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Title:
FASTENER AND METHOD OF APPLYING FASTENER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/066611
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A fastener (10) is disclosed which is capable of being inserted into a hole and locked in place from one and the same side of the hole. Fastener (10) has a head (12), a shaft (16) and an axial passage (18) extending through the head (12) and shaft (16). A locking mechanism (20) is disposed in the passage (18) and is operable to releasably lock the fastener in place. An engagement mechanism (22) comprising a neck (54) extends from head (12) axially of passage (18) and terminates in a lip (56). A fastener application tool (200) is able to engage the lip (56) about neck (54) and deploy the locking mechanism.

Inventors:
DAVIES BRIAN (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2010/001621
Publication Date:
June 09, 2011
Filing Date:
December 01, 2010
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BRIAN INVESTMENTS PTY LTD (AU)
DAVIES BRIAN (AU)
International Classes:
F16B5/04; F16B13/06; F16B13/12; F16B19/10
Domestic Patent References:
WO2006108245A12006-10-19
Foreign References:
US3030849A1962-04-24
US2326855A1943-08-17
Other References:
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GRIFFITH HACK (109 St Georges TerracePerth, Western Australia 6000, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fastener capable of insertion into a hole and locking in place from one and the same side of the hole, the fastener comprising:

a head, a shaft and a passage extending through the head and shaft; a locking mechanism disposed in the passage and capable of releasably locking the fastener in the hole; and,

an engagement mechanism which extends from the head and is configured to enable engagement with a fastener application tool used to operate the releasable locking mechanism.

2. The fastener according to claim 1 wherein the head comprises an upper peripheral edge and the engagement mechanism lies with the upper peripheral edge.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking mechanism is radially expandable from the shaft when activated to lock the fastener in the hole. 4. A fastener comprising:

a head having an upper peripheral edge;

a shaft extending from the head;

a passage extending through the head and the shaft;

a locking mechanism operable through the passage and configured to expand radially from the shaft and lock the fastener in a hole; and,

an engagement mechanism extending upwardly from the head and lying within the upper peripheral edge, the engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage a fastener application tool during operation of the tool to expand the locking mechanism.

5. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a hooking portion which the fastener application tool can engage. 6. The fastener according to claim 5 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a neck extending axially from the head, and the hooking portion comprises one or more flanges extending radially from the neck at a location spaced from the head.

7. The fastener according to claim 5 wherein the hooking portion comprises at least one loop attached to the head.

8. The fastener according to claim 7 wherein the or each loop is supported on a corresponding neck extending axially from the head.

9. The fastener according to claim 7 wherein the or each loop is attached directly to the head.

10. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a neck extending circumferentially about the passage and upright from the head and a lip extending radially from an outer circumferential surface of the neck at a location spaced from the head.

11. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the engagement mechanism has a hardness which is less than a hardness of the head of the fastener.

12. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising a sleeve located about the shaft at a position surrounding the locking mechanism wherein a portion of the locking mechanism is retained by the sleeve about the shaft when the locking mechanism is operated to expand radially outward.

13. The fastener according to claim 12 wherein the sleeve is deformable.

14. The fastener according to claim 12 wherein the sleeve comprises a recess into which the portion of the releasable locking mechanism moves when locking the fastener in the hole.

15. A method of applying a fastener of a type according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: ' - '

providing a fastener in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14;

inserting a shaft of the fastener into a hole;

releasable engaging a tool with the locking mechanism;

using the. tool to operate the locking mechanism to lock the fastener in the hole; and,

disengaging the tool from the fastener.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein disengaging the tool comprises removing the engagement mechanism from the fastener after locking the fastener in the hole.

17. The method according to claim 16 wherein removing the engagement mechanism comprises cutting the engagement mechanism from the fastener.

18. The method according to claim 16 wherein removing the engagement mechanism comprises grinding the engagement mechanism from the fastener.

19. The method according to claim 16 wherein removing the engagement mechanism comprises wearing the engagement mechanism away by contact with moving abrasive materials.

20. The method according to claim 17 comprising using the tool to cut the engagement mechanism from the fastener.

21. A fastener system comprising:

a fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and

a tool configured to releasably engage the engagement mechanism and provided with a ram for applying a force on the locking mechanism to radially expand the locking mechanism from the shaft.

22. The fastener system according to claim 21 wherein the tool comprises a coupler portion configured to engage the engagement mechanism and wherein the ram is able to pass through the coupler portion to engage the locking mechanism.

23. The fastener system according to claim 22 wherein the coupler portion comprises a jaw mechanism capable of gripping the engagement mechanism. 24. The fastener system according to claim 23 wherein the tool is arranged so that: the ram closes the jaw mechanism to grip the engagement mechanism during a first portion of a forward stroke of the ram; and, the jaw cuts the engagement mechanism from the fastener during a subsequent portion of forward stroke of the ram.

Description:
FASTENER AND METHOD OF APPLYING FASTENER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fasteners such as, but not limited to, nutless bolts, that may be applied and fixed in place from the same side as insertion of the fastener into a hole.

Background of the Invention

Applicant has made many innovations in the area of fasteners particularly for wear plates. An example of one such fastener is described in International Publication No. WO2006/108245. The fastener described in this publication is in essence a nutless bolt which is inserted into a hole from one side of a surface and is applied or fixed in place by attaching an application tool to a head of the bolt and driving a pin into a bore formed centrally through the head and shaft of the bolt. This may be achieved by using a hammer. This enables the fastener to be applied or fixed in place without the need to access an opposite side of the surface from which the fastener is applied.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect the invention provides a fastener capable of insertion into a hole and locking in place from one and the same side of the hole, the fastener comprising:

a head, a shaft and a passage extending through the head and shaft; a locking mechanism disposed in the passage and capable of releasably locking the fastener in the hole; and,

an engagement mechanism which extends from the head and is configured to enable engagement with a fastener application tool used to operate the releasable locking mechanism.

The head may comprise an upper peripheral edge and the engagement mechanism lies with the upper peripheral edge.

The locking mechanism may be radially expandable from the shaft when activated to lock the fastener in the hole. ln a second aspect the present invention provides a fastener comprising:

a head having an upper peripheral edge;

a shaft extending from the head;

a passage extending through the head and the shaft;

a locking mechanism operable through the passage and configured to expand radially from the shaft; and,

a engagement mechanism extending upwardly from the head and lying within the peripheral edge, the engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage a fastener application tool during operation of the tool to expand the locking mechanism.

The engagement mechanism may comprise a hooking portion which the fastener application tool can engage.

In one embodiment the engagement mechanism comprises a neck extending axially from the head, and the hooking portion comprises one or more flanges extending radially from the neck at a location spaced from the head. In an alternate embodiment the hooking portion comprises at least one loop attached to the head.

The or each loop may be supported on a corresponding neck extending axially from the head.

However in an alternate form the or each loop is attached directly to the head.

In yet a further alternative the engagement mechanism may comprise a neck extending circumferentially about the passage and upright from the head and a lip extending radially from an outer circumferential surface of the neck at a location spaced from the head.

The engagement mechanism may be formed with a hardness which is less than a hardness of the head of the fastener.

The fastener may comprise a sleeve located about the shaft at a position surrounding the locking mechanism wherein a portion of the locking mechanism is retained by the sleeve about the shaft when the locking mechanism is operated to expand radially outward.

The sleeve may be deformable.

In an alternate embodiment the sleeve comprises a recess into which the portion of the releasable locking mechanism moves when the radially expandable locking mechanism is operated to expand radially outward. In a third aspect of the invention provides a method of applying a fastener of a type according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: providing a fastener in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; inserting a shaft of the fastener into a hole;

releasably engaging a with the locking mechanism;

using the tool to operate the locking mechanism to lock the fastener in the hole; and,

disengaging the tool from the fastener.

Disengaging the tool may comprise removing the engagement mechanism from the fastener after operation of the tool to lock the fastener in the hole.

Removing the engagement mechanism may comprise cutting the engagement mechanism from the fastener. Alternately or additionally removing the engagement mechanism may comprise grinding the engagement mechanism from the fastener.

In another embodiment removing the engagement mechanism comprises wearing the engagement mechanism away by contact with moving abrasive materials.

In yet a further embodiment removing the engagement mechanism comprises cutting the engagement mechanism from the fastener. This may comprise using the tool to cut the engagement mechanism from the fastener.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides fastener system comprising:

a fastener according to the first aspect of the invention; and a tool configured to releasably engage the engagement mechanism and provided with a ram for applying a force on the radially expandable locking mechanism to expand the radially expandable locking mechanism. The tool may comprise a coupler portion configured to engage the engagement mechanism the coupler portion provided with an axially extending slot to receive a portion of radially expandable locking mechanism.

The coupler portion may comprise a jaw mechanism capable of gripping the engagement mechanism.

The tool may be arranged so that: the ram closes the jaw mechanism to grip the engagement mechanism during a first portion of a forward stroke of the ram; and, the jaw cuts the engagement mechanism from the fastener during a subsequent portion of the forward stroke of the ram.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a representation of one embodiment of a fastener according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the fastener shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic section view of the fastener shown in Figures 1 and 2 when in use and when engaged with a portion of the tool for fixing the fastener; Figure 4 is a view of section A-A through a shaft of the fastener shown in Figure

Figure 5 depicts the fastener shown in Figure 3 when in a fastening state;

Figure 6 schematically represents the removal of the fastener shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7a is a schematic representation of a first fastener application tool in an open configuration used for applying a fastener in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7b is a front view of a jaw mechanism of the tool shown in Figure 7a; Figure 7c is a representation of the tool shown in Figure 7a in a closed configuration; Figure 8a is a section view of a head of a second embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8b is a top elevation of the fastener head shown in Figure 8a;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a head of a third embodiment of the fastener;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the head of a fourth embodiment of the fastener;

Figure 11a is a schematic representation of a second fastener application tool for applying a fastener;

Figure 11 b is a side view of the coupler portion of the tool shown in Figure 11a; Figure 11c is an isometric view of an alternate form of coupler portion of the fastener application tool;

Figure 11d is a side view of the coupler portion shown in Figure 11a;

Figure 12a is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention prior to insertion into a hole;

Figure 12b illustrates the fastener shown in Figure 12a when in use attaching a wear plate to a wall of the hopper;

Figure 13a is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13b is a schematic representation of the fastener shown in Figure 12a being inserted into respective aligned holes in a wear plate and hopper;

Figure 13c illustrates the fastener shown in Figures 13a and 13b when in use fastening the wear plate to the hopper;

Figure 14a is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention being inserted into registering holes in a panel and hopper respectively;

Figure 14b is a schematic representation of the fastener shown in Figure 14a when in use fastening the panel to the hopper;

Figure 15a is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the fastener in accordance with the present invention; and,

Figure 15b is a schematic representation of the fastener shown in Figure 5a when in use.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular Figures 1 - 7b an embodiment of the fastener 10 comprises a head 12 having an upper peripheral edge 14, a shaft 16 extending from the head 12, a passage 18 which extends axially through the head 12 and shaft 16, a locking mechanism 20, and a engagement mechanism 22. The locking mechanism is operable through the passage 18 and is configured to expand radially of the shaft 16. When this occurs, the locking mechanism 20 locks the fastener 10 within a hole. The engagement mechanism 22 extends upwardly from the head 12 and lies within the peripheral edge.14. The engagement mechanism 22 is configured to releasably engage a fastener application tool 200 (Figures 7a, 7b and 7c) during operation of the tool 200 to expand the locking mechanism 20'. Once the tool 200 has been operated to expand the locking mechanism 20, the tool can be easily disengaged from the fastener 10. The combination of an embodiment of the fastener 10 and tool 200 may be considered as constituting a fastener system. The structure and operation of the fastener 10 is similar to that described in the above mentioned publication no. WO 2006/108245. Nevertheless, for completeness, a brief description of one embodiment of the fastener 10 is provided below with particular reference to Figures 1 - 7b. Fastener 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 - 6 in an application for fastening a wear plate 26 onto an inside of a wall 28 of a hopper. The hopper may be used for example for channelling hard abrasive materials such as iron ore to a conveyor. However fastener 10 need not be used to fasten one article to another.

Fastener 10 may be fastened to a wall or other support to act as an anchor or support point. Head 12 of fastener 10 is of a frusto-conical shape with a diameter that decreases in a direction toward the shaft 16. Thus the peripheral edge 14 of head 12 coincides with the maximum diameter of the head. A lower end 30 of the head 12 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the shaft 16 to thereby form a stepped shoulder 32 between the head 12 and the shaft 16. The head 12 and shaft 16 are formed coaxially of each other and passage 18 extends axially through the head 12 and shaft 16.

The locking mechanism 20 comprises in combination, a plurality of balls 34, holes 36 that extend radially of the shaft 16 and a pin 40. The holes 36 open onto an exterior circumferential surface 38 of the shaft 16, and into the passage 18. Further, the holes 36 are of a diameter greater than the diameter of the balls 34 to enable the balls 34 to roll therethrough. The pin 40 is of a diameter which enables it to pass through the passage 18 and is provided with a reduced diameter end 42 which initially abuts the balls 34 when the locking mechanism 20 is operated. Pin 40 is of a. length so that it extends from the head 12 when the end 42 initially abuts the balls 34. To radially expand the locking

mechanism 20, the pin 40 is forced further into the passage 18. This causes the balls 34 to move radially outward.

A sleeve 44 is placed about the shaft 16 (prior to actuation of the locking mechanism 20) and covers the holes 36. Sleeve 44 is made from a deformable material, such as for example a metal or metal alloy. Sleeve 44 maybe adhered to the shaft 16 prior to insertion of the fastener 10 into the wear plate 26 and the wall 28. When the locking mechanism 20 is operated to expand radially outward, the balls 34 move in the radial direction through the holes 36 and deform the sleeve 44 causing the sleeve 44 to also expand in the radial direction. By dimensioning the fastener 10 so that the holes 34 are

approximately coincident or spaced from a surface of the wall 28 distant the wear plate 26, the operation of the locking mechanism 20 effectively locks the fastener 10 in place clamping or otherwise coupling the wear plate 26 to the wall 28. As will be apparent, the fastener 10 is applied and fastened in place from the same side as it is inserted into a hole. Thus, there is no need to access a side of the wall 28 opposite the wear plate 26 in order to fasten the fastener 10 in place.

In order to drive the pin 40 into the shaft 18 and thereby operate the locking mechanism 20 the tool 200 is engaged with the engagement mechanism 22. The tool 200 comprises a coupler portion 202 and a ram 204. Coupler portion 202 is in the form of a jaw mechanism 206 of a construction similar to a pair of pliers and is configured to grip, and in this embodiment, subsequently cut off, the engagement mechanism 22. Ram 204 is able to extend through the coupler portion 202 and operate the locking mechanism 20 by pushing the pin 40 further into the passage 18. The reactive force between the ram 204 and the pin 40 is countered by the coupler portion 202 jaw mechanism 206 engaging the engagement mechanism 22 of the fastener 10. The engagement mechanism 22 comprises a shoulder 52 (see Figure 1) formed between a neck 54 extending axially from the passage 18 and a flange or lip 56 extending radially from the neck 54 at a location spaced from the head 12. Tool 200 can be readily engaged with the fastener 10 by operating the tool 200 to advance the ram 204 to a position where it closes the jaw mechanism 206 to grip the engagement mechanism 22. Continued operation of tool 200 further advances ram 204 to force the pin 40 into the passage 18 causing the balls 34 to move radially outward through the holes 36 and raidally expand the sleeve 44. This configuration is illustrated in Figure 5. The balls 34 are retained between the sleeve 44 and the pin 40, and fastener 10 is now locked in place. Once the fastener 10 has been fastened and locked in place, continued operation of tool 200 results in jaw mechanism 206 cutting off the engagement mechanism 22, and thus disengaging tool 200 from fastener 10. Tool 200 is now ready for use for the application of further fasteners 10. Fastener 10 can be removed when necessary, for example to replace the wear plate 26, by use of a punch and hammer to drive pin 40 through the passage 18 to at least a position where pin 40 wholly passes the balls 34 and holes 36. When this occurs, the balls 34 can move radially inward so as to lie at least wholly within the outer surface 38 of the shaft 16 and disengaging the sleeve 44 which is free to fall from the wall 28. This corresponds with the expandable locking mechanism 20 being in a retracted state. The fastener 10 may now be removed by pulling it from the wear plate 26 and wall 28. This configuration is shown in Figure 6. If required, a hand tool (not shown) comprising a shank with a hook at one end may be used to assist in extracting the fastener 10. The tool may be used by inserting the shank through the passage 18 and engaging the hook with one of the passages 36.

The features and operation of tool 200 are now described in greater detail with reference to Figures 7a - 7c. Tool 200 is in the form of a hand held power tool similar to a drill or rattle gun and incorporates the ram 204 and jaw mechanism 206. Jaw mechanism 206 is in a form similar of a pair of pliers and comprises lever arms 208a and 208b (hereinafter referred to in general as "lever arms 208") pivotly coupled together by pivot pin 210. Semicircular jaws 212a and 212b (hereinafter referred to in general as "jaws 212") are provided at ends of lever arms 208 which protrude from a body or casing 214 of tool 200. Jaws 212 are configured to hook about neck 54 between flange/lip 56 and head 12 of fastener 10. Further, inner circumferential surface 216 of each jaw 212 is formed of a radius smaller than a radius of neck 54. This enables jaws 212 to cut off the neck 54/engaging portion 22 upon locking fastener 10 in place.

Ram 204 has a forward stroke where it moves linearly through jaw mechanism 206 and between jaws 212 to push pin 40 in an axial direction through passage 18 and force balls 34 to move in a radial outward direction thereby activating locking mechanism 20 to fasten or lock fastener 10 in place.

Ram 204 is provided with a roller 218 and a longitudinally extending pin 220. Jaw mechanism 206 is biased into an open position shown in Figure 7a where the jaws 212 are spread a sufficient distance to enable lip 56 to pass between jaws 212. Ram 204 and jaw mechanism 206 cooperate to sequentially grip fastener 10, push pin 40 in an axial direction to lock fastener 10 in place, and cut engagement mechanism 22 from fastener 10. This is achieved by profiling of mutually facing surfaces 222a and 222b (hereinafter referred to in general as "surfaces 222") of lever arms 208 as described below, and abutment of roller 218 with the surfaces 222.

Each surface 222 comprises a convexly curved portion 224 at an end of lever arm 208 distant corresponding jaw 212. Arcuate surface 224 leads to a planar surface portion 226 which in turn leads to a ramped surface portion 228 near pivot pin 210. The ramped surface portions 228 on each of the lever arms 208 are directed so as to converge toward each other. When jaws 212 are in the open position shown in Figure 7a, roller 218 is spaced from or abuts the arcuate surface portion 224 of each lever arm 208. In this configuration, tool 200 can be placed adjacent a fastener 10 so that engaging mechanism 22 is received between jaws 212. Upon activation of ram 204 to advance it in a forward stroke, roller 218 commences to move between lever arms 208 abutting initially surfaces 224 and then surfaces 226. As roller 218 abuts surfaces 226 it spreads lever arms 208 apart thereby closing jaws 212 to engage neck 54 below lip 56. Roller 218 and jaw mechanism 206 are arranged so that as roller 218 passes between and contacts surfaces 226, jaws 212 maintain grip on fastener 10 about neck 54 and below lip 56. As ram 204 advances in its forward stroke, pin 220 abuts and pushes pin 40 through passage 18 spreading or moving the balls 34 in a radial outward direction to lock fastener 10 in place. As the forward stroke of ram 204 continues, roller 218 comes into contact with the ramped surfaces 228. This causes the lever arms 208 to pivot further away from each other thereby further closing jaws 222. This causes jaws 222 to cut neck 54 and thus engagement mechanism 22 from fastener 10. The operation of tool 200 in cutting neck 54 is enhanced by forming pin 220 to have a diameter less than an inner diameter of passage 18 thereby creating a space or gap between outer surface of pin 220 and an inner surface of neck 54. The ram 204 has now reached the end of its forward stroke and subsequently moves linearly in a reverse stroke back to a start position shown in Figure 7a where jaw mechanism 206 is open.

Ram 204 may be operated by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or alternately an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor. Tool 200 includes a trigger or switch 250 on a handle portion 252 of body 214 for activation of the ram 204. When ram 204 is hydraulically or pneumatically operated fluid pressure is

communicated to ram 204 by a hose (not shown) attached to body 214 and the trigger/switch 252 operates a valve (not shown) to allow the fluid pressure to act on ram 204. If tool 200 is electrically operated it may comprise a rechargeable battery pack or be coupled by a lead to a mains power supply.

Figures 11a - 11b illustrate a second form of application tool 200' for applying the fastener 10 and in particular expanding the locking mechanism 20 to fasten the fastener 10 in place. The tool 200' comprises the coupling portion 202' which is coupled to a body 214' of the general configuration of a hand held drill which houses a ram 204' comprising a cylinder 228 and piston 230. The coupling portion 202' comprises the fastener engagement portion in the form of the slot 232 that follows a substantially U-shaped path at a front end 234 of the coupling portion 202'. A longitudinal cut out 236 extends along the coupling portion 202' from an opening 238 in the slot 232 to enable a portion of the pin 40 extending from the fastener 10 to seat in a first passage 240 in the coupling portion 202'. The passage 240 at an end opposite the slot 232 is formed contiguously with a second passage 242 of increased diameter. This in turn leads to a socket 244 formed with an internal thread 246.

The body 214' has a thread 248 at one end to threadingly engage with the thread 246 of the coupling portion 202'. When the portion 202' is coupled to body 214' to form the hand tool 200' the cylinder 228 of the ram 204' seats in the passage 242 with the piston 230 aligned to slide through passage 240 to push the pin 40 into the passage 18 of the fastener 10. The body 214' has a trigger 250 on a handle 252 which operates a valve to enable fluid pressure to be communicated from a supply (not shown) via hose 254 to the ram 204' thereby extending the piston 230 to push the pin 40 into the passage 18. The reactive force of the piston 230 acting on the pin 40 is countered by the engagement of the slot 232 with the engagement mechanism 22. Once the locking mechanism 20 has been operated to expand radially thereby locking the fastener 10 in place, the tool 200' is simply disengaged by sliding the tool 200' and in particular the slot 232 away from the engagement mechanism 22.

When using tool 200', the engagement mechanism 22 can be removed by grinding the engagement mechanism 22 from the fastener 10. Indeed, if the engagement mechanism 22 is removed by a cutting operation, optionally one may also grind any remnants of the engagement mechanism 22 so that the head 12 has a substantially flush surface. This may prevent the build up of material around the head 2.

In a further embodiment, the engagement mechanism 22 may be removed by allowing the engagement mechanism 22 to be worn away through contact with moving abrasive materials such as those that may ordinarily pass through the hopper or other mechanism to which the fastener 10 is applied. The wearing away of the engagement mechanism 22 may be facilitated or enhanced by forming the engagement mechanism 22 from a material of a hardness less than the hardness of the head 12 and/or the wear plate 26.

Figures 8a, 8b, 9 and 10 depict alternate embodiments of the fastener 10 which differ from the first embodiment by way of the configuration of their engagement mechanism. Figures 11c and 11d depict an alternate form of coupler portion 202" for the tool 200' in order to engage the engagement mechanisms of embodiments shown in Figures 8a - 10. The coupler portion 202" is provided with an engagement portion in the form of a pair of spaced apart hooks 256. As explained in greater detail below, the hooks 256 are able to engage the engagement mechanisms of the embodiment shown in Figures 8a - 10.

However, it should also be noted that the hooks 256 can also engage the engagement mechanism 22 of the first embodiment of the fastener 10 shown in Figure 1. In this regard, the hooks "256 can simply engage the shoulder 52 beneath the flange 56 on opposite sides of the neck 54.

Figures 8a and 8b depict a form of engagement mechanism 22a which comprises a pair of "L" shaped members each having a leg 70 and foot 72 where the leg 70 extends parallel to an axis of the passage 18 and located adjacent the opening of the passage 18 onto the head 12. The respective feet 72 lie along a diameter of the head 12 and extend in a radial outward direction. Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the engagement mechanism 22b which in this instance comprises a pair of eyelets 74 coupled with and extending from the head 12. Each eyelet 74 comprises a first portion 76 that extends upwardly of the head 12 and a integral annulus or loop 78 formed with a central hole 80 for engaging respective hooks 256 of the coupler portion 202" shown in Figures 11c and 11d. The eyelets 74 may be screwed into holes formed in the head 12. Once the fastener 10 has been applied and the locking mechanism 20 deployed to expand radially, the eyelets 74 can be removed either by unscrewing, or by cutting, grinding or allowing them to wear away. Further, a score or groove may be formed circumferentially about the post 76 of each eyelet 74 to enable the eyelets 74 to be readily snapped off by hitting with a hammer.

In yet a further embodiment Figure 10 illustrates a engagement mechanism 22c comprising a pair of loops 82 each of which follows an arcuate path and having opposite ends fixed to the head 12. A space 84 is formed beneath each loop 82 which can receive one of the hooks 256 from the tool 200' and portion 202".

Figures 12a and 12b depict a further embodiment of the fastener 10a which differs from the fastener 10 shown in Figures 1 - 6 only in terms of the construction and configuration of the sleeve 44a. In this embodiment, the sleeve 44a is rigid rather than being deformable and comprises an internal circumferential recess 90 having a concave surface extending for an arc length of approximately 180° and having a radius marginally greater than the radius of the balls 34. The sleeve 44a has a reduced diameter upwardly extending spigot 92 that seats in a hole 94 formed in the wall 28. The spigot 92 has an internal diameter large enough to accommodate the shaft 16 of the fastener 10a. The sleeve 44a may be initially held within the hole 94 either by way of a friction fit (i.e. interference fit) or by the use of adhesives or by welding. In an alternate form, the spigot 92 may be provided with an external thread for engaging a thread formed about the hole 94. In using the fastener 10a to fasten the wear plate 26 to the wall 28, the shaft 16 is passed through the wear plate 26 and wall 28 through the central hole in the sleeve 44a. When this occurs, the balls 34 are located adjacent the recess 90. To fasten the fastener 10a, the tool 200, 200' is engaged with the engagement mechanism 22 in the manner described above in relation to Figures 1 - 6 and the tool operated to push the pin 40 further into the passage 18. This has the effect of expanding the radially expandable locking mechanism 20 causing the balls 44 to seat partly within the recess 90 and partly within the holes 36 in the shaft 16. The fastener 10a can be removed in substantially the same way as described above in relation to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 - 6, namely by use of a punch and hammer to knock the pin 40 through the passage 18 to a position where it no longer lies between the balls 34. The balls 34 are then free to move radially inward to allow the fastener 10a to be withdrawn from the sleeve 44a.

Figure 13a, 13b and 13c depict a further embodiment of the fastener 10b. The fastener 10b differs from the fastener 10a shown in Figures 12a and 12b by virtue of the head 12b of the fastener 10b being formed separately from the shaft 16b but each have screw threads T1 and T2 respectively to enable threading engagement. The threading engagement of the head 12b with the shaft 16b enables adjustment of the position of the shaft 16b within the sleeve 44b relative to the head 12b, which is fixed by virtue of abutment with the wall 28. Here, the engagement mechanism 22 is of the same general form as that shown in Figure 1 , comprising a cylindrical neck 54 and radially extending flange 56, However the engagement mechanism 22 is formed on the head 12b. In an alternate configuration of the fastener 10b, the engagement mechanism 22 may be formed on the shaft 16b rather than the head 12b. By forming the engagement mechanism 22 on the shaft 16b and further, using engagement mechanisms such as mechanisms 22a, 22b or 22c shown in Figures 8a - 10, the engagement mechanism may also be used to transfer torque to the shaft 16b to enable tightening or axial positioning of the shaft 16b prior to expansion of the radially expandable locking mechanism 20.

Also in this a frangible or resilient compound 55 is injected into passage 18 to hold balls 34 in place prior to activation of locking mechanism 20. This prevents balls 34 falling out of passage 18 or holes 36 when fastener 10b is being installed.

The embodiments of the fastener 10, 10a and 10b are each shown having a head 12, 12a, 12b of a frusto-conical configuration which seats in a

complimentarily shaped hole formed in a wear plate 26. However there is no need for the fastener to have a head of this shape.

Figures 14a and 14b depict a further embodiment of the fastener 10c which differs from the fastener 10 shown in Figures 1 - 6 by virtue of the configuration of the head 12c which may have a square or circular shape. The hole 96 is this embodiment is provided in a panel 98 comprising a thick upper rubber layer 100 and fixed to a steel backing plate 102 formed with a hole 104 axially aligned with the hole 96. The plate 98 can be placed against the wall 28 with the holes 96 and 104 in registration with a hole 106 in the wall 28. Also in this particular embodiment, the head 12c has a depth less than the depth of the hole 96 in the plate 98. In all other respects, the fastener 10c is the same as the fastener 10 and in particular comprises a shaft 16 formed with a central passage 18, a radially expandable locking mechanism 20 which comprises balls 34, holes 36 formed in the shaft 16, and a pin 40. A deformable sleeve 44 similar to that shown in Figure 1 is supported on the shaft 16 while the fastener 10c is being inserted into the holes 96, 104, 106. The fastener 10c is fastened in exactly the same way as the fastener 10 using the tool 200 or 200' which engages with the engagement mechanism 22 so that upon activation of the tool 200, 200', the pin 40 is advanced into the passage 18 to move the balls 34 radially outward thereby radially deforming the sleeve 44. Once the tool 200, 200' is removed, the engagement mechanism 22 lies below an upper surface of the plate 98. If tool 200 is used the mechanism 22 is cut off by tool 200, alternately if tool„200' is used a plug 110 having a recess 112 to accommodate the engagement mechanism 22 can be inserted into the hole 96 so that the upper surface of the plate 98 substantially flush or continuous.

Figures 15a and 15b depict a further embodiment of the fastener 10d which,, rather than being used to fasten two or more articles together, is rather used as an anchor in a masonry or concrete wall 118. The fastener 10d differs from the fastener 10 depicted in Figures 1 - 6 only by the shape and configuration of the head 12d and the form of the sleeve 44d. In the fastener 10d, the head 12d has a circular or rectangular shape rather than a frusto-conical shape. Further, the sleeve 44cl in this embodiment is more akin to the sleeve 44a shown in Figures 12a - 13c but with the provision of an extended tail 120 into which the pin 40 can move when the fastener 10d is being removed. The sleeve 44d comprises an upper portion 122 which includes a circumferential recess 90d similar to the recess 90 to partially accommodate the balls 34 when the radially expandable locking mechanism 20 is expanded by operation of the tool 200, 200 * forcing the pin 40 through the passage 18. The sleeve 44d may either be precast into the wall 118, or alternately, a larger hole may be formed in the wall 118 and the sleeve 44d grouted in the hole prior to insertion of the fastener 10d. The fastener 10d has an engagement mechanism 22 identical to that shown for the fastener 10 in Figures 1 - 6. Although, the engagement mechanism 22 for the fastener 10d may take any other form herein described. In the depicted embodiment a steel lining plate 124 is disposed between the wall 118 and the head 12d of the fastener 10d. When the plate 124 is used, the upper portion 122 of the sleeve 44b may be welded to the plate 124 prior to insertion of the fastener 10d. In this embodiment it is also possible to provide a wear plate similar to the wear plate 26 shown in the earlier embodiments on the wall lining 124. In that event, the head 12d may be configured to have a frusto-conical shape in order to clamp the wear plate against the lining 124.

Now that embodiments of the invention have been described in detail it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the basic inventive concepts.

All such modifications and variations together with others that would be obvious to persons of ordinary skill in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the above description and the appended claims.