Snap retainer and retainer system
US5590567A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20462
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The end of a cable or other elongated object is held in a plastic retainer molded of one piece. The retainer has a base with a pocket for holding the object, upstanding supports alongside the pocket and a retaining element mounted between adjacent supports at each side of the pocket. The retaining element defines a snap element and resilient hinges, either flexible webs or torsion arms, which couple each end of the snap element to a support for rotation of the snap element about an axis. The axes are above the pocket and the snap element extends down to hold the object in the pocket. Optional over-center action provides a locking function. Release tabs on the retaining element extending above the axis permits release of the cable by pinching the tabs together. Grooves or ridges on the cable end engage the retainer for axial retention and permit axial adjustment as well. A receiving opening in the retainer is shaped to guide cable end insertion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.