Method of forming a retaining clip

Abstract

A method of forming a retaining clip configured to secure an elongate member to a generally planar panel is described herein. The retaining clip includes a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and an end wall interconnecting the side walls. The side walls define a gap configured to receive the panel. The retaining clip includes further includes a resilient first cantilevered prong projecting into the gap from the first side wall and a resilient second cantilevered prong projecting from into the first gap from the second side wall. Free ends of the first and second prongs are characterized as having a pair of pointed barbs on distal edges of the first and second prongs. The pointed barbs are configured to increase a removal force required to remove the panel from the first gap. A method of forming such a retaining clip is also described.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of forming a retaining clip, comprising the steps of:
 providing a generally planar sheet metal blank having a generally rectangular shape;   forming a first pair of round holes in the blank;   shearing the blank in locations adjacent the first pair of round holes to form resilient first and second cantilevered prongs projecting from the blank, wherein free ends of the first and second cantilevered prongs define a sharp pointed barb on each distal edge of the first and second cantilevered prongs and form a concave arcuate shape having a constant radius between the first pair of pointed barbs;   bending the blank to form a first side wall a second side wall arranged opposite the first side wall and a first end wall interconnecting the first and second side walls such that the first and second side walls define a first gap therebetween, the first cantilevered prong projects from the first side wall into the first gap, and the second cantilevered prong projects from the second side wall into the first gap.   
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 forming a second pair of round holes in the blank; and   shearing the blank in locations adjacent the second pair of round holes to form resilient third and fourth cantilevered prongs define a sharp pointed barb on each distal edge of the third and fourth cantilevered prongs and form a concave arcuate shape having a constant radius between the second pair of pointed barbs.   
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 2 , further comprising the step of:
 bending the blank to form a third side wall arranged opposite the second side wall and a second end wall interconnecting the second and third side walls, wherein the second and third side walls define a second gap therebetween.   
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein distal edges of the each of the first, second, third, and fourth prongs define an angle of about  15  degrees relative to each other. 
     
     
         5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 rounding distal edges of the retaining clip.