The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 03, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 12, 2001
Larry Howell, Orem, UT (US);
Scott Lyon, Provo, UT (US);
Brent Weight, Springville, UT (US);
Deanne Clements, Lafayette, IN (US);
Larry Howell, Orem, UT (US);
Scott Lyon, Provo, UT (US);
Brent Weight, Springville, UT (US);
Deanne Clements, Lafayette, IN (US);
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT (US);
Abstract
An apparatus () that is capable of a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration is disclosed. The bistable mechanism () has a leg () that is coupled on one end by a base member () and on the other end by a shuttle (). The leg () stores potential energy as it is deflected. The potential energy stored in the leg () has a maximum potential energy position with a low potential energy position on either side of the maximum. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for a latching mechanism () and the associated method. The latching mechanism () is comprised of a grasping member (), a lock slider (), and a detent slider (). These three members () operate together to induce a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by actuating the lock slider () in a single direction.