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Tamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with sameRelated Patent Categories: Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-deformed, Or Locked-threaded Fastener, Externally Threaded Fastener Element, E.g., Bolt, Screw, Etc., Head Driving Structure, Socket Or SlotTamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060228190, Tamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a division of allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/970,274, filed Oct. 22, 2004, to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,062 on Jun. 27, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60/513,739, filed Oct. 24, 2003. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to the field of fasteners and, more particularly, to tamper-resistant fasteners (e.g., bolts) and to fasteners requiring tightening to a precise torque. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] In many instances it is necessary to prevent unauthorized intrusion or disassembly of a product in order to prevent theft or injury. Use of such fasteners on medical equipment ensures that unskilled individuals will not attempt adjustments. Use on cable set-top boxes prevents tampering with the electronics within. Use on public structures such as playground equipment, picnic benches, and on restroom fixtures prevents theft and disassembly-type vandalism. [0006] While it is impossible to stop a determined thief, most applications of tamper-resistant technology require only that access be made very difficult unless a special tool is used. To accomplish this, prior designs modified the heads of commonly used bolts and screws to disallow removal using ordinary wrenches and screwdrivers. Once modified, the head of the fastener will only mate with a tool that incorporates the analog of the modified head. It is apparent that this method of creating a tamper-resistant fastener relies on the relative scarcity of installation tools. [0007] Modifying the head of a fastener to incorporate offset holes, cam-like pockets or steps proves difficult to manufacture due to the high tolerances that must be held. As a result, the price of tamper-resistant fasteners is high. By necessity, the installation tools are encumbered with a complex, and often quite sharp or dangerous, tool tip. This becomes a hazard during installation when torque is applied and the tool tip cams out of the fastener head and skids across the articles being joined. This situation is highly undesirable, dangerous and happens far too often using existing designs. Cam-out is a major problem for manufacturers that focus on product quality such as the auto industry. [0008] A further problem with standard and tamper-resistant fasteners relates to the inability to accurately torque down the fastener during install. Installation torque is dependent upon many factors and is often critical to holding an assembly together as designed. The most common method for applying a set amount of torque is to use a tool that incorporates a clutch that releases when a set rotational force is exceeded. Often these tools use a spring as the torque reference for the clutch. Stretching or compression of the spring over time introduces inaccuracies to the torque measurement. Electronic and manual installation tools utilize the same general principle and suffer the same inaccuracies. Electronic systems are generally used in the automotive and aircraft industries on, for example, door latches and components that may affect the safety of users/passengers. [0009] What is needed is a better fastener and fastening system and method. Moreover, it would be extremely valuable for a fastener to incorporate a single use torque setting feature into its design. Installation tool maintenance and calibration would no longer be an issue if the fastener included a feature that would not allow over torqueing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a representative fastener head illustrating a cylindrical straight-walled pocket in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. [0011] FIG. 2 is an end view of the installation tool illustrating the eccentric relationship between the tool shaft, rotation pin and the tool tip. [0012] FIG. 3 is an orthometric view of an installation tool that may used to turn the fastener of an embodiment of this invention and shows the relationships between components illustrated in FIG. 2. [0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one type of installation tool that may be used to turn the fastener of an embodiment of this invention and a representative fastener. [0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the parts necessary to make the installation tool of FIG. 4. [0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another version of an installation tool with a rotation pin integral to the tool shank and a representative fastener. [0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the parts necessary to make the installation tool of FIG. 6. [0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a representative fastener and another version of an installation tool that illustrates the use of a rotation pin integral to the tool tip that is designed to shear off when a pre-determined installation torque is applied. [0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the parts necessary to make the installation tool of FIG. 8. [0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a representative fastener with a hex pocket and a hex or `Allen` wrench tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that illustrates use of a rotation pin integral to the tool shank. [0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the parts necessary to make the installation tool of FIG. 10 and top view of a typical hex headed fastener. [0021] FIG. 12 is a top view of the hex fastener of FIG. 10. Continue reading about Tamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with same... Full patent description for Tamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Tamper-resistant fastener and method and tool for use with same patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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