enters a state of interference with the back or edge of the opening 106, as best shown in Figure 2d. In this engaged state, the locking projection 322 acts to prevent the fastener 102 from being removed from the rib tower section 112 by resisting the backward movement of the tower leg 318. The locking projection 322 prevents the fastener 102 from being disengaged from the rib tower section 112 during withdrawal or under pull-out load, thereby functioning to maintain a secure connection between the fastener 102, the first component 104, and the rib tower section 112.

[0050] Once the fastener 102 is attached to the second component 110 (for example, via the rib tower portion 112), the assembly of the fastener 102 and the second component 110 can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, thereby joining the first component 104 and the second component 110. For example, as shown by arrow 204 in Figure 2b, the fastener 102 can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104 by first inserting the second end 324. The second end 324 is tapered and / or chamfered to facilitate the insertion of the fastener 102 into the opening 106 of the first component 104.

[0051] The fastener 102 is designed to take into account both the insertion force required to insert it into the opening 106 and the separation force required to remove it. In one embodiment, the fastener 102 is configured such that the insertion force does not affect the separation force, and vice versa. For example, the fastener 102 may require a nominal insertion force that is ergonomically appropriate for the user, while simultaneously requiring a separation force that is significantly greater than the insertion force.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the bridge 326 is compactly dimensioned to enhance the flexibility of the ribs 304 in the bent portion 312, thereby reducing the insertion force required to insert the fastener 102 into the second component 110. In addition, the size of the bridge 326 is determined to prevent failure or breakage of the fastener 102 during insertion and removal cycles (e.g., five or more times). That is, the disclosed fastener 102, although made from plastic, allows for the use of fasteners with short set heights, which are used in cases where one or both components (e.g., the first component 104 and / or the second component 110 are metal, e.g., metal-laminated panel situations). The parts retain some degree of retention even after multiple removal and installation cycles. Therefore, the dimensions of the bridge 326 are optimized based on a balance between the insertion force and the structural integrity of the fastener 102. Consequently, the material selection for the fastener 102 also influences the sizing of the bridge 326, taking the aforementioned factors into consideration.

[0053] The design (e.g., shape) of the rib 304 further affects the insertion force. To increase its flexibility without compromising strength, the rib 304 may feature a tapered shape along its length. The increased flexibility of the rib 304 allows the fastener 102 to require only the nominal insertion force, enabling the rib 304 to bend as it enters the opening 106 and then return to its original shape without breaking.

[0054] In some embodiments, the features of the fastener 102 are adjusted based on the required separation force, i.e., the force required to pull the fastener 102 out of the first component 104. For example, the fastener 102 can be configured to withstand a separation force of at least 130 N while maintaining an insertion force of approximately 45 Newtons (N) or less. These values ​​are illustrative and not limiting. Depending on the design and application, the nominal insertion force and separation force can be varied beyond the specified range.

[0055] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. Therefore, although the example relating to fasteners is described in terms specific to structural features and / or methods, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of fasteners. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure to adapt the teachings of this Disclosure to specific situations or materials. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, the Method and / or System includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener for connecting a first component and a second component, A main body portion extending along the longitudinal axis, comprising a main body portion defining a first end and a second end, A pair of tower legs extending from the main body at the second end, each of which is elastically flexible with respect to the longitudinal axis, At least one fitting feature positioned on the inward surface of each tower leg, configured to engage with a corresponding seat of the rib tower portion of the second component, It is equipped with, The fitting feature is configured to facilitate the insertion of the rib tower portion between the pair of tower legs and to elastically engage with the seat portion to mechanically hold the fastener in place on the rib tower portion. Fasteners.

2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein each fitting feature portion is provided with a generally wedge-shaped projection, and the projection has an inclined leading surface configured to guide the rib tower portion during insertion.

3. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the generally wedge-shaped projection further defines a subsequent surface configured to engage with the edge of the seat to resist pulling out.

4. The fastener according to claim 1, further comprising at least one locking projection positioned on the outward-facing surface of each tower leg.

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein each locking projection is configured to engage with the edge of the opening when the fastener is installed through the opening formed in the first component.

6. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein each locking projection extends outward from the tower leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to flex inward during insertion.

7. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the tower leg is connected to the second end of the main body by a bridge, and the bridge provides structural support and elasticity during insertion.

8. The fastener according to claim 7, wherein the bridge is sized to increase the flexibility of the tower leg while preventing damage during repeated insertion and removal cycles.

9. The fastener according to claim 1, further comprising a head portion connected to the main body portion at the first end, wherein the head portion comprises a plurality of cantilever arms joined by a connecting element.

10. The fastener according to claim 9, wherein the connecting element has a wing-like feature extending outward from the longitudinal axis to provide a manual engagement surface.

11. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the tower leg portion and the fitting feature portion are integrally formed as a single molded unit.

12. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is formed of a polymer material.

13. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the fitting feature portion and the locking projection portion are positioned on opposite sides of each tower leg.

14. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the tower legs are biased toward each other to provide self-centering action during engagement with the rib tower section.

15. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein when the fastener is in the installation position, the subsequent surface of each fitting feature is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

16. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the fitting feature portion and the locking projection portion cooperate to simultaneously fix the fastener to the rib tower portion of the second component and the first component.

17. The fastener according to claim 16, wherein the fitting feature engages with the seat, preventing the fastener from being pulled forward from the rib tower, and the locking projection engages with the first component, preventing the fastener from being pulled backward from the opening.

18. A fastener assembly, A fastener, A main body portion extending along the longitudinal axis, comprising a main body portion defining a first end and a second end, A pair of tower legs extending from the main body at the second end, each of which is elastically flexible with respect to the longitudinal axis, At least one fitting feature positioned on the inward surface of each tower leg, configured to engage with a corresponding seat of the rib tower portion of the second component, A fastener equipped with, A rib tower portion forming part of a second component, the rib tower portion having a seat portion configured to receive the fitting feature portion of the fastener, A first component defining an opening configured to receive the fastener and engage with the locking projection, It is equipped with, The fastener is configured to mechanically connect the first component and the second component together through engagement between the fitting feature portion and the rib tower portion and engagement between the locking projection portion and the first component. Fastener assembly.

19. The fastener assembly according to claim 18, wherein the fastener is formed of a synthetic polymer or a semi-synthetic polymer.

20. A plastic fastener for connecting a first component and a second component, A main body portion extending along the longitudinal axis, comprising a main body portion defining a first end and a second end, A pair of tower legs extending from the main body at the second end, each of which is elastically flexible with respect to the longitudinal axis, At least one fitting feature positioned on the inward surface of each tower leg, configured to engage with a corresponding seat of the rib tower portion of the second component, It is equipped with, The fitting feature is configured to facilitate the insertion of the rib tower section between the pair of tower legs and to elastically engage with the seat to mechanically hold the plastic fastener to the rib. Plastic fasteners.

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