Patent ID: 7118303

Claim:
A linear engaging headless fastener system for securing an object to a machine component, the fastener system comprising: a body member having an outer surface positioned about a central axis, said body member having a first end including a cavity, said cavity having an engaging surface, said engaging surface tapering inwardly from about said first end and extending toward a second end, said 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, said outer surface tapering outwardly from said first end and extending toward said second end, said first end being insertable into said body member cavity; a gripping surface defining an aperture in the machine component; and means projecting radially from said outer surface of said body member outer surface for engagement with said inner surface of said aperture for locking said body member in a predetermined position, wherein said outer surface of said expander member is constructed and arranged for coaxial alignment and engagement with respect to said engaging surface of said body member, said expander member being linearly traversable with respect to said engaging surface of said body member between a first release position and a second engaged position, wherein said engaged position results in said tapered surfaces circumferentially expanding said body member, and wherein said release position results in circumferential contraction of said body member, wherein said body member outer surface and said gripping surface are configured and positionable relative to each other to form a compressive contact with each other to linearly shift relative to each other under the compressive contact to cause an increased compression between the clamping surface and the object when said body member is circumferentially expanded from an unloaded state, wherein said radially projecting means includes at least one outwardly and circumferentially extending rib, each said rib including a first ramp surface to facilitate coaxially aligned linear movement of said body member in relation to said inner gripping surface of said aperture to provide a secondary clamping force upon engagement of said expander member, wherein said at least one circumferentially extending rib includes a second ramp surface to facilitate coaxially aligned linear insertion of said body member into said inner gripping surface of said aperture, and wherein said radially projecting means are helical threads.