EP3814060B1

EP3814060B1 - Fastener extractor device

Info

Publication number: EP3814060B1
Application number: EP19852303.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Kukucka; Thomas Stefan Kukucka
Original assignee: Grip Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Grip Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2018-08-21
Filing date: 2019-07-25
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-25
Also published as: JP2021534982A; WO2020039281A1; AU2019323774A1; AU2024201526A1; CN112638588A; ES2935712T3; EP3814060A1; PL3814060T3; CN112638588B; EP3814060A4; EP4129577A1; AU2023237134A1; JP7198467B2; CA3107709A1; AU2023237134B2

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to various tools designed for extracting or removing fasteners, in particular bolts and nuts. More specifically, the present invention discloses a combination of anti-slip threaded extractors, designed to remove damaged fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hex bolts, nuts, screws, and other similar threaded devices are used to secure and hold multiple components together by being engaged to a complimentary thread, known as a female thread. The general structure of these types of fasteners is a cylindrical shaft with an external thread and a head at one end of the shaft. The external thread engages a complimentary female thread tapped into a hole or a nut and secures the fastener in place, fastening the associated components together. The head receives an external torque force and is the means by which the fastener is turned, or driven, into the female threading. The head is shaped specifically to allow an external tool like a wrench to apply a torque to the fastener in order to rotate the fastener and engage the complimentary female threading to a certain degree. This type of fastener is simple, extremely effective, cheap, and highly popular in modern construction.
One of the most common problems in using these types of fasteners, whether male or female, is the tool slipping in the head portion, or slipping on the head portion. This is generally caused by either a worn fastener or tool, corrosion, overtightening, or damage to the head portion of the fastener. Various methods may be used to remove a fastener, some more aggressive than others. Once a fastener head is damaged, a more aggressive method must be implemented to remove a seized fastener. Drilling out the fastener is a common method used by some users to dislodge the fastener. While this method can prove to be effective in some scenarios there is a high risk of damaging the internal threads of the hole. US 2017/0246733 A1 discloses a bit puller according to the preamble of claim 1.
The present invention is an fastener extractor device according to claim 1. The design uses a series of integrated splines that bite into the head of the fastener and allow for efficient torque transfer between the extractor bit and the head portion of the fastener. Another common issue when using traditional bolt extractors is that material from the fastener or the actual fastener remains attached to the extractor tool. The present invention allows users to dislodge any remaining material and or the fastener from the extracting tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in an exploded state.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a torque-tool body of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a shank body, a drive head, and the torque-tool body of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, depicting the shank body, the drive head, and the torque-tool body.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the shank body, the drive head, and the torque-tool body of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, depicting the shank body, the drive head, and the torque-tool body.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention generally related to extracting tools and extracting tool accessories. More specifically the present invention discloses various extractor bits, including both male and female embodiments. Removing damaged fasteners from an extractor tool can prove to be a difficult task. The present invention aims to solve this issue by disclosing a release sleeve integrated into an extractor tool, specifically designed to assist users with removing any pieces of broken fastener which may have been wedged onto the extractor tool.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the present invention comprises a shank body 1, a drive head 2, a torque-tool body 3, an external thread 15, a tubular sleeve 16, an internal thread 17, and a nut 18. The shank body 1 and the drive head 2 allow the present invention to be attached to an external torque tool and, thus, allow torque force to be applied to the socket fastener through the torque-tool body 3 for extraction, similar to traditional designs. External torque tools include, but are not limited to, electric drills, torque wrenches, pneumatic drills, socket screw drivers, and other similar torque tools. The drive head 2 acts as the engagement element for an external torque tool. Specifically, the drive head 2 is a nut-shaped element and is terminally and concentrically connected to the shank body 1. The preferred profile of the drive head 2 is a hexagonal profile although alternative geometries may also be utilized. For example, in one embodiment, the drive head 2 has a square profile. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom portion of the drive head 2 is dome-shaped. Specifically, the bottom portion is portion of the drive head 2 that is located opposite the shank body 1, across the drive head 2. The dame-shaped designed yields a striking surface where impact force is applied to forcibly insert the torque-tool body 3 into the object to be extracted. The striking surface is not limited to being dome-shaped.
The torque-tool body 3 is a shank which engages a seized socket fastener, such as a socket screw, a socket bolt, or into a specific sized drilled hole within a broken stud or any threaded shank in order to apply a torque force to dislodge said seized fastener. The torque-tool body 3 is positioned opposite the drive head 2, along the shank body 1. Referring to FIG. 3 , the torque-tool body 3 comprises a plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4, an at least one engagement feature 8, a first base 13, and a second base 14. In general, the torque-tool body 3 is a prism composed of a strong metal that is terminally and concentrically connected to the shank body 1. Each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 engage within and grip a socket fastener in order to efficiently transfer torque from an external torque tool to a socket fastener. The plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 is radially positioned about a rotation axis 12 of the torque-tool body 3 to yield a geometric profile complimentary to that of a socket fastener. The number within the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 is subject to change to compliment the shape and profile of a variety of socket fasteners. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number within the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 is six and the resulting geometric profile of the torque-tool body 3 is a hexagon. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the number within the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 is four and the resulting geometric profile of the torque-tool body 3 is a square.
The first base 13 and the second base 14 are positioned opposite to each other along the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4; wherein the shank body 1 is adjacently connected to the second base 14, opposite the first base 13. Additionally, the first base 13 and second base 14 are oriented perpendicular to each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 and thus enclose/complete the prism shape of the torque-tool body 3. More specifically, it is preferred that the first base 13 comprises a first base 13 surface, wherein the first base 13 surface is flat and is oriented perpendicular to the each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4. It is also preferred that a lateral edge 21 between the first base 13 and each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 is chamfered. Further, the first base 13 may be cone shaped to yield a point, similar to a tool punch. When impact force is applied to the drive head 2, the engagement feature 8 is designed to cut into the sidewall of the object to be removed. The engagement feature 8 increases the friction/connection between the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 and a socket fastener to prevent relative slippage. Thus, the engagement feature 8 is integrated into a specific sidewall 20 from the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4; wherein the specific sidewall 20 denotes any from the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4.
The tubular sleeve 16 is an elongated tubular structure with an internal diameter complimentary to the external diameter of the shank body 1. The tubular sleeve 16, the internal thread 17, the external thread 15, and the nut 18 act as a dislodging mechanism for removing any excess material and or a socket fastener from the torque-tool body 3. The preferred tubular sleeve 16 design includes a diameter step-up along the tubular sleeve 16 at a first end of the tubular sleeve 16, wherein the first end of the tubular sleeve is positioned adjacent to the torque-tool body 3. This provides additional engagement surface in between the tubular sleeve 16 and the foreign object affixed to the torque-tool body 3. In general, the tubular sleeve 16 translates along the shank body 1 in order to press against a socket fastener on the torque-tool body 3 until said socket fastener, i.e. foreign object, is dislodged. Specifically, the external thread 15 extends along the shank body 1 in between the torque-tool body 3 and the drive head 2. Additionally, the external thread 15 is laterally connected to the shank body 1. The internal thread 17 is designed complimentary to the external thread 15 for an interlocking fit. The internal thread 17 is positioned within the tubular sleeve 16 and extends along the tubular sleeve 16. Additionally, the internal thread 17 laterally traverses into the tubular sleeve 16. For operation, the shank body 1 is concentrically positioned within the tubular sleeve 16 with the internal thread 17 being mechanically engaged to the external thread 15. This allows the tubular sleeve 16 to slide along the shank body 1 when the shank body 1 and the tubular sleeve 16 are spun relative to each other. After the torque-tool body 3 is used to remove a seized socket fastener, the user may need to remove the socket fastener from the torque-tool body 3. For this, the user simply spins the tubular sleeve 16 about the shank body 1 to slide the tubular sleeve 16 towards the torque-tool body 3 until the tubular sleeve 16 presses against the socket fastener to dislodge the socket fastener. Rotating the tubular sleeve 16 may be done with the user's hands, but in cases where additional leverage is necessary the user may use two external torque tools, such as wrenches. One wrench is mechanically engaged to shank body 1 through the drive head 2 and the other wrench is mechanically engaged to the tubular sleeve 16 through the nut 18. For this, the nut 18 is terminally and concentrically connected to the tubular sleeve 16. Similar to the tubular sleeve 16, the shank body 1 is also positioned within the nut 18. The preferred shaped of the nut 18 is a hex, although alternative geometries may also be used. The size, length, and material composition of the tubular sleeve 16 and the nut 18 are subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user.
In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the engagement feature 8 is an engagement cavity. For reference, each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 comprises a first lateral edge 5, a second lateral edge 6, and a bracing surface 7. The bracing surface 7 physically presses against a socket fastener, specifically against a lateral sidewall of a head portion from the socket fastener. The first lateral edge 5 and the second lateral edge 6 are positioned opposite to each other across the bracing surface 7. When viewed from either the top perspective or the bottom perspective, the first lateral edge 5 and the second lateral edge 6 from each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 make up the corners of the torque-tool body 3. The engagement cavity traverses normal and into the bracing surface 7 of the specific sidewall 20 and creates an additional gripping point/tooth on the bracing surface 7. The gripping point is created by the engagement cavity and the bracing surface 7. In one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement cavity extends into the torque-tool body 3 from the first base 13 towards the second base 14. This ensures that the additional gripping point extends along the length of the torque-tool body 3 for maximum grip engagement. In another embodiment of the present invention, the engagement cavity tapers from the first base 13 towards the second base 14 as seen in FIG. 3 . To further ensure maximum grip engagement, it is preferred that an entire cross-section 9 of the engagement cavity is oriented parallel to the first base 13 and the second base 14.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the entire cross-section 9 of the engagement cavity is a partially-circular profile. Additionally, the partially-circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20 to the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20. The partially-circular profile ensures that there are little to no high stress points in the torque-tool body 3, thus increasing the overall longevity of the tool. In a separate embodiment of the present invention, the entire cross-section 9 of the engagement cavity is a triangular profile. Additionally, the triangular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20 to the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20. Alternative profiles may be used for the engagement cavity including, but not limited to, a semi-square profile, a semi-rectangular profile, and a semi-oval profile. It is preferred that the internal corners of triangular, square, semi square type profiles have a radius for additional strength.
Referring to FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the entire cross-section 9 of the engagement cavity comprises a curved portion 10 and a straight portion 11. The resulting gripping point is uniquely shaped in order to form a sharp engagement tooth that digs into a corner(s) of the socket fastener, allowing material from the internal sides of the fastener socket into the engagement cavity and thus yielding a superior grip over traditional tools which are simply designed to push material away. This is especially true for worn or damaged fastener sockets. The curved portion 10 is a partially circular curve that is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20. The straight position is positioned adjacent to the curved portion 10, opposite the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20. The straight portion 11 guides a portion of the socket fastener to press against the formed engagement tooth. As such, the straight portion 11 extends from the curved portion 10 to the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20. Specifically, the straight portion 11 starts at the curved portion 10 and ends at the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20. This embodiment may be implemented in a clock-wise configuration or a counter clock-wise configuration by flipping the positioning of the curved portion 10 with the straight portion 11.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the engagement cavity is centrally position on the bracing surface 7 of the specific sidewall 20. In particular, the engagement cavity is positioned offset from the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20 by a first distance and offset from the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20 by a second distance; wherein the first distance equals the second distance. In an alternative embodiment, the first distance may not be equal to the second distance. This positions the engagement cavity to engage the internal lateral sidewall of the socket fastener for the most efficient transfer of torque with the least possibility of slippage. Additionally, this embodiment may be used to rotate the socket fastener in either the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction.
Referring to FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement feature 8 is an engagement protrusion. The engagement protrusion is material extruding from the torque-tool body 3 that creates an additional gripping element to the specific sidewall 20. Specifically, the engagement protrusion is laterally connected to the bracing surface 7 of the specific sidewall 20. Additionally, the engagement protrusion extends from the first base 13 to the second base 14 to ensure the additional gripping element extends along the length of the torque-tool body 3 and allows the present invention to engage the socket fastener at an increased depth, thus maximizing the torque applied to the socket fastener. Furthermore, it is preferred that the engagement protrusion is centrally positioned in between the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20 and the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20 to allow for this embodiment to be used as a clock-wise and counter clock-wise tool. To ensure consistent grip along the torque-tool body 3, an entire cross-section 19 of the engagement protrusion is parallel to the first base 13 and the second base 14.
Referring to FIG. 6 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the entire cross-section 19 of the engagement protrusion is a partially-circular profile. Specifically, the partially circular profile of the engagement protrusion is convex along a direction from the first lateral edge 5 of the specific sidewall 20 to the second lateral edge 6 of the specific sidewall 20. This is especially useful for extremely worn and stripped socket fasteners as the tool-receiving cavity of the socket fastener enlarges when worn or stripped. The engagement protrusion extends out of the bracing surface 7 of the specific sidewall 20 to press against and engage the worn sides of the socket fastener.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one engagement feature 8 comprises a plurality of engagement features 8. For this, the plurality of engagement features 8 is radially positioned about the rotation axis 12 with each of the plurality of engagement features 8 being integrated into a corresponding sidewall from the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls 4 as seen in FIG. 3 . This configuration yields an additional gripping features on each of the plurality of laterally bracing sidewalls that ensure that a significant grip is created in between the present invention and a socket fastener.
Referring to FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the torque-tool body 3 is tapered from the second base 14 towards the first base 13. This allows the present invention to be used on socket fasteners of different sizes. The degree of taper is subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the torque-tool body 3 may be connected to various implements including, but not limited to, impact tools, hydraulic screws, wrench sockets, and screwdrivers.
In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 , the present invention is implemented in a double-ended configuration. In this embodiment, the at least one shank body 1 comprises a first shank body 22 and a second shank body 23; the at least one torque-tool body 3 comprises a first torque-tool body 24 and a second torque-tool body 25; and the at least one external thread 15 comprises a first external thread 26 and a second external thread 27. This embodiment provides a dual sided version for the present invention, wherein the two sides may be differently designed and or oriented for increased versatility; specifically, this allows the present invention to be utilized for clockwise rotation and counter-clockwise rotation. The first shank body 22 and the second shank body 23 are positioned opposite to each other across the drive head 2. The first torque-tool body 24 is terminally and concentrically connected to the first shank body 22, opposite the drive head 2. The first external thread 26 extends along the first shank body 22, in between the first torque-tool body 24 and the drive head 2; additionally, the first external thread 26 is laterally connected to the first shank body 22. This outlines a single engagement side of the present invention. Mirroring this, the second torque-tool body 25 is terminally and concentrically connected to the second shank body 23, opposite the drive head 2. The second external thread 27 extends along the second shank body 23, in between the second torque-tool body 25 and the drive head 2; additionally, the second external thread 27 is laterally connected to the second shank body 23. In this embodiment, the type of engagement feature(s) of the first torque-tool body may vary from the type of engagement feature(s) of the second torque-tool body to yield a two-in-one tool.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

A fastener extractor device comprising:
an at least one shank body (1);

a drive head (2);

an at least one torque-tool body (3);

an at least one external thread (15);

a tubular sleeve (16);

an internal thread (17);

the internal thread (17) being positioned within the tubular sleeve (16);

the drive head (2) being terminally and concentrically connected to the shank body (1);

the torque-tool body (3) being positioned opposite to the drive head (2), along the shank body (1);

the torque-tool body (3) being terminally and concentrically connected to the shank body (1);

the external thread (15) extending along the shank body (1), in between the torque-tool body (3) and the drive head (2);

the external thread (15) being laterally connected to the shank body (1);

characterized in that:
the torque-tool body (3) comprises a plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4) and an at least one engagement feature (8);

the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4) is radially positioned about a rotation axis (12) of the torque-tool body (3); and

the engagement feature (8) is integrated into a specific sidewall (20) from the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the internal thread (17) extending along the tubular sleeve (16);

the internal thread (17) traversing into the tubular sleeve (16);

the shank body (1) being concentrically positioned within the tubular sleeve (16); and

the internal thread (17) being mechanically engaged to the external thread (15).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 2 comprising:
a nut (18);

the nut (18) being terminally and concentrically connected to the tubular sleeve (16); and

the shank body (1) being positioned within the nut (18).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the at least one engagement feature (8) comprising a plurality of engagement features (8);

the plurality of engagement features (8) being radially positioned about the rotation axis (12) of the torque-tool body (3); and

each of the plurality of engagement features (8) being integrated into a corresponding sidewall from the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
wherein the engagement feature (8) being an engagement cavity;

the torque-tool body (3) further comprising a first base (13) and a second base (14);

each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4) comprising a first lateral edge (5), a second lateral edge (6), and a bracing surface (7);

the first lateral edge (5) and the second lateral edge (6) being positioned opposite to each other across the bracing surface (7);

the shank body (1) being adjacently connected to the second base (14), opposite to the first base (13); and

the engagement cavity traversing normal and into the bracing surface (7) of the specific sidewall (20).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 5, wherein an entire cross-section (9) of the engagement cavity is parallel to the first base (13) and the second base (14).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 5 comprising:
an entire cross-section (9) of the engagement cavity comprising a curved portion (10) and a straight portion (11);

the curved portion (10) being positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge (5) of the specific sidewall (20);

the straight portion (11) being positioned adjacent to the curved portion (10), opposite the first lateral edge (5) of the specific sidewall (20); and

the straight portion (11) extending from the curved portion (10) to the second lateral edge (6) of the specific sidewall (20).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
wherein the engagement feature (8) being an engagement protrusion;

the torque-tool body (3) further comprising a first base (13) and a second base (14);

each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4) comprising a first lateral edge (5), a second lateral edge (6), and a bracing surface (7);

the first lateral edge (5) of the specific sidewall (20) and the second lateral edge (6) of the specific sidewall (20) being positioned opposite to each other across the bracing surface (7);

the shank body (1) being adjacently connected to the second base (14), opposite to the first base (13);

the engagement protrusion being laterally connected to the bracing surface (7) of the specific sidewall (20);

the engagement protrusion extending from the first base (13) to the second base (14); and

the engagement protrusion being centrally positioned in between the first lateral edge (5) of the specific sidewall (20) and the second lateral edge (6) of the specific sidewall (20).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 8, wherein an entire cross-section (19) of the engagement protrusion is parallel to the first base (13) and the second base (14).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 8 comprising:
an entire cross-section (19) of the engagement protrusion being a partially-circular profile; and

the partially-circular profile being convex along a direction from the first lateral edge (5) of the specific sidewall (20) to the second lateral edge (6) of the specific sidewall (20).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the torque-tool body (3) further comprising a first base (13) and a second base (14);

the shank body (1) being adjacently connected to the second base (14), opposite to the first base (13); and

the torque-tool body (3) tapering from the second base (14) towards the first base (13).
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 5, wherein a lateral edge (21) between the first base (13) and each of the plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls (4) is chamfered.
The fastener extractor device as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the at least one shank body (1) comprising a first shank body (22) and a second shank body (23);

the at least one torque-tool body (3) comprising a first torque-tool body (24) and a second torque-tool body (25);

the at least one external thread (15) comprising a first external thread (26) and a second external thread (27);

the first shank body (22) and the second shank body (23) being positioned opposite to each other across the drive head (2);

the first torque-tool body (24) being terminally and concentrically connected to the first shank body (22), opposite the drive head (2);

the first external thread (26) extending along the first shank body (22), in between the first torque-tool body (24) and the drive head (2);

the first external thread (26) being laterally connected to the first shank body (22);

the second torque-tool body (25) being terminally and concentrically connected to the second shank body (23), opposite the drive head (2);

the second external thread (27) extending along the second shank body (23), in between the second torque-tool body (25) and the drive head (2); and

the second external thread (27) being laterally connected to the second shank body (23).