Patent ID: 6146048
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: E04F,Y10T

Abstract:
A connector having a first end and a second end for being received in corresponding openings of multiple devices to be connected,each opening having a plurality of sidewalls,each sidewall having two edges,each sidewall being coupled to another sidewall at each sidewall edge, the connector comprising:a cross member having opposite edges anda first and a second side member, each flexibly coupled to and extending from opposite edges of said cross member at an angle for forming a cross-section, so that in a relaxed state the size and shape of said cross-section prevents the insertion of the connector into the opening of any of the devices to be connected,the two side members being adapted to be deflected with respect to the cross member when a force is applied to the side members, so as to alter the size and shape of the cross-section allowing for insertion of at least one of the first and second ends into the corresponding opening of the devices to be connected, the connector cross member and side members being inwardly curved such that the cross member and side members contact the sidewalls only proximate the sidewall edges when the connector is inserted in the opening, thereby minimizing deflection of the sidewalls due to connector insertion.