Patent ID: 8328487
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A retention element for retaining first and second components in assembled relationship wherein the first component comprises a body having first and second external surfaces and an inner wall defining an aperture extending through the body and the second component comprises a longitudinal member having a size and configuration to permit insertion within said aperture to thereby assemble the components, said retention element comprising: an elastomeric protuberance extending into the aperture from a base adhering to the inner wall to a distal edge; and said protuberance also having an inside wall and an outside wall which meet at said distal edge and together define a flexible free end and wherein the outside wall of the protuberance is generally coplanar with one of the external surface of the first component and the inside wall of the protuberance is disposed on an angle relative to the outside wall to thereby define a taped retention element; whereby upon insertion of the second component into the aperture of the first component, said free end of protuberance engages the second component and flexes in the direction of insertion such that the force required to assemble the two components is less than the force required to disassemble the two components.