Having Plastically Flowable Or Deflectable End, E.g., Rivet, Etc. Patents (Class 411/501)
  • Patent number: 8764363
    Abstract: A riveting structure includes a first workpiece defining a first fixing hole, a second workpiece defining a second fixing hole, a first riveting member and a second riveting member. The first riveting member includes a first head portion and a first riveting portion, the first riveting member defines a riveting hole on the first riveting portion, the first riveting portion extends into the second fixing hole and the first fixing hole. The second riveting member includes a second head portion and a second riveting portion. The second riveting portion extends into the riveting hole of the first riveting member in an interference fit, such that the first workpiece and the second workpiece are fixed together, a receiving chamber is formed between the second head portion and the first riveting portion. The present invention further discloses a riveting method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ren-Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 8763233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a punch rivet for connecting two workpieces. The rivet includes a head and a hollow shank having a shank internal diameter (D3), a shank external diameter (D1) and a shank end face. Located at the shank end face is an annular cutting edge with a diameter (D4) that is smaller than the shank external diameter (D1). The shank internal diameter (D3) merges with the annular cutting edge via a cutting edge radius (R2); and the ratio of the cutting edge radius to the shank external diameter R2/D1 is greater than 0.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Paul Bartig
  • Publication number: 20140178152
    Abstract: One or more ductile metal inserts may be selectively incorporated into articles of limited ductility, including metal castings and molded polymers. The inserts are positioned at joint locations for joining of the article to other articles using self-piercing riveting (SPR). The inserts are of suitable ductility, thickness and strength to receive and retain self-piercing rivets and enable a strong riveted joint between the article and a second article. In an embodiment the articles are magnesium alloy castings formed by any of sand casting, die casting and semi-solid metal casting. The chemical composition of the insert may be informed by the anticipated corrosive environment of the joint and the casting temperature of the magnesium alloy. For magnesium alloy castings which may be exposed to corrosive environments, aluminum alloy inserts are preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Blair E. Carlson, PEI-CHUNG WANG
  • Patent number: 8756790
    Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Woodwelding AG
    Inventors: Colin Clinch, Marcel Aeschlimann, Laurent Torriani, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 8734076
    Abstract: A rivet, in particular a solid rivet, for riveting components, which has a primary head for bearing on a component to be riveted and a rivet shank, which is plastically deformable to form a closing head, joined to the primary head so as to constitute a single piece therewith. The primary head has a greater hardness than the rivet shank. Owing to the greater hardness of the primary head, the rivet joint can be produced in a reliable and cost effective manner, even in the case of a rivet header bearing only partially on the primary head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dussel, Dominique Wagner
  • Patent number: 8727688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a riveting element (R) for riveting parts which are made from composite materials (M1 and M2) and provided with a through-hole. The invention is characterized in that it consists of: a hollow bushing (200) including, at one end, a head (210) bearing on the surface of one of the parts to be assembled and a hollow rod (220); and a semi-tubular insert (100) including a first end (110) capable of being inserted into the hollow part of the bushing (200) and an open end (130) capable of deforming in order to form an enlarged base that bears on the surface of the other part that is to be assembled once the insert (100) is translatably locked inside the bushing (200). The invention also relates to the installation tool configured for one such element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Eris
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Auriol
  • Publication number: 20140133937
    Abstract: A fastener (2) for securing a workpiece comprising a plurality of workpiece members, said fastener comprising a shank (4) and a radially enlarged head (6), wherein the fastener further comprises axial voids (40) and splines (18) provided on the internal wall of the bore of the fastener, such that when the fastener is installed into a workpiece by a mandrel, breakstem or pin, once the shank of the fastener has contacted with the walls of the workpiece apertures, the crests of the splines are deformed by the mandrel, breakstem or pin, and material of the crests is displaced into the voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INFASTECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Tyson, Roger Andrew Williams
  • Publication number: 20140126978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an attachment element (R) comprising a shaft (100) having a first end provided with a head (200) and a second end that is intended to be deformed in order to form a button (300) providing a bearing surface opposite the surface formed by the head (200), said shaft (100) having a nominal diameter (D). The method is characterised in that the element is sized such that the minimum length (L) of the shaft (100) to be deformed to form the button (300) is no less than 1.25 times the nominal diameter (D) of the shaft (100). The invention is suitable for use in the production of attachment elements, such as rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Pierre Auriol
  • Publication number: 20140096366
    Abstract: A connection assembly for attaching metallic and plastic components by a heat staking operation includes a first component, a second component, a compressible protrusion, an annular collar, and a deformable stud. The first component is formed of a metallic material and includes an inner surface. The second component includes an interior surface facing the inner surface of the first component and an opposite exterior surface. The second component includes a plurality of apertures which extend between the interior surface and the exterior surface. During the heat staking operation the deformable stud is deformed so as to restrain relative movement between the first and second components. The compressible protrusion plastically deforms to absorb pressure to prevent cracking of the second component and the annular collar absorbs heat to prevent the second component adjacent the aperture from melting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140093332
    Abstract: A bearing device is disclosed and can include a bushing. The bushing can include a hollow body that can have an internal diameter, IDHB, and proximal ends and distal ends opposite each other. The bushing can also include a first bushing flange extending radially outwardly from the proximal end of the body and an axial extension extending from the distal end of the hollow body. The axial extension is deformable so as to form a second bushing flange extending radially outwardly from the distal and of the hollow body. The axial extension can have an internal diameter, IDAE, ?IDHB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hagan, Abe Sanchez, Brian T. Graham
  • Publication number: 20140068908
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing stripped female thread holes in workpieces that form a support for a direct screw connection. A female thread connector is formed from a pop rivet modified with a rotation-preventing outer surface or layer, and installed in the stripped hole with its inner end protruding from the inner side of the support and enlarged into a secondary head in conventional fashion. The rotation-preventing outer surface engages the hole so that a self-tapping screw can be threaded through the connector rivet to make a solid, durable, blind screw connection between an outer workpiece and the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Hickey
  • Patent number: 8656562
    Abstract: A structure of assembling a plastic locking device with a surface material includes a plastic locking device. A surface material forms holes. The plastic locking device is placed to have through-holes defined therein overlapping the holes of the surface material. Rivet fastener elements are respectively put through the through-holes of the plastic locking device and the holes of the surface material to be subjected to a riveting and fixing operation. The rivet fastener element includes a male button that is made of zinc and forms a pillar and a female button that is made of zinc and forms a hollow tube. Pressurizing equipment is used to couple the pillar and the hollow tube through interference fitting between the pillar and an inner wall of the hollow tube. Locking blocks are formed on the inner wall of the hollow tube to provide a tight interference fitting with respect to the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20140017037
    Abstract: A method for producing a connector, in particular for repair, in particular in the field of aviation and aerospace, including the steps of: providing a base layer; attaching a first layer of fibre composite material having a first rigidity to the base layer; attaching a second layer of fibre composite material having a second rigidity to the first layer, offset therefrom, the second rigidity being greater than the first rigidity; and riveting the first layer to the base layer and riveting the second layer to the first layer and to the base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GmbH
    Inventor: Matthijs Plokker
  • Publication number: 20130340239
    Abstract: A joining method includes punching respective laminated plate materials by a rivet shaft portion of a SPR, forming a crimp portion at the front end of the rivet shaft portion, and fastening and joining the laminated plate materials between the rivet head portion and the crimp portion. Washers are laid on and brought into contact with respective opposite surfaces relative to joining surfaces of the laminated plate materials, the washers each having an inner hole through which the rivet shaft portion is allowed to pass, the washers are used as jigs at the time of the punching, the punching by means of the rivet shaft portion is performed along the inner holes of the washers, and the joining is performed so that the washers left between the rivet head and the crimp portion and the opposite surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: NIHON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masahito Ueda, Hiroyuki Hasegawa, Kinya Watanable, Naoya Fujii
  • Publication number: 20130336745
    Abstract: A self -piercing rivet (10) for forming joints in stacked sheets of high or low strength, light alloy metals such as aluminium and magnesium. The rivet (10) comprises a head (11) and a substantially cylindrical shank (12) that is at least partially hollow so as to define a bore (13) that extends along at least part of its length. The outside diameter (D1) of the shank (12) is at least 6 mm, the effective length of the rivet is at least 1.3 times the diameter of the shank and the bore (13) has a volume that is at least 38% of the effective solid volume of the rivet (10). The rivet geometry is such that it has enhanced column strength to withstand the high insertion forces required and a high bore volume to accommodate displaced sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Henrob Limited
    Inventors: Russell John Trinick, Christopher James Clarke
  • Publication number: 20130322984
    Abstract: An anti-tamper system including: a fixing device and an anti-tamper detection device; the fixing device comprising a body and a head whereby the head having a larger cross section then the body for enabling a tool to engage and drive the body into a first material layer thereby makes a firm connection with the anti-tamper detection device between the head and the first material layer; the fixing device further comprising a lock wherein the head is locked to the body by the lock where there is no external magnetic field and wherein the head becomes disengaged from the body when the lock is unlocked by an external magnetic field; and whereby the anti-tamper detection device detects and records a change the connection when the head becomes disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Ricardo Klatovsky, Jean-Christophe Samin
  • Publication number: 20130294860
    Abstract: A functional element having a functional portion, a generally tubular rivet portion and a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is characterised in that features of shape are provided at the rivet portion for co-movement of the sheet metal part during the formation of the rivet bead, in particular at the free end of the rivet portion and/or at the radially outer side of the rivet portion, at least in the region adjacent the free end of the rivet portion. A component assembly comprising a functional element and a sheet metal part as well as a method for the attachment of a functional element to the sheet metal part are also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jiri BABEJ, Richard HUMPERT
  • Publication number: 20130294866
    Abstract: A punch rivet and a die for the production of a punch rivet connection are described. The punch rivet is characterized by special rivet foot and underhead geometries. In the region of the rivet foot, the shank outer face and shank inner face are connected by way of a small radially outer radius and a larger radially inner radius, which radii merge into one another tangentially. The angle that the common tangent encloses with a radial plane is in the range of 10°±20°. The die is preferably matched to the described punch rivet, but can also be used in combination with conventional punch rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Sumanjit SINGH
  • Publication number: 20130266397
    Abstract: It is possible to compensate for waterproof with a simple structure, and to achieve a reduction in the number of parts and a reduction in the connecting operation time. There is a connecting member that connects a first member 100 to a second member 101, wherein the connecting member is a fastening screw 10, having a head 11 on one side thereof and having a threaded portion 12 on the other side thereof, which performs connecting by fastening, and a plurality of rows of annular grooves 13 are formed in a seat surface 11a of the head 11 around a shaft of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: UNION SEIMITSU Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki AMANO, Shunitirou Ozaki, Kenji Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20130223956
    Abstract: A fastener delivery apparatus includes a nose assembly to releasably hold a fastener. The nose assembly includes a plurality of balls or rollers and associated biasing members to provide a biasing force which biases the balls or rollers such that they engage with the fastener. Each biasing member exerts force in a first direction and an associated ball or roller moves in a second direction which is different from the first direction. A force transfer surface is provided between the ball or roller and the biasing member, the force transfer surface acting to convert at least a component of the force exerted by the biasing member in the first direction into force exerted on the balls or rollers in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Henrob Limited
    Inventor: Wojciech Gostylla
  • Publication number: 20130223923
    Abstract: The present invention relates, amongst other things, to a punch-in element having a hollow head part of larger transverse dimension and a hollow shaft part of smaller transverse dimension which projects away from one side of the head part, wherein a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is formed at the said side of the head part and surrounds the shaft part, with a plurality of ribs at the outer periphery of the shaft part which extend in the axial direction along the shaft part from the sheet metal contact surface to close to the free end of the shaft part. A pre-installation component, a component assembly and a method is also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130224426
    Abstract: A functional element having a head part with a flange and a section projecting away from a first side of the flange which is punching into a sheet metal part without piercing the sheet metal part and also having a shaft part with a longitudinal axis which satisfies a function and which projects away from the side from the flange opposite to the first side. The flange and the section are arranged at least substantially coaxial to the shaft part, with the section, which is formed as a hollow cylinder having ribs extending parallel to the longitudinal direction at its outer jacket surface. At the inner side the section has a diverging truncated cone shape which substantially runs out at the free end, with the truncated cone shape serving for the dilation of the section during punching into the sheet metal part. A component assembly and a method of manufacturing it are also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & CO.KG
    Inventor: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130216331
    Abstract: A riveting structure includes a first workpiece defining a first fixing hole, a second workpiece defining a second fixing hole, a first riveting member and a second riveting member. The first riveting member includes a first head portion and a first riveting portion, the first riveting member defines a riveting hole on the first riveting portion, the first riveting portion extends into the second fixing hole and the first fixing hole. The second riveting member includes a second head portion and a second riveting portion. The second riveting portion extends into the riveting hole of the first riveting member in an interference fit, such that the first workpiece and the second workpiece are fixed together, a receiving chamber is formed between the second head portion and the first riveting portion. The present invention further discloses a riveting method thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: REN-JUN YANG
  • Publication number: 20130205576
    Abstract: A method for the joining of moulded components with a punching, stamping rivet, wherein a punched hole is radially widened in at least certain sections of the moulded components that are to be punched. A punching, stamping rivet is provided which has a deforming section that has a greater external diameter than a punching section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Airbus Operations GmbH
  • Patent number: 8506228
    Abstract: A punch rivet and a die for the production of a punch rivet connection are described. The punch rivet is characterized by special rivet foot and underhead geometries. In the region of the rivet foot, the shank outer face and shank inner face are connected by means of a small radially outer radius and a larger radially inner radius, which radii merge into one another tangentially. The angle that the common tangent encloses with a radial plane is in the range of 10°±20°. The die is preferably matched to the described punch rivet, but can also be used in combination with conventional punch rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Sumanjit Singh, Wolfgang Wenzl
  • Patent number: 8506222
    Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut member can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Timothy Howard Johnson, James Ryunoshin Ross
  • Publication number: 20130202383
    Abstract: A swage collar including a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an outside diameter, a flange extending circumferentially from the first end of the shank and having a outer diameter, and a scalloped shoulder formed at a location where the first end of the shank transitions to the flange. When the swage collar is swaged, the shoulder is deformed from an undeformed state to a deformed state such that the shoulder is blended with the outside diameter of the shank and the outer diameter of the flange. When the shoulder is in its deformed state, it includes multiple curved portions each having a radius of curvature that visually indicates all around the outside diameter of the collar a complete swage of the collar. Knurling located on the outside diameter of the shank and proximate to the second end is deformable and provides a visual indication of the application of an installation tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ALCOA INC.
    Inventor: ALCOA INC.
  • Publication number: 20130189054
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a functional element having a flange section and a connection section, in particular a rivet element, and a pressure plate, in particular a pressure plate having an opening, for attachment to a component, in particular to a panel of composite material or sheet metal, wherein the functional element and the pressure plate are formed to be arranged on opposite sides of a hole of the component and are to be connected together via the connection section which extends through the hole, in particular by riveting, in order to clamp a region of the component surrounding the hole between the flange section and the pressure plate and wherein the pressure side of the pressure plate confronting the component in the attached state is provided with a means providing security against rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Otto-Hahn-Strasse
    Inventor: Otto-Haln-Strasse
  • Publication number: 20130189051
    Abstract: A hollow element such as a hollow rivet or a nut element for attachment to a component consisting of a composite material such as a fiber reinforced plastic part or a fabric reinforced plastic part is presented. The element has a flange part and a shaft part extending away from the flange part and/or a rivet section, wherein the rivet section, is present, can also be formed at the free end of the shaft part, with the a hollow element furthermore having a central passage, which is optionally provided with a thread cylinder. The hollow element is used in combination with an auxiliary tip which is either inserted from the flange side of the element through the passage, or from the side of the free end of the shaft part of the rivet section into the passage, such that a conically converging region of the auxiliary tip projects from the free end of the shaft part or of the rivet section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 8449234
    Abstract: A blind rivet design has an exposed mandrel portion modified from the conventional and standardized mandrel to reduce amount and cost of materials required to produce the mandrel, while also minimizing costs related to production, use, and spent mandrel disposal, all while still making use of conventional riveting tools for rivet setting and maintaining rivet performance. The blind rivet also facilitates feeding of a shortened spent mandrel through conventional riveting tools and into mandrel collection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Harry E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8444354
    Abstract: A mounting/assembly element rivet bush having a deformable first end for insert through items to be connected and a second end for mounting a nut. A draw tool having a break zone is located in the first end of the rivet bush, and the second end of the rivet bush is provided with a non-cylindrical internal cross section which cooperates with an insertion tool, such as an Allen wrench. When the mounting/assembly element is held fast in the items to be connected, the part of the break zone of the draw tool for the deformation of the rivet bush is lying in the deformable first end of the rivet bush. A counter-hold for torsion forces which arise with the dismounting and remounting of the nut is produced with the insertion tool thereby achieving a considerably greater tightening effect and also ensuring that the mounting/assembly element can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: HN3D Holding ApS
    Inventor: Hans Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20130121788
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved bicycle tooth plate rivet comprising a metal shaft; and wherein the metal shaft comprises a first shaft section and a second shaft section. The first shaft section is forged to form a rivet head and the second shaft section is attached to the bottom of the rivet head to form a rivet rod such that the hardness of the rivet head is advantageously greater than the one of the rivet rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: CHUAN LI PRECISE INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chuan Li Precise Industries Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8434984
    Abstract: A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Polaris Fastening Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Rahmatollah F. Toosky
  • Publication number: 20130055549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for installing a rivet (R, R?, R?, R2) for the purpose of assembling at least two elements (300, 400) through which a hole passes, in which the rivet (R) is positioned in said hole and is of the type comprising a head (100) coming to rest on the edge of the hole and a tubular or semi-tubular rod (200) of which the free open end (220) is deformed, for the purpose of creating a bearing surface, in which a snap (B, B?) ensures the deformation of said free end (220) by bringing the snap (B, B?) toward the first tool, remarkable in that it consists of interposing a film (500, 600, 700) of material between the snap (B, B?) and the end to be deformed during installation. The invention also relates to a corresponding rivet and installation tool. Applications: rivet installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Pierre Auriol, Jean-Marc Auriol
  • Patent number: 8388292
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to join a first structure to a second structure, comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad L. Kirkwood, Lee C. Firth, Richard D. Widdle, Wesley B. Crow
  • Patent number: 8365387
    Abstract: A rivet, including: at least one side wall extending from a first side of a sheet of material, formed from the same material as the sheet of material, and including respective inside surfaces; and a space at least partly enclosed by the respective inside surfaces. The space is open at a second side of the sheet of material. In one embodiment, the at least one side wall is cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment, the rivet includes an end wall formed of the same piece of material as the at least one side wall and defining one end of the space, the space is cylindrical in shape, the space has a first portion aligned with the sheet of material and a second portion partially defined by the end wall, and a diameter for the first portion is less than the diameter for the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jonathan Jameson
  • Patent number: 8366363
    Abstract: A blind rivet assembly is provided. In another aspect, a blind rivet has ends that are received within countersinks in one or more workpieces and a mandrel head is completely pulled through the rivet without being severed from a mandrel stem. A further aspect includes a mandrel with an outwardly tapering shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven V. Jones, John Davies
  • Publication number: 20130004263
    Abstract: A shaft, a factory head, and a conical recess form a rivet. The shaft is cylindrical and includes a diameter, a first end, and a second end, the second end having a deformable portion to form a shop head. The factory head is connected to the first end of the shaft and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft. The conical recess is preformed in the factory head coaxial with the shaft and narrows while extending into the factory head towards the shaft. The conical recess has an angle between 100 degrees and 135 degrees and a depth between 0.0254 centimeters and 0.1016 centimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Leonard Paul Palmisano
  • Patent number: 8328483
    Abstract: There is provided a blind rivet (10) comprising an axially extending hollow tubular body (18) having a tail end face (22) at one end and a pre-formed radially enlarged flange (20) at the other end, together with a mandrel (30) having a stem (32) which extends co-axially though the body (18) and having enlarged head adjacent the tail end (22) of the body, the stem having a weakened region immediately adjacent the head, whereby the mandrel head having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the body, usually by between 4% and 9%, and which has a uniform conical shoulder (38) extending between the outer diameter of the head and the stem (32), so as to exert a setting force having an axial component for compressing the rivet body axially and an angular component effecting conical deformation of the tail end radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven V. Jones, Stephen Morris, James Hughes
  • Patent number: 8328484
    Abstract: A self-piercing rivet includes a substantially cylindrical shank having an outside diameter and a head. The shank has a central blind bore that defines an inside diameter and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Henrob Limited
    Inventor: Russell J. Trinick
  • Patent number: 8328489
    Abstract: An adjustable strap handle that can be used in connection with a packaging frame. The strap handle provides not only that the effective length of the strap is adjustable, but also provides that no tool needs to be used to install the strap. Additionally, a dual head self-pierce rivet is described that can be used in connection with a packaging frame, specifically to secure cardboard edge pieces to thin sheet metal or cardboard corner pieces and provide structure with which strap handles can engage. The dual head self-pierce rivet has a shank and a poke at its end. The poke is configured to pierce through the cardboard edge pieces of a cube frame, advance into the edge pieces, and flare into a profiled anvil. While a lower head of the rivet seats against the cardboard, an upper head contains and holds a strap handle in a ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Hovestadt, Robert Francis McPherson
  • Publication number: 20120308329
    Abstract: A functional element (10), for fixing to a piece of sheet metal (40), such as for example, a nut element or a bolt element with a body section or head section, comprising an annular flange (14) which transforms into a cylindrical rivet section, is characterized in that the transformation from annular flange into the rivet section is formed by an at least essentially conical surface, forming a contact surface for a corresponding conical region of a piece of sheet metal, which, on fixing the functional element to a piece of sheet metal, is clamped between the side of the annular flange facing the rivet section and an annular bead (50) formed from the rivet section. An assembled component and a method for the fixing of a functional element are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: PROFIL Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Jiri BABEJ, Wolfgang HOESSRICH
  • Patent number: 8323272
    Abstract: A medical device implant made with a shape-memory material is originally produced in a “permanent” configuration. The implant is then “programmed” into a temporary (typically smaller sized) configuration to facilitate implantation, after which, an external stimulus activates the implant to return to its permanent configuration. Apparatus and methods include inserting a first portion of the implant into an aperture of a compression fixture base, heating the implant, and then driving and compressing the remaining portion of the implant, which has a different, typically larger profile than that of the first portion, into the aperture with a compression fixture cover to “program” the remaining portion. The resulting programmed implant has first and remaining portions that have identical, or substantially identical, profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Roy Junius Rusly, Jhordan Gil
  • Patent number: 8297899
    Abstract: A clinch-type fastener is formed by simultaneously creating an undercut during the same forging that creates the head and displacer of the fastener. A fastener blank is compressed end-to-end between top and bottom dies whereby the axial compression of a blank causes the outward bulging of the shank at its midline. Simultaneously, a tapered end point and a tangential interference band are formed provided by a curvilinear-shaped bulge in the shank. As the bulge is formed an undercut is created between the bulge and a shoulder which extends downwardly from a head of the fastener. This method of formation and the fastener produced thereby are particularly suited to the manufacture of small clinch pins having a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: PEM Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Maloney
  • Patent number: 8230571
    Abstract: A self-attaching fastener and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel surrounding the panel opening. The method of installation includes driving the free end of the tubular barrel portion against a substantially planar die surface, deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion and forming an annular surface engaging and supporting the panel surrounding the opening. The die member includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Whitesell International Corporation
    Inventor: Zdravko Kovac
  • Publication number: 20120180305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a punch rivet for connecting two workpieces. The rivet includes a head and a hollow shank having a shank internal diameter (D3), a shank external diameter (D1) and a shank end face. Located at the shank end face is an annular cutting edge with a diameter (D4) that is smaller than the shank external diameter (D1). The shank internal diameter (D3) merges with the annular cutting edge via a cutting edge radius (R2); and the ratio of the cutting edge radius to the shank external diameter R2/D1 is greater than 0.3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Paul BARTIG
  • Patent number: 8172326
    Abstract: A pivot joint assembly includes a bar generally defining an outer cylindrical surface. The bar has first and second beads extending outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The first and second beads are spaced apart from one another along the length of the bar. At least one of the first and second beads is an integrally formed portion extended outwardly from the outer cylindrical surface. The assembly further includes a mounting member having opposed first and second sides. The mounting member has a hole formed therein. The bar is disposed in the hole such that the mounting member is disposed between the first and second beads such that bar rotates relative to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Adragna, David J. Abdella, Kevin Fudala
  • Publication number: 20120076612
    Abstract: An article of manufacture selected from a titanium alloy fastener and a titanium alloy fastener stock including an alpha/beta titanium alloy comprising, in percent by weight: 3.9 to 4.5 aluminum; 2.2 to 3.0 vanadium; 1.2 to 1.8 iron; 0.24 to 0.3 oxygen; up to 0.08 carbon; up to 0.05 nitrogen; titanium; and up to a total of 0.3 of other elements. In certain embodiments, article of manufacture has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 170 ksi (1,172 MPa) and a double shear strength of at least 103 ksi (710.2 MPa). A method of manufacturing a titanium alloy fastener and a titanium alloy fastener stock comprising the alpha/beta alloy is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20120076611
    Abstract: An article of manufacture selected from a titanium alloy fastener and a titanium alloy fastener stock including an alpha/beta titanium alloy comprising, in percent by weight: 3.9 to 5.4 aluminum; 2.2 to 3.0 vanadium; 1.2 to 1.8 iron; 0.24 to 0.3 oxygen; up to 0.08 carbon; up to 0.05 nitrogen; titanium; and up to a total of 0.3 of other elements. In certain embodiments, article of manufacture has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 170 ksi (1,172 MPa) and a double shear strength of at least 103 ksi (710.2 MPa). A method of manufacturing a titanium alloy fastener and a titanium alloy fastener stock comprising the alpha/beta alloy is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20120060338
    Abstract: A self-piercing rivet includes a substantially cylindrical shank having an outside diameter and a head. The shank has a central blind bore that defines an inside diameter and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HENROB LIMITED
    Inventor: John Russell Trinick