Multiple metallic layers including tin-cobalt-containing alloy layer

Claim 2

A fastener means for fastening objects in interior as well as exterior applications, such as in the automotive field and the like, and operative to provide good corrosion resistance properties, and being of satin-like lustrous or shiny appearance, comprising, fastener means having a structural makeup of separate layers in sequence including, a. structural base metal means of carbon steel for generally supporting the fastener means, b. zero up to about 0.0005 inches thickness of a layer means of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys, c. layer means selected from at least one material of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and nickel-cobalt alloys, having a thickness between about 0.0001 and about 0.001 inches, d. layer means of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a tin/nickel alloy, a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy, or a tin/cobalt alloy, said layer means having a thickness between about 0.000005 and about 0.00020 inches, said layer means being for the most part applied by electrolytic coating process and being operative to enable good corrosion resistance properties and good adhesion properties.

Claim 3

The invention of claim 1 wherein, said layer means (b) has a thickness of at least about 0,00002 inches.

Claim 4

The invention of claim 1 wherein, said layer means (d) is a tin/cobalt alloy.

Claim 5

The invention of claim 3 wherein, said fastener means is contacted with an acidic aqueous solution means containing chromic acid, chromate and/or dichromate materials in solution and being operative to further assist said fastener means in retaining a shiny or lustrous appearance under significant corrosion conditions.

Claim 6

The invention of claim 1 wherein, said fastener means is contacted with an acidic aqueous solution means containing chromic acid, chromate and/or dichromate materials in solution and being operative to further assist said fastener means in retaining a shiny or lustrous appearance under significant corrosion conditions.

Claim 7

The invention of claim 5 wherein, said layer meaNs (b) has a thickness of at least about 0.00002 inches.

Claim 8

A metal product means for use as a fastener in interior as well as exterior applications and for other corrosion resistant uses and operative to provide good corrosion resistance properties and being of satin-like lustrous or shiny appearance, said product means having a structural makeup of separate layers in sequence including, a. a structural base metal of carbon steel b. zero up to about 0.0005 inches thickness of a layer means of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys, c. layer means selected from at least one material of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and nickel-cobalt alloys, d. layer means of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a tin/nickel alloy, a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy, or a tin/cobalt alloy, said layer means being for the most part applied by electrolytic coating process and being operative to enable good corrosion resistance properties and good adhesion properties.

Claim 9

A metal product means for use as a fastener in interior as well as exterior applications and for other corrosion resistant uses and operative to provide good corrosion resistance properties and being of satin-like lustrous or shiny appearance, said product means having a structural makeup of separate layers in sequence including, a. a structural base metal of carbon steel b. zero up to about 0.0005 inches thickness of a layer means of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and copper alloys, c. layer means selected from at least one material of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and nickel-cobalt alloys, d. layer means of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a tin/nickel alloy, a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy, or a tin/cobalt alloy, said layer means being for the most part applied by electrolytic coating process and being operative to enable good corrosion resistance properties and good adhesion properties.

Claim 10

The invention of claim 7, wherein, said product means is contacted with an aqueous solution means containing chromate and/or dichromate materials in solution and being operative to further assist said product means in retaining a shiny or lustrous appearance under significant corrosion conditions.

Claim 11

The invention of claim 8 wherein, said layer means (b) has a thickness of at least about 0.00002 inches.

Claim 12

The invention of claim 1 wherein, said layer means (d) is applied from a bath containing, stannous chloride, and cobalt chloride.

Claim 13

The invention of claim 9 wherein, said layer means (d) is a cobalt/tin alloy.

Claim 14

The invention of claim 7 wherein, said layer means (d) is applied from a bath containing, stannous chloride, and cobalt chloride.

Claim 15

The invention of claim 7 wherein, said layer means (d) is a tin/cobalt alloy.

Claim 16

The invention of claim 7 wherein, said layer means (d) is a tin/cobalt alloy or a tin/cobalt/nickel alloy.

Claim 17

A metal product means for use as a fastener in interior as well as exterior applications and for other corrosion resistant uses and operative to provide good corrosion resistance properties and being of satin-like lustrous or shiny appearance, said product means having a structural makeup of separate layers in sequence including, a. a base metal b. zero up to about 0.0005 inches thickness of a layer means substantially of copper, c. layer means selected from at least one material of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and nickel-cobalt alloys, d. layer means of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a tin/nickel alloy, a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy, or a tin/cobalt alloy, said layer means being for the most part applied by electrolytic coating process and being operative to enable good corrosion resistance properties and good adhesion properties, and wherein said product means is contacted with an acidic aqueous solution means containing chromic acid, chromate and/or dichromate materials in solution and being operative to further assist said product means in retaining a shiny or lustrous appearance under significant corrosion conditions.

Claim 18

A metal product means for use as a fastener in interior as well as exterior applications and for other corrosion resistant uses and operative to provide good corrosion resistance properties and being of satin-like lustrous or shiny appearance, said product means having a structural makeup of separate layers in sequence including, a. a base metal b. zero up to about 0.0005 inches thickness of a layer means substantially of copper, c. layer means selected from at least one material of the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and nickel-cobalt alloys, d. layer means of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a tin/nickel alloy, a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy, or a tin/cobalt alloy, said layer means being for the most part applied by electrolytic coating process and being operative to enable good corrosion resistance properties and good adhesion properties, and wherein said product means is contacted with an acidic aqueous solution means containing chromic acid, chromate and/or dichromate materials in solution and being operative to further assist said product means in retaining a shiny or lustrous appearance under significant corrosion conditions.

Claim 19

THE INVENTION OF CLAIM 15 WHEREIN, THE BASE METAL IS A MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF STEEL, BRASS, TITANIUM, ALUMINUM, ZINC, OR STAINLESS STEEL.

Claim 20

The invention of claim 15 wherein, said layer means (b) has a thickness of at least about 0.00002 inches.

Claim 21

The invention of claim 15 wherein, said layer means (d) is a cobalt/tin alloy or a tin/cobalt-nickel alloy.

Claim 22

The invention of claim 15 wherein, said layer means (d) is a tin/cobalt alloy.