Importance

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Abstract

A method of attaching a female element having an annular riveting portion to a panel and the installation apparatus. The method includes driving a punch through the female element into a panel supported on a die member forming an unsupported cone-shaped panel portion in the cavity of the die member. The punch includes an axially extending piercing end which pierces a small opening in the cone-shaped panel portion and an arcuate drawing portion which is driven against and through the panel opening, enlarging the panel opening. The annular riveting portion of the female element is then driven into the cone-shaped panel portion and through the panel opening, drawing the panel portion into a tubular shape engaging the external surface of the riveting portion. Finally, the riveting portion is driven against a center post of the die member, radially outwardly deforming the free end of the riveting portion and forming a mechanical interlock with the tubular panel portion. In the preferred embodiment of the die member, the center post includes an axial bore and is spring biased through an opening in the bottom of the die cavity to receive the slug pierced from the panel by the punch. The center post is then resiliently biased downwardly to mate with the die cavity during radial deformation of the riveting portion of the female element.

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First Claim