Abstract: A fastening device for connecting an attachment to a support part has a cover plate and side walls which are integrally formed on the cover plate and form a U-shaped profile. Mutually opposite edge wings and supporting cheeks supported on supporting edges are present on shaft arms. This results in a highly rigid, block-like construction of the fastening device which is highly resistant to very high pull-out forces.

Abstract: A striker may engage a latch mechanism of a vehicle—the latch mechanism of the vehicle being capable of being latched and unlatched—to help prevent chucking of the vehicle and to assist in opening a door of the vehicle. The striker may comprise a base, a post attached to the base, a plate positionable relative to the post to a first position adjacent the post and a second position spaced from the post. The striker may further comprise a biasing member engaged with the plate, wherein the biasing member positions the plate to the first position when the latch mechanism is unlatched.

Abstract: A metal-stamping die or tool is provided. Another aspect uses an additive manufacturing machine and material to create a die. A further aspect provides a method of making a die from an additive manufacturing process and/or using such a die to stamp a metal part, such as a fastener or clip.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment fastener that comprises a body (1) extending in an axial direction, with a head (2), a leg (3) and a skirt-shaped flexible collar (4) provided between the head (2) and the leg (3), and annular sealing washer (5) for sealing the length of a peripheral edge (42) of the collar (4), said sealing washer (5) having a lower surface (57) directed towards the opposite side of the collar (4) having at least one annular bead defining a first sealing line on the lower surface (57) of the washer (5). The sealing washer (5) is adapted to be removably attached onto said peripheral edge (32) of the collar (4), and comprises an upper surface opposite the lower surface (57), which defines an annular shoulder protruding on the side of the collar (4) and on which bears said peripheral edge (42) of the collar (4), said annular shoulder defining another sealing line on the upper surface of the washer (5).

Abstract: A device for retaining an attached part on a carrier part, including a clip part and an unlocking part displaceably supported in the clip part. In a release position of the unlocking part, latching legs of the clip part engage behind the carrier part while, in a dismantling position of the unlocking part, the latching legs are not engaged with the carrier part so that the attached part can be removed from the carrier part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning, holding and moving formed adhesive elements (40) to a heated bonding part (42) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hopper (12) movably positioned over a matrix plate (14). The matrix plate includes a nesting matrix (18) defined by formed adhesive element-receiving apertures (22). An ejector system (20) is fitted beneath the matrix plate and includes a body (24) having a vacuum chamber (26) with an air inlet (28) and an air exhaust (30). The chamber is fluidly continuous with the apertures formed in the matrix plate (14). The ejector system includes a lifting body to which ejector stamps (34,34?) and an inlet shut off shaft are attached. Channels for the ejector stamps are formed in the body of the ejector system. The ejector stamps are movably fitted in the apertures and the channels. In operation, the hopper (12) slides over the matrix and deposits formed adhesive elements into the apertures (22) then slides away.

Abstract: A solar panel securing system is provided. In another aspect, a solar or photovoltaic panel assembly is mounted to a building roof in a screw-free manner. Another aspect employs a snap-in connection between a member pre-assembled to a solar panel and a roof-mounted bracket. A further aspect adhesively bonds a bracket directly to a glass surface of a solar panel. A method of securing a solar panel is additionally provided.

Abstract: An attachment system is provided. In another aspect, an elongated member is inserted through support assembly to secure the support assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs a bracket having a guide pin that engages a pin receptacle on a stand as the bracket is lowered onto the stand. A method of attaching a solar panel to a building is additionally provided.

Abstract: A device for holding an add-on part on a support part in an assembly position and in a pull-out position. The device includes an insertion clip and a plug-in part. In an assembly position of the add-on part on the support part, the plug-in part is in engagement with the insertion clip whereas, after the add-on part has been spaced apart from the support part, the plug-in part can be disengaged from the insertion clip by displacement in the direction of a foot end of the insertion clip and can be removed together with the add-on part, which is connected to the plug-in part, from the insertion clip which remains in the support part.

Abstract: An integrated airbag assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a support structure that provides a single, unitary component that is securable to the airbag and other components, such as grab handles and coat hooks. The airbag, the grab handles and the coat hooks secure to the support structure, such s by snap-fitting to the support structure. The assembly including the airbag, the grab handle and/or the coat hook is mountable to the vehicle, such as by snap-fitting the assembly to a roof rail of the vehicle. Accordingly, the assembly improves installation of the airbag and other components to the vehicle.

Abstract: An expanding rivet formed with a rivet body and with a rivet pin includes foot webs formed on the rivet pin, which foot webs project laterally in a pre-fitting position relative to spring arms formed on the rivet body. As a result, the free ends of the spring arms are protected against damage when the expanding rivet is inserted into a locating recess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring formed adhesive elements from a reservoir (30) containing plural formed adhesive elements (12) to a bonding part attachable to a glass surface or other substrate through the use of adhesives. Transfer of the formed adhesive element to the bonding part (14) is accomplished by use of a vacuum tool (10) having a vacuum outlet, an internal plenum, and a series of vacuum lines formed in an adhesive element holding face. The vacuum tool is positioned over a reservoir of formed adhesive elements. Once the formed adhesive elements have been captured by the vacuum tool (10) the tool is used to place them into contact with the heated bonding part (14) directly or indirectly by intermediate placement onto a matrix (60) having a plurality of ejector pins (72) movably fitted therein. The ejector pins move the formed adhesive elements into position against the bonding part.

Abstract: A fastener is provided with a snap-fitting leg to be pushed through an opening of a panel, the snap-fitting leg including a flat rigid core which extends in an axial direction and at least one curved flexible flange having an inner longitudinal edge running alongside the core which is separated from a free outer longitudinal edge of the flange by a web with a concave inner surface. A stiffening rib is provided on the concave surface of the web of the flange. The rib connects to the free outer longitudinal edge of the flange at two remote points substantially aligned in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method for the attachment of a formed adhesive element (34,34?) to a hot bonding part (10) in a practical and efficient way is disclosed. The formed adhesive element may be attached to the hot bonding part by the end-user prior to attachment of the hot bonding part to the substrate. In order to attach the formed adhesive element (34,34?) to the bonding part according to the disclosed invention, the bonding part (10) is heated then is moved in position over the formed adhesive element positioned on a detent of a matrix plate (36). Thereafter the hot bonding part is moved into contact with the formed adhesive element or the formed adhesive element is moved against the hot bonding part. The bonding part, now having the formed adhesive element attached, is ready for attachment to the substrate. One or more formed adhesive elements may be attached to the bonding part. Attachment of the formed adhesive elements to the bonding part may be done manually or mechanically.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly attachment apparatus is provided including a strut defining a generally U-shaped channel; an electrically conductive grounding clip; and a panel retainer. Upon insertion of the panel retainer into a housing receptacle of the clip, a clip slot and a panel body slot are aligned to allow passage of the portion of the solar panel frame. Advancing the solar panel frame through the aligned clip slot and panel body slot compresses a spring to secure the solar panel frame while barbs electrically connect and provide a ground to the solar panel frame.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for thermoelectric generation of electrical energy, a base part and an opposing piece are provided, between which a thermoelectric element is arranged and which can be connected to one another as a physical unit via latching elements which are formed on an attachment adaptor. The thermoelectric element can therefore be fixed with relatively low mechanical loads, and the physical unit can be arranged in a compact form at an installation location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for setting a fastener element (55) having an inner pin (56) slidable relative to an outer body (57) and comprising a locking arrangement (32, 33; 38, 39) comprising a bolt (19) provided for acting on the inner pin (56) and secured in a retracted position against axial displacement into an advanced position after relatively spacing a handle body (52) and an actuating organ (8, 46). When the actuating organ (8, 46) is actuated by a displacement opposite the retraction direction, an unlatching organ (40, 41) acts on the locking arrangement (32, 33; 38, 39) and releases the bolt (19) for displacing into the advanced position. Very simple handling of the manually actuated device is thus ensured.

Abstract: A spring clip includes two articulated legs having engagement tongues for engagement with an external thread of a threaded shank, and at least one spring leg extending away from a base plate and arranged on a side of the base plate opposite the articulated legs. Engagement of the engagement tongues with the external thread is improved by the spring force exerted by the spring legs. Manipulation tongues are provided for assembly and disassembly of the spring clip, and ensure torque-free handling of the spring clip.