Importance

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Abstract

A snap fastener and method of attaching the same to a section of sheet material are disclosed. The snap fastener comprises an operative component and a securing component, both of these components being formed of plastics material. The operative component has a base wall with an opening therethrough and a tubular portion including a snap engaging portion formed thereon surrounds the opening and projects from one side of the base wall. The securing component has a pin and a cap flange at one end thereof, the pin being adapted to pass through the opening of the operative component so that the terminal end portion of the pin is located beyond the side of the base wall from which the tubular portion projects. The terminal end portion of the pin is deformable when so located relative to the operative component so as 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 of attaching the fastener to a section of sheet material 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 interposed 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 base wall. Thereafter, pressure is applied to the terminal end of the pin to deform same to an extent such that the pin cannot be withdrawn out of the opening. Axial pressure is additionally applied to both of the components to press them together and thereby reduce or remove by deformation the slope of the cap flange, this axial pressure also being maintained during the deformation of the pin terminal end.

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First Claim