Fastener with pre-ratcheting protection features

Abstract

A fastener can include a pin with a shaft having radially outward ratchets and a head at the proximal end for engaging an outer component. A grommet can define a bore to receive the shaft and can include a flange for engaging an inner component and a pawl to permit inward movement and restrict outward movement of the shaft. A snap at the distal end of the shaft can have an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the grommet's distal end, preventing pre-ratcheting. The snap can deflect force away from the grommet during insertion, ensuring proper alignment and functionality.

Description

FASTENER WITH PRE-RATCHETING PROTECTION FEATURESCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. Section 219(e), to Karun Balachandran U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 618,508, entitled “RATCHETING CLIP WITH PRERATCHETING PROTECTION FEATURES,” filed on January 08, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0001] Fasteners, and more specifically, ratcheting clips have a variety of uses. For example, in the automotive industry, ratcheting clips can be used on door trim applications to consistently close gaps between a door trim edge and a sheet metal component. These types of components can have large surface areas or are otherwise sizable such that minor variations in manufacturing or assembly, even within acceptable tolerances, can result in variations in gaps among different vehicles or even different parts of the same vehicle. In the case of variation between trim and sheet metal, singleposition clips do not allow for adjustability, which is why adjustable ratcheting clips are often used.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Various examples are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Such examples are demonstrative and not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive examples of the present subject matter.

[0003] Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automotive vehicle, according to some examples.

[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip after ratcheting, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2D illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip being inserted into a hole, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 A illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip after ratcheting, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3D illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip being inserted into a hole, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 A illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a ratcheting clip after ratcheting, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4D illustrates an example of a ratcheting clip being inserted into a hole, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0018] The drawings are not necessarily to scale or inclusive of all elements of a system; emphasis is instead generally placed upon illustrating the concepts, structures, and techniques sought to be protected herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To join two components, ratcheting clip grommets inserted into the trim can be inserted into the sheet metal. Then an additional force can be applied on the trim to shift the trim edge relative to the fixed grommet and close Y gaps (e.g., gap between the trim component and the sheet metal component) as needed. However, there is often a risk of preratcheting. Pre-ratcheting can happen when the grommet is directly exposed to the sheet metal raw edge during installation. For example, the grommet can engage with the sheet metal and the force enacted on the grommet by the sheet metal can ratchet the grommet and the pin before the fastener is inserted through the hole. When the pin pre-ratchets before the grommet is inserted into the sheet metal, the ratcheting clip becomes entirely unusable as a pre-ratcheted assembly can no longer provide adjustability and can fail to provide retention because the grommet may not be able to extend through the hole enough to lock with the sheet metal component.

[0020] The following examples disclosed in the detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed invention or the applications of use.

[0021] Examples described herein can provide ratcheting clip pins with built-in pre-ratcheting protection features and ratcheting clips including these ratcheting clip pins. For example, a pin of a ratcheting clip can include one or more elements disposed at an inside end of the pin (e.g., the end of the pin to be inserted into a hole in an item to be fastened). These one or more elements can be configured to reliably protect the grommet of the ratcheting clip from pre-ratcheting, as described in detail below.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automotive vehicle 100, according to some examples. The automotive vehicle 100 can be a car, vehicle, automobile, or the like, operable to transport occupants or items over a road or other terrain. The automotive vehicle 100 can include a frame or a chassis 102, a drivetrain 104, wheels 106, panels 108, and trim component 110. The wheels 106 can engage with a road or terrain and can be configured to support the automotive vehicle 100. The chassis 102 can support the drivetrain 104, which can be connected to the wheels 106. The drivetrain 104 can be operable to drive the wheels 106 to rotate such as to move the automotive vehicle 100. The panels 108 can be connected to the chassis 102 and can help to reinforce the chassis 102 and improve drag or airresistance during transportation. The automotive vehicle 100 can also include one or more seats or seat assemblies securable to the chassis 102 and configured to support and help restrain occupants within the automotive vehicle 100. A fastener 112 can help attach the trim component 110 to the chassis 102. The fastener 112 will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 2A - FIG. 4D.

[0023] FIGS. 2A-2D show an example of a fastener 200 being inserted within an outer component 10 and an inner component 20 to alter a gap between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20. More specifically, FIG. 2A shows an example of a fastener 200. FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the fastener 200, according to some examples of the present disclosure, FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener 200 after ratcheting according to some examples of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2D shows the first example of the fastener 200 being inserted into a hole according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 2 A and 2B, the fastener 200 can be a ratcheting clip and can include a pin 210 and grommet 220. The grommet 220 can include a bore 221 (first shown in FIG. 2B) extending therethrough. The pin 210 can be configured to fit within the bore 221 defined by the grommet 220. The pin 210 can be configured to ratchet within the bore 221 to fasten and draw two parts together, such as outer component 10 (e.g., a farthest component of a vehicle body, frame, trim component, exterior panel, or the like, in a first direction 30, as shown in FIG. 2B) and inner component 20 (e.g., a nearest component of a vehicle body, frame, trim component, exterior panel, or the like, in a second direction 40, as shown in FIG. 2B). Note that “outer” and “inner” are relative terms used herein to define the relationship of the two components to the mechanisms of fastener 200, but it will be clear from the following description that “outer” and “inner” can or cannot necessarily define the relationship of the two components to the environment in which they are disposed. As shown in FIG. 2B, the second direction 40 can be opposite the first direction 30.

[0025] The pin 210 can be configured as, or can include, a shaft. The pin 210 can extend with a uniform diameter. The pin 210 can have a diameter that decreases as the pin 210 extends in the second direction 40from the outside portion (e.g., proximal) to the inside portion (e.g., distal) of the pin 210. The pin 210 can be made of rubber, polymers, metals, composites, combinations thereof, or the like. The pin 210 can include a head 212 located at the distal end of the pin 210. The head 212 can define a proximal end (e.g., outside end) of the pin 210 (e.g., the shaft). The head 212 can have a diameter that extends radially outward from an outer diameter of the pin 210. As such, as the pin 210 extends through the outer component 10, the head 212 can be configured to engage with outer component 10 and thereby couple the fastener 200 to the outer component 10. The head 212 can include flexible (e.g., rubber, polymer, composite, combination thereof, or the like) grommet-shaped member configured to be pressed into a hole, bore, or opening 11 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the outer component 10. The head 212 can include two pieces, an outer piece 212A (FIG. 2 A) and an inner piece 212B (FIG. 2 A) into which the outer piece can be configured to snap or otherwise be secured, such that outer component 10 can be aligned with the inner piece 212B and secured thereto by inserting the outer piece 212A through the hole in the outer component 10 and fixing the outer piece 212A of the head 212 to the inner piece 212B. These examples are not an exhaustive list of variations of the pin 210 that can be used with the fastener 200, and the present disclosure contemplates that any version or variation of any pin 210 can be used to couple the outer component 10 to the fastener 200.

[0026] The pin 210 can include ratchets 214 formed in a radially outward surface of the pin 210. The ratchets 214 can include a plurality of protruding teeth, a threaded interface, or the like, formed on or in the outer surface of the pin 210. The ratchets 214 can also extend toward the outer end or inner end (e.g., proximally or distally) of the shaft as the ratchets 214 extend radially outward from the pin 210. The extension toward the outer end or inner end can assist with engagement between the ratchets 214 and other components of the fastener 200. The ratchets 214 can be helical (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B, with the threaded interface), in the form of a screw thread, or can maintain a consistent level relative to the length of the shaft. The helical profile can assist in the ratcheting of the fastener 200 such that the pin 210 with the ratchets 214, including the helical profile, can beinfinitely adjustable with no set limits between levels of ratcheting. As the helical profile of the ratchets 214 is continuous, there are no gaps, and thus, can be completely adjustable within the limits of the ratchets 214. The ratchets 214 formed in the pin 210 at the consistent level of the ratchets 214 permit set adjustments or ratcheting to tune the fastener 200 to the various applications for which they can be used.

[0027] The grommet 220, which can comprise a single part or multiple parts coupled or arranged together, can include a hollow cylinder extending between an outer section (e.g., proximal section) and an inner section (e.g., distal section). The inner walls of the grommet 220 can define a bore 221 extending through from the proximal end to the distal end. The bore 221 can extend through the grommet 220 and be configured to receive the pin 210. The pin 210 can be inserted into the bore 221 during the assembly of the fastener 200, as described in detail below.

[0028] The grommet 220 can include a flange 222 formed or attached to the proximal section of the grommet 220. The flange 222 can be engageable with the inner component 20 to couple the fastener 200 to the inner component 20. The flange 222 can include a flexible (e.g., rubber, polymer, composite, combination thereof, or the like) component that can be press fit into a hole 31 (FIG. 2B) (e.g., an aperture, bore, or the like) formed in inner component 20 or that can be configured to cover the hole 31 of the inner component 20.

[0029] The grommet 220 can also include a tab 224. The tab 224 can bend radially inward as grommet 220 is inserted into the hole formed in the inner component 20 and spring back outward (e.g., return to original position) as the tab 224 clears the hole formed in the inner component, as shown in FIG. 2B. The elasticity and the deformation and rebounding nature of the tab 224 can enable a snapping feeling as the grommet 220 is inserted into the hole formed in the inner component to provide haptic feedback to a user of the fastener 200.

[0030] The grommet 220 can include at least one flexible latch (e.g., referred to herein as a pawl 226) to permit movement of the shaft through the bore 221 relative to the grommet 220 in a second direction (e.g., leftward as illustrated or in the second direction 40, as shown in FIG. 2B) and inhibitor limit movement of the shaft through the bore 221 relative to the grommet220 in a first direction (e.g., rightward as illustrated, or in the first direction 30, as shown in FIG. 2B) through engagement with the ratchets 214. The engagement between the ratchets 214 and the pawl 226, therefore, can form a ratcheting element of fastener 200.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2B and 2C, for example, the ratchets 214 can be angled toward the first direction 30 (shown in FIG. 2B) as they extend radially from an outer surface of the pin 210. The angle of the ratchets 214 can help discourage engagement between the pawl 226 and the ratchets 214 as the pin 210 moves within the bore 221 relative to the grommet 220 in the second direction 40 (e.g., inward) and encourage engagement between the pawl 226 and the ratchets 214 as the pin 210 moves within the bore 221 relative to the grommet 220 in the first direction 30 (e.g., outward). Thus, the pin 210 can be moved within the bore 221 in the second direction 40 (e.g., inward) to decrease a gap between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20 (as shown by the changes in the gap 21, shown in FIG. 2B, between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20 and the gap 22. Shown in FIG. 2C, between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20). The engagement between the pawl 226 and the ratchets 214 can inhibit or limit movement of the pin 210 within the bore 221 in the first direction 30 (e.g., outward) to maintain the gap 22, as shown in FIG. 2C, between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20 once the fastener 200 is installed within the outer component 10 and the inner component 20. In other words, the engagement between the pawl 226 and the ratchets 214 can prevent the gap 22 from returning back to the gap 21 after the fastener 200 is inserted in the outer component 10 and the inner component 20.

[0032] As best shown in FIG. 2C, the ratcheting of the fastener 200, can couple outer component 10 to inner component 20 while providing the gap 22 between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20 by ratcheting to a corresponding level (e.g., moving the pin 210 within the bore221 of the grommet 220 to define (e.g., to change from the gap 21, shown in FIG. 2B, to the gap 22, shown in FIG. 2C) the gap between the outer component 10 and the inner component 20).

[0033] As noted above, a user can couple the outer component 10 to the head 212 and engage the inner component 20 with the flange 222 or the tab 224. Engaging the inner component 20 can involve inserting grommet 220 into a hole, aperture, or other features formed in the inner component 20 (see also FIG. 2D, described in detail below) and pushing grommet 220 through the hole in the second direction 40 (FIG. 2B) until inner component 20 is in contact with the flange 222 or secured by the tab 224. To ratchet the fastener 200, a user can push the pin 210 in a second direction (e.g., the second direction 40, FIG. 2B) through the bore 221 to draw together and fasten or couple the outer component 10 and the inner component 20 to one another. As the pin 210 moves through the bore 221, the pawl 226 can slide over the ratchets 214 and thereby ratchet along the ratchets 214 until a desired distance between outer component 10 and inner component 20 is achieved. FIG. 2C shows the pin 210 in a fully ratcheted state, where pawl 226 is engaged with an outermost tooth, thread, or other feature of the ratchets 214. It will be understood that pawl 226 can be engaged with any other tooth, thread, or other feature of the ratchets 214 of the pin 210 to achieve any desired coupling of the outer component 10 and the inner component 20.

[0034] Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, pin 210 can include snap 230 disposed at an inside end of the shaft and beyond an end of grommet 220 in the second direction (e.g., the second direction 40, as shown in FIG. 2B). The snap 230 can include a radially external surface 232 extending radially outward beyond at least one external surface of the end of grommet 220. Snap 230 can be a single snap element or a plurality of snap elements (e.g., two). The snap elements can be configured to flex radially inward under at least some conditions. For example, assembly of fastener 200 can include inserting pin 210 into grommet 220, snap 230 end first, and pushing pin 210 through grommet 220 until snap 230 emerges beyond the end of grommet 220. Thus, when inserting pin 210 into the bore 221, at least a portion of snap 230 can flex radially inward. As described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 2C and 2D, the snap 230, including radially external surface 232, can be configured in such a way that inadvertent pre-ratcheting of pawl 226 along the ratchets 214 can be reliably prevented.

[0035] FIG. 2D shows the first example of the fastener 200 being inserted into a hole, aperture, or other feature of the inner component 20, according to some examples of the present disclosure. This figure demonstrates how snap 230 can reduce or eliminate the possibility of accidental pre-ratcheting due to improper alignment of fastener 200 with a hole in inner component 20.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2D, the fastener 200 can be used when the fastener 200 is not centered on the hole formed in inner component 20. This situation can arise for a variety of reasons, such as out-of-spec manufacture of outer component 10 or inner component 20, human or machine error in assembly, etc. In any event, because of the lack of alignment, inner component 20 can apply a force F to fastener 200 due to contact between inner component 20 and fastener 200 during insertion of fastener 200 into the hole. Without snap 230 intervening, force F would be incident on grommet 220. Accordingly, a sufficiently strong force F could potentially push grommet 220 and cause it to slide along pin 210, ratcheting pawl 226 along the ratchets 214 in the process. Due to the shape of the ratchets 214, undoing this pre-ratcheting can be impossible or impractical.

[0037] However, as shown in FIG. 2D, the fastener 200 can be inserted into the hole by first inserting snap 230 into the hole and, in the case of misalignment, snap 230 can contact inner component 20 prior to the entire snap 230 body and grommet 220 entering the hole. Thus, snap 230 can deflect force F incident on snap 230 away from grommet 220 during the contacting.

[0038] The snap 230 can be shaped both to deflect force F away from grommet 220 and to force proper alignment of fastener 200 within the hole in inner component 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 2D, radially external surface 232 of snap 230 can have a radial offset tapering radially outward from the second direction (e.g., the second direction 40, as shown in FIG. 2B) to the first direction (e.g., the first direction 30, as shown in FIG. 2B). In this example, a maximum outer radius R1 (shown in FIG. 2A) of snap 230 can be less than a maximum outer radius R2 (shown in FIG. 2A) of grommet 220 and greater than a maximum inner radius R3 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the bore 221, but an angle (e.g., a first angle 236 and a second angle 238, bothshown in (shown in FIG. 2A) of radially external surface 232 can be sufficient to deflect force F and align fastener 200. As shown in FIG. 2A, for the fastener 200, the first angle 236 can be smaller than the second angle 238 and the second angle 238 can be inward from the first angle 236.

[0039] FIGS. 2A-2D shows one possible configuration of snap 230, but other shapes and sizes can be possible. For example, FIG. 3A shows a fastener 300, FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener 300, FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener 300 after ratcheting, and FIG. 3D shows the fastener 300 being inserted into a hole, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0040] For the fastener 300 of FIGS. 3A-3D, like reference numerals refer to like components as described above with respect to the fastener 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D. Moreover, the fastener 300 of FIGS. 3A-3D is configured to couple outer component 10 and inner component 20 in the same way as the fastener 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D. The difference between the fastener 300 and the fastener 200 is in the shape of snap 230 and the radially external surface 232 of the snap 230. Specifically, in the fastener 300, the radial offset of radially external surface 232 tapers at a first angle 236 (shown in FIG. 3 A) at an outward portion and a second angle 238 (shown in FIG. 3 A) at an inward portion, the second angle 238 can be wider than the first angle 236, as shown. Moreover, as shown in the FIGS. 3A-2D, the fastener 300 can include a snap 230 including a maximum outer radius R1 (shown in FIG. 3A) of snap 230 can be equal to a maximum outer radius R2 (shown in FIG.3 A) of grommet 220 in this example.

[0041] As another example, FIG. 4 A shows a fastener 400, FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener 400, FIG. 4C shows a cross- sectional view of the fastener 400 after ratcheting, and FIG. 4D shows the fastener 400 being inserted into a hole, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[0042] For the fastener 400 of FIGS. 4A-4D, like reference numerals refer to like components as described above with respect to the fastener 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D. Moreover, the fastener 400 of FIGS. 4A-3D is configured to couple outer component 10 and inner component 20 in the same way as the fastener 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D. The difference between the fastener 400and the fastener 200 is in the shape of snap 230 and the radially external surface 232 of the snap 230. Specifically, the fastener 400, the radial offset of radially external surface 232 tapers at a different angle (e.g., the first angle 236 and the second angle 238 of fastener 400 are different from the first angle 236 and the second angle 238 of the fastener 200) from that of the fastener 200, as shown. For example, the second angle 238 of the fastener 400 can be greater than the second angle 238 of the fastener 200. Moreover, a maximum outer radius R1 (shown in FIG. 4 A) of snap 230 can be equal to a maximum outer radius R2 (shown in FIG. 4 A) of grommet 220 in this example.

[0043] While three specific example ratcheting clips are illustrated and described above, it should be understood that any shape and size snap 230, or radially external surface 232 thereof, is within the scope of this disclosure as long as it is configured to block force F from causing preratcheting of the ratcheting clip.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 fastening an outer component (e.g., a trim component or the outer component 10, first shown in FIG. 2A) to an inner component (e.g., an automobile component, a sheet metal component, or the inner component 20, as first shown in FIG. 2A). The method 500 can optionally include any combination of operations 510-530.

[0045] At operation 510, the method 500 can include coupling the outer component 10 to a head (e.g., the head 212, FIG. 2A) of a pin (e.g., the pin 210, FIG. 2A). As discussed herein, the head can define a proximal portion of a shaft. The shaft can include ratchets (e.g., the ratchets 214, FIG. 2 A) extending radially outward from the shaft. The ratchets 214 can include at least one of a threaded interface, flat protrusions, or any other engagement interface that can engage with a pawl or latch of a grommet, or the like.

[0046] At operation 520, the method 500 can include engaging the inner component with a flange (e.g., the flange 222, FIG. 2A) of a grommet (e.g., the grommet 220, FIG. 2A). The grommet can define a bore (e.g., the bore 221, FIG. 2 A) that can be configured to accept the shaft. The engaging the inner component with the flange of grommet can include inserting a snap(e.g., the snap 230, FIG. 2A) and the grommet into a hole (e.g., hole 31, FIG. 2B) of the inner component. The snap can be located at an inside end of the shaft of the pin and beyond an end of the grommet in a second direction and comprising a radially external surface extending radially outward beyond at least one external surface of the end of the grommet.

[0047] At operation 530, the method 500 can include pushing the pin in the second direction through the bore, thereby drawing together and fastening the outer component and inner component to one another. The grommet can include a pawl (e.g., the pawl 226, FIG. 2B) that can be configured to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction (e.g., the second direction 40, FIG. 2B) and restrict movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction (e.g., the first direction 30, FIG. 2B) through engagement with the pawl.

[0048] The following non-limiting examples detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

[0049] Example 1 is a fastener for securing trim of an automobile, the fastener comprising: a pin including: a shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft, and a head connected to a proximal portion of the shaft, the head configured to engage with an outer component of a trim of the automobile; a grommet defining a bore configured to receive the shaft, the grommet including: a flange extending radially outward from the grommet and configured to engage with an inner component of a frame of the automobile; and a pawl extending from the grommet into the bore, the pawl configured to engage the ratchets to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and inhibit or limit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction, the first direction opposite the second direction; and a snap connected to a distal portion of the shaft to define an inside end of the fastener such that the grommet is located at least partially between the snap and the head of the shaft, the snap including an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of a distal end of the grommet.

[0050] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein the ratchets extending radially outward from the shaftdefine a threaded interface, and wherein the pawl includes a flexible latch extending radially inward from a distal section of the grommet and into the bore.

[0051] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include wherein the snap comprises: a radially external surface including a radial offset tapering radially inward as the snap extends from the first direction to the second direction.

[0052] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includes wherein an outward portion of the radial offset tapers at a first angle and an inward portion of the radial offset tapers a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle.

[0053] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein a maximum outer diameter of the snap is equal to a maximum outer diameter of the grommet.

[0054] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein a maximum outer diameter of the snap is less than a maximum outer diameter of the grommet and greater than a maximum inner diameter of the bore.

[0055] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include wherein the snap is configured to deflect a force incident on the snap away from the grommet.

[0056] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein at least a portion of a radially external surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward to facilitate insertion into the bore and rebound outside of the bore.

[0057] Example 9 is a pin for use in a fastener for securing trim of an automobile, the pin comprising: a shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft; a head defining a proximal section of the shaft, the head configured to engage with an outer component of a trim of the automobile; a grommet defining a bore configured to receive the shaft, the grommet including: a flange extending radially outward from the grommet and configured to engage with an inner component of a frame of the automobile; and a pawl extending from the grommet into the bore, the pawlconfigured to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and inhibit or limit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction through engagement with the ratchets; and a snap connected to a distal end of the shaft to define an inside end of the fastener such that the grommet is disposed between the snap and the head of the shaft, the snap including an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of a distal end of the grommet.

[0058] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 optionally includes wherein the ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft include a threaded surface, and wherein the pawl includes a flexible latch extending radially inward from the grommet into the bore.

[0059] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-10 optionally include wherein a radially external surface of the snap includes a radial offset tapering radially inward as the snap extends from the first direction to the second direction.

[0060] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes wherein at least a portion of the radially external surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward to facilitate insertion into the bore and rebound outside of the bore.

[0061] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 11-12 optionally include wherein an outward portion of the radial offset tapers at a first angle and an inward portion of the radial offset tapers a second angle, the second angle being wider than the first angle.

[0062] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-13 optionally include wherein a maximum outer radius of the snap is equal to a maximum outer radius of the grommet.

[0063] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-14 optionally include wherein a maximum outer radius of the snap is less than a maximum outer radius of the grommet and greater than a maximum inner radius of the bore.

[0064] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 9-15 optionally include wherein the snap is configured to deflect aforce incident on the snap away from the grommet when the shaft is inserted within the bore.

[0065] Example 17 is a method of fastening an outer component to an inner component, the method comprising: coupling the outer component to a head of a pin, the head defining a proximal end of a shaft, the shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft; engaging the inner component with a flange of grommet, the grommet defining a bore configured to accept the shaft, wherein engaging the inner component with a flange of grommet includes inserting a snap and the grommet into a hole of the inner component, the snap being disposed at an inside end of the shaft of the pin and beyond an end of the grommet in a second direction and comprising a radially external surface extending radially outward beyond at least one external surface of the end of the grommet; and pushing the pin in the second direction through the bore, thereby drawing together and fastening the outer component and inner component to one another, wherein the grommet includes a pawl configured to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and restrict movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction through engagement with the pawl.

[0066] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 optionally includes wherein inserting the snap comprises contacting the inner component with the snap prior to inserting the snap and the grommet into the hole.

[0067] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 optionally includes wherein, while inserting the snap and the grommet in the hole, the snap deflects a force incident on the snap away from the grommet.

[0068] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 17-19 optionally include inserting the pin into the bore, wherein at least a portion of a radially outer surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward because of engagement of the radially outer surface of the snap and the bore of the grommet.

[0069] Example 21 includes a method, system, apparatus, or device including any element of any of examples 1-20.

[0070] The above-detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific examples that can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0071] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0072] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0073] The term “about,” as used herein, means approximately, in the region of, roughly, or around. When the term “about” is used in conjunctionwith a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 10%. In one aspect, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore, about 50% means in the range of 45%-55%. Numerical ranges recited herein by endpoints include all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, 4.24, and 5). Similarly, numerical ranges recited herein by endpoints include subranges subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1-1.5, 1.5-2, 2-2.75, 2.75-3, 3-3.90, 3.90-4, 4-4.24, 4.24-5, 2-5, 3-5, 1-4, and 2-4). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about.”

[0074] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features can be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the examples should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fastener for securing trim of an automobile, the fastener comprising: a pin including: a shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft, and a head connected to a proximal portion of the shaft, the head configured to engage with an outer component of a trim of the automobile; a grommet defining a bore configured to receive the shaft, the grommet including: a flange extending radially outward from the grommet and configured to engage with an inner component of a frame of the automobile; and a pawl extending from the grommet into the bore, the pawl configured to engage the ratchets to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and inhibit or limit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction, the first direction opposite the second direction; and a snap connected to a distal portion of the shaft to define an inside end of the fastener such that the grommet is located at least partially between the snap and the head of the shaft, the snap including an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of a distal end of the grommet.

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft define a threaded interface, and wherein the pawl includes a flexible latch extending radially inward from a distal section of the grommet and into the bore.

3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the snap comprises: a radially external surface including a radial offset tapering radially inward as the snap extends from the first direction to the second direction.

4. The fastener of claim 3, wherein an outward portion of the radial offset tapers at a first angle and an inward portion of the radial offset tapers a second angle, the second angle being greater than the first angle.

5. The fastener of claim 1, wherein a maximum outer diameter of the snap is equal to a maximum outer diameter of the grommet.

6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein a maximum outer diameter of the snap is less than a maximum outer diameter of the grommet and greater than a maximum inner diameter of the bore.

7. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the snap is configured to deflect a force incident on the snap away from the grommet.

8. The fastener of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a radially external surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward to facilitate insertion into the bore and rebound outside of the bore.

9. A pin for use in a fastener for securing trim of an automobile, the pin comprising: a shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft; a head defining a proximal section of the shaft, the head configured to engage with an outer component of a trim of the automobile; a grommet defining a bore configured to receive the shaft, the grommet including: a flange extending radially outward from the grommet and configured to engage with an inner component of a frame of the automobile; and a pawl extending from the grommet into the bore, the pawl configured to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and inhibit or limit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction through engagement with the ratchets; and a snap connected to a distal end of the shaft to define an inside end of the fastener such that the grommet is disposed between the snap and the head of theshaft, the snap including an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of a distal end of the grommet.

10. The pin of claim 9, wherein the ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft include a threaded surface, and wherein the pawl includes a flexible latch extending radially inward from the grommet into the bore.

11. The pin of claim 9, wherein a radially external surface of the snap includes a radial offset tapering radially inward as the snap extends from the first direction to the second direction.

12. The pin of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the radially external surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward to facilitate insertion into the bore and rebound outside of the bore.

13. The pin of claim 11, wherein an outward portion of the radial offset tapers at a first angle and an inward portion of the radial offset tapers a second angle, the second angle being wider than the first angle.

14. The pin of claim 9, wherein a maximum outer radius of the snap is equal to a maximum outer radius of the grommet.

15. The pin of claim 9, wherein a maximum outer radius of the snap is less than a maximum outer radius of the grommet and greater than a maximum inner radius of the bore.

16. The pin of claim 9, wherein the snap is configured to deflect a force incident on the snap away from the grommet when the shaft is inserted within the bore.

17. A method of fastening an outer component to an inner component, the method comprising:coupling the outer component to a head of a pin, the head defining a proximal portion of a shaft, the shaft including ratchets extending radially outward from the shaft; engaging the inner component with a flange of grommet, the grommet defining a bore configured to accept the shaft, wherein engaging the inner component with a flange of a grommet includes inserting a snap and the grommet into a hole of the inner component, the snap being located at an inside end of the shaft of the pin and beyond an end of the grommet in a second direction and comprising a radially external surface extending radially outward beyond at least one external surface of the end of the grommet; and pushing the pin in the second direction through the bore, thereby drawing together and fastening the outer component and inner component to one another, wherein the grommet includes a pawl configured to permit movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a second direction and restrict movement of the shaft relative to the grommet in a first direction through engagement with the pawl.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the snap comprises contacting the inner component with the snap prior to inserting the snap and the grommet into the hole.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, while inserting the snap and the grommet in the hole, the snap deflects a force incident on the snap away from the grommet.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising inserting the pin into the bore, wherein at least a portion of a radially outer surface of the snap is configured to flex radially inward because of engagement of the radially outer surface of the snap and the bore of the grommet.

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