Patent ID: 6860691
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: F16B

Abstract:
1. 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, the fastener having a shank extending from the head to the distal end along a longitudinal axis, the shank being provided with a pair of interleaved helical threads extending radially outwardly from the shank, each of the threads having a distally facing surface and a proximally facing surface; (b) a continuous, expandable helical coil member wound around the shank of the threaded fastener and being located between the threads, 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, the thread-contacting surface generally facing one of the distal and proximal ends 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 a connection between the coil member and the fastener, thereby maintaining the coil member in its radially compressed form at least until the coil member is substantially completely threaded into the substrate.