Patent ID: 8186924
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: E04B,F16B

Abstract:
1. A fastener assembly comprising: a) a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member, said first cylinder having an axial opening; b) one of said first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other one in a first direction, and locked in a second direction opposite to said first direction; c) a spring operably attached to said first and second cylindrical members to urge said one in said first direction; d) said first and second cylindrical members including opposing first and second cylindrical walls, respectively; e) a resilient member is disposed between said first and second cylindrical walls; f) one of said first and second cylindrical walls including a first receiving volume configured to fully receive said resilient member and the other of said first and second cylindrical walls including a plurality of second receiving volumes configured to only partially receive said resilient member; g) said resilient member being shifted between said first and second receiving volumes such that said one of said first and second cylindrical members can move in said first direction but locked in said second direction; h) said first and second receiving volumes are configured such that said resilient member is captured within a locking volume formed between said first volume and an opposing second volume when said first and second cylindrical members are locked together, said locking volume having an entrance opening that prevents said resilient member from shifting out of said locking volume and into said first receiving volume; i) said resilient member is circular in cross-section having a diameter; j) said first receiving volume including a first upper ramp surface and a first lower curved surface that forms a first corner therebetween; k) each of said second receiving volumes including a second upper ramp surface and a second lower curved surface that provides a first seat for said resilient member; l) said second lower curved surface terminating into a second corner with said other of said first and second cylindrical walls; and m) said entrance opening is defined by a distance between said first and second corners, said distance being less than said diameter.