Powered fastener driver

Abstract

A powered fastener driver may include a toolbox configured to receive a first length of a fastener and a second length of a fastener. A powered fastener driver may include a nose assembly defining a driver channel extending along a drive axis, the nose assembly including a nose member defining an opening through which a first length of a fastener and a second length of a fastener pass from a kit into the driver channel, and a staple guide assembly defining a staple passing through the driver channel. The staple guide assembly includes a staple guide member defining a staple guide surface, the staple guide member being pivotable relative to the nose member about a pivot axis between a first position in which the staple guide surface partially closes the opening and a second position in which the staple guide surface is not aligned with the opening, and a biasing member disposed between the staple guide member and the nose member. The biasing member biases the staple guide member toward the first position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 728,932, filed December 6, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 620,321, filed January 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to power fastener drivers, and more specifically to power fastener drivers suitable for operation with fasteners of different sizes. Background Technology

[0004] Users can use fasteners to attach hardware (e.g., pipe clamps (conduits, PVC sprinkler pipes), ceiling trim (conduits, HVAC ducts), and strips (HVAC ducts)) to walls, ceilings, etc. Typically, these fasteners are driven into the workpiece by a power fastener driver. The fasteners are arranged in strips and positioned within the toolbox of the power fastener driver. Some toolboxes can hold fasteners of different lengths. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, this invention provides a power fastener driver for driving a fastener of a first length and a fastener of a second length greater than the first length along a drive axis. The power fastener driver includes: a toolbox configured to receive the first and second length fasteners; and a nose assembly defining a driver channel extending along the drive axis. The nose assembly includes a shear block and a pin guide assembly. The shear block is coupled to the toolbox and defines an opening through which the first and second length fasteners pass from the toolbox into the driver channel. The pin guide assembly includes a pin guide member and a biasing member. The pin guide member defines a pin guide surface and is pivotable relative to the shear block about a pivot axis between a first and a second position. In the first position, the pin guide surface partially closes the opening, and in the second position, the pin guide surface is misaligned with the opening. The biasing member biases the pin guide member toward the first position. In response to a fastener of the second length being loaded into the toolbox, the pin guide member is moved to the second position. The pivot axis defines an angle of inclination relative to the drive axis.

[0006] The utility model provides a kind of power fastener driver for driving fastener of first length and fastener of second length greater than first length along drive axis, the power fastener driver includes: tool box configured to receive fastener of first length and fastener of second length;And nosepiece assembly, nosepiece assembly defines driver channel extending along drive axis, nosepiece assembly includes shear block and nail guide assembly, shear block is coupled to tool box and defines opening, fastener of first length and fastener of second length pass from the tool box into driver channel through opening, nail guide assembly includes nail guide member and biasing member, nail guide member can be pivoted relative to shear block around pivot axis between first position and second position, nail guide member includes guide portion extending away from pivot axis in first direction and pressing portion extending away from pivot axis in second direction different from first direction, biasing member biases nail guide member towards first position;Wherein guide portion defines nail guide surface, nail guide surface partially closes opening in first position;Wherein, pressing portion is configured to be pressed to make nail guide member move from first position to second position;And wherein, nail guide surface is misaligned with opening in the second position.

[0007] The utility model provides a kind of power fastener driver for driving fastener of first length and fastener of second length greater than first length along drive axis, the power fastener driver includes: tool box configured to receive fastener of first length and fastener of second length;And nosepiece assembly, nosepiece assembly defines driver channel extending along drive axis, nosepiece assembly includes shear block and nail guide assembly, shear block is coupled to tool box and defines opening, fastener of first length and fastener of second length pass from the tool box into driver channel through opening, nail guide assembly includes nail guide member and biasing member, nail guide member defines nail guide surface, nail guide member can be pivoted relative to shear block around pivot axis between first position and second position, in first position, nail guide surface partially closes opening, in second position, nail guide surface is misaligned with opening, biasing member biases nail guide member towards first position;Wherein, in response to fastener of second length is loaded into tool box, nail guide member is moved to second position;And wherein, biasing member is positioned between nail guide member and the wall of tool box.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the utility model will become apparent by careful reading of the following detailed description and attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is the perspective view of gas spring power fastener driver according to the embodiment of the utility model.

[0010] Figure 2 isFigure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the fastener driver.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another partial cross-sectional view of the fastener driver.

[0012] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The line shown is cut from line 4-4. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fastener driver, showing the motor, transmission, and fan assembly.

[0013] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The line cut from 5-5 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fastener driver, showing the driver blade in the ready position.

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The line cut from 5-5 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fastener driver, showing the driver blade in the driven position.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the toolbox for fastener drivers.

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The line 8-8 cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fastener driver.

[0017] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the fastener driver shows the short nail guide member in the first position.

[0018] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 The line 10-10 cut Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the fastener driver shows the short nail guide member in the first position.

[0019] Figure 11 It is along Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the fastener driver shows the short nail guide member in the second position.

[0020] Figure 12 It is along Figure 3 The line 10-10 cut Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the fastener driver shows the short nail guide member in the second position.

[0021] Figure 13 and 14 is a perspective view of a staple guide assembly of the fastener driver of Figure 1 including a short staple guide member.

[0022] Figure 15 and 16 is a side view of a tool cassette of the fastener driver of Figure 1 having a shear block and a staple guide assembly according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 17 is a side view of a staple guide assembly according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 18 is a side view of a staple guide assembly according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 19 is a side view of a staple guide assembly according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the staple guide assembly of Figure 19

[0027] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the staple guide assembly of Figure 19 having two springs.

[0028] Before any embodiments of the present utility model are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figures 1-6 An electric power tool, such as a gas spring powered fastener driver 100, is shown that is operable to drive fasteners (e.g., staples, tacks, U-shaped nails, etc.) held within a tool cassette 104 into a workpiece. The fastener driver 100 is configured as a multi-shot power nailer that includes a tool cassette 104 that holds a collated row of staples, allowing a user to perform multiple fastening operations without having to manually reload the fastener driver after each drive cycle. In other embodiments, the fasteners can alternatively be implemented as U-shaped nails, pegs, etc. The fastener driver 100 can drive, for example, two different lengths of staples depending on the thickness of the workpiece to be secured in place. The tool cassette 104 is capable of holding long staples 106a Figure 9 ​) or a short stud 106b Figure 11 ), and the studs 106a, 106b are advanced toward a firing position within the fastener driver 100. Although the tool box 104 will be described below in the context of a gas spring powered fastener driver 100, the tool box 104 can equally be applied to other types of fastener drivers (e.g., combustion nailers, gasless nailers, pneumatic nailers, etc.).

[0030] Referring to Figure 5 and 6 , the gas spring powered fastener driver 100 includes a gas cylinder 108 and a movable piston 110 positioned within the gas cylinder 108. The fastener driver 100 further includes a driver blade 112 attached to and movable with the piston 110. Rather than requiring an external source of pneumatic pressure, the fastener driver 100 includes a pressurized gas storage chamber cylinder 114 in fluid communication with the gas cylinder 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas cylinder 108 and movable piston 110 are positioned within the storage chamber cylinder 114. Referring to Figure 2 , the driver 100 further includes a fill valve 116 coupled to the storage chamber cylinder 114. When connected to a source of compressed gas, the fill valve 116 allows the storage chamber cylinder 114 to be refilled with compressed gas if any prior leaks have occurred. The fill valve 116 may, for example, be configured as a Schrader valve.

[0031] The gas cylinder 108 and driver blade 112 define a drive axis 118, and during a drive cycle, the driver blade 112 and piston 110 are movable between a ready position (i.e., top dead center; see Figure 5 ) and a driven position (i.e., bottom dead center; see Figure 6 ). The fastener driver 100 further includes a lift assembly 120 powered by a motor 122 Figure 4 ) and operable to move the driver blade 112 from the driven position to the ready position.

[0032] In operation, the lift assembly 120 drives the piston 110 and driver blade 112 to the ready position by energizing the motor 122. As the piston 110 and driver blade 112 are driven to the ready position, the gas above the piston 110 and within the storage chamber cylinder 114 is compressed. Once in the ready position, the piston 110 and driver blade 112 are held in place until the trigger 124 Figure 1) and the storage chamber cylinder 114. When released, the compressed gas above the piston 110 and within the storage chamber cylinder 114 drives the piston 110 and driver blade 112 to the driven position, thereby driving the nails 106a, 106b into the workpiece. Thus, the illustrated fastener driver 100 operates according to the gas spring principle, which utilizes the lift assembly 120 and piston 110 to further compress the gas within the gas cylinder 108 and storage chamber cylinder 114. Further details regarding the structure and operation of the fastener driver 100 are provided below.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the fastener driver 100 includes a housing 126 formed by clamshell housing halves 126a, 126b. The housing 126 includes a cylinder support portion 128 Figure 1 ) in which the storage chamber cylinder 114 is at least partially positioned, and a transmission containment portion 130 in which the transmission 132 is at least partially positioned. The transmission 132 is a component of the lift assembly 120 that lifts the driver blade 112 from the driven position to the ready position. Referring to Figure 4 , the motor 122 is also a component of the lift assembly 120 and is coupled to the transmission containment portion 130 for providing torque to the transmission 132 when activated. A battery 134 Figure 1 ) is electrically connectable to the motor 122 for supplying power to the motor 122. In alternative embodiments, the driver can be powered from an AC voltage input (i.e., from a wall outlet) or by an alternative DC voltage input (e.g., DC power support).

[0034] Referring to Figure 4 , the transmission 132 is rotatably coupled to a motor output shaft 136 and includes a transmission output shaft 138 that extends to a lifter 140 of the lift assembly 120 Figure 3 ). The lifter 140 is operable to move the driver blade 112 from the driven position to the ready position. The transmission 132 provides torque from the motor 122 to the lifter 140. A fan 142 is rotatably coupled to the motor shaft 136 to create a cooling airflow within the interior of the fastener driver 100.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6 and 7 , a feed lip or shear block 144 is coupled to the tool box 104 and is secured to a nosepiece 146 Figure 3) to secure the tool magazine 104 to the fastener driver 100. The tool magazine 104 also includes a loading portion 148 at an opposite end that receives the staples 106a, 106b to load into the tool magazine 104. The staples 106a, 106b enter through the loading portion 148 and proceed into a feed channel 150 Figure 7 ) that extends within the tool magazine 104 from the loading portion 148 to the shear block 144. A pusher 152 is biased toward the shear block 144 and pushes the loaded staples 106a, 106b toward the shear block 144.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1 , 7 and 8, the fastener driver 100 includes a nosepiece assembly 154 that includes the shear block 144, a nosepiece 146, a probe tip assembly 156, a tip guide assembly 157, and a staple length selector assembly or staple guide assembly 159. The shear block 144 and the nosepiece 146 cooperatively define a driver channel 162 Figure 8 that receives individual staples 106a, 106b from the collated strip. The driver channel 162 extends generally along the drive axis 118. The shear block 144 defines an opening 164 Figure 7 through which the staples 106a, 106b enter the driver channel 162 from the feed channel 150. In various embodiments, the shear block 144 or the nosepiece 146 can be referred to as a nosepiece member and can define the opening 164. In some embodiments, the shear block 144 or the nosepiece 146 can be formed as a single component and be referred to as a nosepiece member that defines the opening 164 and the driver channel 162.

[0037] Referring to Figure 8 , the probe tip assembly 156 is slidably coupled to the nosepiece 146. When the probe tip assembly 156 is pressed against a workpiece and the trigger 124 is depressed, the fastener driver 100 initiates a fastener drive cycle. The probe tip assembly 156 includes an arm 166 and a probe tip 168 coupled to the arm 166 for co-translation therewith. An inside of the probe tip 168 is in facing relationship with the driver channel 162 and can engage the staples 106a, 106b during a fastener drive operation to guide the staples 106a, 106b as they are expelled from an exit of the driver channel 162. When driving a fastener into a pre-made metal connector, a hole is provided in the metal connector through which the fastener will protrude. It is important that the fastener driver 100 be properly aimed so that the fastener will cleanly pass through the hole and not pierce or strike the surrounding metal of the connector. The probe tip 168 can be positioned within the hole to ensure that the fastener will be accurately fired into the hole.

[0038] Referring to Figure 7 andFigure 8 The tip guide assembly 157 includes a tip guide member 158 that is arranged in facing relationship with the driver channel 162. The tip guide member 158 is pivotal about a tip guide pivot axis 170 and is arranged to contact the staples 106a, 106b during the firing operation. The tip guide assembly 157 further includes a spring 172 that biases the tip guide member 158 into contact with the distal tips of the staples 106a, 106b so that the tips are accurately directed toward the opening in the metal connector.

[0039] Referring to Figures 8-14 The staple guide assembly 159 includes a staple guide member 160 that is also arranged in facing relationship with the driver channel 162. In response to the short staple 106b or long staple 106a passing through the feed channel 150 and into the driver channel 162, the staple guide member 160 pivots laterally toward or away from the driver channel 162. The staple guide assembly 159 further includes a pin 174 about which the staple guide member 160 is pivotally supported. In some embodiments, the pin 174 can be provided as a shaft, a bolt, a threaded fastener, or the like. The pin 174 is supported at each end by a pair of flanges 176 defined by the shear block 144. The pin 174 defines a guide member pivot axis 177 about which the staple guide member 160 pivots between a first position and a second position. In the illustrated implementation, the guide member pivot axis 177 is generally parallel to the drive axis 118. The staple guide assembly 159 further includes one or more springs 175 that bias the staple guide member 160 toward the first position (i.e., toward the driver channel 162 and toward contact with the staples 106a, 106b). Figure 10

[0040] Referring to Figure 13 and 14 In the illustrated implementation, the staple guide member 160 defines a ramped surface 178 that engages the tip of the long staple 106a. The staple guide member 160 also defines a guide surface 180 that partially blocks or partially closes the opening 164 and effectively shortens the length of the opening 164. The staple guide member 160 further defines a pair of partially closed recesses 182. The recesses 182 open toward a side of the staple guide member 160 opposite the ramped surface 178. Each recess 182 receives a portion of the pin 174 and a portion of the spring 175, including a respective first leg 184 of the spring 175 that contacts the staple guide member 160 and exerts a biasing force on the staple guide member 160. A second leg 186 of each spring 175 contacts a surface of the shear block 144. Each spring 175 is a torsion spring that is preloaded with a biasing force exerted between the first leg 184 and the second leg 186.

[0041] Referring to​Figures 9-12 When no staples are loaded into the fastener driver 100, the staple guide member 160 is generally biased by the spring 175 toward the first position Figure 9 and Figure 10 as shown. Likewise, when the short staple 106b moves through the feed channel 150 and into the driver channel 162 via the opening 164, the short staple 106b freely passes by the staple guide member 160 which is held in the first position. Conversely, and as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , when the long staple 106a moves through the feed channel 150 and into the driver channel 162 via the opening 164, the tip of the long staple 106a engages the ramped surface 178 of the staple guide member 160 and pushes the staple guide member 160 against the biasing force applied by the spring 175 toward the second position Figure 12 .

[0042] The opening 164 in the shear block 144 is large enough to allow the long staple 106a to pass through and into the driver channel 162. As such, the opening 164 is substantially larger than the short staple 106b. When the short staple 106b is loaded into the fastener driver 100, the staple guide member 160 resides in the first position Figure 9 and 10 and presents a guide surface 180 which blocks a portion of the opening 164 and effectively shortens the length of the opening 164. The guide surface 180 guides the short staple 106b during the driving operation. This helps prevent the short staple 106b from becoming skewed and jamming into the opening 164 during the driving operation, which can cause the short staple 106b to become stuck within the driver channel 162. When the long staple 106a moves through the opening 164 and into the driver channel 162, the tip of the long staple 106a contacts the ramped surface 178 and causes the staple guide member 160 to pivot away from the driver channel 162. Thus, the long staple 106a can pass through the opening 164 unobstructed by the staple guide member 160.

[0043] Figure 15 and 16A staple guide assembly 259 coupled to a shear block 244 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein like components have the same reference number "plus 100" and the differences are as follows. The shear block 244 can be implemented into the tool box 104 in a similar manner as the shear block 144 described above, and the entire assembly can be implemented into the fastener driver 100. Similar to the shear block 144, the shear block 244 defines an opening (not shown) through which the staples 106a, 106b pass from the feed channel 150 into the driver channel 162 of the fastener driver 100. The staple guide assembly 259 includes a staple guide member 260 that is pivotally supported about a pin 274. Each end of the pin 274 is supported by a pair of respective flanges, including a first flange 276a and a second flange 276b, each defined by the shear block 244. The pin 274 defines a guide member pivot axis 277 about which the staple guide member 260 pivots between a first position and a second position. As shown, a recess or chamber 287 is defined between the first flange 276a and the second flange 276b by the shear block 244. The staple guide member 260 is at least partially positioned within the chamber 287 in the first position. Figure 15

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member pivot axis 277 is oriented non-parallel and oblique to the drive axis 118. In particular, the guide member pivot axis 277 defines an oblique or offset angle 278 from the drive axis 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset angle 278 is approximately 30 degrees. In other embodiments, the guide member pivot axis 277 can be oblique with respect to the drive axis 118, wherein the offset angle 278 is less than or greater than 30 degrees. For example, the offset angle 278 can be greater than or equal to 5 degrees, and can be less than or equal to 60 degrees. The offset angle 278 can also be greater than or equal to 10 degrees, greater than or equal to 15 degrees, greater than or equal to 18 degrees, greater than or equal to 20 degrees, greater than or equal to 22 degrees, greater than or equal to 25 degrees, greater than or equal to 28 degrees, greater than or equal to 30 degrees, greater than or equal to 35 degrees, greater than or equal to 40 degrees, or greater than or equal to 45 degrees.

[0045] The staple guide assembly 259 also includes a spring 275 that biases the staple guide member 260 toward the first position (not shown, but see Figure 10 , which shows the first position of a similar staple guide member 160). In the first position, the guide surface 280 of the staple guide member 260 blocks a portion of the opening 264 and effectively shortens the length of the opening 264. In Figure 15 and 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 275 is a dual torsion spring and includes a first coil 288, a second coil 290, a first leg 284, a second leg 286, and a bridge portion 292. As shown, the first coil 288 is positioned between the first flange 276a and the first leg 284, and the second coil 290 is positioned between the second flange 276b and the second leg 286. The bridge portion 292 extends between the first leg 284 and the second leg 286. The first leg 284 and the second leg 286 are each biased toward the first flange 276a and the second flange 276b, respectively, by the bridge portion 292. In other embodiments, the spring 275 can be a single torsion spring, a leaf spring, or another type of spring. Figure 15 ​As shown, the first and second coils 288, 290 and the first and second legs 284, 286 are disposed outside of the chamber 287 and beyond the flanges 276a, 276b. More specifically, the first leg 284 and the first coil 288 are arranged outside of the chamber 287 and adjacent to the first flange 276a. The second leg 286 and the second coil 290 are arranged outside of the chamber 287 and adjacent to the second flange 276b. The bridge portion 292 engages the staple guide member 260 to urge the staple guide member 260 toward the first position. However, the bridge portion 292 also does not extend within the chamber 287 because the bridge portion 292 is positioned laterally beyond the flanges 276a, 276b.

[0046] Figure 16 A cover 294 is further shown that partially covers the bridge portion 292 and the staple guide member 260 and the spring 275. The cover 294 can be formed as part of the housing 126 of the fastener driver 100 and can be used, for example, to shield the staple guide assembly 259 from dust, dirt, or other debris. For example, the cover 294 can be formed as part of one or both of the clamshell housing halves 126a, 126b.

[0047] Figure 17 A staple guide assembly 359 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein like parts have the same reference number "plus 200" and the differences are as explained below. The staple guide assembly 359 is coupled to the shear block 244 and is similar to the staple guide assembly 259 already described in the present application. The staple guide assembly 359 includes a staple guide member 360, a pin 374 defining a tilt guide member pivot axis (not shown), and a spring 375. Unlike the spring 275 described in the present application, the spring 375 is a single torsion spring having a single coil 388 that is supported at only one end at the pin 374. Specifically, the spring 375 is located adjacent to the second flange 276b closest to the tip guide member 158. Also, unlike the staple guide member 260 described in the present application, the staple guide member 360 includes a laterally projecting tab 396 that engages the first leg 384 of the spring 375. As a result, the spring 375 is entirely outside of the chamber 287 defined between the flanges 276a, 276b of the shear block 244. The tab 396 likewise projects outside of the chamber 287 and beyond the second flange 276b.

[0048] Figure 18A staple guide assembly 459 coupled to a shear block 444 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein like parts have the same reference number "plus 300" and the differences are as explained below. The shear block 444 can be implemented into the tool cassette 104 in a similar manner as the shear block 144 described above, and the entire assembly can be implemented into the fastener driver 100. The staple guide assembly 459 includes a staple guide member 460, a pin 474 defining a tilt guide member pivot axis (not shown), and a spring 475. The shear block 444 includes flanges 476a, 476b defining a chamber 487 therebetween, and the staple guide member 460 resides at least partially within the chamber 487 in a first position. The spring 475 is a single torsion spring having a single coil 488 supported at only one end of the pin 474. In particular, the spring 475 is located adjacent to the first flange 476a that is farthest from the tip guide member 158. Unlike the staple guide member 360 described in the present application, the staple guide member 460 includes a laterally protruding tab 496 that engages the first leg 484 of the spring 475. As a result, the spring 475 is located entirely outside of the chamber 487 defined between the flanges 476a, 476b of the shear block 444. The tab 496 likewise protrudes outside of the chamber 487 and beyond the first flange 476a.

[0049] Figure 19 and 20 A staple guide assembly 559 coupled to a shear block 544 according to another embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein like parts have the same reference number "plus 400" and the differences are as explained below. The shear block 544 can be implemented into the tool cassette 104 in a similar manner as the shear block 144 described above, and the entire assembly can be implemented into the fastener driver 100. The staple guide assembly 559 includes a staple guide member 560, a pin 574 defining a tilt guide member pivot axis 577, and a spring 575. The spring 575 biases the staple guide member 560 toward a first position (not shown, but see Fig. 6A, which shows a similar first position of the staple guide member 160). Figure 10 In the first position, a guide surface 580 of the staple guide member 560 blocks a portion of the opening 564 and effectively shortens the length of the opening 564.

[0050] The shear block 544 includes flanges 576a, 576b defining a chamber 587 therebetween, and the staple guide member 560 resides at least partially within the chamber 587 in a first position. A cover 594 partially covers the staple guide member 560 as well as the first flange 576a and the second flange 576b. The cover 594 can be formed as part of the fastener driver 100 Figure 1The cover 594 can be part of the housing 126 of the tool box 104, and can be used, for example, to shield the staple guide assembly 559 from dust, dirt, or other debris. For example, the cover 594 can be formed as part of one or both of the clamshell housing halves 126a, 126b.

[0051] The staple guide member 560 includes a guide portion 589 and a press portion 591 (e.g., a prong). The guide portion 589 projects away from the pivot axis 577 in a first direction 590, and the press portion 591 projects away from the pivot axis 577 in a second direction 592 that is different from the first direction 590. In some embodiments, the first direction 590 and the second direction 592 define an obtuse angle with respect to the pivot axis 577. In some embodiments, the first direction 590 is opposite the second direction 592. The guide portion 589 defines a guide surface 580. The press portion 591 projects beyond the lower ends of the first and second flanges 576a, 576b, and beyond the lower end of the cover 594. The press portion 591 is user-accessible, and can be pressed by a user to pivot the staple guide member 560 from the first position to the second position or a bypass position (not shown, but see FIG. 59 showing the second position of the staple guide member 160). Figure 12

[0052] Referring to Figure 20 In some embodiments, the spring 575 is a coil spring located between the press portion 591 of the staple guide member 560 and the wall 593 of the tool box 104. In other embodiments, the spring 575 can be formed as another biasing member, such as an elastically deformable elastomer. In the illustrated embodiment, the press portion 591 of the staple guide member 560 defines a first seat 595 that receives and retains one end of the spring 575. The wall 593 of the tool box defines a corresponding second seat 597 that retains and holds the other end of the spring 575. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second seats 595, 597 define cylindrical recesses that receive the ends of the spring 575 therein. As shown, the spring 575 is located outside of the chamber 587, beyond the lower ends of the first and second flanges 576a, 576b, and beyond the lower end of the cover 594. In particular, the spring 475 is located adjacent to the first flange 476a that is farthest from the tip guide member 158. Figure 20

[0053] Referring to Figure 21 In some embodiments, the staple guide assembly 559 includes two springs 575 arranged between the press portion 591 and the wall 593 of the tool box 104.

[0054] ​​While the application has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, alterations and modifications of the application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A powered fastener driver for driving fasteners of a first length and fasteners of a second length greater than the first length along a drive axis, characterized by, The powered fastener driver includes: a tool box configured to receive the first length of fasteners and the second length of fasteners; and a nosepiece assembly defining a driver channel extending along the drive axis, the nosepiece assembly including: a nosepiece member coupled to the tool box and defining an opening through which the first length of fasteners and the second length of fasteners pass from the tool box into the driver channel, and a staple guide assembly including: a staple guide member defining a staple guide surface, the staple guide member being pivotable relative to the nosepiece member about a pivot axis between a first position in which the staple guide surface partially closes the opening and a second position in which the staple guide surface is not aligned with the opening, and a biasing member biasing the staple guide member toward the first position; wherein, in response to the second length of fasteners being loaded into the tool box, the staple guide member is moved to the second position; and wherein the pivot axis defines an oblique angle with the drive axis.

2. The powered fastener driver of Claim 1, wherein, The oblique angle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 60 degrees.

3. The powered fastener driver of Claim 2, wherein, The oblique angle is greater than or equal to 20 degrees.

4. The powered fastener driver of Claim 1, wherein, The nosepiece member includes a first flange, and wherein the staple guide assembly further includes a pin supported by the flange and coupling the staple guide member to the nosepiece member, the pin defining the pivot axis.

5. The powered fastener driver of Claim 4, wherein, The flange is a first flange and the nosepiece member further includes a second flange supporting the pin, the first flange and the second flange defining a chamber in which the staple guide member is at least partially positioned in the first position, and wherein the biasing member is positioned outside of the chamber.

6. The powered fastener driver of Claim 5, wherein, The staple guide member includes a tab extending outside of the chamber, and wherein the biasing member includes a spring having an end portion engaging the tab.

7. The powered fastener driver of Claim 1, wherein, The biasing member is positioned between the staple guide member and a wall of the tool box.

8. The powered fastener driver of claim 7, wherein, The staple guide member includes a press portion defining a first seat receiving a first end of the biasing member, and wherein a wall of the tool box defines a second seat receiving a second end of the biasing member.

9. The powered fastener driver of Claim 1, wherein, The staple guide member includes a guide portion extending away from the pivot axis in a first direction and a press portion extending away from the pivot axis in a second direction different than the first direction, and wherein the press portion is configured to be pressed to move the staple guide member from the first position to the second position.

10. The powered fastener driver of Claim 9, wherein, The guide portion defines the staple guide surface, and wherein the press portion contacts the biasing member.

11. The powered fastener driver of claim 10, wherein, The first direction and the second direction define an obtuse angle relative to the pivot axis.

12. The powered fastener driver of claim 10, wherein, The first direction is opposite the second direction.

13. A powered fastener driver for driving fasteners of a first length and fasteners of a second length greater than the first length along a drive axis, the powered fastener driver comprising: The powered fastener driver includes: a tool box configured to receive the first length of fasteners and the second length of fasteners; and a nosepiece assembly defining a driver channel extending along the drive axis, the nosepiece assembly including: a nosepiece member coupled to the tool box and defining an opening through which the first length of fasteners and the second length of fasteners pass from the tool box into the driver channel, and a staple guide assembly including: a staple guide member defining a staple guide surface, the staple guide member being pivotable relative to the nosepiece member about a pivot axis between a first position in which the staple guide surface partially closes the opening and a second position in which the staple guide surface is not aligned with the opening, and a biasing member biasing the staple guide member toward the first position; wherein, in response to the second length of fasteners being loaded into the tool box, the staple guide member is moved to the second position; and wherein the pivot axis defines an oblique angle with the drive axis. a nosepiece assembly defining a driver passageway extending along the drive axis, the nosepiece assembly including a nosepiece member coupled to the tool cassette and defining an opening through which the first and second lengths of fasteners pass from the tool cassette into the driver passageway, and a staple guide assembly including: a staple guide member pivotable relative to the nosepiece member about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position, the staple guide member including a guide portion extending away from the pivot axis in a first direction and a press portion extending away from the pivot axis in a second direction different from the first direction, and a biasing member biasing the staple guide member toward the first position; wherein the guide portion defines a staple guide surface that partially closes the opening in the first position; wherein the press portion is configured to be pressed to move the staple guide member from the first position to the second position; and wherein the staple guide surface is misaligned with the opening in the second position.

14. The powered fastener driver of claim 13, wherein, the first direction and the second direction define an obtuse angle relative to the pivot axis.

15. The powered fastener driver of claim 13, wherein, the first direction is opposite the second direction.

16. The powered fastener driver of claim 13, wherein, the pivot axis defines an oblique angle with the drive axis.

17. A powered fastener driver for driving fasteners of a first length and fasteners of a second length greater than the first length along a drive axis, the fastener driver comprising: the powered fastener driver includes: a tool cassette configured to receive the first and second lengths of fasteners; and a nosepiece assembly defining a driver passageway extending along the drive axis, the nosepiece assembly including: a nosepiece member coupled to the tool cassette and defining an opening through which the first and second lengths of fasteners pass from the tool cassette into the driver passageway, and a staple guide assembly including: a staple guide member defining a staple guide surface, the staple guide member pivotable relative to the nosepiece member about a pivot axis between a first position in which the staple guide surface partially closes the opening and a second position in which the staple guide surface is misaligned with the opening, and a biasing member biasing the staple guide member toward the first position; wherein the staple guide member is moved to the second position in response to the second length of fasteners being loaded into the tool cassette; and wherein the biasing member is positioned between the staple guide member and a wall of the tool cassette.

18. The powered fastener driver of claim 17, wherein, the staple guide member defines a first seat receiving a first end of the biasing member, and wherein a wall of the tool cassette defines a second seat receiving a second end of the biasing member. the staple guide member defines a first seat receiving a first end of the biasing member, and wherein a wall of the tool cassette defines a second seat receiving a second end of the biasing member.

19. The powered fastener driver of claim 18, wherein, The staple guide member includes a guide portion extending away from the pivot axis in a first direction and a push portion extending away from the pivot axis in a second direction different from the first direction, and wherein the push portion is configured to be pushed to move the staple guide member from the first position to the second position.

20. The powered fastener driver of claim 19, wherein, The push portion defines the first seat.

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