Fastener employing a Bi-stable mechanism
US5572776A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/44752
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snap-action fastener suitable for joining two or more members using automated or manual assembly techniques. The fastener includes a pair of legs spaced apart and having complementary ends, with each of the legs being formed so as to be resilient in bending. Flexibly attached to the complementary ends of the legs are first and second arms, respectively. The arms are attached to the legs so as to form first and second hinges, respectively. The arms can be attached to the complementary ends at a midpoint or an end of each arm. Furthermore, the arms are flexibly attached to each other so as to form a third hinge intermediate the first and second hinges. To generate the desired snap-action, the combined lengths of the arms between the complementary ends of the legs is greater than the distance between the complementary ends, such that the snap-action occurs during operation of the fastener between a release position and a fastening position. The fastener further includes a coupling member which is specifically configured so as to be operatively associated with the arms. In particular, the coupling member is configured to secure a first member to a second member when the first member …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.