Weldless panel patching method

Abstract

A method and apparatus for patching a hole in a panel without the use of a bonding agent or the aid of a welding apparatus. The method encompasses the placing of a patch within the confines of a hole. The patch is of a configuration which is within a close tolerance of the hole and of the same thickness as the thickness of the panel. This provides a flush inside surface and a flush outside surface upon the completion of the repair. The patch is temporarily secured with supports and bores are drilled around the periphery of the patch which communicates with both the patch and the panel. These bores are tapped to accommodate a segmented threaded rod. The depth or thickness of each threaded segment is almost equivalent to the thickness of the panel. The segmented threaded rod is threaded into the hole until it is flush with the inside surface. Each consecutive segment is separated by a core. The segmented threaded rod is cut off at the core substantially flush with the panel surface, the segment threads are fouled and/or secured by adhesive to the threads of the tapped panel/patch hole, and then the surface(s) of the segment are ground to a flush finish with the panel surface(s). This series of steps is repeated until the patch is secure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.