Patent ID: 7717659

Claim:
A method of forming a bolted joint to secure a first structure having an aperture provided therethrough defining an aperture wall to a second structure having a treaded bore, the aperture of the first structure having a width that is larger than a width of the threaded bore of the second structure, said method comprising the steps of: providing a bolt comprising a head and a shaft portion extending from said head, said head having a width which is larger than the width of the aperture of the first structure, said shaft portion comprising a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion which is disposed between said head and said threaded portion, said non-threaded portion having a first portion proximate said head, a second portion proximate said threaded portion, and a shoulder provided between said first and second portions, said first portion having a cylindrical configuration and having a constant outer diameter from proximate said head to said shoulder; providing a sleeve having first and second opposite ends and a throughbore extending therethrough from said first end to said second end, said throughbore defining a constant inner diameter from proximate said first end to proximate said second end, said constant inner diameter being larger than a width of said second portion and larger than a width of said threaded portion, said consist inner diameter being smaller than said constant outer diameter of said first portion; inserting said sleeve into the aperture of the first structure until said second end of said sleeve abuts against a face of the second structure; inserting said threaded portion of said shaft portion of said bolt through said throughbore of said sleeve; simultaneously threading said threaded portion into the threaded bore of the second structure until said head contacts the first structure, and deforming a first portion of said sleeve with said shoulder until said head contacts the first structure, said deformation of said first portion of said sleeve providing a zero-clearance fit between said first portion of said non-threaded portion, said first portion of said sleeve and the aperture wall of the first structure and further providing space between a second non-deformed portion of said sleeve and said second portion of said non-threaded portion.