Patent ID: 7334961

Claim:
A linear engaging headless fastener system securing an object to a machine component, the fastener system comprising: a body member having an outer surface positioned about a central axis, the body member having a first and second end, the first end including a cavity having an engaging surface, the engaging surface tapering inwardly from about the first end and extending toward the second end, the second end defining a clamping surface adapted to engage the object; an expander member having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface positioned about a central axis, the outer surface of the expander member tapering outwardly from the first end and extending toward the second end, the first end of the expander member being insertable into the cavity in the body member; and a gripping surface defining an aperture in the machine component, wherein the outer surface of the expander member is constructed and arranged for coaxial alignment and engagement with respect to the engaging surface of the body member, the expander member being linearly traversable with respect to the engaging surface of the body member between a first release position and a second engaged position, wherein the engaged position results in the tapered surfaces circumferentially expanding the body member, and wherein the release position results in circumferential contraction of the body member; wherein the outer surface of the body member and the gripping surface are configured and positionable relative to each other to form a compressive contact with each other to linearly shift the body member toward the object under the compressive contact to cause an increased compression between the clamping surface and the object when the body member is circumferentially expanded from the release position when the expander member is linearly moved toward the object.