초록 ▼

Mating fasteners having a convex receiving surface and a concave inserting surface rotationally symmetrical about an insertion axis. A key code of annular projections and grooves is located in a plane normal to and concentric with the insertion axis. A locking mechanism engages the mating pieces onl

Mating fasteners having a convex receiving surface and a concave inserting surface rotationally symmetrical about an insertion axis. A key code of annular projections and grooves is located in a plane normal to and concentric with the insertion axis. A locking mechanism engages the mating pieces only when in mating relation as determined by the key code. A planar embodiment is included. Easy and accurate assembly or connection becomes much less critical.

대표청구항 ▼

Fastening means, comprising: a first mating element for receiving a second mating element in mating relation along an insertion axis, said first element having circular key code means formed in said first element in a plane perpendicular to said axis and rotationally symmetric about said axis, recei

Fastening means, comprising: a first mating element for receiving a second mating element in mating relation along an insertion axis, said first element having circular key code means formed in said first element in a plane perpendicular to said axis and rotationally symmetric about said axis, receiving surface means formed in said first element rotationally symmetric about said axis, said receiving surface providing a monotonically decreasing aperture directed toward said code means for receiving said second element, extensible locking means formed in said receiving surface means for locking said second mating element in place relative to said insertion axis only when said elements are in mating relation as determined by said code means; a second mating element for insertion in said first mating element in mating relation along said insertion axis in the direction of said code means, said second element having second circular key code means formed in said second element in a plane normal to said axis and rotationally symmetric about said axis in mating relation to the first said code means, inserting surface means formed in said element rotationally symmetric about said axis, said inserting surface providing a monotonically decreasing projection directed toward said second code means for inserting into said first element, and engaging means formed in said inserting surface means for engaging said locking means in locking relation only when said elements are in mating relation as determined by said code means, whereby said second element may be introduced into said first element along an arbitrary axis and easily aligned with said insertion axis in mating relation and locked in place only as determined by said code means.