Patent ID: 9307844
Filing Date: 2016-04-12
CPC Classification: A47C,F16B

Claim Text:
1. A snap-fit joint for connecting a first plastic frame member and a second plastic frame member, the snap-fit joint comprising: a plastic male member having an insertion end, a top portion vertically spaced apart from the insertion end, and opposite sidewalls each including a co-acting surface extending between the insertion end and a recess defined by at least one sidewall of the male member, at least one of the co-acting surfaces of the sidewalls tapers inwardly from the recess to define a narrower width of the male member between the co-acting surfaces of the sidewalls at the insertion end; and a plastic female member defining a socket with an open end to receive the insertion end of the male member therein, the socket comprising a bottom end wall vertically spaced apart from the open end and opposite facing upstanding walls defining co-acting ramped surfaces that taper into the socket from the open end and terminate to define tabs projecting into the socket from the upstanding walls, at least one upstanding wall configured to flex outwardly away from the socket to a flexed state during receipt of the insertion end of the male member; wherein the co-acting surfaces of the sidewalls of the male portion and the co-acting ramped surfaces of the female portion contact each other during insertion of the male portion into the socket of the female member, and the male member defines a width between the co-acting surfaces of the sidewalls at the bottom surface of each recess that is greater than a distance between the opposed co-acting ramped surfaces of the upstanding walls of the female portion, causing the at least one upstanding wall to flex outwardly away from the socket until the male member is fully seated in the socket.