IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,638,104
Granted Patent B2
US 12,638,104 · App. 18/198,581 · Granted May 26, 2026

Fastener positional confirmation system

Inventor: Joel R. Lee (Peotone, IL)
Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
F16L3/13F16B13/0875F16L3/237
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,638,104
App. No.
18/198,581
Granted
May 26, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Described is a fastener for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The fastener includes a carrier portion, a fastener portion, and an installation indicator. The carrier portion is configured to secure the at least one tube via at least one tube pocket. The installation indicator positioned in or on the carrier portion via a hinge. The tab can pivot between a first position and a second position when the tube is inserted into the tube pocket to indicate that the tube is properly seated in the tube pocket. The installation indicator can be a barcode or a quick response (QR) code.

Claims (22)

1 . A fastener for securing at least one object relative to a component, the fastener comprising:

a carrier portion configured to secure the at least one object;

a fastener portion defining a central longitudinal axis, wherein the fastener portion is configured to engage the component; and

an installation indicator positioned in or on the carrier portion, wherein the installation indicator comprises a 2-dimensional fiducial marker.

2 . The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the carrier portion and the fastener portion are fabricated as a unitary structure.

3 . The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the installation indicator is coupled to the carrier portion via a tab.

4 . The fastener of claim 3 , wherein the tab is coupled to the carrier portion via a hinge.

5 . The fastener of claim 4 , wherein the tab is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position when the object is inserted into the carrier portion.

6 . The fastener of claim 5 , wherein the tab assumes the second position when the object is properly seated into the carrier portion.

7 . The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the 2-dimensional fiducial marker is a barcode.

8 . The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the 2-dimensional fiducial marker is a quick response (QR) code.

9 . The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the carrier portion further comprises at least one retention finger configured to prevent the at least one object from exiting at least one tube pocket.

10 . The fastener of claim 9 , wherein the at least one retention finger comprises an arm and one or more wings.

11 . The fastener of claim 10 , wherein each of the one or more wings is resiliently connected to the arm and configured to deflect as the at least one object is passed into the at least one tube pocket.

12 . The fastener of claim 10 , wherein each of the one or more wings comprises a foot positioned at a distal end thereof.

13 . A fastener for securing at least one tube relative to a component, the fastener comprising:

a carrier portion configured to secure the at least one tube via at least one tube pocket;

a fastener portion defining a central longitudinal axis, wherein the fastener portion is configured to engage the component via an opening; and

an installation indicator positioned in or on the carrier portion, wherein the installation indicator comprises a 2-dimensional fiducial marker.

14 . The fastener of claim 13 , wherein the installation indicator is coupled to a tab that is coupled to the carrier portion via a hinge.

15 . The fastener of claim 14 , wherein the tab is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position when the tube is inserted into the tube pocket to indicate that the tube is properly seated in the tube pocket.

16 . The fastener of claim 13 , wherein the 2-dimensional fiducial marker is a barcode or a quick response (QR) code.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 2, 2023
From: LEE, JOEL R.
To: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Reel/Frame 063844/0375 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63345974 · May 26, 2022
Related Publication 20230383868A1 · Nov 30, 2023
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