Joints and connections – Manually releaseable latch type
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-03
2004-03-02
Walsh, John B. (Department: 3676)
Joints and connections
Manually releaseable latch type
C403S322100, C403S326000, C024S616000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06698966
ABSTRACT:
This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to fastening, particularly but not exclusively in relation to connecting items to another item, for instance in relation to push chairs, other nursery equipment, vehicle seats, items of luggage, strapping, medical and recreational uses.
A large number of fastener types are known, but frequently present difficulties in opening and closing the fastener. Such difficulties are particularly apparent when it is desired to open or close the fastener using a single hand. Many circumstances mean that both hands are not available for operation of a fastener, so presenting a problem to the operator. For example, a mother holding a child will only have one hand free. Similarly a fisherman holding a fishing rod, or a disabled person only having the effective use of one hand, will be presented with a problem where they desire to release or close a fastener to connect one article to another. Many such other examples occur in practice.
Even where two hands are available the release of an article from another article, such as a tray mounted on a chair, may call for two fasteners to be operated simultaneously. Clearly once again single handed and either hand operation is of the utmost importance in such a case.
The present invention aims to provide a fastener meeting such criteria and allowing single handed operation by either hand.
It is also desirable that the fastener be operable from any orientation of the user and with either left or right hand equally. It is the aim of the present invention to provide a fastener equally operable by left or right handed people without requiring a specific orientation of the fastener relative to them.
A range of ancillary products are frequently provided for many items of equipment by manufacturers separate to the manufacturer of that particular piece of equipment. As a result, there is frequently no readily available means for attaching the ancillary products to the equipment and a detachable fastener is required. This is particularly true for car seats for small children, garden furniture and other recreational equipment which lack fasteners for accessories. The present invention addresses this problem and enables accessories to be readily fastened to such equipment by clipping. The accessories might include sun canopies, parasols, covers, umbrellas, trays, toys and the like.
The provision of part of the clip of the present invention as a unit fully incorporated into the original manufacturers equipment is particularly preferred. Significant advantages stem from this and its incorporation in this manner is applicable to car seats for children, garden chairs and the like.
According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a fastener comprising a first component and a second component, the two components having a first released state and a second engaged state, wherein a portion of the first component is deformed relative to the remainder of the component during the transition from first to second state, the deformed portion returning towards its original position in the second state to retain the first and second components together.
Preferably the first component is in the form of a male component. Preferably the second component is in the form of a female component. Preferably a portion of the male component is inserted into the female component in the second state.
Preferably the first component comprises a body portion and one or more dependant arm portions. The arm portions may be integrally formed with the body portion. Most preferably the arm portions depend from one end of the body portion, particularly the end inserted into the second component, the lead end. Preferably two arms are provided, most preferably symmetrically arranged.
The body portion maybe provided with an aperture or recess, preferably in the end opposing the lead end. The aperture or recess may be axially aligned with the direction of insertion and/or retraction of the first and second components relative to one another. The aperture or recess may receive a portion of the item to be fastened. Preferably the first component is fixed to an end of the item or a peripheral portion of the item.
The body portion may be provided integrally with at least a part of the item to be fastened. The body portion and at least part of the item may be simultaneously moulded or otherwise produced.
The body portion may be provided with one or more sides complimentary to contacting sides in the second component. The body portion may provide a rib, preferably one on each side, extending along the insertion and/or retraction direction of movement. The rib may extend laterally. A raised area may be provided by the rib. The width of the rib may increase from a first value at a point near the leading edge to a second value further from the leading edge. One or more protrusions may be provided on one or more sides of the rib. The protrusions may be rounded or elongate.
The arm portions may extend away from the body portion in the first state. The arm portions may extend away from the body portion in the first state to provide a gap into which the arm portions can be deformed. Preferably the body portion is provided with a portion or portions which cover at least a portion of the gap. These portions may comprise extended portions, preferably from the end of the body portion opposing the end of the body portion from which the arms depend. The non-lead end of the gap may be covered by the extended portions. The body portion, arm portion and extended portion may generally define a triangular form. Preferably the extended portions outer limit extends beyond the inner surface of the arm portion, for instance the surface of the arm opposing the body portion.
Preferably the arm portions extend away from the lead edge in the first state. Preferably the arm portions are tapered adjacent to the lead edge.
Preferably the arm portions are provided with grip portions. The grip portions can be used to deform the arm portions away from their first state position. The grip portions may be provided with one or more recesses and/or one or more ribs. The grip portions may extend away from the lead edge and/or away from the arm portions. The grip portions may curve around a portion of the arm portions. The grip portions may be provided beyond the body portion, away from the lead edge. A grip portion may be provided on each arm, most preferably at the end of each arm.
Preferably the arm portions oppose one another. Preferably the arm portions are deformed towards one another. The grip and/or arm portions may all be operated by one hand of the user. Preferably either the right or left hand may successfully be used.
One or more, most preferably all, of the arm portions maybe provided with a second component engagement member or members. Preferably the engagement members are provided on a side of the arm portion away from the body portion, most preferably the opposing side. The engagement members may be provided at an intermediate position on the arm portion, most preferably intermediate of the lead edge and grip portion.
The engagement member may comprise a wedge element. Preferably the wedge element is provided with an inclined face towards the lead edge. Preferably a steep angled trailing face is provided. Preferably the inclined lead face is flush with the adjoining part of the arm portion. Preferably the trailing face is at between 70 and 110° to the adjoining part of the arm portion.
One or more, most preferably all, of the arm portions may be provided with means which cooperate with the body portion, or a portion depending therefrom, of the first component. Preferably the means comprise pin(s) or lug(s) which cooperate with a recess(es) or groove(s). The pins may be elongate. Preferably the pin(s) or lug(s) are provided on the arm portion(s) and the recess(es) or groove(s) are provided on the body portion or portion depending therefrom.
The cooperating means may be provided on a depending portion, such as a second/additional body portion, engaged with the bo
Hilton Kevin
Martin Daniel
Madson & Metcalf
Ninaclip, Plc
Walsh John B.
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