Patent ID: 6083146
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
In an assembly, a female tool member having an aperture, a male storage member receivable in said aperture, for permitting relative movement between said members in two opposite directions, said female tool member having an annular retaining groove in said aperture, said male storage member having an annular clearance groove that aligns with said retaining groove in said female tool member when said members are in a desired mating relationship, a round retaining ring that, when positioned in said grooves when said grooves are aligned, assumes a retention position, wherein it is in interference contact with said members at said grooves to resist relative movement between said members in at least one of said opposite directions, independent of any other means, said clearance groove in said male storage member having a depth sufficient so that said retaining ring may be displaced under load to an assembly-disassembly position within said male storage member's clearance groove, out of a path of said female tool member, said female tool member having a ramp at one end for forcing said retaining ring into said assembly-disassembly position on said male storage member, as said members are mated, on application of a predetermined force urging relative movement between said members in one of said opposite directions, with said aperture maintaining said retaining ring in said assembly-disassembly position until said grooves are aligned, whereupon said retaining ring assumes said retention position to retain said members in assembly, and said female tool member, at one side of its retaining groove, having a ramp for forcing said retaining ring into said assembly-disassembly position on said male storage member on application of a predetermined force urging relative movement between said members in other of said opposite directions, whereafter said female tool member maintains said retaining ring in said assembly-disassembly position, to permit disassembly of said members.