GB566297A - Improvements in or relating to fasteners for securing panels in position - Google Patents

Abstract

566,297. Fastenings. DIAPER, H. E. March 17, 1943, Nos. 4351 and 6330. [Classes 44 and 89 (i)] Means to unfasten a member 1, such as a panel on an aircraft, from a second member 2, comprise a tubular part 3 secured to the panel 1 and containing a spindle 10 which is forced downwards by thumb pressure on a head 10a against the pressure of a spring 14 so that bolts 8 may slide towards one another when a part 10c is lowered. Cam surfaces 10e coact with heads 24 on the bolts. Fig. 1 shows the fastening secured by the bolt heads bearing on surfaces 9 of a tubular member 6 secured to the member 2. When pressed downwards, the head 10a becomes wedged in a tapered surface 20 and the upward force of the spring 14 separates the members 1 and 2, and the surfaces 9 force the bolts inwards. The flange 10d is then exposed so that the head 10a can be eased upwards from the surface 20. A spring 21, which is stressed in Fig. 1, maintains the portion 10c lower than the bolts 8 when the part 3 is free from the socket 6. On re-coupling the parts 1 and 2, the bolts 8 are pressed inwards by surfaces 25 and afterwards outwards under surfaces 9, and the spring 14 forces the spindle 10 upwards against the pressure of spring 21. The fastening is suitable for stressed skin panels where heavy shear loads have to be taken.. Fig. 2 shows a modification with a narrow socket 6<1> attached to a plate 27 which is free to move transversely relatively to the member 2<1>. The opening 30 provides substantial clearance for the top 31 of the socket, and the rivets 33 have enlarged heads 32 which bear on the underside of the plate 27. Holes 34 in the latter give a large clearance around each rivet. Accurate fitting of the parts 6<1> and 2<1> is thus not essential. Fig. 5 shows a further arrangement. Thumb pressure is applied at one edge of the head 10a, an index 40 being marked on one side of an upright 13 of the member 3, and the head tilts and is held in the lowered position by engaging a notch 42. When the flange 10d is separated from the spring 14, the spring 21 restores the head 10a to the position shown in the Figure. An inclined surface may be provided diametrically opposite to the notch 42, to guide the head 10a sideways. Alternatively, a spring-latch may be provided to spring over the head 10a. Fig. 7 shows means for the simultaneous uncoupling of a number of fastenings around the edge of a panel, comprising a cable 49 passing through a coil 48 on a spring 14 for each fastening. Collars on the cable cause transverse movement of parts 14b of the springs, and the parts roc drop under pressure from springs 46. The spindle 10 may have rotary, as well as axial, movement. The second Provisional Specification states that the socket 6 may be case hardened.