阅读说明：本技术 紧固件组件以及方法 (Fastener assembly and method ) 是由 乔尔·R·李 于 2019-07-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种紧固件组件。在一个实施例中,所述紧固件组件包括面板紧固件和可插入所述面板紧固件中至第一位置和第二位置的锁定销。所述锁定销包括柔性臂,所述柔性臂被配置用于在将所述锁定销沿第一方向插入所述面板紧固件中至所述第一位置后,向内并且接着向外挠曲以使所述柔性臂的端表面与所述面板紧固件的面板固位接片接合。在将所述锁定销沿所述第一方向插入所述面板紧固件中至所述第二位置后,所述柔性臂被配置成向内挠曲以允许固位接片进入所述面板紧固件中,从而使所述锁定销的固位表面与所述面板紧固件的第一面板固位表面接合。(A fastener assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the fastener assembly includes a panel fastener and a locking pin insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position. The locking pin comprises a flexible arm configured to flex inwardly and then outwardly to engage an end surface of the flexible arm with a panel retention tab of the panel fastener upon insertion of the locking pin in a first direction into the panel fastener to the first position. Upon insertion of the locking pin into the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, the flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly to allow a retention tab to enter into the panel fastener to engage the retention surface of the locking pin with the first panel retention surface of the panel fastener.)

1. A fastener assembly, comprising:

a panel fastener including a panel retention tab, a first panel retention surface, and a second panel retention surface;

a locking pin comprising a flexible arm and a retention tab, wherein the flexible arm comprises an angled wall and an end surface, and the retention tab comprises a retention surface,

the locking pin is insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position, wherein the flexible arm is configured to:

upon insertion of the locking pin in a first direction into the panel fastener to the first position, flexing inwardly and then outwardly to engage the end surface with the panel retention tab, the locking pin being axially retained within the panel fastener at the first position via engagement between the end surface and the panel retention tab and engagement between the angled wall and the second panel retention surface; and

after inserting the locking pin into the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, flexing inwardly to allow the retention tab to enter the panel fastener to engage the retention surface with the first panel retention surface, wherein engagement between the retention surface and the first panel retention surface inhibits the locking pin from moving out of the panel fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

2. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel fastener includes a pair of brackets disposed on laterally opposite sides thereof.

3. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of brackets laterally retain the locking pin within the panel fastener when the locking pin is in the first position.

4. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm includes a lever portion and a flexible portion, the lever portion being attached to a front panel of the locking pin.

5. The fastener assembly of claim 4, wherein the flexible portion includes a tapered wall, a peak, and an end portion, the end portion including an end surface.

6. The fastener assembly of claim 5, wherein the end surface is disposed within a notch extending laterally into the end portion from an inner edge of the end portion.

7. The fastener assembly of claim 5, wherein the angled wall angles outwardly away from a central axis defined by the locking pin as the tapered wall extends in a direction from the first end of the locking pin toward the second end of the locking pin.

8. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel retention tab is angled away from a central axis defined by the panel fastener as the panel retention tab extends in a direction from the second end of the panel fastener toward the first end of the panel fastener.

9. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel fastener and locking pin are at least partially insertable into a notch formed in a panel when the locking pin is inserted into the panel fastener to the first position.

10. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein insertion of the panel fastener and locking pin into the notch engages the panel with the flexible arms to bias the flexible arms inwardly, thereby allowing the locking pin to be inserted in the first direction from the first position to the second position.

11. A fastener assembly, comprising:

a panel fastener including a panel retention tab, a first panel retention surface, and a second panel retention surface;

a locking pin comprising a beveled wedge, a flexible arm, and a retention tab, wherein the flexible arm comprises an end surface and the retention tab comprises a retention surface,

the locking pin is insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position, wherein the flexible arm is configured to:

upon insertion of the locking pin in a first direction into the panel fastener to the first position, flexing inwardly and then outwardly to engage the end surface with the panel retention tab, the locking pin being axially retained within the panel fastener at the first position via engagement between the end surface and the panel retention tab and engagement between the ramp wedge and the second panel retention surface; and

after inserting the locking pin into the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, flexing inwardly to allow the retention tab to enter the panel fastener to engage the retention surface with the first panel retention surface, wherein engagement between the retention surface and the first panel retention surface inhibits the locking pin from moving out of the panel fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein the panel fastener includes a pair of brackets disposed on laterally opposite sides thereof.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 12, wherein the pair of brackets laterally retain the locking pin within the panel fastener when the locking pin is in the first position.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein the flexible arm includes a lever and a wedge-shaped protrusion, wherein the lever is attached to the second end of the locking pin.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 14, wherein the wedge-shaped projection includes an end surface extending outwardly from the stem to a peak, and a tapered surface tapering inwardly from the peak as the tapered surface extends in a direction from the second end of the locking pin toward the first end of the locking pin.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 15, wherein the beveled wedge includes a beveled surface that tapers outwardly from a side of the locking pin as the beveled surface extends in a direction from the second end of the locking pin toward the first end of the locking pin.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 16, wherein when the locking pin is inserted into the panel fastener in the first direction to the first position, the ramped surface biases the front flanges of the panel fastener away from each other, thereby allowing the wedge-shaped protrusion to enter the panel fastener.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein the panel retention tab is angled away from a central axis defined by the panel fastener as the panel retention tab extends in a direction from the second end of the panel fastener toward the first end of the panel fastener.

19. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein the panel fastener and locking pin are at least partially insertable into a notch formed in a panel when the locking pin is inserted into the panel fastener to the first position.

20. The fastener assembly of claim 19, wherein insertion of the panel fastener and locking pin into the notch engages the panel with the flexible arms to bias the flexible arms inwardly, thereby allowing the locking pin to be inserted in the first direction from the first position to the second position.

Background

Generally, a fastener assembly may fasten two or more components to one another. In some configurations, a component may be inserted into a fastener to at least partially retain the component within the fastener.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to fastener assemblies and more particularly to a fastener assembly designed to remain in a fastened position under both high impact and static load forces.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a fastener assembly including a panel fastener and a locking pin. The panel fastener includes a panel retention tab, a first panel retention surface, and a second panel retention surface. The locking pin includes a flexible arm and a retention tab. The flexible arm includes an angled wall and an end surface, and the retention tab includes a retention surface. The locking pin is insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position. The flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly and then outwardly to engage the end surface with the panel retention tab upon insertion of the locking pin in the panel fastener in a first direction to a first position. The locking pin is axially retained within the panel fastener at a first position via engagement between the end surface and the panel retention tab and engagement between the angled wall and the second panel retention surface. Upon insertion of the locking pin in the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, the flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly to allow the retention tab to enter into the panel fastener to engage the retention surface with the first panel retention surface. Engagement between the retention surface and the first panel retention surface inhibits the locking pin from moving out of the panel fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a fastener assembly including a panel fastener and a locking pin. The panel fastener includes a panel retention tab, a first panel retention surface, and a second panel retention surface. The locking pin includes a beveled wedge, a flexible arm, and a retention tab. The flexible arm includes an end surface and the retention tab includes a retention surface. The locking pin is insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position. The flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly and then outwardly to engage the end surface with the panel retention tab upon insertion of the locking pin in the panel fastener in a first direction to a first position. The locking pin is axially retained within the panel fastener at a first position via engagement between the end surface and the panel retention tab and engagement between the ramp wedge and the second panel retention surface. Upon insertion of the locking pin in the panel fastener in the first direction to the second position, the flexible arm is configured to flex inwardly to allow the retention tab to enter into the panel fastener to engage the retention surface with the first panel retention surface. Engagement between the retention surface and the first panel retention surface inhibits the locking pin from moving out of the panel fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration preferred configurations of the disclosure. Such configurations, however, do not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, and reference may therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.

Drawings

The present invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those described above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a right front top exploded isometric view of a fastener assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a right rear top isometric view of the locking pin of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the locking pin of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the locking pin of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a right rear top isometric view of the panel fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the panel fastener of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the panel fastener of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a right front top isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to a first position;

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 8 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to an initial position;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 8 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to an intermediate position;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 8 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to a first position;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front right top partially exploded isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 8 inserted into a panel;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the fastener assembly and panel with the fastener assembly inserted into the panel;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 14, including an enlarged view of a section of the fastener assembly and panel;

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 14 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to a second position;

FIG. 17 is a right front top isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 8 with the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to a second position;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the multiple fastener assembly of FIG. 16 installed in a side curtain airbag;

FIG. 21 is a front right top isometric view of a fastener assembly with a locking pin inserted into a panel fastener to a first position in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a right rear bottom isometric view of the locking pin of the fastener assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the locking pin of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a right side view of the locking pin of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a right rear top isometric view of the panel fastener of the fastener assembly of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a top view of the panel fastener of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a right side view of the panel fastener of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a front right top partially exploded isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 21 inserted into a panel;

FIG. 29 is a top view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 29 taken along line 30-30;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 29 taken along line 31-31;

FIG. 32 is a right front top isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 21 with the fastener assembly inserted into the panel;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 33 taken along line 34-34;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 33, taken along line 35-35;

FIG. 36 is a right front top isometric view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 21 with the fastener assembly inserted into a panel and the locking pin inserted into the panel fastener to a second position;

FIG. 37 is a top view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 37, taken along line 38-38;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly and panel of FIG. 37, taken along line 39-39.

Detailed Description

Conventional fastener assemblies, such as those implemented in side curtain airbag assemblies and in high impact areas of motor vehicles, suffer from excessive installation forces, which present ergonomic difficulties to manufacturers. In some configurations, conventional fastener assemblies require additional components (e.g., screws) to facilitate attachment to an application structure (e.g., a panel). This type of construction requires the use of tools or manual torquing operations, which increases the time, complexity, and cost of assembling and installing conventional fastener assemblies. In addition, conventional fastener assemblies are typically designed to have complex bends in the inert components, thereby increasing cost and manufacturing tolerances.

During operation, fastener assemblies such as those used in side curtain airbag assemblies may be removed and reinstalled multiple times during the useful life of the part. Conventional fastener assemblies may degrade over time due to repeated removal and reinstallation.

The present disclosure overcomes the deficiencies of the above-described conventional fastener assemblies by providing a fastener assembly that includes a panel fastener and a locking pin that is insertable into the panel fastener to a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the locking pin may be inserted into the panel fastener to the first and second positions without the use of a special tool and manual twisting motion. For example, the locking pin may be inserted axially or linearly into the panel fastener. In some embodiments, the locking pin and panel fastener may include retention features that enable the locking pin to snap into the first position and prevent relative movement between the locking pin and the panel fastener. For example, in this manner, the locking pin may be retained in the first position, and this condition may be maintained, for example, during shipping of the fastener assembly.

These retention features may retain the locking pin in the first position until the fastener assembly is installed in its intended application (e.g., a side curtain airbag assembly on a vehicle). That is, once the fastener assembly is installed (e.g., via insertion into a panel), the locking pin may be unlocked from a first position and allowed to be inserted into the panel fastener to a second position, which is the final assembled position of the fastener assembly. The locking pin and the panel fastener may include another set of retention features that prevent relative movement between the locking pin and the panel fastener when the locking pin is in the second position. In general, the design and function of the fastener assembly enables the fastener assembly to be serviced multiple times with repeatable performance.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a fastener assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener assembly 100 includes a locking pin 102 and a panel fastener 104. In general, the locking pin 102 may be selectively at least partially inserted into the panel fastener 104 and secured in the first position via an interaction formed between the locking pin 102 and a retention feature on the panel fastener 104. During insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104, the locking pin 102 may be inserted along a central axis C that also extends through the center of the panel fastener 104. When the fastener assembly 100 is assembled, the locking pin 102 and the panel fastener 104 may share a central axis C that extends longitudinally through the center of the fastener assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the locking pin 102 may be formed as a unitary component (i.e., made from a single piece of material). In some embodiments, the locking pin 102 may be made of a plastic material. In other embodiments, the locking pin 102 may be manufactured from one or more pieces of material, and/or may be manufactured from different types of materials. In some embodiments, the panel fastener 104 may be formed as a unitary component. In some embodiments, the panel fastener 104 may be made of a metallic material. In other embodiments, the panel fastener 104 may be manufactured from one or more pieces of material, and/or may be manufactured from different types of materials.

Referring to fig. 2-4, the locking pin 102 may include a front panel 106 and a pin body 108 extending outwardly from a rear surface 110 of the front panel 106 (e.g., from the angle of fig. 4 in a direction along the central axis C). In the illustrated embodiment, the pin body 108 of the locking pin 102 and its features may be symmetrical on a horizontal plane and a vertical plane extending through the center of the locking pin 102. That is, the pin body 108 may be symmetrical about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a vertical direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 2) and about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a horizontal direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 2). As such, any description herein of the pin body 108 applies symmetrically to each corresponding symmetric feature on the pin body 108.

The pin body 108 may define a first end 112, a second end 114, a first side 116 (e.g., a top side from the perspective of fig. 2), a second side 118 (e.g., a bottom side from the perspective of fig. 2), a third side 120 (e.g., a right side from the perspective of fig. 2), and a fourth side 122 (e.g., a left side from the perspective of fig. 2). The pin body 108 may extend longitudinally (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C) from a first end 112 to a second end 114, wherein the pin body 108 is attached to the rear surface 110, the second end being longitudinally opposite the first end 112. The first side 116 of the pin body 108 may be opposite the second side 118 of the pin body 108, and the third side 120 of the pin body 108 may be opposite the fourth side 122 of the pin body 108.

In general, the pin body 108 may include retention features designed and arranged to retain the locking pin 102 at various locations of the panel fastener 104 during installation and assembly of the fastener assembly 100. In some embodiments, the locking pin 102 may include a plurality of beveled wedges 124, a plurality of flexible arms 126, and a plurality of retention tabs 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of beveled wedges 124 may include four beveled wedges 124, with a pair of beveled wedges 124 protruding outward (e.g., from the angle of fig. 4 in a direction away from the central axis C) from each of the first and second sides 116, 118 of the pin body 108. Each pair of beveled wedges 124 disposed on the first side 116 and the second side 118 may be laterally spaced from one another, with one beveled wedge 124 disposed adjacent the third side 120 and the other beveled wedge 124 disposed adjacent the fourth side 122. In some embodiments, the pin body 108 may include more or less than two beveled wedges 124 extending outwardly from the first side 116 and the second side 118.

Each beveled wedge 124 may include a beveled surface 130, a platform 132, and an end surface 134. As the ramp surface 130 extends in a direction from the second end 114 to the first end 112 of the pin body 108, the ramp surface 130 may taper upward from a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118 (i.e., increase in height above the respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118). The ramp surface 130 may continue to taper outwardly to a junction formed between the ramp surface 130 and the platform 132. The platform 132 may extend from the junction between the ramp surface 130 and the platform 132 in a direction toward the first end 114 to the junction between the platform 132 and the end surface 134. The platform 132 may extend toward the first end 114 at a substantially constant height above a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118. The end surfaces 134 of the beveled wedges 124 may turn inward (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4) perpendicular to a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of flexible arms 126 may include four flexible arms 126, with a pair of flexible arms 126 extending from the second end 114 of the pin body 108 adjacent the first side 116 and a pair of flexible arms 126 extending from the second end 114 of the pin body 108 adjacent the second side 118. Each pair of flexible arms 126 may be disposed laterally inward of a corresponding pair of beveled wedges 124. That is, each flexible arm 126 may be disposed laterally inward of one of the plurality of beveled wedges 124 disposed laterally adjacent to the corresponding flexible arm 126. Each flexible arm 126 may extend longitudinally from the second end 114 of the pin body 108 in a direction toward the first end 112. Specifically, each flexible arm of the plurality of flexible arms 126 may extend from the second end 114 to a location between the second end 114 and a lateral surface 136 extending between the first side 116 and the second side 118 of the pin body 108.

In general, each flexible arm 126 may be configured to flex inwardly (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4) into a cavity 138 defined within the pin body 108. For example, the vertically aligned pairs of flexible arms 126 may be configured to flex inwardly toward one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each flexible arm 126 may be rigidly attached to the pin body 108 only at the second end 114, and a gap may be formed between the remainder of the flexible arm 126 and the pin body 108. For example, in this manner, each flexible arm 126 may be substantially unattached to the pin body, except for being attached to the pin body 108 at the second end 114. For example, in this manner, the arm ends 140 may be configured to flex inwardly during assembly and installation, as will be described herein.

Each flexible arm 126 may include a wedge-shaped protrusion 142 and a rod 143. Each wedge-shaped protrusion 142 may extend longitudinally along the corresponding flexible arm 126 from the arm end 140 to a junction between the arm end 140 and the rod 143. The rod 143 of the flexible arm 142 may extend longitudinally from the junction between the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 and the rod 143 to the second end 114 of the pin body 108.

Each wedge shaped protrusion 142 may include a tapered surface 144, a peak 146, and an end surface 148. The tapered surface 144 may extend longitudinally from the arm end 140 to a peak 146. As the tapered surface 144 extends in a direction from the arm end 140 toward the second end 114, the tapered surface 144 may taper upward (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4). That is, the vertical thickness or height of the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 may increase (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 2 and 4) as the tapered surface 144 extends from the arm end 140 to the peak 146. In the illustrated embodiment, peak 146 may define a generally rounded shape. As the wedge shaped protrusion 142 continues to extend from the peak 146 toward the second end 114, the end surface 148 may extend perpendicularly inward toward the stem 143 of the flexible arm 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the end surface 148 may be disposed at a longitudinal location along the pin body 108 that overlaps the beveled wedge 124 (see, e.g., fig. 4).

With continued reference to fig. 2-4, the plurality of retention tabs 128 may include two retention tabs 128, with one retention tab 128 extending outwardly from the first side 116 of the pin body 108 and the other retention tab 128 extending outwardly from the second side 118 of the pin body 108 (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4). The retention tab 128 may be disposed along the pin body 108 at a longitudinal location between the transverse surface 136 and the first end 112. In particular, the pin body 108 may include recessed portions 150 disposed on the first and second sides 116, 118, and the retention tab 128 may be positioned at a longitudinal end of the recessed portion 150 disposed adjacent to the first end 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, each retention tab 128 may include an angled surface 152 and a retention surface 154. As the angled surface 152 extends toward the first end 112 of the pin body 108, the angled surface 152 may taper upward (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4) from a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118. The angled surface 152 may continue to taper upwardly to a junction between the angled surface 152 and the retention surface 154. At the junction between the angled surface 152 and the retention surface 154, the retention surface 154 may extend inwardly (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 4) perpendicular to a respective one of the first side 116 and the second side 118.

Each recessed portion 150 of the pin body 108 may extend inwardly into a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118 and may define a generally rectangular indentation in the respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118. Each recessed portion 150 may include a bottom surface 156 that tapers further inward (e.g., toward the central axis C) into a respective one of the first side 116 and the second side 118 as the bottom surface 156 extends in a direction toward the second end 114. Each recessed portion 150 may extend longitudinally along a respective one of the first and second sides 116, 118 from the transverse surface 136 to a junction between the recessed portion 150 and a corresponding one of the retention tabs 128.

Turning to fig. 5-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 104 and its features may be symmetrical on a horizontal plane and a vertical plane extending through the center of the panel fastener 104. That is, the panel fastener 104 may be symmetrical about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a vertical direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 5) and about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a horizontal direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 5). As such, any description herein of a feature of the panel fastener 104 applies symmetrically to each corresponding symmetric feature on the panel fastener 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 104 may define a first end 158, a second end 160, a first side 162 (e.g., a top side from the perspective of fig. 5), a second side 164 (e.g., a bottom side from the perspective of fig. 5), a third side 166 (e.g., a right side from the perspective of fig. 5), and a fourth side 168 (e.g., a left side from the perspective of fig. 5). The panel fastener 104 may extend longitudinally (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C) from the first end 158 to a second end 160 that is longitudinally opposite the first end 158. The first side 162 of the panel fastener 104 may be opposite the second side 164 of the panel fastener 104 and the third side 166 of the panel fastener 104 may be opposite the fourth side 168 of the panel fastener 104.

The panel fastener 104 may include one or more forward flanges 170 and a body portion 172 that extends generally perpendicularly away from the one or more forward flanges 170 (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C). In the non-limiting example illustrated, the panel fastener 104 may include two front flanges 170 disposed at the first end 158 of the panel fastener 104, with one front flange 170 extending from the first side 162 in a direction away from the central axis C (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 7) and the other front flange 170 extending from the second side 164 in a direction away from the central axis C (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 7). In other words, the front flanges 170 may extend away from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 104 may define a generally rounded junction between the front flange 170 and the body portion 172.

In general, the panel fastener 104 may include retention features designed and arranged to interact with retention features of the locking pin 102 to retain the locking pin 102 at various locations of the panel fastener 104 during installation and assembly of the fastener assembly 100. For example, the body portion 172 may include one or more tab portions 174 and a plurality of brackets 176. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 172 may include two tab portions 174, with one tab portion 174 extending from the second end 160 of the panel fastener 104 adjacent the first side 162 and the other tab portion 174 extending from the second end 160 of the panel fastener 104 adjacent the second side 164. Each tab portion 174 may include a pair of panel retention tabs 178 and an angled arm 180. The tab portions 174 may be laterally spaced from one another, and an angled arm 180 may extend longitudinally from between the tab portions 174 toward the first end 158.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of panel retention tabs 178 disposed on the first and second sides 162, 164 may be angled away from a respective one of the first and second sides 162, 164 (e.g., away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 7). For example, the panel retention tab 178 may extend longitudinally from the second end 160 in a direction toward the first end 158. As the panel retention tab 178 extends from the second end 160 toward the first end 158, the panel retention tab 178 may be angled away from the respective one of the first and second sides 162, 164. The panel retention tab 178 may extend toward the first end 158 to a panel tab end 182.

Each angled arm 180 may extend longitudinally from between a respective pair of panel retention tabs 178 toward the first end 158. Each angled arm 180 may include a first angled portion 184 and a second angled portion 186. The first angled portion 184 may be disposed longitudinally between the second end 160 and the second angled portion 186. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the first angled portion 184 may be angled in a direction toward the central axis C, while the second angled portion 186 may be angled in a direction away from the central axis C.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tab portion 174 may be attached to the body portion 172 only at the second end 160, and a gap may be formed between the remainder of the tab portion 174 and the body portion 172. In other words, the first and second sides 162, 164 of the body portion 172 may include the notch 188 defined between the inner edge 190 of the body portion 172 and the outer edge 192 of the tab portion 174. The first panel retention surface 194 and the pair of second panel retention surfaces 196 may be defined by the inner edges 190 of the body portion 172 on the first and second sides 162, 164. The first panel retention surface 194 may be disposed adjacent the first end 158 of the panel fastener 104, and the second panel retention surface 196 may be disposed longitudinally closer to the second end 160 and laterally outward from the first panel retention surface 194.

With continued reference to fig. 5-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of brackets 176 may include four brackets 176, with a pair of brackets 176 disposed on the third side 166 and a pair of brackets 176 disposed on the fourth side 168. Each pair of standoffs 176 may extend generally toward one another (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C). For example, one leg of the pair of legs 176 may extend from the first side 162 in a direction toward the second side 164, and the other leg of the pair of legs 176 may extend from the second side 164 in a direction toward the first side 162. In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 176 may be disposed adjacent to the first end 158 of the panel fastener 104 and may extend longitudinally between a pair of lateral notches 198 formed in a respective one of the first and second sides 162, 164.

In general, the bracket 176 may be designed to receive the locking pin 102 therein and substantially prevent the locking pin 102 from being laterally displaced when at least partially received within the panel fastener 104. For example, the lateral width defined between the brackets 176 (e.g., the distance defined between the brackets 176 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 6) may be greater than or equal to the lateral width defined by the pin body 108 to ensure insertion of the pin body 108 into the panel fastener 104.

A non-limiting example of the assembly and operation of the panel fastener 100 is described with reference to fig. 8-19. Looking first to fig. 8, the fastener assembly 100 may be assembled in a pre-assembled state, such as to transport the fastener assembly 100 with the locking pin 102 inserted into the panel fastener 104 to a first position. In general, the interaction between the locking pin 102 and the retention feature formed on the panel fastener 104 may retain the locking pin 102 in a first position that, for example, maintains the orientation and position of the locking pin 102 within the panel fastener 104 until the fastener assembly 100 is installed in an end application (e.g., a panel on a vehicle). For example, in this manner, the fastener assembly 100 may maintain the position and orientation of the locking pin 102 during transportation of the fastener assembly 100 to an end user.

Turning to fig. 9-12, to assemble the fastener assembly 100 into a transport configuration, the locking pin 102 may be axially inserted (e.g., along the central axis C) into the panel fastener 104. Initially, as shown in fig. 9, the second end 114 of the locking pin 102 may be inserted into the first end 158 of the panel fastener 104 between the front flanges 170. As the second end 114 of the locking pin 102 is inserted further into the panel fastener 104, the beveled wedges 124 may engage the panel fastener 104 and bias the front flanges 170 outward away from each other (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 10), such as via the beveled surfaces 130 (see, e.g., fig. 10) of the beveled wedges 124. The separation of the front flange 170 provided by the beveled wedge 124 may enable the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 of the flexible arm 126 to be received within the front flange 170. That is, the end surface 148 of the wedge projection 142 may act as a stop and prevent further axial insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104 without the beveled wedge 124 biasing the front flanges 170 away from each other.

As shown in fig. 10, as the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 is received within the panel fastener 104, the panel fastener 104 may bias the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 such that the wedge-shaped protrusion 142 flexes inwardly (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 10). As the locking pin 102 continues to be axially inserted into the panel fastener 104, the wedge shaped protrusion 142 may remain flexed inwardly until the wedge shaped protrusion 142 reaches the notches 188 formed in the first and second sides 162, 164 of the panel fastener 104. Once the wedge-shaped projection 142 moves past the first panel retention surface 194 and reaches the notch 188, the wedge-shaped projection 142 may flex outwardly (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 11) and partially project through the notch 188, as shown in fig. 11. The ramp wedge 124 may also extend at least partially through the notch 188 once the locking pin 102 is inserted into the panel fastener 104 to a position where the ramp wedge 124 moves past the second panel retention surface 196.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, once the wedge-shaped projection 142 is flexed outwardly and extends through the notch 188, the locking pin 102 may continue to be axially inserted into the panel fastener 104 to a first position in which the end surface 148 engages the panel tab end 182 of the panel retention tab 178. In general, when the locking pin 102 is in the first position, the locking pin 102 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 104. For example, the panel tab end 182 of the panel retention tab 178 may inhibit further insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104 in the first direction (e.g., axially to the left from the perspective of fig. 11 and 12) via engagement with the end surface 148 of the wedge-shaped projection 142. The second panel retention surface 196 may inhibit the locking pin 102 from moving out of the panel fastener 104 in a second direction (e.g., axially to the right from the perspective of fig. 11 and 12) via engagement with the end surface 134 of the ramp wedge 124. As such, when the locking pin 102 is inserted to the first position, the locking pin 102 may be axially retained within the panel fastener 104.

In addition to axial retention, the locking pin 102 may be laterally retained within the panel fastener 104, for example, via the plurality of brackets 176. That is, the plurality of brackets 176 may inhibit the locking pin 102 from shifting laterally or rotationally relative to the panel fastener 104. Thus, once the locking pin 102 is inserted into the panel fastener 104 to the first position, the locking pin 102 may be axially and laterally or rotationally retained relative to the panel fastener 104. For example, in this manner, the general orientation and assembly of the fastener assembly 100 may be maintained to enable the fastener assembly 100 to be shipped to an end user in a consistent assembled state and orientation. This may reduce assembly time for the end user and improve consistency of the final assembly, as the fastener assembly 100 may be provided in a pre-assembled state with the locking pin 102 inserted into the fastener 104 to the first position.

Once the preassembled fastener assembly 100 is shipped to the end user, the fastener assembly 100 may be installed in a given application. For example, the fastener assembly 100 may be installed in a high impact force area on a vehicle, or another structure that requires a fastener to resist breakage and remain in a fastened position under high impact and static loading forces. In one non-limiting application, fastener assembly 100 may be installed through panel 200 on, for example, a side curtain airbag assembly on a vehicle. The panel 200 may include a gap 202 defined by an inner surface 204 that extends through the panel 200 from a first surface 206 to a second surface 208.

To assemble the fastener assembly 100 to the panel 200, the fastener assembly 100 may be axially inserted into the notch 202 of the panel 200, as shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the notch 202 may be designed to receive the body portion 172 of the panel fastener 104 therein. As the body portion 172 of the panel fastener 104 is inserted into the notch 202, the inner surface 204 may slide over the panel retention tab 178 and the wedge-shaped projection 142 of the flexible arm 126. The body portion 172 may continue to be inserted through the gap 202 in the panel 200 such that the panel retention tab 178 passes to an installed position (see, e.g., fig. 14-16) in which the panel 200 is disposed between the panel tab end 182 of the panel retention tab 178 and the front flange 170 of the panel fastener 104. When the panel 200 is in the installed position, the panel fastener 104 may axially retain the panel 200 via the arrangement between the panel tab end 182 of the panel retention tab 178 and the front flange 170 (e.g., substantially inhibiting the panel fastener 104 from dislodging from the notch 202 without input from an end user or another tool/machine).

With the fastener assembly 100 installed into the panel 200, the inner surface 204 of the panel 200 may engage the wedge-shaped projection 142 of the locking pin 102 and bias the wedge-shaped projection 142 such that the wedge-shaped projection 142 flexes inwardly (e.g., toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 15). Specifically, as shown in fig. 15, the inner surface 204 may engage the peak 146 of the wedge-shaped projection 142 and bias the wedge-shaped projection 142 inwardly. In general, once the fastener assembly 100 is installed into the panel 200, the locking pin 102 may be axially unlocked in a first direction and may allow further insertion into the panel fastener 102 to a second position. For example, the end surface 148 of the wedge-shaped projection 142 may be biased out of potential engagement with the panel tab end 182 of the panel retention tab 178, which may enable further axial insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104 in the first direction (e.g., axially leftward from the perspective of fig. 15 and 16). The locking pin 102 may then be inserted into the panel fastener 104 to a second position, as shown in fig. 16, which may represent a final assembled state of the fastener assembly 100.

As shown in fig. 17-19, when the locking pin 102 is inserted into the panel fastener 104 to the second position, the engagement between the front flange 170 and the rear surface 110 of the front panel 106 may inhibit further axial insertion of the locking pin 102 in the first direction. Further, the retention tab 128 may be at least partially aligned with the first panel retention surface 194. For example, as particularly shown in fig. 19, the retention surface 154 of the retention tab 128 may be aligned with the first panel retention surface 194 such that if the locking pin 102 is axially displaced a significant distance in the second direction (e.g., to the right from the perspective of fig. 19), the retention surface 154 may still engage the first panel retention surface 194.

In general, when the locking pin 102 is in the second position, the locking pin 102 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 104. For example, the front flange 170 may inhibit further insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104 in the first direction (e.g., axially leftward from the perspective of fig. 19) via engagement with the rear surface 110 of the front panel 106. The first panel retention surface 194 may inhibit the locking pin 102 from moving out of the panel fastener 104 in a second direction (e.g., axially to the right from the perspective of fig. 19) via engagement with the retention surface 154 of the retention tab 128. As such, when the locking pin 102 is inserted into the second position, the locking pin 102 may be axially retained within the panel fastener 104.

Similar to when the locking pin 102 is in the first position within the panel fastener 104, the locking pin 102 may be laterally retained within the panel fastener 104, e.g., via the plurality of brackets 176. Alternatively or additionally, the panel 200 may generally provide lateral stability to the locking pin 102 and/or the fastener assembly 100. With the locking pin 102 axially and laterally retained in the second position, the fastener assembly 100 may maintain its final assembled state during both static and dynamic loads being applied.

As described herein, the fastener assembly 100 may be assembled in a pre-assembled state with the locking pin 102 at least partially inserted into the panel fastener 104 to a first position. In this pre-assembled state, the locking pin 102 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 104 to enable transport of the fastener assembly 100 to an end user. The fastener assembly 100 can then be installed into an end application (e.g., panel 200). After installation into a final application (e.g., insertion of the fastener assembly 100 into the notch 202 of the panel 200), the locking pin 102 may be axially unlocked in a direction that enables insertion of the locking pin 102 to the second position to transition the fastener assembly 100 to a final assembled state.

In addition to the selective locking and unlocking of the locking pin 102 provided by the design of the fastener assembly 100, the fastener assembly 100 may be assembled via axial insertion of the locking pin 102 into the panel fastener 104 and via axial insertion of the panel fastener 104 and locking pin 102 into the end application (e.g., panel 200). In this manner, the fastener assembly 100 can be assembled and installed on the end use application without the need for tools and/or rotational movement, which provides a more ergonomic assembly and installation process. Additionally, fastener assembly 100 may be removed from the end application (e.g., panel 200) and disassembled/repaired one or more times without compromising the performance and functionality of fastener assembly 100. That is, the ability of the fastener assembly 100 to maintain its position under static and dynamic loads may be unaffected by removal, disassembly, and/or servicing of the fastener assembly 100.

As described herein and illustrated in fig. 20, in one non-limiting application, fastener assembly 100 may be installed in a side curtain airbag assembly 210 on a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, side curtain airbag assembly 210 may include a plurality of fastener assemblies 100 that are mounted through a panel 212 of the vehicle and may be disposed at various locations along panel 212. In other non-limiting applications, the fastener assembly 100 may be installed and implemented on other high impact applications on a vehicle or another application of another device/structure.

It will be appreciated that the design and construction of the fastener assembly 100 can be varied while maintaining the functions and advantages described herein. For example, fig. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a fastener assembly 300 according to the present disclosure. In general, the functions and advantages of the fastener assembly 100 may also be applicable to the fastener assembly 100. For example, the fastener assembly 300 may include a locking pin 302 and a panel fastener 304. The locking pin 302 may be inserted into the panel fastener 304 to a first position in which the locking pin 302 is retained in both axial and lateral directions and the fastener assembly 300 is retained in a pre-assembled state. The fastener assembly 300 may remain preassembled until the fastener assembly 300 is installed in the final application, which may unlock the locking pin 302 in a given direction and enable insertion of the locking pin 302 into a second position within the panel fastener 304. With the locking pin 302 inserted to the second position, the locking pin 302 may be retained in the axial and lateral directions, and the fastener assembly 300 may be retained in a final assembled state.

In some embodiments, the locking pin 302 may be formed as a unitary component (i.e., made from a single piece of material). In some embodiments, the locking pin 302 may be made of a plastic material. In other embodiments, the locking pin 3024 may be manufactured from one or more pieces of material, and/or may be manufactured from different types of materials. In some embodiments, the panel fasteners 304 may be formed as a unitary component. In some embodiments, the panel fasteners 304 may be made of a metallic material. In other embodiments, the panel fasteners 304 may be made from one or more pieces of material, and/or may be made from different types of materials.

Referring to fig. 22-24, the locking pin 302 may include a front panel 306 and a pin body 308 extending outwardly from a rear surface 310 of the front panel 306 (e.g., from the angle of fig. 4 in a direction along the central axis C). In the illustrated embodiment, the pin body 308 of the locking pin 302 and its features may be symmetrical on a horizontal plane and a vertical plane extending through the center of the locking pin 302. That is, the pin body 308 may be symmetrical about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in the vertical direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 22) and about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in the horizontal direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 22). As such, any description herein of the pin body 308 applies symmetrically to each corresponding symmetric feature on the pin body 308.

The pin body 308 may define a first end 312, a second end 314, a first side 316 (e.g., a top side from the perspective of fig. 22), a second side 318 (e.g., a bottom side from the perspective of fig. 22), a third side 320 (e.g., a right side from the perspective of fig. 22), and a fourth side 322 (e.g., a left side from the perspective of fig. 22). The pin body 308 may extend longitudinally (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C) from a first end 312 to a second end 314, wherein the pin body 308 is attached to the rear surface 310, the second end being longitudinally opposite the first end 312. The first side 316 of the pin body 308 may be opposite the second side 318 of the pin body 308, and the third side 320 of the pin body 308 may be opposite the fourth side 322 of the pin body 308.

In general, the pin body 308 may include retention features designed and arranged to retain the locking pin 302 at various locations of the panel fastener 304 during installation and assembly of the fastener assembly 300. In some embodiments, locking pin 302 may include a plurality of flexible arms 326, and a plurality of retention tabs 328. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of flexible arms 326 may include four flexible arms 326, with a pair of flexible arms 326 disposed on the first side 316 and a pair of flexible arms 326 disposed on the second side 318. Each pair of flexible arms 326 may include a rod portion 330 and a flexible portion 332. Each rod portion 330 may extend longitudinally from rear surface 310 of front panel 306 to a junction between rod portion 330 and flexible portion 332. Each flexible portion 332 may extend longitudinally from the junction between rod portion 330 and flexible portion 332 to second end 314 of pin body 308.

In general, each flexible portion 332 may be configured to flex inwardly (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24). For example, the vertically aligned pair of flexible portions 332 may be configured to flex inwardly toward one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each flexible portion 332 may include an angled wall 334, a peak 336, and an end portion 338. Angled wall 334 may extend longitudinally from the junction between stem portion 330 and flexible portion 332 to peak 336. The angled wall 334 may be angled upwardly (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24) as the angled wall 334 extends in a direction from the junction between the rod portion 330 and the flexible portion 332 toward the second end 314. In the illustrated embodiment, peak 336 may define a generally rounded shape. As the flexible portion 332 continues to extend from the peak 336 toward the second end 314, the end portion 338 extends in a direction from the peak 336 to the second end 314, and the end portion 338 may be angled downward (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24). In the illustrated embodiment, the end portion 338 may include an arm notch 340 disposed therein. Each arm notch 340 may define a recess that extends inwardly into the end portion 338 and laterally along a portion of the end portion 338. For example, the arm notch 340 may extend laterally from the inner edge 342 of the end portion 338 to a location between the inner and outer edges 342, 344. Each arm notch 340 may include an end surface 346 disposed at a longitudinal position generally aligned with the peak 336 and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis C.

In the illustrated embodiment, each end portion 338 may be substantially unattached to the pin body 308 except for attachment to the shank portion 330. For example, in this manner, the end portion 338 may be able to flex inwardly during assembly and installation, as will be described herein.

With continued reference to fig. 22-24, the plurality of retention tabs 328 may include two retention tabs 328, wherein one retention tab 328 extends outwardly from the rear surface 310 of the front panel 306 adjacent the first side 316 of the pin body 308 and the other retention tab 328 extends outwardly from the rear surface 310 of the front panel 306 adjacent the second side 318. Each retention tab 328 may extend longitudinally from the rear surface 310 in a direction toward the second end 314. The retention tab 328 may extend from the rear surface 310 to a longitudinal location between the junction between the rod portion 330 and the flexible portion 332 of the flexible arm 326 and the first end 312.

Each retention tab 328 may be laterally disposed between a corresponding pair of rod portions 330. For example, the retention tab 328 disposed on the first side 316 may be disposed laterally between the rod portions 330 disposed on the first side 316. In the illustrated embodiment, each retention tab 328 may include an angled surface 348 and a retention surface 350. The angled surface 348 may taper upward from a longitudinal end of the retention tab 328 disposed longitudinally away from the first end 312. Specifically, the angled surface 348 tapers upwardly from a longitudinal end of the retention tab 328 (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24) as the retention tab 328 extends in a direction toward the first end 312 of the pin body 308. The angled surface 348 may continue to taper upwardly to a junction between the angled surface 348 and the retention surface 350. At the junction between the angled surface 348 and the retention surface 350, the retention surface 350 may extend perpendicularly inward (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24).

In the illustrated embodiment, each retention tab 328 may be substantially unattached to the pin body 308 except for attachment to the rear surface 310 of the pin body 308. For example, a void may be disposed between each retention tab 328 and an adjacent corresponding pair of stem portions 330. For example, in this manner, the ends of the retention tabs 328 including the angled surfaces 348 and the retention surfaces 350 may be able to flex inwardly and/or outwardly (e.g., toward and/or away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 24) during assembly and installation, as will be described herein.

Turning to fig. 25-27, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 304 and its features may be symmetrical on a horizontal plane and a vertical plane extending through the center of the panel fastener 304. That is, the panel fastener 304 may be symmetrical about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a vertical direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 25) and about a plane that vertically bisects the central axis C in a horizontal direction (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 25). As such, any description herein of a feature of the panel fastener 304 applies symmetrically to each corresponding symmetric feature on the panel fastener 304.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 304 can define a first end 358, a second end 360, a first side 362 (e.g., a top side from the perspective of fig. 25), a second side 364 (e.g., a bottom side from the perspective of fig. 25), a third side 366 (e.g., a right side from the perspective of fig. 25), and a fourth side 368 (e.g., a left side from the perspective of fig. 25). The panel fastener 304 may extend longitudinally (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C) from the first end 358 to a second end 360 that is longitudinally opposite the first end 358. The first side 362 of the panel fastener 304 may be opposite the second side 364 of the panel fastener 304 and the third side 366 of the panel fastener 304 may be opposite the fourth side 368 of the panel fastener 304.

The panel fastener 304 may include one or more front flanges 370 and a body portion 372 extending generally perpendicularly away from the one or more front flanges 370 (e.g., in a direction along the central axis C). In the non-limiting example illustrated, the panel fastener 304 can include two front flanges 370 disposed at the first end 358 of the panel fastener 304, with one front flange 370 extending from the first side 362 in a direction away from the central axis C (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 27) and the other front flange 370 extending from the second side 364 in a direction away from the central axis C (e.g., from the perspective of fig. 7). In other words, the front flanges 370 may extend away from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel fastener 304 may define a generally rounded junction between the front flange 370 and the body portion 372.

In general, the panel fastener 304 may include retention features designed and arranged to interact with retention features of the locking pin 302 to retain the locking pin 302 at various locations of the panel fastener 304 during installation and assembly of the fastener assembly 300. For example, the body portion 372 may include one or more tab portions 374 and a plurality of brackets 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 372 can include two tab portions 374, with one tab portion 374 extending from the second end 360 of the panel fastener 304 adjacent the first side 362 and the other tab portion 374 extending from the second end 360 of the panel fastener 304 adjacent the second side 364. Each tab portion 374 may include a pair of panel retention tabs 378 and an angled arm 380. The tab portions 374 may be laterally spaced from one another, and the angled arm 380 may extend longitudinally from between the tab portions 374 toward the first end 358.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of panel retention tabs 378 disposed on the first and second sides 362, 364 can be angled away from a respective one of the first and second sides 362, 364 (e.g., away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 27). For example, the panel retention tab 378 may extend longitudinally from the second end 360 in a direction toward the first end 358. As the panel retention tabs 378 extend from the second end 360 toward the first end 358, the panel retention tabs 378 may be angled away from a respective one of the first side 362 and the second side 364 (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 27). The panel retention tab 378 may extend toward the first end 358 to the panel tab 382.

Each angled arm 380 may extend longitudinally from between a respective pair of panel retention tabs 378 toward the first end 358. Each angled arm 380 may include a first angled portion 384 and a second angled portion 386. The first angled portion 384 may be disposed longitudinally between the second end 360 and the second angled portion 386. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the first angled portion 384 may be angled in a direction toward the central axis C, while the second angled portion 386 may be angled in a direction away from the central axis C.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tab portion 374 may be attached to the body portion 372 only at the second end 360, and a void may be formed between the remainder of the tab portion 374 and the body portion 372. In other words, the first side 362 and the second side 364 of the body portion 372 can include the notch 388 defined between the inner edge 390 of the body portion 372 and the outer edge 392 of the tab portion 374. First panel retention surface 394 and a pair of second panel retention surfaces 396 may be defined by inner edges 390 of body portion 372 on first side 362 and second side 364. The first and second panel retention surfaces 394, 396 may be disposed adjacent to the first end 358 of the panel fastener 304. The second panel retention surface 396 may be disposed longitudinally closer to the second end 360 and laterally outward from the first panel retention surface 394.

With continued reference to fig. 25-27, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of brackets 376 may include four brackets 376, with a pair of brackets 376 disposed on the third side 366 and a pair of brackets 376 disposed on the fourth side 378. Each pair of brackets 376 may extend generally toward one another (e.g., in a direction toward central axis C). For example, one leg of the pair of legs 376 may extend from the first side 362 in a direction toward the second side 364, and the other leg of the pair of legs 376 may extend from the second side 364 in a direction toward the first side 362. In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 376 may be disposed adjacent to the first end 358 of the panel fastener 304 and may extend longitudinally along the body portion 372 from the first end 358 to the second end 360.

In general, the bracket 376 may be designed to receive the locking pin 302 therein and substantially prevent the locking pin 302 from being laterally displaced when at least partially received within the panel fastener 304. For example, the lateral width defined between the brackets 376 (e.g., the distance defined between the brackets 376 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 26) may be greater than or equal to the lateral width defined by the pin body 308 to ensure that the pin body 308 is inserted into the panel fastener 304.

A non-limiting example of the assembly and operation of the panel fastener 300 is described with reference to fig. 28-39. Looking first to fig. 28, the fastener assembly 300 may be assembled in a pre-assembled state, such as to transport the fastener assembly 300 with the locking pin 302 inserted into the panel fastener 304 to a first position. In general, the interaction between the locking pin 302 and the retention feature formed on the panel fastener 304 may retain the locking pin 132 in a first position that, for example, maintains the orientation and position of the locking pin 302 within the panel fastener 304 until the fastener assembly 300 is installed in an end application (e.g., a panel on a vehicle). For example, in this manner, the fastener assembly 300 may maintain the position and orientation of the locking pin 302 during transportation of the fastener assembly 300 to an end user.

Turning to fig. 28-32, to assemble the fastener assembly 300 into a transport configuration, the locking pin 302 may be axially inserted (e.g., along the central axis C) into the panel fastener 304. Initially, the second end 314 of the locking pin 302 may be inserted into the first end 358 of the panel fastener 304 between the front flanges 370. As the second end 314 of the locking pin 302 is further inserted into the panel fastener 304, the end portion 338 of the flexible arm 326 may engage the panel fastener 304, e.g., via a downward angle defined by the end portion 338, and the flexible portion 332 of the flexible arm 326 may flex inward (e.g., toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 30).

As the locking pin 302 continues to be axially inserted into the panel fastener 304, the flexible portions 332 of the flexible arms 326 may remain flexed inwardly until the peaks 336 of the flexible portions 332 reach the notches 388 formed in the first and second sides 362, 364 of the panel fastener 304. Once the peak 336 of the flexible portion 332 moves past the second panel retention surface 396 and reaches the notch 388, the flexible portion 332 may flex outwardly (e.g., in a direction away from the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 30) and partially protrude through the notch 388, as shown in fig. 30 and 31.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32, once the flexible portion 332 is flexed outward and extends through the notch 388, the locking pin 302 may continue to be axially inserted into the panel fastener 304 to a first position in which the end surface 346 engages the panel tab end 382 of the panel retention tab 378. In general, when the locking pin 302 is in the first position, the locking pin 302 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 304. For example, the panel tab end 382 of the panel retention tab 378 may inhibit further insertion of the locking pin 302 into the panel fastener 304 in the first direction (e.g., axially leftward from the perspective of fig. 30 and 31) via engagement with the end surface 346 of the flexible portion 332 (e.g., see fig. 30). The second panel retention surface 396 may inhibit the locking pin 302 from moving out of the panel fastener 304 in a second direction (e.g., axially to the right from the perspective of fig. 31 and 32) via engagement with the angled wall 334 of the flexible portion 332 (see, e.g., fig. 31). As such, when the locking pin 302 is inserted to the first position, the locking pin 302 may be axially retained within the panel fastener 304.

In addition to axial retention, the locking pin 302 may be laterally retained within the panel fastener 304, for example, via the plurality of brackets 376. That is, the plurality of brackets 376 may inhibit the locking pin 302 from shifting laterally or rotationally relative to the panel fastener 304. Thus, once the locking pin 302 is inserted into the panel fastener 304 to the first position, the locking pin 302 may be axially and laterally or rotationally retained relative to the panel fastener 304. For example, in this manner, the general orientation and assembly of fastener assembly 300 may be maintained to enable fastener assembly 300 to be shipped to an end user in a consistent assembled state and orientation. This may reduce assembly time for the end user and improve consistency of the final assembly, as the fastener assembly 300 may be provided in a pre-assembled state with the locking pin 302 inserted into the panel fastener 304 to the first position.

Once the preassembled fastener assembly 300 is shipped to the end user, the fastener assembly 300 may be installed in a given application. For example, the fastener assembly 300 may be installed in a high impact force area on a vehicle, or another structure that requires a fastener to resist breakage and remain in a fastened position under high impact and static loading forces. In one non-limiting application, fastener assembly 300 may be installed through panel 400 on, for example, a side curtain airbag assembly on a vehicle. The panel 400 may include a notch 402 defined by an inner surface 404 that extends through the panel 400 from a first surface 406 to a second surface 408. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch 402 can define a generally tapered profile that tapers inwardly (e.g., in a direction toward the central axis from the perspective of fig. 30 and 31) as the notch 402 extends from the first surface 406 to the second surface 408.

To assemble the fastener assembly 300 to the panel 400, the fastener assembly 300 may be axially inserted into the notch 402 of the panel 400, as shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, the notch 402 may be designed to receive the body portion 372 of the panel fastener 304 therein. As body portion 372 of panel fastener 304 is inserted into notch 402, inner surface 404 may slide over panel retention tab 378 and flexible portion 332 of flexible arm 326. The body portion 372 may continue to be inserted through the notch 402 in the panel 400 such that the panel retention tab 378 passes through to an installed position (see, e.g., fig. 34 and 35) in which the panel 4200 is disposed between the panel tab end 382 of the panel retention tab 378 and the front flange 370 of the panel fastener 304. When the panel 400 is in the installed position, the panel fastener 304 may axially retain the panel 400 via the arrangement between the panel tab end 382 of the panel retention tab 378 and the front flange 370 (e.g., substantially inhibit the panel fastener 304 from moving out of the notch 402 without input from an end user or another tool/machine).

With the fastener assembly 300 installed into the panel 400, the inner surface 404 of the panel 400 can engage the peak 336 of the flexible portion 332 and bias the flexible portion 332 such that the flexible portion 332 flexes inward (e.g., toward the central axis C from the perspective of fig. 34), as shown in fig. 34. In general, once the fastener assembly 300 is installed into the panel 400, the locking pin 302 may be axially unlocked in a first direction and may allow further insertion into the panel fastener 304 to a second position. For example, the end surface 346 of the flexible portion 332 may be biased out of potential engagement with the panel tab end 382 of the panel retention tab 378, which may enable the locking pin 302 to be further axially inserted into the panel fastener 304 in the first direction (axially leftward, from the perspective of fig. 34 and 35). The locking pin 302 may then be inserted into the panel fastener 304 to a second position, as shown in fig. 36-39, which may represent a final assembled state of the fastener assembly 300.

As shown in fig. 36-39, when the locking pin 302 is inserted into the panel fastener 304 to the second position, the engagement between the front flange 370 and the rear surface 310 of the front panel 306 may inhibit further axial insertion of the locking pin 302 in the first direction. Further, as the locking pin 302 is inserted from the first position to the second position, the retention tab 328 may flex inwardly due to engagement with the panel fastener 104 and then outwardly once the retention surface 350 is displaced past the first panel retention surface 394. When the retention tabs 328 are flexed outward, the retention surface 350 may engage the first panel retention surface 194, as shown in fig. 38. For example, in this manner, the locking pin 302 may be inhibited from moving out of the panel fastener 304 via axial displacement in a second direction (e.g., to the right from the perspective of fig. 38).

In general, when the locking pin 302 is in the second position, the locking pin 302 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 304. For example, the front flange 370 may inhibit further insertion of the locking pin 302 into the panel fastener 304 in the first direction (e.g., axially leftward, from the perspective of fig. 38) via engagement with the rear surface 310 of the front panel 306. The first panel retention surface 394 may inhibit the locking pin 302 from moving out of the panel fastener 304 in a second direction (e.g., axially to the right from the perspective of fig. 38) via engagement with the retention surface 350 of the retention tab 328. As such, when the locking pin 302 is inserted into the second position, the locking pin 302 may be axially retained within the panel fastener 304.

Similar to when the locking pin 302 is in the first position within the panel fastener 304, the locking pin 302 may be laterally retained within the panel fastener 304, e.g., via the plurality of brackets 376. Alternatively or additionally, the panel 400 may generally provide lateral stability to the locking pin 302 and/or the fastener assembly 300. With the locking pin 302 axially and laterally retained in the second position, the fastener assembly 300 may maintain its final assembled state during both static and dynamic loads being applied.

As described herein, the fastener assembly 300 may be assembled in a pre-assembled state with the locking pin 302 at least partially inserted into the panel fastener 304 to a first position. In this pre-assembled state, the locking pin 302 may be axially and laterally retained within the panel fastener 304 to enable transport of the fastener assembly 300 to an end user. The fastener assembly 300 may then be installed into an end application (e.g., panel 400). After installation into a final application (e.g., insertion of the fastener assembly 300 into the notch 402 of the panel 400), the locking pin 302 may be axially unlocked in a direction that enables insertion of the locking pin 302 to the second position to transition the fastener assembly 300 to a final assembled state.

In addition to the selective locking and unlocking of the locking pin 302 provided by the design of the fastener assembly 300, the fastener assembly 300 may be assembled via axial insertion of the locking pin 302 into the panel fastener 304 and via axial insertion of the panel fastener 304 and locking pin 302 into the final application (e.g., panel 400). In this manner, the fastener assembly 300 may be assembled and installed on the end use application without the need for tools and/or rotational movement, which provides a more ergonomic assembly and installation process. Additionally, the fastener assembly 300 may be removed from the end application (e.g., panel 400) and disassembled/repaired one or more times without compromising the performance and functionality of the fastener assembly 300. That is, the ability of fastener assembly 300 to maintain its position under static and dynamic loads may be unaffected by removal, disassembly, and/or servicing of fastener assembly 300.

As described herein, in one non-limiting application, the fastener assembly 300 may be installed in a side curtain airbag assembly on a vehicle. In other non-limiting applications, the fastener assembly 300 may be installed and implemented on other high impact applications on a vehicle or another application of another device/structure.

Within this specification, embodiments have been described in a manner that enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and should be understood that various combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments may be made without departing from the invention. For example, it is to be understood that all of the preferred features described herein apply to all of the aspects of the invention described herein.

Therefore, while the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and variations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.