Patent Publication Number: US-9850928-B2

Title: Fastener for securing together two panels

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to quick connect fasteners for holding panels, other components, together and, more particularly, to ¼ turn fasteners which can be fastened and unfastened quickly and repeatedly. 
     As can be seen from Prior Art  FIG. 1 , fasteners  110  of the ¼ turn type have been known which include a grommet  112 , a said  114  and a receptacle  116 . The fastener  110  holds together two panels  118  and  120 , with adjacent sides of the panels in contact with one another, by extending through openings  122  and  124  formed in the panels to receive the fastener. The grommet  112  has a cylindrical body  126  sized to extend through the opening  122  in one of the panels  118 , usually an outer panel, and one end of the cylindrical body  126  has a radially outward extending flange  128  to engage the outer surface of the outer panel  118 . The stud  114  has a shaft  130 , a head  132 , a cross pin  134  extending through the shaft at an end opposite to the head, a cup member  136  slidable along the shaft and a spring on the shaft between the head and cup member and received in the cup member. 
     The receptacle  116  of the fastener  110  has a generally cylindrical body  142  and a flange  144  projecting radially outward from one end of the body. The receptacle body  142  defines a central opening and has cam and locking surfaces  146  defined at an end opposite the radially outward extending receptacle flange  144 . The panels  118  and  120  are brought together so that the stud  114  and the receptacle  116  are in alignment. The head  132  of the stud  114  is engaged by a turning tool pushed inwardly against the bias of the spring, and turned ¼ turn with the cross pin  134  of the  130  in engagement with the cam and locking surfaces  146  of the receptacle  116 . This action locks the fastener  110  in place with the two panels  118  and  120  in secure engagement with one another. 
     Although the fastener  110  employs a turning tool to turn the stud head  132  and engage the cross pin  134  with the receptacle  116 , other such fasteners may include a folding handle pivotally attached to the stud head, to perform this step. In an upright position, the folding handle is used to turn the stud head and can then be pivoted out of the way into a folded position after the stud head is turned. For example, folding rings have been used as such a folding handle in ¼ turn fasteners and include projections which are received within the stud head, to pivotally attach the folding rings to the stud head. However, one drawback of these folding handles is they may become dislodged from the stud head with minimum torsional force while being used to turn the stud head. 
     Another drawback of such ¼ turn fasteners is that they may require access to the back of the supporting panel  120 , in order to secure the flange  144  to the panel  118 . However, in many applications one is not able to access certain areas of a panel. Although fastening devices that include fastener receptacles that are referred to as rivet nuts or nutserts are known which do not require access to a back of the supporting panel, these fastener receptacles (rivet nuts or nutserts) are not capable of direct engagement with such ¼ turn fasteners. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing a first panel to a second panel, where the first panel and the second panel each include an aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastener includes a stud insertable through the aperture in the first panel and engageable with the second panel to secure the first panel to the second panel. The stud has one end that is insertable through the apertures and a stud head distal to the end. The fastener further includes a pivoting handle assembly with a handle operatively connected to the stud head. The handle is pivotal between an upright position in which the handle is generally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position in which the handle is generally parallel to the first panel. The fastener further includes a biasing mechanism connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. The fastener further includes a locking pin connected to the stud head and the handle and in connection with the biasing mechanism to hold the handle in the upright position or the folded position. 
     In another embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing a first panel to a second panel, where the first panel and the second panel each include an aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastener includes a stud insertable through the aperture in the first panel and engageable with the second panel to secure the first panel to the second panel. The stud has one end that is insertable through the apertures and a stud head distal to the end. The fastener also includes a pivoting handle assembly that has a handle operatively connected to the stud head. The handle is pivotal between an upright position in which the handle is generally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position in which the handle is generally parallel to the first panel. The pivoting handle assembly also includes a biasing mechanism disposed in a central boring of a block of the stud head, and an axle of the handle disposed within a slot of the block, where the axle is disposed perpendicular to the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism biases the axle outward relative to the stud head. 
     In another embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing together a first panel to a second panel, where the first panel and the second panel each include an aperture for receiving the fastener. A first side of the first panel and the second panel are facing each other, and a second side of each is facing away from each other. The fastener includes a grommet with an opening and a radially outwardly extending flange for engaging the second side of the first panel. The fastener also includes a receptacle that is a rivet nut mounted to the first side of the second panel and with a central opening facing the first side of the first panel and aligned with the respective apertures of the first panel and second panel. The fastener further includes an insert in threaded engagement with an interior surface of the rivet nut receptacle and the insert having cam and locking surfaces for engaging a cross pin of a stud having been inserted through the grommet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in view of the drawings. Similar structures illustrated in more than one figure are numbered consistently among the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a cross section of a prior art fastener holding two panels together; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fastener installed in two panels according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial section view of the fastener according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  include various views of a receptacle with a fastener insert according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  include various views of a receptacle with a fastener insert and a lock cap according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the pivoting handle assembly and stud/cup retainer assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  include views of the pivoting handle assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  include sectional views of the pivoting handle assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  include views of the shaft for the pivoting handle assembly according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  includes a perspective view of the handle according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  includes a perspective view of a handle according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of an embodiment in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of the fastener components assembled. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of the fastener in  FIG. 13  taken along line  14 - 14 . 
         FIG. 15A  is an elevational view of a threaded insert in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a top view of the threaded insert of  FIG. 15A   
         FIG. 16A  is an elevational view of a rivet nut receptacle in accordance with aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 16B  is a top view of the rivet nut receptacle of  FIG. 16A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a fastener, which is designated generally by the reference numeral  10 , is of the ¼ turn type, having a grommet  12 , a stud  14 , and a receptacle  16 , and may incorporate the various inventions described and claimed herein. While components of the invention are described in reference to a ¼ turn fastener, the inventions and their parts may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as 2× and 4× threaded fasteners. 
     The fastener  10  holds together two panels  18  and  20 , with adjacent sides of the panels in contact with one another, by extending through openings formed in the panels to receive the fastener  10 . While the inventions may be described in terms of securing together two panels, the inventions are not intended to be so limited and could be used to secure together various types of components of structures, machines etc. 
     The grommet  12  has a cylindrical body sized to extend through the opening in one of the panels  18 , usually an outer panel, and one end of the cylindrical body has a radially outward extending flange  28  to engage the outer surface of the outer panel  18 . The other end of the cylindrical body has a radially outwardly extending shoulder or flange to engage a retaining ring  19  for retaining the grommet  12  on the outer panel  18 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the stud  14  has a shaft  30 , a head  32  and a cross pin  38  extending through an opening  39  in the shaft  30  at an end  41  opposite to the head  32 . A cup member  36  is slidable along the shaft  30  and a spring  34  on the shaft  30  between the head  32  and cup member  36  biases the stud  14  relative to the panel  18 . This arrangement keeps the head  32  of the stud  14  biased by the spring  34  slightly outward from the radially outward extending flange  28  at the outer side of the outer panel  18 . The end  41  of the shaft  30  extends through an opening in the outer panel  18 , and the cross pin  38  positioned in the opening  39  in the shaft  30 , prevent the assembly of the grommet  12  and the stud  14  from separating from the outer panel  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , the stud  14  includes a pivoting handle assembly  40 , and as will be explained in more detail below the handle assembly  40  controls the manipulation of the stud  14  relative to the receptacle  16  to secure the panels  18  and  20 . The receptacle  16  may be the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180 (the &#39;180 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,122 (the &#39;122 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,843 (the &#39;843 Patent); and, U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,329 (the &#39;329 Patent), which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the receptacle  16  shown in  FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5A-5D  may be of a rivet nut type installed on a backside of panel  20  that may not otherwise be accessible after installation of panel  20 . 
     More specifically, the receptacle  16  (or rivet nut) is inserted through a hole in the inside panel  20 , which may have a counter bore in which flange  42  is seated. A rivet screw (not shown), which is known to those skilled in the art for securing rivet nuts to panels, frame members and the like, is then inserted and threaded into the receptacle  16  to crimp the outer surface of the receptacle against a backside of the panel  20  forming the bulge  44  anchoring the receptacle  16  to the panel  20 . An insert  48  (or barrel member) is then passed through a central opening of the receptacle  16  and secured within the receptacle  16 , similar to those inserts or barrel members described in the &#39;180, &#39;122, &#39;843 and &#39;329 Patents having external threads that engage the internal threads of the receptacle  16 . The insert  48  also includes a central opening large enough to receive the end  41  of the shaft  30  of the stud  14 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4B-4C , diametrically opposed curved slots  49 ,  51  are provided on the insert  48  for receiving the cross pin  38  of the stud  14 . These slots  49 ,  51  form cam and locking surfaces leading to apices beyond which the slots  49 ,  51  curve back toward and end of the insert  48  facing the grommet  12  to define locking surfaces for the cross pin  38 . Depending on the panel  18 ,  20  thicknesses and the length of the stud shaft  30 , the insert  48  is threaded into the receptacle  16  until the insert  48  is positioned at a correct depth setting, such that the slots  49 ,  51  are positioned to define the cam and locking surfaces with the cross pin  38 . 
     After the insert  48  has been positioned at the correct depth setting within the receptacle  16 , the insert  48  is locked or affixed within the receptacle  16  so the position of the insert  48  is not longitudinally adjustable within the receptacle  16 , using various methods. In one embodiment, the insert  48  may be treated with an adhesive such as Loctite® to lock or affix the insert  48  in the receptacle  16 . In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the receptacle  16  may have external threads  102  for receiving a lock cap  100  and lock the insert  48  in the receptacle  16 . Internal threads  110  of the cap  100  engage the external threads  102  of the receptacle  16 , to compress the receptacle  16  against the insert  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, a circumference of the cap  100  or the receptacle  16  may be tapered from one end to another end, including external tapered threads  102  on the receptacle  16  and internal tapered threads  110  on the cap  100 . This tapered arrangement of the cap  100  and the receptacle  16  enhances the compressive force exerted by the receptacle  16  on the insert  48 , as the external tapered threads  102  of the receptacle  16  engage with internal tapered threads  110  of the cap  100 . By threadably engaging the cap  100  over the receptacle  16 , the receptacle  16  is pressed inward against the insert  48 , thereby locking the insert  48  within the receptacle  16  and preventing the insert  48  from becoming dislodged from the receptacle  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5D , a plurality of slots  103  are formed along the external threads  102  of the receptacle  16 , to divide the external threads  102  of the receptacle  16  into compressible sections that bend inward and press against the insert  48 , upon engagement of the internal threads  110  of the cap  100  with the external threads  102  of the receptacle  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the receptacle  16  includes a tapered end  105  at one end beyond the external threads  102 , where an outer diameter of the tapered end  105  decreases towards the end of the receptacle  16 . Upon the threaded engagement of the cap  100  with the receptacle  16 , a seat  107  at an opening  16 A of the cap  100  engages the tapered end  105  and presses the tapered end  105  inward against the insert  48 , to lock the insert  48  within the receptacle  16  and prevent rotation of the insert  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, an inner diameter of the seat  107  at the opening  16 A is less than an outer diameter of the tapered end  105 , to enhance the compressive force of the seat  107  against the tapered end  105 . While this particular invention including the lock cap  100  is shown in combination with rivet nut receptacle  16 , this invention is intended to be used with other fastener receptacles, and in particular 1/4  turn fastener receptacles. For example, the invention could be used with the ¼ fasteners of the &#39;180, &#39;122, &#39;843 and &#39;329 Patents. 
     After the insert  48  is locked within the receptacle  16 , structural components are provided to prevent loosening of the insert  48  from its locked position within the receptacle  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , an O-ring  104  is seated in a groove  106  on an exterior of the receptacle  16  spaced from the bulge  44  toward the end of the receptacle  16  opposite to the flange  42 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the groove  106  and O-ring  104  are disposed adjacent to the external threads  102 . The cap  100  is internally threaded with internal threads  110 . As the cap  100  is threaded onto the receptacle  16  radial forces or torsional forces are applied to the receptacle  16  and consequently the insert  48 . The cap  100  includes an internal groove  108  that seats against the O-ring  104  when the cap  100  is tightened on the receptacle  16  so that when the internal groove  108  engages the O-ring  104 , a predetermined amount of torque is required to longitudinally adjust the insert  48  within the receptacle  16 . The engagement between the internal groove  108  and the O-ring  104  may be biased such that a level of resistance during tightening of the internal groove  108  on the O-ring  104  is greater than a level of resistance during loosening of the internal groove  108  from the O-ring  104 . The engagement between the internal groove  108  and the O-ring prevents longitudinal adjustment of the insert  48  within the receptacle  16 , as may occur when the panels  18 ,  20  and fastener  10  are subjected to vibrational forces. To that end, the O-ring  104  is positioned at a predetermined location relative to the end of the receptacle  16  such that when the internal groove  108  engages the O-ring  104  a set number of turns or rotations of the cap  100  will set the predetermined torque amount. This torque amount can then be adjusted by longitudinally adjusting the position of the insert  48  in the receptacle  16 . 
     The pivoting handle assembly  40  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 6-11  and includes a handle  50  operatively connected to the head  32  of the stud  14  to fold or pivot between an upright position ( FIG. 8A ) whereby the handle  50  is generally perpendicular to the panel  18  and a folded position ( FIG. 8B ) whereby the handle  50  is generally parallel to the panel  18 . In the upright position, the handle  50  generally enables the quick turning of the stud  14  in the grommet  12  and receptacle  16  to quickly unfasten the outer panel  18  relative the inner panel  20  without the need of any specialized tools that fit the fastener  10 . When a fastener  10  is installed the handle  50  may be pivoted to the folded position so the handle  50  is not in an obstructive position. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , the stud head  32  including a block  54  and a platform  56  prevent the handle  50  from pivoting past this folded position and striking the panel  18  surface. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9B , the head  32  of the stud  14  includes the block  54  formed on an enlarged area referred to as a platform  56 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9B , a central boring  63  is formed through the block  54  and the platform  56  for receiving a biasing mechanism  60  such as a coil/compression spring or one or more spring washers. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the biasing mechanism  60  is a compression spring. The biasing mechanism  60  biases the handle  50  or components of the handle against locking surfaces to lock the handle  50  to the stud  14 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a flat washer  58  may be disposed between the biasing mechanism  60  and the handle  50  to provide planar surfaces that engage the biasing mechanism  60  and handle  50 . 
     The handle  50  includes a main body  62  for grasping and an axle  64  spaced from the main body  62  with an opening  66  there between. The axle  64  is inserted and disposed within a slot  68  (see,  FIGS. 9A-9B ) that extends through the block  54  laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the stud  14 . A locking pin  70  extends through apertures  72  in the block  54  and the opening  66 . Thus, the axle  64  is disposed between the biasing mechanism  60  and the pin  70 . The biasing mechanism  60  biases the axle  64 /handle  50  outward relative to the boring  63 , the block  54  and the stud head  32  and against the pin  70 , and thus locks the handle  50  to the stud head  32 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the axle  64  includes an indentation  74  on or in which the pin  70  is seated. The biasing mechanism  60  biases the indentation  74  against the pin  70 , locking the handle  50  on the shaft head  32  and thereby preventing or minimizing lateral movement of the handle  50 .  FIG. 11  illustrates an additional embodiment of a handle  50 ′ with an axle  64 ′ that includes an indentation  74 ′ to seat the pin  70  and lock the handle  50 ′ to the stud head  32 . The axle  64 ′ also includes a pair of legs  76 ′,  78 ′ at opposing ends of the axle  64 ′ that extend outside the slot  68 , when the axle  64 ′ is disposed within the slot  68 , and support the handle  50 ′ on the platform  56  of the block  54  by preventing the handle  50 ′ from tilting back and forth when the handle  50 ′ is in the upright position. Additionally, the legs  76 ′,  78 ′ prevent the handle  50 ′ from shifting laterally back and forth within the slot  68  when in the upright position, since the legs  76 ′,  78 ′ maintain the indentation  74 ′ in engagement with the pin  70 . Additionally, the legs  76 ′,  78 ′ inhibit downward movement of the handle  50 ′ that would compress the biasing mechanism  60  and unlock the pin  70  from the indentation  74 ′. 
     While the  FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-11  illustrate the pivoting handle assembly  40  in connection with a ¼ turn fastener, the assembly  40  may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as quick release screw fasteners , push to lock fasteners, 2× and 4× threaded fasteners. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 12-14  an embodiment of a fastener  210  is shown. The fastener  210  is of the ¼ turn type, having a grommet  212 , a stud  214 , and a receptacle  216 , and may incorporate the various inventions described and claimed herein. While components of the invention are described in reference to a ¼ turn fastener, the inventions and their parts may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as 2× and 4× threaded fasteners. 
     The fastener  210  holds together two panels  218 ,  220 , ( FIG. 13 ) with adjacent sides of the panels  218 ,  220  in contact with one another, by extending through openings formed in the panels to receive the fastener  210 . While the inventions may be described in terms of securing together two panels, the inventions are not intended to be so limited and could be used to secure together various types of components of structures, machines etc. 
     The grommet  212  has a cylindrical body  213  sized to extend through the opening in one of the panels, usually an outer panel, and one end of the cylindrical body has a radially outward extending flange  228  to engage the outer surface of the outer panel. The other end of the cylindrical body has a radially outwardly extending shoulder or flange  227  to engage a retaining ring  219  for retaining the grommet  12  on the outer panel  218 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the stud  214  has a Shaft  230 , a head  232  and a cross pin  238  extending through an opening  239  in the shaft  230  at an end  241  opposite to the head  232 . The end  241  of the shaft  230  extends through an opening in the outer panel  218 , and the cross pin  238  positioned in the opening  239  in the shaft  30 , to prevent the assembly of the grommet  212  and the stud  214  from separating from the outer panel  218 . In addition, when panels are secured together, the shaft  230  is inserted through apertures in each of the panels  218  and  220 , the grommet  212  and into the receptacle  216 . More specifically, the cross pin  238  engages cam and locking surfaces  224  of an insert  248  disposed within the receptacle  216 . A handle  250  connected to the head  232  of the stud  214  enables manipulation of the stud  214  relative to the grommet  212  and receptacle  216  for securing together panels  218 ,  220 . Although not shown in the drawings, the cylindrical body  213  of the grommet  212  may include one or more notches for manipulation of the cross-pin  238  and shaft  230  to insert the same through the grommet. The notches preferably include two diametrically opposed notches to accommodate the cross-pin  238 , which may be used for cylindrical bodies that are 1 ½ inches in length or longer. 
     The receptacle  216  may be the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180 (the &#39;180 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,122 (the &#39;122 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,843 (the &#39;843 Patent); and, U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,329 (the &#39;329 Patent), which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the receptacle  216  shown in  FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5A-5D, and 12-14, 16A and 16B  may be of a rivet nut type installed on a backside of panel  220  that may not otherwise be accessible after installation of panel  220 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the receptacle  216  is threaded internally for receiving the insert  248 , which is threaded externally. The insert  248  includes a central boring  225  and cam and locking surfaces  224  to receive the shaft  230  and cross pin  238  and secure together panels  218 ,  220 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is a locking mechanism  245  disposed between the receptacle  216  and insert  248  to prevent rotation of the insert  248  relative to the receptacle  216  after the insert  248  has been set in a desired position. The locking mechanism  245  includes a groove  246 , semi-cylindrical in cross section, drilled in the inner annular surface of the receptacle  216  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle  216  and a groove  247 , semi-cylindrical in cross section, drilled in the outer annular surface of the insert  248  in a direction parallel to the direction of the groove  246  in the receptacle  216 . 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the insert includes two diametrically opposed grooves  247 , and the receptacle  216  includes a single groove  246 . While this embodiment includes two grooves  247  on the insert, a single groove may be sufficient. The grooves  246 ,  247  in the receptacle  216  and the insert  248  have the same radius of curvature in cross section. The grooves  246 ,  247  are in alignment at one point for each half rotation of the insert  248  relative to the receptacle  216  to form. When the insert  248  is in the desired position and the grooves  246  and  247  are in alignment to form a slot, a locking pin  249  is inserted with a tool into the aligned grooves  246 ,  247  or slot, so that locking pin  249  occupies both grooves and, thereby, prevents rotation of the insert  248  relative to the receptacle  216 . 
     As shown, the locking pin  249  has a convoluted configuration to provide some flexure to the pin so that may bend or flex as it is inserted. To that end, this flexure characteristic provides frictional engagement between the pin  249  and the receptacle  216 , and frictional engagement between the pin  249  and the insert  248  to prevent relative rotational movement between the insert  248  and receptacle  216 . The invention, however, is not limited to this particular locking mechanism. Other locking mechanisms such as adhesives as the above described use of Loctite may be used. Alternatively, known locking mechanisms such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180 (a collar or band type device), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,795,122 and 7,997,843 that prevent relative rotation between an insert and receptacle may be used. 
     The receptacle  216  may be installed by inserting the receptacle through the aperture  243  of the panel  220 , so the flange  242  is preferably seated in a counter bore associated with the aperture  243 , thereby supporting the receptacle  216  in the aperture  243  and on panel  220 . A rivet nut tool (not shown), as known to those skilled in the art, is then used to crimp the rivet nut receptacle to form bulge  244  against a surface of the panel  220  thereby securing the receptacle  216 , with the insert  248 , to the second panel  220 . Alternatively, the receptacle  216  could be installed on the second panel  220  and then the insert  248  may be installed as described above. 
     A biasing assembly  240  (also referred to above as a pivoting handle assembly) is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 . The biasing assembly  240 , with the handle  250 , controls the manipulation of the stud  214  relative to the receptacle  216  to secure the panels  218  and  220  together. More specifically, when the stud  214  is inserted through the panels  218 ,  220 , and into the insert  250  and receptacle  216  and rotated by the handle  250  to engage the cam and locking surfaces  224  the biasing assembly  240  biases the stud  214  outward relative to panels  218 ,  220  locking the cross pin  238  and stud  214  against the cam and locking surfaces  224 . In this manner, with the receptacle  216  affixed to the panel  220 , the outward biasing of the stud  214  secures the two panels  218 ,  220  together. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the biasing assembly  240  may comprise a biasing mechanism  234 , such as compression spring disposed along a portion of the shaft  230 . A cup member or housing  236  surrounds at least a portion of the biasing mechanism  234  and is slidable along the shaft  30 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the housing  236  has a bottom end  236 A disposed between a bottom end  234 A of the biasing mechanism  234  and a retainer ring  217  on the shaft  230 . The retainer ring  217  is seated in an annular groove  215  on the shaft  230 . In addition, the assembly  240  includes a spacer  231  disposed between a top end  234 B of the biasing mechanism and head  232  of the shaft and between a bottom of the handle  250 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , diametrically opposed notches  260  are formed in the head  232  to receive opposing legs  251  of the handle  250 . The shaft  230  and components of the biasing assembly  240  are dimensioned such that when the biasing assembly  240  and the handle  250  are assembled on the shaft  230  of the stud  214 , the retainer ring  217  abuts the housing  236  compressing biasing mechanism  236  against the spacer  231 . In addition, the spacer  231  is forced against the legs  251  of the handle  250  firmly seating the legs  251  of the handle  250  in the notches  260  of the head  232 . In this manner, the handle  250  can be pivoted between an upright position and a down position, and remain in those positions without any outside manipulation. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the grommet  212  may include a cylindrical collar  222  integrally connected to the cylindrical body  213  of the grommet  212  or the flange  226  that is connected to the cylindrical body  213 . This embodiment of the grommet  212  may be used, for example, on a floor panel to provide an annular protective barrier around the handle  250  when in a folded down position. More specifically, the edges of the handle  250  may not be clipped by someone walking past the fastener, or the handle  250  is preferably seated within a height of the collar  222  to prevent someone from stepping or standing on the handle, or placement of a heavy object directly on the handle  250 . 
     While the  FIGS. 12-16B  illustrate the pivoting handle assembly  40  in connection with a ¼ turn fastener, the assembly  40  may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as quick release screw fasteners, push to lock fasteners, 2× and 4× threaded fasteners. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those of skill in the art without departing from the invention herein. Non-limiting examples include a component that is described above as being attached to one part of the apparatus may alternatively be attached to a different part of the apparatus in other embodiments. Parts described as being indirectly connected may be connected directly to each other, and vice versa. Component parts may be assembled from individual pieces or may be integrally formed as a single unit. Alternative types of connectors and alternative materials may be used. The apparatus may be used with other types of power tools. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.