Grommet die device and system
OwnerRicky Thorpeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A die for attaching a washer to a grommet to create a grommet-washer assembly for use in a system for opening and closing window treatments is described. The die includes a top die and a bottom die. The grommet is placed onto a top surface of the bottom die, and the washer is placed on top of the grommet. When the press is actuated, the top and bottom dies press together to attach the washer to the grommet. A system and methods are also described that features the die and a press on which the top die and the bottom die are installed so that the combined grommet-washer assembly is creatable when the press is actuated to attach the washer to the grommet. The grommet-washer assembly does not rotate when used with a system for opening and closing window treatments.
Claims21
A die for attaching a washer to a grommet, the die comprising:
- a top die comprising a shaping element for pressing a washer onto a grommet;
- and
- a bottom die for receiving the grommet for attachment of the washer thereto, the bottom die comprising a stabilization element and a central annular ridge surrounded by a planar surface, wherein the central annular ridge comprises a converging outer side wall, wherein the side wall's diameter at a base of the side wall is greater than the side wall's diameter at a top of the side wall, wherein the central annular ridge defines a bore centrally located in a top surface of the bottom die, and wherein the shaping element of the top die is receivable into the bore of the bottom die.
A die for attaching a washer to a grommet, the die comprising:
- a top die for pressing a washer onto a grommet, the top die comprising a stabilization element and a round shaping element attached on a planar surface of the top die, wherein the round shaping element comprises a top wall and a side wall, and wherein the round shaping element further comprises a cut-out that extends through the top wall and the side wall and terminates at the planar surface of the top die;
- and
- a bottom die for receiving the grommet for attachment of the washer thereto, the bottom die comprising a bore into which the round shaping element of the top die is receivable.
A system for attaching a washer to a grommet, wherein the combined grommet-washer assembly is for use with a system for opening and closing window treatments, the system for attaching the grommet to the washer comprising:
- a top die for pressing a washer onto a grommet, the top die comprising a stabilization element and a round shaping element attached on a planar surface of the top die, wherein the round shaping element comprises a top wall and a side wall, and wherein the round shaping element further comprises a cut-out that extends through the top wall and the side wall and terminates at the planar surface of the top die;
- a bottom die for receiving the grommet for attachment of the washer thereto, the bottom die comprising a stabilization element and a central annular ridge surrounded by a planar surface, wherein the central annular ridge comprises a converging outer side wall, wherein the side wall's diameter at a base of the side wall is greater than the side wall's diameter at a top of the side wall, wherein the central annular ridge defines a bore centrally located in a top surface of the top die, and wherein the round shaping element of the top die is receivable into the bore of the bottom die;
- and
- a press on which the top die and the bottom die are installed so that a combined grommet-washer assembly is creatable when the press is actuated to attach the washer to the grommet.
A method for attaching a washer to a grommet, wherein the combined grommet-washer assembly is for use with a system for opening and closing window treatments, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) connecting a top die to a press, wherein the top die is for pressing a washer onto a grommet, and wherein the top die comprises:
- (i) a stabilization element;
- and
- (ii) a round shaping element attached on a planar surface of the top die, wherein the round shaping element comprises a top wall and a side wall, and wherein the round shaping element further comprises a cut-out that extends through the top wall and the side wall and terminates at the planar surface of the top die;
- (b) connecting a bottom die to the press, wherein the bottom die is for receiving the grommet for attachment of the washer thereto, and wherein the bottom die comprises:
- (i) a stabilization element;
- and
- (ii) a central annular ridge surrounded by a planar surface, wherein the central annular ridge comprises a converging outer side wall, wherein the side wall's diameter at a base of the side wall is greater than the side wall's diameter at a top of the side wall, wherein the central annular ridge defines a bore centrally located in a top surface of the top die, and wherein the round shaping element of the top die is receivable into the bore of the bottom die;
- (c) placing the grommet onto the planar surface of the bottom die and the washer on top of the grommet;
- and
- (d) actuating the press to press the top die and the bottom die together thereby attaching the waster to the grommet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.