John S Swanson

US Patent:

52956024, Mar 22, 1994

Filed:

Mar 17, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/033297

Inventors:

John S. Swanson - Flushing MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B65D 4516

US Classification:

220306

Abstract:

An engine air cleaner housing has a snap latch closure that secures the housing cover on the housing base. To form the snap latch closure, the base has a depending retaining wall, a pair of lateral projections at opposite ends of the retaining wall, and a cross bar interconnecting the lateral projections. The retaining wall, lateral projections and cross bar define a rectangular opening which receives a U-shaped tongue extending from the cover. The tongue includes a firm leg depending adjacent the retaining wall, a flexing leg adjacent the cross bar, a cam surface formed on the flexing leg and engaging the cross bar to deflect the flexing leg as the tongue is received in the opening, and a barb that snaps into engagement with the cross bar after the tongue is fully received in the opening. Engagement of the barb with the cross bar serves to retain the tongue in the opening. Engagement between the depending wall and the firm leg prevents pivotal motion of the tongue within the opening that might otherwise reduce air filter seal compression or release the barb from the cross bar.