CA1268930A - Method of attaching a snap fastener to sheet material - Google Patents
Method of attaching a snap fastener to sheet materialInfo
- Publication number
- CA1268930A CA1268930A CA000598281A CA598281A CA1268930A CA 1268930 A CA1268930 A CA 1268930A CA 000598281 A CA000598281 A CA 000598281A CA 598281 A CA598281 A CA 598281A CA 1268930 A CA1268930 A CA 1268930A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pin
- terminal end
- base wall
- sheet material
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
- Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
- Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
Abstract
METHOD OF ATTACHING A SNAP FASTENER TO SHEET MATERIAL
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fastener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both the components being formed of plastics material, with the operative component having a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on the tubular portion, and the securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, the pin being adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation, and at least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes the steps of, causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sheet material is inter-posed between the cap flange and the base wall and the pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall, applying pressure to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an extent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out of the opening, applying axial pressure to both the components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, and maintaining the axial pressure during the deformation of the pin terminal end.
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fastener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both the components being formed of plastics material, with the operative component having a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on the tubular portion, and the securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, the pin being adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation, and at least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes the steps of, causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sheet material is inter-posed between the cap flange and the base wall and the pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall, applying pressure to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an extent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out of the opening, applying axial pressure to both the components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, and maintaining the axial pressure during the deformation of the pin terminal end.
Description
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METHOD OF ATTACHING A SNAP FASTENER TO SHEET MATERIAL
_ ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fastener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both the components being formed ofp]astics material, with the operative component having a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on the tubular portion, and the securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, the pin being adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation, and at least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes the steps of, causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sheet material is inter-posed between the cap flange and the base wall and the pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall, applying pressure to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an extent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out of the opening, applying axial pressure to both the components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, and maintaining the axial pressure during the deformation of the pin terminal end.
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3() - lc~--portion surroundin~ the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the male sub-assembly component. The female sub-assembly component has a base wall with an opening there-througil and a female tubular fastening portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the female sub-assembly component. The male tubular fastening portion and the female tubular fastening portion are of complementary configuration so as to be snap engageable to-gether. The first and second securing components are substantially identical and have a cap flange and a pin projecting axially therefrom, the pin being adapted to pass through sheet material with which the securing components are to be respectively associated and through the opening of the associated male or female sub-assembly component so that a terminal end of the pin may be located beyond the one side of the base wall of the associated male or female sub-assemb~y component and be deformable when so located to secure the associated components against separation. The terminal end portion of each pin is of generally conical, pointed configuration so as to pierce sheet material, thereby avoiding the need for preformed holes in sheet material with which the securing components are to be associated.
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~6~ 3 - 1 a -portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the male sub-assembly component. The female sub-assembly component has a base wall with an opening there-through and a female tubular fastening portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the female sub-assembly component. The male tubular fastening portion and the female tubular fastening portion are of complementary configuration so as to be snap engageable to-gether. The first and second securing components are substantially identical and have a cap flange and a pin projecting axially therefrom, the pin being adapted to pass through sheet materi,al with which the securing components are to be respectively associated and through the opening of the associated male or female sub-assembly component so that a terminal end of the pin may be located beyond the one side of the base wall of the associated male or female sub-assembly component and be deformable when so located to secure the associated components against separation. The terminal end portion of each pin is of generally conical, pointed configuration so as to pierce sheet material, thereby avoiding the need for preformed holes in sheet material with which the securing components are to be associated.
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The invention which is claimed in this divisional application comprehends a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fas~ener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both components being formed of plastics material. The operative component has a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on t.he tubular portion. The securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one ~nd thereof, the pin bei.ng adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation. At least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes t.he steps of causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sh~et rnaterial is interposed between the cap flange and the base wall and t.he pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall. Pressure is applied to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an ext.ent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out. of the opening. Axial pressure is applied t.o bot.h components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, .
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l -4-to be deformed to secure the two components 3 or 4 and 5 of the fastener part l or 2 together.
The fastener according to the invention is ideally suited for manufacture by moulding or a similar process and .
can be made of a suitable plastics material such as acetal.
Plastic fasteners have ~he advantage of being resistant to corxosive environments and can be easily coloured to 5Uit reguirements. In addition, they have low hea~ conductivity and electrical insulating properties which make them part-icularly suited for some conditions of use. It will be con-venient to hereinafter descri~e such a moulded pl~stic embodiment of the fastener.
In the particular form of ~he fastener shown, the operative component 4 of the male part 1 has a ba~e wall 9 of circular shape and tubular portion in the form of a ho:Llow cylindrical stud 10 projecting axially ~rom one side 11 of the wall 9. The interior 12 of the stud 10 is open ancl accessible a~ the outer end 13 of the stud 10 which is remote from the base wall 9. A circumferential snap engaging bead 14 i~
formed around the external surface of the stud 10 at the outer end 13 for cooperative engagement with the female fastener part 2 as hereinafter described.
. The securing component S includes a pin 6 and a cap flange 15, which may be circular, at one end of the pin 6. It is preferred, as shown, that the terminal end 16 of the pin 6 is poi~ted or otherwi~e formed 50 that it can pierce textiles and similar materials thereby avoiding the need for a preformed hole to enable attachment of the fastener components to such material. In the COnstrUCtiQn particularly shown, the pointed or conical terminal end 16 is provided with a pl~rality of : grooves or flutes 16a which form edges 16b extending long-itudinally of the pin 6. When the fastener is being applied to sheet material 7 or~8, the terminal end 16 pierces that material and the edges 16b then function to cu~ the material so as to facilitate continued pe~etration of the pin 6 through the material. Such an arrangement enables the fastener to be applied to a ~ariety of material~ i~cluding leathe.r, ~inyl and multi-layer cottons.
: In use, the pin 6 i~ projected through a she~et of :. , !, .:
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( ~5~ ~z6~30 material 8 so that the cap flange 15 bears against one side of ~hat material. The base wall 9 of the male operative component 4 has a central opening 17 for receiving the pin 6 and that wall 9 is placed over the pin 6 and engaged with the opposite side of the sheet material 8 ~figure 6). In that position, the terminal end portion 18 of the pin 6 projects into the interior of the stud 10 and the two components ~ and 5 can be secured together by deforming that terminal end portion 18 so that it cannot be withdrawIl back out through the opening 17 (figures 7 and 9). The sheet material 8 is thereby captured between the base wall 9 of the operative component 4 an-~ the cap flange-15 of the securing component 5.
It is preferred that material locking means is provided so as to provide a secure clamping of the sheet material 8 between the two components 4 and 5. In the construction shown, that includes a circumferential flange 19 formed around the body of the operative component 4 at a location spaced axially from the outer surface 20 of the base wall 9 which engages the sheet material 8. The radially outer portion 21 of the surface 20 may curve or slope towards the flange 19 for a reason hereinafter made clear. In the particular construction shown, a short skirt portion 22 is provided around the periphery of the flange l9 and projects towards the base wall surface 20.
The securing component 5 may include another part of the material locking means. In the construction shown, that includes an axially projecting lip 23 provided around the periphery of the cap flange 15 and extending in the direction of the pin 6.
When the two components 4 and 5 are secured together, as shown in figure 9, the intervening section of sheet material 8 is clamped between the skirt portion 22 and lip 23 and is forced out of a flat condition by engagement with the surface 20 so as to increase the security of the clamping action.
;~ Such an arrangement minimises the possibility of relative movement between the sheet material 8 and the attached fastener part 1 and thereby minimises possible fatigue failure of the material 8.
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It will be apparent that the sheet locking means can take other forms.
The cap flange 15 preferably has some flexibility such CG
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as to permit resilient distortion in the engaged position.
For that purpose, the flange 15 may be of dished configuxation so as to have a diaphragm effect to compensate for loss of tension on the sheet material 8 after the pin 6 has been deformed into the securing condition. In the construction shown, the foregoing is achieved by arranging at least the peripheral portion 24 of the flange 15 so that it slopes outwardly and towards the pin end 16. Such an arrangement ensures firm clamping of the sheet material 8 between the two components 4 and 5.
The operative component 3 of the female part 2 may have a base wall 25 as shown and a substantially cylindrical tubular section 26 projecting axially from one side of the wall 25. The tubular section 26 defines an open-mouthed cavity 27 for receiving the stud 10 of the male part 1. As shown in figure 1, a circumferential groove 28 may be formed in the surface of the cavity 27 at a location spaced axially inwards of the cavity open mouth so as to cooperate with the stud bead 14. It is preferred however, to use alternative bead engaging means as shown in figures 3 and 4.
In the construction of figures 3 and 4, a plurality of lip sections 29 is arranged circumferentially around the open mouth of the cavity 27 and provides the means for snap engaging with the bead 14. In the example embodiment shown, there are three lip sections 23, but any other suitable number may be adopted.
Each lip section 29 extends circumferentially of the cavity mouth and preferably has maximum radial inwards projection at a region 30 substantially midway in the cir-cumferential length of the lip section 29. That is, theradial projection of the lip section 29 progressively decreases on each siae of the mid region 30 and it may in fact reduce to zero. A spac 31 may exist between adiacent ends of adjacent lip sections 29, as shown, or one lip section 29 may continue into another. In the former case, separate groove segments 32 (figure 4)will exist beneath respective lip sections 29, whereas in the latter case there may be a cont-inuous groove of varying depth.
An arrangement as described above has the advantage that each lip section 29 can distort to allow insertion and CG
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3~:) withdrawal of the stud 10. There may be some diametral expansion of the tubular section 26, but it is unlikely to be significant. Also, the use of lip sections 29 makes the fit of the mating fastener components 3 and 4 less critical and thereby aids manufacture of the fastener.
It is preferred that the securing component 5 of the female part 2 is the same as that for the male part 1. The base wall 25 of the operative component 3 therefore has a central opening 33 to receive the pin 6 of the securing component 5. Also, material locking means as previously described is preferably provided on the female part 2. That is, the component 3 i5 provided with a circumferential flange 34 and skirt portion 35 similar to those of the component 4, and the outer surface 36 of the base wall 25 is located axially beyond the skirt portion 35.
Each fastener part 1 and 2 is secured to its respective portion of sheet material 8 and 7 respectively in the manner previously described. That is, the securing pin 6 is projected through the base wall 9 or 25 of the operative component 4 or 3 respectively, and then deformed or flattened at its terminal end portion 18 to bear against the inner surface of the base wall 9 or 25. In the case of the female fastener part 2, the degree of deformation is preferably such that the deformed portion 18 of the pin 6 is able to fit within the bore 12 of the stud 10.
The stud 10 and the cavity 27 of the female part 2 are of related dimensions such that the stud bead 14 will snap engage behind the lip sections 29. In that condition, the opposed surfaces 37 and 38 of the circumferential flanges 19 and 34 are preferably in face to face engagement. If ~he fastener parts 1 and 2 are composed of a plastics material, they are able to be engaged and disengaged repeatedly due to the natural resilience of that material. The ~orce needed to engage and disengage the ~astener parts 1 and 2 may be reduced by providing one or more radial slots in the male stud 10 and/
or the female tubular section 26 so as to make it easier to compress or expand respectively that element.
A fastener as described has the advantage of simplicity of construction and ease of manufacture. In ~; 40 addition, it is a relatively simple operation to secure the ' :
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fastener to sheet material.
One method of securing the fastener parts 1 and 2 is shown in figures 5 to 8, and in that method the respective securing component ~ of one such part 1 or 2 is placed in the cavity of a fixture 39 so that the pin 6 extends upwards.
The fixture 39 may comprise a rigid table section 4~ which bears against a central portion 41 of the flange 15 and a spring loaded locating section 42 whicn defines the perimeter of the fixture cavity and engages against the outer peripheral portion of the flange 15. When the securing component 5 is initially located in the fixture cavity it has the bowed or dished configuration as previously described (figures 5 and 8).
The operative component 4 lfigures 5 to 7) or 3 (figure 8) is attached to another fixture 43 located above and in alignment with the fixture 39. The fixture 43 may include a spring loaded retaining section 44 having a barrel part 45 which fits neatly within the stud bore 12 (figures 5 to 7), or the cavity 27 ~figure 8), so as to retain the component 4 or 3 by frictional engagement. Because of the different diameters of the bore 12 and cavity 27, a different xetaining section 44 will be required for each. The retaining section 44 is slidably located over an anvil section 46 which is operable to engage and deform the securing pin 6 as here-inafter described.
When each component of the fastener part 1 or 2 is located on or retained by its respective fixture 39 or 43 and those fixtures 39 and 43 are axially spaced apart, a section of sheet material 7 ox 8 can be located in the space between the fixtures 39 and 43 so as to be generally transverse to the securing pin 6, Movement of one or each fixture 39 and 43 axially towards the other brings the pin 6 into engagement with the sheet material 7 or 8 and subsequently causes the pin 6 to pierce that sheet material 7 or 8. At that time one side of the sheet material 7 or 8 bears against the outer surface 36 or 20 of the operative component base wall 25 or 9 and the pin 6 is projected through the central opening 33 or 17 of that :i .
wall 25 or 9. The lip 23 of the flange 15 then engages the opposite side of the sheet material 7 or 8 and causes that sheet to fold across the surface 36 or 2~ of the base wall ~5 CG
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or 9 respectively.
As the foregoing operation progresses, the tension being built-up in the trapped section of sheet material 7 or 8 causes the flange 15 to flatten ~figures 6 and 7). That is, the outer edge portion of the flange 15 is moved downwards and that movement is permitted by the spring loading of the locating section 42 of the fixture 39. A stage is also reached ~Eigure 6) at which the retaining section 44 of the fixture 43 is prevented from moving further towards the table section 40 of the fixture 39 so the spring loading of that retaining section 44 allows the anvil section 46 to continue its movement towards the securing pin 6. In the final stage of the operation (figure 7), the anvil section 46 bears against and laterally deforms the terminal end portion 18 of the pin 6 to secure the two components 5 and 3 or 4 together.
When the fixtures 39 and 43 are moved apart, any relaxation of the clamping effect of the deformed pin 6 is compensated by the bias created in the flange 15. That flange 15 has been flattened from its relaxed and dished condition and consequently maintains pressure against the section of sheet material 7 or 8 trapped between its lip 23 and the skirt portion 35 or 22 of the operative component 3 or 4.
It will be appreciated that the fixtures need not be as described, nor do they need to be relatively located as described. As to the first point, the spring loading could be substituted by fluid pressure or other appropriate biasing means. As to the second point, the fixture described as located uppermost could be the lowermost Eixture, or the fixtures could be located side by side rather than one above the other.
Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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METHOD OF ATTACHING A SNAP FASTENER TO SHEET MATERIAL
_ ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fastener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both the components being formed ofp]astics material, with the operative component having a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on the tubular portion, and the securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, the pin being adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation, and at least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes the steps of, causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sheet material is inter-posed between the cap flange and the base wall and the pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall, applying pressure to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an extent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out of the opening, applying axial pressure to both the components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, and maintaining the axial pressure during the deformation of the pin terminal end.
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3() - lc~--portion surroundin~ the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the male sub-assembly component. The female sub-assembly component has a base wall with an opening there-througil and a female tubular fastening portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the female sub-assembly component. The male tubular fastening portion and the female tubular fastening portion are of complementary configuration so as to be snap engageable to-gether. The first and second securing components are substantially identical and have a cap flange and a pin projecting axially therefrom, the pin being adapted to pass through sheet material with which the securing components are to be respectively associated and through the opening of the associated male or female sub-assembly component so that a terminal end of the pin may be located beyond the one side of the base wall of the associated male or female sub-assemb~y component and be deformable when so located to secure the associated components against separation. The terminal end portion of each pin is of generally conical, pointed configuration so as to pierce sheet material, thereby avoiding the need for preformed holes in sheet material with which the securing components are to be associated.
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~6~ 3 - 1 a -portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the male sub-assembly component. The female sub-assembly component has a base wall with an opening there-through and a female tubular fastening portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall of the female sub-assembly component. The male tubular fastening portion and the female tubular fastening portion are of complementary configuration so as to be snap engageable to-gether. The first and second securing components are substantially identical and have a cap flange and a pin projecting axially therefrom, the pin being adapted to pass through sheet materi,al with which the securing components are to be respectively associated and through the opening of the associated male or female sub-assembly component so that a terminal end of the pin may be located beyond the one side of the base wall of the associated male or female sub-assembly component and be deformable when so located to secure the associated components against separation. The terminal end portion of each pin is of generally conical, pointed configuration so as to pierce sheet material, thereby avoiding the need for preformed holes in sheet material with which the securing components are to be associated.
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The invention which is claimed in this divisional application comprehends a method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, the snap fas~ener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both components being formed of plastics material. The operative component has a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding the opening and projecting from one side of the base wall. Snap engaging means is provided on t.he tubular portion. The securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one ~nd thereof, the pin bei.ng adapted to pass through the opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond the one side of the base wall. The terminal end portion is deformable when so located to secure the two components against separation. At least a peripheral portion of the cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of the pin. The method includes t.he steps of causing the pin to pierce the sheet material, locating the operative component over the pin so that the sh~et rnaterial is interposed between the cap flange and the base wall and t.he pin projects through the opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond the one side of the base wall. Pressure is applied to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an ext.ent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out. of the opening. Axial pressure is applied t.o bot.h components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, .
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l -4-to be deformed to secure the two components 3 or 4 and 5 of the fastener part l or 2 together.
The fastener according to the invention is ideally suited for manufacture by moulding or a similar process and .
can be made of a suitable plastics material such as acetal.
Plastic fasteners have ~he advantage of being resistant to corxosive environments and can be easily coloured to 5Uit reguirements. In addition, they have low hea~ conductivity and electrical insulating properties which make them part-icularly suited for some conditions of use. It will be con-venient to hereinafter descri~e such a moulded pl~stic embodiment of the fastener.
In the particular form of ~he fastener shown, the operative component 4 of the male part 1 has a ba~e wall 9 of circular shape and tubular portion in the form of a ho:Llow cylindrical stud 10 projecting axially ~rom one side 11 of the wall 9. The interior 12 of the stud 10 is open ancl accessible a~ the outer end 13 of the stud 10 which is remote from the base wall 9. A circumferential snap engaging bead 14 i~
formed around the external surface of the stud 10 at the outer end 13 for cooperative engagement with the female fastener part 2 as hereinafter described.
. The securing component S includes a pin 6 and a cap flange 15, which may be circular, at one end of the pin 6. It is preferred, as shown, that the terminal end 16 of the pin 6 is poi~ted or otherwi~e formed 50 that it can pierce textiles and similar materials thereby avoiding the need for a preformed hole to enable attachment of the fastener components to such material. In the COnstrUCtiQn particularly shown, the pointed or conical terminal end 16 is provided with a pl~rality of : grooves or flutes 16a which form edges 16b extending long-itudinally of the pin 6. When the fastener is being applied to sheet material 7 or~8, the terminal end 16 pierces that material and the edges 16b then function to cu~ the material so as to facilitate continued pe~etration of the pin 6 through the material. Such an arrangement enables the fastener to be applied to a ~ariety of material~ i~cluding leathe.r, ~inyl and multi-layer cottons.
: In use, the pin 6 i~ projected through a she~et of :. , !, .:
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( ~5~ ~z6~30 material 8 so that the cap flange 15 bears against one side of ~hat material. The base wall 9 of the male operative component 4 has a central opening 17 for receiving the pin 6 and that wall 9 is placed over the pin 6 and engaged with the opposite side of the sheet material 8 ~figure 6). In that position, the terminal end portion 18 of the pin 6 projects into the interior of the stud 10 and the two components ~ and 5 can be secured together by deforming that terminal end portion 18 so that it cannot be withdrawIl back out through the opening 17 (figures 7 and 9). The sheet material 8 is thereby captured between the base wall 9 of the operative component 4 an-~ the cap flange-15 of the securing component 5.
It is preferred that material locking means is provided so as to provide a secure clamping of the sheet material 8 between the two components 4 and 5. In the construction shown, that includes a circumferential flange 19 formed around the body of the operative component 4 at a location spaced axially from the outer surface 20 of the base wall 9 which engages the sheet material 8. The radially outer portion 21 of the surface 20 may curve or slope towards the flange 19 for a reason hereinafter made clear. In the particular construction shown, a short skirt portion 22 is provided around the periphery of the flange l9 and projects towards the base wall surface 20.
The securing component 5 may include another part of the material locking means. In the construction shown, that includes an axially projecting lip 23 provided around the periphery of the cap flange 15 and extending in the direction of the pin 6.
When the two components 4 and 5 are secured together, as shown in figure 9, the intervening section of sheet material 8 is clamped between the skirt portion 22 and lip 23 and is forced out of a flat condition by engagement with the surface 20 so as to increase the security of the clamping action.
;~ Such an arrangement minimises the possibility of relative movement between the sheet material 8 and the attached fastener part 1 and thereby minimises possible fatigue failure of the material 8.
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It will be apparent that the sheet locking means can take other forms.
The cap flange 15 preferably has some flexibility such CG
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as to permit resilient distortion in the engaged position.
For that purpose, the flange 15 may be of dished configuxation so as to have a diaphragm effect to compensate for loss of tension on the sheet material 8 after the pin 6 has been deformed into the securing condition. In the construction shown, the foregoing is achieved by arranging at least the peripheral portion 24 of the flange 15 so that it slopes outwardly and towards the pin end 16. Such an arrangement ensures firm clamping of the sheet material 8 between the two components 4 and 5.
The operative component 3 of the female part 2 may have a base wall 25 as shown and a substantially cylindrical tubular section 26 projecting axially from one side of the wall 25. The tubular section 26 defines an open-mouthed cavity 27 for receiving the stud 10 of the male part 1. As shown in figure 1, a circumferential groove 28 may be formed in the surface of the cavity 27 at a location spaced axially inwards of the cavity open mouth so as to cooperate with the stud bead 14. It is preferred however, to use alternative bead engaging means as shown in figures 3 and 4.
In the construction of figures 3 and 4, a plurality of lip sections 29 is arranged circumferentially around the open mouth of the cavity 27 and provides the means for snap engaging with the bead 14. In the example embodiment shown, there are three lip sections 23, but any other suitable number may be adopted.
Each lip section 29 extends circumferentially of the cavity mouth and preferably has maximum radial inwards projection at a region 30 substantially midway in the cir-cumferential length of the lip section 29. That is, theradial projection of the lip section 29 progressively decreases on each siae of the mid region 30 and it may in fact reduce to zero. A spac 31 may exist between adiacent ends of adjacent lip sections 29, as shown, or one lip section 29 may continue into another. In the former case, separate groove segments 32 (figure 4)will exist beneath respective lip sections 29, whereas in the latter case there may be a cont-inuous groove of varying depth.
An arrangement as described above has the advantage that each lip section 29 can distort to allow insertion and CG
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3~:) withdrawal of the stud 10. There may be some diametral expansion of the tubular section 26, but it is unlikely to be significant. Also, the use of lip sections 29 makes the fit of the mating fastener components 3 and 4 less critical and thereby aids manufacture of the fastener.
It is preferred that the securing component 5 of the female part 2 is the same as that for the male part 1. The base wall 25 of the operative component 3 therefore has a central opening 33 to receive the pin 6 of the securing component 5. Also, material locking means as previously described is preferably provided on the female part 2. That is, the component 3 i5 provided with a circumferential flange 34 and skirt portion 35 similar to those of the component 4, and the outer surface 36 of the base wall 25 is located axially beyond the skirt portion 35.
Each fastener part 1 and 2 is secured to its respective portion of sheet material 8 and 7 respectively in the manner previously described. That is, the securing pin 6 is projected through the base wall 9 or 25 of the operative component 4 or 3 respectively, and then deformed or flattened at its terminal end portion 18 to bear against the inner surface of the base wall 9 or 25. In the case of the female fastener part 2, the degree of deformation is preferably such that the deformed portion 18 of the pin 6 is able to fit within the bore 12 of the stud 10.
The stud 10 and the cavity 27 of the female part 2 are of related dimensions such that the stud bead 14 will snap engage behind the lip sections 29. In that condition, the opposed surfaces 37 and 38 of the circumferential flanges 19 and 34 are preferably in face to face engagement. If ~he fastener parts 1 and 2 are composed of a plastics material, they are able to be engaged and disengaged repeatedly due to the natural resilience of that material. The ~orce needed to engage and disengage the ~astener parts 1 and 2 may be reduced by providing one or more radial slots in the male stud 10 and/
or the female tubular section 26 so as to make it easier to compress or expand respectively that element.
A fastener as described has the advantage of simplicity of construction and ease of manufacture. In ~; 40 addition, it is a relatively simple operation to secure the ' :
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fastener to sheet material.
One method of securing the fastener parts 1 and 2 is shown in figures 5 to 8, and in that method the respective securing component ~ of one such part 1 or 2 is placed in the cavity of a fixture 39 so that the pin 6 extends upwards.
The fixture 39 may comprise a rigid table section 4~ which bears against a central portion 41 of the flange 15 and a spring loaded locating section 42 whicn defines the perimeter of the fixture cavity and engages against the outer peripheral portion of the flange 15. When the securing component 5 is initially located in the fixture cavity it has the bowed or dished configuration as previously described (figures 5 and 8).
The operative component 4 lfigures 5 to 7) or 3 (figure 8) is attached to another fixture 43 located above and in alignment with the fixture 39. The fixture 43 may include a spring loaded retaining section 44 having a barrel part 45 which fits neatly within the stud bore 12 (figures 5 to 7), or the cavity 27 ~figure 8), so as to retain the component 4 or 3 by frictional engagement. Because of the different diameters of the bore 12 and cavity 27, a different xetaining section 44 will be required for each. The retaining section 44 is slidably located over an anvil section 46 which is operable to engage and deform the securing pin 6 as here-inafter described.
When each component of the fastener part 1 or 2 is located on or retained by its respective fixture 39 or 43 and those fixtures 39 and 43 are axially spaced apart, a section of sheet material 7 ox 8 can be located in the space between the fixtures 39 and 43 so as to be generally transverse to the securing pin 6, Movement of one or each fixture 39 and 43 axially towards the other brings the pin 6 into engagement with the sheet material 7 or 8 and subsequently causes the pin 6 to pierce that sheet material 7 or 8. At that time one side of the sheet material 7 or 8 bears against the outer surface 36 or 20 of the operative component base wall 25 or 9 and the pin 6 is projected through the central opening 33 or 17 of that :i .
wall 25 or 9. The lip 23 of the flange 15 then engages the opposite side of the sheet material 7 or 8 and causes that sheet to fold across the surface 36 or 2~ of the base wall ~5 CG
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or 9 respectively.
As the foregoing operation progresses, the tension being built-up in the trapped section of sheet material 7 or 8 causes the flange 15 to flatten ~figures 6 and 7). That is, the outer edge portion of the flange 15 is moved downwards and that movement is permitted by the spring loading of the locating section 42 of the fixture 39. A stage is also reached ~Eigure 6) at which the retaining section 44 of the fixture 43 is prevented from moving further towards the table section 40 of the fixture 39 so the spring loading of that retaining section 44 allows the anvil section 46 to continue its movement towards the securing pin 6. In the final stage of the operation (figure 7), the anvil section 46 bears against and laterally deforms the terminal end portion 18 of the pin 6 to secure the two components 5 and 3 or 4 together.
When the fixtures 39 and 43 are moved apart, any relaxation of the clamping effect of the deformed pin 6 is compensated by the bias created in the flange 15. That flange 15 has been flattened from its relaxed and dished condition and consequently maintains pressure against the section of sheet material 7 or 8 trapped between its lip 23 and the skirt portion 35 or 22 of the operative component 3 or 4.
It will be appreciated that the fixtures need not be as described, nor do they need to be relatively located as described. As to the first point, the spring loading could be substituted by fluid pressure or other appropriate biasing means. As to the second point, the fixture described as located uppermost could be the lowermost Eixture, or the fixtures could be located side by side rather than one above the other.
Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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Claims
1. A method of attaching a snap fastener part to a section of sheet material, said snap fastener part comprising an operative component and a securing component, both said components being formed of plastics material, said operative component having a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion surrounding said opening and projecting from one side of said base wall, snap engaging means provided on said tubular portion, said securing component having a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, said pin being adapted to pass through said opening so that a terminal end portion thereof is located beyond said one side of the base wall, and said terminal end portion being deformable when so located to secure the two said components against separation, and wherein at least a peripheral portion of said cap flange slopes outwardly in a direction towards the terminal end of said pin, said method including the steps of, causing said pin to pierce said sheet material, locating said operative component over said pin so that said sheet material is interposed between said cap flange and said base wall and said pin projects through said opening so that the terminal end portion thereof projects beyond said one side of the base wall, applying pressure to the terminal end of said pin to deform same to an extent such that said pin cannot be withdrawn out of said opening, applying axial pressure to both said components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the said slope of said cap flange, and maintaining said axial pressure during said deformation of the pin terminal end.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000598281A CA1268930A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1989-04-28 | Method of attaching a snap fastener to sheet material |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000449935A CA1257075A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-03-19 | Snap fastener apparatus |
| CA000598281A CA1268930A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1989-04-28 | Method of attaching a snap fastener to sheet material |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000449935A Division CA1257075A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-03-19 | Snap fastener apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1268930A true CA1268930A (en) | 1990-05-15 |
Family
ID=4127442
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000449935A Expired CA1257075A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-03-19 | Snap fastener apparatus |
| CA000598281A Expired - Lifetime CA1268930A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1989-04-28 | Method of attaching a snap fastener to sheet material |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000449935A Expired CA1257075A (en) | 1984-03-19 | 1984-03-19 | Snap fastener apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA1257075A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-03-19 CA CA000449935A patent/CA1257075A/en not_active Expired
-
1989
- 1989-04-28 CA CA000598281A patent/CA1268930A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA1268930C (en) | 1990-05-15 |
| CA1257075A (en) | 1989-07-11 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |