Patent ID: 6482024
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: H01R,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A fastener for releasably coupling a first electrical contact on a cable with a second electrical contact on a computer component, the computer component having an attachment orifice defining a fastening axis, the fastener comprising:a body having an aperture through which the first electrical contact projects and a grip configured to be manipulated by the human hand; an elongated casing projecting from the body along the fastening axis when the first electrical contact is engaged with the second electrical contact; at least a first engagement element positioned along the casing at a location spaced apart from the body, at least one of the casing or the engagement element being moveable between a release position in which the engagement element is proximate to the fastening axis and configured to be received in the orifice and a fasten position in which at least a portion of the engagement element is spaced laterally apart from the fastening axis; and at least a first actuator including a first end accessible to a user, a second end adjacent to the casing, and a drive surface at the second end coupleable with at least one of the first engagement element or the casing, the first actuator being slidably coupled to the body to move only axially between a first position in which the first engagement element is in the release position and can be received in the orifice and a second position in which the drive surface moves the one of the first engagement element or the casing to position the first engagement element or casing in the fasten position when at least a portion of the casing is received in the orifice to engage the first engagement element with at least one of the orifice or the computer component.