(under the class definition) Subject matter comprising a securing means which (1) is separated from (i.e., not mounted or attached to) both the structure-to-be-secured* and any supporting structure therefor, (2) includes a relatively narrow shank portion intended to (a) first pass freely through (i.e., not interlock with) an initial preformed aperture in the structure-to-be-secured* or supporting structure therefor and (b) then interlock with (i.e., movement of the securing means is restricted in a direction force is exerted thereon by the struc-ture-to-be-secured*) an aligned structural modification (e.g., aperture) or peculiarity (e.g., bend) in either the supporting structure or a separate area of the structure-to-be-secured*, and (3) includes an enlarged, insertion-force-transmitting head portion which in final position contacts the surface area around the initial aperture preventing the terminal end of the securing means from passing therethrough.
(1) Note. The area around the aperture in the structure-to-be-secured* is held or gripped between the headed portion of the securing means and the face of the structural modification or peculiarity after interlock has taken place.
(2) Note. The shank portion of the fastening means is always narrower in at least one dimension than the headed portion thereof during the insertion operation, however, it may include a section which before or after it is passed through the aperture expands from a contracted configuration to a configuration as wide or wider than the headed portion.
(3) Note. A securing means which in addition includes a component which does not pass through the aperture and engages the tip of the shank to complete its interlock with the modifications or peculiarities is only considered proper for this subclass if the component is totally separate from the remainder of the securing means and is found in subclasses 455+ if linked by connecting structure (see subclass 455, (1) Note.
(4) Note. See the class definition for patent placement procedures.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41.1+, for cuff holders having similar structure and operation to the fasteners of this subclass. 573+, for similar fasteners which include three separate components and have at least two of these components formed from either (1) material distinct from that of the structure-to-be-secured* or a support therefor and not encompassed thereby, or (2) the material of the structure-to-be-secured* or the support therefor, however, in
this instance, both of these components if one includes an apertures must either, (a) have their interlocking structure remain unaligned with each other along the central axis of the aperture when in their final interlocked position, or (b) have the third element engage each in a separate distinct interlocking operation.
706, for a headed pin fastener.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
403, Joints and Connections,
405+, for a separate connector, fastener, or retainer for connecting together rigid or semirigid panels in which either (a) a peculiar cooperating configuration between the panels is claimed, or (b) plural connectors, fasteners, or retainers are claimed in a particular arrangement.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener, for headed fastener which are either (a) impact driven, (b) rotated by a torque applying tool, (c) have a permanently deformed tip, or (d) have a pointed material impaling tip.
