Abstract: A plug-in coupling for removably interconnecting a first structural member and a second structural member comprises a resiliently deformable female coupling part adapted to be inserted into a socket at the first structural member such that it is retained therein. The female coupling part comprises a ball-shaped cup, an intermediate annular wall integral with said ball-shaped cup and serving as a guide portion, and a tubular external wall integral with said annular intermediate wall. The external wall surrounds at least a part of the ball-shaped cup in spaced relation thereto and engages a peripheral wall of the socket when the female coupling part is inserted into the socket. A male coupling part comprises a ball-shaped head and a fixing portion for securing the male coupling part to the second structural member. The intermediate annular wall of the female coupling part is of an undulated shape at least in a certain area thereof.

Abstract: A fluid-tight, adjustable and self-locking threaded connection assembly comprising a nut and a bolt. The nut which is adapted to be fixed to a first structural member has a bore comprising a threaded portion and a smooth cylindrical portion. The bolt which is adapted to be removably connected to a second structural member has an intermediate portion provided with a plurality of circumferential sealing lips. The sealing lips are dimensioned with respect to said smooth cylindrical portion of the nut bore such that it is slidingly urged against said smooth portion of the nut bore when the bolt is adjusted relative to the nut. As a result thereof the threaded connection assembly is fluid-tight and self-locking while being adjustable.

Abstract: A drive system for a fastening tool, in particular a riveting tool, includes a punch for a fastening operation and a clamp axially moveable relative to the punch for clamping the workpieces during the fastening operation. The punch is actuated by a drive so as to be displaced axially. During such operation the drive force exerted upon the punch is transmitted to the clamp by force transmitting means comprising an air pressure chamber of variable volume.

Abstract: A joining assembly for mounting a fastening element of thermoplastic material to an external surface of a structural member of thermoplastic material. The fastening element and the structural member are provided with a joining projection and, respectively, a joining extension have matingly shaped joining surfaces which are integrally joined to each other by melting.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive mechanism to actuate a tool for joining at least two work-pieces of ductile material such as by self-piercing riveting or clinching. The drive mechanism comprises a punch drive for actuating a punch and a clamp drive for actuating a clamp which clamps the workpieces against an up-setting die during the joining operation. Both drives comprise piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assembly of the clamp drive is carried by the piston rod of the punch drive. The pressure chamber of the clamp drive communicates with one of the work chambers of the punch drive such that pressure within the work chamber of the punch drive is transmitted to the pressure chamber of the clamp drive in order to generate the clamping force. As a result thereof only a pair of fluid connections are required for operating both drives.

Abstract: An adapter for removably holding a cellular phone on a belt clip to be secured to a belt. The adapter comprises a mounting portion adapted to be mounted to the cellular phone, a holding portion adapted to be received in a U-shaped seat of the belt clip, and a connecting portion between said mounting and holding portions. The connecting portion comprises a hinge means enabling pivotal movements of said holding portion relative to said mounting portion. Due to this structure inadvertent pivotal movements of the cellular phone relative to the belt clip secured to the belt do not result in the adapter being broken off of the cellular phone causing damages to or even destruction of the cellular phone.

Abstract: A plug-in coupling having vibration damping characteristics. An elastomeric insert member comprising a ball-shaped female part is inserted into a socket integral with a member so as to be positively retained therein. The plug-in coupling can be easily assembled and disassembled.

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.