Pin fastener for achieving metal-to-metal connections

Abstract

A new and improved fastener for fastening together thin gauge sheet metal components comprises a forwardly extending pointed tip portion having a tangent ogive configuration so as to facilitate the fast and accurate penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components without causing any excessive enlargement of the apertures formed therein, and a shank portion which comprises a lower, spiral thread shank portion which continues to facilitate the ease of penetration of the fastener into and through the thin gauge sheet metal components, and at the same time causes a mating thread to effectively be extruded within the thin gauge sheet metal components so as to effectively develop or generate enhanced surface areas or regions for ultimate contact with an upper shank portion of the fastener when the fastener is fully driven and seated within the thin gauge sheet metal components. The upper shank portion comprises a plurality of axially contiguous, annular flute members having oppositely disposed or oriented faces for facilitating the penetration of the fastener into and through the apertured thin gauge sheet metal members, and for engaging the annular rim regions of the thin gauge sheet metal members, which surround the apertures formed therewithin, so as to significantly enhance the clamping forces and pull-out resistance values of the fastener with respect to the thin gauge sheet metal members. The fasteners are uniquely adapted for securing together vertically oriented stud members and horizontally oriented track members of wall grids or framework structures.