TUBE RETAINER FOR A ROUTING CLIP ASSEMBLY RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/328,694 entitled "Tube Retainer for a Routing Clip Assembly," filed April 28, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to routing clip or tube-retaining assemblies that are configured to securely connect conduits, tubes, pipes, and/or the like to a frame, panel, or the like, such as within an automobile.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various fluid-conveying tubular components, such as conduits, pipes, hoses, and tubes, may be secured to surfaces, such as walls, ceilings or the like, through fastening assemblies. For example, a cylindrical tube may be secured to a wall through a fastening assembly having a tube channel that snapably, latchably, or otherwise secures around a portion of the tube. The fastening assembly itself may be secured to the wall through a stud that is received and retained by a stud retainer, for example, that may be integrally formed with the fastening assembly.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a conventional tube- retaining clip 10 retaining a tubular component 12 (such as a pipe, conduit, tube, or the like). The tube-retaining clip 10 includes a main body 14 defining a tube-retaining channel 16. The tubular component 12 is received and retained within the tube-retaining channel 16. As shown, the tubular component 12 is urged into a receiving channel of the routing clip assembly in the direction of arrow A. Conversely, the pipe is extracted in the opposite direction denoted by arrow B. The tube-retaining clip 10 is configured to resist thrust forces in the direction of arrow C, which are parallel with a longitudinal axis 18 of

l the tubular component 12, and rotational forces in the directions of arc D, which are radial about the longitudinal axis 18.

[0005] In general, the more a tube-retaining clip is designed to resist thrust forces (such as denoted by arrow C), the less the retaining clip is able to resist rotational forces (such as denoted by arc D), and vice versa. Accordingly, typical tube-retaining clips are designed to provide a balance between such forces.

[0006] Some known tube-retaining clips include a relatively large barb that resists rotational force of a tubular component, but consequently increase insertion and extraction forces of a tubular component with respect to the tube-retaining clip assemblies, thereby making insertion and extraction of the tubular component more difficult. Conversely, some known-tube-retaining clips include a smaller barb, which reduces insertion and extraction forces of a tubular component, but may not effectively resist rotational forces.

[0007] However, tube-retaining channels within various tube-retaining clips are typically configured to retain tubes having a particular specified diameter. The channels may not be able to accommodate tubes having smaller or larger diameters. For example, a tube having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the channel may axially shift within the tube-retaining channel. Accordingly, the tube-retaining clip or fastening assembly may be incapable of securely retaining the smaller diameter tube.

[0008] Conversely, a tube having a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the channel is typically unable to fit within the channel. As such, the tube- retaining clip may be incapable of even receiving the tube.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] A need exists for a tube retainer that is configured to securely and effectively retain tubes of different diameters. A need exists for a tube retainer that is able to adaptively secure to tubes having different diameters. [0010] With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tube retainer that is configured to securely couple to tubular components of different shapes and sizes. The tube retainer includes a base connected to opposed first and second lateral walls. A tube-retaining channel is defined between the base and the first and second lateral walls. A first locking support inwardly extends from the first lateral wall into the tube-retaining channel. A second locking support inwardly extends from the second lateral wall into the tube-retaining channel. A first retaining member is within the tube-retaining channel proximate to the first locking support. The first retaining member is configured to lock onto the first locking support. A second retaining member is within the tube-retaining channel proximate to the second locking support. The second retaining member is configured to lock onto the second locking support. The first and second retaining members are configured to adaptively lock onto different portions of the respective first and second locking supports based on sizes of the tubular components that are retained by the first and second retaining members.

[0011] The tube retainer may also include a first retaining finger extending from the lateral wall into the tube-retaining channel, and a second retaining finger extending from the lateral wall into the tube-retaining channel. The tubular components are configured to be securely retained between the first and second retaining members and the first and second retaining fingers. In at least one embodiment, a first passage is formed proximate to a junction between the first lateral wall and the first retaining finger, and a second passage is formed proximate to a junction between the second lateral wall and the second retaining finger.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second locking supports includes exposed interior edges including first serrations, and each of the first and second retaining members comprises exposed lateral surfaces including second serrations. The second serrations are configured to securely lock onto the first serrations.

[0013] The tube retainer may include at least one flexible arm extending from at least one of the first and second lateral walls. The first and second retaining members may extend from the flexible arm(s). In at least one embodiment, a first flexible arm is connected to the first lateral wall, and a second flexible arm is connected to the second lateral wall.

[0014] Each of the first and second retaining members may include a rigid support head extending from a flexible tether stem that extends from at least one flexible arm connected to at least one of the first and second lateral walls. The flexible tether stem and the flexible arm(s) are configured to adaptively move in response to a tubular component being urged into the tube-retaining channel.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second locking supports includes aligned panels separated by a pocket. Each of the first and second retaining members may include a securing protuberance. The securing protuberance is configured to be urged into the pocket as a tubular component is urged into the tube- retaining channel. The securing protuberance may be urged into the pocket by portions of first and second retaining fingers extending from the first and second lateral walls, respectively, which are spread apart and urged into the first and second retaining members by the tubular component.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the first and second retaining members lock onto first portions of the first and second locking supports when the tube retainer retains a first tubular component having a first diameter. The first and second retaining members lock onto second portions of the first and second locking supports when the tube retainer retains a second tubular component having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter. The first portions are farther away from the base than the second portions.

[0017] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tube retainer that is configured to securely couple to tubular components of different shapes and sizes. The tube retainer includes a base connected to opposed first and second lateral walls. A tube-retaining channel is defined between the base and the first and second lateral walls. A locking support inwardly extends into the tube-retaining channel. A retaining member is within the tube-retaining channel proximate to the locking support. The retaining member is configured to lock onto the locking support. The retaining member is configured to adaptively lock onto different portions of the locking support based on sizes of the tubular components that are retained by the retaining member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of a conventional tube- retaining clip retaining a tubular component.

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of routing clip assemblies that securely connect a fuel and/or brake pipe to a frame of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a top, front perspective view of a tube retainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a tube retainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a tube retainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tube retainer through line 6-6 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tube retainer through line 7-7 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tube retainer through line 8-8 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective front view of an interior retaining member in relation to a lateral wall, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0027] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective top view of an interior retaining member in relation to a locking support, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a tubular component positioned above a tube-retaining channel of a tube retainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a tube retainer securely retaining a first tubular component, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective front view of an interior securing member securely engaged with a locking support, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a tube retainer securely retaining a second tubular component, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective front view of an interior securing member securely engaged with a locking support, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective front view of a routing clip assembly including a tube retainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure 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 disclosure 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 DISCLOSURE

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide tube retainers that are configured to securely and effectively retain tubes of different diameters. The tube retainers are able to adaptively secure to tubes having different diameters.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of routing clip assemblies 100 that securely connect a fuel and/or brake pipe 101 to a frame 103 of a vehicle 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pipe 101 is an example of a tubular component that may be retained by the routing clip assemblies 100. Other examples of tubular components that may be retained by the routing clip assemblies 100 include conduits, tubes, hoses, and/or the like. An outside surface of the pipe 101 may be coated with plastic, for example, to protect the pipe 101 from damage. The routing clip assemblies 100 may be used with respect to various other applications other than shown. For example, the routing clip assemblies 100 may be used with respect to fluid-conveying components with respect to various other vehicles, fixed structures (such as plumbing within a building), and/or the like.

[0037] Each routing clip assembly 100 may be or include one or more tube clips or retainers therein. For example, a single routing clip assembly 100 may include two or more tube clips or retainers. In at least one embodiment, a single routing clip assembly may include three or more tube clips or retainers. In at least one other embodiment, a routing clip assembly may be or include a single tube clip or retainer.

[0038] Each routing clip assembly 100 is configured to securely retain one or more tubular components. The tubular components may be pipes, conduits, tubes, hoses, or the like. The diameters of the tubular components may be the same or different.

[0039] The routing clip assemblies 100 may be formed of injection-molded plastic, for example. Alternatively, the routing clip assemblies 100 may be formed of various other materials, such as rubber or other elastomeric materials, metal, or the like. Additionally, the routing clip assemblies 100 may be integrally molded and formed as an integral single piece of injection molded plastic, for example, or the routing clip assemblies 100 may be formed of more than one of the materials noted above.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a top, front perspective view of a tube retainer or routing clip 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the tube retainer 200. Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the tube retainer 200. Referring to Figures 3-5, the tube retainer 200 may be or otherwise form part of a routing clip assembly, such as the routing clip assemblies 100 shown in Figure 1. For example, at least one of the routing clip assemblies 100 shown in Figure 1 may be a tube retainer 200, as shown in Figure 1 , or may include multiple tube retainers 200.

[0041] The tube retainer 200 includes a main body 202 having a base 204 integrally connected to opposed upstanding lateral walls 206. Exposed distal ends 208 of the lateral walls 206 may include passages 210 formed therethrough. The passages 210 may be holes that are formed through upper portions of the lateral walls 206 and/or retaining fingers 212 that extend from the lateral walls 206. In at least one embodiment, the passages 210 allow pockets (such as pockets 252 shown in Figure 10) to be formed between panels (such as the panels 254 shown in Figure 10) during a molding process. Alternatively, the passages 210 may not be formed through upper portions of the lateral walls and/or the retaining fingers 212.

[0042] A retaining finger 212 extends downwardly at an angle from each distal end 208. The retaining finger 212 extends downwardly from the distal end 208 towards a central longitudinal plane 214 of the tube retainer 200. Each retaining finger 212 includes a free, exposed retaining edge 216, which may be expanded in relation to an extension beam 218 that between the distal end 208 and the retaining edge 216. As shown, the routing clip 200 includes two opposed retaining fingers 212 that structurally mirror one another.

[0043] Each retaining finger 212 is spaced apart from an interior surface 220 of a respective lateral wall 206. The retaining fingers 212 are configured to inwardly flex towards the interior surfaces 220 about pivot points at or proximate to the distal ends 208 in the directions of arcs A as a tubular component is urged between the opposed fingers 212.

[0044] Locking supports 222 (such as rims, ridges, ledges, ribs, or the like) inwardly extend from the interior surfaces 220 below the retaining fingers 212. The locking supports 222 inwardly arc from the interior surfaces 220 of the lateral walls 2026 towards the central longitudinal plane 214. Each locking support 222 extends further toward the central longitudinal plane 214 with increased distance from the base 204. Each locking support 222 may include parallel arced panels separated by a lever pocket, as described below.

[0045] Exposed interior edges 224 of the locking supports 222 are serrated. That is, the exposed interior edges 224 include alternating peaks and valleys.

[0046] Flexible arms 226 (such as planar beams) extend inwardly from opposite interior surfaces 220 of a lateral wall 206 below a locking support 222. Each flexible arm 226 is spaced above an upper surface 228 of the base 204, and is separated from an opposite flexible arm. For example, one flexible arm 226 may extend from one lateral wall 206 proximate a front of the tube retainer 200, while an opposite flexible arm 226 may extend from an opposite lateral wall proximate a rear of the tube retainer 200. In at least one other embodiment, the tube retainer 200 may include a single flexible arm 226.

[0047] A pair of interior retaining members 230 and 232 extend upwardly from the arm(s) 226. The retaining member 230 may extend from a free end of one arm 226, while the retaining member 232 may extend from a free end of the opposite arm 226. In at least one other embodiment, both retaining members 230 may extend from the same arm 226, such the retaining member 230 may extend from a free end of the arm 226, while the retaining member 232 extends from a portion of the arm 226 that is proximate to the lateral wall 206 from which the arm 226 extends. [0048] As shown in Figure 4, in particular, the interior retaining members 230 and 232 are within a tube-retaining channel 234 of the tube retainer 200. Each retaining member 230 includes a rigid support head 236 that connects to the arm 226 through a flexible tether stem 238 (such as a strap, for example). A recess 240 may be formed through a lower portion of each rigid support head 236.

[0049] Outer lateral surfaces 242 of the support heads 236 facing the interior surfaces 220 of the lateral walls 206 may be serrated (for example, including peaks and valleys). The serration of the outer lateral surfaces 242 is complementary to the serration of the exposed interior edges 224 of the locking supports 222. For example, the outer surfaces of the supports may include peaks and valleys that are complementary to the peaks and valleys of serrations of the locking supports 222.

[0050] The tether stems 238 may connect to the same arm 226, or may optionally connect to separate and distinct arms that are separated from one another, arms, separated from one another. In at least one embodiment, each tether stem is coupled to a separate and distinct arm that is separated from the other arm 226, thereby allowing the separated arms, and retaining members 230 to move independently of one another.

[0051] A securing protuberance 241 outwardly extends from each support head 236. The securing protuberance 241 may be a lever, such as a tab, stud, rib, fin, or the like.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube retainer 200 through line 6-6 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, proximate to a front of the tuber retainer 200, at least portions of the support heads 236 are in the same plane as at least portions of the retaining fingers 212.

[0053] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube retainer 200 through line 7-7 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the interior retaining member 230 extends from a free end of the arm 226 closer to a front of the tube retainer 200. In contrast, the interior retaining member 230 extends from a free end of another arm (hidden from view in Figure 7) that is separated from the arm 226. The other arm may extend from an opposite lateral wall 206 than from which the arm 226 extends.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tube retainer 200 through line 8-8 of Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the passages 210 are formed through the distal ends 208 of the lateral walls 206 at a central latitudinal plane 250 (shown in Figure 5). Further, the securing protuberances 241 may be located at the central latitudinal plane 250. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, each locking support 222 may include a pocket 252 (such as a defined space or gap) between aligned panels 254. The securing protuberances 241 are configured to move into the pockets 252 between the aligned panels 254, which axially secure (in relation to a longitudinal axis) the retaining members 230 and 232 in place by trapping the securing protuberances 241 therebetween.

[0055] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective front view of the interior retaining member 230 in relation to a lateral wall 206, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective top view of the interior retaining member 230 in relation to the locking support 222. For the sake of clarity, only the retaining member 230 is shown in Figure 9 and 10. It is to be understood that the retaining member 232 is similarly configured in relation to an opposite lateral wall.

[0056] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the locking support 222 includes two parallel panels 254 separated by the pocket 252. The securing protuberance 242 is in the same plane(s) as the pocket 252.

[0057] As a tubular component is inserted into tube-retaining channel 234 in the direction of arrow B, the movement of the tubular component pivots the fingers 212 about the pivot areas 260 towards the respective lateral walls 206. During this movement, the retaining edges 216 are urged into interior surfaces of the securing protuberance 241, thereby urging the securing protuberance 241 between the panels 254 of the locking support 222. In this manner, the locking support 222 locks onto the retaining member and axially secures the support head 236 of the retaining member 230 in place, thereby preventing the support head 236 of the retaining member 230 from longitudinally shifting in relation to the central longitudinal plane 214 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) of the tube retainer 200.

[0058] During tube insertion, the securing protuberances 241 (such as guide levers) operate to ensure a smooth insertion of a tubular component into the tube- retention channel 234. Each securing protuberance 241 is configured to move between the opposed panels 254 of a locking support 222 inwardly extending from a lateral wall 206 to ensure that the tubular component is guided into a desired orientation within the tube-retention channel 234. Interaction between the securing protuberances 241 and the panels 254 ensures that an axial orientation of the tubular component is maintained within the tube-retention channel 234. Alternatively, the tube retainer 200 may not include the securing protuberances 241, and each locking support 222 may include a single contiguous body instead of panels separated by a pocket.

[0059] Referring to Figures 3-10, with continued urging of the tubular component between the retaining members 230 and 232, the serrated outer lateral surfaces 242 of the support heads 236 abut into the complementary serrated exposed interior edges 224 of the locking supports 222 are serrated. As such, peaks 270 of the support heads 236 securely nestle into reciprocal valleys 272 of the locking supports 222, while peaks 274 of the locking supports 222 securely nestle into reciprocal valleys 276 of the support heads 236. The cooperative interaction between the serrated surfaces of the locking supports 222 and the serrated surfaces of the support heads 236 securely restrains the retaining members 230 and 232 in position. As such, the retaining members 230 and 232 are restrained from laterally or radially shifting within the tube retainer 200.

[0060] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a tubular component 300 positioned above the tube-retaining channel 234 of the tube retainer 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As the tubular component 300 is urged towards the tube-retaining channel 234 in the direction of arrow B, outer surfaces 302 slide over and spread the fingers 212 apart about the pivot areas 260 towards the respective lateral walls 206. Consequently, the retaining edges 216 of the fingers 212 are urged into interior surfaces of the securing protuberances 241, thereby urging the securing protuberances 241 between the panels 254 of respective locking supports 222.

[0061] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the tube retainer 200 (such as through line 7-7 of Figure 5) securely retaining a first tubular component 320, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tubular component 320 has a first diameter 322. In the retained position, the retaining edges 216 of the fingers 212 securely abut into upper surfaces of tubular component 320, while interior surfaces of the retaining members 230 and 232 securely abut into lateral and/or lower surfaces of the tubular component 320.

[0062] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective front view of the interior securing member 230 securely engaged with a locking support 222, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the serrated outer lateral surfaces 242 of the support heads 236 securely lock onto the complementary serrated exposed interior edges 224 of the locking supports 222, as described above. As shown, the flexible arm(s) 226 may adaptively move (such as by downwardly deflecting), and the flexible tether stem(s) 238 may also adaptively move (such as by contracting, compressing, or the like) to adapt to the size and shape of the tubular component 320. The cooperative interaction between the serrated surfaces of the locking supports 222 and the serrated surfaces of the support heads 236 securely restrains the retaining members 230 and 232 in position. As such, the retaining members 230 and 232 are restrained from laterally or radially shifting within the tube retainer 200.

[0063] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the tube retainer 200 (such as through line 7-7 of Figure 5) securely retaining a second tubular component 350, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second tubular component 350 has a diameter 352 that is greater than the diameter 322 of the first tubular component 320 (shown in Figure 12). [0064] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective front view of the interior securing member 230 securely engaged with the locking support 222, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 12-15, the tube retainer 200 is able to securely retain tubular components 320 and 350 of different sizes and shapes. When retaining a tubular component of a larger diameter, such as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the arm(s) 226 downwardly deflect a greater distance about their fixation points to the lateral wall(s) 206, while the flexible tether stems 238 may compress a greater amount. The arms(s) 226 and the flexible tether stems 238 are able to adapt to the size and shape of various tubular components, due the flexibility and resiliency of the arm(s) 226 and the tether stems 238. Further, as shown in Figures 13 and 15, in particular, the retaining members 230 and 232 lock onto lower portions of the locking supports 222 when the tube retainer 200 securely engages tubular components of increased diameter (such as the tubular component 350). That is, a relatively large diameter tube causes the retaining members 230 and 232 to engage lower portions of the locking supports 222 that inwardly extend from the lateral walls 206, and deflects the arm(s) 226 into a lower position (and/or a more curved orientation). Conversely, a relatively small diameter tube causes the retaining members 230 and 232 to engage upper portions of the locking supports 222 that inwardly extend from the lateral walls 206, and deflects the arm(s) 226 less than a larger diameter tube. In this manner, the arm(s) 226 and retaining members 230 and 232 (including the rigid support heads 242 and flexible stems 238) adapt to securely engage tubular components 320 and 350 of different diameters.

[0065] Accordingly, the retaining members 230 and 232 adaptively secure and lock onto different portions of the locking supports 222 depending on the size and/or shape of the tubular component that is retained by the tube retainer 200. The retaining members 230 securely lock onto higher portions of the locking supports 222 (that is, portions further away from the base 204) when the tube retainer 200 securely retains a relatively small tubular component, such as the tubular component 320. The retaining members 230 securely lock onto lower portions of the locking supports 222 (that is, portions closer to the base 204) when the tube retainer 200 securely retains a relatively large tubular component, such as the tubular component 350.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3-15, when a tubular component (such as the tubes 320 or 350) is inserted into the tube-retention channel 234, the serrated surfaces of the retaining members 230 and 232 engage the reciprocal serrated surfaces of the locking supports 222 (inwardly extending from the lateral walls 206), thereby locking the retaining member 230 and 232 in place. As such, the support heads 242 of the retaining members 230 and 232 remain in a locked position while exerting a retaining force into an outer surface of the tubular component. The flexible arms 226 and tether stems 238 allow the retaining members 230 and 232 to adapt to tubular components of various sizes and shapes.

[0067] As described above, the tube retainer 200 configured to securely couple to tubular components (320 and 350, for example) of different shapes and sizes. The tube retainer 200 includes the base 204 connected to the opposed first and second lateral walls 206. The tube-retaining channel 234 is defined between the base 204 and the first and second lateral walls 204. The first locking support 222 inwardly extends from the first lateral wall 206 into the tube-retaining channel 234. The second locking support 222 inwardly extends from the second lateral wall 206 into the tube-retaining channel 234. The first retaining member 230 is within the tube-retaining channel 234 proximate to the first locking support 222. The first retaining member 230 is configured to lock onto the first locking support 222. The second retaining member 232 is within the tube-retaining channel 234 proximate to the second locking support 222. The second retaining member 232 is configured to lock onto the second locking support 222. The first and second retaining members 230 and 232 are configured to adaptively lock onto different portions of the respective first and second locking supports 222 depending on sizes of the tubular components 320 and 350 that are retained by the first and second retaining members 230 and 232.

[0068] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective front view of a routing clip assembly 400 including at least one tube retainer 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The routing clip assembly 400 may include various tube retainers, at least one of which may be the tube retainer 200, such as described above. The routing clip assembly 400 may also include a central stud retainer 402 that is configured to receive a fastener (such as a stud, screw, bolt, or the like) that is used to secure the routing clip assembly 400 to a structure.

[0069] As described, embodiments of the present disclosure provide tube retainers that are configured to adaptively secure to tubes having different diameters. The tube retainers securely and effectively retain tubes of different diameters.

[0070] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, 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.

[0071] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend 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 disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0072] To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, to the extent used 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. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0073] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.