PIN FASTENER AND SYSTEM FOR USE

Abstract

The present invention is a locking pin that takes advantage of a simpler manufacturing process, fewer parts to effectively lock the pin onto an object. The locking pin is in one embodiment for fastening an object by means of an object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the pin. The pin comprises an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rearward end with a pinhead at the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches formed at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft. The portion of the shaft between the pair of laterally opposed notches is defined for reference purpose as the lock base. A forward hole and at least one rearward hole that extends through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base. A wire lock is made of a spring-biased wire that is bendable upon compression and returns to its original shape. The wire lock is received into the forward hole and rearward hole. The wire lock in an uncompressed position has forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms from a first end to a second end and a rearward facing abutment surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/548,024 filed Oct. 17, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/548,209 filed Oct. 17, 2011 both applications of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a fastening pin and system for use to securely fasten to an object and more particularly to a fastening system that can be used without aid of a tool.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

There is a need in the art for fasteners that are capable of being fastened to an object or to connect two objects together without use of a tool. Toolless fasteners have been in use for many years. However, the cost of these devices is significantly greater than a nut and bolt fastening assembly. However, in certain applications, the time saving resulting from use of a toolless fastener can make a significant impact.

One toolless fastener is a clevis pin comprising a shaft with a front end and a rear end. A pinhead is located at the rear end of the shaft. A pinhole is drilled laterally and is located near the front end. The pin passes through a hole in an object. The object slides along the shaft of the pin from a tapered forward end towards the rear end of the shaft until the object passes the pinhole. A cotter pin or similar device passes through the pinhole in the clevis pin to secure the object between the head and the cotter pin.

The cost of manufacturing a clevis pin is relatively low. Securing the pin with a cotter pin required a pair of pliers to bend the cotter pin after inserted into the hole. Thus, the timesavings relating to use of a cotter pin could be improved upon.

There is a self-locking pin commonly referred to as a ball detent pin that is an adaptation of the clevis pin. The self-locking pin typically is comparable in shape with a clevis pin having a shaft with a front end and a rear end with a head to prevent an object sliding along the shaft past the head. The hole houses one or two ball bearings that are laterally or outwardly biased—typically by a spring or an axially movable pin. The bearings are secure by forming a lip proximal to the one or more ball bearings so the ball bearings extend laterally outward past the diameter of the pin and are biased in that outward position by the spring or pin.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,039 discloses a self-locking pin similar to a detent pin but with unidirectional locking. In one embodiment the self-locking pin has an elongated shaft with a first end and a second headed end. The shaft has a hole bored in it with a plunger slidably disposed in the hole. The plunger has a lower cylindrical portion and an upper wedge-shaped portion. A shoulder is formed on the lateral sides of the plunger where these two portions meet. The plunger is biased in the hole. The shaft of the pin is staked on lateral sides of the plunger with a perpendicular radius punch to retain the plunger in the hole. The location of the staking corresponds to the plunger's shoulders having a tapered front side and a flat back side. This allows the object having a hole compatible in size to the pin to slide over the pin past the lock mechanism in a first direction until the object passes the unidirectional lock. When the object is then slid in a forward direction the object abuts against the flat backside of the lock mechanism to lock the object between the locking mechanism and the head.

However, these pins are relatively expensive due to the multiple manufacturing steps required to (i) form the locking mechanism, (ii) insert the ball bearings or unidirectional locks pin to be outwardly biased by a spring or sliding pin mechanism, and (ii) secure the locking mechanism in place so that it extends laterally outward past the diameter of the pin.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,267,420 discloses a hitch system includes a handle portion including a handle loop, a pin portion extending from the handle portion, a pair of opposite retainers and a trigger. The retainers project radially outward in an extended position. The retainers are connected to or integrally formed with a trigger mechanism that allows the retainers to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The hitch pin is made of multiple parts that require relatively extensive manufacturing steps.

It would be advantageous to have a locking pin that is capable of unidirectional locking. Is manufactured by fewer processing steps from less expensive parts, is outwardly self-biasing. It would be further advantageous to have a locking mechanism that can be inserted into place without a tool, but is difficult to remove without the use of a tool. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a locking pin that takes advantage of a simpler manufacturing process, fewer parts to effectively lock the pin onto an object. The locking pin is in one embodiment for fastening an object by means of an object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the pin. The pin comprises an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rearward end with a pinhead at the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches formed at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft. The portion of the shaft between the pair of laterally opposed notches is defined for reference purpose as the lock base. A forward object hole that extends through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base. A wire lock is made of a shape memory or spring biased wire that is bendable upon compression and returns to its original shape. By generally returns to its original shape it means that the wire lock returns sufficiently close to its original shape to perform its locking function.

The wire lock is biased towards a first uncompressed position and is compressible towards a second compressed position. The wire lock has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the wire lock passes laterally through the forward object hole and has two wire arms that extend rearward and are biased radially outwardly towards the rear end of the wire lock and proximal to the ends of the wire arms are bent inward towards and terminate in one or more rear openings located proximal the rear end of the lock base.

In one embodiment, the front end of the wire lock has a width that is less than the diameter of the shaft. In the first uncompressed position the rear end of the wire lock is in an uncompressed position and is greater than the predetermined object hole diameter to form a forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms from the first end to the second end and a rearward facing abutment surface. In the second compressed position, the rear end has a diameter less than the predetermined object hole diameter.

In another embodiment, the pin has a shaft that is configured to be received into the object hole and the object is slidable in a rearward direction. The sliding in a rearward direction causes the wire lock to be compressed toward the second compressed position until the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the shaft effectively locking the object therebetween.

In one embodiment, the locking pin has an elongated shaft that is tapered at the forward end.

In still another embodiment, the pinhead is threadable onto the rear end of the shaft. In yet another embodiment, the locking pin has a lock base that is located proximal to the forward end. Optionally, the lock pin has a lock base that is located a distance that is longitudinally spaced apart from the forward end by a preset length. In one embodiment, the preset length is greater than ⅛ of the length of the shaft, preferably greater than one fourth of the length of the shaft, more preferably greater than one-half of the length of the shaft, most preferably greater than two-thirds of the length of the shaft.

In another embodiment, the object has a first wall, an at least partially enclosed cavity and a second wall opposite from the first wall. The expression “partially enclosed cavity” means a cavity that is protected by a third wall in at least one direction perpendicular to the axis of the hole in addition to the first wall and the second wall. The third wall connects the first wall to the second wall. Typically, the hole passes in an axial direction through the first wall and the second wall. The lock base is located axially spaced apart from the forward end and wherein the shaft is compatible with the size of the object hole. Furthermore, the object is slidable in a rearward direction relative to the hole. The sliding in a rearward direction causes the wire lock to be compressed toward the second compressed position until at least the first wall of the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the shaft. Once positioned such, the object is effectively locked onto the shaft. This embodiment has the advantage of the locking pin being located within the cavity so that access to the locking pin is obstructed by the walls of the object.

In another embodiment, there is a process for making a locking pin that is configured to fasten an object by means of an object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the pin, the pin comprising the steps of:

providing an elongated shaft having a forward end and a rearward end with a pin head at the rearward end;

i. cutting a pair of laterally opposed notches at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft to form a lock base between the notches;

ii. drilling a forward hole through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base and at least one rear openings;

iii. forming a wire lock having a front end sized and configured to be received through the forward hole, wherein the width of the front end is less than the diameter of the shaft and greater than the width of the lock base, the wire arms are angled to extend outwardly and rearward to the rear end of the wire lock and then angling the ends of the wire inwardly at an angle generally parallel to the front end of the wire lock to extend the respective ends of the arms towards the opposite side of the wire lock to form an abutment surface; and

iv. passing a spring biased wire through the forward hole to position the front end at the front hole and positioning the rear end into the one or more rear openings.

The process of manufacture further comprises tapering the forward end of the shaft.

In one embodiment, the manufactured pin has a head is threadably received onto the rearward end. Optionally or alternatively, the head has no driver compatible shape. In another embodiment, the head has a driver compatible shape. By driver compatible shape it means that the head is shaped and configured to be compatible with a screwdriver head a wrench or socket driver.

In another embodiment, there is a method of locking an object having a first wall, an at least partially enclosed cavity and a second wall opposite the first wall and a hole extending through the first wall and second wall. The hole has a predetermined hole diameter. The method comprises the steps of:

(b) providing a pin as described in one of the embodiments herein;

(c) inserting the pin into the hole of the of the first wall of the object;

(d) sliding the object along the pin shaft in a rearward direction to cause the wire lock to be compressed from the first uncompressed position toward the second compressed position until the first wall of the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the shaft effectively locking the object therebetween.

In one embodiment, the wire lock of the device is positioned in the cavity after the step of sliding. The method comprises the further steps of:

(d) compressing the wire lock so that the rear width of the wire lock is less than the diameter of the hole; and

(e) sliding the pin relative to the hole to remove the pin from the hole after the step (d) of compressing.

In another embodiment, there is a method of fastening a hollow object to a hollow item. The hollow object has a first object wall, and at least partially enclosed object cavity. The hollow object also has a second object wall opposite the first object wall and an object hole extending through the first object wall and the second object wall. The object hole has a predetermined object hole diameter. The hollow item has a first item wall, and at least partially enclosed item cavity and a second item wall opposite the first item wall and an item hole extending through the first item wall and second item wall. The item hole has a predetermined item hole diameter. The method comprises the steps of:

(e) inserting the item into the object cavity to align the object hole with the item hole;

(f) providing a pin of claim 1;

(g) inserting the pin into the first object hole;

(h) sliding the object and item along the pin shaft in a rearward direction to cause the wire lock to be compressed from the first uncompressed position toward the second compressed position until at least the first object wall and the first item wall are positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the shaft effectively fastening the object to the item between the abutment surface and the pin head.

In one embodiment of the method above, the wire lock is positioned in the cavity after the step of sliding.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:

(e) compressing the wire lock so that the rear width of the wire lock is less than the diameter of the object hole; and

(f) sliding the pin relative to the object hole and the item hole to remove the pin therefrom after the step (e) of compressing.

In one embodiment, there is a method of connecting two structural components of a solar panel mounting system. The method comprises the step of providing a first component of a solar panel racking system having a first assembly hole and a second component of a solar panel racking system having a second assembly hole that is axially alignable with the first assembly hole at a desired point of connection of the first component with the second component. The process further comprises aligning the first assembly hole with the second assembly hole. Furthermore, a single piece, locking pin through the first and second assembly hole until the locking pin secures the first component to the second component. A locking pin, is a single piece elongated shaped fastener configured to be received in a compatible shaped hole that has an integral means of locking itself within the compatible shaped hole. Integral, as used herein in the context of a locking pin means that all parts are permanently connected and are not intended to be separated or reattached during the fastening step.

In one embodiment, the locking pin is a unidirectional locking pin. By unidirectional, it is meant that the locking pin freely slides in a first axial direction but is prevented from sliding in the second axial direction opposite to the first direction.

Optionally, the first component and the second component are individually selected from the group consisting of screw fastened mounts, ballasted bases, solar panels, solar panel frames, vertical supports such as posts, fastening brackets and supporting rails. Screw fastened mounts are components of solar panel mounting systems that are fastened by screw or bolt to a roof or other substrate and extend outward from the substrate.

Ballast bases are components that are configured to support and anchor one or more solar panels and/or other components to a roof that is typically flat by receiving weights or ballast. Ballasts bases typically eliminate the need for penetrating roof fastening systems.

Solar panel frames are defined as the support structure of a photovoltaic panel. The frame protects the panel from damage and provides a site for affixing the solar panel to a support system. The frame typically surrounds the PV cell but can also be affixed to the underside of the panel.

Vertical supports are components of a photovoltaic system that elevate the photovoltaic cell off of the substrate surface. They include vertically oriented posts.

Fastening brackets are mechanical structures that are designed to support of facilitate the attachment of the solar panel frame to other components. Supporting rails are generally horizontal rails that provide a base to which posts, fastening brackets solar panels or solar panel frames can be affixed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of one embodiment of the present invention in an uncompressed position.

FIG. 2 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of FIG. 1 in a compressed position.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the fastening pin of FIG. 1 taken along the lines of A-A.

FIG. 4 is a side elevated view of the fastening pin of FIG. 1, taken along the lines of B-B.

FIG. 5 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of claim 1 without the wire lock assembled.

FIG. 6 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of FIG. 5 taken along the lines of C-C.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view wire lock of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an elevated side view of the wire lock of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an elevated front view of the wire lock of FIG. 8 taken along the lines of D-D.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a solar panel racking system using the fastener of one embodiment of the invention to fasten a hollow post to a hollow rail.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the fastener shown in circle E of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of one embodiment of the present invention in an uncompressed position.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged end view of the fastening pin of FIG. 12 taken along the lines of F-F.

FIG. 14 is a side elevated view of the fastening pin of FIG. 12, taken along the lines of G-G.

FIG. 15 is a front elevated view of the fastening pin of one embodiment of the present invention in an uncompressed position.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged end view of the fastening pin of FIG. 15 taken along the lines of H-H.

FIG. 17 is a side elevated view of the fastening pin of FIG. 15, taken along the lines of I-I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 showing the fastening pin or locking pin 10 of one embodiment of the present invention. The locking pin 10 comprises an elongated shaft 12 having a forward end 14 and a rearward end 16 with a pinhead 17 proximal to the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches 18 and 20 is formed at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft 12. The portion of the shaft 12 between the pair of laterally opposed notches 18 and 20 is defined for reference purpose as the lock base 22. The lock base 22 has a forward oriented hole 30. It has at least one rear opening 32.

A wire lock 24 is made of a spring-biased wire. The wire lock 24 is described with reference to FIG. 7 and continued reference to FIGS. 1-4. A spring biased (or shape memory) wire is bendable upon compression and generally returns to its original shape. Shape memory is defined herein as any wire that can be deformed by a deforming force and returns to its original general shape when the deforming force is no longer applied. By substantially, it is understood that excessive deforming and metal fatigue will not permit metal from returning to its exact pre deformed state. Thus, by substantially, it is meant that the metal returns to its pre-deformed shape enough to function the same way the object functioned before deformation state.

The wire lock 24 is biased towards a first uncompressed position and is compressible towards a second compressed position shown in FIG. 2. The wire lock 24 has a front end 26 and a rear end 28. It has two wire arms 34 and 36 that extend rearward and are biased radially outwardly towards the rear end 28 of the wire lock to form a forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms 34 and 36 from the first end to the second end and. Proximal to the ends 38 and 40 of the wire arms 34 and 36, the wire lock 24 is angled inward towards the center of the shaft.

Returning now to FIGS. 1-4, the wire lock 24 is mounted to the lock base 22. The front end 26 of the wire lock 24 passes laterally through the forward hole 30 and the ends 38 and 40 of the wire arms 34 and 36 are received into a rear opening 32 located proximal the rear end of the lock base 22. The front end 26 of the wire lock 24 has a width that is less than the diameter of the shaft 12. In the first uncompressed position, shown in FIG. 1, the rear end 28 of the wire lock 24 is in an uncompressed position and has a width that is greater than width of the shaft 12 to form a rearward facing abutment surface in the rear end 28. In the second compressed position (FIG. 2), the rear end 28 has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft 12 and is housed within the notches 18 and 20.

A method of connecting two structural components of a solar panel mounting system is describe by way of example and not by limitation with reference to FIGS. 10-12. It will be well understood that while the discussion relates to the connection of a rail to a post, a person of ordinary skill in the art could apply the teaching to affix any solar system component to another solar system component.

The deployment of the pin 10 is illustrated with reference to a solar panel racking system 41 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The pin 10 has a shaft 12 that is configured to be received into a fastening hole 46 of an object. The object can be a post 42 and/or a rail 44. In one embodiment, the present invention is used to secure the post 42 to the rail 44 each having axially alignable holes 46. When the post 42 and the rail 44 are put in their desired position, the two holes should be aligned.

The pin 10 is slid into the respective holes 46 of the rail 44 and post 42. As the shaft 12 is forced into the hole the wire lock 24 passes into the hole in a forward direction 54. The sliding of the pin in a forward direction 56 causes the wire lock 24 to be compressed inward by the sides of the hole 46 from the first decompressed position shown in FIG. 1 toward the second compressed position shown in FIG. 2 until at least one side of each of the rail 44 and post 42 are positioned between the abutment surface at the rear end 28 of the wire lock 22 and the pin head 27. The shape-memory or spring biased wire returns to its decompressed position preventing the pin from being removed by sliding the hole relative to the pin in a forward direction 54.

In one embodiment, it is desired that the wire selected is of sufficient strength that it would be difficult to deform the locking pin by squeezing the pin between a person's fingers. Because of this feature, removing the pin from its deployed position is difficult. While in most prior art applications of locking pins, it is taught to make both deployment of the locking pin and its removal from deployment easy. However, the inventors have discovered that in the present application, the difficulty in removing the pin is a significant safety feature.

Removal of a locking pin is preferably accomplished by using pliers or bolt cutters to cut the locking pin wire as close to the front of the locking pin as possible. While this effectively makes the pin un-reusable, the tradeoff of increased theft deterrence, and secure fastening without risk of undeployment or breaking the fastening connection.

In one embodiment, the locking pin 10 has an elongated shaft 12 that has a tapered forward end 14.

In still another embodiment (not shown), the pinhead is threadable onto the rear end of the shaft.

In yet another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 showing the fastening pin or locking pin 110 of one embodiment of the present invention. The locking pin 110. The pin 110 comprises an elongated shaft 112 having a forward end 114 and a rearward end 116 with a pinhead 117 proximal to the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches 118 and 120 is formed at front extremity of the shaft 112. The portion of the shaft 112 between the pair of laterally opposed notches 118 and 120 is defined for reference purpose as the lock base 122. The lock base 122 has a forward oriented notch 130. It has at least one rear opening 132. This particular embodiment makes assembly easy as the wire can be inserted more easily into the notch than in other embodiments where a wire is threaded through a hole.

A wire lock 124 is made of a spring-biased wire. The wire lock 124 is biased towards a first uncompressed position and is compressible towards a second compressed position shown in FIG. 2. The wire lock 124 has a front end 126 and a rear end 128. It has two wire arms 134 and 136 that extend rearward and are biased radially outwardly towards the rear end 128 of the wire lock to form a forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms 134 and 136 from the first end to the second end and. Proximal to the ends 138 and 140 of the wire arms 134 and 136, the wire lock 124 is angled inward towards the center of the shaft.

The wire lock 124 is mounted to the lock base 122. The front end 126 of the wire lock 124 passes laterally through the forward hole 130 and the ends 138 and 140 of the wire arms 134 and 136 are received into a rear opening 132 located proximal the rear end of the lock base 122. The front end 126 of the wire lock 124 has a width that is less than the diameter of the shaft 112. In the first uncompressed position, the rear end 128 of the wire lock 124 is in an uncompressed position and has a width that is greater than width of the shaft 112 to form a rearward facing abutment surface in the rear end 128. In the second compressed position, the rear end 128 has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft 112 and is housed within the notches 118 and 120.

The present invention is described with reference to FIG. 15-17 showing the fastening pin or locking pin 210 of one embodiment of the present invention. The locking pin 210. The pin 210 comprises an elongated shaft 212 having a forward end 214 and a rearward end 216 with a pinhead 217 proximal to the rearward end. A pair of laterally opposed notches 218 and 220 is formed at a predetermined location proximal to the forward end 214 of the shaft 212. The portion of the shaft 212 between the pair of laterally opposed notches 218 and 220 is defined for reference purpose as the lock base 222. The lock base 222 has a forward oriented hole 230. It has at least one rear opening 232.

The wire lock 224 is made of a spring-biased wire. The wire lock 224 has a front end 226 and a rear end 228. It has two wire arms 234 and 236 that extend rearward and are biased radially outwardly towards the rear end 228 of the wire lock to form a forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms 234 and 236 from the first end to the second end and. Proximal to the ends 238 and 240 of the wire arms 234 and 236, the wire lock 224 is angled inward towards the center of the shaft.

The wire lock 224 is mounted to the lock base 222. The front end 226 of the wire lock 224 passes laterally through the forward hole 230 and the ends 238 and 240 of the wire arms 234 and 236 are received into a rear opening 232 located proximal the rear end of the lock base 222. The front end 226 of the wire lock 224 has a width that is less than the diameter of the shaft 212. In the first uncompressed position, the rear end 228 of the wire lock 224 is in an uncompressed position and has a width that is greater than width of the shaft 212 to form a rearward facing abutment surface in the rear end 228. In the second compressed position, the rear end 228 has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft 212 and is housed within the notches 218 and 220.

The locking pin embodiments that locate the lock base that is located proximal to their respective forward ends are effective embodiments for pins that require the locking pin to pass through the entire object to lock in place.

Claims

1. A locking fastener for fastening an object by means of an object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the fastener, the fastener comprising:

(a) an elongated pin having a forward end and a rearward end with a pin head at the rearward end;

(b) a pair of laterally opposed notches formed at a predetermined location along the length of the pin, wherein the portion of the pin between the pair of laterally opposed notches is defined as the lock base;

(c) a forward hole that extends through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base and one or two rearward holes that extends through the lock base proximal to the rearward end of the lock base;

(d) a wire lock made of spring biased wire that is biased towards a first uncompressed position and is compressible towards a second compressed position, wherein the wire lock has a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end of the wire lock passes laterally through the forward hole and has two wire arms that extend rearward and are biased radially outwardly towards the rear end of the wire lock and, proximal to the ends of the wire arms are bent inward and terminate in the one or more rearward holes.

2. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the front end of the wire lock has a width that is less than the diameter of the pin and (i) in the first uncompressed position the rear end of the wire lock in an uncompressed position is greater than the predetermined object hole diameter to form a forward facing gradually tapered surface along the wire arms from the first end to the second end and a rearward facing abutment surface, (ii) in the second compressed position the rear end has a diameter less than the predetermined object hole diameter.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the pin is configured to be received into the object hole of the of the object and the object is slidable in a rearward direction and thereby causes the wire lock to be compressed toward the second compressed position until the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the pin effectively locking the object therebetween.

4. The locking fastener of claim 3, wherein the elongated pin has a tapered forward end.

5. The locking fastener of claim 3, wherein the head is threadable onto the rear end.

6. The locking fastener of claim 3, wherein the lock base is located proximal to the forward end.

7. The locking fastener of claim 6, wherein the object has a first wall, an at least partially enclosed cavity and a second wall opposite from the first wall, wherein the object hole passes through the first wall and the second wall and wherein the lock base is located medially spaced apart from the forward end and wherein the pin is configured to be received into the object hole and the object is slidable in a rearward direction and thereby causes the wire lock to be compressed toward the second compressed position until at least the first wall of the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the pin effectively locking the object therebetween.

8. A process for making a locking fastener configured to fasten an object by means of a object hole of a predetermined object hole diameter to the fastener, the fastener comprising:

(a) providing an elongated pin having a forward end and a rearward end with a pinhead at the rearward end;

(b) cutting a pair of laterally opposed notches at a predetermined location along the length of the pin to form a lock base between the notches;

(c) forming a forward hole through the lock base proximal to the forward end of the lock base and at least one, rear openings;

(d) shaping a wire lock having a front end sized and configured to be received through the hole, wherein the width of the front end is less than the diameter of the pin and greater than the width of the lock base, the wire arms are angled to extend outwardly and rearward to the rear end of the wire lock and then angling the ends of the wire inwardly at an angle generally parallel to the front end of the wire lock to extend the respective ends of the arms towards the opposite side of the wire lock to form an abutment surface; and

(e) passing a spring biased wire through the forward hole to position the front end at the front hole and positioning the rear end into the one or more rear openings.

9. The process of claim 8, further comprising tapering the forward end of the pin.

10. The process of claim 8, wherein the lock base is located proximal to the forward end.

11. The process of claim 8, wherein the lock base is longitudinally spaced apart from the forward end.

12. The process of claim 8, wherein the head is threadably received onto the rearward end.

13. The process of claim 8, wherein the head has no driver compatible shape.

14. A method of locking an object having a first wall, an at least partially enclosed cavity and a second wall opposite the first wall and an object hole extending through the first wall and second wall, wherein the object hole has a predetermined object hole diameter, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing the fastener of claim 1;

(b) inserting the fastener into a first wall hole of the of the first wall of the object;

(c) sliding the object along the pin in a rearward direction to cause the wire lock to be compressed from the first uncompressed position toward the second compressed position until the first wall of the object is positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the pin effectively locking the object therebetween.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the wire lock is positioned in the cavity after the step of sliding.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(d) compressing the wire lock so that the rear width of the wire lock is less than the diameter of the object hole; and

(e) sliding the pin relative to the object hole to remove the pin from the object hole after the step (d) of compressing.

17. A method of fastening a hollow object to a hollow item, wherein the hollow object has a first object wall, and at least partially enclosed object cavity and a second object wall opposite the first object wall and a object hole extending through the first object wall and second object wall, wherein the object hole has a predetermined object hole diameter and wherein the hollow item has a first item wall, and at least partially enclosed item cavity and a second item wall opposite the first item wall and an item hole extending through the first item wall and second item wall, wherein the item hole has a predetermined item hole diameter, the method comprises the steps of:

(a) inserting the item into the object cavity to align the object hole with the item hole;

(a) providing a fastener of claim 1:

(b) inserting the fastener into the first object hole;

(c) sliding the object and item along the pin in a rearward direction to cause the wire lock to be compressed from the first uncompressed position toward the second compressed position until at least the first object wall and the first item wall are positioned between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the pin effectively fastening the object to the item between the abutment surface and the rearward end of the pin.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wire lock is positioned in the cavity after the step of sliding.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(d) compressing the wire lock so that the rear width of the wire lock is less than the diameter of the object hole; and

(e) sliding the pin relative to the object hole and the item hole to remove the pin therefrom after the step (d) of compressing.

20. A method of connecting two structural components of a solar panel mounting system, comprising the steps of:

providing a first component of a solar panel racking system having a first assembly hole and a second component of a solar panel racking system having a second assembly hole that is axially alignable with the first assembly hole at a desired point of connection of the first component with the second component;

aligning the first assembly hole with the second assembly hole; and

inserting a single piece, locking pin through the first and second assembly hole until the locking pin secures the first component to the second component.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the locking pin is a unidirectional locking pin.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first component and the second component are individually selected from the group consisting of screw fastened mounts, ballasted bases, solar panel frames, posts, vertical supports, and fastening brackets and supporting rails.