Abstract

A system for attaching an object to a workpiece including an anchor and an installation tool is provided. The anchor includes a body having a transverse cross-section slightly smaller than the transverse cross-section of a hole in a surface of the workpiece in which it is to be deployed, and at least two barbs. The body has a distal portion having an inner end, a proximal portion having an inner end, and a middle portion connecting the inner ends of the distal and proximal portions respectively. The barbs extend from the first end of the distal portion axially and radially outwardly to outer ends located radially outwardly of an axial projection of the maximum transverse cross-section of the distal portion. The barbs are located in channels having bases which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body in the middle section and thereafter slant outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the body as they extend to the outer end of the proximal portion. Each barb is curved in its normal unstressed state, but is capable of being deformed into a substantially straight configuration. The anchor assembly is deployed by an installation tool which includes an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, tubular means associated with said distal end of said shaft adapted to receive and hold said middle and proximal portions of said anchor body, and plunger means adapted for engagement with said outer end of said proximal portion of said anchor body, said plunger means being axially movable through said tubular means so as to expell said anchor from said tubular means and to drive said anchor into said hole. A method of attaching an object to a workpiece utilizing such anchors and installation tools also is provided.