US20110083316A1 - Riveting device for metal sheets - Google Patents
Riveting device for metal sheets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110083316A1 US20110083316A1 US12/901,718 US90171810A US2011083316A1 US 20110083316 A1 US20110083316 A1 US 20110083316A1 US 90171810 A US90171810 A US 90171810A US 2011083316 A1 US2011083316 A1 US 2011083316A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- recited
- piston
- substrates
- extrusions
- riveting
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
- B21D39/03—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal otherwise than by folding
- B21D39/034—Joining superposed plates by piercing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
- B21D39/02—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49947—Assembling or joining by applying separate fastener
- Y10T29/49954—Fastener deformed after application
- Y10T29/49956—Riveting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53709—Overedge assembling means
- Y10T29/5377—Riveter
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of devices for joining metal objects and, more particularly, to a device used in riveting together studs and thin sheets of metal.
- the device should be modular such that it is easily carried. Also, the device should be comprised of common materials so as to minimize cost.
- An object of this invention is to provide a metal-plate riveting device that overcomes many of the disadvantages in the prior art.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a labor-saving metal-plate riveting device that rivets a plurality of plates.
- a feature of this invention is a combination of a puncturing device with a means to automatically fold back extrusions, burrs and hanging chads produced as the plates are punctured.
- An advantage of this invention is that it provides a riveting device that rivets a plurality of substrates such as plates in one single step.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a riveting device that enables the joining of multiple substrates through folded extrusions and the insertion of a plurality of rivets into the substrates without recourse to any backstop or support structure or other device positioned on the back side of the substrate (i.e., the side opposite to the side initially contacted by the invented device).
- a feature of this invention is that it comprises a combination of a puncturing device and a means to fold substrate-extrusions, chards or hanging chads (which are produced when the plates are punctured) to the back side of the plates. This folding means engages the substrate on the same side as does the puncturing device.
- An advantage of this invention is that it provides a riveting device that is capable of being operated from solely one side of the substrates to be riveted such that no substrate support or backstop is required during use.
- Another object of the invention is to facilitate permanent attachment of a plurality of metal substrates at points away from the edge of the substrates.
- the puncturing device may fasten the substrates at any location on the surface of the substrates.
- a benefit of the invention is that it may join substrates at any accessible location, especially with access to only one surface, and not merely the edge of the substrates.
- this invention provides a device for fastening together a plurality of substrates having a front side and a back side in one step by combining a puncturing mechanism means with a means to fold back extrusions produced when the plates are punctured wherein said puncturing mechanism and said folding back means operate from only one side of each of said substrates.
- this invention provides a method for fastening a plurality of substrates in a single step said method comprising combining a puncturing mechanism with a means for folding back extrusions produced when said substrates are punctured.
- FIG. 1 is an overall cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates, in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a piston component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a riveting component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a plate in the rivet component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 3 c is a plan view of a base for a rivet component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 4 a is a profile view of a hammer component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 4 b is an elevation view of a hammer component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 4 c is a view of FIG. 1 taken along line 4 c - 4 c , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 4 d is a detailed view of a hinge arrangement for an embodiment of the invented device depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 5 a is an overall cross-sectional view of the invented device during perforation of a plurality of substrates, in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 5 b is an overall cross-sectional view the invented device in post-perforation stage, in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6 a through 6 c are schematic views of stages in the operation of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 b is a perspective view of a piston component of the device depicted in FIG. 7 a , in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of a rivet component of the device depicted in FIG. 7 a , in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 d is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 a , taken along lines 7 - 7 ;
- FIG. 7 e is a perspective view of a deployed configuration of the device depicted in FIG. 7 a , in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of a piston component of the device depicted in FIG. 8 a , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 8 c is an exploded view of a riveting component and a piston component for the device depicted in FIG. 8 a , in accordance with features of the present invention
- FIG. 8 d is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 c taken along lines 8 - 8 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cap of the invented device.
- the present invention provides a labor-saving metal plate riveting device that rivets a plurality of plates in one single step. It combines a puncturing device with a means for folding back extrusions produced when the plates are first punctured.
- the present invention discloses a method and a device such that given an unsupported side of a stack comprising a plurality of substrates coplanarly arranged, the user can, by applying the invented tool to the other side of the configuration, perforate the entire configuration transversely and rivet the substrates together in a single step.
- the present invention is a substrate-piercing device comprising a piercing mechanism and a riveting mechanism. Initially, upon positioning of the device upon a plurality of substrates to be fastened together, a charge deploys a piston outwardly toward the substrate. Suitable charges are those originating from coiled spring, voltage potential, compressed air, fluid or a chemical charge such as propane or gunpowder.
- the piston Upon deployment, the piston simultaneously transversely pierces the substrates while causing the rivet mechanism to laterally bend the shards defining the resulting aperture upon the back of the last substrate.
- a polygonal aperture is formed transversely through the stack, whereby the tip of the rivet mechanism acts as a punch.
- Said polygonal aperture is bounded by triangular extrusions or shards extending through the aperture and toward the rear of the stack of plates.
- mid portions of the riveting mechanism defining hammer heads laterally force the shards against the back surface of the stack so that the shards establish intimate irreversible contact with the back surface of the stack.
- This deployment is achieved when the piston, coaxially arranged with a sleeve defining the rivet mechanism is thrust in the sleeve so as to cause the hammer heads to deploy laterally.
- the hammer heads are defined by longitudinally extending portions of the sleeve which are separated from each other by longitudinally extending slits.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the invented device 10 removably received by a means for actuating the device in an axial direction.
- the aforementioned actuating means includes, but is not limited to, pressurized air, chemical charge, mechanical actuation, such as spring loading, and a combination thereof.
- the device defines a first or distal end 16 and a second or proximal end 18 when it is enclosed in a housing 11 .
- the device 10 comprises a piston portion 25 coaxially aligned with a riveting tool portion 40 .
- This coaxial arrangement is spring biased toward the proximal end 18 of the device by one or a plurality of springs 20 and 30 .
- the proximal end 18 of the housing 11 snaps on or is otherwise removably received by said actuation device or is fully integrated into another device.
- the device 10 can be seamlessly integrated into existing nail guns, such as those pneumatically actuated or electrically actuated.
- the housing 11 of the invented device in such instances is defined by the nailing end of such guns.
- the nailing end of pneumatically-or electrically-actuated guns typically encircle a piston within the gun, that piston charged by air, a voltage potential, or coiled spring.
- a proximal facing surface 36 of the piston is adapted to contact the effect of the actuating means, such as a bolus of fluid from a pressurized line or chemical charge, or mechanical contact with a rapidly expanding spring,
- FIG. 1 depicts a piston spring 30 positioned between the base of the piston 25 and the base of the riveting tool 40 .
- the pertinent portion of the base of the piston defines a distally facing surface 27 while the pertinent portion of the base of the riveting tool defines a proximally facing surface 28 .
- These surfaces when placed in opposition to each other, form a chamber 33 in which the piston spring 30 resides.
- a second spring 20 dubbed herein as a rivet spring, is positioned between a distally facing surface 38 of the rivet portion and medially extending surface of the generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a of the device.
- the medially extending surface is defined by a proximally-facing surface 14 of a threaded collar 17 which is adapted to be threadably received by the distal most end of the housing 11 .
- This collar provides a means for axial adjustment of the device to vary the protrusion of the riveting mechanism from the distal end of the device.
- this inside surface defines a circumferentially arranged, medially extending ring surface 12 .
- pressurized air impacts the resting position of the proximal facing surface 36 of the piston to propel the piston in a distally extending direction.
- a circumferentially extending groove 19 along a proximal periphery of the piston 25 is adapted to receive an o-ring gasket 21 so as to provide a means for hermetically sealing the proximal end of the barrel to the proximal end of the piston while maintaining slidable communication between the piston and the barrel, similar to the configuration of a piston in a cylinder of an engine.
- the stop 12 limits motion of the riveting tool 40 by contacting distal surface 38 .
- a threaded surface 24 of the distal end 16 of the housing is adapted to receive the complementary threaded spacer 17 so that one may adjust the distance the tip 39 of the rivet portion 40 protrudes from the first end 16 of the housing 11 after compressed air is applied by varying the length of the spacer 17 .
- This spacer 17 may also communicate with the housing 11 in a snap fit arrangement or some other reversible attachment means.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the piston portion 25 depicted in FIG. 1 .
- this piston section 25 is manufactured from a single piece of high impact resistant material such as SAE Grade S Tool steel.
- the piston portion 25 comprises a cylindrical shaft 29 emanating from a base 32 .
- the shaft 29 defines a longitudinally extending portion 29 s having a polygonal cross-section bounded by planes 23 .
- a distal portion 29 c defines a circular cross-section.
- the shaft terminates in a tip 26 , which is depicted as a hemisphere in FIG. 2 .
- the tip can also be frusto-conical as depicted in FIG. 1 .
- a hemispherical tip 26 reduces frictional wear on the piston. (See Operation of the Device infra).
- a medially facing surface of the base 32 defines a channel 31 circumscribing the shaft 29 and adapted to receive the piston spring 30 and a peripheral wall 34 comprising the o-ring groove 19 .
- the floor of the channel i.e., the distal facing surface 27 of the piston portion
- the piston spring 30 is adapted to support the piston spring 30 .
- FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the riveting portion.
- the riveting portion comprises a base 57 and four hammers 59 emanating from the base 57 and attached to the base 57 as described infra.
- the base 57 comprises a top plate 82 and a bottom plate 84 , with the top plate 82 secured to the bottom plate 84 by fastening means 83 such as screws.
- FIGS. 4 a and 4 b provide profile and face views of a hammer 59 .
- Each hammer 59 comprises a cam surface 45 at its proximal end, a hammer head 53 at its distal end, and a generally elongate flat substrate or panel 47 positioned intermediate, and integrally formed with, the cam surface and the hammer head.
- a plurality of hammers are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis a of the device to form a sleeve 49 defining a longitudinally extending interior surface. This surface is adapted to slidably receive the portion 29 s of the piston. (See FIG. 1 ).
- Each panel terminates in a hammer head 53 such that when four hammer heads 53 are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis, the resulting configuration resembles a pyramid 48 .
- Each hammer head has an interior face 51 so that the four hammer heads 53 form within the pyramid 48 an interior cavity 46 configured to receive the piston tip 26 .
- Each pyramid face comprises a base edge 50 , two slanted edges 71 , and a mid-face section 77 .
- the base-edge 50 is rounded.
- the pyramid faces are concave with edges 71 protruding from the face and the mid-face section 77 being recessed, as is shown in FIG. 4 c which is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along the line 4 c - 4 c.
- FIG. 4 d depicts a hinge arrangement for a hammer 59 (shown in FIG. 3 a ).
- the cam surface 45 and the panel leg 54 are positioned between the shaft 29 s and a peripheral region 81 of the top plate 82 of the piston portion.
- An L-shaped substrate or rubber elbow 89 is positioned intermediate the cam surface and the top plate region 81 , with a horizontally disposed region 98 of the elbow further positioned in an annular channel formed by a depending surface of the top plate 82 which is overhanging an upwardly facing surface of the bottom plate 84 of the piston base.
- the cam surface 45 is supported by a peripheral portion 92 of the bottom plate 84 not overhung by the top plate 82 .
- the rubber elbow 89 consists of reversibly deformable material.
- the elbow 89 further comprises a vertically disposed section 99 that is sandwiched between the top plate region 81 and the hammer leg 54 and cam surface 45 .
- the horizontally disposed section 98 (which is perpendicular the vertical section 99 ) is frictionally held or sandwiched between the plate 82 and the surface 92 by means of one or more fasteners 83 .
- a torque T applied to the hammer 59 results in a swing in the direction T by the hammer but the laterally biasing force provided by rubber elbow 89 forces the hammer 59 to return to its original substantially vertical position once the torque T terminates.
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of the top plate 82 of the base 57 (appearing in FIG. 3 a ) while FIG. 3 c is a face view of the bottom plate 84 of the base 57 .
- the top plate 82 defines a centrally disposed bore 87 having an x-shaped cross section. The center of the cross section defines a square bore 85 adapted to slidably communicate the piston shaft 29 s (See FIG. 3 c ).
- rectangular bores 88 are contiguous to the square bores 85 .
- Each rectangular bore 88 is designed to accommodate the vertically disposed section 99 of the rubber elbow 89 and the hammer leg 54 depicted in FIG. 4 d .
- the plate 82 defines clearance countersunk bores 97 dimensioned to receive the fasteners 83 .
- the bottom plate 84 defines a square through bore 85 to allow slidable communication with the piston shaft 29 s .
- the bottom plate also defines four shallow rectangular cavities 86 bordering the bore 85 , each of said bordering cavities designed to accommodate a cam surface 45 .
- the cavities 86 are contiguous to cavities 88 of the same depth, each designed to accommodate the horizontally disposed section 98 of a rubber elbow 89 .
- the plate 84 comprises threaded bores 91 dimensioned to receive the fasteners 83 .
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b depict the base 57 assembled with the rubber elbows and the cam surface.
- the device is intended for piercing simultaneously one or more sheets of metal or other suitable material, folding back extrusions produced when the sheets are pierced, and pressing back the extrusions on the back side of the last sheet being riveted. With two or more sheets so acted upon, the sheets are crimped to each other so that they cannot be separated nor rotated with respect to the other.
- the device is operated with an air gun.
- a device where an air-fuel mixture is ignited by an ignition source.
- Such a device provides much higher pressure than standard compressed air devices.
- a spring gun or a rod and lever are also suitable.
- an air gun is assumed in the remainder of this description.
- the axial-extending length of the spacer 17 is chosen so that the edge 50 of the hammer head comes to rest at a medial position 44 in the extrusions 43 .
- the tapered tip 26 of the piston is instantaneously at rest with respect to the mating cavity 46 in the riveting portion and the piston spring 20 is fully compressed while the rivet spring 30 is at or near equilibrium.
- the region 13 in the gun barrel is still pressurized and this pressure acting on the base 32 is transmitted to the section 26 of the piston which in turn acts on the cavity 46 .
- Stop 12 prevents the over-extension of the rivet portion 40 .
- the rivet portion 40 is not stopped by a substrate external to the device nor is the operation of the device dependent on any of the puncture elements resting against or impacting an external substrate.
- the pressure in the housing 11 urges the piston assembly further forward. This forces the tip section 26 of the piston to force its way into the cavity 46 in the pyramid 48 in the rivet portion. (See FIG. 5 b ). This action imparts a lateral force to interior surfaces of the four hammer head sections 53 and the sleeve panels 47 , thereby leading to their separation (akin to the opening of flower petals) so as to form a four-pronged hydra.
- the hammer heads 53 of the pyramid sections in turn apply a lateral force on the extrusions 43 and in a direction that is approximately perpendicular from the longitudinal axis of the piston.
- This action causes the hammer heads to thereby slide laterally across proximal ends of the extrusions, thereby folding the extrusions back against the surface of the last sheet of metal in the stack.
- the sliding of the hammer heads 53 on the extrusions 43 is facilitated by the fact that the edge 50 of the hammer heads 53 is rounded.
- air pressure is lost from the housing 11 through exhaust slots 35 (See FIG. 5 b ) in the cylinder or via an external bypass valve.
- This allows the piston spring 30 to exert a force backward (i.e. towards the end 18 of the housing).
- This causes the four hammer heads 53 to retract towards the axis.
- the springs bring back the rivet/piston combination to the position depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 a depicts an alternate exemplary embodiment 110 comprising a piston portion 125 and a rivet portion 140 .
- the piston portion 125 which is manufactured from a single piece of high impact resistant material such as steel, is depicted in FIG. 7 b .
- the piston portion 125 comprises a shaft 129 emanating from a base 132 .
- the shaft 129 comprises a section 129 s with a polygonal cross-section and a proximal section 129 c with a circular cross-section, the latter terminating in a frusto-conical section 128 followed by a narrower shaft 127 which in turn terminates in a cone tip 126 .
- a circle 133 defines the transition between the shaft 127 and the cone 126 ).
- the base 132 comprises a channel 131 circumscribing the shaft 129 and adapted to receive a piston spring 30 and a peripheral wall 134 comprising an o-ring groove 119 .
- the shaft portion 129 s with a polygonal cross-section is bounded by planes 123 and the tip 126 is a pyramid 126 s the faces of which are aligned with the planes 123 . While in general the cross-section of the portion 129 s can be an arbitrary polygon, in the remainder of this description this cross-section will be taken to be a square.
- FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the rivet portion 140 which is intended for use with the square cross-section piston portion 125 depicted in FIG. 7 b .
- the rivet portion 140 is manufactured from a single piece of high impact reversibly deformable material such as tool steel.
- the rivet portion 140 comprises four sections separated by slits 162 . Each section comprises a panel 161 and a head 153 , such that the four sections form a hollow cylindrical shaft constituting a sleeve 149 emanating from the base 157 with the sleeve terminating in a pyramid 148 .
- the rectangular panels 161 originate from the base 157 at regions 158 at the base of each panel.
- the panel regions 158 are very thin and since they are composed of reversibly deformable material they serve as reversible hinges.
- the slits 162 extend the entire length of the rivet section above its base and into the pyramid 148 , to allow for separation of the four heads 153 upon actuation of the piston which is received by internal surfaces of the rivet portion.
- FIG. 7 d shows a cross-section of the device 110 taken along the line 7 - 7 in FIG. 7 a .
- the rivet portion comprises a longitudinally extending bore 151 adapted to slidably receive the shaft 129 of the piston.
- the bore and the shaft have similar cross sections, with the shaft dimensioned slightly smaller to facilitate substantially frictionless sliding within the bore.
- the pyramid section comprises a conical bore 146 adapted to slidably receive the conical section 128 and a cylindrical bore 156 adapted to slidably receive the shaft 127 .
- the pyramid 148 terminates in an aperture with rim 154 through which can protrude the shaft 127 terminating in the cone 126 .
- Each pyramid face comprises a base edge 150 defining a radius, two slanted edges 171 , and a mid-face section 177 . To facilitate penetration of the metal plates 41 , 42 by the device, the pyramid faces are concave with edges 171 protruding from the face and the mid-face section 177 being recessed or depressed (See FIG. 4 c for an identical construction).
- springs identical to the springs 20 and 30 depicted in FIG. 1 are utilized.
- the rim 154 coincides with the circle 133 .
- the piston depicted in FIG. 2 could also be used in this embodiment, in which case there is no aperture at the tip of the pyramid.
- FIG. 7 e is a perspective view of the embodiment 110 when the heads 153 are deployed as the piston 129 is thrust into the pyramid 146 ,
- FIGS. 8 a , 8 b , and 8 c describe yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of the device 200 and
- FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of the piston section.
- This embodiment features a circular cross-section cylindrical piston 230 that comprises a base 231 from which emanates a cylinder 233 that terminates in a first frusto-conical section 234 .
- Superior to and integrally molded with the first frusto-conical section 234 is a cylindrical section 235 that terminates in a second frusto-conical section 236 .
- Superior to and integrally molded with this second frusto-conical section is a cylindrical section 237 that terminates in a conical tip 238 .
- the first and second frusto-conical sections 234 and 236 have the same inclination angle and the same height.
- This piston 230 is intended for use with a rivet portion 210 that comprises four separate sections 211 , 212 , 213 , and 214 that are juxtaposed to each other and held together by o-rings or split rings 215 , 216 received in grooves 225 , 226 .
- FIG. 8 c is an exploded profile view of the rivet portion 210 positioned superior to the piston portion 230 .
- Each rivet section 211 , 212 , 213 , and 214 comprises a base portion 241 , a sleeve portion 242 that is one quarter of a circular cross-section cylindrical sleeve and a pyramid portion 243 .
- FIG. 8 d is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8 d - 8 d of FIG. 8 c of the rivet portion 210 and of the piston portion 230 .
- the rivet portions When the rivet portions are held together by the o-rings 215 and 216 , they define frusto-conical cavities 254 , 256 dimensioned to receive piston conical sections 236 and 234 .
- this piston/rivet combination differs from the previous two embodiments in that when the piston 230 is thrust into the four-component rivet portion 210 , with the piston conical sections thrust into the cavities 254 , 256 the four sections 211 , 212 , 213 , and 214 are forced to displace laterally, perpendicular to the axis y of the piston, with no rotational movement of the rivet sections at all.
- FIG. 9 is a depiction of an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a cap 300 attached to the first or distal end 16 of the device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the cap 300 includes an integral electromagnet 310 .
- the electromagnet is connected to power leads 315 which can energize the electromagnet 310 .
- the cap 300 When the electromagnet 310 is energized, the cap 300 will be magnetically attracted to the metallic substrate undergoing fastening.
- the energized electromagnet 310 will assist to maintain the tool in place and removably engaged with the substrate, especially in instances where a high amount of lateral pressure is needed to puncture a heavy substrate.
- the power leads 315 are connected to a direct current voltage source comprising a battery. In another embodiment, the power leads 315 are connected to an alternating current source, such as household current, wherein the alternating current source is adapted to function with the electromagnet 315 .
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Abstract
The invention provides a device that joins together several metal sheets in a single step. The device features a mechanism which simultaneously punctures a plurality of substrates and folds back extrusions produced when the substrates are punctured. The mechanism automatically retracts from the metal sheets once the folding of the extrusions occurs.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/250,624 filed on Oct. 12, 2009, currently pending.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to the field of devices for joining metal objects and, more particularly, to a device used in riveting together studs and thin sheets of metal.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- Devices for attaching or riveting together studs and thin sheets of metal have been available. However, they suffer from several disadvantages. To begin with, their use requires that the operation be carried out in three steps: first the studs or sheets of metal must be perforated at the junction point; second a rivet or the like must be inserted through the perforation; and third the rivet must be compressed or, at the very least, the extrusions or hanging chads resulting from the perforation of the metal sheets must be hammered down.
- Quite often, another device serving as an anvil must be placed on the side opposite to that where the perforating device engages the work pieces. If the workpiece is large and therefore unwieldy, positioning of the workpiece on an anvil or other support structure may require several workers.
- A need exists in the art for a device that rivets a plurality of plates in one single step without recourse to a support structure such as an anvil. The device should be modular such that it is easily carried. Also, the device should be comprised of common materials so as to minimize cost.
- An object of this invention is to provide a metal-plate riveting device that overcomes many of the disadvantages in the prior art.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a labor-saving metal-plate riveting device that rivets a plurality of plates. A feature of this invention is a combination of a puncturing device with a means to automatically fold back extrusions, burrs and hanging chads produced as the plates are punctured. An advantage of this invention is that it provides a riveting device that rivets a plurality of substrates such as plates in one single step.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a riveting device that enables the joining of multiple substrates through folded extrusions and the insertion of a plurality of rivets into the substrates without recourse to any backstop or support structure or other device positioned on the back side of the substrate (i.e., the side opposite to the side initially contacted by the invented device). A feature of this invention is that it comprises a combination of a puncturing device and a means to fold substrate-extrusions, chards or hanging chads (which are produced when the plates are punctured) to the back side of the plates. This folding means engages the substrate on the same side as does the puncturing device. An advantage of this invention is that it provides a riveting device that is capable of being operated from solely one side of the substrates to be riveted such that no substrate support or backstop is required during use.
- Another object of the invention is to facilitate permanent attachment of a plurality of metal substrates at points away from the edge of the substrates. A feature of the invention is that the puncturing device may fasten the substrates at any location on the surface of the substrates. A benefit of the invention is that it may join substrates at any accessible location, especially with access to only one surface, and not merely the edge of the substrates.
- In brief, in one embodiment, this invention provides a device for fastening together a plurality of substrates having a front side and a back side in one step by combining a puncturing mechanism means with a means to fold back extrusions produced when the plates are punctured wherein said puncturing mechanism and said folding back means operate from only one side of each of said substrates. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for fastening a plurality of substrates in a single step said method comprising combining a puncturing mechanism with a means for folding back extrusions produced when said substrates are punctured.
- The foregoing and other objects, aspects, and advantages of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, in which:
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FIG. 1 is an overall cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a piston component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a riveting component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a plate in the rivet component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 c is a plan view of a base for a rivet component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 a is a profile view of a hammer component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 b is an elevation view of a hammer component of an embodiment of a device for perforating and riveting metal plates depicted inFIG. 1 in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 c is a view ofFIG. 1 taken alongline 4 c-4 c, in accordance with features of the present invention -
FIG. 4 d is a detailed view of a hinge arrangement for an embodiment of the invented device depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with features of the present invention -
FIG. 5 a is an overall cross-sectional view of the invented device during perforation of a plurality of substrates, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 b is an overall cross-sectional view the invented device in post-perforation stage, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIGS. 6 a through 6 c are schematic views of stages in the operation of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 a is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 b is a perspective view of a piston component of the device depicted inFIG. 7 a, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of a rivet component of the device depicted inFIG. 7 a, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 d is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7 a, taken along lines 7-7; -
FIG. 7 e is a perspective view of a deployed configuration of the device depicted inFIG. 7 a, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invented device, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 b is a perspective view of a piston component of the device depicted inFIG. 8 a, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 c is an exploded view of a riveting component and a piston component for the device depicted inFIG. 8 a, in accordance with features of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 d is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 8 c taken along lines 8-8; and -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cap of the invented device. - The present invention provides a labor-saving metal plate riveting device that rivets a plurality of plates in one single step. It combines a puncturing device with a means for folding back extrusions produced when the plates are first punctured.
- The present invention discloses a method and a device such that given an unsupported side of a stack comprising a plurality of substrates coplanarly arranged, the user can, by applying the invented tool to the other side of the configuration, perforate the entire configuration transversely and rivet the substrates together in a single step.
- The present invention is a substrate-piercing device comprising a piercing mechanism and a riveting mechanism. Initially, upon positioning of the device upon a plurality of substrates to be fastened together, a charge deploys a piston outwardly toward the substrate. Suitable charges are those originating from coiled spring, voltage potential, compressed air, fluid or a chemical charge such as propane or gunpowder.
- Upon deployment, the piston simultaneously transversely pierces the substrates while causing the rivet mechanism to laterally bend the shards defining the resulting aperture upon the back of the last substrate. For example, when air pressure deploys the piston toward a first surface of a stack of plates, a polygonal aperture is formed transversely through the stack, whereby the tip of the rivet mechanism acts as a punch. Said polygonal aperture is bounded by triangular extrusions or shards extending through the aperture and toward the rear of the stack of plates. Simultaneous with the tip of the riveting mechanism forming the aperture, mid portions of the riveting mechanism defining hammer heads laterally force the shards against the back surface of the stack so that the shards establish intimate irreversible contact with the back surface of the stack. This deployment is achieved when the piston, coaxially arranged with a sleeve defining the rivet mechanism is thrust in the sleeve so as to cause the hammer heads to deploy laterally. The hammer heads are defined by longitudinally extending portions of the sleeve which are separated from each other by longitudinally extending slits.
-
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the inventeddevice 10 removably received by a means for actuating the device in an axial direction. The aforementioned actuating means includes, but is not limited to, pressurized air, chemical charge, mechanical actuation, such as spring loading, and a combination thereof. - The device defines a first or
distal end 16 and a second orproximal end 18 when it is enclosed in ahousing 11. Thedevice 10 comprises apiston portion 25 coaxially aligned with ariveting tool portion 40. This coaxial arrangement is spring biased toward theproximal end 18 of the device by one or a plurality ofsprings proximal end 18 of thehousing 11 snaps on or is otherwise removably received by said actuation device or is fully integrated into another device. - At this juncture, it should be noted that the
device 10 can be seamlessly integrated into existing nail guns, such as those pneumatically actuated or electrically actuated. Thehousing 11 of the invented device in such instances is defined by the nailing end of such guns. For example, the nailing end of pneumatically-or electrically-actuated guns typically encircle a piston within the gun, that piston charged by air, a voltage potential, or coiled spring. - A proximal facing
surface 36 of the piston is adapted to contact the effect of the actuating means, such as a bolus of fluid from a pressurized line or chemical charge, or mechanical contact with a rapidly expanding spring, - For example,
FIG. 1 depicts apiston spring 30 positioned between the base of thepiston 25 and the base of theriveting tool 40. Specifically, the pertinent portion of the base of the piston defines adistally facing surface 27 while the pertinent portion of the base of the riveting tool defines aproximally facing surface 28. These surfaces, when placed in opposition to each other, form achamber 33 in which thepiston spring 30 resides. - A
second spring 20, dubbed herein as a rivet spring, is positioned between adistally facing surface 38 of the rivet portion and medially extending surface of the generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a of the device. In an embodiment of the device, the medially extending surface is defined by a proximally-facingsurface 14 of a threadedcollar 17 which is adapted to be threadably received by the distal most end of thehousing 11. This collar provides a means for axial adjustment of the device to vary the protrusion of the riveting mechanism from the distal end of the device. In one embodiment, this inside surface defines a circumferentially arranged, medially extendingring surface 12. - In operation of one embodiment of the device, pressurized air (e.g. 50-150 psig) impacts the resting position of the proximal facing
surface 36 of the piston to propel the piston in a distally extending direction. Acircumferentially extending groove 19 along a proximal periphery of thepiston 25 is adapted to receive an o-ring gasket 21 so as to provide a means for hermetically sealing the proximal end of the barrel to the proximal end of the piston while maintaining slidable communication between the piston and the barrel, similar to the configuration of a piston in a cylinder of an engine. At the opposite (i.e., distal) end of the device, thestop 12 limits motion of theriveting tool 40 by contactingdistal surface 38. A threadedsurface 24 of thedistal end 16 of the housing is adapted to receive the complementary threadedspacer 17 so that one may adjust the distance thetip 39 of therivet portion 40 protrudes from thefirst end 16 of thehousing 11 after compressed air is applied by varying the length of thespacer 17. Thisspacer 17 may also communicate with thehousing 11 in a snap fit arrangement or some other reversible attachment means. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thepiston portion 25 depicted inFIG. 1 . Preferably, thispiston section 25 is manufactured from a single piece of high impact resistant material such as SAE Grade S Tool steel. Thepiston portion 25 comprises acylindrical shaft 29 emanating from abase 32. Theshaft 29 defines alongitudinally extending portion 29 s having a polygonal cross-section bounded byplanes 23. Adistal portion 29 c defines a circular cross-section. The shaft terminates in atip 26, which is depicted as a hemisphere inFIG. 2 . However, the tip can also be frusto-conical as depicted inFIG. 1 . Ahemispherical tip 26 reduces frictional wear on the piston. (See Operation of the Device infra). - While in general the cross-section of the
portion 29 s can be an arbitrary polygon, for illustration purposes, in the remainder of this description this cross-section will be taken to be a square and in some embodiments (such as the one depicted inFIG. 2 ) this square cross-section excludes sharp corners. A medially facing surface of thebase 32 defines achannel 31 circumscribing theshaft 29 and adapted to receive thepiston spring 30 and aperipheral wall 34 comprising the o-ring groove 19. As noted supra, the floor of the channel (i.e., the distal facingsurface 27 of the piston portion) is adapted to support thepiston spring 30. -
FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the riveting portion. The riveting portion comprises abase 57 and fourhammers 59 emanating from thebase 57 and attached to the base 57 as described infra. Thebase 57 comprises atop plate 82 and abottom plate 84, with thetop plate 82 secured to thebottom plate 84 by fastening means 83 such as screws.FIGS. 4 a and 4 b provide profile and face views of ahammer 59. Eachhammer 59 comprises acam surface 45 at its proximal end, ahammer head 53 at its distal end, and a generally elongate flat substrate orpanel 47 positioned intermediate, and integrally formed with, the cam surface and the hammer head. A plurality of hammers are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis a of the device to form asleeve 49 defining a longitudinally extending interior surface. This surface is adapted to slidably receive theportion 29 s of the piston. (SeeFIG. 1 ). - Each panel terminates in a
hammer head 53 such that when four hammer heads 53 are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis, the resulting configuration resembles apyramid 48. Each hammer head has aninterior face 51 so that the four hammer heads 53 form within thepyramid 48 aninterior cavity 46 configured to receive thepiston tip 26. - Each pyramid face comprises a
base edge 50, two slantededges 71, and amid-face section 77. As shown inFIG. 4 a, the base-edge 50 is rounded. (See Operation of the Device infra concerning this feature.) To facilitate use of the device to perforate metal plates, the pyramid faces are concave withedges 71 protruding from the face and themid-face section 77 being recessed, as is shown inFIG. 4 c which is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1 along theline 4 c-4 c. -
FIG. 4 d depicts a hinge arrangement for a hammer 59 (shown inFIG. 3 a). Thecam surface 45 and thepanel leg 54 are positioned between theshaft 29 s and aperipheral region 81 of thetop plate 82 of the piston portion. An L-shaped substrate orrubber elbow 89 is positioned intermediate the cam surface and thetop plate region 81, with a horizontally disposedregion 98 of the elbow further positioned in an annular channel formed by a depending surface of thetop plate 82 which is overhanging an upwardly facing surface of thebottom plate 84 of the piston base. Thecam surface 45 is supported by aperipheral portion 92 of thebottom plate 84 not overhung by thetop plate 82. Therubber elbow 89 consists of reversibly deformable material. Theelbow 89 further comprises a vertically disposedsection 99 that is sandwiched between thetop plate region 81 and thehammer leg 54 andcam surface 45. The horizontally disposed section 98 (which is perpendicular the vertical section 99) is frictionally held or sandwiched between theplate 82 and thesurface 92 by means of one ormore fasteners 83. A torque T applied to thehammer 59 results in a swing in the direction T by the hammer but the laterally biasing force provided byrubber elbow 89 forces thehammer 59 to return to its original substantially vertical position once the torque T terminates. -
FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of thetop plate 82 of the base 57 (appearing inFIG. 3 a) whileFIG. 3 c is a face view of thebottom plate 84 of thebase 57. Thetop plate 82 defines a centrally disposed bore 87 having an x-shaped cross section. The center of the cross section defines asquare bore 85 adapted to slidably communicate thepiston shaft 29 s (SeeFIG. 3 c). As depicted inFIG. 3 c,rectangular bores 88 are contiguous to the square bores 85. Eachrectangular bore 88 is designed to accommodate the vertically disposedsection 99 of therubber elbow 89 and thehammer leg 54 depicted inFIG. 4 d. Also, theplate 82 defines clearance countersunkbores 97 dimensioned to receive thefasteners 83. - The
bottom plate 84 defines a square throughbore 85 to allow slidable communication with thepiston shaft 29 s. The bottom plate also defines four shallowrectangular cavities 86 bordering thebore 85, each of said bordering cavities designed to accommodate acam surface 45. Thecavities 86 are contiguous tocavities 88 of the same depth, each designed to accommodate the horizontally disposedsection 98 of arubber elbow 89. Also theplate 84 comprises threaded bores 91 dimensioned to receive thefasteners 83.FIGS. 5 a and 5 b depict the base 57 assembled with the rubber elbows and the cam surface. - The device is intended for piercing simultaneously one or more sheets of metal or other suitable material, folding back extrusions produced when the sheets are pierced, and pressing back the extrusions on the back side of the last sheet being riveted. With two or more sheets so acted upon, the sheets are crimped to each other so that they cannot be separated nor rotated with respect to the other.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 the device is operated with an air gun. Alternatively, one may use a device where an air-fuel mixture is ignited by an ignition source. Such a device provides much higher pressure than standard compressed air devices. A spring gun or a rod and lever are also suitable. For the sake of specificity, an air gun is assumed in the remainder of this description. - When pressure is applied between the
piston base 32 and theproximal end 18 of thehousing 11, the piston is propelled forward, i.e., towards the distal orfirst end 16 of the barrel. This forward piston motion actuates the axial and lateral movement of the hammerheads of the rivet portion. The axial movement of the rivet portion terminates when thespring 20 is fully compressed and distal facingsurface 38 contacts stop 12. Simultaneously, therivet tool pyramid 48 pierces the sheets ofmetal triangular extrusions 43 or chads. (SeeFIG. 5 a) - The axial-extending length of the
spacer 17 is chosen so that theedge 50 of the hammer head comes to rest at amedial position 44 in theextrusions 43. At this point the taperedtip 26 of the piston is instantaneously at rest with respect to themating cavity 46 in the riveting portion and thepiston spring 20 is fully compressed while therivet spring 30 is at or near equilibrium. Yet at this point theregion 13 in the gun barrel is still pressurized and this pressure acting on thebase 32 is transmitted to thesection 26 of the piston which in turn acts on thecavity 46. -
Stop 12 prevents the over-extension of therivet portion 40. Therivet portion 40 is not stopped by a substrate external to the device nor is the operation of the device dependent on any of the puncture elements resting against or impacting an external substrate. When the forward motion of therivet portion 40 is stopped by thestop 12, the pressure in thehousing 11 urges the piston assembly further forward. This forces thetip section 26 of the piston to force its way into thecavity 46 in thepyramid 48 in the rivet portion. (SeeFIG. 5 b). This action imparts a lateral force to interior surfaces of the fourhammer head sections 53 and thesleeve panels 47, thereby leading to their separation (akin to the opening of flower petals) so as to form a four-pronged hydra. The hammer heads 53 of the pyramid sections in turn apply a lateral force on theextrusions 43 and in a direction that is approximately perpendicular from the longitudinal axis of the piston. This action causes the hammer heads to thereby slide laterally across proximal ends of the extrusions, thereby folding the extrusions back against the surface of the last sheet of metal in the stack. (Note that the sliding of the hammer heads 53 on theextrusions 43 is facilitated by the fact that theedge 50 of the hammer heads 53 is rounded.) At this point air pressure is lost from thehousing 11 through exhaust slots 35 (SeeFIG. 5 b) in the cylinder or via an external bypass valve. This allows thepiston spring 30 to exert a force backward (i.e. towards theend 18 of the housing). This causes the four hammer heads 53 to retract towards the axis. Then the springs bring back the rivet/piston combination to the position depicted inFIG. 1 . - Experimentation by the inventor has determined that a hemispherical shape for the
piston tip 26 minimizes frictional wear on that tip. With ahemispherical tip 26, as thetip 26 advances in therivet cavity 46different regions FIG. 2 ) come into contact with theinner face 51 of thehammer head 53 so that different regions of both thetip 26 and the hammer heads 53 experience wear in a single stroke. (SeeFIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c) - Alternative embodiments may differ in several respects from the preceding embodiment.
-
FIG. 7 a depicts an alternateexemplary embodiment 110 comprising apiston portion 125 and arivet portion 140. Thepiston portion 125, which is manufactured from a single piece of high impact resistant material such as steel, is depicted inFIG. 7 b. Thepiston portion 125 comprises ashaft 129 emanating from abase 132. Theshaft 129 comprises asection 129 s with a polygonal cross-section and aproximal section 129 c with a circular cross-section, the latter terminating in a frusto-conical section 128 followed by anarrower shaft 127 which in turn terminates in acone tip 126. (Acircle 133 defines the transition between theshaft 127 and the cone 126). Thebase 132 comprises achannel 131 circumscribing theshaft 129 and adapted to receive apiston spring 30 and aperipheral wall 134 comprising an o-ring groove 119. Theshaft portion 129 s with a polygonal cross-section is bounded byplanes 123 and thetip 126 is apyramid 126 s the faces of which are aligned with theplanes 123. While in general the cross-section of theportion 129 s can be an arbitrary polygon, in the remainder of this description this cross-section will be taken to be a square. -
FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of therivet portion 140 which is intended for use with the squarecross-section piston portion 125 depicted inFIG. 7 b. Therivet portion 140 is manufactured from a single piece of high impact reversibly deformable material such as tool steel. Therivet portion 140 comprises four sections separated byslits 162. Each section comprises apanel 161 and ahead 153, such that the four sections form a hollow cylindrical shaft constituting asleeve 149 emanating from the base 157 with the sleeve terminating in apyramid 148. Therectangular panels 161 originate from the base 157 atregions 158 at the base of each panel. Thepanel regions 158 are very thin and since they are composed of reversibly deformable material they serve as reversible hinges. Theslits 162 extend the entire length of the rivet section above its base and into thepyramid 148, to allow for separation of the fourheads 153 upon actuation of the piston which is received by internal surfaces of the rivet portion. -
FIG. 7 d shows a cross-section of thedevice 110 taken along the line 7-7 inFIG. 7 a. The rivet portion comprises alongitudinally extending bore 151 adapted to slidably receive theshaft 129 of the piston. As such, the bore and the shaft have similar cross sections, with the shaft dimensioned slightly smaller to facilitate substantially frictionless sliding within the bore. - The pyramid section comprises a
conical bore 146 adapted to slidably receive theconical section 128 and acylindrical bore 156 adapted to slidably receive theshaft 127. Thepyramid 148 terminates in an aperture withrim 154 through which can protrude theshaft 127 terminating in thecone 126. Each pyramid face comprises abase edge 150 defining a radius, two slantededges 171, and amid-face section 177. To facilitate penetration of themetal plates edges 171 protruding from the face and themid-face section 177 being recessed or depressed (SeeFIG. 4 c for an identical construction). - In this embodiment, springs identical to the
springs FIG. 1 are utilized. In the equilibrium situation, i.e. before the device is propelled forward, therim 154 coincides with thecircle 133. - The piston depicted in
FIG. 2 could also be used in this embodiment, in which case there is no aperture at the tip of the pyramid. - The operation of this device is identical to that of the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1 .FIG. 7 e is a perspective view of theembodiment 110 when theheads 153 are deployed as thepiston 129 is thrust into thepyramid 146, -
FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 8 c describe yet another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8 a is a perspective view of thedevice 200 andFIG. 8 b is a perspective view of the piston section. This embodiment features a circular cross-sectioncylindrical piston 230 that comprises a base 231 from which emanates acylinder 233 that terminates in a first frusto-conical section 234. Superior to and integrally molded with the first frusto-conical section 234 is acylindrical section 235 that terminates in a second frusto-conical section 236. Superior to and integrally molded with this second frusto-conical section is acylindrical section 237 that terminates in aconical tip 238. The first and second frusto-conical sections piston 230 is intended for use with arivet portion 210 that comprises fourseparate sections rings grooves 225, 226. -
FIG. 8 c is an exploded profile view of therivet portion 210 positioned superior to thepiston portion 230. Eachrivet section base portion 241, asleeve portion 242 that is one quarter of a circular cross-section cylindrical sleeve and apyramid portion 243.FIG. 8 d is a cross-sectional view taken alongline 8 d-8 d ofFIG. 8 c of therivet portion 210 and of thepiston portion 230. When the rivet portions are held together by the o-rings conical cavities conical sections - The operation of this piston/rivet combination differs from the previous two embodiments in that when the
piston 230 is thrust into the four-component rivet portion 210, with the piston conical sections thrust into thecavities sections -
FIG. 9 is a depiction of an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising acap 300 attached to the first ordistal end 16 of thedevice 10 as shown inFIG. 1 . In the alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 9 , thecap 300 includes anintegral electromagnet 310. The electromagnet is connected to power leads 315 which can energize theelectromagnet 310. When theelectromagnet 310 is energized, thecap 300 will be magnetically attracted to the metallic substrate undergoing fastening. The energizedelectromagnet 310 will assist to maintain the tool in place and removably engaged with the substrate, especially in instances where a high amount of lateral pressure is needed to puncture a heavy substrate. In one embodiment, the power leads 315 are connected to a direct current voltage source comprising a battery. In another embodiment, the power leads 315 are connected to an alternating current source, such as household current, wherein the alternating current source is adapted to function with theelectromagnet 315. - While the invention has been described in the foregoing with reference to details of the illustrated embodiments, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A device for fastening together a plurality of substrates having a front side and a back side in one step by combining a puncturing mechanism means with a means to fold back extrusions produced when the plates are punctured wherein said puncturing mechanism and said folding back means operate from only one side of each of said substrates.
2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the device forms a rectilinear aperture in each substrate.
3. The device as recited in claim 2 wherein said puncturing mechanism and said folding back means are contained in a housing that is removably attached to an actuation means.
4. The device as recited in claim 3 wherein said extrusions are folded away from the aperture so as to fasten the substrates.
5. The device as recited in claim 1 comprising;
a riveting mechanism to fold back extrusions, said riveting mechanism comprising a plurality of separable sections forming a cavity; and
a piston member comprising a shaft dimensioned to be received in said cavity.
6. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said puncturing mechanism means further comprises a plurality of springs.
7. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said puncturing mechanism means further comprises a spacer for adjusting an amount of extension of the puncturing means.
8. The device as recited in claim 5 wherein said riveting mechanism further comprises four hammers emanating from a base wherein said hammers are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal axis of said device.
9. The device as recited in claim 8 wherein said four hammers form a pyramid shape having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and wherein said interior surface contacts a tip of said piston member.
10. The device as recited in claim 9 wherein said four hammers further comprise a hinge activated by said piston member.
11. The device as recited in claim 9 wherein said hinge further comprises a rubber elbow wherein said elbow returns the hinge to a pre-activation configuration
12. The device as recited in claim 5 wherein penetration of the piston member into the riveting mechanism cavity causes deployment of the riveting sections with said sections impacting said extrusions.
13. The device as recited in claim 12 wherein said cavity has a frusto-conical shape.
14. The device as recited in claim 12 further comprising springs causing retraction of the riveting mechanism and of the piston from said substrates once said folding has been effected.
15. The device as recited in claim 14 wherein said piston member further comprises a base having a channel adapted to receive at least one of said springs.
16. A method for fastening a plurality of substrates in a single step said method comprising combining a puncturing mechanism with a means for folding back extrusions produced when said substrates are punctured.
17. The method recited in claim 16 further comprising ensuring that said puncturing mechanism forms rectilinear apertures.
18. The method recited in claim 16 further comprising placing said puncturing mechanism and said folding means in a housing and adapting said housing to be removably attachable to an activation means.
19. The method recited in claim 16 further comprising ensuring that said folding means comprises separable sections that form a cavity and that said folding is initiated by thrusting a piston into said cavity and thus separating said sections so that said sections impact said extrusions.
20. The method recited in claim 19 further comprising employing springs to cause retraction of the riveting mechanism and of the piston from said substrates once said folding has been effected.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/901,718 US20110083316A1 (en) | 2009-10-12 | 2010-10-11 | Riveting device for metal sheets |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US25062409P | 2009-10-12 | 2009-10-12 | |
US12/901,718 US20110083316A1 (en) | 2009-10-12 | 2010-10-11 | Riveting device for metal sheets |
Publications (1)
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US20110083316A1 true US20110083316A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
Family
ID=43853678
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/901,718 Abandoned US20110083316A1 (en) | 2009-10-12 | 2010-10-11 | Riveting device for metal sheets |
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US (1) | US20110083316A1 (en) |
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US6705147B2 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2004-03-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Method and apparatus for fastening steel framing by crimping |
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US7032296B2 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2006-04-25 | Newfrey Llc | Self-piercing fastening system |
US7127924B1 (en) * | 2005-09-09 | 2006-10-31 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Double action punch assembly for hydroforming die |
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US56494A (en) * | 1866-07-17 | Improvement in machines for securing the ends of strips of sheet metal together | ||
US3714688A (en) * | 1971-06-11 | 1973-02-06 | G Olson | Punch riveter for joining metals |
US4827595A (en) * | 1985-12-05 | 1989-05-09 | Utica Engineering Company | Method for hemming overlapped sheet material |
US5133673A (en) * | 1990-04-18 | 1992-07-28 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Connecting element |
US5622442A (en) * | 1990-05-18 | 1997-04-22 | Tech-Line Engineering Co. | Apparatus and method for forming a clinch joint |
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US6705147B2 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2004-03-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Method and apparatus for fastening steel framing by crimping |
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US6938452B2 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2005-09-06 | Black & Decker Inc. | Method and apparatus for fastening steel framing by crimping |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |