Patent ID: 6945728

Claim:
A mechanical fastener assembly for securing a tube to a substantially planar link whereby said tube and link are rotationally secured to one another, said assembly comprising: a tubular member and having an uninterrupted wall and an internal surface of said wall defining a cavity, said tubular member including an open end defining an opening to said cavity; an insert having a leading end and a second end positioned opposite said leading end and defining an axis which extends rearwardly from said leading end to said second end, said insert including a tapered portion extending rearwardly from said leading end, said tapered portion having an increase in circumference as said tapered portion extends rearwardly, said insert having a body portion positioned rearward of said tapered portion, said body portion having an enlarged circumference relative to said tapered portion, said body portion defining a plurality of arcuate sections with end points which touch each other and thereby define a non-circular shape which approximates a polygon with bowed out sides, said rear end of said insert comprising an extended bearing portion having a substantially cylindrical shape, said bearing portion extending beyond said body portion and being of smaller circumference than said body portion; and a substantially planar member comprising a link and defining a second opening which extends between two oppositely disposed major planes, said second opening generally conforming to the cross sectional shape of said body portion, said tubular member positionable within said second opening, whereby said tubular member, said insert, and said planar member are axially and rotationally securable together by inserting said leading end into said opening and deforming said tubular member into substantially continuous engagement with said insert and said planar member at said second opening, whereby said tubular member extends at substantially 90° to said planar member and away from one said major plane and said bearing portion extends at substantially 90° to said planar member away from said opposite major plane.