Mounting clips and sensor installations for motorized vehicle doors

• US 7,938,376 B2
• Filed: 08/22/2008
• Issued: 05/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Control Solutions Incorporated (ADAMA Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Control Solutions Incorporated (ADAMA Ltd.)
• Inventors: Scholtes, Nick, Jimenez, Jorge, Signaigo, Robert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez; Ramon O
• Application Number:
  US12/197,058
• Publication Number:
  US 20100044528A1
• Time in Patent Office: 991 Days
• Field of Search: 248/316.7, 248/309.1, 248/316.1, 248/229.16, 248/229.26, 248/228.7, 248/230.7, 248/231.81
• US Class Current: 248/316.7
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 5/121 fastened over the edge(s) of the sheet(s) or plate(s)

Abstract

A clip for securing one object relative to another, such as securing an object to a vehicle door or frame is provided. The clip is useful for installing a strip of safety sensors around the circumference of a vehicle door retrofitted with a motorized assist system.

Claims

1. A clip comprising:

a strip portion;

a first attachment arm;

a second attachment arm extending from the strip portion, the first attachment arm extending from the strip portion such that the first attachment arm is positioned above and over at least a portion of the second attachment arm; and

a barb leg formed within and extending from the second attachment arm such that the barb leg is disposed at an angle relative the strip portion, the barb leg including a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.

2. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the strip portion comprises a countersunk mounting aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough.

3. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the clip is formed of spring steel.

4. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the strip portion is planar and the first attachment arm extends at a first end of the strip portion substantially perpendicular to the strip portion.

5. The clip according to claim 4, further comprising an attachment tab extending at an angle from a first end of the first attachment arm that is opposite a second end of the first attachment arm that is connected to the strip portion.

6. The clip according to claim 4, wherein the second attachment arm extends from a second end of the strip portion that is opposite the first end of the strip portion.

7. The clip according to claim 4, wherein the barb leg is bent at an angle from a portion of the second attachment arm adjacent the strip portion in a direction toward the first attachment arm.

8. The clip according to claim 7, wherein the second attachment arm is substantially parallel to the first attachment arm.

9. A clip comprising:

a strip portion;

a first attachment arm extending from the strip portion wherein the strip portion is planar and the first attachment arm extends at a first end of the strip portion substantially perpendicular to the strip portion;

a second attachment arm extending from the strip portion; and

a barb leg disposed at an angle relative the strip portion and including a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion wherein the barb leg is bent at an angle from a portion of the second attachment arm adjacent the strip portion in a direction toward the first attachment arm and the barb leg includes a side end perpendicular to the first leg end and further comprising a recess space disposed between the side end of the barb leg and the second attachment arm.

10. A clip comprising:

a planar strip portion including a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a countersunk mounting aperture disposed through the strip portion for receiving a fastener therethrough;

a first attachment arm;

a second attachment arm extending from the strip portion, the first attachment arm extending substantially perpendicular from a first end of the strip portion such that the first attachment arm is positioned above and over at least a portion of the second attachment arm; and

a plurality of barb legs formed within and extending from the second attachment arm such that the barb legs are disposed at an angle relative the strip portion, each of the barb legs including a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, each of the barb legs connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm, and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from an area toward the second end of the strip portion.

11. The clip according to claim 10, further comprising:

an attachment tab extending at an angle from an end of the first attachment arm that is opposite an end of the first attachment arm that is connected to the strip portion;

the second attachment arm extending from the second end of the strip portion that is opposite the first end of the strip portion, wherein the second attachment arm is substantially parallel to the first attachment arm; and

the barb leg is bent at an angle from a portion of the second attachment arm adjacent the strip portion in a direction toward the first attachment arm.