Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to an improved blind fastener assembly and an improved joint assembly using the blind fastener assembly. The blind fastener assembly is adapted to be installed in a workpiece having a first and a second surface with an opening therebetween. The blind fastener is of the type having a core pin, expander means, expandable sleeve means, and resilient washer means, each having an initial diameter which permits it to pass through the opening in the workpiece. The improvement in the blind fastener assembly in accordance with this invention comprises the washer means having two portions including an inner portion and an integrally formed outer flange portion. The inner portion has a tapered nose section tapering outwardly away from the core pin shank portion to facilitate expansion of the sleeve means over the inner portion. The integrally formed outer flange portion is adapted to be unfolded by the sleeve means to form a bearing surface against the second surface of the workpiece. Advantageously, the washer means inner portion is thick-walled and the outer flange portion is thin-walled. Furthermore, the washer means outer flange portion has a wall thickness of generally from about 0.2 to about 0.5 times the combined wall thicknesses of the washer means inner portion and outer flange portion. The washer means can also have a leading internal surface inclined outwardly to facilitate the expansion of the washer means over the expander means tapered nose portion.

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First Claim