Importance

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Abstract

A fastener is provided for fastening together overlapping panels made from relatively soft materials, such as fiber reinforced composite materials, substantially without damage to the panels. The fastener comprises a generally tubular fastener body received within the openings of the panels. The fastener body has an enlarged body head for engaging the outer panel, an annular sidewall extending through the panel openings, and an endwall at the inner end of the fastener body. A plug having a tapered inner nose is positioned within the upper region of the fastener body in abutting contact with the body head and contiguous sidewall, and an annular sleeve is positioned within the lower region of the fastener body between the plug and endwall. During setting of the fastener, the sleeve deforms over the tapered nose and laterally expands the contiguous sidewall outwardly into a fully set condition in overlying contact with the outer surface of the inner panel.

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First Claim