Securing mechanism
AssigneeCantex, Inc.
InventorsThomas Whorley, Steve Tollefson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A clip cooperates with a fastener, such as a mounting screw, to hold the fastener securely in an object. The clip can be designed into the object or, for example, the objects designed to receive the clip. The construction of the clip not only allows an installer to “push” the fastener into the fastener-receiving hole a certain distance thereby obviating the need to screw all the threads to complete the installation, but also provides a greater holding force between the clip and the fastener, and thus the objects. The clip can also include one or more knife-edged tabs that engage the fastener.
Claims21
A securing mechanism configured to secure a fastener in an object comprising:
- at least one securing tab extending from a fist surface of the securing mechanism;
- at least one second tab on a surface of the securing mechanism opposite the at least one securing tab, at least one of the at least one second tab having a nose portion that is knife-edged;
- and
- a hip structure configured to cooperate with the at least one first tab to secure the securing mechanism in the object.
A securing mechanism configured to secure a fastener comprising:
- at least one securing tab extending from a fist surface of the securing mechanism;
- and
- at least one second tab extending from an opposite surface of the securing mechanism, at least one of the at least one second tab having a nose portion that is knife-edged.
A method of securing a fastener in an object comprising:
- pushing the fastener into a fastener receiving portion, the fastener receiving portion having on one side a securing mechanism that includes:
- at least one securing tab extending from a fist surface of the securing mechanism;
- and
- at least one fastener engagement tab on a surface of the securing mechanism opposite the at least one securing tab, at least one of the at least one fastener engagement tab having a nose portion that is knife-edged;
- and
- rotating the fastener in a tightening direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.