Miniature screw collection and container system

Abstract

A screw encapsulation system is disclosed that includes a container, a first screw, an adhesive, and a cover. The container includes a plurality of recesses, including a first recess extending from a first opening of the container toward a second surface. The first recess is sized to receive the screw therein and includes a counterbore at its distal end. The first screw is removably positioned within the first recess such that the shoulder of the screw head is positioned on an upper surface of the counterbore with the shank positioned within the internal recess of the counterbore. An adhesive is disposed within a driver of the first screw, the adhesive configured to temporarily bond two objects together. The cover is removably coupled to the first surface of the container such that the first screw is retained within the first recess while the cover is coupled to the first surface.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [background] Picking up tiny screws when repairing or manufacturing delicate equipment such as eyeglasses, watches, or jewelry components can be a frustrating and difficult task. Small-diameter screw systems used in spinal surgery, skull plates, and oral and maxillofacial surgery present similar challenges. These screws are often tiny, sometimes only a few millimeters in length, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye. Their tiny size and lightweight nature add to the complexity of the task, making them prone to loss or easy dropping. Additionally, screws are often made from materials such as stainless steel or brass, which can be highly reflective, allowing them to blend into the background or camouflage themselves against the surface on which they are dropped. These optical illusions make finding the screws a task requiring patience and keen observation.

[0002] Additionally, miniature screws tend to roll or bounce if dropped, further complicating the retrieval process. Their small size also makes them difficult to grasp using conventional tools or fingers, necessitating the use of specialized tweezers or magnifying glasses for improved visibility and precision. Repairing or manufacturing small devices, such as eyeglasses, watches, or jewelry components, requires a steady hand, meticulous attention to detail, and endless patience. The same level of skill required for small screw systems is also required for spinal surgery, skull plates, and oral and maxillofacial surgical systems. Locating and placing these microscrews can be a time-consuming and delicate task that tests the dexterity and patience of laypeople and even the most experienced repair technicians and operating room professionals. Microscrew placement can also pose challenges during the manufacturing process of these screw systems.

[0003] Therefore, a need exists for an efficient and effective fastener organization and retrieval tool. [overview] In one embodiment, a screw encapsulation system is disclosed, the system including a container, a first screw, an adhesive, and a cover. The container includes a first surface defining a plurality of openings, including a first opening; a second surface opposite and spaced from the first surface; a plurality of recesses, including a first recess, extending from the first opening of the container toward the second surface, the first recesses being sized to receive screws therein; and a counterbore disposed at a distal end of the first recess. The first screw is removably disposed in the first recess. The first screw includes a head disposed at a first end and having a driver; a shank coupled to the head and defining a shoulder on the screw head, the shoulder resting on an upper surface of the counterbore when the shank is disposed in the internal recess of the counterbore; threads disposed in a portion of the shank; and a tip on a second end. The adhesive is disposed within the driver of the first screw and configured to temporarily join two objects. The cover is removably coupled to the first surface of the container such that the first screw is retained within the first recess while the cover is coupled to the first surface.

[0004] In some embodiments, the system further includes a screwdriver having a shaft sized to fit within the first recess of the container and a tip sized to fit within the driver of the screw, hi some embodiments, the diameter of the first recess is 0 to 1 mm greater than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first opening is circular and the first recess is a cylindrical hole. In some embodiments, the first recess comprises at least a partial frustoconical shape.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cover is hingedly or slidingly attached to the container. In some embodiments, the cover is a removable plastic film. In some embodiments, the adhesive is bone wax or putty.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of openings further includes a second opening, and the plurality of recesses includes a second recess extending from the second opening toward the second surface of the container, the second recess being sized to receive a second screw therein, the second screw being the same size or a different size than the first screw.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first screw is an eyeglass frame screw, a watch screw, a jewelry screw, an orthopedic or spinal screw, a skull plate screw, or an oral and maxillofacial surgical screw.

[0009] In another embodiment, a container is disclosed including: a first surface defining a plurality of openings, including a first opening and a second opening; a second surface opposite and spaced apart from the first surface; a first recess extending from the first opening of the container toward the second surface, the first recess sized to fit a screw therein, the first recess having a counterbore at a distal end thereof, the screw disposed within the first recess, a shank of the screw disposed within an internal recess of the counterbore, a shoulder of the screw head located on an upper surface of the counterbore; a second recess extending from the second opening of the container toward the second surface, the second recess sized to fit a screwdriver shaft therein; and an adhesive disposed within the second recess.

[0010] In some embodiments, the container further includes a screwdriver having a shaft sized to fit within each of the first and second recesses of the container and a tip sized to fit within the driver of the screw. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first recess is 0 to 1 mm greater than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second recess is greater than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method for picking up a screw is disclosed, the method including: providing a container having a first surface defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings having a plurality of recesses including a first recess extending from the plurality of openings toward a second surface, the first recess having a first screw disposed therein, the first screw having an adhesive disposed within a driving portion of a head of the screw; the container further including a cover removably coupled to the first surface and configured to cover the plurality of recesses; providing a screwdriver having a shank and a tip configured to engage the driving portion of the screw; removing the cover from the container to expose the plurality of recesses; inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the first recess until the tip contacts and deforms the adhesive such that the screw and screwdriver are temporarily coupled via the adhesive; and removing the screwdriver tip and the screw from the first recess.

[0012] In some embodiments, the screw is a screw for an eyeglass frame, and the method further includes inserting the screw into a screw hole in the eyeglasses and separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw.

[0013] In some embodiments, the screw is a screw for a watch or jewelry, and the method further includes inserting the screw into a screw hole in the watch and separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw.

[0014] In some embodiments, the screw is an orthopedic, spinal, cranial fixation, or oral and maxillofacial surgical screw, and the method further includes inserting the screw into the screw hole of the spinal implant and separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method for picking up a screw is disclosed, the method including: providing a container having a first surface defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of recesses including a first recess and a second recess extending from the plurality of openings toward a second surface, the first recess having a first screw disposed therein, the second recess having an adhesive disposed therein, the container further including a cover removably coupled to the first surface and configured to cover the plurality of recesses; providing a screwdriver having a shank and a tip configured to engage a driving portion of the screw; removing the cover from the container to expose the plurality of recesses; inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the second recess to abut against the adhesive and deform a portion of the adhesive; removing the tip of the screwdriver together with the portion of the adhesive from the second recess; inserting the tip of the screwdriver with the adhesive into the first recess until the tip abuts against the driving portion of the screw with the portion of the adhesive therebetween, such that the screw and screwdriver are temporarily coupled via the adhesive; and removing the screwdriver tip and the screw from the first recess.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting a screw into the eyeglass screw hole and separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw. Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive, as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1-1] 1A and 1B illustrate a screw containment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 1C illustrates a screw containment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B illustrate a screw containment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3-1]3A and 3B illustrate a screw containment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3-2] 3C illustrates a screw containment system according to one embodiment. Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [Detailed explanation] Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of a screw collection and container system are shown.

[0019] In one aspect, the assembly and repair of small devices (e.g., watches and eyeglass frames) is challenging due to the inclusion of tiny screws and screw holes. These screws are often sub-1 mm in scale and difficult for humans to manipulate and align. Existing tools fail to provide a robust and reliable connection between the tool and the screw. For example, a magnetic-tipped screwdriver may hold a screw near the magnetic tip, but the magnet often displaces to the side of the tip rather than remaining centered with the driver of the screw. Thus, the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein provide an improvement to this technical problem. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein provide reliable, consistent, reproducible, and intuitive screw collection. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein further provide a more efficient way to assemble and repair small devices using these small fasteners.

[0020] In another aspect, retrieval and placement of fasteners (e.g., miniature screws) in a surgical environment is made difficult by (i) the small size of the fasteners and their corresponding holes, and (ii) the sterile environment and the specific arrangement of components within the sterile environment. Existing tools may provide a variety of fasteners from which the surgeon can choose, but do not address the issue of alignment and reliable contact between the fastener and the tool. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein provide reliable, consistent, reproducible, and intuitive collection and use of surgical fasteners. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein provide a more efficient way to retrieve small fasteners from containers and place them in desired locations.

[0021] Although screws are contemplated as an example of applicability of the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein, the present disclosure is not limited to screws. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein are applied to various fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, nails, staples, buttons, etc.). In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein are applied to various items that are considered small on a human handling scale (e.g., building materials, craft materials, pharmaceutical materials, cooking materials, etc.).

[0022] [Example Device #1] 1A-1C illustrate a screw encapsulation system 100 according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1B illustrates a top view without a cover. FIG. 1C illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A with a screwdriver 180. The screw encapsulation system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C includes a container 102, a first screw 130, a second screw 150, an adhesive material 160, and a cover 170.

[0023] The container 102 includes a first surface 104 and a second surface 106 opposed to and spaced apart from the first surface 104. The first surface 104 defines a plurality of openings, including a first opening 108 and a second opening 112. The container 102 further includes a plurality of recesses extending from each opening in the first surface 104 toward the second surface 106. Each recess is sized to receive a screw and / or a screwdriver (e.g., screwdriver 180 in FIG. 1C ) therein. For example, the diameter of the first opening may be larger than the diameter of the screwdriver shaft. In other embodiments, the diameter of the first opening is 0 mm to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the screwdriver shaft (e.g., to prevent misalignment of the screwdriver tip with the screw driver). Each recess includes a counterbore disposed at a distal end of the recess.

[0024] The plurality of recesses includes a first recess 110 extending from the first opening 108 and a second recess 114 extending from the second opening 112. The first recess 110 includes a first counterbore 116 disposed at a distal end 118 of the first recess 110. The first counterbore 116 includes an inner recess 120 defined by the first counterbore 116, the inner recess 120 having a smaller diameter than a portion of a proximal end 122 of the first recess 110. Accordingly, the first counterbore 116 defines an upper surface 124.

[0025] As shown, the container 102 includes six openings with six corresponding recesses in the first surface 104. Each of the openings and corresponding recesses of the container 102 of the system 100 are identical in size and structure. However, in other embodiments, various sizes, structures, numbers, and arrangements of the openings and corresponding recesses are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the container may define 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, or more openings and corresponding recesses. In other embodiments, one opening and corresponding recess may have a larger or smaller size (e.g., diameter, depth, etc.) than an adjacent opening and corresponding recess. In other embodiments, the size and dimensions of the counterbores of adjacent recesses may differ. In other embodiments, some of the recesses do not include counterbores, and instead include only cylindrical or partially cylindrical recesses. In other embodiments, at least some of the recesses include a frustoconical shape (e.g., a countersink or chamfered edge on the proximal end of the recess).

[0026] The container 102 may be constructed of a transparent material (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, cycloolefin copolymer, polypropylene, or other substantially transparent, moldable material). Such a transparent material allows a user to see the threads in the container and determine which recesses are empty and which recesses are filled. In other embodiments, the container is constructed of an opaque material.

[0027] The container 102 includes a first screw 130 removably disposed in the first recess 110. The first screw 130 includes a head 136 disposed at a first end 132 of the screw. The head 136 defines a drive portion 138. A shank 140 is coupled to the head 136 and defines a screw head shoulder 142. The shank 140 extends from the screw head shoulder 142 toward a second end 134 having a tip 146. The shank 140 includes a plurality of threads 144 (e.g., a thread) on a portion of the shank 140. As shown, the screw head shoulder 142 is located on the upper surface 124 of the first counterbore 116, while the shank 140 is disposed within the internal recess 120 of the first counterbore 116.

[0028] 1A and 1B further include a second screw 150 that is substantially similar to the first screw 130. The second screw 150 is disposed in the second recess 114 in a manner similar to the first screw 130 in the first recess 110. The second screw 150 is shown without an adhesive 160 thereon for clarity. However, in contemplated configurations, all of the screws in the system include an adhesive thereon. In other configurations, some of the screws include an adhesive thereon, while other screws do not.

[0029] The first screw 130 and the second screw 150 in FIGS. 1A and 1B are identical in size. However, in other embodiments, one screw may have a different size, shape, function, or other dimension than the other screw. For example, in some embodiments, one screw may have a first shaft length and the other screw may have a second shaft length that is longer or shorter than the first shaft length. In other embodiments, the first screw may have a first driver shape (e.g., a cross recess) while the second screw may have a second driver shape (e.g., a hex socket or a countersunk head).

[0030] The first screw 130 and the second screw 150 can have a size and composition suitable for a particular device or purpose. For example, in some embodiments, the first screw and the second screw are connectable to and insertable into an eyeglass frame, thereby forming an eyeglass repair kit. In some embodiments, the first screw and the second screw are connectable to and insertable into a piece of jewelry (e.g., a watch), thereby forming a jewelry or watch repair kit. In some embodiments, the first screw and the second screw are connectable to a spinal surgical clamp and insertable into a patient's spine or spinal implant, thereby forming a spinal screw receptacle system.

[0031] The system 100 includes an adhesive 160 disposed on the drive portion 138 of the first screw 130. For example, the adhesive 160 is disposed on the first end 132 of the first screw 130, with a portion of the adhesive 160 extending over the surface of the head 136 and a portion of the adhesive 160 extending into the drive portion 138. The adhesive 160 is configured to temporarily bond two objects together such that, upon application of force or twisting, one object may be removed from (i) the adhesive and / or (ii) the second object. The adhesive 160 is not intended to permanently bond the two objects together, although such configurations are contemplated by the present disclosure in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the adhesive is bone wax or is composed of at least one of beeswax, isopropyl palmitate, and a wax softener. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a putty (e.g., a tacky, sticky, or adhesive putty). In some embodiments, the adhesive is comprised of at least one of glue, water, a polymer (e.g., polyvinyl acetate), and borax. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a thermosetting plastic or elastomer.

[0032] The cover 170 is removably coupled to the first surface 104 of the container 102. The cover 170 is a peelable plastic cover that is movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In effect, the cover 170 prevents the screw from being removed from the container 102 or from being repositioned within the recess (e.g., removing the shank 140 from the internal recess 120 of the counterbore 116). For example, the cover 170 holds the internal components of the system 200 in place during shipping and / or handling before the system 100 is used. The cover 170 is constructed of a transparent material (e.g., clear plastic). However, in other embodiments, the cover may not be transparent. While cover 170 is coupled to first surface 104 (i.e., in a closed configuration), each of the screws (e.g., first screw 130 and second screw 150) of system 100 is retained within its corresponding recess. When cover 170 is pulled back (i.e., moving from a closed configuration to an open configuration), each of the screws is exposed within its corresponding recess. In other embodiments, the cover is a hinged or sliding cover configured to move back and forth between an open configuration and a closed configuration (e.g., via a latch or clip).

[0033] 1C includes a shaft 182 and a tip 184. The shaft 182 has a diameter sized to fit within each of the recesses in the container 102. The tip 184 is sized to engage with a driver portion of a screw (e.g., driver portion 138 of the first screw 130).

[0034] In use, a method for picking up screws using system 100 is disclosed. Container 102 is provided with pre-loaded screws in a plurality of recesses, each screw having adhesive material 160 disposed thereon adjacent the driver. Screwdriver 180 also has a shaft 182 and a tip 184 configured to engage the driver of a screw (e.g., driver 138 of first screw 130).

[0035] Cover 170 is removed from container 102 to expose a plurality of recesses (including first recess 110 and second recess 114). Tip 184 of screwdriver 180 is inserted into first recess 110 until tip 184 of screwdriver 180 abuts adhesive 160, deforming adhesive 160 and temporarily coupling first screw 130 and screwdriver 180 via adhesive 160. Screwdriver 180 is then removed from first recess 110 with first screw 130 attached to tip 184.

[0036] Once the first screw 130 is coupled to the screwdriver 180, the first screw 130 can be easily and efficiently positioned in a desired location. For example, the first screw 130 can be inserted into a screw hole in eyeglasses, a watch, or other piece of jewelry. In other embodiments, the first screw 130 can be an orthopedic screw, a spinal screw, or a screw for a skull plate, and can be inserted into a screw hole in a spinal implant or an anatomical feature for oral, maxillofacial, or other types of surgery. After insertion, the first screw 130 is separated from the adhesive material 160 and the screwdriver 180. For example, the separation process can be completed by withdrawing the screwdriver 180 from the driver 138 of the first screw 130 along the longitudinal axis of the first screw 130 or at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first screw 130. In some embodiments, the separation step can be completed by twisting the screwdriver 180 such that the twisting force removes the adhesive material 160 without moving the first screw 130 (e.g., by withdrawing the screwdriver 180 from the driver 138 without completely separating it from the adhesive material 160). In some embodiments, the separation step is completed by a combination of the above operations (e.g., pulling at an angle and twisting).

[0037] [Example Device #2] 2A and 2B illustrate a system 200 substantially similar to the system 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, except as noted below. Like reference numerals between the two systems indicate like elements. Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2B illustrates a top view without the cover. The system 200 includes a container 102 defining a plurality of openings extending from a first surface 104 toward a second surface 106 to define a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses includes a first recess 110 extending from a first opening 108. The first recess 110 includes a first counterbore 116. A first screw 130 is disposed within the first recess 110 and rests in the first counterbore 116.

[0038] The plurality of recesses further includes a second recess 212 extending from the second opening 210. The second recess 212 is sized to receive the shaft and tip of a screwdriver (e.g., screwdriver 180 of FIG. 1C). While the second opening 210 may have a diameter that matches the diameter of the first opening 108, the second recess 212 of FIGS. 2A-2B does not match the shape and dimensions of the first recess 110. Rather, the second recess 212 is a cylindrical hole without a counterbore. In other embodiments, the second recess may have a different shape (e.g., a cone, a frustum, or a shape that includes a counterbore that matches the first recess). In other embodiments, the shape of the second opening may include a different shape (e.g., a triangle, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.).

[0039] Rather than including adhesive 160 on top of the screw head, system 200 includes a larger deposit of adhesive 160. Second recess 212 includes a larger volume of adhesive 160 than the individual deposits on the screw in system 100. Thus, adhesive 160 in system 200 can be used repeatedly in small amounts. In some embodiments, system 200 is provided with a second, separate, adhesive repository (e.g., a replacement canister) for refilling second recess 212 or for use separately from second recess 212.

[0040] The cover 270 in system 200 is a hinged cover 270 coupled to the container 102 via a hinge 272. The cover 270 is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The system 200 can be closed and sealed, opened for use, and then repeatedly closed and sealed again. Like the cover 170 of system 100, the cover 270 can be constructed of a transparent material.

[0041] In use, a method of picking up screws using system 200 is disclosed. Container 102 of system 200 is provided with pre-loaded screws in a plurality of recesses (e.g., all but one of the recesses may have a screw disposed therein). A screwdriver (e.g., screwdriver 180 shown in FIG. 1C) also includes a shaft 182 and a tip 184 configured to engage a driver of a screw (e.g., driver 138 of first screw 130).

[0042] Cover 270 is hinged to or rotates away from container 102 to expose a plurality of recesses. Tip 184 of screwdriver 180 is then inserted into second recess 212 and abuts against a portion of adhesive 160 therein, deforming adhesive 160. Tip 184 of screwdriver 180 is removed from second recess 212 along with the portion of adhesive 160 deposited thereon.

[0043] The tip 184 of the screwdriver 180 having the adhesive 160 thereon is inserted into the first recess 110 until the tip 184 abuts the driving portion 138 of the first screw 130. With a portion of the adhesive 160 therebetween, the first screw 130 and the screwdriver 180 are temporarily joined together. The tip 184 of the screwdriver 180 is then removed from the first recess 110, along with the portion of the adhesive 160 and the first screw 130 attached thereto.

[0044] Once removed, the first screw 130 can be inserted into the desired location, similar to system 100. In contrast to system 100, system 200, with its larger deposit of adhesive 160, allows the user to control the amount of adhesive 160 used. For example, a larger amount of adhesive 160 can be used for larger screws, while a smaller amount of adhesive 160 can be used for smaller screws. Also, the manufacturing line can be streamlined for either system (i.e., there are advantages to applying the adhesive directly onto the screw and providing only one recess filled with adhesive).

[0045] [Example System #3] 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate a system 300 that is substantially similar to system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, except as noted below. Each of the plurality of openings defined by the container 102 in system 300 has a smaller diameter than the plurality of openings defined by the container 102 in system 200. As shown, a first opening 302 and a first recess 304 extending therefrom comprise the first screw 130. However, the diameters of the first opening 302 and the first recess 304 are approximately equal to or equal to the diameter of the head 136 of the first screw 130. In some embodiments, the diameters of the first opening 302 and the first recess 304 are 0 to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the head 136 of the first screw 130.

[0046] 3C, the diameters of the first opening 302 and the first recess 304 also approximate or are equal to the diameter of the shaft 182 of the screwdriver 180. Similarly, the first counterbore 306 of the first recess 304 is similar to the first counterbore 116 of the system 200, except that the diameter of the internal recess 308 of the first counterbore 306 is smaller. As shown, the diameter of the internal recess 308 of the first counterbore 306 approximates or is equal to the diameter of the shank 140 of the first screw 130.

[0047] System 300, with dimensions similar to those described herein, minimizes misalignment, wobble, and / or lateral movement of the various elements during the engagement process. For example, when screwdriver 180 engages first screw 130, lateral misalignment is minimized or eliminated. The longitudinal axes of screwdriver 180 and first screw 130 are configured to be perfectly or nearly perfectly aligned every time. Additionally, due to the snug dimensions, first screw 130 is unlikely to move out of longitudinal alignment with first recess 304 and first counterbore 306. Thus, system 300 provides a user-friendly experience with minimal operational error.

[0048] System 300 further includes an alternative embodiment of cover 370 (not shown in FIG. 3C ). Cover 370 slides into groove 372 secured to first surface 104 via sidewall 374. Cover 370 is configured to slide back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow “C” in FIGS. 3A and 3B . While the cover is held parallel to surface 104, cover 370 can slide along groove 372 to fully expose the embedded screws. Similarly, cover 370 can slide along groove 372 to retain the embedded screws (e.g., for storage). Like container 102, cover 370 is constructed of a transparent material, allowing a user to easily determine the number of screws remaining in the multiple recesses.

[0049] [Configuration of specific embodiments] The structure and arrangement of the systems and methods shown in the various embodiments are illustrative only. While a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting methods, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.). For example, the positions of elements may be reversed or changed, and the nature or number of individual elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] It is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to particular synthetic methods, specific components, or particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0051] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range are significant relative to, and independently of, the other endpoint.

[0052] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which the event or circumstance does not occur.

[0053] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers, or steps. "Exemplary" means "by way of example" and is not intended to indicate a preferred or ideal embodiment. "For example" is used for illustrative purposes, not for limiting purposes.

[0054] Components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems are disclosed. These and other components are disclosed herein, and when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, it is understood that each combination and permutation is specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems, even if specific reference to each of these various individual and collective combinations or permutations may not be expressly disclosed. This applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, the steps of the disclosed methods. Thus, where there are various additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any particular embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

Claims

1. 1. A screw containment system comprising: A container, a first surface defining a plurality of openings including a first opening; a second surface opposite and spaced from the first surface; a plurality of recesses including a first recess extending from the first opening of the container toward the second surface, the first recess sized to receive a screw therein; a counterbore disposed at a distal end of the first recess; a container comprising: a first screw removably disposed in the first recess, a head portion disposed at the first end and having a drive portion; a shank coupled to the head and defining a screw head shoulder, the screw head shoulder being located on an upper surface of the counterbore when the shank is positioned in the internal recess of the counterbore; and A thread disposed on a portion of the shank; a tip on the second end; a first screw comprising: an adhesive material disposed within the drive portion of the first screw, the adhesive material configured to temporarily join two objects; and a cover removably coupled to the first surface of the container such that the first screw is retained within the first recess while the cover is coupled to the first surface; A screw containment system comprising:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a screwdriver having a shaft sized to fit within the first recess of the container and a tip sized to fit within the drive portion of the screw.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the diameter of the first recess is between 0 mm and 1 mm larger than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first opening is circular and the first recess is a cylindrical hole.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first recess comprises an at least partially frustoconical shape.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cover is hingedly or slidingly coupled to the container.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover is a removable plastic film.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive substance is bone wax or putty.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, the plurality of openings further comprising a second opening, and the plurality of recesses including a second recess extending from the second opening toward the second surface of the container; The second recess is sized to receive a second screw therein, the second screw being the same size or a different size than the first screw.

10. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first screw is an eyeglass frame screw, a watch screw, a jewelry screw, an orthopedic screw, a spinal screw, or a screw for skull plate, oral surgery, or maxillofacial surgery.

11. A container, a first surface defining a plurality of openings including a first opening and a second opening; a second surface opposite and spaced from the first surface; a first recess extending from the first opening of the container toward the second surface, the first recess being sized to accommodate a screw therein and having a counterbore at a distal end thereof; a screw disposed within the first recess, the shank of the screw being disposed within the internal recess of the counterbore and the shoulder of the screw head being located on an upper surface of the counterbore; a second recess extending from the second opening of the container toward the second surface, the second recess being sized to fit a screwdriver shaft therein; and an adhesive material disposed within the second recess; A container comprising:

12. 12. The container of claim 11, further comprising a screwdriver having a shaft sized to fit into each of the first and second recesses of the container and a tip sized to fit into a drive portion of the screw.

13. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the first recess is between 0 mm and 1 mm larger than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver.

14. 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the second recess is greater than the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver.

15. 1. A method for picking up a screw, the method comprising: providing a container having a first surface defining a plurality of openings, a plurality of recesses including a first recess extending from the plurality of openings toward a second surface, the first recesses having a first screw disposed therein, the first screw having an adhesive material disposed within a drive portion of a head of the screw, the container further including a cover removably coupled to the first surface and configured to cover the plurality of recesses; providing a screwdriver having a shank and a tip configured to engage a driver of a screw; removing the cover from the container to expose the plurality of recesses; inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the first recess until the tip of the screwdriver abuts and deforms the adhesive material such that the screw and the screwdriver are temporarily coupled via the adhesive material; removing the tip of the screwdriver and the screw from the first recess; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the screw is a jewelry screw; inserting the screw into a threaded hole in a piece of jewelry; separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw; The method further comprises:

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the screw is an orthopedic, spinal, craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial screw; inserting the screw into a screw hole in an implant or anatomical feature; separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw; The method further comprises:

18. 1. A method for picking up a screw, the method comprising: providing a container having a first surface defining a plurality of openings, a plurality of recesses extending from the plurality of openings toward a second surface, the plurality of recesses including a first recess and a second recess, the first recesses having a first thread disposed therein, and the second recesses having an adhesive disposed therein, the container further including a cover configured to be removably coupled to the first surface and to cover the plurality of recesses; providing a screwdriver having a shank and a tip configured to engage a driver of a screw; removing the cover from the container to expose the plurality of recesses; inserting the tip of the screwdriver into the second recess to contact a portion of the adhesive material and deform the portion of the adhesive material; removing the tip of the screwdriver along with the portion of the adhesive material from the second recess; inserting the tip of the screwdriver having the adhesive material thereon into the first recess until the tip of the screwdriver abuts the drive portion of the screw with a portion of the adhesive material therebetween so that the screw and the screwdriver are temporarily coupled via the adhesive material; removing the tip of the screwdriver and the screw from the first recess; A method comprising:

19. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the screw is a jewelry screw; inserting the screw into a threaded hole in a piece of jewelry; separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw; The method further comprises:

20. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the screw is an orthopedic, spinal fixation, cranial fixation, oral surgery, or maxillofacial surgery screw; inserting the screw into a screw hole in an implant or anatomical feature; separating the adhesive and the screwdriver from the screw; The method further comprises:

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