Abstract:
A fastening or mounting apparatus for releasably joining two objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a first component and a second component. The first component may include a plate, two side walls and two flanges extending from the side walls. The second component may include a plate, a first lip and a second lip. The first lip has a cavity holding a resilient element. The second lip may have a convex portion and at least partially define a detent. One of the flanges engages with the resilient element in the cavity while the two components are non-parallel. The first flange compresses the resilient element while the second flange contacts the convex portion. The resilient element biases the second flange against the detent once the two components are parallel.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/248,561, filed Oct. 5, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A common design trade-off in technology areas of fasteners and mounting systems is that devices capable of providing speed and efficiency in reversibly fastening two objects or mounting an object on a surface or other object sometimes lack holding power sufficient for heavy-duty applications. Conversely, fasteners and mounting systems that are robust in holding power sometimes lack convenience in fastening and mounting operations. Further, in some fastening and mounting technologies, each cycle of fastening and unfastening, or mounting and dismounting, degrades the performance of the fastener or mounting device. Several embodiments of the fastening or mounting apparatus aim to optimize these competing design considerations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one embodiment, the fastening or mounting apparatus is an apparatus for releasably joining two objects, comprising a first component having first and second flanges and a second component having a first lip at least partially defining a channel, a resilient element disposed within the channel, and a second lip at least partially defining a detent, wherein the channel is adapted to receive the first flange in contact with the resilient element and the detent is adapted to receive the second flange. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, the fastening or mounting apparatus may further comprise a projection connected to the first lip wherein the projection is adapted to bias the second flange toward the detent. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, the fastening or mounting apparatus may further comprise the second flange and the detent having complimentary geometries. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the fastening or mounting apparatus may further comprise a lock. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the resilient element may be a polymer, and in some embodiments, the second component may have a recessed portion. Further, the second component may also have a resilient strip. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exploded end view or cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fastening or mounting apparatus. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a component of the fastening or mounting apparatus. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a component of the fastening or mounting apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a component of the fastening or mounting apparatus. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of components of the fastening or mounting apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the fastening or mounting apparatus in operation. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the fastening or mounting apparatus in operation. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the fastening or mounting apparatus in operation. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a component of the fastening or mounting apparatus showing in inset an enlarged detail. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded, cross-sectional or end view of an embodiment of the fastening or mounting apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  comprises a first component  12 , an alternative embodiment of which is shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 3 , and a second component  14 , an alternative embodiment of which is shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0018]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the first component  12  of the apparatus  10  comprises a substantially rectangular and substantially planar plate  16 . The plate  16  may be a single, solid piece of material or may be otherwise foamed with holes or spaces (not shown) throughout the plate to save material and weight. The first component  12  further comprises side walls  18  formed with or joined to the plate  16  along longitudinal edges  19 . Each side wall  18  may form an angle with respect to the plate  16 , which angle may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the angle between the plane substantially formed by each side wall  18  and the plane formed by the plate  16  may be in a range of approximately 80 to 100 degrees. Each side wall  18  has a flange  20  formed with or joined to it. In some embodiments, each flange  20  may be substantially planar and lie in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which plate  16  lies. In some embodiments, one or both of the flanges  20  further comprises a tip  22  having a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape or other particular geometry. 
         [0019]    The first component  12  of the apparatus  10  may be mounted on a fixed surface (not shown), on a vehicle (not shown), or attached to any object through any means. By way of example and not limitation, the first component  12  may be mounted to a rooftop rack  23  of a vehicle, such as a rack on an automobile, as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . Holes (not shown) may be provided in the first component  12  to facilitate mounting of the first component, or in an alternative embodiment, the first component  12  may include rails  24  for mounting the first component  12  on a fixed surface or on a vehicle. 
         [0020]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , the second component  14  of the apparatus  10  comprises a substantially rectangular plate  26 . The plate  26  may be substantially planar as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or the plate  26  may have a recessed portion  28  as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The plate  26  may be a single, solid piece of material or may be otherwise formed with holes or spaces (not shown) throughout the plate to save material and weight. 
         [0021]    The second component  14  further comprises a first lip  30  formed with or joined to the plate  26  along longitudinal edge  32  of the plate  26 . The first lip  30 , either alone or in combination with the plate  26  and the longitudinal edge  32  of the plate  26 , further defines a cavity  34  having an aperture  36 . In some embodiments, the cavity  34  may have a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape as disclosed in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 . In other embodiments, the cavity  34  may have a different cross-sectional shape. The aperture  36  is sized to receive a flange  20  of the first component  12 . In some embodiments, a resilient element  38  is disposed within the channel  34 . The resilient element  38  may be any resilient material, including but not limited to any of various polymers or rubbers. Further, the resilient element  38  may be disposed throughout the entire length of the channel  34  or may comprise multiple portions (not shown) disposed intermittently or at intervals throughout the channel  34 . In some embodiments, the first lip  30  may further comprise a projection  40  having a beveled surface  42 , both of which may run the entire length of the first lip  30  or may comprise multiple portions or segments (not shown). 
         [0022]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second component  14  further comprises a second lip  44  formed with or joined to the plate  26  along longitudinal edge  46 . The second lip  44 , either alone or in combination with the plate  26  and the longitudinal edge  46  of the plate  26 , defines a detent  48  and a convex portion  50 . The detent  48  is sized to receive the tip  22  of one of the flanges  20 . In some embodiments, the detent  48  may have a rounded shape having a substantially semicircular shape sized to mate with the shape of the tip  22  of one or both of the flanges  20  in order to maximize the surface area in contact between the tip  22  and the detent  48  when the first component  12  and second component  14  are joined. Alternatively, the detent  48  and tips  22  of the flanges  20  may have other shapes suitable for maximizing the frictional forces between them when they are in contact with each other, such as complimentarily shaped geometries that maximize the amount of surface area over which the detent  48  and tip  22  make contact. 
         [0023]    The first component  12  and second component  14  may be formed or manufactured from any substantially rigid material, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, or other substantially rigid material. Further, components  12  and  14  may be manufactured through any of a variety of processes including but not limited to molding, stamping, forming, or extruding. In one exemplary embodiment, first and second components  12  and  14  are made from extruded, anodized aluminum. In another exemplary embodiment, first component  12  is made from formed sheet metal having a thickness in the range of approximately 10 to 16 gauge. In other embodiments, first and second components  12  and  14  may be made from other metals, including but not limited to magnesium, steel, or stainless steel. In embodiments constructed or formed from metal, the metal may be anodized. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to form, sand, machine, or otherwise make all exposed edges of both first and second components  12  and  14  dull or rounded in order to prevent injuries to users when handling or using the apparatus  10 . By way of example and not limitation, in an embodiment wherein the first component  12  is made from sheet metal, tips  22  of flanges  20  may comprise a folded hem. 
         [0024]    In operation, the first component  12  is fastened or attached to a fixed surface, the surface of a vehicle, or any object through any mounting means. By way of example and not limitation, the first component  12  may be mounted to a rooftop rack  23  of a vehicle, such as a rack on an automobile as shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . The second component  14  may be separately fastened or attached to another surface or object, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a trunk, suitcase, or other object. Holes  52  may be provided in the plate  26  of the second component  14  for fastening or attaching the second component  14  to the surface or object. In embodiments where the second component  14  is intended to be attached to cargo or luggage having a handle, external frame, or other external protrusion, embodiments of the second component  14  having a recessed portion  28  of the plate  26  to accommodate such external features may be used. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , first and second components  12  and  14  are joined or connected together by first inserting one flange  20  into the aperture  36  of cavity  34  at an angle sufficient for the other flange  20  not to interfere with the second lip  44 . The flange  20  inserted into cavity  34  should contact the resilient element  38 . The first and second components  12  and  14  are then rotated relative to each other around the points of contact between the flange  20  and the resilient element  38  so that the other flange  20  approaches the leading edge  54  of the second lip  44 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The first and second components  12  and  14  should be sized so that when these components come into contact in this way, sliding the rounded tip  22  of flange  20  along the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  causes the opposite flange  20  to compress the resilient element  38  inside of the cavity  34 . As the tip  22  of the flange  20  in contact with the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  slips over the tangent point of the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44 , a restoring force from the compressed resilient element  38  acting on the first component  12  will aid the tip  22  of the flange  20  in seating itself in the detent  48 . Once the tip  22  has come to rest in the detent  48 , the resilient element  38  may be in a slightly compressed condition such that the resilient element  38  is exerting a force on the first component  12  sufficient to maintain contact between the rounded tip  22  of the flange  20  and the detent  48 . Further, the convex portion  50  creates an additional interference fit of the tip  22  of the flange  20  in the detent  48 . 
         [0026]    Once joined or connected together, the force exerted by the resilient element  38  on the first component and the geometry of the detent  48  and convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  should be sufficient to prevent the first and second components  12  and  14  from decoupling absent the application of specific forces or couples that are sufficient to both compress the resilient element  38  and rotate the first and second components  12  and  14  relative to each other such that the tip  22  of the flange  20  in the detent will ride over the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  toward the leading edge  54  of the convex portion  50 , thus allowing the opposite flange  20  to be removed from the cavity  34 . This functionality may depend upon several variables, including, without limitation, (1) the distance between the tips  22  of the flanges  20  of the first component, (2) the distance between the detent  48  and the resilient element  38 , (3) the geometry of the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44 , and (4) the size, composition, and durometer of the resilient element  38 . In some embodiments, the first and second components  12  and  14  are sized so that the tip  22  of one flange  20  is in substantially uniform contact with the resilient element  38  along the entire length of the apparatus  10  while the tip  22  of the other flange  20  is in substantially uniform contact with the detent  48  along the entire length of the apparatus  10  when the first and second components  12  and  14  are joined. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, depending upon the other variables discussed above, the distance from the tip  22  of one flange  20  to the tip  22  of the other flange  20  is approximately equal to the distance measured from the center of the cavity  34  to the inside tangent point of the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44 . Alternatively, the tip-to-tip distance between the flanges  20  may be such that the resilient element  38  is slightly compressed such that it exerts a force on the first component  12  sufficient to maintain contact between the tip  22  of the flange  20  and the detent  48  when the tip  22  of one flange  20  is at rest in the detent  48 . This force may be different in different embodiments depending upon the composition and hardness of the resilient element  38  as more fully described below. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the resilient element  38  is a polymer strip, cord, or rod made from any polymer such as, by way of example and not limitation, polyurethane. In other embodiments, the resilient element  38  may be made from natural or synthetic rubber. In some embodiments, the resilient element  38  may be made from materials naturally resistant to or treated to be resistant to degradation caused by exposure to the elements, including but not limited to ultraviolet radiation, air, water, snow, ice, and extreme temperatures. The durometer of the resilient element  38  may be different in different embodiments depending in some embodiments upon the desired holding or frictional forces needed for the particular mounting application. In other embodiments, the durometer of the resilient element  38  may depend upon the desired ease or difficulty of joining and decoupling the first and second components  12  and  14 . In general, the greater the durometer of the resilient element  38 , the greater the force necessary to join or decouple the first and second components  12  and  14 , but also the greater the frictional or holding forces keeping the first and second components  12  and  14  together when coupled. Depending upon the application for which the apparatus  10  is intended, the resilient element  38  may have a durometer in a range from approximately 20 to 90, although there may be applications in which durometers lower than 20 or higher than 90 may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the resilient element  38  comprises silicone rubber and has a durometer in a range from approximately 40 to 55. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, a resilient strip  56  may be attached to the underside of plate  26  of the second component  14 . In such embodiments, when the first and second components  12  and  14  are joined, the flange  20  nearest the detent  48  will be in contact with or even slightly compress the strip  56 , increasing the frictional forces holding the first and second components together. This feature may be desirable in embodiments in which a lower durometer resilient element  38  is used in order to increase the relative ease of joining and decoupling the first and second components  12  and  14  while also maintaining holding forces sufficient to withstand the forces encountered in use. The strip  56  inhibits sliding of the components  12  and  14  relative to each other along the tips  22  of the flanges  20 . The strip  56  may be made from any resilient material. In one exemplary embodiment, the strip  56  comprises silicone rubber. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , some embodiments of the apparatus  10  may further comprise a stop  57  attached to the first component  12  that further prevents the decoupling of the first and second components  12  and  14  that might occur through a relative sliding motion between the components. In these embodiments, the stop is attached to the plate  16  of the first component  12  and projects in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the plate  16  sufficiently in order to interfere with the plate  26  of the second component  14 . In embodiments where the second component  14  may slide relative to the first component  12 , the stop  57  interferes with the motion of the second component  14  in order to prevent decoupling of the first and second components  12  and  14  through relative sliding. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , once joined or connected as described above, the first and second components  12  and  14  are substantially resistant to separation under a wide variety of static and dynamic loads. In this configuration, the force exerted by the resilient element  38  on the first component and the geometry of the detent  48  and convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  is sufficient to prevent the first and second components  12  and  14  from decoupling absent the application of specific forces or couples that are sufficient to both compress the resilient element  38  and rotate the first and second components  12  and  14  relative to each other such that the tip  22  of the flange  20  in the detent will ride over the convex portion  50  of the second lip  44  toward the leading edge  54  of the convex portion  50 , thus allowing the opposite flange  20  to be removed from the cavity  34 . Further, in some embodiments, when coupled, sufficient compressive and frictional forces exist between the first and second components  12  and  14  such that the components are substantially resistant to any relative motion under static and dynamic loading conditions, admitting of substantially no sliding, lateral motion, or decoupling. 
         [0032]    In some instances, one or both of first and second components  12  and  14  may become bent or deformed through accident or use such that the relative dimensions between the tips  22  of the flanges  20  of the first component  12  no longer provide a secure fit between the resilient element  38  and detent  48  of the second component  14 . In such instances, the projection  40  and beveled surface  42  of some embodiments provide an alternative mechanism for inhibiting the separation or decoupling of the first and second components  12  and  14 . Specifically, in such instances, in the presence of forces or force components acting substantially normal to the plane substantially defined by either of plates  16  or  26 , the flange  20  may contact the beveled surface  42  of the projection  40 . In these embodiments, the beveled surface  42  is angled relative to the plane substantially defined by either of plates  16  or  26  so that any reaction force occurring from any contact between the flange  20  and the beveled surface  42  generally acts to maintain contact between the opposite flange  20  and the detent  48 . In one exemplary embodiment, the beveled surface  42  substantially resides in a plane that forms an angle of approximately 35 degrees with respect to the plane substantially defined by either of plates  16  or  26 , however other angles may be used. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments of the apparatus  10 , as shown for instance in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a lock  58  may be used to temporarily secure the coupling of first and second components  12  and  14 . 
         [0034]    While the fastening or mounting apparatus  10  has been described in reference to some exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are not limiting and are not necessarily exclusive of each other, and it is contemplated that particular features of various embodiments may be omitted or combined for use with features of other embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention. By way of example and not limitation, it may be useful in some instances to attach the second component  14  to a fixed surface or surface of a vehicle and attach the first component  12  to an object such as cargo or a piece of luggage. Further, the overall size and dimensions of the apparatus  10  may be different in different embodiments to suit particular installations or applications, or the apparatus  10  may be scaled up or down for use in applications not expressly disclosed or referenced herein.