Patent Publication Number: US-2021190117-A1

Title: Detachable Fastener

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/785,994, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/409,958, filed Oct. 19, 2016 by the same inventor, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to securing devices, and more particularly to devices used to secure multiple objects together. Even more particularly, the invention relates to securing objects together in pet/livestock environments. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     In the swine industry creep feeders are used to feed piglets in a farrowing crate. It is desirable that the creep feeders are attached to a wall, fence, or other border of the farrowing crate. Farmers usually care for many piglets, so it is desirable that a device used for attaching a creep feeder to a farrowing crate is simple, easy and quick to use. Typically piglets are rough on objects in the farrowing crate, so it is desirable that the device is durable. Farmers also need creep feeders to stay in place, so it is desirable that the device is dependable. Additionally, agricultural environments are often dirty. Therefore, it is desirable that a device for attaching a creep feeder is easy to wash and disinfect. What is needed, therefore, is a device for securing an object to another object (e.g. a wall) that is easy and quick to operate, durable, dependable, and easy to wash and disinfect. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various aspects of the present invention overcome problems associated with the prior art by providing a fastener for securing an object (e.g., a feeding dish) to another object (e.g. a wall) that is easy and quick to operate, durable, dependable, and easy to wash and disinfect. 
     Example fasteners for securing a first object to a second object are disclosed. One example fastener includes a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The push member has a first side and an opposite second side. The first side includes a surface configured to disperse force exerted thereon by a user. The rigid shaft has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rigid shaft is coupled to the second side of the push member. The engaging member is coupled to slide along the shaft, defines an aperture and includes a first side and an opposite second side. The rigid shaft extends through the aperture, and the second side of the engaging member is configured to abut a surface of the first object. The biasing member is disposed between the push member and the engaging member. The biasing member urges the engaging member along the rigid shaft in a direction away from the push member. The anchor is coupled to the second end of the rigid shaft. The anchor is also configured to pass through an opening in the first object and an opening in the second object when the anchor is in a first state. The anchor is additionally configured to prevent passage of the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object when the anchor is in a second state. The anchor is transitionable between the second state and the first state by the user to facilitate the withdrawal of the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object. In a particular example fastener, the outer diameter of the rigid shaft is less than half the outer diameter of the push member. Optionally, the push member includes an ellipsoidal surface. An example fastener further includes instructions for using the fastener to secure the first object to the second object between the anchor and the engaging member. 
     In an example fastener, the second side of the push member further includes a first biasing member seat configured to position the biasing member with respect to the push member. The biasing member is a compression spring having a first end and a second end, and the first biasing member seat is configured to seat the first end of the compression spring. The first side of the engaging member further includes a second biasing member seat configured to seat the second end of the compression spring to the engaging member. In a particular example fastener, the biasing member includes a coil spring disposed around the rigid shaft. 
     Another example fastener additionally includes a pull mechanism coupled to the engaging member to facilitate movement of the engaging member toward the push member and the compression of the biasing member. In a particular example fastener, the push member defines an aperture passing therethrough, and a portion of the pull mechanism is slidably disposed through the aperture defined by the push member. In another example fastener, the pull mechanism is coupled to the first side of the engaging member and defines a surface configured to be engaged by at least one of the user&#39;s fingers. 
     In another example fastener, the rigid shaft includes a smooth section and the engaging member is positioned to slide along the smooth section of the rigid shaft. In a particular fastener, the second end of the rigid shaft is permanently fixed to the anchor. In another example fastener, the second end of the rigid shaft includes a first set of threads and the anchor includes a second set of threads complimentary to the first set of threads. Optionally, the first set of threads can be fouled to prevent the anchor from being removed from the rigid shaft. In yet another particular example, the outer diameter of the engaging member is greater than the outer diameter of the anchor when the anchor is in the second state. 
     In yet another example fastener, the anchor is deployable from a loaded state to a deployed state. The anchor is in the first state when the anchor is in the loaded state and the anchor is in the second state when the anchor is in the deployed state. Furthermore, the engaging member includes a securing feature configured to secure the anchor in the loaded state. In a particular example, the securing feature includes a recess in the second side of the engaging member. In another example fastener, the second side of the engaging member defines a plurality of protrusions configured to engage the first object. In yet another example fastener, the second side of the engaging member is rectangular. Optionally, the second side of the engaging member includes a plurality of parallel ridges. 
     In another particular example fastener, the anchor includes a biasing member configured to automatically deploy the anchor. For example, the anchor can include a pair of hinged wings biased toward a spread position by the biasing member of the anchor. In another example fastener, the anchor includes a bend formed in the second end of the rigid shaft. In yet another particular example, the anchor includes a rigid cross-member rigidly attached to the second end of the rigid shaft. In a more particular example, the anchor is a T-member. 
     Methods of manufacturing fasteners for securing a first object to a second object are also disclosed. One example method includes providing a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The push member includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side of the push member includes a surface configured to disperse force exerted thereon by a user. The rigid shaft includes a first end and a second end. The engaging member defines an aperture and includes a first side and an opposite second side. The second side of the engaging member is configured to abut a surface of the first object. The anchor is configured to pass through an opening in the first object and an opening in the second object when the anchor is in a first state and to prevent passage of the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object when the anchor is in a second state. The anchor is transitionable between the second state and the first state by the user to facilitate the withdrawal of the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object. The example method further includes coupling the first end of the rigid shaft to the second side of the push member. The method additionally includes disposing the biasing member between the push member and the engaging member such that the biasing member urges the engaging member along the rigid shaft in a direction away from the push member. Finally, the method includes coupling the anchor to the second end of the rigid shaft. In a more particular example, the step of disposing the biasing member between the push member and the engaging member includes placing a coil spring around the rigid shaft between the push member and the engaging member. 
     In a particular example method, the step of providing a rigid shaft includes providing a rigid shaft that has an outer diameter that is less than half the outer diameter of the push member. In another example method, the rigid shaft includes a smooth section disposed between the first end and the second end of the rigid shaft. Furthermore, the step of disposing the rigid shaft through the aperture of the engaging member includes disposing the smooth section of the rigid shaft through the aperture of the engaging member such that the engaging member is slidable along the smooth section of the rigid shaft. 
     In another particular example method, the step of providing an anchor includes providing an anchor that is deployable from a loaded state to a deployed state. The anchor is in the first state when the anchor is in the loaded state and the anchor is in the second state when the anchor is in the deployed state. In a more particular example method, the anchor includes a pair of hinged wings biased toward a spread position by a biasing member of the anchor. In another more particular example method, the engaging member includes a securing feature configured to secure the anchor in the loaded state. In a more specific example, the securing feature includes a recess formed in the second side of the engaging member. 
     In a particular example method, the second side of the engaging member includes a plurality of protrusions. In another particular example method, the engaging member is generally rectangular. In yet another particular example method, the second side of the engaging member defines a plurality of parallel ridges. 
     Example detachable container systems are also disclosed. One example system includes a container and a fastener for securing the container to an object. The container defines an opening passing therethrough. The fastener includes a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The rigid shaft has a first end and a second end. The engaging member defines an aperture and is coupled to slide along the shaft. The engaging member further includes a first side and an opposite second side, which is configured to abut a surface of the object. The rigid shaft extends through the aperture, and the biasing member is disposed between the first end of the rigid shaft and the engaging member. The biasing member urges the engaging member along the rigid shaft in a direction away from the first end of the rigid shaft. The anchor is coupled to the second end of the rigid shaft. The anchor is configured to pass through an opening in the object and the opening in the container when the anchor is in a first state, and to prevent passage of the anchor through the opening in the container and the opening in the object when the anchor is in a second state. The anchor is transitionable between the second state and the first state by the user to facilitate the withdrawal of the anchor through the opening in the container and the opening in the object. 
     In a particular example detachable container system, the fastener further includes a push member having a first side and an opposite second side. The first side of the push member (e.g., a handle) includes a surface configured to disperse force exerted thereon by a user. The rigid shaft extends between the second side of the push member and the engaging member. In another particular example, the object (e.g., a cage, a pen, etc.) includes a plurality of bars, the opening in the object is a space between the bars of the object, and the second side of the engaging member is configured to engage the bars of the object. In a more particular example system, the second side of the engaging member defines a plurality of protrusions configured to engage the bars of the object. In another more particular example system, the second side of the engaging member defines a plurality of parallel ridges configured to engage the bars of the object. 
     In yet another example detachable container system, the anchor includes a cross member coupled to the second end of the rigid shaft and the opening in the container is an elongated aperture. Furthermore, the cross member is aligned with the elongated aperture of the container when the anchor is in the first state and the cross member is misaligned with the elongated aperture of the container when the anchor is in the second state. Even furthermore, the anchor is transitioned from the first state to the second state by rotating the rigid shaft while the rigid shaft is disposed through the opening in the object and the elongated aperture. In a more particular example, the container includes a feature for securing the anchor in the second state when the engaging member abuts the object. In a particular example system, the container is a feeder. 
     Methods of using a fastener to secure a first object to a second object are also disclosed. One example method includes providing the first object, the second object, and a fastener. The first object defines an opening, and the second object defines an opening. The fastener includes a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The rigid shaft has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the rigid shaft is coupled to the push member. The engaging member is coupled to slide along the shaft, the engaging member defines an aperture, and the rigid shaft extends through the aperture. The biasing member is disposed between the push member and the engaging member, and urges the engaging member along the rigid shaft in a direction away from the push member. The anchor is coupled to the second end of the rigid shaft. The anchor is configured to pass through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object when the anchor is in a first state and to prevent passage of the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object when the anchor is in a second state. The method further includes positioning the first object with respect to the second object such that the opening of the first object is aligned with the opening of the second object. Additionally, the method includes inserting the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object by exerting a force on the push member to advance the shaft through the aperture in the engaging member against force exerted by the biasing member. The method also includes transitioning the anchor from the first state to the second state. Finally, the method includes releasing the force exerted on the push member to allow the biasing member to bias the anchor against a surface of the first object and to bias the engaging member against a surface of the second object. 
     A particular example method additionally includes exerting a second force on the push member to advance the shaft through the aperture in the engaging member against force exerted by the biasing member, transitioning the anchor from the second state to the first state, and withdrawing the anchor through the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object. In a more particular example method, the step of withdrawing includes releasing the second force exerted on the push member. In another particular example method, the push member includes a surface configured to disperse force exerted thereon by a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fastener securing a feeder to a wall according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the fastener securing the feeder to the wall of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  in a deployed position; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  in a deployed position, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 1  being inserted in a loaded position; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of the engaging member of the fastener of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear perspective view of the engaging member of the fastener of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a front perspective view of the push member of the fastener of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5D  is a rear perspective view of the push member of the fastener of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of an alternate engaging member; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of the alternate engaging member of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate fastener; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of another alternate fastener; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of another alternate fastener; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of yet another alternate fastener; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the engaging member of the fastener of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an alternate engaging member; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of another alternate fastener; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart summarizing an example method of manufacturing a fastener; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart summarizing an example method of using a fastener. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a fastener that is easy to use, dependable, durable, and easy to wash and disinfect. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., design of specific parts) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known manufacturing practices and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The invention can also be used in fields other than agriculture, including, but not limited to, personal, household, general industrial, and/or any other fields where fastening of devices is desirable. In such applications, the size, strength, and other characteristics of the fastener can be scaled for the particular application. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fastener  100  shown securing a feeder  102  to a wall  104  according to one example embodiment of the present invention. Feeder  102  includes an opening  106  that is aligned with another opening  108  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) formed in wall  104 . When feeder  102  is secured to wall  104 , fastener  100  is simultaneously disposed through both openings  106  and  108 . In the example embodiment, feeder  102  is shown as being a creep feeder. However, feeder  102  represents any type of container (e.g., food dish, water dish, parts container, etc.) that would be desirable to removably attach to an object. Likewise, wall  104  represents any type of object (e.g., wall, cage, fence, pen, etc.) onto which it would be desirable to removably attach a container or other object. In the case of a pen, fastener  100  would pass from outside of the pen, between the bars of the pen, and through opening  106 . 
     In the example embodiment, fastener  100  is provided in combination with instructions  110  for using fastener  100  to secure two objects together (e.g., securing feeder  102  to wall  104  via fastener  100 ). 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of fastener  100  securing feeder  102  to wall  104 . Fastener  100  includes a push member  200 , a rigid shaft  202 , an engaging member  204 , a biasing member  206 , and an anchor  208 . Push member  200  and anchor  208  are coupled to opposite ends of rigid shaft  202 . Engaging member  204  is slidably disposed on rigid shaft  202  between push member  200  and anchor  208 . Biasing member is disposed between push member  200  and engaging member  204 . 
     Push member  200  includes a first side  210  and an opposite second side  212 . First side  210  provides a relatively large flat surface configured to comfortably disperse force exerted thereon by a user&#39;s hand when push member  200  is urged against. Second side  212  includes a seat  214  onto which biasing member  206  is stabilized and centered with respect to rigid shaft  202 , which passes therethrough. 
     In the example embodiment, rigid shaft  202  is a bolt having a first end  216 , an opposite second end  218 , and an intermediate section  220  disposed therebetween. First end  216  is a bolt head that is fixed to push member  200 . Second end  218  includes a thread set  222  that facilitates the coupling of anchor  208  thereto. In this example, thread set  222  is intentionally obstructed (e.g., fouled, welded, capped, etc.) after anchor  208  is threaded onto shaft  202  to prevent anchor  208  from being removed. Optionally, thread set  222  may be left intact to allow anchor  208  to be removed and replaced. Intermediate section  220  is smooth to facilitate the sliding of engaging member thereon. 
     As shown, the size of push member  200  is substantially larger than the diameter of shaft  202 . The larger size of push member  200  disperses the force exerted against a user&#39;s hand, when the user pushes against push member  200 . The larger size of push member allows push member  200  to serve as a more comfortable handle for fastener  100 . Having outer diameter of shaft  202  that is less than one-half of the outer diameter of push member  200  would make push member  200  more comfortable to push on. In the example embodiment, the diameter of shaft  202  is approximately 20 percent of the diameter of push member  200 . Furthermore, although push member  200  is roughly a circular cylinder in this example embodiment, alternate push members/handles of any size or shape sufficient to disperse applied forces can be used. 
     Engaging member  204  includes a first side  224 , a second side  226 , and an aperture  228  passing therebetween. First side  224  includes biasing member seat  230  onto which biasing member  206  is seated and centered with respect to aperture  228 . Second side  226  is configured (e.g., smooth and flat in this example embodiment) to urge against wall  104 . Aperture  228  is configured to receive intermediate section  220  of shaft  202  such that engaging member  204  can slide along intermediate section  220 . 
     Biasing member  206  is a coil spring configured to urge engaging member  204  toward anchor  208  along shaft  202 . As shown, biasing member  206  includes a first end  232  and an opposite second end  234  seated on seats  214  and  230 , respectively. 
     Anchor  208  is fixed near an end of shaft  202  opposite push member  200 . In this example embodiment, anchor  208  is a toggle anchor, which has a natural tendency to deploy as shown in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, anchor  208  is configured to operate in either a first state or a second state. In the first state, anchor  208  is in a loaded position (shown in  FIG. 4 ), where it is able to pass through openings  106  and  108 . In the second state (shown in  FIG. 2 ) anchor  208  is in a deployed position where it cannot be retracted through openings  106  and  108 , but instead securely engages feeder  102 . Anchor  208  includes a pair of wings  236  pivotally coupled to a threaded coupler  238 , which engages thread set  222 . Optionally, wings  236  can be pivotally coupled to an alternative coupler that is rigidly fixed to shaft  202 . Each of wings  236  is in contact with a torsion spring ( FIG. 3B ), which tends to force wings  236  apart. When anchor  208  is forced through a hole, wings  236  pivot towards one another (against the force of the torsion spring) to minimize the cross-sectional area of anchor  208 . When anchor  208  clears the hole (i.e. openings  106  and  108 ), the torsion spring forces wings  236  apart, making the cross sectional area of anchor  208  too large to fit back through the hole without an intervening agent (e.g. a user) forcing wings  236  together. 
     Fastener  100  is configured to secure feeder  102  to wall  104  by simultaneously urging engaging member  204  against wall  104  while pulling feeder  102  toward wall  104 . In other words, feeder  102  and wall  104  are sandwiched between engaging member  204  and anchor  208  via spring force exerted thereon from biasing member  206 . Anchor  208  is on the opposite side of openings  106  and  108  of feeder  102  and wall  104 , respectively, from engaging member  204 . The force provided by biasing member  206  biases engaging member  204  and anchor  208  toward one another and against surfaces of wall  104  and feeder  102 , respectively. Biasing member  206  forces engaging member  204  away from push member  200 . Because anchor  208  is disposed on the opposite end of biasing member  206  from push member  200 , biasing member  206  also forces engaging member  204  toward anchor  208 . The combination of biasing member  206  and push member  200  creates a squeezing force between engaging member  204  and anchor  208 . This squeezing force holds feeder  102  against wall  104 . In some cases, the biasing force provided by biasing member  206 , and resulting frictional forces between engaging member  204 , wall  104 , feeder  102 , and anchor  208 , will be sufficient to hold feeder  102  in place. In other cases, feeder  102  may be too heavy, in which case, shaft  202  can rest on a bottom edge  240  of opening  108 , holding feeder  102  in place. 
     In the example embodiment biasing member  206  is a compression spring with a relatively high spring constant. This particular element, as well as other described elements, is not an essential element of the present invention. For example, biasing member  206  can be replaced by another type of biasing member coupled between engaging member  204  and push member  200  or between engaging member  204  and anchor  208 . Additionally, coupler  238  is screwed onto the end of shaft  202 , which is fouled  242  to prevent coupler  238  from disengaging shaft  202 . In alternate embodiments, coupler  238  can be integral or permanently fixed to shaft  202 . Shaft  202  can also be replaced by another rigid member, with different characteristics than shaft  202 . The length of the shaft  202  can be altered to achieve the desired amount of travel of anchor  208 . These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 3A  is a side view showing fastener  100 . Because anchor  208  and push member  200  are not separated by a wall, biasing member  206  is in a more relaxed state and urges anchor  208  directly against engaging member  204 . Additionally, anchor  208  is visible from a different angle, showing wings  236  and a lower edge of coupler  238 . Extensions  300  of coupler  238  are also shown engaging wings  236 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a sectional view, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3A , showing fastener  100 , including anchor  208  in greater detail. Anchor  208  includes wings  236 , which each have a horseshoe-shaped cross section along their width. Wings  236  are held apart by a torsional spring  302 , which includes a winding  304  and a pair of legs  306 , which extend toward the distal ends of each of wings  236 . Winding  304  stores the torsional energy of spring  302 . Legs  306  apply the restoring force of spring  302  to the wings  236  forcing them open, unless impeded by another force. Additionally, winding  304  is disposed adjacent coupler  238  and between wings  236  and shaft  202 . Coupler  238  includes a threaded aperture  308 , which is complementary to thread set  222  of shaft  202  and engages coupler  238  to shaft  202 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view showing fastener  100 , including anchor  208  in a first state, wherein anchor  208  is in a retracted, loaded configuration. Wings  236  are folded inward, against the force of torsional spring  302  ( FIG. 3B ). The distal ends of wings  236  are held in place by a securing feature which, in this example, includes the sidewall of a circular recess  400  formed in the second side  226  engaging member  204 . When fastener  100  is pushed through an opening  402  in a wall  404 , anchor  208 , in the retracted loaded configuration, passes easily through. However, engaging member  204  cannot pass through opening  402 . So, a continued force on fastener  100  pushes engaging member  204  toward push member  200  and compresses biasing member  206 . Continued movement of wings  236  through opening  402  in combination with the stoppage of engaging member  204  by wall  404 , causes the ends of wings  236  to disengage circular recess  400 . Then, when wings  236  are pushed completely through opening  402 , wings  236  will open under the force of torsional spring  302 . When wings  236  are open, anchor  208  is too large to fit back through opening  402 . Thus, fastener  100  is in the second (deployed) state, where it is locked in place by releasing the force applied to push member  200 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the front side of engaging member  204 . Engaging member  204  is a circular plate formed, for example, from plastic. Engaging member  204  includes aperture  228  and circular recess  400 .  FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the back side of engaging member  204 . Engaging member  204  includes biasing member seat  230  configured to engage biasing member  206  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the front side of push member  200 . Push member  200  is a circular plate formed, for example, from plastic. Push member  200  includes an aperture  500  and biasing member seat  214  adapted to engage biasing member  206  ( FIG. 2 ).  FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of the first (rear) side  210  of push member  200 . First side  210  of push member  200  includes a hex-shaped recess  502  adapted to receive the hex head of shaft  202  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In the example embodiment, engaging member  204  and push member  200  are formed from black plastic. In alternate embodiments, engaging member  204  and push member  200  can be painted or otherwise decorated to personalize them for individual users. Additionally, engaging member  204  and push member  200  can be formed from other materials, including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals. Biasing member seats  214  and  230  can also be replaced by a circular channel or omitted entirely. As another option, push member  200  can be formed integrally on first end  216  of shaft  202  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view showing an alternate engaging member  600 . Engaging member  600  includes a biasing member seat  602  for engaging a biasing member. Engaging member  600  also includes protrusions  604 , which create a textured surface  606 . Textured surface  606  more effectively engages other textured surfaces, such as a wire fence, bars of a pen, and so on.  FIG. 6B  is a front view of alternate engaging member  600 , showing the arrangement of protrusions  604  on textured surface  606  in greater detail. Protrusions  604  are arranged in a square, which has a common center with the center of engaging member  600 . Additionally, engaging member  600  includes a circular recess  608  for engaging an expandable anchor, such as anchor  208 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of an alternate fastener  700  in a loaded state. Fastener  700  is substantially similar to fastener  100  and, therefore, like elements are denoted with like reference numbers and are not described again to avoid redundancy. 
     Fastener  700  includes a push member  702 , a rigid shaft  704 , an engaging member  706 , biasing member  206 , and anchor  208 . Push member  702  and anchor  208  are coupled to opposite ends of rigid shaft  704 . Engaging member  706  is slidably disposed on rigid shaft  704  between push member  702  and anchor  208 . Biasing member  206  is disposed between push member  702  and engaging member  706 . 
     In this particular embodiment, push member  702  is an ellipsoid (e.g., spherical) having a first end  708  and a second end  710 . First end  708  is rounded to comfortably engage the palm of a user&#39;s hand to disperse force exerted thereon when push member  702  is urged against. Second end  710  includes a biasing member seat  712  onto which biasing member  206  is stabilized and centered with respect to rigid shaft  704 . 
     Rigid shaft  704  includes a first end  714 , a second end  716 , and an intermediate section  718  disposed therebetween. First end  714  is fixed to push member  702  by some suitable means such as, for example, adhesive, threads, etc. Second end  716  includes a thread set  720  onto which anchor  208  is threaded. Intermediate section  718  is smooth to facilitate the sliding of engaging member  706  thereon. 
     Engaging member  706  includes a first side  722 , a second side  724 , and an aperture  726  passing therebetween. First side  722  includes a biasing member seat  728  onto which biasing member  206  is seated and centered with respect to aperture  726 . Second side  724  further includes a set of pull members  730 , which facilitate compressing biasing member  206  with a single hand. To compress biasing member  206 , a user first engages tension members  730  with their fingers and push member  702  with their palm. Then, the user squeezes, thereby urging engaging member  706  toward push member  702 , against the opposing force of biasing member  206 . This feature is particularly useful in releasing fastener  700  from an opening in an object, because it releases the pressure between anchor  208  and whatever is being secured to the object such as, for example, feeder  102 . Once the pressure is released, the user can urge anchor  208  back into a collapsed position with their free hand so that it can be backed out of the opening in which it was disposed. Second side  724  is configured to urge against a wall, cage bars, pen, etc. In this example, second side  724  includes an array of protrusions  732  and a recess  734 . Protrusions  732  effectively engage textured surfaces such as, for example, cage bars, textured walls, etc. Of course, the spring force can be selected so that second side  724  can also effectively engage smooth surfaces. Recess  734  is identical to recess  400  in functionality and is, therefore, not described again. Aperture  726  is configured to receive smooth intermediate section  718  of shaft  704 , so that engaging member  706  can slide along intermediate section  718 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of another alternate fastener  800 . Fastener  800  is substantially similar to fastener  700 . Therefore, like elements are denoted with like reference numbers and will not be described in detail again to avoid redundancy. The main difference between fastener  800  and fastener  700  is that anchor  208  of fastener  700  has been replaced with an anchor  802  and engaging member  706  has been replaced with engaging member  804 . 
     Anchor  802  is a 180 degree bend in second end  716  of rigid shaft  704  to form a J-hook. Anchor  802  is configured to be inserted into an elongated opening formed in an object (e.g., feeder, storage dish, etc.). Once inserted through the elongated opening, push member  702  is rotated 90 degrees such that it is misaligned with the opening and, therefore, cannot be removed from the opening unless push member  702  is rotated back 90 degrees. In a scenario in which the opening in the object to be secured is not elongated, the object may include a recess to seat the open end of anchor  802 . Anchor  802  can be inserted through a round opening and then moved to the side of the opening so that the J-hook can engage the edge of the opening. Anchor  802  can also effectively secure non-planar objects. For example, fastener  800  can be used to secure the wire handle of a bucket to a fence. 
     Engaging member  804  is substantially identical to engaging member  706  but does not include recess  734  and tensions members  730 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an alternate fastener  900 . Fastener  900  is substantially similar to fastener  800 . Therefore, like elements are denoted with like reference numbers and are not described again to avoid redundancy. The main difference between fastener  900  and fastener  800  is that anchor  802  of fastener  800  has been replaced with an alternate anchor  902 . 
     Anchor  902  includes a cross-member  904  rigidly attached to second end  716  of rigid shaft  704  to form a T-member. Anchor  902  is configured to be inserted into an elongated opening (e.g., a slot) formed in an object (e.g., feeder, storage dish, etc.). Once inserted through the elongated opening in an aligned first state, push member  702  is rotated such that it is misaligned with the opening (i.e., transitioned into a second state) and, therefore, cannot be removed from the opening unless push member  702  is rotated back and realigned with the opening (first state). 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of an alternate fastener 1000 . Fastener  1000  is substantially similar to fastener  700 . Therefore, like elements are denoted with like reference numbers and are not described in detail again to avoid redundancy. The main difference between fastener  1000  and fastener  700  is that engaging member  706  of fastener  700  has been replaced with an alternate engaging member  1002 . 
     Engaging member  1002  includes a first side  1004 , a second side  1006 , and an aperture  1008  passing therebetween. First side  1004  includes biasing member seat  1010  onto which biasing member  206  is seated and centered with respect to aperture  1008 . Second side  1006  includes a plurality of substantially parallel ridges  1012  configured to engage bars of, for example, a cage or the like. Ridges  1012  provide significant friction between engaging member  1002  and bars because of the increased contact surface area therebetween. That is, ridges  1012  protrude into the space between bars so as to engage more area of the outer surface of the bars as compared to a generally planar engaging member. In addition, parallel ridges  1012  positively engage bars (or other substantially parallel structures) to prevent rotation of engaging member  1002  with respect to the bars. Second side  1006  further includes a recess  1014  that functions identical to recess  734  of engaging member  706  by securing anchor  208  in a loaded position. Aperture  1008  is configured to slide along intermediate section  718  of shaft  704 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective top view of engaging member  1002  shown removed from fastener  1000 . As shown, engaging member  1002  has a rectangular outer perimeter to increase surface area contact with bars. Optionally, ridges  1012  can have a rectangular cross-section, as opposed to the triangular cross-section shown in  FIG. 11 , to provide even stronger engagement with bars disposed in channels between the ridges. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective top view of an alternate engaging member  1200 . Engaging member  1200  is substantially similar to engaging member  1002  but includes an array of protrusions  1202 , rather than ridges  1012 . Like protrusions  604  of engaging member  600 , protrusions  1202  effectively engage other textured surfaces, such as wire fences, bars of a pen, and so on. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternate fastener  1300  further including an alternate pull member  1301 . In the example embodiment, pull member  1301  is a U-shaped structure, slidably disposed through a set of apertures  1302  formed in push member  200  and fixably attached to engaging member  204 . For example, each side of pull member  1301  passes through engaging member  204  and includes bends  1304  so as to not be pulled through when pull member  1301  is pulled toward push member  200 . Optionally, bends  1304  can be eliminated by securing the ends of pull member  1301  within, or to the rear surface, of engaging member  204 . Pull member  1300  facilitates the compression of biasing member  206  by providing a structure to pull engaging member  204  toward push member  200 . Doing so releases the pressure between anchor  208  and engaging member  204  (or some other engaged object), allowing the user to collapse a deployed anchor  208 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart summarizing a method  1400  of manufacturing a fastener. In a first step  1402 , a push member is provided. Then, in a second step  1404 , a rigid shaft is provided. Next, in a third step  1406 , a biasing member is provided. Then, in a fourth step  1408 , an engaging member is provided. Next, in a fifth step  1410 , an anchor is provided. Then, in a sixth step  1412 , the rigid shaft is coupled the push member. Next, in a seventh step  1414 , the rigid shaft is coupled to the engaging member. Then, in an eighth step  1416 , the biasing member is positioned between the push member and the engaging member. Finally, in a ninth step  1418 , the anchor is coupled to the rigid shaft. The specific order of the steps can be altered, depending on the specific configuration of each component part. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart summarizing a method  1500  of using a fastener. In a first step  1502 , a first object is provided. Then, in a second step  1504 , a second object is provided. Next, in a third step  1506 , a fastener is provided. Then, in a third step  1508 , the first object is positioned with respect to the second object. Next, in a fourth step  1510 , the fastener is inserted through an opening in the first object and an opening in the second object. Then, in a fifth step  1512 , the fastener is transitioned from a first state to a second state, to secure the first object to the second object. Next, in a seventh step  1514 , the fastener is transitioned from the second state back to the first state. Then, in an eighth step  1516 , the fastener is withdrawn from the opening in the first object and the opening in the second object, to detach the first object from the second object. Instructions that teach or suggest to a user how to fasten one object to another (e.g., perform method  1500  or similar method) can be provided with any fastener disclosed herein. 
     Various embodiments of the fastener disclosed herein provide important advantages over devices of the prior art. For example, the use of the device can be accomplished primarily from the outside of a farrowing crate (or other enclosure or structure), making it easy to use. In addition, the portion of the device that creates the biasing force is located outside of the farrowing crate, keeping it safely away from the livestock inside the farrowing crate. Yet another advantage is that the portion of the securement device positioned inside the farrowing crate (i.e., anchor  208 ) provides a means for quick release of feeder  102  from the fastener  100  and a quick release of fastener  100  from wall  104 . 
     The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate shafts (e.g., a completely smooth rod), may be substituted for the bolt of fastener  100 . As another example, fasteners described herein can be used to attach different items together (e.g., bins/containers for supplies/parts in a contractor&#39;s van) This and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.