Abstract: A concealed, clinch (“crown”) fastener (30) includes a cylindrical body (32) closed at one end to form a surface (34) deformable to attach the fastener to a binder ring mechanism (18). A first set (40) of prongs (42) extend from the opposite, open end of the fastener body to attach the fastener to a binder spine material (M) when the prongs are driven into the material. A second set (50) of prongs (52) are also formed at this end of the fastener, intermediate adjacent prongs comprising the first set. These prongs are shorter in length than those comprising the first set, and while the prongs forming the first set extend from the body in one direction, the prongs forming the second set extend in the opposite direction. The fastener provides better holding strength than other concealed fasteners and better resists pulling and twisting forces which tend to pull the mechanism away from the binder cover than these other fasteners.

Abstract: A concealed, clinch (“crown”) fastener (30) includes a cylindrical body (32) closed at one end to form a surface (34) deformable to attach the fastener to a binder ring mechanism (18). A first set (40) of prongs (42) extend from the opposite, open end of the fastener body to attach the fastener to a binder spine material (M) when the prongs are driven into the material. A second set (50) of prongs (52) are also formed at this end of the fastener, intermediate adjacent prongs comprising the first set. These prongs are shorter in length than those comprising the first set, and while the prongs forming the first set extend from the body in one direction, the prongs forming the second set extend in the opposite direction. The fastener provides better holding strength than other concealed fasteners and better resists pulling and twisting forces which tend to pull the mechanism away from the binder cover than these other fasteners.

Abstract: A load securing device for a vehicle includes a hitch mechanism securable to a vehicle for selectively fixing a trailer to the vehicle for being towed thereby, a load carrying mechanism for carrying loads externally of the vehicle, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the load carrying mechanism to the hitch mechanism such that both the load carrying mechanism and the hitch mechanism may be simultaneously used. The hitch mechanism is adjustable such that a trailer-engaging hitch member thereof may be stably disposed at different vertical levels relative to the vehicle, and the hitch mechanism is also adjustable such that the hitching member may be disposed at different longitudinally projecting positions relative to the vehicle.