초록 ▼

A fastener is provided which is particularly suited for joining two or more panel members together, such as a circuit board with the internal support chassis of an electrical enclosure or casing. The fastener is configured with a compliant lower portion, such that the fastener can be installed and s

A fastener is provided which is particularly suited for joining two or more panel members together, such as a circuit board with the internal support chassis of an electrical enclosure or casing. The fastener is configured with a compliant lower portion, such that the fastener can be installed and secured with a simple push-through action which requires only a moderate force. Because assembly of the fastener does not require a rotational motion, assembly costs for automated assembly operations are reduced, while physical demands on an assembler are significantly reduced for manual assembly operations. The fastener is reusable, in that the fastener can be readily removed without being plastically deformed.

대표청구항 ▼

A fastener for securing two or more members together, said fastener comprising: an upper portion; a radially contractible lower portion flexibly interconnected with said upper portion, said lower portion being biased to assume a radially expanded configuration; means interconnected with said lower p

A fastener for securing two or more members together, said fastener comprising: an upper portion; a radially contractible lower portion flexibly interconnected with said upper portion, said lower portion being biased to assume a radially expanded configuration; means interconnected with said lower portion for radially contracting said lower portion when said lower portion is longitudinally extended, said contracting means further including a plurality of upper interconnecting members pivotably attached to said upper portion and said engaging means, a plurality of lower interconnecting members pivotably attached to said engaging means, and an abutment member pivotably attached to said plurality of lower interconnecting members; means interconnected with said lower portion for engaging at least one of said two or more members; means associated with said upper portion for generating a clamping load between said upper portion and said engaging means; and means formed in said upper portion for providing access to said contracting means so as to enable said lower portion to be longitudinally extended; whereby said fastener is receivable through a series of apertures in said two or more members while a force is applied to said contracting means so as to radially contract said lower portion, said lower portion radially re-expanding when said force is withdrawn from said contracting means, such that said engaging means engages said at least one of said two or more members, and such that said fastener is retained within said series of apertures and imposes said clamping load on said two or more members.