Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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3029-87 ONE-PIECE SWIVEL CLIP AND SWIVEL PRONG
This application is related to Canadian Patent File No.
2,255,513 filed December 8, 1998 and entitled ONE-PIECE SWIVEL
CLIP.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Field of Invention
This invention pertains to a swivel clip or swivel prong
including two relatively rotatable members. Windows are configured
in the clip to provide internal gates to fill both members during
the molding process. The internal gates are broken prior to use to
allow the members to rotate with respect to each other. Support
bosses eliminate or minimize endplay during the relative rotation
of the members.
Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, swivel clips are frequently molded as two
separate pieces which are snapped together after molding. The snap
fits typically require a high insertion force to maintain a
marginally acceptable retention force. Similarly, clips are
sometimes molded as a single piece with snap detent mechanism to
engage an aperture in the structure (for example, architectural or
automotive structures), but this does not provide an adequate
swivel mechanism for some applications, such as tube routing with
a variation in the angle of the tubes. Likewise, this does not
provide a high retention force, or at a minimum, provides a
retention force which is related to the force required for
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installation of the clip.
Additionally, some prior art clips included a metal-to-
plastic rotational interface which was not long-wearing.
Likewise, clips in the prior art, particularly if sized for
free rotation, tended to have endplay and to rattle. This is
unacceptable for automotive applications.
Examples of prior art in this field include U.S. Patent No.
4,669,688 to Itoh et al entitled "Cable Clamp"; U.S. Patent No.
5,133,523 to Daigle et al entitled "Suspendable Conduit Bracket
Lock System"; U.S. Patent No. 5,136,750 to Ward entitled "Wiring
Harness Clip"; U.S. Patent No. 4,680,837 to Rubinstein entitled
"Plastic Swivel Connector and Mold Therefor"; U.S. Patent No.
5,002,243 to Kraus et al entitled "Plastic Holding Device with
Noise Dampening" and United Kingdom Patent application GB
2,218,462A entitled "Cable Retaining Device".
_ SUMMARY OF THE_ I~ENTLON . _
Accordingly the invention seeks to provide a clip which is
molded as a single piece.
Further the invention seeks to provide a clip with
simplified assembly.
Still further this invention seeks to provide a clip with a
retention force which is not limited by any insertion force
required during the installation.
Yet further this invention seeks to provide a clip which is
long-wearing, preferably without-a metal-to-plastic rotational
interface.
This invention seeks to provide further a clip with a
minimized tendency to rattle.
Further still this invention seeks to provide a clip with
minimized endplay between the two relatively rotatable.
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Broadly the invention provides a clip including a first
member including a planar surface with a first side and a second
side and a second member, including an upper surface, a lower
surface and a swivel shaft between the upper surface and the lower
surface. The swivel shaft passes through the planar surface of
the first member. The second member is initially integral with
the first member, the first and second members being joined by
molding gates. The first and second members are subsequently
rotatable with respect to each other after the molding gates are
broken. The lower surface includes a first support boss
contacting the first side of the planar surface and the second
side of the planar surface includes a second support boss
contacting the upper surface.
More particularly, the present invention provides a clip
wherein the two relatively rotatable members are initially formed
as a single piece during the molding process. Opposed windows are
configured to provide internal gates to fill both members. These
opposed windows are used to form the swivel shaft and its
accompanying bore. A variety of window, shaft and gate
configurations are possible, but common to all is the opposition
of the windows. The windows meet in the "female" member forming
the swivel shaft, bore and internal gates. The opposition of the
windows creates a strong joint between the shaft and discs of the
"male" member. After the gates are broken, the vestiges of the
gates provide support for the shaft and minimize side play.
The swivel prong configuration of this invention includes a
hollow box prong which provides access to create the lower two
windows needed to form the flash gate. Both of the relatively
rotatable members include support bosses to eliminate endplay
through a full revolution.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description and claims, and from the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1A is a top plan view, partly in cross section, of the
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details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing the
radial gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of the
relatively rotatable members.
Figure 1B is a top plan view, partly in cross section, of the
details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing the
radial gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of the
relatively rotatable members.
Figure 1C is a bottom plan view, partly in cross section, of
the details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing
the radial gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of
the relatively rotatable members.
Figure 1D is a perspective view, partly in cross section, of
the details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing
the radial gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of
the relatively rotatable members.
Figure 2A is a top plan view, partly in cross section, of the
details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing the
linear gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of the
relatively rotatable members.
Figure 2B is a top plan view, partly in cross section, of the
details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing the
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linear gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of the
relatively rotatable members.
Figure 2C is a bottom plan view, partly in cross section, of
the details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing
the linear gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of
the relatively rotatable members.
Figure 2D is a perspective view, partly in cross section, of
the details of the one-piece clip of the present invention, showing
the linear gate embodiment, and omitting the specific details of
the relatively rotatable members.
Figure 3 is a side plan view, partially in phantom, of the
swivel clip embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view, partially in phantom, of the swivel
clip embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a top view, partially in phantom, of the swivel
clip embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a top plan view, partially in phantom, of the
swivel prong embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view along plane 7-7 of
Figure 6 of the swivel prong embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along plane 8-8 of Figure
7 of the swivel prong embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of along plane 9-9 of
Figure 7 of the swivel prong embodiment of the present invention
showing, in particular, the support boss structure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like
numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, one
sees that Figures 1A - 1D illustrate the radial gate embodiments
of the clip 10 of the present invention, while Figures 2A - 2D
illustrate the linear gate embodiments of the clip 10 of the
present invention. These embodiments are described in detail in
related Canadian patent File No. 2,255,513, filed on December 8,
1998, entitled "One-Piece Swivel Clip", the. disclosure of which
may be referred to for further details. Figures 1A - 1D and 2A -
2D do not illustrate the support bosses which are best illustrated
in Figure 9 and will be described hereinafter. Both of these
embodiments include a base member 12 with a swivel aperture 14
through which the swivel shaft 16 of the swivel member 18 passes.
Base member 12 and swivel member 18 are relatively rotatable with
respect to each other and in fact, in some applications, such as
swivel clip 200 to be described hereinafter, may both be
rotatable. Swivel member 18 includes upper disk 20 on an upper
end thereof and lower disk 22 on a lower end thereof. Figures 1A
- 1D and 2A - 2D omit the details of the base member 12 and the
swivel member 18. Specific embodiments of base member 12 and
swivel member 18 are illustrated in Figures 3 - 9.
The radial gate embodiments (Figures 1A - 1D) and linear
gate embodiments (2A - 2D) differ, as will be explained in detail
hereinafter, regarding the shape of the vestiges of the broken
gates around the periphery of swivel aperture 14 on the base
member 12 for supporting swivel shaft 16.
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As shown in Figure 1A, upper disk 20 includes windows 24, 26
which are illustrated from the 9-12 o'clock position and 3-6
o'clock position, respectively, immediately outwardly radially
adjacent from shaft 16. Similarly, lower disk 22 includes windows
28, 30 which are illustrated in phantom in Figure 1A from the 12-3
o'clock position and 6-9 o'clock position, respectively. This
circumferential alternation of the windows 24, 26, 28, 30 results
in a configuration with opposed windows. Figure 1C illustrates a
bottom view with the windows 24, 26, 28, 30 in consistent positions
with windows 28, 30 shown directly and windows 24, 26 shown in
phantom. Figures 2A and 2C are somewhat similar to Figures 1A and
1C but have windows 24, 26, 28, 30 of somewhat reduced
circumferential range. As shown in Figure 2D, this results in
linear vestiges 32, 34, 36, 38 from the broken gates after base
element 12 and swivel element 18 are separated after the molding
process. In Figure 1D, radial vestiges 40, 42 are formed from the
broken gates after base element 12 and swivel element 18 are
separated after the molding process.
During the molding process, windows 24, 26, 28, 30 meet in the
base element 12, forming the swivel shaft 16, swivel aperture 14
and internal gates (which subsequently form linear vestiges 32, 34,
36, 38 or radial vestiges 40, 42) therebetween as a single piece.
The opposition of the windows 24, 26, 28, 30 creates and strong
joint between the base element;~2 and the swivel shaft 16. After
the gates are broken thereby allowing swivel shaft 16 to rotate
within swivel aperture 14, the linear vestiges 32, 34, 36, 38 or
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radial vestiges 40, 42 provide support for swivel shaft 16 and
further minimize side play.
The swivel clip embodiment 200 of the present invention is
illustrated in Figures 3-5. Swivel clip 200 includes lower tubular
clip 50 which is relatively rotatable with respect to upper tubular
.. _
clip 66. Lower disk 22 is integral with an upper portion of lower
tubular clip 50. Lower tubular clip 50 is formed of partially
cylindrical wall 52 encompassing approximately 270' of
circumference with a mouth 54 formed in the remaining approximately
90' with outwardly diverging walls 56, 58. Partially cylindrical
wall 52 is further supported by support rib 60 which includes
enlarged lower portion 62. The shape of lower tubular clip 50
allows mouth 54 to receive a tubular structural member (not shown) .
As the tubular structural member is urged into mouth 54, outwardly
diverging walls 56, 58 spread to allow the tubular structural
member to be received within partially cylindrical wall 52 and be
engaged therewithin.
Upper tubular clip 66 includes partially cylindrical wall 70,
mouth 72, outwardly diverging walls 74, 76 and support rib 78 with
enlarged area 80 corresponding similar elements of lower tubular
clip 50. Lower and upper tubular clips 50, 66 are rotationally
oriented with respect to each other and the use of such term "base
element" and "swivel element" is not meant to restrict which, if
either, of the tubular clips are stationary and which can rotate.
Lower disk 22 is integral with swivel shaft 16 which is
likewise integral with upper disk 20. Upper disk 20 is parallel to
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lower disk 22 and upwardly separated therefrom by swivel shaft 16.
Swivel shaft 16 extends through swivel aperture 14 formed in base
element 12. As illustrated in Figure 4, lower disk 22 further
includes radially oriented upwardly extending inverted V-shaped
support boss 64. As illustrated in Figure 5, swivel aperture 14
includes linear vestiges 32, 34, 36, 38 from the molding process as
described above with respect to Figures lA-1D and 2A-2D.
Upwardly extending inverted V-shaped support boss 64 contacts
base element 12 which is integral with upper tubular clip 66. Base
element 12 likewise includes radially oriented upwardly extending
inverted V-shaped support boss 68 which contacts upper disk 20.
The structure of support boss 64 contacting base element 12 and
support boss 68 likewise contacting upper disk 20 provides
positioning and spacing between lower clip 50 and upper clip 66
which rotate relative to each other. Furthermore, this
configuration eliminates endplay between the lower clip 50 and
upper clip 66 throughout a full revolution. Likewise, this
configuration provides a plastic-to-plastic interface which is
particularly long lasting.
During molding, typically support boss 64 is minimally
connected to base element 12 and support boss 68 is minimally
connected to upper disk 68 in order to eliminate any gas trap in
the molding of the inverted V-shape, without necessarily providing
additional gates for molding.
The swivel prong embodiment 300 of the present invention is
illustrated in Figures 6-9. Swivel prong embodiment 300 includes
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prong 82 which is relatively rotatable with respect to clip 88.
Prong 82 is generally cylindrically shaped and includes radially
outwardly extending locking tabs 84, 85 and downwardly extending
saucer-shaped flexible flange 86 for engaging an aperture in a
panel (not shown). Prong 82 is configured as a hollow "box" prong
1 ,
in order to create the lower molding windows for forming the flash
gate. Prong 82 could include anti-rotational elements, such as a
flag for a keyhole slot, in a high torque application. Lower disk
22 is formed at an upper apex of downwardly extending saucer-shaped
flexible flange 86 which is integral with swivel shaft 16 and upper
disk 20.
Clip 88 is rotatable with respect to prong 82. Clip 88
includes base element 12 with aperture 14 at a central location
thereof. Swivel shaft 16 passes through aperture 14. As
illustrated in Figure 6, swivel aperture 14 includes linear
vestiges 32, 34, 36, 38 from the molding process as described above
with respect to Figures lA-1D and 2A-2D.
As shown in Figure 9, upwardly extending inverted V-shaped
support boss 64 is formed on lower disk 22 and extends upward to
contact and position base element 12. Likewise, upwardly extending
inverted V-shaped support boss 68 is formed on base element 12 and
extends upwardly to contact and position upper disk 20, thereby
eliminating endplay between clip 88 and prong 82. As -previously
described, it is envisioned that during the initial molding
process, support boss 64 would be minimally joined with base
element 12 and support boss 68 would be minimally joined with upper
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disk 20 in order to eliminate gas traps during molding, without
necessarily providing additional gates for molding.
As shown in Figures 6-8, end walls 90, 92 and sidewalls 94, 96
extend upwardly from base element 12 of clip 88 to support lower
gripping surface 98. Detent aperture 100 with detent inverted
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ledge 102 is formed on lower gripping surface 98 inwardly adjacent
from end wall 90. Lower tubular gripping passageway 104 is formed
passing longitudinally through sidewalls 94, 96, and approximately
270' of circumference formed through sidewalls 94, 96. Upper
gripping surface 106 is formed on clamping member 108 which is
attached to lower gripping surface 98 by living hinge 110. Upper
gripping surface 106 includes detent prong 112 with detent hook 114
which is inserted into detent aperture 100, detent hook 114
engaging detent inverted ledge 102 in a closed position. Upper
gripping surface 106 further includes upper tubular gripping
passageway 116 which, when upper gripping surface 106 abuts lower
gripping surface 98, aligns with lower gripping passageway 104 to
form a cylindrical gripping passageway for gripping tubular members
(not shown) .
First semi-circular detent element 118 with first inwardly
facing distal latching surface 119 extends upwardly from upper
gripping surface 106 and likewise second semi-circular detent
element 120 with second inwardly facing distal latching surface 121
extends upwardly from lower gripping surface 98, both about an axis
formed in a central location of living hinge 110. Lower gripping
surface 98 includes first semi-circular lateral groove 122 for
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receiving first semi-circular detent element 118 in the closed
position. First latching ledge 123 within first semi-circular
lateral groove 122 engages first inwardly facing distal latching
surface 119. Likewise, upper gripping surface 106 includes second
semi-circular lateral groove 124 for receiving second semi-circular
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detent element 120. Second latching ledge 125 within second semi-
circular lateral groove 124 engages second inwardly facing distal
latching surface 121.
Alignment protrusion 126 is formed on upper gripping surface
106 outwardly adjacent from second semi-circular lateral groove 124
for insertion in the closed position into alignment aperture 128
formed on lower gripping surface 98 formed outwardly adjacent from
second semi-circular detent element 120.
To make swivel clip 10, the molding is performed with the base
member 12, the swivel member 18 and all associated structure molded
as a single piece, typically by injection molding or any similar
plastic molding process. Windows 24, 26, 28, 30 meet in the base
member 12, forming the swivel shaft 16, swivel aperture 14 and
internal gates therebetween as a single piece.
To use swivel clip 200 or swivel prong 300, the user typically
breaks the gates thereby forming linear vestiges 32, 34, 36, 38 or
radial vestiges 40, 42 (and similarly breaks any of the above-
described minimal contact of support bosses 64, 68 with base member
12 and upper disk 20 which were formed to eliminate gas traps
during the molding process) and allowing swivel shaft 16 to rotate
within swivel aperture 14. Linear vestiges 32, 24, 26, 38 or
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radial vestiges 40, 42 thereby provide support for swivel shaft 16.
Alternately, this breaking can be done during the manufacturing
process.
The subsequent steps for the user may vary with the
application, the preferences of the user, and the details of the
structure of the base member 12 and swivel member 18. A typical
installation process for swivel clip 200 would be to engage the
lower and upper clips 50, 66 to the respective tubular elements
(not shown). A typical installation process for swivel prong 300
would be to insert prong 82 into an aperture of a panel (not shown)
so that downwardly extending saucer-shaped flexible flange 86 urges
against the panel. A tubular element (not shown) is then inserted
laterally into lower gripping passageway 104 and clamping member
108 is rotated to the closed position so that upper tubular
gripping passageway 116 forms a cylindrical passageway with lower
gripping passageway 104 thereby gripping the tubular element. The
securing of clamping member 108 to lower gripping surface 98 is
performed by the insertion of detent prong 112 into detent aperture
100, and first and second semi-circular detent elements 118, 120
into first and second semi-circular lateral grooves 122, 124 as
described above. Additionally, alignment protrusion 126 is
inserted into alignment aperture 128.
Thus the several aforementioned objects and advantages are
most effectively attained. Although preferred embodiments of the
invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it
should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited
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thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended
claims.
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