Method and apparatus for fastening
US5704572A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L3/2235
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for retaining a body member with a load member fastened to a mounting surface by a support member. The load member includes a contact surface engageable by the support member, and the body member includes a throughhole for receiving at least a portion of the load member. A breakable flash connection couples the load member to the body member so that at least a portion of the load member is disposed in the throughhole of the body member. The flash connection is breakable upon moving the load member relative to the body member with the support member in contact with the contact surface of the load member, wherein the load member retains the body member and isolates the body member from stress imparted by the support member to reduce deformation of the body member. The body member may be a part of a panel or be configured with clips for retaining other articles. The apparatus preferably is a unitary member formed of a molded plastic material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.