In situ modular fastening system
OwnerJohn W. Maileyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular fastening system which is integrally molded as part of a plastic member which is being fastened to another member is disclosed. The fastening system comprises a locking member and a movable positioning means for selectively permitting the locking member to move between locked and unlocked positions. The position means is connected to the plastic member during the molding process and easily broken away during the assembly process and positioned in the plastic member to complete the fastening process. Because the positioning means is molded as an integral part of the plastic member, no loose fasteners or additional pieces are required.
Claims19
An integral modular fastening system for connecting a plastic member to a frame, said fastening system comprising:
- a plurality of locking members homogenous with and extending generally perpendicular from said plastic member and forming a slot for engaging said frame between at least one of said plurality of locking members and said plastic member, each of said plurality of locking members being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- an anvil movable between an open and closed position, said anvil disposed adjacent to said plurality of locking members in both said open and said closed positions, said anvil positioning said plurality of locking members in said locked position when in said closed position and prohibiting said plurality of locking members from moving from said locked position towards said unlocked position, said anvil allowing said plurality of locking members to move from said locked position towards said unlocked position when in said open position;
- means for retaining said anvil in said closed position homogenous with said anvil;
- means for retaining said anvil in said open position homogenous with said anvil.
An integral modular fastening system for connecting a plastic member to a frame, said fastening system comprising:
- a plurality of locking members homogenous with and extending generally perpendicular from said plastic member and forming a slot for engaging said frame between at least one of said plurality of locking members and said plastic member, each of said plurality of locking members being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- an anvil disposed adjacent to said plurality of locking members and movable between an open and closed position, said anvil positioning said plurality of locking members in said locked position when in said closed position and prohibiting said plurality of locking members from moving from said locked position towards said unlocked position, said anvil allowing said plurality of locking members to move from said locked position towards said unlocked position when in said open position;
- means for retaining said anvil in said closed position homogenous with said anvil;
- means for retaining said anvil in said open position homogenous with said anvil, said means for retaining said anvil in said open position comprising at least one first rib extending from said anvil and at least one second rib spaced apart from said first rib, said second rib extending from said anvil.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.