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US4016608A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Snap fasteners for drop-in assemblies

Assignee: Whirlpool Corp
•
Filing: 1974-09-30
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Granted: 1977-04-12
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Expires: 1994-09-30
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Abstract

Abstract Shaped springs are fitted to a flange of a modular package such as a sink-disposer unit inserted through an aperture in a surface. One camming surface moves each spring out of the way during insertion of the package into the aperture and a second camming surface sprung outwardly against the wall of the aperture to obstruct removal of the package as insertion is completed. The spring may then be selectively tensioned by a threaded nut.

Inventors

  • 👤 Aman Ullah Khan

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-03 13:53
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03C; E03C1/00; E03C1/12; E03C1/32; E03C1/33; E03C1/335

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim 180 words
In a module construction having wall means forming an aperture and a modular package for insertion into said aperture, retainer means which allow insertion of said package into said aperture and retain said package against said wall means after said insertion, said retainer means comprising: a support means adapted to be connected to the package; stud means engaging said support means and extending downwardly therefrom; a spring cam; connection means connecting said spring cam to said stud and said support means; said spring cam comprising first and second camming surfaces inclined relative to one another and a curved knee portion joining said first and second camming surfaces said first camming surface acting against said wall means to move said spring cam to an unobstructing position to allow said insertion, and said second camming surface acting against said wall means to obstruct removal of said package after insertion and thereby retain said package in said aperture; and an alignment means extending from said spring cam and said stud means beyond said support means to engage against a surface of said package.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 180 words
In a module construction having wall means forming an aperture and a modular package for insertion into said aperture, retainer means which allow insertion of said package into said aperture and retain said package against said wall means after said insertion, said retainer means comprising: a support means adapted to be connected to the package; stud means engaging said support means and extending downwardly therefrom; a spring cam; connection means connecting said spring cam to said stud and said support means; said spring cam comprising first and second camming surfaces inclined relative to one another and a curved knee portion joining said first and second camming surfaces said first camming surface acting against said wall means to move said spring cam to an unobstructing position to allow said insertion, and said second camming surface acting against said wall means to obstruct removal of said package after insertion and thereby retain said package in said aperture; and an alignment means extending from said spring cam and said stud means beyond said support means to engage against a surface of said package.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 79 words
In a module construction as defined in claim 1, said retainer means being further characterized by said spring cam having a free end opposite a portion of said spring cam connected to said stud and support means, said free end being movable in response to the engagement of said first and second cam surfaces with said wall means during insertion and being secured to said stud means after insertion to lock said second cam surface against said wall means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 53 words
In a module construction as defined in claim 1, said retainer means being characterized by said spring cam having a clamp portion and the connection means engaging said clamp portion and comprising first and second variably spaceable members carried on said stud, and said spring cam extending free from said second spaceable member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 44 words
In a module construction as defined in claim 3, said retainer means being further characterized by said second spaceable member being movable against said clamp portion of the spring cam after insertion to more firmly urge said second camming surface against said wall means.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US597503A Cited
US696422A Cited
US2836831A Cited
US2938218A Cited
US3056971A Cited
US3034144A Cited
US3128479A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1980-04-11 1980-10-11 1981-04-12 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1984-04-11 1984-10-11 1985-04-12 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1988-04-11 1988-10-11 1989-04-12 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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