Apparatus for retractable, tool-less connector
US10634178B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B2012/2018
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An arrangement for a tool-less locking connector to secure relative motion between two or more structural elements. The connector comprises a user interface that can be toggled between at least two positions including a retracted and an engaged position. The interface may be a button, thumb wheel, slider, twist knob, or any other structure that can be manipulated without the use of tools. The connector will also have a locking element which is controlled by the user interface. There will be at least two structural elements that this connector will be used to lock together. One of these structural elements will have a male fitting and another will have a female fitting. When the locking element of the connector is toggled to the retracted position, the structural element with the male fitting can move independently from the structural element with the female fitting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.