US 12,292,065 B2
Structural blind sleeves and associated systems and methods for clamping a first structure relative to a second structure to yield a clamped-up structure
Nathan A. Muntz, Everett, WA (US); and Tanni Sisco, Mukilteo, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 11, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/669,686.
Prior Publication US 2023/0258215 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. F16B 19/02 (2006.01); B64C 1/06 (2006.01); B64F 5/10 (2017.01)
CPC F16B 19/02 (2013.01) [B64C 1/069 (2013.01); B64F 5/10 (2017.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A structural blind sleeve comprising a monolithic body, the monolithic body comprising:
a sleeve shank having an elongated tubular structure defining a proximal portion and a distal portion, the sleeve shank comprising a structural portion proximate the proximal portion, a threaded portion proximate the distal portion, and a softened portion between the structural portion and the threaded portion, the softened portion of the sleeve shank comprising a notched portion, the notched portion comprising an internal circumferential notch, wherein the structural portion is capable of carrying a clamp-up structural load; and
a sleeve head connected to the proximal portion of the sleeve shank, the sleeve head comprising a countersink to receive a bearing member of a tool.