The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 06, 1998
Filed:
Oct. 06, 1995
Mark A Vogel, Frankfort, IL (US);
James E deBeers, Hinsdale, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for retaining a body member with a load member fastened to a mounting surface by a support member. The load member includes a contact surface engageable by the support member, and the body member includes a throughhole for receiving at least a portion of the load member. A breakable flash connection couples the load member to the body member so that at least a portion of the load member is disposed in the throughhole of the body member. The flash connection is breakable upon moving the load member relative to the body member with the support member in contact with the contact surface of the load member, wherein the load member retains the body member and isolates the body member from stress imparted by the support member to reduce deformation of the body member. The body member may be a part of a panel or be configured with clips for retaining other articles. The apparatus preferably is a unitary member formed of a molded plastic material.