Patent Description:
The present invention relates to fasteners and, more particularly, a lockbolt fastening system including a pin member and a swage collar adapted to be swaged onto the pin member.

Two-piece swaged fasteners, commonly referred to as lockbolts, are used to secure a plurality of workpieces together. Typically, swage-type fasteners include a pin member having lock grooves and a swage collar adapted to be swaged into the lock grooves of the pin member by a fastener installation tool.

<CIT> discloses a fastener comprising an elongated shank having first and second sections, both comprising circumferential grooves, and a third threaded section.

The present invention relates to a fastener as defined in appended claim <NUM>. The fastener includes: a pin member including an elongated shank portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a smooth cylindrical shank portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion, a threaded portion located adjacent to the first end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion and proximate to the first end of the elongated shank portion and having a thread, a lock portion located adjacent to the second end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion and having at least one lock groove, and a pull portion located at the second end of the elongated shank portion and having at least one pull groove; and a collar.

In an embodiment, the collar is a swage collar adapted to be swaged into the at least one lock groove of the lock portion of the pin member. In an embodiment, the at least one lock groove of the lock portion of the pin member includes a plurality of lock grooves. In an embodiment, the elongated shank portion of the pin member includes a breakneck groove located intermediate the lock portion and the pull portion. In an embodiment, the at least one pull groove of the pull portion of the pin member includes a plurality of pull grooves. In an embodiment, the fastener is adapted to secure at least first and second workpieces to one another, wherein the first workpiece includes a hole extending from a first side thereof to a second side thereof opposite the first side, the hole being sized and shaped to receive the pin member therethrough, and wherein the second workpiece includes a threaded hole extending within a first side thereof, the threaded hole being sized and shaped and adapted to receive threadedly the thread of the threaded portion of the pin member when the pin member is in an installed position. In an embodiment, the lock portion of the pin member protrudes from the first side of the first workpiece and the collar is adapted to be positioned on the lock portion of the pin member and adjacent to the first side of the first workpiece when the pin member is in its installed position. In an embodiment, the pull portion is adapted to break off from the pin member at the breakneck groove.

The lock portion of the pin member includes an annular stop located at one end thereof and proximate to the pull portion of the pin member. In an embodiment, the fastener includes a plurality of grooves each of which extends axially from and on an outer surface of the stop to and on an outer surface of the lock portion. In an embodiment, the lock portion of the pin member includes a head located at one end thereof and proximate to the pull portion of the pin member. In an embodiment, the head includes gripping means adapted to facilitate the gripping and rotation of the fastener from an installed position of the fastener to an uninstalled position of the fastener. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of serrations adapted to receive a fastener tool. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of faces adapted to receive a fastener tool. In an embodiment, the lock portion of the pin member includes an annular stop located at one end thereof and adjacent to the head. In an embodiment, the pin member includes a head located at the second end of the elongated shank portion and adjacent to the pull portion. In an embodiment, the head includes gripping means adapted to facilitate the gripping and rotation of the fastener from an uninstalled position of the fastener to an installed position of the fastener. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of serrations adapted to receive a fastener tool. In an embodiment, the gripping means includes a plurality of faces adapted to receive a fastener tool.

In an embodiment, the fastener may be used in aerospace applications. In an embodiment, the fastener may be used for space vehicles. In other embodiments, the fastener may be used for satellite panels. In other embodiments, the fastener may be used for any other appropriate application requiring a fastener.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> includes an elongated shank portion <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM> located adjacent to one end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having a thread <NUM>, and a lock portion <NUM> located adjacent to an opposite end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having at least one lock groove <NUM>. In an aspect, the lock grooves <NUM> are annular grooves. In an aspect, the threaded portion <NUM> includes a single thread <NUM>. In another aspect, the lock portion <NUM> includes a single lock grove <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a pull portion (pintail portion) <NUM> having at least one pull groove <NUM>. In an aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are helical grooves. In another aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are annular grooves. In an aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM>. In another aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM>. In an aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM> and in an angular direction opposite to that of the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM>. In an aspect, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM> and in an angular direction the same or substantially the same as that of the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM>. In another aspect, the pull portion <NUM> includes a single pull groove <NUM>. In an aspect, a breakneck groove <NUM> is formed between the lock portion <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> and the pull portion <NUM>.

The pin member <NUM> may be made from medium carbon alloy steel. In an aspect, the pin member <NUM> is a Class <NUM> strength level bolt. In other aspects, the pin member <NUM> can be characterized by any grade known in the art, such as, for example, Grade <NUM>, Grade <NUM>, Grade <NUM>, Class <NUM>, and Class <NUM>. In another aspect, the pin member <NUM> is made from titanium. In other aspects, the pin member <NUM> may be made from other suitable materials known in the art.

In an aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made of aluminum. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made of a titanium alloy. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made of Monel. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made of low carbon steel. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made from unannealed low carbon steel. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made from annealed low carbon steel. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made from medium carbon steel. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is made from medium carbon steel that has been thermally processed. In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is "as-headed" and does not require thermal processing. As employed herein, the term "as-headed" refers to a collar which is strain hardened, for example, from cold working, rather than changing hardness using a thermal process (e.g., quench and tempering; stress relieving; etc.). In another aspect, the swage collar <NUM> is thermally processed. In an aspect, the thermal processing of the swage collar <NUM> includes quench and tempering. In an aspect, the thermal processing of the swage collar <NUM> includes stress relieving. In an aspect, the collar <NUM> can be made from other suitable materials known in the art.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is adapted to secure a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. In an aspect, the work piece <NUM> includes a hole <NUM> extending from one side <NUM> therefrom to an opposite side <NUM> therefrom, while the work piece <NUM> includes a hole <NUM> extending from one side <NUM> therefrom to a location intermediate the side <NUM> and an opposite side <NUM> therefrom. In an aspect, the hole <NUM> of the work piece <NUM> is a tapped hole. In an aspect, the holes <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with one another. In an aspect, the hole <NUM> of the work piece <NUM> includes an internal thread <NUM>. In an aspect, the internal thread <NUM> is sized and shaped to engage threadedly the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>, as described hereinafter. In an aspect, the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> are panels. In an aspect, the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> may be other structural components.

Referring to <FIG>, the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by inserting it into the respective holes <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, and rotating it therein manually and/or by an appropriate tool, whereby the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> engages threadedly the internal thread <NUM> of the hole <NUM> until the pin member <NUM> is tightened therein. In an aspect, when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the lock portion <NUM> and the corresponding lock grooves <NUM> protrude from the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the collar <NUM> is installed on the pin member <NUM>, particularly over the lock portion <NUM>, and is positioned adjacent to and abuts the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. In an aspect, the collar <NUM> includes a width that is equal to or greater than the width of the lock portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is engaged by a fastener installation tool (not shown in the Figures), whereby the pull grooves <NUM> of the pull portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> are adapted to be gripped by matching teeth of chuck jaws (collet) of a fastener installation tool having a swage anvil (not shown in the Figures) and apply a relative axial force thereon. In an aspect, the swage anvil of the tool is adapted to engage the swage collar <NUM> and apply a relative axial force between the collar <NUM> and the pin member <NUM>, and to move over the collar <NUM> and swage it into the lock grooves <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> (not shown in the Figures), whereby a flange <NUM> is formed on one end of the collar <NUM> and abuts the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. When the fastener <NUM> is installed, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off from the pin member <NUM> at the breakneck groove <NUM>, providing a visual indication that the fastener <NUM> has been installed. In an aspect, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off in such a manner that the remainder of the breakneck groove <NUM> on the pin member <NUM> lies flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the collar <NUM>.

<FIG> show an embodiment of a fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the fastener shown in <FIG> have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the embodiment shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the fastener shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> includes an elongated shank portion <NUM> having a smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM> located adjacent to one end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having a thread <NUM>, and a lock portion <NUM> located adjacent to an opposite end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having at least one lock groove <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a pull portion (pintail portion) <NUM> having at least one pull groove <NUM>. The lock portion <NUM> includes an annular stop <NUM> located at one end thereof proximate to the pull portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, a breakneck groove <NUM> is formed intermediate the annular stop <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> and the pull portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the annular stop <NUM> includes an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the remainder of the features of the elongated shank portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is adapted to secure a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the collar <NUM> is installed on the pin member <NUM> such that the collar is positioned over the lock portion <NUM> and adjacent to and abuts one side of the annular stop <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by inserting it into respective holes <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, and rotating it therein manually and/or by an appropriate tool, whereby the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> engages threadedly the internal thread <NUM> of the hole <NUM> until the pin member <NUM> is tightened therein. In an embodiment, when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, which is positioned on the lock portion <NUM>, protrude from a side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, and the collar <NUM> is sandwiched between the stop <NUM> and the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. As the pin member <NUM> is tightened within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the stop <NUM> maintains the collar <NUM> in position. Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is installed by a fastener installation tool (not shown in the Figures), with the collar <NUM> being swaged into the lock grooves <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> (not shown in the Figures), whereby a flange <NUM> is formed on one end of the collar <NUM> and abuts the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, while an opposite side of the collar <NUM> remains abutting the stop <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. When the fastener <NUM> is installed, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off from the pin member <NUM> at the breakneck groove <NUM>, providing a visual indication that the fastener <NUM> has been installed. In an embodiment, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off in such a manner that the remainder of the breakneck groove <NUM> on the pin member lies flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the stop <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the embodiment shown in <FIG> have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the embodiment shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> includes an elongated shank portion <NUM> having a smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM> located adjacent to one end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having a thread <NUM>, and a lock portion <NUM> located adjacent to an opposite end of the cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having at least one lock groove <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a pull portion (pintail portion) <NUM> having at least one pull groove <NUM>. The lock portion <NUM> includes an annular stop <NUM> located at one end thereof and a head <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> includes a plurality of serrations <NUM> formed circumferentially thereon. In another embodiment, the head <NUM> includes at least one of the serrations <NUM>. In an embodiment, a breakneck groove <NUM> is formed intermediate the head <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> and the pull portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the annular stop <NUM> includes an outer diameter that is greater than outer diameter of the remainder of the features of the elongated shank portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is adapted to secure a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the collar <NUM> is installed on the pin member <NUM> such that the collar <NUM> is positioned over the lock portion <NUM> and adjacent to and abuts one side of the annular stop <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by inserting it into respective holes <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, and rotating it therein manually and/or by an appropriate tool, whereby the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> engages threadedly the internal thread <NUM> of the hole <NUM> until the pin member <NUM> is tightened therein. In an embodiment, when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, which is positioned on the lock portion <NUM>, protrudes from a side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, and the collar is sandwiched between the stop <NUM> and the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. As the pin member <NUM> is tightened within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the stop <NUM> maintains the collar <NUM> in position. Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is installed by a fastener installation tool (not shown in the Figures), with the collar <NUM> being swaged into the lock grooves <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> (not shown in the Figures), whereby a flange <NUM> is formed on one end of the collar <NUM> and abuts the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, while an opposite side of the collar <NUM> remains abutting the stop <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. When the fastener <NUM> is installed, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off from the pin member <NUM> at the breakneck groove <NUM>, providing a visual indication that the fastener <NUM> has been installed. In an embodiment, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off in such a manner that the remainder of the breakneck groove <NUM> on the pin member lies flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the head <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may be uninstalled from the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by rotating it relative thereto by way of the head <NUM>. The serrations <NUM> of the head <NUM> facilitate the gripping and rotation of the head <NUM> and, in turn, the fastener <NUM>. In other embodiments, gripping means other than the serrations <NUM> may be utilized, such as textured surfaces, knurling, dimpled surfaces, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the pin member <NUM> includes a structure and function that is similar to those of the fastener <NUM>, except that it includes a head <NUM>, rather than the serrated head <NUM>, positioned adjacent to an annular stop <NUM> of a lock portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> includes plurality of faces <NUM> that are adapted to receive an appropriate tool, such as a wrench, for rotating the pin member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> is a hex head that includes six of the faces <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the head <NUM> may include more or less than six of the faces <NUM>, such as four, five, etc. <FIG> show the installation of the fastener <NUM> in a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, and its removal therefrom, in a manner similar to that as shown for the fastener <NUM> in <FIG>. That is, referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may be uninstalled from the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by rotating it relative thereto by way of the head <NUM> with the tool.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the pin member <NUM> includes a structure and function that is similar to those of the fastener <NUM>, except that it does not include the stop <NUM>. Rather a head <NUM> is located intermediate a lock portion <NUM> and a breakneck groove <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> includes plurality of faces <NUM> that are adapted to receive an appropriate tool, such as a wrench, for rotating the pin member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> is a hex head that includes six of the faces <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In other embodiments, the head <NUM> may include more or less than six of the faces <NUM>, such as four, five, etc. <FIG> show the installation of the fastener <NUM> in a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, and its removal therefrom, in a manner similar to that as shown for the fastener <NUM> in <FIG>. That is, referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may be uninstalled from the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by rotating it relative thereto by way of the head <NUM> with the tool.

<FIG> show another fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the fastener shown in <FIG> have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by five hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the fastener shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the fastener shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the pin member <NUM> includes a structure and function that is similar to those of the pin member <NUM>, except that a pull portion <NUM> includes a head <NUM> located at and extending from a free end <NUM> thereof. In an aspect, the head <NUM> includes a plurality of faces <NUM> that are adapted to receive an appropriate tool, such as a wrench, for rotating the pin member <NUM>. In an aspect, the head <NUM> is a hex head that includes six of the faces <NUM>. In other aspects, the head <NUM> may include more or less than six of the faces <NUM>, such as four, five, etc. In other aspects, other gripping means in addition to or other than the faces <NUM> may be utilized, such as serrations, textured surfaces, knurling, dimpled surfaces, etc. <FIG> show the installation of the fastener <NUM> in a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, and its removal therefrom, in a manner similar to that as shown for the fastener <NUM> in <FIG>. That is, referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> may be installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by rotating it relative thereto by way of the head <NUM> with the tool.

<FIG> show another fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the fastener shown in <FIG> have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by six hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the fastener shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the fastener shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the pin member <NUM> includes a structure and function that is similar to those of the pin member <NUM>, except that a shank portion <NUM> does not include a smooth cylindrical shank portion (such as, for example, the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>) or a lock portion (such as, for example, the lock portion <NUM> of the fastener <NUM>) that is distinct from that of a threaded portion. Instead, the shank portion <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> having a thread <NUM> that extends from one end of the shank portion <NUM> to a location adjacent to a breakneck groove <NUM> positioned intermediate the threaded portion <NUM> and a pull portion <NUM>. <FIG> show the installation of the fastener <NUM> in a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> in a manner similar to the manner of the fastener <NUM> shown in <FIG>, with some differences. That is, a portion <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> and the thread <NUM> located proximate to the breakneck groove <NUM> protrude from a face <NUM> of the work piece <NUM> when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the collar <NUM> is positioned on and swaged onto the portion <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>, and the pull portion <NUM> is broken off. In an aspect, the remaining end of the threaded portion <NUM> is flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the collar <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show another fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the fastener shown in <FIG> have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the fastener shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the fastener shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, the pin member <NUM> includes a structure and function that is similar to those of the pin member <NUM>, except that a threaded portion <NUM> is longer in length relative to the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. <FIG> show the installation of the fastener <NUM> in a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> in a manner similar to the manner of the fastener <NUM> shown in <FIG>, with some differences. That is, a larger length of a portion <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> and the thread <NUM> located proximate to a breakneck groove <NUM> protrude from a face <NUM> of the work piece <NUM> when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, relative to the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the collar <NUM> is positioned on and swaged onto the portion <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>, and a pull portion <NUM> is broken off. In an aspect, the remaining end of the threaded portion <NUM> protrudes from the exposed end of the collar <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. In an aspect, the pin member <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> located at one end thereof and a lock portion <NUM> extending from an opposite end thereof to the threaded portion <NUM>. In an aspect, the threaded portion <NUM> includes a thread <NUM>. In an aspect, the thread <NUM> is helical. In an aspect, the lock portion <NUM> includes a plurality of lock grooves <NUM>. In an aspect, each of the lock grooves <NUM> is an annular groove. In an aspect, the length of the lock portion <NUM> is greater than the length of the threaded portion <NUM>. In an aspect, the length of the lock portion <NUM> is substantially greater than the length of the threaded portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is adapted to secure a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. Referring to <FIG>, the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by inserting it into respective holes <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, and rotating it therein manually and/or by an appropriate tool, whereby the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> engages threadedly an internal thread <NUM> of the hole <NUM> until the pin member <NUM> is tightened therein. In an aspect, when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the lock portion <NUM> and the corresponding lock grooves <NUM> protrude from the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> the collar <NUM> is installed on the pin member <NUM> and swaged onto the lock portion <NUM> and in the lock grooves <NUM>. In an aspect, a portion of the lock portion <NUM> breaks off at a selected groove <NUM> in such a manner that an end of the remainder of the lock portion <NUM> lies flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the collar <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a fastener <NUM>. Elements shown in <FIG> which correspond, either identically or substantially, to the elements described above with respect to the embodiment shown in <FIG> through 2D have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by eight hundred, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the embodiment shown in <FIG> is structured and functions in the same manner as the embodiment shown in <FIG>through 2D.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> includes an elongated shank portion <NUM> having a smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM> located adjacent to one end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having a thread <NUM>, and a lock portion <NUM> located adjacent to an opposite end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having at least one lock groove <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a pull portion (pintail portion) <NUM> having at least one pull groove <NUM>. The lock portion <NUM> includes an annular stop <NUM> located at one end thereof. In an embodiment, a breakneck groove <NUM> is formed intermediate the annular stop <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> and the pull portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the annular stop <NUM> includes an outer diameter that is greater than outer diameter of the remainder of the elongated shank portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pin member <NUM> includes a plurality of grooves <NUM>, each of which is formed within and extends axially from, and on an outer surface of, the stop <NUM> to, and through an outer surface of, the lock portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, each of the grooves <NUM> extends longitudinally. In an embodiment, each of the grooves <NUM> extends from one end of the stop <NUM> located proximate to the breakneck groove <NUM> to one end of the lock portion <NUM> located proximate to the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pin member <NUM> may include only one of the grooves <NUM>. In another embodiment, the pin member <NUM> includes at least one of the grooves <NUM>. In an embodiment, the grooves <NUM> are adapted to receive a tool for rotating the pin member <NUM>, as described below.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> is adapted to secure a plurality of work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> to one another. In an embodiment, the collar <NUM> is installed on the pin member <NUM> such that the collar <NUM> is positioned over the lock portion <NUM> and adjacent to and abuts one side of the annular stop <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM> by inserting it into respective holes <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, and rotating it therein manually and/or by an appropriate tool, whereby the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> engages threadedly the internal thread <NUM> of the hole <NUM> until the pin member <NUM> is tightened therein. In an embodiment, when the pin member <NUM> is installed within the work pieces <NUM>, <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, which is positioned on the lock portion <NUM>, protrude from a side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, and the collar is sandwiched between the stop <NUM> and the side <NUM> of the work piece <NUM>, and thereafter swaged into the lock grooves <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the fastener <NUM> is installed, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off from the pin member <NUM> at the breakneck groove <NUM>, providing a visual indication that the fastener <NUM> has been installed. In an embodiment, the pull portion <NUM> breaks off in such a manner that the remainder of the breakneck groove <NUM> on the pin member lies flush or substantially flush with the exposed end of the stop <NUM> of the pin member <NUM>. In addition, the portion of the grooves <NUM> located on the stop <NUM> are exposed, and are adapted to receive a tool for tightening or loosening the fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another embodiment of a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> includes a pin member (or stud) <NUM> and a swage collar <NUM> that is sized and shaped to mate with and be swaged onto the pin member <NUM>. The pin member <NUM> includes an elongated shank portion <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM>, a threaded portion <NUM> located adjacent to one end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having a thread <NUM>, and a lock portion <NUM> located adjacent to an opposite end of the cylindrical shank portion <NUM> and having at least one lock groove <NUM>. In an embodiment, the lock grooves <NUM> are annular grooves. In an embodiment, the threaded portion <NUM> includes a single thread <NUM>. In another embodiment, the lock portion <NUM> includes a single lock grove <NUM>. The shank portion <NUM> includes a pull portion (pintail portion) <NUM> having at least one pull groove <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are helical grooves. In another embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are annular grooves. In an embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM> and in an angular direction opposite to that of the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pull grooves <NUM> are formed obliquely to the longitudinal axis A-A of the pin member <NUM> and in an angular direction the same or substantially the same as that of the thread <NUM> of the threaded portion <NUM>. In another embodiment, the pull portion <NUM> includes a single pull groove <NUM>. The lock portion <NUM> includes a stop <NUM> located at one end thereof. In an embodiment, a breakneck groove <NUM> is formed intermediate the stop <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the shank portion <NUM> and the pull portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> includes an outer diameter that is greater than outer diameter of the remainder of the elongated shank portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> includes plurality of faces <NUM> that are adapted to receive an appropriate tool, such as a wrench, for rotating the pin member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> consists of a hex that includes six faces <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other embodiments, the stop <NUM> may include more or less than six of the faces <NUM>, such as four, five, etc. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> acts as a physical stop for the collar <NUM> when the collar <NUM> is installed thereon, so as to allow to control the tightening depth of the pin member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> also facilitates tightening of the pin member <NUM> in a work piece if the pin member <NUM> is to be installed into a threaded locked insert. In an embodiment, the fastener <NUM> may be uninstalled from work pieces by rotating it relative thereto by way of the stop <NUM> with the tool. In an embodiment, the collar <NUM> is swaged into the lock grooves <NUM> of the lock portion <NUM> of the pin member <NUM> (not shown in the Figures).

The fasteners <NUM> through <NUM> etc. disclosed herein are able to be installed within holes of associated work pieces with accurate installed preload. This accuracy may lead to weight savings of the work pieces, since the work pieces can be predominantly sized by the preload. Safety margins can also be reduced. Installation time can also be reduced. Torque-tension acceptance tension can also be eliminated.

Claim 1:
A fastener (<NUM>), comprising:
a pin member (<NUM>) including an elongated shank portion (<NUM>) having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a smooth cylindrical shank portion (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion, a threaded portion (<NUM>) located adjacent to the first end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion and proximate to the first end of the elongated shank portion and having a thread (<NUM>), a lock portion (<NUM>) located adjacent to the second end of the smooth cylindrical shank portion and having at least one lock groove (<NUM>), and a pull portion (<NUM>) located at the second end of the elongated shank portion and having at least one pull groove (<NUM>), wherein the lock portion of the pin member includes an annular stop (<NUM>) located at one end thereof and proximate to the pull portion of the pin member; and
a collar (<NUM>).