Assemblies comprising fastener with ergonomically balanced removal to insertion ratio

US6868588B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TERMAX COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Daniel James Dickinson · Lincolnshire, US
• Michael Walter Smith · Fairburn, US
• Lawrence J. Conway · Des Plaines, US
• Edward Sacha · Chicago, US
• Paul Lester Clemens · Lake Zurich, US
• Mark Fleydervish · Buffalo Grove, US
• Richard H. Ducato · Kenosha, US
• Eustathios Vassiliou · Newark, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2003
• Grant date: Mar 22, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/7176
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Assemblies comprising a fastener, which has engagement springs in opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an engagement region comprising a hindrance portion, which increases considerably the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio in the absence of the hindrance portion, thus permitting very easy insertion with considerably more difficult removal of the fastener from the slot of a panel, which provides an efficient ergonomically balanced removal to insertion force ratio. The hindrance portion comprises ripples or other hindrance elements of unexpectedly minute dimensions for providing this efficient ergonomic force balance.