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:
Apr. 07, 2009
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2005
Jonathan D. Friedman, Seattle, WA (US);
Victor E. Shiff, Woodinville, WA (US);
Jonathan D. Friedman, Seattle, WA (US);
Victor E. Shiff, Woodinville, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
Fastening mechanisms are disclosed for engaging and disengaging device components while maintaining electrical connections among engaged components. A male fastening mechanism may include a front male head portion with a larger circumference than a relatively narrower lower male body portion. A female fastening mechanism may include an opening in a housing structure for receiving the front male head portion. A clip or spring may be arranged in the female housing surrounding portions of the opening. Moreover, the spring's terminating portions may be unconnected and protrude into the opening. The spring may be displaced to accommodate the front male head portion as it enters the female housing opening between the spring's terminating portions. The spring may retract or snap back inwards towards the relatively narrower lower male body portion as it passes through the opening and past the spring's terminating portions to engage the mechanisms and secure device components together.