Apparatus and method for fastening an element to a support structure

Abstract

The device of the present invention can include a first ejector pin and a first hollow needle having a first portion of an outer periphery that includes a stepped recess from a second portion of the outer periphery. In some embodiments, the device can further include a second hollow needle. In some embodiments, the first end of the cap can be configured to attach to a nose of the device. The cap can include an aperture that can be sized so that, when the cap is removed from the nose, the tip of the first hollow needle can be inserted through the aperture. In some embodiments, the nose of the device can include a first support surface facing outward and a second support surface facing outward and projecting outward from the first support surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and method for fastening an element to a support structure, and more particularly to an apparatus including a hollow needle and an ejector pin, and a method for expelling a fastener from a hollow needle using an ejector pin to fasten an element to a support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to secure a button to fabric using a pair of hollow needles and a corresponding pair of ejector pins. Typically, the hollow needles are inserted through a pair of holes in the button. A user then inserts the needles into the fabric at a predetermined location. The pair of ejector pins then push each end of a fastener through the corresponding hollow needles to attach the button to the fabric. However, conventional devices may provide undesirable resistance to pushing the fastener through the hollow needles. Also, conventional devices may not properly sandwich the button between the device and the fabric. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments that are described in the detailed description.

[0004] In some embodiments, the device can include a first hollow needle including a first open end tapering outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. The device can further include a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle. The first ejector pin can include an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The first portion of the outer circumferential surface can include a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the device may include a first hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly toward the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. The device may include a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle. The device may further include a cap including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an outer surface of the second end. The first end of the cap may be configured to be mounted on a nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle located within the interior region of the cap, the tip of the first hollow needle being recessed from the outer surface of the second end, and the aperture sized to allow the tip of the first hollow needle to be inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device can include a nose including a first support surface facing outward and a second support surface facing outward and projecting outward from the first support surface. The first support surface can extend radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface. A first hollow needle can extend through the second support surface. The first hollow needle can include a first open end tapering outwardly to a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. A second hollow needle can extend through the second support surface. The second hollow needle can include a first open end tapering outwardly to a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle.

[0007] The features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be further understood with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a front view of an apparatus for fastening an element to a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an enlarged portion of the device taken along line 2 in FIG. 1 with the cap removed from the nose of the device. [Figure 3] 3 shows a right side view of the device taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a right side view of FIG. 3, but with the cap removed from the nose of the device. [Figure 5] 4 is a right side view of FIG. 3, but with the cap and right housing panel removed from the device. [Figure 6] 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the device taken along line 6 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 shows a top view of the outer end of the ejector pin of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 shows a side view of the outer end of the ejector pin taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 shows an end view of the outer end of the ejector pin taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 6, with the anchors of each of the fasteners of the first embodiment of the clip seated against the corresponding inner surface of the hollow needle; FIG. [Figure 11] 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 6, with the anchors of each of the other fasteners of the second embodiment of the clip seated against the corresponding inner surfaces of the hollow needles; FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the fasteners and a portion of the device shown in FIGS. 10-11, with a hollow needle inserted into a corresponding hole in the button. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 12, in which the hollow needle is pierced into the fabric while the cap of the device presses the fabric and button between the nose and cap. [Figure 14]13 is a schematic view of an ejector pin pushing the anchor of one of the fasteners shown in FIGS. 10-11 through a hollow needle, with the filament of the fastener being received in a recess in the ejector pin. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, showing the filament of the fastener shown in FIG. 10 housed in a recess in one of the ejector pins. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, showing the filament of the fastener shown in FIG. 11 received in a recess in one of the ejector pins. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram of an ejector pin pushing an anchor of one of the fasteners shown in FIGS. 10-11 through the open end of each of the hollow needles while increasing the length of the fastener filament. [Figure 18] 17 shows the fabric and button of FIG. 17 after the fastener shown in FIG. 10 has attached the button to the fabric. [Figure 19] 17 shows the fabric and button of FIG. 17 after the fastener shown in FIG. 11 has attached the button to the fabric. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. Where possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a front view of device 101 with cap 103 disposed on nose 201 (see FIG. 2 ) of device 101. FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of nose 201. In some optional embodiments, nose 201 can include a first bearing surface 203 facing in an outward direction 603 (e.g., outward direction 603 as shown and described with respect to FIG. 6 below). In some optional embodiments, nose 201 can include a second bearing surface 205 facing in the outward direction 603. In some embodiments, as shown, first bearing surface 203 and second bearing surface 205 can be substantially flat surfaces, although in some embodiments, one or both of first bearing surface 203 or second bearing surface 205 can be curved. Also, as shown, first bearing surface 203 can extend along a first plane and second bearing surface 205 can extend along a second plane parallel to the first plane, although in further embodiments, the planes can be angled.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 6, the second bearing surface 205 can protrude a distance "D1" from the first bearing surface 203 in an outward direction 603. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the distance "D1" that the second bearing surface 205 protrudes from the first bearing surface 203 is greater than or equal to a recessed distance "D2" of the button 1201 below the outer rim 1203 of the button 1201. In some embodiments, the distance "D1" can be from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, e.g., from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, although other distances can be provided in further embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the first bearing surface 203 can extend radially from the outer periphery 207 of the second bearing surface 205. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the first bearing surface 203 can completely surround the outer periphery 207 of the second bearing surface 205, such that the first bearing surface 203 surrounds the entire outer periphery 207 of the second bearing surface 205. Although not shown, in further embodiments, first bearing surface 203 can only partially surround perimeter 207 of second bearing surface 205. As shown in Figure 2, perimeter 207 can be circular, although other shapes can be provided in further embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the shape of perimeter 207 of second bearing surface 205 can be designed so that second bearing surface 205 fits snugly over circular recess 1205 of button 1201.

[0012] While the device 101 can include a single hollow needle, in further embodiments, the device 101 can include two or more hollow needles. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-6, 10-14, and 17, the device 101 can include multiple hollow needles 401, including a first hollow needle 401a and a second hollow needle 401b. As shown in FIG. 2, the first hollow needle 401a and the second hollow needle 401b can each extend through an opening 209 in the second support surface 205. As shown, in some embodiments, the opening 209 can include a C-shaped opening that allows a fastener filament to pass through, as described more fully below. Different and other shapes of the opening 209 can be provided depending on the number of hollow needles and / or the type of fastener.

[0013] 1, 3, and 4, device 101 can include cap 103, which can include a first end 105 and a second end 107 opposite first end 105. First end 105 is configured to be attached to nose 201. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, cap 103 can define interior region 1301, and first end 105 can include cavity 1303 designed to snap-fit over protrusion 211 (see FIG. 2) from nose 201. Thus, to removably attach cap 103 to nose 201 of device 101, nose 201 can be inserted into interior region 1301 of first end 105 of cap 103 such that protrusion 211 snaps into cavity 1303, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. As can be seen (e.g., from FIGS. 1 and 3-4), once attached, a portion of the first hollow needle 401a and a portion of the second hollow needle 401b are each disposed within the interior region 1301 of the cap 103. As can be further seen (e.g., from FIGS. 1 and 3-4), the tip 605a (see FIG. 4) of the first hollow needle 401a and the tip 605b (see FIG. 4) of the second hollow needle 401b can be recessed from the outer surface 109 of the second end 107. Consequently, when the cap 103 is attached to the nose 201 of the device 101, the portions of the hollow needles extending from the second support surface 205 of the nose 201 can be protected by the cap 103.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cap 103 may include an optional aperture 111 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 13 ) that communicates with the interior region 1301 of the cap 103 and extends through the exterior surface 109 of the second end 107. The aperture 111 may be sized so that the tip 605 a of the first hollow needle 401 a and the tip 605 b of the second hollow needle 401 b may be inserted through the aperture 111 when the cap 103 is removed from the nose 201. The aperture 111 may include a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the number and arrangement of the hollow needles. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the aperture may include a rectangular aperture sized to accommodate the tip 605 a of the first hollow needle 401 a and the tip 605 b of the second hollow needle 401 b all at the same time. The single rectangular aperture facilitates simultaneous insertion of tips 605a, 605b and facilitates fastening of the element to a support structure without interference with cap 103.

[0015] 6, the first hollow needle 401a can include a first open end 601a that tapers in an outward direction 603 of the tip 605a and a second open end 607a opposite the first open end 601a. In some embodiments, the second open end 607a includes a sleeve 608a of the first hollow needle 401a and a slot 609a that extends at least partially along the axis 611a of the first hollow needle 401a between the first open end 601a and the second open end 607a. For example, the slot 609a can extend along the axis 611a of the first hollow needle 401a from a lateral receiving area 610a of the slot 609a to the first open end 601a of the first hollow needle 401a.

[0016] If provided, the second hollow needle 401b may comprise a mirror image of the first hollow needle 401a. For example, the second hollow needle 401b may comprise a first open end 601b tapered in an outward direction 603 from a tip 605b and a second open end 607b opposite the first open end 601b. In some embodiments, the second open end 607b comprises a sleeve 608b of the second hollow needle 401b and a slot 609b extending at least partially along an axis 611b of the second hollow needle 401b between the first and second open ends 601b and 607b. For example, the slot 609b may extend along the axis 611b of the second hollow needle 401b from a lateral receiving area 610b of the slot 609b to the first open end 601b of the second hollow needle 401b.

[0017] The first ejector pin 613a may be aligned with the axis 611a of the first hollow needle 401a. The first ejector pin 613a may include an outer circumferential surface 615a. A first end 617a of the first ejector pin 613a may include a first portion 619a of the outer circumferential surface 615a. A central portion 621a of the first ejector pin 613a may include a second portion 623a of the outer circumferential surface 615a. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the first portion 619a of the outer circumferential surface 615a of the first ejector pin 613a may include a stepped recess 801 from the second portion 623a of the outer circumferential surface 615a of the first ejector pin 613a.

[0018] The second ejector pin 613b may be aligned with the axis 611b of the second hollow needle 401b. The second ejector pin 613b may include an outer peripheral surface 615b. A first end 617b of the second ejector pin 613b may include a first portion 619b of the outer peripheral surface 615b. A central portion 621b of the second ejector pin 613b may include a second portion 623b of the outer peripheral surface 615b. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the first portion 619b of the outer peripheral surface 615b of the second ejector pin 613b may include a stepped recess 801 from the second portion 623b of the outer peripheral surface 615b of the second ejector pin 613b.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 8 , each ejector pin 613a, 613b can extend along a linear axis 803. The stepped recess 801 can include a depth 805 measured in a direction perpendicular to the linear axis 803, and the second portions 623a, 623b can include a height 807 measured in a direction perpendicular to the linear axis 803. As shown, the height 807 can include the diameter of the second portions 623a, 623b if the second portions 623a, 623b include circular cylindrical portions. However, the second portions can include a quadrilateral configuration or other configuration in which the height is a dimension of the configuration. In some embodiments, the depth 805 can be about 5% to about 50% of the height 807, about 10% to about 40% of the height 807, or about 10% to about 30% of the height 807, although other ranges can be provided in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the depth 805 can be between about 10 microns and about 400 microns, between about 50 microns and about 300 microns, between about 100 microns and about 300 microns, between about 200 microns and about 300 microns, or other depths.

[0020] 7, stepped recess 801 can include a length 701 measured in the direction of linear axis 803. Length 701 can be from about 2 mm to about 12 mm, from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 9 mm, although other lengths can be provided in further embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments, the stepped recess 801 of the first ejector pin 613a and the second ejector pin 613b may include a flat surface 802 extending in the outward direction 603 of the axis 611a of each of the first hollow needle 401a and the axis 611b of each of the second hollow needle 401b. In an alternative embodiment, as shown by the dotted curve in FIG. 9 , the stepped recess 801 of the second ejector pin 613b may include a concave surface 901 extending in the outward direction 603 of each of the axis 611a of each of the first hollow needle 401a and the axis 611b of each of the second hollow needle 401b. For example, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9 , a cross section of the concave surface 901 may include a cross-sectional concave profile along the outward direction 603 and along a plane perpendicular to the outward direction 603.

[0022] A method for fastening an element to a support structure using device 101 is described below. As shown in FIGS. 12-14 and 17-19, the element may include exemplary button 1201, although other elements may be provided in further embodiments. For example, in further embodiments, the element may include a price list, a radio frequency identification device (RFID device), decorations, additional fabric, or other elements. As shown in FIGS. 13-14 and 17-19, support structure 1305 may include fabric, although paperboard, wood, plastic, or other materials may be provided in further embodiments that can be penetrated by one or more hollow needles. Also, at least one additional element and / or support structure may be provided in other embodiments.

[0023] The filament can include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first anchor can be provided at the first end, and a second anchor can be provided at the second end. In some embodiments, the first and second anchors can all be designed to pass through the support structure 1305 with corresponding first and second hollow needles to fasten an element to the support structure. For example, as described throughout this specification, the first and second anchors can pass through the support structure 1305 with corresponding first and second hollow needles to attach a button to the support structure 1305.

[0024] In some embodiments, although not shown, only a single anchor is designed to pass through the support structure with a single hollow needle to fasten an element to the support structure. For example, in some embodiments, a first anchor can pass through the support structure with a single hollow needle to fasten a first end of a filament to the support structure, and a second anchor can fasten an element to a second end of the filament without passing through the support structure. In such embodiments, the filament can be threaded through the support structure, and the first end of the filament can prevent the first anchor from passing through the support structure, and the second end of the filament can prevent the second anchor and / or element from passing through the support structure. In some embodiments, the second anchor can facilitate attachment of an element to the filament, and the second anchor and element can be separate from each other. In some embodiments, the second anchor can include an element that also functions as a second anchor and is integrated with the second end of the filament.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the method includes removing cap 103 from nose 201 to expose hollow needle 401 and lateral storage area 403 sized to laterally store clips of fasteners. Referring to FIG. 5, one or more clips 501 a, 501 b of fasteners 503 a, 503 b may be stored within storage area 505 of device 101. To access clips 501 a, 501 b, access door 507 may be pivoted open by a user. The user may then select one of clips 501 a, 501 b for loading into lateral storage area 403. As shown in FIGURE 10, each fastener 503a of the first embodiment of clip 501a can include a first anchor 1001a attached to the first support rail 1003a of clip 501a by a first attachment tab 1005a and a second anchor 1001b attached to the second support rail 1003b of clip 501a by a second attachment tab 1005b. Each fastener further includes a filament 1007 having a first end attached to the first anchor 1001a and a second end attached to the second anchor 1001b. As shown in FIGURE 11, each fastener 503b of the second embodiment of clip 501b can include a first anchor 1101a attached to the first support rail 1103a of clip 501b by a first attachment tab 1105a and a second anchor 1101b attached to the second support rail 1103b of clip 501b by a second attachment tab 1105b. Each fastener further includes a filament 1107 including a first end attached to a first anchor 1101a and a second end attached to a second anchor 1101b.

[0026] As shown in Figure 10, the first embodiment of the clip 501a can be inserted by a user in an insertion direction 1009 until the first anchor 1001a is seated in the lateral receiving area 610a of the slot 609a of the first hollow needle 401a (see Figure 6) and the second anchor 1001b is seated in the lateral receiving area 610b of the slot 609b of the second hollow needle 401b (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 11, the second embodiment of the clip 501b can be inserted by a user in an insertion direction 1109 until the first anchor 1101a is seated in the lateral receiving area 610a of the slot 609a of the first hollow needle 401a (see Figure 6) and the second anchor 1101b is seated in the lateral receiving area 610b of the slot 609b of the second hollow needle 401b (see Figure 6).

[0027] When the fastened element includes a button 1201, as shown in Figure 12, the tip 605a of the first hollow needle 401a can be inserted through a first hole in the button 1201, and the tip 605b of the second hollow needle 401b can be inserted through a second hole in the button 1201. In many embodiments (see Figure 12), the first hollow needle 401a can be inserted through the first hole in the button 1201, and the second hollow needle 401b can be inserted through the second hole in the button 1201, and the first and second holes in the button 1201 are larger in diameter than the first hollow needle 401a and the second hollow needle 401b. In another embodiment (see Figures 12 to 14), the first hollow needle 401a can be inserted through a first hole in the button 1201, and the second hollow needle 401b can be inserted through the first hole in the button 1201, and the first hollow needle 401a and the second hollow needle 401b are fitted into the first and second holes in the button 1201.

[0028] 13, the method can include piercing a first surface 1307a of a support structure 1305 with a tip 605a of a first hollow needle 401a and passing the tip 605a of the first hollow needle 401a through a second surface 1307b of the support structure 1305, with a portion of the first hollow needle 401a extending through a thickness "T" of the support structure 1305. As shown, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the support structure 1305 can be greater than the thickness of the button 1201 or other element.

[0029] 13, the cap 103 can be inverted, and the tip 605a of the first hollow needle 401a and the tip 605b of the second hollow needle 401b can be inserted through the aperture 111 of the cap 103. The cap 103 can then be pressed toward the nose 201, compressing the support structure 1305 (e.g., fabric) and element (e.g., button 1201) between the outer surface 109 of the second end 107 of the cap 103 and the nose 201, thereby compacting the button 1201 and fabric and helping to ensure proper deployment of the fasteners 503a, 503b from the device 101. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the second support surface 205 of the nose can be received in the button recess 1205 to help support the button during the fastening process. For example, when button 1201 is pressed against second support surface 205, second support surface 205 fits snugly into recess 1205 of button 1201, helping to align and support the button during fastening. Cap 103 therefore provides alternative functions. For example, cap 103 can function to protect the needle when the cap is attached to the nose. Cap 103 also includes aperture 111, which allows the needle to extend through said aperture and function to compress the element and support structure together while deploying fasteners 503 a, 503 b from device 101.

[0030] 5, to deploy fasteners 503a, 503b, lever 509 can be depressed by a user to pivot in direction 513 about pivot point 511. Teeth 515 of lever 509 engage teeth 516 of gear 517, causing gear 517 to rotate clockwise, as indicated by rotation direction 519. Teeth 516 of gear 517 engage teeth 520 of drive rack 521, displacing drive rack 521 in direction 523. As shown in FIG. 14, the corresponding outer ends 1401a, 1401b of the ejector pins 613a, 613b are pressed against the corresponding anchors, so that the first anchors 1001a, 1101a are inserted into the hollow interior region of the first hollow needle 401a, and the second anchors 1001b, 1101b are inserted into the hollow interior region of the second hollow needle 401b, with the filaments extending through the corresponding slots 609a, 609b. Next, the first anchors 1001a, 1101a attached to the first support rails 1003a, 1103a of the clips 501a, 501b by the first mounting tabs 1005a, 1105a, and the second anchors 1001b, 1101b attached to the second support rails 1003b, 1103b of the clips 501a, 501b by the second mounting tabs 1005b, 1105b, are separated from the first support rails 1003a, 1103a and the second support rails 1003b, 1103b, respectively, by the cutting edge of the first hollow needle 401a (see, for example, Figure 6) and the cutting edge of the second hollow needle 401b (see, for example, Figure 6). As shown in FIG. 14, the filaments are pivoted relative to the first anchors 1001a, 1101a and the second anchors 1001b, 1101b, and the filaments are folded over the anchors as shown by filaments 1007, 1107, which are shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG.

[0031] 15, the folded filament 1007 may be pivoted relative to the first and second anchors 1001a, 1001b, and a portion of the filament 1007 may be accommodated in the stepped recesses 801 in the outer peripheral surfaces 615a, 615b of the first and second ejector pins 613a, 613b. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the folded filament 1107 may be pivoted relative to the first and second anchors 1101a, 1101b, and a portion of the filament 1107 may be accommodated in the stepped recesses 801 in the outer peripheral surfaces 615a, 615b of the first and second ejector pins 613a, 613b. Indeed, as shown, wedged portion 1501 of filament 1007 (see FIG. 15 ) and wedged portion 1601 of filament 1107 (see FIG. 16 ) can be shaped to pass through slots 609 a, 609 b and be received in stepped recess 801 against flat surface 802. Reducing the overall dimension 1505 of the hollow needle with the anchor passing through support structure 1305 can reduce the force a user must apply to lever 509 to complete the fastening procedure. Stepped recess 801 reduces the effort required for a user to depress the lever by folding filaments 1007, 1107 back (e.g., substantially 90°) against the anchor and against flat surface 802 of ejector pin 613 a, 613 b, preventing the filaments 1007, 1107 from being pressed into the hollow needle. Also, if a concave surface is provided instead of a flat surface 802, the overall dimension 1505 can be much reduced, further reducing the effort required to drive the fastener through the support structure 1305. Thus, the stepped recesses 801 in the outer peripheral surfaces 615a, 615b of the first and second ejector pins 613a, 613b provide a significantly beneficial result of reducing the effort required to drive the associated portions of the filament and anchor through the support structure 1305 during the fastening procedure.

[0032] As further shown in Figure 17, further extension of the ejector pins 613a, 613b elastically deforms, sinters, or partially elastically and partially sinters deforms the filaments 1007, 1107, thereby increasing the length of the filaments 1007, 1107, as shown schematically in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the first anchors 1001a, 1101a pass through the first ejector pin 613a and the first open end 601a of the first hollow needle 401a, and the second anchors 1001b, 1101b pass through the second ejector pin 613b and the first open end 601b of the second hollow needle 401b.

[0033] Once the anchor passes through the open end of the hollow needle, in some embodiments, the filament 1007, 1107 can elastically or partially elastically return to its original length, allowing the anchor to be pivoted back in substantially its original direction, forming a T-shaped portion of the fastener, as can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 19, which helps prevent the end of the filament from re-passing through the thickness of the support structure 1305 (e.g., fabric). Simultaneously, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the filament 1007, 1107 can pass through the opening in the button 1201 and capture the bridge 1801 of the button, thereby fastening the button 1201 to the support structure 1305. If another fastening operation is desired, the first support rail 1003a, 1103a and the second support rail 1003b, 1103b can be advanced so that the user can deploy another fastener 503a, 503b in a manner similar or identical to that described above.

[0034] The following are exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it is understood that additional exemplary embodiments may be provided in accordance with the present disclosure, and any of the other embodiments described below may be used alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described below.

[0035] Embodiment 1. The device may include a first hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. The device may further include a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle. The first ejector pin may include an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The first portion of the outer circumferential surface may include a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface.

[0036] Embodiment 2. The device according to embodiment 1, wherein the stepped recess may include a flat surface extending in the axial direction of the first hollow needle.

[0037] Embodiment 3. The device according to embodiment 1, wherein the stepped recess may include a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the first hollow needle.

[0038] Embodiment 4. The device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a cap, the cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an outer surface of the second end. The first end of the cap is configured to be attached to the nose of the device with a portion of a first hollow needle positioned within the interior region of the cap, the tip of the first hollow needle being recessed from the outer surface of the second end. The aperture may be sized such that the tip of the first hollow needle can be inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0039] Embodiment 5. A method of fastening an element to a support structure using the apparatus of any of Embodiments 1-4 can include inserting an anchor attached to a first end of a filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle. The method can further include piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of the first hollow needle and passing the tip of the first hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle extends through a thickness of the support structure. The method can further include passing the anchor through a first open end of the first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, where a portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the anchor and positioned within a stepped recess.

[0040] Embodiment 6. The device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 may further include a second hollow needle including a first open end tapered outward from the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle. The device may further include a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle. The second ejector pin may include an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The first portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin may include a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin.

[0041] Embodiment 7. The device according to embodiment 6, wherein the stepped recess of the second ejector pin includes a flat surface extending in the axial direction of the second hollow needle.

[0042] Embodiment 8. The device according to embodiment 6, wherein the stepped recess of the second ejector pin includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the second hollow needle.

[0043] Embodiment 9. The device according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 8, further comprising a cap, the cap including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an outer surface of the second end. The first end of the cap may be configured to be attached to the nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle positioned within the interior region of the cap. The tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle may be recessed from the outer surface of the second end. The aperture may be sized such that the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle can be inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0044] Embodiment 10. The device of embodiment 9, wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap comprises a rectangular aperture.

[0045] Embodiment 11. The device according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, further comprising a nose including a first support surface facing outward and a second support surface facing outward and projecting outward from the first support surface. The first support surface can extend radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface, and the first hollow needle and the second hollow needle can each extend through the second support surface.

[0046] Embodiment 12. A method of fastening an element to a support structure using the device of any of Embodiments 6 to 8 can include inserting a first anchor attached to a first end of a filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle. The method can further include inserting a second anchor attached to a second end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a second hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the second hollow needle. The method can further include piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of the first hollow needle and a tip of the second hollow needle, and passing the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle, respectively, through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle extend through a thickness of the support structure. The method may further include passing a first anchor through a first open end of a first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, wherein a first portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the first anchor and positioned within a stepped recess in an outer peripheral surface of the first ejector pin.The method may further include passing a second anchor through a first open end of a second hollow needle using a second ejector pin, wherein a second portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the second anchor and positioned within a stepped recess in an outer peripheral surface of the second ejector pin.

[0047] Embodiment 13. The method of embodiment 12, wherein the element may include a button, and may further include the steps of inserting a tip of a first hollow needle through a first hole in the button and inserting a tip of a second hollow needle through a second hole in the button before piercing the first surface of the support structure.

[0048] Embodiment 14. The method of embodiment 12 or embodiment 13, wherein the support structure can include a fabric.

[0049] Embodiment 15. The method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 14, which may further include the step of increasing the length of the filament.

[0050] Embodiment 16. The device may include a first hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly toward the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. The device may further include a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle. The device may further include a cap, the cap including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an outer surface of the second end. The first end of the cap may be configured to be attached to a nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle located within the interior region of the cap, and the tip of the first hollow needle recessed from the outer surface of the second end. The aperture may be sized so that the tip of the first hollow needle can be inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0051] Embodiment 17. The device of embodiment 16, wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap can include a rectangular aperture.

[0052] Embodiment 18. A method of fastening an element to a support structure using the device of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, the method comprising removing a cap from a nose. The method may further comprise inserting an anchor attached to a first end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle. The method may further comprise piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of the first hollow needle and passing the tip of the first hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle extends through a thickness of the support structure. The method may further comprise inserting the tip of the first hollow needle through an aperture in the cap. The method may further comprise compressing the support structure between an outer surface of the second end of the cap and the nose. The method may further comprise passing the anchor through a first open end of the first hollow needle using a first ejector pin while compressing the support structure between the outer surface of the second end of the cap and the nose.

[0053] Embodiment 19. The device of embodiment 16, wherein the device may further include a second hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle. The device may further include a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle. The first end of the cap may be further configured to be attached to the nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle positioned within an interior region of the cap, and the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle are recessed from the outer surface of the second end. The aperture may be sized such that the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle are inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0054] Embodiment 20. The device of embodiment 19, wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap can include a rectangular aperture.

[0055] Embodiment 21. The device of embodiment 19 or embodiment 20, wherein the nose may further include a first support surface facing outward and a second support surface facing outward and projecting outward from the first support surface. The first support surface may extend radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface. The first hollow needle and the second hollow needle may each extend through the second support surface.

[0056] Embodiment 22. A method for fastening an element to a support structure using the device of any one of Embodiments 19 to 21 may include removing a cap from the nose. The method may further include inserting a first anchor attached to a first end of a filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle. The method may further include inserting a second anchor attached to a second end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a second hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the second hollow needle. The method may further include piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of the first hollow needle and a tip of the second hollow needle, and passing the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle, respectively, through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle extend through a thickness of the support structure. The method may further include inserting the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle through an aperture in the cap. The method can further include compressing the support structure between an outer surface of the second end of the cap and the nose. The method can further include compressing the support structure between the outer surface of the second end of the cap and the nose, passing the first anchor through the first open end of the first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, and passing the second anchor through the first open end of the second hollow needle using a second ejector pin.

[0057] Embodiment 23. A method as described in embodiment 22, wherein the element includes a button, and before piercing the first surface of the support structure, the method may further include the steps of inserting a tip of a first hollow needle through a first hole in the button and inserting a tip of a second hollow needle through a second hole in the button.

[0058] Embodiment 24. The method of embodiment 22 or embodiment 23, wherein the support structure can include a fabric.

[0059] Embodiment 25. The method of any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the method can further include increasing the length of the filament.

[0060] Embodiment 26. The device may include a first support surface facing outward and a second support surface facing outward and projecting outward from the first support surface. The first support surface may extend radially from the outer periphery of the second support surface. A first hollow needle may extend through the second support surface. The first hollow needle may include a first open end tapering outwardly toward a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends. The device may further include a second hollow needle extending through the second support surface. The second hollow needle may include a first open end tapering outwardly toward a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle.

[0061] Embodiment 27. The device of embodiment 26, wherein the first support surface can surround the periphery of the second support surface.

[0062] Embodiment 28. The device according to embodiment 26 or embodiment 27 may further include a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle. The first ejector pin may include an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The first portion of the outer circumferential surface may include a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The device may further include a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle. The second ejector pin may include an outer circumferential surface, a first end including the first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including the second portion of the outer circumferential surface. The first portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin may include a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin.

[0063] Embodiment 29. The device according to any one of Embodiments 26 to 28, further comprising a cap, the cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an outer surface of the second end. The first end of the cap may be configured such that a portion of a first hollow needle and a portion of a second hollow needle are positioned within the interior region of the cap and are attached to the nose. The tips of the first hollow needle and the second hollow needle may be recessed from the outer surface of the second end. The aperture may be sized such that the tips of the first hollow needle and the second hollow needle are inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

[0064] Embodiment 30. The device of embodiment 29, wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap can include a rectangular aperture.

[0065] Embodiment 31. A method for attaching a button to a support structure using the device of any of embodiments 26 to 30 can include inserting the tip of the first hollow needle through a first hole in the button and inserting the tip of the second hollow needle through a second hole in the button. The method can further include positioning a second support surface within the cavity of the button and pressing the button against the nose.

[0066] While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to this specific illustration and specific examples, the present disclosure should not be considered so limited, and it should be understood that numerous modifications and combinations of features of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for fastening an element to a support structure using a fastener, comprising: a first hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends; a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle, the first ejector pin including an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface, the first portion of the outer circumferential surface including a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface; The first ejector pin is configured so that the filament of the fastener passes through the slot of the first hollow needle and is accommodated in the surface of the stepped recess so as to prevent the filament of the fastener from being pressed into the inside of the first hollow needle, The surface of the stepped recess includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the first hollow needle.

2. a cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an exterior surface of the second end; the first end of the cap is configured to be attached to a nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle located within an interior region of the cap; The device of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is configured such that a tip of a first hollow needle is inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

3. 3. A method for fastening an element to a support structure by means of a fastener using a device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of: providing the fastener, the fastener comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and an anchor attached to the first end; inserting the anchor attached to the first end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle; piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of a first hollow needle and passing the tip of the first hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle extends through a thickness of the support structure; and passing the anchor through a first open end of a first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, wherein a portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the anchor and positioned within a stepped recess.

4. a second hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along the axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle, the second ejector pin including an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface, wherein the first portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin includes a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the stepped recess of the second ejector pin includes a flat surface extending in the axial direction of the second hollow needle.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the stepped recess of the second ejector pin includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the second hollow needle.

7. a cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an exterior surface of the second end; the first end of the cap is configured to be attached to a nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle located within an interior region of the cap; The device of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the aperture is configured such that, when the cap is removed from the nose, the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle are inserted through the aperture.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap comprises a rectangular aperture.

9. a nose including a first support surface facing outwardly and a second support surface facing outwardly and projecting outwardly from the first support surface; the first support surface extends radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface; The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first and second hollow needles each extend through a second support surface.

10. A method for fastening an element to a support structure by means of a fastener using a device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising the steps of: providing the fastener, the fastener comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first anchor attached to the first end; and a second anchor attached to the second end; inserting the first anchor attached to the first end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle; inserting the second anchor attached to the second end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a second hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot of the second hollow needle; piercing a first surface of a support structure with a tip of a first hollow needle and a tip of a second hollow needle, and passing the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle extend through a thickness of the support structure; passing a first anchor through a first open end of a first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, wherein a first portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the first anchor and positioned within a stepped recess in an outer peripheral surface of the first ejector pin; and passing a second anchor through a first open end of a second hollow needle using a second ejector pin, wherein a second portion of the filament is pivoted relative to the second anchor and positioned within a stepped recess in an outer peripheral surface of the second ejector pin.

11. the element includes a button; 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising inserting a tip of a first hollow needle through a first hole in the button and inserting a tip of a second hollow needle through a second hole in the button prior to piercing the first surface of the support structure.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the support structure comprises a fabric.

13. The method of any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the step of varying the length of the filament.

14. 1. An apparatus for fastening an element to a support structure using a fastener, comprising: a first hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends; a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle; a cap, the cap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an exterior surface of the second end, the first end of the cap is configured to be attached to a nose of the device with a portion of the first hollow needle located within an interior region of the cap; the aperture is configured to allow a tip of a first hollow needle to be inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose; the first ejector pin includes an outer circumferential surface, a first end portion including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface, the first portion of the outer circumferential surface including a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface, The first ejector pin is configured so that the filament of the fastener passes through the slot of the first hollow needle and is accommodated in the surface of the stepped recess so as to prevent the filament of the fastener from being pressed into the inside of the first hollow needle, The surface of the stepped recess includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the first hollow needle.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the aperture extending through the outer surface of the second end of the cap comprises a rectangular aperture.

16. 16. A method of fastening an element to a support structure by means of a fastener using a device according to claim 14 or 15, comprising the steps of: removing the cap from the nose; providing the fastener, the fastener comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and an anchor attached to the first end; inserting the anchor attached to the first end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle; piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of a first hollow needle and passing the tip of the first hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle extends through a thickness of the support structure; inserting a tip of a first hollow needle through an aperture in the cap; compressing a support structure between an exterior surface of the second end of the cap and a nose; and passing the anchor through the first open end of the first hollow needle using a first ejector pin while compressing the support structure between the outer surface of the second end of the cap and the nose.

17. a second hollow needle including a first open end tapered outwardly of the tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle; a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle; the first end of the cap is further configured to be attached to a nose of a device with a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle located within an interior region of the cap; 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the aperture is configured such that a tip of a first hollow needle and a tip of a second hollow needle are inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

18. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the aperture extending through the exterior surface of the second end of the cap comprises a rectangular aperture.

19. the nose further includes a first support surface facing outwardly and a second support surface facing outwardly and projecting outwardly from the first support surface; the first support surface extends radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface; 19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the first and second hollow needles each extend through a second support surface.

20. A method for fastening an element to a support structure by means of a fastener using a device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising the steps of: removing the cap from the nose; providing the fastener, the fastener comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first anchor attached to the first end; and a second anchor attached to the second end; inserting the first anchor attached to the first end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a first hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot in the first hollow needle; inserting the second anchor attached to the second end of the filament into a hollow interior region of a second hollow needle while the filament extends through a slot of the second hollow needle; piercing a first surface of the support structure with a tip of the first hollow needle and a tip of the second hollow needle, and passing the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle through a second surface of the support structure while a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle extend through a thickness of the support structure; inserting the tip of the first hollow needle and the tip of the second hollow needle through apertures in a cap; compressing a support structure between an exterior surface of the second end of the cap and a nose; compressing a support structure between an outer surface of the second end of the cap and a nose, passing a first anchor through the first open end of a first hollow needle using a first ejector pin, and passing a second anchor through the first open end of a second hollow needle using a second ejector pin.

21. the element includes a button; 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising inserting a tip of a first hollow needle through a first hole in the button and inserting a tip of a second hollow needle through a second hole in the button prior to piercing the first surface of the support structure.

22. 22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the support structure comprises a fabric.

23. The method of any of claims 20 to 22, further comprising the step of varying the length of the filament.

24. 1. An apparatus for fastening an element to a support structure using a fastener, comprising: a nose including a first support surface facing outwardly and a second support surface facing outwardly and projecting outwardly from the first support surface, the first support surface extending radially from an outer periphery of the second support surface; a first hollow needle extending through the second support surface, the first hollow needle including a first open end tapering outwardly of a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the first hollow needle between the first and second open ends; a second hollow needle extending through the second support surface, the second hollow needle including a first open end tapering outwardly of a tip, a second open end opposite the first open end of the second hollow needle, and a slot extending at least partially along an axis of the second hollow needle between the first and second open ends of the second hollow needle; a first ejector pin aligned with the axis of the first hollow needle, the first ejector pin including an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface, the first portion of the outer circumferential surface including a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface; a second ejector pin aligned with the axis of the second hollow needle, the second ejector pin including an outer circumferential surface, a first end including a first portion of the outer circumferential surface, and a central portion including a second portion of the outer circumferential surface, the first portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin including a stepped recess from the second portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second ejector pin; The first ejector pin is configured so that the filament of the fastener passes through the slot of the first hollow needle and is accommodated in the stepped recess surface of the first ejector pin so as to prevent the filament of the fastener from being pressed into the inside of the first hollow needle, The second ejector pin is configured so that the filament of the fastener passes through the slot of the second hollow needle and is accommodated in the stepped recess surface of the second ejector pin so as to prevent the filament of the fastener from being pressed into the interior of the second hollow needle, the surface of the stepped recess of the first ejector pin includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the first hollow needle, The surface of the stepped recess of the second ejector pin includes a concave surface extending in the axial direction of the second hollow needle.

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the first support surface circumscribes the periphery of the second support surface.

26. a cap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an aperture communicating with an interior region of the cap and extending through an exterior surface of the second end; the first end of the cap is configured to be attached to the nose with a portion of the first hollow needle and a portion of the second hollow needle located within an interior region of the cap; 26. The device of claim 24 or 25, wherein the aperture is configured such that a tip of the first hollow needle and a tip of the second hollow needle are inserted through the aperture when the cap is removed from the nose.

27. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the aperture extending through the exterior surface of the second end of the cap comprises a rectangular aperture.

28. A method for attaching a button to a support structure by means of a fastener using a device according to any one of claims 24 to 27, comprising the steps of: providing a fastener, the fastener comprising: a filament having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and an anchor attached to the first end; inserting a tip of the first hollow needle through a first hole of the button; inserting the tip of the second hollow needle through the second hole of the button; and pressing the button against the nose with the second support surface positioned within the cavity of the button.

Images