Snap tab fastener and disassembly tool therefor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A snap tab fastener for connecting first and second housing members together, comprising:
- a tongue extending from an end portion of said first housing member defining a first space below said tongue and a second space above said tongue;
a loop on the end portion of said first housing member above said tongue having an opening in communication with said second space, said loop having a central portion and a center;
a first groove member extending from said second housing member;
a second groove member, spaced from said first groove member, extending from said second housing member defining a groove between said first and second groove members for receiving said tongue; and
a tab extending from said second groove member in a direction toward said tongue and engageable with said loop to lock said first and second housing members together, said tab having a locking member that protrudes through said loop, said loop snapping into position over said tab locking said housing members together, said locking member having a horizontally extending raised curved portion that curves vertically upward to contact said central portion of said loop to expand said loop from said center horizontally outward during insertion of said locking member in said loop.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A snap tab fastener connects first and second ventilation system housing members together. The fastener includes a tongue and groove assembly and a tab and loop assembly. The tongue and groove have a bit of flexibility so that an air tight connection is maintained during minor separation of the two. The tab engages the loop to lock the two components together.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A snap tab fastener for connecting first and second housing members together, comprising:
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a tongue extending from an end portion of said first housing member defining a first space below said tongue and a second space above said tongue; a loop on the end portion of said first housing member above said tongue having an opening in communication with said second space, said loop having a central portion and a center; a first groove member extending from said second housing member; a second groove member, spaced from said first groove member, extending from said second housing member defining a groove between said first and second groove members for receiving said tongue; and a tab extending from said second groove member in a direction toward said tongue and engageable with said loop to lock said first and second housing members together, said tab having a locking member that protrudes through said loop, said loop snapping into position over said tab locking said housing members together, said locking member having a horizontally extending raised curved portion that curves vertically upward to contact said central portion of said loop to expand said loop from said center horizontally outward during insertion of said locking member in said loop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A snap tab fastener for connecting first and second housing members together, comprising:
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a tongue extending from an end portion of said first housing member defining a first space below said tongue and a second space above said tongue; a loop on the end portion of said first housing member above said tongue having a central portion with a center and an opening in communication with said second space; a first groove member extending from said second housing member; a second groove member, spaced from said first groove member, extending from said second housing member defining a groove between said first and second groove members for receiving said tongue, said tongue and groove members enjoying sealing engagement during minor separation of said first and second housing members; and a tab having a locking member and extending from said second groove member in a direction toward said tongue, said locking member having a horizontally extending raised curved portion that curves vertically upward to contact said central portion of said loop to expand said loop from said center horizontally outward during insertion of said locking member into said loop, said locking member protruding through said loop when said first and second housing members are assembled to lock said first and second housing members together when said loop snaps into position over said locking member.
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15. A snap tab fastener for connecting first and second housing members together, comprising:
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a tongue extending from an end portion of said first housing member defining a first space below said tongue and a second space above said tongue; a loop on the end portion of said first housing member above said tongue having a central portion with a center and an opening in communication with said second space; longitudinally extending reinforcing ribs on said first housing member near said loop; a first groove member extending from said second housing member; a second groove member, spaced from said first groove member, extending from said second housing member defining a groove between said first and second groove members for receiving said tongue, said tongue and groove members enjoying sealing engagement during minor separation of said first and second housing members; a tab having a locking member and extending from said second groove member in a direction toward said tongue, said locking member having a horizontally extending raised curved portion that curves vertically upward to contact said central portion of said loop to expand said loop from said center horizontally outward during insertion of said locking member into said loop, said locking member protruding through said loop when said first and second housing members are assembled to lock said first and second housing members together when said loop snaps into position over said locking member; longitudinally extending reinforcing ribs on said second housing member near said tab; and an alignment pin on one of said first and second housing members alignable with a locator loop on the other of said first and second housing members.
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Specification