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. 08, 1997
Filed:
May. 17, 1995
Harold A Ladouceur, Livonia, MI (US);
Rudolf R Muller, Frankfurt, DE;
Multifastener Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of forming an electrical connection to a conductive metal panel, wherein the connection includes a conductive metal stud having an annular riveting portion, an integral intermediate radial flange portion, and an externally threaded stud portion, a nut member adapted to be threadably received on the stud member shank portion having an end portion adapted to sealingly contact an annular electrical contact surface surrounding the shank portion of the stud member. The method includes threadably assembling the nut member on the stud member shank portion forming an assembly with sealing contact between the member end portion and the stud member contact surface. The assembly is then oriented with the free end of the stud member riveting portion opposite the panel, driving the riveting portion through an opening formed in the panel and deforming the annular riveting portion radially outwardly to rivet the assembly to the panel and form an electrical contact between the stud member and the panel. The panel may then be coated with a nonconductive coating which does not contaminate the electrical contact surface of the stud member. The method then includes threadably removing the nut member, assembling the grounding lug on the stud member in electrical contact with the contact surface of the stud member and threadably receiving a nut on the shank portion to secure the grounding stud in electrical contact with the panel. In one embodiment, the stud member, includes a plastic cap and a radial flange which extends radially beyond the cap. The method then includes driving the plunger against the flange portion to drive the riveting portion of the stud member through the panel opening and deforming the riveting portion radially outwardly in a die member. In another preferred embodiment, the nut member is metal and the method includes driving a punch against the nut member, driving the riveting portion of the stud member through the panel opening. In a most preferred embodiment, the riveting portion pierces an opening in the panel which receives the riveting portion therethrough.