Patent ID: 8220366

Claim:
A self-centering drive device for use with a driving mechanism having a drive shaft, comprising: a socket member having a fastener engaging portion located at a distal end thereof and a coupling portion located at a proximal end thereof; a coupler with a tapered internal cavity, the cavity designed to receive a portion of the proximal end of the socket member and having a non-circular cross-section that tapers inward along a proximal to distal direction; a sliding lock body having a cavity for non-rotatably receiving a corresponding section of the coupling portion of the socket member, and an exterior that substantially corresponds in shape to the cavity in the coupler; a retaining clip for engaging a groove in the coupling portion of the socket member, said retaining clip for securing the sliding lock body on the socket member; and a spring for installation into the cavity in said coupler so as to bias the socket member and sliding lock body toward a distal end of the coupler when the self-centering drive device is installed to a driving mechanism; wherein, in a normal state, the socket member and coupler are substantially aligned about a central axis; and wherein, in a released state, the socket member is freely angularly displaceable from the central axis.