Abstract: A press-in fastener has from top to bottom: a head, a clinch feature, and a spiral, knurled shank. The fastener can hold two parts together by first clinching with a first metal panel, and then being pressed into a hole in a second, less ductile panel having a uniform interference between the knurled fastener shank and the hole. The knurled shank has a helix configuration that allows for use in non-ductile materials and eliminates the need for tapered holes and screws for applications that do not require disassembly.

Abstract: A screw includes a shank having a head, a point, a threaded section and a knurling section. The threaded section is located between the head and the point. The knurling section is located between the head and the threaded section. The knurling section includes a first set of grooves consisting of a plurality of first grooves and a second set of grooves consisting of a plurality of second grooves. The plurality of first grooves extends in a first angle relative to an axis of the shank. The plurality of second grooves extends in a second angle relative to the axis of the shank not parallel to the first angle. The first angle is equal to or larger than 0 degrees. The first grooves have unequal spacing. The first grooves intersect with the second grooves to form a plurality of intersecting zones with peaks and ridges of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strike assembly type fixing device for a shipyard, in which the lower end of a fixture is inserted into a fixing groove formed in a fixing plate and the upper end of the fixture is screwed to be coupled to a separate fastening element are fixed. The strike assembly type fixing device for a shipyard according to the present invention is configured such that a protruding flange inclined downward is integrally formed with a fixture to form a single body at a portion where an upper end and a lower end of a fixture are connected to each other, and a packing ring is provided to be inserted into the lower end of the fixture in close contact with the protruding flange.

Abstract: A press-in fastener incorporates a compound wave pattern into the shank knurl. The knurl is generally aligned vertically but instead of a straight uniform knurl pattern, the rows of knurls have an undulating curved shape that alternates from a narrow to a wider cross-section as they transverse axially along the length of the pin shank. The knurls are arranged in straight or serpentine longitudinal rows equally spaced around a circumference of the shank. At least one of the rows has a wavy cross-sectional profile in a radial plane containing the longitudinal axis wherein said profile consists of a series of contiguous alternating crests and valleys. The compound wavy configuration of the knurls yields a number of benefits without adversely affecting the manufacturing process. The knurl configuration also reduces the installation force and disruption of the host material while maintaining a better lock on the host material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for regenerating used dialysis fluid are described herein. In an embodiment, a regenerative dialysis fluid system includes a dialysis unit configured to generate used dialysis fluid including urea, a urea separation unit configured to separate at least a portion of the urea from the used dialysis fluid into a secondary fluid, and a urea removal unit configured to remove at least a portion of the urea from the secondary fluid and return the secondary fluid to the urea separation unit. In an embodiment, the urea separation unit includes a membrane separating a dialysis fluid chamber from a urea chamber, the membrane including at least one of: (i) a positive charge to prevent positive ions from transporting across the membrane; and (ii) a negative charge to prevent negative ions from transporting across the membrane.

Abstract: An external surface for a fastener insert to be embedded in a component includes waterfall threads extending along an outer surface of the portion to be embedded. The waterfall thread includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being more axially oriented on the surface than the second portion, and the second portion being more circumferentially oriented on the surface than the first portion. Continuous transitions are provided between adjacent first and second portions in a thread.

Abstract: A hole expanding screw comprises a screw head and a screw shank. The screw head includes a top and a neck extending from the top and gradually shrinking toward a direction opposite the top. The screw shank includes a shank body connected with the neck, a hole expanding portion connected with the shank body, a cone connected with the hole expanding portion, a thread running helically from the cone through the hole expanding portion to the shank body. The outer diameter of the hole expanding portion is greater than the diameter of the shank body and smaller than the diameter of the thread. The hole expanding portion includes a plurality of hole expanding blocks arranged into several rows and a plurality of debris exhaust channels formed among the hole expanding blocks, wherein each two neighboring rows of the hole expanding blocks are arranged in a staggered way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screw nail (1) for connecting plane components in dry construction by means of an automatic nailer, in particular for fixing surface elements onto a metallic substructure, the screw nail having a shaft (2) on one end region of which a head (3), and on the other end of which a hole formation region (5) extending to a point (4) or to a shape similar to a point (5) are formed, the shaft (2) being provided with a knurling (6), wherein the shaft (2) has a first knurling section (6a), in particular in a region of the shaft (2) adjacent to the hole formation region (5) in which the knurling (6) extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the shaft (2), and at least one second knurling section (6a) adjacent to the latter, in which an angle of elevation (5) of the knurling (6) formed between the central axis of the shaft (2) and the knurling (6) increasing constantly towards the head (3).

Abstract: A fastener is provided. The fastener includes an elongated shank extending along a longitudinal axis. The shank has a first end and a second end and a head portion is formed at the first end of the shank. The head portion includes an annular flange extending radially out from the longitudinal axis and has a first diameter. The fastener also includes a first section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the head portion. The fastener also includes a knurled section extending along at least a portion of the shank and disposed adjacent to the first cylindrical section where the knurled section includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves and peaks disposed around a circumference of the shank and a helical thread portion extending axially along at least a portion of said shank and disposed adjacent to the knurled section.

Abstract: A fastener and a method for reducing wear on a driver blade in a fastening tool includes applying a layer of solid-based lubricant between the head of a fastener and a driver blade end. The fastener is for use in a fastening tool and includes a head, a shank, and a layer of lubricant on the head of the fastener. The lubricant is graphite, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nano-diamonds, calcium stearate, sodium stearate, oils, greases, waxes, thermoplastic polymers, or another lubricant that exhibits similar characteristics. Aromatic polyamides (such as Kevlar™), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, powdered glass, glass fibers, thermoplastic polymers, and thermoset polymers also are contemplate to provide a barrier to contact between the driver blade and fastener head. The lubricant is sprayed, rolled, brushed, blotted or otherwise applied between the head of the fastener and the driver blade end prior to firing the fastening tool.

Abstract: A pin fastener includes a body having a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes a first substantially constant diameter section that extends from the first end toward the second end, a first tapered section that extends from the first substantially constant diameter section, a second substantially constant diameter section that extends from the first tapered section, and a second tapered section that extends from the second substantially constant diameter portion to the second end. The pin fastener further includes a knurled section formed in the second substantially constant diameter portion.

Abstract: A hole-forming and thread-forming screw for screwing into a sheet piece, including a slotted screw head for accommodating a tool, a threaded shank and a tapering hole-forming part having outer sides with a continuous convex-shaped curve along an entire length thereof, ribs running like threads along the hole-forming part being provided. The hole-forming part ends in a rounded, blunt end piece, and the rounded ribs, which chiplessly displace the material of the sheet part, are situated symmetrically opposite one another and have a pitch that is a multiple of the thread pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener comprising a central elongate shank extending between first and second ends. The first end of the shank has a tapered point. The second end a head has an annular shoulder disposed towards the second end. The fastener further comprises an opposed pair of spines extending helically along the shank and a plurality of hooks extending from each of the pair of opposed spines. Also disclosed is a protrusion extending axially with the shank from the head deformable into an anti-friction washer upon impact by a fastener driver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener comprising a central elongate shank extending between first and second ends. The first end of the shank has a tapered point. The second end a head has an annular shoulder disposed towards the second end. The fastener further comprises an opposed pair of spines extending helically along the shank and a plurality of hooks extending from each of the pair of opposed spines. Also disclosed is a protrusion extending axially with the shank from the head deformable into an anti-friction washer upon impact by a fastener driver.

Abstract: An impact driven fastener having plural shank elements formed into a unitary shank structure of helical geometry.

Abstract: A connecting device includes an axial core and a plurality of helical projections that extend radially from the core. The core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device and the accuracy of the pitch of the helical projections varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device. Another connecting device includes an axial core and two or three helical fins projecting radially from the core, wherein the core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device, the accuracy of the pitch of the helical fins varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device and wherein the root of the fin material includes a radiused surface.

Abstract: A nail has a head, a penetrating tip and a shank extending from the head to the penetrating tip. The shank has a circumference and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of rows of deformations formed as teeth are formed in the shank extending outwardly of the shank. The rows are formed in a spiral pattern along the length of the shank from about the head to about the penetrating tip. The rows of teeth are formed parallel to one another and formed at an angle of at least 50 degrees relative to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: A combination of deformations on a single nail shank provides a nail with optimal withdrawal performance and shear slip resistance. In particular, a nail has a head, a tip, and an elongate shank with a first deformation and a second deformation. The first deformation is positioned closer to the tip. When the nail fastens a first substrate to a second substrate, the first deformation is positioned completely in the second substrate to provide withdrawal resistance from the second substrate. The second deformation intersects the plane between the first and second substrates to provide resistance to shear slip. Moreover, the second deformation makes contact with the inner surface of the bore created by the first deformation.

Abstract: The present invention utilises impact-driven fastener (1) having a twisted body having: a common axial core (2) a protruding helix (3) and a trailing elongate lost-end driving shank: (4) of reduced radial diameter. The fastener incorporates two or three loosely wound loosely wound thread-cutting blade-like helical projections (5) extending radially from a solid axial core (2). These blade-like projections (5) are inclined upon a sweeping helical angle (8) of less than 42° to the longitudinal axis (9) of the core (2).

Abstract: A fastening element has a head (14), a stem (11) adjoining the head 914) and having a tip at its end remote from the head (14), a first bullet-shaped section (21) extending from the tip (13) in a direction of the head (14), and a thread profile (15) provided on the stem (11) and having, on the second section (22), a constant steep gradient with a lead angle (?2) from 50° to 74° and, on the first section (21), a gradient that increases from the lead angle (?2) of the second section (22) toward the tip (13), with a lead angle (?1) at a half of a length between the tip (13) and the end (24) of the first section (21) remote from the tip (13) amounting to at least 75°.

Abstract: An improved connector (15) for selectively joining two parts (16, 32), each of the parts having inner (18, 33) and outer (19, 34) surfaces and a keyhole opening (20, 35) between the inner and outer surfaces, each of the keyhole openings having first (21, 36) and second (22, 38) spaced enlargements and a slot (23, 39) extending between the first and second enlargements, comprising a body (48) having a first portion (49) configured to pass through the first enlargements but not to pass through the second enlargements, a second portion (50) configured to not pass through the second enlargements, and a third portion (51) configured to move in the slots between the first enlargements and the second enlargements, a member (58) in engagement with the body and moveable relative to the body between a first position (61) and a second position (62) and having a first portion (59) configured to move in the slots between the first enlargements and the second enlargements, and a second portion (60) configured to extend thr

Abstract: A fastener for use in the construction of pallets is provided which includes a head having a head diameter, a single elongate shank having a nominal shank diameter, and a plurality of rings extending outwardly from the shank. Each ring had a crest and a root, with the crest being located closer to the head than the root. The fastener has a bending yield strength of about 100 ksi or greater, and a length of between about 0.5 inch and 1.75 inches. The ratio of the head diameter to the nominal shank diameter is between 2.70 and 3.37, and the plurality of rings are formed so that an average outer diameter of the crests of the rings between a middle ring and the head is greater than an average outer diameter of the crests of the rings between the middle ring and the tip.

Abstract: A snap-fit fastener having deflectable, diverging wings extending from a distal end of a pedestal is provided with lead-in extensions from the connection of each wing to the pedestal. The extensions define a slot therebetween and are curved relative to the wings. By inserting an implement such as a screwdriver in the slot and twisting the implement, the lead-in extensions are spread relative to each other and the wings are moved toward the pedestal to allow the fastener to be disconnected from an object.

Abstract: A new and improved fastener, uniquely adapted for securing together vertically oriented stud members and horizontally oriented track members of wall framework structures, comprises a forwardly extending pointed tip portion having a tangent ogive configuration so as to facilitate fast and accurate penetration into and through thin gauge sheet metal members without causing any excessive enlargement of the apertures formed within the thin gauge sheet metal member, and a shank portion which comprises a lower, spiral-threaded shank portion which facilitates the ease of penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal members, and which causes a mating thread to effectively be extruded within the thin gauge sheet metal members.

Abstract: A helical grooved pin for insertion into a hole in a hard host material includes a formed portion of helical lands and grooves. Pin material from the grooves is displaced to define lands at an expanded diameter relative to the pin stock material. The forming process employs a rolling die configured to produce substantially uniform cylindrical land surfaces. The helical lands have a width that is at least five times the height of the land. The expanded diameter of the formed portion of the pin is no more than 5% larger than the diameter of the pin stock material. These proportions provide a uniform, durable and reliable retaining surface to the pin which is particularly useful in applications where the host material is harder than the pin.

Abstract: A new and improved fastener for fastening together thin gauge sheet metal components comprises a forwardly extending pointed tip portion having a tangent ogive configuration so as to facilitate the fast and accurate penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components without causing any excessive enlargement of the apertures formed therein, and a shank portion which comprises a lower, spiral thread shank portion which continues to facilitate the ease of penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components, and at the same time causes a mating thread to effectively be extruded within the thin gauge sheet metal components so as to effectively develop or generate enhanced surface areas or regions for ultimate contact with an upper shank portion of the fastener when the fastener is fully driven and seated within the thin gauge sheet metal components.

Abstract: A joining assembly for joining a pair of structural members, comprises a bolt having a thread and a nut-like blind rivet adapted to be inserted into mounting holes of the structural members and to be threadingly engaged to each other. One of the mounting holes is made of resiliently deformable material and comprises a base member including a bore for receiving the thread of the bolt and having an outside provided with a plurality of threads which are similar in number to the corners of the polygonal mounting hole, such that when the bolt is threadingly engaged into the bore of the blind rivet the base member is folded whereby the threads have parts of their flanks pressed against one of the structural members.

Abstract: A novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves, wherein a plurality of the knurls include a lateral cutting edge, and a generally pointed tip. Another novel fastener comprises a head having a recess for receiving a rotary driver, a shank having a predetermined diameter small enough so that the head will break away from said shank upon application of a predetermined torque, and said shank having knurls defined by generally helical grooves and intersecting generally annular grooves.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: A drive pin (20) for the fastening of a material (22) to a sheet-metal framing member (24) with an automatic nailer is provided. The drive pin (20) has a head (26), a substantially cylindrical shank (28) having a base diameter (30) in a range of 0.0625 to 0.125 inch, and a ballistic tip (40) configured to penetrate the material (22) and the framing member (24) under force of the automatic nailer. A knurl (42) is formed upon the shank (28). The knurl (42) has at least seven and no more than fourteen substantially parallel spiral grooves (32) having a minor diameter (58) less than the shank base diameter (30). Adjacent spiral grooves (32) are separated by substantially unbroken spiral ridges (34) having a major diameter (62) greater than the shank base diameter (30). The spiral grooves (32) and ridges (34) together form a plurality of threads (44) rolled full upon the shank (28) at an angle (54) of substantially 26±2 degrees relative to an axis (46) of the shank (28).

Abstract: The present invention is a self-piercing rivet wherein the hollow shell has an external spiraling, wherein the spiraling is with respect to the axis of rotation of the hollow shell. Once installed in a stack of sheets, the spiraling prevents the riveted sheets from mutually separating and the rivet loosening with respect to the sheets.

Abstract: A first metal member is contacted with a second metal member. A metal fastener is provided including a core and a cladding disposed upon the core. The fastener is driven through the first member and into the second member, inducing friction between the fastener, the first member and the second member for at least locally melting portions of the cladding, the first member and the second member to form a flowable material that solidifies and metallurgically bonds the fastener to the first member and the second member for attaching the members together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screwed nail including a nail body having a shank, and a head formed at one end of the shank, the shank having a tip at the other end thereof, wherein the shank has threaded portions respectively formed at opposite sides of a middle portion of the shank, the threaded portions having threads with opposite angles of threading, respectively. It is possible to achieve easy driving of the screwed nail while providing a high fastening force by forming the threaded portions to have opposite angles of threading, and appropriately adjusting those angles of threading, and respective diameters of the threaded portions.

Abstract: A threaded insert including a main body being generally cylindrical with a central bore extending therethrough having outer ring members with knurling in opposed directions for preventing rotation after implanting of the insert into a carrier substrate. The main body includes upper pilot ribs positioned on the outer surface of the main body adjacent the upper end to facilitate entry of that end into the carrier substrate during implanting thereof. The rib includes an upper leading surface which is arcuate to facilitate this insertion by facilitating movement of the substrate material during insertion. A lower pilot rib configuration is also included to allow insertion of the one-piece metallic threaded insert with either the upper or lower end entering the carrier substrate first.

Abstract: A fastener that cuts into or self-threads into an article upon movement of the article towards the fastener and a method of securing the article via the fastener. The fastener includes a connecting member having a first end which is adapted to be secured to a surface and a second end, a member rotatably mounted on the connecting member and being substantially axially retained with respect to the connecting member. The member includes at least one of an external thread, a spline and a row of teeth. A stop surface is arranged between the first end and the second end, and the stop surface is adapted to engage the surface. Wherein, when the article is moved into engagement with the member of the fastener, the member is caused to at least one of rotate with respect to the connecting member and cut into the article. The method provides for attaching the first end of connecting member to the surface, and moving the article towards the member.

Abstract: An improved fastener for attaching metal to wood is provided. The fastener is particularly suited for use as a railroad spike for attaching a metal rail to a wooden tie. The improved spike is adapted for installation by either driving or screwing the spike into the tie. A plurality of flutes are adapted to engage with the tie, thereby preventing loosening of the spike. The spike may be used with or without a metal boss or fishplate to secure a metal rail to a wooden tie.

Abstract: A drive pin (20) for the fastening of a material (22) to a sheet-metal framing member (24) with an automatic nailer is provided. The drive pin (20) has a head (26), a substantially cylindrical shank (28) having a base diameter (30) in a range of 0.0625 to 0.125 inch, and a ballistic tip (40) configured to penetrate the material (22) and the framing member (24) under force of the automatic nailer. A knurl (42) is formed upon the shank (28). The knurl (42) has at least seven and no more than fourteen substantially parallel spiral grooves (32) having a minor diameter (58) less than the shank base diameter (30). Adjacent spiral grooves (32) are separated by substantially unbroken spiral ridges (34) having a major diameter (62) greater than the shank base diameter (30). The spiral grooves (32) and ridges (34) together form a plurality of threads (44) rolled full upon the shank (28) at an angle (54) of substantially 26±2 degrees relative to an axis (46) of the shank (28).

Abstract: A fastener is formed from carbon steel wire so as to have an elongate shank defining an axis, an enlarged head formed at one end of the shank, and a generally pointed tip formed at the other end of the shank. The shank has a ringed portion formed with annular grooves defining annular rings and with helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves and defining helical ribs. The fastener is heat-treated, zinc-plated, and chromate-coated. Substantially all of the shank or of the fastener, as a whole, is further coated with a polymeric material to resist corrosion, to improve ease of driving the fastener, and to increase holding power of the fastener when driven through a wood, plywood, or plasterboard workpiece and then through a steel framing member. Substantially all of the shank or of the fastener, as a whole, may be thus coated with the polymeric material. The polymeric material softens and flows upon penetration and rehardens.

Abstract: A steel fastener has an elongate shank, an enlarged head formed at one end of the shank, and a generally pointed tip formed at the other end of the shank. A grooved portion of the shank is formed with helical grooves defining helical ribs and with annular grooves defining annular rings. The shank has a cylindrical portion between the grooved portion and the tip and a cylindrical portion between the grooved portion and the head. Each of the annular grooves has a root where deepest and each of the annular rings has a crest where largest. The roots define an imaginary cone diverging toward the tip. The crests define an imaginary cone converging toward the tip. The shank has an exterior surface coated with a polymeric coating, which is formed from an aqueous composition containing a water-based acrylic resin and a water-based polyurethane resin. A zinc layer and a chromate conversion layer are provided between the polymeric coating and the exterior surface of the shank.

Abstract: A building assembly comprises a wooden board, a metal framing member, and a fastener having an elongate shank, an enlarged head, and a generally pointed end and fastening the board to the framing member. The shank has a ringed portion with annular grooves defining annular rings having a uniform, outer diameter, helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves, a cylindrical land having a smaller diameter and dividing the ringed portion into an axially longer subportion nearer to the tip and an axially shorter subportion nearer the head, a cylindrical land between the tip and the ringed portion, and a cylindrical land between the head and the ringed portion. The fastener is driven through the board and through the framing member wall so that the head bears against the board, so that the tip and the shank form, from the wall of the framing member, a generally annular lip projecting toward the tip and so that the lip is disposed around the cylindrical land dividing the ringed portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly formed of molded plastic components and comprising helically grooved studs interference fitted into smooth walled cylindrical bores.

Abstract: A building assembly comprises a wooden board, a metal framing member, and a fastener having an elongate shank, an enlarged head, and a generally pointed end and fastening the board to the framing member. The shank has a ringed portion with annular grooves defining annular rings having a uniform, outer diameter, helical grooves intersecting the annular grooves, a cylindrical land having a smaller diameter and dividing the ringed portion into an axially longer subportion nearer to the tip and an axially shorter subportion nearer the head, a cylindrical land between the tip and the ringed portion, and a cylindrical land between the head and the ringed portion. The fastener is driven through the board and through the framing member wall so that the head bears against the board, so that the tip and the shank form, from the wall of the framing member, a generally annular lip projecting toward the tip and so that the lip is disposed around the cylindrical land dividing the ringed portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a head, having a controlled predetermined shape, on an end of an elongate member, such as a wire, which is formed into a fastener, where an end portion of the wire is secured in a predetermined position and axially compressed so as to expand a predetermined amount of wire material radially outwardly and thereby form the head on the wire, and where material flow is directed during axial compression so as to provide the controlled predetermined shape of the head.

Abstract: A framing member having first and second opposed inner flanges connected by a substantially flat web. The framing member further has first and second opposed outer flanges located outboard of the first and second inner flanges, respectively and centrally connected to the first and second inward flanges by first and second secondary webs. An object may be secured to the framing member by driving a nail through the object and into a channel formed between a pair of the inner and outer flanges so that the nail shaft forcibly contacts and is held securely by both flanges.

Abstract: An impact drivable fastener, suitable for fastening sheet metal articles, includes a shank extending from a tip (10) at one end, which tip is adapted to be driven through a metal sheet, and a head (10) at the other end. A large pitch multi-start thread formation (11), including ribs separated by flutes, is formed on a part of the shank. The depth of the flutes and the height of the ribs increases uniformly from zero at the starting end of the formation nearer to the tip to maximum values at a position adjacent the head.

Abstract: A fastener comprising an elongate shank having a workpiece engaging end and a driving end. The shank is provided with at least one protrusion characterized by having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is oriented in a direction non-parallel to any plane containing the longitudinal axis of the shank. The angle subtended between the leading edge and the longitudinal axis towards the driving end is less than 90 degrees and chosen such that, in use, the fastener may be driven into the workpiece, the angle subtended between the trailing edge and the longitudinal axis towards the driving end being such that the trailing edge resists removal of the fixing member from the workpiece. Preferably the protrusion is welded to the shank.

Abstract: A securing device is provided which comprises a fastening element and a tightening member, the device being suitable for fastening furniture panels together. Features are incorporated in the fastening element which improve the quality of the joint which can be achieved between two panels. These include forming helically extending ribs on the leading end of the fastening element which enable it to be pushed into a bore in a member to be fastened, while turning it through a small angle to provide some resistance to axial forces tending to pull the fastening element out. Other features are fins which act to stop the insertion of the fastening element at a predetermined depth and which engage with the second panel to inhibit rotation of the fastening element, the fins being arranged in such a way that they disappear into the second panel allowing the two panels to come into full contact with one another when the joint is secured.

Abstract: A nail is adapted to be inserted in a solid material with a wire hooked to the nail in such a way so that the wire is inserted with the nail into the solid material. The nail is crosswise perforated with grooves on each side of the nail to provide a tight pathway for the wire.

Abstract: A screw threaded insert to be installed in for example thermoplastic material by ultrasonic vibrations applied to the insert is double-ended and comprises a main helically ribbed portion separated from a minor portion formed with teeth or projections aligned with helical ribs, and a pilot portion. The pilot portion is to locate the insert in a performed bore in the required orientation of insertion, the toothed portion displaces material in complementary grooves, so as to facilitate travel of the insert into the material and ensure good filling of the inter-rib spaces.

Abstract: A screw threaded insert to be installed in for example thermoplastic material by ultrasonic vibrations applied to the insert is double-ended and comprises a main helically ribbed portion separated from a minor portion formed with teeth or projections aligned with helical ribs, and a pilot portion. The pilot portion is to locate the insert in a performed bore in the required orientation of insertion, the toothed portion displaces material in complementary grooves, so as to facilitate travel of the insert into the material and ensure good filling of the inter-rib spaces.