Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Plural pivoted jaws and handle-lever
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-10
2003-08-19
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Plural pivoted jaws and handle-lever
C081S125000, C081S467000, C279S046100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06606924
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to tools for preventing the unintentional dropping of machine parts and, more particularly, to a fastener starter tool and a related method for starting the installation of fasteners without dropping fastener parts.
A basic problem that occurs during installation and removal of small hardware parts (e.g., screws, washers, nuts, bolts, spacers, etc) is the accidental, or unintentional, dropping of the small hardware parts, which may become lost. The problem of dropping small parts appears to occur more frequently when small parts are installed by hand. This problem may occur in all facets of aviation and aerospace processing, including commercial aviation, where there may be a high potential for small parts to be dropped during installation and removal inside flight hardware. If small parts are dropped within or in close proximity to elements of flight hardware, the small parts may not be recoverable, thereby increasing the probability of damage to the flight hardware during processing or flight. For example, damage may be produced as a result of lost and unrecovered small parts becoming projectiles.
In the space program, such lost and unrecovered small parts contribute to a problem referred to as “foreign object debris.” For example, in the space program, the lost and unrecovered small parts, or foreign object debris, may damage the spacecraft and produce catastrophic consequences including loss of mission, crew, and spacecraft. Because of safety concerns arising out of the problem of foreign object debris, delays may occur to search for missing parts, and collateral damage may occur when retrieving parts. In the space program, significant amounts of time may be spent in locating lost or dropped parts that impacts schedules and continues to cause problems for spacecraft processing. The problem of damage from foreign object debris may occur in all facets of aviation and aerospace processing, including commercial aviation where a significant percentage of in-flight incidents have been attributed to loss of small parts. Thus, prevention of foreign object debris is crucial, and the reduction of dropped parts is a critical element in the prevention of foreign object debris.
No satisfactory method or tool has existed to prevent dropping small hardware parts. Although methods to catch small parts, i.e., nets, have been developed, they are not completely effective in preventing foreign object debris. Some other prior techniques to prevent small parts from being dropped during installation include placing a thick lubricant or sticky substance in a socket to hold bolts or nuts. Some currently used devices include screw starters designed to hold a flat or Phillips head screw and, in some cases, a screw and washer. No other devices or methods currently exist to firmly hold, regardless of orientation, a single washer, spacer, bolt, nut, or combination of these parts and prevent the loss of the part or combination of parts during installation.
Furthermore, there are some constraints and requirements that are unique to the processing of space flight hardware. For example, a tool is needed that has the capability to be cleaned so that it is acceptable for use in a clean room environment. A reliable tool is needed that is non-shatterable and does not create foreign object debris, i.e., shard or exfoliation particles, during use. A tool is needed that does not have any magnetic properties, produce electrostatic discharge, or off-gas. A tool is needed that may be used in areas where fire or explosion hazards exist. A tool is needed that is not constructed from nor contains materials such as cadmium, zinc, mercury, rubber, or foam. A tool is needed that is designed to accommodate cramped spaces and can be used for blind installations and long reaches.
One tool, which addresses some of these problems, is the Craftsman® screw starter, which can be purchased in various sizes. The tool is listed in Sears Craftsman® magazine, year 2000, pg. 166: Catalog #9-41123, ⅛″×4″, 0.1 lbs; Catalog #9-41124, {fraction (3/16)}″×5″, 0.2 lbs; Catalog #9-41362, #1×4″, 0.1 lbs; and Catalog #9-41363, #2×5″, 0.2 lbs. This tool only accommodates screws and screw-washer combinations. It does not hold a variety of parts such as spacers, nuts, or combinations of parts during installation. It does not have a mechanism that prevents cross threading. It has a magnetic end. The handle length prevents use in cramped spaces. Additionally, the balance and length of the tool makes it difficult to use in blind installations.
A tool designed to hold screws is a screw starter manufactured by the Snap-On Tools® company. This screw starter is made in three different flat-tip screw sizes and three different Phillips head screw sizes. Three examples are the INSDHP50 Phillips tip screw starter, the INSDHP61 Phillips tip screw starter, and the INSDHP72 Phillips tip screw starter. This tool holds a screw by using a spring-loaded steel bit grip slot that is inserted into the top of the screw. This tool can be used only for flat head and Phillips head screws. It does not hold a variety of parts such as hex head screws, bolts, washers, spacers, or nuts. This tool may be difficult and frustrating to use. Additionally, this tool may break easily, and its broken parts have the potential to become foreign object debris. This tool has no mechanism to prevent cross-threading. Additionally, this tool has a standard handle length, which does not accommodate cramped or hard to reach spaces.
Another tool that may be used as a screw starter is screwdriver 62-125000, produced by Stryker Leibinger. This specialized screw starter was developed specifically for reconstructive surgery and is used to place screws in bones. This tool has spring fingers that grasp a screw and hold it during installation, and a housing that is moved to release the screw after it has been tightened down. This tool is designed for clean room environments. However, it is not designed to hold screws larger than 2.3 mm, or a variety of parts such as washers, bolts, nuts, or spacers. This tool has one handle size, and will not accommodate blind installations and long reaches.
The need for reduction of foreign object debris in the space program, and in particular for space shuttle processing, has intensified the need for a reliable and sturdy tool that can accommodate a variety of parts, for example, screws, nuts, and spacers, and a variety of part sizes, and hold them securely during their installation in order to prevent the dropping of small parts.
As can be seen, there is a need for a fastener starter tool that accommodates a variety of small part types and sizes and securely holds the small parts, regardless of orientation, during installation and removal. Furthermore, there is a need for a fastener starter tool that is reliable, i.e. does not easily break or shatter, so as not to produce foreign object debris from the tool itself. There is also a need for a fastener starter tool that may be used in cramped spaces and is not difficult to operate. Moreover, there is a need for a fastener starter tool that is not magnetic and is constructed from materials that are acceptable for clean room environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a fastener starter tool that accommodates a variety of small part types and sizes and securely holds the small parts, regardless of orientation, during installation and removal. The present invention further provides a fastener starter tool that is reliable in order to prevent the tool from contributing to foreign object debris. The present invention also provides a fastener starter tool that is not difficult to operate and may be used in cramped spaces. Moreover, the present invention provides a fastener starter tool that is not magnetic and is constructed from materials that are acceptable for clean room environments.
In one aspect of the present invention, a fastener sta
Arnett Michael C.
Chandler Faith T.
Garton Harry L.
Valentino William D.
DiPinto & Shimokaji P.C.
Hail III Joseph J.
Shakeri Hadi
The Boeing Company
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