IP Library Granted Patent US 9,175,474
Granted Patent B2
US 9,175,474 · App. 13/521,397 · Granted Nov 3, 2015

Apparatus for attaching a member to a core-stiffened structure and a combination thereof

Inventors: Carl A. May (Mansfield, TX); James D. Hethcock, Jr. (Colleyville, TX); John R. McCullough (Weatherford, TX); Ronald K. Cox (North Richland Hills, TX)
Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
E04C2/365F16B5/01Y10T24/33
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,175,474
App. No.
13/521,397
Granted
Nov 3, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

An apparatus for attaching a member to a honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus. A honeycomb core-stiffened structure includes a honeycomb core and an apparatus for attaching a member to the honeycomb core. The apparatus includes a body and one or more elements extending from the body configured to be adhesively bonded to one or more walls of the honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure. The apparatus further includes a fitting for attaching the member to the apparatus.

Claims (22)

1. An apparatus for attaching a member to a honeycomb core-stiffened structure, comprising:

a body disposed partially within the honeycomb core-stiffened structure;

one or more elements extending from the body configured to be bonded to one or more walls of a honeycomb core of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure, the one or more elements including a plurality of tangs between which the one or more walls of the honeycomb are disposed when the apparatus is in use; and

a fitting disposed outside the honeycomb core-stiffened structure for attaching the member to the apparatus;

wherein portions of the tangs in contact with the one or more walls of the honeycomb core are parallel to the one or more walls of the honeycomb core; and

wherein the body, the one or more elements, and the fitting are a single integral and gaplessly continuous piece.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tangs includes three tangs and the apparatus is disposed at an intersection of walls of the honeycomb core when in use;

wherein a center of the three tangs is disposed at the intersection of walls of the honeycomb core.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tangs includes two tangs and a wall of the honeycomb core is received between the two tangs.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of tangs defines a plurality of smooth protrusions configured to grip a wall of the one or more walls of the honeycomb core.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of tangs defines a plurality of protrusions for regulating a thickness of adhesive when the apparatus is in use; and

wherein the adhesive is located inwardly from the plurality of tangs.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 :

wherein the one or more elements extending from the body comprise:

a plurality of tangs rotationally spaced apart extending from the body and configured to be disposed proximate a corresponding plurality of walls defining the cell of the honeycomb core.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein each of the plurality of tangs defines an opening in which an insertion tool is received.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein each of the plurality of tangs defines a plurality of protrusions configured to grip a wall of the one or more walls of the honeycomb core.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein each of the plurality of tangs defines a plurality of protrusions for regulating a thickness of adhesive when the apparatus is in use.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a flange extending from the body, configured to be adhesively bonded to a first skin of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a washer configured to provide a preload against a first skin of the honeycomb upon compression, the washer located in contact with the first skin of the honeycomb core-stiffened structure.

Assignments (4)
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 030891 FRAME: 0135. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Jul 16, 2021
From: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
To: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 056893/0946 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 28, 2013
From: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
To: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 030891/0135 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 16, 2012
From: MAY, CARL A.; HETHCOCK, JAMES D.; MCCULLOUGH, JOHN R.
To: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
Reel/Frame 028800/0577 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 16, 2012
From: COX, RONALD K.
To: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
Reel/Frame 028800/0588 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61301692 · Feb 5, 2010
Related Publication 20120284970A1 · Nov 15, 2012