Abstract:
The screwdriver has a diametral ridge (14) and a cruciform elevation (20) which projects above the latter. The elevation (20) is formed by a longitudinal ridge (16) which prolongs the diametral ridge (14) and a transverse ridge (18) perpendicular to the longitudinal ridge (16). The magnitudes of the torques transmitted by the screwdriver to a screw are perfectly adapted to the cross-recess and diagonal recess. The torques are transmitted principally by the diametral ridge (14). The cruciform elevation (20) serves mainly for centering.
Abstract:
Fasteners, drivers, and fastener systems constructed wherein example fasteners have driver engageable surfaces on or within a shank tip of the fastener. Example embodiments are included where at least one of the installation and removal surfaces are configured to define a segment of a spiral. Some example embodiments are also included where the installation and removal drive surfaces intersect an enlarged core diameter in an inner transitional surface that extends between the installation and removal surfaces of adjacent wings. Embodiments include fasteners with installation and removal drive surfaces on or within a shank tip of fasteners.
Abstract:
A fastener system includes a fastener and a driver, each of which have three alternating lobes and troughs that define the drive surfaces. The three alternating lobes and troughs are each defined by an outer radius portion, a drive side transition, an inner transition radius, and a reverse drive portion. The fastener recess and the driver each also have a side wall defined by the outer transition radius that tapers at a taper angle relative to the rotational axis. The fastener side wall may taper at about 60. The driver side wall may taper at about 60. Alternatively, the driver side wall may taper at an angle at least 10 less than the taper angle of the recess side wall, such as 42. The drive side transition defines a drive angle which may be between 0 and 5.
Abstract:
A screw recess and driver combination that comprises the use of varying frustums of differing cones to provide driver/ recess contact faces that are elliptical.
Abstract:
A solid state tool system includes a first solid state tool, a second solid state tool, and a third solid state tool. In a first mode, the first solid state tool, the second solid state tool, and the third solid state tool are coupled to one another in a storage configuration. In a second mode, the first solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a third mode, the second solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a fourth mode, the third solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a fifth mode, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a first combination tool. In a sixth mode, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a second combination tool.
Abstract:
An interlock driving instrument is configured to be releasably lockable to a fastener, such as a bone anchor. A bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting an expandable distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and expanding the distal end within the driving opening by translating an expansion member into the expandable distal end. Alternatively, the bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting the distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and translating a sliding member along a sloped surface defined in a channel extending into the shaft.
Abstract:
A screw, tool and a system for driving a screw, comprising a screw and a corresponding tool, wherein the screw includes a screw head comprising a slot in the upper surface of the screw head, a tapered recess disposed downwardly of the slot in the screw, and wherein the tool comprises an upper engagement section which fits within the slot, and further being characterized by a lower engagement section shaped to extend into the tapered recess with a contact surface (30) of an external surface of the lower engagement section in an interference fit with the tapered recess when the upper engagement section is disposed within the slot, the contact surface having a shape which substantially matches any of a plurality of angular inclinations the surface of the tapered recess may have at the interference fit.
Abstract:
The invention provides a threaded fastener having a head (20) with a driving recess (22), the recess being of generally cruciform shape in cross-section transverse to the axis of the fastener to provide four driving segments (24) uniformly spaced around the axis of the fastener, each segment having a driven face extending axially for engagement by a corresponding driving face (8) of a driver (2) of complimentary form engageable within the recess, whereby when the driver of complimentary form is engaged within the recess (22) with driving ribs (4) of the driver located in the segments (24), the ribs of the driver will be wedged between the peripheral surfaces (26) of the diametrically opposed segments and the opposed driven and trailing faces (28, 30) of each segment. The design of the recess avoids "cam out" and wobbling of the driver. The invention also provides a driver of complimentary form to that of the recess.
Abstract:
A tool bit includes a hexagonal drive portion, a working end, and a shank interconnecting the drive portion and the working end. The shank includes an outer peripheral surface having a curvature in a plane including a central axis of the tool bit. The outer peripheral surface having the curvature includes a length in the direction of the central axis. A ratio of the length of the outer peripheral surface having the curvature to the length of the tool bit is between about 0.2: 1 and about 0.7: 1.