Flexible clip assembly
US5845883A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S411/913
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A first embodiment of the invention is a clip assembly which includes a hollow cylindrical portion with an unjoined portion along a longitudinal portion of the periphery. Mating elements are formed on both sides of the unjoined portion. In a mated configuration, the mating elements extend radially from the hollow cylindrical portion. The first mating element includes a distal laterally engaging male mating connector and a distal laterally engaging female mating connector longitudinally adjacent thereto. The second mating element includes similar mating connectors but in reverse order so that the female connector of a mating element engages the male connector of the other mating element. The clip assembly further includes panel thickness adjustment wings peripherally adjacent to the mating connectors. The panel thickness adjustment wings flex to engage structural panels of various thicknesses against detent elements. The second embodiment of the invention is a rod end clip with panel thickness adjustment wings on both sides of a positioning prong. A clip is additionally formed for engaging the rod end, such as a cable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.