Abstract: The present disclosure is related to pierce nuts and, more particularly, to pierce nuts for thin and ultra-thin metal sheets. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe lightweight, high strength, structural nuts designed to pierce and clinch in ultra-high strength thin gage materials and ultra-thin metals. The pierce nuts include cavities radially disposed on a bottom surface having a teardrop radial form which allows for usage in thin ultra-high strength metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prevailing torque lock nuts and, more particularly, to a low profile lock nut that maintains the same strength as its higher profile counterparts. The present lock nut is a non-metallic lock having an inner recess so as to receive a plastic insert, such as a nylon insert. In some embodiments, the plastic insert is a temperature resistant plastic insert capable of withstanding high temperatures. Further, in some embodiments, the present lock nut is manufactured to have increased hardness levels and subject to enhanced plating process that ensure superior corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An electrical connection includes an elongate stud defining a central longitudinal axis, and having a patterned segment, a shoulder, and a flange. The shoulder is generally circular in cross-section having one or more outwardly directed curved surfaces. The shoulder may have an outer continuous curved surface, an outer continuous undulating curved surface, an outer continuous undulating curved surface including alternating sectors of concave and convex regions relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate stud. Convex regions of the shoulder define corresponding flutes whose cross sections each form a fraction of a first circle, and concave regions define corresponding lobes whose cross sections each form a fraction of a second circle. A diameter or radius of the first and second circles are the same. In an aspect, the diameters or radii of the first and second circles are different. The shoulder may be multilobular, pentalobular, hexalobular or octalobular.

Abstract: A spring clip fastener includes a body member, a base member, first and second carrier members on opposite edges of the base member, first and second positioning members carried by the first and second carrier members, and first and second locking members carried by the first and second carrier members. The body member is configured to receive an associated joining fastener along a first body member axis to selectively couple a first panel with the spring clip apparatus. The first and second carrier members are insertable into an opening in a second panel. The first and second locking members are directed towards the base member and include distal ends extending outwardly of the base member to selectively fasten the second panel between the distal ends and the base member.

Abstract: A press-on clip retainer includes a base member and a plurality of tab members extending form the base member. The base member includes a hub portion, blade members, and defines a plane P and an opening, wherein the opening allows for selective passage of an associated fastener through the hub portion. The tab members are circumferentially disposed around the opening to form a channel to receive the fastener in the channel and through the opening along a longitudinal axis L. Each tab member includes on a proximal end thereof, a wedge portion provided inwardly directed relative to the longitudinal axis L. An affixing portion is provided on the distal end of each tab member, the affixing portion being disposed substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis L, wherein a free end of the affixing portion is directed towards the hub portion and engaging members project inwardly from the affixing portion.

Abstract: An electrical connection includes an elongate stud defining a central longitudinal axis, and having a patterned segment, a shoulder, and a flange. The shoulder is generally circular in cross-section having one or more outwardly directed curved surfaces. The shoulder may have an outer continuous curved surface, an outer continuous undulating curved surface, an outer continuous undulating curved surface including alternating sectors of concave and convex regions relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate stud. Convex regions of the shoulder define corresponding flutes whose cross sections each form a fraction of a first circle, and concave regions define corresponding lobes whose cross sections each form a fraction of a second circle. A diameter or radius of the first and second circles are the same. In an aspect, the diameters or radii of the first and second circles are different. The shoulder may be multilobular, pentalobular, hexalobular or octalobular.

Abstract: A spring clip fastener includes a body member, a base member, first and second carrier members on opposite edges of the base member, first and second positioning members carried by the first and second carrier members, and first and second locking members carried by the first and second carrier members. The body member is configured to receive an associated joining fastener along a first body member axis to selectively couple a first panel with the spring clip apparatus. The first and second carrier members are insertable into an opening in a second panel. The first and second locking members are directed towards the base member and include distal ends extending outwardly of the base member to selectively fasten the second panel between the distal ends and the base member.

Abstract: A pierce nut installation head for installing a pierce nut onto a sheet metal panel. The installation head is mounted to a press which compresses the installation head against the sheet metal panel. This process causes a plunger to drive a pierce nut into engagement with the sheet metal panel for installation. The installation head provides improvements in terms of its compactness, number of components, and ease of servicing.