Abstract: An anchor system which can be used to hang framed items from a wall or to secure and anchor a piece of furniture or other object to a wall. The system includes an arrow element, a first washer element, and a second washer element. The arrow element includes a head with several expanding barbs and a body which includes a zip-tie zipper portion. Each washer has a flat body with a front face and a rear face, and a zip-tie receiver portion at its center on its front face, and with several prongs on its rear face opposing the receiver portion.

Abstract: A high load toggle bolt hollow wall anchor comprises a bolt and a two piece toggle member, wherein the first piece of the two piece toggle member is an elongated member with a threaded opening for receiving the bolt, and wherein a second piece of the two piece toggle member is a load plate having i) a planar wall engaging face, ii) a wall opening engaging ridge extending from the wall engaging face, and iii) a groove in a rear of the load plate configured to receive and to hold the elongated member therein. The load plate provides a load dispersing toggle member adaptor. A method of implementation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temporary clamping fastener is disclosed, and includes a bushing having an inner cavity, an upper open end, and a lower open end. The temporary clamping fastener also includes a pull shaft having an elongated body and a slot extending through the elongated body. A portion of the pull shaft is disposed in the inner cavity of the bushing, and the pull shaft is configured to linearly translate relative to the bushing. The temporary clamping fastener also includes a clamp blade disposed within the slot of the pull shaft and rotatable between a stowed position where the clamp blade is housed within the slot and a deployed position and a portion of the clamp blade extends from the slot of the pull shaft to create an engagement surface for through-hole clamping.

Abstract: An example pivot nut assembly includes a pivot body and a nut. The nut is pivotably engaged in the pivot body.

Abstract: A longitudinal channel with increased holding strength, configured for use as an anchoring element for an anchor used in supporting objects on a substrate and a method for the production thereof and an anchor. The channel has a generally U-shaped axial cross section in at least a portion thereof with, the U-shaped cross section being comprised of longitudinal side walls and a longitudinal base connection between the side walls. The side walls have free edges configured for holding contact with the substrate. A portion of the free edges of the channel are covered with a planar continuous surface material which is co-extensive with non-covered free edges whereby the planar continuous surface material and the free edges provide a planar holding surface with greater surface area than that of the free edges alone for the increased holding strength.

Abstract: A fastener for removably securing sheeting to a support surface, such as an HVAC system or other device. The fastener includes a base, a rare-earth magnet to removably couple the base to the support surface, the rare-earth magnet having an epoxy coating and being capable of securing the base to a pre-selected location on the support surface, and a locking member pivotably coupled to the base and adjustable between a selectable first position and a second position, and wherein the locking member remains in the selected position unless acted upon by a user.

Abstract: Panel mount electrical receptacles having a panel mount housing for securing the receptacle to a panel wall, one or more electrical connectors for electrical connections, and one or more non-conductive retaining pin that secures each electrical connector to the panel mount housing are provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting radially expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are releasably restrained on the fastener driver, and are delivered by rotation of the fastener driver. The fasteners may be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of at least one end of the prosthesis. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.

Abstract: A rivet includes a sleeve, which has a flange, and a core member, which is inserted into the sleeve. The distal end of the sleeve is coupled to a plurality of pivoting pieces via thin hinges. By inserting the core member into the sleeve, each pivoting piece is pushed against the core member to pivot outward, and a laminated member, which is located between the flange and each pivoting piece, is fixed. A projection is arranged on the basal end surface of each pivoting piece. A hook portion is arranged on the head of the core member to project radially outward of the core member. When the core member is inserted into the sleeve, the hook portion of the core member moves past the projection of each pivoting piece in an outwardly pivoted state to fix the pivoting piece.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an expandable dental implant assembly for supporting a prosthesis, with a shaft member, configured to engage the central bore and cause plurality of blades to extend radially from openings disposed in the body portion, anchoring the implant into the bone structure surrounding the implant.

Abstract: A grab bar is attached to a wall with at least one anchor assembly. The anchor assembly can be removed and repeatedly used as needed. The anchor assembly includes a vertical support beam, a flange arm assembly having a base portion and an arm portion, and a spring. The spring is attached to the vertical support beam and cooperates with the arm portion to hold the flange arm assembly in place during installation. The base portion of the flange arm assembly has a flange that fits against a wall surface of the wall structure, and the arm portion is received within a slot formed within the vertical support beam. The flange prevents the flange arm assembly from falling behind the wall structure.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement includes a threaded fastener (5) including a head (11), a shank (9) and a laterally expandable member (17). A bridging member (7) is provided on the shank of the fastener, the bridging member having an aperture through which the shank passes. The aperture has a dimension greater than the dimension of the shank (9) but less than the dimension of the head (11), and an outer dimension greater than a dimension of the laterally expandable member (17) in a first configuration but less than the dimension of the laterally expandable member in a second configuration.

Abstract: A scissors type expansion bolt is provided with a threaded bolt; two bars each including a concave jaw put on the threaded bolt; a pivot driven through intermediate portions of the bars and one end of the threaded bolt to pivotably secure the bars and the threaded bolt together; a threaded fastener put on an other end of the threaded bolt; and a sleeve put on the threaded bolt and disposed between the bars and the nut. In response to rotating the threaded fastener toward the bars, the sleeve opens the bars.

Abstract: Fasteners are generally described. In some examples, a fastener may include at least one latch. The at least one latch may include an arcuate portion and a linking portion. The arcuate portion may be connected by the linking portion to a pivot point. The pivot point may be located with respect to the first member so that, as the linking portion pivots around the pivot point, the arcuate portion moves along an arcuate path between a non-fastening position and a fastening position. In the fastening position the arcuate portion may extend beyond the first member to engage with the second member to secure it to the first member.

Abstract: A wall mounted anchor assembly in the form of a metal toggle bolt on which there is slidably received onto the metal shank portion a reinforcing plug insert which positions itself within the aperture drilled in the hollow wall for acceptance of the anchor assembly, the reinforcing plug insert insuring that the shank portion of the toggle bolt and the toggle bolt itself are centered within the hole after tightening.

Abstract: A spacer clip includes a flange, a shank extending from the flange that can be inserted into a through in a member being attached to, and legs extending from the end part of the shank, connected by hinges to the shank end part so as that they can pivot from an initial attitude to a clamping attitude wherein they are substantially parallel to the flange. Levers extend from root portions of the legs toward the tip ends of the legs so that they can pivot together with the legs. The legs have leg-side pawls in the portions thereof adjacent to the shank end part, which extend to the flange side when the legs are in the clamping attitude; the flange has flange-side pawls for engaging the leg-side pawls and maintaining the legs in the clamping attitude; and slits are formed on either side of the flange-side pawls.

Abstract: An anchor bolt providing for fall protection. The anchor bolt has an anchoring device that may be of any standard type, for making use of an aperture either in or through a structure as an anchoring point, an elongate flexible member connected to the anchoring device at one end of the elongate flexible member, and a handle connected to a second end of the flexible member. The handle member is pivotally attached to the second end, for pivoting about the elongate axis of the flexible member as it extends from the second end. Preferably, the anchoring device is a novel, toggling type in which a toggling member is pivotally attached to the flexible member at a ball joint.

Abstract: An anchor system for a hollow wall or ceiling includes an anchor portion having a flange and a penetrating portion extending from a rear surface of the flange. The penetrating portion has a fixed sleeve extending from the rear surface of the flange and a pivoting locking leg connected to the fixed sleeve by a hinge. The fixed sleeve has a sleeve opening extending longitudinally therethrough and the pivoting locking leg has a stub extending from a rear surface thereof to retain the penetrating portion rigid as the anchor is inserted into the wall or ceiling. A pin portion has a body and includes a flexible shaft extending from the body. The pin portion has an actuating element extending transversely from the shaft. The pin portion further includes an opening in the body, spaced from the flexible shaft.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for retaining an object to a wall having a hole extending therethrough, including an elongated flexible planar retaining strap and a elongated rigid anchoring member which is mounted adjacent to the distal end of the retaining strap so it normal assumes a position generally perpendicular to the retaining strap. The retaining strap is flexible and can be manipulated and bent relative to the anchoring member to permit the anchoring member and retaining strap to be inserted through the hole in the wall and pulled against the back of the wall. The object to held is preferably locked onto the retaining strap on the first side of the wall, by a second anchoring member in order to retain the object against the wall.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is provided for securing an article to a wall. The mounting mechanism can include an insertion member, a base member, and a tab member. The insertion member has at least one hub formed thereon. The base member has a flange and at least one arm depending from the flange. The flange defines an insertion hole, and the at least one arm includes a guide. When the insertion member is provided in the insertion hole, the guide receives the at least one hub. The guide directs movement of the insertion member relative to the base member. The insertion member and the base member include a ratchet mechanism for maintaining the position of the insertion member relative to the base member. The ratchet mechanism can include a pawl formed on the at least one hub and at least one indentation provided on the guide. The pawl can interact with the at least one indentation. The tab member can be removably coupled to the insertion member.

Abstract: A vibration isolation fastener insert structure adapted to be partially or wholly snugly received in a hole in a panel comprising: a rigid cylindrical hub having an externally extending flange and a through longitudinal opening adapted to receive a fastener element; an elastomeric bushing snugly carried or formed around said hub and having a slot therein receiving said external flange; an upper housing; a lower housing; the upper housing being disposed around the side of said bushing and having a flange over the top of said bushing and the lower housing disposed around the external side of said upper housing and having a flange extending below a lower surface of said bushing.

Abstract: A convertible anchor (H) for friable walls (W) comprises a fixture (12) for holding an article to a wall (W, M) and an anchoring mechanism (10) extending from the fixture (12). The anchoring mechanism (10) is adapted when rotated to engagingly extend into a friable wall (W) for securing the fixture (12) to the wail (W). The fixture (12) is selectively separable via frangible connection elements (14, 24) from the anchoring mechanism (10) for allowing the fixture (12) to be used alone with an appropriate fastener (S) suitable for installing the fixture (12) to a rigid structure (M), such as wooden components. The anchoring mechanism (10) can take different forms as long as it is can be mounted to a friable wall (W). Typically, a space (26) is defined between the fixture (12) and a proximal end (34) of the anchoring mechanism (10) with this space (26) being bridged by the frangible connection elements (14, 24).

Abstract: A wall anchor attachable to a wall, the wall defining a wall aperture. The wall anchor includes a body; a retention element operatively coupled to the body so as to be reversibly movable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when the retention element is in the retracted configuration, the wall anchor is insertable into and removable from the wall aperture, and, when the retention element is in the expanded configuration and the body is operationally extending through the wall aperture, the retention element cooperates with the body to attach the wall anchor to the wall; and an actuator operatively coupled to the retention element for selectively moving the retention element between the expanded and retracted configurations. Inserting the wall anchor through the wall aperture with the retention element in the retracted configuration and subsequently using the actuator to move the retention element to the expanded configuration attaches the wall anchor to the wall.

Abstract: A restraint clip for suspending a load-bearing object includes an engaging member having a body defining an engaging member hole, two abutting surfaces, and two non-abutting surfaces; a lock having a lock body with a base defining a lock hole spatially aligned with the engaging member hole, wherein the lock coacts with the engaging member; a fastener extending along a longitudinal axis threadably engaged with the engaging member hole engaged with the lock hole and threadably engaged with a threaded stop hole, whereby the engaging member is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the fastener when the fastener is rotated about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rivet (1) includes a bearing head (2), a pulling stem (3) and an insertion body (4). The insertion body (4) includes at least two longitudinal flat surfaces (13) interrupting a notched portion (14); and at least two elastic feet (15) each having a first end elastically joined to the insertion body (4) and a second end which is free. Each of these elastic feet (15) is adapted to adopt a folded position in which it is folded along the insertion body (4), on one of the flat surfaces (13), and a tightened position in which it is arranged transversely of the general orientation of the insertion body (4). The bearing head (2) has at least one slot (9) enabling the head to deform radially.

Abstract: A high strength easily assembled hinge assembly for supporting an access door upon a modular section of an air handling system. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart mounting flanges that are connected by an arm. One end of the arm is pivotably mounted in a first end flange and integrally mounted on the second flange. The first mounting flange is locked to the framework of the modular section using a special clamp that acts in conjunction with a locating frame that registers the assembly in a home position. The second mounting flange is secured to the door using a pair of mounting screws.

Abstract: A fastening device having a pin with an enlarged head and a central longitudinal bore to receive a rod having a head with a drive receiving recess and a footed keeper. The pin and rod have adjacent surfaces that aid in the prevention of turning relative to each other. In use, the pin, with the footed keeper in alignment, is inserted to aligned openings in overlapping maps used in roadways and a tool is used to turn the keeper a quarter turn to prevent the pin from coming out of the opening and securing the mat.

Abstract: A method of joining a first sheet-metal member to a second sheet-metal member in a right-angle relationship using an H-shaped interlocking member. An opening is provided near an edge of the second sheet metal member with a channel communicating the opening and the edge. The opening is sufficiently wide to allow the H-shaped member to be rotated therein so as to allow the upper and lower slots of the H-shaped member to engage with the second sheet-metal member. A tapped hole is provided in the center section of the H-shaped member, aligned with the channel, so as to allow a screw to be inserted through a hole on the first sheet-metal member and then the channel to engage with the tapped hole. After the screw is tightened, the surface of the first sheet metal member is securely joined to the edge of the second sheet metal member.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed, which has a slotted shaft, a toggling mechanism, which deploys from within the slotted shaft, and which is adapted to couple the slotted shaft to a supporting structure, a detent mechanism disposed about the slotted shaft to deter its rotation, and a tightening mechanism adapted to couple to the shaft. The tightening mechanism binds the fastening device securely in place.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a shank 10 for extending through an opening 60 from a near side 56 to a far side 58 of a wall and a catch 20 retained In the shank of the fastener, in which the catch has first and second orientations in which, respectively, it projects less and more beyond the profile of the shank, whereby the catch can pass through the opening in the first orientation but the catch engages the far side of the wall and prevents withdrawal of the shank from the opening in the second orientation, the catch being supported by a shoulder 42 when the shank is tensioned by a nut 50. Swivelling of the catch is controlled by rotation of the shank.

Abstract: A nut assembly is proposed for fastening an instrument or the like to a member, the back of which is not accessible. A nut assembly comprises a pivotable nut having a threaded through-hole and a pin on each side thereof, and a frame having a flange portion formed with a bolt hole and an opposed pair of arms extending from both sides of the flange portion. The arms are each formed with an elongated hole, and the nut is formed at one end thereof with an inclined guide surface for pivoting the nut when pushed by a bolt. The nut is pivotably and slidably mounted between the arms with the pins received in the elongated holes formed in the arms. The arms have free end portions bent inwardly at an angle. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the nut from coming off the arms.

Abstract: A fastening anchor assembly and manual method for fastening an object to a hollow wall. In most embodiments a generally U-shaped mounting strap of the assembly has a central bight and parallel first and second legs extending longitudinally from the bight through a first mounting hole in the wall. A strap foot portion or separate mounting flange extends perpendicularly to the legs for engaging the wall exterior side surface. One or two anchoring blades are operably pivotally coupled to the strap for swinging motion in a single plane defined by the longitudinal axes of the blades and strap and between a collapsed position nested adjacent the strap and a swung-out expanded position wherein the blade(s) clamp-engage the wall interior surface while the leg feet or flange clamp-engages the wall exterior surface. The position and orientation of the now wall-hidden blade remains visibly indicated to the installer by the orientation of the strap exposed to view of the installer.

Abstract: A device for anchorage to a grating floor. The device includes a lower element the cross-section of which is larger than the width of the openings in the grating in one direction and is narrower in the other direction so that it can pass through the grating after pivoting through 90°, the lower element housing a nut in its lower face and having, on two of its lateral faces, respective housings with toothed regions on their respective upper portions, the toothed regions being complementary with an upper element of a width larger than the openings in the grating and having two legs of a width smaller than the openings in the grating, the legs having respective lower studs which can be introduced into the housings of the lower element, allowing the lower element to pivot, and respective teeth on the inner faces of the said legs for meshing with the teeth adjacent the housings for the studs in the lower element.

Abstract: An anchor makes it possible to easily fasten an object to a brittle wall. The anchor has a plate member formed with a hole for receiving a screw, a pair of legs extending from the bottom of the plate member at both sides of the screw hole, and a slide grip member slidably mounted on the legs. With a wall sandwiched between the plate member and the slide grip member, both members are prevented from turning. Thus, it is possible to fasten an object to the wall simply by threading a screw into the hole of the plate member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quick release hitch pin which comprises an elongated member having a handle thereon which includes a locking assembly. The elongated member has a rod disposed in a central bore spring tensioned outwardly having a plunger on its inner end positioned between a pair of balls positioned in apertures which balls are urged outwardly by the plunger. As the balls are urged outwardly they form a locking member against the underside of the tow bar thereby preventing removal of the elongated member or pin. Alternative embodiments disclose a pair of tabs communicating with the lower portion of a looped rod, with the tabs having tangs thereon which tangs contact the underside of the tow bar when in the extended position thereby preventing removal of the elongated member.

Abstract: This invention involves a locking mechanism that prevents the blade assembly of a mechanical meat tenderizer from becoming worn or non-functional. The locking mechanism is easily retrofitted into machines having blade assemblies and stripper frames and is a simple bar that mates with a slot in a screw nut.

Abstract: The fastening element uses a sleeve with a flanged end to insert in a hole drilled through an object, such as, a sign, and a structural element to which the object is to be attached. This allows the user to place the object in the position to be mounted and to drill a single hole of uniform diameter and insert the sleeve. An expandable element which either uses a plurality of bendable legs, or a pair of toggle elements, similar to a Toggle Bolt, is inserted with the sleeve to provide anchor members behind the structural element, such as a wall. The fastening element essentially allows one step drilling of a hole and securing of an object to a structure particularly in instance where access for use of a fastening nut on a bolt is not possible. The head of the bolt is of a sufficient radius to cover the flanged end of the sleeve when the fastening element is secured. The toggle element may also be used without the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick release bolt for securing two or more parts together is disclosed. The quick-release bolt includes a threaded end and a slotted end opposite the threaded end. The slotted end includes a slot extending across a diameter of the bolt and extending axially into the bolt. A release/lock plate is pivotally attached to the bolt within the slot in the bolt by a pin that is attached to the bolt. The pin extends transversely through the slot in the bolt and passes through a slot in the release/lock plate. The release/lock plate may be pivoted between locking and releasing positions when the bolt is loosened only about one-half to one-quarter of a turn from a tightened position.

Abstract: An anchor for fixing a first member (35) to a second member (8), such as a plasterboard or similar sheet material wall. The anchor is formed from a plastics material and includes an elongate shank (2) for passage through the second member (8) from a front surface (7) thereof to beyond the rear surface. The shank has a screw thread (17) for engaging the second member for retaining the shank therein, and the shank includes a passage (25) extending from an outer head end (3) for reception of a fastening screw (24-26), a toggle bar (5) and at least one frangible connector (20-21-22) attaching the toggle bar on the shank in an inoperative position at which the toggle bar extends in the longitudinal direction of the elongate shank and does not interfere with passage of the shank through the second member.

Abstract: A device for retaining two individual members in an adjacent condition includes a support base with an arrangement for attaching the support base to a first of the two individual members, a latching arm pivotally mounted to the support base, a biasing member attached to a distal end of the latching arm for causing the latching arm to pivot downwardly under gravity's influence with a portion of the latching arm extending upwardly beyond an upper surface of the base and a receiver having an arrangement for attaching the receiver to a second of the individual members and a receiving member extending from the attachment arrangement in a manner for at least partially surrounding the latching arm with the receiving member defining an opening through which the biasing member may be passed for placing the two individual members in an adjacent relation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a tie rod to a shroud support structure are described. One embodiment of the apparatus is a toggle bolt assembly including a toggle bolt body having an upper threaded portion and a lower toggle engaging portion. A toggle is rotatably secured to the toggle bolt body at the lower toggle engaging portion. A crimp nut including a threaded nut portion and a crimp collar is threadedly secured to the upper threaded portion of the toggle bolt body. Such toggle bolt assembly also includes a sleeve sized to have at least a portion of the toggle bolt body and the toggle located therein. The sleeve has a toggle opening so that the toggle can rotate from a first position in which the toggle is substantially located within the sleeve to a second position in which surface engaging portions of the toggle extend beyond the sleeve. A lower portion of the sleeve has a toggle rotation surface to facilitate rotation of the toggle.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for use in clamping a fitting to a pipe or other fitting. The apparatus may be used without supporting the outer surface of the pipe on the opposite side of the fitting, and in the case of a buried pipe, only a portion of the pipe needs to be excavated. The apparatus comprises a clamping plate for engaging an outer surface of the fitting with an adjusting stem threadingly engaged with the clamping plate. A locking bar is pivotally and rotatably attached to an end of the adjusting stem. A weight differential between long and short ends of said locking bar and a cable are used to pivot the locking bar between a first position thereof wherein the locking bar and a portion of the stem may be inserted through aligned openings in the fitting and pipe and a second position.

Abstract: A wall anchor comprising the combination of a round locking nut and a unique swing-toggle holds a greater weight, while using a smaller drill hole, than existing with typical toggle bolt anchors. The swing-toggle is generally in the configuration of a cylinder, inwardly sliced open from both its opposing ends an arc distance greater than the diameter of the toggle bolt being accommodated and a length to still allow flush and fast securement behind the wall. A pair of projections inwardly facing from the cylinder walls seat between adjacent threads of the toggle bolt in facilitating the securement, while their placement allows for a downwardly pivoting of the swing-toggle once the anchor is inserted through the drill hole in the wall.

Abstract: A key bolt fastener has a shank with a locking key-receiving adaptation at one end. The locking key is shaped like a tweezers, having a first end that joins two arms in a resilient fashion, and a bifurcate second end in which the ends of the two arms are normally in spaced apart relationship. When the locking key is retained to the key-receiving adaptation by a pin transversely disposed in the shank and passing through slots in the arms at substantially right angles, the locking key is slidable within the adaptation to an unlocked position where the first end of the locking key extends directly outwardly of the shank and forms an extension thereof. The locking key is also slidable to a locked position wherein the locking key is substantially perpendicular to the shank and a key lock abuts the bolt shank to retain the locking key in locked position. The locking key is yieldable at the bifurcate second end to enable the key lock abutment to be moved from locked position to unlocked position.

Abstract: A keybolt (40) includes a bolt member (10) and a key member (12). The key member includes a first leg (22) and a second leg (24) which are biased apart. The first leg includes steps (21) thereon. The key member is rotationally and slidably movable in a recess (20) on said bolt member. The key member is held in said recess by a rivet (14) which extends through elongated channels (42) in the leg members. The key member is movable between a locked position in which it extends generally traversely of the axis of the bolt member so as to hold the keybolt in an aperture through which it extends. The key member is movable to an unlocked position wherein it is rotatable to extend coaxially with the bolt member and wherein the keybolt may be readily installed or removed from appropriately sized apertures.

Abstract: A blind bolt comprising a headed bolt with a male screw at the side opposite its head having an external diameter which can be inserted into through-holes of architecture members to be tightened; a rotating washer made of a cylindrical member having an external diameter which can be inserted into the through-holes of architecture members, and having on both end surfaces slopes in parallel to each other each of which has a longitudinal diameter larger than that of the internal diameter of each of said architecture members; and a nut which is screwed to the male screw. Thus, the blind bolt can be inserted into through-holes of architecture members from one side and also can be nut-tightened from the same one side thereby tightening the architecture members.

Abstract: A fastening system device having dimensions of very small magnitudes for attaching a mesh prosthesis or tissue to body tissue. The device has a shaft member which has a continuous outer peripheral surface and so constructed such that the outer surface is a continuous surface and has a continuous curved cross-section where the center of curvature is in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis; the shaft has sufficient columnar resistance to bending to permit the shaft member to penetrate body tissue. A head member extends radially from the shaft member at a second end and is so dimensioned and proportioned to form a bearing surface for bearing against the mesh prosthesis. A resiliently collapsible anchor member is integrally fixed to the first end of the shaft and separately forms a conical distal tip.

Abstract: A device for securing at least two elements together by means of a screw (3) and a transfer nut (4) adapted to be engaged in the recesses (1a, 2a) of said elements (1, 2) is characterized in that the transfer nut (4) includes a nut plate (6) having a threaded hole (7), on either side of which are located areas (8, 9) for the passage of the arms (10, 11) of a fastening unit (12) having a generally flare-shaped U cross section. The intermediate portion (13) of the latter includes a hole for the passage (14) of the screw (3) opposite the threaded hole (7) of the nut plate (6) and is adapted to be applied against a stop surface of the screw (3) or of the element (1) on which said screw rests, such that the nut plate causes the arms (10, 11) of the fastening unit (12) to be spaced apart and abuts on a contact surface of the other element (2) during screwing, in order to secure the elements together.

Abstract: The dowel comprises a body (1), with two elongate lateral arms (4), each having a groove, and a bore, opening out between the arms (4) for a fixing screw (22) to pass through, a rocker (2) sliding and pivoting on the arms (4) of the body (1) by means of two pivots (10) in their grooves, with a ramp which interacts with the end of the screw (22) in order to cause the rocker (2) to pivot, and an orifice for interacting, in the tilted position, with the fixing screw (22) and causing the rocker (2) to slide.Shearable pins (19) are provided for temporarily holding the rocker (2), detachable under the action of the screw (22), and which, when the dowel is inserted into a wall, drive the rocker (2) with the body (1). The body (1) and the rocker (2) are moulded simultaneously a single piece from injectable material.The dowel can be used for fixing a component to a gypsum board.

Abstract: A number of improvements to anchoring retainers are disclosed. The improvements ensure that the retainers are securely attached to walls, and that they do not move during attachment after being attached by a threaded fastener. In one inventive feature, an improved cap for securing the fastener to the wall is disclosed wherein the cap has a thickened portion. In another feature, flip caps are disclosed which secure the anchor within a bore in the wall. In an additional feature of the invention, a tab and groove engagement insures that portions of the retainer do not move relative to each other as the threaded fastener is tightened. Finally, in another feature of the invention, structure is included into the retainer which assists the retainer in folding towards a secured position in the wall.