Patent ID: 6044613
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: E04G,Y10T

Abstract:
A patching device suitable for use in the repair of a hollow structure having a distal panel disposed from a proximal repair region, said patching device comprising:a stem comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of transverse protrusions disposed between said proximal end and said distal end;a plug enclosing said stem and disposed between said proximal end and said distal end, said plug comprisinga ring having an axial opening of sufficient size so as to pass over said transverse protrusions, anda plurality of ribs flexibly connected to said ring and extending to the periphery of said plug, each said rib comprising a channel section having a U-shaped cross section, said channel section extending between said plug periphery and a rib shoulder; andlocking means enclosing said stem and disposed between said plug and said distal end, said locking means being slideable along said stem in a preferred direction and restrained from movement in the opposite direction by said protrusions, said locking means being configured to engage said rib shoulder;such that when said distal stem end is placed against the interior surface of the distal panel, said locking means serves to retain said plug in position across the proximal repair region.