Blind bolt

Abstract

A blind bolt and tool is used for fastening a bolt through a hole in a structure when only one side of the structure is accessible. A receiver is formed on the tip end of a bolt shaft opposite from a bolt head. Internal threads are formed within the receiver proximate an outward end, and a hex socket is formed in the inward end of the receiver. External threads and a guide are formed on a tip of the tool, and the external threads mate with the internal threads in the receiver to hold the bolt during installation. A hex key on one end of the tool engages the hex socket in the receiver so that the tool may impose a torque on the bolt when a nut is being tightened on the bolt. In another embodiment, a splined tip is formed on the end of the bolt. The tip is designed to shear off when a sufficient torque is applied. Also, a shim is configured to fit between structures held together by the blind bolt.

Claims

1. A blind bolt for extending through a hole, the hole having a diameter, a length, a proximate end and a distal end, the hole extending through a first member and a second member with a surface formed on the second member adjacent the distal end of the hole, and with an interface between the first member and the second member, the blind bolt comprising: a blind bolt shaft having a length greater than the length of the hole and having a distal end and a proximate end with threads formed on the blind bolt shaft adjacent the proximate end; a blind bolt head on the distal end of the blind bolt shaft, the blind bolt head having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the hole; a folding washer being foldable along a fold line for being disposed on the distal end of the threaded blind bolt shaft between the blind bolt head and the surface on the second member, the folding washer having a folded configuration with a dimension and configuration such that it may pass through the hole and having an unfolded configuration with a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole and configured such that it may not pass through the hole; a shear sleeve disposed on the blind bolt shaft proximate the distal end of the blind bolt shaft and having a length dimension sufficient to extend from the surface of the second member, across the interface between the first and second members, and into the first member; a nut threaded on the threads of the blind bolt shaft; and a compressible coil disposed on the blind bolt shaft between the shear sleeve and the nut; the compressible coil and the shear sleeve having a combined length such that, when the folded washer is in the unfolded configuration between the head and the surface, the shear sleeve and the compressible coil are positioned within the hole, and the nut is being tightened, the compressible coil is compressed and creates a force pushing the shear sleeve, the shear sleeve being dimensioned to slide on the blind bolt shaft within the hole in response to the force of the compressible coil, and the compressible coil being dimensioned and configured to transmit a force from the nut as it is tightened to slide the shear sleeve to a position extending across the interface.

2. The blind bolt of claim 1 wherein the compressible coil is a coil metal spring.

3. The blind bolt of claim 2 further comprising a washer disposed on the blind bolt shaft between the nut and the coil metal spring.

4. The blind bolt of claim 1 wherein the compressible coil is a spring.

5. The blind bolt of claim 1 further comprising a washer disposed on the blind bolt shaft between the nut and the compressible coil.

6. The blind bolt of claim 1 where the compressible coil is secured to the shear sleeve.

7. The blind bolt of claim 1 where the compressible coil is not secured to the shear sleeve.

8. The blind bold of claim 1 wherein the shear sleeve is continuous around its circumference.

9. The blind bolt of claim 1 wherein the combined length of the shear sleeve and the compressible coil is greater than the length of the hole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a tool used to hold and mount a blind bolt;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective enlarged detailed view of the forward end of the tool;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the forward end of the tool;

(5) FIG. 4 is an end view of a bolt head;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of a blind bolt having a receiver formed in the tip of the bolt;

(7) FIG. 6 is an end view of the tip of the bolt showing the receiver, the bolt and the bolt head;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a shear sleeve configured for use in connection with a blind bolt;

(9) FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a shear sleeve located on a blind bolt;

(10) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of blind bolt and shear sleeve in combination inserted into a structure having adjacent plates;

(11) FIGS. 10-19 illustrate the process of installing a blind bolt having a shear sleeve into a structure having adjacent plates;

(12) FIGS. 20 & 21 are side perspective views of a blind bolt having splines adapted for use with a tension control wrench according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(13) FIG. 22a is an isometric drawing of a cell tower pole with a reinforcement plate being installed on the pole using a shim;

(14) FIG. 22b is a side elevation view of a cell tower pole with a reinforcement plate being installed on the pole using a shim;

(15) FIG. 23 is a somewhat diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a cell tower pole with a reinforcement plate mounted thereon using a blind bolt and a shim; and

(16) FIGS. 24-27 are front perspective views of a reinforcement plate being mounted on a cell tower pole with a shim being inserted between the plate and the pole such that the shim will surround a blind bolt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the tool 10 is shown. It is used to mount the blind bolt 40 shown in FIGS. 4-6. A perspective enlarged view of one end of the tool is shown in FIG. 2 and a cross-sectional view taken through line C-C is shown in FIG. 3. Referring collectively to FIGS. 1-3, the tool 10 includes a guide 12 formed on the forward end of the tool. The guide 12 includes a rounded point 34 and both of these elements will help guide the tool 10 into a receiver of the blind bolt 40.

(18) Toward the base end of the guide 12 and adjacent the forward end 16 of the tool 10, threads 14 are disposed on the guide and are used to the secure the bolt to the tool as well be described hereinafter. The forward end 16 of the tool 10 is cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned smaller than the threads of the blind bolt 40. Moving rearwardly from forward end 16, a triangular portion 18 tapers down to a flat portion 20 that is connected to a semi-cylindrical portion 22. These areas of the tool are used to install a folded washer.

(19) The main body of the tool 10 includes a cylindrical mid region 24 that has a diameter of less than the threads of the blind bolt 40. The cylindrical mid region 24 extends from a cylindrical rear portion 26 having a diameter that is greater than the threaded portion of the blind bolt 40. A handle 28 extends in a direction perpendicular to the rear portion 26, and a hex key 32 is disposed on the rear most end of the tool 10. The hex key 32 includes a shaft (not shown) that extends down the center of the rear portion 26 and is firmly mounted therein. As the hex key 32 extends away from the rear portion 26, a bend 30 is provided so that the end of the hex key 32 is offset from the center of the tool 10 and is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the length of the tool 10.

(20) The entire tool 10 is made from high-tensile steel (for example, 4140 steel alloy) suitable for the manufacture of tools and demanding environments. The hex key 32 is constructed of a material that is also high-strength and hard. The hex key 32 may be constructed of the material that is stronger than the tool 10 because the hex key 32 will be repeatedly exposed to high torque and wear conditions. Preferably a inch hex key is used, but other types of keys could be used as well, such as other polygon shapes, flat screw driver sockets, Philips head sockets, etc.

(21) The dimensions of the tool will be described but should not be interpreted as limiting. The length of the tool 10 from the round tip 34 to the rear end of the rear portion 26 is 13.5 inches, and the diameter of mid region 24 is a 0.665 inches. The distance from the tip 34 to the rear region 26 is 9 inches. The threads 14 are inch diameter threads (nominal major diameter) at a pitch of 13 threads per inch UNC (coarse threads). The width of flat member 20 is 0.100 inch. The diameter of the guide 12 is 0.362 inch and its overall length is 0.550 inch. These dimensions may change depending upon the application for the tool and the bolt. Likewise, the dimensions of the bolt will change depending on the application.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a blind bolt 40 is shown that is used with the tool 10 described above. The bolt 40 includes a bolt head 44 with a round dome 42. A smooth shaft 46 extends away from the bolt head 44 and transitions into a threaded shaft 48. On the tip end of the bolt 40, the threads 48 transition into a smooth cylindrical surface 50 forming the tip end 49 of the bolt 40. A receiver 55 is formed in the tip end 49 and includes an outward end that is threaded with inner threads 53. The inward end of the receiver 55 is a polygon socket 52, preferably a hexagon socket 52 having a width from flat to flat of 0.375 inches. The depth of the receiver 55, as shown, is 0.590 inches, and the threads 53 are inch-13 threads per inch UNC.

(23) Referring to FIG. 6, an end view of the bolt 40 is shown. In this view, lock serrations 54 are shown on the underside of the bolt head 44. Also, it may be seen that the maximum diameter of the hex head 52 is smaller than the minimum diameter of the threads 53.

(24) In operation, the process of mounting the blind bolt 40 through a hole to a structure begins by mounting nuts and washers on the mid region 24. Applying these items from the tip 12, a nut 64 is first placed on the tool 10, then a solid washer 66, and finally a folded washer 68 is placed on the tool 10. The nut 64 and the solid washer 66 are disposed on the mid region 24 adjacent to the rear region 26. The folded washer 68 is mounted on the regions 20 and 22 of the tool 10. Next, the tip 12 is inserted into the receiver 55. The tip 12 is dimensioned to fit within the hex socket 52. The rounded point 34 helps provide an initial alignment of the tip 12 with the receiver 55. As the tip 12 continues to move forward it begins to align the tool 10 as it passes through the threads 53. When the tip 12 enters the hex socket 52, it fits snugly, and thus the interaction between the tip 12 and the hex socket 52 quickly and precisely aligns the tool 10 with the bolt 40. When the threads 14 engage the threads 53, the tool and the bolt are already aligned and it would be difficult if not impossible to cross thread the threads 14 and 53. With approximately a one half turn of the tool 10, the threads 14 and 53 tighten and secure the bolt 40 to the tool 10.

(25) With the bolt 40 mounted on the tool 10 a user is ready to begin the process of inserting the bolt 40 into a structure 70, as shown generally in FIGS. 10-19. First, the bolt head 44 is passed through a hole 72 in the structure 70. The tool 10 is continued forward until a folded washer 68 disposed on the regions 20 and 22 is pushed completely through the hole 72. Then the folded washer 68 is unfolded and the bolt head 44 is moved against the folded washer 68 to pinch the washer against an inside surface of the structure 70. Thus, the bolt head 44 is captured within the structure. At this point, a washer 66 and nut 64 are moved from the tool 10 onto the threaded shaft 48. As the nut 64 is tightened on the shaft 48 eventually it will tighten to a point where the bolt will tend to rotate. Doing so will unscrew the threads 14 and 33. Once these threads are loosened, the tool 10 is quickly removed from the bolt 40 and the hex key 32 is inserted into the hex socket 52. In this configuration, the entire length of the tool 10 may be used as a lever to apply a torque to the bolt 40 while the nut 64 is tightened on the threaded shaft 48 with a wrench. Once a sufficient force or torque has been applied to the nut 64, the hex key 32 is removed from the hex socket 52 and the process is complete.

(26) From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the disclosed tool 10 is fast, durable, lightweight, easy to operate and strong. The guide tip 34 makes it easy for the user to place the bolt 40 on the tool 10 and create proper alignment. The coarse threads on the tool 10 and the bolt 40 make it quick and easy to securely join the bolt 40 to the tool 10. The hex key 32 and hex socket 52 allow the tool 10 to be reconnected to the bolt 40 in six different positions or orientations and allows the overall length of the tool 10 to be used as a lever when applying torque to the bolt 40. These advantages are most useful in demanding environments. For example a worker at high elevations on a cell tower may conveniently use the tool 10 and bolt 40 to secure equipment and structures to the tower.

(27) Now, with reference to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the tool 10 may be provided with a bolt 40 having a sleeve 60 and a spring 62. The spring 62 may be spot welded, glued or otherwise adhesively secured to the sleeve 60. In some embodiments the spring 62 may be separate from the sleeve 60, but positioned to perform the same function as described below. For example, in an alternative embodiment, one end of the shear sleeve 60 may include a flange 74 or other similar structure which functions as a spring retainer. An end of the spring 62 is fitted over this flange 74 so that the spring is thereby fastened to the shear sleeve 60 by the flange 74, without the need for welds, glues, or other adhesives.

(28) The metallic sleeve 60 and spring 62 are preferably galvanized, powder coated or otherwise made rust proof. In combination, the sleeve 60 and spring 62 form a spring-loaded shear sleeve that may be used to protect the bolt 40 against sheer forces present when adjacent plates of the structure 70 shift with respect to one another. The spring 62 acts as a spring positioner because it positions the sleeve 60 within a bore or hole at the seam or interface of two plates. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sleeve 60 and spring 62 may be inserted onto the blind bolt between the folded washer 68 and the solid washer 66. Preferably, the spring 62 and sleeve 60 are sized so that they contact the inward facing surfaces of the folded and solid washers 66, 68. The inside diameter of the sleeve 60 and spring 68 are sized slightly larger than the outer diameter of the threads of the blind bolt 40 so that the sleeve 60 and spring 68 slide easily onto the bolt 40.

(29) As shown best in FIG. 9, when a bolt 40 is inserted into a structure 70 having adjacent plates P, one plate may sometimes shift position with respect to the other plate, thereby causing a shearing force. This shearing force may cause the bolt 40 to be damaged or to fail entirely. Accordingly, the spring-loaded shear sleeve acts to protect the bolt 40 against these shear forces. In particular, the sleeve 60 is configured to surround the bolt 40 and to straddle the intersection between the two adjacent plates P.

(30) If a sleeve 60 were placed over the bolt 40 by itself, it may not be correctly located within the hole or bore (i.e., straddling the intersection of the plates) to protect the bolt 40. One reason for this is that the sleeve 60 might slide to the opposite end of the bolt 40 where it no longer straddles the intersection. One reason that the sleeve 60 may not be correctly positioned is that the thickness of plates may vary from one application to the next and, for thicker plates the sleeve might slide to the opposite end of the bolt where it no longer straddles the intersection. For this reason, the spring 62 contacts one washer and causes the sleeve 60 to be pressed against the opposite washer. As long as the sleeve 60 is sufficiently long to extend from the inside of that washer to the intersection, it will be automatically located in the correct location when the spring 62 and sleeve are compressed between the washers 66, 68.

(31) FIG. 9 further illustrates the use of a squirter washer 76 (sometimes referred to as a direct tension indicator washer) in connection with a blind bolt 40 and sleeve and spring. The squirter washer 76 includes embedded silicone that squirts out of the washer when the desire amount of torque is applied to the washer 76.

(32) With further reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the overall blind bolt assembly 80 for fastening a blind bolt 40 in a hole 72 in a structure 70 having only one accessible side may be seen. The overall assembly 80 includes the blind bolt 40, a foldable split washer 68, a shear sleeve 60, a spring 62, a flat washer 66, a direct tension indicator washer 76 and a nut 64. The assembly may also optionally include a lock washer. Each of the washers 66, 68, 76, the shear sleeve 60, and the spring 62 are coaxially disposed about the bolt shaft 46. A portion of the flat washer 66 and folded washer 68 may extend partially into the hole 72 in the structure 70 in order to center the washers on the bolt 40 and within the hole. The nut 64 is threaded onto the bolt shaft 46. As seen in FIG. 9, when the blind bolt assembly 80 is attached to the structure 70, the bolt 40 extends through a hole in the structure. The bolt head 44 and the foldable split washer 68 are disposed on an inaccessible side of the structure. At least a portion of the shear sleeve 60 and the spring 62 are disposed within the hole in the structure. Finally, the nut 64 and the at least one non-folding washer are disposed on an accessible side of the structure 70.

(33) FIGS. 10-19 illustrate one embodiment of a blind bolt 40 including a spring positioner being inserted into a structure in the manner described above. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, a blind bolt 40, along with other components of the blind bolt assembly 80 are attached to the tool 10. The spring 62 and shear sleeve 60 are then positioned on the tool 10. The foldable split washer 68 is also folded and positioned on the tool 10, as may be seen in FIGS. 12-14. The bolt 40 is then inserted into a hole 72 in the structure 70. First, the bolt head 44 is passed through the hole 72, as shown in FIG. 15. The tool 10 is continued forward until a folded washer 68 disposed on the regions 20 and 22 (FIG. 1) is pushed completely through the hole 72, as seen in FIG. 16. Then, the folded washer 68 is unfolded and the bolt head 44 is moved against the folded washer 68 to pinch the washer against the structure 70. The shear sleeve 60 and spring 62 are also inserted into the hole 72, as shown in FIG. 17. Lastly, the non-folding washers 66, 76 are moved from the tool 10 onto the bolt 40, as shown in FIG. 18, and the nut 64 is threaded onto the bolt and tightened as shown in FIG. 19.

(34) In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, a blind bolt 140 adapted for tightening using a tension control wrench instead of the hex wrench discussed previously may be used. Similar to the blind bolt 40 discussed above, and as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the blind bolt 140 includes a bolt head, a bolt shaft extending from the bolt head to a tip end 149 of the shaft, bolt threads 148 formed on the bolt shaft, and a receiver 155 formed in the tip end of the bolt shaft. The receiver 155 has an outward end disposed proximate to the tip end 149 of the bolt shaft and an inward end disposed within the bolt shaft toward the bolt head from the tip end. In addition, the blind bolt 140 also includes receiver threads formed proximate the outward end of the receiver 155 and a driven structure formed in the inward end of the receiver. In addition, according this embodiment, the blind bolt 140 also includes a plurality of splines 182 formed on an outer surface of the tip end 149, which are configured to engage with an inner socket of a tension control wrench. Moreover, the tip end 149 of the bolt shaft is configured to break or shear away from the bolt 140 when a predetermined amount of torque is applied to the plurality of splines 182 on the tip end 149, as seen in FIG. 21.

(35) Thus, the final tightening of the nut on the blind bolt 140 may be accomplished using a tension control wrench, which includes both an inner socket which engages with the splines 182 of the tip end 149 and an outer socket which engages nut threaded onto the bolt. A torque is applied to the nut by the outer socket while the inner socket holds the splines 182 of the tip end 149 stationary, or applies an opposite torque, thus tightening the nut on the blind bolt. When a predetermined amount of torque is applied, the tip end 149 of the bolt 140 shaft will shear away from the bolt. In this manner, a plurality of blind bolts and nuts may be tightened to a more consistent and uniform torque.

(36) In a variation of the above embodiment, the nut may be tightened on the blind bolt without breaking away the tip end 149. In this variation, a tension control wrench is used that slips when a predetermined amount of torque is applied between the inner socket and the outer socket. When the nut is tightened, the tension control wrench applies a torque to the nut using the outer socket and applies an opposite torque to the splined tip end 149 with the inner socket. The applied torque will increase until the predetermined amount of torque is applied between the inner and outer sockets. Then, the wrench will begin to slip and will not increase the amount of torque. Thus, a predetermined torque is applied to the nut, and assuming the predetermined amount of torque is less than the breakaway torque of the tip, the tip will not be sheared away by the tension control wrench. In this embodiment, the blind bolt could be removed by using the tension control wrench to apply opposite torques using the inner and outer sockets. Thus, theoretically, the blind bolt could be easily removed, inspected and reused or replaced. However, one advantage of the breakaway tip would be lost. When a blind bolt is observed with the tip broken away, an inspector can be assured that the proper torque was applied to the nut when the bolt was installed. If the tip is not broken away, an inspector loses that assurance.

(37) Referring now to FIGS. 22a and 22b, there is shown two views of a reinforcement plate 202 mounted on a pole 200 illustrating another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 23a is an isometric three-dimensional view, and FIG. 23b is a somewhat diagrammatic side elevation, cross sectional view. The reinforcing plate 202 is held to the pole 200 by blind bolts 204, and a shim 208 is positioned between the plate 202 and the pole 200 to ensure that the plate 202 remains relatively straight even if the pole 200 has variations in its surface configuration. The shim 208 includes a breakaway tab 210 that is held by the user to insert the shim 208 into place. In addition, the shim 208 includes a slot 212 that is dimensioned to encompass and surround the blind bolt 204 once the shim is inserted fully into position behind the plate 202.

(38) As best shown in FIG. 23, the pole 200 is constructed in two parts, namely, pole 200a and pole 200b. Pole 200a is disposed on the exterior of pole 200b and thus the poles 200a and 200b have a slightly different diameter. The outside diameter of 200a is equal to the inside diameter of 200b, and thus there is a surface irregularity at the intersection 200c of the two poles 200a and 200b. Because of the surface irregularity at the intersection 200c, a gap 206 is formed between the plate 202 and the pole 200b. To maintain the straight shape of the plate 202, a shim 208 is placed into the gap 206. By using the shim 208 in one or more gaps between the plate 202 and the pole 200b, the appearance of a straight reinforcing plate 202 is created. In reality, the reinforcing plate must bend slightly to conform to the overall shape of the pole 200, but the shims create a gradual bend in the plate 202 which is less objectionable. Thus, the plate 202 will appear straight or less wavy than would otherwise be possible without the shims 208.

(39) A cross-sectional view of the blind bolt 204 utilizing the shim 208 is shown in FIG. 23. In this view, it may be appreciated that the blind bolt 204 is assembled in a manner previously described with respect to prior embodiments with a folded washer 68 disposed on the interior of the pole 200a and a solid washer 66 disposed on the bolt 204 on the exterior side of the plate 202. A nut 64 is threaded onto the bolt 200 to hold the entire assembly in place. In this view, the sheer sleeve 60 is disposed at the intersection of the plates 200a and 200b and at the intersection of plate 200a and the reinforcing plate 202, and thus the sheer sleeve 60 will resist and absorb shear forces between the various structures at the aforementioned intersections. In particular, any shear movement of the plate 202 with respect to the pole 200a will be resisted by the sheer sleeve 60. The spring 62 will initially position the sheer sleeve 60 into a proper position for resisting shear forces, and it will hold the sheer sleeve 60 in proper position throughout the life of the structure.

(40) In this view, it may be appreciated that the shim 208 occupies a gap 206 that is formed between the reinforcing plate 202 and the pole 200b. Without the shim 208, the bolt 204 would tend to bend the reinforcing plate 202 slightly at the point of intersection 200c between the poles 200a and 200b. It addition, more bolts 204 would be placed through the pole 200b and the plate 202 at positions below the bolt 204 shown in FIG. 23. Each additional bolt 204 through the gap 206 will also be placed with a shim 208 in the gap 206 so that the pressure applied by the bolts will not tend to bend the reinforcing plate 202 and create a wavy or bent shape. The shims 208 will allow the plate 202 to gradually conform to the overall shape of the pole 200 without giving the appearance of being wavy or bent.

(41) In FIGS. 24-27 the shim 208 is being installed on the exterior surface of a pole 200a adjacent to the interior of a reinforcement plate 202. In these views, the tip end 149 of the blind bolt 204 is visible with the nut 64 securing the bolt 204 to the plate 202. In FIG. 24, the shim 208 is shown immediately after its left edge is first inserted beneath the plate 202 in the gap 206 shown in previous drawings. The slot 212 is aligned with the bolt 204 so that the slot 212 will slide over and encompass the bolt as previously described. In FIG. 25, the shim 208 has been moved to the left and the slot 212 has now begun to encompass the bolt 204. The shim 208 is held in position by a user who is grasping the tab 210. In FIG. 26, the shim 208 has been completely inserted behind the plate 202 and only the tab 210 remains visible. When the plate is in the position shown in FIG. 26, the nut 64 is tightened at least enough to firmly secure the shim 208 in place. Then, the tab 210 is bent forward and back to weaken the metal attaching the tab 210 to the shim 208 until it breaks cleanly in a line formed by the right-hand edge of the shim 208. As will be described hereafter, the tab 210 includes a weakened structure extending along a line defined by the edge of the shim 208. This weakened structure may be a score or a crease. After the tab 210 is moved forward and backwards until it breaks, the shim 208 will be firmly secured in position behind the plate 202 with no portion of the shim being visible in the plan views shown in FIG. 27.

(42) The shim 208 may be constructed in different sizes and different thicknesses depending upon the particular application. The dimensions of various exemplary shims 208 will be described but should not be interpreted as limiting. The shims 208 are generally square in shape and may have dimensions ranging from 4 by 4 inches to 8.5 by 8.5 inches. The slot 212 of the shims 208 has an opening width of about 1.118 inches and a depth that ranges from about 2.59375 inches to about 4.84375 inches. The tabs 210 of the shims 208 are approximately 1.188 inches wide and about 1.188 inches to about 2.188 inches long. Larger shims 208 preferably have larger tabs 210. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27, the shim 208 has a thickness of about 1/16 inch, but the shims may have a variety of thicknesses depending upon a particular application. The material of the shims 208 may also change depending upon the application. In the case of a cell tower application, the preferred material is galvanized steel. However, the shims may also be constructed of brass, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, rust resistant steel and other metals. In some applications, nonconductive nonmetallic materials may be preferred such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, other polymers, rubber and synthetic rubber.

(43) A particularly useful feature of the shim 208 is a weakened structure 214, which is disposed along a line that is co-linear with the right edge of the shim 208 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. The weakened structure 214 may be a score, a crease, a crimp, perforations or some other weakening structure. The weakened structure 214 assists in the removal of the tab 210 once the shim 208 is properly held in place by compression between plates, for example. When the tab 210 is moved forward and backwards along a line of rotation through the weakened structure 214, fatigue rapidly causes the tab to break away from the shim 208. Thus, the tab 210 functions to assist the user in holding and positioning the shim 208 during installation and then easily breaks away so that the exterior appearance of the overall structure remains pleasing and uncluttered.

(44) The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.