Socket Or Slot Patents (Class 411/403)
  • Publication number: 20100104397
    Abstract: Provided are a screw (11) which can significantly reduce the cam-out if a dedicated driver bit is (14) used, and which also allows the use of a driver (6) bit for a standard cross recess and can reduce the cam-out to some extent, and a dedicated driver bit (14) for such a screw (11). Of a recess (13), a central portion (17) and proximal end side portions (18a) of blade engaging portions (18) are configured in the same manner as in a standard cross recess. The tightening side sidewall (20) or the loosening side sidewall (21) in the distal end side portions (18b) of blade engaging portions (18) are bent at an oblique angle. A dedicated driver bit has a corresponding cross-sectional configuration to that of the recess (13). Because the dedicated driver bit is hard to tilt relative to the screw (11) and the engagement between the blades (19) of the driver bit (14) and the blade engaging portions (18) is improved, the cam-out becomes hard to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Terufumi Nojikawa
  • Patent number: 7632053
    Abstract: A screw (1) having a head (2), a shaft (4) that includes a thread (5), and an interior engaging member (3) in the head is provided. The screw (1) is produced from an ultra-high strength steel using a cold forming method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SFS-Intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Thomas Mätzler, Ernst Rohner
  • Publication number: 20090285653
    Abstract: A drive socket for a male threaded fastener includes three rounded lobes of equal radius which are located equidistant from the center of the fastener and 120° apart from each other. The drive socket also includes three flat surfaces, each flat surface being located opposite one of the lobes and equidistant from the center of the fastener. Another embodiment of a drive socket includes a first set of three lobes and a second set of three lobes, each lobe being of equal radius and equidistant from the center of the fastener. The lobes of the first set are 120° apart and the lobes of the second set are also 120° apart and 60° apart from the lobes of the first set. Each of the lobes of the first set includes a flat surface which is adjacent and tangential to the radius portion of the lobe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: HI-SHEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Publication number: 20090245971
    Abstract: A coupling member is employed to couple components of a plasma processing apparatus which processes a substrate by using a plasma. The coupling member includes a threaded rod portion which passes through one component and is screwed and fixed to another component, a head portion which supports the one component and has a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod portion, and an elastic portion which is interposed between the threaded rod portion and the head portion, wherein the elastic portion has a larger strain to an external force than those of the threaded rod portion and the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Hachishiro Iizuka, Shojiro Yahata
  • Publication number: 20090229429
    Abstract: Novel screwdrivers used in combination with novel threaded fasteners are disclosed, both of which comprise male and female stabilizing segments which contiguously match male and female torque-applying segments which contiguously match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Gary V. Heesch
  • Publication number: 20090220319
    Abstract: The present invention according to certain embodiments relates to chain guides with captive fasteners. A chain guide of the current invention in certain embodiments is designed to preserve resources through use of stamped parts. A chain guide of the current invention in certain embodiments is designed to preserve resources by facilitating its assembly onto a bicycle in a less labor-intensive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 7581910
    Abstract: A fastener has a recessed drive configuration with outlet channels extending from the recessed drive configuration to the outer surface of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Nebl, Stephen R. Dohm, James M. Van Ingen, Taurris D. Baskerville
  • Patent number: 7568872
    Abstract: A drive socket for a male threaded fastener includes three rounded lobes of equal radius which are located equidistant from the center of the fastener and 120° apart from each other. The drive socket also includes three flat surfaces, each flat surface being located opposite one of the lobes and equidistant from the center of the fastener. Another embodiment of a drive socket includes a first set of three lobes and a second set of three lobes, each lobe being of equal radius and equidistant from the center of the fastener. The lobes of the first set are 120° apart and the lobes of the second set are also 120° apart and 60° apart from the lobes of the first set. Each of the lobes of the first set includes a flat surface which is adjacent and tangential to the radius portion of the lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Publication number: 20090169333
    Abstract: This new screw head consists of a recess resembling a double dove tail design. It is capable of receiving a conventional twist bit. Its primary purposes are to increase safety and expediency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Mearl Wilson Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090148254
    Abstract: A flange headed screw. The flanged headed screw has a threaded shank portion with a shank diameter, a distal tip, and a proximal end. A stop flange with a diameter that is larger than the shank diameter of the threaded shank located at the proximal end of the threaded shank portion. A projection portion extends from the stop flange, and the projection portion has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the stop flange. A driving head with a driving engagement located at a proximal end of the projection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Carrillo,, SR., Hector Carrillo
  • Publication number: 20090142160
    Abstract: A truss screw is disclosed for use in fastening framing members together. In embodiments, the truss screw includes a raised recess section having walls extending from a top surface of the screw head. The raised recess sinks into the back surface of a workpiece fastened to the framing members so that the workpiece may sit flat against the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC.
    Inventor: Troy Hale
  • Publication number: 20090129888
    Abstract: A slotted set screw includes a slot in an upper end surface, and a cut metal waste storing recess respectively formed at two ends of the slot. The cut metal waste storing recess is defined by a vertical wall and a flat bottom wall to have a large opening, separated from the slot for a little distance. The opening of the cut metal waste storing recess communicates with the outside of the threads of the set screw. Thus, cut metal waste may be stored in the cut metal waste storing recesses during cutting threads of the set screw, without falling into and remaining in the slot to result in extra cleaning work for the waste in the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kuo-Chen Hung
  • Publication number: 20090097942
    Abstract: A fastener for composite material having a dense composition employs a head which has a socket and a recessed underside and a lower rim. The shank has an upper portion with an enlarged diameter and a left hand thread while the lower portion has a tri-lobed configuration and is traversed by a right hand thread. The right hand thread may have a plurality of notches which, in one embodiment, are arranged in a spiral array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Tad A. Weiss, Richard Belinda, Joseph A. Pieciak, JR.
  • Patent number: 7484440
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Wright Tool Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Publication number: 20080279653
    Abstract: A screw having in its head a recess that includes two or three non-circular superimposed recess-tiers. The depth of each recess-tier is less than 1.35 mm and there is less than 1° draw in each recess. The screw head recess is formed using a punch (10) in a cold heading process. The punch is formed in a profilating CNC machine, cutting the profiles of the punch to a tolerance of better than ±0.0025 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Antony Brooks
  • Patent number: 7441998
    Abstract: A fastening element for hard constructional components includes a cylindrical base body (22), a self-tapping thread (27) provided at least on a portion of an outer surface (26) of the base body (22) and having a runout (28) that is spaced from a first end (24) of the base body (22) to provide a thread-free section (31) on the outer surface (26) of the base body (22) and extending from the first end (24) in a direction of a second end (25) of the base body (22), and an inwardly located engagement element (32) for a setting bit (13) arranged in a region of the thread-free section (31) and having an axial extent (F) smaller than an axial extent (E) of the thread-free section (31), and a receptacle opening (33) that opens toward the second end (25) and adjoins the engagement element (32) in the direction of the second end (25), and is provided with load application element (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Gahler, Josef Glogger, Franz Huber, Martin Volker, Michael Radl, Juergen Wieser
  • Patent number: 7441483
    Abstract: A fastener includes a round, blind hole or pocket in its head. Installation and removal of the fastener is accomplished with a tool containing an eccentric segment on the end of a shaft. When rotated within the pocket, the eccentric segment displaces laterally relative to the shaft to provide a friction grip to the lateral wall of the pocket. The strength of the grip is proportional to the applied torque. Eccentric displacement allows rotation but prevents the tool from spinning out of the fastener thereby eliminating cam-out and surface damage resulting from contact with a spinning tool tip. The eccentric head of the tool can be made disposable and to shear off when a predetermined torque is reached. The smooth-sided round hole offers no purchase for commonly available tools; making the fastener tamper-resistance. In another embodiment, the fastener includes a raised portion in the pocket. A tool having a complementary opening shears off the raised portion at a predetermined torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Flesher
  • Publication number: 20080240883
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a threaded insert having an internal threaded surface and an external threaded surface. The threaded surfaces have threads that are threaded in opposite directions. Thus, if the internal threaded surface is a right handed thread, then the external threaded surface will be a left handed thread. Through the use of the opposite direction threads the insert counteracts torque applied to a threaded fastener as it is inserted or removed. This results in a threaded insert that both resists over tightening of the fastener, and assists in the removal of the fastener from the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Walling
  • Patent number: 7425112
    Abstract: An improved tamper resistant screw and driver tool. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tamper resistant screw and screw driver tool. The screw head features a unique tamper resistant design. The screw cannot be turned successfully with standard screw drivers, pliers, vice grips, wrenches or socket type wrenches. It is driven by a specially designed driver tool which, upon application, is centered on the screw head to avoid side-to-side slippage and is driven by angle-to-angle contact. The angle and depth of the drive tool can be changed to maximize the amount of torque delivered to the screw. This design not only discourages an individual from attempting to gain access to a restricted area, it will clearly indicate if the screw head has been tampered with by means of score marks and gouges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Edmund A. Nowak, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080159827
    Abstract: The invention provides a screw head having a hexalobular slot (2) in the upper surface of the screw head, an upper peripheral wall (9) of hexalobular planform extending down into the screw head, the upper peripheral wall (9) being parallel or near parallel to the axis of the screw, a sloping transition surface (15) extending downwardly and inwardly with respect to the lower edge of the upper peripheral wall (9), and a tapered recess (11) extending downwardly from the lower edge of the sloping transition surface (15), in which the dimensions of the screw head are such that when the screw head is engaged by a tool (6) having upper (16) and lower engagement (17) sections, the lower engagement section (17) is tapered, and there is a ‘stick fit’ between the surface of the tapered recess (11) and the external surface of the lower tapered engagement section (17), and there is no engagement with the sloping transition surface (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jone Edland
  • Publication number: 20080145181
    Abstract: A tamper resistant fastener includes a body (10) of substantially circular cross-section having a plurality of depressions (15?) formed in its surface. Each depression (15?) has a curved concave surface (16?) at one end and a curved convex surface (17?) at its other end. The depressions are engageable by a tool whereby the fastener can be turned in one direction by the tool to engage the fastener and, once engaged, the fastener can only be turned in the opposite, unfastening direction when engaged by the tool. The fastener may take the form of a nut or a screw or a screw-threaded bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Lynes, Benjamin J. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20080145182
    Abstract: A fastening element for mineral constructional components includes a thread-tapping thread (21, 41) extending at least partially along the stem (12, 32) of the fastening element and having side flanks (23, 24, 45, 47), with the side flanks (23, 24, 45, 47) form together an angle (W, V) of from 10° to 35°, and with a ratio of an outer diameter (A) of the thread (21, 41) to a root diameter (K) of the stem (12, 32) amounting to from 1.1 to 1.4, and a ratio of the outer diameter (A) of the thread (21, 41) to a pitch (P) of the thread (21, 41) amounting to from 1.4 to 1.7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Gstach
  • Publication number: 20080085171
    Abstract: A ratchet mounting fastener includes a rigid body having a socket drive receiving cavity formed in a first end for receiving a male socket drive shaft into snug mating engagement and releasable locking means to releasably lock the fastener onto the drive shaft, and having a threaded portion on an opposite second end for threaded mating engagement of the threaded portion with a threaded second fastener, and wherein the cavity and the threaded portion are oppositely disposed for mounting of the drive shaft to the cavity and mounting of the second fastener to the threaded portion from opposed facing opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Grant Perry Brown
  • Patent number: 7331744
    Abstract: A drive socket for a male threaded fastener includes three rounded lobes of equal radius which are located equidistant from the center of the fastener and 120° apart from each other. The drive socket also includes three flat surfaces, each flat surface being located opposite one of the lobes and equidistant from the center of the fastener. Another embodiment of a drive socket includes a first set of three lobes and a second set of three lobes, each lobe being of equal radius and equidistant from the center of the fastener. The lobes of the first set are 120° apart and the lobes of the second set are also 120° apart and 60° apart from the lobes of the first set. Each of the lobes of the first set includes a flat surface which is adjacent and tangential to the radius portion of the lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Patent number: 7331743
    Abstract: A drive socket for a male threaded fastener includes three rounded lobes of equal radius which are located equidistant from the center of the fastener and 120° apart from each other. The drive socket also includes three flat surfaces, each flat surface being located opposite one of the lobes and equidistant from the center of the fastener. Another embodiment of a drive socket includes a first set of three lobes and a second set of three lobes, each lobe being of equal radius and equidistant from the center of the fastener. The lobes of the first set are 120° apart and the lobes of the second set are also 120° apart and 60° apart from the lobes of the first set. Each of the lobes of the first set includes a flat surface which is adjacent and tangential to the radius portion of the lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Publication number: 20080019797
    Abstract: A fastener includes a threaded shaft and a grippable head secured to the threaded shaft. An aperture extends through the shaft toward the head. The aperture extends partially through the head. In some embodiments, the shaft includes both threaded and unthreaded portions. In such embodiments, the aperture may extend slightly past the threaded portion into the unthreaded portion, such that it spans the point of stress concentration between the threaded and unthreaded portions. In yet another embodiment, a threaded fastener having a head and a threaded shaft has an aperture extending through the head and partially through the threaded shaft. The aperture has a diameter substantially equal to a width of a recess sized to receive a wrench. The aperture may have a shape such that it can also be gripped by a wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Duane Carlson, Michael C. Milo
  • Patent number: 7316535
    Abstract: A screw has a convenient head, wherein an engaging concavity is defined. Said engaging concavity includes a central portion and a plurality of radial recesses disposed around and in communication with the central portion. Each radial recess has two insides with one inside parallels to the extension line and the other inside encloses an angle with the extension line, an end surface and an opening with a smaller width defined on the junction of the recesses and the centre portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ling-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 7293949
    Abstract: Interference surfaces are constructed on inner transition surfaces between wings of a fastener having a spiral recess. A portion of the transition surface is tapered to provide the interference. A standard driver for a spiral recess will engage the interference surface to create a “stick fit” engagement. The punch is formed using a wire EDM operation to construct tapered surfaces within the die cavity of a hob. The hob is machined down to obtain the desired depth, which is measured up from a gage spot indicative of the sticking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Phillips Screw Company
    Inventor: Gary Dilling
  • Publication number: 20070245863
    Abstract: The invention provides a screw head having a hexalobular slot (2) in the upper surface of the screw head, an upper peripheral wall (9) of hexalobular planform extending down into the screw head, the upper peripheral wall (9) being parallel or near parallel to the axis of the screw, a sloping transition surface (15) extending downwardly and inwardly with respect to the lower edge of the upper peripheral wall (9), and a tapered recess (11) extending downwardly from the lower edge of the sloping transition surface (15), in which the dimensions of the screw head are such that when the screw head is engaged by a tool (6) having upper (16) and lower engagement (17) sections, the lower engagement section (17) is tapered, and there is a ‘stick fit’ between the surface of the tapered recess (11) and the external surface of the lower tapered engagement section (17), and there is no engagement with the sloping transition surface (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Jone Edland
  • Patent number: 7226262
    Abstract: A drive socket for a male threaded fastener includes a plurality of rounded lobes of equal radius which are located equidistant from the center of the fastener and an equal distance from each other. The drive socket also includes flat surfaces located opposite the lobes and equidistant from the center of the fastener. Another embodiment of a drive socket includes a first set of lobes and a second set of lobes, each lobe being of equal radius and equidistant from the center of the fastener. The lobes of the first set are equidistant apart and the lobes of the second set are also equidistant apart and equidistant apart from the adjacent lobes of the first set on either side of the lobe of the second set. Each of the lobes of the first set includes a flat surface which is adjacent and tangential to the radius portion of the lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Schultz
  • Patent number: 7225710
    Abstract: A driver has a tip that enables it to engage each one of a conventional hexagonal-head fastener and a conventional lobed-head fastener. The tip includes alternating flutes and crests. The crests are substantially flat to engage straight walls of a hexagonal-head. The flutes engage the lobed head of the fastener. A socket-type driver engages each type of conventional fastener. A fastener and a pair of socket-type fasteners have alternating flutes, which can be engaged by a conventional lobed-head driver, and crests or sidewall surfaces, which can be engaged by a conventional hexagonal-head driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Synthes GmbH
    Inventor: Raymond A. Pacheco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7198306
    Abstract: A spring-biased locking bolt with an operating button and a bolt connected with the operating button is described, wherein the bolt is spring-biased and movable in a sleeve. The sleeve is screwed into a corresponding opening in a machine part or an item of furniture, wherein the bolt can engage in the opening. The locking bolt has an optional catch that fixes the pulled-out bolt in its raised position. A sleeve section oriented in an axial direction is formed on the operating button, wherein the longitudinally movable and spring-biased sleeve engages with its polygonal shoulder with the polygonal opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Otto Ganter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Ambs
  • Patent number: 7182003
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7174811
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wright Tool Company
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Patent number: 7168345
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7162939
    Abstract: Related to a tamperproof screw to which a conventional general screwdriver cannot couple so that screw tightening is prevented reliably, to a screwdriver bit that can be simply and quickly coupled to the screw and can reliably prevent a come-out phenomenon during screw tightening, and to a header punch for manufacturing the tamperproof screw simply, easily and at low costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Totsu
  • Patent number: 7150211
    Abstract: A screw (10) has a threaded shank (12) and a head (14). The head has a recess (18) that comprises three lobes (18a,b,c). Each lobe is separated by a curved drive flange (20a,b,c,). A driver (100) has a drive tip (114) that fits the recess of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Eric Walker
  • Patent number: 7128513
    Abstract: A screw (10) has a threaded shank (12) and a head (14). The head has a recess (18) that comprises three lobes (18a, b, c). Each lobe is separated by a curved drive flange (20a, b, c). A driver (100) has a drive tip (114) that fits the recess of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Eric Walker
  • Patent number: 7097404
    Abstract: A screw having a screw-threaded shank and a circular head, the head being provided with three radially extending screwdriver tip receiving portions defined between three first, off central integrally formed projections designed to become shaved-off the screw head by a pre-set force applied during tightening of the screw, and three second, integrally formed projections designed to withstand a shear force greater than the pre-set force applied during slackening of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Mair Avganim
  • Patent number: 7066062
    Abstract: A fastener includes a round, blind hole or pocket in its head. Installation and removal of the fastener is accomplished with a tool containing an eccentric segment on the end of a shaft. When rotated within the pocket, the eccentric segment displaces laterally relative to the shaft to provide a friction grip to the lateral wall of the pocket. The strength of the grip is proportional to the applied torque. Eccentric displacement allows rotation but prevents the tool from spinning out of the fastener thereby eliminating cam-out and surface damage resulting from contact with a spinning tool tip. The eccentric head of the tool can be made disposable and to shear off when a predetermined torque is reached. The smooth-sided round hole offers no purchase for commonly available tools; making the fastener tamper-resistance. In another embodiment, the fastener includes a raised portion in the pocket. A tool having a complementary opening shears off the raised portion at a predetermined torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Robert W. Flesher
  • Patent number: 7056075
    Abstract: A self-tapping masonry anchor includes an axial bore that is formed at one end and extends through a portion of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Powers Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Powers, Paul Gaudron
  • Patent number: 6997085
    Abstract: A threaded fastener capable of being reduced in size and weight. A pair of side wall surfaces of each of six radially outwardly projecting, torque transmitting portions lie on straight lines passing through the center line in a cross section perpendicular to the center line so as to transmit torque through the side wall surface, whereby the direction of a surface orthogonal force N applied to a force-applied point P by a wrenching tool coincides with the direction of an effective wrenching force F. This arrangement reduces an operation force required for rotating the wrenching tool and accordingly the load acting on each of the torque transmitting portions, in comparison with a conventional hexagonal head. That is, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the head portion of the threaded fastener and the size and weight of the head portion, while avoiding deformation of the side wall surfaces through which the torque is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: OSG Corporation
    Inventor: Kouzou Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6988432
    Abstract: A screw and driver system includes a range of screws and a driver. Each screw has a head having a driving recess in its surface for engagement by the driver. The recess of larger screws in the range have a plurality of superimposed recess tiers of decreasing size with increasing depth from said surface. Each tier has substantially parallel driving surfaces and torque applied to the driver is transmitted to the screw through the driving surfaces. At least one tier of at least smaller screws in the range has a rib. Engagement of the driver with the recess causes deformation of rib, and hence creation of an interference fit of the driver in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Uniscrew Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence Antony Brooks
  • Patent number: 6935824
    Abstract: An improved tamper resistant screw and driver tool. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a tamper resistant screw and screw driver tool. The screw head features a unique tamper resistant design. The screw cannot be turned successfully with standard screw drivers, pliers, vice grips, wrenches or socket type wrenches. It is driven by a specially designed driver tool which, upon application, is centered on the screw head to avoid side-to-side slippage and is driven by angle-to-angle contact. The angle and depth of the drive tool can be changed to maximize the amount of torque delivered to the screw. This design not only discourages an individual from attempting to gain access to a restricted area, it will clearly indicate if the screw head has been tampered with by means of score marks and gouges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Edmund A. Nowak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6908126
    Abstract: A catch assembly that locks a handle onto the spindle of a lock mechanism has enhanced resistance to attempts to remove the handle by forcibly driving the catch assembly inwards. The catch assembly includes a base mounted on the spindle having a threaded opening that receives a corresponding threaded retaining pin. The pin is moved axially by rotating it. When the pin is rotated to an outward position it engages the handle and the threads act to prevent the pin from being forcibly driven inward by transferring axially applied forces to the base. In the preferred design, the head of the retaining pin is softened and specially shaped to limit the torque that can be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Sargent Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Christopher G. Senger
  • Patent number: 6890139
    Abstract: A fastener is described having a head formed with a recess which accommodates a square head driver, symmetrical drivers, such as PHILLIPS™ style drivers, asymmetrical style cross head drivers, such as POZIDRIV® style drivers, and combination square and cross drivers without compromising performance of the drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Phillips Screw Company
    Inventor: Barry J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6848907
    Abstract: A screw for dental implants, used to fix dental prostheses to abutments combined with fixtures previously inserted in the alveolar bone, includes a screw portion and a screw-head portion. The screw-head portion includes a pair of inclined planes on either side of a center line, wherein the inclined planes form a V-character shape when seen from the side along a center line, each forming at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the screw and a tool-receiver, formed between the inclined planes along a center line crossing an upper face of the screw, for transmitting working torque exerted by a tool. A screw set for dental implants includes a plurality of dental-implant screws, each having a screw portion and a screw-head portion of varying height, and each screw-head portion includes the same combination of guide and tool-receiver. The improved screw facilitates tightening and untightening of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Bong Lee
  • Publication number: 20040228703
    Abstract: A one way threaded security fastener comprises a head with a recess containing a deformable or detachable torque transfer element which engages a tool such as a screwdriver during installation and deforms or shears off at a predetermined torque leaving the recess with a generally smooth inner wall. Preferably the recess is at least partially frustoconical or hemispheroidal with a circular cross section. The torque transfer element may be made from metal or plastics material, and may be integral with the fastener or may be attached to the socket by glue or the like. An installation tool is disclosed for use with the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Such
  • Patent number: 6802680
    Abstract: A torque limiting fastener includes a fastener body and a fastener head insert configured to fit within the fastener body and to transfer a limited amount of torque to the body. The fastener body has a head with a bore formed therein and having a first set of protrusions. The fastener head insert has a tool interface for accepting a mounting tool and a perimeter edge onto which a second set of protrusions are disposed. A torque applied to the tool interface region will rotate the fastener head insert within the bore and cause the second set of protrusions to engage with the first set of protrusions to transfer torque to the fastener body. If the applied torque exceeds a limiting value, the second set of protrusions will fail to maintain engagement with the first set of protrusions and the fastener head insert will rotate without transferring the excessive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Brandon Aaron Rubenstein
  • Patent number: 6789989
    Abstract: An integrally formed screw, such as a wood screw has a threaded cylindric stem and a head (9). At least a part (25) of the head (9) is shallowly convexly curved (25) and is provided with a screwdriver recess (26). The head (9) has an annular, shallowly concave underside (22) adapted to accommodate a relatively soft, polymeric washer (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Uli Walther