Fastener driver

Abstract

A fastener driver may include an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis. The fastener driver may include a piston positioned within the inner cylinder. The fastener driver may include a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position. The fastener driver may include a tank including a large portion centrally defining a large portion axis, the large portion surrounding at least a portion of the inner cylinder. The fastener driver may include a housing supporting a tank and including a handle portion defining a handle portion axis extending transverse to an inner cylinder axis, where the inner cylinder axis extends within a partition plane centrally and longitudinally dividing the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 575,133, filed April 5, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 555,184, filed February 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to power tools, and more specifically to gas spring power fastener drivers. Background Technology

[0004] Hardware such as joist hangers, straps, and hurricane ties are typically attached to building frames, columns, beams, joists, etc., using fasteners (e.g., nails). These fasteners are usually driven into the workpiece by a power fastener driver. The fasteners are arranged in strips and positioned within the magazine of the power fastener driver. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a fastener actuator comprising: an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; an actuator blade coupled to the piston and movable therebetween between a ready position and a driven position; a reservoir including a large portion centrally defining a large portion axis surrounding at least a portion of the inner cylinder; a housing supporting the reservoir and including a handle portion defining a handle portion axis extending transversely to the inner cylinder axis; wherein the inner cylinder axis extends in a dividing plane that centrally and longitudinally divides the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; wherein: (a) the dividing plane is parallel to the handle portion axis; or (b) the handle portion axis extends in the dividing plane; and wherein the large portion axis is offset from the dividing plane by a distance D greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0006] In some respects, the technology described in this utility model relates to fastener drivers, wherein the distance D is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described in this invention relates to a fastener actuator, further comprising a lifter operable to move an actuator blade from a driven position to a ready position, wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the actuator blade, and wherein a distance D is measured in a direction from the inner cylinder axis toward the first side.

[0008] In some respects, the technology described in this invention relates to fastener drivers, wherein the large portion is generally cylindrical.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, wherein the distance D is measured along an offset axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis and transverse to the handle portion axis.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, wherein the handle portion axis is defined centrally by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion, and wherein the handle portion axis intersects the large portion axis.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, further comprising: a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein the handle portion axis is defined centrally by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the large portion axis on the first side of the driver blade.

[0012] In another aspect, the technology recited herein provides a fastener driver comprising: an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position; a reservoir in fluid communication with the inner cylinder; and a housing supporting the reservoir and comprising a handle portion, the handle portion defining a handle portion axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis; wherein the handle portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, wherein the reservoir comprises a large portion surrounding at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large portion centrally defining a large portion axis, and wherein the large portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis by a distance D, the distance D being measured along an offset axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis and transverse to the handle portion axis, and wherein the distance D is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm and less than or equal to 40.0 mm.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, further comprising a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade, and wherein the distance D is measured in a direction from the inner cylinder axis toward the first side.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology recited herein relates to a fastener driver, wherein the housing further comprises a battery connection portion connected to the handle portion, the battery connection portion defining a battery portion centerline extending parallel to the handle portion axis and offset from the handle portion axis, and wherein the handle portion axis extends between the inner cylinder axis and the battery portion centerline.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Patent relates to a fastener driver, further comprising: a lifter operable to move a driver blade from a driven position to a ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein a handle portion axis is defined centrally by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the tank comprises a large portion around at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large portion centrally defining a large portion axis, and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the large portion axis on the first side of the driver blade.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Patent relates to a fastener driver, wherein: an inner cylinder axis extends in a dividing plane that centrally divides the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; a handle portion axis extends parallel to the dividing plane; a tank volume is defined between an inner surface of the tank and an outer surface of the inner cylinder; the dividing plane divides the tank volume into a first volume and a second volume; and the first volume is at least 5% larger than the second volume.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Patent relates to a fastener driver, further comprising: a cap separating an open end of the inner cylinder from an open end of the tank; a first seal positioned between the cap and the inner cylinder; and a nut coupled to the open end of the tank and securing the cap to the tank.

[0019] In another aspect, the Utility Patent provides a fastener driver, comprising: an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis, the inner cylinder axis extending in a dividing plane that centrally divides the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position; a tank surrounding at least a portion of the inner cylinder; a housing supporting the tank and comprising a handle portion, the handle portion defining a handle portion axis that extends transverse to the inner cylinder axis and one of (a) in the dividing plane and (b) parallel to the dividing plane; wherein a tank volume is defined between an inner surface of the tank and an outer surface of the inner cylinder; wherein the dividing plane divides the tank volume into a first volume and a second volume; and wherein the first volume differs from the second volume by at least 5%.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Patent relates to a fastener driver, wherein the first volume is at least 20% larger than the second volume.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Patent relates to a fastener driver, wherein the tank comprises a large diameter portion around at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defining a large diameter portion axis, and wherein the large diameter portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis by a distance D that is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Model relates to a fastener driver, wherein: the reservoir includes a large diameter portion that surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defines a large diameter portion axis; the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and the handle portion axis intersects the large diameter portion axis.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Model relates to a fastener driver, further comprising: a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein the reservoir includes a large diameter portion that surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defines a large diameter portion axis; wherein the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the large diameter portion axis on the first side of the driver blade.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology recited in the Utility Model relates to a fastener driver, further comprising: a cap that separates the open end of the inner cylinder from the open end of the reservoir; a first seal positioned between the cap and the inner cylinder; and a nut that is coupled to the open end of the reservoir and secures the cap to the reservoir.

[0025] Other features and aspects of the Utility Model will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description which follows, along with a review of the associated drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gas spring powered fastener driver in accordance with an embodiment of the Utility Model.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fastener driver of Figure 1 Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener driver of

[0028] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a reservoir of the fastener driver of Figure 1

[0029] is a partial exploded view showing portions of the fastener driver of Figure 3 Figure 1

[0030] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the reservoir of Figure 2A Figure 2A is another cross-sectional view of the reservoir of

[0031] Figure 2C is another cross-sectional view of the reservoir of Figure 2A Figure 2A ​​​​​​

[0032] Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of portions of the fastener driver of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of portions of the fastener driver of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1

[0034] Figure 6 is another cross-sectional view of portions of the fastener driver of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1

[0035] Figure 7 is another cross-sectional view of the fastener driver of Figure 1 taken along line 6-6 of Figure 1

[0036] Figure 8 is a rear end view of the fastener driver of Figure 1

[0037] Figure 9 is a rear end view of the fastener driver according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Before any embodiments of the present utility model are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the present utility model is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figures 1-3 An electric power tool, such as a gas spring powered fastener driver 100, is shown that is operable to drive fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) held within a magazine 104 into a workpiece. The fastener driver 100 is configured as a multi-shot power nailer that includes a magazine 104 that holds a collated strip of nails, 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 tacks, pegs, etc.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2 ​​​​​The gas spring powered fastener driver 100 includes a gas spring assembly 106 having an inner cylinder 108 and a movable piston 110 positioned within the inner cylinder 108. The fastener driver 100 further includes a driver blade 112 attached to and movable with the piston 110. The fastener driver 100 does not require an external source of air pressure, but rather the gas spring assembly 106 includes a reservoir 114 of pressurized gas in fluid communication with the inner cylinder 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cylinder 108 and movable piston 110 are positioned within the reservoir 114.

[0041] The driver blade 112 defines a drive axis 118. During a drive cycle, the driver blade 112 and piston 110 are movable along the drive axis 118 between a ready position (i.e., top dead center) and a driven position (i.e., bottom dead center, as illustrated). Figure 2 The inner cylinder 108 centrally defines an inner cylinder axis 113. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cylinder axis 113 is coaxial with the drive axis 118.

[0042] The fastener driver 100 further includes a lifter or lifting assembly 120 powered by an electric motor 122 Figure 1 ). The lifting assembly 120 is operable to move the driver blade 112 from the driven position to the ready position.

[0043] In operation, when the motor 122 is energized, the lifting assembly 120 drives the piston 110 and driver blade 112 to the ready position. As the piston 110 and driver blade 112 move to the ready position, the gas above the piston 110 and within the reservoir 114 is compressed. The piston 110 and driver blade 112 are then held in the ready position until released by a user activating a trigger 124 Figure 1 . When released, the compressed gas above the piston 110 and within the reservoir 114 drives the piston 110 and driver blade 112 to the driven position, thereby driving the nail into the workpiece. Thus, the illustrated fastener driver 100 operates on the principle of a gas spring, utilizing the lifting assembly 120 and piston 110 to further compress the gas within the inner cylinder 108 and reservoir 114.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the fastener driver 100 includes a housing 126 formed by clamshell housing halves 126a, 126b. The housing 126 includes a reservoir support portion 128 Figure 1) and a motor housing portion 130, the tank 114 being positioned at least partially in the tank support portion 128, the motor 122 and the lift assembly 120 being positioned at least partially in the motor housing portion 130. The housing 126 further includes a handle portion 131 connected with the tank support portion 128 and a battery connection portion 132 at a base of the handle portion 131. The battery connection portion 132 is removably coupled to a battery 134 Figure 1 ) When the battery 134 is coupled to the battery connection portion 132, the battery 134 is electrically connected to the motor 122. The battery 134 can provide power to the motor 122 and other electrical components of the fastener driver 100. 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).

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 , the fastener driver 100 further includes a nosepiece assembly 136 supported at a first end 138 of the housing 126. During a driving operation, the driver blade 112 ejects a fastener into a workpiece through the nosepiece assembly 136. The tank support portion 128 of the housing 126 defines a second end 140 positioned opposite the first end 138 along a direction of the drive axis 118.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2-2C , the tank 114 includes a small portion 142 and a large portion 144. The small portion 142 has a cross-sectional area Al measured along a cut plane 2B-2B extending perpendicular to a small portion center axis 146 and the drive axis 118 Figure 2B ). The large portion 144 has a cross-sectional area A2 measured along a cut plane 2C-2C extending perpendicular to the small portion center axis 146 and the drive axis 118 Figure 2C ). The cross-sectional area Al is less than the cross-sectional area A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the small portion 142 and the large portion 144 is generally cylindrical. In other embodiments, one or both of the portions 142, 144 can alternatively be non-cylindrical (e.g., slightly frustoconical, or have an oval cross-section, or a non-symmetrical cross-section). The small portion 142 is positioned adjacent to the nosepiece assembly 136 and the lift assembly 120 and centrally defines the small portion center axis 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the small portion center axis 146 is coaxial with the inner cylinder axis 113 and the drive axis 118. Thus, the small portion 142 is arranged concentrically about the inner cylinder 108. The large portion 144 is adjacent to the second end 140 and centrally defines a large portion center axis 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the large portion center axis 148 is coaxial with the drive axis 118. Thus, the large portion 144 is arranged concentrically about the small portion 142. Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the central axis 148 of the large portion is laterally offset from the inner cylinder axis 113 in the direction toward the lifting assembly 120. Therefore, the large portion 144 is not concentric with the inner cylinder 108. The large portion 144 surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder 108.

[0047] Since the inner cylinder axis 113, drive axis 118, and small portion center axis 146 are all coaxial in the illustrated embodiment, the large portion center axis 148 is also laterally offset from the drive axis 118 and the small portion center axis 146. The offset distance D is measured perpendicularly between the inner cylinder axis 113 and the large portion center axis 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset distance D is measured to be 8.5 mm. In other embodiments, the offset distance D is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In yet another embodiment, the offset distance D is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm and less than or equal to 40.0 mm. In yet another embodiment, the offset distance D is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm and less than or equal to 40.0 mm. In yet another embodiment, the offset distance D is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm and less than or equal to 30.0 mm.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the lifting assembly 120 is positioned on the first side 149 of the drive blade 112. The offset distance D is measured in the direction from the inner cylinder axis 113 toward the first side 149. The offset distance D is also measured along or parallel to an offset axis 150 extending transversely to the inner cylinder axis 113 (see also...). Figure 7 ).

[0049] See also Figure 2 The large portion 144 of the tank 114 defines a protrusion 152 on one of its lateral sides and a straight portion 153 on its opposite lateral side. The protrusion 152 protrudes substantially into a space 154 located behind the lifting assembly 120 and above the battery connection portion 132. The lifting assembly 120 is laterally positioned next to the drive blade 112, allowing the lifting assembly 120 to rotatably engage the drive blade 112. In many conventional gas spring powered fastener actuators, the inner and outer cylinders are arranged concentrically, leaving the space behind the lifting assembly largely unoccupied. In the illustrated fastener actuator 100, the space 154 is substantially occupied by the protrusion 152. This reduces the overall shape factor, or width W, of the fastener actuator 100 and improves the user's view toward the nose assembly 136 and the workpiece during use. The width W is measured in the widest portion of the housing 126 in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis 118.

[0050] See Figures 3-5The gas spring assembly 106 also includes a cap 156 positioned adjacent the second end 140 of the housing 126. The cap 156 acts as a barrier to partially separate an interior space within the inner cylinder 108 from an exterior space defined between an outer surface of the inner cylinder 108 and an inner surface of the reservoir 114. Each of the inner cylinder 108 and the reservoir 114 define respective open ends 158, 160 positioned adjacent the second end 140 of the housing 126. The cap 156 is positioned within the open end 160 of the reservoir 114 and separates the open end 160 from the open end 158 of the inner cylinder 108. An inner seal 162 is positioned between a rim 164 of the open end 158 of the inner cylinder 108 and an inner surface 166 of the cap 156. The inner seal 162 forms an airtight seal between the rim 164 and the inner surface 166 and can be made of, for example, a relatively flexible material such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber). An outer seal 168 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned between the cap 156 and the reservoir 114 adjacent the open end 160 thereof. The outer seal 168 forms an airtight seal between the cap 156 and the reservoir 114 and can likewise be made of, for example, a relatively flexible material such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber).

[0051] As shown in Figures 3-5 , the cap 156 is generally cup-shaped and has a circular profile corresponding to the circular shape of the open end 160 of the reservoir 114. However, due to the positioning of the raised portion 152 relative to the inner cylinder 108, the cap 156 is not concentric with the rim 164 of the inner cylinder 108. Accordingly, a separate externally threaded nut 170 secures the cap 156 to the reservoir 114. The external threads of the nut 170 engage internal threads formed at the open end 160 of the reservoir 114. Tightening the externally threaded nut 170 forces the cap 156 toward the rim 164, causing the inner seal 162 to compress. This ensures the integrity of the seal formed between the cap 156 and the rim 164. When the externally threaded nut 170 is sufficiently tightened, a set screw 172 is screwed into and tightened into the wall of the reservoir 114 and abuts the cap 156 to hold the cap 156 in place.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3 , the inner cylinder 108 defines a plurality of holes 174 near the rim 164 at the open end 158 of the inner cylinder 108. The holes 174 communicate the interior space of the inner cylinder 108 with the exterior space of the reservoir 114 and allow pressurized gas to flow therebetween.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the housing 126 engages the cap 156 to maintain proper orientation and position of the cap 156 relative to the inner cylinder 108 and the reservoir 114. As shown in Figure 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the cap 156 includes a keyway 175 in the form of a slot or channel. The keyway 175 is defined by a pair of first ribs 176 that extend generally parallel to one another. As shown inFigure 5 As shown, the housing 126 (specifically, the clamshell housing half 126b) includes a key 177 that includes a pair of protruding second ribs 178 that extend generally parallel to one another. The key 177 is closely received within the keyway 175, which causes the second ribs 178 to contact or nearly contact the first rib 176. The engagement between the key 177 and the keyway 175 ensures proper orientation and position of the cap 156 relative to the inner cylinder 108 and the reservoir 114 during assembly of the fastener driver 100, and further prevents the cap 156 from moving out of this correct position during use.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6 In another embodiment of the fastener driver 100, the internal seal 162 can be omitted from the assembly. Figure 6 Embodiments of the fastener driver 100 are generally similar to Figures 1-5 Embodiments of the fastener driver 100, except that the internal seal 162 is omitted, which causes the rim 164 to directly abut (or nominally be spaced apart from) the inner surface 166 of the cap 156.

[0055] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The handle portion 131 centrally defines a handle portion axis 180 that extends along a length of the handle portion 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion axis 180 extends perpendicular to the drive axis 118 and perpendicular to the inner cylinder axis 113. In other embodiments, the handle portion axis 180 extends transverse to the inner cylinder axis 113, but can not extend perpendicular to the inner cylinder axis 113. The handle portion axis 180 also extends transverse to the offset axis 150 Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion axis 180 is aligned with the large portion center axis 148. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion axis 180 intersects the large portion center axis 148. Thus, the handle portion 131 is generally centered beneath the large portion 144. Because the handle portion axis 180 extends perpendicular to the drive axis 118 and intersects the large portion center axis 148, the handle portion axis 180 is also offset a distance D transverse from the inner cylinder axis 113.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The inner cylinder axis 113 extends within a dividing plane 182 that bisects the inner cylinder 108 into a first half 184 and a second half 186. In the illustrated embodiment, the dividing plane 182 extends parallel to the handle portion axis 180. In other embodiments (not shown), the handle portion axis 180 can extend within the dividing plane 182. In the illustrated embodiment, a tank volume 188 is defined between the inner surface of the tank 114 and the outer surface of the inner cylinder 108. The dividing plane 182 bisects the tank volume 188 into a first volume 190 and a second volume 192. In the illustrated embodiment, the first volume 190 is greater than the second volume 192. In particular, the first volume is at least 5% greater than the second volume 192. In some embodiments, the first volume is at least 20% greater than the second volume 192. The first volume 190 is on the same side of the dividing plane 182 as the lift assembly 120. In other embodiments, the first volume differs from the second volume by at least five percent. In other embodiments, the first volume differs from the second volume by at least 20%.

[0057] With continued reference to Figure 8 The battery connection portion 132 defines a battery centerline 194 that extends parallel to the handle axis 180 and parallel to the dividing plane 182. The battery centerline 194 bisects the battery 134 into two equal halves when the battery 134 is attached to the battery connection portion 132. The battery centerline 194 is laterally offset from the handle portion axis 180 in a direction toward the lift assembly (not shown) and in a direction toward the motor housing portion 130. The battery centerline 194 is also laterally offset from the handle portion axis 180 in a direction away from the dividing plane 182 and away from the inner cylinder axis 113. By laterally offsetting the battery centerline 194 relative to the handle portion axis 180 in this manner, the form factor or width W of the fastener driver 100 Figure 2 is minimized. This is because the battery 134 is shifted toward the space 154 Figure 2 and thus the battery 134 (particularly for larger battery packs) is less likely to protrude laterally beyond the edge of the tank support portion 128 of the housing 126 (i.e., in a direction toward the tool box 104).

[0058] Figure 9 A fastener driver 200 similar to the fastener driver 100 is shown, with like features having like reference numbers “plus 100.” As Figure 8 shown, the fastener driver 200 includes a housing 226 having a tank support portion 228, a motor housing portion 230, a handle portion 231, and a battery connection portion 232. Although in Figure 8Not shown, but the fastener actuator 200 includes drive blades, inner cylinders, and tanks substantially the same as those described in this invention, and defines the same corresponding axes 113, 118, 146, and 148. A handle portion 231 centrally defines a handle portion axis 256 extending perpendicular to the drive axis 118. However, the handle portion 231 is not aligned with the large-diameter portion of the tank. Instead, the handle portion 231 is offset from the large-diameter portion, and therefore, the handle portion axis 256 is laterally offset from the central axis 148 of the large portion in directions toward the lifting assembly (not shown) and toward the motor housing portion 130. The handle portion axis 256 is also located on the first side 149 of the drive blade 112 (…). Figure 2 The handle portion 231 is also arranged to align with the battery connection portion 232. The fastener driver 200 includes... Figure 9 The center of gravity (CG) 258 is shown. Compared to the fastener driver 100, the handle portion axis 256 of the fastener driver 200 is positioned relatively closer to CG258 due to its lateral offset relative to the central axis 148 of the large portion.

[0059] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the inner cylinder axis 113 extends within a dividing plane 182, which centrally divides the inner cylinder 108 into a first half 184 and a second half 186 (see [reference]). Figure 2 However, because the handle portion axis 256 is offset from the central axis 148 of the large portion, the handle portion axis 256 does not extend within the dividing plane 182. Instead, in the illustrated embodiment, the dividing plane 182 extends parallel to the handle axis 256.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications are still possible within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the present invention.

[0061] The various features of this utility model are described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastener driver characterized by, comprises: an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position; a reservoir comprising a bulk portion centrally defining a bulk portion axis, the bulk portion surrounding at least a portion of the inner cylinder; a housing supporting the reservoir and comprising a handle portion, the handle portion defining a handle portion axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis; wherein the inner cylinder axis extends in a dividing plane, the dividing plane centrally and longitudinally dividing the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; wherein one of the following: a) the dividing plane is parallel to the handle portion axis; or b) the handle portion axis extends in the dividing plane; and wherein the bulk portion axis is offset from the dividing plane by a distance D greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

2. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein The distance D is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm.

3. The fastener driver of claim 2, wherein further comprising a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade, and wherein the distance D is measured in a direction from the inner cylinder axis toward the first side.

4. The fastener driver of claim 3, wherein The bulk portion is generally cylindrical.

5. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein The distance D is measured along an offset axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis and transverse to the handle portion axis.

6. The fastener driver of claim 5, wherein The handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion, and wherein the handle portion axis intersects the bulk portion axis.

7. The fastener driver of claim 5, wherein the first and second fastener driver portions are pivotally connected to one another. further comprising: a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the bulk portion axis on a first side of the driver blade.

8. A fastener driver characterized by, comprises: an inner cylinder centrally defining an inner cylinder axis; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position; a reservoir in fluid communication with the inner cylinder; and a housing supporting the reservoir and comprising a handle portion, the handle portion defining a handle portion axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis; wherein the handle portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis. ​ 9. The fastener driver of claim 8, wherein the first and second fastener driver portions are configured to be moved relative to each other to change the distance between the first and second fastener driver portions. The tank includes a bulk portion about at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the bulk portion centrally defining a bulk portion axis, and wherein the bulk portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis by a distance D, the distance D being measured along an offset axis extending transverse to the inner cylinder axis and transverse to the handle portion axis, and wherein the distance D is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm and less than or equal to 40.0 mm.

10. The fastener driver of claim 9, wherein the first and second fastener driver portions are configured to be moved relative to each other to change the distance between the first and second fastener driver portions. Further comprising a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade, and wherein the distance D is measured in a direction from the inner cylinder axis toward the first side.

11. The fastener driver of claim 8, wherein the first and second fastener driver portions are configured to be moved relative to each other to change the distance between the first and second fastener driver portions. The housing further includes a battery connection portion connected to the handle portion, the battery connection portion defining a battery portion centerline, the battery portion centerline extending parallel to the handle portion axis and offset from the handle portion axis, and wherein the handle portion axis extends between the inner cylinder axis and the battery portion centerline.

12. The fastener driver of claim 8, wherein the fastener driver is configured to drive the fastener into the workpiece at a speed of at least 3000 feet per minute. Further comprising: a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the tank includes a bulk portion about at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the bulk portion centrally defining a bulk portion axis, and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the bulk portion axis on a first side of the driver blade.

13. The fastener driver of claim 8, wherein: the inner cylinder axis extends in a dividing plane that centrally divides the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; the handle portion axis extends parallel to the dividing plane; a tank volume is defined between an inner surface of the tank and an outer surface of the inner cylinder; the dividing plane divides the tank volume into a first volume and a second volume; and the first volume is at least 5% larger than the second volume.

14. The fastener driver of claim 8, wherein the fastener driver is configured to drive the fastener into the workpiece at a speed of at least 3000 feet per minute. Further comprising: a cap separating an open end of the inner cylinder from an open end of the tank; a first seal positioned between the cap and the inner cylinder; and a nut coupled to the open end of the tank and securing the cap to the tank.

15. A fastener driver characterized by: comprising: an inner cylinder, the inner cylinder axis centrally defining an inner cylinder axis, the inner cylinder axis extending in a dividing plane that centrally divides the inner cylinder into a first half and a second half; a piston positioned within the inner cylinder; a driver blade coupled to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position; a tank about at least a portion of the inner cylinder; a housing supporting the reservoir and including a handle portion, the handle portion defining a handle portion axis that extends transverse to the inner cylinder axis and (a) extends within the partition plane or (b) extends parallel to the partition plane; wherein a reservoir volume is defined between an inner surface of the reservoir and an outer surface of the inner cylinder; wherein the partition plane divides the reservoir volume into a first volume and a second volume; and wherein the first volume differs from the second volume by at least 5%.

16. The fastener driver of claim 15, wherein, the first volume is at least 20% larger than the second volume.

17. The fastener driver of claim 15, wherein the fastener driver is configured to drive the fastener into the workpiece at a speed of at least 3000 feet per minute. the reservoir includes a large diameter portion that surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defining a large diameter portion axis, and wherein the large diameter portion axis is offset from the inner cylinder axis by a distance D that is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

18. The fastener driver of claim 15, wherein: the reservoir includes a large diameter portion that surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defining a large diameter portion axis; the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and the handle portion axis intersects the large diameter portion axis.

19. The fastener driver of claim 15, wherein, further comprising: a lifter operable to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position; wherein the lifter is positioned on a first side of the driver blade; wherein the reservoir includes a large diameter portion that surrounds at least a portion of the inner cylinder, the large diameter portion centrally defining a large diameter portion axis; wherein the handle portion axis is centrally defined by the handle portion and extends along a length of the handle portion; and wherein the handle portion axis passes alongside the large diameter portion axis on a first side of the driver blade.

20. The fastener driver of claim 15, wherein, further comprising: a cap separating an open end of the inner cylinder from an open end of the reservoir; a first seal positioned between the cap and the inner cylinder; and a nut coupled to the open end of the reservoir and securing the cap to the reservoir.

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