US 8,128,145 B2 · Tethered fastener apparatus and method

Abstract

A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A tether fastening device comprising:

a tether cap, operably coupled to a first engagement structure;
and
a strap having a first end coupled to the tether cap;
a strap coupler located on the strap disposed at a distal end wherein the strap coupler includes at least one of:
a ball, an arrow, a T-bar, a diamond, a triangle, a square a hook, and a strengthened portion operative to provide complementary engagement within a strap slot in a second engagement structure;
and
wherein the first end of the strap includes at least one of:
a shock absorber, a frangible portion, a tear-away portion, a strengthened portion and a weakened portion, operative to detach a corresponding portion of the strap from the tether cap.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tethered fastener apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Tethered fastener apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7