Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Trim molding fastener – Plastic type
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-11
2001-04-03
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Trim molding fastener
Plastic type
C024S662000, C024S671000, C024S682100, C411S508000, C411S509000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209175
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to fastening or locking devices. More particularly, the present invention concerns fastening devices defined by cooperable elements. Even more particularly, the present invention concerns fastening devices defined by cooperable elements which may form a permanent interlock.
II. Prior Art
In the above referred to co-pending application there is disclosed therein a fastening system defined by cooperable elements which define a plurality of interlocking grids. Each grid includes an open network or matrix of intersecting walls having a bulbous member or head surmounted the junction or intersection between the intersecting walls which define the grid. Thus, in creating an interlocking relationship, the bulbous members define an interference for complimentary bulbous members or heads produced on an associated matrix, which heads are inserted into the passageway
5
or void
5
in the matrix. Because of the configuration of the heads, depending upon the material of construction, the interlocking matrices may or may not be separable.
As defined in the co-pending application the matrix is defined by plates or members. Because the plates or members are formed as integral units, oftentimes, there is insufficient space to accommodate the interlocking device thereof and thereby preclude its deployment.
As discussed hereinbelow, the present invention enables the use of a sole or single interlock between a bulb and a void or passageway while in accordance with the principles defined in the above-referred to co-pending application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fastening or locking device which, generally, comprises:
(a) a projection member, and
(b) a receptor for the projection member, the receptor including a passageway having an interference associated therewith such that the interference prevents the separation of the projection member from the receptor once the projection is urged past the interference.
As contemplated by the present invention, the projection member, generally, comprises a stem having a first end and a second end. The first end is, ordinarily, affixed or secured, either directly or indirectly, to a support surface. A head, such as a bulbous member, or the like, is fixed to the stem at the second end thereof.
The receptor comprises a body having a passageway or void formed therethrough which is dimensioned to receive the head of the projection member. An interference is created in or about the passageway. The interference may comprise any suitable means, such as an embossment or the like. The interference is sufficiently compressible such that the head of the projection member may be forced therepast. However, once therepast, the head may not be removed from the receptor in ordinary use. However, if desired, the head of the projection member may be displaced therepast upon the application of a force thereto, depending on the materials of construction. Thus, the interlock achieved between the projection member and the body may be permanent or the projection member and receptor may be separable from each other.
In use, the receptor is either integral with or further includes means for securing the body to a second support surface. Once secured thereto an interlocking relationship may be achieved between the first and second support surfaces by the insertion of the projection member into the passageway past the interference.
It is contemplated in accordance herewith that the locking device hereof be defined by individual or single cooperable units, i.e., one projection member and one receptor or a series of such individual units. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the locking device hereof may be defined by a matrix or by an elongated strip of interconnected cooperable elements.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, references made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several view in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 2946612 (1960-07-01), Ahlgren
patent: 3101517 (1963-08-01), Fox et al.
patent: 3824933 (1974-07-01), Lind
patent: 3829938 (1974-08-01), Ballin
patent: 3988808 (1976-11-01), Poe et al.
patent: 4506419 (1985-03-01), Mitomi
patent: 4952106 (1990-08-01), Kubogochi et al.
patent: 5097570 (1992-03-01), Gershenson
patent: 5212853 (1993-05-01), Kaneko
patent: 5217337 (1993-06-01), Junemann et al.
patent: 5580204 (1996-12-01), Hultmann
patent: 264770 (1968-09-01), None
patent: 1390653 (1965-01-01), None
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