Abstract: A fastening system for joining two structural members is provided. The fastening system includes a latching device comprising a housing, at least one eccentric rotatable part and a generally S shaped latch spring hook joined to the rotatable part, and a receiver having at least one hole configured to receive a free end of the latch spring hook. In one embodiment, the bottom portion of the housing is generally semi-circular in shape and the receiver includes two semi-circular frames having a corresponding radius to receive the lower portion of the housing. The latching device is fixed to a first structural member and the receiver is fixed to a second structural member. The structural members may be joined by positioning an end of the first structural member adjacent to the receiver of the second structural member and rotating the rotatable part to cause the free end of the latch spring hook to engage the hole in the receiver.

Abstract: A fastening system for joining a first structural member end-on to a second structural member is provided. The fastening system includes a latching device comprising at least one eccentric rotatable part and at least one generally S shaped latch spring hook joined to the rotatable part, and a receiver having at least one hole configured to receive a free end of the latch spring hook. The latching device is fixed to an end of a first structural member and the receiver is fixed to a side of a second structural member. The first structural member may be joined end-on to the second structural member by positioning the latching device on the first structural member adjacent to the receiver of the second structural member and rotating the rotatable part to cause the free end of the latch spring hook to engage the hole in the receiver. Further rotation of the eccentric rotatable part causes the latch spring hook to exert a pulling force, thereby joining the structural members together.

Abstract: A shutter and fastener system comprising a shutter and two or more fastener mechanisms each comprising cooperating latching and anchor devices, one device mounted on an edge portion of the shutter and the other on an adjacent trim portion. The latching device engages the anchor device and exerts a strong pulling force substantially parallel with the surface of the shutter. The anchor device converts a portion of this force to a perpendicular force resulting in firm engagement between the shutter and the trim portion. An installation method comprises the steps of proving a shutter with at least one latching device mounted thereon and a small opening in the shutter aligned with operating means for the device. An anchor device is provided on an adjacent trim portion and the operating means is actuated from inside the shutter though the small opening to secure the shutter in place.

Abstract: A rotatable fastener has a head portion with an axially facing ring gear engageable with a complementary gear of a drive tool. In a preferred embodiment, the ring gear is a rearwardly facing beveled gear for use with a beveled drive gear and the head portion defines a forwardly directed thrust surface engageable by a bearing surface of the drive tool to urge the drive gear against the ring gear. In another embodiment, the fastener has a telescoping structure in which an internally threaded torque element is slidably received within a central passage of the head portion.

Abstract: An improved fastener having a design which provides a reduced cost as a result of the use of stampings, fewer parts and easier assembly, and higher strength. The basic construction of the fastener assembly consists of a stamped single or double hook, mounted on an eccentric which is formed of two stamped pieces spot welded or otherwise affixed back-to-back, and mounted in a case of various constructions.