Fastener for securing first and second components together and method of using same
AssigneeTrufast Corporation
InventorGary Severns
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
First and second components are connected together by a fastener that includes a head and a shank having a bolt portion and a drill portion. The fastener is initially rotated relative to the first and second components such that the drill portion drills a hole through the first and second components. Then, the drive portion of the fastener is removed from the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener, such as by using a removal tool. Lastly, a nut is installed on the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener.
Claims17
A fastener comprising:
- a head;
- and
- a shank having a bolt portion and a drill portion, said drill portion being removable from said bolt portion.
A method of securing a fastener to a component comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a component and a fastener including a head and a shank having a bolt portion and a drill portion;
- (b) rotating the fastener relative to the component such that the drill portion drills a hole through the component;
- (c) removing the drive portion from the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener;
- and
- (d) installing a nut on the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener.
A method of connecting first and second components together comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a first component, a second component, and a fastener including a head and a shank having a bolt portion and a drill portion;
- (b) rotating the fastener relative to the first and second components such that the drill portion drills a hole through the first and second components;
- (c) removing the drive portion from the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener;
- and
- (d) installing a nut on the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.