Patent Publication Number: US-2009229429-A1

Title: Torque reducing and stabilizing screwdrivers and slotted threaded fasteners and related methods

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to screwdrivers combined with threaded fasteners and more particularly to such where the head of the driver and the head of the fastener comprise both matching. male/female stabilizing segments and matching male/female torque imposition segments, and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Use of a screwdriver, manual or powered, to turn a threaded fastener, such as screws and bolts, is an odd art which-has largely been static for many years. It is sometimes difficult to have sufficient torque and turning stability to firmly and facilely set the fastener in place and/or facilely remove the fastener from a previous insertion site. Often the distal end of the screwdriver rides over and out of the screwdriver receiving head of the fastener, sometimes causing damage to the fastener, and/or injury to the user. 
     Provision of improved ways to reduce the torque demand and to stabilize the placement and removal of threaded fasteners with a screwdriver would be highly desirable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In brief summary, the present invention overcomes or substantially alleviates prior torque and stability problems concerning placement and removal of threaded fasteners, such as screws and bolts, using a mechanical or a powered screwdriver. 
     It is a primary object of this invention to provide in combination novel screwdrivers and threaded fasteners, including screws and bolts, which require lower torque and provide improved stability during fastener rotation. 
     It is another paramount object of this invention to provide, in combination, a screwdriver with a distal driving end and a threaded fastener with a screwdriver receiving head, wherein both the screwdriver head and the fastener head comprising contiguously matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguously matching male/female torque-applying segments whereby turning the fastener requires less torque and provides better stability. 
     Further objects of the invention will become evident in the description below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1-9  illustrate in fragmentary broken away perspectives nine embodiments of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a fragmentary cross section taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate in fragmentary broken away perspectives two additional embodiments of this invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a fragmentary cross section taken along lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; and 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate in fragmentary broken away perspectives two more embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     Use of a screwdriver, manual or powered, to turn a threaded fastener, such as a screw or bolt, is an old art which has largely been static for many years. It is sometimes difficult to have sufficient torque and turning stability to firmly and facilely set the fastener in place and/or facilely remove the fastener from a previous insertion site. Once the distal end of the screwdriver rides over and out of a screwdriver placement site on the head of the fastener, damage to the fastener often occurs. 
     Provision of improved ways to reduce the torque demand and to stabilize the placement and removal of threaded fasteners with a screwdriver is the primary purpose of the present invention. Thus, in combination, the present invention provides a variety of screwdrivers, each with a distal driving end or blade and an associated fastener with a screwdriver-receiving site wherein both the screwdriver head and the fastener head, when combined to place or remove the fastener, comprise both contiguous matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguously matching male/female torque-applying segments. Therefore the turning of the fastener, in each case, requires less torque and provides better stability between the screwdriver head and the fastener head. 
     Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout.  FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment comprising in combination, generally designated  20 , a screwdriver distal end or blade  22  comprising opposed generally rectangular distal stabilizing projections  24  separated by an open slot  26 , which applies torque. The combination  20  further comprises threaded fastener  28 , such as a screw or bolt, which comprises a head  30  with a U-shaped slot  32  located, sized and shaped to contiguously receive the male projections  26  at locations  34  to create contiguous matching male/female stabilizers and to centrally receive the leading edge  26  at site  36  to provide contiguously matching male/female applying torque segments. Thus, less torque is required and improved stability provided for placement and removal of the fastener  28  in a desired location. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2  which illustrates a combination, generally designated  40 , comprising a distal end or blade  42  of a screwdriver and a threaded fastener  44 . The distal end  42  of the screwdriver comprises two spaced rectangular stabilizing slots  46  separated by a male torque-applying blade  48  comprising a distal edge  49 . The threaded fastener  44  comprises a proximal rounded head  50  containing a slot  52 . The fastener slot  52  is of essentially almost the same width as the blade  48  so that when blade  48  is inserted into the slot  52 , the fit will be snug and edge  49  will bottom out contiguously on slot surface  54 , with the sides of the blade  48  contiguous with the sides of the slot  52 , when the screwdriver rotates the fastener. In this position the stabilizing slots  46  of the distal end  42  of the screwdriver are seated over male bars or flanges  56  in contiguous relation. Thus, the screwdriver head  42  and the fastener head  50  comprise structure in the nature of contiguous matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguous matching male/female torque-applying segments for reducing the torque necessary to turn the fastener  44 , at the same time, and provide improved stability between the fastener head and the screwdriver head. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3 , which illustrates a combination  40 ′ comprising a screwdriver head, blade or distal end generally designated  42 ′ in combination with a threaded fastener, generally designated  44 ′ comprising a fastener head  50 ′. Screwdriver head or blade  42 ′ is very much like previously described screwdriver head  42 , except only one slot  46  is provided along with two torque-applying blade ends  44 , respectively flank on opposite sides the slot  46 . The threaded fastener  44 ′ comprises slot  52  having base surface sections  54 ′ and a single central male stabilizing flange  56 ′ located at the center of the slot separating the two base surfaces  54 ′. The width of the slot  52  is nearly the same as the width of the blades  48  so, upon insertion and screwdriver rotation, the blade segments  48  will be contiguous with the side surfaces of the slot  52  and the central male stabilizer  56 ′ will fit snugly into the slot  46 . Thus, screwdriver/fastener combination  40 ′ ( FIG. 3 ) provides both a screwdriver head and a fastener head such that contiguously matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguously matching male/female torque-applying segments are provided whereby less torque is required to turn the fastener and improved stability between the screwdriver and the fastener is obtained. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , which illustrates a further combination, generally designated  60 , comprising the distal end, blade or screwdriver head  62  and a threaded fastener generally designated  64 . The combination  60  embodiment of  FIG. 4  is substantially identical to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , with the exception that the screwdriver blade comprises a central pointed male stabilizer  66  and the slot  52  of the head  50 ′ comprises a central tapered recess  68 . The stabilizer  66  and recess  68  contiguously match when the screwdriver blade  62  is inserted into the slot  52 . The operation and benefits of the combination embodiment  60  of  FIG. 4  are the same as those described in conjunction with combination  40 ′ of  FIG. 3 . 
     The combination  70 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 , is substantially similar to the combination  40  of  FIG. 2 , with the exception that the distal end of the screwdriver or screwdriver blade  42 ′ is tapered along each side edge at  72 . Otherwise the combination  70  is the same as the combination  40  and is so enumerated. The operation and advantages of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  are the same as those explained in respect to combination  40 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which illustrates a combination, generally designated  80 , comprising the blade or distal end  62 ′ of a screwdriver and a threaded fastener  64 ′. The combination  80  is substantially like the previously described combination  60  of  FIG. 4 , with three exceptions, i.e. the central stabilizing projection  66 ′ is rectangular rather than pointed, the side edges of the screwdriver blade, at  72 , are tapered and the head  50 ′ of the threaded fastener  64 ′ comprises a central rectangular slot  68 ′. Otherwise, the elements of the combination  80  are the same as the previously described elements of combination  60 . These common elements are identified by the same numerals in both  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The operation and advantages of the combination  60  are the same as those described in conjunction with the previous embodiments as recited above. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a further combination embodiment of the present invention, generally designated  90 . Combination  90  comprises the distal or blade end of a screwdriver  92  comprising, at the extreme distal location, two stabilizing projections  94  and three spaced torque-applying portions  96 , each ending in a blunt surface  49 . The combination  90  also comprises a threaded fastener, generally designated  98 . Threaded fastener  98  comprises a proximal fastener head  100  in which a radially directed slot  52  is formed. Slot  52  comprises a base surface having two spaced rectangular recesses or slots  102 , located, sized and spaced so as to contiguously receive the male stabilizers  94 , when the blade  92  of the screwdriver is inserted fully into the slot  52 . Fastener  98  also comprises three spaced flat surfaces  104  positioned and sized so as to abut the edge surfaces  49  of the screwdriver blade  92 , when the blade is fully inserted into the slot  52 . 
     In operation, the blade  92  is inserted into the slot  52  so as to create a snug essentially contiguous relationship between the sides of the blades  92  and the sides of the slot  52 . In this position, the stabilizing extensions  94  contiguously reside in the rectangular slots  102  and the surfaces  49  contiguously engage respectively the surfaces  104 . Thus, in use during rotation, with the screwdriver blade  92  so inserted into the slot  52 , the male/female stabilizing segments  94  and  102  contiguously match and the male/female torque-applying segments  96 / 49  contiguously match the side walls of the slot  52  and the surfaces  104  such that the turning of the fastener by the screwdriver requires less torque and provides better stability. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8 , which illustrates a combination, generally designated  110 , comprising a screwdriver blade or distal end  92 ′ and a threaded fastener  98 ′. Combination  110  is identical to the previously described combination  90  with two exceptions, i.e. the stabilizing projections  94 ′ are pointed and the stabilizing slots or recesses  102 ′ in the slot  52  of the threaded fastener  98 ′ are likewise tapered slots, which are sized and shaped to match and be contiguous with the pointed male stabilizing projections  94 ′ when the blade  92 ′ is fully inserted into the slot  52  of the threaded fastener  98 ′ and rotated. The other elements of the screwdriver blade  92 ′ and the threaded fastener  98 ′ are the same as described above in conjunction with combination  90  of  FIG. 7  and are so enumerated in  FIG. 8 . The operation and benefits of the combination  110  are the same as those described above in conjunction with combination  90 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9 , which shows a combination, generally designated  120  comprising the blade end of a phillips screwdriver  122  and a threaded fastener  124  having a flat head in the nature of a phillips head. The head  122  of the phillips screwdriver comprises four male torque-applying radially-extending segments  126 , separated by cavities or recesses  128 . The distal tip  130 , shown best in  FIG. 10 , comprises a central stabilizing blind bore  132 . The threaded phillips-type fastener  124  comprises star-shaped radially-directed recesses or grooves  134  located, sized and shaped so as to contiguously receive the torque-applying segments  126  of the distal end  122  of the phillips-type screwdriver during rotation. In addition, the threaded fastener  124  comprises a proximally-extending central cylindrical male stabilizing segment  136 , located, sized and shaped so as to fit snugly and contiguously within the central blind bore  132  of the distal end  122  of the screwdriver. 
     Thus, when the distal end  122  of the screwdriver is connected to the fastener  124 , the cylindrical stud  126  and the blind bore  132  contiguously match and stabilize the inserted relationship. The male torque-applying segments  126  rest contiguously in the fastener grooves  134 . Thus, when fastener rotation occurs, less torque is required and improved stability provided by the male/female matching elements of the stabilizers and the torque-applying elements, in a manner explained in greater detail above. The male stud  136  can be part of the screwdriver head and the matching blind bore  132  part of the threaded fastener  124 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11 , which illustrates a combination, generally designated  140 , comprising a screwdriver blade or distal end  142  and a threaded fastener  144  comprising a rounded head  146  having a radial slot  52  therein. The combination  140  is substantially similar to the previously described combination  60  with two exceptions, i.e. the central stabilizing male projection  148  has a rounded stabilizing projection whereas the stabilizing projection  66  is pointed, and the central slot  52  of the fastener  144  comprises a rounded recess or slot  150  as opposed to an angular or V-shaped slot. Otherwise, the combination  140  is the same as combination  60  and has been so enumerated in  FIG. 11  so that no further description of these elements is necessary for those skilled in the art. The operational aspects and the advantages of the combination  140  are the same as those described above in conjunction with the other embodiments of this invention. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 12 , which illustrates a further embodiment of this invention comprising a combination, generally designated  160 . The combination  160  comprises a blade end or distal end of a screwdriver  162  and a threaded fastener  164 . The threaded fastener  164  comprises, at its proximal edge, a donut-shape or annular male stabilizing segment  166  with a central annular cavity  168  disposes in the center thereof. Projecting in a proximal direction from the recess  168  is a generally rectangularly shaped torque receiving male member  170 . 
     The screwdriver blade  162  comprises, at its distal edge, two spaced semi-circular female stabilizing female recesses  172 , sized, shaped and located so as to contiguously fit over and engage the male annular stabilizer  166  of the threaded fastener  164 , when the screwdriver blade  162  is properly placed in position to turn the threaded fastener  164 . The distal edge of the screwdriver blade  162  also comprises a central rectangular blind bore  174 . See  FIG. 13 . The blind rectangular bore  174  is located, sized and shaped so as to fit snugly and contiguously over a central male torque-receiving segment  170  located in recess  168 . Thus, during operation, the screwdriver head  162  is positioned so that recesses  172  contiguously, as stabilizing segments, engage the annular stabilizer  166  of the threaded fastener  164 , with the male torque receiving segment  170  fitting contiguously and snugly within the blind rectangular recess or cavity  174 . Rotation of the threaded fastener  164 , by reason of torque applied through the screwdriver blade  162 , involves less torque and provides better stability between the screwdriver blade and the threaded fastener. 
     Reference is now made to the combination, generally designated  180 , illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Combination  180  comprises the blade or distal end of a screwdriver  182  and a threaded fastener, generally designated  184 . The combination  180  visually is similar to the combination  40 , illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, the screwdriver blade  182  provides three torque-applying segments  48 , as opposed to one. The torque-applying segments  48  are essentially of equal width, spaced from each other by two rectangular slots or recesses  46 , each having a width substantially the same as the width of each of the torque-applying segments  48 . The fastener  184  comprises a spherical head  50 , having a radially-directed, proximally-extending slot  52 . The base .of slot is stepped, comprising lower base surfaces  54  and somewhat elevated rectangular projections  186 . Elements  54  and  186  are sized, spaced and located so that surfaces  54  become contiguous with edges  49  and projections  186  become contiguous within slots  46 , when the screwdriver blade  182  is fully inserted into slot  52 . Thus, contiguous matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguously matching male/female torque-applying segments are provided whereby turning of the fastener  184  using the screwdriver blade  182  requires less torque and provides better combination stability. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 15 , which illustrates a further combination, generally designated  190 , comprising a screwdriver blade  192  and a threaded fastener  194 . The screwdriver blade  192  comprises a blunt transverse distal edge  196  with a T-shaped male projection, generally designated  198 , integral with and projecting therefrom in a distal direction. The T-shaped male projection comprises a stabilizing segment and includes two legs  200  and  202 , which are disposed perpendicular to each other. The proximally-directed dimension of leg  200  is illustrated as being smaller than the proximal dimension of the leg  202 . The T-shaped male stabilizing element  198  is located, sized and shaped so as to fit snugly into a stepped recess, generally designated  204 , exposed at the proximal edge of the head  50  of the threaded fastener  194 . The stepped recess  204  comprises a deep recess portion  206 , which is T-shaped and located, sized and shaped so as to snugly receive, as a female stabilizing recess, the T-shaped male stabilizer  198 . The recess  204  also comprises a shallow entry recess portion  204  in which the screwdriver blade  192  is snugly inserted such that distal edge  196  is contiguous with surface  210  of the shallow recess segment  208  and side edges  212  of the recess  208  are contiguous with side surfaces  214  of the screwdriver blade  192  during rotation of the fastener  194 . It is, therefore, clear that, in combination, the screwdriver head and the fastener head comprise contiguously matching male/female stabilizing segments and contiguously matching male/female torque-applying segment such that rotation of the fastener requires less torque and there is greater stability between the screwdriver blade  192  and the fastener  194  during such rotation. 
     Any screw or bolt fastener head regardless of its configuration can be configurated with a receiving hole or slot to receive a screwdriver or power bit with a head configurated with a stabilizer made to fit and inserted into the hole or slot of the fastener head to achieve more control using less power to drive the fastener. 
     Conversely, the screw or bolt head of any fastener no matter how configurated can be made with a stabilizer in the screw or bolt head to receive a driver with a hole or slot designed to fit over and be received by the stabilizer configurated into the head of the fastener. This allows any existing fastener to be modified in their configuration so as to significantly improve torque and control with the fastener. This includes the fastener configuration known as the Torax by Textron. 
     Thus the patent consists of two new and significant points: 1) The stabilizer designed into the head of the fastener or the head of the screwdriver of bit and; 2) The hole or slot designed into the head of a fastener or the head of a driver designed to receive the stabilizer. 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and are not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.