In some embodiments, a method includes: selecting dimensions of a slot to be provided in a device feature, the dimensions selected to accommodate one or more tools while resulting in tangential contact between the slot and the one or more tools when the one or more tools are inserted into the slot and used to manipulate the device feature; and forming the slot in a surface of the device feature according to the selected dimensions.

A fastener system includes a bolt and a retainer. The bolt has a first end and an opposing second end, wherein a recess having a predetermined shape is defined in the first end of the bolt. The retainer includes a first end having a predetermined shape configured to be inserted within the recess in the first end of the bolt and a second end configured to couple about the second end of the bolt. A method of fastening parts together with the fastener system includes inserting the first end of the retainer into the recess of the bolt, deflecting and/or rotating the retainer in a direction to bring the second end of the retainer into proximity with the second end of the bolt, and securing a nut to the bolt.

A T-Nut comprising a tubular body attached to a flanged head is provided. The tubular body includes a bottom portion of constant diameter and an upper neck portion with a neck diameter that gradually increases as it approaches the flange head. Additionally, the bottom surface of flange head of the T-Nut may be recessed inwardly towards the top surface of the flange head to create circumferential concave cavity underneath the flange head, which will allow the flange head to envelope any portions of a washer or casing that may be above the surface of the material being joined.

A rotary fastening device includes a rotating axial member and an inertia member. The rotating axial member includes a base body, an input end, an output end and an engaging portion. The input end is disposed at one end of the base body and selectively connected to a wrench. The output end is disposed at the other end of the base body. The engaging portion is disposed on the base body. The inertia member is detachably connected to the rotating axial member, and includes a gravity portion and an engaging hole. The gravity portion is extended toward the output end of the rotating axial member so as to form an annular space. The engaging hole is communicated to the annular space.

An apparatus comprising an inner part including an external thread and a slot with a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the screw axis of the external thread. The slot is configured to locate an elongate member with a corresponding non-circular cross section, such that when located in the slot the elongate member is rotatably fixed relative to the slot. The apparatus further comprises an outer part including an internal surface that comprises a threaded portion, wherein the outer part is configured to threadably rotate around the inner part.

A fastener and a specialized driver for use in furniture or shelving assembly where the fastener comprises a fastener head with an aperture centered therein and a fastener body extending from connection with the fastener head, the fastener body having an interior cavity along a length of the fastener body. A spring biased plunger is slidable within an interior cavity of the fastener body between a first position where the plunger has a surface configured to fit within the aperture and in a second position the plunger is spaced apart from the aperture. The driver is removably couplable to the fastener to depress the plunger and transfer torque to the fastener for installation. After installation, the plunger resumes a position plugging the aperture and the tolerance between the plunger and the aperture is sufficiently tight to effectively obscure any seam between the plunger and the aperture such that the fastener head surface appears continuous.

A foreign material exclusion plug is disclosed. The foreign material plug includes a cylindrical body, a slot, and a breakaway tab. The cylindrical body includes an externally-threaded cylindrical structure. The slot is formed in the cylindrical body extending into the cylindrical body from a top surface of the cylindrical body. The breakaway tab is connected to the cylindrical body and extends outwards from the top surface.

The present invention relates to a novel adapted screw head and screw driver device which prevents stripping. The device comprises a multipurpose flat tip screw and an associated screwdriver. The screw head comprises a tapered opening, which is sized to accommodate the screwdriver in a snug fit. This prevents the screwdriver from slipping out of the screw head.

An apparatus including a lower end fitting having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, a counterbore defined therebetween, an opening extending from the counterbore to the top planar surface, and a lock recess that extends both radially outwardly from the counterbore and extends inwardly into the lower end fitting from the bottom planar surface. The apparatus includes a guide tube having a lower end and an end plug configured to connect with the lower end of the guide tube. The end plug has a threaded shaft sized to pass through the opening of the lower end fitting, and a female lock nut has a deformable side wall configured to be swaged into the recess of the lower end fitting. The lock recess remains visible as viewed from the bottom planar surface of the lower end fitting when the female lock nut is fully disposed in the counterbore.

A screw head bush for a screw, wherein the screw head bush has an external portion and an internal portion following the external portion, wherein the external portion has a larger diameter than the internal portion and the external portion is configured essentially as a truncated cone tapering towards the internal portion and the internal portion is configured as engagement geometry for the rotationally fixed accommodation of a screw head drive.