IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0263875
(2002-10-02)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Draggoo,Kraig D.
- Hyp,Eric D.
- Tieu,Loc B.
- Minnich,David A.
- Sokurenko,William E.
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
12 인용 특허 :
13 |
초록
▼
Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end t
Reliable and durable tether clips that continue to tether two panels together while allowing for a controlled displacement between the two panels in response to a predetermined force are disclosed. The tether clips according to the present invention include a first retaining means near a first end that is adapted to be securable to a first panel, a second retaining means that is engageable with the second panel and limits the relative separation between the panels, and a releasable fastener means intermediate the first and second retaining means that normally maintains the two panels in a closed configuration relative to one another but that releases at least one of the panels relative to the other panel in response to a predetermined force tending to separate the panels.
대표청구항
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The invention claimed is: 1. A tether clip system for fastening a first panel having a first opening in a closed configuration relative to a second panel having a second opening, the tether clip system comprising: a receptacle adapted for mounting to the second opening in the second panel, wherein
The invention claimed is: 1. A tether clip system for fastening a first panel having a first opening in a closed configuration relative to a second panel having a second opening, the tether clip system comprising: a receptacle adapted for mounting to the second opening in the second panel, wherein said receptacle has a portion defining a receptacle opening that is aligned with the second opening when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, and said receptacle comprises: at least one flange-like portion adapted to engage a first side of the second panel facing the first panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel; and a U-shaped leaf spring member having a first terminus and a second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a first arm portion adjacent said first terminus and a second arm portion adjacent said second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member being attached proximate said first terminus to said portion defining said receptacle opening, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a projection on said second arm member, said projection having an inclined ramp surface on one side and a catch surface on the other side, said catch surface of said projection of said U-shaped leaf spring being engageable to a second side of the second panel opposite the first side of the second panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel to thereby secure said receptacle to the second panel; a tether clip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to be securable to the first panel; and a second retaining means that engages with said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said tether clip is mounted to the first panel, and the first and second panels are in an open configuration relative to one another, in order to limit the relative separation between the first and second panels; and a releasable fastener means adapted to releasably engage said tether clip to said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said tether clip is mounted to said first panel, and the first and second panels are in a closed configuration relative to one another, said releasable fastener means being adapted to normally maintain the first and second panels in a closed configuration relative to one another wherein said receptacle is also in a closed position relative to said tether clip, and wherein said releasable fastener means allows said receptacle to be released from its closed position relative to said tether clip in response to a force tending to separate the first and second panels that is greater than a first predetermined value. 2. The tether clip system according to claim 1, wherein said first retaining means comprises comprises: a shoulder; a first body portion projecting from a first side of said shoulder and having an end distal from said shoulder, said first body portion having a first longitudinal axis; and a first pair of resilient snap legs attached to said first body portion proximate said end of said first body portion distal from said shoulder. 3. The tether clip system according to claim 2, wherein each of said first pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said first resilient snap legs is attached to said first body portion proximate said proximal end of each of said first pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said first pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said first side of said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said first longitudinal axis. 4. The tether clip system according to claim 3, wherein each of said first pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notch provided proximate said distal end of each of said first pair of resilient snap legs, wherein when said first retaining means is secured to the first panel at least a portion of the first panel proximate the first opening is captured between at least a portion of said shoulder and said notch in each of said first pair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure the tether clip to the first panel. 5. The tether clip system according to claim 4, wherein said releasable fastener means comprises: a second body portion projecting from a second side of said shoulder and having an end distal from said shoulder, said second body portion having a second longitudinal axis in line with said first longitudinal axis; and a second pair of resilient snap legs attached to said second body portion proximate said end of said second body portion distal from said shoulder. 6. The tether clip system according to claim 5, wherein each of said second pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said second pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said second body portion proximate said proximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs, and a portion of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs extends from proximate said proximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said second side of said shoulder and diverging away from said second longitudinal axis. 7. The tether clip system according to claim 6, wherein each of said second pair of resilient snap legs has a surface portion proximate said distal end thereof that converges toward said second longitudinal axis with decreasing distance from said second side of said shoulder, wherein when said releasable fastener means is secured to said receptacle at least a portion of said receptacle is captured between at least a portion of said shoulder and said surface portion proximate said distal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure the second panel to the first panel in the closed configuration, and wherein said surface portion proximate said distal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs cooperates with said at least a portion of said receptacle to bend said second pair of resilient snap legs toward said second longitudinal axis to thereby allow the second panel to be released from said releasable fastener means when said tether clip is mounted to the first panel, said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said releasable fastener means is initially secured to said receptacle with the first and second panels in said closed configuration, and a force tending to move the first and second panels apart and of a magnitude greater than said first predetermined value is applied. 8. The tether clip system according to claim 7, wherein said second retaining means comprises: a third body portion attached to said releasable fastener means proximate said proximal end of each of said second pair of resilient snap legs, said third body portion having an end distal from said releasable fastener means, said third body portion having a third longitudinal axis in line with said second longitudinal axis; and a third pair of resilient snap legs attached to said third body portion proximate said end of said third body portion distal from said releasable fastener means. 9. The tether clip system according to claim 8, wherein each of said third pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said third pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said third body portion proximate said proximal end of each of said third pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said third pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward a plane coinciding with said second side of said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said third longitudinal axis. 10. The tether clip system according to claim 9, wherein each of said third pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notch provided proximate said distal end of each of said third pair of resilient snap legs, wherein said notch in each of said third pair of resilient snap legs can engage at least a portion of said receptacle to limit the separation between said first and second panels when the second panel is released by said releasable fastener means after being initially secured to the first panel by said releasable fastener means and any applied force tending to move the first and second panels further apart is of a magnitude less than a second predetermined value. 11. The tether clip system according to claim 10, wherein a medial plane passing through both said second pair of resilient snap legs is substantially coplanar with a medial plane passing through both said third pair of resilient snap legs. 12. A tether clip system for fastening a first panel having a first opening in a closed configuration relative to a second panel having a second opening, the tether clip system comprising: a receptacle adapted for mounting to the second opening in the second panel; a tether clip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to be securable to the first panel; a second retaining means that engages with said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said tether clip is mounted to the first panel, and the first and second panels are in an open configuration relative to one another, in order to limit the relative separation between the first and second panels; an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, a shoulder intermediate said first end and said second end, a portion having a first maximum width and located intermediate said shoulder and said second end, a portion having a second maximum width greater than said first maximum width and located intermediate said portion having said first maximum width and said second end, a portion having a third maximum width less than said second maximum width and located intermediate said portion having said second maximum width and said second end, and a catch surface spaced apart from said portion having said second maximum width and with said portion having said third maximum width being located intermediate said portion having said second maximum width and said catch surface of said tether clip, wherein said second retaining means comprises said catch surface of said tether clip; and a pair of resilient snap legs attached to said elongated body at a location along a portion of said elongated body extending from said shoulder to said first end of said elongated body and including said first end of said elongated body, wherein said first retaining means comprises said pair of resilient snap legs; and a releasable fastener means adapted to releasably engage said tether clip to said receptacle when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said tether clip is mounted to said first panel, and the first and second panels are in a closed configuration relative to one another, wherein said releasable fastener means includes said portion having said first maximum width and said portion having said second maximum width, said releasable fastener means being adapted to normally maintain the first and second panels in a closed configuration relative to one another wherein said receptacle is also in a closed position relative to said tether clip, and wherein said releasable fastener means allows said receptacle to be released from its closed position relative to said tether clip in response to a force tending to separate the first and second panels that is greater than a first predetermined value. 13. The tether clip system according to claim 12, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said elongated body proximate said proximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said longitudinal axis of said elongated body. 14. The tether clip system according to claim 13, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notch provided proximate said distal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, wherein said first retaining means comprises said pair of resilient snap legs, and wherein when said first retaining means is secured to the first panel at least a portion of the first panel proximate the first opening is captured between at least a portion of said shoulder and said notch in each of said pair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure said tether clip to the first panel. 15. The tether clip system according to claim 14, wherein said receptacle comprises: a receptacle body portion; at least one flange-like portion attached to said receptacle body portion and adapted to engage a first side of the second panel facing the first panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel; a U-shaped leaf spring member having a first terminus and a second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a first arm portion adjacent said first terminus and a second arm portion adjacent said second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member being attached proximate said first terminus to said receptacle body portion, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a projection on said second arm member, said projection having an inclined ramp surface on one side and a catch surface on the other side, said catch surface of said projection of said U-shaped leaf spring being engageable to a second side of the second panel opposite the first side of the second panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel to thereby secure said receptacle to the second panel; and a resilient finger attached to said receptacle body portion, said resilient finger being engageable with said portion of said elongated body having said first maximum width to thereby releasably retain said receptacle in a closed position relative to said tether clip, and wherein said releasable fastener means comprises said resilient finger and said portion of said elongated body having said first maximum width. 16. A tether clip system for fastening a first panel in a closed configuration relative to a second panel having an opening, the tether clip system comprising: a tether clip comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, a shoulder intermediate said first end and said second end, a depression intermediate said shoulder and said second end, and a catch surface spaced apart from said depression with said depression being intermediate said shoulder and said catch surface of said tether clip, said catch surface of said tether clip being adapted to be capable of engaging said receptacle in order to limit the relative separation between the first and second panels, said tether clip being adapted to be securable to the first panel; and a receptacle adapted for mounting to the opening in the second panel, said receptacle comprising: a receptacle body portion; at least one flange-like portion attached to said receptacle body portion and adapted to engage a first side of the second panel facing the first panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel; a U-shaped leaf spring member having a first terminus and a second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a first arm portion adjacent said first terminus and a second arm portion adjacent said second terminus, said U-shaped leaf spring member being attached proximate said first terminus to said receptacle body portion, said U-shaped leaf spring member having a projection on said second arm member, said projection having an inclined ramp surface on one side and a catch surface on the other side, said catch surface of said projection of said U-shaped leaf spring being engageable to a second side of the second panel opposite the first side of the second panel when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel to thereby secure said receptacle to the second panel; and a resilient finger attached to said receptacle body portion, said resilient finger being engageable with said depression in said elongated body to thereby releasably retain said receptacle in a closed position relative to said tether clip wherein said resilient finger cooperates with said depression to normally maintain the first and second panels in a closed configuration relative to one another with said receptacle being in a closed position relative to said tether clip, and wherein said receptacle can be released from its closed position relative to said tether clip in response to a force tending to separate the first and second panels that is greater than a first predetermined value. 17. The tether clip system according to claim 16, wherein said tether clip further comprises: a pair of resilient snap legs attached to said elongated body at a location along a portion of said elongated body extending from said shoulder to said first end of said elongated body and including said first end of said elongated body. 18. The tether clip system according to claim 17, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has a proximal end and a distal end, each of said pair of resilient snap legs is attached to said elongated body proximate said proximal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, and each of said pair of resilient snap legs extends from said proximal end thereof generally in a direction toward a plane coincident with said shoulder and at least in part diverging away from said longitudinal axis of said elongated body. 19. The tether clip system according to claim 18, wherein the first panel is provided with an opening, wherein each of said pair of resilient snap legs has at least one notch provided proximate said distal end of each of said pair of resilient snap legs, and wherein when said tether clip is secured to the first panel at least a portion of the first panel proximate the opening in the first panel is captured between at least a portion of said shoulder and said notch in each of said pair of resilient snap legs to thereby secure said tether clip to the first panel. 20. A tether clip system for fastening a first panel having a first opening in a closed configuration relative to a second panel having a second opening, the tether clip system comprising: a receptacle adapted for mounting to the second opening in the second panel, said receptacle comprising at least one resilient finger; a tether clip comprising: a first retaining means adapted to be securable to the first panel; a second retaining means that limits the relative separation between the first and second panels to a predetermined distance when the tether clip is mounted to said first panel, and the first and second panels are in an open configuration relative to one another, said second retaining means being capable of being initially pushed through said receptacle after said receptacle is mounted to the second panel during initial application of the tether clip system to fasten the first panel in the closed configuration relative to the second panel; and an elongated body portion having a longitudinal axis and defining a depression intermediate said first retaining means and said second retaining means, wherein said depression is adapted for engagement by said at least one resilient finger, when said receptacle is mounted to the second panel, said tether clip is mounted to the first panel, and the first and second panels are in the closed configuration relative to one another, to thereby retain the first panel in the closed configuration relative to the second panel in the absence of a force tending to separate the first and second panels that is greater than a first predetermined value.
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