TWI863595B - Fastener extractor and dislodging tool apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastener extractor and dislodging tool apparatus includes a torque-tool body, a threaded opening, a plurality of engagement features, and a release bolt. The plurality of engagement features that grips the lateral surface of the stripped fastener is radially positioned around a rotation axis of the torque-tool body. The plurality of engagement features being perimetrically connected around a base of the torque-tool body thus delineating a socket body that removes the stripped fastener. The threaded opening traverses through the base so that the release bolt can be threadedly engaged with the threaded opening, opposite of the plurality of engagement features. When the stripped fastener is jammed within the plurality of engagement features, the release bolt can be threadedly moved into the space between the plurality of engagement features thus dislodging the stripped fastener from the torque-tool body.

Description

Combination of fastener extraction tool and fastener extraction device

The present invention relates to various tools designed to extract or remove fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. In particular, the present invention relates to a combination of a fastener extraction tool and a fastener extraction device, wherein the fastener extraction tool can extract a broken fastener without slipping between the fastener and the broken fastener, and the fastener extraction device can extract the broken fastener from the fastener extraction tool.

Hexagonal bolts, nuts, screws, and other similar threaded devices are used to secure multiple workpieces together by engaging complementary threads, such as male or female threads. The construction of these types of fasteners generally has: a cylindrical shaft, an external thread on the surface of the shaft, and a head at one end of the shaft. The external thread is combined with a complementary female thread tapped in a hole or nut to secure the fastener and join the workpieces together. The head of the fastener receives an external torque. The head of the fastener is a means for rotating or driving the fastener into the female thread. The head of the fastener is made into a special shape to allow an external tool, such as a wrench, to apply torque to the fastener so that the fastener engages the female thread to a certain extent. These fasteners are simple, cheap, and effective, so they are commonly used in modern industry. One of the most common problems with these fasteners is that external tools, such as wrenches, can slip on the head of either male or female threaded fasteners. This problem is often caused by worn fasteners or tools, rust, over-tightening, or damage to the fastener head. There are various known methods for removing fasteners, some of which are more invasive than others. Once the head of the fastener is damaged, more invasive methods must be used to remove the clamped fastener. In this case, using an electric drill to dig out the fastener is a common method used by some users to remove the fastener. Although this method does work in some cases, it carries a high risk of damaging the internal threads of the screw hole.

The present invention provides a combination of a fastener extraction tool and a fastener extraction device that can effectively eliminate the possibility of slippage between the fastener and the removal tool. The present invention uses a series of keyway structures combined together to bite the head of the fastener and effectively transmit torque between the fastener extraction tool and the head of the fastener. The present invention also solves common problems of traditional bolt extraction tools, such as the problem of the fastener head or the fastener itself being attached or adhered to the fastener extraction tool. Furthermore, the present invention allows the user to use a fastener extraction device to easily extract the remaining material or the removed fastener from the fastener extraction tool.

In one embodiment, the fastener removal tool and fastener withdrawal device combination of the present invention comprises: a torque tool body, an opening with a thread, a plurality of coupling features, and an withdrawal bolt, wherein the plurality of coupling features are distributed around a rotation axis of the torque tool body; the plurality of coupling features are connected to the periphery of a base of the torque tool body; the opening with a thread passes through the base; the withdrawal bolt can be threaded into the opening with a thread and relative to the plurality of coupling features.

In one embodiment, the fastener removal tool and fastener withdrawal device combination of the present invention further comprises: an attachment portion and a coupling hole, wherein the center of the attachment portion is located at the rotation axis and the attachment portion is distributed along the rotation axis; the attachment portion is connected to the base of the torque tool body, and the attachment portion is opposite to a plurality of coupling features; the coupling hole passes through the attachment portion along the rotation axis.

In one embodiment, the withdrawal bolt of the present invention comprises: a base, a threaded rod, and a driving portion; wherein the base and the driving portion are opposite to each other with the threaded rod interposed therebetween; the base is concentrically connected to one end of the threaded rod; and the driving portion is concentrically connected to the other end of the threaded rod.

When using the present invention to remove a damaged/worn fastener, the user places the torque tool body around the damaged/worn fastener, allowing the plurality of engagement features to surround the damaged/worn fastener with a considerable length, and then applies a counterclockwise torque to the torque tool body to rotate and remove the damaged/worn fastener.

When the damaged/frictional fastener needs to be withdrawn from the multiple engagement features, the user engages the threaded rod with the threaded opening so that the base is located within the multiple engagement features. Then, the user applies appropriate clockwise or counterclockwise torque to the withdrawal bolt via the driver, and converts the rotational force into linear force until the damaged/frictional fastener is released from the multiple engagement features.

1: Torque tool body

10: Arbitrary combination of features

11: Adjacent binding characteristics

12: Remove the bolts

13: Base

14: Threaded rod

15: Drive unit

16: Attachment

17: Binding hole

2: Rotation axis

3: Base

31: Bottom surface of the attachment part

32: Top surface of the torque tool body

4: Opening with thread

5: Combination characteristics

6: The first tilt zone

7: Curved part

8: Second tilt zone

81: Nearby area

82: Remote Area

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a torque tool body, a plurality of coupling features, and a withdrawal bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the bottom surface of a torque tool body and an attachment element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a torque tool body and a plurality of combined features according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the details are shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows details of a plurality of combined features according to an embodiment of the present invention within region A of FIG. 3 .

FIG5 is a side view showing a torque tool body according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a cross section taken along line AA is shown in FIG6.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the torque tool body taken along line AA of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a withdrawal bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG8 is a cross-sectional view showing a torque tool body, a plurality of coupling features, and a withdrawal bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing a torque tool body and a plurality of combined features according to a first other embodiment of the present invention, and details thereof are shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 10 shows details of a plurality of combined features according to the first other embodiment of the present invention within region A of FIG. 9 , while details within region B are shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 11 shows details of a plurality of combined features within region B of FIG. 10 according to the first other embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a torque tool body and a plurality of combined features according to a second other embodiment of the present invention.

First of all, it should be specially pointed out that the diagrams used in this manual are only used to illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by these diagrams.

The present invention relates to the art of a fastener extraction tool and fastener extraction tool accessories. The present invention discloses a combination of a fastener extraction tool and a fastener extraction device. Removing damaged or worn fasteners from a fastener extraction tool is a difficult task. The present invention solves this problem by disclosing an extraction device, wherein the extraction device is selectively combined with the extraction tool. The extraction device is specially designed to assist the user in removing any damaged or worn fasteners that have been clamped on the fastener extraction tool. Furthermore, the present invention is compatible with positive elements of fasteners. Fasteners using positive elements, also known as positive fasteners, use the outer side of the fastener head as the coupling location with the locking or loosening tool, such as hexagonal bolts and nuts. An example of a positive fastener is a bolt with a hexagonal head. Furthermore, the present invention is compatible with male fasteners having right-hand threads and male fasteners having left-hand threads.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 8. The present invention includes: a torque tool body 1, an opening 4 with a thread, a plurality of coupling features 5, and a withdrawal bolt 12. The torque tool body 1 applies relevant forces to the fastener head through the plurality of coupling features 5. In terms of male fasteners, the torque tool body 1 is a tubular protrusion whose size allows it to cover the male fastener in an interlocking manner, just like a known wrench socket. The length, width, and diameter of the torque tool body 1 can be designed to fit male fasteners of various sizes. The plurality of coupling features 5 can prevent the fastener from sliding when removing the fastener, and are distributed around a rotating axis 2 of the torque tool body 1, as shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, a plurality of engagement features 5 are connected around a base 3 of the torque tool body 1 to engage the side surface of the fastener head. By preventing slippage between the torque tool body 1 and the fastener head, the plurality of engagement features 5 can transmit torque to the male fastener. A threaded opening 4 passes through the base 3, which serves as an attachment feature for the withdrawal bolt 12. Furthermore, the withdrawal bolt 12 is threaded into the threaded opening 4 and is relative to the plurality of engagement features 5. Therefore, when the damaged/worn fastener is removed and plugs the plurality of engagement features 5, the withdrawal bolt 12 can push or withdraw the damaged/worn fastener from the plurality of engagement features 5.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. The torque tool body 1 extends outward from a plurality of coupling features 5. This creates a socket-like structure in which a plurality of coupling features 5 are distributed around the rotation axis 2 on the inner surface of the torque tool body 1, just like a known wrench socket. Furthermore, a wrench handle can be connected to the outer side of the torque tool body 1 through a wrench handle attachment. With respect to both the wrench socket and the wrench handle attachment, each of the plurality of coupling features 5 extends a specific length along the torque tool body 1, thereby defining an internal space in the torque tool body 1. This internal space serves as a receiving cavity for the fastener head, and the plurality of coupling features 5 can engage the side surface of the fastener head.

Conventional socket wrenches transfer most of the torque to the male fastener via the ridges on the side of the fastener head. Over time, the degradation of the side ridges reduces the efficiency of transferring torque from the socket wrench to the fastener head and causes slippage. The present invention solves the above problem by shifting the torque transfer point to the side of the fastener head. This is achieved by using a plurality of engagement features 5. Each of the plurality of engagement features 5 is positioned to engage or bite the side of the fastener head, rather than the side ridges. In this way, the appropriate amount of torque can be transferred to the fastener head, causing the fastener to rotate and ultimately remove the damaged/worn fastener.

Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of each of the plurality of coupling features 5 includes: a first inclined area 6, a curved portion 7, and a second inclined area 8. In detail, the first inclined area 6 is connected to one end of the curved portion 7; the second inclined area 8 is connected to the other end of the curved portion 7; the first inclined area 6 and the second inclined area 8 are opposite to each other across the curved portion 7. Therefore, a bite edge is formed between a pair of coupling features 5 or within a coupling feature 5. In this way, when removing a damaged/worn fastener, the bite edge can cut into the fastener head. A top surface 32 of the torque tool body 1 is located between the outer surface of the base 3 and the plurality of coupling features 5, wherein the top surface 32 is a plane. There is a transition edge between the top surface 32 of the base 3 and the plurality of coupling features 5, wherein the transition edge is a chamfered edge or a curved edge, and the transition edge faces the threaded opening 4. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first inclined region 6 and the second inclined region 8 are collinear or concave inwardly, so that the first inclined region 6 and the second inclined region 8 form a sharp angle with the curved portion 7.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of coupling features 5 are equidistantly distributed on the torque tool body 1 to form a closed shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the present invention, the lengths of the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can be changed; the angles between the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can also be changed to form a sharp tooth-like structure. In order to plan this closed shape, an arbitrary coupling feature 10 and an adjacent coupling feature 11 are defined within the plurality of coupling features 5. The arbitrary coupling feature 10 is any one of the plurality of coupling features 5, and the adjacent coupling feature 11 is directly adjacent to the arbitrary coupling feature 10. In more detail, the first inclined region 6 of any coupling feature 10 is connected to the second inclined region 8 of the adjacent coupling feature 11 at a blunt angle. In other words, the angle between the adjacent first inclined region 6 and the second inclined region 8 is a blunt angle, thereby defining the shape of the biting edge. As described above, the present invention can be designed to adapt to the shapes of various fastener heads. This can be achieved by changing the number of the plurality of coupling features 5. The number of the plurality of coupling features 5 generally corresponds to the number of sides of the fastener head. For example, a pentagonal fastener head has five sides. The user must use an embodiment of the present invention having five coupling features 5 to remove a male fastener having a fastener head with five sides. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of the plurality of combined features 5 can be 18, 12, 6, or 4.

Please refer to Figures 9 to 11. In a first other embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of each of the plurality of combined features 5 includes: a first inclined area 6, a curved portion 7, and a second inclined area 8; the second inclined area 8 further includes a near area 81 and a far area 82. In more detail, the first inclined area 6 is connected to one end of the curved portion 7; one end of the near area 81 of the second inclined area 8 is connected to the other end of the curved portion 7; the first inclined area 6 and the near area 81 of the second inclined area 8 are opposite to each other across the curved portion 7; the far area 82 of the second inclined area 8 is connected to the other end of the near area 81 of the second inclined area 8 and is opposite to the curved portion 7. Thus, a bite edge is formed between the near area 81 of the second inclined area 8 and the far area 82 of the second inclined area 8. In this way, when removing the damaged/worn fastener, the bite edge can cut into the fastener head. Moreover, the angle between the near area 81 of the second inclined area 8 and the far area 82 of the second inclined area 8 is a blunt angle, and the shape of the bite edge is defined by this.

In a first other embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of coupling features 5 are equidistantly distributed on the torque tool body 1 to form a closed shape as shown in Figures 9 to 11. In this embodiment, the lengths of the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can be changed; the angles between the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can also be changed to form a sharp tooth-like structure. In order to plan this closed shape, an arbitrary coupling feature 10 and an adjacent coupling feature 11 are defined within the plurality of coupling features 5. The arbitrary coupling feature 10 is any one of the plurality of coupling features 5, and the adjacent coupling feature 11 is directly adjacent to the arbitrary coupling feature 10. In more detail, when the near region 81 and the far region 82 are adjacent to each other and are at a blunt angle relative to the adjacent bonding feature 11, the first inclined region 6 of any bonding feature 10 is connected to the far region 82 of the adjacent bonding feature 11 at a right angle.

In some embodiments of the first other embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the first inclined zone 6 and the distal zone 82 is equal to the angle between the distal zone 82 and the near zone 81, wherein the distal zone 82 is distributed along the side surface of the fastener head. Furthermore, the first inclined zone 6, the distal zone 82, and the near zone 81 define a trapezoidal shape.

Please refer to FIG. 12. In the second other embodiment of the present invention, the cross section of each of the plurality of combined features 5 includes: a first inclined area 6, a curved portion 7, and a second inclined area 8. The curved portion 7 further includes: a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area. In more detail, the first area is adjacent to the second area; the third area is adjacent to the second area and is opposite to the first area; the fourth area is adjacent to the third area and is opposite to the second area. Therefore, one end of the first inclined area 6 is connected to the first area; one end of the second inclined area 8 is connected to the fourth area, wherein the first inclined area 6 and the second inclined area 8 are opposite to each other across the curved portion 7. Furthermore, the first inclined area 6 and the second inclined area 8 are arranged in a straight line with each other, and the curved portion 7 protrudes toward the rotation axis 2. Therefore, a bite edge is formed on the curved portion 7. In this way, when removing the damaged/worn fastener, the bite edge can cut into the fastener head. Furthermore, the first area, the second area, the third area, and the fourth area can be designed as a plurality of straight areas, a plurality of curved areas, or a combination of straight areas and curved areas.

Furthermore, in a second other embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of coupling features 5 are arranged equidistantly on the torque tool body 1 to form a closed shape as shown in FIG. 12 . The lengths of the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can be changed; the angles between the first inclined region 6, the curved portion 7, and the second inclined region 8 can also be changed to form a sharp tooth-like structure. In order to plan this closed shape, an arbitrary coupling feature 10 and an adjacent coupling feature 11 are defined within the plurality of coupling features 5. The arbitrary coupling feature 10 is any one of the plurality of coupling features 5, and the adjacent coupling feature 11 is directly adjacent to the arbitrary coupling feature 10. In more detail, the first inclined region 6 of any joining feature 10 is connected to the second inclined region 8 of the adjacent joining feature 11 at a blunt angle. In other words, the angle between the adjacent first inclined region 6 and second inclined region 8 is a blunt angle, and defines the connection point between a pair of joining features 5 as a bite edge within the bend 7.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of bonding features 5 may taper gradually from the top surface 32 toward the threaded opening 4, wherein the diameter of the plurality of bonding features 5 adjacent to the threaded opening 4 is smaller than the diameter of the plurality of bonding features 5 adjacent to the receiving cavity or adjacent to the top surface 32.

The present invention also includes an attachment feature that allows an external torque tool to be attached to the torque tool body 1 to increase the torque applied to the damaged/worn fastener. Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. The present invention further includes: an attachment portion 16 and a coupling hole 17, which allow an external tool to be attached to the torque tool body 1, such as an open-end wrench, a closed-end wrench, a combination wrench, an adjustable wrench, or a socket wrench. The center of the attachment portion 16 is located on the rotation axis 2, and the attachment portion 16 is distributed along the rotation axis 2 to allow the rotation axis of the torque tool to align with the rotation axis 2. Furthermore, the attachment portion 16 is connected to the base 3 of the torque tool body 1 and is relative to the plurality of coupling features 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment portion 16 has a hexagonal structure; the diameter of the attachment portion 16 is slightly larger than the diameter of the base portion 3 of the torque tool body 1 . However, depending on the size, manufacturing method and design of the base, the diameter of the attachment portion 16 may be smaller than the diameter of the base 3 . The coupling hole 17 passes through the attachment portion 16 along the rotation axis 2 . The coupling hole 17 is shaped to accept the male attachment element of a socket wrench. Since most socket wrenches use a square male attachment element, the shape of the coupling hole 17 is preferably square. In other embodiments of the present invention, the design and shape of the attachment portion 16 and the combination hole 17 can be changed to adapt to different torque tools and different attachment means. For example, the shape of the coupling hole 17 may be, but is not limited to, square or cylindrical. In other embodiments of the present invention, the outer surface of the attachment portion 16 can be subjected to surface grip treatment, such as knurling or other treatment, to increase the friction between the torque tool body 1 and any driving embodiment.

Please refer to Figures 2 and 6. A bottom surface 31 of the attachment portion 16 is gradually inclined from the coupling hole 17, so that the plurality of coupling features 5 can be hammered into the damaged/worn fastener without damaging the coupling hole 17. In other words, the height of the attachment portion 16 near the coupling hole 17 is slightly greater than the height of the attachment portion 16 near the outer surface, so that the bottom surface 31 is gradually inclined from the coupling hole 17.

Please refer to FIG. 7. The withdrawal bolt 12 for withdrawing a damaged/frictional fastener comprises: a base portion 13, a threaded shaft portion 14, and a driving portion 15. In more detail, the base portion 13 and the driving portion 15 are opposite to each other across the threaded shaft portion 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the threaded shaft portion 14 may be circular. The base portion 13, the threaded shaft portion 14, and the driving portion 15 are coaxially arranged with each other, so that the base portion 13 is concentrically connected to one end of the threaded shaft portion 14, and the driving portion 15 is concentrically connected to the other end of the threaded shaft portion 14. Furthermore, a hole can be inserted into the side of the driving portion 15, so that a torque application rod can be combined with the hole to apply torque to the withdrawal bolt 12 when the withdrawal bolt 12 is combined with the combination hole 17. This hole can be of any shape, including: circular, square, or any other geometric shape.

In order to achieve the engagement between the threaded opening 4 and the withdrawal bolt 12, the threaded rod 14 is designed to match the receiving thread (female thread) of the threaded opening 4. When the damaged/worn fastener needs to be withdrawn, the threaded rod 14 is engaged with the threaded opening 4. Then, the base 13 is located within the plurality of engagement features 5, and the drive portion 15 is located away from the torque tool body 1. The user can apply appropriate clockwise or counterclockwise torque to the withdrawal bolt 12 through the drive portion 15, and convert the rotational force into a linear force until the damaged/worn fastener is released from the socket. Due to the position of the base 13 within the plurality of bonding features 5, applying linear force can cause the base 13 to contact and push out a broken/worn fastener. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving portion 15 has a hexagonal configuration. In other embodiments of the present invention, the driving part 15 may be, but is not limited to, a square configuration, a circular configuration, or other configurations that may be adapted to different socket wrenches or similar tools that apply rotational force. The base portion 13 can be made into a cylindrical structure, a square structure, a hexagonal structure, or other structures desired by the user/manufacturer. The threaded shank 14 may be any shaped shank configuration, which may be, but is not limited to, a semi-circular configuration, a semi-square configuration, or any other geometric shank configuration for which male threads may be used.

In order to use the present invention to remove a damaged/worn fastener, place the torque tool body 1 around the damaged/worn fastener so that the plurality of engagement features surround the damaged/worn fastener with a considerable length. The user applies a counterclockwise torque to the torque tool body 1 to rotate and remove the damaged/worn fastener. When the torque is applied to the torque tool body 1, the plurality of engagement features 5 will "bite into" the side of the fastener head and rotate the fastener. The present invention is designed to partially or completely engage the worn fastener head. Each of the plurality of engagement features 5 of the present invention has a bite edge. By means of the plurality of engagement features 5, the present invention can overcome the problem of fastener head sliding.

The present invention has been described above with examples. However, it should be understood that modifications or changes to these examples are still within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of application of the present invention.

1: Torque tool body

5: Combination characteristics

12: Remove the bolts

16: Attachment

32: Top surface of the torque tool body

Claims (7)

A combination of a fastener extraction tool and a fastener extraction device, comprising: a torque tool body; an opening with a thread; a plurality of coupling features; and an extraction bolt, wherein the plurality of coupling features are distributed around a rotation axis of the torque tool body; the plurality of coupling features are connected to the periphery of a base of the torque tool body; the torque tool body extends outward from a cross-section of the plurality of coupling features; the plurality of coupling features are directed from the top surface toward the opening with a thread and pass through the base; the plurality of coupling features are configured to be coupled with a fastener head simultaneously from the top surface toward the opening with a thread; The number of the plurality of coupling features is six; the threaded opening passes through the base; the withdrawal bolt is threadedly engaged with the threaded opening and is opposite to the plurality of coupling features; the withdrawal bolt comprises: a base, a threaded rod and a driving portion; the base and the driving portion are opposite to each other across the threaded rod; the base is concentrically connected to the threaded rod; the driving portion is concentrically connected to the other end of the threaded rod; the threaded rod is coupled to the threaded opening; the base is located adjacent to the plurality of coupling features; the driving portion is located away from the torque tool body. A combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener ejection device as described in Item 1 of the application scope, wherein the cross-section of each of the plurality of combined features comprises: a first inclined region, a curved portion, and a second inclined region; the first inclined region is connected to one end of the curved portion; the second inclined region is connected to the other end of the curved portion; the first inclined region and the second inclined region are opposite to each other across the curved portion. A combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener withdrawal device as described in Item 2 of the application scope, wherein the plurality of combined features include: an arbitrary combined feature and an adjacent combined feature; the first inclined region of the arbitrary combined feature is connected to the second inclined region of the adjacent combined feature with a blunt angle. The combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener withdrawal device as described in Item 1 of the application scope further comprises: an attachment portion and a coupling hole, wherein the center of the attachment portion is located at the rotation axis and the attachment portion is distributed along the rotation axis; the attachment portion is connected to the base of the torque tool body, and the attachment portion is opposite to the plurality of coupling features; the coupling hole passes through the attachment portion along the rotation axis. A combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener ejection device as described in Item 1 of the application scope, wherein the driving portion is hexagonal. A combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener ejection device as described in Item 1 of the application scope, wherein the driving portion is square. A combination of a fastener removal tool and a fastener ejection device as described in Item 1 of the application scope, wherein the driving portion is circular.

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