Generic Tri-wing security screw

The image displays a Tri-wing security screw, which is a specialized fastener characterized by its three-slotted head. These screws are primarily used as a tamper-resistant measure in electronics, household appliances, and gaming consoles. The Tri-wing design was originally patented by the Phillips Screw Company in the United States, but because the patent has since expired, these fasteners are now produced by a vast range of hardware manufacturers globally.

Most high-volume manufacturing of these screws currently takes place in China and Taiwan, where they are supplied to electronics assembly plants. Because these are generic industrial components rather than a branded consumer product, there is no single ultimate owner; the intellectual property for the drive system is in the public domain. They are often bundled with specific electronic devices or sold by various hardware tool brands.