Patent ID: 6325335
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A coupler and panel assembly, comprising:(a) a generally planar panel having a front side and a back side, the panel defining an aperture therethrough, the aperture having an edge surface perpendicular to the front and back sides;(b) a coupler disposed through the aperture, the coupler defining a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the panel, the coupler having a first arm and a second arm extending laterally therefrom, the first arm and the second arm disposed against the front side of the panel;(c) a clip mounted to the coupler adjacent the back side of the panel, the clip having a first tab extending from the clip and terminating at a first tab end, the first tab having a first portion that extends away from the coupler and toward the back side of the panel to an apex, the apex spaced in the longitudinal direction from the back side of the panel and laterally outward of the edge surface of the aperture, the first tab having a second portion that extends from the apex toward the coupler and toward the back side of the panel and terminating at the first tab end, the first tab end disposed at a point between the coupler and the edge surface of the aperture, the first tab sufficiently flexible such that pulling of the coupler from the front side of the panel will cause the apex to flatten to a point where it can pass through the aperture.