Expanding fastener

摘要

Fasteners are generally described. In some examples, a fastener can be secured to a first member or it can secure a second (or further) member to the first member. The example fastener can include a body for location with respect to the first member. The example fastener can also include at least one latch which can be located with respect to the body. The latch can move laterally with respect to the body from a non-latching position to a latching position. The example fastener can also include an actuator. The actuator can protrude from the body as the actuator moves from an inactive position to an active position. When the actuator is in the inactive position and the at least one latch is in the non-latching position, the body can be located with respect to the first member. When the actuator is moved to the active position, a part of the actuator which protrudes from the body can cause the at least one latch to move laterally to the latching position such that it is able to latch behind the first member (or behind second or further members) to facilitate securement of the fastener thereto.

主权项

1. A fastener, comprising:
a body configured to pass through a member; at least one latch configured to be moved laterally with respect to the body from a non-latching position to a latching position, wherein the lateral movement is constrained by a corresponding slideable interface between the at least one latch and the body,
wherein the least one latch is configured for lateral movement corresponding to an elongate axis of the corresponding slideable interface with respect to the body from the non-latching position to the latching position,wherein the least one latch is slidably coupled to the body via a corresponding track and guide slideable interface, andwherein the corresponding track and guide slideable interface comprises a dovetail joint orientated to enable the least one latch to slide laterally with respect to the body between the non-latching position and the latching position; and an actuator configured to protrude from the body as the actuator moves from an inactive position to an active position,
wherein, when the actuator is in the inactive position and the at least one latch is in the non-latching position, the body is moveable with respect to the member and, when the actuator is moved to the active position, a part of the actuator that protrudes from the body causes the at least one latch to move laterally to the latching position, and wherein, in the latching position, the at least one latch is behind the member to facilitate securement of the fastener to the member.