Fastener

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fastener comprising a body having an external surface and an internal surface defining a through-hole, an external thread running in a first direction on at least a portion of the external surface from a proximal end region to at least a region of the external surface just before a distal end region, and a fastener internal thread running in a second direction on at least a portion of the inner surface. The through-hole of the fastener is configured for receiving at least a portion of a second fastener. In use, the fastener together with a second fastener can form a blind fastener assembly and a bolt assembly.

Description

[0001] FASTENER

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] [1] The present invention relates to a fastener.

[0004] [2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in blind fastener assemblies and bolt assemblies and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. It will, however, be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] [3] Blind fastener assemblies are used for fastening at least two objects where a user has no access to one side the adjacent objects. Some existing applications that make use of blind fastener assemblies are pop rivet applications and masonry applications (E.g. Dynabolts™).

[0007] [4] However, some of these blind fastener assemblies rely on the efficiency of how well a crumpled portion of the blind fastener body frictional ly engages with portions of the at least two objects. When a crumpled portion of the blind fastener assembly becomes loosely engaged with the at least two objects, then the blind fastener assembly may not provide sufficient fastening force to fasten them.

[0008] [5] Also, many current blind fasteners are in smaller sizes so that they demand relatively minimal force to apply. This makes it practical for an individual to apply the blind fasteners with, for example, a rivet gun. If current blind fasteners were made larger, a greater force would be required to pop and apply the blind fastener to materials. However, there are practical limits to the force an individual can exert by hand to a rivet gun or the like.

[0009] [6] Moreover, in instances where the objects do not have pre-made holes, there is an added step of drilling an appropriately sized hole that is compatible with the configuration of the blind fastener assembly.

[0010] [7] A disadvantage of many blind fastener assemblies is that multiple different actions are required to apply the fastener. Another disadvantage of many current blind fasteners, for example masonry fasteners, is that they are difficult to remove once applied.

[0011] [8] The present invention seeks to provide fastener, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [9] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first fastener is provided comprising: a. a body having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a through-hole that extends through the body; b. a proximal end region and a distal end region that define respective ends of the body; c. a fastener external thread running in a first direction on at least a portion of the external surface from the proximal end region to at least a region of the external surface just before the distal end region; and d. a fastener internal thread running in a second direction on at least a portion of the inner surface, wherein the through-hole is configured for receiving at least a portion of a second fastener and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0014]

[0011] Advantageously, the body can be screwed in through a hole via rotation of the second fastener in the same direction as the fastener external thread.

[0015]

[0012] In one embodiment, the first fastener comprises a fastener head, the fastener head being adapted to stop the driving of the first fastener through an object.

[0016]

[0013] In one embodiment, the fastener head is adjacent the proximal end region of the first fastener.

[0017]

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a fastener assembly is provided, the fastener assembly comprising: a. a fastener mentioned above; and b. the second fastener.

[0018]

[0015] In one embodiment, the fastener assembly is provided, the fastener assembly being a blind fastener assembly and wherein the second fastener comprises: i. a shaft ii. a drill head; and iii. a shaft external thread, the shaft external thread configured to run in the same direction as the fastener internal thread; wherein in use, the shaft external thread is threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread, and the shaft is adapted to be driven in the first direction to drive and create a hole through at least a first object and a second object such that the first fastener comes into contact with at least the first object and second object and produces a hole thread on the hole, and the hole thread has the same direction as the first fastener external thread.

[0019]

[0016] Advantageously, the blind fastener assembly can be fastened to at least the first and second object by rotation of the second fastener in a single direction of rotation.

[0020]

[0017] In one embodiment, the fastener head is adapted to stop the driving of the first fastener through at least the first object and second object when the first object resists the fastener head, the assembly being such that, when the shaft continues to be driven in the first direction, the drill head withdraws into at least a portion of the body of the fastener to create a crumpled portion of the body of the first fastener thereby expanding at least a portion of the body of the first fastener outwardly to mechanically engage at least the second object.

[0021]

[0018] Advantageously, the first fastener is held in engagement with at least the first and second object by dual mechanisms, the first being the first fastener external thread and the second being the crumpled portion of the first fastener body.

[0022]

[0019] In one embodiment, the shaft further comprises a driven portion and a breakable portion, the breakable portion being located at a threaded portion of the shaft between the drill head and the driven portion, the assembly being such that, when the shaft further continues to be driven in the first direction and the resistance to crumpling of the portion of the first fastener body reaches a threshold, the breakable portion breaks.

[0023]

[0020] In one embodiment, the driving of the shaft in the first direction causes the shaft to be fully withdrawn but does not cause the first fastener to be withdrawn since the first fastener is mechanically engaged to the first object and second object through: a. the threaded engagement between the first fastener external thread and the hole thread; and b. capture between the fastener head and the crumpled portion of the first fastener body.

[0024]

[0021] In one embodiment, the fastener assembly is provided, the fastener assembly being a bolt assembly and wherein the second fastener comprises: i. an anchor shaft comprising a driven portion adjacent a proximal end region of the anchor shaft; ii. an anchor expander located at a distal end region of the anchor shaft; and iii. an anchor external thread configured to run in the same direction as the first fastener internal thread, the first fastener further comprising a hex portion at the proximal end region of the first fastener and an expansion portion at the distal end region of the first fastener, wherein in use, the anchor external thread is threadedly engaged with the first fastener internal thread, the first fastener is screwed into a hole through at least first object and second object in a first direction, and the anchor shaft is adapted to be driven in the first direction such that at least a portion of the anchor expander moves through at least a region of the expansion portion, causing at least a region of the expansion portion to expand outwardly to mechanically engage at least the second object.

[0025]

[0022] Advantageously, the first fastener is held in a more secure engagement with at least the first and second object by dual mechanisms, the first being the threaded engagement between first fastener external thread and the hole created through the first and second objects, and the second being the engagement between the expansion portion of the first fastener body and at least the second object.

[0026]

[0023] In one embodiment, the expansion portion comprises a plurality of slots such that the driving of the anchor expander through at least a region of the expansion portion causes the expansion portion to splay outwardly to mechanically engage the second object.

[0027]

[0024] This invention may also be said broadly to comprise in the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0028]

[0025] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0029]

[0026] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

[0027] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, an embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031]

[0028] Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a fastener;

[0032]

[0029] Figure 2 shows a front view of a first embodiment of second fastener;

[0033]

[0030] Figure 3a shows a second embodiment of the fastener for use in a blind fastener assembly;

[0034]

[0031] Figure 3b shows a second embodiment of the second fastener for use in the blind fastener assembly

[0035]

[0032] Figure 4 shows a front view of the blind fastener assembly;

[0036]

[0033] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional front view of the blind fastener assembly of Fig. 4;

[0037]

[0034] Figure 6a shows the blind fastener assembly of Fig. 4 prior to use;

[0038]

[0035] Figure 6b shows the blind fastener assembly of Fig. 4 in use to secure a first and second object;

[0039]

[0036] Figure 7 shows a removed portion of a shaft of the second fastener;

[0040]

[0037] Figure 8a shows a third embodiment of the fastener for use in a bolt assembly;

[0041]

[0038] Figure 8b shows a third embodiment of the second fastener for use in a bolt assembly;

[0042]

[0039] Figure 9 shows a front view of the bolt assembly;

[0043]

[0040] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional front view of the bolt assembly of Fig. 9;

[0044]

[0041] Figure 11 shows the bolt assembly of Fig. 9 inserted through a first object and second object; and

[0045]

[0042] Figure 12 shows the bolt assembly of Fig. 9 in use to further secure the first and second object.

[0046] Description of Embodiments

[0047]

[0043] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0048]

[0044] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the fastener 1000. The fastener 1000 comprises a body 1001 , the body being substantially cylindrical or sleeve-like in shape. The body 1001 has an external surface 1002 and an internal surface 1003, wherein the internal surface defines a through-hole 1004 that extends through the length of the body 1001. The through-hole is configured for receiving at least a portion of a second fastener 1007. The fastener 1000 further comprises a proximal end region 1010 and a distal end region 1011 that define the respective ends of the fastener body 1001. As shown in Fig. 2, the second fastener 1007 may be a threaded screw. In other embodiments not shown, the second fastener can be bolts or other threaded fasteners. The fastener 1000 further comprises a fastener head 1009 adjacent the proximal end region 1010. The fastener head 1009 has an outer radius that is greater than the outer radius of the fastener body 1001. In use, the fastener head 1009 is adapted to stop the driving of the fastener through at least a first and second object.

[0049]

[0045] The fastener 1000 has a fastener external thread 1005 that runs in a first direction on at least a portion of the external surface 1002. As shown in Fig. 1 the fastener external thread 1005 runs from the proximal end region 1010 to at least a portion of the external surface 1002 just before the distal end region 1011. The fastener 1000 likewise has a fastener internal thread 1006 that runs in a second direction on at least a portion of the internal surface 1003. As shown in Fig. 1 , the first direction is opposite the second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener external thread 1005 runs in a clockwise direction and the fastener internal thread 1006 runs in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0050]

[0046] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the second fastener 1007 has a second fastener external thread 1008 that is configured to run in the same direction as the fastener internal thread 1006 such that the second fastener 1007 can threadedly engage the fastener internal thread 1006.

[0051]

[0047] A first fastener assembly (not shown) comprises the fastener 1000 and the second fastener 1007, wherein the second fastener has been threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread 1006. In use the fastener body 1001 can be screwed in through a hole via rotation of the second fastener 1007 in the same direction as the fastener external thread 1005.

[0052]

[0048] Figs. 3a-5 shows a blind fastener assembly 2000. As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, the blind fastener assembly 2000 comprises the fastener 1000 and the second fastener 1007. In this assembly, the fastener 1000 further comprises a fastener head 2001. The fastener head 2001 is located at a proximal end region of the fastener 1000. The fastener head 2001 is substantially annular in shape having an outer radius greater than the outer radius of the fastener body 1001.

[0053]

[0049] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the blind fastener assembly 2000, showing the second fastener 1007 within the fastener 1000. As shown in Figs. 3b and 5, the second fastener 1007 is used as a blind fastener and further comprises a shaft 2003 and a drill head 2004, the drill head 2004 being located at a distal end region of the shaft 2003. In use, the drill head 2004 is configured to drive through an object and create a hole therethrough. The drill head 2004 could have any suitable and different configurations for drilling through various types of materials. The shaft 2003 further comprises a driven portion 2005 and a breakable portion 2006. The driven portion 2005 is located at a proximal end region of the shaft 2003 while the breakable portion 2006 is located at a portion of the shaft between the drill head 2004 and the driven portion 2005. In use, the driven portion 2005 is configured for being attached to a driving tool and the breakable portion 2006 is configured to break when sufficient stress or pressure is applied thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the fastener body is equal to at least the widest portion of the drill head 2004. For clarity, the diameter of the fastener body does not include the fastener external thread 1005.

[0054]

[0050] The second fastener 1007 comprises a shaft external thread 1008 running on at least a portion of the shaft 2003. The shaft external thread 1008 does not reach the driven portion

[0055] 2005. The shaft external thread 1008 runs in the same direction as the fastener internal thread 1006 such that in use, the shaft external thread 1008 is threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread 1006. As shown in Figs. 3a-5, the shaft external thread 1008 and fastener internal thread 1006 runs in the counterclockwise direction. In a preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 3b, the breakable portion 2006 is located at a threaded portion of the shaft between the drill head 2004 and the driven portion 2005.

[0056]

[0051] Figs. 6a and 6b show the blind fastener assembly 2000 in use. In use, at least a first object 2007 is placed adjacent a second object 2008. The shaft 2003 is driven in the clockwise direction through the first object 2007 such that the drill head 2004 creates a hole 2009 through at least the first object and the second object. Since the fastener internal thread 1006 is threadedly engaged with the shaft external thread 1008, the fastener 1000 is driven in the same direction as the shaft 2003 and fastener external thread 1005 engages the inner surface of the hole produced by the drill head 2004 and creates a hole thread on the hole 2009. The hole thread created has the same direction as the fastener external thread 1005. The hole thread through the at least first and second object remains in threaded engagement with the fastener external thread 1005. The fastener head 2001 will eventually contact the first object which restricts the fastener 1000 from being driven further in the clockwise direction and essentially locks the fastener 1000 in place. As the shaft 2003 is further continued to be driven in the clockwise direction, the tendency of the threaded shaft 2003 is to be unthreaded from the fastener body 1001 and move towards the proximal end region of the fastener 1000. This is because the fastener internal thread 1006 and the shaft external thread 1008 are threadedly engaged in the counter-clockwise direction.

[0052] As the shaft 2003 is being unscrewed (see Fig. 6b), the drill head 2004 withdraws into at least a portion of the fastener body 1001 , causing at least that portion of the fastener body 1001 to expand outwardly and mechanically engage the threaded hole of at least the second object. Eventually, the drill head 2004 would be restricted from being withdrawn further due to the frictional engagement between the drill head and the fastener body 1001 , which causes strain on the shaft 2003. As shown in Fig. 7, the strain causes the breakable portion 2006 to break, which allows the remaining portion of the shaft 2003 to be fully unthreaded from the fastener body 1001 . In this state, the fastener 1000 provides a fastening engagement between the first object and second object through the threaded engagement between the first fastener external thread and the hole thread, which is further secured by the capture between the fastener head 2001 and the expanded portion of the fastener body 1001.

[0057]

[0053] Figs. 8a-11b show a bolt assembly 3000. As shown in Figs. 8a and 8b, the bolt assembly 3000 comprises the fastener 1000 and the second fastener 1007. In this assembly, the fastener 1000 further comprises a hex portion 3001 and an expansion portion 3002. The hex portion 3001 is located at a proximal end region of the fastener body 1001 and the expansion portion 3002 is located at a distal end region of the fastener body 1001. In other embodiments, the hex portion could be in the form of other suitable engagements, for example, engagements with different cross-sections. The hex portion 3001 has a greater outer radius than the outer radius of the fastener body 1001. The expansion portion 3002 further comprises a plurality of slots 3006 that defines a plurality of tabs 3007. The plurality of tabs 3007 are adapted to splay outwardly when a portion of the second fastener 1007 is withdrawn into the fastener body 1001. The plurality of slots 3006 could take any suitable configurations such as wedge-shaped slots, rectangular slots, etc., and this in turn affects the shapes of the plurality of tabs 3007. The expansion portion 3007 could have different numbers of tabs 3007 present. The expansion portion 3002 could have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more tabs 3007.

[0058]

[0054] Fig. 10 shows an internal cross section of the bolt assembly 3000. As shown in Figs. 8b and 10, the second fastener 1007 comprises an anchor shaft 3003. The anchor shaft 3003 has a driven portion 3004 adjacent a proximal end region of the anchor shaft 3003, and an anchor expander 3005 locating at a distal end region of the anchor shaft. The driven portion 3004 is configured for being attached to a driving tool. The anchor expander 3005 has a greater diameter than the diameter of the expansion portion 3002. In another embodiment, the anchor expander 3005 has a greater diameter than the fastener body 1001. In use, the anchor expander 3005 is adapted to withdraw into a region of the expansion portion 3002 and push the plurality of tabs 3006 outwardly.

[0059]

[0055] The second fastener 1007 further comprises a shaft external thread 1008 running on at least a portion of the anchor shaft 3003. The shaft external thread 1008 does not reach the driven portion 3004. The shaft external thread 1008 runs in the same direction as the fastener internal thread 1006 such that in use, the shaft external thread 1008 is threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread 1006. As shown in Figs. 8a-8b, the shaft external thread 1008 and fastener internal thread 1006 runs in the counterclockwise direction.

[0060]

[0056] Figs. 11 and 12 shows the bolt assembly in use. In use, at least a first object 3008 is placed adjacent a second object 3009. The bolt assembly 3000 is inserted through a pre-made hole 3010 that goes through the first object and second object until the hex portion 3001 is in contact with the first object.

[0061]

[0057] In another embodiment, the hole 3010 through the first object and / or the second object may have been pre-threaded, wherein the thread of the pre-threaded hole runs in the same direction as the direction of the fastener external thread 1005. In use, the fastener external thread 1005 is threadedly engaged with the pre-threaded hole.

[0062]

[0058] The anchor shaft 3003 is driven through the driven portion in a clockwise direction. Since the anchor shaft external thread 1008 is threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread 1006 in a clockwise direction, the clockwise driving causes the anchor shaft 3003 to be unscrewed and be pulled towards the distal end region of the fastener body 1001. As the anchor shaft 3003 is being unscrewed from the fastener internal thread 1006, the anchor expander 3005 withdraws into at least a region of expansion portion 3002. When the anchor expander 3005 withdraws into the expansion portion 3002, the anchor expander forces the plurality of tabs 3007 to splay outwardly and mechanically engage the at least the second object 3009. In this state, the bolt assembly 3000 provides a fastening engagement between the first object 3008 and second object 3009 through the capture between the hex portion 3001 and the expansion portion 3002.

[0063]

[0059] It should be noted that in any of the foregoing embodiments 1000, 2000, 3000, different types of fastener materials, threads, and fastener heads could be used. The fastener 1000 can be made of materials such as metal or plastic. The threads 1005, 1006, 1008 may have different types of cross-sections. The threads 1005, 1006, 1008 may also be not continuous. The direction of the threads 1005, 1006, 1008 can likewise be reversed. For example, the fastener external thread 1005 could run in a counterclockwise direction while the fastener internal thread 1006 and the second fastener external thread 1008 could run in a clockwise direction. In the case where the directions of the threads are reversed, the shaft would then be driven in a counterclockwise direction. The first fastener heads 1009, 2001 could have different configurations or shapes that can restrict the fastener body 1001 from going pass through the surface of the object the first fastener goes through.

[0060] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the assemblies can be used in fastening at least 3, 4, 5, 6, or more objects. Furthermore, the objects the assemblies are configured to be driven or inserted through may be a body of cement or concrete. The bolt assembly 3000 is particularly adapted to be used for fastening objects to cement or concrete. In other embodiments, the bolt assembly 3000 can be used to fasten timber, plastic materials or any other suitable materials.

[0064]

[0061] For the blind fastener assembly 2000 and the bolt assembly 3000, the driven portions 2005, 3004 may have one or more flat sides such as having a hexagonal cross-section, or any other suitable cross-sections. The ends of the driven portions 2005, 3004 may have various types of screw drive heads such as, slotted, Phillips™, hex, Torx™, etc.

[0065] Interpretation

[0066] Markush Groups

[0067]

[0062] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0068] Chronological sequence

[0069]

[0063] For this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0070] Embodiments:

[0071]

[0064] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0072]

[0065] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Description of Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Description of Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0073]

[0066] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0074] Different Instances of Objects

[0075]

[0067] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0076] Specific Details

[0077]

[0068] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.lt is understood, however, that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0078] Terminology

[0079]

[0069] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. The invention is, however, not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0080]

[0070] As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0081]

[0071] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun. Comprising and Including

[0082]

[0072] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0083]

[0073] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0084] Scope of Invention

[0085]

[0074] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0086]

[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0087] Industrial Applicability

[0088]

[0076] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the construction and manufacturing industries.

Claims

ClaimsThe claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A first fastener comprising: a. a body having an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a through-hole that extends through the body; b. a proximal end region and a distal end region that define respective ends of the body; c. a fastener external thread running in a first direction on at least a portion of the external surface from the proximal end region to at least a region of the external surface just before the distal end region; and d. a fastener internal thread running in a second direction on at least a portion of the inner surface, wherein the through-hole is configured for receiving at least a portion of a second fastener and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

2. The first fastener as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first fastener comprises a fastener head, the fastener head being adapted to stop the driving of the first fastener through an object.

3. The first fastener as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastener head is adjacent the proximal end region of the first fastener.

4. A fastener assembly comprising: a. the fastener of claim 2; and b. the second fastener.

5. A fastener assembly as claimed in claim 4, being a blind fastener assembly and wherein the second fastener comprises: i. a shaft ii. a drill head; and iii. a shaft external thread, the shaft external thread configured to run in the same direction as the fastener internal thread; wherein in use, the shaft external thread is threadedly engaged with the fastener internal thread, and the shaft is adapted to be driven in the first direction to drive andcreate a hole through at least a first object and a second object such that the first fastener comes into contact with at least the first object and second object and produces a hole thread on the hole, and the hole thread has the same direction as the first fastener external thread.

6. The blind fastener assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastener head is adapted to stop the driving of the first fastener through at least the first object and second object when the first object resists the fastener head, the assembly being such that, when the shaft continues to be driven in the first direction, the drill head withdraws into at least a portion of the body of the fastener to create a crumpled portion of the body of the first fastener thereby expanding at least a portion of the body of the first fastener outwardly to mechanically engage at least the second object.

7. The blind fastener assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the shaft further comprises a driven portion and a breakable portion, the breakable portion being located at a threaded portion of the shaft between the drill head and the driven portion, the assembly being such that, when the shaft further continues to be driven in the first direction and the resistance to crumpling of the portion of the first fastener body reaches a threshold, the breakable portion breaks.

8. The blind fastener assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the driving of the shaft in the first direction causes the shaft to be fully withdrawn but does not cause the first fastener to be withdrawn since the first fastener is mechanically engaged to the first object and second object through: a. the threaded engagement between the first fastener external thread and the hole thread; and b. capture between the fastener head and the crumpled portion of the first fastener body.

9. A fastener assembly as claimed in claim 4, being a bolt assembly and wherein the second fastener comprises: i. an anchor shaft comprising a driven portion adjacent a proximal end region of the anchor shaft; ii. an anchor expander located at a distal end region of the anchor shaft; and iii. an anchor external thread configured to run in the same direction as the first fastener internal thread,the first fastener further comprising a hex portion at the proximal end region of the first fastener and an expansion portion at the distal end region of the first fastener, the assembly being such that in use, the anchor external thread is threadedly engaged with the first fastener internal thread, the first fastener is screwed into a hole through at least a first object and a second object in a first direction, and the anchor shaft is adapted to be driven in the first direction such that at least a portion of the anchor expander moves through at least a region of the expansion portion, causing at least a region of the expansion portion to expand outwardly to mechanically engage at least the second object.

10. The bolt assembly of claim 9, wherein the expansion portion comprises a plurality of slots such that the driving of the anchor expander through at least a region of the expansion portion causes the expansion portion to splay outwardly to mechanically engage the second object.

Images