US3674070A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal screwdriver
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-06-02
•
Granted: 1972-07-04
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Expires: 1989-06-02
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure describes a hand tool having the ability to engage various types and sizes of screw fastener heads. The hand tool comprises a bundle of wires held in a generally tubular housing with one end of the bundle projecting slightly beyond the end of the housing. The other end of the bundle presses against a deformable cell located in the housing. A handle is attached to the other end of the housing. When the projecting wires are pressed against the head of a screw fastener, the wires deform about the head thereby making a replica mold of the surface of the screw fastener head. Lateral torque thereafter applied to the handle causes the deformed wires to transmit this torque to the screw causing it to rotate.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Mahoney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:43
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B15/00; B25B15/001; B25B13/00; B25B13/10; B25B13/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A universal screwdriver of the type used for rotating various screw-type fasteners and the like, comprising: a tubular housing, said tubular housing defining an elongated cavity having a centrally located axis extending longitudinally therein; a handle means attached to one end of said tubular housing for urging said tubular housing in a direction along said axis and for rotating said tubular housing about said axis; a homogeneous deformable cell having a uniform composition and being affixed in said elongated cavity; a plurality of wires held in the elongated cavity of said tubular housing such that inner ends of said wires contact the homogeneous deformable cell and outer ends of said wires extend away from said homogeneous deformable cell to a position adjacent the end of said housing remote from said handle, said plurality of wires forming a bundle in which each wire is in contact with other wires, said wires having freedom of movement within said elongated cavity, such that when the outer ends of said wires are twisted relative to said inner ends of said wires, a portion of said bundle expands within said tubular housing thereby causing intimate and forceful contact between said bundle and inner walls of said tubular housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A universal screwdriver of the type used for rotating various screw-type fasteners and the like, comprising: a tubular housing, said tubular housing defining an elongated cavity having a centrally located axis extending longitudinally therein; a handle means attached to one end of said tubular housing for urging said tubular housing in a direction along said axis and for rotating said tubular housing about said axis; a homogeneous deformable cell having a uniform composition and being affixed in said elongated cavity; a plurality of wires held in the elongated cavity of said tubular housing such that inner ends of said wires contact the homogeneous deformable cell and outer ends of said wires extend away from said homogeneous deformable cell to a position adjacent the end of said housing remote from said handle, said plurality of wires forming a bundle in which each wire is in contact with other wires, said wires having freedom of movement within said elongated cavity, such that when the outer ends of said wires are twisted relative to said inner ends of said wires, a portion of said bundle expands within said tubular housing thereby causing intimate and forceful contact between said bundle and inner walls of said tubular housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wires have round sectional shapes taken in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 2 wherein said elongated cavity defined by said tubular housing has a sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to said axis which is bounded by straight sides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 3 wherein said cavity''s sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to said axis is square.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 2 wherein said elongated cavity defined by said tubUlar housing has a round sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 5 wherein said homogeneous deformable cell is formed of a resilient material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 5 wherein said homogeneous deformable cell is formed of a plastic material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 1 wherein said wires have sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to said axis which are bounded by straight lines.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 8 wherein said wires'' sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to said axis are hexagonal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 9 wherein said elongated cavity defined by said tubular housing has a round sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A universal screwdriver as claimed in claim 10 wherein said homogeneous deformable cell is formed of a resilient material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |