Patent Publication Number: US-10786890-B2

Title: Anti-slip torque tool

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/531,828 filed on Jul. 12, 2017. The current application also claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/639,619 filed on Mar. 7, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to tools designed for tightening or loosening fasteners, in particular bolts and nuts. More specifically, the present invention is an anti-slip torque tool designed to engaged bolts, nuts, and other similar fasteners with little chance of slippage through two sets of engagement teeth. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hex bolts, nuts, screws, and other similar threaded devices are used to secure and hold multiple parts together by being engaged to a complimentary thread, known as a female thread. The general structure of these types of fasteners is a cylindrical shaft with an external thread and a head at one end of the shaft. The external thread engages a complimentary female thread tapped into a hole or a nut and secures the fastener in place, binding the associated components together. The head is the means by which the fastener is turned, or driven, into the female threading. The head is shaped specifically to allow an external tool like a wrench to apply a torque to the fastener in order to rotate the fastener and engage the complimentary female threading to a certain degree. This type of fastener is simple, extremely effective, cheap, and highly popular in modern construction. 
     One of the most common problems in using these types of fasteners, whether male or female, is the tool slipping in the head portion, or slipping on the head portion. This is generally caused by either a worn fastener or tool, corrosion, overtightening, and damage to the head portion of the fastener. The present invention is a wrench or wrench socket design that virtually eliminates slippage. The present invention uses a plurality of recessed regions in the internal sidewalls of the socket in order to ensure that significant contact is made between the tool and the head portion. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for the common bolt extractors as they require unnecessary drilling and tools. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top enlarged view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view taken about circle A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is detailed view taken about oval B-B in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  detailed view taken about oval C-C in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is detailed view taken about circle D-D in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top enlarged view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is an anti-slip torque tool used to tighten or loosen any fastener such as a nut or bolt. Traditional wrench and wrench socket designs transfer the majority of the torque to the fastener through the lateral corners of the fastener head. Over time, the degradation of the lateral corners reduces the efficiency of transferring torque from the wrench to the fastener head and, as a result, causes slippage. The present invention overcomes this problem through the use of grooves integrated into the lateral surfaces of the torque tool which provide an additional biting point for the fastener head, regardless of the wear and tear of the fastener head. 
     The present invention utilizes sets of teeth to engage the corners of the fastener head, damaged or otherwise, in order to efficiently apply torque onto the fastener. The sets of teeth allow an improved grip to be applied on to the fastener head by a torque tool. The present invention may be integrated into or utilized by a variety of general tools to increase the torque force applied to a fastener. General tools include, but are not limited to, open-end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, socket wrenches, plumber wrench, and other similar fastener engaging tools. The present invention is compatible with male-member based head designs of fasteners. Fasteners which utilize a male-member head design, also known as male fasteners, use the external lateral surface of the fastener head to engage a tool for tightening or loosening, such fasteners include hex bolts and nuts. In addition, the present invention is compatible with fasteners of a right-hand thread and fasteners of a left-hand thread. Furthermore, the present invention may be altered and configured to fit different types and different sizes of fasteners. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1 , the present invention comprises a wrench torque-tool body  1  and an at least one engagement element  16 . The wrench torque-tool body  1  is used as a physical structure to apply torque onto the fastener head. In particular, the wrench torque-tool body  1  is a tubular extrusion sized to fit over the male fastener in an interlocking manner, essentially a wrench socket. The wrench torque-tool body  1  comprises a plurality of internal sidewalls  2 , a first base  13 , and a second base  14 . The length, width, and diameter of the wrench torque-tool body  1  may vary to fit different sized fasteners. The plurality of internal sidewalls  2  delineates a fastener-receiving cavity that is shaped complimentary to the fastener being engaged. In particular, the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is radially distributed about the wrench torque-tool body  1 . Additionally, each of the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  comprises a first lateral edge  3 , a second lateral edge  4 , and a bracing surface  5 . 
     The engagement element  16  prevents slippage between the wrench torque-tool body  1  and the fastener head. In general, the engagement element  16  is a tooth-like feature that is laterally integrated into a specific sidewall  6  from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 , wherein the specific sidewall  6  denotes any from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 . Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the engagement element  16  comprises a first pair of grooves  17  and a second pair of grooves  18 . The first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  are positioned offset from each other along the bracing surface  5  of the specific sidewall  6  to delineate an engagement tooth in between thereof. More specifically, the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  each comprise a primary cavity  19  and a secondary cavity  22 . The primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  each traverse normal and into the bracing surface  5  of the specific sidewall  6 . Additionally, the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  each traverse into the wrench torque-tool body  1  from the first base  13  to the second base  14 , thus ensuring that the engagement tooth is extends along the pivot axis  15  of the wrench torque-tool body  1 . 
     The present invention is designed to provide a multitude of gripping points in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. For the most efficient gripping action and symmetrical design, the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  are preferably centrally positioned in between the first lateral edge  3  and the second lateral edge  4  of the specific sidewall  6 . Although, alternative positioning for the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  may be implemented as well. Additionally, the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  are oriented towards each other; more specifically, the primary cavity  19  from the first pair of grooves  17  is positioned adjacent to the primary cavity  19  from the second pair of grooves  18  as seen in  FIG. 3 . Resultantly, the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  mirror each other about a sagittal plane of the bracing surface  5  of the specific sidewall  6 . This creates a symmetrical engagement tooth that is capable of providing gripping action to the fastener head in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  are designed with minimum stress points. More specifically, an entire cross-section  21  of the primary cavity  19  is preferably a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge  3  to the second lateral edge  4  of the specific sidewall  6 . Similarly, an entire cross-section  24  of the secondary cavity  22  is preferably a partially circular profile; wherein the partially circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge  3  to the second lateral edge  4  of the specific sidewall  6 . Resultantly, the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  each have minimum number of possible high stress points, thus increasing the durability and life of the present invention. The depth, size, location, orientation, and curvature of the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  are subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18  are designed to provide significant gripping action and further comprise a first gripping point and a second gripping point. The first gripping point and the second gripping point are formed by the configuration and location of the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22 . First, a depth  23  of the secondary cavity  22  is greater than a depth  20  of the primary cavity  19 . Second, the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  partially intersect each other. The first gripping point is formed at the intersecting portion in between the secondary cavity  22  and the primary cavity  19 . Specifically, the first gripping point is an intersection point  161  that is not collinear with the bracing surface  5  of the specific sidewall  6 . The second gripping point is formed by the primary cavity  19  and the specific sidewall  6 , the engagement tooth specifically. The second gripping point is, more specifically, positioned opposite the first gripping point, across the primary cavity  19 . Resultantly, three different contact points are used to transfer torque to the fastener head depending on the wear and tear of the fastener head. If the fastener head is not stripped, then the bracing surface  5  of the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  apply the torque force. If the fastener head is partially stripped, then an engaging corner of the fastener head will slip past the specific sidewall  6  and fall into the secondary cavity  22  of the first pair of grooves  17  and engage the first gripping point of the first pair of grooves  17 . An identical process will occur if the engaging corner engages the second pair of grooves  18 . 
     If the fastener head is significantly stripped, then the engaging corner will slip past the specific sidewall  6  and the first gripping point to be pushed against the second gripping point of the first pair of grooves  17 . An identical process will occur if the engaging corner engages the second pair of grooves  18  instead. The engaging corner is a specific corner of the fastener head that is closest to either the first pair of grooves  17  or the second pair of grooves  18 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to  FIG. 2 , the engagement element  16  further comprises a set of primary serrations  25 . Each within the set of primary serrations  25  is a tooth feature designed to provide an additional gripping point. The size, depths, design, and number within the set of primary serrations  25  is subject to change. The set of primary serrations  25  extends in between the first pair of grooves  17  and the first lateral edge  3  of the specific sidewall  6 ; in particular the set of primary serrations  25  is a multitude of teeth that are serially distributed from the first lateral edge  3  of the specific sidewall  6  to the first pair of grooves  17 . The set of primary serrations  25  is laterally integrated into the bracing surface  5  of the specific sidewall  6 ; and, additionally, each within the set of primary serrations  25  extends from the first base  13  to the second base  14  to ensure adequate surface contact between the set of primary serrations  25  and the fastener head. This embodiment is designed for clockwise rotation. 
     The plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is designed to further facilitate the engagement between the fastener head and the engagement element  16 . More specifically, the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  comprises an arbitrary sidewall  10  and an adjacent sidewall  11 ; wherein the arbitrary sidewall  10  denotes any from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 . The arbitrary sidewall  10  is adjacently adjoined to the adjacent sidewall  11  by a curved corner. Resultantly, corners formed within the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  are curved to a certain degree, the degree is subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user. At the extreme, the curved corners are implemented as a semi-circular hole traversing into and along the wrench torque-tool body  1  as seen in  FIG. 1 . Another feature which promotes the engagement between the fastener head and the engagement element  16  is the curvature of each of the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 . More specifically, referring to  FIG. 9 , an entire cross-section  12  for each of the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is preferably a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially-circular profile is convex along a direction from the first lateral edge  3  to the second lateral edge  4 . This positions the engagement points of the engagement element  16  closer to the pivot axis  15 , and thus closer to the sides of the fastener head. 
     One particular embodiment of the present invention, referring to  FIG. 1 , is an open-end wrench with multiple gripping features. Referring to  FIG. 5 , this particular embodiment comprises the wrench torque-tool body  1 , the engagement element  16 , the fastener-receiving hole  30 , a wrench handle  29 , and a set of secondary serrations  26 . In this embodiment, the engagement element  16  comprises the set of primary serrations  25  as well. The set of secondary serrations  26  provide additional gripping points. In particular, the set of secondary serrations  26  is positioned adjacent to an opposing sidewall  7  form the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 ; wherein the opposing sidewall  7  is positioned parallel and opposite to the specific sidewall  6 , across the wrench torque-tool body  1 . Additionally, the set of secondary serrations  26  is laterally integrated into the bracing surface  5  of the opposing sidewall  7  with each within the set of secondary serrations  26  extending from the first base  13  to the second base  14 . This provides gripping points to either side of the fastener head. Furthermore, the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is specifically curved in this embodiment for maximum clearance and engagement. In particular, an intermediate sidewall  8  from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is perpendicularly positioned in between the specific sidewall  6  and the opposing sidewall  7 . The intermediate sidewall  8  is concave shaped to provide clearance for the fastener head and to increase the chances for the fastener head to engage the engagement element  16 . More specifically, referring to  FIG. 4 , an entire cross-section  9  of the intermediate sidewall  8  is a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially-circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge  3  to the second lateral edge  4  of the intermediate sidewall  8 . Furthermore, the specific sidewall  6  and the opposing sidewall  7  may be convex curved, as described above, to additionally position the engagement element  16  close to the pivot axis  15  as seen in  FIG. 5 . 
     The wrench handle  29  is externally and laterally connected to the wrench torque-tool body  1  and acts as a lever arm to substantially increase the torque force applied to the fastener. The length of the wrench handle  29  may vary depending on the torque force required to remove the fastener; a longer wrench handle  29  produces a greater torque force and vice versa. Furthermore, the general shape, design, and material composition of the wrench handle  29  may also vary to accommodate the needs of the user. For example, the wrench handle  29  may be padded at various regions to alter the handling characteristics of the tool to increase ease of use and comfort for the user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one engagement element  16  comprises a plurality of engagement elements  16 . This provides additional gripping action to the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the plurality of engagement elements  16  is radially distributed about the pivot axis  15  with each of the plurality of engagement elements  16  being laterally integrated into a corresponding sidewall from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 . The number within the plurality of engagement elements  16  to the number within the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  is subject to change. In one embodiment the plurality of engagement elements  16  equals the plurality of internal sidewalls  2 . In another embodiment, the plurality of engagement elements  16  is distributed amongst every other from the plurality of internal sidewalls  2  as seen in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein each within the plurality of engagement elements  16  comprises the set of primary serrations  25 . 
     The present invention also incorporates an attachment feature which allows an external torque tool to attach to the wrench torque-tool body  1  and increase the torque force applied to the fastener. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the present invention comprises an attachment body  27  and an engagement bore  28  that allow an external tool such as a socket wrench to be attached to the wrench torque-tool body  1 . The attachment body  27  is centrally positioned around and along the pivot axis  15  in order to align with the axis wrench torque-tool body  1  as seen in  FIG. 6 . The attachment body  27  is preferably of a cylindrical design with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wrench torque-tool body  1 . The engagement bore  28  traverses into the attachment body  27  along the pivot axis  15 , opposite the wrench torque-tool body  1 . The engagement bore  28  is shaped to receive a male attachment member of a socket wrench; the preferred shape is square as the majority of socket wrenches utilize a square attachment member. In alternative embodiments, the shape and design of the engagement bore  28  and the attachment body  27  may vary to be adaptable to different torque tools and different attachment means. In one embodiment, only the attachment body  27  is utilized; wherein the attachment body  27  is shaped to fit within an external wrench. In particular, the attachment body  27  is hexagonal shaped for example, although other geometric shapes may also be utilized. 
     The wrench version of the present invention may be further implemented as an open-wrench embodiment wherein the present invention further comprises a fastener-receiving hole  30 . The fastener-receiving hole  30  allows the present invention to engage the fastener head laterally, similar to traditional open-end wrenches, as seen in  FIG. 1 . In particular, the fastener-receiving hole  30  traverses through the wrench torque-tool body  1 , perpendicular to the pivot axis  15 . Additionally, the fastener-receiving hole  30  is preferably positioned opposite the wrench handle  29 , across the wrench torque-tool body  1 . In relation to the engagement element  16 , the fastener-receiving hole  30  is oriented parallel to the specific sidewall  6 . 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary cavity  19  and the secondary cavity  22  overlap each other to yield one continuous cavity. This provides a larger receiving space for the corners of the fastener head, ideal for severely damaged fastener heads. In this embodiment the set of primary serrations  25  is positioned in between the first pair of grooves  17  and the second pair of grooves  18 , thus ensuring adequate grip in between the fastener head and the present invention. In particular, the set of primary serrations  25  extends from the first pair of grooves  17  to the second pair of grooves  18 . It is preferred for this embodiment, that the present invention is an open-end wrench implementation with the addition of the set of secondary serrations  26 , as described above. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.