CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on, claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety India patent application No. 202041035621 , entitled “A Panel Fastener,” filed on August 18, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter relates, in general, to fasteners. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to panel fastener for automobiles.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A panel fastening arrangement may be deployed for joining or attaching two or more panels. The panel fastening arrangement includes a panel fastener and a panel tower. The panel fastener may be arranged by positioning over the panel tower by applying a push force thereon. The panel fastener and the panel tower may form a snap-fit type connection. Such a snap-fit type connection between the panel fastener and the panel tower may further aid in disassembly of the panel fastening arrangement and thereby enabling unmounting of two or more panels over several cycles. In an example, a panel may be made of different materials, examples of which include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, and steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] The following detailed description references the drawings, wherein:

[0005] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener, as per an implementation of the present subject matter; [0006] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener, as per another implementation of the present subject matter;

[0007] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter;

[0008] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter; and

[0009] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter.

[0010] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A panel fastener may be utilized for fastening the panels for retaining the panels in a designated position. The panel fastener may be deployed for fastening of panels in, for example, automotive vehicles, civil work, electro-mechanical devices, electrical appliances, and so forth. Examples of a material used for construction of the panel fastener include, but are not limited to, polymers, metals and non-metals. In one example, the panel fastener may be arranged over a longitudinal panel tower in operation thereof.

[0012] Generally, the panel fastener is a V-shaped or an arrow head structure. The panel fastener may include two leg portions converging at a first end thereof and separated at a second end forming inner receiving cavity, therein. The first end may form an apex portion of the panel fastener whereas the second end may include respective flat end portions. The receiving cavity may further include a coupling element provided on an inner surface of each of the two legs of the panel fastener. The coupling element may be in the form of a raised protrusion. The coupling element, when the panel fastener is positioned over a panel tower, may engage with a complimentary structure provided on the panel tower. In an example, the panel tower may have a raised longitudinal head portion mounted over a base portion, wherein the complimentary structure may be provided at the head portion.

[0013] In operation, the panel fastener may be positioned over the panel tower, in a manner such that the head portion of the panel tower is to enter the inner receiving cavity of the panel fastener. As the panel fastener is inserted into the panel tower, the leg portions may flexibly move away from each other, as the coupling elements of the panel fastener engage with the outer surface of the panel tower.

[0014] When positioned, the panel tower may occupy the space defined by the receiving cavity. The leg portions of the panel fastener may clip to the opposite longitudinal sides of the head portion of the panel tower. The coupling element may engage with the complimentary structure provided on the head portion of the panel tower to secure the panel fastener to fit the panel tower, thereby preventing any movement of the panel tower. In this regard, the leg portions may accommodate the panel tower therebetween by pivotal movement of the leg portion, based on a thickness of the panel tower.

[0015] However, flexibility of the legs of the conventional panel fastener may be limited since the leg portions are rigidly connected at the apex portion of the panel fastener. As a result, the panel fastener may be utilized for a panel tower having a specific width. For panel towers with greater width, the coupling elements of the panel fastener may not engage with the complimentary structures provided on the panel tower, thereby not resulting in securely fastening the panel fastener with the panel tower.

[0016] Additionally, such panel fasteners may use a panel tower having a length that conforms to a length of the inner receiving cavity of the panel fastener. Therefore, a plurality of such conventional panel fasteners made of different materials and having different performance in terms of flexibility, would be required for attaching the panels. Moreover, a pivotal movement of the leg portion may strain the leg portions, thus causing breakage thereof. [0017] Furthermore, the conventional panel fastener may be used for attaching panels made of only same material characteristics, since the panel tower may be dependent on the material of the panel. Even further, owing to the length constraint of the panel tower and the length of the inner receiving cavity of the panel fastener, the panel fastener may be dependent on the panel tower. Thus, different performance may be required for attaching panels made of different material. However, in certain cases, two panels made of different materials may need to be attached.

[0018] Example panel fasteners for detachably attaching panels are described. The panel fastener may be arranged in contact with two panels for securing the panels together. The panel fastener may be implemented with a panel tower for forming a joint between the two panels. In this regard, the panel tower may be configured to receive the panel fastener thereon, wherein the panel fastener may be snapped over the panel tower by applying a push force. In one example, the panel fastening arrangement may be used in manufacturing process, such as fabrication of an automobile. In this regard, the panel fastening arrangement may be used to secure a first panel such as an exterior panel of the automobile to a second panel such as a framework of the automobile.

[0019] In an example, the panel fastener may include a first planar leg and a second planar leg (referred to as planar legs of the panel fastener). The first planar leg and the second planar leg may have their respective inner surface and outer surface. Each of the planar legs may further include their respective first end and second end, and may be so positioned that the inner surface of the second planar leg is to face the inner surface of the first planar leg.

[0020] The panel fastener may further include a connector element to couple the inner surface of the second planar leg with the inner surface of the first planar leg, such that the second planar leg may be inclined with respect to the first planar leg. The connector element may couple the inner surfaces of the planar legs at points which may be away from the first end of the first planar leg and the first end of the second planar leg respectively. [0021] The first planar leg and the second planar leg may be coupled in such a manner such that it forms a discontinuous surface which extends from the first planar leg to the second planar leg near the first ends of the planar legs. The discontinuity may result in the planar legs being spacedapart from each other.

[0022] Upon coupling, the spaced-apart planar legs may further define an internal cavity therebetween the planar legs. The panel fastener, thus formed, may include a diverging end along the second ends of the planar legs, and a converging end along the first ends of the planar legs of the panel fastener.

[0023] It may be noted that the first planar leg and the second planar leg are coupled not directly, but through the connector element. In an example, the connector element may be of a flexible elastic material. The connector element allows the first planar leg and the second planar leg to move laterally in a flexible manner with respect to each other. For example, as described previously, the panel tower may include a longitudinal head portion. A first panel may be arranged below the longitudinal head portion at a base portion of the panel tower in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal head portion.

[0024] When the panel fastener is not positioned over the head portion of the panel tower, the first planar leg and the second planar leg may occupy an initial position. As the panel fastener is positioned and fitted onto the panel tower, the first planar leg and the second planar leg may move laterally away from each other to accommodate the panel tower.

[0025] In operation, as the panel fastener is positioned over the panel tower, the diverging end of the panel fastener may receive the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower as it moves along the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener. At this stage, portions of the first planar leg and the second planar leg may come into contact with the outer portion of the head portion of the panel tower. As the panel fastener is further lowered, owing to the engagement with the outer surface of the head portion of the panel tower, the first planar leg and the second planar leg may move away from each other, in order to accommodate the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower into the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener.

[0026] As the panel fastener is further pushed along the panel tower and the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower is moved along the internal longitudinal cavity towards the converging end of the panel faster, the panel tower may further cause the first ends of the first planar leg and the second planar leg to move apart from each other. Thereafter, the panel fastener, through the converging end, may then be positioned into a bore of a second panel. As a result, the panel fastener may detachably couple the first panel (arranged below the panel tower) with the second panel.

[0027] As would be appreciated, the first planar leg and the second planar leg may be coupled, via the connector element, in such a manner, so as to form a discontinuous surface which extends from the first planar leg to the second planar leg near the first ends of the planar legs. Upon accommodation of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower, the discontinuity in the surface of the panel fastener may allow the first planar leg and the second planar leg to move laterally in a flexible manner, via the connector element, thus allowing the panel fastener to accommodate a panel tower of any thickness. The thickness of the internal longitudinal cavity thus formed, may correspond to the thickness of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower. Even further, the approaches of the present subject matter may allow the planar legs, at the converging end of the panel fastener, to easily accommodate the panel tower.

[0028] In another example, the connector element may include a first subconnector element and a second sub-connector element, each of the subconnector element having a first end and a second end. In such cases, the first sub-connector element may be attached onto a first edge of the first planar leg and the second planar leg. In a similar manner, the second subconnector element may be attached onto a second edge of the first planar leg and the second planar leg.

[0029] The first sub-connector element and the second sub-connector element may define a spacing extending along a width of the planar legs of the panel fastener. The spacing thus defined, is to accommodate the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower in cases where a length of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower is greater than a length of the panel tower, i.e. , greater than the length of the internal longitudinal cavity. In such cases, the spacing defined therein along the width of the planar legs accommodates the longitudinal head portion extending beyond the internal longitudinal cavity.

[0030] In yet another example, the longitudinal head portion, as it extends beyond the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener through the spacing, may further cause the planar legs of the panel fastener to move away from each other.

[0031] The panel fastener as per the approaches of the present subject matter provides varying flexibility based on characteristics of the panel tower. The panel fastener, described herein, may provide more flexibility while coupling the panels. The discontinuous surface which extends from the first planar leg to the second planar leg near the first ends of the planar legs (converging end of the panel fastener) may allow the panel fastener to accommodate a panel tower of any thickness by allowing the planar legs to flexibly move away from each other. [0032] Therefore, the panel fastener described herein eliminates a need for customization for achieving different performance with regard to flexibility of different panel fasteners according to the width of different panel towers. Additionally, the panel fastener may reduce a number of conventional panel fasteners deployed for attaching the panels. Even further, the sub-connector elements may allow the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower to extend beyond the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener, thus allowing the panel faster to accommodate panel towers of any length.

[0033] The manner in which an example panel fastener is implemented are explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 1 -10. While aspects of described panel fastener may be implemented for a number of implementations, the implementations herein are described in the context of panel fastener for an automotive vehicle. It should be further noted that the description and the figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener 100, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The panel fastener 100 may be arranged in contact with two panels (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for securing the panels together. The panel fastener 100 may be implemented with a panel tower (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for forming a joint between the two panels. In one example, the panel fastening arrangement may be used in manufacturing process, such as fabrication of an automobile. In this regard, the panel fastening arrangement may be used to secure a first panel such as an exterior panel of the automobile to a second panel such as a framework of the automobile. [0035] Examples of material used for manufacturing the panel fastener 100 may include, but are not limited to, Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), and metal. In an example, the panel fastener 100 may be manufactured by way of extrusion. It may be noted that the aforementioned examples of a material used for manufacturing the panel fastener are only exemplary, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. Any other material may be used for manufacturing the panel fastener 100 without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. [0036] Continuing with the present example, the panel fastener 100 may include a first planar leg 102 and a second planar leg 104 (referred to as planar legs of the panel fastener 100). The first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may have their respective inner surface and outer surface. Further, the first planar leg 102 may include a first end 106-1 and a second end 108-1. In a similar manner, the second planar leg 104 may include a first end 106-2 and a second 108-2. The first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may be so positioned that the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 is to face the inner surface of the first planar leg 102.

[0037] The inner surface of the first planar leg 102 and the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 may be coupled via a connector element 110 such that the second planar leg 104 is inclined with respect to the first planar leg 102. The connector element 110 may couple the inner surfaces of the planar legs at points which may be away from the first end 106-1 of the first planar leg 102 and the first end 106-2 of the second planar leg 104 respectively.

[0038] In an example, as depicted in FIG. 1 , a first side of the connector element 110 may be affixed to an inner surface of the first planar leg 102, near first end 106-1 at point 112-1 , thereof. Moreover, a second side of the connector element 110 may be affixed to an inner surface of the second planar leg 104, near first end 106-2 at point 112-2, thereof. In another example, as depicted in FIG. 1 , the first connector element 110 may be a single continuous element along a width of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. It may be noted that the aforementioned example of the connector element 110 is only illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter. The connector element 110, may also be used in any other form, as would be described in FIGS. 5-8. The connector element 110 may couple the inner surface of the first planar leg 102 and the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 at any point without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0039] Continuing with the present example, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may be coupled, via the connector element 110, in such a manner, so as to form a discontinuous surface which extends from the first planar leg 102 to the second planar leg 104 near the first ends 106- 1 and 106-2 of the planar legs. The discontinuity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 results in the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 being spaced-apart, depicted as the spacing 114 in FIG. 1 . Upon coupling, the spaced-apart first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may further define an internal cavity therebetween the planar legs 102 and 104.

[0040] The panel fastener 100, thus formed by coupling the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104, may be shaped such as to include a diverging end along the respective second ends 108-1 and 108-2 of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104, and a converging end along the respective first ends 106-1 and 106-2 of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In one example, as depicted in FIG. 1 , the panel fastener may be shaped in a manner, such that the width of the panel fastener 100 from the converging end towards the diverging end along the surface of the panel fastener 100, initially increases and then tapers to a narrower width.

[0041] It may be noted that the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 are coupled not directly, but through the connector element 110. The connector element 110 may allow the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 to move laterally in a flexible manner with respect to each other. In one example, the connector element 110 may be made of a flexible material. In another example, the connector element 110 may have a U-shaped profile.

[0042] Furthermore, a first base portion 116-1 may be defined near the second end 108-1 of the first planar leg 102. To such an end, an inner surface of the first base portion 116-1 may have a first protrusion 118-1 , wherein the inner surface faces the internal longitudinal cavity defined between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. Moreover, an outer surface of the first base portion 116-1 forms a recess 120-1 within the first planar leg 102, wherein the outer surface is opposite to the inner surface. In an example, the outer surface of the first base portion 116-1 may have an L-shaped profile, wherein a horizontal side 122-1 of the L-shaped profile extends outward from the internal receiving space to form the recess 120-1.

[0043] Similarly, a second base portion 116-2 may be defined near the second end 108-2 of the second planar leg 104. Herein, an inner surface of the second base portion 116-2 may have a second protrusion 118-2, wherein the inner surface faces the internal longitudinal cavity. Moreover, an outer surface of the second base portion 116-2 forms a recess 120-2 within the second planar leg 104, wherein the outer surface is opposite to the said inner surface. The outer surface of the second base portion 116-2 may have an L-shaped profile, wherein a horizontal side 122-2 of the L- shaped profile extends outward from the internal receiving space to form the recess 120-2. In an example, the second end 108-1 and 108-2 of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104, respectively, may form a flat bottom surface of the panel fastener 100.

[0044] As described previously, the panel fastener 100 may be positioned or fastened onto a panel tower (not shown in FIG. 1 ). The panel tower may include a longitudinal head portion. A first panel may be arranged below the longitudinal head portion at the base portion of the panel tower in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal head portion.

[0045] When the panel fastener 100 is not positioned over the head portion of the panel tower, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may occupy an initial position. In such a case, the internal longitudinal cavity may have an initial area with an initial thickness. In this regard, the internal longitudinal cavity is to accommodate the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower.

[0046] In operation, as the panel fastener 100 is further positioned over the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower (by moving towards a base portion of the panel tower), the diverging end of the panel fastener 100 may receive the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower as it moves along the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener 100. At this stage, the first protrusion 118-1 of the first planar leg 102 and the second protrusion 118-2 of the second planar leg 104 may come into contact with the outer portion of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower.

[0047] The first protrusion 118-1 and the second protrusion 118-2 may be adapted to engage with a complimentary structure on a first side and a second side of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower respectively. The protrusions 118 may engage with the outer portions of longitudinal head portion of the panel tower respectively to securely fit onto the panel tower, thereby preventing any movement of the panel tower. In one example, the first protrusion 118-1 and the second protrusion 118-2 may maintain a gap between the panel tower and the inner surfaces of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104, and may further enable quick detachment of the panel fastener 100 from the panel tower.

[0048] When the panel fastener 100 is positioned and fitted onto the panel tower, owing to the engagement with the outer surface of the head portion of the panel tower, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may move in an outward direction, and away with respect to each other to occupy a final position. In such a case, the internal longitudinal cavity may correspond to a final area with a final thickness, wherein the final area may be greater than the initial area. As would be understood, the final thickness may correspond to a thickness of the panel tower.

[0049] As the panel fastener 100 is further pushed along the panel tower and the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower is moved along the internal longitudinal cavity towards the converging end of the panel faster 100, the panel tower may further cause the first ends 106 of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 to move apart from each other.

[0050] Thereafter, the panel fastener 100, through the converging end, may be snap-fitted with a second panel (not shown in FIG. 1 ). In one example, the panel fastener 100, through the converging end, may be positioned into a bore of a second panel. As a result, the panel fastener may detachably couple the first panel (arranged below the panel tower) with the second panel.

[0051] Furthermore, a first coupling element 124 and a second coupling element 126 may be defined within the panel fastener 100. The first coupling element 124 may be provided at the inner surface of the first planar leg 102. Further, the second coupling element 126 may be provided at the inner surface of the second planar leg 104. To such an end, the first coupling element 124 and the second coupling element 126 may prevent inner flexibility of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104, respectively.

[0052] Upon accommodation of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower, the coupling elements 124 and 126 may allow the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 to move laterally in a flexible manner, via the connector element 110, thus allowing the panel fastener 100 to accommodate a panel tower of any thickness.

[0053] The first coupling element 124 may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Further, the first end of the first coupling element 124 may extend the towards the first end 106-1 of the first planar leg 102. For example, the first end of the first coupling element 124 may be attached to the first side of the connector element 110 and/or the first end 106-1 of the first planar leg 102.

[0054] Furthermore, the second end of the first coupling element 124 may be attached to the inner surface of the first planar leg 102, near the second end 108-1 thereof. In an example, the second end of the first coupling element 124 may be attached to the first base portion 116-1 of the first planar leg 102.

[0055] In a similar manner, the second coupling element 126 may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. To such an end, the first end of the second coupling element 126 may extend towards the first end 106-2 of the second planar leg 104. For example, the first end of the second coupling element 126 may be attached to the second side of the connector element 110 and/or the first end 106-2 of the second planar leg 104. Furthermore, the second end of the second coupling element 126 may be attached to the inner surface of the second planar leg 104, for example, to the second base portion 116-2 near the second end 108-2 of the second planar leg 104.

[0056] Continuing further, the first coupling element 124 may have a protrusion 128 along the inner surface of the first planar leg 102 which may protrude towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In a similar manner, the second coupling element 126 may too include another protrusion 130 along the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 which also may protrude towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. Further, the protrusions 128 and 130 are arranged in a manner such that they are offset with respect to each other. To such an end, the protrusions 128 and 130 may allow the panel fastener 100 to securely fit with the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower, thereby preventing any movement of the panel tower.

[0057] It may be noted that certain structural features of the panel fastener 100 may vary without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. These and other aspects have been described in further details in conjunction with FIGS. 3-10.

[0058] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener 300, as per another implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted, the panel fastener 300 includes a first coupling element 302 and a second coupling element 304, with other portions being similar to corresponding portions of the panel fastener 100. The first coupling element 302 may be provided on the inner surface of the first planar leg 102. Further, the second coupling element 304 may be provided on the inner surface of the second planar leg 104.

[0059] The first coupling element 302 may have corresponding base portion which may be attached to the first planar leg 102, near the second end 108-1 , thereof. The other end of the first coupling element 302 is free to move, when the panel fastener 300 is inserted over a panel tower (not shown in FIG. 3). In a similar manner, the second coupling element 304 may be attached to the second planar leg 104, with its other end free to move as the panel fastener 300 is inserted over the panel tower.

[0060] Continuing further, the first coupling element 302 may have a protrusion 306 along the inner surface of the first planar leg 102 protruding towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In a similar manner, the second coupling element 304 may have another protrusion 308 along the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 protruding towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. Further, the protrusion 306 and the protrusion 308 are arranged in a manner such that they are offset with respect to each other. To such an end, the protrusions 306 and 308 may allow the panel fastener 300 to securely fit with the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower, thereby preventing any movement of the panel tower.

[0061] Upon accommodation of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower, the coupling elements 302 and 304 may allow the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 to move laterally in a flexible manner, via the connector element 110, thus allowing the panel fastener 100 to accommodate a panel tower of any thickness.

[0062] It may be noted that the manner in which the first coupling element 302 and the second coupling element 304 have been depicted in FIGS. 3- 4, the same is done only for the purpose of illustration, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. The first coupling element 302 and the second coupling element 304 with protrusions 304 and 306 respectively of any shape or size may be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0063] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener 500, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted in FIG. 5, the connector element may include a first sub-connector element 502 and a second sub-connector element 504, with other elements similar to the elements described in conjunction with panel fastener 100 and panel fastener 300.

[0064] As depicted in FIG. 5, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may be coupled via the first sub-connector element 502 and the second sub-connector element 504 at points which may be away from the first ends 106 of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 respectively. The first sub-connector element 502 and the second subconnector element 504 may include a first end and a second end respectively, and may extend along a width of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104.

[0065] In one example, as depicted in FIGS. 5-6, the first end of the first sub-connector element 502 may be attached onto a first edge 506 (not shown in FIG. 6) of the first planar leg 102 and the second end of the first sub-connector element 502 may be attached onto a first edge 508 (not shown in FIG. 6) of the second planar leg 104. In a similar manner, the first end of the second sub-connector element 504 may be attached onto a second edge 510 of the first planar leg 102, and the second end of the second sub-connector element 504 may be attached onto a second edge 512 of the second planar leg 104. In an example, the first sub-connector element 502 and the second sub-connector element 504 may have a II- shaped profile.

[0066] As further depicted in FIG. 5, the first sub-connector element 502 and the second sub-connector element 504 may define a spacing extending along a width of the planar legs 102 and 104 of the panel fastener 100. The spacing thus defined, is to accommodate the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower in cases where a length of the longitudinal head portion of the panel tower is greater than a length of the panel tower, i.e. , greater than the length of the internal longitudinal cavity. In such cases, the spacing defined therein along the width of the planar legs 102 and 104 accommodates the longitudinal head portion extending beyond the internal longitudinal cavity. The longitudinal head portion of the panel tower may be accommodated in a manner such that the head portion of the panel tower may project outwards from the converging end of the panel fastener 500. In this regard, the panel fastener 500 may be deployed for use with panel tower whose length may not conform with a length of the panel fastener 500.

[0067] In one example, the first sub-connector element 502 and the second sub-connector element 504 may be manufactured using a flexible elastic material. In another example, the longitudinal head portion, as it extends beyond the internal longitudinal cavity of the panel fastener 100 through the spacing, may further cause the planar legs 102 and 104 of the panel fastener 100 to move away from each other.

[0068] In yet another example, as depicted in FIG. 5, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may further include a longitudinal slit along a length of the respective planar legs. The longitudinal slit may create a set of supporting pillared elements on each of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In such cases, the set of supporting pillared elements on each of the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may define the first and the second edges of the respective planar legs. [0069] For example, the supporting pillared elements created by the longitudinal slit on the first planar leg 102 is to define first edge 506 and the second edge 510 of the first planar leg 102. In a similar manner, the supporting pillared elements created by the longitudinal slit on the second planar leg 104 is to define the first edge 508 and the second edge 512 of the second planar leg 104.

[0070] Although the first sub-connector element 502 and the second subconnector element 504 have been depicted as being attached to the first edge and the second edge of the planar legs respectively, it may be noted that the same is done only for the purpose of illustration. The first subconnector element 502 and the second sub-connector element 504 may be positioned along the width of the planar legs of the panel fastener 500 at points near the converging end in any manner to define a spacing, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0071] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener 700, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted in FIG. 7, the panel fastener 700 includes a first protrusion 702, a second protrusion 704, a first outer surface 706-1 , a second outer surface 706-2, a first coupling element 708-1 with a first protrusion 710-1 , and a second coupling element 708-2 with a second protrusion 710-2, with other portions being similar to corresponding portions of the panel fastener 100, panel fastener 300, and panel fastener 500.

[0072] As described previously in conjunction with FIGS. 1 -6, the first base portion 116-1 may be defined near the second end 108-1 of the first planar leg 102, and the second base portion 116-2 may be defined near the second end 108-2 of the second planar leg 104. The first base portion 116- 1 may include a first protrusion 702, and the second base portion 116-2 may include a second protrusion 704.

[0073] In one example, as depicted in FIG. 7, the first protrusion 702 may be a pair of internally protruded nubs 702-1 and 702-2 along a width of the first planar leg 102. The internally protruded nubs 702-1 and 702-2 may extend from the first base portion 116-1 towards the internal longitudinal cavity. In a similar manner, the second protrusion 704 may be a pair of internally protruded nubs 704-1 and 704-2 along a width of the second planar leg 104. The internally protruded nubs 704-1 and 704-2 may also extend from the second base portion 116-2 towards the internal longitudinal cavity.

[0074] In another example, each of the pair of the internally protruded nubs of the first protrusion 702 and the second protrusion 704 may be such, that the nubs may form an angle with the inner surfaces of the respective planar legs. For example, the pair of the internally protruded nubs 702-1 and 702-2 of the first protrusion 702 may form an angle with the inner surface of the first planar leg 102. In a similar manner, the pair of the internally protruded nubs 704-1 and 704-2 of the second planar leg 104 may form an angle with the inner surface of the second planar leg 104.

[0075] In yet another example, the pair of internally protruded nubs 702- 1 and 702-2 of the first protrusion 702 may be attached onto a first edge 506 and a second edge 510 of the first planar leg 102 respectively. In a similar manner, the pair of internally protruded nubs 704-1 and 704-2 of the second protrusion 704 may be attached onto a first edge 508 and a second edge 512 of the second planar leg 104 respectively. Each of the pair of the internally protruded nubs of the first protrusion 702 and the second protrusion 704 may define a spacing extending along a width of the planar legs 102 and 104 respectively.

[0076] Although each of pairs of the first protrusion 702 and the second protrusion 704 have been depicted as being attached to the first edge and the second edge of the respective planar legs, it may be noted that the same is done only for the purpose of illustration, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter in any manner. The first protrusion 702 and the second protrusion 704 may be present at the respective base portions 116 in any manner, without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter. [0077] Continuing with the present example, the outer surface of the first base portion 116-1 may further include an externally protruded nub 706-1. The externally protruded nub 706-1 may extend outward from the first planar leg 102, thereby forming a recess 120-1. In a similar manner, the outer surface of the second base portion 116-2 may further include an externally protruded nub 706-2. The externally protruded nub 706-2 may extend outward from the second planar leg 104, thereby forming a recess 120-2.

[0078] In one example, the externally protruded nubs 706 may be such that it may form an angle with the outer surfaces of the respective planar legs. For example, the externally protruded nub 706-1 may form an angle with the outer surface of the first planar leg 102. In a similar manner, the externally protruded nub 706-2 may form an angle with the outer surface of the second planar leg 104.

[0079] Continuing further, the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104 may be provided with a first coupling element 708-1 and a second coupling element 708-2 respectively. The coupling elements 708 may be provided on the inner surfaces of the respective planar legs of the panel fastener 700.

[0080] As described previously, in a similar manner, the first coupling element 708-1 may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Further, the first end of the first coupling element 708-1 may extend the towards the first end 106-1 of the first planar leg 102. For example, the first end of the first coupling element 124 may be attached to the first side of the connector element and/or the first end 106-1 of the first planar leg 102.

[0081] Furthermore, the second end of the first coupling element 708-1 may be attached to the inner surface of the first planar leg 102, near the second end 108-1 thereof. In an example, the second end of the first coupling element 708-1 may be attached to the first base portion 116-1 of the first planar leg 102. [0082] In a similar manner, the second coupling element 708-2 may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. To such an end, the first end of the second coupling element 708-2 may extend towards the first end 106-2 of the second planar leg 104. For example, the first end of the second coupling element 708-2 may be attached to the second side of the connector element and/or the first end 106-2 of the second planar leg 104. Furthermore, the second end of the second coupling element 708-2 may be attached to the inner surface of the second planar leg 104, for example, to the second base portion 116-2 near the second end 108-2 of the second planar leg 104.

[0083] Continuing further, the first coupling element 708-1 may have a first protrusion 710-1 along the inner surface of the first planar leg 102 protruding towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In a similar manner, the second coupling element 708-2 may have a second protrusion 710-2 along the inner surface of the second planar leg 104 protruding towards the internal longitudinal cavity between the first planar leg 102 and the second planar leg 104. In one example, as depicted in FIG. 7, each of the first protrusion 710-1 and the second protrusion 710-2 may be a teeth-shaped element extending along the inner surfaces of the respective planar legs of the panel fastener 700.

[0084] However, it may be noted that the shape of the first protrusion 710- 1 and the second protrusion 710-2, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is only illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter in any manner. Any other shape of the first protrusion 710-1 and the second protrusion 710-2 may also be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0085] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a panel fastener 900, as per yet another implementation of the present subject matter. As depicted, the numbering of various components and structural features of the panel fastener 900 are based on the numbering of the previously depicted implementations of panel fasteners, as described in FIGS. 1 -8. It may be noted that the combination of various structural aspects, as depicted in FIG. 9, is only illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter. Any other combinations of various structural aspects are also possible, and would also lie within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0086] Although implementations for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are described and explained as implementations of the present disclosure.