Releasable one-sided fasteners

Abstract

A releasable one-sided fastener for joining together first and second workpieces via a hole defined by the workpieces includes a pin having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle section disposed therebetween, where an outer radial surface of the middle section includes helical grooves. The fastener also includes a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the pin at or adjacent to the first end and a collar that surrounds at least a portion of the middle section and that is configured to engage the helical grooves of the middle section, where at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the collar has a non-circular perimeter that is configured to be engaged by a torque tool for disengaging the collar from the helical grooves of the middle section thereby releasing the collar from the pin and collar of the fastener.

Description

Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA RELEASABLE ONE-SIDED FASTENERS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 696,073 filed on September 18, 2024 and U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 764,221 filed on February 27, 2025. The entire disclosure of each of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to releasable or serviceable one-sided fasteners. BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] One-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies are often used in the automotive or aerospace fields to join two workpieces (such as, two metal sheets) together, for example, where there is access for placement of the fastener or fastener assembly on only one side of the workpieces. One-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies pass through respective holes of the workpieces to hold the workpieces together. In at least one example embodiment, the one-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies may be anchored to one or more workpieces, and after the anchoring, an additional element of the workpiece assembly may be connected to or via the anchored one-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies. The one-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies may be blind anchored from one side of the workpiece assembly.

[0005] In some instances, one-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies may include a pin having a head and a sleeve that is slid (e.g., telescopically) around the pin. The sleeve may have a tail end portion that passes through a blind hole and deforms on a blind side of the blind hole to prevent removal of the fastener or fastener assembly. Another end of the sleeve, on the access side of the blind hole, may have a collar that can be crimped or press fitted onto annular locking grooves of the pin. In turn, the workpieces may be captured between the deformed portion of the sleeve on the blind side and the crimped collar on the access side. Such blind fasteners or blind fastener assemblies are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,692,576 and 11,885,358,Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. U.S. Pat. No.6,537,005 and U.S. Pub. No. 2005 / 0260056, which are also herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, disclose similar blind fasteners or blind fastener assemblies as the ‘576 and ‘358 patents, except that the collar and sleeve are separate pieces and further that installation of the sleeve is performed in a separate and distinct step from the swaging of the collar.

[0006] After a one-sided fastener or a one-sided fastener assembly is placed to hold together two workpieces together, it may be desirable to remove the one-sided fastener or the one-sided fastener assembly to allow for service or replacement of one of the workpieces. However, when the one-sided fastener or the one-sided fastener assembly includes a collar, such as detailed above, there is often no way to remove a collar without cutting away the collar (for example, by using devices like those detailed in U.S. Patent Nos.4,807,348 or 7,059,216, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety), and further upon removing the collar, there is nothing securing the remainder of the one-sided fastener or the one-sided fastener assembly in place to prevent the one-sided fastener or the one-sided fastener assembly from being lost on the blind side.

[0007] The prior art does not disclose a fastener or fastener assembly that can be fastened or anchored to one or more workpieces, where the fastener or fastener assembly is able to be anchored when there is only access from one side of the workpiece (e.g., blind access), where the fastener or fastener assembly has the security of a swaged lockbolt collar, and where a collar of the fastener or fastener assembly can be readily removed, for example, by threaded rotation for servicing of the one or more workpieces and / or fastener or fastener assembly. Rather, the prior art discloses non- blind, swaged removeable collars and non-removeable blind, swaged collars. Accordingly, there is a need for one-sided lockbolt swage fasteners or one-sided lockbolt swage fastener assemblies that are easily removable or serviceable without damaging or losing the fastener or a portion thereof.

[0008] One challenge in developing such a one-sided lockbolt swage fastener or one-sided lockbolt swage fastener assembly is that the swaging of a lockbolt collar onto a pin often typically creates a significant relative rotational frictional engagement between the lockbolt collar and the pin, such that removing the collar from the pin by rotation requires a significant counter-rotational force on the pin to counteract the frictional engagement. Without the counter-rotational force on the pin, the pin rotates with the collar. In the instance of non-blind or two-side fasteners or fastener assemblies, theAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA counter-rotational force may be applied by placing a tool (e.g., a wrench) on a head of the pin. In the instance of one-sided fasteners or fastener assemblies, the only force available for the counter-rotational force, is whatever force the one-sided connection can withstand. That is, the only counter-rotational force in the instance of one-sided fasteners or fastener assemblies is based on the rotational strength generated between the sleeve and the workpiece and between the sleeve and the pin. If either rotational strength is less than the required removal torque, the pin will rotate relative to the workpiece and the removal will fail. Accordingly, there is a need for a one-sided fastener or fastener assembly that may be anchored to one or more workpieces, where the anchoring generates sufficient counter-rotational resistance strength to at least match the rotational resistance necessary for removal of a helically threaded swaged collar from an installed fastener or fastener assembly. SUMMARY

[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0010] At least one example embodiment relates to a releasable one-sided fastener for joining first and second workpieces together via a hole defined by the first and second workpieces.

[0011] In at least one example embodiment, the fastener may include a pin having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle section disposed therebetween, where an outer radial surface of the middle section may include one or more helical grooves. The fastener may also include a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the pin at or adjacent to the first end of the pin and a collar that surrounds at least a portion of the middle section of the pin and configured to engage the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin, where at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the collar has a non- circular perimeter that is configured to be engaged by a torque tool for disengaging the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin thereby releasing the collar from the pin and collar of the fastener.

[0012] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve and collar may be integrally formed and the fastener is a two-piece assembly.

[0013] In at least one example embodiment, a frangible section may join together the sleeve and the collar.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0014] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve may have a first average exterior diameter, and the frangible section may have a second average exterior diameter that is less than the first average exterior diameter.

[0015] In at least one example embodiment, the frangible section may define one or more openings.

[0016] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may have a third average exterior diameter that is greater than the first average exterior diameter.

[0017] In at least one example embodiment, the frangible section may define one or more axially extending openings.

[0018] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more openings may extend through the collar.

[0019] In at least one example embodiment, the frangible section may define one or more openings.

[0020] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve may define a first bore, and the collar may define a second bore, where the first bore may have a first inner diameter and at least a portion of the second bore may also have the first inner diameter.

[0021] In at least one example embodiment, the at least a portion of the second bore may have the first inner diameter is a first bore portion, and the second bore may further include a second bore portion having a second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter.

[0022] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may include a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the collar may include a lip having an average exterior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of a remainder of the pin. The lip may be configured to engage with an access side of the hole.

[0023] In at least one example embodiment, the outer radial surface of the collar may have the non-circular perimeter that may be disposed adjacent the lip.

[0024] In at least one example embodiment, the second end of the collar may include a first portion having an exterior diameter less than the outer radial surface of the collar having the non-circular perimeter and a second portion that tapers away from the first portion.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve and collar may be formed separately and the fastener is a three-piece assembly.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, the first end of the pin may include a head having an outermost diameter that is greater than an outermost diameter of a remainder of the pin.

[0027] In at least one example embodiment, an outermost diameter of the sleeve may be less than or equal to the outermost diameter of the head.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the pin may further include knurling disposed on the outer radial surface of the pin between the head and the middle section.

[0029] In at least one example embodiment, the knurling of the pin may be a first knurling, and the fastener may further include a second knurling disposed on an outer radial surface of the sleeve.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, the fastener may further include knurling disposed on an outer radial surface of the sleeve.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, the first and second ends of the pin may be free of the one or more helical grooves.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more helical grooves may extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % to less than or equal to about 95 % of a total length of the pin.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the pin may include a pull groove disposed at or near the second end of the pin.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, the pin may further include a tapered section disposed at the second end of the pin. The pull groove may be disposed between the tapered section and the middle section.

[0035] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may be configured to also surround a portion of the sleeve.

[0036] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may have a first bore for receiving the pin. The first bore may include a first portion having a first average diameter, a second portion having a second average diameter that is smaller than the first average diameter, and a third portion having a third average diameter that is smaller than the second average diameter.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, the second portion of the first bore of the collar may receive the sleeve and the pin.

[0038] In at least one example embodiment, the third portion of the first bore of the collar may receive only the pin.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0039] In at least one example embodiment, the first end of the pin may include a head, and an innermost diameter of the second portion of the first bore of the collar may be less than or equal to an outermost diameter of the head.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, the second workpiece may be on a first side of the hole, the first workpiece may be on a second side of the hole, and an innermost diameter of the second portion of the first bore of the collar may be less than or equal to an inner diameter of the second workpiece.

[0041] In at least one example embodiment, the hole may be a blind hole.

[0042] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve may have a second bore that has a substantially uniform (inner) diameter.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve may have a first end and an opposing second end. The first end may have a first outermost diameter and the second end may have a second outermost diameter. The second outermost diameter may be the same as the first outermost diameter.

[0044] In at least one example embodiment, an outermost diameter of the second end of the sleeve may be less than or equal to an average inner diameter of the hole on an access side thereof.

[0045] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve may be configured to surround greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 40 % of a total length of the pin when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.

[0046] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may include a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the collar may surround the portion of the sleeve. The first end of the collar may include a lip having an average exterior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of a remainder of the collar.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the lip may engage with an access side of the hole.

[0048] In at least one example embodiment, the non-circular perimeter may include a polygonal shaped portion.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may surround greater than or equal to about 10 % to less than or equal to about 50 % of a total length of the sleeve when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may surround greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 60 % of a total length of the pin when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, the second workpiece may be on a first side of the hole, the first workpiece may be on a second side of the hole, a first portion of the hole defined by the first workpiece may have a first average diameter, and a second portion of the hole defined by the second workpiece may have a second average diameter that is larger than the first average diameter.

[0052] In at least one example embodiment, the hole may be a blind hole.

[0053] In at least one example embodiment, the one or more helical grooves may include helical threads.

[0054] At least one example embodiment relates to a method of removing the collar from the releasable one-sided fastener.

[0055] In at least one example embodiment, the method may include engaging, with the torque tool, the portion of the outer radial surface of the collar having the non- circular perimeter; and rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin.

[0056] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin without engaging the pin with an anti-rotation tool.

[0057] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include preventing the pin from rotating with the collar by engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the pin with the sleeve and engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the sleeve with an inner radial surface of the hole.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, the second end of the pin may include a projection, and the method may further include engaging the projection with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

[0059] In at least one example embodiment, the second end of the pin may have a recess, and the method may further include engaging the recess with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

[0060] In at least one example embodiment, the recess may have a hex shape.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, the recess may have a square shape.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0062] At least one example embodiment relates to a releasable one-sided fastener for joining first and second workpieces together via a hole defined by the first and second workpieces.

[0063] In at least one example embodiment, the releasable one-sided fastener may include a pin having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle section disposed therebetween. An outer radial surface of the middle section may include helical grooves. The releasable one-sided fastener may further include a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the pin at or adjacent to the first end of the pin, the sleeve having a substantially uniform (inner) diameter; and a collar that surrounds at least a portion of the middle section of the pin and at least a portion of the sleeve. The collar may surround greater than or equal to about 10 % to less than or equal to about 50 % of a total length of the sleeve. The collar may include a bore having a first portion having a first average diameter, a second portion having a second average diameter that is smaller than the first average diameter, and a third portion having a third average diameter that is smaller than or equal to the second average diameter. The first and second portions of the bore may receive the sleeve and the pin. The third portion of the bore may receive only the pin. The collar may also include an outer radial surface having a non-circular perimeter that is configured to be engaged by a torque tool for disengaging the collar from the helical grooves of the middle section of the pin thereby releasing the collar from the pin and collar of the fastener.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, the third average diameter may be smaller than the second average diameter.

[0065] In at least one example embodiment, the third average diameter may be equal to the second average diameter.

[0066] At least one example embodiment relates to a method of setting a releasable one-sided fastener within a blind hole defined by a first workpiece on a blind side of the blind hole and a second workpiece on an access side of the blind hole, where the releasable blind fastener includes a pin, a sleeve surrounding a portion of the pin adjacent to a first end thereof, and a collar surrounding a portion of the pin disposed between a second end of the pin and the portion of the pin surrounded by the sleeve.

[0067] In at least one example embodiment, the method may include inserting the first end of the pin and at least a portion of the sleeve into the blind hole in a first direction until the collar abuts the second workpiece; engaging an outer radial surface of the collar with an anvil; engaging a pull groove in an outer radial surface of the pin with a collet,Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA wherein the pull groove is disposed at or adjacent to the second end of the pin; pulling the pin in a second direction opposite of the first direction using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece; and moving the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the collar may have a bore with a first bore section that receives both the pin, the sleeve may have a second bore section that receives only the pin, and the method may further include moving the anvil in the first direction to crimp both the collar and the sleeve onto the pin.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include pulling the pin in the second direction to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece without radially expanding the sleeve beyond an inner diameter of the blind hole on the access side thereof.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve on the blind side of the blind hole beyond a first portion of the blind hole defined by the first workpiece without radially expanding the sleeve on the access side of the blind hole beyond a second portion of the blind hole defined by the second workpiece.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve beyond a first portion of the blind hole defined by the first workpiece on both the blind and access sides of the blind hole.

[0072] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve into engagement with an interior surface of a hole in the second workpiece defining the blind hole without radially expanding beyond the second workpiece hole.

[0073] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve so that knurls of the sleeve engage at least one of an interior edge of the first and second workpieces defining the blind hole and an interior surface of the first and second workpieces defining the blind hole.

[0074] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include directly engaging the collar with the second workpiece on the access side of the blind hole when setting the releasable blind fastener begins.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0075] In at least one example embodiment, the moving of the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin may occur concurrently with the pulling of the pin in the second direction opposite of the first direction using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece.

[0076] In at least one example embodiment, there may be a delay between the moving of the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin and the pulling of the pin in the second direction opposite of the first direction using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece.

[0077] At least one example embodiment relates to a method of removing a collar from a releasable one-sided fastener extending into a hole defined by first and second workpieces and joining the first and second workpieces together, the fastener including the collar, a pin, and a sleeve, the sleeve receiving a portion of the pin adjacent to a head thereof, the collar receiving a middle section of the pin and engaging helical grooves on the middle section.

[0078] In at least one example embodiment, the method may include engaging, with a torque tool, a portion of an outer radial surface of the collar having a non-circular perimeter; and rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the helical grooves on the middle section of the pin.

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the helical grooves on the middle section of the pin without engaging the pin with an anti-rotation tool.

[0080] In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include preventing the pin from rotating with the collar by engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the pin with the sleeve and engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the sleeve with an inner radial surface of the hole.

[0081] In at least one example embodiment, an end of the pin may include a projection, and the method may further include engaging the projection with an anti- rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

[0082] In at least one example embodiment, an end of the pin may have a recess, and the method may further include engaging the recess with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA DRAWINGS

[0083] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example one-sided fastener assembly according to the at least one example embodiment;

[0085] FIG.2 is a side view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1;

[0086] FIG.3 is a disassembled view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1;

[0087] FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view of a pin of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1;

[0088] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve of the one-sided fastener assembly as illustrated in FIG.1;

[0089] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a collar of the one-sided fastener assembly as illustrated in FIG.1;

[0090] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1 as engaging with first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0091] FIG.8 is another cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1 as engaging with first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0092] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.1 as securing together first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0093] FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG. 1 with the collar being removed in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0094] FIG.11 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG. 1 as being released from securing together first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0095] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly according to at least one example embodiment;

[0096] FIG.13 is side view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12;

[0097] FIG. 14 is a disassembled view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12;Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0098] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12;

[0099] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12 as engaging with first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0100] FIG.17 is another cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12 as engaging with first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0101] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.12 as securing together first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0102] FIG.19 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG. 12 with a collar portion of the sleeve being removed in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0103] FIG.20 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG. 12 as being released from securing together first and second workpieces in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

[0104] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly according to at least one example embodiment;

[0105] FIG.22 is side view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.21;

[0106] FIG. 23 is a disassembled view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.21;

[0107] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.21;

[0108] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly according to at least one example embodiment;

[0109] FIG.26 is side view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.25;

[0110] FIG. 27 is a disassembled view of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.25;

[0111] FIG. 28 is across-sectional view of the sleeve of the one-sided fastener assembly of FIG.25;

[0112] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example one-sided fastener assembly with the collar being removed in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the; andAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0113] FIG.30 is a cross-sectional view of yet another example one-sided fastener assembly with the collar being removed in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

[0114] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to one-sided fasteners or one-sided fastener assemblies (e.g., blind fasteners or blind fastener assemblies).

[0117] An example one-sided fastener or one-sided fastener assembly includes a pin, a sleeve, and a collar. The pin may include a first end and an opposing second end (e.g., pin tail), where the first end includes a head and the second end includes one or more pull grooves. The pin may also include helical locking grooves or threads between the head and the pull groove. The sleeve may be axially positioned (e.g., telescopically) on the pin until the sleeve abuts the head of the pin. The collar may be axially positioned on the pin such that a portion of the collar fits (e.g., telescopically) over a portion of the sleeve. In at least one example embodiment, the second end of the pin may include a projection and / or a recess, where the projection and / or recess are shaped to fit into or receive a correspondingly shaped torque tool. The projection and / or the recess may include longitudinally or axially extending flats that the torque tool may engage (e.g., axially) the pin to generate a rotational force on the pin to counter a collar removal torque, such as detailed below.

[0118] Another example one-sided fastener or one-sided fastener assembly includes a pin and a sleeve. The pin may include a first end and an opposing second end (e.g., pin tail), where the first end includes a head and the body of the pin between the head and the second end includes helical locking grooves or threads. The sleeve may be axially positioned (e.g., telescopically) on the pin until the sleeve abuts the head of the pin. The sleeve may include a first portion and a second portion that are integrally formed. The first portion configure to telescopically overlap, surround, or receive at least a portion of a first end of the pin. The second portion configured to telescopically overlap, surround, or receive at least a portion of a middle section of the pin.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0119] In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods for using a one-side fastener or one-sided fastener assembly (e.g., a blind fastener or a blind fastener assembly).

[0120] An example method for using the one-sided fastener or the one-sided fastener assembly includes inserting a head of the pin and a portion of the sleeve into a hole (e.g., blind hole) defined by one or more workpieces (e.g., two workpieces) until the collar engages the exterior-facing surface of the workpiece on a first side (e.g., an access side) of the hole. The method may include placing at least a first portion of the pin into an installation tool and / or actuating the tool to secure the at least a first portion of the pin in the installation tool and / or, while holding a handle of the installation tool, placing the at least a second portion of the pin (e.g., the head of the pin) and the portion of the sleeve into the hole and / or actuating the installation tool onto the at least the first portion of the pin as extending from the first side of the hole such that the installation tool engages both the pull groove and at least a portion of the collar. Engaging the pull groove, the installation tool may pull the pin in a direction away from the hole and towards the first side, while an anvil of the installation tool may simultaneously holds the collar pressed against the exterior-facing surface of the workpiece on the first side of the hole and / or causes the collar to move toward the workpieces to swage the collar onto the helical locking grooves or threads of the pin, and in each instance, causing the sleeve to deform within the hole and also deform by radial expansion on a second side (e.g., blind side) of workpieces between the head of the pin and the exterior-facing surface of the second- side (e.g., blind side) workpiece. In this manner, the workpieces are captured between the deformed portion of the sleeve on the second side and the collar. In at least one example embodiment, the hole may be non-circular and at least a portion of either the post-set or pre-set one-sided fastener or fastener assembly disposed in the hole may be non-circular so as to inhibit relative rotation therebetween.

[0121] In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods for removing, or releasing at least a portion of, a one-sided fastener or a one-sided fastener assembly as disposed, or assembled in, a hole from the first side, such that the workpieces and / or the one-sided fastener or one-sided fastener assembly can be serviced or replaced.

[0122] An example method for removing the one-sided fastener or one-sided fastener assembly from a hole includes placing a torque tool onto at least a portion of the collar (e.g., onto flats of the collar) and applying a rotating force to release (e.g., unthread) the collar from the helical locking grooves or threads of the pin. When the collar isAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA released, because of the deformity of the sleeve between the head of the pin and the exterior-facing surface of the first-side workpiece, the pin and sleeve remain with the second side workpiece, but the first side workpiece is released and free to allow for removal of the second side workpiece from the workpiece assembly. In at least one example embodiment, the at least a portion of the collar may have flats that define a hexagonal perimeter, and the torque tool may include a hexagonal wrench or socket. In at least one example embodiment, the outer radial surfaces of the pin and / or the sleeve may be knurled. During setting, the knurled sleeve portion may expand radially outward into forceable and / or frictional and / or locking and / or interlocking engagement with the workpiece assembly to inhibit, limit, or prevent the sleeve and / or pin from rotating relative to the workpiece assembly when torque is applied to the collar.

[0123] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example one-sided fastener assembly (which may also be referred to simply as a one-sided fastener or fastener) 100 for one-sided installation in and same side releasability from holes, where the one-sided fastener assembly 100 is assembled but unset. FIG. 2 is a side view of the one-sided fastener assembly 100, where the one-sided fastener assembly 100 is assembled but unset. FIG. 3 is a disassembled or exploded view of the one-sided fastener assembly 100.

[0124] The one-sided fastener assembly 100 in both an assembled but unset state (see FIGS.1, 2, and 7) and also an assembled but set state (see FIGS.8–10) is a three- piece (or three-part) fastener assembly including, for example, a pin (or post or stem) 200, a sleeve 300, and a collar 400. The one-sided fastener assembly 100 is considered assembled when the pin 200, the sleeve 300, and the collar 400 are associated (for example, friction fixed with each other). The one-sided fastener assembly 100 is considered unset when the one-sided fastener assembly 100 has not yet been deformed and thereby coupled to one or more workpieces 500, 600. The one-sided fastener assembly 100 is assembled along a central longitudinal axis A-A through pin 200. Although the one-sided fastener assembly 100 is showed as including pin 200, it should be understood that, in various example embodiments, pin 2200 as shown in the instance of one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as illustrated in FIGS.12–20, could be used in the instance of the one-sided fastener assembly 100.

[0125] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pin 200. The pin 200 is prepared using a first material. The pin 200 includes a pin body 210 having a first end (or part or portion) 202 and an opposing second end (or part or portion) 204, where a length of theAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA pin body 210 between the first end 202 and the second end 204 is a middle (or intermediate) section (or part or portion) 206.

[0126] In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the middle section 206 of the pin body 210 may include a plurality of locking threads or grooves 212, while both the first and second ends 202, 204 of the pin body 210 may be free of threads or locking grooves. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the middle section 206 of the pin body 210 may include the plurality of locking threads or grooves 212 and at least a portion of the first end 202 of the pin body 210 may similarly include the plurality of locking threads or grooves 212, while the second end 204 of the pin body 210 may be free of threads or locking grooves. In the examples shown, the locking grooves 212 are helical. In at least one embodiment, the locking grooves 212 may have an anti-loosening geometry that helps to inhibit rotation between the pin 200 and collar 400 (e.g., while the post-set assembly is experiencing vibration). The anti-loosening geometry may include the geometry sold in the threaded fastener industry as SPIRALOCK® locking threads and owned by Spiralock Corporation.

[0127] In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 212 may extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % of a total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 212 may extend along less than or equal to about 95% of a total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 212 may extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % to less than or equal to about 95% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 62 % to less than or equal to about 94 %, greater than or equal to about 64 % to less than or equal to about 92 %, greater than or equal to about 66 % to less than or equal to about 90 %, greater than or equal to about 68 % to less than or equal to about 88 %, greater than or equal to about 70 % to less than or equal to about 86 %, greater than or equal to about 72 % to less than or equal to about 84 %, greater than or equal to about 74 % to less than or equal to about 82 %, or greater than or equal to about 76 % to less than or equal to about 80 %) of a total length of the pin 200.

[0128] In at least one example embodiment, the first end 202 of the pin body 210 may include (or may be integrally formed with) a head 250 having a (first) average diameter that is greater than a (second) average diameter of the middle section 206 of the pin body 210. In at least one example embodiment, the second end 204 of the pin body 210 may include (or be integrally formed with) one or more pull grooves (or under- cut(s) or stepped diameter(s)) 220 having a (third) average diameter is less than theAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA (second) average diameter of the middle section 206 of the pin body 210. Although only a single pull groove 220 is illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the second end 204 of the pin body 210 may include multiple (i.e., two or more) grooves, as would be recognized by the skilled artisan. In each instance, as further discussed below, the one or more pull grooves 220 may be engaged by a collet 800 during coupling (or placement) of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 with one or more workpieces 500, 600. Although the pin body 210 is illustrated as including a pull groove 220, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the pin body 210 may omit a defined pull groove or may include a pull groove 220 that includes threads (for example, as an extension of the locking grooves 212).

[0129] In at least one example embodiment, the first end 202 of the pin body 210 may include knurling (or other texturing) 214. For example, the first end 202 of the pin body 210 may include alternating high areas 216 and low areas 218. The high areas 216 may include peaks or hills. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills may include acute points relative to the overall circumference of the pin body 210. The low areas 218 may include valleys. The texturing 214 may help to improve friction fit between the pin body 210 and the sleeve 300.

[0130] In at least one example embodiment, the second end 204 of the pin body 210 may include a slight taper section (or portion) 230, a first (or wider) end (or portion or section) 232 of the taper section 230 connected to (or formed integrally with) the pull groove 220 away from the middle second 206 of the pin body 210 and the one-sided fastener assembly 100 terminating with an opposing second (or narrower) end (or portion or section) 234 of the taper section 230. The taper section 230 may have an average (fourth) average diameter that is greater than the (third) average diameter of the pull groove 220. The (fourth) average diameter of the taper section 230 may be the same as or different from the (second) average diameter of the middle section 206 of the pin body 210. The taper section 230 may be configured to improve engagement of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 with an external tool during association (or placement) of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 with one or more workpieces 500, 600.

[0131] FIG.5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 300. The sleeve 300 may be prepared using a second material that is different from the first material. The sleeve 300 may have a first end (or part or portion or section) 302 and an opposing second end (or part or portion or section) 304, where a hollow cavity (or part or region or bore) 306 extends therethrough from the first end 302 to the second end 304. The bore 306 of theAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA sleeve 300 may be configured to surround, or receive at least a portion of the first end 202 of the pin 200.

[0132] In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve 300 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % of the total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve 300 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) less than or equal to about 40 % of the total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the sleeve 300 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 40 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 % to less than or equal to about 38 %, greater than or equal to about 24 % to less than or equal to about 36 %, greater than or equal to about 26 % to less than or equal to about 34 %, greater than or equal to about 28 % to less than or equal to less than or equal to about 32 %) of the total length of the pin 200.

[0133] A (first) diameter of the bore 306 may be selected to yield a friction fit between the pin 200 and the sleeve 300. The bore 306 of the sleeve 300 may have a substantially uniform (first or inner) diameter. An exterior-facing surface of the first end 302 of the sleeve 300 may include (or may be defined by) knurling (or other texturing, such as striations) 312. For example, the exterior-facing surface of the first end 302 of the sleeve 300 may include alternating high areas 314 and low areas 316. The high areas 314 may include peaks or hills. The low areas 316 may include valleys. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills of the high areas 314 and / or the valleys of the low areas 316 may include substantial planar portions. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills of the high areas 314 may include one or more points similar to the high areas 216 detailed above.

[0134] The texturing 312 may help to improve friction fit between the one-sided fastener assembly 100 and the hole as defined by one or more workpieces 500, 600. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the high areas 314 may represent high pressure point areas of engagement as between the sleeve 300 and the hole defined by the one or more workpieces 500, 600 during radial deformation expansion of the sleeve 300 where the high areas 314 and the hole are locked or interlocked in a post-set state. The locking or interlocking in the post-set state between the sleeve 300 and the one or more workpieces 500, 600 may include relative locking or relative interlocking rotationally, which may help to prevent rotation of the sleeve 300 relative to the one or more workpieces 500, 600.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0135] Sleeve 300 may also include projections or depressions on a lower end interior surface opposite knurls 312 that are generally similar to knurls 312. Such knurl structure could be pressed into sleeve 300 as waves so that knurling on the sleeve interior is basically the same knurling 312 as seen in FIG.3 on the exterior. Such interior surface knurls may inter-engage (e.g., lock or interlock) with knurling or texturing 214 on pin 200 to limit, lock or prevent relative rotation between sleeve 300 and pin 200.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the collar 400. The collar 400 may be prepared using a third material that is different from both the first and second materials. The collar 400 may have a first end (or part or portion or section) 402 and an opposing second end (or part or portion or section) 404, where a hollow cavity (or part or region) or bore 406 extends therethrough from the first end 402 to the second end 404. The bore 406 of the collar 400 may be configured to telescopically overlap, surround, or receive at least a portion of the second end 304 of the sleeve 300 and also at least a portion of the middle section 206 of the pin 200.

[0137] In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 10 % of the total length of the sleeve 300. In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) less than or equal to about 50 % of the total length of the sleeve 300. In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 10 % to less than or equal to about 50 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 12 % to less than or equal to about 48 %, greater than or equal to about 14 % to less than or equal to about 46 %, greater than or equal to about 16 % to less than or equal to about 44 %, greater than or equal to about 18 % to less than or equal to about 42 %, greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 40 %, greater than or equal to about 22 % to less than or equal to about 38 %, greater than or equal to about 24 % to less than or equal to about 36 %, greater than or equal to about 26 % to less than or equal to about 34 %, or greater than or equal to about 28 % to less than or equal to about 32 %) of the total length of the sleeve 300.

[0138] In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % of the total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembled but preset state) less than or equal to about 60 % of the total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the collar 400 may receive (in the assembledAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 60 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 % to less than or equal to about 58 %, greater than or equal to about 24 % to less than or equal to about 56 %, greater than or equal to about 26 % to less than or equal to about 54 %, greater than or equal to about 28 % to less than or equal to about 52 %, greater than or equal to about 30 % to less than or equal to about 50 %, greater than or equal to about 32 % to less than or equal to about 48 %, greater than or equal to about 34 % to less than or equal to about 46 %, greater than or equal to about 36 % to less than or equal to about 44 %, or greater than or equal to about 38 % to less than or equal to about 42 %) of the total length of the pin 200.

[0139] In at least one example embodiment, the bore 406 of the collar 400 may include a first bore section (or part or portion or end) 412 having a first average bore (or inner) diameter (or first inner diameter), an opposing second bore section (or part or portion or end) 416 having a second average bore (or inner) diameter (or second inner diameter), and a third bore section (or part or portion or end) 414 disposed therebetween having a third average bore (or inner) diameter (or third inner diameter), where the (first) average bore diameter of the first bore section 412 is greater than the (second) average bore diameter of the second bore section 416 and the (third) average bore diameter of the third bore section 414 is greater than the (second) average bore diameter of the second bore section 416 but smaller than the (first) average bore diameter of the first bore section 412. The (third) average bore diameter of the second bore section 416 may be selected to yield a friction fit between the sleeve 300 and the collar 400 and between the pin 200 and the sleeve 300, while the (second) average bore diameter of the second bore section 416 may be selected to yield a friction fit only between the pin 200 and the collar 400. The (first) average bore diameter of the first bore section 412 may be larger than the other bore diameters to accommodate changes in the shape of the sleeve 300 during use of the one-sided fastener assembly 100, as detailed below.

[0140] In at least one example embodiment, a structure (or wall) 420 of the collar 400 defining the bore 406 of the collar 400 may include one or more average wall thicknesses, for example, to define the first bore section 412 having the first average bore diameter, the opposing second bore section 416 having the second average bore diameter, and the third bore section 414 having the third average bore diameter. The structure 420 of the collar 400 may include a first wall section (or part or portion) 425 corresponding generally with the first bore section 412 and a second wall section (or part or portion) 427 corresponding generally with the second bore section 416. The structureAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 420 of the collar may also include a third wall section (or part or portion) 429 disposed between the first wall section 425 and the second wall section 427 and corresponding generally with the third bore section 414. In at least one example embodiment, a second average wall thickness of the second wall section 427 may be different from a first average wall thickness of the first wall section 425 and a third average wall thickness of the third wall section 429 may be different from the first average wall thickness of the first wall section 425 and also the second average wall thickness of the second wall section 427.

[0141] In at least one example embodiment, the third wall section 429 of the structure 420 of the collar 400 may include a first portion (or part or section) 421 and an opposing second portion (or part or section) 423, where the first portion 421 has a first wall thickness and / or outer radius and the second portion 423 has a second wall thickness and / or outer radius. In at least one example embodiment, the first wall thickness and / or outer radius of the first portion 421 of the third wall section 429 of the structure 420 of the collar 400 may be greater than the second wall thickness and / or outer radius of the second portion 423 of the third wall section 429. In at least one example embodiment, an exterior-facing surface 422 of the structure 420 may include a transition 419 that defines a transition in wall thicknesses and / or outer radiuses between the first portion 421 and the second portion 423 of the third wall section 429.

[0142] In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the structure 420, and more specifically, the exterior-facing surface 422 of the structure 420, of the collar 400 may be shaped to be received (or engaged) by anvil 700 and / or a torque tool 900, as further discussed below. For example, the torque tool 900 may include a hex wrench or socket, and the exterior-facing surface 422 of the collar 400 may include a shaped portion 424 that is correspondingly configured to be engaged by the torque tool 900. In at least one example embodiment, the shaped portion 424 may define the second end 404 of the collar 400. In at least one example embodiment, the third wall section 429 of the structure 420 of the collar 400 may include, or define, shaped portion 424. In at least one example embodiment, the second portion 423 of the third wall section 429 of the structure 420 of the collar 400 may include, or define, the shaped portion 424.

[0143] In at least one example embodiment, the shaped portion 424 may include a major outer diameter defined as twice the radial distance between central longitudinal axis A-A and a vertex of the polygonal shape. In at least one example embodiment, the shaped portion 424 may have a polygonal shape. In at least one example embodiment,Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA the polygonal shaped portion 424 may have a hexagonal shape. In at least one example embodiment, anvil 700 may include a minimum interior bore diameter that is larger than the major outer diameter of the shaped portion 424 such that during setting, the anvil 700 readily passes over and / or against and / or around (e.g., telescopically) the shaped portion 424 on route to swaging engagement with the exterior-facing surface 422 of the collar 400 without deforming the shaped portion 424.

[0144] In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the structure 420, and more specifically, the exterior-facing surface 422 of the structure 420, of the collar 400 may include (or be integrally formed with) a lip (or portion) 426 that may be configured to be seated against an exposed surface of a hole, as detailed below. In at least one example embodiment, the lip 426 may define the first end 402 of the collar 400. In at least one example embodiment, the first wall section 425 may include, or define, the lip 426.

[0145] The one-sided fastener assembly 100 may be configured for installation in and same side releasability from holes. In at least one example embodiment, a hole may be defined by two or more workpieces 500, 600. That is, the one-sided fastener assembly 100 may be used to engage and secure together first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.7 is a cross-sectional view of the preset one-sided fastener assembly 100 as being engaged with first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 as being engaged with first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of the post-set one-sided fastener assembly 100 as securing together the first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of the post-set one-sided fastener assembly 100 in a process of being released from securing together the first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.11 is a cross-sectional view of the post-set one-sided fastener assembly 100 after being released from securing together the first and second workpieces 500, 600.

[0146] The first workpiece 500 may have a first hole (or aperture) 502 having a (first) average diameter. The second workpiece 600 may have a second hole (or aperture) 602 having a (second) average diameter. The first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 may be aligned with the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 to define a hole. The (second) average diameter of the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 may be different than the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500. For example, the (second) average diameter of the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 may be larger than the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0147] In at least one example embodiment, the (second) average diameter of the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 may be greater than or equal to about 1 % larger than the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece. In at least one example embodiment, the (second) average diameter of the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 may be less than or equal to about 10 % larger than the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece. In at least one example embodiment, the (second) average diameter of the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600 may be greater than or equal to about 1 % to less than or equal to about 10 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 % to less than or equal to about 9 %, greater than or equal to about 3 % to less than or equal to about 8 %, greater than or equal to about 4 % to less than or equal to about 7 %, or greater than or equal to about 5 % to less than or equal to about 6 %) larger than the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece. In each instance, the (first) average diameter of the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 should be larger than an outer diameter of the sleeve 300.

[0148] The one-sided fastener assembly 100 may be aligned with and placed into the hole defined by the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600. The alignment of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 may be finalized using an external fastener installation tool (e.g., electric motor and battery operated) that includes the anvil 700 and / or the collet 800. In at least one example embodiment, the anvil 700 and the collet 800 may be part of the same external tool, which may be similar or identical to a NEOBOLT® Cordless Lockbolt Tool by STANLEY® Engineered Fastening. The anvil 700 may engage with the collar 400 of the one-sided fastener assembly 100. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the anvil 700 may engage with the shaped portion 424 of the collar 400. Because, as noted above, an inner bore diameter of anvil 700 is smaller than or equal to a diameter of shaped portion 424, the anvil 700 may serve as a guide as the anvil 700 is moved axially toward the transition 419 for swage engagement. The collet 800 may then engage with the pull groove 220 to begin swaging.

[0149] During placement of the one-sided fastener assembly 100 into the hole defined by the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600, the anvil 700 may engage the shaped portion 424 of the collar 400 and may then apply a continuous or changing pressure in an axial first direction 702 to maintain the collar 400 adjacent or near to the exposed surface of the second workpiece 600, while the collet 800 as engaged with the pull groove 220 may pull the pinAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 200 in a second direction 704 (that opposes the first direction 702) away from the workpieces 500, 600 to deform the sleeve 300.

[0150] The deformation of the sleeve 300 is illustrated in FIG.8. As illustrated, the sleeve 300 may be deformed such that the sleeve 300 engages with the walls (or other structures) defining the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and also the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600. More specifically, the sleeve 300 may buckle on both sides of the first workpiece 500 to form a first wrinkle 350 on the second side of the first workpiece 500 and a second wrinkle 352 on the first-side of the first workpiece 500. As a result, the first workpiece 500 may be captured or trapped between the first and second wrinkle structures 350 and 352 in the sleeve 300, and this engagement may retain the sleeve 300 to the first workpiece 500 even when the collar 400 and / or the second workpiece 600 is / are removed. In other words, sleeve 300 may deform to form wrinkle structures 350, 352 which extend radially outward (relative to axis A-A) past hole 502. The wrinkle structures 350, 352 may also extend axially above and below hole 502 of first workpiece 500 to surround hole 502 or an edge of hole 502 to help to lock or trap the sleeve 300 to the first workpiece 500.

[0151] After the sleeve 300 is deformed, the anvil 700 may be moved in the first direction 702 as shown in FIG.9 to swage the collar 400 onto the pin 200 so that collar material from a radial interior of the first portion 421 of the third wall section 429 of the structure 420 of the collar 400 fills the locking grooves 212 of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the inner diameter of the anvil 700 may be less than or equal to the outer diameter defined by the exterior-facing surface 422 of the collar 400. In at least one example embodiment, the pin 200 may be made of a harder material than collar 400. The anvil 700 may compress the collar 400 (e.g., at transition 419) radially inward onto the pin 200 to thereby deform the collar 400 (and in particular at least a portion of the interior surface of second bore section 416) into the locking grooves 212 of the pin 200 as the anvil 700 moves axially along the exterior-facing surface 422. As a result, female threads may be formed on the collar 400 helically corresponding to threads of pin 200 and that may threadingly engaged with the pin 200 such that the one-sided fastener assembly 100 may be set as shown in FIG.9. The threaded engagement between the collar 400 and the pin 200 may keep the lip 426 of the collar 400 engaged with the exposed surface of second workpiece 600 holding together the workpieces 500, 600.

[0152] In the example shown in FIGS.8 and 9, and described herein, the sleeve 300 is buckled around the first workpiece 500, and then the collar 400 and the sleeveAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 300 are crimped onto the pin 200. In various implementations, the collar 400 and the sleeve 300 may be crimped onto the pin 200 before or while the sleeve 300 is buckled around the first workpiece 500. Additionally, or alternatively, only the collar 400 may be crimped onto the pin 200 (e.g., the sleeve 300 may not be crimped onto the pin 200). In addition, while the sleeve 300 and the collar 400 are shown and described as separate pieces, the sleeve 300 and the collar 400 may be formed together as a single piece. Furthermore, although the collar 400 is shown and described as having a stepped inner diameter for receiving a portion of the sleeve 300, the collar 400 may not have such a stepped inner diameter and may not receive any portion of the sleeve 300.

[0153] To remove the collar 400 to, for example, repair or replace the second workpiece 600, the torque tool 900 may be engaged with the shaped portion 424 of the collar 400 as shown in FIG.10. The torque tool 900 may be used to rotate the collar 400 in, for example, a counterclockwise direction 902, to unthread the collar 400 from the locking grooves 212 of the pin 200 and thereby to remove the collar 400. The collar 400 can be removed without requiring the collar 400 to be cut into two or more pieces. Once the collar 400 is removed, the second workpiece 600 may also be removed as shown in FIG.11. As mentioned above, the wrinkles 350, 352 in the sleeve 300 retain the pin 200 and sleeve 300 in place on the first workpiece 500 even when the second workpiece 600 is removed. Thus, the pin 200 and the sleeve 300 may be reused in the repaired (or replacement) of the first workpiece 500 to the second workpiece 600. The collar 400 may also be reused, which may avoid the need to swage the collar 400, or in certain embodiments, the collar 400 may be replaced, if desired. Furthermore, the collar 400 may be replaced by threading and then re-secured in a replacement / repair swaging step.

[0154] As discussed above, the second workpiece 600 is removeable. This is possible because the sleeve 300 does not deform in a way to trap the second workpiece 600 to the post-set assembly. In other words, since no portion of the sleeve 300 is deformed above the uppermost surface of the hole 602 or radially outward of the hole 602, the second workpiece 600 may be easily removeable from the remainder of the assembly once the collar 400 is removed. Furthermore, in one-sided fastener assembly 100, if the first section 412 of the bore 406 includes a radially outermost portion at the first end 402 that is equal to, radially inward of or smaller than an outermost diameter of the head 250, the lip 426 of the collar 400 may meet or cover hole 602 as shown. Covering the hole 602 may help to prevent any flow of deforming sleeve 300 material from blocking removal of the second workpiece 600.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0155] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly (which may also be referred to simply as a one-sided fastener or fastener) 2000 for one-sided installation in and the same side releasability from holes, where the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is assembled but unset. FIG.13 is a side view of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000, where the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is assembled but unset. FIG. 14 is a disassembled or exploded view of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000.

[0156] The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 may be the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 100 as illustrated in FIGS.1–11 except that the sleeve 300 and collar 400 may be formed together as a single component, sleeve 2100. The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 in an assembled but unset state (see FIGS. 12, 13, and 16) is a two- piece (or two-part) fastener assembly including, for example, a pin (or post or stem) 2200 and a sleeve 2100. The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is considered assembled when the pin 2200 and the sleeve 2100 are associated (for example, friction fixed with each other). The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is considered unset when the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 has not yet been deformed and thereby coupled to one or more workpieces 500, 600. The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is assembled along a central longitudinal axis B-B through the pin 2200. Although the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is showed as including pin 2200, it should be understood that, in various example embodiments, pin 200 as shown in the instance of one-sided fastener assembly 100 as illustrated in FIGS.1–11, could be used in the instance of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000.

[0157] Like pin 200, pin 2200 includes a pin body 2210 having a first end (or part or portion) 2212 and an opposing second end (or part or portion) 2214, where a length of the pin body 2210 between the first end 2212 and the second end 2214 is a middle (or intermediate) section (or part or portion) 2216. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the middle section 2216 of the pin body 2210 may include a plurality of locking threads or grooves 2222, while both the first and second ends 2212, 2214 of the pin body 2210 may be free of threads or locking grooves. In at least one example embodiment, at least a portion of the middle section 2216 of the pin body 2210 may include the plurality of locking threads or grooves 2222 and at least a portion of the first end 2212 of the pin body 2210 may similarly include the plurality of locking threads or grooves 2222, while the second end 2214 of the pin body 2210 may be free of locking grooves. In the examples shown, the locking grooves 2222 are helical. In at least oneAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA embodiment, the locking grooves 2222 may have an anti-loosening geometry that helps to inhibit rotation between the pin 2222 and a collar 2100B (e.g., while the post-set assembly is experiencing vibration). The anti-loosening geometry may include the geometry sold in the threaded fastener industry as SPIRALOCK® locking threads and owned by Spiralock Corporation.

[0158] In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 2222 may extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % of a total length of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 2222 may extend along less than or equal to about 95% of a total length of the pin 2220. In at least one example embodiment, the locking grooves 2222 may extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % to less than or equal to about 95% (e.g., greater than or equal to about 62 % to less than or equal to about 94 %, greater than or equal to about 64 % to less than or equal to about 92 %, greater than or equal to about 66 % to less than or equal to about 90 %, greater than or equal to about 68 % to less than or equal to about 88 %, greater than or equal to about 70 % to less than or equal to about 86 %, greater than or equal to about 72 % to less than or equal to about 84 %, greater than or equal to about 74 % to less than or equal to about 82 %, or greater than or equal to about 76 % to less than or equal to about 80 %) of a total length of the pin 2200.

[0159] In at least one example embodiment, the first end 2212 of the pin body 2210 may include (or may be integrally formed with) a head 2250 having a (first) average diameter that is greater than a (second) average diameter of the middle section 2216 of the pin body 2210. In at least one example embodiment, the first end 2212 of the pin body 2210 may include knurling (or other texturing) 2224. For example, the first end 2212 of the pin body 2210 may include alternating high areas 2217 and low areas 2218. The high areas 2217 may include peaks or hills. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills may include acute points relative to the overall circumference of the pin body 2210. The low areas 2218 may include valleys. The texturing 2224 may help to improve friction fit between the pin body 2210 and the sleeve 2100.

[0160] The second end 2214 of the pin body 2210 may be configured to be engaged with an external tool (e.g., collet 800) during association (or placement) of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 with one or more workpieces 500, 600. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the second end 2214 of the pin body 2210 may include a first generally planar surface 2226 that is parallel with a second generally planar surface 2228, where a first portion of the first generally planar surface 2226 is joined toAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA a first portion of the second generally planar surface 2228 by a first curvature 2230 and a second portion of the first generally planar surface 2226 is joined to a second portion of the second generally planar surface 2228 by a second curvature 2232.

[0161] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 2100 of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000. The sleeve 2100 may include a first portion (also referred to as a sleeve portion) 2100A and a second portion (also referred to as a collar portion) 2100B that are integrally formed. When the one-sided fastener assembly 200 is assembled, the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2110 may be disposed nearer to the first end 2212 of the pin 2200 while the second portion 2100B is disposed nearer to the second end 2214 of the pin 2200.

[0162] The first portion 2100A may have a first end (or part or section) 2302 and an opposing second end (or part or portion or section) 2304, where a hollow cavity (or part or region or bore) 2306 extends therethrough from the first end 2302 to the second end 2304. The bore 2306 of the first portion 2100A may be configured to surround (or receive) at least a portion of the first end 2212 of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the first portion 2100A may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % of the total length of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the first portion 2100A may receive (in the assembled but preset state) less than or equal to about 40 % of the total length of the pin 200. In at least one example embodiment, the first portion 2100A may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 40 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 % to less than or equal to about 38 %, greater than or equal to about 24 % to less than or equal to about 36 %, greater than or equal to about 26 % to less than or equal to about 34 %, greater than or equal to about 28 % to less than or equal to less than or equal to about 32 %) of the total length of the pin 2200.

[0163] A (first) diameter of the bore 2306 may be selected to yield a friction fit between the pin 2200 and the first portion 2100A. The bore 2306 of the first portion 2100A may have a substantially uniform (inner) diameter. An exterior-facing surface of the first end 2302 of the first portion 2100A may include (or may be defined by) knurling (or other texturing) 2312. For example, the exterior-facing surface of the first end 2302 of the first portion 2100A may include alternating high areas 2314 and low areas 2316. The high areas 2314 may include peaks or hills. The low areas 2316 may include valleys. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills of the high areas 2314 and / or the valleys of the low areas 2316 may include substantial planar portions. In at least oneAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA example embodiment, the peaks or hills of the high areas 2314 may include one or more points similar to the high areas 2217 detailed above.

[0164] The texturing 2312 may help to improve friction fit between the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 and the hole as defined by one or more workpieces 500, 600. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the high areas 2314 may represent high pressure point areas of engagement as between the first portion 2100A and the hole defined by the one or more workpieces 500, 600 during radial deformation expansion of the first portion 2100A where the high areas 2314 and the hole are locked or interlocked in a post-set state. The locking or interlocking in the post-set state between the first portion 2100A and the one or more workpieces 500, 600 may include relative locking or relative interlocking rotationally, which may help to prevent rotation of the first portion 2100A relative to the one or more workpieces 500, 600.

[0165] The second portion 2100B may have a first end (or part or portion or section) 2402 and an opposing second end (or part or portion or section) 2404, where a hollow cavity (or part or region) or bore 2406 extends therethrough from the first end 2402 to the second end 2404. The bore 2406 of the second portion 2100B may be configured to telescopically overlap, surround, or receive at least a portion of the middle section 2216 of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the second portion 2100B may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % of the total length of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the second portion 2100B may receive (in the assembled but preset state) less than or equal to about 60 % of the total length of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the second portion 2100B may receive (in the assembled but preset state) greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 60 % (e.g., greater than or equal to about 22 % to less than or equal to about 58 %, greater than or equal to about 24 % to less than or equal to about 56 %, greater than or equal to about 26 % to less than or equal to about 54 %, greater than or equal to about 28 % to less than or equal to about 52 %, greater than or equal to about 30 % to less than or equal to about 50 %, greater than or equal to about 32 % to less than or equal to about 48 %, greater than or equal to about 34 % to less than or equal to about 46 %, greater than or equal to about 36 % to less than or equal to about 44 %, or greater than or equal to about 38 % to less than or equal to about 42 %) of the total length of the pin 2200.

[0166] In at least one example embodiment, the bore 2406 of the first portion 2100B may include a first bore section (or part or portion or end) 2412 having a firstAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA average bore (or inner) diameter (or first inner diameter) and a second bore section (or part or portion or end) 2416 having a second average bore (or inner) diameter (or second inner diameter), where the second average bore diameter is greater than the first average bore diameter. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the first bore section 2412 and the second bore section 2416 may have the same average diameter, if the corresponding wall thicknesses of the different bore sections 2412, 2416 of the first portion 2100B are maintained. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiment, the first average bore diameter of the first bore section 2412 of the first portion 2100B may be the same as the average bore diameter of the bore 2306 of the first portion 2100A. That is, the first bore section 2412 of the second portion 2100B may be continuous with the bore 2306 of the first portion 2100A.

[0167] In at least one example embodiment, an interior-facing surface 2417 of a second wall section 2427 defining the second bore section 2416 may include one or more engagement segments. That is, the interior-facing surface 2417 of the second wall section 2427 defining the second bore section 2416 may not be continuous surface but may include a pattern of differing depths (or wall thicknesses) including one or more first segments having a first depth (or wall thickness) 2415A and one or more second segments having a second depth (or wall thickness) 2415B that is different from the first depth (or wall thickness) 2415A. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the interior-facing surface of a second wall section 2427 defining the second bore section 2416 may be a uniform surface (for example, as in the instance of the sleeve 3100 of the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 as illustrated in FIGS. 21–24 and / or the sleeve 4100 of the one-sided fastener assembly 4000 as illustrated in FIGS.25–28).

[0168] In at least one example embodiment, a structure (or wall) 2420 of the second portion 2100B defining the bore 2406 may include one or more average wall thicknesses, for example, to define the first bore section 2412 having the first average bore diameter and the second bore section 2416 having the second average bore diameter. The structure 2420 of the second portion 2100B may include a first wall section (or part or portion) 2425 corresponding generally with the first bore section 2412 and a second wall section (or part or portion) 2427 corresponding generally with the second bore section 2416. The first wall section 2425 may have a first average wall thickness and the second wall section 2427 may have a second average wall thickness that is lessAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA than the first average wall thickness. In at least one example embodiment, an exterior- facing surface 2422 of the structure 2420 of the second portion 2100B may include a (first) gradual (or sloped) transition 2419 that defines a transition in wall thicknesses and / or outer radiuses between the first wall section 2425 and the second wall section 2427.

[0169] In at least one example embodiment, the structure 2420 of the second portion 2100B may further include a third wall section (or part or portion) 2429. The third wall section 2429 may be joined to the first wall section 2425 away from the second wall section 2427. The third wall section 2429 may have a third average wall thickness that is greater than the first average wall thickness. In at least one example embodiment, the exterior-facing surface 2422 of the structure 2420 of the second portion 2100B may include a (second) gradual (or sloped) transition 2431 that defines a transition in wall thicknesses and / or outer radiuses between the first wall section 2425 and the third wall section 2429. The third wall section 2429 may define a lip that is seated against an exposed surface of a hole. The third wall section 2429 may define the first end 2402 of the second portion 2100B.

[0170] In at least one example embodiment, the structure 2420 of the second portion 2100B may further include a fourth wall section (or part or portion) 2433. The fourth wall section 2433 may be joined to the second wall section 2447 away from the first wall section 2425. The fourth wall section 2433 may be a sloped portion having a fourth average wall thickness that is less than the second average wall thickness. The fourth wall section 2433 may slope away from the second wall section 2447. The fourth wall section 2433 may define the second end 2404 of the second portion 2100B.

[0171] In at least a portion of the structure 2420, and more specifically, the exterior-facing surface 2422 of the structure 2420, of the second portion 2100B may be shaped to be received (or engaged) by anvil 700 and / or a torque tool 900, as further discussed below. For example, the torque tool 900 may include a hex wrench or socket, and the exterior-facing surface 2422 of the second portion 2100B may include a shaped portion 2424 that is correspondingly configured to be engaged by the torque tool 900. In at least one example embodiment, the anvil 700 may include a minimum interior bore diameter that is larger than the major outer diameter of the shaped portion 2424 such that during setting, the anvil 700 readily passes over and / or against and / or around (e.g., telescopically) the shaped portion 2424 on route to swaging engagement with theAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA exterior-facing surface 2422 of the second portion 2100B without deforming the shaped portion 2424.

[0172] In at least one example embodiment, the shaped portion 2424 may include alternating high areas 2440 and low areas 2442. The high areas 2440 may include peaks or hills. In at least one example embodiment, the peaks or hills may include acute points relative to an overall circumference of the second portion 2100B. The low areas 2442 may include valleys. The shaped portion 2424 may help to improve the fit between the second portion 2100B and the anvil 700 and / or the torque tool 900. For example, the high areas 2440 may represent pressure point areas of engagement as between the second portion 2100B and the anvil 700 and / or the torque tool 900. In at least one example embodiment, the shaped portion 2424 may correspond with the first wall section 2425.

[0173] The sleeve 2100 may further include a third portion (also referred to as an intermediate or frangible or weakened portion) 2100C between the first portion 2100A and the second portion 2100B, where the third portion 2100C is configured to break when a torque is applied to the second portion 2100B causing the first and second portions 2100A, 2100B to dissociate. In at least one example embodiment, the first portion 2100A may have a first average exterior (or outer) diameter and the second portion 2100B may have a second average exterior (or outer) diameter that is greater than the first average exterior (or outer) diameter. The third portion 2100C may have a third average exterior (or outer) diameter that is less than the first average exterior (or outer) diameter. In at least one example embodiment, the third portion 2100C may include one or more (for example, four) groove segments 2128 separated by one or more (four example, four) openings 2130. The one or more openings 2130 may extend longitudinally or axially through the third portion 2100C, through a planar surface 2132 of the second portion 2100B, and through the rest of the second portion 2100B. The openings 2130 further weaken the third portion 2100C (in addition to its reduced diameter).

[0174] The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 is configured for installation in and same side releasability from holes. That is, the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 may be used to engage and secure together first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.16 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as being engaged with first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as being engaged with first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.18 is a cross-sectional view of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 asAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA securing together first and second workpieces. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the post-set one-sided fastener assembly 2000 in the process of being released from securing together the first and second workpieces 500, 600. FIG.20 is a cross-sectional view of the post-set one-sided fastener assembly 2000 after being released from securing together the first and second workpieces 500, 600.

[0175] The one-sided fastener assembly 2000 may be aligned with and placed into the hole defined by the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and the second hole 602 of the workpiece 600. As in the instance of the one-sided fastener assembly 100, the alignment of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 may be finalized using an external fastener installation tool (e.g., electric motor and battery operated) that includes the anvil 700 and / or the collet 800. The anvil 700 may engage with the second portion 2100B of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000. More specifically, the anvil 700 may engage with the second wall section 2427 of the second portion 2100B. Because the inner bore diameter of anvil 700 is smaller than or equal to an exterior (or outer) diameter of the first wall section 2425, the anvil 700 may serve as a guide as the anvil 700 is moved axially toward the transition 2419 for swage engagement.

[0176] During placement of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 into the hole defined by the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600, the anvil 700 may engage the second wall section 2427 of the second portion 2100B and may then apply a continuous or changing pressure in an axial first direction 702 to maintain the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 adjacent or near to the exposed surface of the second workpiece 600, while the collet 800 as engaged with the second end 2214 of the pin 2200 may pull the pin 2200 in a second direction 704 (that opposes the first direction 702) away from the workpieces 500, 600 to deform (e.g., buckle) the first portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100.

[0177] The deformation of the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. As illustrated, the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 may be deformed such that the first portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 engages with the walls (or other structures) defining the first hole 502 of the first workpiece 500 and also the second hole 602 of the second workpiece 600. More specifically, the first portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 may buckle on both sides of the first workpiece 500 to form a first wrinkle 2362 on the second side of the first workpiece 500 and a second wrinkle 2364 on the first side of the first workpiece 500. As a result, the first workpiece 500 may be captured or trapped between the first and second wrinkle structures 2362, 2364 in the first portionAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 2100A of the sleeve 2100, and this engagement may retain the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 to the first workpiece 500 even when the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 and / or the second workpiece 600 is / are removed. In other words, the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 may deform to form wrinkle structures 2362, 2354 which extend radially outward (relative to axis A-A) past hole 502. The wrinkle structures 2362, 2364 may also extend axially above and below hole 502 of first workpiece 500 to surround hole 502 or an edge of hole 502 to help to lock or trap the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 to the first workpiece 500.

[0178] After the first portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 is deformed, or while the first portion of the sleeve 2100 is being deformed, the anvil 700 may be moved in the first direction 702 to swage the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 onto the pin 2200 so that material from a radial interior of the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 fills the locking grooves 2222 of the pin 2200. In at least one example embodiment, the inner diameter of the anvil 700 may be less than or equal to the exterior (or outer) diameter defined by the exterior-facing surface 2422 of at least a portion of the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100. In at least one example embodiment, the pin 2200 may be made of a harder material than the sleeve 2100. The anvil 700 may compress the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 radially inward onto the pin 2200 to thereby deform the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 (and in particular at least a portion of the interior surface of at least a portion of the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100) into the locking grooves 2222 of the pin 2200 as the anvil 700 moves axially along the exterior-facing surface 2422. As a result, female threads may be formed on the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 helically corresponding to threads of pin 2200 and that may threadingly engaged with the pin 2200 such that the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 may be set as shown in FIG.18. The threaded engagement between the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 and the pin 2200 may keep the third wall section 2329 of second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 engaged with the exposed surface of second workpiece 600 holding together the workpieces 500, 600.

[0179] To remove the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 to, for example, repair or replace the second workpiece 600, the torque tool 900 may be engaged with the shaped portion 2424 of the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 as shown in FIG. 19. The torque tool 900 may be used to rotate the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 in, for example, a counterclockwise direction 902, to break the third portion 2100C and thereby separate the first and second portions 2100A and 2100B from oneAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA another, and then unthread the second portion 2100B from the locking grooves 2222 of the pin 2200 and thereby to remove the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100. Once the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 is removed, the second workpiece 600 may also be removed as shown in FIG.20. As mentioned above, the wrinkles 2362, 2364 in the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 retain the pin 2200 and first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 in place on the first workpiece 500 even when the second workpiece 600 is removed. Thus, the pin 2200 and the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 may be reused in the repaired (or replacement) of the first workpiece 500 to the second workpiece 600. The second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 may also be reused, which may avoid the need to swage the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100, or in certain embodiments, the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 may be replaced, if desired. Furthermore, the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 may be replaced and re- secured in a replacement / repair swaging step using the anvil 700 and / or the torque tool 900 as described above.

[0180] As discussed above, the second workpiece 600 is removeable. This is possible because the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 does not deform in a way to trap the second workpiece 600 to the post-set assembly. In other words, since no portion of the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 is deformed above the uppermost surface of the hole 602 or radially outward of the hole 602, the second workpiece 600 may be easily removeable from the remainder of the assembly once the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 is removed. Furthermore, in one-sided fastener assembly 2000, if the first section 412 of the bore 406 includes a radially outermost portion at the first end 402 that is equal to, radially inward of or smaller than an outermost diameter of the head 2250, the third wall section 2329 of the second portion 2100B of the sleeve 2100 may meet or cover hole 602 as shown. Covering the hole 602 may help to prevent any flow of deforming material of the first portion 2100A of the sleeve 2100 from blocking removal of the second workpiece 600.

[0181] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly (which may also be referred to simply as a one-sided fastener or fastener) 3000 for one-sided installation in and same side releasability from holes, where the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 is assembled but unset. FIG.22 is side view of the one-sided fastener assembly 3000, where the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 is assembled but unset. FIG. 23 is a disassembled or exploded view of the one-sidedAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA fastener assembly 3000. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve 3100 of the one-sided fastener assembly 3000.

[0182] The one-sided fastener assembly 3000 may be the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as illustrated in FIGS.12–20 except that the third portion (also referred to as an intermediate or frangible or weakened portion) 3100C as between a first portion 3100A and a second portion 3100B of the sleeve 3100 includes one or more openings 3130 that extend radially through the third portion 3100C (as opposed to longitudinally or axially through the second and third portions 3100B and 3100C as in the instance of one-sided fastener assembly 2000). In addition, the third portion 3100C may not form a groove between the first and second portions 3100A and 3100B (as opposed to the third portion 2100C, which forms the groove segments 2128 between the second and third portions 2100A and 2100B). Furthermore, the outer diameter of the third portion 3100C may be equal to the outer diameter of the first portion 3100A (as opposed to the third portion 2100C, which has a smaller outer diameter than the first portion 2100A). The one-sided fastener assembly 3000 may be installed in the hole in the workpieces 500, 600 in the same way as the one-sided fastener assembly 2000, and the second portion 3100B may be removed in the same way that the second portion 2100B is removed.

[0183] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another example one-sided fastener assembly (which may also be referred to simply as a one-sided fastener or fastener) 4000 for one-sided installation in and same side releasability from holes, where the one-sided fastener assembly 4000 is assembled but unset. FIG. 26 is side view of the one-sided fastener assembly 4000, where the one-sided fastener assembly 4000 is assembled but unset. FIG. 27 is a disassembled or exploded view of the one-sided fastener assembly 4000. FIG. 28 is across-sectional view of a sleeve 4100 of the one-sided fastener assembly 4000.

[0184] The one-sided fastener assembly 4000 may be the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as illustrated in FIGS.12–20 except that the third portion (also referred to as an intermediate or frangible or weakened portion) 4100C as between a first portion 4100A and a second portion 4100B of the sleeve 4100 is a continuous groove with no openings. The one-sided fastener assembly 4000 may be installed in the hole in the workpieces 500, 600 in the same way as the one-sided fastener assembly 2000, and the second portion 4100B may be removed in the same way that the second portion 2100B is removed.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA

[0185] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another example post-set one-sided fastener assembly 1000 as securing together first and second workpieces 500, 600. The one-sided fastener assembly 1000 may be the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS.1–11 except that the second end 204 of the pin body 210 includes a rectangular-shaped projection 1002 for engagement with an anti-rotation tool (e.g., a wrench). When removing the collar 400 by engaging the shaped portion 424 with the torque tool 900 and rotating the collar 400 in the counterclockwise direction 902, the anti- rotation tool may be used to engage flat surfaces 1004 of the projection 1002 and thereby counteract the torque applied to the pin 200 by the torque tool 900 via the collar 400. In turn, the torque applied by the torque tool 900 works to loosen the collar 400 from the pin 200 rather than loosen the pin 200 from the sleeve 300. In other example embodiments, the projection 1002 may have a shape other than rectangular, such as a hex shape.

[0186] Although the one-sided fastener assembly 1000 is illustrated as being the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1–11, it should be appreciated that a pin having rectangular-shaped projection 1002 for engagement with an anti-rotation tool (e.g., a wrench) may be also used in the instance of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as illustrated in FIGS. 12–20 and / or the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 as illustrated in FIGS. 21–24 and / or the one-sided fastener assembly 4000 as illustrated in FIGS.25–28.

[0187] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another example post-set one-sided fastener assembly 1050 as securing together first and second workpieces 500, 600. The one-sided fastener assembly 1050 is the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1–11 except that the second end 204 of the pin body 210 has a rectangular-shaped recess 1052 for engagement with an anti-rotation tool. When removing the collar 400 by engaging the shaped portion 424 with the torque tool 900 and rotating the collar 400 in the counterclockwise direction 902, the anti-rotation tool may be used to engage flat surfaces 1054 of the recess 1052 and thereby counteract the torque applied to the pin 200 by the torque tool 900 via the collar 400. In turn, the torque applied by the torque tool 900 works to loosen the collar 400 from the pin 200 rather than loosen the pin 200 from the sleeve 300. In other example embodiments, the recess 1052 may have a shape other than rectangular, such as a hex shape.

[0188] Although the one-sided fastener assembly 1000 is illustrated as being the same as the one-sided fastener assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1–11, it should be appreciated that a pin having rectangular-shaped projection 1002 for engagement withAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA an anti-rotation tool (e.g., a wrench) may be also used in the instance of the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 as illustrated in FIGS. 12–20 and / or the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 as illustrated in FIGS.21–24 and / or the b one-sided fastener assembly 4000 as illustrated in FIGS.25–28.

[0189] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for one-sided installation in holes (e.g., blind holes). For example, in at least one example embodiment, an example method for one-sided installation in holes may include positioning (for example, using an external tool) a three-piece, one-sided fastener assembly (for example, like the one-sided fastener assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS.1–11) within a hole (e.g., blind hole) by applying a forward moving force (for example, a pushing force) to the three-piece, one-sided fastener assembly and causing a portion of the three-piece, one-sided fastener assembly to move into and through the hole. The method may further include, holding or maintaining (for example, also using the external tool) the position of two pieces of the three-piece, one-sided fastener (for example, like the sleeve 300 and the collar 400) while partially removing another piece (for example, like the pin 200) of the three-piece, one-sided fastener (for example, also using the external tool) to set the three-piece, one-sided fastener in the hole. Notably, the positioning, the holding, and the removing of the method each occur from the same side of the hole.

[0190] In another example, an example method for one-sided installation in holes (e.g., blind holes) may include positioning (for example, using an external tool) a two-piece, one-sided fastener (for example, like the one-sided fastener assembly 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 12–20 and / or the one-sided fastener assembly 3000 illustrated in FIGS. 21–24 and / or the one-sided fastener assembly 4000 illustrated in FIGS. 25–28) within a hole (e.g., blind hole) by applying a forward moving force (for example, a pushing force) to the two-piece, one-sided fastener and causing a portion of the two-piece, one-sided fastener to move into and through the hole. The method may further include, holding or maintaining (for example, also using the external tool) the position of one of the pieces of the two-piece, one-sided fastener (for example, like the sleeve 2100) while removing another piece (for example, like the pin 2200) of the two-piece, one-sided fastener (for example, also using the external tool) to set the two-piece, one-sided fastener in the hole. Notably, the positioning, the holding, and the removing of the method each occur from the same side of the hole.

[0191] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for same side releasability of fastener from holes, where the fastener is released from the same side ofAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA the holes as used during installation using only actions on that same side. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method may include engaging a collar (for example, like collar 400) or second portion (for example, like the second portion 2100B) of the fastener and applying a rotating force such that the collar or second portion moves down the length of a pin (for example, like pin 200 or pin 2200) of the fastener away from workpieces (for example, like workpieces 500, 600) defining the hole. In at least one example embodiment, the collar or second portion may be rotated about the locking grooves (for example, like the locking grooves 212 or 2222) of the pin. Rotating the collar or second portion may remove the collar or second portion from the pin, such that the exposed workpiece (for example, like the second workpiece 600) may be entirely removed from the second-side workpiece (for example, like the first workpiece 500) by lifting off (or sliding down) the fastener. However, because of the deformity of the sleeve or first portion between the head (for example, like the head 250 or head 2250) and the second-side workpiece, the fastener and the second-side workpiece remain engage such that the same fastener may be readily used again to secure together the exposed workpiece and the second-side workpiece.

[0192] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific compositions, components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0193] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, compositions, steps, integers, operations, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Although the open-ended term “comprising,” is to be understood as a non-restrictive term used to describe and claim various embodimentsAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA set forth herein, in certain aspects, the term may alternatively be understood to instead be a more limiting and restrictive term, such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and / or process steps, the present disclosure also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such recited compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and / or process steps. In the case of “consisting of,” the alternative embodiment excludes any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and / or process steps, while in the case of “consisting essentially of,” any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and / or process steps that materially affect the basic and novel characteristics are excluded from such an embodiment, but any compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and / or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics can be included in the embodiment.

[0194] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, unless otherwise indicated.

[0195] When a component, element, or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other component, element, or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0196] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various steps, elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these steps, elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms, unless otherwise indicated. These terms may be only used to distinguish one step, element, component, region, layer or section from another step, element, component,Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first step, element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second step, element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0197] Spatially or temporally relative terms, such as “before,” “after,” “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially or temporally relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device or system in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0198] Throughout this disclosure, the numerical values represent approximate measures or limits to ranges to encompass minor deviations from the given values and embodiments having about the value mentioned as well as those having exactly the value mentioned. Other than in the working examples provided at the end of the detailed description, all numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. For example, “about” may comprise a variation of less than or equal to 5%, optionally less than or equal to 4%, optionally less than or equal to 3%, optionally less than or equal to 2%, optionally less than or equal to 1%, optionally less than or equal to 0.5%, and in certain aspects, optionally less than or equal to 0.1%. In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range, including endpoints and sub-ranges given for the ranges.

[0199] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The sameAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A releasable one-sided fastener for joining first and second workpieces together via a hole defined by the first and second workpieces, the fastener comprising: a pin having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle section disposed therebetween, an outer radial surface of the middle section including one or more helical grooves; a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the pin at or adjacent to the first end of the pin; and a collar that surrounds at least a portion of the middle section of the pin and configured to engage the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin, at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the collar having a non-circular perimeter that is configured to be engaged by a torque tool for disengaging the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin thereby releasing the collar from the pin and collar of the fastener.

2. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and collar are integrally formed and the fastener is a two-piece assembly.

3. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 2, wherein a frangible section joins together the sleeve and the collar.

4. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 3, wherein the sleeve has a first average exterior diameter, and the frangible section has a second average exterior diameter that is less than the first average exterior diameter.

5. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 4, wherein the frangible section defines one or more openings.

6. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 4, wherein the collar has a third average exterior diameter that is greater than the first average exterior diameter.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 7. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 6, wherein the frangible section defines one or more axially extending openings.

8. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 7, wherein the one or more openings extend through the collar.

9. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 3, wherein the frangible section defines one or more openings.

10. The releasable one-sided fastener of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the sleeve defines a first bore, and the collar defines a second bore, the first bore having a first inner diameter and at least a portion of the second bore also having the first inner diameter.

11. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 10, wherein the at least a portion of the second bore having the first inner diameter is a first bore portion, and the second bore further includes a second bore portion having a second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter.

12. The releasable one-sided fastener of claims 2 to 11, wherein the collar includes a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the collar including a lip having an average exterior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of a remainder of the pin, the lip being configured to engage with an access side of the hole.

13. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 12, wherein the outer radial surface of the collar having the non-circular perimeter is disposed adjacent the lip.

14. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 13, wherein the second end of the collar includes: a first portion having an exterior diameter less than the outer radial surface of the collar having the non-circular perimeter; and a second portion that tapers away from the first portion.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 15. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and collar are formed separately and the fastener is a three-piece assembly.

16. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 15, wherein the first end of the pin includes a head having an outermost diameter that is greater than an outermost diameter of a remainder of the pin.

17. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 16, wherein an outermost diameter of the sleeve is less than or equal to the outermost diameter of the head.

18. The releasable one-sided fastener of any of claims 16 to 17, wherein the pin further includes knurling disposed on the outer radial surface of the pin between the head and the middle section.

19. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 18, wherein the knurling of the pin is a first knurling, and the fastener further includes second knurling disposed on an outer radial surface of the sleeve.

20. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the fastener further includes knurling disposed on an outer radial surface of the sleeve.

21. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first and second ends of the pin are free of the one or more helical grooves.

22. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 21, wherein the one or more helical grooves extend along greater than or equal to about 60 % to less than or equal to about 95 % of a total length of the pin.

23. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the pin includes a pull groove disposed at or near the second end of the pin.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 24. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 23, wherein the pin further includes: a tapered section disposed at the second end of the pin, the pull groove being disposed between the tapered section and the middle section.

25. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the collar is configured to also surround a portion of the sleeve.

26. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 25, wherein the collar has a first bore for receiving the pin, the first bore including: a first portion having a first average inner diameter, a second portion having a second average inner diameter that is smaller than the first average inner diameter, and a third portion having a third average inner diameter that is smaller than the second average inner diameter.

27. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 26, wherein the second portion of the first bore of the collar receives the sleeve and the pin.

28. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the third portion of the first bore of the collar receives only the pin.

29. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the first end of the pin includes a head, and an innermost diameter of the second portion of the first bore of the collar is less than or equal to an outermost diameter of the head.

30. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the second workpiece is on a first side of the hole, the first workpiece is on a second side of the hole, and an innermost diameter of the second portion of the first bore of the collar is less than or equal to an inner diameter of the second workpiece.

31. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 30, wherein the hole is a blind hole.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 32. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 25, wherein the sleeve has a second bore that has a substantially uniform inner diameter.

33. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 32, wherein the sleeve has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end having a first outermost diameter and the second end having a second outermost diameter, the second outermost diameter being the same as the first outermost diameter.

34. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 32, wherein an outermost diameter of the second end of the sleeve is less than or equal to an average inner diameter of the hole on an access side thereof.

35. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the sleeve is configured to surround greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 40 % of a total length of the pin when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.

36. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the collar includes a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the collar surrounding the portion of the sleeve, the first end of the collar including a lip having an average exterior diameter that is greater than an exterior diameter of a remainder of the collar.

37. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 36, wherein the lip engages with an access side of the hole.

38. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the non- circular perimeter includes a polygonal shaped portion.

39. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the collar surrounds greater than or equal to about 10 % to less than or equal to about 50 % of a total length of the sleeve when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 40. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the collar surrounds greater than or equal to about 20 % to less than or equal to about 60 % of a total length of the pin when the sleeve is assembled with the pin and the sleeve is undeformed.

41. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the second workpiece is on a first side of the hole, the first workpiece is on a second side of the hole, a first portion of the hole defined by the first workpiece has a first average inner diameter, and a second portion of the hole defined by the second workpiece has a second average inner diameter that is larger than the first average inner diameter.

42. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 41, wherein the hole is a blind hole.

43. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the one or more helical grooves include helical threads.

44. A method of removing the collar from the releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 1–44, including the steps of: engaging, with the torque tool, the portion of the outer radial surface of the collar having the non-circular perimeter; and rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the method further includes rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the one or more helical grooves of the middle section of the pin without engaging the pin with an anti-rotation tool.

46. The method of any one of claims 44 to 45, wherein the method further includes preventing the pin from rotating with the collar by engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the pin with the sleeve and engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the sleeve with an inner radial surface of the hole.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 47. The method of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the second end of the pin includes a projection, and the method further includes engaging the projection with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

48. The method of any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the second end of the pin has a recess, and the method further including engaging the recess with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the recess has a hex shape.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein the recess has a square shape.

51. A releasable one-sided fastener for joining first and second workpieces together via a hole defined by the first and second workpieces, the releasable one-sided fastener comprising: a pin having a first end, an opposing second end, and a middle section disposed therebetween, an outer radial surface of the middle section including helical grooves; a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the pin at or adjacent to the first end of the pin, the sleeve having a substantially uniform inner diameter; and a collar that surrounds at least a portion of the middle section of the pin and at least a portion of the sleeve, the collar surrounding greater than or equal to about 10 % to less than or equal to about 50 % of a total length of the sleeve, the collar including: a bore having a first portion having a first average inner diameter, a second portion having a second average inner diameter that is smaller than the first average inner diameter, and a third portion having a third average inner diameter that is smaller than or equal to the second average inner diameter, the first and second portions of the bore receiving the sleeve and the pin, the third portion of the bore receiving only the pin; andAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA an outer radial surface having a non-circular perimeter that is configured to be engaged by a torque tool for disengaging the collar from the helical grooves of the middle section of the pin thereby releasing the collar from the pin and collar of the fastener.

52. The releasable one-sided fastener of claim 51, wherein the third average inner diameter is smaller than the second average inner diameter.

53. The releasable one-sided fastener of any one of claims 51 to 52, wherein the third average inner diameter is equal to the second average inner diameter.

54. A method of setting a releasable one-sided fastener within a blind hole defined by a first workpiece on a blind side of the blind hole and a second workpiece on an access side of the blind hole, the releasable blind fastener including a pin, a sleeve surrounding a portion of the pin adjacent to a first end thereof, and a collar surrounding a portion of the pin disposed between a second end of the pin and the portion of the pin surrounded by the sleeve, the method comprising: inserting the first end of the pin and at least a portion of the sleeve into the blind hole in a first direction until the collar abuts the second workpiece; engaging an outer radial surface of the collar with an anvil; engaging a pull groove in an outer radial surface of the pin with a collet, wherein the pull groove is disposed at or adjacent to the second end of the pin; pulling the pin in a second direction opposite of the first direction using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece; and moving the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the collar has a bore with a first bore section that receives both the pin, and the sleeve has a second bore section that receives only the pin, the method further including moving the anvil in the first direction to crimp both the collar and the sleeve onto the pin.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 56. The method of any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein the method further includes pulling the pin in the second direction to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece without radially expanding the sleeve beyond an inner diameter of the blind hole on the access side thereof.

57. The method of any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein the method further includes pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve on the blind side of the blind hole beyond a first portion of the blind hole defined by the first workpiece without radially expanding the sleeve on the access side of the blind hole beyond a second portion of the blind hole defined by the second workpiece.

58. The method of any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the method further includes pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve beyond a first portion of the blind hole defined by the first workpiece on both the blind and access sides of the blind hole.

59. The method of any one of claims 54 to 58, wherein the method further includes pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve into engagement with an interior surface of a hole in the second workpiece defining the blind hole without radially expanding beyond the second workpiece hole.

60. The method of any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein the method further includes pulling the pin in the second direction to radially expand the sleeve so that knurls of the sleeve engage at least one of an interior edge of the first and second workpieces defining the blind hole and an interior surface of the first and second workpieces defining the blind hole.

61. The method of any one of claims 54 to 60, wherein the method further includes directly engaging the collar with the second workpiece on the access side of the blind hole when setting the releasable blind fastener begins.

62. The method of any one of claims 54 to 61, wherein the moving of the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin occurs concurrently with the pulling of the pin in the second direction opposite of the first directionAttorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece.

63. The method of any one of claims 54 to 62, wherein there is a delay between the moving of the anvil in the first direction toward the second workpiece to crimp the collar onto the pin and the pulling of the pin in the second direction opposite of the first direction using the collet while holding the collar against the second workpiece using the anvil to buckle the sleeve around the first workpiece.

64. A method of removing a collar from a releasable one-sided fastener extending into a hole defined by first and second workpieces and joining the first and second workpieces together, the fastener including the collar, a pin, and a sleeve, the sleeve receiving a portion of the pin adjacent to a head thereof, the collar receiving a middle section of the pin and engaging helical grooves on the middle section, the method comprising: engaging, with a torque tool, a portion of an outer radial surface of the collar having a non-circular perimeter; and rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the helical grooves on the middle section of the pin.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the method further includes rotating the collar using the torque tool to unthread the collar from the helical grooves on the middle section of the pin without engaging the pin with an anti-rotation tool.

66. The method of any one of claims 64 to 65, wherein the method further includes preventing the pin from rotating with the collar by engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the pin with the sleeve and engaging a knurled portion of an outer radial surface of the sleeve with an inner radial surface of the hole.

67. The method of any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein an end of the pin includes a projection, and the method further includes: engaging the projection with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.Attorney Docket No.0275-001789-WO-POA 68. The method of any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein an end of the pin has a recess, and the method further includes: engaging the recess with an anti-rotation tool while rotating the collar using the torque tool.

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