Abstract: A modified anchor device for attaching a structure to a thin-walled work piece allows a structure, such as a luggage or utility rack, to be attached to a work piece, such as an automobile roof, without threaded fasteners connecting the structure to the work piece. The anchor device has an double-sectioned head having an upper head member and a lower head member The upper head member extends above the surface of the work piece a sufficient distance such that the upper head member engages the top surface of the structure, thus retaining the bottom side of the structure in face-to-face contact with the top side of the work piece.

Abstract: A threaded collapsible insert is utilized for insertion into a hole in a workpiece for subsequent installation of a threaded fastener. The insert has a axially-aligned opening extending for most or all of the entire length of the body of the insert. The hollow body has a first section and a second section, where the wall thickness of the first section is less than the wall thickness of the second section, such that the first section preferentially collapses upon application of a linear force to the insert. The second section comprises internal threads for engaging the fastener. The head member has a top side and an underside. The underside of the head member may comprise a plurality of knurls radiating outwardly on the underside of the flange. The outside of the first section may also comprise a plurality of axially aligned rib members extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A modified anchor device for attaching a structure to a thin-walled work piece allows a structure, such as a luggage or utility rack, to be attached to a work piece, such as an automobile roof, without threaded fasteners connecting the structure to the work piece. The anchor device has an double-sectioned head having an upper head member and a lower head member The upper head member extends above the surface of the work piece a sufficient distance such that the upper head member engages the top surface of the structure, thus retaining the bottom side of the structure in face-to-face contact with the top side of the work piece.

Abstract: A threaded collapsible insert is utilized for insertion into a hole in a workpiece for subsequent installation of a threaded fastener. The insert has a axially-aligned opening extending for most or all of the entire length of the body of the insert. The hollow body has a first section and a second section, where the wall thickness of the first section is less than the wall thickness of the second section, such that the first section preferentially collapses upon application of a linear force to the insert. The second section comprises internal threads for engaging the fastener. The head member has a top side and an underside. The underside of the head member may comprise a plurality of knurls radiating outwardly on the underside of the flange. The outside of the first section may also comprise a plurality of axially aligned rib members extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A nut insert which is installed within an aperture in a workpiece, the nut insert of the type in which a portion of the insert plastically deforms on the one side of the workpiece upon application of a linear force provided by a tool, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insert from the aperture. The nut insert comprises a sleeve member and an integral flange, where the flange has a larger diameter than the aperture, and the flange further comprises a contact surface for abutting the workpiece. The insert comprises fusible contact members which are adapted to fuse to the workpiece upon activation of the installation system, which includes current generation means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for attaching threaded fasteners to a workpiece, including applications where the workpiece has a first side and a second side, where the second side may be blind. The apparatus is a threaded insert for inserting in a polygonally-shaped hole in a work piece. Upon activation by an installation tool, the radius corners of the insert expand and fill the hole corners providing resistance to spinning in the workpiece. At least one of the sides of the insert has a split extending axially along the side, which increases the load bearing area of the secondary flange formed on the second side.