Patent ID: 6122816
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B23P,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of attaching a fastening element to a metal panel, said fastening element including a tubular barrel portion having a free end including an arcuate outer surface and a radial flange portion integral with said tubular barrel portion opposite said free end, said tubular barrel portion having a generally cylindrical internal surface and a continuous, generally smooth conical external tape surface extending from adjacent said radial flange to said arcuate outer surface such that the thickness of said tubular barrel portion adjacent said free end is less than the thickness adjacent said flange portion, said method comprising:inserting said free end of said tubular barrel portion of said fastening element through an opening in said panel having an internal diameter greater than an external diameter of said tubular barrel portion but less than an external diameter of said radial flange portion;driving said tubular barrel portion free end into a female die having a concave annular die surface deforming said free end radially outwardly and upwardly into a hook-shape, said relatively tapered cylindrical internal and conical exterior surfaces of said barrel portion reducing the force required to radially deform said free end of said barrel portion; anddeforming said radial flange portion into said panel adjacent said panel opening.