Insert for a tailgate cable assembly and a tailgate cable assembly incorporating the same

Abstract

An insert and a tailgate cable assembly incorporating the same. The tailgate cable assembly is a cable having eyelet connectors at each end and which is used to secure the sidewall of a vehicle to a rotatable tailgate. Fasteners extending from the sidewall and tailgate are received through apertures in the eyelets. At least one of the eyelets incorporates a removable insert that is rotatable between a first position, where the fastener may be either inserted or withdrawn from the eyelet, and a second position where the insert locks the fastener within the aperture in the eyelet. The insert is a “C”-shaped member that interlocks with the eyelet's interior peripheral surface surrounding a portion of the aperture.

1 . An insert for securing a tailgate cable assembly to a support in a vehicle; 
 wherein the cable assembly includes a cable with a connector at one end;    wherein the connector has a first surface with an aperture formed therein and an interior peripheral surface surrounding the aperture; and wherein the aperture receives a fastener that extends outwardly from and normal to the support; the insert comprising:    a substantially C-shaped member having: 
 a fastener-engaging surface adapted to engage a head of the fastener;  
 a rear surface adapted to abut the first surface of the connector;  
 a flange extending outwardly from and normal to the rear surface; and  
 a peripheral lip formed on the flange; whereby a channel is formed between the rear surface and the lip; and wherein the C-shaped member is adapted to be inserted into the aperture in the connector and to receive a portion of the interior peripheral surface within the channel.  
   
   
   
       2 . The insert as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the channel of the C-shaped member has a width and the connector interior peripheral surface has a width and the width of the channel is substantially equal to the width of the interior peripheral surface of the connector.  
   
   
       3 . The insert as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the C-shaped member defines a C-shaped opening and the fastener-engaging surface of the C-shaped member has leading edges proximate the opening; and wherein the leading edges are angled and are adapted to guide the fastener into the opening.  
   
   
       4 . The insert as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the C-shaped member further comprises: 
 a front surface disposed a distance outwardly from the fastener engaging surface;    an outer peripheral wall connecting the front surface of the C-shaped member to the rear surface of the C-shaped member; and wherein the C-shaped member is rotatable between a first position, where the fastener may be inserted or withdrawn from the aperture, and a second position where the C-shaped member substantially prevents withdrawal of the fastener from the connector.    
   
   
       5 . The insert as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the outer peripheral wall is ribbed.  
   
   
       6 . The insert as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the C-shaped member is manufactured from one of the group consisting of acetal, polyester, nylon and filled nylon plastics.  
   
   
       7 . An insert for securing a tailgate cable assembly to a support in a vehicle; wherein the cable assembly includes a cable with a connector at one end; wherein the connector has a first surface with an aperture formed therein and an interior peripheral surface surrounding the aperture; and wherein the aperture receives a fastener that extends outwardly from and normal to the support; the insert comprising: 
 an annular body defining an interior hole and adapted to extend into the connector aperture;    wherein said interior hole is adapted to accept the fastener, whereby the annular body is moveable between a first position where the fastener may be withdrawn from said hole, and a second position where the annular body prevents removal of the fastener from the hole formed therein.    
   
   
       8 . The insert as defined in  claim 7  in which the annular body defines a rear surface which is adapted to contact the connector, and a flange extending outwardly from the body whereby a portion of the connector extends between the flange and the rear surface.  
   
   
       9 . The insert as defined in  claim 8  in which a lip is formed on the flange and a portion of the connector extends between the lip and the rear surface.  
   
   
       10 . The insert as defined in  claim 9  in which the lip and rear surface define a groove and in which the connector rotationally engages the body at the groove.  
   
   
       11 . The insert as defined in  claim 10  in which the annular body has an outer perimeter and in which a slot is formed through the outer perimeter and into contact with the hole.  
   
   
       12 . The insert as defined in  claim 11  in which the body is C-shaped.  
   
   
       13 . The insert as defined in  claim 10  in which the groove is substantially complementary shaped to a portion of the connector.