Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Details
Patent
1995-08-21
1997-12-09
Grant, William
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Details
244131, 244133, B64C 2300, B64C 700
Patent
active
056951540
ABSTRACT:
A gap filler device applicable to a gap formed between side walls of adjacent panels comprises an elongated horizontal portion extending across the gap and a vertical portion extending into the gap. The vertical portion includes a pair of opposed, spaced apart, planar bearing surface members biased into frictional engagement with the side walls of the gap to resist removal of the gap filler device. The vertical portion has descending legs extending from opposed sides of the horizontal portion to a bight. Ascending legs extend from the bight to terminal ends. Slots are formed in the vertical portion and extend upwardly from the bight at spaced locations along the length of the legs. In one embodiment, a plurality of outwardly projecting spike members are formed on the bearing surface members for engagement with the side walls of the gap. In another embodiment, the adjacent panels define a gap with opposed overhangs and the terminal ends of the ascending legs are engageable with the overhangs when the vertical portion is inserted into the gap thereby preventing removal of the gap filler device from the gap. In another embodiment, the head member is of ceramic material and has a longitudinally extending slot therein and an elongated retainer member is engageably receivable in the longitudinal slot and the retainer member is fixed to the horizontal portion to thereby prevent its removal. In another embodiment relating to aircraft usage, the head member has opposed longitudinally extending edges contoured to minimize detection by radar.
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Ambrose Thomas J.
Castellucci Nicholas T.
Anderson Terry J.
Grant William
Hoch Jr. Karl J.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
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