Fastening device and method for attaching an object to a support structure

A fastening device for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising

• at least one locking member arranged on the object or on the support structure, an aperture which runs at least partly through the other of the support structure or through the object, the locking member being adapted for insertion in the aperture;
• the locking member having a transverse hole running through the locking member, the locking member being so shaped with respect to the object and the support and the aperture being so shaped and so located on the locking member that the transverse hole at the time of insertion of the locking member in the aperture is partly masked by material surrounding the aperture;
• an engagement element having a cross-section with a respective varying distance between its center point and its periphery at first and second locations around its periphery, the engagement element is arranged to be inserted in an unmasked portion of the transverse hole in the locking member and to be turned thereafter in the hole from an inactive position at insertion of the engagement element with the first location positioned toward the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture through it and to an active position with the second location positioned to engage the surface of the one of the object and the support structure having the aperture in it, the second location having such distance from the center point of the engagement element that the engagement element brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure when the second location engages the surface,
• wherein the locking member comprises a fastening device made from sheet material.

A method for attaching an object to a support structure, comprising the steps of:

• arranging at least one locking member on the object or on the support structure, wherein the locking member is formed with a transverse hole running through the locking member,
• inserting the locking member in an aperture which runs through the support structure or through the object, the insertion being to an extent such that material of the support structure or the object which surrounds the aperture in the support structure or the object partly masks the hole in the locking member;
• introducing an engagement element having a cross-section with a varying distance between its center point and its periphery in an unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through the locking member;
• turning the engagement element from an inactive position to an active position to bring about a clamping action between the object and the support structure;
• arranging a plurality of locking members which each have a transverse hole running through it in a substantially straight line on the object or on the support structure;
• inserting the plurality of the locking members in respective apertures running through the support structure or through the object, to a respective extent such that the material of the support structure or the object surrounding the apertures in the support structure or the object partly masks the holes in the respective locking members;
• introducing an elongate engagement element having a cross-section which exhibits a varying distance between its center point and its periphery into an unmasked portion of the transverse hole running through each locking member arranged along the straight line;
• and
• turning the engagement element from an inactive position to an active position whereby the engagement element brings about a clamping action between the object and the support structure at each locking member;
• thereby creating by single turning action a connection at a number of points along a straight line on the object or the support structure.