Abstract

A system for attaching an object to a workpiece including an anchor assembly and an installation tool is provided. The anchor assembly includes a body and at least two barbs. The body has a first portion having a first end, a reduced second portion having a second end and a middle portion connecting the first and second ends of the first and second portions respectively. The barbs extend from the first end of the first portion axially and radially outwardly to outer ends located radially outwardly of an axial projection of the maximum transverse cross-section of the first portion. Each barb is curved in its normal unstressed state, but is capable of being elastically deformed into longitudinal channels in the middle portion of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is deployed in a hole in the workpiece by an installation tool which is adapted to receive the reduced second portion of the anchor assembly in its distal end. The engagement of the second portion of the anchor assembly with the installation tool is re-enforced by axial projections from the distal end of the installation tool engaging indentations in the outer surface of the middle portion of the anchor assembly body. The method of installation includes the steps of mounting the anchor assembly to the distal end of the shaft of the tool, aligning the longitudinal axis of the shaft with the longitudinal axis of the hole, inserting the anchor in the hole such that the sidewalls of the hole elastically deform the barbs, and thereafter withdrawing the tool from the deployed anchor assembly.