Abstract: A clinch fastener includes a shaft defining a central axis and a head having an outer periphery cooperating with the shaft. A plurality of ribs disposed under the head to engage a workpiece. The plurality of ribs extending radially outward in a direction from a displacement collar positioned proximate the central axis of the clinch fastener to the outer periphery of the head. Each of the plurality of ribs includes multiple sections forming at least a sidewall and a parametric profile for each rib. The clinch fastener includes a retaining ring cooperating with the shaft and a retaining groove cooperating with the shaft positioned between the displacement collar and retaining ring. The plurality of ribs and displacement collar are configured to radially displace workplace material into the retaining groove and diffuse stress within the workpiece material when the fastener is secured to the workpiece.

Abstract: A clinch fastener that includes a plurality of ribs disposed under a head of the clinch fastener, wherein the ribs are specifically configured to displace host material more evenly than conventional clinch fasteners. To that end, in cross section, along a line, arc, or combination, going from a central axis of the clinch fastener to an outer periphery of the head of the clinch fastener, each rib preferably provides a curved surface that is formed of multiple sections, wherein different radii define at least two of the sections. The configuration of the ribs allows for a vented escape of host material beyond the rib outside diameter and provides for radially focused material displacement, thereby releasing stress within the host material and reducing warping during clinching.

Abstract: A clinch fastener that includes a plurality of ribs disposed under a head of the clinch fastener, wherein the ribs are specifically configured to displace host material more evenly than conventional clinch fasteners. To that end, in cross section, along a line, arc, or combination, going from a central axis of the clinch fastener to an outer periphery of the head of the clinch fastener, each rib preferably provides a curved surface that is formed of multiple sections, wherein different radii define at least two of the sections. The configuration of the ribs allows for a vented escape of host material beyond the rib outside diameter and provides for radially focused material displacement, thereby releasing stress within the host material and reducing warping during clinching.

Abstract: An articulating locking mechanism includes a support bracket with an upwardly opening receiving slot having an open top portion and closed bottom portion. A spring member is coupled to the support bracket at a mounting portion and includes a ramp portion disposed adjacent to the receiving slot. A pivot member includes a pivot bushing and a rotating mounting shaft extending outwardly from the pivot bushing. The pivot bushing is received in the receiving slot of the support bracket, and is retained by the ramp portion of the spring member when the pivot bushing is fully seated in the receiving slot of the support bracket.

Abstract: A seat back pivot assembly includes a floor mounting bracket and a seat bushing assembly. The floor mounting bracket includes a receiver having an entry end, a locating end and a neck between the entry end and the locating end. The seat bushing assembly includes a shoulder bolt, a bushing and a spring. A shoulder on a head end of the shoulder bolt is received and held in the locating end of the receiver when the seat back pivot assembly is fully assembled.

Abstract: A seat back pivot assembly includes a floor mounting bracket and a seat bushing assembly. The floor mounting bracket includes a receiver having an entry end, a locating end and a neck between the entry end and the locating end. The seat bushing assembly includes a shoulder bolt, a bushing and a spring. A shoulder on a head end of the shoulder bolt is received and held in the locating end of the receiver when the seat back pivot assembly is fully assembled.

Abstract: An articulating locking mechanism includes a support bracket with an upwardly opening receiving slot having an open top portion and closed bottom portion. A spring member is coupled to the support bracket at a mounting portion and includes a ramp portion disposed adjacent to the receiving slot. A pivot member includes a pivot bushing and a rotating mounting shaft extending outwardly from the pivot bushing. The pivot busing is received in the receiving slot of the support bracket, and is retained by the ramp portion of the spring member when the pivot busing is fully seated in the receiving slot of the support bracket.