IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,541,118
Granted Patent B2
US 9,541,118 · App. 14/034,114 · Granted Jan 10, 2017

Systems and methods for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface

Inventors: Blaine Knight Rawdon (San Pedro, CA); Michael Scott Cameron (Long Beach, CA)
Assignee: The Boeing Company
F16B37/14B64D45/02Y10T29/49826Y10T29/49876Y10T29/49888
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,541,118
App. No.
14/034,114
Granted
Jan 10, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The system includes a cap that includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, and pawls on the interior. The system may also include a tooth configured to be associated with the fastener and configured to positively engage the pawls.

Claims (35)

1. A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface, the system comprising:

a cap that comprises:

an interior surface;

a base that at least partially delimits the interior surface; and

pawls extending from the interior surface, each of the pawls comprising a first end proximate to the interior surface, and a second end distal from the interior surface, wherein the second ends of all the pawls are equidistant from the base; and

a nut configured to be coupled to the fastener and comprising a tooth, wherein the pawls are configured to engage the tooth.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the nut is configured to threadably engage the fastener.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein, when the pawls engage the tooth, the pawls are loaded in compression against the tooth.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the cap further comprises a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.

5. The system in accordance with claim 4 , wherein the seal is configured to bias the pawls against the tooth.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the cap further comprises:

a wall comprising the interior surface; and

at least one port that extends through the wall.

7. The system in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the at least one port comprises an injection port configured to receive sealant therethrough and a bleed port configured to allow air to escape from the interior.

8. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the tooth is delimited on one side by a groove formed in an outer surface of the nut.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the nut is configured to be coupled to the fastener with an interference fit.

10. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the tooth and the surface are separated by a space.

11. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein each of the pawls comprises a first end proximal to the base, and a second end distal from the base, wherein the second ends of the pawls are configured to engage the tooth.

12. The system in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the second end has a greater width than the first end.

13. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the tooth includes a tapered surface facing away from a head of the fastener.

14. A system for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface, the system comprising:

a cap that comprises:

an interior;

a base that at least partially delimits the interior; and

pawls on the interior;

a collar configured to be coupled to the fastener and comprising a tooth, wherein the pawls are configured to engage the tooth in tension; and

a retainer configured to couple the collar to the fastener.

15. The system in accordance with claim 14 , wherein each of the pawls comprises a first end proximal to the base, and a second end distal from the base, wherein the first ends of the pawls are configured to engage the tooth.

16. The system in accordance with claim 15 , wherein the first ends of the pawls are positioned in a space between the tooth and the surface when engaged with the tooth.

17. The system in accordance with claim 14 , wherein, when the pawls engage the tooth, the pawls are loaded in tension.

18. The system in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the cap further comprises a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.

19. The system in accordance with claim 18 , wherein the seal is configured to bias the pawls against the tooth.

20. The system in accordance with claim 14 , wherein the cap further comprises:

a wall comprising the interior surface; and

at least one port that extends through the wall.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 23, 2013
From: RAWDON, BLAINE KNIGHT; CAMERON, MICHAEL SCOTT
To: THE BOEING COMPANY
Reel/Frame 031261/0008 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20150082603A1 · Mar 26, 2015