Panel fastener and method of manufacture thereof
US6406236B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B37/043
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fastener for connecting a first panel to a second panel comprises a head and a shaft, the shaft including a plurality of spring legs, each connected at one end to the head and flexing inward and outward relative to the one end. The shaft is dimensioned for insertion into an aperture of the second panel with interference against aperture-defining edges. A plurality of grooves are formed within each spring leg, each groove separated from an adjacent groove by a rib. The rib is configured having a ramped leading surface, a stepped trailing surface and a peak surface disposed between the leading and trailing surfaces. The grooves of one spring leg are axially misaligned with the corresponding grooves of an adjacent spring leg such that each spring leg alternately locks its grooves to the aperture-defining edges of the second panel as the shaft is inserted into the aperture. The head of the fastener can be modified to connect with the first panel in multitude of alternative configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.