Fastener removal device and method for removing a fastener from a structure

Abstract

A fastener removal device and a method for removing a fastener from a structure are provided. The fastener removal device includes a cutter and a guide. The cutter includes a first cutter end, a second cutter end, and an elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end. The elongated cutter portion includes an inner cutter wall defining a cutter cavity. The cutter includes a cutting portion disposed at the second cutter end, configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis and to cut a locking collar of the fastener. A guide is disposed within the cutter cavity. The guide is configured to engage the locking collar and prevent the cutting portion from moving more than a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis while cutting the locking collar of the fastener.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a fastener removal device and method for removing fasteners from a structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle frames, storage racks, solar panel substructures, aircraft components, and other structures may be configured with numerous mechanical fasteners. For example, fasteners (such as bolts or structural fasteners) may be installed in holes in the structural members and secured by locking bolts that include pins and locking collars. Removal of locking bolts presents challenges. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fastener removal device including a cutter and a guide. The cutter includes a first cutter end, a second cutter end, and an elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end. A longitudinal axis is defined between the first cutter end and the second cutter end. The elongated cutter portion includes an inner cutter wall defining a cutter cavity. The cutter includes a cutting portion disposed at the second cutter end, configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis and to cut a fastener collar. A guide is disposed within the cutter cavity. The cutter and guide are configured to move along the longitudinal axis independently of each other. The guide is configured to engage the fastener collar and prevent the cutting portion from moving more than a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis while cutting the fastener collar.

[0004] Yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for removing a fastener from a structure. The method includes positioning a cutter cavity of a fastener removal device adjacent to a locking collar secured to a pin of the fastener within a hole in the structure. The fastener removal device includes a cutter and a guide. The cutter includes a first cutter end, a second cutter end, and an elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end such that a longitudinal axis is defined between the first cutter end and the second cutter end. The elongated cutter portion includes an inner cutter wall defining a cutter cavity. The cutter further includes a cutting portion disposed at the second cutter end. A guide is disposed within the cutter cavity. After positioning, the method includes forcing the cutting portion into contact with the locking collar and rotating the cutting portion, thereby reducing a first diameter of the locking collar to or below a second diameter of the hole. The pin is then pushed through the hole in the structure, thereby removing the fastener from the structure.

[0005] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and described herein is not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary. These and other details will become apparent to the reader upon consideration of the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to the present disclosure.

[0006] The features and advantages of the embodiments, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent and the embodiments will be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fastener (eg, a HUCK® BOBTAIL® fastener available from Howmet Fastening Systems, Waco, Texas) installed in a hole in a structure. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device according to the present disclosure, shown aligned with the fastener of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fastener removal device and fastener of FIG. 2 after a cutting portion of the fastener removal device has cut a portion of the fastener's locking collar. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 3 after the fixture removal device has been removed from the fixture. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 4 after the remaining portion of the fixture has been pushed through the hole in the structure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fastener (eg, a HUCK® BOM® fastener available from Howmet Fastening Systems, Waco, Texas) installed in a hole in a structure. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device according to the present disclosure shown aligned with the fastener of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fastener removal device and fastener of FIG. 7 after the cutting portion of the fastener removal device has cut a portion of the fastener's locking collar. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 8 after the fixture removal device has been removed from the fixture. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 9 after a portion of the fixture has been pushed through a hole in the structure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a fastener (eg, a HUCK® BOMTAIL® fastener available from Howmet Fastening Systems, Waco, Texas) installed in a hole in a structure. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device according to the present disclosure shown aligned with the fastener of FIG. [Figure 13]13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fastener removal device and fastener of FIG. 12 after a cutting portion of the fastener removal device has cut a portion of the fastener's locking collar. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 13 after the fixture removal device has been removed from the fixture. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the fixture of FIG. 14 after a portion of the fixture has been pushed through a hole in the structure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one non-limiting embodiment of a cutter according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of one non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a detailed view of region 18A of the fastener removal device of FIG. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a detailed view of one non-limiting embodiment of the cutting portion of the fastener removal device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a detailed view of area 19 of the fastener removal device and fastener of FIG. 3 after the cutting portion of the fastener removal device has entered the hole in the structure. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of one non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device according to the present disclosure.

[0008] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set forth herein illustrate particular embodiments in one form, and such examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Various embodiments are described and illustrated herein to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed devices and methods. The various embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Structures and features illustrated and / or described in connection with various embodiments may be combined with structure and features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present specification. Accordingly, the claims may be amended to recite any structure or feature explicitly or inherently described herein or otherwise explicitly or inherently supported by the present specification. Furthermore, applicants reserve the right to amend the claims to agree to exclude from the claims any structure or feature that exists within the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described herein may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the structure and features variously described herein.

[0010] As used herein, "intermediate" means that the referenced element is disposed between two elements, but not necessarily in contact with them. Thus, unless otherwise stated in this disclosure, an element "intermediate" between a first element and a second element may or may not be adjacent to, or in contact with, the first and / or second elements, and other elements may be disposed between the intermediate element and the first and / or second elements.

[0011] Removing fasteners from a structure can be difficult and time consuming, for example, HUCK® BOM® fasteners, HUCK® BOMTAIL® fasteners, and HUCK® Removal of a BOBTAIL® fastener may require cutting the locking collar with a conventional lockbolt-type cutting device and opening the locking collar sufficiently to release the locking groove on the locking bolt pin for removal. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin may be hardened, which may dull conventional cutting tools. In certain non-limiting embodiments, drilling the remaining portion of the locking collar after removing the pin may be necessary. Some conventional rock bolt cutters are specialized tools that are bulky and difficult to operate, require specialized equipment, and may be expensive and difficult to obtain. Conventional rock bolt cutting operations may also be prone to operator error.

[0012] The present disclosure provides an improved fastener removal device that is more efficient to operate, is smaller than conventional removal tools, and can be operated with a drill rather than specialized equipment. The present disclosure also provides a method for efficiently and effectively removing fasteners from a structure.

[0013] 17, one non-limiting embodiment of a fastener removal device 128 according to the present disclosure is provided. The fastener removal device 128 includes a cutter 130 and a guide 132, and is configured to enable the fastener removal device 128 to deform and remove a fastener from a structure. The cutter 130 is configured to engage and cut at least a portion of the fastener. The guide 132 is configured to align the cutter 130 with the fastener and prevent the cutter 130 from contacting certain surfaces during operation.

[0014] 17, the cutter 130 may have a first cutter end 130a, a second cutter end 130b, and an elongated portion 130c extending from the first cutter end 130a to the second cutter end 130b. lThe elongated portion 130c includes an inner wall 130d that defines a cutter cavity 144. The second cutter end 130b is open, with the cutter cavity 144 configured to receive the guide 132. For example, the diameter Φ1 of the cutter cavity 144 may be larger than the diameter Φ2 of the guide 132, and the cutter cavity 144 may extend a distance d3 from the first cutter end 130a into the cutter 130 to enable the cutter cavity 144 to receive the guide 132. In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d3 and the diameter Φ1 may be suitable for receiving a fastener pin and / or a fastener locking collar.

[0015] 20 , cutter 130 may have multiple portions, such as a first portion 20174 (cutting portion) and a second portion 20176 (retaining portion). First portion 20174 may have a first cutter end 130a and a cutter wall 130d that define cutter cavity 144. Second portion 20176 may have a second cutter end 130b. First portion 20174 and second portion 20176 may be mechanically coupled by, for example, a press fit, welding, screws, fasteners, and / or adhesive.

[0016] 17 , in various non-limiting embodiments, the diameter Φ1 of the cutter cavity 144 may be at least 0.01 inches, e.g., at least 0.25 inches, at least 0.3125 inches, at least 0.375 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.625 inches, at least 0.75 inches, at least 0.875 inches, or at least 1 inch. In various non-limiting embodiments, the diameter Φ1 of the cutter cavity 144 may be 4 inches or less, e.g., 1 inch or less, 0.875 inches or less, 0.75 inches or less, 0.625 inches or less, 0.5 inches or less, 0.375 inches or less, 0.3125 inches or less, or 0.25 inches or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, the diameter Φ1 of the cutter cavity 144 may be between 0.01 inches and 4 inches, e.g., between 0.01 inches and 0.5 inches, or between 0.01 inches and 1 inch.

[0017] In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d3 by which the cutter cavity 144 extends into the cutter 130 may be at least 0.5 inches, such as at least 1 inch, at least 5 inches, or at least 10 inches. In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d3 by which the cutter cavity 144 extends into the cutter 130 may be 20 inches or less, such as 10 inches or less, 5 inches or less, or 1 inch or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, the distance d3 by which the cutter cavity 144 extends into the cutter 130 may be in a range between 0.5 inches and 20 inches, such as between 0.5 inches and 2.6 inches, or between 0.5 inches and 5 inches.

[0018] The cutting portion 134 is disposed on the first cutter end 130a. The cutting portion 134 of the cutter 130 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis and cut (e.g., mechanically cut) into a fastener collar (e.g., the fastener collar 102 of the fastener 101 shown in FIG. 1 ). Rotation of the cutting portion 134 of the cutter 130 can be generated by various devices, such as, for example, a drill, a hand crank, a motor, or other devices. For example, the second cutter end 130b can be configured to be attached to a drill chuck of a drill such that the drill can be mechanically attached to the cutter 130 to rotate the cutter 130 about the longitudinal axis and cut into the fastener collar. For example, the second cutter end 130b can be elongated, substantially cylindrical, and configured with knurls, flats, and / or other features configured to transfer torque from the drill to the second cutter end 130b.

[0019] With further reference to FIG. 17, angle α extends along cutting portion 134 and is perpendicular to longitudinal axis a l and the angle α may be defined by a line intersecting the cutter cavity 144. The angle α may be formed at an apex facing the cutter cavity 144. The angle α may be 90 degrees or less, e.g., 89 degrees or less, 85 degrees or less, 80 degrees or less, 75 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less. The angle α may be at least 5 degrees, e.g., at least 10 degrees, at least 20 degrees, or at least 30 degrees. In various non-limiting embodiments, the angle α may be in the range of 10 degrees to 90 degrees, e.g., 20 degrees to 89 degrees, or 20 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0020] In certain non-limiting embodiments, when angle α is 90 degrees or less, cutter 130 can more efficiently remove chips generated during the cutting process by pushing the chips out of both the fixture and cutter cavity 144. Removing the chips during cutting can prevent chips from clogging within cutter cavity 144 of fixture removal device 128 during the cutting process. Angle α allows for efficient removal of the fixture while minimizing damage to the structure to which the fixture is attached.

[0021] In a non-limiting embodiment of the detailed view of the cutting portion 134 shown in FIG. 18A , the angle α can be an inverse angle α1. For example, the inverse angle α1 can be an acute angle. The angle α allows for efficient removal of the fastener while minimizing damage to the structure to which the fastener is attached. For example, the first region 134a of the cutting portion 134 can extend a distance d1 along the elongated portion 130c that is greater than the distance d2 that the second region 134b of the cutting portion 134 extends along the elongated portion 130c. The first region 134a can be more proximal to the guide 132 than the second region 134b, and the first region 134a can be adjacent to the inner wall 130d. As described below with reference to FIG. 19 , the first region 134a can completely cut through a portion of the fastener and enter the hole in the structure, while the second region 134b prevents the fastener from completely cutting through.

[0022] 18B, the angle α may be approximately 90 degrees, shown as α2, such that the cutting portion 134 may be flat. For example, the first region 134a of the cutting portion 134 extends along the cutting portion 134 and is aligned with the longitudinal axis a l The line that intersects with the longitudinal axis a l The second region 134b of the cut portion may be substantially aligned with the second region 134b of the cut portion so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first region 134b.

[0023] In certain embodiments, cutter 130 may be configured to include at least two teeth, such as, for example, at least three teeth, at least four teeth, or at least five teeth. For example, Figure 16 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a cutter 1600 including six teeth 148. Teeth 148 may be configured to have various shapes, such as, for example, wedge-shaped, point-shaped, dot-shaped, or other shapes.

[0024] The cutter 130 can be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the cutter 130 may be constructed from metals, metal alloys, and / or ceramics, such as high speed steel, cobalt, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, and / or other materials.

[0025] 17 , cutter 130 may be positioned on outer surface 132d of guide 132, which may be positioned within cutter cavity 144 of cutter 130. Positioning guide 132 within cutter cavity 144 of cutter 130 may facilitate removal of chips generated during cutting of locking collar 102. Guide 132 may be configured to position itself so as not to trap chips during cutting, thereby preventing chips from clogging fastener removal device 128. Positioning cutter 130 outside guide 132 may more efficiently supply cutting fluid and / or lubricant to cutting portion 134 of cutter 130 and / or the fastener during cutting of the locking collar.

[0026] The cutter 130 and the guide 132 are independently oriented along the longitudinal axis a l Additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the cutter 130 and the guide 132 may be configured to move independently of one another along the longitudinal axis a l Alternatively, the cutter 130 and guide 132 may be configured to rotate together about a longitudinal axis a1. For example, the movement and rotation of the cutter 130 and guide 132 are described in more detail below in FIG. 3.

[0027] The guide 132 may have a first guide end 132a, a second guide end 132b, and an elongated guide portion 132c extending from the first guide end 132a to the second guide end 132b. The guide 132 may have a length d4 extending from the first guide end 132a to the second guide end 132b.

[0028] Referring again to FIG. 17 , guide 132 may be configured to prevent cutting portion 134 of cutter 130 from extending beyond a predetermined distance. For example, inner wall 130d may be configured to define reduced diameter portion 150. Guide 132 may be configured to contact reduced diameter portion 150 after cutter 130 moves in direction 170 to prevent cutter 130 from translating beyond a predetermined distance relative to guide 132. The predetermined distance is defined as the distance cutter 130 moves from a first position relative to guide 132, as shown in FIG. 2 , to a second position relative to guide 132, as shown in FIG. 3 . The predetermined distance may substantially prevent cutter 130 from contacting structure 140 to which fastener 101 is attached, limiting cutter 130 to substantially only contacting fastener 101.

[0029] 2, when cutter 130 is in a first position relative to guide 132, gap g1 is defined between reduced diameter portion 150 and first guide end 132a. As cutter 130 moves from the first position shown in FIG. 2 to the second position shown in FIG. 3, gap g1 between reduced diameter portion of cutter cavity 144 and first guide end 132a can be reduced.

[0030] 17, second guide end 132b can be open to define guide cavity 138. Guide cavity 138 can be configured to extend a distance d5 into guide 132. Distance d5 is a length suitable to accommodate at least a portion of tension portion 152 of fastener 101 and / or a locking collar 102 of fastener 101, as shown in FIG. 2. Guide cavity 138 can be configured to align fastener removal device 128 with fastener 101 by engaging and / or contacting at least a portion of fastener 101. For example, referring to FIG. 2, guide cavity 138 can receive locking collar 102 of fastener 101, tension portion 152 of pin 110 of fastener 101, or other portion of fastener 101 such that guide 132 can engage and / or contact at least a portion of fastener 101.

[0031] The engagement between guide 132 and pin 110 may allow for increased precision in the removal of locking collar 102 and / or increased stability of fastener removal device 128, thereby preventing damage to structure 140 during removal of fastener 101. For example, when guide 132 engages fastener 101, movement of cutter 130 is limited along longitudinal axis a while preventing cutter 130 from tilting or moving undesirably relative to fastener 101. l Rotation around the longitudinal axis a l The translational movement along the

[0032] 17, fastener removal device 128 may be configured to include spring 136. Spring 136 may be configured to be positioned within cutter cavity 144 between guide 132 and cutter 130 such that spring 136 can urge cutter 130 into the first position, as shown in FIG. 17. For example, spring 136 may be positioned between first guide end 132a and reduced diameter portion 150 of cutter 130.

[0033] In various non-limiting embodiments, the guide 132 can include a spring recess 156 at the first guide end 132 a. The spring recess 156 can extend at least partially into the elongated guide portion 132 c and can be configured to receive at least a portion of the spring 136 to stabilize the position of the spring.

[0034] The spring 136 has a diameter d 1 that is greater than the diameter φ 5 of the reduced diameter portion 150 and less than the diameter φ 1 of the cutter cavity 144 such that the spring is captured between the guide 132 and the cutter 130. s As shown in FIG. 2, when cutter 130 is in a first position relative to guide 132, spring 136 is in an uncompressed state and can maintain gap g1 between reduced diameter portion 150 and first guide end 132a. When cutter 130 moves from the first position relative to guide 132 to a second position relative to guide 132, as shown in FIG. 3, spring 136 can be compressed.

[0035] The spring 136 may be selected based on the amount of force required to move the cutter 130 relative to the guide 132. For example, the compressibility of the spring 136 may be adjusted to allow the cutter 130 to rotate along the longitudinal axis during the cutting process. al The compressibility of the spring can be determined based on how much force is required to urge the cutter 130 into the first position so that the guide 132 contacts the fastener 101 before and / or simultaneously with the cutter 130 contacting the locking collar 102, as shown in FIG.

[0036] 20 , the guide 132 may include a protrusion 20178 that may be operably coupled to the guide 132 and configured to engage the spring 136. For example, the protrusion 20178 may be a fastener that may be threaded into the guide 132. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the protrusion 20178 may include a head portion 20180 that extends beyond the first portion 20174 into the cavity 20144 of the second portion 20176, and the head portion 20180 may have a larger diameter than the shank 20182 of the protrusion 20178. The head portion 20180 may contact the first portion 20174 to prevent the guide 132 from extending beyond a predetermined distance, and the head portion 20180 is configured to be unable to enter the cavity 144 within the first portion 20174.

[0037] In various non-limiting embodiments, the fastener removal device 128 and 20128 may be comprised of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, and a composite material. In various non-limiting embodiments, the metal or metal alloy may be comprised of at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, iron, and iron alloy (e.g., steel, stainless steel). The composite material may be comprised of, for example, a carbon fiber composite material.

[0038] The fastener removal device 128, 20128 can be manufactured by a variety of processes, such as, for example, machining, casting, molding, and / or additive manufacturing. For example, the cutter 130 and the guide 132 can be machined separately and then assembled together to form the fastener removal device 128, 20128.

[0039] 1-5 illustrate non-limiting embodiments of a method for removing a fastener 101 (e.g., a HUCK® BOBTAIL® fastener) from a structure 140 utilizing an embodiment of a fastener removal apparatus 128 according to the present disclosure. In various non-limiting embodiments, the structure 140 may be configured as an aircraft component or structure, an automotive component or structure, a transportation component or structure, an architecture and construction component or structure, or other component or structure. In various non-limiting embodiments, the structure 140 may be configured with at least two layers, such as, for example, a first layer 140a and a second layer 140b.

[0040] 1 , the fastener 101 may include a pin 110 and a fixing collar 102 fixed to the pin 110. The fastener 101 may be fixed to a structure 140 by the fixing collar 102. The fixing collar 102 may be, for example, a bolt collar or a nut. The fixing collar 102 may include a flange portion 154 that may be integrated into the fixing collar 102. The flange portion 154 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the fixing collar 102.

[0041] The pin 110 may be positioned within the hole 146 of the structure 140 and secured therein by the retaining collar 102. The pin 110 may have a tension portion 152. The pin 110 may be, for example, threaded, grooved, and / or have a substantially smooth surface. In various non-limiting embodiments in which the pin 110 is grooved, the retaining collar 102 may be secured to the pin 110 by engaging the retaining collar 102 within the groove 116, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. In various non-limiting embodiments, the pin 110 of the fixture 101 may have a diameter ranging from 0.06 inches to 4 inches.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, a method of removing a fastener 101 from a structure 140 includes positioning a guide 132 of a fastener removal device 128 adjacent to a pin 110 of the fastener 101 within a hole 146 of the structure 140. The guide 132 is in a first position, with a gap g1 defined between the reduced diameter portion 150 and the first guide end 132a. In Figure 2, the guide cavity 138 receives the fastener 101 and engages the pull portion 152 of the pin 110 of the fastener 101.

[0043] After positioning, and referring to FIG. 3, cutter 130 is moved in direction 172 toward locking collar 102. Cutter 130 of fastener removal device 128 moves along longitudinal axis a independently of guide 132 between the first configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the second configuration shown in FIG. l For example, when guide cavity 138 receives and engages fastener 101, guide 132 can remain in a substantially fixed position relative to fastener 101 while cutter 130 is urged in direction 172 toward structure 140 to cut into fastening collar 102. By moving cutter 130 toward structure 140, gap g1 is reduced.

[0044] 3, after positioning, the cutting portion 134 is forced to contact the fixing collar 102 and cuts into the fixing collar 102. The cutting portion 134 may be configured to rotate while in contact with the fixing collar 102 in order to cut into the fixing collar 102. By cutting into the fixing collar 102, the diameter Φ3 of the fixing collar 102, as shown in FIG. 2, is reduced to a diameter Φ4 equal to or smaller than the diameter Φ4 of the hole 146, as shown in FIG. 3’In various non-limiting embodiments, cutter 130 may be configured to rotate independently of guide 132 such that when a rotational force is applied to second cutter end 130b of cutter 130, guide 132 remains engaged with fixture 101 without rotating or rotating at a different speed than cutter 130. In certain non-limiting embodiments, cutter 130 and guide 132 may be configured to rotate substantially together.

[0045] 19 , while cutting fastener 101 at the reverse angle, angle α1 of cutting portion 134 can allow first region 134a of cutting portion 134 to enter hole 146 in structure 140 while maintaining second region 134b not within hole 146 or in contact with structure 140. Entering hole 146 can cut more of fastening collar 102 than if first region 134a did not enter hole 146.

[0046] 4, the locking collar 102 is cut and the locking device removal device 128 is retracted and removed from the locking device 101. In various non-limiting embodiments, the locking collar 102 may be configured to cut into a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. The first portion 102a may comprise substantially the flange portion 154, and the second portion 102b may comprise the portion of the locking collar 102 that is wedged into the groove 116 of the locking device 101.

[0047] 5 , fastener 101 is being removed from the structure. For example, pin 110 may be configured to be pushed through hole 146 of structure 140 in direction 172, while first portion 102a may be configured to be removed in direction 170. In various non-limiting embodiments, fastener collar 102 is not completely removed from groove 116 of pin 110 prior to removing fastener 101 from structure 140, which may be advantageous. For example, second portion 102b of fastener collar 102 may be configured to remain on pin 110 while fastener 101 is pushed through hole 146 of structure 140. In certain non-limiting embodiments, removing fastener 101 may be a one-step process.

[0048] 6-10 illustrate non-limiting embodiments of methods for removing a fastener 601 (e.g., a HUCK® BOM® fastener) from a structure according to the present disclosure. In various non-limiting embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 7 , a guide 132 may be configured to engage a locking collar 102 of the fastener 601. As shown in FIG. 6 , the fastener 601 is a blind fastener, and the locking collar 102 is configured to extend through a hole 146 in the structure 140 and surround a pin 110 of the fastener 601. The method for removing the fastener 601 may be substantially similar to that shown and described with respect to the fastener 101 of FIGS. 1-5, except that the guide 132 may not contact the tension portion of the fastener 101, and the guide 132 may contact and engage the locking collar 102.

[0049] 11-15 illustrate non-limiting embodiments of a method for removing a fastener 1101 (e.g., a HUCK® BOMTAIL® fastener) from a structure 140 according to the present disclosure. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 12 , a guide 132 can engage with the tension portion 152 and the locking collar 102 of the fastener 1101. As shown in FIG. 11 , the fastener 1101 is a blind fastener, and the locking collar 102 is configured to extend through a hole 146 in the structure 140. The pin 110 of the fastener 1101 protrudes beyond the locking collar 102 in a direction 170 away from the structure. The method for removing the fastener 1101 can be substantially similar to that shown and described for the fastener 101 of FIGS. 1-5 , except that the guide 132 can engage and contact the tension portion 152 and the locking collar 102 of the fastener 101.

[0050] The following numbered clauses relate to various non-limiting embodiments and aspects according to the present disclosure. Article 1. A fastener removal device comprising: a cutter comprising: a first cutter end; a second cutter end having a longitudinal axis defined between the first cutter end and the second cutter end; an elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end and including an inner cutter wall defining a cutter cavity; and a cutting portion disposed on the second cutter end, the cutting portion rotating about the longitudinal axis and configured to cut a locking collar of a locking device; a guide disposed within the cutter cavity, the cutter and the guide configured to move along the longitudinal axis independently of one another, the guide configured to engage a locking collar and prevent a cutting portion from moving more than a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis while cutting the locking collar of the fastener.

[0051] Article 2. 10. The fastener removal device of claim 1, wherein the cutter is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis independently of the guide.

[0052] Article 3. 3. The fastener removal device of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the cutting portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0053] Article 4. The fastener removal device of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the cutting portion is at an inverse angle to the longitudinal axis.

[0054] Article 5. 5. The fastener removal device of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the cutting portion comprises at least two teeth.

[0055] Article 6. A fastener removal device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the second cutter end is open, the inner cutter wall has a reduced diameter region, and the guide has a first guide end, a second guide end, and an elongated guide portion extending from the first guide end to the second guide end, and the first guide end is sized to contact the reduced diameter region and limit translational movement of the cutter along the longitudinal axis relative to the guide to no more than a predetermined distance.

[0056] Article 7. 7. The fastener removal device of clause 6, further comprising a spring between the first guide end and the reduced diameter region.

[0057] Article 8. 8. The fastener removal device of clause 7, wherein the first guide end includes a spring recess extending at least partially into the elongated guide portion, the spring recess configured to receive at least a portion of the spring.

[0058] Article 9. A fastener removal device as described in any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the second guide end defines a guide cavity extending at least partially within the elongated cutter portion, the guide cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener.

[0059] Article 10. 10. The fastener removal device of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the first cutter end is configured to be attached to a drill chuck of a drill.

[0060] Article 11. 1. A method of removing a fastener from a structure, comprising: positioning a cutter cavity of a fastener removal device adjacent to a locking collar secured to a pin of the fastener within a hole in the structure, the fastener removal device comprising: a cutter including a first cutter end, a second cutter end having a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second cutter ends, an elongated cutter portion including an inner cutter wall extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end and defining the cutter cavity, and a cutting portion disposed on the second cutter end; and a guide disposed in the cutter cavity; After positioning, forcing the cutting portion into contact with the locking collar and rotating the cutting portion, thereby reducing the first diameter of the locking collar to less than or equal to the second diameter of the hole; and pushing the pin through the hole in the structure, thereby removing the fastener from the structure.

[0061] Article 12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cutting portion is rotated by a drill.

[0062] Article 13. The method of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the fixation collar has a first collar end, a second collar end, an elongated collar body, and a flange on the second collar end, and reducing the first diameter of the fixation collar includes at least partially removing the flange.

[0063] Article 14. 14. The method of any one of clauses 11-13, wherein reducing the first diameter comprises at least partially reducing the diameter of the elongate collar body.

[0064] Article 15. 15. The method of any one of clauses 11-14, wherein at least a portion of the locking collar remains secured to the pin while the pin is pushed through the structure.

[0065] Article 16. 16. The method of any one of clauses 11-15, wherein forcing the cutting portion into contact with the fixation collar comprises translating the cutting portion along a longitudinal axis independent of the guide.

[0066] Article 17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising preventing translational movement of the cutting portion along the longitudinal axis less than a predetermined distance by contacting a reduced diameter region of an inner cutter wall of the cutter with a guide.

[0067] Article 18. 18. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 17, further comprising pushing chips generated by cutting the fastening collar out of the cut portion.

[0068] Article 19. 19. The method of any one of clauses 11-18, further comprising aligning a guide cavity of the guide with a pin of the fastener before reducing the first diameter of the fixation collar.

[0069] Article 20. 20. The method of any one of clauses 11-19, wherein the structure is at least one of an aerospace part or component, an automotive part or component, a transportation part or component, and a building and construction part or component, and the pin diameter is in the range of 0.06 inches to 4 inches.

[0070] Any reference herein to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar phrases means that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," or similar phrases herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular described configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with, but not limited to, configurations, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present embodiments.

[0071] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood to be prefaced and modified in all instances by the term "about," given the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement technique used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter set forth herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0072] Additionally, any numerical range recited herein includes all subranges encompassed within the recited range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum of 1 and the recited maximum of 10, i.e., all subranges having a minimum of 1 or greater and a maximum of 10 or less. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any subrange encompassed within the expressly recited range. All such ranges are inherently described herein.

[0073] The grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the," as used in this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, are intended to encompass "at least one" or "one or more," even if "at least one" or "one or more" is expressly used in specific instances. Accordingly, the foregoing grammatical articles are used in this disclosure to refer to one or more than one (i.e., "at least one") of the particular identified elements. Furthermore, unless the context of usage requires otherwise, the use of a singular noun includes the plural and the use of a plural noun includes the singular.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the fastener removal apparatus, fasteners, structures, operations / actions, and objects described in this disclosure, as well as their accompanying descriptions, are used as examples for conceptual clarity and that various structural modifications are contemplated. Accordingly, when used in this disclosure, the specific examples / embodiments described and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, the use of any particular example is intended to be representative of its classification, and the absence of a particular component, device, apparatus, operation / action, or object should not be construed as limiting. While this disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the disclosure and / or its potential applications, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention or inventions described herein are at least as broad as they are claimed, and not more narrowly defined by the specific exemplary aspects provided herein.

Claims

1. A device for removing fasteners, It is a cutter, The first cutter end and The longitudinal axis is defined between the first cutter end and the second cutter end, An elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end, including an inner cutter wall defining the cutter cavity, A cutter comprising: a cutting portion positioned on the second cutter end, which rotates about the longitudinal axis and is configured to cut the fixing collar of the fastener; A guide disposed within the cutter cavity, The first guide end and A guide comprising: a second guide end, the second guide end defining a guide cavity that extends at least partially into the elongated cutter portion, the guide cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener; Equipped with, A fastener removal device in which the cutter and the guide are configured to move independently of each other along the longitudinal axis, and the guide is configured to engage with the fixing collar and prevent the cutting portion from moving beyond a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis while cutting the fixing collar of the fastener.

2. The fixing device removal device according to claim 1, wherein the cutter is configured to rotate independently of the guide about the longitudinal axis.

3. The fastener removal device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

4. The fastener removal device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting portion is at the opposite angle to the longitudinal axis.

5. The fastener removal device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting portion comprises at least two teeth.

6. A fastener removal device according to claim 1, wherein the second cutter end is open, the inner cutter wall includes a reduced diameter region, and the guide is The first guide end and The second guide end and It comprises an elongated guide portion extending from the first guide end to the second guide end, A fastener removal device wherein the first guide end is sized to contact the reduced diameter region and restrict the translational motion of the cutter along the longitudinal axis relative to the guide to a predetermined distance or less.

7. The fastener removal device according to claim 6, further comprising a spring between the first guide end and the reduced diameter region.

8. The fastener removal device according to claim 7, wherein the first guide end is provided with a spring recess that extends at least partially to the elongated guide portion, and the spring recess is configured to receive at least a portion of the spring.

9. The fastener removal device according to claim 6, wherein the second guide end defines a guide cavity that extends at least partially within the elongated cutter portion, and the guide cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener.

10. The fixing device removal device according to claim 1, wherein the first cutter end is configured to be attached to the drill chuck of a drill.

11. A method for removing a fastener from a structure, The cutting cavity of the fastener removal device is positioned adjacent to a fastener collar fixed to a fastener pin in a hole in the structure, wherein the fastener removal device is It is a cutter, The first cutter end and The longitudinal axis is defined between the first cutter end and the second cutter end, An elongated cutter portion extending from the first cutter end to the second cutter end, including an inner cutter wall defining the cutter cavity, A cutter comprising a cutting portion positioned on the second cutter end, A guide disposed within the cutter cavity, comprising a first guide end and a second guide end, wherein the second guide end defines a guide cavity that extends at least partially into the elongated cutter portion, and the guide cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the fixing device, and the second guide end is configured for positioning. After positioning, the cut portion is forcibly brought into contact with the fixing collar, and the cut portion is rotated, thereby reducing the first diameter of the fixing collar to less than or equal to the second diameter of the hole. A method comprising pushing the pin through the hole in the structure, thereby removing the fastener from the structure.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cutting portion is rotated by a drill.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the fixing collar is The first color end and The second color end and The long, slender colored body, A method comprising a flange on the end of the second collar, wherein reducing the first diameter of the fixing collar includes at least partially removing the flange.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein reducing the first diameter includes at least partially reducing the diameter of the elongated collar body.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the fixing collar remains fixed to the pin while the pin is pushed out through the structure.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein forcibly bringing the cut portion into contact with the fixing collar is to cause the cut portion to translate along the longitudinal axis independently of the guide.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising bringing the reduced diameter region of the inner cutter wall of the cutter into contact with the guide, thereby inhibiting the translational motion of the cutting portion along the longitudinal axis from a predetermined distance or less.

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprising pushing out the chips generated by cutting the fixing collar from the cut portion.

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising aligning the guide cavity of the guide with the pin of the fastener before reducing the first diameter of the fixing collar.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the structure is at least one of aerospace components, automotive components, transportation components, and building or construction components, and the diameter of the pin is in the range of 0.06 inches to 4 inches.

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