Importance

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Abstract

The present application provides a mechanical connector adapted for coupling to a mating element, as part of muntin clip or a two part connector. The mechanical connector includes a body having at least one surface adapted for engaging a reciprocal surface of the mating element, wherein the at least one surface of the body of the mechanical connector slides across and frictionally engages the reciprocal surface of the mating element across a predefined distance during the coupling and decoupling of the mechanical connector relative to the mating element. The mechanical connector further includes one or more protruding elements, coupled to the at least one surface of the body of the mechanical connector, which extend in a direction toward the reciprocal surface of the mating element during engagement of the at least one surface of the mechanical connector with the reciprocal surface of the mating element, where the protruding elements is attached to the at least one surface at a first end of the protruding element and being free at the second end of the protruding element, and where the protruding element can separately flex along the length of the protruding element toward each of multiple directions including opposite directions. When the mechanical connector engages and slides relative to the mating element, the one or more protrusions are caused to flex in a direction that is substantially opposite a direction of the movement of the mechanical connector relative to the mating element along at least a portion of the predefined distance.

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First Claim