Device for installing a threaded element

Abstract

There is disclosed a device for driving a threaded element into one or more members, the device comprising: a rotatable shaft; a fitting configured to engage a trailing end of the threaded element to couple the element to a distal end of the shaft such that the element extends along the rotational axis of the shaft to be rotatable by the shaft whereby it can be driven into the member(s); a sleeve received around and rotatably supported from the shaft whereby it can be held stationary when the shaft is rotating; and a locating arrangement or structure supported from a distal end of the sleeve, wherein the shaft is slidably coupled to the sleeve so as to be moveable relative thereto along the axis from a retracted position, being such that the device is extended whereby the locating arrangement or structure can engage at least one said member to locate the axis to the member(s), to an advanced position whereby the device contracts and the element is advanced to be driven into the member(s) during rotation thereof. 2021221847 25 2021 Aug

Description

DEVICE FOR INSTALLING A THREADED ELEMENT The present invention relates to an apparatus and device operable to install a threaded element. Timber framing is often employed in building construction, particularly in the construction of houses. Such framing typically comprises roof framework and supporting wall framework to which the roof framework is connected. Roof framework generally includes trusses. Wall framework typically comprises at least one wall frame including upright members or posts, known as “studs”, pieces connected between adjacent ones of the studs, known individually as “nogs” or “noggins, and one or more elongate members, extending transverse to the studs and connected to upper ends thereof, to form a “wall plate” — to which the roof framework is connected. Adequate formation of connections between roof and wall frame members requires precision and accuracy — so that loading transferred from one member to the other through the connection is that which is intended, and unintended stresses imposed within the framework — which can cause damage to the building — are avoided. Precision / accuracy can be especially critical if the wall frame is for a non-loadbearing wall, such as a bracing wall to transfer from a roof frame member only racking loads (in the wall plane) or a partition wall to be braced laterally at its upper edge / wall plate by the roof frame member, whereby the connection permits relative vertical movement between roof frame member and the wall frame, particularly vertical movement of the roof frame member resulting from camber dissipation therein or from intermittent upward loads caused by wind loading on the roof (“uplift”). There are hazards associated with workers at height forming connections between roof and wall frame members, including in particular a risk that they will fall or will drop fastening components or tools onto workers below. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for driving a threaded element into one or more members, the device comprising: a rotatable shaft; a fitting configured to engage a trailing end of the threaded element to couple the element to a distal end of the shaft such that the element extends along the rotational axis of the shaft to be rotatable by the shaft whereby it can be driven into the member(s); a sleeve received around and rotatably supported from the shaft whereby it can be held stationary when the shaft is rotating; and a locating arrangement or structure supported from a distal end of the sleeve, wherein the shaft is slidably coupled to the sleeve so as to be moveable relative thereto along the axis from a retracted position, being such that the device is extended whereby the locating arrangement or structure can engage at least one said member to locate the axis to the member(s), to an advanced position whereby the device contracts and the element is advanced to be driven into the member(s) during rotation thereof. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a fitting configured to engage an output of a rotary power tool to couple a proximal end of the shaft thereto whereby the rotation can be effected by operation of the power tool. Preferably, the device includes at least one bearing via which the sleeve is rotatably supported from the shaft. Preferably, the or each bearing is a plastic bearing. Preferably, the locating arrangement or structure comprises a proximal locator having a face perpendicular to said axis and receivable against a surface of a said member to locate the device to that member translationally along the axis and / or to locate the axis with respect to a plane in which said surface lies. Preferably, the proximal locator is supported from the distal end of the sleeve. Preferably, the locating arrangement or structure comprises a transverse locator defining at least one locating face or surface which is parallel to said axis to be receivable against a surface of a said member to locate said axis laterally to that member. Preferably, said transverse locator extends distally from said proximal locator. Preferably, said transverse locator comprises and / or is defined by at least one elongate member. Preferably, said transverse locator comprises at least one peg or rod. Preferably, said transverse locator comprises at least one cylindrical formation extending parallel to said axis. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the proximal and transverse locator faces or surfaces are receivable against mutually perpendicular surfaces of a said member. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is for driving a said element into first and second said members extending parallel to respective mutually perpendicular axes and spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to said axes, wherein the locating arrangement is engageable with either or each member such that said axis extends in said direction. Preferably, the locating arrangement or structure includes, additional to said transverse locator (“the first transverse locator”), a transverse locator defining a locating face or surface which is parallel to said axis to be receivable against a surface of the other member (“the second transverse locator”), the surfaces of the members lying in mutually perpendicular planes. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second transverse locator extends distally from said proximal locator. Preferably, the second transverse locator comprises and / or is defined by at least one elongate member. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said second transverse locator comprises at least one peg or rod. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said second transverse locator comprises at least one cylindrical formation extending parallel to said axis. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device includes a stabiliser, preferably supported from the sleeve, arranged to slidably engage the element distal of said fitting so as to hold the element to the axis during the advancement and rotation thereof. Preferably, the stabiliser is configured to contact the element at respective positions about said axis and is resiliently deformable to be radially inwardly biased thereagainst. Preferably, the stabiliser comprises arms arranged around said axis and configured to flex radially outwardly against said bias and radially inwardly under said bias. Preferably, the device is configured such that the element when coupled to the shaft is housed by the sleeve when the shaft assumes said retracted position. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device includes an opening into a distal end of the sleeve and is configured such that the trailing end is insertable through said opening to be coupled to said distal end of the shaft. The device may be configured such that the trailing end is so insertable, to be coupled to said distal end of the shaft, when the shaft assumes an advanced position. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of driving, using said device, a said threaded element into said member(s), wherein the locating arrangement or structure is positioned to engage the at least one said member whereby the axis is located to the member(s), the method comprising, while said sleeve is held stationary, urging said shaft in a direction from said retracted position to said advanced position during rotation thereof whereby the element, coupled to the distal end of the shaft, is so driven. Preferably, the proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the output of a said rotary power tool via the fitting engageable therewith, such that there may be defined an assembly or apparatus comprising the power tool and said device, the method including holding the sleeve with one hand and the power tool with the other hand whereby the locating arrangement engages the at least one said member and said axis is thus located, and pushing the power tool with said other hand, to urge the shaft, in said direction. Preferably, the axis so located is vertical. Preferably. the or each member is defined by overhead framework. Preferably, the use of the device is at floor level. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the element is driven through one of the members and into the other member to provide a floating connection permitting relative movement between the members in said direction but precluding relative movement between the members perpendicular to said direction. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a said floating connection provided by said method. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for driving said threaded element into the said one or more members, wherein a proximal end of the shaft is interconnected with a powered rotary output to be rotatable thereby. Preferably the apparatus includes said power tool, and said proximal end of the shaft is interconnected with said output of said tool via the fitting configured to engage the output. The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising an extension-and-locating device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a rotary power tool to which the device is coupled, and a threaded element mounted within the device to be applied by means of the device / tool to overhead timber frame members; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the element being applied to the frame members using the device / tool; Figure 3 is a schematic elevation view showing details of the element; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the device in a fully contracted condition; Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the device in a fully extended condition; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing details of a locating assembly of the device; Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing details of the locating assembly, including a locating plate thereof; Figure 8 is a schematic elevation view showing application of the element to the frame members; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the device about to be positioned in engagement with the frame members to apply the element thereto; Figure 10 a perspective view showing the device located to the frame members to apply the element thereto; Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising an extension-and-locating device according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotary power tool, to which the device is coupled, and the threaded element mounted within the device to be applied by means of the device / tool to overhead timber frame members; Figure 12 is a perspective view showing details of a stabilising assembly and a locating assembly of the device of the second embodiment; Figure 13 is a plan view of showing details of the stabilising assembly and locating assembly of the device of the second embodiment; Figure 14 is a plan view of a locating plate of the locating assembly of the device of the second embodiment; Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the stabilising assembly and element interengaged; Figure 16 is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising the stabilising and locating assemblies of the device of the second embodiment and the element held within that device; and Figure 17 shows dimensions of the threaded element. Figure 1 shows an extension and locating device 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, which device is designed to be coupled to a handheld rotary power tool 100 for applying overhead a threaded fastening element 50 to timber framework 80 (see at Figure 2). The framework 80 comprises a timber wall frame 82, including studs 82A and a top plate 82B defined by a timber wall plate member (“upper member”) 83 connected to upper ends of the studs 82A, and a roof frame member (“upper member”) 84 positioned, above the member 83, so as to lie in a ceiling plane / diaphragm of the building and extending perpendicular to the lower member 83. The roof frame member 84 may be, for example, a roof truss chord member, trimmer, hanging beam, joist or batten. The application of element 50 is to be such that the upper member 84 can move vertically relative to the lower member 83 but neither member can move horizontally relative to the other. Referring to Figures 3 and 17, the element 50 is a self-tapping / drilling screw comprising a sharp tip or point S0A, a shank 51 configured with a threaded portion 52 including at least one thread 52A (of which there is preferably a continuation that extends over / along the tip / point S0A), a reamer portion 53 comprising helical threads 53A regularly spaced around the shank circumference, and a threadless portion 54. The element 50 is headless, whereby a trailing end portion 55 thereof has a diameter equal to the diameter of the threadless portion 54. The portion 55 is formed with an end 55A having a hexagonal configuration which is such that it can be received by a complementarily shaped cavity or socket of the device 1 (described in further detail later) whereby the screw element 50 can be driven up into / through the members 83 and 84, by the device 1, as shown in Figure 2. The device 1, referring again to Figure 1, comprises a rotary shaft 5, formed from a length of carbon-fibre tube, a fitting 8 connected to a proximal end of the shaft 5 and securable to a chuck 110 of the power tool 100 to couple the device 1 to the power tool 100, a fitting 10 connected to a distal end of the shaft 5 and arranged to receive releasably an adapter 12 configured to hold the element 50 to lock it rotatably to the shaft 5. The device 1 further comprises a guide 20, comprising a rigid sleeve 21, also formed from a length of carbon-fibre tube, received over the shaft 5 and supported therefrom by bearings 22A, 22B and 22C arranged between the shaft 5 and sleeve 21, and a locating assembly 70 arranged at a distal end of the sleeve 21 and engageable with the framework 80. The fitting 8 comprises a standard hexagonal-shank (e.g. Y4-inch) connector engageable by the chuck 110. The fitting 10 likewise comprises such a connector, and the adapter 12 comprises a proximal complementary socket connector 12A, to receive that connector, and a distal hexagonal socket (e.g. 5-mm) connector 12B that is complementary to and engages the (male) trailing end 55A of the element SO whereby that element is coupled to the adapter 12 and thereby mounted for application to the framework 80. The shaft 5 and fittings 8, 10 and 12 are lengthways dimensioned such that a rotary drive assembly 30 comprising them has a length L of about 0.9m. Each of the bearings 22A, 22B and 22C is plastic. Bearing 22A is arranged at the proximal end of the sleeve 21, and its outer race forms an interference fit with the sleeve 21, so as to be precluded from sliding against the interior circumferential surface of the sleeve 21, while its inner race forms a close sliding fit with shaft 5 whereby the bearing 22A can float along the shaft 5. Bearing 22B is arranged about halfway along the shaft 5, and its inner race forms an interference fit with the shaft 5, so as to be precluded from sliding against the exterior circumferential surface of the shaft 5, while its outer race forms a close sliding fit with the sleeve 21 whereby the sleeve 21 can float axially over the bearing 22B. Bearing 22C is arranged at the distal end of the shaft 5, and its inner race forms an interference fit with the shaft 5, so as to be precluded from sliding against the exterior circumferential surface of the shaft 5, while its outer race forms a close sliding fit with the sleeve 21 whereby the sleeve 21 can float axially over the bearing 22C. The sleeve 21 is thus axially displaceable relative to the shaft 5, between a fully retracted position, shown in Figure 4, and a fully advanced position, shown in Figure 5. When the sleeve 21 assumes its fully advanced position, bearing 22A abuts bearing 22B, whereby displacement of the sleeve 21, in a distal direction, beyond that position is precluded, the bearing 22B thus defining a distal stopper. A further bearing 23, which is also of plastic (and may be identical to bearings 22B and 22C), is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft 5, and its inner race forms an interference fit with the shaft 5 such that the bearing 23 cannot move along the shaft 5. When the sleeve 21 assumes its fully retracted position, bearing 22A abuts bearing 23, whereby displacement of the sleeve 21, in a proximal direction, beyond that position is precluded, the bearing 23 thus defining a proximal stopper. Referring to Figure 6, the locating assembly 70 comprises a locating plate 72 formed with a cylindrical hole 74, extending therethrough between the opposed faces thereof, into which a distal end portion of the sleeve 21 is received and within which that portion forms a releasable interference fit with the plate 72, such that the plate 72, and thus the assembly 70, is mounted to the sleeve 21. The hole 74 extends perpendicular to the faces such that the rotational axis A of the shaft 5 (also being the central longitudinal axis of the sleeve 21), with which axis the central longitudinal axis of the element 50 is coaxial when that element is mounted to the device 1 via the adapter 12, is perpendicular to a locating face 75 (being the distal one of the opposed faces) of the plate 72. The plate 72 is positioned such that the distal end portion of the sleeve 21 does not project beyond the plane in which face 75 lies, i.e. the sleeve distal end is flush with or slightly set back from that plane / face. The device 1, referring again to Figures 4 and 5, is dimensioned such that when it assumes its fully contracted condition (i.e. the sleeve 21 assumes its fully retracted position), the distal-most extent of the adapter 12 / connector 12B is flush with the surface 75 or distal end of the sleeve 21, and when it assumes its fully extended condition (i.e. the sleeve 21 assumes its fully advanced position), the adapter 12 is set back from the surface 75 or distal end of the sleeve 21 sufficiently that the threaded element50 when held by the adapter 12 / connector 12B does not project beyond (and preferably the tip / point S0A thereof is set back from the surface 75 or the distal end of the sleeve 21. Referring again to Figure 6, the locating assembly 70 further comprises cylindrical first 76 and second 78 locating pegs, each likewise formed from a length of carbon-fibre tube, proximal end portions of which are fittingly received in respective cylindrical holes 76A and 78A which are formed through the plate 72 and extend perpendicular to the face 75. The peg holes 76A and 78A are dimensioned such that the circumferential surfaces defined thereby within the plate 72 contact and grip the outer circumferential surfaces of the pegs 76 and 78, whereby the pegs 76 and 78 are, in addition to being thus releasably secured to the plate 72, located within the holes 76A and 78A so that their central longitudinal axes are perpendicular to the face 75. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the holes 76A and 78A have the same radius C and the openings thereof are centred on a line BW extending widthways in the plane of the face 75. The opening that hole 74 defines in the face 75 is centred on a line BL extending lengthways, perpendicular to line BW, in the plane of face 75. The distance X, along line BW, from the centre of the opening (through face 75) of hole 78A to the line BL is equal to the radius C plus half of the width WU of the upper member MU, i.e. X = WU / , + C, and the distance Y, along the line BL, from the centre of the opening of the hole 74 to the line BW is equal to the radius C plus half of the width WL of the lower member ML, ie. Y=%1,+C. Correspondingly, the spacing between the line BL and a line TL parallel thereto and forming a tangent to the opening of hole 78A on a laterally inner side of that opening is half of the width WU, and the spacing between a line CL, on which the opening of hole 74 is centred and which extends parallel to line BW in the plane of the face 75, and a line TW, which is between the lines CL and BW and forms a tangent to both of the openings of holes 76A and 78A, is half of the width WL. Referring to Figure 9, the line TW lies in a plane PW which extends perpendicular to the face 75 and in which lie locating surfaces 76B and 78B of the pegs 76 and 78 that are receivable against a side face 83A of lower member 83. The line TL lies in a plane PL which extends perpendicular to the face 75 and in which lies a locating surface 78C of the peg 78 that is receivable against a side face 84A of upper member 84. Referring again to Figure 7, the distance along line BW from the centre of the opening (through face 75) of hole 76A to the line BL is also X, whereby the plate 72 can be mounted the other way up to the sleeve 21, i.e. such that the face thereof which is shown lowermost in Figures 2 and 4 to 6 is uppermost and defines the locating surface 75, the plate 72 thus being reversible. Also, the pegs 76 and 78 are interchangeable, one with the other, in the holes which receive them, whereby the device 1 can be configured for locating against the side face of member 84 which is opposite to the face 84A. Use of the device 1 to apply the element 50 to the members 83 and 84 will now be described. The fitting 8 is secured to the chuck 110, to couple the device 1 to the power tool 100, and, with the sleeve 21 sufficiently (or fully) retracted (see Figure 4) to allow element 50 to be coupled to the device drive assembly 30, the trailing end 55A of that element is inserted into the socket connector 12B, such that the element 50 is so coupled (see Figure 1). After the element 50 has been connected to the adapter 12, the sleeve 21 is advanced forwardly / distally relative to the drive assembly 30, to assume an extended position, as shown at Figure 9. Referring to Figure 10, an operator, standing on a floor structure / at floor level below and holding the power tool 100 with one hand while grasping the sleeve 21 with the other, positions the locating assembly 70 such that the locating surface 75 is received against the lower member bottom face 83B, locating the device 1 rotationally relative to central longitudinal axes 83L and 84L of the members 83 and 84 respectively, the peg locating surface portions 76B and 78B are received against the lower member side face 83A, locating the device 1 rotationally relative to an axis Z perpendicular to those axes and translationally widthways (in the direction of axis 84L) to the member 83, and the peg surface portion 78C is received against the upper member side face 84A, locating the device 1 translationally widthways (in the direction of axis 83L) to the member 84 — whereby the axis A, and thus the central longitudinal axis of the element 50, passes centrally (widthways) through each of the members 83 and 84. The peg 76 is sufficiently short in length that the distal end thereof is, when the face 75 is received against the lower member bottom face 83A, below the level of the upper member bottom face 84B, whereby that peg cannot foul against the upper member 84 during location of the locating assembly 70. With the locating assembly 70 thus positioned, the operator, still holding / grasping the power tool 100 and sleeve 21, engages a switch 120, such as a trigger button, of the power tool 100 to run the tool and thus rotate the drive assembly 30, and the element 50 coupled thereto within the sleeve 21, and urges the power tool 100 upwardly, displacing the drive assembly 30 and element 50 upwardly whereby the latter is advanced through / past the opening 74 / distal end of the sleeve 21 so as to be driven into and through the lower member 83 and thence into the upper member 84 (see Figure 2). Displacement of the drive assembly 30 and element 50 relative to the sleeve 21 (and locating assembly 70) is continued until the sleeve 21 assumes its fully retracted position (and the device 1 its fully contracted condition), such that the element 50 advances from the connector 12B whereupon the driving of that element ceases and the installation thereof is thus complete — at which point the trailing end face of the element 50 is substantially flush with the lower member bottom face 83B. The dimensioning of the element 50 is such that both the threaded portion 52 and the reamer portion 53 are passed in their entireties through the lower member 83, whereby the reamer portion 53 (while it is advanced along the passage formed by threaded portion 52 in member 83) reams the member 83 throughout its depth, forming in member 83 a cylindrical passage (with a smooth interior face) into which the threadless portion 51 is fittingly but slidably received, and the reamer portion 53 ends up between the members 83 and 84 and sufficiently clear of the member 83 so as to remain above it when the smallest possible separation between the members 83 and 84 is realised owing to the relative vertical movement therebetween. Each of the sleeve 21, plate 72 and pegs 76 and 78 is, advantageously, replaceable. Shown in Figures 11 and 12 is a device 1” according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The device 1” is identical to the device 1 with the exception that it includes stabilisers 40 and, referring also to Figures 13 and 14, respective fasteners 45 for securing base portions 41 thereof to the plate 72, and formed in the plate 72 are recesses 76, in which the base portions 41 are countersunk, and holes extending from the recesses and into the plate 72 to receive the fasteners 45. Each fastener 45 is a countersunk screw, and formed in each base portion4l is a tapered mounting hole 41A into which a correspondingly configured head of the fastener 45 is received, whereby the head is countersunk in the (countersunk) base portion 41. The stabilisers 40 are three in number and arranged equi-angularly, i.e. at 120-degree intervals, around the axis A. Referring to Figure 15, each stabiliser 40 is formed from resiliently flexible material, such as a suitable metal (preferably spring steel) or plastic, and takes the form of a strip, defining the base portion 41 at a proximal end thereof and further defining an arm 42 projecting from the base portion 41 into the sleeve 21. Each arm 42 comprises a first section 42A, connected to the base portion 41 at a bend 43A and projecting axially towards the proximal end of the device 1’ and radially inwardly towards the axis A, a second section 42B, connected to the first section 42A at a bend 43B and projecting axially towards the proximal end of the device 1° and radially outwardly towards the wall of the sleeve 21, and a third section 42C, connected to the second section 24B at a bend 43C and projecting axially towards the proximal end of the device 1’ and radially inwardly towards the axis A. The stabilisers 40 are arranged such that, when the sleeve 21 assumes its fully advanced position and element 50 is not mounted in the device 1°, the arms 42 assume configurations and relative positions as shown in Figure 12. The radial distance of the free (distal) end or tip 44 of each third section 42C from the axis A is greater than the (maximum) radius of the fitting 10 and adapter 12, whereby the fitting 10 / adapter 12 can pass between the tips 44 when the sleeve 21 is moved towards its retracted position. The radial distance of each bend 43B from the axis A is slightly less than the (maximum) radius of each of the portions 52, 53 and 54 of the element50, and thus less than the aforementioned fitting / adapter maximum radius. However, during the displacement of the sleeve 21 towards / to its retracted position, the adapter 12 engages the arm second sections 24B and slides thereagainst, causing flexure of each arm 42 such that the bends 43C are urged against the sleeve wall and the bends 43B are displaced radially outwardly, the portion defined by sections 24A and 24B of each arm 42 thus tending to straighten about the bend 43B, whereby that bend is ultimately received against the adapter 12 and the latter is positioned so that the element 50 can be readily coupled thereto. During subsequent displacement of the sleeve 21 towards an extended position, the bends 43B, are displaced radially inwardly, under a resilient bias created in the arms 42 by the said flexure, to be received against the threadless portion 54, then displaced (slightly) radially outwardly, against the bias, to be received against the reaming portion 53, and (finally) displaced radially to be received against the threaded portion 52. The constriction defined by the bends 43B thus expands and contracts to engage whatever part / portion of the drive assembly 30 or element 50 passes therethrough. ‘When the sleeve 21 assumes its fully extended position, shown at Figures 15 and 16, the threaded portion 52 of the element 50 is engaged by the bends 43B / constriction, adjacent the leading end thereof. A leading end portion of element 50 is thus supported by / at the constriction, whereby the central axis of the element 50 is reliably maintained coaxial with the axis A. The central axis continues to be maintained coaxial with the axis A by the stabilisers 40 / constriction as the drive assembly 30 is advanced towards the distal end of the sleeve 21, owing engagement between the stabilisers 40 / constriction and the element 50 continuing until the adapter 12 engages the arm sections 24B to cause the flexure discussed above. The stabilisers 40 of the device 1° are also replaceable, and in the plate 72 of that device, recesses 79 are formed in the opposite face thereof, whereby the plate, like that of the device 1, is reversible as discussed above. Advantageously, each of the shaft 5, sleeve 21 and pegs 76 and 78 is, owing to its being formed of carbon-fibre tubing, lightweight yet strong and rigid. The word “timber” as used herein refers, except where context otherwise requires, to both solid or natural timber and “mass timber”, the latter comprising wood constituents — such as veneers, boards, strands, fibres or particles — and adhesive or other substances / means holding the wood constituents together, and including laminated timber, such as glulam, laminated veneer, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), fibreboard, such as medium-density fibreboard and high-density fibreboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSF). While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows: - 1. A device for driving a threaded element into one or more members, the device comprising: a rotatable shaft; a fitting configured to engage a trailing end of the threaded element to couple the element to a distal end of the shaft such that the element extends along the rotational axis of the shaft to be rotatable by the shaft whereby it can be driven into the member(s); a sleeve received around and rotatably supported from the shaft whereby it can be held stationary when the shaft is rotating; and a locating arrangement or structure supported from a distal end of the sleeve, wherein the shaft is slidably coupled to the sleeve so as to be moveable relative thereto along the axis from a retracted position, being such that the device is extended whereby the locating arrangement or structure can engage at least one said member to locate the axis to the member(s), to an advanced position whereby the device contracts and the element is advanced to be driven into the member(s) during rotation thereof. 2 A device according to claim 1, including a fitting configured to engage an output of a rotary power tool to couple a proximal end of the shaft thereto whereby the rotation can be effected by operation of the power tool.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, including at least one bearing via which the sleeve is rotatably supported from the shaft.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating arrangement or structure comprises a proximal locator having a face perpendicular to said axis and receivable against a surface of a said member to locate the device to that member translationally along the axis and / or to locate the axis with respect to a plane in which said surface lies.

5. A device according to claim 4, comprising a plate defining the proximal locator face.

6. A device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the proximal locator is supported from the distal end of the sleeve.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating arrangement or structure comprises a transverse locator defining at least one locating face or surface which is parallel to said axis to be receivable against a surface of a said member to locate said axis laterally to that member.

8. A device according to claim 7 as appended to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said transverse locator extends distally from said proximal locator.

9. A device according to claim 8 or claim 7 as appended to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said transverse locator comprises and / or is defined by at least one elongate member.

10. A device according to claim 8 or 9 or claim 7 as appended to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said transverse locator comprises at least one peg or rod.

11. A device according to claim 8,9 or 10 or to claim 7 as appended to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said transverse locator comprises at least one cylindrical formation extending parallel to said axis.

12. A device according to any one of claims 8 to 11 or to claim 7 as appended to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the proximal and transverse locator faces or surfaces are receivable against mutually perpendicular surfaces of a said member.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, being for driving a said element into first and second said members extending parallel to respective mutually perpendicular axes and spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to said axes, wherein the locating arrangement is engageable with either or each member such that said axis extends in said direction.

14. A device according to claim 13 as appended to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the locating arrangement or structure includes, additional to said transverse locator (“the first transverse locator”), a transverse locator defining a locating face or surface which is parallel to said axis to be receivable against a surface of the other member (“the second transverse locator”), the surfaces of the members lying in mutually perpendicular planes.

15. A device according to claim 14, the device being in accordance with claim 4, wherein the second transverse locator extends distally from said proximal locator.

16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, being in accordance with claim 4, wherein the second transverse locator comprises and / or is defined by at least one elongate member.

17. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, being in accordance with claim 4, wherein said second transverse locator comprises at least one peg or rod.

18. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, being in accordance with claim 4, wherein said second transverse locator comprises at least one cylindrical formation extending parallel to said axis.

19. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including a stabiliser to slidably engage the element distal of said fitting so as to hold the element to the axis during the advancement and rotation thereof.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the stabiliser is configured to contact the element at respective positions about said axis and is resiliently deformable to be radially inwardly biased thereagainst.

21. A device according to claim 20, wherein the stabiliser comprises arms arranged around said axis and configured to flex radially outwardly against said bias and radially inwardly under said bias.

22. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that the element when coupled to the shaft is housed by the sleeve when the shaft assumes said retracted position.

23. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, including an opening into a distal end of the sleeve and being configured such that the trailing end is insertable through said opening to be coupled to said distal end of the shaft.

24. A method of driving, using a device according to any one of the preceding claims, a said threaded element into said member(s), wherein the locating arrangement or structure is positioned to engage the at least one said member whereby the axis is located to the member(s), the method comprising, while said sleeve is held stationary, urging said shaft in a direction from said retracted position to said advanced position during rotation thereof whereby the element, coupled to the distal end of the shaft, is so driven.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the device accords with claim 2 and the proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the output of a said rotary power tool via the fitting engageable therewith, the method including holding the sleeve with one hand and the power tool with the other hand whereby the locating arrangement engages the at least one said member and said axis is thus located, and pushing the power tool with said other hand, to urge the shaft, in said direction.

26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, being such that the axis so located is vertical.

27. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the or each member is defined by overhead framework.

28. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein use of the device is at floor level.

29. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the device accords with claim 13, and the element is driven through one of the members and into the other member to provide a floating connection permitting relative movement between the members in said direction but precluding relative movement between the members perpendicular to said direction.

30. The floating connection provided by a method according to claim 29.

31. Anapparatus, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, for driving said threaded element into the said one or more members, wherein a proximal end of the shaft is interconnected with a powered rotary output to be rotatable thereby.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said device accords with claim 2, the apparatus including said power tool, and wherein said proximal end of the shaft is interconnected with said output of said tool via the fitting configured to engage the output.

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