EP1173681A1 - Attache rapide pour panneaux - Google Patents

Attache rapide pour panneaux

Info

Publication number
EP1173681A1
EP1173681A1 EP99909774A EP99909774A EP1173681A1 EP 1173681 A1 EP1173681 A1 EP 1173681A1 EP 99909774 A EP99909774 A EP 99909774A EP 99909774 A EP99909774 A EP 99909774A EP 1173681 A1 EP1173681 A1 EP 1173681A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fastener
connecting means
portions
generally
shoulder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99909774A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
J. Michael Wittig
William R. Frame
William A. Wiedmann
Ralph Ulisse
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Southco Inc
Original Assignee
Southco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Southco Inc filed Critical Southco Inc
Priority claimed from PCT/US1999/004639 external-priority patent/WO2000052346A1/fr
Publication of EP1173681A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173681A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to snap-in fasteners
  • the fasteners allow the panels to be assembled together and disassembled with little or no tooling
  • Patent Nos 3,822,053, 4,540, 160, 4,723,760, 5, 120,025, 5, 150,885, 5, 161,783 and 5,372,354 disclose picket fence assemblies using several different means for connecting the vertical pickets to the horizontal rails Such picket fence assemblies are increasingly being fabricated from plastics such as PVC due to the durability, appearance and low cost of such materials
  • the present invention has been developed in view of the foregoing and to overcome other deficiencies of the prior art SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fastener for flush-mounted panels
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fastener for assembling panels such as fence rails and pickets using little or no tooling
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling panels such as picket fence components using a snap-in fastener which requires little or no tooling
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a fastener for both assembling and disassembling panels, such as a jack stowage cover which is repeatedly attached to and removed from a fixed panel
  • Fig 1 is an elevational view of a fastener in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a side view of the fastener shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig 3 is a top view of the fastener shown in Fig. 1
  • Fig 4 is a detailed view showing a portion of the fastener of Fig. 1
  • Fig 5 is a side cross sectional view of the fastener of Fig 1 installed in a vertical fence picket and horizontal rail.
  • Fig. 6 is an elevational view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 7 is a side view of the fastener shown in Fig 6
  • Fig. 8 is a top view of the fastener shown in Fig 6
  • Fig. 9 is an elevational view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig 10 is an elevational view of a fastener in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a side view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention as installed in a fence rail and adapted for insertion into a fence picket
  • Fig 12 is a perspective view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 13 is front elevational view of the fastener shown in Fig 12
  • Fig 14 is a side sectional view of the fastener shown in Fig 12 taken along the line 14- 14
  • Fig 15 is a top plan view of the fastener shown in Fig 12
  • Fig 16 is a perspective view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the piesent invention.
  • Fig 17 is a front elevational view of the fastener shown in Fig 16 0
  • Fig 18 is a top plan view of the fastener shown in Fig 16
  • Fig 19 is an elevational view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention attached with respective panels shown in section
  • Fig 20 is an isolated front elevational view of a second connecting member of Fig 19
  • Fig 21 is an isolated top plan view of the second connecting member of Fig 20
  • Fig 22 is an isolated top plan view of a first connecting member of Fig 19
  • Fig 23 is a bottom plan view of the first connecting member of Fig 22
  • Fig 24 is a perspective view of a fastener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig 25 is a front elevational view of the fastener shown in Fig 24 r
  • Fig 26 is a right side elevational view of the fastener shown in Fig 24
  • Fig 27 is a front elevational view of the fastener shown in Fig 24 illustrated installed in a portion of a first member shown in section and fastened in an embodiment of a grommet shown m section with the grommet shown installed in a portion of a second member shown in section
  • Fig 28 is an isolated perspective view of the grommet shown in Fig 27 5
  • Fig 29 is an isolated top plan view of the grommet shown in Fig 28
  • Fig 30 is an isolated right side elevational view of the grommet shown in Fig 27 illustrated mounted in the portion of the second member shown in section
  • Fig 3 1 is a front elevational view illustrating an embodiment of an installation tool in accordance with the present invention and illustrating in section a position of the fastener shown in Fig 24 and grommet shown in Fig 29 prior to assembly
  • Fig 32 is a top plan view of the fastener shown in Fig 27 and illustrating the first panel member in dotted lines DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG 1 an elevational view of a fastener 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • the fastener 100 as illustrated includes, as portions thereof, a body 1 2, first and second connecting members 1 10 and 120, respectively, and a shoulder 1 1 1, which will be described in further detail in the following paragraphs
  • the body 1 12 as seen in Fig 1, is substantially elongated along its longitudinal axis and includes the connecting members 1 10 and 120 at its terminating ends
  • the shoulder 1 1 1 is connected with the body 1 12 and positioned between the connecting members 1 10 and 120 In this embodiment, the position of the shoulder 1 1 1 is substantially transverse the body 1 12 and separates the body 1 12 into the portions 122 and 132
  • the connecting members 1 10 and 120 as best illustrated in Fig 1 each define a pair of legs which are attached to the terminating ends of the body 1 12, specifically, the first connecting member 1 10 is defined by the legs 1 13a and 1 13b, and the second connecting member 120 is defined by the legs 123a and 123b In this embodiment, each of the legs 1 13a,b and 123a,b are radiused which provides a substantially arch-shaped configuration of the first and second connecting members 1 10 and 120
  • the connecting members 1 10 and 120 are flexible due to the resiliency of the legs 1 13a,b and 123a,b and accordingly are moveable relative to the position of the body 1 12 Further, as best seen in Fig 1, the position of the terminating ends 130a-d of the legs 1 13a,b and 123a,b, which are opposite the connection with the body 1 12, are positioned proximate to the shoulder 1 1 1.
  • the width of the first connecting member 1 10 between the terminating ends 130a.b of the legs 1 13a and 1 13b is greater than that of the second connecting member 120, which is defined by the width between the terminating ends 130c and d of the legs 123 a and b
  • Fig 4 is illustrated a detailed view of the terminating end 130b of the leg 1 13b As illustrated in Fig 4 the leg 1 13b proximate its terminating end 130b is tapered inwardiv along the surface 138 in the direction of the bodv 1 12 Opposite the surface 138 is provided a substantially stepped section defined by the surfaces 13 1- 137 Although not shown in detail the portions 130a c and d are of the same configuration as that of the portion 130b
  • the shoulder 1 1 is a substantially annular member defined by the pair of annular portions 121 and 141 with the portion 121 being positioned proximate the connecting member 1 10 and the portion 141 being positioned proximate the connecting member 120
  • the radius of the portion 121 is greater than that J of the portion 141
  • the fastener 100 is preferably comprised of plastic, such as acetal however it should be understood that other suitable materials can also be used for this purpose 5
  • the fastener 100 as illustrated in Fig 5 is positioned securing together opposing panel members 140 and 150
  • the first and second panel members 140 and 150 comprise a vertical fence picket and horizontal rail, preferably manufactured of vinyl
  • the first and second panel members 140 and 150 can comprise doors, panels or similar that are manufactured from any suitable material
  • the panel members 140 and 150 in Fig 5 are secured by the fastener 100 in flush engagement with each other against the corresponding 5 surfaces 151 and 161
  • Each of the panel members 140 and 150 are provided with substantiallv annular apertures therein for receiving the fastener 100 in the manner shown
  • the first and/or second panels 140 and 150 can include a mounting element, such as a grommet received into the substantially annular apertures into which the fastener is adapted to be received in operation As illustrated, the diameter of the
  • a fastener 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • the portions corresponding to the portions described in relation to the fastener 100 are described using the same number designations except beginning with the number 200
  • the fastener 200 as illustrated includes an enlarged body 212 as compared with the body 1 12 earlier described
  • the portion 232 of the body 212 is elongated in a direction transverse its longitudinal axis
  • the configuration of the portion 232 of the body 212 includes an area of substantially constant diameter extending from the portion 221 of the shoulder 21 1 by the surfaces 215a and b and then taper inward in the direction of the first connecting member 210 by the surfaces 214a and b
  • the configuration of the portion 222 of the body 212 includes an area of substantially constant diameter extending from the portion 241 of the shoulder 21 1 by opposing surfaces
  • the fastener 200 is assembled in corresponding panel members in the same manner illustrated in relation to the fastener 100
  • An advantage provided by the fastener 200 is that the enlarged configuration of the body 212 provides for improved centering as the fastener 200 is installed within the apertures in the panel members. Furthermore, there is also provided increased shear strength due to the position of the body member 212 within the respective apertures.
  • Fig. 9 is illustrated still a further embodiment of the fastener of the present invention. Similar to the fastener 200. the portions of the fastener in the present embodiment which correspond to the portions described in relation to the fastener 100 are described using the same number designations except beginning with the 300. Further, for the sake of brevity, only the portions which are different from that in relation to the fastener 100 will be described herein. As is illustrated, some minor differences are in the configuration of the ends 330a-d of the first and second connecting members 310 and 320.
  • each of the legs 1 13a,b and 123a,b are radiused along the entire length rather than bending slightly inward in the direction of the body 312 at its terminating ends, as is present in relation to the fastener 100 by surface 138.
  • these differences in the configuration of the end portions 330a-d do not provide a differing function from that of the fastener 100.
  • Another difference resides in the configuration of the shoulder 31 1.
  • the shoulder 31 1 is substantially rectangular rather than being substantially angular in configuration, as is illustrated in the top plan view of Fig. 3 in relation to the shoulder 1 1 1.
  • the main difference provided here due to the configuration of the rectangular shoulder 3 1 1 is that the portion 321 will only come into engagement with the panel member along its end portions.
  • the fastener 300 can be mounted within a substantially rectangular aperture due to the configuration of the shoulder 3 1 1.
  • Fig. 10 is illustrated still a further embodiment of the fastener according to the present invention.
  • the portions which correspond to the fastener 100 are described using the same number designations except beginning with the number 400. Also, only the portions which are different from that earlier recited will now be described
  • the configuration of the first and second connecting members 410 and 420 are substantially v-shaped rather than arch-shaped as with the fastener 100
  • Fig. 1 1 illustrates still another embodiment of the fastener of the present invention.
  • the fastener 500 is illustrated installed in a fence rail and is adapted for insertion into a fence picket. Consistent with the foregoing embodiments, the portions identified in this embodiment which correspond to the earlier embodiments will be described using the same number designations beginning with the number 500. The following will describe the differences in the present embodiment from that of the fastener 100.
  • the first connecting member 510 comprises a pair of legs 513a and 513b similar to the fastener 100
  • One difference in the fastener 500 is in the configuration of the legs 513a,b.
  • the ends 530a,b include camming surfaces 580a,b and locking surfaces 582a,b.
  • the camming surfaces 580a,b are adapted to engage the edges of the aperture 562 for flexing the legs 513a,b inward as the fastener 500 is being installed.
  • the legs 513a,b again are flexed outward and the locking surfaces 582a.b engage the inside surface 584 of the picket 540 for retaining the fastener 500 in this latch position.
  • another difference in the fastener 500 is that the legs 513a,b are attached directly to the shoulder 51 1 rather than to the body as is illustrated in the fastener 100.
  • the remaining portion of the fastener 500 is similar to a conventionally known fastener manufactured by the assignee of the present application under the name "Southco Spring Lock", Part Number T3-4229.
  • the body 512 extends from the shoulder 51 1 and terminates by the second connecting member 520.
  • the second connecting member 520 includes a locking spring 522 extending on each side of the body 512 (only one side of which is visible) and is passed through an aperture 523.
  • a bow-tie shaped aperture 552 is provided within the surface 551 which receives the second connecting member 520 This is followed by a one half turn of the fastener 500 so that the locking spring 522 is brought into engagement with the inside surface 586 of the rail 550 Similar to that earlier described, when the fastener 500 is in its latched position, the picket 540 and rail 550 are in a flush position with the surfaces 561 and 551 in engagement with one another. Further, it should be understood that the fastener 500 can be used in applications other than with picket fences where mounting of panel members are desired.
  • a fastener 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • the portions corresponding to the portions described in relation to the fastener 100 are presented using the same number designations except beginning with the number 600, and in order to simplify the description herein, only those portions which are different from that in relation to the fastener 100 will be described.
  • the primary difference of the fastener 600 from the fastener 100 is that the fastener 600, when assembled in corresponding panel members to secure the panel members together, such as is illustrated in relation to the fastener 100, is also adapted to be removed from the corresponding panel members in order to allow the panel members to be disassembled.
  • the fastener 600 in the present embodiment includes a first connecting member 610 defined by a pair of legs 613a and 613b.
  • each of the legs 613a and 613b are defined by at least first and second portions 680a, 680b and 682a, 682b, respectively.
  • each of the first portions 680a and 680b are attached with and extend in a direction generally away from the body 612, defining a substantially V-shaped configuration.
  • the second portions 682a and 682b are positioned at the terminating ends of the legs 613a and 613b and extend from the respective first portions 680a and 680b in a direction generally toward the body 612.
  • the configuration of the first and second portions 680a with 682a and 680b with 682b of each of the legs 613a and 613b at the connection thereof are generally V-shaped, and more particularly, substantially radiused in this embodiment.
  • the second portions 682a and 682b have terminating ends 684a and 684b which are substantially planar and parallel with a bottom surface 686 of the portion 621 of the shoulder 61 1.
  • the configuration of the portions 622 and 632 of the body 612 are similar to that in relation to the fastener 200.
  • the portion 622 includes front and back walls 688 which taper outwardly from the connection with the second connecting member 620 to the shoulder 61 1.
  • the portion 632 includes front and back surfaces 690 which taper outwardly from the connection with the first connecting member 610 to the shoulder 61 1.
  • each of the portions 621 and 641 of the shoulder 61 1 are generally annular, with the portion 621 including substantially flat back and front surfaces 692 and the portion 641 including substantially flat front and back surfaces 694.
  • the legs 613a and 613b snap into the aperture 162, with the second portions 682a and 682b coming into contact with the edges of the surface 161 proximate the aperture 162.
  • the legs 613a and 613b are installed in the aperture 162.
  • Mounting of the second connecting member 620 in the > ⁇ aperture 152 is the same as that in relation to the second connecting member 120 of the fastener
  • the fastener 600 can also be removed in order to disconnect or disassemble the panel members 140 and 150
  • the 5 first connecting member 610 can be removed by being snapped out from the secured position within the aperture 162 of the panel member 140 due to the substantially radiused connection of the first and second portions 680a with 682a and 680b with 682b.
  • the first connecting member 610 is removed from the aperture 162 by either pulling or pushing the panel member 150 with a reasonable amount of force that an operator can exert by hand, which 0 initially flexes the legs 613a and 613b inward due to the outward taper of the second portions
  • first connecting member 610 can be removed by pulling or pushing the panel 5 member 140 or pulling or pushing the fastener 600 itself
  • the fastener 600 can be both installed to secure two panels together as well as removed so that the panels can be disassembled and without requiring any tools for either assembly or disassembly.
  • the first 0 connecting member 610 is removable from the panel aperture while the second connecting member 620 is permanently secured in the panel aperture.
  • the second connecting member 620 can be permanently snapped into a first panel member, such as a jack stowage cover, and the first connecting member 610 can be both snapped in and out of a second panel member, such as a fixed panel, by pulling or pushing on the jack stowage cover.
  • the body 612 provides for improved centering as the fastener 600 is installed within the apertures in the panel members, similar to that in relation to the fastener 200.
  • a fastener 700 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the configuration of the shoulder 71 1 and body 712 of the fastener 700 are slightly different than that in relation to the fastener 600.
  • the shoulder 71 1 defined by the portions 721 and 741 is substantially annular over its entire surface.
  • the body 712 which is defined by the portions 722 and 732.
  • fastener 700 include substantially flat front and back surfaces 788 and 790, respectively (only the front surfaces are shown), which is similar to that illustrated in relation to the fastener 100.
  • the remaining structure and operation of the fastener 700 is the same as that of fastener 600 and will not be further described for this reason.
  • the fastener 800 comprises a first connecting member 810 mounted in a panel 840 shown in section and a second connecting member 820 mounted in a panel member 850 shown in section; for example, similar to the panel members 140 and 150.
  • the second connecting member 820 is similar to the second connecting member 620 and 720 comprising a pair of generally elongated legs attached to a body which, in operation, are adapted to be snapped into the panel 850.
  • the second connecting member 820 can also be in the form of the first connecting members 610 and 710 that are adapted to be snapped both into and out of a respective panel.
  • the first connecting member 810 in the present embodiment comprises a base having a mounting element 880 received into the aperture through the panel member 840.
  • the mounting element 880 in the present embodiment is generally elongated along a longitudinal axis and is generally C-shaped in cross section although as should be understood other configurations can be utilized for the same purpose
  • the fastener 800 also includes means between the base 810 and the connecting member 820 for both attaching the base 810 and the connecting member 820 together and detaching the base 810 and the connecting member 820 from the attached position
  • the fastener 800 includes a platform 882 on the base having a receptacle 884 therein and a shoulder 886 on the connecting member 820 which is adapted for
  • the platform 882 further comprises a perimeter having an upper surface 887 a cavity within the upper surface 887 terminating by a bottom surface 888 and at least one and preferably four side surfaces 889a-889d with the four sides defining a first side 889a and a third side 889c substantially opposing each other and a second side 889b and a fourth side 889d
  • the first side 889a as best illustrated in Fig 19 includes an opening therein extending from the cavity within the upper surface 887 to the perimeter of the platform 882
  • the second side 889b and fourth side 889d each have a receptacle therein comprising a generally elongated channel adjacent to the shoulder 886 As illustrated in Figs 20 and 21, the shoulder 886 of the second connecting
  • 20 member 820 is generally rectangular in the present embodiment defining substantially opposing side portions 890a and 890b and opposing end portions 891a and 891b
  • the opposing side portions 890a and 890b are each ramped inward in a direction from a bottom surface to a top surface of the shoulder 886
  • the shoulder 886 is slidable both into and out of the cavity within the platform 882
  • the shoulder 886 is adapted to be moved into and out of the opening in the first side
  • the shoulder 886 and platform 882 operate to restrict movement of the portions relative to each other
  • first connecting member 810, panel member 850 and/or second connecting member 820 where desired, the construction of the shoulder 886 and platform 882 can be such that connection of the two elements are possible but assembly is restricted, such as may be accomplished by a tight fit between shoulder 886 and platform 882 or an adhesive utilized in the connection of the elements in the present embodiment.
  • the fastener 800 is preferably comprised of plastic, although other suitable materials can also be used for this purpose.
  • the configuration of the platform 882 is generally square in configuration as shown in the top plan view of Fig. 22, and the cross section of the shoulder 886 is generally rectangular in configuration shown in the top plan view of Fig. 21, it should be understood that any other desired configuration can be utilized for the same purpose in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener 900 includes first and second connecting members 910 and 920 which are similar in configuration as the first and second connecting members 710 and 720 of the fastener 700.
  • first and second connecting members 910 and 920 are similar in configuration as the first and second connecting members 710 and 720 of the fastener 700.
  • the width of the first and second connecting members 910 and 920 substantially transverse the body 912 are substantially equal, although this is not required and. as should be understood, any desired width for the respective connecting members 910 and 920 can be utilized where desired.
  • the width of the first and second connecting members 910 and 920 are defined by the distance between the outermost portions of the two opposing generally flexible legs comprising the respective connecting members 910 and 920.
  • opposing cavities 910a and 910b each generally radiused in configuration, is provided within the connecting member 910 at the location adjacent the body 912, as is best shown in dotted lines in the side elevational view of Fig. 26.
  • the body 912 includes portions 922 and 932 similar in configuration to the portions 622 and 632 of the fastener 600.
  • a shoulder 91 1 is defined by a portion 921 positioned proximate the first connecting member 910 and at least one and preferably a plurality of portions 941. which in the present embodiment comprises two portions 941 positioned proximate the second connecting member 920.
  • the first portion 921 in this embodiment includes an upper surface and a lower surface at spaced separation and an outer surface 93 1 connecting the upper and lower surfaces, and with the outer surface 93 1 being substantially ramped in an inward direction toward the body 912 beginning at the upper surface and extending to the lower surface.
  • the second and third portions 941 in this embodiment are substantially aligned and attached to the upper surface of the first portion 921 and at spaced separation from each other.
  • each of the portions 941 defines an elongated projection and is generally triangular in cross-section, as best shown in the top plan view of Fig. 32, although, as should be understood, other suitable configurations can also be utilized for the same purpose.
  • a distance is defined between outer surfaces 943 of the second and third portions 941 and sized so as to be smaller than the width of the first portion 921 in the direction substantially transverse the body 912, as is best illustrated in Figs. 25 and 32.
  • the fastener 900 is illustrated securing together two opposing panel members 940 and 950. Similar to that earlier described, the first and second connecting members 910 and 920 are mounted within apertures through the respective panel members 940 and 950.
  • a mounting element is included which is mounted within the aperture in the first panel member 940 into which the first connecting member 910 is mounted.
  • the mounting element in accordance with the present embodiment comprises a grommet 960 which will be described in detail below
  • the grommet 960 in accordance with the present embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 27-30
  • the grommet 960 as illustrated is generally cylindrical in configuration defined by a body 962 which is substantially tubular and hollow in this embodiment.
  • the grommet 960 also includes at least one and preferably a plurality of generally flexible tabs 964 extending from the outer surface of the body 962.
  • three tabs 964 are provided, with each being generally rectangular in configuration and attached at one end to the body 962 and including a ramped camming surface extending from the first end thereof terminating by a substantially ramped locking surface.
  • the camming and locking surfaces of each of the tabs 964 together are generally V-shaped in configuration.
  • the grommet 960 in the present embodiment also includes a flange 966 attached to an upper end of the body 962.
  • the flange 966 is generally annular in configuration and includes at least one and in this embodiment preferably three cutouts 968 generally rectangular in configuration and positioned adjacent to the three tabs 964.
  • the flange 966 is defined by an upper surface 970, a lower surface 972 and an opening 973 substantially annular in configuration extending through the upper and lower surfaces 970 and 972 of the flange 966.
  • the opening 973 defines an inner surface comprised of a substantially ramped upper portion 974 and a substantially annular shaped bottom portion 976.
  • the grommet 960 may also include within the upper surface a plurality of depressions, each generally oval in configuration. Similar to the fastener 900, the grommet 960 is preferably manufactured from conventional thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, such as by injection molding, although any other suitable materials and manufacturing processes can also be used for this same purpose where desired.
  • the body 962 of the grommet 960 is first inserted into the aperture in the first panel member 940, so that the ramped camming surface of the tabs 964 come into engagement with the edge of the panel 940.
  • the tabs 964 are flexed inward until the grommet 960 is mounted in a position shown in Figs. 27 and 30, at which point the tabs 964 are able to flex back toward their original position.
  • the grommet 960 is retained in the mounted position by the panel being positioned between the underside of the flange 966 and the locking surface of the tabs 964.
  • the tabs 964 provide installation of the grommet 960 without requiring any mounting hardware, such as screws or rivets. However, in other embodiments not disclosed, the tabs 964 can be substituted for any other desired arrangement for mounting of the grommet 960.
  • Fig. 31 is illustrated an embodiment of an installation tool for mounting of one or both of the fastener 900 and grommet 960 as are shown in dotted lines.
  • the installation tool 980 is an elongated member having a substantially annular platform 982 at one end and a substantially annular cavity within its opposite end 984.
  • the diameter of the platform 982 is sized to correspond to the size of the cavity through the grommet 960 and the cavity through the second end 984 is sized so as to receive the two generally flexible legs comprising the first connecting member 910.
  • the installation tool 980 can be comprised of any suitable material, such as from molded plastic.
  • the panel members 940 and 950 can be any type of structure and comprised of any of a variety of different materials.
  • the grommet 960 is particularly suited for use in thin panels and/or 0 panels made of sheet metal.
  • the opening 973 through the grommet 960 corresponds to the aperture through the panel in the earlier embodiments.
  • the first connecting member 910 in this embodiment preferably can both be snapped into and snapped out of the grommet 960, although this is not required.
  • the shoulder 91 1 is received into the opening 973 through the grommet 960. 0 and preferably the upper surface of the first portion 921 of the shoulder 91 1 is positioned substantially flush with the upper surface 970 of the grommet 960.
  • the outer surface 93 1 of the shoulder 91 1 is preferably in engagement with the ramped portion 974 5 defined by the opening 973.
  • the outer surfaces 943 of the second and third portions 941 are each positioned adjacent and preferably in engagement with the second panel member 950 within the aperture therethrough.
  • the second and third portions 941 provide improved centering of the fastener 900.
  • the fastener 100 is modified to provide a third portion similar to and opposite the portion 141 and connected with the portion 121.
  • the configuration of the first connecting member 1 10 is changed in order to correspond to the size and configuration of the second connecting member 120. Due to this difference in structure, another difference in the present embodiment from that earlier described is that a small gap would be present between the panels when installed rather than in flush engagement.
  • the number of legs comprising the first or second connecting members in either of the foregoing embodiments can be varied to comprise more or less than two legs as is described above.
  • the first connecting member can include three legs and the second connecting member can include four legs.
  • the width of the spring legs can also be varied to be either larger or smaller than that illustrated above
  • the size of the entire fastener can be manufactured in smaller and larger sizes in order to accommodate different space and strength requirements.
  • the fastener will snap into both of the panel members into which it is installed which provides for a quick joining of the panel members. Further, there are no additional holes required for installation which would need to be covered by hole plugs or similar Further, the fastener can be adapted for applications where flush joining of the panel members is desired and can accommodate a range of panel thicknesses.
  • fastener can also be modified to snap out of one or both of the panel members into which it is installed, which provides for a quick disassembly of the panel members
  • the connecting member 620 can be substituted for the connecting member 610 so that each of the connecting members correspond to the connecting member 610
  • each of the particular features disclosed in relation to any one embodiment of the present invention all do not need to be present in that particular embodiment in order to be considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention

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  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une attache (800, 900) rapide servant à relier des panneaux (840, 850, 940, 950) affleurants et comportant une paire d'éléments (810, 820, 910, 920) de fixation s'encliquetant dans des ouvertures pratiquées dans les panneaux (840, 850, 940, 950) en vue de leur assemblage. Lesdites attaches (810, 820, 910, 920) permettent de désolidariser des panneaux assemblés. A cette fin l'un des éléments (810, 820, 910, 920) de fixation au moins peut être extrait d'une ouverture pour désolidariser les panneaux (840, 850, 940, 950). Cette attache (800, 900) permet d'assembler ou désolidariser deux panneaux (840, 850, 940, 950) rapidement et avec peu ou pas d'outillage.
EP99909774A 1999-03-02 1999-03-02 Attache rapide pour panneaux Withdrawn EP1173681A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/004639 WO2000052346A1 (fr) 1998-03-03 1999-03-02 Attache rapide pour panneaux

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1173681A1 true EP1173681A1 (fr) 2002-01-23

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EP99909774A Withdrawn EP1173681A1 (fr) 1999-03-02 1999-03-02 Attache rapide pour panneaux

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EP (1) EP1173681A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2322833A1 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0052346A1 *

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CA2322833A1 (fr) 2000-09-08

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