Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: A metallic insert to be embedded into an opening of a structural member of a material of relatively low strength. The metallic insert has a main body comprising a plurality of coaxially superimposed truncated cones and a recessed portion adjacent to the truncated cones. The recessed portion is provided with at least two radially extending ribs to increase the insert's resistance to relative rotational movements. As a result thereof the metallic insert which requires only relatively small forces to be embedded into the structural member is of high resistance both to extraction and rotational movements of said metallic insert with respect to the structural member.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element to an external surface of a structural member of deformable material. The structural member is provided at its external surface with one or a plurality of joining projections engaging into respective recesses of a joining flange of said fastening element. The joining projections are provided at their free ends with upset beads obtained by material deformation of the joining projections and positively fixing the associated joining projection to the joining flange.

Abstract: A metal insert, in particular a threaded metal insert, adapted to be embedded in a receiving bore of a plastic part. The insert has a sleeve-like body member. At least one row of teeth projects from the peripheral surface of the body member, which teeth are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other. Each tooth is of a shape such that it diverges from a tooth front end in an axial direction and terminates in an end face extending transverse to said axial direction at a tooth terminal end. Between the teeth are gaps which taper in said axial direction while they remain open between said end faces of adjacent teeth. The teeth ensure that insertion forces for urging the insert into the plastic part are minimal, while resistance to withdrawal of the insert is maximal.