Abstract:
A fastening system provides for connecting structural members with blind fasteners. The fasteners are movably positionable along an elongated opening of a chamber, such as a channel, anchored with the structural members. A structural member may have multiple chambers. The fasteners are constructed with a holding portion of elongated members. The elongated members are movable for insertion into the chamber and for engaging the opposed margins of the channel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/696,332, filed Oct. 29, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/418,448, filed Apr. 17, 2003, each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates generally to fastening systems and structural members and, in particular, to fastening systems including a blind fastener.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0007]     The general concept of fastening is the fixing or bringing together of two distinct items or devices with a fastener. In the positioning of an element with a structural member, such as a wall, ceiling, floor, substrate or other supporting structure, one particular type of fastener, generally known as a blind fastener, allows positioning of the element without access to one side of the structural member. The blind fastener accomplishes this fastening by allowing a holding portion and a rod (e.g., a stud, bolt, or the like) to be inserted through an aperture in the structural member, and then resists removal of the holding portion through the aperture. There have been fasteners known in the past that are moved through an aperture in a structural member during insertion and, thereafter, resist removal of the fastener.  
         [0008]     One type of blind fastener is what is known as a toggle bolt. The general concept of a toggle bolt is a bolt with a nut having pivotally attached elongated members or wings. The wings of the toggle bolt retract during passage through the aperture and, thereafter, spring open or expand to resist removal of the bolt back through the aperture. Examples of toggle bolts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,024,871; 4,793,755; 4,997,327; 5,209,621; 5,224, 807; and 6,203,260. Three characteristics of the toggle bolt are (1) each wing&#39;s bearing line area or contact with the blind side of the structural member, (2) the plurality of components for “spring” pivoting action of each wing, and (3) the sizing of the aperture, having an area larger than the cross-sectional area of the bolt, to allow insertion of the wings in their retracted position.  
         [0009]     Another type of blind fastener is what is known as a “molly bolt,” also known as a “hollow wall anchor.” The general concept of a molly bolt is a bolt connected to a body having a pair of elongated members or wings and two housings. The housings are initially spaced apart from one another with the ends of each wing being in contact with one of the housings. During insertion of the molly bolt, the wings are retracted towards the bolt. Then, after insertion, as the housings are moved closer to each other, the wings extend outwardly. The general operation of the molly bolt is discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,888,156; 4,152,968; 4,307,598; and 5,509,765. While molly bolts need not have a spring to extend the wings outwardly, two characteristics of the molly bolt design are (1) precision insertion of the body to ensure proper deformation of the wings for the desired structural support, and (2) precision threading and deforming of the wings to, once again, allow the desired structural support.  
         [0010]     Other types of blind fasteners include those proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,840, issued to Kurlander, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,466, issued to Rudnicki, et al., along with rivets. The &#39;840 Kurlander patent proposes a fastener having a nut integral with an elastomeric conical member adapted to deform or collapse radially and longitudinally when compressed. Upon insertion of the fastener through an aperture in a structural member, the elastomeric conical collapses radially inwardly. After insertion, the bolt is threaded with the integral nut and the elastomeric conical member collapses in a longitudinal direction against the structural member.  
         [0011]     The &#39;466 Rudnicki patent, concerned with loading by an anchoring assembly or holding portion of fastener on the structural member, proposes that the radial distance between the points of support provided by an anchoring assembly and the bolt are too short for large loads. (Col. 1, lns. 45-58). The &#39;466 Rudnicki patent proposes a fastener assembly to extend the radial distance between the points of support provided by the anchoring assembly and the bolt as a solution to this loading concern. (Col. 4, lns. 16-26). The proposed fastener assembly includes a face plate, an anchoring assembly, and a positioner. The face plate is positioned on a surface of the structural member. The anchoring assembly includes a base portion and a support structure. Upon insertion of the anchoring assembly through an aperture in the structural member, the support structure extends outwardly from the base portion to three or more radially equidistant regions isolated from the peripheral edge of the aperture in the structural member.  
         [0012]     It would be desirable to provide a simple, yet effective, repositionable fastening system that provides desirable flexibility and structural support to fasten an element to a structural member. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a fastener that optimizes the bearing area to distribute the loading by the holding portion on the fastening system.  
         [0013]     It would also be desirable to provide a fastener that could use an off-the-shelf nut in combination with any desired length, style and/or size of threaded rod with a holding portion of limited components to reduce manufacturing and inventory costs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     According to one embodiment of the invention, a fastening system adapted for use with a structural member having a chamber with an elongated opening is provided. The fastening system includes opposed margins attached with a structural member and a fastener configured to be restrained by the opposed margins. The fastener can be positioned in a variety of locations within the chamber. The fastener can also be selectively repositioned in various positions along the opening.  
         [0015]     According to another embodiment of the invention, a structural member adapted for use with a fastener is provided. The structural member includes a mass of material having one or more chambers, each having opposed margins. Each chamber includes an elongated opening on a first side defined by the opposed margins. The elongated opening is sized to receive fasteners configured to be restrained by the opposed margins. The elongated opening accepts repositioning of fasteners at several locations within the chamber.  
         [0016]     According to still another embodiment of the invention, a holding portion of a fastener for fastening an element to a structural member in a chamber with an elongated opening is provided. The holding portion includes a plurality of elongated members and a compression member positioned with the elongated members. The elongated members are moveable between an insertion position and a predetermined extended position, and each includes a lip. The compression member resists a movement from the predetermined extended position to the insertion position. The elongated members move to the predetermined extended position upon positioning the compression member about the plurality of elongated members. When the plurality of elongated members are assembled with the compression member, the holding portion includes a restriction recess, configured to receive the nut and to restrict a rotation of the nut with a wall substantially parallel to a side of the nut when the holding portion is in the predetermined extended position. When the elongated members are assembled with the compression member, the holding portion also includes a throughway sized to receive a rod, which is configured to engage the nut. When the elongated members are assembled with the compression member in the predetermined extended position, the lips of at least two elongated members are received in the elongated opening.  
         [0017]     According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method for making a structural member is provided. The method includes providing a form and positioning opposed margins within the form so that the opposed margins define an elongated opening. A non-solid version of a structural material is provided into the form after blocking the elongated opening.  
         [0018]     According to still yet another embodiment of the invention, a method for fastening an element to a structural member is provided. This method includes positioning opposed margins with the structural member to provide an elongated opening and positioning a holding portion of a fastener and a portion of a rod of a fastener in a chamber of the structural member. The fastener includes a plurality of elongated members. This method further includes engaging at least one of the elongated members with each margin. This method also includes supporting the element with the rod extending from the structural member when the elongated members are in the extended position. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is one embodiment of an internally threaded holding portion of a fastener usable with various embodiments of the present invention, shown in a perspective view;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional elevational view of the holding portion of the fastener taken across line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, shown in  FIG. 1 , in the insertion position while being inserted through an aperture in a structural member using a threaded rod;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, similar to  FIG. 4 , in the extended position after insertion through the aperture;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of the embodiment of the extended holding portion of the fastener, similar to  FIG. 5 , in the engaged or bearing position to position the element, shown in the phantom view, using a washer and nut threadably received on the threaded rod;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is another embodiment of an internally threaded holding portion of a fastener, shown in a cross-sectional elevation view;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener of  FIG. 7 , after insertion through an aperture in a structural member, using a threaded bolt along with a tapered sleeve and a spacer of predetermined length to move the holding portion to the extended position upon tightening the bolt head of the bolt with the holding portion;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is an illustration of the embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, similar to  FIG. 9 , in the extended position and engaged or bearing position after the holding portion is threaded upon the bolt;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is yet another embodiment of the holding portion of a fastener in a predetermined extended position, shown in a cross-sectional view with a part of the holding portion shown in phantom view, and the bolt shown in elevational view;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , with the holding portion shown in the insertion position while being inserted through an aperture in a structural member;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , with the holding portion shown in the predetermined extended and engaged or bearing position and element shown in phantom view;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is an end view of the embodiment of the fastener taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  with the holding portion shown in solid lines when in the predetermined extended position and shown in phantom view when in the insertion position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is an embodiment of the holding portion of a fastener usable with various embodiments of the invention, shown in a cross-sectional view, having a recess to receive a nut and with the holding portion shown in a predetermined extended position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  is an embodiment of the fastener taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 17  is an embodiment of the fastener taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  is an embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, as shown in  FIG. 15 , in the insertion position while being inserted through an aperture in a structural member using a threaded bolt;  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is an embodiment of the holding portion of the fastener, as shown in  FIG. 15 , in the predetermined extended position and in the engaged or bearing position after the holding portion is threaded with the bolt;  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  shows some exemplary threaded rods for use with the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  is an elevational view of the holding portion of the fastener of  FIG. 15  in the insertion position, similar to  FIG. 18 , to better illustrate the compression member positioned with the housing of the holding portion;  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  is an elevational view of the holding portion of the fastener of  FIG. 15  with the holding portion in the predetermined extended position;  
         [0042]      FIG. 23  is a view of the holding portion taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 22 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 24A  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a channel anchored in a mass of structural material to form a chamber with a layer of material overlying the channel at the opening;  
         [0044]      FIG. 24B  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a channel in a mass of structural material;  
         [0045]      FIG. 24C  is a view of an embodiment of a fastener usable with various embodiments of the invention, shown in a cross-sectional view in the channel of  FIG. 24A , with the holding portion in a predetermined extended position inside the chamber and an element shown in phantom view;  
         [0046]      FIG. 25  is a view of the channel and the holding portion taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24C ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the holding portion taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 24C ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the holding portion taken along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 24C ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 28  is an elevational view of the fastener of  FIG. 24C  in the extended position;  
         [0050]      FIG. 29  is an elevational view of the fastener of  FIG. 24C  in the insertion position entering the opposed margins, shown in phantom view;  
         [0051]      FIG. 30  is a cutaway view taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29 ;  
         [0052]      FIG. 31  is an elevational view of a wall and a door, with a cutaway view of a stairwell showing various channels each with one or more fasteners;  
         [0053]      FIG. 32  is an elevational view of a wall, a floor, and an upright support showing various channels, each with one or more fasteners;  
         [0054]      FIG. 33  is an elevational view of a ceiling with hanging equipment or elements and a wall and a wall-to-wall connection showing various channels and configurations, including a ceiling channel connected to reinforcing elements, each channel having one or more fasteners;  
         [0055]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the wall-to-wall connection, taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 ; and  
         [0056]      FIG. 35  is a top view of a form for making a structural member according to embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0057]      FIGS. 1 through 6 , generally show a first embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 1 , a holding portion  20  includes a housing  30  and a plurality of elongated members or wings  40 . In this embodiment, each of the four equidistance elongated members  40  is bent radially outwardly into an extended position. A resilience in the material of the elongated members  40  tends to keep elongated members  40  in this extended position—for example, resisting a radial inwardly compression. Material for the elongated members  40  can include, but is not limited to, various forms of metal (e.g., aluminum), plastics, and the like. At the end of each plurality of elongated members  40  are end areas  48 , which together make up an end surface area  44 . The end surface area  44  is arranged and configured to serve as a bearing surface, which will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 6  below.  
         [0058]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the housing  30  of the holding portion  20  includes an outside diameter  34 , an inside diameter  36 , and a length of engagement  32 . The length of engagement  32  in this embodiment is the length of the housing  30  that is adapted for engaging or coupling with a rod  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the housing  30  is internally threaded with internally threaded roots  33  and internally threaded crests  35 . As such, the engagement with the rod  50  in this embodiment will be a threaded coupling. While housing  30  is internally threaded in this embodiment, it is contemplated that housing  30  in other embodiments may be adapted to couple with the rod  50  in other manners, for example, via fixed attachments, clamped attachment, rivets and the like. As should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the length of engagement  32  can be a variety of different lengths depending on factors including, but not limited to, the material used in the housing  30 , the material used in the rod  50 , the coupling technique, and intended load to be supported by the holding portion  20 . The length of engagement  32  is preferably greater than one-third of a length of a perimeter of the cross-sectional area of the rod  50 . In this embodiment, the perimeter is the diameter of the rod  50  multiplied by the geometric constant, pi (roughly 3.14). Therefore, the length of engagement  32  in this embodiment is preferably equal to or greater than the diameter of the rod  50  (greater than one-third of a length of a perimeter of the cross-sectional area of the rod  50 ). As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the length of the perimeter of the cross-sectional area can change with different shapes for the cross-sectional area of the rod  50 —for example, ovals, triangles, squares, rectangles, and the like. It is to be expressly understood that the length of engagement  32  in other embodiments can be less than one-third of a length of a perimeter of the cross-sectional area of the rod  50 . In such embodiments, the coupling technique and material used in the holding portion  20  and/or rod  50  can define the length. Further discussion of the length of engagement  32  follows below with reference to  FIG. 6 .  
         [0059]     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , the outside diameter  34  defines a cross-sectional area for housing  30 , while the inside diameter  36  defines a cross-sectional area corresponding to the rod  50 . As both the rod  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and housing  30  are threaded in this embodiment, the inside diameter  36  corresponds to the “major diameter” of the internally threaded portion of the housing  30  (e.g., root to root in the internally threaded housing  30  or crest to crest in the externally threaded rod  50 ).  
         [0060]     Moving to  FIG. 3 , as referenced above, the inside diameter  36  of the holding portion  20  in this embodiment corresponds to the internally threaded root to root of the internally threaded portion of the housing  30 . A minor diameter  38  is seen extending from crest to crest of the internally threaded crest  35  of the housing  30 .  
         [0061]     With general reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the circular area defined by the outside diameter  34  in this embodiment is substantially equivalent to the inside diameter  36  plus the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40 . In other words, as best shown in  FIG. 1 , the end surface area  44  (total of end areas  48 ) in this embodiment is substantially an annulus area between the circular area defined by the outside diameter  34  and the inside diameter  36 —each of the end areas  48  shaped as an annular arc. While the annular arcs of the shaped end areas  48  in this embodiment are shown with small gaps between them, it is contemplated that in other embodiments even smaller gaps will exist.  
         [0062]     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , an illustration of the differences in cross-sectional areas is shown. When the aperture  65  in the structural member  60  is sized a cross-sectional area the same size as the housing  30  (just allowing the housing  30  to pass through the aperture  65 ), the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40  will be substantially the same area as the difference between the cross-sectional area of the aperture  65  and the cross-sectional area of the rod  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). With this configuration, a maximum end surface area  44  can be extended through the aperture  65  ( FIG. 4 ), allowing a reduced bearing force per surface area—for example, a larger area to distribute a load. Note that the aperture  65  can be a portion of a larger opening, as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 24A-35 , so any reference to the aperture  65  also refers to the elongated opening  401 .  
         [0063]     While the end surface area  44  described in the above embodiment is the difference between the area defined by the outside diameter  34  and the area defined by the inside diameter  36 , it is contemplated that in more complex embodiments the end surface area  44  of end areas  48  of the plurality of elongated members  40  can exceed the area defined by the outside diameter  34  of the housing  30 . For example, the holding portion  20  could be a frustum of a cone with a cylindrical bore extending the longitudinal distance of the holding portion  20 —for example, corresponding to the diameter of the rod  50 . In such an embodiment, the outside diameter  34  could start at the apex of the frustum of the cone and enlarge towards the base. The end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40  can be the difference between the area defined by the diameter of the base of the frustum of the cone and the internal diameter of the cylindrical bore extending to the base. With this “frustum of a cone” embodiment, the end surface area  44 , similar to that described with reference to the above embodiment, can be the difference between the cross-sectional area of the aperture  65  and the cross-sectional area of the rod  50 .  
         [0064]     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the holding portion  20  is shown in an insertion position, being pushed through the aperture  65  in the structural member  60 . The rod  50  is shown threaded to the housing  30  along a length of engagement  32  of the housing  30  of the holding portion  20 . The rod  50 , while shown in this embodiment as a threaded stud, in other embodiments can include a bolt, a smooth stud, a rivet and the like. And, with each of the different types of rods  50  used, the holding portion  20  can be adapted for an appropriate coupling.  
         [0065]     The insertion of the holding portion  20  through the aperture  65  of the structural member  60  will radially urge or compress the plurality of elongated members  40  inwardly, against the above-referenced resilience to stay in an outwardly extended position-such that the elongated members  40  almost lay flush with the rod  50 . Once again, as discussed above, in this embodiment the cross-sectional area of the inside diameter  36  of the housing  30  and the end surface area  44  of the plurality of elongated members  40  together are substantially the same as the cross-sectional area, defined by the outside diameter  34  of the housing  30 . With this configuration, the bearing area of the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the plurality of elongated members  40  can be substantially the difference between a cross-sectional area of the aperture  65  and the rod  50 , where the cross-sectional area defined by the outside diameter  34  is the same as the cross-sectional area of the aperture  65 —just allowing the holding portion  20  to pass therethrough.  
         [0066]     It should be expressly understood that while the holding portion  20  has been shown with a circular cross-sectional area in this embodiment, in other embodiments the cross-sectional area can take on different shapes e.g., squares, rectangles, triangles, etc., which can ultimately depend on the rod  50  being used and the aperture  65  through which the holding portion  20  will be inserted.  
         [0067]      FIG. 5  shows the holding portion  20  moving back to a memory position after insertion through the aperture  65 . The memory position in this embodiment is the extended position caused by the resilience in the material of the holding portion  20  tending to urge the plurality of elongated members  40  into the extended position.  
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows the holding portion  20  in a bearing position with the surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . In bringing the holding portion  20  into contact with the blind surface area  62  from the position shown in  FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the elongated members  40  and housing  30  can maintain a positional relationship with the rod  50 —that is, the rod  50  need not be further threaded through the housing  30  of the holding portion  20 . Rather, the holding portion  20  coupled to the rod  50  can be brought into the bearing position by pulling the rod  50  until the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40  contacts the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . An element  70  can be mounted to the rod  50 ; and, then by maintaining tension of the rod  50 , a washer  80  and nut  90  can be threaded on the rod  50  to bring the element  70  into contact with an exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 . The friction force of the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  with the blind surface area  62  prevents rotation of the holding portion  20 . With this maintenance of positional relationship, no further access is needed on the blind side of the structural member  60 . For example, the rod  50  in this embodiment need not be further threaded through the housing  30  to bring the holding portion  20  into a bearing position with the blind surface area  62 . Additionally, the rod  50  in this embodiment need not be further threaded through the housing  30  to bring the element  70  into contact with the exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 . As such, the holding portion  20  in this embodiment is particularly helpful when limited access or space is available on the blind side of the structural member  60 . While this positional relationship has been described with reference to this embodiment, it is to be expressly understood that further threading through the housing  30  of the holding portion  20  can occur, if desired, as will be described with reference to other embodiments below.  
         [0069]     The holding portion  20  through many of the features described herein is configured to resist removal of the rod  50 . In this resistance of the removal of the rod  50 , forces are transmitted from the rod  50  through the length of engagement  32  to the elongated members  40 , forcing the elongated members  40  into a bearing position with a blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . Thus, in the structural design of the holding portion  20 , consideration is given to the following: (1) the length of engagement  32  in coupling the rod  50  to the housing  30  to withstand a loss of such coupling, (2) the elongated members  40  to withstand buckling, and (3) the bearing surface area between the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  and the blind surface area  62  to withstand crushing (e.g., a point load failure from too much force per unit area) of the structural member  60 . In the embodiment described herein, the length of engagement  32  is threaded at a length for a predetermined design load. As such, a specified number of threads and/or specified length of engagement  32  should be used to ensure that the housing  30  does not disengage with the rod  50  when a pull force is applied to the rod  50 . For example, with reference to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , stripping (a disengagement) can occur either in the internal threads of the housing  30  or in the external threads of the rod  50 . As such, the length of engagement  32  in this embodiment has a length large enough to resist this stripping. Preferably, as referenced above, the length of engagement  32  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  is greater than the diameter of the rod  50 . As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the length of engagement  32  can increase to account for a difference of materials between the housing  30  and the rod  50 . For example, one of the threaded portions (either the housing  30  or the rod  50 ) could have a material such as plastic while the other threaded portion (either the housing  30  or the rod  50 ) could have a material such as steel, the plastic generally deforming at a lower load than the steel. The increase in the length of engagement  32  distributes a design load along the length of engagement  32  resisting the stripping of either the internal threads for the housing  30  or the external threads for the rod  50 —regardless of whether the weaker material (the one which deforms first) is in the housing  30  or the rod  50 .  
         [0070]     To resist buckling in the elongated members  40 , several buckling factors should be considered, including the length of the elongated members  40 . Generally, for a given material, as the length in the elongated members  40  increase, so should the cross-sectional area of that elongated member  40  to adequately prevent buckling. Additionally, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , a curvature in the elongated members  40  helps resist buckling. As can be seen in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , each of the elongated members  40  has a curvature that is arced. The structural benefits of such an arced configuration in resistance to buckling should become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, by illustration, a piece of paper on a desk sat on its end can resist more compressive strength by being curved into an arc rather than by simply being set planarly straight up. While an arced curvature is shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  as a preferred curvature, it is contemplated that other forms of curvature can be used—for example, different angles of bending including bending at right angles and corrugated designs.  
         [0071]     To resist a crushing of the structural member  60 , the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40  is maximized (while not sacrificing simplicity of design) to distribute the load over the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . Preferably, this end surface area  44  will be the difference between a cross-sectional area of the aperture  65  and the cross-area of the rod  50  to be inserted in the aperture  65 . In the bearing contact of the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40 , this embodiment will always have at least three of the end areas  48  of the elongated members  40  in contact with the blind surface area  62 . Additionally, it is contemplated that end areas  48  can be angled, similar to the end areas  48 B, described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 11-14  below.  
         [0072]     As an illustrative use of the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , a rod  50  is inserted through an aperture  65  in a structural member  60  to fasten an element  70  to the structural member  60 . The rod  50  can be any of the commercially available rods  50  described, including, but not limited to, bolts, threaded studs, smooth studs, rivets and the like. The structural member  60  can be any number of structures—for example, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, a door, a circuit board, plastic pieces, boards, substrates, etc. Likewise, the element  70  can be any number of items, including another structural member  60 . Generally, the structural member  60  and element  70  are two distinct “things,” which are desired to be coupled to one another-preferably as shown in several embodiments of the invention, the element  70  being coupled or fastened to the structural member  60 . The desired configuration and size of the rod  50  and holding portion  20  can be defined by the intended use. In this embodiment, the rod  50  is initially coupled to the housing  30  (the coupling contact being at the length of engagement  32 ) of the holding portion  20 . The coupling of the rod  50  to the housing  30  can take on one of many coupling techniques, generally described herein, which should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The coupling technique in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  is a threaded coupling. At rest, the elongated members  40  are urged outwardly in an extended position by the resilience in the material. After coupling the rod  50  to the holding portion  20 , the rod  50  and holding portion  20  are inserted into the aperture  65 , whereupon the aperture  65  radially compresses the outwardly urged elongated members  40  inwardly into an insertion position. After insertion through the aperture  65 , the elongated members  40  return to their memory position-their outwardly urged extended position. An element  70  can then be received on the end of the rod  50  adjacent to an exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 , whereupon the rod  50  is pulled partially back through the aperture  65  allowing the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  to come into a bearing position with the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . The friction force between the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  and the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60  resists rotation of the holding portion  20 . Therefore, the rod  50  maintains a positional relationship with the holding portion  20 . A washer  80  and nut  90  are then threaded on the rod  50  engaging the element  70  with the exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 . The holding portion  20  resists removal of the rod  50  through a length of engagement  32  in the housing  30  of the holding portion to the elongated members  40 , which distribute their load over the end surface area  44  of the end areas  48  on the blind surface area  62 —reducing the bearing force per area on the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 .  
         [0073]     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 , the holding portion  20 A includes an annular notch  100 , which helps define movement of the four equidistant elongated members  40 A between an insertion position and an extended position. As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , the at rest position of the elongated members  40  is an insertion position.  
         [0074]     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , at the end of each of the elongated members  40 A is a tapered interior end  110  which, as will be described below, facilitates the urging of the elongated members  40  to an extended position.  
         [0075]     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the holding portion  20 A, coupled to a rod  50 A, is in an insertion position after being pushed through the aperture  65  of the structural member  60 . In this embodiment, the rod  50 A is shown as a bolt with a bolt head  52 A. Thus, to urge the elongated members  40 A to an extended position (as seen in  FIG. 10 ), a tapered sleeve  120  and, if needed, a spacer  130  can be inserted after the insertion of the holding portion  20 A. The tapered sleeve  120  can take on a variety of shapes, depending on the configuration and design of the elongated members  40 A. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered sleeve  120  has a circular cross-sectional area. To facilitate the alignment of this tapered sleeve  120 , each of the elongated members  40 A, as referenced above, includes a tapered interior end  110 , which is adapted to receive the tapered sleeve  120 . In addition to urging the elongated members  40 A into an extended position, the tapered sleeve  120  centers the rod  50 A within the aperture  65 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the structural member  60  may not be known. As such, the spacer  130  can be inserted after the tapered sleeve  120 , facilitating the tapered sleeve  120  in urging the elongated members  40 A to their extended position and centering the rod  50 A in the aperture  65 . The spacer, similar to the tapered sleeve  120 , can take on a variety of shapes. Preferably, the spacer  130  has a circular cross-sectional area with at least one opening to allow the spacer  130  to be placed over and around the rod  50 A.  
         [0076]      FIG. 10  shows the holding portion  20 A in an extended position and a bearing position with the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . This bearing contact of the end surface area  44 A of the end areas  48 A with a blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60  is similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 6 . It is contemplated that spacer(s)  130  of a plurality of lengths would be provided for use with the holding portion  20 A.  
         [0077]     As an illustrative use of the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , a rod  50 A is inserted through the aperture  65  in a structural member  60  to fasten an element  70  to the structural member  60 . Similar to the illustrative use, described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  above, the element  70  and structural member  60  can be any number of “things.” In this embodiment, the rod  50 A (such as a bolt) can be inserted through the washer  80 , the element  70 , the tapered sleeve  120 , and, if needed, spacer(s)  130 . Then, the rod  50 A can be threaded along the length of engagement  32 A of the housing  30 A of the holding portion  20 A, whereupon the holding portion  20 A and a portion of the rod  50 A are inserted through the aperture  65  in the structural member  60 . The tapered sleeve  120 , and, if needed, spacer(s)  130 , can then be moved down the rod  50 A and further into the aperture  65 , centering the rod  50 A and urging the elongated members  40 A to an extended position. As discussed, if needed, one or more spacers  130  can be inserted after the tapered sleeve  120  by inserting the spacer  130  over and around the rod  50 A in contact with the tapered sleeve  120 . The rod  50 A can then be partially be pulled back through the aperture  65  bringing the end surface area  44 A of the elongated members  40 A into the bearing position with the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . Friction forces of the end surface area  44 A of the end areas  48 A with the blind surface area  62  and friction forces with the tapered sleeve  120  helps resist rotation of the holding portion  20 A. To bring the element  70  into contact with an exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 , the rod  50 A can be further rotated through the housing  30 A of the holding portion  20 A. To increase resistance between the holding portion  20 A and the rod  50 A, tension can be maintained on the rod  50 A while threading to increase the friction force between end surface area  44 A of the end areas  48 A and the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . Additionally, the tapered sleeve  120  can be designed of a high friction material, such that friction is created both between the tapered sleeve  120  and the aperture  65  and the tapered sleeve  120  and the elongated members  40 A. As will now be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the threaded rod  50  of  FIGS. 1-6  can be interchanged with the bolt described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 .  
         [0078]     With reference to  FIGS. 11-14 , another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, as generally shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a rod  50 B has a holding portion  20 B slidingly coupled thereto. The rod  50 B in this embodiment has a shoulder  170 , a reduced diameter neck  150 , and a head  140 . The holding portion  20 B in this embodiment includes two elongated members  40 B, a compression member  200 , and a housing  30 B, which moves slidingly with respect to the neck  150  of the rod  50 B. The two elongated members  40 B are semicircular halves, which will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 14  below. The housing  30 B includes a first shoulder  160  and a second shoulder  180 . The compression member  200  is positioned and designed to create a radially compressive force on an end of the holding portion  20 B, adjacent to the second shoulder  180 . When the holding portion  20 B is in a predetermined extended position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the two elongated members  40  are moved outwardly to the predetermined extended position until the housing surface or shoulders  41  engage the neck  150  and the housing  30 B slides towards the head  140  with the second shoulder  180  preferably mating flush therewith. Upon insertion of holding portion  20 B and rod SOB into an aperture  65 , the two elongated members  40 B are compressed radially inwardly into an insertion position, expanding the compression member  200 . The housing  30 B slides towards the shoulder  170  of the rod  50 B, with the first shoulder  160  preferably mating flush therewith.  
         [0079]     With reference to  FIGS. 11-14 , the ends of each of the elongated members  40 B include lips  190 , which have been configured to center the holding portion  20 B (and hence, the rod  50 B) in a central location within the aperture  65 . The lips  190  in this embodiment contact an annular surface area  67  (best seen in  FIG. 13 ) of the aperture  65 . In  FIG. 14 , the lips  190  are shown contacting the annular surface area  67  (shown in phantom) at an upper and lower part of the annular surface area  67 . To help ensure that the lips  190  comes in contact with the annular surface area  67 , a tension wire  210  can be utilized. The tension wire  210  in this embodiment is put through a loop (best seen in  FIGS. 12 and 14 ) inside a wrench flat  220  at the end of the rod  50 . The loop in the wrench flat  220  is preferably smaller than the diameter of the rod  50 B; and, when the rod  50  is threaded as shown, preferably smaller than a minor diameter  38  (for example, seen in  FIG. 3 ). As seen in  FIG. 12 , as the rod  50 B and holding portion  20 B are inserted through the aperture  65  in the direction, indicated by arrow  500 , the tension wire  210  is pulled to ensure that the elongated members  40 B are not inadvertently pushed through the aperture  65 . As soon as tips  46 B of the elongated members  40 B clear the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 , the compression member  200  automatically urges the lips  190  for contact with the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 .  
         [0080]     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the end areas  48 B of the two elongated members  40 B can be seen. In  FIG. 14 , the end areas  48 B extend just beyond the circumference  69  (shown in phantom) of the cross-sectional area of the aperture  65 . The end areas  48 B in this embodiment have an angled configuration which allows full bearing contact with the blind surface area  62 .  
         [0081]     Turning once again to  FIG. 13 , the tension wire  210  can provide the force necessary to establish friction force between the end areas  48 B and blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 —thus, allowing the nut  90  to be threaded on the rod  50 B, while the holding portion  20 B maintains its positional relationship with the bolt or rod  50 B. As an additional aid, a wrench (not shown) can be clamped on to the wrench flats  220  helping to maintain the positional relationship of the holding portion  20 B with the bolt or rod  50 B by preventing rotation of the rod  50 B.  
         [0082]     As an illustrative example of the use of the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 11-14 , a rod  50 B having a housing  30 B, coupled thereto is inserted into the aperture  65 , whereupon the elongated members  40 B are compressed radially inward into an insertion position. Upon clearance of tips  46 B of the elongated members  40 B of the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 , the compression member  200  urges the lips  190  into contact with the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 . Then, an element  70  can be received on the rod  50 B, whereupon a force is applied on the tension wire  210  bringing the end areas  48 B into a bearing position for full bearing contact. While maintaining tension on the tension wire  210  (to increase the friction force between the end areas  48 B and the blind surface area  62 ), a washer  80  and nut  90  are inserted on the rod  50 B to threadably mate the element  70  into contact with an exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 . Additionally, a wrench (not shown) can be clamped on to the wrench flats  220  helping to maintain the positional relationship of the holding portion  20 B with the bolt or rod  50 B. The holding portion  20 B resists removal of the rod  50 B through the head  140 , first shoulder  180 , and elongated members  40 B, which have a full distributed load over the end areas  48 B on blind surface area  62 —reducing the bearing force per area of the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 .  
         [0083]     With reference to  FIGS. 15-23 , another embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, as generally shown in  FIG. 15 , a rod  50 C has a nut  300  threadably coupled thereto within a holding portion, generally indicated  20 C. The holding portion  20 C in this embodiment includes elongated members  40 C, a compression member  200 , and a housing  30 C. The nut  300  is positioned within interior formed recess  310  in the housing  30 C. The two elongated members  40 C in this embodiment are each generally semicircular. The housing  30 C forms the exterior of the recess  310 . The compression member  200 , positioned in an annular groove  316  (best seen in  FIG. 21 ), is designed to create a radially compressive force on the end of the holding portion  20 C, adjacent to the housing  30 C. The housing  30 C and elongated members  40 C will preferably be integral and made from zinc, aluminum, brass, steel, or stainless steel. The compression member  200  will preferably be continuous and made from neoprene, steel, or spring wire. As will be explained in detail below, when the holding portion  20 C is in the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 15 , or in the insertion position, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the recess  310  resists rotation of the nut  300 . The angle of the extension of the elongated members  40 C is preferably predetermined. As way of an example, in  FIG. 15 , the predetermined angle of the elongated members  40 C in the extended position is approximately 30°. In  FIG. 18 , the predetermined angle of the elongated members  40 C in the insertion position is approximately 4° or less. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual angles of the predetermined extended position and the insertion position of the elongated members may be any desired angles where the predetermined angle in the insertion position is less than the predetermined angle in the extended position.  
         [0084]     With reference to  FIGS. 15-19 , the end of each of the elongated members  40 C includes lips  190 , which have been configured to center the holding portion  20 C with the aperture  65 . One or more of the lips  190  in this embodiment can come in contact with an annular surface area  67  (best seen in  FIG. 19 ) of the aperture  65 . In  FIG. 19 , while the lips  190  are shown contacting the annular surface area  67  at an upper and lower part of the annular surface area  67 , it may be that only one lip is in contact with the surface area  67 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the rod  50 C and holding portion  20 C are inserted through the aperture  65  in the direction indicated by arrow  600 . As soon as tips  46 C of the elongated members  40 C clear the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 , the compression member  200  urges the lips  190  to the predetermined extended position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that because of housing shoulders  314 , as best seen in  FIGS. 15, 17 ,  18 ,  21 ,  22  and  23 , the lips  190  can be opened to a predetermined extended position where the lips  190  are less than the cross-sectional area of the holding portion  20 C in the insertion position. This approximate cross sectional area of the holding portion  20 C in the insertion position is shown in  FIG. 16 . In other words, because the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65  will be greater than the cross-sectional area of the elongated members  40 C in the insertion position, the holding portion  20 C allows the lips  190  to be received in the aperture  65  from either side of the structural member  60 .  
         [0085]     Turning to  FIGS. 15, 16 , and  18 , the holding portion  20 C includes interior recess  310  having a plurality of angles and sides to correspond to the plurality of angles and sides of the nut  300 . As  FIGS. 15, 16 , and  18  indicate, the nut  300  is blocked from rotation by the interior surface defining the recess  310  in the housing  30 C. As best shown in  FIG. 15 , the holding portion  20 C threadably engages with a rod  50 C via the length of engagement  32  of the nut  300  within the recess  310 . Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that the housing  30 C resists rotation of the nut  300  because of the blocking shoulders  312  in the recess  310  relative to the nut  300 .  
         [0086]     Turning to  FIG. 17 , showing the cross-sectional view of the holding portion  20 C in the predetermined extended position, similar to  FIGS. 15, 19 ,  22  and  23 , the end areas  48 C of the elongated members  40 C can be seen. As discussed above, in the predetermined extended position, the position of the lips  190  are less than the cross-sectional area of the holding portion  20 C in the insertion position. As best shown in  FIG. 19 , the end areas  48 C extend beyond the circumference  69  of the cross-sectional area of the aperture  65 . As also best seen in  FIG. 19 , the end areas  48 C in this embodiment have an angled configuration which allows alignment for full bearing contact with the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 .  
         [0087]     With reference to  FIG. 18 , an element  70  can be mounted to the rod  50 C. The rod  50 C, having a nut  300  threadably coupled thereto along the length of engagement  32  of the nut  300  within a holding portion  20 C, is inserted along direction of arrow  600  into aperture  65 , whereupon the elongated members  40 C are compressed radially inward into an insertion position. Upon clearance of tips  46 C of the elongated members  40 C of the annular surface area  67  of the aperture  65 , the compression member  200  urges the lips  190  outwardly to the predetermined extended position. The rod  50 C is further threaded to the nut  300 , whereupon a tension force is applied by the rod  50 C, bringing the end areas  48 C into a contact and bearing position for bearing contact with surface area  62 . This, in turn, brings the element  70  into contact with exposed surface area  64  of the structural member  60 .  
         [0088]     The holding portion  20 C of this embodiment of the invention (best seen in  FIGS. 15-23 ) has many advantages. First of all, those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the plurality of elongated members  40 C could be identical. Thus, savings in manufacturing and inventory costs can be anticipated as a result of being able to use only one form (or mold), or other way of forming, for the integral housing  30 C and elongated members  40 C for the holding portion  20 C. Additionally, because of the unique configuration of the holding portion  20 C of this embodiment, an off-the-shelf nut  300  could be assembled with the properly sized recess  310  of the holding portion  20 C. This again results in reduction of manufacturing and inventory costs as the nut  300  can be purchased in quantities when needed for assembly with the holding portion  20 C.  
         [0089]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of some exemplary threaded rods for use with an embodiment of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, with this embodiment, any type of threaded rod can be used.  FIG. 20  indicates some typical threaded rods that may be advantageously used with this embodiment, including a flat head bolt  50 D, an allen head bolt  50 E, a half round head bolt  50 F, a counter sunk head bolt  50 G, a phillips head bolt  50 H, a longer phillips head bolt  501 , and a threaded stud  50 J with nut  400 . Of course, the nut  400  could be identical to nut  300 . This again will result in savings in manufacturing and inventory costs. Additionally, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that the holding portion  20 C allows the nut  400  to be threaded on the stud  50 J, while the holding portion  20 C maintains its positional relationship with the stud  50 J and the structured member  60 .  
         [0090]      FIGS. 21-23  provide side and front views of housing shoulders  314  used to limit the extension of the lips  190  to a position less than the cross-sectional area of the holding portion  20 C in the insertion position. Further, as best shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , because the aperture  65  will be greater than the cross-sectional area of the elongated members  40 C in the insertion position, the holding portion  20 C advantageously allows the lips  190  to be received from either side of the structural member  60 . That is, the lips  190  travel in the direction of arrow  600 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , and then when the lips  190  are in the extended position, they travel in the opposite direction from the position shown in  FIG. 22  back into the aperture  65 . Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that the because the lips  190  may be received from either side of the structural member  60 , one or more end areas  48 C may always be brought into a continued and bearing position with the blind surface area  62  of the structural member  60 . In  FIG. 21 , the compression member  200  is positioned in the annular groove  316 . With reference to  FIG. 22 , those skilled in the art will now appreciate that if the aperture  65  is oversized relative to the holding portion  21 C, only one or more of the lips  190  may be in contact with the surface  67  when the holding portion  20 C is in the extended position.  
         [0091]     As used herein, the term “anchored” is defined as being securely positioned within, on, or being made from the underlying material. The term “fastener” is defined as the combination of a holding portion and a rod, equivalent to the holding portions and rods discussed herein. The holding portion can include either an integral length of engagement, such as a threaded portion, or may a separate engaging component, such as a nut.  
         [0092]     With reference to  FIGS. 24A-30 , various embodiments of the invention are shown in whole or in part. In some embodiments, as generally shown in  FIGS. 24A-24C , a cross-section of a channel  410  is shown anchored in a mass or volume of structural material  610 , so as to form a chamber  408  in the structural material  610 . The channel  410  may be formed from the same material as the structural material  610 , or the channel  410  can be made of a different material, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24A-25 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 24A-34  the structural material  610  is concrete, although other materials, including, but not limited to, foam or metal, are contemplated. The channel  410  is preferably a metal, such as steel, iron, or aluminum, plastic, or other resilient material.  
         [0093]     In  FIGS. 24A and 24C , one embodiment of a channel  410  is shown. In this embodiment, rear corners  412  of the channel  410  are shown extending outwardly from the sidewalls  411  of a rear wall  413  of the channel  410 . In this embodiment, the sidewalls  411  tend inwards as they extend rearward until an inflection from which they extend outwardly to form the protrusion of the rear corners  412 . In  FIG. 24B , another embodiment of a channel  410 A is shown. As shown in this embodiment, the rear corners  412 A of the rear wall  413 A extend perpendicularly outwardly from the substantially straight sidewalls  411 A. In other embodiments, the rear corners  412 A extend at other angles with respect to the rear wall  413 A.  
         [0094]     With reference to  FIGS. 24A and 24B , the channel  410  is shown anchored in the structural material  610 . Although  FIGS. 24A-24C  show channel  410  as being embedded within the structure material, it is contemplated that a portion of the channel could extend beyond the surface of the structural material  610 . The channel  410  may also be anchored to an exterior surface of the structural material  610 . Alternatively, the channel  410  can be integral with the structural material  610 , having been formed therein. The channel  410  can be of any dimension, including length, width, depth, or height. The chamber  408  can be formed in the structural material  610  without the channel  410 .  
         [0095]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 24A , a front surface  403  of the structural material  610  is shown being separated from the front side of the channel  410  by a depth  404  of the structural material  610 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 24B , the front surface  403  of the structural material  610  is shown approximately flush with the front side of the channel  410 . An opening  401  is shown in the chamber  408 , the channel  410 , and the structural material  610 . As the chamber  408  is shown from the side, a length of the chamber  408  is not visible, but may be any length. Channel  410  includes opposed margins  414  that define the opening  401 , so that a width  402  of the opening  401  is narrower than a width  416  of the chamber  408  formed by the channel  410 . As shown, each margin  414  has a width  415 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 24A and 24B , the thickness  422  of the channel  410 ,  410 A is also shown. This channel thickness  422  can be any thickness desired for various applications. Although the channel as shown in  FIGS. 24A, 24B , or  24 C appears to have a uniform thickness  422 , it is contemplated that side walls  411 , margins  414  and the rear wall  413  can have non-uniform thicknesses  422 . For example, margins  414  could have a thickness that is a multiple of the thickness of the corresponding rear wall  413 .  
         [0096]     As shown in  FIGS. 24A and 24B , inside bearing surfaces  418  of the margins  414  are constructed to bear weight when used to secure elements (e.g., element  70  shown in  FIG. 24C ) using a fastener with a holding portion, such as the holding portions  20 ,  20 A,  20 B,  20 C, and  20 D disclosed herein in  FIGS. 1, 7 ,  11 ,  15 , and  28 , respectively. The bearing surface  418  meets the surfaces  67 D of the opening  401  at corners  420 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 24A , the surface area  67 D of the opening  401  is larger than shown in other embodiments due to the depth  404  of the structural material  610  along the opening  401 . The bearing surface  418  is an example of the blind surface area  62 , and any reference herein to the blind surface area  62  also refers to the bearing surface  418 .  
         [0097]     Generally referring to  FIGS. 24C-30 , an embodiment of a holding portion, generally designated  20 D, is shown inserted into the chamber  408  in the channel  410 . As best shown in  FIG. 24C , a rod  50 C (shown as a bolt) has a nut  300  threadably coupled thereto within recess  310 . The holding portion  20 D includes two elongated members  40 D and a compression member  200 D. Turning now to  FIGS. 28-29 , the elongated members  40 D have rectangular bearing surfaces  48 D and tips  46 D that allow alignment for full bearing contact with the inside bearing surfaces  418  of the opposed margins  414 . As best shown in  FIG. 24C , the nut  300  is positioned between the elongated members  40 D within the interior formed recess  310 . The compression member  200 D, positioned in a groove  316 A, best seen in FIGS.  27 - 29 , is designed to create a compressive force on the end of the holding portion  20 D, adjacent to the recess  310 .  
         [0098]     Since holding portion  20 D is similar to holding portion  20 C, either holding portion  20 C or  20 D can combine with the rod  50 C to make a fastener so that the end areas  48 C or  48 D are substantially coplanar when the corresponding holding portion  20 C or  20 D is in the extended position, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 24 C, respectively. The geometries of the end areas  48 C,  48 D differ based on intended uses. The generally arcuate end areas  48 C are intended to contact a bearing surface  62  after being inserted in the generally rounded aperture  65 , while the generally rectangular end areas  48 D are intended to contact a bearing surface  418  above and below after being inserted into the elongated opening  401 . The holding portion  20 D can also be used with the aperture  65 . Note that compression members  200 C and  200 D also have different geometries, generally circular and generally rectangular with a loop and a missing side, respectively. As best shown in  FIG. 18 , the shoulders  312  of the recess  310  of the holding portion  20 C are substantially parallel to the sides of the nut  300  when the holding portion  20 C is in the insertion position. In contrast, as best shown in  FIG. 24C , the shoulders  312  of the recess  310  of the holding portion  20 D are substantially parallel to the sides of the nut  300  when the holding portion  20 C is in the extended position.  
         [0099]     Referring again to  FIGS. 24A-30 , each elongated member  40 D is preferably identical and preferably made from a metal, such as zinc, aluminum, brass, steel, or stainless steel, plastic, or the like. The compression member  200 D will preferably be unitary and preferably be made from neoprene, steel, or spring wire. In other embodiments, compression member  200 D can have other geometries or compositions. As explained in detail herein, when the holding portion  20 D is in the extended position, such as shown in  FIG. 28 , or in the insertion position, such as shown in  FIG. 29 , the blocking shoulders  312  of the recess  310 , best seen in  FIG. 30 , resist rotation of the nut  300 . The angle of the elongated members is preferably predetermined, similar to other holding portion  20  embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the actual angles of the predetermined extended position and the insertion position of the elongated members may be any desired angles where the predetermined angle in the insertion position is less than the predetermined angle in the extended position.  
         [0100]     With reference to  FIGS. 24C, 25 ,  28 , and  29 , the end of each elongated member  40 D includes lips  190 D configured to position the holding portion  20 D with the elongated opening  401  in the chamber  408 . As best shown in  FIG. 25 , the rectangular bearing end areas  48 D, shown in phantom view, contact the opposed margins  414 . The bearing end areas  48 D sum to form the end surface area for this embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 24C , the chamber  408  is shown substantially filled with the holding portion  20 D. In other embodiments, the chamber  408  may be larger.  
         [0101]     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the rod  50 C and holding portion  20 D are inserted through the elongated opening  401  between the opposed margins  414 . As soon as tips  46 D of the elongated members  40 D clear the plane of the opening  401  between the margins  414 , the compression member  200 D urges the lips  190 D to the predetermined extended position. Those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that because of the housing shoulders  314 , as best seen in  FIGS. 24C, 28 , and  29 , the lips  190 D are limited to a predetermined extended position where the lips  190 D are within the cross-sectional area of the holding portion  20 D in the insertion position. In other words, because the spread of the elongated members  40 D in the insertion position is less than the width  402  of the opening  401 , the holding portion  20 D allows the lips  190 D to be received within the opening  401 . Referring to  FIGS. 24C and 25 , in this extended position inside the chamber  408 , the end areas  48 D contact the inside surface  418  of the opposed margins  414 . The lips  190 D at least partially fill the opening  401  between the margin edges  420 .  
         [0102]     Turning now to  FIG. 26 , an elongated member&#39;s knob  450  and corresponding profile  451  are shown. The wire clip compression member  200 D is also shown. Having each elongated member  40 D identical reduces cost in manufacturing and inventory. The cutaway of the rod  50 C is shown inside the throughway  452  created by the combined elongated members  40 D.  
         [0103]     Turning now to  FIG. 27 , the groove  316 A to position the compression member  200 D of the holding portion  20 D is shown. The incline from the tips  46 D of the elongated members  40 D from the compression member  200 D in the groove  316 A is also shown.  
         [0104]     Turning to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the relative positions of the knob  450  and corresponding profile  451  are shown in phantom view along with the direction of insertion  600 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure that the embodiments of the holding portion  20 D having the knobs  450  and the corresponding profiles  451  will resist relative lateral movements between the elongated members  40 D. As the holding portion  20 D is moved to the insertion position, the compression member  200 D expands in the groove  316 A, as shown in  FIG. 29 . When the holding portion  20 D is urged to the extended position, the compression member  200 D returns to the shape shown in  FIG. 28 .  
         [0105]     Returning to  FIG. 30 , a plan view of elongated member  40 D shows the housing shoulders  314  on opposite sides of the throughway  452 . While the knob  450  and the profile  451  may be reversed in positions, the knob  450  and the profile  451  are configured to mate with a corresponding profile  451  and knob  450  on another elongated member  40 D. A portion of the recess  310  formed by the blocking shoulders  312  and the lip  190 D are also shown. The shapes of the knobs  450  and the profiles  451  are illustrative only, and the knobs  450  and the profiles  451  may have other geometries.  
         [0106]      FIGS. 31-34  show various embodiments of structural members and combinations thereof. The structural members include walls  620 ,  630 ,  640 ,  650  (also called sidewall  650 ), ceiling  644 , and floors  622 ,  632 ,  642 . Although the illustrated embodiments of the structural members typically include flat surfaces, no such limitation should be inferred. One advantage of the channels  410 ,  410 A used in combination with fasteners with holding portions  20 D seen in  FIGS. 24C-34  is that the channels  410 ,  410 A provide for location flexibility in the mounting of various elements. The holding portions  20 D can be slid along the elongated openings of the channels  410 ,  410 A, or removed and reinserted in the channels  410 ,  410 A, to secure the elements in a myriad of positions along the channels  410 ,  410 A. Removal may include reducing an engagement force of the elongated members  40 D of the holding portion  20 D with the plurality of opposed margins  414 . Reinsertion includes increasing the engagement force of the elongated members  40 D of the holding portion  20 D after sliding or removal.  
         [0107]     Turning now to  FIG. 31 , a structural member, a wall  620 , composed of the structural material  610 , includes a plurality of channels  410  configured to receive holding portions  20 D for securing various elements to the wall  620 . A portion of a stairway  512  with steps  512 B is shown in cutaway view secured to the wall  620  using fasteners with holding portions  20 D through a stairway sidewall  512 A. The channels  410  used to secure the stairway  512  are substantially parallel and offset. Notches  512 C in the stairway sidewall  512 A, for securing the stairway  512 , may be used to adjust the vertical positioning of the stairway  512  by a small amount, typically less than one inch. Hinges  511  of a door  510  are secured to the wall  620  using parallel, but not offset, channels  410  by fasteners using holding portions  20 D. The stairway  512  and the door  510  are secured above floor  622 . In other embodiments, the channels  410  may be vertical or angled instead of horizontal in orientation. With vertical channels  410  or channels  410  with other orientations, the notches  512 C may be omitted.  
         [0108]     As seen in  FIG. 32 , a wall  630  composed of structural material  610  includes a plurality of channels  410 A configured to receive fasteners with holding portions  20 D for securing various elements to the wall  630 . Fasteners with long rods  50 K and holding portions  20 D in vertical channel  410 A secure a structural support  508 A to the wall  630 , while fasteners with rods  50 C and holding portions  20 D in horizontal channel  410 A secure a structural support  508 B to a floor  632 . The structural supports  508  each integrate a channel  410 A for receiving holding portions  20 D using an appropriately sized rod  50 . A beam  514  (here a shelf) is secured to the structural supports  508 A and  508 B using angle brackets  70 . The shelf  514  may be repositioned up or down using the repositionability feature of the fasteners with holding portions  20 D secured in the channel  410 A.  
         [0109]     Turning to  FIG. 33 , a ceiling  644 , composed of structural material  610 , includes a channel  410 A configured to receive fasteners with holding portions  20 D for securing one or more elements  505  (here a light) to the ceiling  644 . The channel  410 A in the ceiling  502  is secured by reinforcing elements  503  (here rebar). It is contemplated that the channels  410 A can be securely anchored to the structural material  610  using anchors, nuts and bolts, rivets, or other suitable mechanism (e.g. welding, when the structural material  610  is metal or includes a form of metal, such as the rebar). The reinforcing elements  503  further secure the structural integrity of the channel  410  in the structural material  610  and may advantageously allow for a greater load bearing force to be placed on the holding portion  20 D in the channel  410 A. It is contemplated that weighty elements  505  (e.g., air conditioning units) could be hung from the ceiling  502  using fasteners described herein.  
         [0110]     Also in  FIG. 33 , a wall  640  is secured to the ceiling  644  using fasteners with angle brackets  70  and holding portions  20 D in the channels  410 A in the wall  640  and the ceiling  644 . The channels  410 A in the wall  640  are in recesses  520 , allowing for cosmetic finishing after installation, covering up the holding portions  20 D and the angle brackets  70 . Through the use of a cutaway, the wall  640  is shown connected to a sidewall  650 .  
         [0111]     In  FIG. 34 , the wall  640  is secured to the sidewall  650  using angle brackets  70  and holding portions  20 D in channels  410 A. Both the wall  640  and the sidewall  650  have recesses  520 . The sidewall recess  520  is an interior recess, while the wall recess  520  is an edge recess, similar to the recess shown in  FIG. 33 . The recesses  520  are covered with a finishing layer  525 , such as finished plasterboard, to cover cosmetically the connection between the wall  640  and the sidewall  650 .  
         [0112]     Turning to  FIG. 35 , an embodiment of a form  550  includes form walls  551 A,  551 B,  551 C, and  551 D for holding a non-solid structural material  610 , such as wet concrete, until appropriately solidified, dried or cured. The form walls  551  form a shell for the structural member being produced. As illustrated, the form  550  outlines a generally rectangular solid, but other geometries are contemplated. An optional structural support  552  provides a fixed separation distance between form walls  551 B and  551 D. The upper left channel  410 A is positioned to be approximately flush with the surface of the resulting structural member, so only a cover  561  (such as film, tape, etc.) is needed to cover the opening  401 . A cap  560  at the bottom end of the upper left channel  410 A keeps non-solid structural material  610  out of the channel  410 A. The left lower channel  410 A is substantially perpendicular to the upper left channel  410 A, with the chamber  408  visible, similar to  FIG. 24B .  
         [0113]     The upper right channel  410 A of  FIG. 35  is positioned to be anchored below the surface of the resultant structural member. A spacer  565  maintains the opening  401  in the structural material  610  because the opening will not be flush with the form wall  551 B. The cover  561  may not be necessary when the spacer  565  is present. A cap  560  covers the bottom end of the right upper channel  410 A. Similar to the left side, the lower right channel  410 A is shown substantially perpendicular to the upper right channel  410 A, with spacer  565  maintaining access to the chamber  408  therein when the non-solid structural material  610  is added to the form  550 . In some embodiments, the channels  410 A are spaced from the edge of the structural member to create the recess  520  shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 .  
         [0114]     As shown in  FIG. 35 , the channels  410 A are connected to reinforcing elements  503  (here e.g., welded to rebar). The rebar is shown either parallel or perpendicular to the channels  401 A. The orientation of the reinforcing elements  503  and the elongated openings  501  of the channels  401 A is a matter of design choice.  
         [0115]     A method of making a structural member may include the following steps. Having provided a form, such as the form  550 , opposed margins  414  are positioned in the form  550 . The opposed margins  414  may be positioned in the form  550  before providing structural material  610  into the form  550 . The opposed margins  414  define the elongated opening  401  by their placement. The elongated opening  401  is blocked to prevent filling of the opening  401  by structural material  610 . Non-solid structural material  610  is then provided into the form  550  and allowed to solidify, harden, cure, etc. If desired, reinforcing elements  503  may be positioned in the form  550 . The opposed margins  414  may be anchored to the reinforcing elements  503 . The opposed margins  414  may be attached to or a part of a channel  410 . In other embodiments, the opposed margins  414  may be a separate piece attached to another member that forms the chamber  408  when the opposed margins  414  are added. A cap  560  can be used to block an end of the chamber  408 . A cover  561  and/or a spacer  565  can be used to block the elongated opening  401  of the chamber  408 .  
         [0116]     The chamber  408  may also be created within the structural material  610  after the structural member is formed. For example, if the member is made of concrete, a portion of the concrete can be removed to create the chamber  408  or to accommodate the channel  410 . If securing the channel  410  more firmly within the structural material  610  is desired, a filler material bondable with concrete (e.g. an epoxy) can be added before the channel  410  is positioned in the concrete. Once the channel  410  is placed within the concrete, the filler material will fill any void space between the channel  410  and the concrete. Other means for securing the channel  410  to the structure material  610  include anchors, nuts and bolts, rivets, or securing mechanisms (e.g. welding, when the structural material  610  is metal or includes metal, such as rebar) as previously discussed.  
         [0117]     Note that in various embodiments, the holding portions  20  may be freely substituted freely for each other along with other appropriate components that work together. Also in various embodiments, the elongated opening  401  is of differing sizes. For example, on one embodiment, the elongated opening  401  has a length less than two widths of the holding portion  20 D. In another embodiment, the elongated opening  401  is substantially the same length as two holding portion  20 D widths. In yet another embodiment, the elongated opening  401  has a length greater than two holding portion  20 D widths. In still yet another embodiment, the elongated opening  401  length is within a range of approximately six to approximately twenty widths of the holding portion  20 D. In other embodiments, the elongated opening  401  length is a fraction of the length of the structural member, or the entire length. Further, in various embodiments, different structural members may be made from different structural materials  610 . A given structural member may be of uniform or non-uniform construction, being made of one or more structural materials  610 .  
         [0118]     It is contemplated that the maximum load that may be suspended or held by one of the fasteners described herein may be calculated in various embodiments from the tensile strength of the bolt or rod  50  used therein. By way of example and not limitation, common structural steel with a tensile strength of around 60,000 to 75,000 pounds-force per square inch (PSI) may be used. It is further contemplated that for a rod  50  of given diameter, assuming an applied tensile stress of 6,000 PSI, the following loads could be held, including a five-to-one safety factor: ¼ inch diameter would hold up to 160 pounds; 1/2 inch diameter would hold up to 760 pounds; one inch diameter would hold up to 3,300 pounds; one and 12 inch diameter would hold up to 7,700 pounds, and 2 inch diameter would hold up to 13,800 pounds. Other steel alloys may hold twice as much at the same size. Plastics, nylons, and other non-ferrous materials may not hold as much. No experimental tests have been made.  
         [0119]     The foregoing disclosure and description is intended only to be illustrative and explanatory thereof. To the extent foreseeable, various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of illustrative construction and assembly, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.