The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 10, 1990
Filed:
May. 19, 1989
Michael D Marvell, Rockford, IL (US);
John S Milliser, Rochester, IN (US);
Textron Inc., Providence, RI (US);
Abstract
An improved joint structure and tooling apparatus are provided for assembling a self-clinching fastener to sheet material, particularly sheet metal. The fastener includes head and shank portions with an intermediate locking groove formed in the shank. The fastener shank projects through the aperture and the head is at least partially embedded within the peripheral material surrounding the sheet metal aperture. A portion of the peripheral sheet metal is disposed within the groove to form a mechanical interlock for securement of the joint assembly. The shank has an outwardly flared end portion which is staked so that it has an exposed surface coplanar or flush with the exposed, opposite surface of the sheet material relative to the embedded fastener head, which provides a smooth continuous undersurface of the joint. In a preferred embodiment, the flattened and staked end portion of the shank clamps the peripheral sheet material against the fastener head adjacent to the grooved mechanical interlock to further promote securement of the joint assembly for particular resistance to side loads or shear forces on the joint assembly in subsequent use. In another aspect of the invention, the tooling apparatus for securing the self-clinching of the fastener to the apertured sheet material comprises a die member for supporting the apertured sheet metal and includes a projecting cam portion for staking the fastener.