Patent ID: 6276883
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
An expandable fastener assembly for insertion into a substrate, comprising:(a) a threaded fastener having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being provided with a head having turning means, the fastener having a shank extending from the head to the distal end along a longitudinal axis, the shank being provided with a helical thread extending radially outwardly from the shank, said thread having a first surface generally facing the distal end and a second surface generally facing the proximal end;(b) a continuous, expandable helical coil member wound around the shank of the threaded fastener, the coil member having a radially inwardly facing portion and a radially outwardly facing portion with a thread-contacting surface extending between the inwardly and outwardly facing portions and generally facing the distal end of the fastener wherein, prior to insertion of the fastener assembly into the substrate, the coil member is in a radially compressed form; and(c) releasable securing means by which the coil member is releasably secured in its radially compressed form, along at least a portion of its length, to the shank of the fastener, wherein the releasable securing means maintains the connection between the coil member and the fastener, thereby maintaining the coil member in its radially compressed form at least until the fastener assembly is completely or substantially completely threaded into the substrate.