Method of attaching a fastener element to a panel and fastener element and panel assembly
US6406237B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4994
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The fastener of the fastener and panel assembly includes a body portion received in a panel opening and a tubular barrel having a free end extending radially inwardly and a midportion bowed outwardly having a diameter greater than the panel opening. The body portion has an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the panel opening to form an interference fit providing torque resistance and preventing push-through of the fastener. The method of installing a fastener includes inserting the fastener body portion into the panel opening with the barrel received in a first die member and the body portion supported in the panel opening by a second die member. The end of the barrel is deformed radially inwardly and toward the body portion by the first die member and the midportion of the barrel is deformed radially outwardly preventing withdrawal of the fastener element from the panel. The second die member simultaneously deforms the body of the fastener radially outwardly to form the interference fit with the panel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.