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

• US 9,541,118 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2013
• Issued: 01/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Rawdon, Blaine Knight, Cameron, Michael Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): DELISLE, ROBERTA S
• Application Number:
  US14/034,114
• Publication Number:
  US 20150082603A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,205 Days
• Field of Search: 411/372.5, 411/372.6, 411/373, 411/374, 411/429
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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: B64F 5/10 Manufacturing or assembling aircraft, e.g. jigs therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 33/004 Sealing; Insulation by means of washers F16B43/001
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/14 Cap nuts; Nut caps or bolt caps
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49764 with testing or indicating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49876 by snap fit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49888 Subsequently coating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 by applying separate fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49948 Multipart cooperating fastener [e.g., bolt and nut]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4995 Nonthreaded
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49959 Nonresilient fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49966 with supplemental joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4998 Combined manufacture including applying or shaping of fluent material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49982 Coating

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

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.