Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Gregory George Buczynski

Clinton Pitt

Alexander W Sherrill

Christopher F Bidlake

Jason T Spain

Chad Michael Clark

Zhilin Li

Sean A Tomaselli

Ronald C Owens

Jason Paradis

Justin Beatley

Fastener

Disclosed are fastening systems for coupling a first component to stud, shaft, or the like via a sleeve assembly. The fastening system comprising an upper sleeve component, a lower sleeve component, and a nut. The upper sleeve component defines an upper sleeve opening, while the lower sleeve component defines a lower sleeve opening. The lower sleeve component comprises one or more flexible tabs configured to engage the upper sleeve component via the component opening. The nut is configured to pass through a sleeve opening to engage the stud. The sleeve opening is defined by the upper sleeve opening and the lower sleeve opening.

Method of retaining a sleeve with low force

A stud clip assembly is provided. The stud clip assembly includes a clip having a mounting platform and a retention platform. The mounting platform includes a mounting bore that extends away from the retention platform and that defines a mounting aperture. The mounting aperture includes a threaded portion formed therein and a collar arranged at a first end thereof. The stud clip assembly further includes a fastening element configured to be threaded into the threaded portion of the mounting aperture. The collar is configured to be crimped onto the fastening element.

Stud clip assembly and method

Nut retainer

A first example box nut retainer includes a support, a fastener sleeve, and a wing. The fastener sleeve defines an opening and extends downwardly from the support. The wing extends from the support and has a top corner between the support and the fastener sleeve.

Box nut retainer

A first example box nut retainer includes a support, a fastener sleeve, and a resilient arm. The fastener sleeve defines an opening and extends downwardly from the support. The resilient arm extends upwardly and outwardly relative to the fastener sleeve toward the support.

Retainer

A retention clip is configured to securely connect a first component to a second component. The retention clip includes a first frame connected to an opposed second frame by a central beam. An interior of the clip is defined between the first and second frames. Each of the first and second frames includes lateral legs that fold inwardly at upper bends, thereby forming flanges that are disposed within the interior. The flanges on respective sides of the clip are integrally connected by a bridging member, and the flanges further include distal ends that extend below a bottom edge of the bridging member. The clip further includes a flexible wing for securing the clip within the interior of a panel opening. Some embodiments of a retention clip include protrusions that extend inwardly from the bridging members.

Metal retention clip

A box nut retainer system includes a panel configured to receive a fastener. The box nut retainer system includes a plurality of retainer legs extending from the panel. The box nut retainer system includes planar bends positioned at distal ends of the plurality of retainer legs. Straight beams extend from the planar bends. The straight beams have engagement angles relative to the plurality of retainer legs.

Ergonomic box nut retainer

Fastening clip

A fastening clip is configured to securely couple a first component to a second component. The fastening clip includes a first frame connected to an opposed second frame by an arcuate transition beam. Each of the first and second frames includes an exterior contact finger that is configured to securely abut into a first outer surface of the first component around at least a portion of a first opening formed through the first component, an interior contact finger that is configured to extend into the first opening, and a contact prong that is configured to abut into a second outer surface of the first component.

A tie down assembly includes a clasp, a ring that is rotatably coupled to the clasp, and a support coupler that is coupled to the ring. The support coupler frictionally controls rotation of the ring with respect to the clasp.

Growing community of inventors

Ferndale, MI, United States of America

Gregory George Buczynski