Double-end nail gun, box and double-end nail thereof

Abstract

A fastening device includes a cartridge including an end cap channel having a first compartment interconnected and spaced apart from a second compartment by a connector compartment, the first compartment and the second compartment cooperatively configured to receive a portion of a fastener, where the end cap channel is configured to receive a portion of the fastener. A distance is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment, and the first compartment and the second compartment and the distance cooperate to define a parameter of a fastener receivable in the cartridge; the distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 395,206 filed on August 4, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 355,038 filed on June 23, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 303,367 filed on January 26, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 282,892 filed on November 24, 2021, the entire contents of each of these provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The utility model relates to a double-head nail gun comprising a box and a fastener used for the double-head nail gun.

[0004] Existing nails are used to hold structures together. Some nails are double-headed nails, where a first head is located at one end of the nail and a second head is spaced inwardly on the nail. These types of nails are used to temporarily hold structures together and only penetrate the structure up to the second head. This allows the nail to be removed from the structure via the first head. The nails can be rowed and used with a power nail gun. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, the utility model provides a fastening device including a cassette having an end cap channel having a first compartment, the first compartment being interconnected and spaced apart from a second compartment by a connector compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are cooperatively configured to receive a portion of a fastener. A distance is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment, and the first compartment and the second compartment and the distance cooperate to define parameters of the fastener that can be received in the cassette.

[0006] On the other hand, the utility model provides a fastening device including a fastener and a cassette. The fastener has a body with a tip and a second end opposite to the tip, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end. The cassette has an end cap channel, the end cap channel having a first compartment, the first compartment being interconnected and spaced apart from the second compartment by a connector compartment. The first compartment is configured to receive the first head, and the second compartment is configured to receive the second head. A first distance is defined between the first head and the second head, and a second distance is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment. The second distance is the same as the first distance and limits at least one parameter of the fastener that can be received in the cassette.

[0007] On the other hand, the utility model provides a fastening device including a fastener and a cassette. The fastener has a body with a tip and a second end opposite to the tip, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end. The cassette has an end cap channel having a first compartment and a second compartment connected via a connector compartment. The first head is received in the first compartment and the second head is received in the second compartment.

[0008] On the other hand, the utility model provides a cassette for a fastening device, the cassette comprising a cassette channel having a rectangular cross-sectional shape to receive a fastener, a slot interconnected with the cassette channel to receive the fastener, and an end cap having an end cap channel. The end cap is positioned opposite to the slot. The end cap channel has a first compartment and a second compartment connected via a connector compartment. Each of the first compartment and the second compartment has a first width, and the connector compartment has a second width less than the first width.

[0009] On the other hand, the utility model provides a fastener for a fastening device. The fastener includes a body having a tip and a second end opposite to the tip, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end and spaced apart from the first head. The body defines a longitudinal axis of the fastener. In a cross section across the longitudinal axis, the first head has a first shape and the second head has a second shape.

[0010] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a magazine assembly, which is configured to receive fasteners; a nose bridge assembly, which includes a channel, and continuous fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven from the channel along a drive axis, the nose bridge assembly includes a base portion connected to the magazine assembly and a cover portion pivotally connected to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, the cover portion including a dry-fire locking link pivotally connected to the cover portion, the dry-fire locking link including a first end located on a first side of the nose bridge assembly and a second end located on an opposite side of the nose bridge assembly; a pusher assembly, which is slidably connected to the magazine assembly, the pusher assembly configured to bias the fasteners in the magazine assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly The advancer assembly includes a pusher body positioned on a first side of the nose frame assembly and a dry-fire locking extension coupled to the pusher body; and a workpiece contact assembly capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the nose frame assembly, wherein, in the first position, the dry-fire locking extension is spaced apart from the first end of the dry-fire locking link so that the second end of the dry-fire locking link is in an unblocked position, in which the second end is spaced apart from a path of movement of the workpiece contact assembly, thereby allowing movement of the workpiece contact assembly, and wherein, in the second position, the dry-fire locking extension engages the first end of the dry-fire locking link so that the second end of the dry-fire locking link is in a blocked position, in which the second end is positioned in the path of movement of the workpiece contact assembly, thereby blocking movement of the workpiece contact assembly.

[0011] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a magazine assembly, which is configured to receive fasteners; and a nose bridge assembly, which includes a channel, and continuous fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven from the channel, the nose bridge assembly includes a base portion connected to the magazine assembly and a cover portion pivotally connected to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively define the channel, and the cover portion includes a recess extending generally parallel to the channel.

[0012] On the other hand, the utility model provides a cassette for a fastening device, the cassette comprising: a wall defining a cassette channel having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cassette channel being configured to receive a fastener; a narrow slot interconnected with the cassette channel and configured to receive the fastener, the narrow slot being defined by a first surface of the wall and a second surface of the wall, the first surface being located in a first plane parallel to the axis of the fastener, and the second surface being located in a second plane at a non-parallel angle relative to the axis of the fastener; and an end cap comprising an end cap channel connected to the narrow slot.

[0013] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a housing; a storage chamber cylinder, which is positioned in the housing; a cylinder, which is at least partially positioned in the storage chamber cylinder; a frame, which is positioned in the housing and is configured to close the cylinder; a piston, which can move from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driving position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position in the cylinder; a drive blade, which is attached to the piston for moving along the drive axis with the piston from the TDC position toward the BDC position so as to drive the fastener into the workpiece; a lifting and lowering mechanism. A lifter, the lifter being operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a drive unit, the drive unit being operably connected to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter, thereby rotating the lifter; and a buffer, the buffer being supported between the housing and the cylinder body, the buffer comprising a cylindrical portion and a flange positioned at an end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion being configured to be positioned on a first outer surface of the cylinder body, and the flange being configured to be positioned on a second outer surface of the cylinder body, at least a portion of the cylindrical portion being in contact with the housing, and at least a portion of the flange being in contact with the housing.

[0014] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a housing; a storage chamber cylinder, which is positioned in the housing; a cylinder, which is at least partially positioned in the storage chamber cylinder; a frame, which is positioned in the housing and is configured to close the cylinder; a piston, which can move from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driving position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position in the cylinder; a drive blade, which is attached to the piston for moving along the drive axis with the piston from the TDC position toward the BDC position so as to drive the fastener to workpiece; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a drive unit operably connected to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter so as to rotate the lifter; and a buffer supported between the housing and both the storage chamber cylinder and the cylinder, the buffer comprising a cylindrical portion and a flange positioned at an end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion being configured to be positioned on a first outer surface of an outer wall of the storage chamber cylinder, and the flange being configured to be positioned on both a second outer surface of the outer wall and an outer surface of the cylinder.

[0015] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a housing; a storage chamber cylinder, which is positioned in the housing; a cylinder, which is at least partially positioned in the storage chamber cylinder; a frame, which is positioned in the housing and is configured to enclose the cylinder, a piston, which can move from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driving position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position in the cylinder; a drive blade, which is attached to the piston for moving along the drive axis with the piston from the TDC position toward the BDC position to drive the fastener into the workpiece; a lifter, which is operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a drive unit, which is operably connected to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter, thereby rotating the lifter; and a buffer, which is supported between the housing and the frame, and has an interface complementary to a recess of the housing. In some aspects, the recess is formed of a material different from that of the housing.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a magazine assembly, which is configured to receive fasteners and includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a plurality of dampers, which are connected to the second end of the magazine assembly; and a nose bridge assembly, which includes a channel, and continuous fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven from the channel, the nose bridge assembly includes a base portion movably connected to the magazine assembly and a cover portion pivotally connected to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, wherein the dampers are positioned between the base portion and the magazine assembly to reduce vibration therebetween.

[0017] On the other hand, the utility model provides a powered fastener driver, which includes: a housing; a magazine assembly, the magazine assembly is configured to receive fasteners; a nose assembly, the nose assembly includes a channel, and continuous fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven from the channel, the nose assembly includes a base portion connected to the magazine assembly and a cover portion pivotally connected to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively define the channel, the cover portion includes a dry-fire locking link pivotally connected to the cover portion, the base portion includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a cylinder body, the cylinder body is within the housing; a piston, the piston is movable from a top dead center (TDC) position to a driving position or a bottom dead center (BDC) position within the cylinder body; a drive blade, the drive blade is attached to the piston for moving along the drive axis from the TDC position toward the BDC position with the piston to drive the fastener into the workpiece, the drive blade is movable within the channel; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the BDC position toward the TDC position; a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter to rotate the lifter; and a workpiece contact assembly coupled to the housing and movable from an extended position to a retracted position in response to contact with a workpiece, the workpiece contact assembly comprising a first section coupled to the second section, the second section comprising: a first portion configured to slide relative to a first side of the base portion; a second portion configured to slide relative to a second side of the base portion; a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, the connecting portion overlapping at least a portion of the nose assembly in a forward direction and a downward direction; and a plurality of tabs configured to contact the workpiece, at least one tab extending from each of the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion. In some aspects, the base portion includes a first slot extending along the first side and a second slot extending along the second side, each of the first slot and the second slot extending parallel to the channel, and the first portion includes a protrusion configured to be received in the first slot, and the second portion includes a protrusion configured to be received in the second slot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a nail strip.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the row of nail strips.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the row of nail strips.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the row of nail strips.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the nails in this row of nail strips.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Bottom view of the nail.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a nail strip according to another embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] Fig. 8A yes Figure 7 A front view of the row of nail strips.

[0026] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 A side view of a portion of a nail in the row of nail strips.

[0027] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A side view of the row of nail strips.

[0028] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 Top view of the row of nail strips.

[0029] Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a nail strip according to another embodiment of the utility model.

[0030] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A front view of the row of nail strips.

[0031] Fig.13A yes Fig.11 A side view of the row of nail strips.

[0032] Fig. 13B yes Fig.11 Top view of the row of nail strips.

[0033] Fig.14A Shown Figures 1 to 7 or Figures 7 to 13B The nail strip of any embodiment has nails coated with a UV tracer.

[0034] Fig. 14B Shown Figures 1 to 7 or Figures 7 to 13B The nail strip of any embodiment has nails without a coating of UV tracer.

[0035] Fig.15 is used for Figure 1A three-dimensional view of the cassette of the row of nail strips.

[0036] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A side view of a cassette with portions removed.

[0037] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 Rear view of the cassette.

[0038] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 Front view of the cassette.

[0039] Fig.19 yes Fig.15 A three-dimensional view of the end cover of the cassette.

[0040] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Front view of the end cap.

[0041] Fig.21 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a cassette with portions removed.

[0042] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A three-dimensional view of the intermediate damper of the cassette.

[0043] Fig.23 yes Fig.21 A three-dimensional view of the outer damper of the cassette.

[0044] Fig.24 is used for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of another cassette of the row of nail strips having another end cover.

[0045] Fig.25 yes Fig.25 A three-dimensional image of a cassette.

[0046] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 A first end view of the cassette and end cap.

[0047] Fig.27A yes Fig.25 A second end view of the cassette and end cap.

[0048] Fig.27B yes Fig.25 A second end view of the cassette and another end cap.

[0049] Fig.28 is a detailed first end view of another cassette.

[0050] Fig.29 It includes a housing, a nose assembly, a workpiece contact assembly and Fig.25A perspective view of a powered fastener driver with a cassette.

[0051] Fig. 30A yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a powered fastener driver.

[0052] Fig. 30B yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a powered fastener driver with a portion of the housing removed.

[0053] Fig.31 yes Fig.29 The power fastener driver is Fig. 30A A cross-sectional view along line 31--31.

[0054] Fig.32A yes Fig.29 A schematic diagram of a powered fastener driver is shown with the drive blade in the driven or bottom dead center position.

[0055] Fig.32B yes Fig.29 Schematic diagram of a powered fastener driver showing the drive blade in the top dead center position prior to actuation.

[0056] Fig.33A yes Fig.29 A detailed view of a portion of a powered fastener driver illustrating a damping element positioned within a housing and with a portion of the housing removed.

[0057] Fig.33B yes Fig.29 Powered fastener drivers along Fig.33A The cross-sectional view of line 33B--33B shows Fig.33A of the damping element.

[0058] Fig.33C is located in Fig.29 Schematic diagram of another damping element within the housing of a powered fastener driver.

[0059] Fig.33D is located in Fig.29 Schematic diagram of another damping element within the housing of a powered fastener driver.

[0060] Fig.33E is located in Fig.29 Schematic diagram of another damping element within the housing of a powered fastener driver.

[0061] Fig.34 yes Fig.29 Detailed perspective view of a powered fastener driver.

[0062] Fig.35A yes Fig.29 Another perspective view of the nose assembly of the powered fastener driver.

[0063] Fig.35B is used with Fig.29 Another perspective view of a nose bridge assembly for use with a powered fastener driver.

[0064] Fig.36A yes Fig.29 Another perspective view of the nose assembly of the powered fastener driver.

[0065] Fig.36B is used with Fig.29 Powered fastener drivers Fig.35B Another perspective view of the nose bridge assembly.

[0066] Fig.37 yes Fig.29 Another perspective view of the nose assembly of the powered fastener driver.

[0067] Fig.38A yes Fig.29 Schematic diagram of a nose assembly of a powered fastener driver.

[0068] Fig.38B yes Fig.29 A bottom view of the cover portion of the nose assembly of the powered fastener driver.

[0069] Fig.38C It is the nose bridge component Fig.38B The cover part along Fig.37 A cross-sectional view along axis 39--39.

[0070] Fig.39 yes Fig.29 The nose assembly of the powered fastener driver is Fig.37 A cross-sectional view of line 39--39.

[0071] Fig.40 yes Fig.29 A detailed perspective view of a portion of the nose assembly of a powered fastener driver.

[0072] Fig.41A yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a portion of a nose assembly and magazine of a powered fastener driver.

[0073] Fig.41B yes Fig.29 Another perspective view of a portion of the nose assembly and magazine of the powered fastener driver.

[0074] Fig.42A is used with Fig.29 A perspective view of an advancer assembly for use with a magazine of a powered fastener driver.

[0075] Fig.42B is used with Fig.29 Another perspective view of the pusher assembly used in conjunction with a magazine of a powered fastener driver.

[0076] Fig.43 yes Fig.29 Schematic diagram of a powered fastener driver's dry-fire locking mechanism in an unblocked position.

[0077] Fig.44 yes Fig.29 Another schematic diagram of the dry-fire locking mechanism of the powered fastener driver in an unblocked position.

[0078] Fig.45 yes Fig.29 Schematic diagram of the dry-fire locking mechanism of the powered fastener driver in the blocked position.

[0079] Fig.46 yes Fig.29 The workpiece contacting components of a powered fastener driver are along Fig. 30A A cross-sectional view taken along line 46--46.

[0080] Fig.47A yes Fig.29 A perspective view of a portion of a workpiece contacting assembly of a powered fastener driver.

[0081] Fig.47B According to another embodiment, Fig.35B A perspective view of a portion of a workpiece contact assembly used in conjunction with a nosepiece assembly.

[0082] Fig.48A yes Fig.29 Another perspective view of a portion of a workpiece contacting assembly of a powered fastener driver.

[0083] Fig.48B yes Fig.47B A perspective view of a portion of a workpiece contacting assembly.

[0084] Before explaining any embodiment of the utility model in detail, it should be understood that the application of the utility model is not limited to the details of the component construction and arrangement set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The utility model can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in a variety of different ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Figures 1 to 6 Stud nails 10 are shown that can be used with a powered impact or nail gun device (e.g., powered by a battery pack or the like) to secure items to workpieces. A plurality of nails 10 can be secured together to form a row of nails 14. The row of nails 14 can be positioned within a magazine of the nail gun device for firing the nails 10 into the workpieces. The nails 10 can be used to secure a first workpiece (e.g., a first beam) to a second workpiece (e.g., a second beam).

[0086] refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 , the nail 10 includes a body 18 having a first end or tip 22 and an opposite second end 26. The body 18 has a circular cross-sectional shape, but the body can have another cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular, oval, etc.). A tip or point 30 is disposed at the first end 22 and is configured to be driven into a workpiece (e.g., during a firing operation of a nail gun device or a manual impact of a hammer). The illustrated tip 30 has a chamfered conical profile.

[0087] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As best shown, the nail 10 also includes a first head 34 and a second head 38. The first head 34 is positioned at the second end 26, and the second head 38 is positioned between the first end 22 and the second end 26. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig.12, the second head 38 is spaced a distance from the first head 34 along the axis 40 of the nail 10 and is closer to the first end 22 than to the second end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner distance A between the second face of the first head 34 and the first face of the second head 38 is between 10 mm and 20 mm. The outer distance B between the second face of the first head 34 and the second face of the second head 38 is between 13.7 mm and 23.7 mm. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the inner distance A is at least 10.9 mm, and the outer distance B is less than or equal to 18.8 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the inner distance A is 13.3 mm and the outer distance B is 16.8 mm. The thickness of the first head 34 (measured along the axis 40) is the same as the thickness of the second head 38. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first head 34 can be different from the thickness of the second head 38. For example, the first head 34 can have a greater thickness relative to the thickness of the second head 38, or the first head 34 can have a smaller thickness relative to the thickness of the second head 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the heads 34, 38 is 1.75 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.25 mm. The illustrated stud nail 10 having the first head 34 and the second head 38 facilitates temporary attachment of a first workpiece to a second workpiece by engaging the nail with the first workpiece until the second head 38.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first head 34 is concentric with the body 18 about the axis 40. The first head 34 is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter C that is larger than the diameter of the body 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter C of the first head 34 is 6.0 mm, but in other or additional embodiments, the diameter C of the first head 34 may be in the range of 5.4 mm to 6.6 mm. In addition, the diameter D of the body 18 between the first head 34 and the second head 38 is 3.33 mm, but in other or additional embodiments, the diameter D of the body 18 between the first head 34 and the second head 38 may be in the range of 2.93 mm to 3.73 mm. The second head 38 has a first portion 42 that is concentric with the body 18 about the axis 40 and a sheared or truncated portion 46. In other words, the first portion 42 defines a rounded side of the second head 38, and the truncated portion 46 defines a second flat side of the second head 38. In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the maximum radius of the first portion 42 is greater than the radius of the body 18, and the maximum radius of the first portion 42 is greater than the radius of the first head 34. In other embodiments, the maximum radius (and therefore the maximum diameter) of the first portion 42 is less than the radius (and therefore the diameter) of the first head 34. In some embodiments, the radius of the run-off portion 46 is equal to or less than the radius of the first head 34.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the truncated portion 46 is tangential to the body 18. In other words, the distance between the center point of the body 18 and the truncated portion or second side 46 along the radius of the body 18 is the same as the radius of the body 18. In some embodiments, the truncated portion 46 can be located in a plane beyond the plane tangential to the body 18. In other embodiments, the truncated portion can have other shapes (e.g., an angled section forming a "V" at or near the radial extent of the body 18 (with the tip of the "V" on the outer surface of the body 18), one or more curved surfaces that curve toward the outer surface of the body 18 at or near the radial extent, etc.).

[0090] The nail 10 can be formed of any material suitable for fastening a first workpiece to a second workpiece (e.g., metal, composite material, etc.). In some embodiments, the nail 10 is formed of 1040 steel. The nail 10 can also have a coating (e.g., zinc or aluminum-zinc coating). The tip 30 and the body 18 can include a withdrawal coating to prevent the nail 10 from being withdrawn from the workpiece.

[0091] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the stud nails 10 are arranged into an assembly of a row of nails 14, wherein several nails 10 are held together by binding members 52 (e.g., tape, clips, etc.). When arranged, the truncated portion 46 of the first nail 50 in the row of nails 14 faces the first portion 42 (the rounded portion of the second head 38) of the subsequent nail 54. It should be understood that, except for the last nail 10 in the arrangement, the truncated portion 46 of each nail 10 faces the first portion 42 of the subsequent nail 54 in the row of nails 14. Due to the truncated portion 46 of each nail 10, the nails 10 can be positioned closer together in the arrangement than they would otherwise be positioned. That is, the distance between adjacent bodies 18 of the nails 54 is smaller due to the truncated portion 46. This reduces the length of the row of nails 14, and in turn can facilitate a shorter magazine in the nail gun device without sacrificing capacity. Similarly, for a given size magazine of the nail gun device, the smaller distance between adjacent bodies 18 can accommodate more nails 10 (e.g., twenty-five nails 10) in a single arrangement.

[0092] refer to Figure 2 , the row of nails 14 is angled such that the first head 34 of the first nail 50 is spaced axially parallel to the first head 34 of the subsequent nail 54. The first head 34 of each subsequent nail 54 is spaced from the previous nail 50 such that the row of nails 14 as an assembly is angled approximately 21 degrees relative to a horizontal plane P extending through the end of the first head 34 of the first nail 50. Figure 11 to Figure 1 4, the row of nails 114 may be at an angle of about 30 degrees or greater than 30 degrees relative to the horizontal plane H. Many nail arrangements include twenty nails. Fig.12 As best shown, the steeper angled arrangement of nails 114 improves balance by shifting more of the magazine / nail weight to the rear of the nail gun device. Figures 7 to 13B The nails 110 are shown in an array 114. The nails 110 are similar to Figures 1 to 6 The nail 10 shown and described in FIG. 1 does not include the cutout portion. Therefore, similar structures will be referred to by similar reference numerals plus "100", and only the differences are pointed out here. As mentioned above, in other embodiments, such as Figures 7 to 13B Examples (such as Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter E of the second head 138 is smaller than the diameter C of the first head 134. Figures 7 to 13B In the embodiment of the present invention, the diameter E of the second head 138 is 5.9 mm, but the diameter E of the second head 138 can be in the range of 5.6 mm to 6.2 mm. In the embodiment shown, the maximum diameter E of the second head 138 is at least 98% of the diameter C of the first head 134. In other embodiments, the maximum diameter E of the second head 138 is at least 90% of the diameter C of the first head 134.

[0093] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The cartridge 200 of the nail gun device receiving the row of nails 14 is shown. The cartridge 200 includes a cartridge channel 204 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape for receiving the first head 34 and the second head 38. The height of the cartridge channel 204 is greater than the height of the typical cartridge channel, and the greater height is due to the second head 38. In the embodiment shown, the height is measured as 20mm, but in other embodiments, the height can be measured as 13mm to 24mm. The cartridge 200 also has a slot 208, which is interconnected with the cartridge channel 204 and receives the body 18 of the nail 10. As shown, only the heads 34, 38 are positioned in the cartridge channel 204. That is, the body 18 and the first end 22 of the nail 10 are positioned outside the cartridge channel 204, and the entire nail 10 is positioned in the cartridge 200. In some embodiments, a portion of the nail 10 can extend outward from the cartridge 200.

[0094] exist Figures 24 to 28 In some embodiments shown in the magazine 200 of FIG. 1 , the magazine channel (e.g., slot) 204 can include a rectangular cross-sectional shape that only receives the first head 34, while the second head 38, the body 18, and the first end 22 of the nail 24 are positioned outside the channel 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the channel 204 is 7.6 mm, but in other embodiments the height can be greater than 1.75 mm. In any of these embodiments, the wall 204a defining the rectangular cross-sectional shape has a first surface 204b defining one side of the slot 208 and a second surface 204c defining the opposite side of the slot 208. In some embodiments, such as Fig.16 27, each of the first surface 204b and the second surface 204c are positioned in respective planes P1, P2 parallel to the nail axis 40. In some embodiments, such as Fig.28 In an embodiment, one of the first surface 204a and the second surface 204b can be positioned in a plane P1 parallel to the axis 40, while one of the second surfaces 204a, 204b is positioned in a plane P2 positioned at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle relative to the axis 40. The distal edges of the first surface 204b and the second surface 204c of the slot 208 define a first distance D1 (at Fig.28 27). In other words, the slot 208 is sized to have a first distance D1.

[0095] exist Figures 24 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, guide member 210 (e.g., guide) is positioned within cassette channel 204 and extends substantially along the length of channel 204. In the illustrated embodiment, guide member 210 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, similar to cassette channel 204, and further defines a slot 210a that is aligned with slot 208. Additionally, wall 210b of guide member 210 has substantially the same shape as wall 204a. In the illustrated embodiment, opposing surfaces of wall 210b defining slot 210a are each planar surfaces positioned parallel to axis 40. In the illustrated embodiment, opposing surfaces of slot 210a define a second distance D2 (in degrees) that is less than first distance D1. Fig.28 27). In other words, the slot 210a is sized to have a first distance D1 that is smaller than the first distance D1.

[0096] The angle formed by the cassette 200 corresponds to the angle of the row of nails 14. For example, when the row of nails 14 is at an angle of 30 degrees, such as relative to Figures 11 to 13B As shown, the cassette 200 has the same 30 degree angle. Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, cassette 200 can be angled at approximately 30 degrees relative to horizontal plane HP. In other embodiments, cassette 200 can be angled at greater or less than 30 degrees.

[0097] refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The cassette 200 also includes a first end portion 214 ( Fig.21). The end cap 212 has an end cap channel 216. The end cap channel 216 has a cross-sectional shape that is generally in the form of the outline of the nail 10. That is, the end cap channel 216 has a first compartment 220 that accommodates the first head 34, a second compartment 224 that accommodates the second head 38 and is interconnected with the first compartment 220 via a connector compartment 232 (to accommodate the body of the nail 10 between the first head 34 and the second head 38), and a body compartment 228 that accommodates the body 18 (and in some embodiments, the tip 30). The connector compartment 232 and the body compartment 228 have the same width, and the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 have the same width. The width of the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 is greater than the width of the body compartment 228 and the connector compartment 232. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 have the same height, but in other embodiments, they can have different heights. For example, in other embodiments, the height of the second compartment 224 can be greater than the height of the first compartment 220. In the embodiment shown, the height of the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 is 5 mm, but in other embodiments. Therefore, the height of each of the compartments 220, 224 is approximately 25% of the height of the slot 204 in the cassette. In another embodiment, the height of the first compartment can be 3.8 mm and the height of the second compartment is 4.6 mm. In other embodiments, the height of each of the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 is greater than 1.75 mm. Therefore, the height of each of the compartments 220, 224 is in the range of approximately 18% to 23% of the height of the slot 204 in the cassette. Therefore, the height of each of the compartments 220, 224 can be greater than approximately 9% of the height of the slot 204 in the cassette. About Fig. 20 , the distance between the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 corresponds to the distance between the first head 34 and the second head 38. For example, the internal distance A1 is between 7 mm and 23 mm to provide a tolerance for the internal distance A between the nail heads 34, 38. The external distance B1 is between 10.7 mm and 26.7 mm to provide a tolerance for the external distance B between the nail heads 34, 38. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the internal distance A1 is greater than 10.9 mm and the external distance B1 is at least 18.8 mm. The first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224 restrict which nails can be inserted into the cassette 200. For example, a nail with two heads can only be assembled into the cassette 200 when the distance between the nail heads 34, 38 corresponds to (matches) the distance between the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 224. In some embodiments, the end cap channel 216 can have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the end cap channel 216 can have a cross-sectional shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cassette channel 204, such as Figures 24 to 28 shown.

[0098] refer to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , the cassette 200 includes an opening 236 located at a second end 238, which is opposite the first end 214 and, therefore, opposite the end cap 212. An intermediate damper 240 is located on a rear surface 244 of the cassette 200 adjacent to the cassette opening 236. In some embodiments, the intermediate damper 240 can be disposed on a top surface 248 of the cassette 200. In some embodiments, such as Figures 24 to 28 In the embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate damper 240 may be disposed on both the rear surface 244 and the top surface 248. In addition, the intermediate damper 240 may extend between the rear surface 244 and the top surface 248. Figures 24 to 28 As shown, the intermediate damper 240 may include a first portion 240a positioned on the rear surface 244, a second portion 240b positioned on the top surface 248, and a connecting portion 240c coupled between the first portion 240a and the second portion 240b and extending between the rear surface 244 and the top surface 248. Regardless of the embodiment, the intermediate damper 240 is positioned between the walls 252 defining the recess of the cassette 200. The intermediate damper 240 is configured to engage the base portion ( Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Not shown, but referenced below Figures 31 to 41B 252). The illustrated intermediate damper 240 is generally rectangular in shape. The width of the intermediate damper 240 corresponds to the width of the groove, and therefore corresponds to the distance between the walls 252. In other embodiments, the intermediate damper 240 may be other shapes (e.g., circular, octagonal, etc.). In some embodiments, as Figure 21 to Figure 22 As shown, the intermediate damper 240 is coupled to the cassette 200 via an insert molded nut 256. The insert molded nut 256 extends through the cassette 200. Figure 24 to Figure 2 In other embodiments shown in FIG. 7 , the insert molded nut 256 of the intermediate damper 240 may be omitted, and the intermediate damper 240 may be coupled between the cassette 200 and the tool via a transition fit, which will be described below with respect to FIG. Figures 31 to 41B In still other embodiments, the intermediate damper 240 may be coupled to the cassette 200 only via an insert molded nut or another connector (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.). In still other embodiments, the intermediate damper may be coupled to the cassette in other suitable manners (e.g., a snap-fit ​​engagement with the cassette and / or nosepiece). In addition, with continued reference to Figure 24 to Figure 27. In some embodiments, the intermediate damper 240 may include a recess 240d. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 240a includes the recess 240d and the second portion 240b includes the recess 240d. The intermediate damper 240 may be made of high-hardness rubber or soft plastic or a material suitable for damping the tool (e.g., nose assembly, in Figure 21 to Figure 22 and Figure 24 to Figure 2 7 is not shown, but the following is relative to Figures 31 to 41B ) and another material composition for reducing the bending load at the connection between the cassette 200.

[0099] refer to Fig.21 and Fig.23 , the cassette 200 further includes an external damper 270 mounted on the track 274. Although two external dampers 270 are shown, the cassette 200 may include one or more than two external dampers. The external damper 270 is positioned on the rear surface 244 of the cassette 200 near the cassette opening 236. In some embodiments, the external damper 270 may be positioned on the front surface 248 of the cassette 200. The track 274 supports the row of nails 14. The first external damper 270a is positioned on the first track 274a (e.g., at an end of the first track 274a or at another location on the first track 274a), and the second external damper 270b is positioned on the second track 274a (e.g., at an end of the second track 274a or at another location on the second track 274a). As Fig.23 As shown, the outer damper 270 is U-shaped, but other shapes of the outer damper 270 are possible and are contemplated herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer dampers 270a, 270b each include an aperture 271a, 271b extending therethrough. In this case, each outer damper 270a, 270b each has a pair of apertures 271a, 271b, one aperture passing through each side of a U-shape. The outer damper 270 may include medium hardness rubber or another material (e.g., high hardness rubber, soft plastic, etc.) to provide support to the back of the cassette 200. The outer damper 270 also acts as an isolator or damper to absorb bending loads. The shape of the outer damper 270 provides loose support, thereby allowing deflection. Similar to Figure 24 to Figure 2 7, the outer damper 270 can be coupled between the magazine 200 and the tool via a transition fit, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0100] In use, the row of nails 14 is positioned in the magazine 200 of the nail gun device. When the user actuates the trigger of the nail gun device, the firing operation begins. During the firing operation, a force is applied to the first head 34 of the first nail 50 in the array, thereby driving the first nail 50 into the workpiece. When the first nail 50 is driven from the array into the workpiece, the truncation portion 46 (when present) provides clearance for the first head 34. The truncation portion 46 also allows the nails 10 to be stacked more closely together in the magazine 200 while still being able to fire normally, which can be beneficial to shorter magazines.

[0101] refer to Figures 7 to 13B , the second head 138 is cylindrical in shape and does not have a truncated portion, so that the first head 134 and the second head 138 have the same shape (e.g., the same or different size or diameter). In some embodiments, the nail 110 can include a truncated portion. In other embodiments, the diameter of the second head 138 can be less than or equal to the diameter of the first head 134, or the second head 138 can be greater than the diameter of the first head 134.

[0102] 8, when the nails 110 are arranged to form a row of nails 114, the distance between the bodies 118 of adjacent nails 110 is greater than the distance between the bodies 18 of adjacent nails 10 ( Fig. 20 This is because the second head 138 does not have a truncated shape, and interference between adjacent nails 110 during the firing process of the nail gun device is avoided. Fig.12 As shown, the angle of the row of nails 114 may be increased (eg, to approximately 30 degrees) to improve balance by shifting more of the magazine / nail weight to the rear of the nail gun device.

[0103] exist Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 7 to 13B In any embodiment of the present invention, the nail 10, 110 may include a transparent coating 290, 290', such as Fig.14A and Fig. 14B As shown. The nail coating 290, 290' is used to increase the holding force of the nail on the workpiece, improve the seating performance in the workpiece, and also require minimal removal force. Because the coating 290 is transparent ( Fig. 14B ), so the coating 290' may include a UV tracer ( Fig.14A ). The UV tracer in coating 290' allows the coating to be inspected under black light, such as Fig.14A as shown, to ensure adequate coverage of each nail 10, 110 in the array.

[0104] Figure 29 to Figure 3 0 shows a powered impact or nail gun device 300 with which the magazine 200 can be used.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the nail gun device 300 is a gas spring powered fastener driver operable to drive nails (or other suitable fasteners, such as tacks, staples, etc.) held within the magazine 200 into a workpiece. The fastener driver 300 includes an inner cylinder 318 and a movable piston 322 ( Figures 31 to 32B ). refer to Figures 31 to 32B , the fastener driver 300 further includes a drive blade 326, which is attached to the piston 322 and can move therewith. As shown and discussed later, the drive blade 326 has a lifting tooth 326a extending from one side and a locking tooth 326b extending from the opposite side. The fastener driver 300 does not require an external air pressure source, but includes an outer storage chamber cylinder 330 of pressurized gas that is in fluid communication with the cylinder 318. In the embodiment shown, the cylinder 318 and the movable piston 322 are positioned in the storage chamber cylinder 330. The driver 300 further includes a filling valve (not shown) connected to the storage chamber cylinder 330. When connected to a compressed gas source, the filling valve allows the storage chamber cylinder 330 to be refilled with compressed gas if any leakage occurs before. For example, the filling valve can be configured as a Schrader valve.

[0106] refer to FIG. 30B to FIG. 32B , the cylinder 318 and the drive blade 326 define a drive axis 338. During a drive cycle, the drive blade 326 and the piston 322 may be at a top dead center (TDC) position ( Fig.32B ) and the drive position or bottom dead center (BDC) position ( Fig.32A ). The fastener driver 300 further includes a lifting assembly 342 ( Fig.31 ), the lifting assembly has a lifter 344 ( Fig. 30B and Fig.31 ), the lifter is driven by motor 346 ( Fig. 30B ) provides power and moves the drive blade 326 from the drive position to the TDC position.

[0107] In operation, the lifting assembly 342 drives the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 toward the TDC position by energizing the motor 346. As the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 are driven toward the TDC position, the gas above the piston 322 and the gas within the reservoir cylinder 330 are compressed. Before reaching the TDC position, the motor 346 is deactivated and the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 are maintained in a ready position between the TDC position and the BDC position or the driven position until the trigger 348 ( Fig.29) and released. When released, the compressed gas above the piston 322 and in the storage chamber cylinder 330 drives the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 to the driving position, thereby driving the fastener into the workpiece. The illustrated fastener driver 300 thus operates on the principle of a gas spring by utilizing the lifting assembly 342 and the piston 322 to further compress the gas in the cylinder 318 and the storage chamber cylinder 330. Further details about the structure and operation of the fastener driver 300 are provided below.

[0108] refer to FIG. 30B to FIG. 32B , the storage chamber cylinder 330 surrounds the cylinder 318. The cylinder 318 has an annular inner wall 350, which is configured to guide the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 along the drive axis 338 to compress the gas in the storage chamber cylinder 330. The storage chamber cylinder 330 has an annular outer wall 354, which circumferentially surrounds the inner wall 350. In this way, the cylinder 318 is configured to be axially fixed to the storage chamber cylinder 330.

[0109] refer to FIG. 30B to FIG. 32B The driver 300 includes a buffer 360 located below the piston 322 to stop the piston 322 in the driving position ( Fig.32A ) and absorbs the impact energy from the piston 322. The buffer 360 is configured to evenly distribute the impact force of the piston 322 across the buffer 360 when the piston 322 rapidly decelerates upon reaching the drive position (i.e., the bottom dead center position). In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer 360 is positioned between the inner wall 338 of the cylinder and an inner frame 362 that encloses the cylinder 318 and has a slot 363 through which the drive blade 326 is movably received.

[0110] refer to Fig.29 30, the driver 300 includes a housing 380 having: a cylinder support portion 384, in which the storage chamber cylinder 330 is at least partially positioned; a drive unit support portion 388, a motor 346 and a transmission 392 ( Fig. 30B) is at least partially positioned in the drive unit support portion; and a handle portion 391. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder support portion 384 extends between the drive unit support portion 388 and the handle portion 391. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder support portion 384, the drive unit support portion 388 and the handle portion 391 are formed integrally with each other as a single piece (e.g., using a casting process or a molding process, depending on the materials used). As described in further detail below, the transmission 392 lifts the drive blade 326 from the drive position to the ready position. The motor 346 is positioned within the drive unit support portion 388 for providing torque to the transmission 392 when activated. A battery pack (not shown) is received and supported by a battery pack attachment interface 390 of the handle portion 391. The battery pack can be electrically connected to the motor 346 for supplying power to the motor 346. In alternative embodiments, the drive can be powered by an alternative power source, such as an AC voltage input (i.e., from a wall outlet), or by an alternative DC voltage input (e.g., an AC / DC converter).

[0111] about FIG. 33A to FIG. 33E A damping element or buffer 393 is disposed between the housing (e.g., the cylinder chamber support portion 384) and the storage chamber cylinder 330, the cylinder 318, and / or the inner frame 362. FIG. 33A to FIG. 33D In the illustrated embodiment, the damping element 393 has a generally cylindrical portion 393a and a flange 393b located at one end of the cylindrical portion 393a. Thus, the damping element 393 has an L-shaped cross-section. In other embodiments, the damping element 393 may include any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical portion 393a extends generally parallel to the drive axis 338, and the flange portion 393b extends generally perpendicular to the drive axis 338. In addition, the flange 393b extends radially from the cylindrical portion 393a in a direction toward the drive axis 338.

[0112] exist Fig.33A and Fig.33BIn one embodiment shown, the cylindrical portion 393a is positioned around the surface of the cylinder 318 and adjacent to the inner surface 380a of the housing 380. The flange 393b abuts against another surface of the cylinder 318. Therefore, the damping element 393 acts on the cylinder 318. In another embodiment (not shown), the cylindrical portion 393a is positioned around the surface of the cylinder 318 and adjacent to the inner surface 380a of the housing 380. The flange 393b abuts against the surface of the inner frame 362. Therefore, the damping element 393 acts on both the cylinder 18 and the inner frame 362. In either case, the housing may include a first rib 395a extending radially inwardly from the inner surface 380a and a second rib 395b extending radially inwardly from the inner surface 380a. As shown, the first rib 395a is spaced apart from the second rib 395b. In the embodiment shown, the damping element 393 is positioned between the first rib 395a and the second rib 395b. The flange 393b abuts the first rib 393a, and the cylindrical portion 393a extends from the flange 393b in a direction toward the second rib 395b.

[0113] exist Fig.33C In another embodiment shown, the cylindrical portion 393a surrounds a surface of the inner frame 362 and is positioned adjacent to the inner surface 380a of the housing 380. The flange 393b abuts another surface of the inner frame 362. Thus, the damping element 393 acts on the inner frame 362.

[0114] exist Fig.33D In another embodiment shown, the cylindrical portion 393a surrounds a surface of the storage cylinder chamber 330 and is positioned adjacent to the inner surface 380a of the housing 380. The flange 393b abuts another surface of the storage cylinder chamber 330 and / or a surface of the cylinder 318. Thus, the damping element 393 acts on either or both of the cylinder 318 and / or the storage chamber cylinder 330.

[0115] exist Fig.33E In another embodiment shown, the size and shape of the damping element 393 can be determined to be cooperatively received in a recess having a complementary size and shape. In the example shown, the damping element 393 can be configured as a rectangular member or inlay 393c, which is positioned between the surface of the inner frame 362 and the rectangular recess 380b in the shell 380 (e.g., the inner surface 380a of the shell 380). In other words, the inlay 393c has an interface complementary to the recess 380b. The inlay and the recess can have other suitable shapes. In some embodiments, the material forming the recess 380b can be the same material as the rest of the shell, or can be a different material from the rest of the shell.

[0116] The transmission 392 provides torque from the motor 346 to the lifter 344. The transmission 392 includes an input shaft (e.g., not shown, a motor output shaft) and an output shaft 396 extending to the lifter 344, which is operable to move the drive blade 326 from the drive position to the ready position, as explained in more detail below. In other words, the transmission 392 provides torque from the motor 346 to the lifter 100. The transmission 392 is configured as a planetary transmission having a first planetary stage, a second planetary stage, and a third planetary stage (not shown). In alternative embodiments, the transmission can be a single-stage planetary transmission, or a multi-stage planetary transmission including any number of planetary stages.

[0117] refer to Fig. 30B and Fig.31 , a lifter 344, which is part of the lift assembly 342, is coupled for common rotation with the output shaft 396, which in turn is driven by engagement with a portion of the transmission 392. The illustrated lifter 344 includes drive pins 576 that are in turn engageable with the drive blade 326 to lift the drive blade 326 from the drive position to the ready position.

[0118] Continue to refer Fig.31 As described above, the drive blade 326 includes lifting teeth 326a along its length, and when the drive blade 326 returns from the drive position to the ready position, the corresponding drive pin 576 can engage with the lifting teeth 326a. The illustrated drive blade 326 includes eight lifting teeth 326a, so that two revolutions of the lifter 344 move the drive blade 326 from the drive position to the ready position.

[0119] As discussed above, the drive blade 326 further includes an axially spaced locking tooth or protrusion 326 b formed by extending from the drive blade 326 opposite the lifting tooth 326 a .

[0120] The driver 300 further includes a latch assembly 650 having a pawl or latch 654 for selectively holding the drive blade 326 in the ready position and a solenoid (not shown) for releasing the latch 654 from the drive blade 326. In other words, the latch assembly 650 is movable between a locked state in which the drive blade 326 is held in the ready position against a biasing force (i.e., the pressurized gas in the reservoir cylinder 330) and a released state in which the drive blade 326 is allowed to be driven from the ready position to the driven position by the biasing force.

[0121] The operation of the firing cycle of the driver 300 is described and detailed below. Fig.32BBefore the firing cycle is initiated, the drive blade 326 is held in the ready position with the piston 322 near top dead center in the cylinder 318. More specifically, the first drive pin 576' ( Fig.31 ) and the lowest tooth 326a' ( ) among the lifting teeth 26a axially spaced apart from the driving blade 326 Fig.31 ) is engaged, and the rotational position of the lifter 344 is maintained by a portion of the transmission 392. In addition, in the ready position of the drive blade 326, the latch 354 can engage with the lowest tooth 326b' ( Fig.31 ) is engaged, but not necessarily in contact with the drive blade 326 and serves to keep the drive blade in the ready position. On the contrary, the latch 354 provides a safety function at this time to prevent the drive blade 326 from accidentally firing when other safety measures fail.

[0122] When the trigger 348 is pulled to initiate the firing cycle, the solenoid is energized to pivot the latch 354 from the locked position to the released position, thereby repositioning the latch 354 so that it can no longer engage with the locking tooth 326b (thus defining the released state of the latch assembly 650). At about the same time, the motor 346 is activated to cause the output shaft and the lifter 344 to rotate along the release position. Fig.31 The piston 322 rotates counterclockwise in the reference frame of the drive blade 326, thereby slightly shifting the drive blade 326 upward past the ready position (at the TDC position of the drive blade 326) before the lowest tooth 326a' on the drive blade 326 slides off the drive pin 576'. Thereafter, the piston 322 and the drive blade 326 are pushed downward to the drive position ( Fig.32A ). When the driving blade 326 is displaced toward the driving position, the motor 346 remains activated to cause the lifter 344 to continue to rotate counterclockwise.

[0123] refer to Fig.31 When the fastener is driven into the workpiece, the piston 322 strikes the buffer 360 to rapidly decelerate the piston 322 and the drive blade 326, and eventually stops the piston 322 at the drive position or the bottom dead center position. FIG. 33A to FIG. 33E The damping element 393 shown dampens vibrations of the cylinder 318 relative to the storage cylinder chamber 330 and the housing 380 caused by the piston striking the bumper 360 .

[0124] Shortly after the drive blade 326 reaches the drive position, the first drive pin 576 on the lifter 344 engages one of the lift teeth 326a on the drive blade 326, and continued counterclockwise rotation of the lifter 344 lifts the drive blade 326 and the piston 322 toward the ready position. Shortly thereafter and before the lifter 344 completes one full rotation, the solenoid is de-energized, allowing the latch 354 to reengage the drive blade 326 and ratchet around the locking tooth 326b (thereby defining the locked state of the latch assembly 650) as the drive blade 326 continues to shift upward.

[0125] After one full rotation of the lifter 344 occurs, the latch 354 holds the drive blade 326 in an intermediate position between the drive position and the ready position while the lifter 344 continues (in Fig. 30B ) is rotated counterclockwise until the first drive pin 576' reengages the other lifting tooth 26a on the drive blade 326. Continued rotation of the lifter 344 lifts the drive blade 326 to the ready position, which is detected by the sensor as described above.

[0126] refer to Figures 29 to 30B as well as Figure 34 to Figure 4 2, the driver 300 further includes a nose bridge assembly 700 positioned at the end of the cassette 200. As shown, the cassette 200 is positioned and coupled between the nose bridge assembly 700 and the housing 380. The cassette 200 is coupled to the nose bridge assembly 700, as discussed below, and is also coupled to at least the drive unit support portion 388 of the housing 380 (e.g., via fasteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the cassette 200 can be coupled to both the drive unit support portion 388 and the outer wall of the battery pack attachment interface 390. In other embodiments, the cassette 200 can be coupled to the housing 380 at the outer wall of the battery pack attachment interface 390, at the handle portion 391, etc. In any case, the cassette 200 is not removable from the driver 300.

[0127] The nose bridge assembly 700 is positioned at the second end 238 of the cassette 200. The nose bridge assembly 700 includes a first end adjacent to the housing and a second end opposite the first end. The nose bridge assembly 700 generally includes a first base portion 712 coupled to the second end 238 of the cassette 200 and a second cover portion 716 coupled to the base portion 712. The nose bridge assembly 700 includes a first side 700a and a second side 700b opposite the first side 700a. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 712 has a first slot 714a extending along the first side 712a and a second slot 714b extending along the second side 712b. The slots 714a, 714b extend parallel to each other and parallel to the drive axis 338. As shown, the slots 714a, 714b open outwardly in a direction away from the drive axis 338. The cover portion 716 of the nose bridge assembly 700 substantially covers the base portion 712. In addition, in Fig.36A In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 712 also includes a guide or channel 714c extending along the first side 712a parallel to the slots 714a, 714b and a guide or channel 714d extending along the second side 712b parallel to the slots 714a, 714b. The guides 714c, 714d are open in a direction toward the cover portion 716. In other embodiments ( Fig.36B ), either side 712a, 712b may include a guide rail 714c. Fig.36B In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , the second side has a guide rail 714 a.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 712 is connected to but vibrationally isolated from the cassette 200 via the dampers 240, 270a, 270b, which are positioned between the base portion 712 and the cassette 200. The base portion 712 includes a plurality of protrusions 718a, 718b, 718c extending generally from a surface opposite the cover portion 716. In the illustrated embodiment, one protrusion 718a extends from a first side 712a of the base portion 712, and one protrusion 718b extends from a second side 712b of the base portion 712. One of the protrusions 718a is configured to be received in a recess 240d in the first portion 240a of the intermediate damper 240, and the protrusion 718b is configured to be received in a recess 240d in the second portion 240b of the intermediate damper 240. In addition, a pair of protrusions 718c on one side of the protrusion 718a extends from the first side 712a, and a pair of protrusions 718d on the opposite side of the protrusion 718a extends from the first side 712a. The paired protrusions 718c, 718d are configured to be received in the corresponding apertures 271a, 271b of the outer dampers 270a, 270b. Therefore, the dampers 240, 270a, 270b prevent direct contact between the base portion 712 and the cassette 200, thereby isolating the nose bridge base 34 from the cassette 26. Specifically, as described above, the dampers 240, 270a, 270b can be positioned and coupled between the driver 300 (e.g., the base portion 712 of the nose bridge 700) and the cassette 200 via a transition fit. In other words, while there is some interference between the cartridge 200 and the dampers 240, 270a, 270b, the dampers 240, 270a, 270b are able to move relative to the cartridge 200. This transition fit between the nose bridge assembly 700 and the cartridge 200, combined with the deformable nature of the dampers 240, 270a, 270b, allows for a movable connection between the base portion 712 and the cartridge 200. That is, during a firing event, the nose bridge assembly 700 will move forward and rearward while the dampers 240, 270a, 270b "isolate" that movement.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 716 is pivotally coupled to the base portion 712 via a latch mechanism 720. In addition, a dry-fire locking link 722 is located in front of the nose bridge assembly 700, which is part of the dry-fire locking mechanism, discussed in more detail below. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the dry-fire locking link 722 is pivotally coupled to the cover portion 716. The dry-fire locking link 722 includes a first end 722a positioned on the first side 700a of the nose bridge assembly 700 and a second end 722b positioned on the second side 700b of the nose bridge assembly 700. The dry-fire locking link 722 is supported by the cover portion 716 and positioned above the latch mechanism 720 so that the dry-fire locking link 722 moves with the cover portion 716 when the latch mechanism 720 is unlocked and the cover portion 716 is pivoted. In the illustrated embodiment, the dry fire lockout link 722 is positioned between the support members 716a, 716b of the cover portion 716. In addition, the dry fire lockout link 722 is pivotally coupled to the cover portion 716 via a pin 722c. As shown, the pin 722c extends through the dry fire lockout link 722 and the support members 716a, 716b on both sides thereof. The pin 722c can be oriented about an axis 722d ( Fig.38A ) pivot.

[0130] The nosepiece assembly 700 (e.g., the base portion 712 and the cover portion 716) cooperatively defines a firing channel 724 extending along the drive axis 338. The firing channel 724 communicates with the opening 236 of the cassette 200 and the cassette channel 204 (e.g., through an opening 728 in the base portion 712, Fig.35A , Fig.35B and Fig.39 ) for receiving fasteners from the magazine 200. The nose bridge assembly 700 further has a distal end 732 located at one end of the firing channel 724. The drive blade 326 is received in the firing channel 724 for driving the fasteners from the firing channel 724 out of the distal end 732 of the nose bridge assembly 700 and into the workpiece, as discussed above. The cover portion 716 can be selectively pivoted relative to the base portion 712 to clear the nail frame that may prevent the nail from being fired. The cover portion 716 further includes a concave cavity or recess 734 for receiving a portion of the arrangement (e.g., the binding 52). The recess 734 extends generally parallel to the drive axis 338 and has a first tapered surface 734a adjacent to the first end that tapers away from the drive axis 338 and a second tapered surface 734b that tapers away from the drive axis 338. The first tapered surface 734a defines an angle of about 60 degrees relative to the drive axis 338, but in other embodiments, the angle can be in the range of 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. The second tapered surface 734b defines an angle of about 55 degrees relative to the drive axis 338, but in other embodiments, the angle can be in the range of 30 degrees to 75 degrees. Fig.38A In the embodiment of the embodiment, the recess 734 has a top surface 734c, which is also tapered relative to the drive axis 338 and thus defines an angle relative to the drive axis 338. Therefore, the depth D4 of the recess 734 is variable and generally decreases from the first end to the second end. In this embodiment, the depth D4 is in the range of 0.0mm to 7.0mm. In the embodiment shown, the maximum depth D4 is 3.6mm. The width WI of the recess 734 is also important. That is, the width W1 of the recess 734 is sized to be wide enough to receive the body 18 of the nail between the tip 30 and the second head 38, 138, but narrow enough so that the head 34, 134, 38, 138 cannot be received therein. In the embodiment shown, the width of the recess 734 is 4.25mm, but can be in the range of 3mm to 5.5mm.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the second recess 735a is positioned on and in communication with a first side of the recess 734, and the third recess 735b is positioned on and in communication with a second side of the recess 734. Each of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b is an elongated recess extending generally parallel to the drive axis 338. The second recess 735a has a generally variable depth D5 that is less than the depths of the recess 734 and the third recess 736b, and the third recess 735b has a generally variable depth D6 that is less than the depth of the first recess 734. The depth D5, D6 of each of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b generally increases in a direction from the first end to the second end. Thus, the depth D5 of the second recess 735a is less than the depth of the recess 734, and the depth D5 generally increases from the first end of the nose bridge 700 to the recess 734. Similarly, the depth D6 of the third recess 735b is less than the depth of the recess 734, and the depth D6 generally increases from the recess 734 to the second end of the nose bridge 700. The maximum depth D5, D6 of each of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b is 4mm. The widths W2, W3 of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b are also important. That is, similar to the recess 734, the widths W2, W3 of each of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b are sized to be wide enough to receive the body 18 of the nail between the tip 30 and the second head 38, 138, but narrow enough so that the head 34, 134, 38, 138 cannot be received therein. The widths of the second recess 735a and the third recess 735b may be in the range of 3mm to 5.5mm.

[0132] When there is excess plastic or other material on the nails in the array, the recesses 734, 735a, 735b and particularly the recess 734 allow for more consistent nail feeding, while the second recess 735a supports the head 34, 134, 38, 138 of the nail 10 and the third recess 735b supports the tip 30 so that the head 34, 38, 134, 138 does not enter the recess 734. In addition, the recesses 735a, 735b ensure that the nail 10 leaves the nose bridge undisturbed. Therefore, the structure of the cover portion 716 ensures that the nail 10 is properly supported in the cavity between at least one of the heads 34, 38, 134, 138 and the tip 30.

[0133] refer to Fig. 30A The driver 300 includes a workpiece contact assembly 736 extending along the two sides 700a, 700b of the nose assembly 700. The workpiece contact assembly 736 is Fig.34 and Figure 46 to Figure 4 8, and includes a first end 744 and an opposite second end 748 that can engage with a workpiece during a firing operation. The workpiece contact assembly 736 includes a plurality of sections 752, 756, wherein each section 752, 756 is formed by a plurality of interconnected segments. The spring 764 is configured to bias the workpiece contact assembly 736 toward the extended position. The workpiece contact assembly 736 is configured to move from the extended position toward the retracted position when the workpiece contact assembly 736 is pressed against the workpiece.

[0134] The first section 752 includes the first end 744 of the workpiece contact assembly 736. The first section 752 includes a body having a first portion 774a and a second portion 774b. The first portion 774a is movably received in the hole 778 ( Fig.34 ). The second portion 774b is a threaded portion. The spring 764 is seated between the base portion 712 of the nosepiece assembly 700 and the body of the first section 752. The second section 756 includes a second end 748 configured to engage a workpiece. Fig.34 and Fig.46 As shown, the workpiece contact assembly 736 further includes a dry-fire locking member 940 (e.g., a dry-fire locking protrusion) coupled to the workpiece contact assembly. The dry-fire locking member 940 is positioned between the first portion 774a and the second portion 774b of the first section 752 and is specifically coupled to the body of the first section 752 to move with the workpiece contact assembly 736. The dry-fire locking member 940 has a portion 940a movably received in the housing 380 and configured to allow and prevent actuation of the motor 346.

[0135] The second section 756 includes a body having a first portion 950 positioned adjacent to the first side 712a of the base portion 712 of the nose bridge assembly 700, a second portion 954 positioned adjacent to the second side 712b of the base portion 712 of the nose bridge assembly 700, and a connecting portion 958 (e.g., a tip portion) coupled between the first portion 950 and the second portion 958. The first portion 950 includes a protrusion 950a extending from a first or inner surface. Similarly, the second portion 954 includes a protrusion 954a extending from a first or inner surface. Fig.47A and Fig.47B In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the first portion 950 and the second portion 954 further includes a protrusion 954a, 954b extending from a second or outer surface thereof. In the embodiment shown, the second surface is a surface that intersects the inner surface. In other embodiments, either the first portion 950 or the second portion 954 may include a protrusion 950a, 954b. Fig.47B and Fig.48BIn the embodiment of, for example, the second portion 954 includes a projection 954b. The projections 950a, 954a, 954a, 954b are oriented parallel to each other. The projections 950a, 954a are configured to be received in the corresponding slots 714a, 714b in the first side 712a and the second side 714b of the base portion 712. Similarly, the projections 950b, 954b are configured to be received in the corresponding guide rails 714c, 714d of the base portion 712. The second portion 954 includes a coupling portion 962 extending from the second or outer surface. The coupling portion 962 defines a threaded aperture 962a extending therethrough. The threaded aperture 962a is configured to extend parallel to the drive axis 338. The connecting portion 958 wraps around the nose bridge assembly 700 so that the connecting portion 958 is located at the front of the driver 300 (i.e., in front of the nose bridge assembly 700) and below (i.e., relatively downward) the nose bridge assembly 700. In addition, the connecting portion 958 of the proposed design includes a plurality of tabs 966 for facilitating engagement between the workpiece contact assembly 736 and the workpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, a first tab 966a extends from the first portion 950 and a second tab 966b extends from the second portion 954. In addition, a third tab 966a and a fourth tab 966d extend from the connecting portion 958. The first tab 966a and the second tab 966b are spaced apart from the third tab 966c and the fourth tab 966d by a distance D3. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends of the tabs 966a extending from the first portion 950 and the distal ends of the tabs 966b extending from the second portion 954 are located in a first plane, and the distal ends of a pair of tabs 966c, 966d extending from the connecting portion 958 are located in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane. As shown, the second plane is farther from the housing than the first plane. In addition, the distal ends of the tabs 966a, 966b are spaced apart by a distance D7, which is greater than the distance D8 between the distal ends of the tabs 966c, 966d. Each tab 966a, 966b, 966c, 966d extends generally away from the drive axis 338.

[0136] In the embodiment described herein, the first portion 950 is positioned on the first side 700a of the nose bridge assembly 700 and is slidable relative to the base portion 712, the second portion 954 is positioned on the second side 700b of the nose bridge assembly 700 and is slidable relative to the base portion 712, and the connecting portion 958 overlaps the nose bridge assembly 700 (e.g., is positioned on the side of the nose bridge assembly opposite the cassette 200 or in front of the nose bridge assembly 700) and is also below at least a portion of the nose bridge assembly 700 at the distal end 732 of the nose bridge assembly 700 (e.g., downward relative to the nose bridge assembly 700). In contrast, in conventional designs, the second section 756 of the workpiece contact assembly 736 is located completely in front of the nose bridge assembly 700, located on the side of the nose bridge assembly 700, or located on the side and wrapped around the rear of the nose bridge assembly 700, so that the connecting portion is located at the rear of the nose bridge assembly 700.

[0137] The first section 752 and the second section 756 are coupled together by a drive depth adjustment mechanism 1000 that adjusts the effective length of the workpiece contact assembly 736. Fig. 30A and Fig.46 , the drive depth adjustment mechanism 1000 includes an adjustment knob 1008 and a screw portion 1012 extending from the adjustment knob 1008. The screw portion 1012 is threadedly received in the threaded aperture 962a of the second section 756. The adjustment knob 1008 includes a threaded hole 1008a that rotatably receives the second portion 774b of the first section 752. As described above, the screw portion 1012 extends between the first section 752 and the second section 756 of the workpiece contact assembly 736. That is, the second section 756 is threadedly coupled to the screw portion 1012 via engagement between the screw portion 1012 and the threaded aperture 962a. In addition, the first section 752 and therefore the screw portion 1012 are coupled to the adjustment knob 1008 for common rotation. Therefore, the screw portion 1012 and the adjustment knob 1008 are rotatably supported by the first section 752. Rotation of the adjustment knob 1008 axially rotates the second section 756 along the screw portion 1012 to adjust the protruding length of the workpiece contact assembly 736 relative to the distal end 732 of the nosepiece assembly 700. More specifically, rotation of the adjustment knob 1008 moves the second section 756 relative to the first section 752 to adjust the effective length of the workpiece contact assembly 736. As such, the adjustment knob 1008 may be referred to as an actuator.

[0138] The drive depth adjustment mechanism 1000 adjusts the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. In particular, the drive depth adjustment mechanism 1000 adjusts the length of the workpiece contact assembly 736 protruding relative to the distal end 732 of the nose cradle assembly 700, thereby changing the distance between the distal end 732 of the nose cradle assembly 700 and the workpiece contact assembly 736 in the extended position. In other words, the drive depth adjustment mechanism 1000 adjusts the distance that the workpiece contact assembly 736 extends through the nose cradle assembly 700 to abut against the workpiece. The larger the gap between the distal end 732 of the nose cradle assembly 700 and the workpiece, the shallower the depth to which the fastener will be driven into the workpiece. In this way, the position of the workpiece contact assembly 736 relative to the nose cradle assembly 700 is adjustable to adjust the depth to which the fastener is driven.

[0139] refer to Fig. 30A , Fig.38A and FIG. 42A to FIG. 42B , the cassette 200 further includes a pusher assembly 1480. The pusher assembly 1480 is slidably coupled to the cassette 200 and is configured to bias the fasteners in the cassette 200 toward the nose bridge assembly 700. In addition, the pusher assembly 1480 is configured to ensure that the nails are biased by the head, rather than the tip, as will be discussed below. The pusher assembly 1480 shown includes a first portion or pusher body 1484, a pusher finger 1730 pivotally coupled to the pusher body 1484, and a second portion or dry-fire locking member 1488 (e.g., a dry-fire locking post or dry-fire locking extension) fixedly coupled to the pusher body 1484 and extending from the pusher body. In the illustrated embodiment, the dry-fire locking member 1488 extends from the pusher body 1484 in a direction toward the nose bridge assembly. The pusher assembly 1480 further includes a spring assembly having a roller (not shown) supported by the pusher body 1484 and a spring 1492 supported by the roller. A fixed end 1492a of the spring 1492 is coupled to the cassette 200. The spring assembly is configured to apply a biasing force to the pusher assembly 1480 to cause the pusher assembly 1480 to move along arrow 1496 ( Fig.29 ) direction.

[0140] The pusher finger 1730 includes a first end 1730a positioned between the pusher body 1484 and the magazine 200 and a second end 1730b extending outwardly from the pusher body 1484. The pusher finger 1730 is pivotally coupled to the pusher body 1484 by a pin (not shown) extending through the pusher finger 1730 at a position between the first end 1730a and the second end 1730b. The pusher finger 1730 is movable between an engaged position, in which the first end 1730a is positioned within the fastener channel 204 and is configured to engage the fastener channel 204 ( Fig.38A), in which the first end 1730a is at least partially removed from the fastener channel 204. The spring 1730c biases the pusher finger 1730 to the engaged position. The force applied to the second end 1730b of the pusher finger 1730 temporarily moves the pusher finger 1730 from the engaged position to the disengaged position so that the pusher assembly 1480 can move relative to the magazine 200. When the force is removed from the second end 1730b of the pusher finger 1730, the bias of the spring returns the pusher finger 1730 to the engaged position.

[0141] like Fig.38A As shown, the first end 1730a of the finger 1730 is configured to engage the last nail between the binding 52 and the second head 38, 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement has a first binding section 52 positioned adjacent to the tip 30 and a second binding section 52 positioned adjacent to the second head 38, 138, and the first end 1730a of the finger 1730 is positioned between the second binding section 52 and the second head 38, 138. Therefore, as shown, the first end 1730a of the finger 1730 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the groove 252 and between the rails 274 of the cassette 200. This placement of the finger 1730 results in the nail being biased by the head, rather than the tip, where the finger 1730 engages the nail between the binding 52 and the tip 30. That is, the finger 1730 biases the nail to a position closer to the head 34, 38, 134, 138 than the tip 30. This configuration helps prevent nail jamming by ensuring that the head 34 , 38 , 134 , 138 is properly positioned within the firing channel 724 so as to engage the driver blade 326 .

[0142] refer to Fig.34 , the powered fastener driver 300 further includes a blank-fire locking assembly 1650. When the number of fasteners remaining in the magazine 200 drops below a predetermined value, the blank-fire locking assembly 1650 prevents the powered fastener driver 300 from operating. The blank-fire locking mechanism 1650 includes a blank-fire locking member 1488 integrated with the pusher assembly 22 and a blank-fire locking link 722 integrated in the nose frame assembly 700. Therefore, the blank-fire locking assembly 1650 of the illustrated embodiment includes the blank-fire locking member 1488 of the pusher assembly 1480, the blank-fire locking link 722 of the cover portion 716, and the blank-fire locking member 940 of the workpiece contact assembly 736. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank-fire locking member 1488 is fixedly coupled to the pusher body 1484, as described above. In addition, as shown in the figure, the blank-fire locking member 1488 is not positioned on the same side of the second end 722b of the nose frame assembly 700 as the blank-fire locking link 722.

[0143] like Figure 43 to Figure 44 As shown, when there are more fasteners in the magazine 200 than a predetermined number, the dry fire locking member 1488 of the pusher assembly 1480 is spaced apart from the first end 722a of the dry fire locking link 722, so that the second end 722b of the dry fire locking link 722 is in an unblocked position and is therefore spaced apart from the movement path of the workpiece contact assembly 736 (e.g., the dry fire locking member 940). The dry fire locking link 722 is biased to the unblocked position (e.g., by Fig.44 7 and 8. Thus, the second end 722b of the dry fire lock link 722 is configured to allow the workpiece contact assembly 736 to move from the extended position toward the retracted position when more than a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine 200.

[0144] like Fig.34 and Fig.45 As shown, when the number of fasteners is equal to the predetermined number of fasteners in the magazine 200, the first end 722a of the pusher assembly 1480 contacts the first end 722b of the dry-fire locking link 1488 to move the second end 722b of the dry-fire locking link 722 to the blocking position, in which the second end 722b is positioned in the moving path of the workpiece contact assembly 736 (e.g., the dry-fire locking member 940). That is, the force applied by the dry-fire locking member 1488 to the first end of the dry-fire locking link 722 overcomes the bias of the spring 723 to move the dry-fire locking link 722 from the unblocked position to the blocked position. Therefore, the second end 722b of the dry-fire locking link 722 is configured to prevent the workpiece contact assembly 736 from moving from the extended position toward the retracted position when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine 200.

[0145] Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastening device, characterized in that: include: a cassette including an end cap channel having a first compartment interconnected and spaced apart from a second compartment by a connector compartment, the first compartment and the second compartment cooperatively configured to receive a portion of a fastener, wherein a distance is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment, and the first compartment and the second compartment and the distance cooperate to define parameters of a fastener receivable in the magazine; The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

2. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is greater than 10.9 mm.

3. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein: The end cap channel has a main body compartment interconnected with the second compartment.

4. The fastening device according to claim 1, wherein: The end cap channel further includes a connector compartment connecting the first compartment to the second compartment.

5. A fastening device, characterized in that: include: A fastener comprising a body having a tip and a second end opposite the tip, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end, a cassette comprising an end cap channel having a first compartment interconnected and spaced apart from a second compartment by a connector compartment, the first compartment being configured to receive the first head, and the second compartment being configured to receive the second head, wherein a first distance is defined between the first head and the second head, wherein a second distance is defined between the first compartment and the second compartment, and wherein the second distance is the same as the first distance and limits at least one parameter of a fastener receivable in the cassette; A second distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

6. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein: A second distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is greater than 10.9 mm.

7. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein: The end cap channel has a main body compartment interconnected with the second compartment.

8. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein: The end cap channel further includes a connector compartment connecting the first compartment to the second compartment.

9. The fastening device according to claim 5, wherein: At least a portion of the body of the fastener includes a coating having a UV tracer.

10. A fastening device, characterized in that: include: a fastener including a body having a tip and a second end opposite the tip, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end; as well as a cassette comprising an end cap channel having a first compartment and a second compartment connected via a connector compartment; wherein the first head is received in the first compartment and the second head is received in the second compartment; The distance between the first head and the second head is 10 mm to 20 mm.

11. The fastening device according to claim 10, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

12. The fastening device according to claim 10, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is greater than 10.9 mm.

13. The fastening device according to claim 10, wherein: The end cap channel has a main body compartment interconnected with the second compartment.

14. The fastening device according to claim 10, wherein: The distance between the first head and the second head is greater than 10.9 mm.

15. The fastening device of claim 10, wherein: At least a portion of the body includes a coating having a UV tracer.

16. A cassette for a fastening device, characterized in that: include: a cassette channel comprising a rectangular cross-sectional shape and configured to receive a fastener; a slot interconnecting the cassette channel and configured to receive the fastener; as well as an end cap including an end cap channel, the end cap being positioned opposite the slot, wherein the end cap channel comprises a first compartment and a second compartment interconnected by a connector compartment, and wherein each of the first compartment and the second compartment has a first width, and the connector compartment has a second width that is less than the first width; The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

17. The cassette of claim 16, wherein: The height of the rectangular cross-sectional shape is at least 13.7 mm.

18. The cassette of claim 16, wherein: The first width has a height of at least 1.75 mm.

19. The cassette of claim 16, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is greater than 10.9 mm.

20. The cassette of claim 16, wherein: The end cap channel has a main body compartment interconnected with the second compartment.

21. A fastener for a fastening device, characterized in that: The fastener includes: a body having a pointed end and a second end opposite the pointed end, a first head positioned at the second end, and a second head positioned between the first end and the second end and spaced apart from the first head, the body defining a longitudinal axis of the fastener, Wherein, the first head has a first maximum dimension across the longitudinal axis, and the second head has a second maximum dimension across the longitudinal axis, the second maximum dimension being smaller than the first maximum dimension.

22. The fastener of claim 21, wherein: The second head is spaced a distance from the first head, and the distance determines a fastening arrangement in which the fastener can be used.

23. The fastener of claim 22, wherein: The distance is 10 mm to 20 mm.

24. The fastener of claim 22, wherein: This distance is greater than 10.9 mm.

25. The fastener of claim 22, wherein: The distance is an inner distance, and the inner distance is measured between the first side of the first head and the first side of the second head, and further includes an outer distance measured between the second side of the first head and the second side of the second head, wherein the inner distance measures between 10 mm and 20 mm and the outer distance measures between 13.7 mm and 23.8 mm.

26. The fastener of claim 22, wherein: The distance is an inner distance, and the inner distance is measured between the first side of the first head and the first side of the second head, and further includes an outer distance measured between the second side of the first head and the second side of the second head, wherein the inner distance measures at least 10.9 mm and the outer distance measures less than or equal to 18.8 mm.

27. The fastener of claim 21, wherein: The second maximum dimension is at least 98% of the first maximum dimension.

28. The fastener of claim 21, wherein: A dimension of the body between the first end and the second head is smaller than both a first maximum dimension of the first head and a second maximum dimension of the second head.

29. The fastener of claim 21, wherein: In a cross-section across the longitudinal axis, the first head has a first shape and the second head has a second shape.

30. The fastener of claim 21, wherein: At least a portion of the body includes a coating having a UV tracer.

31. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: a cassette assembly configured to receive a fastener; a nose bridge assembly including a channel from which a continuous fastener from the cassette assembly is driven along a drive axis, the nose bridge assembly including a base portion coupled to the cassette assembly and a cover portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, the cover portion including a dry-fire lock link pivotally coupled to the cover portion, the dry-fire lock link including a first end located on a first side of the nose bridge assembly and a second end located on an opposite side of the nose bridge assembly; a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly, the pusher assembly being configured to bias a fastener within the cassette assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising: a thruster body positioned on a first side of the nose bridge assembly, and a dry fire lock extension coupled to the thruster body; and a workpiece contact assembly movable relative to the nose assembly between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein, in a first position, the dry-fire locking extension is spaced apart from the first end of the dry-fire locking link so that the second end of the dry-fire locking link is in an unblocked position, in which the second end is spaced apart from a moving path of the workpiece contact assembly, thereby allowing movement of the workpiece contact assembly, and wherein, in a second position, the dry-fire locking extension engages the first end of the dry-fire locking link so that the second end of the dry-fire locking link is in a blocking position, in which the second end is positioned in the moving path of the workpiece contact assembly, thereby blocking movement of the workpiece contact assembly.

32. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The dryfire lock extension is fixedly coupled to the thruster body and extends from the thruster body in a direction toward the nosepiece assembly.

33. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The connecting rod is pivotable about an axis parallel to the drive axis.

34. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The cover portion includes a first support extending therefrom, a second support extending therefrom, and a pin extending between the first support and the second support, the pin being pivotable relative to the first support and the second support, the pin supporting the dry fire lock link for rotation therewith.

35. The powered fastener driver of claim 34, wherein: The pin defines a pin axis that is parallel to the drive axis, and the dry fire lock link is pivotable about the pin axis.

36. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The dry fire lock link is biased to the unblocked position.

37. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The dry fire lock link is biased to the unblocked position by a spring positioned between the dry fire lock link and the cover portion, and wherein a force applied by the dry fire lock extension on the first end of the dry fire lock link overcomes the bias of the spring to move the dry fire lock link from the unblocked position to the locked position.

38. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The pusher assembly further includes a pusher finger pivotably connected to the pusher body, the pusher finger including a first end positioned between the pusher body and the magazine assembly and a second end extending outward from the pusher body, the pusher finger being capable of pivoting between an engaged position and an unengaged position, wherein the first end is positioned in a fastener channel in the magazine assembly and is configured to engage a last fastener in the fastener channel, and the unengaged position wherein the first end is at least partially removed from the fastener channel.

39. The powered fastener driver of claim 38, wherein: The pusher assembly further includes a spring configured to apply a biasing force on the pusher assembly in a direction toward the nose bridge.

40. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: The cassette assembly includes: a wall defining a cassette channel including a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cassette channel being configured to receive a fastener; a slot interconnected with the cassette channel and configured to receive the fastener, the slot being defined by a first surface of the wall and a second surface of the wall, the first surface lying in a first plane parallel to the axis of the fastener and the second surface lying in a second plane at a non-parallel angle relative to the axis of the fastener; and An end cap includes an end cap channel communicating with the slot.

41. The powered fastener driver of claim 40, wherein: The end cap channel includes a first compartment and a second compartment spaced apart from the first compartment, the first compartment being aligned with the cassette channel.

42. The powered fastener driver of claim 31, wherein: At least one dampener is positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit to allow relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

43. The powered fastener driver of claim 42, wherein: The at least one damper comprises a first damper including a first portion positioned on a first surface of the cassette, a second portion positioned on a second surface of the cassette, and a connecting portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion and extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein a first protrusion extends from a first side of the base portion and engages the first portion of the first damper, and a second protrusion extends from a second side of the base portion and engages the second portion of the first damper, a second damper supported by the first track extending along the length of the channel, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the second damper, and A third damper is supported by a second track extending along the length of the channel, the second track being spaced apart from the first track, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the third damper.

44. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: a cassette assembly configured to receive a fastener; as well as A nose bridge assembly includes a channel from which a continuous fastener from the cassette assembly is driven, the nose bridge assembly including a base portion coupled to the cassette assembly and a cover portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, the cover portion including a recess extending generally parallel to the channel.

45. The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: The recess includes a first tapered surface at a first end thereof and a second tapered surface at a second end thereof, the first tapered surface being positioned at an angle relative to the drive axis that is different than an angle at which the second tapered surface is positioned relative to the drive axis.

46. ​​The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: The recess defines a variable depth.

47. The powered fastener driver of claim 46, wherein: The variable depth is within the range of 0.0 mm to 7.0 mm.

48. The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: The recess defines a width that is less than a maximum diameter of the fastener.

49. The powered fastener driver of claim 48, wherein: The width is in the range of 3.0 mm to 5.5 mm.

50. The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: The recess is a first recess and further includes a second recess positioned on a first side of the first recess and connected thereto and a third recess positioned on a second side of the first recess and connected thereto, the first recess defining a first depth, the second recess defining a second depth less than the first depth, and the third recess defining a third depth less than the first depth and the second depth.

51. The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: The cassette assembly includes: a wall defining a cassette channel including a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cassette channel being configured to receive a fastener; a slot interconnected with the cassette channel and configured to receive the fastener, the slot being defined by a first surface of the wall and a second surface of the wall, the first surface lying in a first plane parallel to the axis of the fastener and the second surface lying in a second plane at a non-parallel angle relative to the axis of the fastener; and An end cap includes an end cap channel communicating with the slot.

52. The powered fastener driver of claim 51, wherein: The end cap channel includes a first compartment and a second compartment spaced apart from the first compartment, the first compartment being aligned with the cassette channel.

53. The powered fastener driver of claim 44, wherein: At least one dampener is positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit to allow relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

54. The powered fastener driver of claim 53, wherein: The at least one damper comprises a first damper including a first portion positioned on a first surface of the cassette, a second portion positioned on a second surface of the cassette, and a connecting portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion and extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein a first protrusion extends from a first side of the base portion and engages the first portion of the first damper, and a second protrusion extends from a second side of the base portion and engages the second portion of the first damper, a second damper supported by the first track extending along the length of the channel, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the second damper, and A third damper is supported by a second track extending along the length of the channel, the second track being spaced apart from the first track, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the third damper.

55. A cassette for a fastening device, characterized in that: include: a wall defining a cassette channel including a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cassette channel being configured to receive a head of a fastener; a slot interconnected with the cassette channel and configured to receive the body of the fastener, the slot being defined by a first surface of the wall and a second surface of the wall, the first surface lying in a first plane parallel to the axis of the fastener and the second surface lying in a second plane at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle relative to the axis of the fastener; as well as An end cap includes an end cap channel communicating with the slot.

56. The cassette of claim 55, wherein: The end cap channel includes a first compartment and a second compartment spaced apart from the first compartment, the first compartment being aligned with the cassette channel.

57. The cartridge of claim 56, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is 7 mm to 23 mm.

58. The cartridge of claim 56, wherein: The distance between the first compartment and the second compartment is greater than 10.9 mm.

59. The cassette of claim 55, further comprising: A guide is supported in the cassette channel, the guide having a rectangular cross-sectional shape and defining a slot aligned with the slot of the cassette channel.

60. The cassette of claim 59, wherein: A distance defined between opposite ends of the slot of the cassette channel is greater than a distance defined between opposite ends of the slot of the guide.

61. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: case; a storage chamber cylinder positioned within the housing; a cylinder at least partially positioned within the reservoir cylinder; a frame positioned within the housing and configured to enclose the cylinder; a piston capable of moving from a top dead center position to a drive position or a bottom dead center position within the cylinder; a drive blade attached to the piston for movement with the piston along a drive axis from the top dead center position toward the bottom dead center position to drive a fastener into a workpiece; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter to rotate the lifter; as well as A buffer member is supported between the shell and the cylinder body, the buffer member includes a cylindrical portion and a flange positioned at an end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion is configured to be positioned on a first outer surface of the cylinder body, and the flange is configured to be positioned on a second outer surface of the cylinder body, at least a portion of the cylindrical portion contacts the shell, and at least a portion of the flange contacts the shell.

62. The powered fastener driver of claim 61, wherein: The housing includes a first rib extending inwardly from the inner surface and a second rib extending inwardly from the inner surface, the second rib being spaced apart from the first rib, and the buffer being positioned between the first rib and the second rib.

63. The powered fastener driver of claim 62, wherein: The flange abuts the first rib, and the cylindrical portion extends from the flange in a direction toward the second rib.

64. The powered fastener driver of claim 61, wherein: The buffer has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

65. The powered fastener driver of claim 61, wherein: The cylindrical portion extends generally parallel to the drive axis, and the flange portion extends generally perpendicular to the drive axis.

66. The powered fastener driver of claim 61, wherein: The flange extends from the cylindrical portion in a direction toward the drive axis.

67. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: case; a storage chamber cylinder positioned within the housing; a cylinder at least partially positioned within the reservoir cylinder; a frame positioned within the housing and configured to enclose the cylinder; a piston capable of moving from a top dead center position to a drive position or a bottom dead center position within the cylinder; a drive blade attached to the piston for movement with the piston along a drive axis from the top dead center position toward the bottom dead center position to drive a fastener into a workpiece; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter to rotate the lifter; as well as A buffer member is supported between the shell and both the storage chamber cylinder and the cylinder, the buffer member includes a cylindrical portion and a flange positioned at the end of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion is configured to be positioned on a first outer surface of an outer wall of the storage chamber cylinder, and the flange is configured to be positioned on both a second outer surface of the outer wall and an outer surface of the cylinder.

68. The powered fastener driver of claim 67, wherein: The buffer has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape.

69. The powered fastener driver of claim 67, wherein: The cylindrical portion extends generally parallel to the drive axis, and the flange portion extends generally perpendicular to the drive axis.

70. The powered fastener driver of claim 67, wherein: The flange extends from the cylindrical portion in a direction toward the drive axis.

71. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: case; a storage chamber cylinder positioned within the housing; a cylinder at least partially positioned within the reservoir cylinder; a frame positioned within the housing and configured to enclose the cylinder; a piston capable of moving from a top dead center position to a drive position or a bottom dead center position within the cylinder; a drive blade attached to the piston for movement with the piston along a drive axis from the top dead center position toward the bottom dead center position to drive a fastener into a workpiece; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter to rotate the lifter; as well as The buffer is supported between the shell and the frame, and has an interface complementary to the recess of the shell.

72. The powered fastener driver of claim 71, wherein: The recess is formed of a material different from that of the housing.

73. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: a cassette assembly configured to receive a fastener and including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a plurality of dampers coupled to the second end of the cassette assembly; and a nose bridge assembly including a channel from which a continuous fastener from the cassette assembly is driven, the nose bridge assembly including a base portion movably coupled to the cassette assembly and a cover portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, Therein, the dampers are positioned between the base portion and the cassette assembly to reduce vibration therebetween.

74. The powered fastener driver of claim 73, wherein: Each of these dampers is formed of medium-hardness rubber, high-hardness rubber, or soft plastic.

75. The powered fastener driver of claim 73, wherein: One of the plurality of dampers has a first portion positioned on the first surface of the cassette, a second portion positioned on the second surface of the cassette, and a connecting portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion and extending between the first surface and the second surface.

76. The powered fastener driver of claim 75, wherein: One of the plurality of dampeners corresponds to a width of the groove in the first surface of the cassette.

77. The powered fastener driver of claim 75, wherein: One of the plurality of dampers includes a first recess in the first portion and a second recess in the second portion, and wherein the base portion includes a pair of protrusions extending therefrom, one of the pair of protrusions being received in the first recess and the other of the pair of protrusions being received in the second recess.

78. The powered fastener driver of claim 75, wherein: One of the plurality of dampeners is positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit to allow relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

79. The powered fastener driver of claim 73, wherein: The cassette includes a first track extending along its length and a second track extending along its length, the first track and the second track being spaced apart from one another, and wherein a first damper of the plurality of dampers is supported by the first track and a second damper of the plurality of dampers is supported by the second track.

80. The powered fastener driver of claim 79, wherein: Each of the first damper and the second damper is U-shaped, having a first portion and a second portion, a first aperture extending through the first portion and a second aperture extending through the second portion, each of the first apertures receiving a protrusion extending from a first side of the base portion, and each of the second apertures receiving a protrusion extending from a side of the base portion.

81. The powered fastener driver of claim 79, wherein: The first damper and the second damper are positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit to allow relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

82. The powered fastener driver of claim 73, wherein: The plurality of dampers are positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit, thereby allowing relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

83. The powered fastener driver of claim 82, wherein: a first damper of the plurality of dampers having a first portion positioned on a first surface of the cassette, a second portion positioned on a second surface of the cassette, and a connecting portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion and extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein a first protrusion extends from a first side of the base portion and engages the first portion of the first damper, and a second protrusion extends from a second side of the base portion and engages the second portion of the first damper, A second damper of the plurality of dampers is supported by the first track extending along the length of the channel, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the second damper, and A third damper of the plurality of dampers is supported by a second track extending along the length of the channel, the second track being spaced apart from the first track, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the third damper.

84. The powered fastener driver of claim 73, wherein: The cassette assembly includes: a wall defining a cassette channel including a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cassette channel being configured to receive a fastener; a slot interconnected with the cassette channel and configured to receive the fastener, the slot being defined by a first surface of the wall and a second surface of the wall, the first surface lying in a first plane parallel to the axis of the fastener and the second surface lying in a second plane at a non-parallel angle relative to the axis of the fastener; and An end cap includes an end cap channel communicating with the slot.

85. The powered fastener driver of claim 84, wherein: The end cap channel includes a first compartment and a second compartment spaced apart from the first compartment, the first compartment being aligned with the cassette channel.

86. A powered fastener driver, characterized in that: include: case; a cassette assembly configured to receive a fastener; a nose bridge assembly including a channel through which a continuous fastener from the cassette assembly is driven, the nose bridge assembly including a base portion coupled to the cassette assembly and a cover portion pivotally coupled to the base portion, the base portion and the cover portion cooperatively defining the channel, the cover portion including a dry-fire lockout link pivotally coupled to the cover portion, the base portion including a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a cylinder body, the cylinder body being within the housing; a piston capable of moving from a top dead center position to a drive position or a bottom dead center position within the cylinder; a drive blade attached to the piston for movement with the piston along a drive axis from the top dead center position toward the bottom dead center position to drive a fastener into a workpiece, the drive blade being movable within the passage; a lifter operable to move the piston and the drive blade from the bottom dead center position toward the top dead center position; a drive unit operably coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter to rotate the lifter; as well as a workpiece contacting assembly coupled to the housing and movable from an extended position to a retracted position in response to contact with a workpiece, the workpiece contacting assembly comprising a first section coupled to a second section, the second section comprising: a first portion configured to slide relative to a first side of the base portion, a second portion configured to slide relative to a second side of the base portion, a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, the connecting portion overlapping at least a portion of the nose bridge assembly in a forward direction and a downward direction, and A plurality of tabs are configured to contact the workpiece, at least one tab extending from each of the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion.

87. The powered fastener driver of claim 86, wherein: The base portion includes a first slot extending along the first side and a second slot extending along the second side, each of the first slot and the second slot extending parallel to the channel, and wherein the first portion includes a protrusion configured to be received in the first slot, and the second portion includes a protrusion configured to be received in the second slot.

88. The powered fastener driver of claim 86, wherein: A pair of tabs extend from the connecting portion.

89. The powered fastener driver of claim 88, wherein: The distal ends of at least one tab extending from the first portion and the distal end of at least one tab extending from the second portion lie in a first plane, and wherein the distal ends of a pair of tabs extending from the connecting portion lie in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane.

90. The powered fastener driver of claim 89, wherein: The second plane is farther from the housing than the first plane.

91. The powered fastener driver of claim 88, wherein: The distal ends of at least one tab extending from the first portion and the distal end of at least one tab extending from the second portion are spaced apart by a first distance, and wherein the distal ends of a pair of tabs extending from the connecting portion are spaced apart by a second distance less than the first distance.

92. The powered fastener driver of claim 86, further comprising a dry-fire lockout assembly, the dry-fire lockout assembly comprising a dry-fire locking tab coupled to the first section of the workpiece contacting assembly, the dry-fire locking tab being positioned on the second side of the base portion, a dry fire lockout link pivotally coupled to the cover member, the dry fire lockout link including a first side positioned on the first side of the base portion and a second side positioned on the second side of the base portion, and A dry-fire locking extension is movably connected to the magazine on a first side of the base portion, and the dry-fire locking extension is configured to selectively move the dry-fire locking link between an unblocked position and a blocked position, wherein the second end is spaced apart from a movement path of the dry-fire locking protrusion to allow movement of the workpiece contact assembly, and wherein the second end is positioned in a movement path of the dry-fire locking protrusion to block movement of the workpiece contact assembly.

93. The powered fastener driver of claim 92, further comprising a pusher assembly slidably connected to the magazine assembly, the pusher assembly being configured to bias fasteners within the magazine assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising a pusher body positioned on a first side of the nose assembly, the dry-fire locking extension being connected to and extending from the pusher body.

94. The powered fastener driver of claim 86, wherein: At least one dampener is positioned between the base portion and the cassette via a transition fit to allow relative movement between the base portion and the cassette.

95. The powered fastener driver of claim 94, wherein: The at least one damper comprises a first damper including a first portion positioned on a first surface of the cassette, a second portion positioned on a second surface of the cassette, and a connecting portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion and extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein a first protrusion extends from a first side of the base portion and engages the first portion of the first damper, and a second protrusion extends from a second side of the base portion and engages the second portion of the first damper, a second damper supported by the first track extending along the length of the channel, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the second damper, and A third damper is supported by a second track extending along the length of the channel, the second track being spaced apart from the first track, wherein the one or more projections of the base portion are received in corresponding apertures of the third damper.

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