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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
QUICK CONNECT ANCHOR WITH SELF-LOCKING FEATURE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/014302
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A quick connect anchor (10) is provided with a self-locking feature for attachment to a fastener (100). The anchor includes a plate (12) and a deflectable cap (20) partially covering the plate (12). The plate (12) has a top and a bottom side and a fastener opening (18). The plate (12) is configured to be placed over the fastener (100) and configured to be moved in a first direction from a free position to a locked position. The deflectable cap (20) has a central opening (28) to receive a fastener (100). On insertion of a head (110) of a fastener, the cap (20) deflects lifting away from the plate (12) by the head (110) allowing the head of the fastener when moved to the locked position to clear the cap (20) and enter the central opening (28) as the cap (20) snaps back past the head into a locking engagement with the fastener below the top of the head (110).

Inventors:
ARNOLD DAVID R (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2015/040482
Publication Date:
January 28, 2016
Filing Date:
July 15, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS INC (US)
International Classes:
B60R22/22; F16B21/09
Foreign References:
US20070132224A12007-06-14
DE102009034584A12010-02-25
US4986570A1991-01-22
US5215332A1993-06-01
US7413321B22008-08-19
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SEITZMAN, Markell (Sterling Heights, Michigan, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A quick connect anchor (10) for attachment to a fastener (100), the anchor comprising:

a plate (12) having a top and a bottom side and a fastener opening(18), the plate (12) configured to be placed over the fastener (100) and configured to be moved in a first direction relative to the fastener (100) from a free position to a locked position; and

a deflectable cap (20) having a central opening (28) to receive or engage a fastener (100), the cap (20) affixed flush to one end of the plate (12) near the locked position and unattached and deflectable relative to the plate (12) near the first position partially overlying the plate fastener opening (18) so as to engage the fastener; and wherein on insertion of a head (110) of a fastener a deflectable part (24) of the cap (20) deflects lifting away from the plate (12) on engagement by the head allowing the head of the fastener (100) on movement of the plate (12) to clear the cap (20) and enter the central opening (28) where the deflectable portion (24) of the cap (20) returns back to its initial position into a locking engagement with a side (11 1) of the head (110) of fastener (100).

2. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the cap (20) has a peripheral side wall (21) positioned along a portion of an outer perimeter of the cap (20) near the free position to elevate the cap (20) relative to the anchor (10).

3. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 2 wherein the cap (20) has a pair of bent legs (25) on each side of the central opening (28) adjacent the side wall (21), the bent legs (25) transition the fixed end from the deflecting end of the cap (20).

4. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 2 wherein the side wall (21) has a height less than the head (110) thickness of the fastener (100).

5. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the opening (18) of the plate (12) has a large diameter portion (18a) at the first position to receive the fastener head (1 10) and a narrow opening portion (18b) smaller than the head to receive the fastener below the head when the plate (12) is moved relative to the fastener (100) to the locked position.

6. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the plate opening (18) is a keyhole shape having an enlarged upper opening (18a) and a downwardly extending narrow channel (18b) to receive and hold a fastener (100).

7. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the anchor plate (12) is rigid.

8. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the cap (20) is made of metal.

9. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 8 wherein the cap (20) is made from a thin steel sheet.

10. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 9 wherein the cap (20) is made of stainless steel.

11. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 1 wherein the combination of the fastener (100) and the quick connect anchor (10) are part of a restraint assembly.

12. The quick connect anchor (10) of claim 11 wherein the restraint assembly is a seat belt assembly (200).

13. A combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10), the anchor comprising:

a plate (12) having a top and a bottom side and a fastener opening (18), the plate (12) configured to be placed over the fastener (100) and configured to be moved in a first direction relative to the fastener from a free position to a locked position; and a deflectable cap (20) having a central opening (28) to receive or engage a fastener (100), the cap (20) affixed flush to one end of the plate (12) near the locked position and unattached and deflectable relative to the plate (12) near the first position partially overlying the plate fastener opening (18) so as to engage the fastener (100); and

wherein on insertion of a head (110) of a fastener (100) a deflectable part (24) of the cap (20) deflects lifting away from the plate (12) on engagement by the head allowing the head (1 10) of the fastener on movement of the plate (12) to clear the cap and enter the central opening where the deflectable portion of the cap returns back to its initial position into a locking engagement with a side (11 1) of the head (1 10) of fastener (100).

14. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 13 wherein the cap (20) has a peripheral side wall (21) positioned along a portion of an outer perimeter of the cap (20) near the free position to elevate the cap (20) relative to the anchor.

15. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 14 wherein the cap (20) has a pair of bent legs (25) on each side of the central opening (28) adjacent the side wall, the bent legs (25) transition the fixed end from the deflecting end (24) of the cap (20).

16. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 14 wherein the side wall (21) has a height less than the head thickness of the fastener (100).

17. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 13 wherein the opening (18) of the plate (102) has a large diameter portion (18a) at the first position to receive the fastener head (100) and a narrow opening portion (18b) smaller than the head to receive the fastener (100) below the head when the plate (12) is moved relative to the fastener (100) to the locked position.

18. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 13 wherein the plate opening (18) is a keyhole shape having an enlarged upper opening (18a) and a downwardly extending narrow channel (18b) to receive and hold a fastener (100).

19. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 13 wherein the anchor plate (12) is rigid.

20. The combination comprising a fastener (100) and a quick connect anchor (10) of claim 13 wherein the cap (20) is made of metal.

Description:
QUICK CONNECT ANCHOR WITH SELF-LOCKING FEATURE

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to anchor mechanisms generally and more particularly to self-locking anchors used in safety restraint systems.

Background of the Invention

[002] Quick connect anchor mechanisms as disclosed in US 7,413,321 have a shoulder bolt or fastener with an enlarged head adapted to slide into a keyhole type opening having a large opening to receive the head and a narrower opening to receive the shoulder as it is slid into the narrow opening wherein a tab locking mechanism can engage an opening in the head to hold it in place. This prior art design allows the assembly of the anchor to the shoulder bolt quickly and easily.

[003] This design, while convenient, is notably weak at the small locking tab which not only locks the shoulder bolt, but also holds the anchor and bolt snugly together to prevent noise.

[004] A co-inventor of this prior art device has developed an improved robust anchor with a self-locking feature that can be used in virtually any application for a quick connecting anchor mechanism. The inventive device is self-locking and remarkably strong as described below.

Summary of the Invention

[005] A quick connect anchor is provided with a self-locking feature. The anchor includes a plate and a deflectable cap partially covering the plate. The plate has a top and a bottom side and a fastener opening. The plate is configured to be placed over a fastener and moved in a first direction from a free or unlocked position to a locked position where the plate is locked to the fastener. The deflectable cap has a central opening to receive a fastener, the cap being moved upward upon interaction with the head of the fastener. The cap is affixed flush to one end of the plate near the locked position and is unattached and deflectable relative to the plate near the first position partially overlying the plate fastener opening. On insertion of a head of a fastener into the opening and against the cap the cap deflects lifting away from the plate allowing the head of the fastener to clear the plate. The fastener when moved to the locked position clears the cap and enters the central opening as the cap snaps back past the head. The cap is now in a locking engagement with the fastener below the top of the head.

[006] The invention can further be a combination including the quick connect anchor and the fastener.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[007] The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the quick connect anchor assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the combination with the fastener moved to a locked position.

FIG. 2 A is a cross sectional view showing the plate/fastener in an unlocked or free position.

FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view showing the plate/fastener moved somewhat towards the locked position with the cap still deflected on the top edge of the head of the fastener.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of figure 1A showing a locked

configuration.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the quick connect anchor assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view taken along lines 3A-3A of figure 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention used in an exemplary seat belt restraint assembly. Detailed Description of the Invention

[008] With reference to figure 1, an exploded view of the quick connect anchor assembly 10 is illustrated. The quick connect anchor assembly 10 has a plate 12, a cap 20 fixed at one end to the plate 12 using rivets 30. The cap 20 has an annular or somewhat U-shaped lower portion 22 and an upper deflectable portion 24 that includes the sidewall 21 and the bent legs 25. The rivets 30 pass through holes 23 in the lower portion 22 of cap 20 and holes 13 in the plate 12 to make a secure attachment at one end portion 15 of the plate 12. As shown, the plate 12 is bent at a forward end location 14. The plate includes an opening 19 through which the connecting member such as a webbing, cable, wire or rope of a seat belt can pass and be secured thereto. As shown, the plate 12 has another opening 18. This opening 18 is in a keyhole type shape having a large diameter 18a with a lower extending narrowed portion 18b. Adjacent to and below the anchor connector a fastener 100 is shown. The fastener 100 is adapted to pass through the large diameter of opening 18 through the bottom of plate 12. Upon relative movement of the plate and fastener, the fastener will move into the locked position when entering the narrow portion 18b of the opening 18.

[009] With reference to the cap 20, the cap 20, as shown, has a sidewall 21 that partially extends around an upper perimeter of the cap 20. The sidewall 21 extends only a distance of about 180 degrees, preferably less than 180 degrees, around this perimeter and the cap is connected by angled or bent legs 25 on each side of the opening 28 of the cap 20.

[0010] With reference to figure 3, a top view shows the cap 20 partially covers the opening 18. In use as the plate 12 is lowered upon the fastener 100 and the fastener 100 enters opening 18a, the deflectable portion 24 of cap 20 is lifted by the fastener head 110. As can be appreciated the angled/bent legs 25 bend or deflect upon interaction with the fastener permitting deflectable portion 24 of the cap 20 to deflect. The fastener head 110 lifts the cap 20 as it enters the opening 18 and as it is pushed forward the entire head 110 of the fastener 100 is able to pass the deflected portion 24 of the cap 20. Once the head 1 10 clears the deflected portion 24, the cap 20 will snap back toward the plate to its normal undeflected condition. This action locks the sidewall 21 of the cap 20 against the side of the head 1 10 below the top surface of the head 110 or optionally at the shoulder or shank 112 underneath the head 110. Once engaged, the fastener 100 cannot be dislodged without moving the cap 20 from its locked position.

[0011] With reference to figures 1A, 2A, 2B and 2C, the fastener 100 is illustrated in the free or unlocked position and the locked position. In figure 2A, the fastener 100 is shown in the free or unlocked position wherein the head of the fastener 100 is in opening 18a lifting part 24 of the cap 20. As shown in figure 2B, the fastener 100 is moved from an initial entry point towards the narrow opening 18b, but with the cap 20 deflected and resting on the tope edge of the head 110 of the fastener 100. When in the locked position as shown in figure 2C, the fastener 100 is located in the narrow portion 18b of opening 18. As the fastener moves into the narrow portion 18b, the bolt head 110 moves away from the curved deflectable portion 24 and when in this position the cap 20 snaps back and is positioned below the top of the head 1 10, as illustrated in figure 2C. As mentioned, a unique feature of the present device is the peripheral sidewall 21 positioned along a portion of the outer perimeter of the cap 20 near the first position. The sidewall 21 along with the bent legs 25 elevate the deflectable portion 24 so it is aligned and slightly below the top of the head 110 of the fastener 100. This elevation limits the amount of deflection required of the cap deflectable end portion 24. When the anchor assembly 10 is installed over the head 110 of the fastener 100 through opening 18a, it lifts the deflectable portion 24 of the cap 20 in this free and unlocked first position. Thereafter, moving the anchor assembly 10 such that the narrow opening 18b engages the fastener 100 causing the cap 20 to move to the locked position. The sidewall 21 has a height, preferably less than the thickness of the head 1 10 of fastener 100. This allows the cap 20 to lie below the top of the head 1 10 against the side or edge 11 1 of the head 110 when the fastener 100 is fully inserted and the deflectable portion 24 returns to its initial position.

[0012] As discussed, the opening 18 is similar to a keyhole having a large diameter portion 18a and a narrower opening portion 18b for receiving the bolt or fastener 100. Once the bolt or fastener 100 enters through the large opening 18a and the quick connect anchor 10 is moved from the free positon to the locked position as the fastener head 110 clears the end portion 24 and passes through the opening 28. This allows the self-locking feature of the cap 20 to perform its function snapping behind the fastener 100 and below the top of the head 110 locking the quick connect assembly 10 to the fastener 100 securely in place. Preferably, as shown, the anchor plate 12 is a rigid component. This rigid component can be made of metal or any suitable material and preferably has plastic lining features surrounding the perimeter of the opening 19 to limit any fraying of any belt or webbing that would pass through this forward portion 14 of the anchor plate 12. The cap 20 preferably is made of metal, preferably thin sheet metal or most preferably stainless steel as an anti- corrosion material.

[0013] While the fastener 100 is shown as a shoulder bolt, it is possible any form of fastener could be used with the present device. The invention is most suitably used as a quick connect anchor assembly 10 as part of a restraint assembly 200. Preferably, wherein the restraint assembly 200 is a seat belt assembly. As illustrated in figure 4, the seat belt assembly 200 includes the quick connect anchor 10 and fastener 100 and seat belt webbing 202 which is looped through the opening 19 and is connected to a buckle assembly 203 with a buckle sensor 204.

[0014] Variations in the present invention are possible in light of the description of it provided herein. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments described which will be within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.