Abstract: For detachably fastening inner and outer overlying plate members using a quarter-turn fastener, a square hole is punched in the inner panel and a snap-in receptacle assembly is inserted into the hole from the outer side of the panel and snapped into place. The receptacle assembly housing has six sides and is formed out of two components. The one component is a three-sided housing member having flange portions for bearing against the outer surface of the inner panel. The other component is a three-sided retainer member having spring legs which snap out behind the inner panel to lock the receptacle assembly in place. A compression spring inside the six-sided prism or housing has one end which bears against the front face of the retainer member and the other end bears against the fastener pressing it against rear face of the housing member and maintaining the housing and retainer members at spaced separation.

Abstract: Described is a quick acting fastener which is particularly adapted to securing together structures such as panels having suitable shaped openings to receive a unitary, quarter turn, snap acting fastener having projections which snap into fastening position through relative rotational and axial motion of interacting cam elements mounted on a stud which is rotatable.

Abstract: A push-to-open magnetic catch for cabinet doors and the like has a housing and within the housing is a rectangular magnet mounted at one end of a pivotal lever. The housing is ordinarily so positioned within the cabinet that the forward edge of the magnet projects forwardly of the cabinet to receive and make magnetic contact with the closing door or with an armature plate mounted thereon. In normal closed position, an overtravel space exists between the inner surface of the door or armature plate and the cabinet. The lever has a forward edge so contoured that when, to open, the closed door is pushed inwardly into the overtravel space, the lever is cammed pivotally inwardly, thereby pulling the magnet inwardly along a line or path guided by the housing. This separates the magnet from the door, and allows the force of a spring-loaded plunger, which has been pushing outwardly against the door, to push the door outwardly when the inward force is removed.

Abstract: Described is a latch assembly designed to be affixed to and to secure together two closure members at their abutting edges. A flexible portion of a latch body allows the latch to snap over and then engage a keeper when the edges of the closure members are brought together. For unlatching, a push button actuator is incorporated to cause the flexible element to flex outwardly, thereby releasing the latch from engagement with the keeper and permitting separation of the closure members.