Patent ID: 7882948
Filing Date: 2011-02-08
Classification: B21D,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a U-clip assembly for use in a U-clip applicator, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of U-clips arranged in a continuous, aligned, abutting relationship forming a strip having a longitudinal axis, each of said U-clips for clinching around objects to be joined together, each of said clips having a crown portion having a top, a bottom, first and second sides, first and second lateral legs spaced apart from one another on said bottom of said crown portion on said first side thereof extending downwardly from said first side of said crown portion, and on said second side of said bottom of said crown portion having a medial leg extending downwardly therefrom, each of said crown portions of said plurality of U-clips having first and second slots defined in said crown portion aligned parallel to said longitudinal axis and to one another, said first and second slots being generally U-shaped in configuration and aligned in two parallel rows equidistant from said longitudinal axis and forming first and second troughs, each of said slots having a bottom and first and second sides, the distance between said first and second sides of each slot defining the width of said slot: the distance between said adjacent crown portions defining a linear distance therebetween; positioning first and second soft metal wires, respectively, in said first and second troughs of aligned slots; compressing said first and second soft metal wires, respectively, in said first and second slots of said plurality of U-clips; expanding outwardly said first and second soft metal wires by said step of compressing and urging said first and second soft metal wires tightly against said first and second sides and bottoms, respectively, of said first and second slots; retaining said plurality of U-clips in alignment by said outward expansion of said first and second soft metal wires, respectively, in said first and second slots; further including the steps of: providing each of said first and second soft metal wires between said adjacent crown portions to be of a length greater than said linear distance between said adjacent crown portions, said wire between adjacent crown portions forming a shallow U shape; and preventing any tendency of said adjacent crown portions to pull toward one another by said greater lengths of said first and second soft metal wires disposed between adjacent crown portions of said U-clips.