Systems and methods for a connector
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsThomas A. Benoit, Kileean E. Bell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.
Claims18
A connector comprising:
- a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end;
- a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post, wherein the stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post, and wherein the stationary wing includes a first stationary ramped surface, a stationary ramp peak, and a second stationary ramped surface;
- and
- a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post, wherein the flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.
A connector comprising:
- a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end;
- a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post, wherein the stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post, wherein the stationary wing includes a first stationary ramped surface, a stationary ramp peak, and a second stationary ramped surface, and wherein the first stationary ramped surface is angled in a direction away from the first side of the post, and the second stationary ramped surface is angled in a direction toward the first side of the post;
- and
- a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post, wherein a gap is formed between at least a portion of the flexible wing and the second side of the post to enable the flexible wing to flex relative to the post.
A connector assembly including a component having a mounting surface, the connector assembly comprising:
- a connector including:
- a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end;
- a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post, wherein the stationary wing includes a first stationary ramped surface, a stationary ramp peak, and a second stationary ramped surface;
- and
- a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post,
- wherein the stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post and the flexible wing is flexible relative to the post, the flexible wing being configured to:
- upon insertion of the connector into the mounting surface of the component, flex toward the second side of the post and then away from the second side of the post to retain a connection between the connector and the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.