ONE PIECE SCREWS FOR, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING, BLIND SIDE FASTENERS AND SYSTEMS WITH FREE SPIN FEATURE

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A single sided fastener comprising: an auxiliary structure defining a bore and a first part of a two part anti-translation means; a collet body, which at least partially translates within the auxiliary structure bore, and having a second part of the two part anti-rotation means operatively engaging with the first part thereof whereby the collet body freely translates within a portion of the collet body bore but is prevented from substantially rotating therein; and a threaded screw captively retained in the auxiliary structure for rotationally engaging with the collet body to transform rotational movement thereof into translational movement of the collet body, wherein the screw includes a drive tool interface for receiving a rotary force imparted by a drive tool, characterized in that the screw comprises a free-spin feature that functionally, but not physically, decouples the drive tool from the collet body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, particularly illustrating a collet body (in partial cut-away), a housing body, a threaded screw and a retaining ring;

[0018] FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the collet body shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan elevation view with a partial cut-away of the collet body shown in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating the sectional profile of a collet body leg thereof;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 shown in an extended or nominal state wherein the threaded screw is wholly within the collet body and housing of the fastener;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1 shown in a retracted or clamped state wherein the collet body has been translatably retracted into the housing and the threaded screw has radially displaced the collet body fingers;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view in partial section of the fastener assembly of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a free-spin state wherein the collet body threads are not engaged with the threaded screw, and the relative location of the threaded screw proximal end within the housing of the fastener;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 subsequent to an initial axial bias applied to the threaded screw from the proximal end thereof whereby the screw threads engage with the collet body threads;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 6 subsequent to an initial threaded screw rotation wherein the collet body has partially translated towards maximum retraction and the collet body fingers have just been fully radially expanded;

[0025] FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 9 wherein the collet body has translated to maximum retraction;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a composite illustration describing in images and words the states of the fastener assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6 (and an alternative embodiment); and

[0027] FIG. 10 is a composite illustration describing in images and words the states of the fastener assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8.