Button latch with integrally molded cantilever springs
AssigneeValue Plastics, Inc.
InventorsPeter D. Lewis, Carl T. Whitaker, Riley M. Phipps
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An integral button latch is formed for use in a female fluid connector housing. The button latch has a latch plate, a button actuator, and two or more cantilevered leg springs extending from beneath the actuation surface to interface with the connector housing. The latch plate, the button actuator, and the leg springs are all integrally formed. The leg springs bias the latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to either of the button actuator or the latch plate. By integrally forming the button latch structure, the separate costs associated with purchasing the springs, molding the lock latch, and the ensuing assembly of the three are significantly diminished.
Claims29
A button latch for use in a fluid connector, the button latch comprising
- a button actuator portion for engagement by a user;
- a latch plate integral with and extending downwardly from the button actuator;
- and
- a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg spring integrally formed with either or both the button actuator or the latch plate and extending from either or both the button actuator or the latch plate;
- wherein
- the plurality of cantilevered leg springs bias the latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to each of the button actuator and the latch plate.
A fluid tubing connector comprising
- a housing defining an aperture in a top surface thereof;
- a tube connection portion;
- an opening configured to receive a male connector;
- a button latch for engaging and disengaging with the male connector and further comprising
- a button actuator portion with a top surface exposed within the aperture in the top surface of the housing for engagement by a user;
- a latch plate integral with and extending downwardly from the button actuator and defining a latch aperture substantially aligned with the opening;
- and
- a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg spring integrally formed with either or both the button actuator or the latch plate and extending from either or both the button actuator or the latch plate to contact an inner wall of the housing;
- wherein
- the plurality of cantilevered leg springs bias the latch plate within the housing in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to each of the button actuator and the latch plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.