CLIP ASSEMBLY RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority ^" benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/021,252 entitled "Clip Assembly," filed January 15, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a clip assembly, and more particularly, to a clip assembly configured to secure panels or components together and that may be selectively engaged between securing and non- securing positions to facilitate servicing.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various clip assemblies are used to secure one component, such as a first panel, to another component, such as a second panel. Typically, conventional clip assemblies are difficult, if not impossible, to reuse after they are removed from a securing relationship with respect to a panel or panels. Once a conventional clip assembly is installed and secured with respect to a panel, it may deform, warp or break when removed from a reciprocal mating component. For example, the clip assembly may include snap ledges that snag or catch edges of a panel and shear off when the clip assembly is forced out of a securing relationship with the panel. As such, the securing interface of the clip assembly may be permanently damaged and no longer able to secure the clip to a component.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide clip assemblies that alleviate stresses exerted on the clip assemblies during servicing. Thus, the structural integrity of each clip assembly is maintained. That is, the clip assemblies are configured to be selectively moved between securing positions and non-securing positions so that

they may be easily secured to and removed from components in order to service the components. The clip assemblies may be reused after they are removed from the component(s).

[0005] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clip assembly configured to securely connect a first component, such as a sheet panel, to a second component, such as another sheet panel. The clip assembly may include a rotatable pin and a housing.

[0006] The rotatable pin may include a shaft connected to a neck, which is, in turn, connected to a head having a first dimension (such as a width) and a second dimension (such as a depth or thickness). The first dimension is greater than the second dimension, or vice versa.

[0007] The housing is configured to receive and retain the rotatable pin and may include a pin chamber and opposing flex arms extending into the pin chamber. The first dimension of the head may be configured to spread the flex arms open into a locked position. The second dimension of the head may be configured to allow the flex arms to retract to an unlocked position. The rotatable pin is configured to be rotated between the locked and unlocked positions. The flex arms spread open to lock the housing to the first component in the locked position. The flex arms retract in the unlocked position to allow the flex arms to pass through a through-hole formed in the first component.

[0008] The first dimension may be a first size that is greater than the distance between the flex arms in the pin chamber. The second dimension may be a second size that is equal to or less than the distance between said flex arms in said pin chamber.

[0009] The rotatable pin may include a base connected to the shaft, which may include a plurality of cored-out sections. The base may include a socket configured to receive an operative end of a tool. The base may also include at least one notch and the housing may include at least one stop block. The stop block is configured to be retained within the notch when the pin fully engages the housing, thereby preventing said base from rotating in an undesired direction.

[0010] The housing may include opposing flex joints configured to allow the housing to be compressed. The flex arms protrude through an opening formed in the housing when the housing is compressed.

[0011] The housing may also include a cage having ribs and half ribs. The ribs prevent the head from rotating in first and second directions (such as clockwise and counterclockwise) when the head abuts the ribs. The half ribs prevent the head from rotating in only one of said first or second directions when the head abuts the half ribs.

[0012] The pin or the housing may include a channel, and the other may include a protuberance rotatably secured within the channel. The channel and the protuberance cooperate to prevent the pin from axially dislodging from the housing.

[0013] The housing may also include a coupling clamp configured to securely clamp to a flange of the second components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates a lateral view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a pin, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a lateral view of a pin, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a clip assembly through line 7-7 of Figure 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a clip assembly through line 8-8 of Figure 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly in which a pin is in an initial engaged position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly securing two sheet panels together, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly in which a pin is disengaged from flex arms of a housing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of a clip assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 14 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of a clip assembly through line 14-14 of Figure 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the clip assembly 10. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the clip assembly includes a pin 12 and a housing 14.

[0030] The pin 12 includes a base 16 supporting a shaft 18 that is integrally connected to a neck 20, which is in turn integrally connected to a head 22. The shaft 18 and neck 20 may be cored in order to reduce material volume, while at the same time ensuring the strength and functionality of the pin 12.

[0031] A socket 24 may be formed in the base 16. The socket 24 may be aligned with a central, longitudinal axis x of the shaft 18 of the pin 12. The socket 24 is configured to receive an operative end of a tool, such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench, so that the pin 12 may be rotated with respect to the housing 14, as discussed below. Further, as shown in Figure 1, in particular, notches 26 are formed at corners of the base 16 that are diagonally opposite from one another.

[0032] The housing 14 includes a base 28 having stop blocks 30 downwardly extending from diagonally-opposite corners. The stop blocks 30 are generally aligned with the notches 26 of the base 16. Thus, when the base 16 of the pin 12 abuts the underside of the base 28 of the housing 14, the stop blocks 30 extend into the notches 26.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, in particular, a distal end of the head 22 is secured to the base 28 of the housing 14 through flashes 40. That is, during a forming process, the pin 12 may be flash gated to the housing 14 such that the clip assembly 10 may be formed as a single piece with the pin 12 secured to the housing 14 through the flashes 40. In this position, the head 22 is aligned under a channel that leads to a pin chamber within the housing 14.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, lateral walls 32 upwardly extend from the base 28 of the housing 14 on either side of a central longitudinal axis x of the housing 14. Each lateral wall 32 is on an opposite side of a central channel (not shown in Figures

1 and 2) formed through the base 28 and extending through the housing 14. A series of ribs 34 span between the lateral walls 32. The ribs 34 may perpendicularly connect to the lateral walls 32, thereby forming a rectangular axial cross-section. Above the ribs 34, a half rib 36 extends from one of the lateral walls 32 on the front side of the housing 14, while another half rib 36 extends from the other lateral wall 32 on a back side of the housing 14. Interior edges of the half ribs 36 may be curved, such as in a semi-circular fashion. As such, an object abutting the interior edges of the half ribs 36 may be allowed to rotate, while an object abutting the ribs 34 may be prevented from rotating. The lateral walls 32, ribs 34 and half ribs 36 form a cage-like structure that defines a pin chamber 38 therebetween.

[0035] Distal ends of the lateral walls 32 are integrally connected to flex arms 44 that include ramped surfaces that extend toward the central axis x. As shown in Figure 2, in particular, the width of the head 22 is wider than the distance between the flex arms 44 within the pin chamber 38. Thus, when the head 22 passes between the flex arms 44, as discussed below, the head 22 spreads the flex arms 44 apart.

[0036] Distal ends of the flex arms 44 extend into an opening 46 formed through a coupling clamp 48. The coupling clamp 48 includes a lower panel 50 connected to an upper panel 52 by a central block 56. A central passage (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) is formed through the central block 56 that allows the flex arms 44 to pass therethrough. The panels 50 and 52 are separated by a gap 54. Clasps 58 may extend downwardly from an underside of the upper panel 52. The coupling clamp 48 is configured to secure to a flange of a component, such as a panel, such that edges of the flange that define an opening are securely clamped within the gap 54 between the panels 50 and 52, and the opening of the flange is positioned around the central block 56. Thus, the housing 14 may be secured to a first component.

[0037] Opposing lateral flex joints 60 are located on outer sides of the lateral walls 32. The flex joints 60 are resilient and may be compressible living hinges that allow the base 28 and the coupling clamp 48 to be compressed towards one another. The flex joints 60 extend from an upper surface of the base 28 proximate outer sides of the

lateral walls 32 to a lower surface of the lower panel 50 proximate outer sides of the flex arms 44. Each flex joint 60 includes a beam 62 that integrally connects to the base 28 and laterally extends to a flexible apex 64, which in turn connects to a beam 66 that extends back toward the central axis x and integrally connects to the lower panel 50. The flex joints 60 are configured to expand and contract by way of the flexible apexes 64. In this manner, the flex joints 60 act akin to shock absorbers.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a lateral view of the clip assembly 10. As shown in Figure 3, the profile of the head 22 of the pin 12 is less than the width (shown in Figure 2) of the head 22. The profile of the head 22 is such that it is not long enough to abut both flex arms 44 (shown in Figure 2, for example) when positioned in the pin chamber 38 (shown in Figure 2). When the pin 12 is urged into the housing 14 such that the width of the head 22 (shown in Figure 2) spreads the flex arms 44 open, the pin 12 may be rotated 90° so that the head 22 disengages the flex arms 44, thereby allowing the flex arms 44 to contract back to their at-rest positions.

[0039] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the clip assembly 10. As noted above, the opening 46 is formed through the coupling clamp 48. The flex arms 44 are located within the opening 46 and may pass therethrough.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the pin 12. The shaft 18 may have a series of cores 68, as noted above. The width w of the head 22 is greater than that of the neck 20. Further, as noted above, the width w of the head 22 is greater than the depth (or thickness) of the head 22.

[0041] Figure 6 illustrates a lateral view of the pin 12. As shown in Figure 6, the depth d of the head 22 is roughly the same as that of the neck 20. Further, the depth of the neck 20 may be the same diameter as its width. Comparing Figures 5 and 6, the width w of the head 22 is greater than the depth d of the head 22.

[0042] Figure 7 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the clip assembly 10 through line 7-7 of Figure 4, while Figure 8 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the clip assembly 10 through line 8-8 of Figure 4. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, as noted

above, the socket 24 allows an operative end of a tool to pass therein. Further, after the clip assembly 10 is formed, the head 22 is connected to the base 28 of the housing 24 through the flashes 40, which are configured to be broken upon operation of the clip assembly 10. In this position, the head 22 is aligned with the pin chamber 38 formed within the housing 14.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in particular, when the clip assembly 10 is formed, the housing 14 is secured above the pin 12. The pin 12 is secured to the housing 14 through the flashes 40. In order to position the pin 12 in an initial engaged position so that the head 22 is within the pin chamber 38, the pin 12 is urged toward the housing 14.

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates an isometric top view of the clip assembly 10 in which the pin 12 is in the initial engaged position. Referring to Figures 2, 7 and 9, when the pin 12 is urged toward the housing 14, the flashes 40 are broken and the head 22 passes into the pin chamber 38. In the initial engaged position, the head 22 is not in contact with the flex arms 44. However, the head 22 is bounded by the lateral walls 32 and the ribs 34. The ribs 34 and the lateral walls 32 cooperate to abut the outer surfaces of the head 22, thereby preventing the head 22, and therefore the pin 12, from rotating.

[0045] As the head 22 is further moved into the pin chamber 38, the head 22 encounters the half ribs 36, while the neck 20 and the shaft 18 are proximate the ribs 34. Because the neck 20 and the shaft 18 are not as wide as the head 22 (the shaft 18 and the neck 20 may be cylindrical), the shaft 18 and neck 20 may not simultaneously fully abut both the lateral walls 32 and the ribs 34. Thus, the shaft 18 and the neck 20 may be allowed to rotate within the pin chamber 38. However, one half rib 36 abuts a portion of a front of the head 22, while the other half rib 36 abuts a portion of the back of the head 22. Thus, the half ribs 36 prevent the head 22, and therefore the rest of the pin 12, from rotating in one direction (such as counterclockwise, when oriented as shown in Figures 2, 7 and 9), while allowing 90° rotation in the opposite direction (such as clockwise, when oriented as shown in Figures 2, 7 and 9).

[0046] In order to secure two components together, a first component, such as a first sheet panel, is clamped within the coupling clamp 48, as discussed above. A through hole of a another component, such as a second sheet panel, is then aligned with the opening 46 formed through the. coupling clamp 48. The base 28 of the housing 24 is then urged toward the second sheet panel. During this motion, the flex joints 60 compress and the flex arms 44 extend through the opening 46. When the flex arms 44 extend through the opening 46 and into the through hole of the second sheet panel, the pin 12 is urged further into the pin chamber 38 such that the head 22 passes between the flex arms 44. The width of head 22 forces the flex arms 44 open. As such, the spread flex arms 44 are wider than the through hole of the second sheet panel, thereby securing the clip assembly 10 to the second sheet panel (i.e., the spread flex arms 44 are prevented from retreating back through the smaller through-hole), which is, in turn, secured to the first sheet panel, which is clamped to the coupling clamp 48.

[0047] In this position, the base 16 of the pin 12 abuts the lower surface of the base 28 of the housing 14 such that the stop blocks 30 of the base 28 are positioned within the notches 26 of the base 16. Because edges of the base 28 that define the notches 26 abut edges of the stop blocks 30, the stop blocks 30 prevent the pin 12 from being rotated in one direction (such as clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0048] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric top view of the clip assembly 10 securing two sheet panels 70 and 72 together, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2, 7, 9 and 10, and as noted above, the flex arms 44 are spread open through a hole formed in the sheet panel 72, thereby locking the clip assembly 10 to the sheet panel 72. The sheet panel 70 is clamped in place by the coupling clamp 48. In order to remove the clip assembly 10 from the second sheet panel 72, the pin 12 may be rotated 90° with respect to the housing

[0049] Figure 1 1 illustrates an isometric top view of the clip assembly in which the pin 12 is disengaged from the flex arms 44. Referring to Figures 1-11, in order to disengage the clip assembly 10 from the sheet panel 72, the base 16 of the pin 12 is rotated 90° in the direction allowed by the stop blocks 30 (clockwise, as shown in Figure

11). When the pin 12 is rotated, the width w of the head 22 is rotated out of engagement with the flex arms 44 so that the profile of the head 22 (as shown in Figure 6) is positioned between the flex arms 44. However, as noted above, the depth d of the profile of the head 22 is not large enough to simultaneously abut both the flex arms 44 (or, alternatively, if it is, it is not large enough to spread the flex arms 44 past their at-rest positions). Consequently, the flex arms 44 contract back to their at-rest positions. The radial distance between the flex arms 44 is then less than or, at most, equal to the diameter of the passage formed through the sheet panel 72. Thus, the flex arms 44 may be safely removed from the sheet panel 72 without snagging or catching any portion of the sheet panel 72. As the flex arms 44 are removed from the sheet panel 72, the flex joints 60 decompress, thereby causing the flex arms 44 to retreat back into the opening 46.

[0050] Figure 12 illustrates an isometric top view of a clip assembly 80, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clip assembly 80 is similar to the clip assembly 10 and includes a pin 82 and a housing 84.

[0051] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of the clip assembly 80. As shown in Figure 13, the socket 86 may be configured to accept an operative end of an Allen wrench.

[0052] Figure 14 illustrates an axial cross-sectional view of the clip assembly 80 through line 14-14 of Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, a hollow channel 88 wraps around a quarter circumference (i.e., 90°) of the shaft 90 of the pin 82. Further, a half- sphere protuberance 92 extends into the pin chamber 94 of the housing 84. The axial diameter of the hollow channel 88 is slightly greater than the axial diameter of the protuberance 92. When the pin 82 is urged into the housing 84, the protuberance 92 is received and retained within the hollow channel 88. In this position, the protuberance 88 is press fit into the channel 88, thereby preventing the pin 82 from axially dislodging from the housing 84. The channel 88, because it wraps around the shaft 90 ninety degrees, allows the pin 82 to be turned 90° with respect to the housing 84. Thus, the clip

assembly 80 may be secured to and removed from sheet panels while ensuring that the pin 82 and the housing 84 remain rotatably secured to one another.

[0053] As described above and as shown in the Figures, embodiments of the ipresent invention provide clip assemblies that alleviate stresses exerted on the clip assemblies during service operations. Thus, the structural integrity of each clip assembly is maintained. That is, the clip assemblies are configured to be selectively moved between securing positions and non-securing positions so that they may be easily secured to and removed from components in order to service the components. The clip assemblies may be reused after they are removed from the component(s) due to the fact that securing interfaces are not deformed, warped, frayed, broken or otherwise damaged when the clip assemblies are removed from components.

[0054] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may used to describe embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0055] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0056] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.