Patent ID: 7104167
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: B25B,F16B

Abstract:
1. A screw alignment device for assisting engagement of a screw driving tool during a fastening operation with a screw, the screw having a shank disposed between a head end and a front end, the screw driving tool having a shaft with a gripping formation at one end thereof and an engaging formation at another end thereof suitable for engagement with the screw head, the screw alignment device comprising: a screw guide having a body of a generally annular configuration formed from a resilient material and having an internal cavity of generally frusto-conical configuration tapering convergently towards a forward end thereof, said screw guide having a slit extending therethrough wherein said slit is shaped so as to provide said screw guide with an overlapping portion on a first side of said slit and an overlapping portion on a second side of said slit so that when said overlapping portions of said screw guide on said first and second sides of said slit are moved apart with respect to each other as said screw head passes through said screw guide, said overlapping portions remain in an overlapped condition; a tool guide spaced rearwardly from said screw guide and aligned generally with an axis of said internal cavity; and a connector which connects said screw guide to said tool guide; where, in use, the screw is located in the screw guide so as to be aligned generally with said axis, the front end of the screw projecting through said forward end and the head of the screw being held by said screw guide, and the tool passing through said tool guide can be engaged with the screw head thereby holding the tool and the screw aligned, and by driving the screw forwardly, the head of the screw will cause said screw guide to flex outwardly to permit the screw to pass through said screw guide.