Abstract: A fastener including an elongated shaft extending between first and second shaft ends, with a tip provided at the first shaft end, and a thread region provided between the tip and the second shaft end; and a head with a drive region arranged at the second shaft end. The fastener also incudes a first annular undercut area in an underside surface of the head, where the first annular undercut area is configured and arranged to receive material that has flowed from a substrate during installation of the fastener into the substrate, and a second annular undercut area in the underside surface of the head, where the second annular undercut area is located radially outwardly of the first annular undercut area. Additionally, an annular sealing member is provided within the second annular undercut area, where the annular sealing member makes sealing contact with an upper surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A self-penetrating thread forming and flow drilling fastener for thick materials with a generally cylindrical partially threaded shank, a drive system at the first end of the shank and a flow drilling tip at the second end of the shank. The flow drilling tip is sized larger than the minor diameter of the threaded shank but less than the major diameter to control installation torque enabling installation into thick materials with greatly reduced risk of torsional failure resultant from a decrease in torque. The flow drilling tip and threads may be a variety of shapes or thread types based on the substrate material the fastener is installed into.

Abstract: A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.

Abstract: A fastening device for reducing the time required for insertion that includes an elongated shank portion extending longitudinally between a first and a second shank end; and a head portion arranged at the second shank end, wherein the head portion includes a drive arrangement configured and arranged for receiving a rotary driving force to drive the fastening device into at least one workpiece. The elongated shank portion includes a plurality of intertwined helical ridges (plural thread starts). Preferably, the tip portion is configured and arranged to create a hole and threads by softening the material of a workpiece. Additionally, a method for creating an assembly by attaching a first workpiece to a second workpiece via the use of such a fastening device.