Torque limiting device

A method of securing a fastener in place, which fastener should be subjected to only a predetermined amount of torque, comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting an appropriate torque level limited applicator comprising a torque applying element having a tubular body and a handle, said tubular body comprising at least two internal deformable cam followers;
• a fastener drive structure having first and second ends, and comprising a drive element adjacent said first end, and a cam element adjacent said second end;
• and
• said cam followers and said cam element engaging and cooperating with each other so that upon application of a force to said handle up to a predetermined maximum torque said cam followers engage said cam element to transmit rotational force from said handle to said drive element, and upon said predetermined maximum torque being exceeded said cam followers are deformed and moved past said cam element so that a torque greater than said predetermined maximum cannot be applied to said drive element by said torque applying element;
• (b) bringing the drive element associated with the torque limited applicator into operative contact with a fastener;
• (c) rotating the torque applying element to drive the fastener drive structure until the desired torque level has been reached as indicated by a tactile or audible indication once the cam followers have moved past the cam element;
• (d) removing the torque limited applicator from the fastener;
• and
• (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) for a second fastener using the same torque limited applicator.

A torque limited applicator comprising:

• a torque applying element having a body, a handle, and either at least two deformable cam followers or a cam element;
• a fastener drive structure having a drive element and either a cam element or deformable cam followers;
• and
• one of said torque applying element and said fastener drive structure including deformable cam followers and the other including a cam element, said cam followers and cam element engaging and cooperating with each other so that upon application of a force to said handle up to a predetermined maximum torque said cam followers and said cam element cooperate to apply a rotational force from said handle to said drive element, and upon said predetermined maximum torque being exceeded said cam followers are deformed and relative movement between said cam element and said cam followers takes place so that a torque greater than said predetermined maximum cannot be applied to said drive element by said torque applying element.