Control Button Retention Mechanism
AssigneeSnap-on Incorporated
InventorRichard D. Bothmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A button retention mechanism that removably retains a button within a device while allowing easy replacement of a depressible or switchable button. The mechanism includes a retention member coupled to the button on a first end and removably coupled to a body at an opposing second end through a snap-fit or interference-fit. Such a structure allows for insertion and removal of the button without disassembling the device, and provides structural stability of the button.
Claims17
A device comprising:
- a housing having a passage defined therein;
- a first button having a first button body, a first button base disposed outside the housing, and a first button arm extending through the passage into the housing;
- a first retention member coupled to the first button arm and having a maximum first retention member dimension defining a maximum width of the first retention member;
- a body disposed inside the housing;
- and
- a first opening defined within the body and having a maximum first opening dimension defining a maximum width of the first opening,
- wherein the maximum first opening dimension is smaller than the maximum first retention member dimension such that the first retention member flexes inwardly when inserted into the first opening, and flexes outwardly after passing through the first opening.
The device of claim 7, wherein the groove is disposed along the first button arm such that when the first button body is substantially flush with an external wall of the housing, the groove is disposed inside the housing.
A method for retaining a button in a device, comprising:
- providing a passage in a housing of the device;
- providing a body inside the device, the body having an opening;
- at least partially inserting the button, which includes a button arm and retention member, into the passage;
- and
- coupling the retention member with the body by inserting the retention member into the opening.
A retention combination comprising:
- a retention member having an enclosed shape with a gap disposed therebetween, the retention member having a maximum retention member dimension defining a maximum width of the retention member;
- and
- a body adapted to receive the retention member and having an opening, the opening having a maximum opening dimension defining a maximum width of the opening,
- wherein the maximum opening dimension is smaller than the maximum retention member dimension such that the retention member flexes inwardly when inserted into the opening, and flexes outwardly after passing through the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.