CN113316498A

CN113316498A - Anti-slip fastener removal tool

Info

Publication number: CN113316498A
Application number: CN201980089107.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 保罗·酷酷卡; 托马斯·斯蒂芬·酷酷卡
Original assignee: Reinforcement Holdings Co ltd
Current assignee: Reinforcement Holdings Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-23
Filing date: 2019-10-04
Publication date: 2021-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-04
Also published as: CA3126890C; EP3898100A4; AU2019424113B2; ES2953524T3; EP3898100A1; EP3898100B1; WO2020152516A1; AU2019424113A1; CN113316498B; PL3898100T3; CA3126890A1

Abstract

The invention discloses a removal tool for anti-slip fasteners, comprising: a torque tool body, and a plurality of pairs of engagement features. A plurality of pairs of engagement features are distributed about an axis of rotation of the torque tool body and engage the sides of the head of a wear fastener when the present invention is in use. Each of the plurality of pairs of binding features comprises: a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature, each deployed at a 30 degree angle. Each of the first and second combination features further comprises: a support region, and a pocket region, and both are connected to each other. The pocket region of the first bonding feature is connected to the pocket region of the second bonding feature. The support region of the first bonding feature and the support region of the second bonding feature oppose each other across the cavity region of the first bonding feature and the cavity region of the second bonding feature.

Description

Anti-slip fastener removal tool

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tool designed to tighten or loosen fasteners, such as screws and nuts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fastener removal tool designed to engage screws, nuts, and other similar fasteners without slippage.

Background

Hex bolts, nuts, screws, and other similar threaded fasteners secure a plurality of parts together by engaging complementary threads, commonly known as female threads. The structure of such fasteners generally comprises: a cylindrical shaft portion having an external thread, and a head portion at a rear end of the shaft portion. Such an external thread engages a complementary female thread, typically formed by tapping into a hole or nut, to secure such a fastener and simultaneously secure the associated component. The fastener is rotated or driven into the female thread by the head of the fastener receiving an external torque. The head is shaped to allow an external tool, such as a wrench, to apply torque to the fastener to rotate the fastener to engage the complementary female thread to some extent. Such fasteners are simple, inexpensive, and very effective, and are therefore commonly used in modern society. One of the common problems with such fasteners is: whether the fasteners are male or female, the tool often slips on the head. The reason for this may be: tool or fastener wear, tool or fastener corrosion, overtorquing of the fastener, head damage of the fastener. There are various conventional methods for removing fasteners, some of which are more invasive. Once the head of the fastener is damaged, the clip-locked fastener must be removed in a more invasive manner. In this case, digging out the fastener with an electric drill is a method often used by some users to remove the fastener. While this approach may be effective in some applications, it does have a high risk of damaging the internal threads of the threaded bore.

The invention provides an anti-slip fastener removing tool which can reliably eliminate the possibility of slippage between a fastener and the removing tool. The present invention uses a series of joining sections that are joined together to bite into the head of the fastener and effectively transmit torque between the fastener removal tool and the head of the fastener. Thus, the present invention can be used to tighten or loosen fasteners without fear of fraying the corners of the fastener head.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention wherein the torque tool body is extended axially outward from the rotary shaft to a plurality of pairs of engagement features.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the present invention wherein the torque tool body is extended axially outward from the rotary shaft to a plurality of pairs of engagement features.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the present invention wherein the torque tool body is extended outward from the rotational axis to a plurality of pairs of engagement features.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the present invention wherein the torque tool body is extended axially outward from the rotary shaft to a plurality of pairs of engagement features.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the present invention showing the torque tool body extending outward from the rotational axis to a plurality of pairs of engagement features and showing a bisector, a first bisector angle, and a second bisector angle.

Detailed Description

First, it is to be specifically explained that: the drawings used in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to those drawings.

The present invention is an anti-slip fastener removal tool for tightening or loosening broken/worn fasteners, such as broken/worn screws or nuts. In conventional wrenches, most of the torque is transferred to the broken/worn fastener through the side corners of the fastener head. Wear degradation of the side edges can reduce the efficiency of transferring torque from the wrench to the fastener head and can lead to slippage as the usage time increases. The present invention overcomes the above problems by transferring the contact points to the sidewalls of the fastener head. The present invention achieves the above-mentioned object by a plurality of engaging teeth. Each of the teeth is arranged to engage or bite into the side wall of the fastener head rather than the side corners of the fastener head. So can guarantee: an appropriate amount of torque is transmitted to the fastener head to initiate rotation of the fastener to remove or tighten a worn/broken fastener. However, the present invention is also designed to be used with fasteners that are not broken or entirely new; the invention does not damage the fastener under conditions where the applied stress is not greater than the maximum torque allowed by the size of the fastener.

The present invention uses the side of the head of a plurality of engaging teeth engaging fasteners, including fasteners that are damaged or otherwise, to effectively transmit torque to a broken/worn fastener. The present invention may be used in conjunction with or with a variety of conventional tools to increase the torque transmitted to the fastener. Typical tools include, but are not limited to: open end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pipe tongs, socket wrenches, plumber wrenches, and other similar fastener engaging tools. The present invention is compatible with fasteners that use female heads. Fasteners using a female head, so-called female fasteners in general, engage a tool with the inside surface or bore of the fastener head to effect tightening or loosening. The invention is also compatible with right-handed and left-handed threaded fasteners. The present invention may also be modified or programmed to accommodate different types and sizes of fasteners.

Please refer to fig. 1 to 5. The present invention comprises: a torque tool body 1, and a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3. The torque tool body 1 is a physical structure that applies the relevant force to the fastener head by means of a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3. For some fasteners, the torque tool body 1 functions like a screwdriver bit sized to engage in an interlocking manner with the opening of the fastener. The length, width, and diameter of the torque tool body 1 can be designed to fit a variety of different sizes of male/female fasteners. Pairs of engagement features 3, which prevent slippage when a broken/worn fastener is removed, are distributed around a rotational axis 2 of the torque tool body 1, as shown in figures 1 to 4. By preventing slippage between the torque tool body 1 and the fastener head, the plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 can transmit torque to the male/female fastener.

The plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 are distributed to form a pentagon shape inside the torque tool body 1, and preferably are symmetrical about the rotation axis 2, wherein the rotation axis 2 passes through the center of the torque tool body 1. A symmetrical design is also used in the present invention which can function both when rotating in a clockwise direction and when rotating in a counter-clockwise direction.

As shown in fig. 1, the torque tool body 1 extends from the rotary shaft 2 to a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3. A plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 are distributed around the axis of rotation 2 on the outer surface of the torque tool body 1 and form a screwdriver bit configuration of the present invention. The screwdriver head configuration of the torque tool body 1 is related to the shape of the fastener head opening so that a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 can engage the fastener head from inside the fastener head.

The present invention also includes an attachment feature. The attachment feature allows an external torque tool to be attached to the torque tool body 1, thereby increasing the torque applied to the fastener head. Please refer to fig. 2 and fig. 3. The present invention further comprises: an attachment body 10, and a coupling hole 11, which allows an external torque application tool to be attached to the torque tool body 1, for example: an open end wrench, a closed end wrench, a combination wrench, an adjustable wrench, or a socket wrench. The center of the attachment body 10 is located at the rotation axis 2, and the attachment bodies 10 are distributed along the rotation axis 2 to align the rotation axis of the torque application tool with the rotation axis 2. Further, the attachment body 10 is connected to the torque tool body 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment body 10 is of a hexagonal configuration; the diameter of the attachment body 10 is slightly larger than the diameter of the torque tool body 1. However, depending on the manufacturing method and design, the diameter of the attachment body 10 may be smaller than the diameter of the torque tool body 1. The coupling hole 11 penetrates the attachment body 10 along the rotation shaft 2. The engagement hole 11 is shaped to receive a male attachment component of a socket wrench. Since most socket wrenches use a square male attachment assembly, the coupling hole 11 is preferably square in shape. In other embodiments of the present invention, the design and shape of the attachment body 10 and the coupling hole 11 may be changed to accommodate different torque application tools and different attachment means. For example, the shape of the coupling hole 11 may be, but is not limited to, a square or a cylinder. In other embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface of the attachment body 10 may be treated with a surface grip, such as knurling or other treatment to increase the friction between the torque tool body 1 and the user's hand.

One bottom surface of the attachment body 10 is gradually inclined from the engaging hole 11 so that the broken/worn fastener can be struck with a hammer to knock the plurality of paired engaging features 3 without breaking the engaging hole 11. In other words, the diameter of the attachment body 10 near the coupling hole 11 is slightly larger than the diameter of the attachment body 10 near the torque tool body 1, so that the bottom surface is gradually inclined from the coupling hole 11. In some embodiments of the invention, the attachment body 10 does not have the coupling hole 11; in such embodiments, the attachment body 10 itself serves as a coupling feature between the external torque application tool and the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a wrench handle is attached to the periphery of the torque tool body 1, wherein the wrench handle is used as an external torque application tool. With respect to the wrench handle, each of the plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 extends a particular length along the torque tool body 1 and defines a space within the torque tool body 1. The space serves as a fastener head receiving aperture whereby pairs of engagement features 3 can grip the sides of the fastener head. The present invention further comprises a fastener receiving hole passing through the torque tool body 1. The fastener receiving hole is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 2 and opposite the handle of the wrench across the torque tool body 1, thus providing a side opening for engaging a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3.

In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment body 10 may also include a quick connect feature. This quick connect feature is commonly used in electric drills, impact drivers, and screw attachment assemblies.

A plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 are equidistantly distributed in the torque tool body 1 to form a closed shape as shown in fig. 4. To illustrate the details of this closed shape, each of the plurality of pairs of binding features 3 further comprises: a first coupling feature 7, a second coupling feature 8, and a bisector 6. The first 7 and second 8 engagement features are staggered in this closed shape, depending on the direction of tool rotation. Bisector 6 equally cuts each of the plurality of pairs of first and second bonding features 7, 8.

Further, the cross-section of each of the first and second bonding features 7 and 8 further comprises: a support region 4, and a pocket region 5, as shown in fig. 4. Furthermore, the support region 4 and the cavity region 5 are adjacent to each other and connected to each other to define a single combination feature; the engagement feature bites into the head of the fastener when the broken/worn fastener is removed. A top surface of the torque tool body 1 and a bottom surface of the attachment body 10 are opposed to each other across a plurality of pairs of engaging features 3, wherein the top and bottom surfaces are designed to be a flat surface.

The lengths and associated angles of the support regions 4 and the pocket regions 5 may be varied to produce bonding features having sharper tooth-like configurations. The first coupling feature 7 is any one of the plurality of pairs of coupling features 3 and the second coupling feature 8 is one of the plurality of pairs of coupling features 3 that is directly adjacent to the first coupling feature 7. More specifically, pocket region 5 of first bonding feature 7 is connected to pocket region 5 of second bonding feature 8. The pocket region 5 of the first coupling feature 7 and the pocket region 5 of the second coupling feature 8 both face the axis of rotation 2 and together define a circular shape. The support region 4 of the first bonding feature 7 and the support region 4 of the second bonding feature 8 oppose each other across the pocket region 5 of the first bonding feature 7 and the pocket region 5 of the second bonding feature 8. In other words, pocket region 5 of first bonding feature 7 and pocket region 5 of second bonding feature 8 are intermediate support region 4 of first bonding feature 7 and support region 4 of second bonding feature 8.

A first length ratio between the support region 4 of the first bonding feature 7 and the cavity region 5 of the first bonding feature 7 is between 1:1.5 and 1: 3.5. A second length ratio between the support region 4 of the second coupling feature 8 and the cavity region 5 of the second coupling feature 8 is between 1:1.5 and 1: 3.5. In some embodiments of the invention, the first length ratio and the second length ratio are 1: 2. In some embodiments of the invention, the first length ratio and the second length ratio are 1:3.

The present invention further comprises: a first connection point, and a second connection point. More specifically, the first connection point is defined as: the intersection of the pocket region 5 and the support region 4 of the first bonding feature 7; the second connection point is defined as: the intersection of the pocket region 5 and the support region 4 of the second bonding feature 8.

Furthermore, a first bisecting angle 17 of the present invention is defined by the first connecting point and bisecting line 6, as shown in fig. 5. In various embodiments of the present invention, the first angle of equivalency may be an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle.

Furthermore, a second bisector angle 18 of the present invention is defined by the second attachment point and bisector 6, as shown in FIG. 5. In various embodiments of the present invention, the second bisector angle may be an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle.

Furthermore, when an imaginary straight line is drawn between the first and second connection points, the first and second bisector angles 17 and 18 together form an angle of 180 degrees.

Drawing a first imaginary line parallel to the support area 4 of the first bonding feature 7 and intersecting the first connection point; a second imaginary line is drawn parallel to the support area 4 of the second binding feature 8 and intersects the second connection point. Thus, first bisector angle 17 and second bisector angle 18 together form an angle that is less than 180 degrees.

Furthermore, the support region 4 of the first bonding feature 7 and the support region 4 of the second bonding feature 8 are separated from each other. Furthermore, the present invention further comprises: a first geometric plane, and a second geometric plane. The first geometric plane is parallel to the support region 4 of the first bonding feature 7; the second geometrical plane is parallel to the support area 4 of the second binding feature 8. That is, in the present invention, the first geometric plane and the second geometric plane are not coplanar.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of pairs of coupling features 3 in contact with the fastener head is 6, i.e. equal to 12 individual coupling features. Please refer to fig. 4. A first angle 14 is located within the first coupling feature 7 and is a 30 degree angle; a second angle 15 is located within the second engagement feature 8 and is a 30 degree angle. Further, adjacent pairs of the plurality of pairs of binding features 3 sandwich a third angle 16, and the third angle 16 ranges between 121 degrees and 179 degrees. In the present invention, the included angle among the plurality of pairs of binding features 3 may vary in different embodiments as desired. In some embodiments of the invention, the third angle 16 is 130 degrees. In some embodiments of the invention, the third angle 16 is 135 degrees. In some embodiments of the invention, the third angle 16 is 145 degrees. In some embodiments of the invention, the third angle 16 is 150 degrees.

In some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of pairs of coupling features 3 are tapered along the axis of rotation. That is, the outer diameter of the plurality of pairs of engaging features 3 near the top surface of the torque tool body 1 is smaller than the outer diameter near the attachment body 10. Furthermore, the pocket region 5 of the first coupling feature 7 and the pocket region 5 of the second coupling feature 8 gradually become narrower and shallower from the top surface of the torque tool body 1 toward the attachment body 10. Although in some embodiments, the pocket region 5 of the first bonding feature 7 and the pocket region 5 of the second bonding feature 8 together define a circular profile. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the cavity region 5 of the first combination feature 7 and the cavity region 5 of the second combination feature 8 may define other geometric shapes together. For example, pocket region 5 of first bonding feature 7 and pocket region 5 of second bonding feature 8 may define a triangular profile within associated support region 4.

To remove a broken/worn fastener using the present invention, the torque tool body 1 is placed over the broken/worn fastener so that a significant proportion of the plurality of pairs of engagement features 3 are located within the fastener head. The user then simply applies a counterclockwise torque to rotate and remove the broken/worn fastener. When torque is applied to the torque tool body 1, the pairs of engagement features 3 bite into the sides of the fastener head and rotate the broken/worn fastener. The present invention is designed to partially or fully engage a broken/worn fastener head. The present invention overcomes the slippage of the fastener head by using a plurality of pairs of engagement features 3.

The present invention can use the pocket region 5 of the first coupling feature 7 and the pocket region 5 of the second coupling feature 8 to drive a fastener having a leaflet configuration, such as a Torx screw or a star screw (Torx). The present invention may also use the support region 4 of the first attachment feature 7 and the support region 4 of the second attachment feature 8 to drive the fastener from the exterior support surface of the socket fastener.

The invention has been described above with reference to examples. However, it should be understood that: modifications and variations of these embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cleat removal tool, comprising:

a torque tool body; and

a plurality of paired binding features, wherein

Each of the plurality of pairs of binding features further comprises: a first attachment feature, and a second attachment feature;

the cross-section of each of the first and second bonding features further comprises: a support region, and a pocket region;

the plurality of pairs of engagement features are distributed about an axis of rotation of the torque tool body;

the supporting region and the cavity region are connected with each other;

the cavity region of the first bonding feature is connected to the cavity region of the second bonding feature;

the pocket region of the first bonding feature and the pocket region of the second bonding feature are both concave toward the rotational axis;

the support region of the first bonding feature and the support region of the second bonding feature oppose each other across the pocket region of the first bonding feature and the pocket region of the second bonding feature.

2. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein a first angle is located within the first engagement feature and is a 30 degree angle; a second angle is located within the second engagement feature and is a 30 degree angle.

3. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein adjacent pairs of the plurality of pairs of engagement features sandwich a third angle, the third angle ranging between 121 degrees and 179 degrees.

4. The anti-slip fastener removal tool of claim 3, wherein the third angle is 130 degrees.

5. The anti-slip fastener removal tool of claim 3, wherein the third angle is 135 degrees.

6. The anti-slip fastener removal tool of claim 3, wherein the third angle is 145 degrees.

7. The anti-slip fastener removal tool of claim 3, wherein the third angle is 150 degrees.

8. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein the torque tool body extends outwardly from the rotational axis to the plurality of pairs of engagement features.

9. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein a first length ratio between the support region of the first bonding feature and the cavity region of the first bonding feature is between 1:1.5 and 1: 3.5.

10. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein a second length ratio between the support region of the second coupling feature and the pocket region of the second coupling feature is between 1:1.5 and 1: 3.5.

11. The fastener removal tool of claim 1, wherein the support region of the first coupling feature and the support region of the second coupling feature are separate from each other.

12. The anti-slip fastener removal tool of claim 1, further comprising:

an attachment body; and

a combining hole therein

The center of the attachment body is located at the rotation axis, and the attachment bodies are distributed along the rotation axis;

the attaching body is connected to the torque tool body;

the combining hole penetrates into the attaching body along the rotating shaft and is opposite to the torque tool body.