Abstract: In order to prevent wood fringes at the edge of a hole from a countersunk screw (1), the screw-head (2) is provided with a tapering underside and inclined milling-ribs (8) on the tapering underside. Each milling-rib (8) has a planar front-side (15) delimited by smoothly curved convex milling-edge (17) for milling the material during countersinking of the screw-head (2).

Abstract: A securing element includes a threaded region, wherein a securing rotational direction and an axial clamping direction are defined by the thread design. The securing element has a head with a head lower face which faces the clamping direction and via which a force-fitting connection with a component can be produced. The head is designed such that the head lower face has an edge region at a radial distance from the head center, and the contour of the head lower face runs opposite the clamping direction in the direction of the head center starting from the edge region, whereby a spring effect can be produced. The edge region has a changing circumferential level in the axial direction. Opposite the securing rotational direction, the circumferential level rises at a rising angle of maximally 15° in the clamping direction over a central angle of at least 65°.

Abstract: A fiducial marker and method for use in the navigation of a surgical procedure is described. The fiducial marker includes a means to readily guide a navigation probe and includes an upper surface with a sloped guide surface for guiding the probe, the upper surface further including a substantially centrally positioned well to receive at least part of the probe. The guide surface may alternatively be configured to align with a complementary portion of part of the navigation probe.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: There is provided a caulking bolt which can be fastened by a general nut even when used to fix thin plates to each other, and which can also provide fitting strength similar to that of conventional products. The caulking bolt includes a head part and a shaft part, and has a non-circular, flat, rotation preventive protrusion formed on a seat surface of the head part. Also, the upper end of a normal complete thread part formed in the shaft part is brought close to the seat surface of the head part with a distance of 3 pitches or less, and an incomplete thread part formed at the portion of 3 pitches or less is used as a stopper part into which a metal flows when the caulking bolt is driven into a metal plate.

Abstract: An assembly as a junction box replacement, having at least two electrical cables (4). A case (1) encases the ends (40) of the electrical cables (4). Clamping means (2) is arranged so as to extend around at least part of the case (1) and around the electrical cables (4) and is clamped for mutual strain relief. The invention further relates to a method for installing an assembly as a junction box replacement with the following steps: contacting the electrical conductors (41) by means of electrical terminals (42), inserting the ends (40) of the electrical cables (4) into the case (1) through the clamping means (2), which is not yet clamped, and tightening the clamping means (2) and thus mechanically connecting the protective sheaths (43) of the electrical cables (4) to each other and to the case (1).

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: External fixator assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. An external fixator system may include a plurality of fixator assemblies configured to connect a plurality of pins, for example, positioned on opposite sides of a fractured bone, with one more rods. The fixator assemblies may include a plurality of clamp assemblies which are configured to rotate relative to one another when the fixator assembly is in an unlocked position.

Abstract: A functional element having a shaft part and a head part has at least one feature providing security against rotation which is provided in the region of a sheet metal contact surface of the functional element. The functional element is characterized in that each feature providing security against rotation comprises a recess provided in the sheet metal contact surface of the functional element with a raised portion disposed at least substantially centrally in the recess or with a raised portion surrounding the recess. With this design the functional element can be straightforwardly be inserted in a thick sheet metal part or in a sheet metal part of higher strength and thus a security against rotation of high quality can be achieved.

Abstract: A screw has a generally flat washer-like head. On an underside of the head are a plurality of cutters or cutting wedges arranged circumferentially around the shank of the screw. The cutters cut or carve off material when the screw is inserted into a fibrous material like wood to thereby facilitate countersinking of the screw head. The cutters may be triangular or quadrilateral wedges. One or more pockets are disposed radially inwardly of the cutters for receiving fibrous material to help lock the screw in place, i.e. to prevent the screw from loosening over time. These pockets may circularly shaped pockets disposed circumferentially around the shank. Alternatively, a single annular pocket may be provided around the shank.

Abstract: A clinch nut for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate is provided. The clinch nut comprises a body portion with a central axis and a punch portion extending from the body portion and coaxial with the central axis. The body portion includes an annular-shaped surface encircling the central punch portion. The annular-shaped surface includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs encircling the central punch portion. The plurality of lugs each includes a contact surface with a recessed portion where the contact surface engages the metal substrate. A first portion of the contact surface is biased outwards from the central axis upon insertion in the metal substrate to form at least one lug flare during attachment of the nut to the metal substrate. A portion of the metal substrate is entrapped between the at least one lug flare and the body portion.

Abstract: A method for providing an electrically conductive connection between an electric terminal device having a cavity and a sheet metal part. A hollow fixing element is riveted to the sheet metal part to prevent torsion producing an electrically conductive connection between the fixing element and the sheet metal part. The assembled component is then provided with an electrically non-conductive or poorly conductive protective coating. A receptacle for the electric terminal device is configured near the front face of the fixing element, to which the electrical terminal device is attached. The receptacle prevents the torsion of the terminal device in relation to the fixing element. The sheet metal part and a thread forming or cutting screw is screwed through the cavity of the electric terminal device into the hollow fixing element to form or cut a thread. The invention also relates to a corresponding fixing element and an assembled component.

Abstract: A speed nut for engaging a member includes a housing including a first wall having a first opening therethrough for receiving the member and a second wall facing the first inner wall, the first and second walls defining a cavity therebetween; and a plurality of engagement elements arranged in the cavity about a longitudinal axis of the housing to form an opening therebetween, at least one of the engagement elements being freely movable in the cavity between a first position wherein an inner surface of the at least one engagement element is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first distance for engaging the member and a second position wherein the inner surface of the at least one engagement element is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a second distance greater than the first distance for receiving the member through the opening.

Abstract: A fastening body structure having a screw member which uses a module screw having a countersunk head and a washer made of a shape memory alloy. With this structure, the washer does not expand even if subjected to large fastening force and the washer can be easily removed when the screw fastening is released. The fastening body structure fastens and fixes a desired part to the installation section by using the screw member having the module screw and the washer. The module screw has a male screw used as a pair with a female screw thread section formed in the installation section. The washer has an inner diameter corresponding to the module screw. An irregular surface section is formed on a slope surface at the lower part of the head of the module screw or on the surface of the washer that makes contact with the screw.

Abstract: A clinch nut for attachment to a plastically deformable metal substrate is provided. The clinch nut comprises a body portion with a central axis and a punch portion extending from the body portion and coaxial with the central axis. The body portion includes an annular-shaped surface encircling the central punch portion. The annular-shaped surface includes a plurality of spaced apart lugs encircling the central punch portion. The plurality of lugs each includes a contact surface with a recessed portion where the contact surface engages the metal substrate. A first portion of the contact surface is biased outwards from the central axis upon insertion in the metal substrate to form at least one lug flare during attachment of the nut to the metal substrate. A portion of the metal substrate is entrapped between the at least one lug flare and the body portion.

Abstract: A fastening clamp for connecting a carrier part (13) and an add-on part (14) has a plug-through leg (1), with a plug-through sleeve (5), and a threaded leg (2), which is connected to a thread unit (10). The plug-through sleeve (5) extends away from the threaded leg (2) and has an effective overall height which is greater than the thickness of an add-on part (14). Engagement elements (11) are present on that side of the thread leg (2) which is directed towards the plug-through leg (1). In a pre-assembly arrangement, the legs (1, 2) are spaced apart by a distance which is large enough to allow a carrier part (13) to be positioned between the legs (1, 2) such that it is essentially free of engagement with the engagement elements (11), in which case, once a screw has been screwed into an end position, the engagement elements (11) thus engage with the carrier part (13) such that the fastening clamp is connected in a non-displaceable manner to the carrier part (13).

Abstract: A self-attaching nut for attachment to a panel including a central pilot portion having a generally cylindrical outer surface, a flange portion surrounding the outer surface of the pilot portion including an annular groove surrounding the pilot portion having a substantially V-shaped bottom wall and a generally planar panel support surface surrounding the annular groove. The panel support surface includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs extending into the annular groove, but spaced from the outer surface of the pilot portion. The grooves may be convex or concave or a combination of convex and concave grooves. In one embodiment, the nuts are rectangular and the back face include two pair of transverse linear grooves for interconnection by frangible wires in side to side relation.

Abstract: A press-in element for pressing into a non-pierced or pre-pierced component, in particular a sheet metal part is described. The press-in element has a head part having a ring surface confronting the component and a neck part which projects away from the ring surface, i.e. from the component contact side. The head part further has a ring-like projection surrounding the neck part with a radial spacing and projecting away from the ring surface and the neck part has a radially outwardly projecting ring bead, which can be formed as a continuous ring bead or as a ring bead interrupted at points, with the apex of the ring bead having an axial spacing from the ring surface which is larger than the axial spacing of the apex of the ring-like projection from the ring surface, which lies radially within this projection and together with it and the ring bead forms a pocket which receives material of the component.

Abstract: A method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel including forming a clinch spacer having a body portion including an axial bore, an annular flange portion surrounding the bore and an annular barrel portion integral and coaxially aligned with the flange portion having a diameter less than the flange portion including an end face having an outer lip extending at an angle radially outwardly and axially from the end face; forming an opening in the panel; and driving the barrel portion through the opening in the panel against a die member having a generally V-shaped annular projecting lip which is driven against a second face of the panel, deforming the panel radially inwardly against the outer surface of the barrel portion and deforming the outer annular lip radially outwardly and axially against the panel, forming a secure installation.

Abstract: A method for providing an electrically conductive connection between an electric terminal device having a cavity, such as a cable shoe, and a sheet metal part. A hollow fixing element is riveted to the sheet metal part to prevent torsion, thus producing an electrically conductive connection between the fixing element and the sheet metal part. The assembled component is then provided with an electrically non-conductive or poorly conductive protective coating, such as a lacquer coating or powder coating. A receptacle for the electric terminal device is configured in the vicinity of the front face of the fixing element, to which the electrical terminal device is attached. The receptacle prevents the torsion of the terminal device in relation to the fixing element. The sheet metal part and a thread forming or cutting screw is screwed through the cavity of the electric terminal device into the hollow fixing element. The screwing action forms or cuts a thread.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a panel to a support, the fastener having at least one projection for penetrating the panel surface upon fastening of the panel to the support, thereby making electrical contact thereto.

Abstract: A connecting element includes a tapered head, a shaft, and a neck portion connected between the head and the shaft. A circumference of the head decreases towards the neck portion to form a slanted guiding portion functioning as a slanted guiding portion. The shaft includes a resisting portion facing and connecting with the neck portion. The guiding portion, the neck portion, and the resisting portion corporately form a slot.

Abstract: A piercing nut element having a strength in the range between 700 and 900 MPa which is designed to be pressed into the sheet metal part. The nut element is characterized in that the self-piercing attachment of the nut element into a sheet metal part of higher strength, or into a sheet metal part with a thickness greater than 3.5 mm, the nut element is designed in such a way that the piercing section has a peripheral extending groove below the sheet metal contact surface and in that the piercing section has a piercing edge at its free end face with the piercing edge being spaced from the boundary of the groove adjacent to the piercing section by a peripheral surface having an axial height which corresponds to at least 30% and preferably to at least 50% of the sheet metal thickness, wherein the radial wall thickness of the piercing section in the region of its free end face from the outer side of the piercing section up to the nominal diameter of the thread corresponds to a thickness between 1.2 to 1.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an interior part mounting clip for mounting an interior part on a panel member including: a pin portion having a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of a mounting hole formed in a frame-shaped mounting seat formed on the interior part and inserted into and made movable in the mounting hole; a head portion formed at one end of the pin portion and engaging with the mounting seat; and a stem portion formed at the other end of the pin portion and engaging with an engaging hole formed in the panel member. The head portion includes at least three protrusions protruding radially outward of the pin portion, and an outer frame mounted in a manner to be elastically displaced relative to the pin portion through a plurality of elastic portions extending radially outward from the portions of the pin portion between the protrusions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional element (10) comprising a longitudinal axis (14), a body part (16), a hollow pressed part (18), an annular supporting surface (20) which is arranged on the body part, substantially extended in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and is radially displaced away from the pressed part and an annular groove (21) which axially extends and is embodied in the body part radially inside the supporting surface. Locking ribs (26) are preferably provided and at least partly cross the annular groove and the free end (28) of the pressed part is provided with a annular cutting edge (30). The inventive functional element is characterised in that an annular bulge (32) is embodied on the pressed part between the annular supporting surface and the free end of the pressed part and an annular cavity (34) is embodied around said pressed part between the bulge and the front free end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional element for attaching to a sheet metal part, such as for example a nut element or a bolt element comprising a body section or head section, which has a requisite cylindrical part on one axial end and runs into a cylindrical rivet section on its other axial end. Said element is characterised in that the body section is provided with an essentially cone-shaped region between the first axial end or a cylindrical section that may be provided there and the rivet section, said region forming a bearing surface for a corresponding cone-shaped region of a sheet metal part and that the cylindrical part, if present, has a diameter at the border with the cone-shaped region that is no greater than the maximum diameter of said cone-shaped region. When the functional element is attached to the sheet metal part, the narrow end of the cone-shaped region of said metal part is clamped in an annular protrusion, formed by the rivet section.

Abstract: An element attachable to a sheet metal part by riveting, in particular an element in the form of a centering bolt, having a shaft part and a head part, wherein the head part has at its side confronting the sheet metal part an at least approximately ring-like ring recess which merges at the radially inner side into a cylinder section of the head part which in turn merges into the shaft part and into a tubular rivet section which surrounds the shaft part in the region of the head part, is disposed within a ring-like contact surface arranged radially outside of the ring recess and merges at the radially outer side via an at least approximately conical wall into the ring-like contact surface, is characterized in that at least one local recess and preferably a plurality of in particular uniformly distributed local recesses is or are provided in the conical wall of the ring recess and/or in an optionally present ring-like base surface of the ring recess.

Abstract: A plastic nut has raised regions forming retaining elements for retaining the nut in a socket of a tool. The retaining elements are formed at corners or faces of a polygonal tool engagement region. Tapered rib retaining elements may be formed at alternate corners, or wedge retaining elements may be formed at alternate faces.

Abstract: A integrally molded fastener for use in connection with a substrate, the substrate includes foam backing and a slot therein and the substrate includes a front side and a back side. An upper plate has first and second longitudinal tabs and first and second transverse tabs. A longitudinal head is interconnected with an upper plate by a shank. A shaft extends from the upper plate and branches extend from the shaft. The longitudinal head includes cutting edges, the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotatable and, cutting edges of the longitudinal head cut the foam backing of the substrate as the fastener and the longitudinal head are rotated. A method for using the integrally molded fastener which includes engaging, slidingly, the side wall portions proximate the wider portion of the longitudinal tabs with the walls of the slot first. Riding the side wall portions of the longitudinal tabs on the front side of said substrate and as rotation of the fastener and the longitudinal tabs continues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a countersunk head screw having a head (1), a shank (2) and a thread (3) extending at least partly over the shank (2). The head (1) has a bearing surface (4), narrowing in the direction of the shank (2), and a basic contour (5) which converges at a first angle (?) in a first head section (5a) remote from the shank (2) and at a second, smaller angle (?) in a second head section (5b) facing the shank (2).

Abstract: A self-attaching nut having a central pilot projecting from an end face of the body portion, an annular groove surrounding the pilot and an annular panel support face surrounding the groove, wherein the outer side wall includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, each having an outer wall which extends from the bottom wall of the annular groove to the panel support face and the bottom wall of the groove includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with either the outer or inner side walls of the annular groove having a radial end spaced from the opposed side wall and a top face inclined toward the bottom wall of the annular groove providing improved torque resistance and push-off strength. Alternating circumferentially overlapping radial ribs integral with the pilot and the outer groove wall and ribs which extend below the bottom wall of the groove are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener includes a pilot portion having an outer side wall and is surrounded by an annular flange. The annular flange includes a planar end face defining a peripheral edge with a diameter greater than a diameter of said outer side wall of the pilot portion. The end face includes a plurality of first circumferentially spaced anti-rotation elements each having a planar top face spaced above the planar end face of the annular flange and a second plurality of second circumferentially spaced anti-rotation elements each having a planar top face spaced below the planar end face of the annular flange. Each of the first and second anti-rotation elements extend from about one of the peripheral edge of the annular flange and the outer side wall to a location spaced from the other of the peripheral edge of the flange portion and the outer side wall of the pilot portion.

Abstract: An aluminum enclosure of an electronic device is used in a corrosion environment. A long-term low impedance ground connection is needed because of security and EMC reasons. While common surface protection for aluminum in corrosion environments as for example polyurethane paint is not conductive, a stainless steel connector is provided which comprises a head portion and a bolt portion. The bolt portion is inserted into a bore of the enclosure or frame. An annular rib provided on the back side of the head portion defines a cutting edge which cuts into the surface of the aluminum enclosure and provides a gas-tight electrical contact. The front surface of the stainless steel head of the electrical connector element provides a metallic surface for connecting ground wires or other conductors.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut having a central pilot projecting from an end face of the body portion, an annular groove surrounding the pilot and an annular panel support face surrounding the groove, wherein the outer side wall includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, each having an outer wall which extends from the bottom wall of the annular groove to the panel support face and the bottom wall of the groove includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with either the outer or inner side walls of the annular groove having a radial end spaced from the opposed side wall and a top face inclined toward the bottom wall of the annular groove providing improved torque resistance and push-off strength. Alternating circumferentially overlapping radial ribs integral with the pilot and the outer groove wall and ribs which extend below the bottom wall of the groove are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener in combination with a substrate wherein the fastener is affixed to the substrate in a manner that does not damage the substrate. The fastener comprises a barrel having an interior, an exterior, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end portion of the barrel includes a flange. The exterior of the barrel proximate the flange includes a gripping portion with a spline having at least 12 teeth. The interior of the barrel proximate the second end portion of the barrel includes a counterbore. The interior of the barrel proximate the intermediate portion is threaded. The second end portion of the barrel is flared. The substrate includes a cylindrically shaped bore extending therethrough. The barrel of the fastener partially resides in the bore of the substrate and the 12-toothed spline on the exterior of the barrel of the fastener engages the bore of the substrate and surrounding material with minimal deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a functional element for attaching to a sheet metal part, such as for example a nut element or a bolt element comprising a body section or head section, which has a requisite cylindrical part on one axial end and runs into a cylindrical rivet section on its other axial end. Said element is characterised in that the body section is provided with an essentially cone-shaped region between the first axial end or a cylindrical section that may be provided there and the rivet section, said region forming a bearing surface for a corresponding cone-shaped region of a sheet metal part and that the cylindrical part, if present, has a diameter at the border with the cone-shaped region that is no greater than the maximum diameter of said cone-shaped region. When the functional element is attached to the sheet metal part, the narrow end of the cone-shaped region of said metal part is clamped in an annular protrusion, formed by the rivet section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a countersunk screw having a threaded shank and a countersunk head, which latter has a conical surface tapering at a countersinking angle in the direction of the threaded shank. The conical surface has a plurality of ribbed protrusions distributed over the periphery and jointly defining a conical enveloping surface with a cone angle. The countersinking angle of the conical surface is less than the cone angle of the ribbed protrusions. The ribbed protrusions have outer bearing surfaces, which define the conical enveloping surface and which, in terms of their areal size, are dimensioned in dependence on a material-specific surface pressure such that, in a screw application for fastening fittings or the like by screwing into a sinkhole between the ribbed protrusions and the respective sinkhole, a certain, surface-damage-preventing surface pressure is generated.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus includes a frusto-hemispherical head portion having a flat top surface, a curved outer surface, a base portion, and a peripheral edge, with the flat top surface bearing a tool fitting. A downwardly-depending lip portion extends from the head peripheral edge and defines an annular recess in the base, the annular recess having a flat upper surface. The lip has a curved outer edge, a curved lower edge, and an inner edge having a curved lower portion and a vertical upper portion terminating in the annular recess flat upper surface. A shank portion is connected to the base and bears screw threads and a tip. An annular gasket portion is carried on the shank, and has a first uncompressed position contained radially within the annular recess, and a second compressed position extending radially beyond the lip outer edge.

Abstract: A plastic insert for concrete structures includes a barrel for receiving a threaded fastener. According to one embodiment, the insert includes a housing at a distal end receiving an internally threaded member for engaging the threaded fastener. The insert includes bar-engaging members at the distal end for contacting concrete-reinforcing bars of the concrete structure. The insert also includes a bar-engaging member at the proximal end including a retainer defining a substantially semi-circular channel for receipt of a U-shaped portion of a bar. According to another embodiment, the insert includes a base at the distal end extending outwardly from the barrel to define an anchoring surface oriented perpendicular to the barrel axis. Longitudinal ribs on the barrel include segments arranged in series. Each segment of the rib extends radially to a distance that decreases with each succeeding segment such that each segment defines a bearing surface.

Abstract: A self-punching fastener (10), which in a way safe against rotation and pressing out can be pressed into a metal sheet member (40) having an annular body, the side of which facing the metal sheet is having radially disposed projections (15, 25), which, during the pressing-in, are pressed into the metal sheet member (40) and thereby are securing the fastener (10) against rotation, wherein in the centre an interior thread (11) is positioned and, wherein on the side facing the metal sheet member (40) in the set state there is provided an annular depression (12) into which the material displaced during the setting is pressed.

Abstract: A locking fastener assembly comprising a nut and a washer. The nut and washer each have opposed load bearing surfaces which include a series of annularly extending, slightly inclined faces forming shallow undulations around each surface. The load bearing surface on the nut is generally spherically convex and the load bearing surface on the washer is generally spherically concave. The nut rotates as it is installed while the washer is prevented from rotating so that the undulating bearing surface on the nut slides over the undulating bearing surface on the washer against ever increasing resistance until the assembly is properly seated and the nut is effectively prevented from counter-rotating by interference between opposed, inclined faces. A concave clamping surface is formed on the outer end of the washer on a radially extending flange. The flange flexes when the assembly is installed and resiliently urges the washer against the nut.

Abstract: A fastener includes a sleeve-like clamping element having a cavity extending in the direction of its longitudinal axis which accommodates a threaded stud. At least one clamping region is deformable into the cavity forming at least one clamping ramp inclined toward the longitudinal axis on an outside of the clamping element. A clamping sleeve pushed onto the clamping element in an installed state grips around the clamping element. A clamping sleeve inner surface cooperates with the clamping ramp so the clamping region reaches a clamping position deformed into the cavity to hold the threaded stud. The clamping element has a forward end flange in an installation direction. Coupling elements and mating coupling elements arranged on the flange and a clamping sleeve end facing the flange interlock in the installed state, preventing rotation between the clamping sleeve and clamping element.

Abstract: A fastener is configured for use in the manufacture of molded plastic components that will be subsequently attached to other components by the fastener. The low profile head portion of the fastener has a rounded contoured and convoluted top surface to facilitate the flow of plastic material around the head portion during the molding process. The underside of the head portion is formed with a square face surrounded circumferentially by circumferential land surfaces that provides a high pull-out force resistance for the fastener. The square face on the underside and convoluted top surface of the head portion provides a high spin-out torque resistance without sacrificing the pull-out force resistance. The rounded edges of the head portion are compatible with molding processes to allow the flow of plastic material to fully encapsulate the head portion within the molded plastic component.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut having a central pilot projecting from an end face of the body portion, an annular groove surrounding the pilot and an annular panel support face surrounding the groove, wherein the outer side wall includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, each having an outer wall which extends from the bottom wall of the annular groove to the panel support face and the bottom wall of the groove includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with either the outer or inner side walls of the annular groove having a radial end spaced from the opposed side wall and a top face inclined toward the bottom wall of the annular groove providing improved torque resistance and push-off strength. Alternating circumferentially overlapping radial ribs integral with the pilot and the outer groove wall and ribs which extend below the bottom wall of the groove are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut including a central pilot portion, a flange portion surrounding the pilot portion having an end face including an annular groove in the end face having inclined inner and outer side walls and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with the outer side wall extending beyond a midportion of the bottom wall, but spaced from the inner side wall. In one embodiment, the top faces of the radial ribs is inclined to adjacent the inner side wall of the annular groove and in another embodiment, the radial inner ends of the ribs are spaced above the plane of the bottom wall and include an inwardly inclined face.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener including a central pilot, an annular flange surrounding the pilot including an annular groove having bottom, inner and outer side walls, wherein the bottom wall includes a first plurality of spaced anti-rotation elements each having a radial top face inclined above the bottom wall and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced anti-rotation elements each having a radial top face oppositely inclined below the bottom wall and a method of attachment which avoids distortion of the thread cylinder of a female fastener.

Abstract: A secure connection (10) of a component to a sheet material including, an extent of thin sheet metal (20) having an attaching surface (36), a component (30) having a mating surface (37) abutting the attaching surface, an aperture (35) in the mating surface, and a tapping screw (40) threaded in the aperture and penetrating the attaching surface, the aperture sized relative to the size of the screw as a function of the thickness of the component, whereby the tapping screw has portions of the sheet metal clamped between the tapping screw and the component for establishing retentive forces between the component and the sheet-metal material.

Abstract: A fastener includes an axial shank and a clamping face extending radially from the shank. A plurality of serrations are formed on the clamping face and extend radially from a shank periphery to an outer periphery of the clamping face. The shank periphery is axially displaced away from the clamping face relative to the outer periphery of the clamping face to define a ramped surface.

Abstract: A self-attaching female fastener such as a pierce nut having an annular pilot, an annular flange surrounding the pilot and an annular groove in the flange bearing surface surrounding the pilot, wherein the bottom wall of the groove includes wedge-shaped recesses dividing the groove bottom wall into segments having parallel sides defined by the adjacent wedge-shaped recesses and the inclined outer wall of the pilot is deformed radially during installation to entrap and compact panel metal in the groove forming a sealed secure installation having improved push-off and anti-rotation strength.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut having a central pilot projecting from an end face of the body portion, an annular groove surrounding the pilot and an annular panel support face surrounding the groove, wherein the outer side wall includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, each having an outer wall which extends from the bottom wall of the annular groove to the panel support face and the bottom wall of the groove includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with either the outer or inner side walls of the annular groove having a radial end spaced from the opposed side wall and a top face inclined toward the bottom wall of the annular groove providing improved torque resistance and push-off strength. Alternating circumferentially overlapping radial ribs integral with the pilot and the outer groove wall and ribs which extend below the bottom wall of the groove are also disclosed.