ACCESS COVER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An access cover assembly (10) for machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies, and similar apparatus is configured to be mounted or secured to an exterior housing or casing of the apparatus to cover an access port or opening in the housing that is used to gain access to the interior of the apparatus. The access cover assembly (10) includes a cover plate (12) and a removable self-locking shutter (14) that can be quickly and easily installed and removed from the cover plate (12). The cover plate (12) has a threaded access opening, and the self-locking shutter (14) includes a threaded shaft that engages the threaded access opening when secured to the cover plate (12). The self-locking shutter (14) includes a locking ring that prevents unintentional rotation and unintentional loosening of the self-locking shutter (14) when assembled to the cover plate (12).FIGURE OF THE SHORT: [FIG. 2].

Description

Title of the invention: ACCESS COVER ASSEMBLY

[0001] The present application claims priority from US provisional application US 63 / 317,733, filed on March 8, 2022. DOMAIN

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a removable cover for machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies and the like which allows access to the internal elements and / or components of the apparatus. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] This section provides general information relating to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies and the like often include panels or covers that are removably secured or affixed to a housing or casing of the apparatus using fasteners. See [Fig.l], Prior Art. Access covers allow access to internal parts, elements and / or components of the apparatus to enable the apparatus to be checked, maintained, serviced or repaired. Access covers are known for use on aeronautical and land-based engines.

[0005] Conventional access covers are secured to the apparatus by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners such as mounting bolts) that can be tightened to a specified torque. In some applications, it is important to further ensure that the fasteners securing the access cover to the apparatus do not loosen during normal operation or use of the apparatus. One known manner in which to limit a tendency for the fastening bolts to loosen is to secure the mounting bolts together with a thread that resists loosening of the fastener.

[0006] A locking wire, also known as a safety wire, is often used in situations where mechanical reliability is critical. For example, in aircraft applications, safety wire is used to secure fasteners securing access covers to mechanical assemblies, as well as other fasteners in the aircraft. This is because significant vibration and other forces acting on the aircraft and its components can contribute to the inadvertent loosening of the fasteners.

[0007] However, in order to remove an access cover that has been secured and wire-locked to a device, such as to inspect the device, the locking wire must be cut and disconnected from the mounting bolts before the mounting bolts can loosen and be removed. After which, the access cover can be removed to Make the necessary internal parts of the device available to service personnel. After inspection or other work has been completed, the mounting bolts are used to reattach the access cover to the device, and the fasteners must be re-tightened with wire. This process requires a skill set and is very laborious and time-consuming. Thus, the costs of performing routine maintenance, inspection, or other service activities are unnecessarily increased.

[0008] Furthermore, in some applications, the maintenance, inspection, or service activity that must be performed on the device does not require as much space or availability as is permitted by the complete removal of the access cover. However, conventional access covers must be removed in their entirety in order to gain access to the internal elements or components of the device. Still further, the access cover on some devices may be positioned so that there is limited space to easily use or manipulate the tools that are necessary to remove the locking wire, detach the fasteners, and / or visually locate the access cover. These conditions add further difficulty, labor, and cost to other routine tasks. SUMMARY

[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not an exhaustive disclosure of its entire scope or features.

[0010] The present disclosure provides an access cover assembly for machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies, and similar apparatus. The access cover assembly is configured to be mounted or secured to an exterior housing or casing of an apparatus to cover an access port or opening in the housing that is used to gain access to the interior of the apparatus. The access cover assembly includes a cover plate and a removable self-locking shutter that can be quickly and easily installed and removed from the cover plate. The cover plate has an access opening, and the self-locking shutter can be secured to the cover plate. The self-locking shutter includes a locking ring that prevents unintentional rotation and unintentional loosening of the self-locking shutter when assembled to the cover plate.

[0011] In one aspect of the disclosure, an access cover assembly may include a cover plate and a self-locking shutter removably attached to the cover plate. The cover plate may include a central portion and a mounting flange positioned around a perimeter of the central portion. The flange may have a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of mounting bolts for securing the access cover assembly, for example, to a piece of machinery or equipment. The cover plate may also have a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The first opening may be centered on a central axis and extend through the central portion. The first opening may include a first inner circumferential wall that has an internal screw thread. The second opening may also be centered on the central axis and be concentric with the first opening. The second opening extends into the central portion to a depth that is less than a thickness of the central portion (e.g., as a counterbore). The second opening may have a second inner circumferential wall with a plurality of concave-shaped detents equally spaced around a perimeter of the second inner circumferential wall. Adjacent detents may be separated from each other by a substantially planar or substantially cylindrical surface.

[0012] The self-locking shutter may be disposed in the first opening and the second opening along the central axis. The self-locking shutter may include a main body and a locking ring secured to the main body. The main body may have a head and a shaft, with the head being configured to receive a tool for rotating the self-locking shutter about the central axis. The shaft may include an external screw thread.

[0013] The locking ring may include a cylindrical portion secured to the head and a plurality of resilient, flexible beam fingers arranged around a circumference of the main body. Each beam finger may extend from a proximal end at the cylindrical portion to a distal end including a finger tip. Each finger tip of the plurality of beam fingers may include a plurality of radially inwardly beveled surfaces and a substantially planar surface between the beveled surfaces. The finger tip may be configured to mechanically interact with the second inner circumferential wall of the second opening to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter about the central axis.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosure, an access cover assembly may include a cover plate and a removable threaded self-locking plug configured to releasably connect to the cover plate. The cover plate may have a detent interface that may cooperate with the self-locking plug. The detent interface may include a boss projecting from a central portion of the cover plate, the boss having a second diameter and including a second outer circumferential wall with a cylindrical surface. Within the second outer circumferential wall, a plurality of spaced concave-shaped detents are included, equidistantly spaced around a perimeter of the second outer circumferential wall. Adjacent detents may be separated from one another by discrete sections of the cylindrical surface of the outer circumferential wall.

[0015] A first opening having a first diameter and being concentric with the boss may be included in the cover plate. The first opening may extend along an axis through both the boss and the central portion of the cover plate. The first opening may also include a circumferential wall defining an internal screw thread. The boss may define an interface port for the self-locking shutter and the first opening may define an access opening through the cover plate.

[0016] The self-locking shutter may include a main body and a locking ring that is secured to the main body. The main body may have a head and a shaft, and the head may have a tool engagement interface and the shaft may have an external screw thread. The locking ring may include an upper section that is secured to the head of the main body and a plurality of resilient, flexible beam fingers that are arranged around a circumference of the upper section. Each beam finger may extend from a cylindrical portion of the upper section of the locking ring to a distal end that includes a plurality of beveled surfaces and is configured to mechanically interact with the detent interface to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter about the axis.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an access cover assembly may include a cover plate and a removable threaded self-locking shutter configured to releasably connect to the cover plate. The cover plate may have a detent interface that may cooperate with the locking ring to prevent unintentional loosening of the shutter. The detent interface may have a boss projecting from a central portion of the cover plate and the boss may include a cylindrical outer wall having an outer diameter. The cylindrical outer wall of the boss may define an external screw thread. A first opening of the cover plate may include a first diameter and extend along an axis through the boss and the central portion of the cover plate.A second opening in the boss may include a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter and concentric with the cylindrical outer wall of the boss. The second opening may have a depth that is less than a height of the boss and include a plurality of spaced, concavely shaped detents that are equidistant around a perimeter of the second opening. Adjacent detents may be separated from each other by discrete cylindrically shaped sections of the second opening. The boss may define an interface port for the self-locking shutter and the first opening may define an access opening through the cover plate.

[0018] The self-locking shutter may include a cap-shaped cylindrical main body and a locking ring that is secured to the main body. The main body may have a sleeve including a cylindrically shaped internal surface defining an internal screw thread.

[0019] The locking ring may include an upper section secured to the main body and a plurality of resilient, flexible beam fingers arranged around a circumference of the upper section. Each beam finger may extend from a cylindrical portion of the upper section to a distal end, which distal end includes a plurality of beveled surfaces and is configured to mechanically interact with the detent interface to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter about the axis.

[0020] Other areas of applicability will become more apparent from the description provided herein. The specific description and examples in this summary are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The drawings described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only for selected embodiments and not for all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a conventional access cover;

[0023] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents an isometric view of a cover assembly access according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0024] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a front view of the access cover assembly of [Fig.2];

[0025] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a right side view of the cover assembly access of [Fig.2];

[0026] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents an exploded isometric view of the assembly of access cover of [Fig.2];

[0027] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents an exploded right side view of the assembly of access cover of [Fig.2];

[0028] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of the assembly of access cover of [Fig.3];

[0029] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents an isometric view of the cover plate of the access cover assembly of [Fig.2];

[0030] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a front view of the cover plate of [Fig.8];

[0031] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a rear view of the cover plate of [Fig.8]

[0032] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a front view of the self-locking shutter of the access cover assembly of [Fig.2];

[0033] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] represents a top view of the self-locking shutter of [Fig.11];

[0034] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows an isometric view of the snap ring of the access cover assembly of [Fig.2];

[0035] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows a partially exploded isometric view of an alternative access cover assembly of the present disclosure;

[0036] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows an exploded isometric view of the access cover assembly of [Fig. 14]; and

[0037] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] shows a partially exploded isometric sectional view of yet another access cover assembly of the present disclosure.

[0038] Corresponding references indicate corresponding parts in the various views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough and fully conveys the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are presented, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be used, that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that they should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In certain exemplary embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0040] The present disclosure provides an access cover assembly 10 (e.g., Figures 2-4) for machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies, and similar apparatus. The access cover assembly is configured to be mounted or secured to an exterior housing or casing of an apparatus (e.g., a mechanical assembly such as a gearbox) to cover an access port or opening in the housing, which is used to gain access to the interior of the apparatus.

[0041] The access cover assembly 10 generally includes a cover plate 12 (e.g., Figures 8-10) and a removable, threaded, self-locking plug 14 (e.g., Figures 11-12) configured to releasably connect to the cover plate 12. The cover plate 12 has an opening access opening 16 and the self-locking shutter 14 may be secured to the cover plate 12, for example via a threaded shaft 36 on the shutter 14 which engages a threaded access opening 16 in the cover plate 12. Further the self-locking shutter 14 includes a locking ring 20 which may cooperate with a snap-in interface 22 associated with the cover plate 12 to prevent unintentional rotation and unintentional loosening of the self-locking shutter 14, when assembled to the cover plate 12. In this regard, the snap-in interface 22 may be integrally formed in the cover plate 12 or alternatively be provided by means of a separate snap-in ring 22a (e.g. [Fig. 13]) which may be assembled with or fixedly secured to the cover plate 12.Nevertheless, the self-locking shutter 14 can be installed and removed quickly and easily with a tool (e.g., a wrench or ratchet drive, see [Fig.5], a socket 33) with routine effort and without having any special skills.

[0042] The removable self-locking shutter 14 eliminates the need to remove the cover plate 12 in its entirety to gain access to the interior of the apparatus, particularly in circumstances where a smaller diameter hole (i.e., relative to the diameter or size of the cover plate 12) may accommodate the access to the apparatus that is necessary to perform regular inspection or maintenance tasks. Thus, there is no need to cut and remove a locking wire or other securing locking system and all of the mounting bolts that secure the access cover to the apparatus, and then reattach the access cover and wire-lock the mounting bolts when the task is complete.

[0043] The access cover assembly 10 may include a cover plate 12 and a self-locking shutter 14 removably attached to the cover plate 12. As shown in Figures 9-11, the cover plate 12 may have a central portion 24 and a mounting flange 26 disposed around a perimeter of the central portion 24. The cover plate 12 may be suitably shaped and sized to fit an opening, e.g., in the housing, of the apparatus. Thus, the cover plate 12 may be designed in any of a variety of geometric configurations (e.g., polygonal, circular, hemispherical, etc.).The mounting flange 26 may be adapted to interface with the apparatus at the access opening 16 and may include a plurality of openings 28 configured to receive a plurality of fasteners (e.g., mounting bolts) for securing the access cover assembly 10 to the apparatus.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover plate 12 may include a first opening (or access opening) 16a having a first diameter d1 and a second opening 16b having a second diameter d2 which is greater than the first diameter dl. The second opening 16b is concentric with the first opening 16a. The first opening 16a and the second opening 16b may be positioned on an axis X of the access cover assembly 10 that is central to the cover plate 12 (e.g. [Fig.8]) or alternatively on an axis that is offset from the central axis X of the cover plate 12. The first opening 16a extends through the central portion 24 of the cover plate 12. The first opening 16a also defines a first internal circumferential wall 16c comprising an internal screw thread. The second concentric opening 16b extends into the central portion 24 to a depth that is less than a thickness of the central portion 24. Thus, the second opening 16b is akin to a counterbore around the first opening 16a. The second opening 16b includes the snap-in interface 22.In this regard, the second opening 16b has a second inner circumferential wall 16d. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second inner circumferential wall 16d includes a cylindrical surface including a plurality of concavely spaced detents 22b, equally spaced about a perimeter of the second inner circumferential wall 16b. Adjacent detents 22b are separated from one another by discrete sections of the cylindrical surface of the inner circumferential wall 16d (best understood with reference to [Fig. 13]). As seen in [Fig. 13], the number of detents shown is 12, although the number of detents may vary, with an exemplary range of between 8 and 16 detents.

[0045] The self-locking shutter 14 of the access cover assembly 10 is oriented along the X axis and disposed in the first opening 16a and the second opening 16b of the cover plate 12.

[0046] As shown in Figures 12-13, the self-locking shutter 14 includes a main body 30 and a locking ring 32 that is secured to the main body 30. The main body 30 includes a head 34 and a threaded shaft 36. The head 34 is configured to receive a tool (e.g., a wrench or ratchet drive) for rotating the self-locking shutter 14 about a center line or center axis XI of the self-locking shutter 14 and the threaded shaft 36 includes an external screw thread that mates with (i.e., engages) the internal screw thread 16c of the access opening 16a.

[0047] The locking ring 32 includes a cylindrical portion 38 that is attached to the head 34 of the main body 30 and a plurality of resilient, flexible (e.g., spring-like) bundle fingers 40 that are arranged around a circumference of the cylindrical portion 38. Each bundle finger 40 extends from a proximal end 42 (at the cylindrical portion of the locking ring) to a distal end 44 that forms a finger tip 46. Each finger tip 46 beam fingers 40 includes a plurality of beveled surfaces 48. In one aspect of the disclosure, the beveled surfaces 48 of the finger tips 46 of the beam fingers 40 are positioned on the outer side of the beam fingers 40 (i.e., facing outwardly away from the centerline of the self-locking shutter 14). The finger tip 46 is configured to mechanically interact with (e.g., bias against) the detent interface 22 of the second aperture 16b to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter 14 about the central axis XL. The number of beam fingers may vary, with an exemplary range of about 12 to 20.

[0048] In another aspect of the disclosure, as shown in [Fig. 13], a snap ring 22a that is separate from the cover plate 12 may provide the feature of the second inner circumferential wall 16d of the second opening 16b. In this regard, the separate snap ring 22a may include the cylindrical inner circumferential wall 22c comprising the plurality of snaps 22b and have an outer circumferential wall 22d comprising an outer cylindrical surface. The snap ring may then be secured (e.g., by interference fit, welding, or otherwise) in the second opening 16b of the cover plate 12.

[0049] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an alternative access cover assembly 100 is shown in Figures 15 and 16. Like the access cover assembly 10 already discussed, the access cover assembly 100 shown in [Fig. 14] generally includes a cover plate 120 and a removable, threaded, self-locking plug 140 configured to releasably connect to the cover plate 120. The self-locking plug 140 includes a locking ring 320 that can cooperate with a snap-in interface 220 associated with the cover plate 120 to prevent unintentional rotation and unintentional loosening of the self-locking plug 140 when assembled to the cover plate 120. The self-locking plug 140 can nevertheless be installed and removed quickly and easily with a tool.

[0050] The cover plate 120 includes a detent interface 220 that may cooperate with the locking ring 320 to prevent unintentional loosening. In this regard, the cover plate 120 of the access cover assembly 100 of [Fig. 14] may include a boss 220a projecting from the central portion 240. The boss 220a may have a second diameter and include a second outer circumferential wall 220d. The outer circumferential wall 220d of the boss 220a may include a cylindrical surface having embedded therein a plurality of spaced, concave-shaped detents 220b that are equally spaced about a perimeter of the second outer circumferential wall. 220d. Adjacent detents 220a may be separated from each other by discrete sections of the cylindrical surface of the outer circumferential wall 220d. The number of detents may vary, and a range of between about 8 and 16 detents is exemplary.

[0051] A first opening 160a, having a first diameter and being concentric with the boss 220a, may extend through both the boss 220a and the central portion 240 of the cover plate 120. The first opening 160a may also include an inner circumferential wall 160c defining an internal screw thread. The self-locking shutter 140 may engage the threaded access opening 160c when the self-locking shutter 140 is secured to the cover plate 120, as described in more detail herein.

[0052] The boss 220a may define an interface port for the self-locking shutter 140 and the first opening 160a may define an access opening 160 through the cover plate 120. As may be understood with reference to Figures 15 and 16, the boss 220a may alternatively be integrally formed with the cover plate 120 or be a separate component that is fixedly attached to the cover plate 120. Further, it is also contemplated that the snap-in interface 220 may be integrally formed in the outer circumferential wall of the boss 220a, or alternatively, may be provided by means of a separate snap-in interface component (e.g., a snap ring) that may be assembled with or attached to the outer cylindrical surface 220d of the boss 220a.

[0053] Also shown in Figures 15 and 16 is a removable threaded self-locking shutter 140 configured to releasably connect to the cover plate 120. The self-locking shutter 140 includes a main body 300 and a locking ring 320 that is secured to the main body 300. The main body 300 includes a head 340 (e.g., a hex head) and a threaded shaft 360. The self-locking shutter 140 is configured to receive a tool (e.g., a wrench or ratchet drive) to rotate the self-locking shutter 140 about a centerline or center axis X100 of the self-locking shutter 140. The threaded shaft 360 includes an external screw thread that engages the internal screw thread 160c of the access opening 160a of the cover plate. 120.

[0054] The locking ring 320 of the self-locking shutter 140 includes an upper section 322 that is attached to the head 340 of the main body 300 and a plurality of resilient, flexible (e.g., spring-like) bundle fingers 400 that are arranged around a circumference of the upper section 322. Each bundle finger 400 extends from a proximal end 420 (at a cylindrical portion of the upper section 322 of the locking ring 320) to a distal end 440 that forms a finger tip 460. Each finger tip 460 of the beam fingers 400 includes a plurality of beveled surfaces 480. In one aspect of the disclosure, the beveled surfaces 480 of the finger tips 460 of the beam fingers 400 are positioned on an inner side of the beam fingers 400 (i.e., oriented inward of the centerline X100 of the self-locking shutter 140). The finger tip 460 is configured to mechanically interact with (e.g., bias against) the detent interface 220 (e.g., on the boss 220a) of the cover plate 120 to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter 140 about the centerline X100. The number of beam fingers may vary, with an exemplary range of about 12 to 20.

[0055] As may be understood with reference to [Fig. 15], it is contemplated that the upper portion 322 of the locking ring 320 may include an opening 324 in which the head 340 of the main body 300 may be disposed. As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the opening 324 and the head 340 are hexagonal in shape. It is further contemplated that a fixed connection between the opening 324 of the locking ring 320 and the head 340 of the main body 300 may be achieved by any of a variety of known connection methods, including an interference fit, welding, or the like. Once assembled, the head portion 340 of the self-locking shutter 140 provides a tool-ready interface (e.g., a wrench or ratchet drive).

[0056] Yet another alternative embodiment of an access cover assembly 1000 of the present disclosure is shown in [Fig. 16]. In the embodiment of the access cover assembly 1000 shown in [Fig. 16], like the access cover assemblies 10, 100 discussed above, the access cover assembly 1000 shown in [Fig. 16] generally includes a cover plate 1200 and a removable, threaded self-locking shutter 1400 configured to releasably connect to the cover plate 1200. The self-locking shutter 1400 includes a locking ring 3200 that can cooperate with a snap-in interface 2200 associated with the cover plate 1400 to prevent unintentional rotation and unintentional loosening of the self-locking shutter 1400 when assembled to the cover plate 1200.The 1400 self-locking shutter can nevertheless be installed and removed quickly and easily with a tool.

[0057] The cover plate 1200 includes a snap-in interface 2200 that may cooperate with the locking ring 3200 to prevent unintentional loosening. In this regard, the cover plate 1200 of the access cover assembly 1000 of [Fig. 16] may include a boss 2200a projecting from the central portion 2400. The boss 2200a may have an outer diameter and include an outer cylindrical wall 2200d. The outer cylindrical wall 2200d of the boss 2200a may define an external screw thread. The self-locking shutter 1400 may engage the threaded external cylindrical wall 2200d of the boss 2200a when the self-locking shutter 1400 is attached to the cover plate 1200, as described in more detail herein.

[0058] A first opening 1600a, having a first diameter, may extend through both the boss 2200a and the central portion 2400 of the cover plate 1200. A second opening 1600b in the boss 2200a having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter and that is concentric with the outer cylindrical wall 2200d of the boss 2200a, has a depth that is less than a height of the boss 2200a. The second opening 1600b may include the detent interface 2200 having a plurality of concavely spaced detents 2200b that are equally spaced around a perimeter of the second opening 1600b. Adjacent detents 2200b may be separated from each other by discrete cylindrically shaped sections of the second opening 1600b. The number of detents may vary, with an exemplary range of between about 8 and 16 detents.

[0059] The boss 2200a may define an interface port for the self-locking shutter 1400 and the first opening 1600a may define an access opening 1600 through the cover plate 1200. As with the access cover assemblies 10, 100 previously described and as can be understood with reference to [Fig. 16], the boss 2200a may alternatively be integrally formed with the cover plate 1200 or be a separate component that is fixedly secured to the cover plate 1200. Further, it is also contemplated that the snap-in interface 2200 may be integrally formed in the second opening 1600b of the boss 2200a or alternatively may be provided by means of a separate snap-in interface component (e.g., a snap ring 22a, [Fig. 13]) that may be secured in the second opening 1600b of the boss 2200a.

[0060] Also shown in [Fig. 16] is a removable threaded self-locking shutter 1400 configured to releasably connect to the cover plate 1200. The self-locking shutter 140 may include a cap-shaped cylindrical main body 3000 and a locking ring 3200 that is secured to the main body 3000. The main body 3000 may include a sleeve 3002 including a cylindrically shaped internal surface 3004 defining an internal screw thread. It can be understood that the self-locking shutter 1400 may be configured to accommodate a tool (e.g., a wrench or ratchet drive) for rotating the self-locking shutter 1400 about a center line or center axis X1000 of the self-locking shutter 1400 (e.g., an exterior of the main body 3000 may include "flats" engaging the tool, such as a wrench or socket).The internally threaded sleeve 3002 3004 can engage the . external screw thread 2200c of boss 2200a of cover plate 1200 when self-locking shutter 1400 is connected to cover plate 1200.

[0061] The locking ring 3200 of the self-locking shutter 1400 includes an upper section 3220 that is attached to the main body 3000 and a plurality of resilient, flexible (e.g., spring-like) bundle fingers 4000 that are arranged around a circumference of the upper section 3220. Each bundle finger 4000 extends from a proximal end 4200 (at a cylindrical portion of the upper section 3220 of the locking ring 3200) to a distal end 4400 that forms a finger tip 4600. Each finger tip 4600 of the bundle fingers 4000 includes a plurality of beveled surfaces 4800. The number of bundle fingers may vary, with an exemplary range of about 12 to 20.

[0062] In one aspect of the access cover assembly 1000 shown in [Fig. 16], the beveled surfaces 4800 of the finger tips 4600 of the beam fingers 4000 may be positioned on the outer side of the beam fingers 4000 (i.e., facing outwardly away from the centerline X1000 of the self-locking shutter 1400). The finger tip 4600 is thus configured to mechanically interact with (e.g., bias against) the snap-in interface 2200 of the second opening 1600b to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter 1400 about the centerline X1000.

[0063] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the access cover assembly 10, 100, 1000 may include one or more gaskets (see, for example, [Fig. 16]) to provide fluid-tight interfaces between the access cover assembly 10, 100, 1000 and the apparatus. For example, a gasket or seal 50 may be used between the cover plate 12, 120, 1200 (for example, at the mounting flange 26, 260, 2600) and the mounting surface of the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, a seal, such as an O-ring 52, may be included between the self-locking shutter 14, 140, 1400 and the cover plate 12, 120, 1200 (e.g., between a threaded shaft 36, 360 or the sleeve 3002 and a cover plate opening 16a, 160a or a boss 2200d).

[0064] In another aspect of the invention, the size(s) of the access opening 16, 160, 1600 may be changed to accommodate a different size(s) (e.g., within the overall dimensions of the cover plate 12, 120, 1200) to provide any necessary or desired access to the apparatus. In addition, the size of the self-locking shutter 14, 140, 1400 may also be changed to accommodate a different size(s) of the access opening 16, 160, 1600.

[0065] The access cover assembly 10, 100, 1000 of the present disclosure may be retrofitted onto machines, equipment, mechanical assemblies, and similar apparatus in the field, by replacing existing access covers. Still further, existing access covers may be reworked, redesigned, or reconfigured relative to the access cover assembly of the present disclosure.

[0066] The access cover assembly 10, 100, 1000 of the present disclosure allows maintenance and / or inspection tasks to be performed more efficiently, reducing apparatus downtime and labor.

[0067] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and may be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The latter may also be modified in numerous ways. Such variations should not be construed as a departure from the disclosure and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. Claims Access cover assembly (10) comprising: a cover plate (12) and a self-locking shutter (14) removably attached to the cover plate (12); the cover plate (12) comprising a central portion (24) and a mounting flange (26) positioned around a perimeter of the central portion (24); the mounting flange comprising a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of mounting bolts; the cover plate (12) comprising a first opening (16a) having a first diameter and a second opening (16b) having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter; the first opening (16a) being centered on a central axis and extending through the central portion (24), the first opening (16a) comprising a first inner circumferential wall (16c) comprising an internal screw thread; the second opening (16b) being centered on the central axis and being concentric with the first opening (16a), the second opening (16b) extending into the central portion (24) to a depth that is less than a thickness of the central portion (24), the second opening (16b) comprising a second inner circumferential wall (16d) comprising a plurality of concave-shaped detents (22b) spaced equally spaced around a perimeter of the second inner circumferential wall (16d), wherein adjacent detents are separated from each other by a first generally planar surface; the self-locking shutter (14) being arranged in the first opening (16a) and the second opening (16b) along the central axis; the self-locking shutter (14) comprising a main body (30) and a locking ring (32) fixed to the main body (30); the main body (30) comprising a head (34) and a shaft (36), the head (34) being configured to receive a tool for rotating the self-locking shutter (14) around the central axis, the shaft (36) comprising an external screw thread configured to cooperate with the internal screw thread of the first opening (16a) of the cover plate (12);

2. the locking ring (32) comprising a cylindrical portion (38) attached to the head and a plurality of resilient and flexible bundle fingers (40) arranged around a circumference of the main body (30), each bundle finger (40) extending from a proximal end (42) at the cylindrical portion (38) to a distal end (44) comprising a finger tip (46); and each finger tip (46) of the plurality of resilient and flexible bundle fingers (40) comprising radially inwardly beveled surfaces (48) and a substantially planar surface between the radially inwardly beveled surfaces (48), the substantially planar surface being oriented radially outwardly with respect to the central axis, the plurality of resilient and flexible beam fingers (40) being biased radially outwardly relative to the central axis against the second inner circumferential wall (16d) of the second opening (16b), and wherein radially outwardly biasing the plurality of resilient beam fingers (40) causes the beveled surface of each respective finger tip (46) to mechanically interact with the second inner circumferential wall (16d) of the second opening (16b) to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter (14) about the central axis. Access cover assembly (100) comprising: a cover plate (120) and a removable, threaded, self-locking shutter (140) configured to releasably connect to the cover plate (120); wherein the cover plate (120) comprises: a snap-in interface (220) that can cooperate with the self-locking shutter (140), wherein the snap-in interface (220) comprises a boss (220a) projecting from a central portion (240) of the cover plate (120) and having a second diameter and comprising a second outer circumferential wall (220d) comprising a cylindrical surface in which are included a plurality of concavely spaced snaps (220b) that are equidistantly spaced around a perimeter of the second outer circumferential wall (220d), wherein adjacent snaps are separated from each other by discrete sections of

3. the cylindrical surface of the second outer circumferential wall (220d); a first opening (160a) having a first diameter and being concentric with the boss (220a), the first opening (160a) extending along an axis through both the boss (220a) and the central portion (240) of the cover plate (120), wherein the first opening (160a) further comprises an inner circumferential wall defining an internal screw thread (160c); wherein the boss (220a) defines an interface port (220) for the self-locking shutter (140) and the first opening (160a) defines an access opening (160) through the cover plate (120); wherein the self-locking shutter (140) comprises: a main body (300) and a locking ring (320) which is fixed to the main body (300); wherein the main body (300) comprises a head (340) and a shaft (360), wherein the head (340) comprises a tool engagement interface (220); and wherein the shaft (360) comprises an external screw thread; wherein the locking ring (320) comprises an upper section (322) which is attached to the head (340) of the main body (300) and a plurality of resilient, flexible beam fingers (400) which are arranged around a circumference of the upper section (322); wherein each beam finger (400) extends from a cylindrical portion (38) of the upper section (322) of the locking ring (320) to a distal end (440), wherein the distal end (440) includes a plurality of beveled surfaces (480) and is configured to mechanically interact with the ratchet interface (220) to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter (140) about the axis. Access cover assembly (1000) comprising: a cover plate (1200) and a removable, threaded, self-locking shutter (1400) comprising a locking ring (3200) configured to releasably connect to the cover plate (1200); wherein the cover plate (1200) comprises: a snap-in interface (2200) that can cooperate with the locking ring (3200) to prevent unintentional loosening of the self-locking shutter (1400), wherein the snap-in interface (2200) comprises a boss (2200a) projecting from a central portion (2400) of the cover plate (1200); wherein the boss (2200a) comprises an outer cylindrical wall comprising (2200d) an outer diameter; wherein the outer cylindrical wall (2200d) of the boss (2200a) defines an external screw thread; a first opening (1600a) comprising a first diameter and extending along an axis through the boss (2200a) and the central portion (2400) of the cover plate (1200); a second opening (1600b) in the boss (2200a) comprising a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter and concentric with the outer cylindrical wall of the boss (2200a), wherein the second opening (1600b) has a depth that is less than a height of the boss (2200a); wherein the second opening (1600b) comprises a plurality of concavely spaced detents (2200b) that are equidistantly spaced around a perimeter of the second opening (1600b); wherein adjacent detents are separated from each other by discrete cylindrically shaped sections of the second opening (1600b); wherein the boss (2200a) defines an interface port (2200) for the self-locking shutter (1400) and the first opening (1600a) defines an access opening through the cover plate (1200); wherein the self-locking shutter (1400) comprises: a cap-shaped cylindrical main body (3000), the locking ring (3200) being fixed to the cap-shaped cylindrical main body (3000); wherein the cap-shaped cylindrical main body (3000) comprises a sleeve (3002) comprising a cylindrically shaped internal surface defining an internal screw thread (3004); wherein the locking ring (3200) comprises an upper section (3220) attached to the main body (3000) and a plurality of resilient, flexible beam fingers (4000) arranged around a circumference of the upper section (3220); wherein each beam finger (4000) extends from a cylindrical portion (3800) of the upper section (3220) to a distal end (4400), wherein the distal end (4400) includes a plurality of beveled surfaces (4800) and is configured to mechanically interact with the snap-in interface (2200) to prevent rotation of the self-locking shutter (1400) about the axis.

4. The access cover assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein a snap ring (22a) separate from the cover plate (12) includes the plurality of snaps (22b) and wherein the snap ring (22a) is secured in the second opening (16b) of the cover plate (12).

5. An access cover assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the snap ring (22a) comprises an outer circumferential wall (22d) comprising an outer cylindrical surface.

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