Locking clip system for securing panels together

• US 5,738,462 A
• Filed: 11/04/1996
• Issued: 04/14/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc. (HNI Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Hon Industries Incorporated (HNI Corporation)
• Inventors: Wubben, Mark L., Petersen, Kirk A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dorner, Kenneth J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Miller, William L.
• Application Number:
  US08/742,288
• Time in Patent Office: 526 Days
• Field of Search: 24/292, 24/297, 24/546, 411/522, 411/523, 411/524, 411/480, 411/482, 411/531, 108/157, 312/140.2, 312/140.3, 312/265.6, 312/194, 312/195, 312/111, 403/353, 403/315, 403/316, 403/384, 403/348, 403/350
• US Class Current: 403/353
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 12/22 using keyhole-shaped slots and pins
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/69 Redundant disconnection blocking means

Abstract

A system for interlocking together two panel members comprises a washer member having first and second washer portions connected by a necked down portion and having a through bore for receiving a fastener. The washer member is fastened to a side of a first panel member. A keyhole slot is formed in a second panel member, the slot having a relatively large opening portion leading to a relatively narrow opening portion. An aperture is formed in the second panel member spaced from the keyhole slot to define a bridge portion between the aperture and slot. A clip member attaches with a snap fit to the bridge portion and spans the keyhole slot terminating in an abutment portion at its distal end. When the two panels are interconnected, the necked down portion of the washer member is positioned within the narrow portion of the keyhole slot with the abutment portion of the clip retaining the washer therein. The system thereby provides for interlocking two panel members in a convenient manner with few readily manufactured components.

Claims

1. A system for interlocking together panel members in intimate relation comprising:

a first panel member

a washer having a first washer portion connected by a necked down portion to a second washer portion and having a bore running through said washer and necked down portions, said bore dimensioned and configured to receive a fastener for securely fastening said washer member to a side of said first panel member;

a second panel member;

a keyhole slot formed in said second panel member, said slot having a first enlarged opening portion leading to a second reduced opening portion, said reduced opening portion being smaller in size than said second washer portion and larger in size than said necked down portion of said washer member, said keyhole slot having a longitudinal axis;

an aperture formed in said second panel member having a central axis aligned with said longitudinal axis of said keyhole slot and spaced from said keyhole slot to define a bridge portion of said second panel member between said aperture and said slot; and

a clip member having a first end provided with an abutment portion and a second end provided with a generally U-shaped portion for snapping over and engaging said bridge portion;

wherein when said clip member is attached to said bridge portion, a central portion of said clip member spans said keyhole slot and said abutment portion is in position to urge said second washer portion into locked position within said reduced opening portion of said keyhole slot.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said U-shaped portion includes at least one tab for engaging said bridge portion and locking said clip to said bridge portion.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip member includes a bearing portion bent at right angles to said abutment portion.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said clip member includes a tab portion bent at an angle to said bearing portion permitting manual grasping of said clip member.