David T Carey

US Patent:

50091336, Apr 23, 1991

Filed:

Jun 7, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/362760

Inventors:

David R. Carey - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B25B 1358

US Classification:

811801

Abstract:

A surface protective fastener tool for avoiding abrasion of an underlying surface as a threaded fastener is rotated by a tool. Several embodiments of the surface protective fastener tool (10, 50, 70, 100, 120, 160, 200, 240, 260, 280, 280', and 300) are disclosed, each including a sleeve that fits around the exterior of a tool used to rotate a threaded fastener. A resilient cushion or lip (38, 52, 82, 108, 128, 176, 214, 254, 270, 288, 288', 290, and 290') seats against the underlying surface (24), preventing the tool from contacting the surface as it is rotated. In one of the embodiments (70), the blade (74) of a screwdriver shaft (72) is enclosed in a sleeve (80) having an insert (86) formed around the blade and rotatable with it as the screwdriver is turned. The insert includes a cavity (88), sized to fit over the head of a threaded fastener, tending to lock the screwdriver blade in place so that it is less likely to slip from the fastener and mar an adjacent surface. In addition, the resilient cushion protects the adjacent surface in the event that the blade accidentally slips from the threaded fastener.