Unitary connector pin formed by two-stage cold heading die
US9126258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16B5/04
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unitary metal connector pin formed by a cold heading die has a body with a disc-like expanded portion on a first end thereof which is adapted to engage and retain a first body when the pin is inserted through a first aperture in the first body. On a second, opposed end of the pin are disposed plural spaced flexible fingers each having a respective outwardly projecting, radially expanded portion. The radially expanded portions form a segmented outer ring on the pin capable of first undergoing inward deflection, followed by outward radial expansion for engaging a second body when the fingered end of the pin is inserted through a second aperture in the second body for securely coupling the two bodies together. The cold heading die includes a first stage for forming in a connector pin blank a first hollowed-out end portion with the flexible fingers and a second stage for forming the second radially expanded end portion and the outer projections on the flexible fingers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.