Importance

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Abstract

A blind fastener for fastening panels, especially panels made of composite materials, comprises a fastener body received within aligned openings in the panels and a cylindrical stem passing through the fastener body. The stem has an enlarged stem head spaced from an inner end of the fastener body which projects inwardly beyond the inner surface of the inner panel. A deformable sleeve mounted on the stem between the stem head and the inner end of the fastener body is a two-piece sleeve comprising a forming sleeve and a containment sleeve. The forming sleeve is made of a relatively soft, deformable material, whereas the containment sleeve is made of a relatively hard, nondeformable material. When the stem moves outwardly through the fastener body during setting of the fastener, the forming sleeve deforms to a fully set condition in overlying contact with the inner surface of the inner panel, forming a large bearing area that does not damage the composite material of the panels. However, the containment sleeve remains substantially undeformed, allowing the fastener to apply and maintain high clamping loads.

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First Claim