Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure – Prefabricated assembly comprising strip or sheet member...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-19
2001-10-16
Wilson, Neill (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure
Prefabricated assembly comprising strip or sheet member...
C411S104000, C411S112000, C411S432000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302628
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention relates generally to a retaining device for fasteners and more specifically to a two piece fastener retention apparatus providing secure, simple retention of a fastener base through juxtaposition of complementary half-channels.
In many fastener applications, particularly aircraft fastener applications, it is desirable to provide for positive retention of all fasteners to reduce the occurrence of foreign object damage caused by engine ingestion of, for example, a loose nut base. Additionally, some applications require the positioning of a nut base in an area where it is not practicable to secure said nut base directly due to interference with other devices or components.
Prior art fastener retention devices configured as single piece channels require the use of spring retainer clips for securing a nut base thereto. Additionally, when manufactured from less rigid material to provide for easier retainer clip installation, prior art devices suffer from a decreased ability to handle high torque loads wherein fastener bases are susceptible to torque-out and push-out as their complementary bolts are tightened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by providing a two-piece fastener retention channel comprising two complementary interlocking half-channel segments, each having a plurality of slots therein for acceptance of a plurality of tabs depending from a fastener base, for example a conventional nut. The use of tabs depending from the fastener base in conjunction with the complementary channels allows the fastener to be retained simply by aligning the fastener with complementary slots in a first half-channel, and aligning a second, complementary half-channel such that the fastener tabs align with and are inserted into the slots in each half-channel.
The complementary channel halves are further provided with a plurality of concentric holes therein, into which rivets may be positioned to fasten the two channel halves together. By utilizing the unique two-piece channel design, the fastener retention channel may be constructed of a rigid composite material, for example a commercially available thermo-set resin. The use of a one piece rigid material channel design would prohibit the use of tabs depending from the nut base as the tabs would be unable to be snapped into position. This would necessitate the use of a spring retainer clip, thereby adding weight and expense to the assembly. The channel halves may be fabricated in a plurality of shapes as further explained hereinbelow.
Therefore, one object of the instant invention is a fastener retention channel having two complementary half-channels for ease of assembly.
A further object of the instant invention is a two-piece fastener retention channel having a plurality of slots in each complementary half-channel for acceptance of fastener tabs.
A further object of the instant invention is a fastener retention apparatus obviating the necessity of using spring retainer clips.
A further object of the instant invention is a fastener retention apparatus providing superior torque-out and push-out values for fastener bases.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2243923 (1941-06-01), Swanstrom
patent: 2469311 (1949-05-01), Poupitch
patent: 2879820 (1959-03-01), Trzcinski
patent: 2968329 (1961-01-01), Reiner
patent: 4863327 (1989-09-01), Poupiter
Berecz Imre
Hinton Dennis L.
Dinnin & Dunn P.C.
Fairchild Holding Corp.
Wilson Neill
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