Patent ID: 7478781
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: B60R,B61D,B64C,B64D

Abstract:
1. A joint cover for covering a joint between a first element and a second element in an aircraft, the joint cover comprising: a cover section being of a deformable material and having a back surface; a clamp section having a first portion coupled to the cover section by a second portion, the first portion being joined at a first end of the first portion to the second portion and having a distal end opposite of the first end and extending therefrom such that a front surface, disposed between the first end and the distal end, is oriented in opposition to the back surface of the cover section, and the cover section is adapted to cover the joint between the first element and the second element, and the deformable material of the cover section is deformed during mounting of the joint cover such that the first portion is flexibly inserted through the joint between the first element and the second element, the cover section exerts a residual bias force after mounting, clamping the first element and the second element between the back surface of the cover section and the front surface of the first portion, and the first element and the second element are capable of moving in relation to one another allowing the joint to contract and expand during flight operations of the aircraft when the first element moves toward or away from the second element, respectively, without exposing the joint, and the joint cover is securely mounted.