Compliant latching fastener
First Claim
1. A latching fastener comprising:
- two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of each respective fastening latch arm and having a free distal end, the two flexible fastening latch arms located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between the distal ends of the fastening latch arms;
fastener cocking means connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the fastening latch arms when the cocking means is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the fastening latch arms; and
trigger means located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure to be grasped that is guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger means, for deactivating the cocking means, whereby the distal ends of the fastening latch arms close to grasp the structure between the fastening latch arms and latch the structure to the fastener.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A latching fastener having cocking and triggering mechanisms is provided. The fastener has two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of the arm and having a free distal end. The two arms are located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between them. A fastener cocking mechanism is connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the arms when the cocking mechanism is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the arms. A trigger mechanism is located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger, for deactivating the cocking mechanism, which in turn results in closing together of the distal ends of the fastening latch arms, to grasp the structure between them and latch the structure to the fastener. The latching fastener can be fabricated of plastic or other compliant material and is particularly well-suited for fabrication as a silicon microfastener for micro-scale applications.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A latching fastener comprising:
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two flexible fastening latch arms each fixed at a proximal end of each respective fastening latch arm and having a free distal end, the two flexible fastening latch arms located relative to each other to cooperate in grasping a structure between the distal ends of the fastening latch arms; fastener cocking means connected to the fastening latch arms for retracting the distal ends of the fastening latch arms when the cocking means is activated, to thereby produce a latching gap between the distal ends of the fastening latch arms; and trigger means located between the fastening latch arms such that a structure to be grasped that is guided into the latching gap can activate the trigger means, for deactivating the cocking means, whereby the distal ends of the fastening latch arms close to grasp the structure between the fastening latch arms and latch the structure to the fastener. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification