US4072070A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote access washer with bolt alignment tool
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1976-08-17
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Granted: 1978-02-07
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Expires: 1996-08-17
Abstract
Abstract An aligning apparatus for inserting a bolt and a washer in a remote or reicted place for securing equipment. A standard washer is permanently attached to the end of tubing, a bolt is inserted in the tubing through the washer and held in position by a tool inserted in the tubing, mating with the bolt. This combination is placed in alignment with a normally inaccessible threaded hole. The bolt is turned into the hole and secured by a torquing action on the tool. For the reverse process, removal tabs are attached to the tubing to accomplish intact extraction of the bolt, washer, and tubing.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur F. Finn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:49
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B13/00; B25B13/48; B25B13/481
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for aligning and tightening, comprising, in combination: a bolt; a washer; an alignment tube, said washer affixed to one end of said tube, said bolt inserted into said tube, the head of said bolt facing the other end of said tube; and an extension tool having an outside diameter minutely smaller than the inside diameter of said tube, thereby permitting said tool to be inserted into and rotated within said tube, said tool being shaped at one end so as to mate with said bolt and being nut-shaped at the other end for receiving a wrench; whereby said bolt and said washer may be aligned and tightened in a remote or restricted, normally inaccessible hole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
Apparatus for aligning and tightening, comprising, in combination: a bolt; a washer; an alignment tube, said washer affixed to one end of said tube, said bolt inserted into said tube, the head of said bolt facing the other end of said tube; and an extension tool having an outside diameter minutely smaller than the inside diameter of said tube, thereby permitting said tool to be inserted into and rotated within said tube, said tool being shaped at one end so as to mate with said bolt and being nut-shaped at the other end for receiving a wrench; whereby said bolt and said washer may be aligned and tightened in a remote or restricted, normally inaccessible hole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a plurality of holes around the circumference of said tube adjacent said washer to relieve air pressure created within said tube during tightening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid extension tool is hexagonal shaped at its lower end for insertion into said bolt, wherein said bolt is placed completely within said tube, and wherein tabs are attached to said other end of said tube to facilitate removal of said washer and said bolt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-02-06 | 1981-08-08 | 1982-02-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-02-06 | 1985-08-08 | 1986-02-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-02-06 | 1989-08-08 | 1990-02-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |