Patent ID: 7645104

Claim:
A blind fastener for installation in a thermoplastic workpiece, which blind fastener has a leading end face which is substantially flat and non-abrasive and without drilling teeth, wherein the leading end face is adapted to be held in contact with a near face of the thermoplastic workpiece, and wherein the leading end face of the fastener comprises an end face of a forwardly projecting rim surrounding an aperture, the forwardly projecting rim having a wall thickness that is sufficiently small such that, in use the leading end face of the fastener is held in contact with the near face of the thermoplastic workpiece and heat and pressure are applied to the contacted area of the workpiece by means of the leading end of the fastener, the fastener progressively forms a hole through the thermoplastic workpiece in which hole the fastener can then be installed, in which the aperture is adapted to receive a slug of the workpiece material formed by the leading end face; and wherein the fastener includes means for preventing the slug from dropping off the leading end of the fastener after the latter has penetrated the workpiece.