Self-sealing fastener
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fastener pre-coated with a sealant comprising:
- a fastener;
a coating of an uncured sealant applied to at least a portion of the fastener surface, said sealant comprising a one-part sealant that cures when exposed to moisture; and
a protective layer covering the surface of the uncured sealant and preventing moisture from reaching the uncured sealant, the protective coating being sufficiently brittle that the protective layer will fracture when the fastener is installed allowing atmospheric moisture to reach the uncured sealant and initiate sealant curing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fastener suitable for use in airplane manufacture or repair that is coated with a pre-mixed moisture cure sealant. The sealant layer is coated with a frangible moisture barrier that will break apart when the fastener is installed, thus exposing the sealant to atmospheric moisture. Once exposed to moisture, the sealant will begin to cure. Preferred embodiments also provide a moisture indicator that provides a visual indication that the outer moisture resistant layer has been damaged.
50 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fastener pre-coated with a sealant comprising:
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a fastener; a coating of an uncured sealant applied to at least a portion of the fastener surface, said sealant comprising a one-part sealant that cures when exposed to moisture; and a protective layer covering the surface of the uncured sealant and preventing moisture from reaching the uncured sealant, the protective coating being sufficiently brittle that the protective layer will fracture when the fastener is installed allowing atmospheric moisture to reach the uncured sealant and initiate sealant curing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of producing a self-sealing fastener, the fastener having a head and shank, and the method comprising:
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applying a coating of an uncured sealant to at least a portion of the fastener shank, said sealant comprising a one-part sealant that cures when exposed to moisture; and covering the surface of the uncured sealant with a protective layer that prevents moisture from reaching the uncured sealant underneath the protective layer, the protective layer being sufficiently brittle that the protective layer will fracture when the fastener is installed allowing atmospheric moisture to reach the uncured sealant and initiate sealant curing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification