Methods for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface
First Claim
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1. A method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding, along a longitudinal axis, from a surface, said method comprising:
- providing a cap that comprises a wall, a base, a seal, coupled to the base, an interior at least partially delimited by the wall and the base, and pawls located in the interior of the cap, the wall having an interior surface, each of the pawls comprising a first end, proximal 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;
coupling a tooth to the fastener, the tooth having an engagement surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
covering the portion of the fastener with the cap; and
positively engaging the second ends of the pawls with the engagement surface of the tooth such that the pawls are loaded in compression, by the seal, against the tooth.
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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.
55 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding, along a longitudinal axis, from a surface, said method comprising:
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providing a cap that comprises a wall, a base, a seal, coupled to the base, an interior at least partially delimited by the wall and the base, and pawls located in the interior of the cap, the wall having an interior surface, each of the pawls comprising a first end, proximal 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; coupling a tooth to the fastener, the tooth having an engagement surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; covering the portion of the fastener with the cap; and positively engaging the second ends of the pawls with the engagement surface of the tooth such that the pawls are loaded in compression, by the seal, against the tooth. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification