Cage nut fastener and methods for tool-less installation of same
US11209039B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4987
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cage nut fastener, capable of installation against a frame member without the aid of tools, includes a spring cage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage and prevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forward direction from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm disposed at a side of the back wall that is opposite the cage arm. The nut includes a nut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wall aperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extension portion that extends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage. Application of a compression force upon the lever arm, without the aid of tools, manipulates the spring cage to a compressed state that facilitates positioning of a distal end of each of the cage arm and the lever arm through an aperture of a frame member so that, upon release of the compression force, the spring cage and the nut are secured against the frame member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.