Compliant latching fastener

Details Compliant latching fastener Compliant latching fastener

1996-11-15

1998-09-15

Cuomo, Peter M.

Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.

Separable-fastener or required component thereof

Including member having distinct formations and mating...

24664, 24635, 24651, 439352, 439357, H01R 16627, A41F 100

Patent

active

058061525

ABSTRACT:
A latching fastener having cocking and triggering mechanisms is provided. The fastener has two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of the arm and having a free distal end. The two arms are located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between them. A fastener cocking mechanism is connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the arms when the cocking mechanism is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the arms. A trigger mechanism is located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger, for deactivating the cocking mechanism, which in turn results in closing together of the distal ends of the fastening latch arms, to grasp the structure between them and latch the structure to the fastener. The latching fastener can be fabricated of plastic or other compliant material and is particularly well-suited for fabrication as a silicon microfastener for micro-scale applications.

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