Fastener with rivetless nut

Abstract

A fastener includes a sleeve having a head and a shank portion extending from the head. The shank portion includes an inner wall with a first interference portion having a first inner diameter, and a second interference portion having a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter. The fastener includes a cage having a cage body having a first outer diameter. The cage body includes an outer diameter greater than the first inner diameter. The cage is configured to be installed within the sleeve, such that the cage body engages the first interference portion and the first interference portion expands radially outwardly and axially towards the second end.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT)

[0002] FASTENER WITH RIVETLESS NUT

[0003] Field

[0004] The present invention relates to fasteners, and more particularly, to fasteners with rivetless nuts.

[0005] Background

[0006] Fasteners are used to secure a plurality of workpieces to one another.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In some embodiments, a fastener includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a head at the first end, a shank portion extending from the head, wherein the shank portion includes an inner wall, wherein the inner wall includes a first interference portion having a first inner diameter, and a second interference portion having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter; and a cage having a cage body, wherein the cage body includes an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter is greater than the first inner diameter, and wherein the cage is configured to be installed within the sleeve, such that the cage body engages the first interference portion and the first interference portion expands radially outwardly and axially towards the second end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the cage body is greater than the second inner diameter of the second interference portion of the sleeve. In some embodiments, when the cage body is installed within the sleeve, the cage body engages the second interference portion such that at least a portion of the second interference

[0010] 1

[0011] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) portion expands radially outwardly. In some embodiments, an entirety of the second interference portion expands radially outwardly. In some embodiments, the first interference portion is proximate to the head. In some embodiments, the first interference portion includes a first length, wherein the second interference portion includes a second length, and wherein the second length is greater than the first length. In some embodiments, the first interference portion extends from a first location proximate to the head to a second location between the head and the second end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second interference portion extends from the second location to the second end. In some embodiments, the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along the second length. In some embodiments, the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along at least a portion of the second length. In some embodiments, the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along an entirety of the second length. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the sleeve includes a third portion having a third inner diameter. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter is equal to the second inner diameter. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third portion extends from the head of the sleeve to the first location. In some embodiments, the third portion includes a third length, and wherein the third length is less than the first length. In some embodiments, the first interference portion includes a first interference thickness, wherein the second interference portion

[0014] 2

[0015] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) includes a second interference thickness, and wherein the first interference thickness is greater than the second interference thickness. In some embodiments, the cage body includes a first ramped portion, wherein the first interference portion of the sleeve includes a second ramped portion, and wherein the first ramped portion is configured to engage the second ramped portion to facilitate insertion of the cage within the sleeve. In some embodiments, the cage includes a first flanged portion, wherein the cage body extends from the first flanged portion. In some embodiments, the first flanged portion of the cage is juxtaposed with the head of the sleeve when the cage is installed within the sleeve.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fastener includes a nut, wherein the nut is installed within the cage. In some embodiments, the first flanged portion of the cage includes a recess, wherein the nut includes a second flanged portion, and wherein the second flanged portion of the nut is installed within the recess of the first flanged portion of the cage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fastener includes a pin member, wherein the pin member is inserted within the cage, and wherein the pin member is fastened to the nut. In some embodiments, the pin member includes an elongated shank portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the elongated shank portion, and wherein the pin member includes a head the first end of the elongated shank portion. In some embodiments, the elongated shank portion of the pin member includes a first threaded portion at the second end, wherein the first threaded portion includes external threads, wherein the nut includes a second threaded portion having internal threads, and wherein the external threads of the pin member threadedly engage the internal threads of the nut.

[0018] 3

[0019] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) In some embodiments, the sleeve is composed of steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or alloys thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, a method includes obtaining a plurality of workpieces, wherein the plurality of workpieces includes a first workpiece and a second workpiece, wherein the first workpiece includes a first hole and a first inner wall, wherein the second workpiece includes a second hole; obtaining a fastener, wherein the fastener includes a sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a head at the first end, a shank portion extending from the head, wherein the shank portion includes an inner wall, wherein the inner wall includes a first interference portion having a first inner diameter, and a second interference portion having a second inner diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter, and a cage having a cage body having a first outer diameter, wherein the cage body includes an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter is greater than the first inner diameter, a nut, and a pin member; and installing the sleeve within the first hole of the first workpiece, wherein the shank portion of the sleeve is installed within the first hole of the first workpiece, and installing the cage within the sleeve, such that the cage body is engaged with the first interference portion of the sleeve and the first interference portion is expanded radially outwardly towards the first inner wall of the first workpiece and axially towards the second end of the sleeve, and the cage body is engaged with the second interference portion of the sleeve and the second interference portion is expanded radially outwardly towards the first inner wall of the first workpiece; installing the nut within the cage; installing the pin member within the second hole of the second workpiece and within the cage; and

[0021] 4

[0022] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) fastening the pin member and the nut to one another to secure the first workpiece and the second workpiece to one another.

[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of some embodiments of a fastener; FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of some embodiments of the fastener illustrated in FIG. 1 for securing a plurality of workpieces to one another including a substrate as a first workpiece;

[0025] FIG. 3A is a partial, side cross-sectional view of some embodiments of components of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 installed in the substrate, while FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of portion 3A of FIG. 3A;

[0026] FIGS. 4A through 4J illustrate some embodiments of a method of installing the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the substrate with a fastener installation tool;

[0027] FIG. 5A is a partial, side cross-sectional view of some embodiments of components of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 installed in the substrate, while FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of portion 5A of FIG. 5A; and

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of some embodiments of the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 securing the substrate to a second workpiece.

[0029] Detailed Description

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, a fastener 10 includes a pin member 12 such as a bolt, a nut 14, a cage 16, and a sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is configured to be installed within and attached to the cage 16. In some

[0031] 5

[0032] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) embodiments, the cage 16 is configured to be installed within and attached to the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the cage 16 is sized and shaped as a second sleeve. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a rivetless nut. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 is configured to secure a plurality of workpieces to one another. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 is configured to secure a substrate 20 as a first workpiece to a second workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 is installed within a corresponding hole 24 of the substrate 20 and a corresponding hole 26 of the workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the substrate 20 includes an inner wall 25 defined by the hole 24. In some embodiments, the drilling tolerance of the hole 24 of the substrate 20 is a standard tolerance (H12).

[0033] In some embodiments, the pin member 12 secures the fastener 10 to the substrate 20 and the workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the substrate 20 includes an accessible side 28 and an outlet side 29 opposite the accessible side 28, while the workpiece 22 includes a blind side 30 opposite the accessible side 28. In certain embodiments, one or both of the substrate 20 and the workpiece 22 are composed of metal. In some embodiments, one or both of the substrate 20 and the workpiece 22 are composed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, other metallic alloys, composites, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the pin member 12 includes a shank portion 32 having a head 34 at one end thereof and a threaded portion 36 having external threads at an opposite end thereof. In some embodiments, the nut 14 includes a tubular-shaped nut body 38 and a flanged portion 40 at one end of the nut body 38. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 40 includes a plurality of depressions 42 circumferentially located therein. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 40 includes

[0035] 6

[0036] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) a plurality of nibs 44 circumferentially extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the nut 14 includes a retaining ring 46 attached to the flanged portion 40. In some embodiments, tabs 48 at ends of the retaining ring 46 engage at least one of the plurality of depressions 42 to secure the retaining ring 46 to the nut 14. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 46 is positioned adjacent to the plurality of nibs 44. In some embodiments, the nut 14 includes a bore 50 extending therethrough from a first end of the nut 14 to an opposite, second end of the nut 14. In some embodiments, the nut 14 includes internal threads 52. In some embodiments, the internal threads 52 extend from the first end of the nut 14 to the second end of the nut 14.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cage 16 includes a tubular shaped cage body 60 and a flanged portion 62 at one end 61 of the cage body 60. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 62 extends circumferentially. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 62 extends radially outward. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 62 is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A-A of the fastener 10. In some embodiments, a free end 63 of the cage body 60 opposite the end 61 includes a ramped portion 65. In some embodiments, the ramped portion 65 extends annularly and inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis A-A of the fastener 10. In some embodiments, the ramped portion 65 extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis A-A of the fastener 10. In some embodiments, the cage body 60 includes an outer wall 67. In some embodiments, the cage body 60 includes an outer diameter OD1.

[0038] In some embodiments, the flanged portion 62 includes a circumferential wall 64 having a plurality of cutouts 66 circumferentially located therein and spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the circumferential wall 64 includes an inner surface

[0039] 7

[0040] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) 68 having a plurality of radial grooves 70. In some embodiments, the circumferential wall 64 forms a recess 72. In some embodiments, the recess 72 is sized and shaped to receive the nut 14. In some embodiments, the cage body 60 includes a bore 74 that extends from a first end thereof to a second, opposite end thereof. In some embodiments, the bore 74 is in communication with the recess 72.

[0041] In some embodiments, the nut 14 is attached to the cage 16. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is removably attached to the cage 16. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 40 of the nut 14 is installed within the recess 72 of the flanged portion 62 of the cage 16. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cutouts 66 of the of the flanged portion 62 of the cage 16 is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of nibs 44 of the flanged portion 40 of the nut 14. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of radial grooves 70 of the flanged portion 62 is sized and shaped to receive a periphery of the retaining ring 46. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 46 is spring biased and springs outwardly to secure the retaining ring 46 in the plurality of radial grooves 70.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sleeve 18 includes a tubular-shaped shank portion 80 and a head or flanged portion 82 at one end 81 of the shank portion 80. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 82 extends circumferentially. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 82 extends radially outward. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 82 is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the fastener 10. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 82 of the sleeve 18 includes an underside 83. In some embodiments, the shank portion 80 includes an inner wall 84

[0043] 8

[0044] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) and an outer wall 85. In some embodiments, a bore 86 extends from the flanged portion 82 to a second end 87 of the shank portion 80.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cage body 60 of the cage 16 is sized and shaped to be installed within the bore 86 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the pin member 12 is installed within the bore 74 of the cage 16 and the bore 50 of the nut 14. In some embodiments, the external threads of the threaded portion 36 of the pin member 12 threadedly engage the internal threads 52 of the nut 14. In some embodiments, the shank portion 80 of the sleeve 18 is installed within the hole 24 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the underside 83 of the sleeve 18 engages the accessible side 28 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, a cap 90 is installed over the nut 14 and the cage 16 at the accessible side 28. In some embodiments, the cap 90 need not be included.

[0046] In some embodiments, one, some or all of the pin member 12, the nut 14, the cage 16, and the sleeve 18 are composed of steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 46 is composed of steel, stainless steel, or alloys thereof, or plastic.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some embodiments, the sleeve 18 is installed within the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the shank portion 80 of the sleeve 18 is installed within the hole 24 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the outer wall 85 of the sleeve 18 is adjacent to and engages the inner wall 25 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the outer wall 85 of the sleeve 18 is uniform or substantially uniform. In some embodiments, the outer wall 85 of the sleeve 18 is uniform or substantially uniform from the flanged portion 82 to the second end 87 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the underside 83 of the sleeve 18 engages the accessible side 28 of the substrate 20.

[0048] 9

[0049] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) In some embodiments, the inner wall 84 of the sleeve 18 includes a first interference portion 84a. In some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a has a first inner diameter ID1. In some embodiments, the first inner diameter ID1 is the outer diameter OD1 of the outer wall 67 of the cage body 60 of the cage 16 less a first interference thickness T1 of the inner wall 84 of the sleeve 18 (ID1 = OD1 -T1) In some embodiments, the first interference thickness T1 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a has a first length L1. In some embodiments, the first length L1 is 1 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the first length L1 extends from a first location 92 proximate to the flanged portion 82 of the sleeve 18 to a second location 93 between the flanged portion 82 and the second end 87 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a includes a ramped portion 94. In some embodiments, the ramped portion 94 extends annularly and inwardly. In some embodiments, the ramped portion 94 is extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis A-A of the fastener 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, the inner wall 84 of the sleeve 18 includes a second interference portion 84b. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter ID2 is the outer diameter OD1 of the outer wall 67 of the cage body 60 of the cage 16 less a second interference thickness T2 of the inner wall 84 of the sleeve 18 (ID2 = OD1 - T2). In some embodiments, the first interference thickness T1 of the first interference portion 84a is greater than the second interference thickness T2 of the second interference portion 84b.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second interference thickness T2 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, T2 is less than T1. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b has a second inner diameter ID2. In some embodiments, the second inner diameter

[0052] 10

[0053] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) ID2 of the first interference portion 84a is greater than the first inner diameter ID1 of the first interference portion 84a. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b has a second length L2. In some embodiments, the second length L2 extends from the second location 93 to the second end 87 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the second length L2 is greater than the first length L1.

[0054] In some embodiments, the inner wall 84 of the sleeve 18 includes a third portion 84c. In some embodiments, the third portion 84c has a third inner diameter ID3. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c is greater than the first inner diameter ID1 of the first interference portion 84a. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c is greater than the second inner diameter ID2 of the second interference portion 84b. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c is less than the second inner diameter ID2 of the second interference portion 84b. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c is equal to the second inner diameter ID2 of the second interference portion 84b. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c is substantially equal to the second inner diameter ID2 of the second interference portion 84b.

[0055] In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c of the sleeve 18 is greater than the outer diameter OD1 of the outer wall 67 of the cage body 60 of the cage 16. In some embodiments, the minimum outer diameter OD1 is when the sleeve 18 extends past the cage 16 the same distance as the thickness of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the third inner diameter ID3 of the third portion 84c of the sleeve 18 is the sum of the outer diameter OD1 of the outer wall 67 of the cage body 60 of the

[0056] 11

[0057] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) cage 16 plus a selected tolerance. In some embodiments, the third portion 84c has a third length L3. In some embodiments, the third length L3 is at least 5 mm. In some embodiments, the third length L3 has a maximum distance five (5) times the first thickness T1. In some embodiments, the third length L3 extends from the end 81 to the first location 92 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the third length L3 is less than the first length L1.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cage body 60 of the cage 16 is installed within the bore 86 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the ramped portion 65 of the cage body 60 of the cage 16 engages the ramped portion 94 of the first interference portion 84a of the sleeve 18 to facilitate insertion of the cage 16 within the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the sleeve 18 is compressed outwardly within the hole 24 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the sleeve 18 is composed of a ductile material configured to constrain the substrate 20 without deterioration of the material thereof, and absorbs any dimensional variations of the substrate 20 and the cage 16. In some embodiments, any excess volume of the material of the sleeve 18 in the first interference portion 84a is released towards the outlet side 29 of the hole 24. In some embodiments, the cage 16 has a spring function which enables the substrate 20 to be constrained to whatever the manufacturing tolerances of the hole 24, as well as any external environmental conditions the substrate 20 is subjected to, such as expansion of the material of the substrate 20 from elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, a lower side or surface of the flanged portion 62 of the cage body 60 engages and overlays an upper side or surface of the flanged portion 82 of the sleeve 18.

[0059] 12

[0060] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) In some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a is a maximum interference zone which makes it possible to obtain a resistance of performance in terms of thrust and rotation of the fastener 10 during installation. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b is an interference zone which allows the rest of the drilling of the hole 24 of the substrate 20 to be constrained. In some embodiments, the objective of constraining the entire drilling is to reinforce the substrate 20 and avoid possible damage, such as cracks or abrasions. In some embodiments, the difference in interference between the first interference portion 84a and the second interference portion 84b makes it possible to combine both the performances in terms of thrust, rotation and stress of the entire drilling of the hole 24 of the substrate 20 while allowing assembly of the fastener 10 to the substrate 20 without excessive pressure from a fastener installation tool.

[0061] In some embodiments, the substrate 20 has a thickness T3 of 1 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, when the thickness T3 of the substrate 20 is less than 25 mm, the second interference portion 84b need not be included. In some embodiments, the total length of the first length L1 and the second length L2 is equal to or about the thickness T3

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4J, in some embodiments, a method of installing the fastener 10 to the substrate 20 is described. Referring to FIG. 4A in some embodiments, the sleeve 18 is inserted within the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the shank portion 80 of the sleeve 18 is installed within the hole 24 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the underside 83 of the sleeve 18 engages the accessible side 28 of the substrate 20. Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the cage 16 is installed

[0063] 13

[0064] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) within the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the cage body 60 of the cage 16 is installed within the bore 86 of the sleeve 18.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D, in some embodiments, a mandrel 100 is utilized to crimp the cage 16 and the sleeve 18 on the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the mandrel 100 includes a nose portion 101 and a shank portion 102 extending from the nose portion 101. In some embodiments, the shank portion 102 includes a smooth cylindrical portion 104 and a pull portion 106 having a plurality of annular grooves 108. In some embodiments, the shank portion 102 is inserted within the bore 74 of the cage 16. In some embodiments, the pull portion 106 extends outwardly from an underside 21 of the substrate 20 and a portion of the smooth cylindrical portion 104 resides within the bore 86 of the sleeve 18 and another portion of the smooth cylindrical portion 104 extends outwardly from the underside 21 of the substrate 20.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4D through 4G, in some embodiments, a fastener installation tool 200 is obtained to crimp the cage 16 and the sleeve 18 to the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the fastener installation tool 200 includes a tool head 202 having a nosepiece 204 at one end thereof. In some embodiments, the nosepiece 204 is configured to engage the plurality of annular grooves 108 of the pull portion 106 of the mandrel 100. In some embodiment, a face 206 of the nosepiece 204 engages the underside 21 of the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the fastener installation tool 200 is activated by depressing a trigger 208 on a tool handle 210 to activate the nosepiece 204 and axially pull the mandrel 100. In some embodiments, when the mandrel 100 is axially pulled and moved, the mandrel 100 axially engages the cage 16 and pushes into and installs it within the sleeve 18, thereby installing the cage 16 and the sleeve 18 within

[0067] 14

[0068] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) the substrate 20. Referring to FIG. 4H, in some embodiments, the fastener installation tool 200 is deactivated and the nosepiece 204 is released from the mandrel 100, and the mandrel 100 is axially removed from the cage 16 and the sleeve 18 and the substrate 20.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4I and 4J, in some embodiments, the nut 14 is installed within and attached to the cage 16. In some embodiments, the flanged portion 40 of the nut 14 is installed within the recess 72 of the flanged portion 62 of the cage 16. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cutouts 66 of the of the flanged portion 62 of the cage 16 is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of nibs 44 of the flanged portion 40 of the nut 14. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of radial grooves 70 of the flanged portion 62 is sized and shaped to receive a periphery of the retaining ring 46. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 46 is spring biased and springs outwardly to secure the retaining ring 46 in the plurality of radial grooves 70. In some embodiments, the nut body 38 extends axially outwardly from the cage 16. In some embodiments, the bore 50 of the nut 14 is coextensive with the bore 74 of the cage 16.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a of the sleeve 18 is expanded radially outwardly and swaged with the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the first interference portion 84a expands radially outwardly and axially towards the second end 87 of the sleeve 18. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b of the sleeve 18 is expanded radially outward and swaged with the substrate 20. In some embodiments, only a portion of the second interference portion 84b of the sleeve 18 is expanded radially outward and swaged with the substrate 20. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b of the sleeve 18 is expanded radially outward and swaged with the substrate 20 along only a portion of the second

[0071] 15

[0072] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) length L2. In some embodiments, the second interference portion 84b of the sleeve is expanded radially outward and swaged with the substrate 20 along only a portion of the second length L2 from the second location 93 to a location between the second location 93 and the second end 87 of the sleeve 18.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the substrate 20 including the installed sleeve 18, cage 16, and nut 14 is joined with the workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the pin member 12 secures the fastener 10 to the substrate 20 and the workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the pin member 12 is installed within the bore 74 of the cage 16 and the bore 50 of the nut 14. In some embodiments, the external threads of the threaded portion 36 of the pin member 12 threadedly engage the internal threads 52 of the nut 14.

[0074] In some embodiments, an underside of the head 34 of the pin member 12 engages the blind side 30 of the workpiece 22. In some embodiments, the cap 90 is attached to the cage 16 and installed over the nut 14 and the cage 16 at the accessible side 28. In some embodiments, the cap 90 is composed of plastic, rubber, metal, or other suitable material.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.164 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.190 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.250 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.3130 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.3750 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.625 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 0.75 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a

[0076] 16

[0077] ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) nominal diameter of 0.825 inch. In some embodiments, the fastener 10 has a nominal diameter of 1 inch.

[0078] In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.164 inch sized nut. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.190 inch sized nut. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.250 inch sized nut. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.313 inch sized nut. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.438 inch sized nut. In some embodiments, the nut 14 is a 0.5 inch sized nut.

[0079] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments described and claimed herein.

[0080] 17

[0081] ACTIVE 706430315v1

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A fastener, comprising:a sleeve havinga first end and a second end opposite the first end,a head at the first end,a shank portion extending from the head,wherein the shank portion includes an inner wall,wherein the inner wall includesa first interference portion having a first inner diameter, anda second interference portion having a second inner diameter,wherein the first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter; anda cage havinga cage body,wherein the cage body includes an outer diameter,wherein the outer diameter is greater than the first inner diameter, andwherein the cage is configured to be installed within the sleeve, such that the cage body engages the first interference portion and the first18ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) interference portion expands radially outwardly and axially towards the second end.

2. The fastener of Claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the cage body is greater than the second inner diameter of the second interference portion of the sleeve.

3. The fastener of Claim 2, wherein when the cage body is installed within the sleeve, the cage body engages the second interference portion such that at least a portion of the second interference portion expands radially outwardly.

4. The fastener of Claim 3, wherein an entirety of the second interference portion expands radially outwardly.

5. The fastener of Claim 1 , wherein the first interference portion is proximate to the head.

6. The fastener of Claim 5, wherein the first interference portion includes a first length, wherein the second interference portion includes a second length, and wherein the second length is greater than the first length.

7. The fastener of Claim 6, wherein the first interference portion extends from a first location proximate to the head to a second location between the head and the second end.19ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT)8. The fastener of Claim 7, wherein the second interference portion extends from the second location to the second end.

9. The fastener of Claim 6, wherein the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along the second length.

10. The fastener of Claim 9, wherein the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along at least a portion of the second length.

11. The fastener of Claim 9, wherein the second interference portion is expanded radially outward along an entirety of the second length.

12. The fastener of Claim 7, wherein the inner wall of the sleeve includes a third portion having a third inner diameter.

13. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter.

14. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.20ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) 15. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter.

16. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third inner diameter is equal to the second inner diameter.

17. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter.

18. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third portion extends from the head of the sleeve to the first location.

19. The fastener of Claim 12, wherein the third portion includes a third length, and wherein the third length is less than the first length.

20. The fastener of Claim 1, wherein the first interference portion includes a first interference thickness, wherein the second interference portion includes a second interference thickness, and wherein the first interference thickness is greater than the second interference thickness.

21. The fastener of Claim 1, wherein the cage body includes a first ramped portion, wherein the first interference portion of the sleeve includes a second ramped portion, and21ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) wherein the first ramped portion is configured to engage the second ramped portion to facilitate insertion of the cage within the sleeve.

22. The fastener of Claim 1 , wherein the cage includes a first flanged portion, wherein the cage body extends from the first flanged portion.

23. The fastener of Claim 22, wherein the first flanged portion of the cage is juxtaposed with the head of the sleeve when the cage is installed within the sleeve.

24. The fastener of Claim 22, further comprising a nut, wherein the nut is installed within the cage.

25. The fastener of Claim 24, wherein the first flanged portion of the cage includes a recess, wherein the nut includes a second flanged portion, and wherein the second flanged portion of the nut is installed within the recess of the first flanged portion of the cage.

26. The fastener of Claim 25, further comprising a pin member, wherein the pin member is inserted within the cage, and wherein the pin member is fastened to the nut.

27. The fastener of Claim 26, wherein the pin member includes an elongated shank portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the elongated shank22ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) portion, and wherein the pin member includes a head the first end of the elongated shank portion.

28. The fastener of Claim 27, wherein the elongated shank portion of the pin member includes a first threaded portion at the second end, wherein the first threaded portion includes external threads, wherein the nut includes a second threaded portion having internal threads, and wherein the external threads of the pin member threadedly engage the internal threads of the nut.

29. The fastener of Claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is composed of steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or alloys thereof.

30. A method, comprising:obtaining a plurality of workpieces,wherein the plurality of workpieces includes a first workpiece and a second workpiece,wherein the first workpiece includes a first hole and a first inner wall, wherein the second workpiece includes a second hole; obtaining a fastener,wherein the fastener includesa sleeve havinga first end and a second end opposite the first end, a head at the first end,23ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) a shank portion extending from the head,wherein the shank portion includes an inner wall, wherein the inner wall includesa first interference portion having a first inner diameter, anda second interference portion having a second inner diameter,wherein the first inner diameter is less than the second inner diameter, anda cage havinga cage body having a first outer diameter,wherein the cage body includes an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter is greater than the first inner diameter,a nut, anda pin member; andinstalling the sleeve within the first hole of the first workpiece,wherein the shank portion of the sleeve is installed within the first hole of the first workpiece, andinstalling the cage within the sleeve, such thatthe cage body is engaged with the first interference portion of the sleeve and the first interference portion is expanded radially outwardly towards the first24ACTIVE 706430315v1Attorney Docket No. 192053-119410 (PCT) inner wall of the first workpiece and axially towards the second end of the sleeve, andthe cage body is engaged with the second interference portion of the sleeve and the second interference portion is expanded radially outwardly towards the first inner wall of the first workpiece;installing the nut within the cage;installing the pin member within the second hole of the second workpiece and within the cage; andfastening the pin member and the nut to one another to secure the first workpiece and the second workpiece to one another.25ACTIVE 706430315v1

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