Fastener embodiments of the invention comprise a freely translatable collet body, which at least partially translates within an auxiliary structure, and further comprise a captive threaded screw for rotationally engaging with the collet body to transform rotational movement into translational movement through substantial arresting of collet body rotation by way of an anti-rotation means. The screw comprises a free-spin feature that functionally, but not physically, decouples a drive tool from the collet body.

The invention concerns a fastener comprising a head and a foot comprising a rigid core and three curved flexible wings each joining said rigid core along one side, having opposite a face of said core an inside surface bordered by a longitudinal edge and by a transverse edge, and having an outside surface respectively tapering towards a pointed end which is an opposite end to said head and towards said transverse edge, on respective opposite sides of an inflection plane, each said wing being configured to bend by elastic deformation towards said core; said core comprising a hub and three small walls extending radially from said hub, whereby said core is star-shaped in cross-section; and said inside surface of each said wing is bordered by a said respective small wall which is remotely opposite said longitudinal edge.

The invention relates to a nozzle (10) for fastening a material layer to a substructure, comprising a plate (12) and a hollow shank (14), integrally formed thereon, for taking a fastening screw (24; 34), wherein a stepped bore (16) is provided in the hollow shank, wherein the stepped bore (16) comprises at least two steps (28; 38; 50) between at least three regions (18; 30; 36; 2), wherein the hollow shank (14) is formed so as to taper at least partially in a conical manner on an external surface, wherein the hollow shank (14) is provided with radially expandable elements, and wherein the expandable elements are formed as axial grooves (40) externally in that part of the hollow shank (14) that is formed in a conically tapering manner. The invention proposes that the grooves (10) are each provided at the groove base at least partially with a thin bottom (42) that is stretchable or breakable by the expansion. The present invention also relates to a fastening element comprising a nozzle (10) according to the invention and a fastening screw (24; 34).

A mounting system includes an arm having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage a first side of a wall. The mounting system further includes a bracket configured to engage a second side of the wall opposing the first side, the bracket coupled to the arm by a fastener, wherein the second end of the arm is configured to engage the first side of the wall at a location offset from the fastener.

Fastener embodiments of the invention comprise a freely translatable collet body, which at least partially translates within an auxiliary structure, and further comprise a captive threaded screw for rotationally engaging with the collet body to transform rotational movement into translational movement through substantial arresting of collet body rotation by way of an anti-rotation means. The screw comprises a free-spin feature that functionally, but not physically, decouples a drive tool from the collet body.

A panel fastener and panel fastening system are provided. The panel fastener includes a body having a collar and an elongated shank extending from the collar. The elongated shank defines an interior space and having a penetrating tip disposed at an end opposite of the collar. The panel fastener also includes a substrate fastening portion configured to be driven into a substrate and a holding mechanism connected to the substrate fastening portion and configured to engage the substrate.

A fastening element comprises a guide body which serves to be received in a receptacle, and at least one clamping tab which is arranged on the guide body and has art outer edge which is provided for cooperation with the inner surface of the receptacle. The outer edge of the clamping tab extends obliquely to a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the guide body, and the outer edge is in the form of a part of a thread such that thread effect is achieved with which the fastening element can be unscrewed from the receptacle.

A tie-down anchor for securing an object to a plank deck structure having first and second members spaced apart by a gap. The tie-down anchor includes a shaft assembly and a spring assembly. The shaft assembly includes (a) a longitudinally extending rod, (b) an anchor portion located at a first end of the longitudinally extending rod, and (c) an attachment portion at a second end of the longitudinally extending rod. The anchor portion may include a bar portion sized and shaped for engaging a lower side of the first or second member, or both. The spring assembly includes a compression spring, an upper spring retainer, and a lower spring retainer. The spring assembly is adjustable along the longitudinally extending rod, between the anchor portion and the attachment portion. By engaging the lower spring retainer with the upper side of the first member or the second member, or both, and compressing the compression spring, the bar portion of the anchor portion is pushed below the plank deck structure. Then, the shaft assembly is rotated and subsequently released. Upon installation, the tie-down anchor securely engages the plank deck, by and between the bar portion and the lower spring retainer.