US 12,109,606 B2
Tapered transition pilot
Scott M. Breen, Ada, MI (US); and Joel T. Pyper, Holland, MI (US)
Assigned to STANDARD LIFTERS, INC., Grand Rapids, MI (US)
Filed by STANDARD LIFTERS, INC., Grand Rapids, MI (US)
Filed on Jul. 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/226,470.
Application 18/226,470 is a continuation of application No. 17/969,236, filed on Oct. 19, 2022, granted, now 11,752,538.
Application 17/969,236 is a continuation of application No. 16/658,192, filed on Oct. 21, 2019, granted, now 11,517,955, issued on Dec. 6, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/749,326, filed on Oct. 23, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2023/0364665 A1, Nov. 16, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B21D 43/00 (2006.01); B21D 28/34 (2006.01); B21D 37/08 (2006.01)
CPC B21D 43/003 (2013.01) [B21D 28/34 (2013.01); B21D 37/08 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A multi-station metal forming die having at least two mutually converging and diverging die members between which stock is shifted longitudinally to form parts from the stock, the improvement of a pilot assembly, comprising:
a pilot operably supported on one of said die members and having an outer end oriented toward the stock, an oppositely disposed inner end oriented away from the stock, and a medial portion disposed axially between said outer and inner ends, and including:
a shoulder portion disposed at said medial portion, having a first width;
a body portion disposed at said inner end having a second width that is less than said first width of said shoulder portion to define a first shoulder therebetween;
a generally tapered transition portion disposed at said outer end, including:
an innermost portion disposed adjacent to said shoulder portion with a third width that is less than said first width of said shoulder portion to define a second shoulder therebetween for securing said pilot in an associated pilot mounting aperture in said one die member; and
an outermost portion having a fourth width which is smaller than said third width;
at least one fastener relief formed into said pilot; and
at least one mounting fastener having an enlarged head portion that is at least partially received in said at least one fastener relief and a shank portion anchored in said one die member to securely mount said pilot on said one die member.