WO2003074231A2 - Outil a element d'engagement de fixation - Google Patents

Outil a element d'engagement de fixation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003074231A2
WO2003074231A2 PCT/US2003/003929 US0303929W WO03074231A2 WO 2003074231 A2 WO2003074231 A2 WO 2003074231A2 US 0303929 W US0303929 W US 0303929W WO 03074231 A2 WO03074231 A2 WO 03074231A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tool
fastener
engaging member
driving portion
fastener engaging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/003929
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003074231B1 (fr
WO2003074231A3 (fr
Inventor
Michael D. Blackston
Original Assignee
Bondhus Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/087,884 external-priority patent/US6681662B2/en
Application filed by Bondhus Corporation filed Critical Bondhus Corporation
Priority to AU2003216216A priority Critical patent/AU2003216216A1/en
Publication of WO2003074231A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003074231A2/fr
Publication of WO2003074231A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003074231A3/fr
Publication of WO2003074231B1 publication Critical patent/WO2003074231B1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
    • B25B23/02—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts
    • B25B23/08—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation
    • B25B23/10—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means
    • B25B23/105—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means the gripping device being an integral part of the driving bit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
    • B25B23/02—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts
    • B25B23/08—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation
    • B25B23/10—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means
    • B25B23/105—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means the gripping device being an integral part of the driving bit
    • B25B23/106—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means the gripping device being an integral part of the driving bit the driving bit being a blade
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
    • B25B23/02—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts
    • B25B23/08—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation
    • B25B23/10—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means
    • B25B23/105—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means the gripping device being an integral part of the driving bit
    • B25B23/108—Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means the gripping device being an integral part of the driving bit the driving bit being a Philips type bit, an Allen type bit or a socket

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tool with a fastener engaging member, and in particular, to a fastener engaging member that is adapted to form an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener can be releasably retained to the driving portion of the tool.
  • U.S. Patent Nos. 1,698,521 (Wood); 1,712,196 (Burger et al.); and 3,245,446 (Morifuji) disclose a pair of inwardly biased members that grasp the head of the fastener. These devices can typically be used only on fastener with heads within a certain size range. If the fastener head is larger or smaller than that certain size range, the device does not operate as intended. For some of these devices, the shape of the head is also critical to proper operation.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,016,913 (Anderson) discloses apair of springs extending between a pair of arms attached to the tool that are adapted to grip the shank or threaded portion of the fastener.
  • the present invention is directed to a tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener.
  • the tool includes a driving portion comprising a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to form an interface with a fastener.
  • At least one polymeric fastener engaging member is located in a recess in the driving portion that extends above one or more of the tool surfaces.
  • the fastener engaging member is adapted to form an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener can be releasably retained to the driving portion.
  • the recess and the fastener engaging member are located in a center region of the tool surface.
  • the size of the center region can vary and may have a surface area larger than the recess and fastener engaging member.
  • the center region comprises about the middle 70% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces, and more preferably about the middle 50% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces, and most preferably about the middle 30% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces.
  • the present invention is also directed to a driving portion comprising a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to be positioned in the tool receiving recess in a fastener.
  • the fastener engaging member is adapted to form an interface with at least one surface in the tool receiving recess in the fastener such that the fastener can be releasably retained to the driving portion.
  • the present invention is also directed to a tool with a fastener engaging member that is adapted to be positioned around a portion of the fastener.
  • a single fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion at only one of the tool surfaces. In another embodiment, a single fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion along an edge between two adjacent tool surfaces. The fastener engaging member may also extend along the distal end of the tool. The fastener engaging member is located in a recess formed in the driving portion. The recess can be located in one of the tool surfaces or along an edge between two adjacent tool surfaces. Discrete recesses can be located on a plurality of the tool surfaces. In one embodiment, the recess extends through the driving portion such that the fastener engaging member is located in the recess and extends above two non- adjacent tool surfaces on the driving portion. The two non- adjacent tool surfaces are preferably opposing surfaces such that the compressive forces on the fastener engaging member are generally opposing and co-linear.
  • a reinforcing member is located in the polymeric material.
  • the reinforcing member can be a resilient member that deforms elastically, such as spring member or a wire, or a substantially rigid member.
  • the reinforcing member typically extends above one or more of the tool surfaces of the driving portion.
  • the reinforcing member extends above the polymeric material.
  • the reinforcing member can also be rigid. In this embodiment, the rigid reinforcing member would be displaced (typically rotated) during compression of the polymeric material.
  • the polymeric material is selected from a group comprising nylon, polypropylene, PNC, ABS, cellulose, acetyl, polyethylene, fluoropolymers, polycarbonate, natural or synthetic rubber, and the like.
  • the polymeric material comprises an adhesive.
  • the polymeric material typically extends above the tool surface about 0.001 inches to about 0.2 inches, although this distance will vary considerably with the application, such as the type of tool, the type of fastener, the material from which the fastener is constructed, and the like.
  • the tool can be one of a ballpoint tool, a torx® driver, square drivers, a hex wrench, socket wrench, a flat-head screw driver, a phillips screw driver, an open-ended wrench, a box wrench, or any other tool adapted to releasably engage with a fastener.
  • the present invention is also directed to a tool adapted for use with a fastener having a tool receiving recess.
  • the tool includes a driving portion comprising a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to be positioned in the tool receiving recess.
  • At least one elongated fastener engaging member is located in the recess in the driving portion and extends above one or more of the tool surfaces.
  • the fastener engaging member forms an interface with at least one surface in the tool receiving recess such that the fastener is releasably retained to the driving portion.
  • the fastener engaging member can be a polymeric material, metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof.
  • the fastener engaging member can be configured as a coil spring, a wire, a ribbon, and the like.
  • the fastener engaging member preferably comprises a spring member shaped to generate a biasing force against inside surfaces of the recess where the biasing force retains the elongated fastener engaging member in the recess.
  • a polymeric material, such as an adhesive can optionally be deposited in the recess with the elongated fastener engaging member.
  • the present method is also directed to a method of forming a tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener.
  • the method includes forming one or more recesses in one or more tool surfaces of a driving portion of the tool. At least one polymeric fastener engaging member is located in each recess such that the fastener engaging member extends above one or more of the tool surfaces.
  • the fastener engaging member can be a polymeric material molded or inserted in the recess.
  • the driving portion engages with a tool receiving recess on the fastener.
  • Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure la engaged with a fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the tool engaged with a fastener in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4a is a perspective view of a tool with a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 4a.
  • Figure 5 a is a perspective view of a tool with an alternate fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 5a.
  • Figure 6a is a perspective view of a tool with an alternate fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 6b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 6a.
  • Figure 7a is a perspective view of a tool with an alternate fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 7b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 7a.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tool with an alternate fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9a is a perspective view of a tool with an elongated fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 9a.
  • Figure 10a is a perspective view of a tool with an alternate elongated fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 10b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 10a.
  • Figure 11 is a side view of a screwdriver incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 12 is a side sectional view of the screwdriver of Figure 11 engaged with a fastener.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternate screwdriver incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a side sectional view of the screwdriver of Figure 13 engaged with a fastener.
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of an open-ended wrench incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 16 is a top view of the open-ended wrench of Figure 15 engaged with a fastener.
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view of a socket wrench incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 18 is a side sectional view of the socket wrench of Figure 17.
  • Figure 19a is a perspective view of a tool with a slot containing a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 19b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 19a.
  • Figure 20a is a perspective view of a tool with a slot containing an alternate fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 20b is a side sectional view of the tool of Figure 20a.
  • Figure 21 is a side view of a screwdriver with a slot incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 22 is a side sectional view of the screwdriver of Figure 21 engaged with a fastener.
  • Figure 23 is a perspective view of a Phillips screwdriver with a slot incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 24 is a perspective view of an open-ended wrench with a slot incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of a socket wrench with a slot incorporating a fastener engaging member in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 26 is a side sectional view of the socket wrench of Figure 25.
  • Figures la-lc illustrate various views of a tool 20 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the tool 20 is a hex wrench with a standard hex-shaped driving portion 22 at one end and a ballpoint driving portion 24 at the other end.
  • the ballpoint driving portion 24 can be a conventional ballpoint tool or a torx® driver, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,251 ,521.
  • the driving portion 22 includes six tool surfaces 26 (only three of which are shown) that are adapted to form an interface with a fastener (see Figure 2).
  • “driving portion” refers to a portion of tool surfaces that engage or mate with a fastener.
  • the amount of torque that is transmitted by a particular tool surface will vary with the design of the tool surface and the configuration of the fastener.
  • the specific location on a tool surface that transmits the torque may also vary depending upon how the tool is used. For example, specific regions on the tool surfaces are engaged to drive a fastener in one direction and other regions on the tool surfaces are engaged to drive the fastener in the opposite direction. On some driving portions there are regions of the tool surfaces that transmit little or no torque to the fastener, such as for example the distal end of a hex wrench or a screwdriver.
  • the driving portion 22 includes at least one polymeric fastener engaging member 28.
  • the fastener engaging member 28 is sufficiently elongated to extend above the tool surfaces 26 to releasably retain a fastener to the driving portion 22.
  • Each fastener engaging member 28 is preferably a discrete structure that is located in only one tool surface 26 or at a transition or edge between two adjacent tool surfaces 26. As discussed herein, a plurality of fastener engaging members can be located at a plurality of locations on a single driving portion of a tool.
  • the fastener engaging member 28 is located in a recess in the tool surface 26. Since a recess will typically weaken the driving portion 22, the number of recesses and the size of each recess is preferably minimized. As used herein, "recess" refers to a hole, slot, depression, cut-out, groove, or other opening in one or more tool surface, such that a single continuous recess does not extend along all of the tool surfaces. For most tools, the majority of the torque is transmitted at the transition between adjacent tool surfaces 26. For a screwdriver, the majority of the torque is transmitted along the edges of the flat portion 132 (see Figure 11). Consequently, the fastener engaging member 28 is preferably located in a center region of the tool surfaces 26 so as to minimize wear and tear. In other embodiments, there may be some advantage to locating the fastener engaging member 28 along the intersection of two adjacent tool surfaces.
  • the "center region" of a tool surface refers to a region in the driving portion located generally equidistant from transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces.
  • the size of the center region can vary and may have a surface area larger than the recess and fastener engaging member.
  • the center region comprises about the middle 70% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces, and more preferably about the middle 50% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces, and most preferably about the middle 30% between the transition edges of adjacent tool surfaces.
  • the driving portion 24 also includes six tool surfaces 32. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of opposing fastener engaging members 56, 58 are located on opposite surfaces 32 of the driving portion 24. The number and location of the fastener engaging members 56, 58 can vary with the application.
  • the fastener engaging members 56, 58 can be located on adjacent surfaces 32.
  • the fastener engaging members 56, 58 each extend above their respective tool surfaces 32 to releasably retain a fastener to the driving portion 24 (see Figure 3).
  • fastener engaging member refers to a structure that extends above a tool surface or a transition edge between adjacent tool surfaces. A single, continuous fastener engaging member is not permitted to extend along all of the tool surfaces. In some embodiments, however, a plurality of discrete fastener engaging members can be distributed on a plurality of tool surfaces. For example, a discrete fastener engaging member can be located on each tool surface or at each transition between adjacent tool surfaces.
  • FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the tool 20 of Figures la-lc engaged with a fastener 34.
  • the fastener 34 includes a tool receiving recess 36 having a plurality of inside surfaces 38.
  • the tool receiving recess 36 includes six surfaces that correspond generally to the six tool surfaces 26 on the driving portion 22.
  • the driving portion 22 of the tool 20 forms an interface 40 with the tool receiving recess 36 of the fastener 34.
  • interface refers to point, line, or surface contact between a fastener engaging member, a driving portion of a tool, and a fastener.
  • the interface may be an interference fit or a friction fit.
  • the interface 40 includes tool surfaces 26 and the fastener engaging member 28 in contact with inside surfaces 38 on the fastener.
  • the driving portion 22 has a smaller cross-section than the tool receiving recess 36.
  • Gap 42 exists between the driving portion 22 and the inside surfaces 38 of the fastener 34.
  • the size of the gap 42 varies with the type of tool and the type of fastener.
  • the gap 42 also varies around the perimeter of the driving portion 22. For example, the gap 42 is generally greater at the tool surface 26 where the fastener engaging member 28 is located than at other tool surfaces 26.
  • the gap 42 is typically large enough that the fastener 34 will easily fall off the driving portion 22.
  • the polymeric fastener engaging member 28 is located at the interface 40 to engage with one or more of the inside surfaces 38 on the fastener 34. Once engaged, the fastener engaging member 28 and tool surfaces 26 form a friction fit with one or more inside surfaces 38 of the fastener 34.
  • the fastener engaging member 28 is preferably elastically deformable. Deformation of the fastener engaging member 28 permits the fastener 34 to be engaged and disengaged from the driving portion 22 with minimal effort. The resiliency of the fastener engaging member 28, however, is sufficient to retain the fastener 34 on the driving portion 22 until the operator is ready to separate them.
  • FIG 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the driving portion 24 engaged with a fastener 50 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener 50 includes a tool receiving recess 52 with a plurality of inside surfaces 54. Again, the number of inside surfaces 54 typically corresponds with the number of tool surfaces 32 on the driving portion 24.
  • the driving portion 24 includes a pair of opposing polymeric fastener engaging members 56, 58 located at interface 60 between the driving portion 24 and the fastener 50.
  • the fastener engaging members 56, 58 form a friction fit with one or more of the inside surfaces 54 to releasably retain the fastener 50 to the driving portion 24.
  • the fastener engaging members 56, 58 are preferably located on opposing tool surfaces 32 so that the resulting compressive forces on the fastener engaging member are generally opposing and co-linear.
  • the fastener engaging members 56, 58 can be a single piece of polymeric material located in a through hole extending through the driving portion 24 (see e.g., Figure 12).
  • FIGs 4a and 4b illustrate a tool 68 with a driving portion 70 having a polymeric fastener engaging member 72 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the driving portion 70 has six tool surfaces (collectively referred to as "74"), three of which 74a, 74b, 74c are illustrated in Figure 4a.
  • the fastener engaging member 72 is located in recess 76 positioned in the center region of the tool surface 74a. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 76 is a hole formed in the driving portion 70.
  • Top surface 78 of the fastener engaging member 72 extends above tool surface 74a. For a typical hex wrench application, the top surface 78 is about 0.001 inches to about 0.2 inches above the tool surface 74a.
  • This dimension can vary depending upon the tool size, the size and weight of the fastener to be retained, the material from which the fastener is constructed and the like. While the recess 76 is typically cylindrical in shape, a variety of shaped recesses can be used for retaining the fastener engaging member 72, including hemispheric or curvilinear shaped recesses, conical recesses, frusto-conical recesses, hex shaped recesses, and the like. Forming the recess 76 in the driving portion 70 reduces the torque transmission capability of the tool 68. Therefore, the size of the recess 76 is preferably minimized. For a hex wrench application, the recess 76 is approximately 0.10 inches to about 0.2 inches in diameter.
  • the fastener engaging member 72 can be formed from a variety of polymeric materials, such as nylon, polypropylene, PNC, ABS, cellulose, acetyl, polyethylene, fluoropolymers, polycarbonate, natural or synthetic rubber, and the like.
  • the fastener engaging member 72 is a separate component that is inserted or press-fit into the recess 76.
  • a polymeric material is deposited or molded in the recess 76 and cured in situ.
  • the top surface 78 can optionally be treated, such as with an abrasive material, so that the height above the tool surface 74 and the shape of the top surface 78 are adapted for the particular application.
  • FIGS 5a and 5b illustrate an alternate tool 88 with a fastener engaging member 90 in accordance with the present invention.
  • a reinforcing member 92 is located in a polymeric material 94.
  • the reinforcing member 92 is preferably resilient.
  • the reinforcing member 92 extends all the way from the bottom of the recess 96 to the top surface 98 of the fastener engaging member 90.
  • the reinforcing member 92 can be a variety of materials, such as a different polymeric material, a metal wire, or any other material that can be elastically deformed.
  • the reinforcing member 92 is rigid and substantially inelastic, but can be rotated or displaced within the polymeric material 94.
  • FIG. 6a and 6b illustrate an alternate tool 99 with a fastener engaging member 100 in accordance with the present invention.
  • reinforcing member 102 extends above top surface 104 of polymeric material 106.
  • the top surface 104 may be flush with the tool surface 74a or may extend above or below the tool surface 74a.
  • the reinforcing member 102 is the primary mechanism for forming an interface with a fastener.
  • the reinforcing member 102 and the polymeric material 106 cooperate to form the interface with the fastener.
  • Figure 7a and 7b illustrate an alternate tool 108 with a fastener engaging member 110 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener engaging member 110 includes a coiled spring 112 located in recess 114 formed in the tool surface 74a.
  • the recess 114 is a hole.
  • an elastomeric material such as an adhesive, is deposited in the recess 114 along with the spring 112. The elastomeric material retains the spring 112 in the recess 114 and supplements the spring force of the spring 112.
  • Suitable adhesives include thermosetting or thermoplastic adhesives, radiation cured adhesives, adhesives activated by solvents, and combinations thereof.
  • FIG 8 illustrates an alternate tool 120 with a fastener engaging member 122 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener engaging member 122 is located in a recess formed proximate the edge 80a between the two adjacent tool surfaces 74a, 74b.
  • the fastener engaging member 122 extends above the two adjacent tool surfaces 74a, 74b simultaneously. Since the majority of the torque is transmitted along the edges between adjacent tool surfaces, the fastener engaging member 122 will be subject to greater wear and tear than those located in the center region of the tool surface 74a, 74b.
  • FIGS 9a and 9b illustrate an alternate tool 200 where the fastener engaging member 202 is an elongated member.
  • elongated fastener engaging member means a structure comprising a length to cross-section ratio ("aspect ratio") of at least 5, such as for example a wire or ribbon structure.
  • the elongated fastener engaging member can be constructed from metal, plastic, ceramic, or composites thereof.
  • the fastener engaging member 202 is a v-shaped wire 204 with one leg 206 that extends out of recess 208 and above tool surface 74a.
  • Leg 210 is preferably engaged with inside surface 212 of recess 208.
  • the diameter of the v-shaped wire 204 will vary depending upon the application.
  • the wire 204 may be in the range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.002 inches in diameter.
  • a polymeric material such as an adhesive, can optionally be used to assist retaining the fastener engaging member 202 in the recess 208.
  • the small size of the tool precludes using a polymeric material in combination with the wire.
  • Figures 10a and 10b illustrate an alternate tool 220 where the fastener engaging member 222 is an elongated member, such as a wire or ribbon structure, constructed from metal, plastic, ceramic, or composites thereof.
  • the fastener engaging member 222 is a wire or ribbon structure with a kink 226 that engages with inside surfaces 228 of recess 230.
  • the fastener engaging member is shaped to generate a biasing force against inside surfaces 228 of the recess 230.
  • the spring force of the kink 226 acting on the inside surfaces 228 of the recess 230 is sufficient to retain the fastener engaging member 222 in the recess 230.
  • a distal end 232 of the wire extends out of recess 230 and above tool surface 74a to engage with a fastener.
  • the diameter of the wire 204 will vary depending upon the application.
  • a polymeric material, such as an adhesive, can optionally be used to assist retaining the fastener engaging member 202 in the recess 208.
  • FIGs 11 and 12 illustrate a screwdriver 130 with a driving portion 132 including a fastener engaging member 134 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener engaging member 134 is deposited in a recess 138 that extends through the entire thickness of the flat portion 136 of the driving portion 132. That is, the recess 138 is through-hole in the flat portion 136.
  • the recess 138 is preferably located in the center region of the flat portion 136, away from the edges that transmit the majority of the torque.
  • the fastener engaging member 134 forms an interface 140 with opposing inside surfaces 142 of the tool receiving recess 144 and the fastener 146.
  • the fastener engaging member 134 generates opposing forces 148 within the tool receiving recess 144.
  • any of the fastener engaging members disclosed herein are suitable for use with the screwdriver 130.
  • the recess 138 extends into, but not through, the flat portion 136.
  • a fastener engaging member 134 can be located in one or both sides of the driving portion 132. In one embodiment, multiple fastener engaging members 134 are located on one side of the flat portion 136.
  • FIGS 13 and 14 illustrate an alternate screwdriver 150 including a pair of fastener engaging members 152, 154 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the driving portion 156 is a star-shaped or Phillips-head screwdriver.
  • the fastener engaging members 152, 154 are preferably located on opposing surfaces of the driving portion 156, although they can be located on any number or combination of surfaces on the driving portion.
  • the fastener engaging members 152, 154 form an interface 158 with inside surfaces 160 of the tool receiving recess 162 in the fastener 164.
  • FIGs 15 and 16 illustrate an open-ended wrench 170 including fastener engaging members 172, 174 in accordance with the present invention.
  • Driving portion 176 includes a plurality of tool surfaces 178 adapted to receive a fastener 180 (see Figure 16).
  • the fastener engaging members 172, 174 compressively engage with the fastener 180 such that the fastener 180 is releasably retained in the driving portion 176 at interface 182.
  • Any number or configuration of the fastener engaging members disclosed herein are suitable for use with the present wrench 170.
  • FIGs 17 and 18 illustrate a socket wrench 250 including fastener engaging members 252, 254 in accordance with the present invention.
  • Driving portion 256 includes a plurality of tool surfaces 258 adapted to receive a fastener 260 (see Figure 18).
  • Any number or configuration of the fastener engaging members disclosed herein are suitable for use with the present socket wrench 250.
  • FIGs 19a and 19b illustrate a tool 368 with a driving portion 370 having a polymeric fastener engaging member 372 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the driving portion 370 has six tool surfaces (collectively referred to as "374"), of which 374a, 374b, 374c and 374d are illustrated in Figures 19a and 19b.
  • the fastener engaging member 372 is located in a slot 376 formed in the driving portion 370.
  • the slot 376 extends through the entire width of the tool 368 from tool surface 374a to tool surface 374d. Top surfaces 378a 378b of the fastener engaging member 372 extends above tool surfaces 374a, 374d. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 376 also extends to the distal end 371 of the tool 368.
  • the fastener engaging member 372 may or may not extend above the surface of the distal end 371 of the tool 368. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener engaging member 372 extends above two non-adjacent surfaces 374a and 374d, and optionally, the distal end 371 of the tool 368.
  • the top surfaces 378a, 378b are about 0.001 inches to about 0.2 inches above the tool surface 374a, 374d. This dimension can vary depending upon the tool size, the size and weight of the fastener to be retained, the material from which the fastener is constructed, and the like.
  • the slot 376 can have a rectangular, triangular, semi-circular, or a variety of other regular or irregular shapes.
  • the size of the slot 376 in the driving portion 370 reduces the torque transmission capability of the tool 368. Therefore, the size of the slot 376 is preferably minimized.
  • the maximum width of the slot 376 is about 0.10 inches to about 0.2 inches. This dimension can also vary depending upon the tool size, the size and weight of the fastener to be retained, the material(s) from which the fastener engaging member 372 is constructed, the material from which the fastener is constructed and the like. Since most of the torque transmission occurs at the edges 380a, 380b, 380c between the tool surfaces 374, the slot 376 for the fastener engaging member 372 is preferably located in the center region of one of the tool surfaces 374.
  • Figures 20a and 20b illustrate an alternate tool 388 with a fastener engaging member 390 located in slot 396 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the slot 396 extends along tool surface 374a and distal end 391 of the tool 388.
  • a reinforcing member 392 is located in a polymeric material 394.
  • the reinforcing member 392 is preferably resilient.
  • the reinforcing member 392 extends all the way from the bottom of the slot 396 to the top surface 398 of the fastener engaging member 390.
  • the reinforcing member 392 can be a variety of materials, such as a different polymeric material, a metal wire, or any other material that can be elastically deformed.
  • the reinforcing member 392 is rigid and substantially inelastic, but can be rotated or displaced within the polymeric material 394.
  • FIGs 21 and 22 illustrate a screwdriver with a driving portion 432 including a fastener engaging member 434 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener engaging member 434 is deposited in a slot 438 that extends to distal end 433 of the tool and through the entire thickness of the flat portion 436 of the driving portion 432.
  • the fastener engaging member 434 forms an interface 440 with opposing inside surfaces 442 of the tool receiving recess 444 and the fastener 446.
  • the fastener engaging member 434 generates opposing forces 448 within the tool receiving recess 444.
  • the slot 438 extends into, but not through, the flat portion 436 (see e.g., Figure 20b).
  • a fastener engaging member 434 can be located in one or both sides of the driving portion 432. In one embodiment, multiple fastener engaging members 434 are located in multiple slots 438 along one side of the flat portion 436.
  • Figure 23 illustrates an alternate screwdriver including a plurality of fastener engaging members 452, 454, 466 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the driving portion 456 is a star-shaped or Phillips-head screwdriver.
  • the fastener engaging members 452, 454, 466 are preferably located in slots formed in the flutes of the driving portion 456, although they can be located on any number or combination of surfaces on the driving portion.
  • the fastener engaging members 452, 454, 466 form an interface 458 with inside surfaces 460 of the tool receiving recess 462 in the fastener 464.
  • Figure 24 illustrates an open-ended wrench 470 including fastener engaging members 472, 474 located in slots 480 formed in tool surfaces 478 of the driving portion 476.
  • the slots 480 preferably extend to distal ends 471 of the tool surfaces 478.
  • the slots 480 can extend partway into the tool surfaces 478 (see e.g., Figure 20b) or completely through the tool surfaces 478 (see e.g., Figures 19b).
  • the fastener engaging members 472, 474 compressively engage with the fastener 180 (see Figure 16) such that the fastener 180 is releasably retained in the driving portion 476. Any number or configuration of the fastener engaging members disclosed herein are suitable for use with the present wrench 470.
  • FIGs 25 and 26 illustrate a socket wrench 550 including fastener engaging members 552, 554 located in slots 564 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the slots 564 extend to distal end 555 of the socket wrench 550.
  • Driving portion 556 includes a plurality of tool surfaces 558 adapted to receive a fastener 560 (see Figure 26).
  • the slots 564 can extend partway into the tool surfaces 558 (see e.g., Figure 20b) or completely through the tool surfaces 558, as illustrated (see e.g., Figures 19b). Any number or configuration of the fastener engaging members disclosed herein are suitable for use with the present socket wrench 550. Although the tools shown herein are generally hand tools, many of these tools
  • a power driver such as an electric drill.
  • a power driver such as an electric drill.
  • the hex wrench, ballpoint tool, socket wrench, and the screw drivers disclosed herein can be configured as attachments for electric drills.
  • the present invention is intended to encompass use of the present tools in combination with power drivers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Slide Fasteners (AREA)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un outil conçu pour retenir une fixation de manière libérable. Ledit outil comprend une partie d'entraînement dotée d'une pluralité de surfaces d'outil conçues afin de former une interface avec un élément de fixation. Au moins un élément d'engagement de fixation est fixé à la partie d'entraînement qui s'étend au-dessus d'une ou plusieurs surface(s) d'outil. Ledit élément d'engagement de fixation est conçu afin de former une interface avec au moins une surface sur l'élément de fixation de sorte que ledit élément peut être retenue de manière libérable sur la partie d'entraînement.
PCT/US2003/003929 2002-03-01 2003-02-10 Outil a element d'engagement de fixation WO2003074231A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003216216A AU2003216216A1 (en) 2002-03-01 2003-02-10 Tool with fastener engaging member

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/087,884 US6681662B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2002-03-01 Tool with fastener engaging member
US10/087,884 2002-03-01
US10/302,613 2002-11-22
US10/302,613 US6684741B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2002-11-22 Tool with fastener engaging member

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003074231A2 true WO2003074231A2 (fr) 2003-09-12
WO2003074231A3 WO2003074231A3 (fr) 2003-12-31
WO2003074231B1 WO2003074231B1 (fr) 2004-02-26

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/003929 WO2003074231A2 (fr) 2002-03-01 2003-02-10 Outil a element d'engagement de fixation

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN1533319A (fr)
AU (1) AU2003216216A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003074231A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107717815A (zh) * 2016-08-10 2018-02-23 富泰华工业（深圳）有限公司 一种起子头及具有该起子头的电动起子

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4823652A (en) * 1987-05-18 1989-04-25 Morrissey William P Nut grabber
EP0458449A1 (fr) * 1990-05-22 1991-11-27 Textron Inc. Entraîneur avec moyens de rétension pour les fixateurs
DE9310668U1 (de) * 1992-08-17 1993-11-04 Leibinger GmbH, 79111 Freiburg Schraubendreher
US5323672A (en) * 1992-11-25 1994-06-28 Skiba Carl E Locking assembly for maintaining a box wrench engaged with a bolthead
DE29708764U1 (de) * 1997-05-16 1997-07-17 Willi Hahn GmbH & Co KG, 78136 Schonach Schraubendreher
EP1180417A2 (fr) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-20 Felo-Werkzeugfabrik Holland-Letz Gmbh Dispositif de maintien

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4823652A (en) * 1987-05-18 1989-04-25 Morrissey William P Nut grabber
EP0458449A1 (fr) * 1990-05-22 1991-11-27 Textron Inc. Entraîneur avec moyens de rétension pour les fixateurs
DE9310668U1 (de) * 1992-08-17 1993-11-04 Leibinger GmbH, 79111 Freiburg Schraubendreher
US5323672A (en) * 1992-11-25 1994-06-28 Skiba Carl E Locking assembly for maintaining a box wrench engaged with a bolthead
DE29708764U1 (de) * 1997-05-16 1997-07-17 Willi Hahn GmbH & Co KG, 78136 Schonach Schraubendreher
EP1180417A2 (fr) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-20 Felo-Werkzeugfabrik Holland-Letz Gmbh Dispositif de maintien

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ENGLISH J T: "SCREW-RETAINING ALLEN WRENCH" NTIS TECH NOTES, US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. SPRINGFIELD, VA, US, vol. 2, no. 2, PART F, February 1986 (1986-02), page 185 XP002102533 ISSN: 0889-8464 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003216216A8 (en) 2003-09-16
WO2003074231B1 (fr) 2004-02-26
WO2003074231A3 (fr) 2003-12-31
CN1533319A (zh) 2004-09-29
AU2003216216A1 (en) 2003-09-16

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