Thread forming fastener

A fastener blank for use in forming a threaded fastener, said fastener blank comprising:

• a shank defining a central axis;
• a head on one end of said shank;
• a leading end of said shank distal said head;
• a plurality of lobes defined on said shank being generally axially aligned with said central axis;
• a plurality of flutes being defined between neighboring lobes and being generally axially aligned with said central axis;
• said plurality of lobes including at least three major lobes, each of said major lobes being defined by a major arc struck by a radius extending from a major origin point radially offset from said central axis;
• said lobes including at least three minor lobes, each of said minor lobes being defined by a minor arc struck by a minor radius extending from a minor origin point radially offset from said central axis;
• and
• a major offset defined between said central axis and said major origin point being greater than a minor offset defined between said central axis and said minor origin point.

A fastener comprising:

• a shank defining a central axis of said fastener;
• a head on one end of said shank;
• a leading end of said shank distal said head;
• a plurality of lobes on said shank generally axially aligned with said central axis, said lobes defining at least three major lobes and at least three minor lobes, said major lobes and minor lobes being positioned on said shank in an alternating configuration;
• flutes defined between neighboring major and minor lobes;
• an inner circle of origin radially positioned outwardly from said central axis, a minor radius extending from a point on said inner circle of origin striking a minor arc defining each of said minor lobes;
• an outer circle of origin radially positioned outwardly from said central axis and said inner circle of origin, a major radius extending from a point on said outer circle of origin and striking a major arc defining each of said major lobes;
• and
• threads formed on at least a portion of said shank.

A fastener comprising:

• a shank defining a central axis;
• a head on one end of said shank;
• a leading end of said shank distal said head;
• a plurality of lobes defined on said shank being generally axially signed with said central axis;
• a plurality of flutes being defined between neighboring lobes and being generally axially aligned with said central axis;
• said plurality of lobes including at least three major lobes, each of said major lobes being defined by a major arc struck by a major radius extending from a major origin point radially offset from said central axis;
• said lobes including at least three minor lobes, each of said minor lobes being defined by a minor arc struck by a minor radius extending from a minor origin point radially offset from said central axis;
• a major offset defined between said central axis and said major origin point being greater than a minor offset defined between said central axis and said minor origin point;
• and
• threads formed on at least a portion of said shank.