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:
Dec. 01, 1998
Filed:
Apr. 13, 1998
William Beal Fort, Dearborn, MI (US);
Candace Glasgow, Westland, MI (US);
Doug Patton, Canton, MI (US);
Anthony Horvath, Temperance, MI (US);
James Braden Roberts, Dearborn, MI (US);
Edward John Vinarcik, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A retaining clip includes a cantilever arm which engages an exterior tab affixed to the outer surface of the retaining clip. The inner surface of the cantilever arm and the outer surface of the engaging tab both include a number of serrated catches. The catches are situated such that the inner surface catches of the cantilever arm are opposing the outer surface catches of the engaging tab. When the retaining clip is engaged, the serrated catches form a secure mesh. The retaining clip also includes a latch which further secures the engaged clip while also providing a means of unfastening the clip without specialized tools.