Abstract: A method for the attachment of a functional element, for example in the form of an RSN or RND element of the company Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, is described in which the hole in the sheet metal part is so formed that the sheet metal part lies in one plane in the region confronting the end face of the riveting die button and at least substantially does not project beyond this plane.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: A pair of metallic components, such as a pair of metallic structural components for a vehicular body and frame assembly, are permanently joined using a magnetic pulse welding process. Initially, a first metallic component is provided having a first aperture that is formed through a first side and a second aperture having a hollow cylindrical flange portion that is formed through a second side. A second metallic component is provided having a surface that extends at an angle relative to the flange portion. The angled surface may be provided in the form of either an enlarged region or a reduced region on the second metallic component. The first and second metallic components are arranged such that the flange portion of the first metallic component overlaps the surface of the second metallic component.

Abstract: A mechanical stop is adapted to be mounted onto a rigid bar and includes a single piece conically shaped body having a plurality of inwardly extending projections. Each of the inwardly extending projections have a distal end that is contoured to match an outer surface of the bar. The distal ends define an opening. The conically shaped body is adapted to be plastically deformed to a substantially flat shape after being placed onto the rigid bar. The opening includes a first dimension larger than the rigid bar prior to being plastically deformed and a second dimension smaller than the rigid bar after being plastically deformed. After the conically shaped body is plastically deformed into a substantially flat shape, the distal ends will frictionally engage the outer surface of the rigid bar to secure the mechanical stop thereon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rack-and-pinion steering housing for transmission of steering force including the steps of pressing steering rod guide elements axially into open end regions of a tubular steering housing, and axially pressing the elements into the tubular housing to radially expand the housing end regions.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit. The process involves using a first forming machine to form a first peripheral bead in a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, reduce the outside diameter of a second end portion, and slope an intermediate surface portion. Then, a second end forming machine tool, carrying a metallic socket, freely receives the tubular body second end portion, contacts the sloped intermediate surface portion, forms a second peripheral bead adjacent the first peripheral bead, while an annular end surface of the socket is compressed and locked between the first and second beads. Further, the tubular body is manufactured from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: An attaching structure attaches a part to a band, and includes a clip for attaching the part to the band. The clip includes a clip main member, which has a lower portion and an upper portion with a gap corresponding to a cross section of a portion of the band where the clip is attached for sandwiching the portion of the band where the clip is attached, and a part engaging portion formed below the clip main member for engaging the part.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: A hem joint for a vehicular closure structure assembled from stamped sheet metal includes an inner panel having circular raised anchor pins formed integrally with the inner panel prior to assembly of the inner panel with an outer panel. A flange formed from the outer panel is coined over each anchor pin so as to completely encapsulate an end portion of each anchor pin, mechanically interlocking the inner and outer panels.

Abstract: A method for placing a functional element, especially a fastening element, in an especially liquid-tight and/or gastight manner, on a metal part. The inventive method is characterized in that a functional element provided with a hollow head segment is pressed against the metal part (212) which is supported by a die (214) and the metal material is deformed into an undercut (324) by deforming the head segment when simultaneous deformation of the hollow head segment occurs and the metal pant is shaped in a forming area defined by parts (216) of the die (214). Said parts (216) are kept in a stationary position during the forming process but are partially removed from the die to enable the functional element which is placed on the metal part (212) to be extracted therefrom. The invention also relates to a die, a functional element, an assembly element and a die arrangement.

Abstract: A method is required in which a plate-like flange member may be firmly secured at the front end of a hollow shaft member through a plastic working treatment by virtue of caulking combination, so as to manufacture a hollow shaft having a flange at one end thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for strengthening tubular members and attaching components to the tubular member using a hydroforming process. In one embodiment, the outer tube has a non-circular inner surface and the inner tube has an outer surface with a shape different than the non-circular inner surface. In another embodiment, the outer tube has an outer edge with a portion that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube. The outer edge prevents relative rotation between the tubes. The inner tube has a higher Young's modulus so that once the high pressure is removed the hydroforming process the inner tube will not contract as much as the outer tube.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener assembly having a first member and an insert. The first member includes a cavity into which the insert is forced. The insert includes a body portion having a non-circular cross section defined by a plurality of arcuate sections. Forcing the insert into the first member, which may be a tubular member, firmly engages the insert with the first member. The first member is securable to a second member by positioning a portion of the first member within an opening in a second member. The opening in the second member may be configured to correspond to the cross sectional shape of the body portion of the insert. The body portion of the insert outwardly deforms the first member into engagement with the second member to thereby secure the assembly and prevent the relative axial and rotational movement between the insert, first member and second member.

Abstract: Rotatable tool coupled to support body, and drive shaft detachably mounted to rotatable tool, such that rotatable tool is drivable in a working direction, in which support body includes an inlet opening defined by at least three eccentric segments and drive shaft includes an immersion area structured and arranged for insertion into the central inlet opening. Immersion area includes at least three longitudinal ribs arranged to project radially outwardly and symmetrically distributed on a circumference of the immersion area, and longitudinal ribs include thread-cutting segments. After inserting immersion area into cylindrical inlet, longitudinal ribs are rotated relative to the support body, whereby thread-cutting segments at least partially cut threads into the at least three eccentric segments to couple drive shaft to support body. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A system (1) for connecting mounting rails comprises a base member (2) and an angular attachment member (3). The base member (2) has an opening (6.1, 6.2) in at least one lateral wall (4.1, 4.2 or 4.3) for passage therethrough of a bolt (7). The openings (6.1, 6.2) are each provided with a collar (10.1, 10.2), which can be brought into engagement with the opening (13) in the attachment member (3). The collar (10.1, 10.2) has at least in an axial region a conical section (8.2) shaped as a clamping cone. At the time of tightening the bolt 7, a form- and force-locking connection between the base member (2) and the attachment member (3) is created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular rivet connection between at least one first (1) and one second metal sheet (2). According to the invention, the tubular rivet (3) is made from the metal of the first metal sheet (1) by deforming, in a drawing direction (Z), the edge area of a first hole (4) located in the first metal sheet (1) into a second, larger hole (5) located in the second metal sheet (2), whereby the second hole (5) located in the second metal sheet (2) is, in particular, gradually enlarged with regard to its diameter in the drawing direction (Z). The invention provides that the tubular rivet (3) is shorter in length in the drawing direction (Z) than the thickness of the second metal sheet (2). To this end, the thickness tolerance of commercially available metal sheets is taken into account and damages to the tools and/or the formation of chips is/are prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line connector having a line attachment portion, a snap-in portion, a snap-on portion, wherein the snap-in and snap-on portions disposed such that the snap-on portions of first and second line connectors will simultaneously attach onto the snap-in portions of one another along a direction of attachment, and wherein an angle between a direction of attachment is no more than about ninety degrees to an axis of line tension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a garment clamping device for automobile antennas upon which a flag or banner may be secured and displayed. The clamping device comprises two generally rectangular shaped halves which are joined together by a hinge strap mechanism. Each half has at least one aperture and at least one corresponding mounting stud for clamping the two halves around an automobile antenna. Further, each half has at least one barb and at least one corresponding aperture located on the other half for holding and supporting a display flag after the apparatus is clamped around the antenna. Extending from one half is a cap for securing the apparatus atop the antenna. In operation, the device is positioned around an antenna and the mounting stud, barbs and respective apertures are engaged. Once engaged, the hinge straps form a cavity wherein the antenna is displaced.

Abstract: A knob for installation on circular and non-circular shafts. The knob includes a hub molded of a thermoplastic material. An elongated socket is formed in the hub and has a transverse cross-section which is complimentary to that of the shaft. Flexible fingers of Y-shaped cross-section are formed in the socket integral with the walls of the socket and spaced from one another around the socket. The flexible fingers extend the length of the socket and are relieved adjacent the shaft receiving entrance to the socket. In a modification, a skirt surrounds the hub and extends outwardly of the socket and the flexible fingers extend outwardly beyond the socket. In another modification, ribs are formed between the fingers.

Abstract: A staple for assisting in the coupling of a shim to a first side surface of a backing plate in a brake assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the staple comprises a head section; a body section coupled to the head section, the body section having a concavity so as to form a recessed region therein; and a leg member, shaped for permitting a portion of the material comprising the backing plate to be displaced towards and into the recessed region as the leg member is piercing the first side surface of, and progressing into, the backing plate; and wherein upon insertion of the body section into the backing plate, the concavity of the body section causes the displaced material to fill the recessed region; whereby a shim mounted onto the first side of the backing plate and secured thereto at least in part by the head section is inhibited from movement on and separation from the first surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A first half part includes a second raised portion and a third raised portion respectively on the inner side of the hollow body and on the outer side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the second raised portion and the third raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. A second half part includes a third raised portion on the outer side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the third raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. An internal member includes a second raised portion on the inner side of the hollow body with respect to a first raised portion, the second raised portion being separated from the first raised portion with a spacing and being lower than the first raised portion. As a result, there is provided a high quality hollow body that can be provided at low cost and is cosmetically appealing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling at least two simple sheet metal elements (1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 21, 21?, 22, 22?) for producing a structural part with open section, preferably U-shaped, or closed section, at least one of the metal elements having a high or very high yield strength and low deformability. The invention is characterized in that the metal elements are formed by at least a folding process; the metal elements are arranged relative to each other along a junction section; the metal elements are assembled by a crimped lap-joint (4) along the junction section of said elements.

Abstract: A cushion body of a rubber-like elastic element having cushioning function in which engagement holes including a cave and a pit are formed. The cave is formed so that a horizontal head of a T-shaped clip is inserted into a space provided at the side of a bottom surface portion. The pit is formed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the cave, and to be opened in the bottom surface portion, permitting a vertical shaft of the clip to be inserted thereinto. The clip is formed with a plastic material and T-shaped and has a plurality of engaging claws flared toward the root portion from an end part of the vertical shaft of the T-shaped portion. The clip is engaged with the engagement holes of the cushion body.

Abstract: A spin-pull blind insert tool utilizes a control system that generates a stop signal based on the relationship between the force values and the motion values derived from the action of the tool mandrel. The improved control system utilizes the shape of the force-deformation curve and not just a given pre-set force value or pull distance. Hence, the control system of the present invention does not require any set-up for changes in panel thickness unless the mandrel is also changed to install a different thread size. This control system develops a force-deformation curve as the fastener is being installed. The stop signal is generated when a pre-set deformation point has been exceeded and the shape of the force curve can be characterized by either of two types. For either type, an algorithm is followed which establishes an optimum stopping point for the installation tool regardless of the panel thickness into which the blind rivet is being installed.

Abstract: A collar for a connection between a resilient tube and a rigid barbed connector. The collar comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve member having interior annular ridges. When the collar is installed on the tube surrounding the barbed connector, the ridges press into the tube and prevent expansion of the tube to prevent leakage between the tube and the connector.

Abstract: A stake can be driven into a surrounding terrain using a point drive system. The stake body is formed of a durable material such as plastic with a pointed bottom end and a top end which can carry a bundle of colored filaments. The stake body has a hollow interior bore extending from a top end opening downwardly to a bottom end in the vicinity of the pointed bottom end of the stake. The hollow interior bore allows the stake to be driven into a surrounding terrain by an extended tool which is received within the interior bore in point drive fashioin.

Abstract: A self-punching fastener (10), which in a way safe against rotation and pressing out can be pressed into a metal sheet member (40) having an annular body, the side of which facing the metal sheet is having radially disposed projections (15, 25), which, during the pressing-in, are pressed into the metal sheet member (40) and thereby are securing the fastener (10) against rotation, wherein in the centre an interior thread (11) is positioned and, wherein on the side facing the metal sheet member (40) in the set state there is provided an annular depression (12) into which the material displaced during the setting is pressed.

Abstract: A system for pivotably coupling components. The system comprises a pivot structure having a head, a body, a deformable retention feature and a stop. The stop is positioned to limit movement of a cooperating deformation tool to ensure predictable pivot spacing.

Abstract: An armature includes a rotary shaft, a core, and a coupling member. The core is formed by using magnetic metal powder and has a tooth. A wire is wound about the tooth. The coupling member has a ductility that is higher than the ductility of the core. The coupling member is located between the core and the rotary shaft. The rotary shaft is press fitted in the coupling member, and the coupling member is press fitted in the core.

Abstract: A sheet metal assembly includes first and second metal sheets having flanges extending from the sheets. The flanges overlap and are in engaged parallel facing relation for a width between outer edges and flanges. At least one pair of self-piercing rivets joins the flanges at spaced locations along the width. The rivets each have a head and a shank extending into the flanges from opposite sides. The rivet heads of each pair are located in opposite flanges and are spaced further from the outer edges of their respective flanges (nearer the load-application ends) than are the shank portions of other rivets of the pair.

Abstract: A fastening tool draws a mandrel (5) to allow a caulking portion of the mandrel to deform a stem of a rivet (2) so that workpieces are fastened together. The fastening tool used in this process includes a nosepiece having a protrusion. During caulking, the protrusion of the nosepiece applies a force on a flange of the rivet to form a recess in the rivet flange and thereby peel a coating of the workpieces. As a result, electrical conductivity between the workpieces and the rivet is obtained.

Abstract: A safety connection intended for suspending objects, for instance curtain rails, rods, towel racks and the like, the safety connection (2) comprising at least one first (3) and one second (4) retaining element, the one retaining element (3; 4), after mounting, being coupled to the object to be suspended, while the other retaining element (4; 3), after mounting, is connected to an environment, the first (3) and second (4) retaining element being detachably coupled to each other such that, under the influence of a particular tensile force (F) applied to those elements (3, 4), these retaining elements (3, 4) disconnect, characterized in that the second retaining element (4) is provided with at least one resilient lip (5), while the first and second retaining elements (3, 4) are arranged to cooperate via that at least one resilient lip (5) for effecting said detachable coupling of the retaining elements (3, 4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for installing a c-clip outside a far end of a passage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises prong members each comprising a prong end, a base end, and a lip part. A base is secured to the base ends, so the prong members are parallel with each other, and so the lip parts form a ring-shaped lip adapted to secure the c-clip. A tube is provided comprising an inner surface having a varying radius. The base inserts the prong members through the tube and against the inner surface, the inner surface forcing the c-clip to close into a closed c-clip. The prong ends are moved at least partially through the rear of the tube, and in some embodiments through a tube extension, permitting a restoring force of the c-clip to open the c-clip.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus is provided for connecting a number of components, in particular for connecting the enclosure parts of circuit breakers. The connection apparatus includes a connecting element which has a shaft, which passes through through-openings which are aligned with one another in the connection, having an insertion end and having a holding end opposite it. In order to achieve a turning or twisting distance which is as short as possible when the connecting element is twisted in order to brace the components while avoiding weakening of the material, the connecting element includes two fixing lugs at the insertion end. These lugs are bent in the form of a circular arc in an initial state and are bent out radially in the mounting state. Alternatively, two fixing lugs which extend like a fork in the shaft longitudinal direction in an initial state and which are bent out radially in the mounting state are provided at the insertion end of the connecting element.

Abstract: A fitting to be removably fastened to a furniture part includes a body, at least one expanding plug anchored in the body, and a pin-shaped expansion part. The body has a projecting supporting throat to protrude into a cavity in the furniture part. The supporting throat has at least one recess into which a projection on the expanding plug extends.

Abstract: A connector for securing a handle to a utensil comprises a male part (14) having a threaded portion (16) adjacent the free end thereof which joins a shaft portion (18) of greater diameter than the threaded portion (16), a female socket part (10) with a complimentary internal screw thread, and a support collar (26) jointed to the socket (10) to overlie the socket (10) and defining an opening (24) for receiving the male part (14) through which the shaft portion (18) extends and which tightly engages the shaft portion (18) when the male and female parts are engaged.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to improve a durability of a cord wound around a connection element and to downsize a cord wound portion, in an elastic coupling structured such that connection elements connected to a drive side yoke and connection elements connected to a driven side yoke are alternately arranged on a circumference, cords are wound around every the mutually adjacent connection elements so as to form a band shape, and the connection elements and the cords are coated by an elastic material, single yarn having a twist number of 10 times per 10 cm or less is used as the cords.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement for restricting an axial movement of a rod member such as an automotive stabilizer supported by a stay member, comprising a tubular retaining assembly fitted on the rod member adjacent to the stay member so that the axial movement of the rod member may be restrained by the engagement between the retaining assembly and the stay member. The retaining assembly may consist of a plurality of part-annular segments or a C-shaped member which can be fitted onto the rod member from sideways, and fully surround the rod member. To ensure a secure attachment of the retaining assembly to the rod member, a rugged member such as abrasive grains or a rugged surface pattern may be interposed between an outer circumferential surface of the rod member and an inner circumferential surface of the retaining assembly.

Abstract: A chain joint for a high-strength link chain is disclosed. The chain joint is formed from two joint parts form-fittingly connected with one another and a center piece braced on the two opposing longitudinal side bars of joint parts. The center piece is detachably disposed with respect to the joint parts. The center piece is formed from a fitting plug and at least one fitting element indicating the specified set-in position of the fitting plug based on resilient material properties. The fitting element serves a fitting sleeve, into which the fitting plug can be set and in which the fitting plug is at least predominantly enclosed.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for securing at least one component to an anchoring component piece includes an abutment plate for contact with the anchoring component piece and a plate contactor notch disposed on the abutment plate for contact with at least one component. In particular, the plate contactor notch includes a clutching surface for contact with at least one component. The locking apparatus further includes a slide aperture disposed on said abutment plate for facilitating attachment of the abutment plate to the anchoring component piece. The slide aperture, in turn, includes a slide aperture correction slot for facilitating resilient displacement of the abutment plate as well as includes a slide aperture mounting slot for receiving a mounting screw that attaches the abutment plate to the anchoring component piece.

Abstract: A clamping chuck has a chuck body made of a dimensionally stable material, on which is provided a clamping sleeve that forms a central receptacle for a workpiece or tool that is to be clamped, and has a clamping mechanism for immobilizing in the receptacle the component that is to be clamped, while elastically deforming the clamping sleeve. There is configured in the chuck body an annular groove which surrounds the receptacle to form the clamping sleeve and is open toward the end face of the chuck body. The clamping mechanism includes a wedge ring that has a ring body and multiple clamping tongues arranged thereon, spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, and projecting substantially axially. The wedge ring possesses a cross section tapering in a wedge shape toward the free end, and it can be pressed axially into the annular groove while radially deforming the clamping sleeve.

Abstract: A glide board, especially a ski or snowboard, is provided with a profile rail system on the top of the board at least in the area of the binding consisting of at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the glide board and serving to fasten functional elements, for example a binding or elements thereof or a binding plate, by pressing functional elements onto the rail.

Abstract: A spindle to aluminum wheel carrier mounting is provided having increased contact area for reducing stress in the aluminum. The wheel assembly comprises a spindle, a wheel carrier, and a fastener. The spindle is comprised of ferrous material and includes a shank portion, a boss portion, and a fastening portion. The boss portion has a monotonically changing diameter along its longitudinal axis. The wheel carrier is adapted to be supported by a suspension system of the vehicle and has a wheel-facing side. The wheel carrier is comprised of aluminum and has a spindle-receiving aperture therethrough. The aperture has a variable diameter along its length to form a boss-receiving socket. The boss-receiving socket has a monotonically changing diameter substantially matching the boss portion. A fastener is joined to the fastening portion and draws the boss portion against the boss-receiving socket. Consequently, stresses in the aluminum wheel carrier are distributed over the boss-receiving socket.

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 connector includes a head from which there extends a split shank. The split shank forms opposing first and second members having an offset or stepped inner surface. The free end of the shank includes a tapered flange provided with a retaining lip which extends beyond the outer surface of the shank. One or more openings may be provided through the shank for receiving a cotter pin.

Abstract: A fastening element for doubleglass panels has a threaded bolt having a forward end and provided with an expansion cone at the forward end, an annular expansion element pushed onto the expansion cone for expansion in a hole drilled in a rear glass panel and provided with an undercut in a region of a bottom of the drilled hole, a cap placed on the expansion element and resting against an end face of the threaded bolt, and a spacing sleeve arranged on a shank of the threaded bolt so as to rest against the rear glass panel and to pass through a front glass panel, the spacing sleeve having a portion engageable in the hole drilled in the rear glass panel and providing an abutment for the expansion element.

Abstract: A method is required in which a plate-like flange member may be firmly secured at the front end of a hollow shaft member through a plastic working treatment by virtue of caulking combination, so as to manufacture a hollow shaft having a flange at one end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a shaft (1) and a hub (2) mounted on said shaft (1). Said hub (2) has an opening (3) which has a composite profile in the direction of its axis (A). Said profile comprises a cylindrical section (Z) and a conical section (K1). The cone-generating angle alpha of the cone (K1) is smaller or equal 5 degree. The transition (e) between the mentioned sections (Z, K1) of the profile is located in the hub opening (3), approximately in the center section of the hub width (B).

Abstract: An improved connecting rod assembly and method for making a connecting rod wherein the installation of the bearing sleeve members in the large bearing end of the connecting rod is improved. The connecting rod is forged, and then notches are cut in the large bearing end to define a separation plane about which the large bearing end is subsequently separated to form a cap member and a body member. Sleeve bearing members are inserted into the cap member and body member. Free ends of the sleeve bearing members project beyond associated surfaces of the cap and body members a predetermined distance. Upon compressive re-attachment of the cap member to the body member, the free ends of the bearing members are compressed and deformed to provide protrusions that extend into the notch. The protrusions help to prevent rotation of the bearing members relative to the bearing housing.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is adapted to engage components for rotation with respect to one another. The fastener assembly includes a support contacting one of the components and a fastener contacting the other one of the components. A body of the fastener extends through apertures defined in the components and in the support. An end portion of the body of the fastener is deformed radially outwardly into engagement with the support. The fastener engages the components and the support upon deformation with sufficient compression along a pivot axis to resist unintended rotation of the components with respect to one another and to permit intended rotation of the components.