SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE IN COVERING A PORTION OF A FASTENER PROTRUDING FROM A SURFACE

• US 20150086295A1
• Filed: 09/23/2013
• Published: 03/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Cameron, Michael Scott, Rawdon, Blaine Knight
• Granted Patent: US 9,618,029 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 411/429
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/14459 injecting seal elements
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14336 Coating a portion of the article, e.g. the edge of the article B29C45/14573 and B29C45/14598 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14377 using an additional insert, e.g. a fastening element
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2001/00 Articles provided with screw threads
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3076 Aircrafts blades, propellers B29L2031/08
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 37/02 Tanks tanks constructed integrally with aircraft wings B64C; shape or construction of tanks per se B65D
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 37/32 Safety measures not otherwise provided for, e.g. preventing explosive conditions extinguishing or preventing fires in aircraft A62C
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/02 Lightning protectors; Static dischargers in general H01T
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 21/04 with bayonet catch
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/14 Cap nuts; Nut caps or bolt caps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49948 Multipart cooperating fastener [e.g., bolt and nut]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49963 Threaded fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49966 with supplemental joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49993 Filling of opening

Abstract

A cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The portion includes threads. The cap includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, a threaded receptacle on the interior configured to threadably engage the portion of the fastener, and a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.

Claims

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

an interior;

a base that at least partially delimits the interior;

a threaded receptacle on the interior configured to threadably engage the portion of the fastener; and

a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.

2. The cap in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an exterior partially delimited by the base and having a shape configured to be operable with a tool.

5. The cap in accordance with claim 2, wherein the base has a larger profile than a remainder of the cap.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

6. A method of covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface, the portion including threads, the method comprising:

providing a cap that includes a wall, a base, an interior at least partially delimited by the wall and the base, and a threaded receptacle on the interior;

threadably engaging the threaded receptacle with the portion of the fastener; and

sealing the base of the cap against the surface.

7. The method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the cap includes at least one port extending through the wall.

9. The method in accordance with claim 6 further comprising:

sealing the base against the surface;

creating a vacuum in the interior; and

injecting a sealant into the interior.

10. The method in accordance with claim 9, wherein creating the vacuum in the interior comprises withdrawing air from the interior through a single port in the wall.

11. The method in accordance with claim 9, wherein injecting a sealant comprises injecting a predetermined amount of sealant into the interior through the single port.

13. The method in accordance with claim 9 further comprising discontinuing to inject the sealant upon detection of a predetermined back pressure at the single port.

14. The method in accordance with claim 7 further comprising:

sealing the base against the surface;

injecting a sealant into the interior through the at least one port; and

allowing air to escape from the interior through the at least one port.

15. The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the at least one port comprises an injection port and a bleed port.

16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the sealant is injected into the interior through the injection port, and wherein the air escapes from the interior through the bleed port.

8. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

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

a cap comprising;

an interior;

a base that at least partially delimits the interior; and

at least one cam on the interior.

18. The system in accordance with claim 17 further comprising at least one tab coupled to the fastener to engage the at least one cam.

19. The system in accordance with claim 18 further comprising a collar configured to be coupled to the fastener, wherein the collar includes the at least one tab.

21. The system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the at least one tab is spaced a distance from the surface.

24. The system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the at least one cam extends from a surface of the interior.

25. The system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the at least one cam is recessed in a surface of the interior.

26. The system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the at least one cam has a tapered surface that faces away from the base of the cap.

28. The system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the at least one cam comprises a notch to positively engage the at least one tab.

20. (canceled)

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