US20090215544A1 - Self aligning tap - Google Patents
Self aligning tap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090215544A1 US20090215544A1 US12/036,952 US3695208A US2009215544A1 US 20090215544 A1 US20090215544 A1 US 20090215544A1 US 3695208 A US3695208 A US 3695208A US 2009215544 A1 US2009215544 A1 US 2009215544A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tap
- threads
- shaft portion
- shank
- flute
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23G—THREAD CUTTING; WORKING OF SCREWS, BOLT HEADS, OR NUTS, IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH
- B23G5/00—Thread-cutting tools; Die-heads
- B23G5/02—Thread-cutting tools; Die-heads without means for adjustment
- B23G5/06—Taps
- B23G5/062—Taps with a guiding means part
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23G—THREAD CUTTING; WORKING OF SCREWS, BOLT HEADS, OR NUTS, IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH
- B23G7/00—Forming thread by means of tools similar both in form and in manner of use to thread-cutting tools, but without removing any material
- B23G7/02—Tools for this purpose
Abstract
A tap for forming threads in a workpiece is provided. The tap includes a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool and a second end. The tap also includes a threaded shaft portion extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft portion includes a substantially uniform diameter and threads. The tap further includes a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft portion. The tip has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a length sufficient to co-axially align the tap with an sized opening of a workpiece to be tapped.
Description
- Taps are known in the market and have a number of variations. Shank configurations of taps vary from the standard four-sided shank to hex shanks. Different flute styles are available for the threaded portion of the tap, such as straight flutes and helical flutes, with one or more flutes possible per tap. Even though variations exist, taps can all be reduced to three common types: standard taps, bottoming taps, and “draps” (i.e., drill-tap combinations).
- Standard taps and bottoming taps, however, require the use of a drill press or mill. A drill press or mill is necessary to ensure that the tap is used on the same axis as the drill bit used to drill the opening to be tapped, so that the opening is tapped straight, not crooked. The necessity of using a drill press or mill can limit the usefulness of these taps.
- Draps combine a tap with a drill into a single tool. The front of the tool is a drill bit of approximately one half of an inch in length, followed by a tap. Draps are, however, limited to use with thin-wall material where the drill bit can clear the material before the tap portion comes in contact with the material. Because it advances at a constant rate, the tap portion of a drap would bind the drill bit portion to the material if both portions of the drap were in contact with the material at the same time.
- A tap for forming threads in a workpiece is provided. The tap includes a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool and a second end. The tap also includes a threaded shaft portion extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft portion includes a substantially uniform diameter and threads. The tap further includes a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft portion. The tip has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a length sufficient to co-axially align the tap with an sized opening of a workpiece to be tapped.
- This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a self-aligning tap constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a side planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an end planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a self-aligning tap constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure and showing two flutes alternating with the threads; -
FIG. 5 is a side planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an end planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a self-aligning tap constructed in accordance with a second alternate embodiment of the present disclosure and showing four flutes alternating with the threads; -
FIG. 8 is a side planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an end planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a self-aligning tap constructed in accordance with a third alternate embodiment of the present disclosure and showing two helical flutes alternating with the threads; -
FIG. 11 is a side planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 12 is an end planar view of the self-aligning tap ofFIG. 10 . -
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate atap 10 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thetap 10 is suitably fabricated from hardened tool steel, hardened cast steel, cast aluminum or some other material capable of withstanding the application of torque and tensile forces. Such atap 10 includes ashank 12 with atang 14 or other suitable projection adapted for insertion in a drill or other hand tool capable of producing a rotational motion along the axis of thetap 10. Thetap 10 also includes a threadedshaft portion 16 that is substantially cylindrical in shape and of substantially uniform diameter. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of standard diameters are available and can be employed, such as ¼ inch, ⅝ inch, etc., and that specialized diameters are possible as well. - The
tap 10 also includes a substantially cylindricallyshaped alignment tip 20 of substantially uniform diameter. Thealignment tip 20 is suitably smaller in diameter than the threadedshaft portion 16. The diameter of thealignment tip 20 corresponds substantially to the diameter of an opening in a workpiece, such as wood, to be tapped. - The
alignment tip 20 is preferably of a length sufficient to ensure that the length of thetap 10 is co-axial with the opening to be tapped. Thealignment tip 20 should not, however, be so long that a substantial portion of a blind hole or other similar opening remains untapped as a result of the excessive length of thealignment tip 20. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the length of thealignment tip 20 is substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of thealignment tip 20. As a non-limiting example, if thealignment tip 20 is ¼ inch in diameter, then the length of thealignment tip 20 is at least ¼ inch. - Such a ratio, based on the present teachings, is within the skill of one in the art and, therefore, a multitude of configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure and will vary according to the size of the
tap 10. Further, a number of shapes in addition to a circular shape can be used for the tip, such as a regular hexagon, a regular nonagon, and a regular decagon. - Use of the
tap 10 may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 1-3 . Thealignment tip 20 is inserted in the opening to be tapped. The drill or other suitable hand tool (not shown) is activated and thetap 10 begins rotating. Thealignment tip 20 serves to align thetap 10 with the opening such that the threadedshaft portion 16 is aligned coaxially with the length of the opening as it is being tapped. In this way, the threads formed in the opening by thetap 10 as the threadedshaft portion 16 advances into the opening are substantially orthogonal in relation to the axis of the opening. - A
tap 30 constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 4-6 . Thetap 30 is substantially identical in materials and operation as thetap 10 described with respect toFIGS. 1-3 , with the following exception. Specifically, thetap 30 includesflutes 40. Theflutes 40, of which there are two, act to channel chips out of the opening during operation of thetap 30. Theflutes 40 carry the chips up from the cutting edge to the top of the hole where they are cast off. Theflutes 40 additionally provide cutting edges and channels for lubrication. - A
tap 50 constructed in accordance with another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 7-9 . Thetap 50 is substantially identical in materials and operation as thetap 30 described with respect toFIGS. 4-6 , with the following exception. Specifically, thetap 50 includesmultiple flutes 60. As a non-limiting example, thetap 50 includes fourflutes 60. As was the case in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4-6 , theflutes 60 serve to remove chips, and to provide cutting edges and channels for lubrication. - A
tap 70 constructed in accordance with yet another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 10-12 . Thetap 70 is substantially identical in materials and operation as thetap 50 described with respect toFIGS. 7-9 , with the following exception. Specifically, thetap 70 includes a plurality ofhelical flutes 80. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art,helical flutes 80 are particularly effective at removing chips. As will be further appreciated by one of skill in the art, the number ofhelical flutes 80 can vary, from a single helical flute to two or more and, therefore, such embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. - The taps disclosed above generally includes a tip that is slightly smaller in diameter than the opening to be tapped. The tip thus acts as a guide for the tap, keeping it straight as the tap enters the opening. The tip extends from the tap portion of the device which is cylindrical, bears threads, and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tip. The tap is adapted for insertion in a drill or other similar hand tool. This tap is capable of tapping both a through hole and a blind hole.
Claims (12)
1. A tap for forming threads in a workpiece, the tap comprising:
(a) a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool and a second end;
(b) a threaded shaft portion extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft portion having a substantially uniform diameter and threads; and
(c) a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft portion, the tip having a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a length sufficient to co-axially align the tap with an sized opening of a workpiece to be tapped.
2. The tap of claim 1 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with the threads.
3. The tap of claim 2 , wherein the at least one flute is a helical flute.
4. The tap of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flutes alternating with the threads.
5. The tap of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of flutes are helical in shape.
6. A self-aligning tap for forming threads in a suitably-sized opening, the tap comprising:
(a) a shank having a first end and a second end;
(b) a tang extending from the first end of the shank;
(c) a substantially cylindrical shaft portion having a substantially uniform diameter and including a threaded portion extending from the second end of the shank; and
(d) a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft, the tip having a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a tip length less than a length of the shaft portion.
7. The tap of claim 6 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with threads of the threaded portion.
8. The tap of claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of flutes alternating with threads of the threaded portion.
9. The tap of claim 7 , wherein the at least one flute is a helical flute.
10. A self-aligning tap for forming threads in a suitably-sized opening, the tap comprising:
(a) a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool capable of producing a rotational motion and a second end;
(b) a substantially cylindrical shaft extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft having a substantially uniform diameter and threads; and
(c) means for aligning the tap with an opening in a workpiece.
11. The tap of claim 11 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with the threads.
12. The tap of claim 12 , wherein at least one flute is a helical flute.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/036,952 US20090215544A1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2008-02-25 | Self aligning tap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/036,952 US20090215544A1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2008-02-25 | Self aligning tap |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090215544A1 true US20090215544A1 (en) | 2009-08-27 |
Family
ID=40998880
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/036,952 Abandoned US20090215544A1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2008-02-25 | Self aligning tap |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090215544A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2407265A1 (en) * | 2010-07-17 | 2012-01-18 | Rolf Rombach | Tool for forming an internal thread, method for producing a wood assembly with such a tool and wood assembly produced using such a method |
CN103791054A (en) * | 2012-10-30 | 2014-05-14 | Skf公司 | Method of manufacturing the thread of a nut in a screw and nut system and associated deformation tap |
CN111633287A (en) * | 2020-06-04 | 2020-09-08 | 徐州欧百瑞智能设备有限公司 | Combined centering screw tap |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1345425A (en) * | 1919-06-30 | 1920-07-06 | Greenfield Tap & Die Corp | Tap |
US5033919A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1991-07-23 | Choe Cha Y | Stabilized tap with air release |
US5562371A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-10-08 | Lock-N-Stitch International | Tap with a non-cutting pilot |
US5897593A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1999-04-27 | Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc. | Lordotic spinal implant |
US6554550B2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2003-04-29 | North American Tool Corporation | Tandem tap and method for cutting screw threads |
US7144208B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2006-12-05 | Kennametal Inc. | Low torque tap |
-
2008
- 2008-02-25 US US12/036,952 patent/US20090215544A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1345425A (en) * | 1919-06-30 | 1920-07-06 | Greenfield Tap & Die Corp | Tap |
US5033919A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1991-07-23 | Choe Cha Y | Stabilized tap with air release |
US5562371A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-10-08 | Lock-N-Stitch International | Tap with a non-cutting pilot |
US5897593A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1999-04-27 | Sulzer Spine-Tech Inc. | Lordotic spinal implant |
US6554550B2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2003-04-29 | North American Tool Corporation | Tandem tap and method for cutting screw threads |
US7144208B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2006-12-05 | Kennametal Inc. | Low torque tap |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2407265A1 (en) * | 2010-07-17 | 2012-01-18 | Rolf Rombach | Tool for forming an internal thread, method for producing a wood assembly with such a tool and wood assembly produced using such a method |
CN103791054A (en) * | 2012-10-30 | 2014-05-14 | Skf公司 | Method of manufacturing the thread of a nut in a screw and nut system and associated deformation tap |
US9517518B2 (en) * | 2012-10-30 | 2016-12-13 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Method of manufacturing the thread of a nut in a screw and nut system |
CN111633287A (en) * | 2020-06-04 | 2020-09-08 | 徐州欧百瑞智能设备有限公司 | Combined centering screw tap |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9731358B2 (en) | Step drill bit | |
US9403246B2 (en) | Drill bit and method for manufacturing | |
US10940545B2 (en) | Drill bit, such as an auger drill bit, and method therefore | |
US8622666B2 (en) | Adjustable step drill bit | |
US8348574B2 (en) | Self-drilling screw and fabricating method for the same | |
US3578762A (en) | Self-drilling, reaming and tapping screw | |
US20080226424A1 (en) | Chipless thread-forming screw | |
CN101160471A (en) | Thread-cutting masonry screw | |
JP2006272503A (en) | Insert removal type drill | |
AU2003204604A1 (en) | Self-drilling fastener | |
US10500652B2 (en) | Hole cutter with multiple fulcrums | |
US7883308B2 (en) | Slotted set screw | |
US8545140B2 (en) | Drill bit | |
US8573906B2 (en) | Drill guide apparatus | |
US8511957B2 (en) | Fastener for stucco or hard board substrates | |
EP2289647A1 (en) | Method for manufacturing self-tapping screw with helical chip discharge channel and self-tapping screw | |
US20100183400A1 (en) | Self-drilling screw | |
US20090215544A1 (en) | Self aligning tap | |
AU2007101166A4 (en) | Multiple spur multiple spiral groove twist drill | |
US7442128B2 (en) | Adaptive drive shank for driving a tap tool with a socket and ratchet | |
US20110116894A1 (en) | Self-Tapping Screw | |
US20170136564A1 (en) | Multi-sectional Drilling and Tapping Apparatus | |
US20110044785A1 (en) | Method for manufacturing screw with helical chip discharge channel and product thereof | |
AU2010200204A1 (en) | Self drilling screw | |
US20080101879A1 (en) | Spade-type bit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JORE CORPORATION, MONTANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHIRICO, KAHL DAVID;REEL/FRAME:021742/0299 Effective date: 20080731 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |