Multiple retainer bridge
A multiple retainer bridge device is provided for securing a utility member (e.g., a magnet or bracket) to posts on a housing member (e.g., a filter housing). When assembled, the utility member is staked onto the posts. A single retainer member prevents the utility member from sliding off of the posts. The retainer member has at least two ends. Each end has a recess, and each recess has a securing portion and a receptacle portion. The securing portion is fixed to the posts by, for example, sonic welding. Flash created by the fixing process is confined within the receptacle portion of the recesses.
1. A device for securing a utility member to a housing member, the device comprising:
an elongate retaining member having at least two chambers, the chambers comprising a securing portion and a receptacle; and
at least two posts each comprising a first end connected to the housing member, the at least two posts corresponding with the at least two chambers, each of the at least two posts further comprising a second end secured to the corresponding securing portion, wherein the receptacle defines an enclosed volume adjacent to the second end for capturing debris, wherein the utility member is secured between the housing member and the elongate retaining member, and further wherein the at least two posts extend through the utility member.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the utility member is a magnet.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the housing member is configured to house an automotive filter.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the housing member is formed from plastic.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the at least two posts are welded to the securing portion.
6. The device of claim 5 , further comprising a flash material formed adjacent to an end of the post, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive the flash material.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the at least two posts are sonically welded to the securing portion.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate retaining member is upwardly convex.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the elongate retaining member is obround and wherein the at least two chambers are campanulate.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the securing portion forms a right cylinder and the receptacle is infundibular.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate retaining member is formed of glass-filled nylon.
12. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion for spacing the utility member apart from the housing member.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the protrusion is a fin.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the utility member forms a bracket.
15. An automotive filter, comprising:
a filter housing comprising an interior volume;
a plurality of posts connected to the filter housing and projecting into the interior volume;
a magnet disposed within the interior volume of the housing and connected to the plurality of posts, the plurality of posts extending through the magnet, the magnet being spaced apart from housing; and
a means for securing the magnet to the plurality of posts comprising a retaining member having a plurality of receptacles configured for attachment to each of said posts and defining an enclosed volume adjacent to an end of each of said posts for capturing debris.
16. The automotive filter of claim 15 , wherein the means for securing the magnet to the plurality of posts is sonically welded to the plurality of posts.
17. The automotive filter of claim 15 , wherein the magnet is discords.
18. A utility device, comprising:
an automotive filter assembly:
a plurality of posts connected to the automotive filter assembly, the plurality of posts each having a first end portion connected to a wall of the automotive filter assembly and a second end portion projecting into an interior volume of the automotive filter assembly;
a magnet connected to the plurality of posts, the second end portion of each of the plurality of posts extending through the magnet; and
a member having a plurality of ends corresponding with the plurality of posts, the member comprising a securing portion and a receptacle adjacent the securing portion, wherein the member is configured to retain the magnet to the second end portion of each of the plurality of posts, and further wherein the receptacle is configured to enclose an interior volume adjacent the second end portion of each of the plurality of posts for capturing debris.
19. The utility device of claim 18 , wherein the automotive filter assembly is plastic.
20. The utility device of claim 18 , wherein the magnet is discords, and wherein the member is triskelion.