Toolless fastening mechanism
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsDon Alan Gilliland, James Larry Peacock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus disclosed for providing a fastener that can hold suitably flat planar objects. No tools are required to actuate the fastener. The fastener holds the object with a predetermined range of force, determined by a built-in spring when actuated. The fastener is particularly suited for fastening Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) in an electronics enclosure, and holds the PWBs in position, as well as providing electrical coupling of a voltage supply used on the PWB to the electronic enclosure.
Claims19
A fastener comprising:
- a mounting post having a first shoulder;
- and
- a clamp lever, having a spring loaded engaging portion, pivotally attached to the mounting post, for movement between a clamped position and an unclamped position;
- wherein an object is clamped under spring loading by the spring loaded engaging portion of the clamp lever.
A method of fastening a substantially planar object to a fastener, comprising the steps of:
- moving the planar object relative to the fastener such that a portion of the fastener enters a larger portion of a keyhole slot in the planar object;
- moving the planar object in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the fastener such that a portion of the fastener enters a smaller portion of the keyhole slot;
- and
- actuating a clamp lever portion of the fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.