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Title:
SHIM SCREW
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/230743
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Shim screws are typically used for setting and/or adjusting the distance between two objects, such as a wall and a door frame. Current shim screws are difficult to install and use. A shim screw according to the invention comprises: a first member comprising: a first fastening thread for threadedly fastening the first member to a first object, which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead; and a first telescopic thread having a first telescopic thread lead; and a second member comprising: a second fastening thread for threadedly fastening the second member to a second object, which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead; and a second telescopic thread threadedly engageable with the first telescopic thread for forming a threaded telescopic coupling, which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead; wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead.

Inventors:
VAN DER SMAN GERARDUS HENDRIKUS (NL)
Application Number:
PCT/NL2021/050302
Publication Date:
November 18, 2021
Filing Date:
May 10, 2021
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
VAN DER SMAN GERARDUS HENDRIKUS (NL)
International Classes:
F16B5/02; B25B15/00; F16B37/12
Domestic Patent References:
WO2012154119A12012-11-15
Foreign References:
CH713902A22018-12-28
EP2278171A22011-01-26
DE4321153A11995-01-05
US20080075556A12008-03-27
DE8903833U11989-05-18
US20080075556A12008-03-27
CH713902A22018-12-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
VAN DER MAARL, Arjan (NL)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Shim screw (100) comprising:

- a first member (110) comprising:

-a first fastening thread (115, 115’) forthreadedly fastening the first member to a first object (10), which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead (F1); and

- a first telescopic thread (120, 120’) having a first telescopic thread lead (T1); and

- a second member (140) comprising:

- a second fastening thread (145, 145’) forthreadedly fastening the second member to a second object (20), which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead (F2); and

- a second telescopic thread (150, 150’) threadedly engageable with the first telescopic thread for forming a threaded telescopic coupling (105, 105’), which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead (T2); wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead.

2. Shim screw according to the preceding claim, wherein the first telescopic thread lead is smaller than the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is smaller than the second fastening thread lead.

3. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening thread is arranged on an outside of the first member; wherein the first telescopic thread is arranged on an outside of the first member; wherein the first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread are arranged on opposite ends of the first member; wherein the second fastening thread is arranged on an outside of the second member; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread is arranged on an inside of the second member.

4. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member comprises a first coupling (125) for turning (R) the first member for screwing.

5. Shim screw according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupling comprises a thread coupling, a groove coupling, a slotted coupling (126), a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling (126), Hex coupling (126), Allen coupling (126), one-way coupling, square coupling (126), Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling.

6. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second member comprises a second coupling (155) for turning (R) the second member for screwing.

7. Shim screw according to the preceding claim, wherein the second coupling comprises a thread coupling (157), a groove coupling, a slotted coupling (156), a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling, Hex coupling, Allen coupling, one-way coupling, square coupling, Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling.

8. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims 6-7 in combination with at least embodiment 4, wherein the first coupling is arranged relative to the second coupling for turning (R) the first member and the second member by a shim screw bit (200).

9. Shim screw according to the preceding claim, wherein the first coupling comprises a first abutment (127, 127’) arranged for cooperating with the second coupling for simultaneously turning the first member and the second member by a shim screw driver; and/or wherein the second coupling comprises a second abutment (158, 158’) arranged for cooperating with the first coupling for simultaneously turning (R) the first member and the second member by a shim screw driver.

10. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead; wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the first fastening thread lead is substantially equal to the second fastening thread lead.

11 . Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first telescopic thread lead is substantially equal to the second telescopic thread lead, preferably wherein the first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread comply to ISO 68-1 .

12. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shim screw, preferably the first member and/or the second member, is at least partly made of a magnetizable material, such as a magnetizable metal, for magnetically attaching the shim screw to a shim screw driver bit (200).

13. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member comprises an elongated first body; and/or wherein the second member comprises an elongated second body.

14. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member has a first diameter and the second member has a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

15. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second member comprises a through hole (141); and wherein the first member is turnable (R) through the through hole for adjusting the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread. 16. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the friction of the threaded telescopic coupling is lower compared to the friction between the first fastening thread and the first object and/or the friction between the second fastening thread and the second object.

17. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening thread is an external thread of the first member; wherein the first telescopic thread is an external thread of the first member; wherein the second fastening thread is an external thread of the second member; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread is an internal thread of the second member.

18. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first telescopic thread and the first fastening thread turn in the same direction; wherein the second telescopic thread and the second fastening thread turn in the same direction; wherein the first telescopic thread and the second fastening thread turn in the same direction; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread and the first fastening thread turn in the same direction.

19. Shim screw according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening thread has a first fastening thread pitch equal to the first fastening thread lead; wherein the first telescopic thread has a first telescopic thread pitch equal to the first telescopic thread lead; wherein the second fastening thread has a second fastening thread pitch equal to the second fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread pitch equal to the second telescopic thread lead.

20. Shim screw bit (230), comprising:

- a first coupling (240) for coupling with a first coupling of the shim screw at least depending on claim 4; and

- a second coupling (235) for coupling with a second coupling of the shim screw at least depending on claim 6; wherein the first coupling and the second coupling are arranged relative to each other for simultaneously turning (R) the first member and the second member of the shim screw according to any of the preceding claims.

21 . Shim screw bit according to the preceding claim, wherein when the first coupling of the shim screw bit and the second coupling of the shim screw bit are coupled with the first coupling (125) of the shim screw and the second coupling (155) of the shim screw respectively, a telescopic coupling (105, 105’) of the shim screw is blocked by the first coupling of the shim screw bit and/or the second coupling of the shim screw bit. 22. Shim screw bit according to the preceding claim, wherein when the telescopic coupling is blocked, the shim screw bit and the shim screw form a slip-free coupling.

23. Shim screw bit according to any of the preceding claims 20-22, wherein the first coupling and the second coupling are arranged such that the couplings are self-releasing when decoupling from the shim screw.

24. Shim screw bit according to any of the preceding claims 20-23, wherein the first coupling comprises an abutment (241) for abutting on the first coupling of the shim screw bit comprising an abutment (127, 127’) according to claim 9; and wherein the second coupling comprises a thread (236) arranged on the outside of the shim screw bit for coupling with the second coupling of the shim screw comprising a thread coupling (157) according to claim 7.

25. Shim screw bit according to the preceding claim, wherein the second coupling comprises a second abutment (237) for abutting on the second coupling of the shim screw bit comprising an abutment (158, 158’) according to claim 9; and wherein the distance between the abutment (241) and the second abutment (237) is smaller than the longitudinal length of the second telescopic thread.

26. Shim screw bit according to any of the preceding claims 20-25, wherein the shim screw bit comprises a permanent magnet for magnetically coupling the shim screw bit with the shim screw, which should also depend on claim 12.

27. Shim screw driver tool (200) comprising:

- a shaft (220);

- a driver coupling (210) arranged on one end of the shaft; and

- a shim screw bit (230) according to any of the claims 20-26 arranged on the other end of the shaft.

28. Shim screw driver tool according to the preceding claim, wherein the driver coupling has the shape of a Hex or Allen coupling, for coupling with a drilling tool.

29. Shim screw driver tool according to any of the preceding claim 27-28, wherein the driver coupling has a driver coupling diameter; wherein the shim screw bit has a shim screw bit diameter; and wherein the driver coupling diameter is smaller than the shim screw bit diameter.

30. Method for placing a shim screw (100) according to any of the claims 1-19, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

- providing a shim screw bit (230) according to any of the claims 1-19;

- providing the shim screw; WO 2021/230743 PCT/NL2021/050302

- engaging of the shim screw bit on the shim screw;

- screwing (R) the shim screw into a second object (20) and thereafter at least partly into a first object (10) by turning the shim screw bit, wherein the first fastening thread of the shim screw engages at least partly with the first object; and wherein the second fastening thread of the shim screw engages at least partly with the second object; and

- disengaging the shim screw bit from the shim screw.

31 . First shim screw member (110) arranged for forming a shim screw (100) together with a second shim screw member (140), wherein the first shim screw member comprises:

-a first fastening thread (115, 115’) for threadedly fastening the first member to a first object (10), which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead (F1); and

- a first telescopic thread (120, 120’) threadedly engageable with a second telescopic thread (150, 150’) of the second shim screw member for forming a threaded telescopic coupling (105, 105’), which first telescopic thread has a first telescopic thread lead (T1); and wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead.

32. Second shim screw member (140) arranged for forming a shim screw (100) together with a first shim screw member (110), wherein the second screw member comprises:

- a second fastening thread (145, 145’) for threadedly fastening the second member to a second object (20), which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead (F2); and

- a second telescopic thread (150, 150’) threadedly engageable with a first telescopic thread (120, 120’) of the first shim screw member for forming a threaded telescopic coupling (105, 105’), which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead (T2); and wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead.

33. Kit of parts comprising a plurality of first members (110) and at least one second member (140), wherein each of the plurality of first members (110) comprises:

-a first fastening thread (115, 115’) for threadedly fastening the first member to a first object (10), which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead (F1); and

- a first telescopic thread (120, 120’) having a first telescopic thread lead (T1); and wherein the second member (140) comprises:

- a second fastening thread (145, 145’) for threadedly fastening the second member to a second object (20), which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead (F2); and

- a second telescopic thread (150, 150’) threadedly engageable with the first telescopic thread for forming a threaded telescopic coupling (105, 105’), which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead (T2); wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead; and WO 2021/230743 PCT/NL2021/050302 wherein the second member is adapted to together with one of the plurality of first members form a shim screw (100) according to any of the claims 1-19.

34. Kit of parts comprising at least one first member (110) and a plurality of second members (140), wherein the first member (110) comprises:

-a first fastening thread (115, 115’) for threadedly fastening the first member to a first object (10), which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead (F1); and

- a first telescopic thread (120, 120’) having a first telescopic thread lead (T1); and wherein each of the plurality of second members (140) comprises: - a second fastening thread (145, 145’) for threadedly fastening the second member to a second object (20), which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead (F2); and

- a second telescopic thread (150, 150’) threadedly engageable with the first telescopic thread for forming a threaded telescopic coupling (105, 105’), which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead (T2); wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead; and wherein the first member is adapted to together with one of the plurality of second members form a shim screw (100) according to any of the claims 1-19.

Description:
SHIM SCREW

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a shim screw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shim screws are typically used for setting and/or adjusting the distance between two objects, such as a wall and a door frame.

US2008075556 A1 discloses an adjustable shim including a first member having a fastener opening for attachment by a screw to a frame, and a protrusion defining a coaxial threaded opening spaced from the fastener opening. A second member has a protrusion telescopically mounted on the first member and has a hollow bolt threadably located in the threaded opening coaxial with the fastener opening. The head of the hollow bolt is accessible through the second member protrusion, so that a screw can pass through the bolt to the fastener opening, and the head of the bolt is restrained from axial movement relative to the second member, so that rotation of the bolt causes the first and second members to move telescopically.

CH713902 A2 discloses a spacer device with a spacer screw and a sleeve that can be screwed onto the spacer screw, in particular for fastening a wooden or aluminum profile at a distance from a wall. The spacer screw has a screw shaft with a front threaded section and a rear threaded section at a distance therefrom. The sleeve has a bore with an internal thread which corresponds to the rear threaded section and an external thread opposite the end with the internal thread.

A disadvantage of the shim of US2008075556 A1 and CH713902 A2 is that the is difficult to install. A further disadvantage is the difficult to produce. A further disadvantage is that the operator may need considerable installation time using this shim screw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. According to a first aspect of the invention, a shim screw comprising:

- a first member comprising:

-a first fastening thread forthreadedly fastening the first member to a first object, which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead; and

- a first telescopic thread having a first telescopic thread lead; and

- a second member comprising:

- a second fastening thread forthreadedly fastening the second member to a second object, which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead; and

- a second telescopic thread threadedly engageable with the first telescopic thread for forming a threaded telescopic coupling, which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead; wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead; and/or wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead. A shim screw is a screw used for linking two objects together with one screw, wherein the two objects remain at a distance or are spaced apart. This distance between the objects is determined by the shim screw. The shim screw is typically adjustable after initially screwing the shim screw into the two objects.

The shim screw according to the invention comprises two members, a first member and a second member. The first member is screwed at least partly into the first object. The first member comprises a first fastening thread which at least partly engages with the first object for fixating the first member in the first object. The first member can be turned such that the turning together with the first fastening thread engaging with the first object causes the first member to screw into or out of the first object depending on the direction of turning.

The second member is at least partly screwed into the second object. The second member comprises a second fastening thread which at least partly engages with the second object for fixating the second member in the second object. The second member can be turned such that the turning together with the second fastening thread engaging with the second object causes the second member to screw into or out of the second object depending on the direction of turning.

The first member comprises a first telescopic thread. The second member comprises a second telescopic thread. The first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread may engage to form a threaded telescopic coupling. This threaded telescopic coupling allows the first member to turn independently from the second member. When the first member is turned relative to the second member the telescopic coupling will cause the first member to extend more or less from the second member depending on the direction of turning. Thus, the telescopic coupling controls the amount the first member extends from the second member. The effect is that the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread is changed.

The different threads may be typed by the lead and the pitch of the thread. The lead of a thread is the distance travelled in a longitudinal direction if the screw or member is rotated 360° or one turn around its longitudinal axis. The pitch of a thread is the distance in a longitudinal direction between two subsequent crests of the thread. If the thread has one start, the thread pitch and the thread lead are equal. If the thread has multiple starts, the thread lead is the same multiple of the thread pitch.

The first member and the second member typically have a first longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal axis, respectively. The first member and the second member may be turned or rotated around their respective longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are typically aligned, such as in line with each other or equal, when the first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread are threadedly engaged. The longitudinal axis may be typed as an elongated axis. The first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread are typically aligned to, such as concentrically arranged around, the first longitudinal axis. The second fastening thread and the second telescopic thread are typically aligned to, such as concentrically arranged around, the second longitudinal axis.

In a first embodiment, the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead. If the first member is then turned, the longitudinal distance travelled of the first member relative to the first object is different from the longitudinal distance of the first member relative to the second member. As the second member is threadedly engaged with and/or stationary relative to the second object, the effect is that the distance between the first object and the second object is changed by the difference between the first fastening thread lead minus the first telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of turns. The number of turns may be a fractional number.

In a second embodiment, the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead. If the second member is then turned, the longitudinal distance travelled of the second member relative to the second object is different from the longitudinal distance of the first member relative to the second member. As the first member is threadedly engaged with and/or stationary relative to the first object, the effect is that the distance between the first object and the second object is changed by the difference between the second fastening thread lead minus the second telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of turns. The number of turns may be a fractional number.

The current shim screw, either in the first embodiment and/or the second embodiment, allows to change the distance between the first object and the second object as described above. The current shim screw has the technical effect of being easily producible due to that the different threads may be easily made, such as on a lathe. The current shim screw has the technical effect that only these threads are needed to provide the effect of being able to change the distance between the first object and the second object. The current shim screw has the technical effect of being such simple that it is easily installable or mountable by one person.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread lead is smaller than the first fastening thread lead. This requirement advantageously allows to insert the shim screw relatively fast while the adjustment of the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread may be done with a high accuracy. Furthermore, the first fastening thread typically has a high friction with the first object, relative to the first telescopic thread as part of the telescopic coupling. This advantageously prevents both threads from slipping overtime, or if they slip to slip with comparable amounts.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread lead is smaller than from the second fastening thread lead. This requirement advantageously allows to insert the shim screw relatively fast while the adjustment of the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread may be done with a high accuracy. Furthermore, the second fastening thread typically has a high friction with the second object, relative to the second telescopic thread as part of the telescopic coupling. This advantageously prevents both threads from slipping overtime, or if they slip to slip with comparable amounts.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening thread is advantageously arranged on an outside of the first member for easily engaging the first object. In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread is advantageously arranged on an outside of the first member for easily engaging the second telescopic thread. In an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread are advantageously arranged on opposite ends of the first member for easily allowing to engage the first object and the second telescopic thread respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, the second fastening thread is advantageously arranged on an outside of the second member for easily engaging the second object. In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread is advantageously arranged on an inside of the second member for easily engaging the first telescopic thread. In an embodiment of the invention, the first member advantageously comprises a first coupling for turning the first member for screwing. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first coupling comprises a thread coupling, a groove coupling, a slotted coupling, a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling, Hex coupling, Allen coupling, one-way coupling, square coupling, Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second member comprises a second coupling for turning the second member for screwing. In a further embodiment of the invention, the second coupling comprises a thread coupling, a groove coupling, a slotted coupling, a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling, Hex coupling, Allen coupling, one-way coupling, square coupling, Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first coupling is arranged relative to the second coupling for turning the first member and the second member by a shim screw bit for advantageously simplifying screwing the shim screw into the first object and the second object, preferably wherein the first member is screwed through the second object into the first object. In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the first coupling comprises a first abutment arranged for cooperating with the second coupling for simultaneously turning the first member and the second member by a shim screw driver; and/or wherein the second coupling comprises a second abutment arranged for cooperating with the first coupling for simultaneously turning the first member and the second member by a shim screw driver. The abutment advantageously allows to only couple with one of the first or second coupling for simplifying the coupling between the shim screw and the shim screw bit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead advantageously allowing to change the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread when turning and/or screwing the first member relative to the second member. In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead advantageously allowing to change the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread when turning and/or screwing the second member relative to the first member. In an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening thread lead is substantially equal to the second fastening thread lead advantageously allowing to advance the first and the second member along the elongated axis at the same rate when turning the first and the second member at the same rate.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread lead is substantially equal to the second telescopic thread lead advantageously allowing to screw the first member relative to the second member with relative low friction. In a further embodiment the first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread advantageously comply to ISO 68-1 for simplifying the production of the shim screw.

In an embodiment of the invention, the shim screw, preferably the first member and/or the second member, is at least partly made of a magnetizable material, such as a magnetizable metal, for magnetically attaching the shim screw with a shim screw driver bit. This advantageously allows for a firmer grip of the screw driver bit on the shim screw. As the screw driver bit is typically held or part of a tool suitable for inserting the shim screw into the first and the second object, the magnetic coupling allows to hold the tool with one hand without the other hand needing to hold the shim screw coupled to the shim screw bit when inserting and/or screwing. The effect is that the other hand may hold the first and/or the second object while inserting and/or screwing. This has the effect that not a second person is needed to hold the first and/or the second object in place while inserting and/or screwing thus reducing and/or simplifying the installation, screwing and/or inserting of the shim screw.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first member advantageously comprises an elongated first body. In an embodiment of the invention, the second member comprises an elongated second body. The respective elongated bodies allow the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread to be longer for a higher friction coupling with the first and second object, respectively.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first member has a first diameter and the second member has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

Typically, the first member is first screwed through the second object whereafter the first member is screwed into the first member. If the first member has a smaller diameter relative to the second member, the second fastening thread may still advantageously grip into the second object for making the coupling, preferably a high friction coupling, between the second member and the second object.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second member comprises a through hole, and the first member is turnable through the through hole for adjusting the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread. As the first member is turnable through the through hole, the first coupling arranged to the first member is accessible through the through hole. Typically, the opening of the through hole opposite to the opening of the through hole having the first member arranged in it, is accessible when the shim screw is placed in the first and the second object. The effect of the first member being turnable through the through hole is that the first member is easily turnable when installed or at the end of the installation after the shim screw is screwed into the first and the second object. This arrangement advantageously even allows to adjust the shim screw at a later moment in time, e.g. after several days, weeks or even years, when e.g. the first and/or the second object have set.

In an embodiment of the invention, the friction of the threaded telescopic coupling is lower compared to the friction between the first fastening thread and the first object. This advantageously allows to adjust and/or turn the first member while the second member stays stationary relative to the second object for adjusting the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread. In an embodiment of the invention, the friction of the threaded telescopic coupling is lower compared to the friction between the first fastening thread and the first object and/or the friction of the second fastening thread and the second object. This advantageously allows to adjust and/or turn the second member while the first member stays stationary relative to the first object for adjusting the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread. In a further embodiment of the invention, the friction of the threaded telescopic coupling is lower compared to the friction between the first fastening thread and the first object and the friction between the second fastening thread and the second object. This advantageously allows both adjustments as mentioned before. Typically, the first and the second object are not turnable relative to each other. Further typically, the first and the second object may be translated relative to each other. This translation is typically controlled by the distance between the first and the second fastening threads of a shim screw. In an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening thread is an external thread of the first member, and/or the first telescopic thread is an external thread of the first member. Typically, first member is an elongated member. Typically, the first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread are arranged at opposite ends of the first member. In an embodiment of the invention, the second fastening thread is an external thread of the second member, and/or the second telescopic thread is an internal thread of the second member. Typically, second member is an elongated member. Typically, the second fastening thread and the second telescopic thread are arranged at opposite ends of the second member. Typically, the second member has a through hole, wherein the second telescopic thread is arranged at an opening of the through hole, while the second fastening thread is arranged on the outside of the second member to an opposite opening of the through hole. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member and the second member have an embodiment as specified above in the paragraph for advantageously fitting the first member through the through hole of the second member simplifying production, such as producing the members separately.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread and the first fastening thread advantageously turn in the same direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread and the second fastening thread advantageously turn in the same direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread and the second fastening thread advantageously turn in the same direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread and the first fastening thread advantageously turn in the same direction. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more of the threads of the first and the second member advantageously turn to the right for screwing the shim screw into the respective objects. The preceding embodiments provide the advantage of ease of production and/or intuitive application of the shim screw.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening thread advantageously has a first fastening pitch equal to the first fastening lead. In an embodiment of the invention, the first telescopic thread advantageously has a first telescopic pitch equal to the first telescopic lead. In an embodiment of the invention, the second fastening thread advantageously has a second fastening pitch equal to the second fastening lead. In an embodiment of the invention, the second telescopic thread advantageously has a second telescopic pitch equal to the second telescopic lead. The preceding embodiments provide the advantage of ease of production and/or intuitive application of the shim screw.

According to another aspect of the invention, a shim screw bit advantageously arranged for simultaneously turning the first member and the second member of a shim screw according to any of the embodiments according to the invention. The shim screw bit provides the advantage that the distance between the first and the second fastening threads is constant during inserting and/or screwing the shim screw into the first and the second object simultaneously.

In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, the shim screw bit comprises:

- a first coupling for coupling with a first coupling of a shim screw according to the invention; and

- a second coupling for coupling with a second coupling of the shim screw according to the invention; wherein the first coupling and the second coupling are arranged relative to each other for simultaneously turning the first member and the second member of the shim screw. The shim screw bit provides the advantage that the distance between the first and the second fastening threads is constant during inserting and/or screwing the shim screw into the first and the second object simultaneously.

In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, when the first coupling of the shim screw bit and the second coupling of the shim screw bit are coupled with the first coupling of the shim screw and the second coupling of the shim screw respectively, a telescopic coupling of the shim screw is blocked by the first coupling of the shim screw bit and/or the second coupling of the shim screw bit. The shim screw bit provides the advantage that the distance between the first and the second fastening threads is constant during inserting and/or screwing the shim screw into the first and the second object simultaneously.

In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, when the telescopic coupling is blocked, the shim screw bit and the shim screw advantageously form a slip-free coupling. In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, the first coupling and the second coupling are arranged such that the couplings are advantageously self-releasing when decoupling from the shim screw simplifying the release of the shim screw bit. The shim screw typically has an insertion rotational direction, which is the direction wherein the shim screw is rotated to insert the shim screw into the first and/or second object. The insertion rotational direction is typically determined by the first and/or the second fastening threads. The second coupling of the shim screw may comprise a threaded coupling, wherein the threaded coupling cooperates or matches the insertion rotational direction. The shim screw bit may be decoupling or selfreleasing when turned or rotated in an opposite direction from the insertion rotational direction.

In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, the first coupling comprises an abutment for abutting on the first coupling of the shim screw bit comprising an abutment; and wherein the second coupling comprises a thread arranged on the outside of the shim screw bit for coupling with the second coupling of the shim screw comprises a thread coupling. The first and the second coupling of the shim screw bit form a self-releasing and self-blocking coupling with the shim screw, more specifically releasing and blocking the telescopic coupling of the shim screw for simultaneously turning the first and the second member of the shim screw.

In an embodiment of the shim screw bit, the shim screw bit comprises a permanent magnet for magnetically coupling the shim screw bit with the shim screw, typically having at least a magnetizable part. The shim screw bit and the shim screw may advantageously form a coupling such that the combination may be held by one hand. This provides the effect that the first or the second object may be held with the other hand of the person installing and/or screwing the shim screw into the objects. Thus, where previously at least two persons were needed, with the shim screw according to the invention, only one person may be needed.

According to another aspect of the invention, a shim screw driver tool comprising:

- a shaft;

- a driver coupling arranged on one end of the shaft; and

- a shim screw bit according to any of the embodiments shim screw bit arranged on the other end of the shaft. The shim screw driver tool according to the invention provides the advantages as mentioned for the shim screw bit. In an embodiment of the shim screw driver tool, the driver coupling advantageously has the shape of a Hex or Allen coupling, for coupling with a drilling tool. In an embodiment of the shim screw driver tool, the driver coupling has a driver coupling diameter; the shim WO 2021/230743 PCT/NL2021/050302 screw bit has a shim screw bit diameter; and the driver coupling diameter is advantageously smaller than the shim screw bit diameter.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for placing a shim screw according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

- providing the shim screw bit;

- providing the shim screw;

- engaging the shim screw bit on the shim screw;

- screwing the shim screw into a second object and thereafter at least partly into a first object by turning the shim screw bit, wherein the first fastening thread of the shim screw engages at least partly with the first object; and wherein the second fastening thread of the shim screw engages at least partly with the second object; and

- disengaging the shim screw bit from the shim screw. The method provides the advantage of simplifying installing and/or screwing the shim screw into the first and the second object. More specific, a minimum of one person may be needed for installing and/or screwing the shim screw into the first and the second object.

According to another aspect of the invention, a first shim screw member advantageously arranged for forming a shim screw together with a second shim screw member, wherein the first shim screw member comprises:

-a first fastening thread forthreadedly fastening the first member to a first object, which first fastening thread has a first fastening thread lead; and

- a first telescopic thread threadedly engageable with a second telescopic thread of the second shim screw member for forming a threaded telescopic coupling, which first telescopic thread has a first telescopic thread lead; and wherein the first telescopic thread lead is different from the first fastening thread lead.

According to another aspect of the invention, a second shim screw member advantageously arranged for forming a shim screw together with a first shim screw member, wherein the second screw member comprises:

- a second fastening thread forthreadedly fastening the second member to a second object, which second fastening thread has a second fastening thread lead; and

- a second telescopic thread threadedly engageable with a first telescopic thread of the first shim screw member for forming a threaded telescopic coupling, which second telescopic thread has a second telescopic thread lead; and wherein the second telescopic thread lead is different from the second fastening thread lead.

According to another aspect of the invention, a kit of parts comprising a plurality of first members and at least one second member, wherein the second member is adapted to together with one of the plurality of first members form a shim screw. Typically, wherein the first members have an elongated body, preferably of different length for advantageously forming shim screws of different lengths. According to another aspect of the invention, a kit of parts comprising at least one first member and a plurality of second members, wherein the first member is adapted to together with one of the plurality of second members form a shim screw. Typically, wherein the second members have an elongated body, preferably of different length for advantageously forming shim screws of different lengths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shim screw; Figure 2 schematically shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a shim screw; Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of an embodiment of a first member; Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section of an embodiment of a second member; and

Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shim screw bit tool.

The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following figures may detail different embodiments. Embodiments can be combined to reach an enhanced or improved technical effect. These combined embodiments may be mentioned explicitly throughout the text, may be hint upon in the text or may be implicit.

Figure 1 schematically shows an application of a shim screw 100 according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a first object 10 and a second object 20. The first and second object are spaced apart by a distance D. The distance D is maintained by at least shim screw 100. Figure 1 shows the cross-section of the shim screw 100. The shim screw comprises a first member 110 and a second member 140. The first member and the second member are typically elongated or at least typically one of them is elongated. The first member and the second member are typically arranged, preferably symmetrical to or concentric around an elongated axis E. The shim screw or one of its members may be turned around the elongated axis for screwing in or unscrewing from the respective objects. The first member is at least partly arranged or screwed in the first object. The first member comprises a first fastening thread 115, 115’. The first fastening thread is at least partly arranged or screwed in the first object for gripping in or engaging with the first object. The first member is typically screwable around the elongated axis for screwing into or unscrewing form the first object. The first fastening thread, when gripping in or engaging with the first object, typically causes that the first member can only be removed from the first object destructively by a force along the elongated axis. The first fastening thread, when gripping in or engaging with the first object and the first object is turned relative to the first object, typically causes that the first member also translates relative to the first object along the elongated axis. The second member is at least partly arranged or screwed in the second object. The second member comprises a second fastening thread 145, 145’. The second fastening thread is at least partly arranged or screwed in the second object for gripping on or engaging with the second object. The second member is typically screwable around the elongated axis for screwing into or unscrewing from the second object. The second fastening thread, when gripping on or engaging with the second object, typically causes that the second member can only be removed from the second object destructively by a force along the elongated axis. The second fastening thread, when gripping on or engaging with the second object and the second object is turned relative to the second object, typically causes that the second member also translates relative to the second object along the elongated axis.

The first member comprises a first telescopic thread 120, 120’. The second member comprises a second telescopic thread 150, 150’. The first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread are threadedly engageable for forming a threaded telescopic coupling 105, 105’. The telescopic coupling may span the length of the first telescopic thread, the second telescopic thread, or a part of one of the respective telescopic threads. For a telescopic coupling at least part of the first telescopic thread and the second telescopic thread overlap. By turning the first member relative to the second member, the amount the first member extending from the second member will change due to the telescopic coupling.

Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shim screw 100 according to the invention. The shim screw comprises a first member 110 and a second member 140. The first member comprises a first fastening thread 115. The second member comprises a second fastening thread 145. The first fastening thread has a thread lead F1 . The second fastening thread has a thread lead F2. The first fastening thread may have a thread pitch equal to the thread lead. The second fastening thread may have a thread pitch equal to the thread lead. The first fastening thread lead is typically equal to the second fastening thread lead for advantageously allowing the first member and the second member to advance an equal distance in the direction of the elongated axis when both members are turned simultaneously, e.g. when screwed into the first and the second object. The shim screw, the first member, or the second member is typically turned, rotated or screwed around the elongated axis E. If the shim screw, the first member, or the second member is rotated in the direction R, the shim screw, the first member, or the second member is typically screwed into the first and/or the second object. If the shim screw, the first member, or the second member is rotated against or opposite to the direction R, the shim screw, the first member, or the second member is typically screwed out of the first and/or the second object.

In this embodiment of the shim screw, if the first member is rotated in the direction R, while the second member is not rotated, the telescopic coupling will cause that the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread increases. At the same time the first fastening thread will screw more into the first object due to this rotation. The first fastening thread will screw faster into the first object compared to the extending of the telescopic coupling due to the difference between the first fastening thread lead and the first telescopic thread lead. The result of this difference is that the distance between the first object and the second object is reduced. The reduction of the distance between the first object and the second object is typically decreased by the difference between the first fastening thread lead and the first telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of rotations or fraction of the rotations of the first member. In this embodiment of the shim screw, if the second member is rotated in the direction R, while the first member is not rotated, the telescopic coupling will cause that the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread decreases. At the same time the second fastening thread will screw more through the second object due to this rotation. The second fastening thread will screw faster through the second object compared to the contracting of the telescopic coupling due to the difference between the second fastening thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead. The result of this difference is that the distance between the first object and the second object is increased. The increase of the distance between the first object and the second object is typically increased by the difference between the second fastening thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of rotations or fraction of the rotations of the first member.

In this embodiment of the shim screw, if the first member is rotated opposite to the direction R, while the second member is not rotated, the telescopic coupling will cause that the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread decreases. At the same time the first fastening thread will screw more out of the first object due to this rotation. The first fastening thread will screw faster out of the first object compared to the contracting of the telescopic coupling due to the difference between the first fastening thread lead and the first telescopic thread lead. The result of this difference is that the distance between the first object and the second object is increased. The increase of the distance between the first object and the second object is typically increased by the difference between the first fastening thread lead and the first telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of rotations or fraction of the rotations of the first member.

In this embodiment of the shim screw, if the second member is rotated opposite to the direction R, while the first member is not rotated, the telescopic coupling will cause that the distance between the first fastening thread and the second fastening thread increases. At the same time the second fastening thread will screw more out of the second object due to this rotation. The second fastening thread will screw faster out of the second object compared to the extending of the telescopic coupling due to the difference between the second fastening thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead. The result of this difference is that the distance between the first object and the second object is decreased. The decrease of the distance between the first object and the second object is typically decreased by the difference between the second fastening thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead multiplied by the number of rotations or fraction of the rotations of the first member.

Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of an embodiment of a first member 110 of a shim screw 100 according to the invention. The first member comprises a first fastening thread 115, 115’ and a first telescopic thread 120, 120’. The first fastening thread has a thread lead F1 . The first telescopic thread has a thread lead T1. The first member may comprise a shaft 111 spacing the first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread apart. The first fastening thread and the first telescopic thread may be arranged at opposite ends of the first member or shaft.

The first member may comprise a first coupling 125. The first coupling allows for a bit to couple with the first member. The first coupling may comprise a first coupling notch 126. The first coupling notch may have a shape for receiving a thread bit, a groove bit, a slotted bit, a Phillips bit, hexagonal bit, Hex bit, Allen bit, one-way bit, square bit, Robertson bit, tamper resistant bit, Pozidrive bit, TP3 bit, TTAP bit, fluted socket bit, Torx bit and/or Torx-set bit for forming respectively a thread coupling, a groove coupling, a slotted coupling, a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling, Hex coupling, Allen coupling, one-way coupling, square coupling, Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling. The first coupling may comprise a first coupling abutment 127, 127’ for abutting a bit typically inserted into and/or attached to a second member forming together with the first member a shim screw.

Typically, the first fastening thread lead and the first fastening thread pitch are equal. Typically, the first telescopic thread lead and the first telescopic thread pitch are equal. Typically, the first telescopic thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead are the same.

Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section of an embodiment of a second member 140. The second member comprises a second fastening thread 145, 145’ and a second telescopic thread 150, 150’. The second fastening thread has a thread lead F2. The second telescopic thread has a thread lead T2. The second member may comprise a through hole 141 providing an inner side 142 and an outer side 143. The first fastening thread is arranged to the outer side. The first telescopic thread is arranged to the inner side.

The second member may comprise a second coupling 155. The second coupling may comprise a second coupling notch 156. The second coupling notch may have a shape for receiving a groove bit, a slotted bit, a Phillips bit, hexagonal bit, Hex bit, Allen bit, one-way bit, square bit, Robertson bit, tamper resistant bit, Pozidrive bit, TP3 bit, TTAP bit, fluted socket bit, Torx bit and/or Torx-set bit for forming respectively a groove coupling, a slotted coupling, a Phillips coupling, hexagonal coupling, Hex coupling, Allen coupling, one-way coupling, square coupling, Robertson coupling, tamper resistant coupling, Pozidrive coupling, TP3 coupling, TTAP coupling, fluted socket coupling, Torx coupling and/or Torx-set coupling.

The second coupling may comprise a second coupling thread 157. The second coupling thread and the second telescopic thread may be one and the same thread. Typically, the thread part arranged on one end of the through hole is used as coupling thread, while the other part of the thread is used as telescopic coupling thread. Typically, the second fastening thread lead and the second fastening thread pitch are equal. Typically, the second telescopic thread lead and the second telescopic thread pitch are equal. Typically, the first telescopic thread lead and the second telescopic thread lead are the same. The second coupling may comprise a second abutment 158, 158’ for abutting a bit typically inserted into and/or attached to a second member forming together with the first member a shim screw.

Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shim screw bit tool 200. The shim screw bit tool comprises a shim screw bit 230 for coupling with the first and/or the second member of a shim screw for turning the shim screw. The shim screw bit tool may comprise a shim screw bit shaft 220 and a shim screw bit driver coupling 210. The shim screw bit shaft, the shim screw bit driver coupling and the shim screw bit are typically stiff, rigid or rotationally stiff for optimally guiding or transferring the rotational force applied on the shim screw bit driver coupling to the shim screw bit for applying this rotational force in rotating the shim screw coupled to the shim screw bit tool.

The shim screw bit driver coupling is adapted for coupling with a driver tool for turning or rotating the shim screw bit tool and typically the shim screw coupled to the shim screw bit 230. The shim screw bit driver coupling and the shim screw bit are arranged at opposite ends of the shim screw driver shaft. The shim screw bit may comprise a shim screw bit first coupling 240 adapted for coupling with a first coupling of a first member of a shim screw for turning the first member. The shim screw bit may comprise a shim screw bit second coupling 235 adapted for coupling with a second coupling of a second member of a shim screw for turning the second member. The shim screw bit first coupling and the shim screw second coupling, when respectively coupled to a first coupling of a first member of a shim screw and a second coupling of a second member of the shim screw, will turn or rotate the shim screw as a whole when turning or rotating the shim screw bit tool.

The shim screw bit second coupling may comprise a shim screw bit second thread 236. This shim screw bit second thread may be adapted to screw into a coupling thread 157 of a second member 140 of a shim screw 100. The shim screw bit second coupling may comprise a shim screw bit second abutment 237. The shim screw bit abutment may be arranged for cooperating with the shim screw bit second thread for defining or predefining the depth that the shim screw bit second coupling is screwable into the second member of the shim screw.

The shim screw bit first coupling may comprise a shim screw bit first abutment 241 . The shim screw bit first abutment may be arranged to cooperate with the shim screw bit second coupling, more specific with the shim screw bit second thread and/or the shim screw bit second abutment, for coupling with a first and a second member of a shim screw for turning or rotating the shim screw as a whole for screwing the shim screw into an object, such as a first and a second object.

It is noted that unscrewing the shim screw from the first and/or the second object may be achieved by unscrewing the first member and/or the second member separately. The unscrewing of the first and/or the second member may also be achieved by alternately unscrewing the first member and the second member for limiting the variation of the distance between the first and the second object.

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all emission” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of.

The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.