A first and second component joint includes using a fastener having a first end, and a flange having a diameter greater than a tubular barrel portion. A second end having a second tubular barrel portion merges into a shoulder of a flange part having a greater diameter than the barrel portion. The first tubular barrel portion is deformed radially outwardly sandwiching the first component between the flange and the first barrel portion. The second end of the fastener is introduced through a hole in the second component by applying the second component to the first component so the shoulder of the flanged part abuts the second component spacing the second component from the first component. The fastener device is fastened to the second component by deforming the second tubular barrel portion radially outwardly sandwiching the second component between the shoulder and the tubular barrel portion.

A first and second component joint includes using a fastener having a first end, and a flange having a diameter greater than a tubular barrel portion. A second end having a second tubular barrel portion merges into a shoulder of a flange part having a greater diameter than the barrel portion. The first tubular barrel portion is deformed radially outwardly sandwiching the first component between the flange and the first barrel portion. The second end of the fastener is introduced through a hole in the second component by applying the second component to the first component so the shoulder of the flanged part abuts the second component spacing the second component from the first component. The fastener device is fastened to the second component by deforming the second tubular barrel portion radially outwardly sandwiching the second component between the shoulder and the tubular barrel portion.

A pallet of great strength and durability is provided at small cost, which comprises an upper continuous, rigid sheet of plywood, chipboard, plastic or other suitable material, and a lower sheet or set of strips of like material. Identical cylindrical chipboard spacers of substantial diameters and uniform thickness, which are not subject to cracking or splitting, are interposed at regular intervals between the upper and lower sheets. The spacers oppose parallel wooden surfaces to the inner faces of the sheets. Metallic eyelets fit centrally through the respective spacers and through sheet portions in contact with each spacer, the eyelets being outturned at their ends and having the outturned end portions pressed into flush relation with the outer faces of the sheets. The prongs of a forklift can be inserted from either end or from either side of the pallet so that the center of mass of the pallet and any load carried by it may be disposed between the prongs of the forklift.

A pallet having a top platform formed by an internal stiffening member covered with a high-density plastic sheet, a base, a plurality of supporting columns holding the platform in a spaced relationship with the base, and means for holding the platform to the base.

The present invention relates to a process for the attachment of a mounting rail, as well as to a connecting device for a mounting rail. In the process for the attachment of a mounting rail to a rod which is, if necessary, at least partially premounted, of a folding top for a motor vehicle, particularly for a convertible, a tubular connecting element (7, 7), which has at least one stopping surface (stopping surface [11]), is inserted through a hole (5) in the mounting rail (3). The tubular connecting element (7, 7') is inserted through an additional hole (25) in the rod (23) and secured in its position, and the mounting rail (3) is moved forward up to a predetermined position on the rod (23), whereby the tubular connecting element (7, 7') is plastically deformed and a connection between the rod and the mounting rail is brought about. The connecting device in accordance with the invention comprises a tubular connecting element (7, 7'), which extends both through a hole (5) in the mounting rail (3) as well as through a hole (25) in the rod (23) and is, during the production of the connection point (40), least partially plastically deformed.