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US 8,137,042 B2Granted
Fastener for securing first and second components together and method of using same
AssigneeAltenloh, Brinck & Co. US, Inc.
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 one-piece fastener comprising:
- a head;
- and
- a shank extending from the head, the shank including a bolt portion, a transition portion extending from the bolt portion and having a weakened region provided therein that is spaced from the bolt portion, and a drill portion extending from the transition portion, the drill portion defining an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter defined by the bolt portion, wherein the head and the shank are formed from a single piece of material.
A one-piece fastener comprising:
- a head;
- and
- a shank extending from the head, the shank including a bolt portion having a helical bolt thread with a first helix angle, a drill portion having a helical drill blade with a second helix angle defining an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter defined by the bolt thread, and a transition portion located intermediate the bolt portion and the drill portion, wherein a weakened region is provided within the transition portion at a location that is spaced apart from the bolt portion, and wherein the head and the shank are formed from a single piece of material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.