Patent Publication Number: US-8529151-B2

Title: Fastener and assembly utilizing the same

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The disclosure is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/511,274 filed on Jul. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,606 Aug. 28, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/848,917 filed on Aug. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,739 issued on Jul. 27, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates to fasteners and more particularly relates to quick disconnect fasteners and to an assembly utilizing the same. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Fasteners are known in the art and are typically utilized for joining two or more articles together. Conventional fasteners may include, for example, screws, bolts and nuts (i.e., more commonly generically referred to in the art as a ‘threaded fastener’), Velcro® (i.e., more commonly referred to in the art as a ‘hook and loop fastener’), or other, more complex mechanical devices and linkages. 
     Although adequate for most applications, there is a need in the art for an improved fastener that permits a user to quickly and conveniently join and then disconnect two or more articles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  in a disconnected fully disengaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is another cross sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  in a disconnected, partially disengaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  in a connected, fully engaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of a fastener in a disconnected state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a fastener in a connected state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of  FIG. 4A  in a disconnected state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in a connected state according to line  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 6  in a disconnected fully disengaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is another cross sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 6  in a disconnected, partially disengaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 8  according to line  9 - 9  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 8  according to line  10 - 10  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 6  in a connected, fully engaged state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 11  according to line  12 - 12  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIG. 11  according to line  13 - 13  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a plurality of implements and a handle body each including a portion of the fastener of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates one implement selected from the plurality of implements and the handle body of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  illustrates the selected implement arranged about the handle body with the fastener arranged in a first, unlatched orientation; and 
         FIG. 14D  illustrates the selected implement arranged about the handle body with the fastener arranged in a second, latched orientation for affixing the selected implement to the handle body. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The Figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of a fastener and assembly utilizing the same in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2C , a fastener is shown generally at  10  according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the fastener  10  generally includes, for example, a housing  12 , one or more retaining members  14 , such as for example generally spherical retaining members  14 , a cage  16 , and a plunger  18 . As will be explained in greater detail below, axial movement of the plunger  18  along a longitudinal axis, A-A, results in radial movement of the retaining members  14  relative the axis, A-A, to effect interlocking (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2C ) or unlocking (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2B ) of the housing  12  and cage  16 . 
     In an embodiment, the housing  12  may be attached to an implement, I ( FIGS. 2A-2C ,  4 A- 5 B). In an embodiment, the cage  16  may be attached to a power unit, P ( FIGS. 2A-2C ,  4 A- 5 B). However, it will be appreciated that, in an embodiment, the reverse condition may occur in that the housing  12  is attached to the power unit, P, and the ball cage may be attached to the implement, I. 
     According to an embodiment, the housing  12 /cage  16  assembly may be attached to the implement, I/power unit, P, by any desirable fastening method, such as, for example, welding or by a threaded fastener, T. As seen in  FIGS. 1-2C , the housing  12  may include an annular end portion  20 , and the cage  16  may also include an annular end portion  22  each having respective threaded passages  24 ,  26  for receiving a threaded fastener, T. Although threaded fasteners, T, are disclosed, it will be appreciated that other fasteners, such as, for example, rivets, welds, or the like may be utilized to attach the housing  12 /cage  16  to the implement, I/power unit, P. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the housing  12  may include a cavity  28  for receiving at least a portion of the cage  16 . The housing cavity  28  is generally defined by a substantially cylindrical bore having a surface  30 . As seen in  FIG. 2A , the surface  30  is defined to include a recess  32  (which may be a single bore, a series of spaced bores, or a continuous annular recess) for partially receiving the one or more retaining members  14 . Although  FIGS. 1-3B  depict two retaining members (spaced 180° apart from one another), it is contemplated that one or more retaining members could be used. For example, the use of three equally spaced retaining members  14  (i.e. spaced 120° apart) has the advantage of the minimum number of retaining members  14 , that permit plunger  18  to be centered within cavity  28 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the cage  16  may further include a cavity  34  for receiving at least a portion of the plunger  18 . The cavity  34  is hereinafter referred to as a cage cavity  34 . In an embodiment, the cage cavity  34  may be generally defined by a substantially cylindrical bore having a surface  36 . 
     In an embodiment, the cage  16  may further include one or more passages, which are shown generally at  38 , for partially receiving the one or more retaining members  14 . Retaining members  14  are depicted as spherical members (e.g. steel ball bearings) but it is contemplated that other geometries (such as pins, etc.) will function equally as well. Passages  38  may include at least in part a radial passage component. In an embodiment, as seen in  FIGS. 2A-2C , one or more passages  38  may include retaining portions, which are shown generally at  40 , for partially retaining the one or more retaining members  14  proximate the one or more passages  38  when the cage  16  is removed from the housing cavity  28 . Other means for retaining the retaining members  14  within cage  16  are well known to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the plunger  18  may include a substantially cylindrical body that is sized to be at least partially disposed within the cage cavity  34 . In an embodiment, the plunger  18  may include a first axial end  42 , a second axial end  44 , and a side surface  46  between the first axial end  42  and the second axial end  44 . 
     The first axial end  42  may further include a first opening  48  that extends from the side surface  46  to approximately a central area of the first end  42  where a central axis, A-A, of the fastener  10  would otherwise traverse or extend there-through. The first opening  48  defines a passage  50  formed in the plunger  18  in the shape of, according to an embodiment, a slit that permits axial passage of a cable, thread, string, or the like, which is shown generally at S. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the plunger  18  includes a second opening  52  formed in the side surface  46  that defines a passage  54  formed in the plunger  18  for permitting passage of an anchor, AN, attached to an end of the cable, S. Passage  54  may have, at least in part, a radial component, and passage  50  may have, in part, an axial component. In an embodiment, the axial passage  50  and radial passage  54  are in fluid communication with one another such that upon disposing the anchor, AN, in the radial passage  54 , the cable, S, extending from the anchor, AN, may axially extend from the plunger  18  and through the axial passage  50 . Other means of attaching a cable to a member are well-known to those skilled in the art (such as crimping, gluing, threading, etc.) and do not necessarily require an anchor AN. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2C , the side surface  46  of the plunger  18  is defined to include several surfaces  56 - 64 . In an embodiment, the side surface  46  may include a neck surface portion  56  for locating and retaining an urging member  66  and a shoulder surface portion  58  for forming a reaction surface for urging member  66 . A portion of urging member  66  may urge against surface  58 . Urging member  66  may be any known urging device, such as a coil spring, gas charged cylinder, compressible body (such as rubber) or the like. If member  66  is a coil spring, the coils of the spring member  66  can be concentrically disposed about the neck surface portion  56  whereas the shoulder surface portion  58  can provide a seating surface for an end coil of the spring member  66 . 
     The side surface  46  of the plunger  18  may further include a first retaining member engagement surface  60 . In an embodiment, the first retaining member engagement surface  60  defines an axial segment of the plunger  18  to include a first diameter, D 1  (see, e.g.  FIG. 2A ). The first retaining member engagement surface  60  may, in an embodiment, contact the surface  36  of the cage cavity  34 , or, in an embodiment, is positioned substantially close to the surface  36  of the cage cavity  34  when the plunger  18  is disposed in the cage  16 . 
     The side surface  46  of the plunger  18  may further include a second retaining member engagement surface  62 . In an embodiment, the second retaining member engagement surface  62  defines an axial segment of the plunger  18  to include a second diameter, D 2  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2A ), that is less than the first diameter, D 1 . 
     The side surface  46  of the plunger  18  may further include an intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64  located between the first retaining member engagement surface  60  and the second retaining member engagement surface  62 . The intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64  does not define an axially parallel segment of the plunger  18  to include a constant diameter (as related to, for example, diameters D 1 , D 2 ), but rather, defines a sloped or ramped surface (e.g. a frusto-conical surface). 
     Although the plunger  18  is described to include retaining member engagement surfaces  60 - 64  having constant and non-constant diameter axial segments, it will be appreciated that the plunger  18  is not limited to the configurations disclosed above. For example, in an embodiment, the intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64  is not limited to define the plunger  18  having a frusto-conical axial segment; for example, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64  may define the plunger  18  to have a non-conical axial segment, such as, for example a concave or convex segment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the fastener  10  may include a plug member  68 . Plug member  68  may be at least partially disposed in the cage cavity  34 . Plug member  68  may form a reaction surface for the urging member  66 . In an embodiment, the plug member  68  may include an outer threaded surface  70  that threadingly-cooperates with a threaded surface  72  formed in the surface  36  of the cage cavity  34 . The plug member  68  also includes an axial passage  74  that permits axial passage of the cable, S. 
     Upon disposing the retaining members  14 , plunger  18 , urging member  66  and plug member  68  in the cage  16 , radial movement of the one or more retaining members  14  may be provided by axially moving the plunger  18  within the cage cavity  34 . In an embodiment, the one or more retaining members  14  that are radially retained by the cage  16  will contact, at any given time, at least one of the first, second, and intermediate retaining member engagement surfaces  60 - 64 , and, because of the differences in diameter and the frusto-conical shape of the axial segment of the plunger  18  as defined by the surfaces  60 - 64 , the one or more retaining members  14  may be radially displaced according to the particular surface  60 - 64  that the one or more retaining members  14  is in contact with. 
     For example, when the cable, S, is pulled in the direction of arrow, X (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2A ), the first end  42  of the plunger  18  is positioned substantially adjacent the plug member  68  such that the urging member  66  is compressed and one or more retaining members  14  are no longer biased radially outwardly and they are free to move radially inwardly to contact the second retaining member engagement surface  62 . Because the second retaining member engagement surface  62  has a diameter, D 2 , that is less than the diameter, D 1 , the one or more retaining members  14  will be radially inwardly displaced when cage  16  is withdrawn from cavity  28  of housing  12 . 
     In another example, when the cable, S, is released, the urging member  66  causes the plunger  18  to move axially away from the plug member  68  in a direction of arrow X′ (opposite the arrow X) such that the one or more retaining members  14  contacts and rides radially outwardly along the intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64 . Accordingly, because the intermediate retaining member engagement surface  64  includes larger diameters at each axial segment of the surface  64  than that of diameter, D 2 , the one or more retaining members  14  are radially displaced outwardly (away from the axis, A-A). 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2C , as the urging member  66  causes the plunger  18  to move even further away from the plug member  68 , the second end  44  of the plunger  18  contacts a bottom surface  76  of the cage cavity  34  such that the one or more retaining members  14  may then contact the first retaining member engagement surface  60  of plunger  18 . Because the retaining member engagement surface  60  includes a larger diameter, D 1 , than that of the second and intermediate retaining member engagement surfaces  62 ,  64 , the one or more retaining members  14  may be biased radially outwardly further from the axis, A-A, than that when the one or more retaining members  14  contact the second or intermediate surfaces  62 ,  64 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 2C , when the cage  16  having the one or more retaining members  14 , plunger  18 , and plug member  68  is disposed in the housing cavity  28 , the one or more retaining members  14  may be radially aligned with the recess  32  formed in the surface  30  of the housing cavity  28 . Thus, when the plunger  18  is axially moved as described above, the radial displacement of the one or more retaining members  14  may permit the one or more retaining members  14  to be in selective radial communication with the recess  32 . 
     For example, when the one or more retaining members  14  contact the first engagement surface  60  of the plunger  18 , the one or more retaining members  14  may be displaced radially outwardly relative the axis, A-A, to engage the recess  32  and thereby come into contact with the housing  12 . Because the one or more retaining members  14  is/are generally disposed in the one or more radial passages  38  of the cage  16 , and, because the one or more retaining members  14  may at least partially engage the recess  32  to thereby contact housing  12 , the end result of the radially outward positioning of the one or more retaining members  14  relative the housing  12  and cage  16  results in the locking/coupling of the housing  12  and the cage  16 . Conversely, when the one or more retaining members  14  contact the second engagement surface  62  of the plunger  18  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), the one or more retaining members  14  are free to be displaced radially inwardly relative the axis, A-A; accordingly, when the one or more retaining members  14  are displaced radially inwardly, the one or more retaining members  14  are disengaged from the recess  32 , and, as a result, no longer contact the housing  12  to result in the unlocking/uncoupling of the housing  12  and cage  16 . Thus, the axial movement of the plunger  18  that translates into radial movement of the one or more retaining members  14  relative the axis, A-A, results in the quick and convenient connecting and disconnecting of articles (e.g. the implement, I, and power unit, P) that the housing  12  and cage  16  are attached to by way of, for example, threaded fasteners, T. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a fastener is shown generally at  100  according to an embodiment. The fastener  100  is substantially similar to the fastener  10  with the exception of a solenoid driving mechanism  102  that replaces the cable, S, and anchor, AN. As illustrated, when electrical current is applied to the solenoid  102 , a mechanical coupling  104  extending from the solenoid  102  draws the plunger  18  axially toward the plug member  68  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3A ). Conversely, when no electrical current is applied to the solenoid  102 , the urging member  66  axially moves the plunger  18  toward the bottom surface  76  of the cage cavity  34  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3B ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , a power unit, P, is defined to generally include an integral prime mover, M, and handle, H, that are supported by wheels, W. The implement, I, may include any desirable device including, for example, a lawn mower, L ( FIG. 4A ), a tiller, T ( FIG. 4B ), a snow thrower, ST ( FIG. 4C ), or the like. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the prime mover, M, may be mechanically coupled to the implement, I, to drive a blade, B, working member, or the like of the implement, I. If desired, movement of the plunger  18 , may be initiated through a controller, C, located on/proximate the handle, H. Accordingly, in an embodiment, such actuation of the controller, C, may pull/release the cable, S. In another embodiment, such actuation of the controller, C, may provide an electrical current to the solenoid  102 . However, it will be appreciated that the controller, C, is not limited to pulling of the cable, S, or, the actuating of the solenoid  102  and that the controller, C, may interface with any desirable fastener design that results in the axial movement of the plunger  18 . 
     Rotating coupler C, C′ is comprised of a female portion C and a male portion C′. The coupler C, C′ is rotatably supported by one or more rotatable bearings or the like (not shown) rendering both coupler halves C, C′ free to rotate. Coupler C′ is joined to a power output shaft driven by engine M and couples rotating energy from C′ through C and ultimately to implement, I. Coupler halves C, C′ have complementary geometries (such as C having a square female receptacle and C′ shaped as a square male member adapted to be cooperatively received within square female receptacle C′). These complementary geometries allow couplers C, C′ to operatively engage one another (i.e. transmit rotational power) when the implement, I is brought into contact with the power unit, P. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-13 , a fastener is shown generally at  200  according to an embodiment. As similarly described above with respect to the fastener  10 , in an embodiment, the fastener  200  generally includes, for example, a housing  202 , a plurality of retaining members  204 , such as, for example, generally spherical retaining members  204 , a cage  206 , and a plunger  208 . As will be explained in greater detail below, axial movement of the plunger  208  according to the direction of one of the arrows, X/X′, along a longitudinal axis, A-A, results in radial movement of the retaining members  204  relative the axis, A-A, to effect interlocking (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 11-13 ) or unlocking (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8-10 ) of the housing  202  and cage  206 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the housing  202  includes a cavity  210  for receiving at least a portion of the cage  206 . The housing cavity  210  is generally defined by a substantially cylindrical bore formed by an inner surface  212 . In an embodiment, the inner surface  212  forms a first annular recess  214   a  and a second annular recess  214   b  for partially receiving the plurality of retaining members  204 . In an embodiment, the first and second annular recesses  214   a ,  214   b  are axially spaced apart from one another at an axial distance, AD 1 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 7 , in an embodiment, the plurality of retaining members  204  of the fastener  200  are arranged in a first group  204   a  and a second group  204   b . In an embodiment, an outer-most surface of each retaining member  204  of the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  of the retaining members  204  are also spaced apart at least by the axial distance, AD 1 . 
     In an embodiment, when the cage  206  is inserted into the housing cavity  210 , the first group  204   a  of the plurality of retaining members  204  corresponds to the first annular recess  214   a  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 ,  11 ), and, the second group  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204  corresponds to the second annular recess  214   b  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 ,  11 ). Further, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that although  FIGS. 6-13  depict each of the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  including three retaining members  204  (spaced apart from one another at an angle, θ a , θ b , approximately equal to 120° as shown in  FIGS. 9-10  and  12 - 13 ), it is contemplated that each of the groups  204   a ,  204   b  may include more than three retaining members  204 ; for example, in an embodiment, each of the groups  204   a ,  204   b  may use four, five, six or more equally spaced retaining members  204  (i.e. spaced apart from one another at an angle, θ a , θ b , approximately equal to 90°, 72° or 60°) to further ensure that the cage  206  is rigidly centered within the housing cavity  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the cage  206  may further include a cavity  216  for receiving at least a portion of the plunger  208 . The cavity  216  is hereinafter referred to as a cage cavity  216 . In an embodiment, the cage cavity  216  may be generally defined by a substantially cylindrical bore formed by a surface  218 . 
     In an embodiment, the cage  206  may further include one or more passages, which are shown generally at  220 , for partially receiving the plurality of retaining members  204 . The passages  220  may include, at least in part, a radial passage component. In an embodiment, the one or more passages  220  may include retaining portions, which are shown generally at  222 , for partially retaining the plurality of retaining members  204  proximate the one or more passages  220  when the cage  206  is removed from the housing cavity  210 . Other means for retaining the retaining members  204  in the cage  206  are well known to those skilled in the art. 
     In an embodiment, the passages  220  are formed in the cage  206  to further define a first circumferential group of passages  220   a  and a second circumferential group of passages  220   b  that are spaced apart from one another according to the axial distance, AD 1 . In an embodiment, the first circumferential group of passages  220   a  are associated with the first group  204   a  of the plurality of retaining members  204  and the first annular recess  214   a . In an embodiment, the second group of circumferential passages  220   b  are associated with the second group  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204  and the second annular recess  214   b.    
     Once the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  of retaining members  204  are disposed within the first and second circumferential groups  220   a ,  220   b  of passages  220  and are spaced at least apart by the axial distance, AD 1 , a center of each retaining member  204  of the first group  204   a  are axially spaced from a center of each retaining member  204  of the second group  204   b  to define an axial distance, AD 2 , therebetween. As will be explained in greater detail in the foregoing disclosure, the axial distance, AD 2 , permits the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204  to provide a pair a circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions such that a gap/spacing may be formed (according to a radial distance, d 2 , shown, for example, in  FIG. 11 ) between the housing  202  and the cage  206 . In an embodiment, the gap/spacing, d 2 , results in an arrangement of an outer surface  246  of the cage  206  being disposed proximate, but not adjacent, the inner surface  212  of the housing cavity  210 ; as such, when the cage  206  is introduced into the housing  202 , the outer-most surface of the plurality of retaining members  204  will bear substantially all of the load imparted to the fastener  200  such that substantially no load is transferred directly from/to the outer surface  246  of the cage  206  and the inner surface  212  of the housing cavity  210 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-10  and  12 - 13 , each passage  220  of the first circumferential group of passages  220   a  are angularly spaced apart from one another according to an angle, θ a , and, in an embodiment, each passage  220  of the second circumferential group of passages  220   b  are angularly spaced apart from one another according to an angle, θ b . As such, when the plurality of retaining members  204  are disposed within the passages  220 , the plurality of retaining members  204  are angularly spaced apart according to the angles, θ a  and θ b , determined by each passage  220  of the first and second circumferential groups of passages  220   a ,  220   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 13 , it will be appreciated that the passages  220  of each of the first and second circumferential group of passages  220   a ,  220   b  may not necessarily be formed to include the same angularly spaced-apart orientation along the length of the cage  206 . For example, in an embodiment, the angularly spaced-apart arrangement of the first circumferential group of passages  220   a  may be circumferentially offset from the second circumferential group of passages  220   b  by an angle approximately equal to, θ. 
     In an embodiment, the angles, θ a  and θ b , may each be approximately equal to 120°, and, the angle, θ, may be approximately equal to 60°. Accordingly, because the illustrated embodiment of the cage  206  includes first and second circumferential groups of passages  220   a ,  220   b  that are offset by the angle, θ, which may be approximately equal to one-half the angle defined by each of, θ a  and θ b , the plurality of retaining members  204  may provide substantially equal, but opposite support for the plunger  208  within the cage  206 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-7 , the plunger  208  may include a substantially cylindrical body that is sized to be at least partially disposed within the cage cavity  216 . In an embodiment, the plunger  208  may include a first axial end  224 , a second axial end  226 , and a side surface  228  between the first axial end  224  and the second axial end  226 . 
     The first axial end  224  may further include an axial end surface  230 . The second axial end  226  includes a passage  232  extending axially into the plunger  208 . In an embodiment, passage  232  accommodates insertion of an actuator rod, R, into the plunger  208 , which is described in greater detail in the foregoing disclosure. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 6-7 , the side surface  228  of the plunger  208  is defined to include several surfaces  60 - 64  that are functionally similar to the surfaces  60 - 64  of the fastener  10  described above; as such, further description of the surfaces  60 - 64  associated with the fastener  200  are not described in greater detail here. However, it will be appreciated that the side surface  228  includes a first surface portion  234   a  and a second surface portion  234   b  each including the surfaces  60 - 64 . In an embodiment, the first surface portion  234   a  is associated with the first group  204   a  of the plurality of retaining members  204 , and, the second surface portion  234   b  is associated with the second group  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204 . 
     In an embodiment, the axial end surface  230  functions as a reaction surface for an urging member  236 . A portion of the urging member  236  may urge against the axial end surface  230 . In an embodiment, the urging member  236  may be any known urging device, such as a coil spring, gas charged cylinder, compressible body (such as rubber) or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-7 , the fastener  200  may further include a plug member  238 . The plug member  238  may be at least partially disposed in the cage cavity  216  for retaining the plunger  208  and urging member  236  within the cage cavity  216 . The plug member  238  includes an axial end surface  240  that provides a reaction surface for the urging member  236 . In an embodiment, the plug member  238  may include an outer threaded surface  242  that threadingly-cooperates with a threaded surface  244  formed in the surface  218  of the cage cavity  216 . 
     Upon disposing the retaining members  204 , plunger  208 , urging member  236  and plug member  238  into the cage  206 , radial movement of the plurality of retaining members  204  may be provided by axially moving the plunger  208  within the cage cavity  216 . In an embodiment, the plurality of retaining members  204  that are radially retained by the cage  206  will contact, at any given time, at least one of the first, second, and intermediate retaining member engagement surfaces  60 - 64 , and, as described above with respect to the fastener  10 , because of the differences in diameter and the frusto-conical shape of the axial segment of the plunger  208  as defined by the surfaces  60 - 64 , the plurality of retaining members  204  may be radially displaced upon movement of the plunger  208  in one of the directions according to the arrows, X/X′. 
     In an embodiment, an outer surface  246  of the cage  206  further defines an annular portion  248  that circumscribes the cage  206 . In an embodiment, the annular portion  248  includes a first shoulder surface  250  having a recess  252  that receives a seal  254 . In an embodiment, the outer surface  246  further defines a ramp surface  256  that is spaced apart from the first shoulder surface  250 . In an embodiment, the first shoulder surface  250  is spaced away from a first axial end  258  of the cage  206  at an axial distance, AD 3 . 
     In an embodiment, the housing  202  may further include a pin member  260  that passes through the housing  202  proximate a first axial end  262  of the housing  202 . In an embodiment, the housing  202  may further include an end cap  264  disposed adjacent the first axial end  262  of the housing  202 . In an embodiment, the housing cavity  210  may extend into the housing  202  from a second axial end  266  to the first axial end  262  proximate the pin member  260 . 
     In an embodiment, the distance that the housing cavity  210  extends into the housing  202  may be approximately equal to the axial distance, AD 3 , between the first shoulder surface  250  and the first axial end  258  of the cage  206 . Further, in an embodiment, the inner surface  212  that defines the housing cavity  210  generally corresponds to the outer surface  246  of the cage  206  between the first shoulder surface  250  and the first axial end  258  such that the outer surface  246  of the cage  206  is disposed proximate, but not adjacent (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 ,  11 ), the inner surface  212  of the housing cavity  210  as the first shoulder surface  250  is disposed adjacent an axial end surface  268  proximate the second axial end  266  of the housing  202 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the cage  206  is shown disposed within the housing cavity  210 . Further, as seen in  FIGS. 8-10 , the actuator rod, R, has been moved according to the direction of the arrow, X, for compressing the urging member  236  while also permitting the plurality of retaining members  204  to move radially inwardly such that the plurality of retaining members  204  do not come into contact with or engage the first annular recess  214   a  and second annular recess  214   b  formed by the inner surface  212  of the housing  202 ; as such, the housing  202  and cage  206  are said to be in an unlocked or unlatched state/orientation. Conversely, as seen in  FIGS. 11-13 , the actuator rod, R, is released and/or the urging member  236  overcomes a bias applied to the actuator rod, R, such that the actuator rod, R, is moved according to the direction of the arrow, X′, for causing the plurality of retaining members  204  to be moved radially outwardly such that the plurality of retaining members  204  come into contact with or engage the first annular recess  214   a  and second annular recess  214   b  formed by the inner surface  212  of the housing  202 ; as such, the housing  202  and cage  206  are said to be in a locked or latched state/orientation. 
     It will be appreciated that any of the fasteners  10 ,  100 ,  200  described herein may include three or more retaining members and openings as described above with respect to the retaining members  204  and openings  220 . Further, it will be appreciated that the fasteners  10 ,  100 ,  200  may also be formed to define gap/spacing according to a radial distance, d 1 , d 2  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 8 ,  11 ), or the like between the plunger  208  and the cage  206  (see d 1 ) as well as the housing  202  and the cage  206  (see d 2 ). 
     In an embodiment, as described above, the radial distance, d 2 , may be further characterized by a distance/spacing between the outer surface  246  of the cage  206  and the inner surface  212  of the housing cavity  210 . d 2  may extend continuously along axial length  237  of cavity  210 . d 2  may also extend continuously, angularly 360° (i.e. θ=360°). d 2 may assume a fixed distance along the axial length  237  or θ, or d 2  may vary (between upper and lower range limits) along the axial length  237  or θ. In an embodiment, the radial distance, d 2 , may range anywhere between about 0.005 inches −0.500 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the radial distance, d 2 , may be approximately about equal to and range between about 0.015 inches −0.100 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the radial distance, d 2 , may range anywhere between about 0.020 inches −0.200 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the radial distance, d 2 , may range anywhere between about 0.050 inches −0.150 inches. 
     In an embodiment, the radial distance, d 2 , may provide several advantages over a substantially tight/friction-fit connection of the cage  206  and the housing  202  that may otherwise permit contact/engagement of the outer surface  246  and the inner surface  212 . For example, if one or more of the cage  206  and housing  202  includes material that may rust, the close tolerances associated with a tight/friction-fit connection may otherwise prevent the cage  206  to be inserted into the housing cavity  210 . Further, if, for example, the fastener  200  is exposed to environments including dirt, dust, grime or other contaminates, trace amounts of the dirt, dust, grime or other contaminates located upon the outer surface  246  or inner surface  212  may interfere with insertion of the cage  206  into the housing cavity  210 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the radial distance, d 2 , may give rise to increasing the likelihood of ensuring a consistent and repeatable connection of the cage  206  and housing  202  by reducing the likelihood of the outer surface  246  engaging the inner surface  212 . 
     Further, it will be appreciated that although the radial distance, d 2 , provides several benefits described above, such benefits may not be realized without providing at least a pair of circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions (realized by the axial distance, AD 2 , as defined by the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204 ). If, for example, the fastener  200  only included one of the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b , a degree of undesirable slop would be introduced about the housing  202  and cage  206 . For example, if one wanted to design/provide a fastener  200  with the radial distance, d 2 , while only providing one of the first and second groups  204   a ,  204   b  of the plurality of retaining members  204 , the housing  202  would be permitted to (undesirably) slightly pivot (i.e. “teeter-totter”) about cage  206  due to the fact that the one group  204   a/   204   b  would provide a single plane of circumferential bearing portion; as such, it will be appreciated that by providing at least a pair of circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions, two spaced apart planes of support are established and any slop is minimized or eliminated, while also increasing the rigidity of the fastener  200 . Thus, if the radial distance, d 2 , is to be provided for the fastener  200 , at least a pair of circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions give distant functional advantages. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14A , the fastener  200  is shown in conjunction with a tool-and-implement system, which is shown generally at  300  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the “tool” of the implement system  300  includes a hand tool, and, in an embodiment, the hand tool includes a handle, which is shown generally at H. In an embodiment, the implement system  300  includes a plurality of implements, I, including implements I 1 -I 3 . In an embodiment, the fastener  200  is utilized to connect the handle, H, to one implement, I 1 -I 3 , of the plurality of implements, I. 
     In an embodiment, the implement, I 1 , includes a rake head. In an embodiment, the implement, I 2 , includes a hoe head. In an embodiment, the implement, I 3 , includes a shovel head. Although the three implements I 1 -I 3  described above include a rake, hoe and shovel head, it will be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, are not limited to include a rake, hoe and shovel head and that the plurality of implements, I, may include any desirable implement. 
     Further, it will be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, are not limited to including garden/yard-work tool implements, I 1 -I 3 , and that the plurality of implements, I, may include any desirable feature, function or utility. In an embodiment, alternative implements may include painting implements, such as, for example, a roller brush. 
     It will also be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, are also not limited to including work implements. For example, the plurality of implements, I, may be directed to sporting equipment. In an embodiment, if the plurality of implements, I, are directed to sporting equipment, the plurality of implements, I, may include, for example: a plurality of hockey stick blades each having a different curve (e.g., curves ranging from no curve up to a swooping curve for permitting a user to have selective control over the lofting capability of a puck from the ice surface). Alternatively, the plurality of implements, I, may include a plurality of lacrosse stick heads each having different weave patterns to the netting/shooting strings or the like (i.e., for controlling the direction of a ball as it is caught by/is shot out of the lacrosse stick head). As such, it will be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, are not limited to include a particular implement, I, that is to be attached to the handle, H. 
     Further, it will be appreciated that although the plurality of implements, I, are shown as being capable of being attached to a handle, H, it will be appreciated that the “tool” of the implement system  300  is not limited to a hand tool, handle, H, or the like and that the “tool” may include any desirable body or the like that is not necessarily gripped with one&#39;s hand. In an embodiment, the “tool” portion of the implement system  300  may include, for example, a boot that may be fitted to one&#39;s foot, and, the implement may include, for example, a snow ski, snow board, or the like. As such, it will be appreciated that the “tool” is not limited, per se, to a handle, H, or the like and that the fastener  200  may be used to connect any desirable “tool” to any desirable implement, I. 
     As seen in  FIG. 14A , each of the implements, I 1 -I 3 , includes a receptacle  302  having a cavity  304  for receiving the housing  202  of the fastener  200  therein. In an embodiment, each of the receptacle  302  and housing  202  includes radial passages  306 ,  308  that are aligned with one another. In an embodiment, a rivet  310  or the like is inserted into the radial passages  306 ,  308  for affixing the housing  202  with the receptacle  302 . Although radial passages  306 ,  308  and a rivet  310  are shown for attaching the housing  202  with the receptacle  302 , it will be appreciated that the attachment of the housing  202  and receptacle  302  is not limited to the above-discussed design and that the housing  202  and receptacle  302  may be attached by way of any desirable connection including, for example, a welded connection, adhesive or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14A , the handle, H, is shown relative the cage  206 . In an embodiment, the handle, H, includes a cavity  312 . In an embodiment, the cage  206  is inserted within the cavity  312  for joining the cage  206  to the handle, H; in an embodiment, the cage  206  may be joined to the handle, H, by any desirable method/means including, for example, adhesive, welding, a friction-fit connection or the like. In an embodiment, a first end  314  of the handle, H, is disposed adjacent a second shoulder surface  316  of the annular portion  248  upon fully disposing the cage  206  within the handle, H. In an embodiment, upon inserting the cage  206  within the handle, H, the outer surface  246  of the cage  206  is disposed adjacent an inner surface  318  defining the cavity  312 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 14A , the actuator rod, R, extends through bore  320  formed in the handle, H, and out of a second end  322  of the handle, H. In an embodiment, a portion of the actuator rod, R, that extends out of the second end  322  of the handle, H, may be referred to as a user-accessible end  324  of the actuator rod, R, for permitting a user to push the actuator rod, R, into the handle, H. 
     In an embodiment, when the user presses/engages the user-accessible end  324  and pushes the actuator rod, R, into the handle, H, the plunger  208  is moved according to the direction of the arrow, X, for compressing the urging member  236  while also permitting the retaining members  204  to be drawn radially inwardly. Further, when the user does not engage the user-accessible end  324 /releases and pressure applied thereto, the urging member  236  may be positioned/returned to its expanded orientation such that plunger  208  is moved away from the first axial end  258  of the cage  206  such that the retaining members  204  are located in a radially-outward orientation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14B , in an embodiment, a user may select the implement, I 3 , from the plurality of implements, I, for attachment to the handle, H. As shown in  FIG. 14B , prior to insertion of the cage  206  into the housing cavity  210  for attaching the handle, H, to the implement, I 3 , the user engages and subsequently depresses the user-accessible end  324  of the actuator rod, R, for drawing the retaining members  204  radially inwardly. 
     With the retaining members  204  drawn radially inwardly, the cage  206  is inserted into the housing cavity  210  of the housing  202 . Referring to  FIG. 14C , once the cage  206  is inserted into the housing cavity  210 , the user may no longer depress the user-accessible end  324  such that the urging member  236  may move the plunger  208  according to the direction of the arrow, X′, thereby causing the retaining members  204  to move radially outwardly for locking/latching the cage  206  to the housing  202  as shown in  FIG. 14D . Because the cage  206  is affixed to the handle, H, and, because the housing  202  is affixed to the implement, I 3 , it may be said that the implement, I 3 , is attached to the handle, H, according to the orientation of the retaining members  204  shown in  FIG. 14D . 
     In order to detach the implement, I 3 , from the handle, H, the user may subsequently depress the user-accessible end  324  according to the direction of the arrow, X, to move the retaining members  204  radially inwardly as shown in  FIG. 14C  such that the implement, I 3 , may no longer be said to be locked/latched to the handle, H. The user may then attach one of the other implements, I 1 , I 2 , to the handle, H, as desired, once the cage  206  is withdrawn from within the housing cavity  210  associated with the implement, I 3 . 
     In an embodiment, the handle, H, may further comprise a cap, cover or the like, which is shown generally at  326 . The cap  326  may be selectively placed over or attached to the second end  322  of the handle, H, in order to prevent undesirable contact with the user-accessible end  324  of the actuator rod, R, which may otherwise result in the unintended unlocking/unlatching of one of the plurality of implements, I, with the handle, H. Alternatively, rather than including a cap  326 , the handle, H, may include other mechanical means (e.g., a safety lock) that impedes or prevents unintentional unlocking/unlatching of the handle, H, and the implement, I 1 -I 3 , when the user-accessible  324  is depressed. 
     The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description.