Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.

Abstract: A self-tapping and self-polishing blind setting rivet assembly comprises a rivet body having a tubular sleeve and a flattened head. The rivet body surrounds a mandrel that may have a weakened area to allow detachment upon application of sufficient axial force to the shank. The axial force also sets the rivet by causing a tapered shoulder section of the mandrel to deform the rivet sleeve. The mandrel shank may be terminated in a screw tip. This screw tip punctures, spreads, self-taps, and self-polishes an aperture in the work pieces through which the rivet sleeve passes. The mandrel's shank may have a weakened area of reduced diameter adjacent to the screw tip that allows detachment of shaft following application of sufficient axial force to the shank. This application of force causes the tapered shoulder section of the screw tip to compress and deform the rivet sleeve setting the rivet.

Abstract: A blind setting rivet assembly capable of permanently fastening sheet metal work pieces or the like together comprises a rivet body having a hollow tubular sleeve and an enlarged flattened head. The rivet body surrounds a mandrel that may have a weakened area to allow detachment of the mandrel shaft following application of sufficient axial force to the shank. This application of force sets the rivet by causing a tapered shoulder section of the mandrel to deform the rivet sleeve. The mandrel shank is terminated in a coring head that cores an aperture in the workpieces through which the rivet sleeve passes. The mandrel shank includes a weakened area of reduced diameter adjacent to the screw tip that allows detachment of shaft following application of sufficient axial force to the shank. This application of force causes the tapered shoulder section of the screw tip to compress and deform the rivet sleeve setting the rivet.

Abstract: An emergency signaling device comprises a flexible substrate stowed in the trunk of a vehicle for extending from a folded position to an extended position, for conveying a message to motorists approaching the vehicle. The emergency signaling device may extend from the trunk of the vehicle upon activation of a remote trunk release when a hazard flasher system is on, or the like. The emergency signaling device may be removed from the vehicle for use as an emergency signaling device.

Abstract: A rivet setting device for setting a self-tapping rivet in a work piece includes a rotatable head for rotating a self-tapping rivet to form a hole in the work piece and a shank retracting assembly for compressing and spreading the hollow body of the self-tapping rivet, allowing the head of the self-tapping rivet to detach from the shank upon application of a predetermined tensile force. The rotatable head comprises a clutch having a body enclosing a plurality of bearings circumferentially located around the shank, for gripping the shank. The clutch is formed with a plurality of tapered channels for urging the bearings into engagement with the shank upon rotation of the clutch.

Abstract: A blind setting rivet assembly capable of permanently fastening one or more sheet metal work pieces or the like together is disclosed. The rivet assembly may be self polishing and self tapping and may also provide a hollow cylindrical threaded bolt head onto which a nut may be affixed to provide a means to removably attach other work pieces, components or the like. The rivet assembly comprises a rivet body having a hollow tubular sleeve and an enlarged flattened head. The rivet body surrounds a mandrel that may have a weakened area of reduced diameter to allow detachment of the mandrel shaft following application of sufficient axial force to the shank. This application of force sets the rivet by causing a tapered shoulder section of the mandrel to deform the rivet sleeve. The mandrel shank may be terminated in a screw tip. This screw tip punctures, spreads, self-taps, and self-polishes an aperture in the work pieces through which the rivet sleeve passes.