IP Library Granted Patent US 7,367,979
Granted Patent B2
US 7,367,979 · App. 11/063,452 · Granted May 6, 2008

Screwdriver

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,367,979
App. No.
11/063,452
Granted
May 6, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A scissor-action screwdriver and screwdriver attachment comprises a plurality of arms pivotally attached to one another; a bias element mounted in at least one of the plurality of arms; and a sleeve slidably mounted around at least one of the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms comprise a first arm and a second arm, and wherein each of the plurality of arms preferably comprise a prong end. The screwdriver attachment further comprises a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between the first arm and the second arm. Additionally, the bias element may comprise a spring. Moreover, each of the plurality of arms preferably comprises a tapered section, wherein the sleeve comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage the tapered section of each of the plurality of arms. The screwdriver further includes a handle connected to the second arm.

Claims (45)

1. A screwdriver attachment comprising:

a plurality of arms pivotally attached to one another, wherein each arm comprises a substantially semi-circular bifurcated wall having a substantially flat surface with a prong outwardly extending from a middle portion of said wall, wherein each said prong comprises a gripping portion extending from a block portion comprising a tapered end connecting to planar side surfaces, wherein when said plurality of arms are squeezed together, the arms form a substantially cylindrical shape such that an outer lateral edge of each said prong extends beyond a width defined by a diameter of said cylindrical shape, and wherein a width of an entirety of said block portion is approximately half of said width defined by said diameter of said cylindrical shape;

a bias element mounted in at least one of said plurality of arms; and

a sleeve slidably mounted around at least one of said plurality of arms.

2. The screwdriver attachment of claim 1 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said plurality of arms comprise a first arm and a second arm.

3. The screwdriver attachment of claim 1 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each of said plurality of arms comprise a prong end that securely fits onto a pedicle bone screw assembly.

4. The screwdriver attachment of claim 2 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, further comprising a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between said first arm and said second arm.

5. The screwdriver attachment of claim 1 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said bias element comprises a spring.

6. The screwdriver attachment of claim 1 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each of said plurality of arms comprise a tapered section.

7. The screwdriver attachment of claim 6 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said sleeve comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage said tapered section of each of said plurality of arms.

8. A scissor-action tool comprising:

a first arm;

a second arm pivotally attached to said first arm;

a bias element adjacent to the first and second arms; and

a sleeve mounted over said second arm,

wherein each arm comprises a prong end comprising a bifurcated back wall having a prong outwardly extending from a middle portion of said back wall, wherein each said prong comprises:

a block portion comprising a tapered end; and

a gripping portion extending from said tapered end, wherein said gripping portion comprises a prong tip positioned orthogonal to said back wall,

wherein when said first arm and second arm are squeezed together, the arms form a substantially cylindrical shape, and

wherein a thickness of said block portion is approximately half of a width defined by a diameter of said cylindrical shape.

9. The tool of claim 8 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said prong end securely fits onto a pedicle bone screw assembly.

10. The tool of claim 8 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, further comprising a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between said first and second arms.

11. The tool of claim 8 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said bias element comprises a spring.

12. The tool of claim 8 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each of said first and second arms comprises a tapered section.

13. The tool of claim 12 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said sleeve is slidably mountable over said first arm and comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage said tapered section of each of said first and second arms.

14. A screwdriver comprising:

a handle;

a first arm;

a second arm connected to said handle and said first arm;

a spring in contact with the first and second arms; and

a sleeve mounted around said second arm,

wherein each arm comprises a prong end comprising a substantially semi-circular bifurcated back wall having a substantially flat surface with a prong outwardly extending from only a middle portion of said back wall, wherein each said prong comprises:

a block portion comprising:

a tapered end; and

substantially flat and planar side surfaces;

a gripping portion extending from said tapered end at an obtuse angle; and

a prong tip extending from said gripping portion and positioned orthogonal to said back wall,

wherein when said first arm and second arm are squeezed together, the arms form a substantially cylindrical shape such that an outer lateral edge of each said prong extends beyond a width defined by a diameter of said cylindrical shape whereby a width of each said prong is less than a width of said cylindrical shape, and

wherein when said first arm and second arm are squeezed together, said substantially flat side surfaces of each said block portion of each said prong come together to form a substantially flat and uniform planar surface.

15. The screwdriver of claim 14 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, further comprising a stop component adapted to limit a distance of separation between said first and second arms.

16. The screwdriver of claim 14 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each of said first and second arms comprises a tapered section.

17. The screwdriver of claim 16 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said sleeve is slidably mountable around said first arm and comprises an inner tapered wall adapted to engage said tapered section of each of said first and second arms.

18. The screwdriver of claim 14 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said prong end securely fits onto a pedicle bone screw assembly.

19. The screwdriver of claim 18 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said prong end is adapted to engage both a rod-housing component and a bone screw component of said pedicle bone screw assembly.

20. The screwdriver of claim 14 , all the limitations of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein said first arm is pivotally connected to said second arm.

Assignments (7)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 3, 2024
From: ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.
Reel/Frame 067605/0646 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 3, 2024
From: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC, AS AGENT
To: CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.
Reel/Frame 067605/0717 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 31, 2024
From: SPINAL ELEMENTS, INC.; CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.; OMNI ACQUISITION INC.
To: PERCEPTIVE CREDIT HOLDINGS IV, LP
Reel/Frame 067596/0295 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 4, 2016
From: CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.
To: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 038608/0230 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Apr 29, 2016
From: CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.
To: ANTARES CAPITAL LP, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 038581/0722 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 25, 2016
From: EXWORKS ASSET HOLDINGS LLC
To: CUSTOM SPINE ACQUISITION, INC.
Reel/Frame 037915/0959 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 29, 2015
From: CUSTOM SPINE, INC.
To: EXWORKS ASSET HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 036208/0526 →