WO2009043125A1

WO2009043125A1 - Attachment device

Info

Publication number: WO2009043125A1
Application number: PCT/BR2007/000269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derick Arippol
Original assignee: Derick Arippol
Priority date: 2007-10-05
Filing date: 2007-10-05
Publication date: 2009-04-09

Abstract

This summary refers to a Utility Patent for an Invention of an Attachment device pertaining to the realm of component construction. It was developed to constitute a simple and efficient bonding solution for two or more plates (1 ) and (10) face-to-face comprising: A pliable insert (20) endowed with a clasping tongue (23); by a chamber (2), (2)-(30), (2)', (2)' expected on the first plate or 'lodging plate' (1 ) lodging insert (20) and containing opening (3), (3)-(31), (3)'-(3)' aligned to the clasping tongue (23) and of adequate contour to be traversed by it in order to form the attachment. By an opening (11) expected on the next plate to be united, also described as 'receiving plate' (10). Such opening (11) is to be aligned to opening (3), (3)-(31), (3)', (3)' present on the first plale (1), and to tongue (23) of insert (20). Opening (11) is to be traversed by tongue (23) when plaies (1) and (10) are attached.

Description

ATTACHMENT DEVICE

The present document refers to a utility patent for an attachment device, belonging to the realm of component construction, and developed to simplify the attachment between two or more face-to-face plates or boards.

On several types of constructions, it is necessary to connect one object onto another. There are several ways to do this; amongst the attachment methods are the use of screws. With the use of a screwdriver, screws are rotated through two or more faces, and can hold these faces together by themselves or acting in conjunction with a nut. On more delicate constructions, like for example computer components, it is not uncommon for the screwdriver to damage the motherboard and other components, by slide out of the screw-head scratching the motherboard and/or other components. On materials with bending properties like metals, a "tongue" or cut on the first plate can be placed through the second plate, and then bent to stop it from exiting. However, many times both plates do not have "bending" properties, making It impossible to use this attaching mechanism. Therefore, the objective of this patent is to provide a low risk,

"screw less" mechanism for attachment that enables the composition of two or more boards or plates, especially when both of these plates are made of non-bendable nor pliable material. Materials that are not "bendable" by nature, and that fit well this requirement may be plastics, wood, and some types of metal or other.

Another objective is to promote a device that not only solves this multi-plate attachment issue, but that also represents a simple and attainable solution.

Another objective is to provide a device for an adequate cost.

The attachment device, object of the current patent, was developed in order to address the above-mentioned problems and requirements. Its purpose is to combine two plates, face to face, and it is essentially comprised: By a pliable insert, usually made of metal, endowed by a 'tongue like' attaching mechanism. When this tongue is bent upwards to a ninety degree, perpendicular position, it is allowed to penetrate through both plates making the basic connection between them; when the tongue bends past this position, down to approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees angle, it makes the final connection "lock" position between the plates. In order to be able to do this, the insert containing the tongue-like mechanism is provided a lodging space below the first plate, which not only holds it in place, but also allows the tongue to bend back and through to the other side of this plate. Also, the second plate contains an aligned perforation designed to allow the bent tongue coming from the first plate to pass through it. The plates are successfully connected once the insert's tongue has intersected both plates, since its now secured firmly on both plates.

This method provides a safe connection between the boards or plates without the common dangers involved in conventional construction. For instance, the discussed method rules out the possible damage caused by mishandled tools like screwdrivers on screw and bolt systems.

This fixation method is adequate for systems whose plates do not have pliable properties; thus, not being able to form from their own material a bendable attachment mechanism. Examples of such materials are, but not restricted to: plastics, non-bendable metals, etc.

The discussed fixation method also presents the advantage of being easier and faster to attach, as well as to detach the plates. By bending and unbending the tongues on the inserts, one can form and dismantle a board or plate combination effortlessly.

The present attachment device, in providing an easier safer and more accessible maintenance method, becomes adequate to be utilized when combining fragile boards, like the logic boards and circuits present in computers and electronic equipment.

The attached drawings refer to the attaching device, object of the current patent, in which:

Figs. 1 to 4 demonstrates the pliable insert, by itself, and as well as in several different angles; Fig. 5 demonstrates the insert, a corresponding lodging-space dug into the one of the plates to be combined, the first plate acting as a "lodging plate", and a Frame or "Lid" that can be used to maintain the insert in place;

Fig. 6 shows the back of the first plate, or "lodging plate", demonstrating the opening used to access the pliable-insert that will be lodged within this plate;

Fig. 7 shows the "lodging space" or chamber, formed by the cavity on the "lodging plate" secured by the Frame or Lid, ready for the insertion of the pliable insert; Fig. 8 shows the pliable insert being lodged into the chamber of the first plate or "loclcμng φϊate" after the Frame or Lid has been positioned into place;

Fig. 9 shows a crosspsection of the insert, the first plate or "lodging plate" and the Frame, all of these mounted onto place. The tongue is in its initial position, with the hatched line indicating the attaching or "perforating" position, preparing the apparatus for the connection; Fig. 10 shows the region of the second plate or "receptive plate" containing its "passage hole", and the first plate or "lodging plate" with its tongue already readied for connection;

Fig. 11 shows the cross-section of both plates already bonded by the attachment device; Fig. 12 shows another possibility for attaching the pliable insert into the chamber, where the frame can be used to sandwich the pliable insert into the first plate or "lodging plate" before the attaching mechanism is used;

Fig. 13 shows the cross section of a possibility for attaching the pliable insert into the first plate or "lodging plate" without the need for a frame to hold it in place;

Fig. 14 shows a cross-section drawing of another possibility of composition for the plates and the pliable insert, where the attachment device is sandwiched between two plates. The hatched- lines demonstrate how the attachment deyice is allowed to bend out through both sides.

As illustrated on the Figures and described above, the attachment device, object of this patent, is designed to attach two or more non-pliable plates or boards 1 and 10 face to face (fig. 11). The discussed device is consisted (figs. 1 to 4) is the pliable insert 20 formed by a thin strip-shaped sheet 21 containing an U-Shaped cut 22, that defines on the strip 21 an attaching tongue 23. Tongue that originally sits coplanar to the mentioned strip 21 , and when in use is bent to a perpendicular position to strip 21, and locks both plates together.

The device also incorporates a cavity 2 (fig. 5) placed on the first plate, or "lodging plate" 1 whose opposite face sits directly across the other plate, "receptive plate" 10, that is to be united. This second face, "receptive plate" contains a contoured opening substantially compatible to pliable insert 20 in order to receive it tightly. This mentioned cavity 2 contains an opening 3 of the same contour as tongue 23 on the insert 20, and is aligned to allow passage of tongue 23 while in penetration position. This opening 3 contains a perpendicular slit 4 (fig. 6) on a portion of its contour that allows the pliable insert 20 to be introduced into the lodging on the plate.

The device also may contain a Frame 30 (fig. 5) of adequate configuration to be attached over the cavity 2 on the first plate,

"lodging plate" 1. This frame 30 contains a contoured opening 31 aligned over opening 3 and pliable insert's tongue 23, with sufficient space to allow the passage of this tongue. This frame 30, and cavity

2 define a tight containment area of sufficient size to keep pliable insert 20.

An opening 11 (fig.10) is present on the second plate or "receiving plate" 10, permitting the plate to be united to the first plate, "lodging plate" 1 that contains pliable insert 20. This opening 11 is aligned to tongue 23 and has an appropriate contour to allow the passage of tongue 23 when the plates 1 and 10 (fig.10) are to be connected.

The attachment device is mounted on the following manner: The first plate, "lodging plate" 1 to be united to the other plate, "receiving plate" 10, contains a cavity 2 and openings 3-4 (figs. 5 and 6). The frame 30 is mounted over so to contour the cavity 2 (fig. 7) by means of glue, solder or other bonding system, so that opening 3 contoured opening 31 of the frame sit in alignment. This combination defines the first "lodging space" or chamber for the pliable insert 20. The pliable insert 20 is introduced (fig. 8) on slit 4 of opening 3 into the "lodging space" or chamber. The chamber defined by cavity 2 and frame 30 holds the pliable insert 20 into place. Although Pliable insert 20 is usually made of metal, it is designed to be thin enough as to allow slight bending of its slate like body in order to facilitate its insertion into the "lodging space" or chamber, and to permit tongue 23 to bend and stay on "grab position" when needed. The first plate, or "lodging plate" 1 remains with the pliable insert 20 lodged in "rest position", or coplanar position (fig. 9) until its required to connect to the next plate or "receiving plate" 10. At this connection time, tongue 23 of insert 20 is bend to a perpendicular position, away from "lodging plate" 1 , out of opening 3 of cavity 2 and/or opening 3 of frame 30 (fig. 10). At this state, tongue 23 can run through opening 11 qf the next plate to be connected 10. Tongue 2β c^n then be beη$ further onto a planar position to the plate 10, being pressed against the plate itself in some cases. This position Qf tongue 23 represents the "lock" position, and it finalizes the attachment of plates 1 and 10 at this location of the plates or boards (fig. 11). Within the patent protection requested, the basic construction described above for the attachment device, object of the current patent, can present modifications relative to materials, dimensions, construction details and/or functional and/or ornamental configurations.

Having this in mind, on the attachment device described above, the montage is can be conducted onto both faces of plate 1. In other words, the frame 30 is attached over cavity 2, with pliable insert 20 being introduced through opening 4 on the backside of plate 1. On another method of introduction for pliable insert 20 (fig. 12), the attaching mechanism has similar construction as the previously discussed version with the exception of opening 3 not containing slit 4. Thus in the later case, the pliable insert 20 is to be introduced into the chamber before the frame is bonded over cavity 2.

On another possibility of montage (fig. 13), insert 20 is inserted into cavity 2 without the need to be secured by frame 30. In this case, cavity 2 is tight enough to hold insert 20 by mere friction and/or material exertion between plates, or by adhesive method.

On another montage option (fig. 14), plate 1 comprised by a sandwich of plates 1' and 1", each of which contains cavities 2¹ and 2" respectively, each of which in turn openings 3¹ and 3". Cavities 2¹ and 2" are of adequate size and shape to lodge insert 20 and are bonded face to face, plate 1¹ and plate 1" over each other. This combination defines the chamber that lodges insert %$. One or both openings 3' and 3" might contain a wider openinp øtit 4' and/or 4" of sufficient contour to allow insert 20 to penetrate into the montage, and rest lodged into the chamber.

Claims

1. ATTACHMENT DEVICE, designed to attach at least one initial or lodging plate (1) and another plate (10) face to face, characterized: a) by a thin pliable insert (20) made from metal or other pliable material containing a tongue (23) initially coplanar to the insert's body and that can be bent into a perpendicular position, at which position it can penetrate an opening (11) on plate (10), and also left at this perpendicular position, or bend further into a coplanar position of approximately one eighty degrees pressing against plate (10) in order to lock the connection between plates; b) by a "lodging space" or chamber (2) or (2)-(30), or (2)'-(2)" belonging to first plate (1), lodging the insert (20), and containing opening (3) or (3)-(31) or (3)'-(3)" aligned to tongue (23) and of adequate contour to be traversed at attachment position; c) and by opening (11) available on the plate to be united (10), also aligned to opening (3), (3)-(31), (3)'-(3)" of the first plate (1) and to tongue (23) of insert (20) which in turn traverses opening (11) at attaching position, d) by mentioned tongue (23) which passes through both plates

(1) and (10) on connect position and has sufficient length to traverse openings (3) or (3)-(31) or (3)'-(3)" of cavity 2 or (2)-(30) or (2y-(2)" of first plate (1) and hole (11) of other plate (10) and still have extra end material left in order to be bent in relation to its traversing portion and possibly pressed against the face of plate (10) in order to secure or "lock" both plates together.

2. ATTACHMENT DEVICE, as claimed on 1, characterized: by an insert (20) formed by a thin strip-shaped sheet (21) containing an U-Shaped cut (22), that defines on the strip (21) an attaching tongue (23), tongue that is originally sitting coplanar to the mentioned strip (21), and when in use is bent to a perpendicular position to strip (21), thus allowing its projection into openings (3) or (3)-(31) or (3)'-(3)" of cavity (2) or (2)-(30) or (2)'-(2)" of the first plate (1) and traversing opening (11) of next plate (10), then bending further becoming coplanar with the plates (10)-(11) secures or "locks" plates (10)-(11 ) together.

3. ATTACHMENT DEVICE, as claimed on claims 1 and 2, characterized: a) by the lodging being basically represented by a cavity (2) on the face of the first plate (1), plate which opposite face is to be joined onto another plate (10), this lodging contains a contour adequate to encompass the pliable insert (20) and tight enough so to hold it in place, containing an opening (3) with the same contouring as tongue (23) present on insert (20) and aligned so to allow the tongue (23) to traverse on attaching position; b) the mentioned insert(20) is sits lodged in the cavity (2) by a frame (30) or a sandwich between two plates (1)¹ and (1 )" or by the mechanical friction caused by the tight shape fit between the insert (20) and the lodging cavity (2), or by adhesive means.

4. ATTACHMENT DEVICE, as claimed on claims 1 or 2 or 3, characterized: a) by the lodging space formed by cavity (2) and in some cases by frame (30) being of sufficient space in order to lodge tightly pliable insert (20); b) frame (30 of adequate configuration to sit on plate (1 ) covering cavity (2) and containing opening (31) aligned to opening (3) of cavity (2) and of tongue (23) of insert (20), and of adequate contour to allow passage of above mentioned tongue (23) at traversing position; c) mentioned opening (3) of first plate (1) containing along a portion of its contour a wider aperture (4) of sufficient contour in order to allow the passage of insert (20) into the chamber.

5. ATTACHMENT DEVICE, as claimed on claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized: by the first plate (1) being formed by a sandwich of plates (1)' and (1)" each of which containing identical flipped imaged cavities (2)¹ and (2)" respectively, each endowed with respective openings (3)', (3)", cavities (2)\ (2)" being adequately shaped in order to lodge insert (20) and are resultant of the superposition and bonding between the first plate (1)¹ against (1)" which defines the chamber that lodges insert 20 and which opening (3)' or (3)" of at least one of the boards (1)¹ or (1)" has an wider slit

(4) available, whose shape is adequate to allow the passage of insert (20) into the chamber.