Fastener insertion device having transitioning collar

Abstract

A device for inserting a heavy duty fastener into a terrestrial substrate having an elongate support with a substrate contacting portion, and an upper stop distal to the substrate contacting portion stop and a lower stop proximal to the substrate contacting portion. The device has a plunger being manually movable relative to the support, and a fastener moving portion configured to move a fastener along a guide of the device and toward a guide exit. An axial travel control portion is located about the plunger.

Description

[0001] FASTENER INSERTION DEVICE HAVING TRANSITIONING COLLAR.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] . The present invention relates generally to a device for the insertion of fasteners into the ground for the purpose of anchoring sheet-like materials such as geotechnical mats in soil or stabilization or agricultural netting for the protection of crops.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] , Soil erosion can be a serious problem resulting in damage to water sources, landscaping, and wildlife. During construction works of residential and commercial infrastructure projects, vegetation, which protects soil from erosion, is often removed. Exposure of soils to the erosive forces of wind and rain can carry soil, sediment, organic matter and nutrients into stormwater. Soil erosion and sedimentation can be considered as one of the largest pollutants by volume in stormwater and generally in water run-off.

[0006]

[0003] , Similarly, the revegetation of natural ecosystems and the control of weeds or other unwanted flora are of growing concern. Weeds can often compete with productive crops or pasture, can be harmful to domesticated plants and livestock, and can convert productive land into unusable scrub. The use of chemical treatments or herbicides while often effective, has also been recognised as potentially damaging to fragile soil systems or be otherwise harmful to those exposed during application.

[0007]

[0004] , It is recognised that the repair of damage caused by soil erosion and weed management is not only difficult, but time consuming. The use of blankets or matting for purposes of either erosion control or the management of regeneration areas has been proposed as a potential solution to these problems. These systems may be highly effective when compared to other forms of management such as mulch in reducing run-off during rain events. Such mats or blankets, generally constructed from biodegradable substances such as straw, coconut, or wood fibre are placed onto prepared soils and areas to prevent them washing away. The mat or blanket is typically anchored to the ground

[0008]

[0005] , Netting and similar barriers are often used to exclude birds and other animals from food crops. These physical barriers provide significant advantages to farmers or viticulturists by improving yields of viable and marketable crops. The installation of bird netting is generally accomplished by stretching out the net over the desired crop. To ensure complete coverage, the netting is typically anchored to the ground.

[0009]

[0006] , The installation of matting and netting as described above, is time consuming and laborious. Typically, the method for anchoring matting is by insertion of fasteners through the matting into the underlying soil. Such fasteners can take the form of nails, pins, staples, U-shaped wires, stakes, or other similar objects. While the insertion of fasteners is often the most direct method for securement, it is a labour intensive process whereby each fastener is introduced by hand or in combination with a hammer depending on the hardness of the underlying topsoil. Furthermore, as installation of erosion control blankets often occurs on sloped or inclined areas, it will often ensue that installing fasteners by hand can cause excessive strain to the operators, such as injury to their back, joints or muscles, or other regions of their body due to the repetitive nature of the operation. This is especially evident when the topology of the underlying ground is uneven, at an incline, or when the underlying soil is considerably hard.

[0010]

[0007] , It is recognised that portable and semi-portable hand-operable devices exist in the art for the insertion of fasteners for the securing of mats and netting to the ground. These devices aid in automating the insertion of fasteners by pushing the fasteners into the ground upon actuation of a plunger, hammer, shaft, piston or similar structure that makes contact with the fastener. While such devices provide an advantage over inserting the fasteners manually with a hammer, these devices are prone to jamming. Typically, fasteners are fed into hand-operable devices by a spring-loaded magazine. However, the magazine can incorrectly feed fasteners into the device such that the presence of multiple fasteners leads to jamming. Once jammed it is necessary for the operator to dismantle the device, remove the fasteners responsible for the jamming, and reassemble the device before returning to work. It will be clear that multiple episodes of jamming will adversely affect the productivity of a worker installing matting and netting, and also lead to the wastage of many fasteners. It has been noticed that the problem of jamming is especially prevalent in novice operators of these devices.

[0011]

[0008] , The prior art provides fastener insertion devices particularly configured to avoid the entry of multiple fasteners, thereby lessening the problem of jamming. Such devices can be complex, have many parts, be prone to failure, be expensive to produce, or require maintenance at short intervals.

[0012]

[0009] , It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art fastener insertion devices. The improvement may be to reduce complexity, reduce part number, reduce the propensity for failure, be less expensive to produce, or require less frequent maintained. Alternatively, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide only a useful alternative to prior art fastener insertion devices.

[0013]

[0010] , The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [Oi l], In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a manually-operable device for inserting a heavy duty fastener into a terrestrial substrate, the apparatus comprising: an elongate support having a substrate contacting portion, and an upper stop distal to the substrate contacting portion stop and a lower stop proximal to the substrate contacting portion , a plunger being manually movable relative to the support, and having a fastener moving portion configured to move a fastener along a guide of the device and toward a guide exit, an axial travel control portion located about the plunger, the axial travel control portion configured to adopt alternatively a first state and a second state, wherein when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the plunger is prevented from being sufficiently withdrawn so as to allow the fastener moving portion to clear a fastener entry space about the guide such that the fastener moving portion blocks passage of a fastener into the guide, and wherein when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the plunger is permitted to be sufficiently withdrawn so as to allow the fastener moving portion to clear the fastener entry space thereby allowing passage of a fastener into the guide, and wherein contact of the axial travel control portion or an associated structure with the lower stop causes the axial travel control portion to transition from the second state to the first state, and contact of the axial travel control portion or an associated structure with the upper stop causes the axial travel control portion to transition from the first state to the second state.

[0016]

[0012] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion is configured to be latchable between the first and second states.

[0017]

[0013] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the comprises a latching portion configured to facilitate transition of the axial travel control portion between the first and second states and / or maintain the axial travel control portion in the first or second states.

[0018]

[0014] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion are moveable across or above the surface of the plunger.

[0015] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, all or some of the plunger has a curved ir planar surface, and the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are shaped to fit on or lie above the surface.

[0019]

[0016] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are a collar or a collar portion, and the collar or collar portion has a central axis and the plunger has a central axis, and the collar or collar portion central axis is coaxial with the plunger central axis.

[0020]

[0017] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are axially rotatable about the plunger.

[0021]

[0018] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are a plate portion, and the plate portion has a planar surface and the plunger has a planar surface coplanar or parallel with the plate portion planar surface.

[0022]

[0019] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are movable over the plunger surface.

[0023]

[0020] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are movable relative to the plunger and is / are biased toward one end of the plunger.

[0024]

[0021] . In one embodiment of the first aspect, the one end of the plunger is the end toward the fastener exit.

[0025]

[0022] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are rotatable about a plunger axis and is biased toward a rotational position.

[0023] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the bias is effected by a spring.

[0026]

[0024] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the bias is counteracted by a stop on or about the plunger, or on or about the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion.

[0027]

[0025] . In one embodiment of the first aspect, movement of the latching portion is restricted or controlled by (i) a substantially linear slot formed in or about the latching portion which accepts a pin extending from or about the plunger, or (ii) a slot formed in or about the plunger which accepts a pin extending from or about the latching portion.

[0028]

[0026] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the pin is away from a terminus of the slot the axial travel control portion is in the first state, and where the pin is at a terminus of the slot the axial travel control portion is in the second state.

[0029]

[0027] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, movement of the axial travel control portion is restricted or controlled by (i) a substantially “L”-shaped slot formed in or about the axial travel control portion which accepts a pin extending from or about the plunger, or (ii) a slot formed in or about the plunger which accepts a pin extending from or about the axial travel control portion.

[0030]

[0028] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, where the pin is in the vertical portion of the “L”-shape the plunger is permitted to extend upwards fully so as to admit a fastener into the fastener guide.

[0031]

[0029] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion each comprise a ramped face terminating in a tooth.

[0032]

[0030] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, one of the ramped faces is generally directed toward the guide exit, and the other of the ramped faces is generally directed away from the guide exit, and when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the ramped faces do not make mutual contact, and when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the ramped faces make mutual contact.

[0033]

[0031] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the teeth are mutually opposed, and when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the teeth mesh, and when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the teeth do not mesh.

[0034]

[0032] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the axial travel control portion transitions from the first state to the second state, the teeth are caused or allowed to separate so as to cause or allow the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion rotate axially relative to each other until the teeth cease meshing after which time the ramped faces are caused or allowed to make mutual contact.

[0035]

[0033] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, when the axial travel control portion transitions from the second state to the first state, the ramped surfaces are caused or allowed to slide over each other so as to cause or allow the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion to rotate axially relative to the each other until the ramped surfaces cease mutual contact at which time the teeth are caused or allowed to mesh.

[0036]

[0034] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the device further comprises a magazine of fasteners, wherein the individual fasteners are maintained en bloc using at least one of wire, glue, gum and tape.

[0037]

[0035] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the fasteners have a length of at least approximately 50 mm or at least approximately 100 mm or at least approximately 150 mm or at least approximately 200 mm.

[0038]

[0036] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the fasteners is substantially stapleshaped or is substantially T-shaped.

[0037] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the fasteners is composed of a metal or of a high-density polymer.

[0039]

[0038] , In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of inserting a fastener into a terrestrial substrate, the method comprising use of a device according to any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0040]

[0039] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises the steps: inserting a magazine of fasteners into the device; and actuating the plunger such that a fastener is inserted into a substrate.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042]

[0040] , FIG. 1A illustrates highly diagrammatically and in lateral view a device of the present invention. Not drawn are the handle (which would be disposed at the upper terminus of the plunger, and the magazine (which would house the fasteners). The collar is shown in the first state.

[0043]

[0041] . FIG. IB is a portion of FIG. 1 A, although with the collar shown in the second state.

[0044]

[0042] , FIG. 2 is a photograph of a preferred collar having a latching mechanism to hold the collar in alternately the first and second state. The photograph shows the collar in the second state. A portion has been cut out from the shaft for the purposes of the Figure only, to allow the mechanism to be visualised.

[0045]

[0043] , FIG. 3 comprises a series of photographs of the preferred collar shown in FIG. 2, in the first state (left column), in an unstable intermediate state (centre column), and in the second state (right column). For each column, the first (top most) photograph is a view from the left, the second photograph is a view from the front, and the third photograph is a view from the right.

[0044] , FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the relative spatial arrangements of fasteners in a magazine, the next fastener to enter the guide, and a fastener in the guide being contacted by the hammer.

[0046]

[0045] , FIG. 5A shows complete version of the device, as would be used in the field.

[0047]

[0046] , FIG. 5B shows the device of FIG. 5A with the magazine removed.

[0048]

[0047] , Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[0049]

[0048] , The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[0051]

[0049] , After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[0052]

[0050] , Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0051] . Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

[0053]

[0052] , As used herein, positional terms such as “lateral”, “across”, “above”, “below”, “higher”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, “plan view” and the like are to be considered with reference to a device of the invention as used in a normal upright position so as to insert a fastener downwardly and into the ground.

[0054]

[0053] , Applicant has found that jamming of fastener insertion devices is often caused by operators not fully expelling a fastener from the device and into the ground with a single movement of the plunger. Thus, an operator (and particularly a novice operator) may effect multiple downstrokes and upstrokes of the device plunger in order to fully seat the fastener into the ground. However, in the process of effecting multiple blows, the hammer is withdrawn upwardly by the operator, thereby leaving a fastener guide capable of accepting a new fastener from the magazine. The operator then effects a further downstroke in an attempt to fully seat the first fastener, but instead engages the second fastener. The second fastener is then forced downward toward the first fastener (which is still not completely expelled from the device) with both fasteners being forced to co-occupy a space within the device designed to accommodate a single fastener. This cycle may recur such that 3, 4, 5 or more fasteners co-occupy the space. It will be understood that existing devices have relative close tolerances, such that the device is easily blocked in the aforementioned circumstances.

[0055]

[0054] , The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventors’ discovery that a device may be configured such that the travel of the plunger is relatively restricted when a fastener is within the fastener guide (i.e. in the process of being inserted into the substrate) but relatively free when a fastener has been expelled (and is fully seated in the substrate).

[0055] , Relatively restricted travel prevents the plunger from being withdrawn fully upwards, with a part of the plunger (typically a part responsible for contacting and moving the fastener along the guide) being prevented from clearing a space allowing for fastener inlet. Thus, a new fastener is unable to enter the guide until the previous fastener has been expelled thereby preventing jamming due to the presence of multiple fasteners in the guide.

[0056]

[0056] , Relatively free travel of the plunger allows for the plunger to be fully withdrawn upwards such that no part of the plunger blocks passage of a new fastener into the guide. Given that relatively free travel is allowed by the device only when a previous fastener has been expelled, a new fastener is admitted only when the guide is empty.

[0057]

[0057] , In the present invention, selective control of the plunger travel is achieved by the use of an axial travel control portion on the plunger. The axial travel control portion is able to assume alternately a first state and a second state, and may be lockable in either state according to whether or not a fastener has been previously driven completely into the ground and the fastener guide is empty.

[0058]

[0058] , When the axial travel control portion is in the first state the plunger has relatively free travel, and in one embodiment the plunger is permitted to be fully withdrawn on the upstroke. . This ability to be fully withdrawn on the upstroke allows a fastener inlet of the guide to be cleared at the top on the upstroke, thereby allowing passage of a fastener into the guide.

[0059]

[0059] , When the axial control portion is in the second state, the plunger has relatively restricted travel, and in one embodiment the plunger is prevented from being fully withdrawn on the upstroke. This inability to be fully withdrawn ensures the fastener inlet of the guide remains blocked at the top of the upstroke thereby preventing passage of a fastener into the guide.

[0060] , Transition of the axial travel control portion between the first and second states may be effected by first and second stops. The first stop may be in an upper position of the device, and the second stop in a lower position. Thus, when the plunger is moved upwardly and downwardly by the user, the collar is moved between the two stops and in that process transitions between the first and second positions. The second stop in the lower position may effect the transition between states only when the plunger has been pushed downwardly to a sufficient extent by the user to expel a fastener (possibly requiring multiple downward strokes of the plunger), such that the axial travel control portion transitions from the second state (relatively restricted travel) to the first state (relatively free travel) only when a fastener has been fully expelled into the ground, and the guide therefore free of any fastener.

[0060]

[0061] , Having expelled a fastener, the user then performs an upstroke and because the axial travel control portion is in the first state (relatively free travel) a full upstroke of the plunger is permitted, thereby allowing the fastener inlet to be cleared and a new fastener admitted. Typically, the fastener originates from a spring loaded magazine, and is urged into the guide by the spring bias.

[0061]

[0062] , With the plunger in the fully withdrawn position (i. e. at the top of the upstroke), the first (upper) stop causes transition of the axial travel control portion from the intermediate state and unlatching from the first state to the second state (relatively restricted travel) only after a single fastener has been engaged by the plunger. In the second state, even at the top of the upstroke the fastener inlet is not cleared, thereby preventing the admission of a second fastener. The user urges the plunger downwardly (possibly multiple times) thereby forcing the fastener downwardly through the guide, out of the device and into the substrate. In the processes of effecting multiple strikes on the fastener, a new fastener cannot be admitted into the fastener guide and accordingly blocking of the guide with multiple fasteners is avoided.

[0063] , The process of the axial travel control portion transitioning between first and second states continues in an alternating manner as a fastener is expelled from the device and a new fastener admitted from the magazine.

[0062]

[0064] , In one embodiment, the device comprises a latch portion which acts on the axial travel control portion causing it to be maintained in the first state or the second state until transitioning is effected. Latching between the first and second states may be effected by contact of the axial travel control portion or the latch portion with one of the stops. For example, contact of the axial travel control portion or the latch portion with the upper stop may cause the axial travel control portion to transition from the first state to the second state. Contact of the axial travel control portion or the latch portion with the lower stop may cause the axial travel control portion to transition from the second state to the first state.

[0063]

[0065] , One or both of the axial travel control portion and the latch portion may be a collar or similar that encircles or partially encircles the plunger. In some embodiments, the collars(s) is / are coaxial with the plunger.

[0064]

[0066] , In yet other embodiments, the axial travel control portion and the latch portion are configured to provide a mechanism, whereby the axial travel control portion latches alternately between the first and second states, and then from the second state to the first state.

[0065]

[0067] , The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following non-limiting embodiment as depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0066]

[0068] , Referring firstly to FIG. 1 A, the device (10) comprises a shaft (15) which functions to support the plunger (20) and allowing it to slide bi-directionally therethrough. The shaft (15) supports first (25) and second (30) stops, which function to limit the axial travel of the plunger (20) and also support the plunger (20) and maintain it in coaxial arrangement with the shaft (15).

[0069] , The plunger (20) has a hammer portion (35). The hammer portion (35) may be considered part of the plunger (20). The hammer portion (35) is disposed outside the shaft (15) and travels along a guide (36). The lower edge of the hammer portion (35) contacts a fastener (not drawn) in the guide (36) to urge it downwardly toward the substrate (37) and insert thereinto.

[0067]

[0070] , The device (10) has a spring-loaded magazine (not drawn) supporting a collocation of heavy duty fasteners (38), being staples in this embodiment. A fastener (38a) is able to enter the guide via the inlet (39a, 39b), and by action of the hammer (35) be driven into the substrate (37) via the exit (40).

[0068]

[0071] . About the plunger (20) there are depicted an axial travel control collar (45a) and a latching collar (45b). The latching collar (45b) is latched between a first state (as shown in FIG. 1A) where the latching collar (45b) maintains the axial travel control collar (45a) in the position on the plunger (20) as drawn, and a second state (as shown in FIG. IB) where the latching collar (45b) maintains the axial travel control collar (45a) in the position on the plunger (20) as drawn.

[0069]

[0072] , The positional difference in axial control collar (45a) may be less that about 50 mm,

[0070] 40 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, or 10 mm.

[0071]

[0073] , Staying with FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB, when the axial travel control collar (45a) is in the first state (FIG. 1 A) and the user withdraws the plunger (20) fully upwardly (i.e. until the axial travel collar (45a) hits the first stop (25), the hammer (35) is able to clear the fastener entry space (39a, 39b) thereby allowing fastener (38a) to enter the guide (36). However, when in the second state (FIG. IB), the user is not able to fully withdraw the plunger (20) upwardly because of the higher position of the axial travel control collar (45a) prevents movement of the collar (45a) relative to the plunger at the top of the upstroke, and accordingly the hammer (35) is not able to fully clear the fastener entry space (39a, 39b) thereby preventing entry of fastener (38a) into the guide (36). Prevention of fastener entry prevents jamming of two fasteners in the guide (36).

[0072]

[0074] , The axial travel control collar (45a) transitions between the first and second states by contact of the collar (45a) itself with the first stop (25), then by contact of the latching collar (45b) with the second (30) stop. In the first state as shown in FIG. 1A, the guide (36) has no fastener disposed therein (because the user has just driven a fastener into the substrate (37)) and the guide is therefore clear to receive a new fastener. When the user withdraws the plunger (20) upwardly, the top of the axial travel control collar (45a) contacts and bears on the first stop (25). The bearing force causes transition of the axial travel control collar (45a) to the second state as shown in FIG. IB. The axial travel control collar (45a) is latched in the second state until a fastener is fully driven in the substrate (37) by the hammer (35) thereby allowing the bottom of the latching collar (45b) to contact and bear on the second stop (30) so as cause the axial travel control collar (45a) to transition back to the first state, thereby allowing admission of a new fastener on the next full upward withdrawal of the plunger (20).

[0073]

[0075] , Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which shows a preferred mechanism of the present device, depicted in the second state.

[0074]

[0076] , It will be seen that the axial travel control collar (45a) has a generally cylindrical construction and is co-axial with the plunger (20). A cut-out area defines a ramped surface (48) terminating in a tooth (50). Also provided is an “L”-shaped slot (52) generally lateral to the tooth (50), allowing for restricted vertical and axial rotational movement.

[0075]

[0077] , The latching collar (45b) is similarly generally cylindrical and comprises a ramped surface (55) terminating in a tooth (60). The latching collar (45b) further comprises a vertical slot (65) allowing vertical movement thereof relative to the plunger (20).

[0076]

[0078] , Disposed internal to both the axial travel control collar (45a) and latching collar (45b) is a pin support (70) having pins (75) and (80) extending therefrom and into the slots (52) and (65) respectively. The pin support (70) is fixed to the plunger (20) and is not movable relative thereto.

[0077]

[0079] , A coil spring (85) is included to bias the axial travel control collar (45a) toward the second state.

[0078]

[0080] , Reference is now made to FIG. 3 showing transition of the axial travel control collar (45a) from the first state (left column), via an intermediate unstable form (centre column) to the second state (right column).

[0079]

[0081] . In the first state, the teeth (50) and (60) are meshing.

[0080]

[0082] , The pin (75) is shown midway along the slot (52), and in that position allows for the plunger (20) to be moved further upwardly a short distance. That short distance provides the relatively free movement of the plunger as discussed herein. Furthermore, that short distance is sufficient so as to move the lower edge of the hammer (35) clear of the upper edge of the fastener inlet (39a). The upward movement is stopped when the pin (75) hits the top of the slot (52)) at the top of the upstroke, and at which time a new fastener (38a) may be admitted into the guide (36). That further upward movement also causes the axial travel control collar (45a) to transition from the first state to the second state, by the action of the latching collar (45b).

[0081]

[0083] , It will be understood that the extent of the axial travel of the plunger is controlled by the collar (45a) engaging with pin (75) and “L”-shaped slot (52). When the pin (75) is in the horizontal portion and away from the corner of the “L”-shaped slot (52), further upward travel of the plunger (20) is prevented at the top of the upstroke due to the upper stop (25). That relative restriction in the movement of the plunger prevents the hammer (35) from clearing the fastener inlet (36). When the pin (80) is midway along the vertical slot (65) the hammer (35) clears the fastener inlet (39a, 39b).

[0084] , In the first state, the pin (75) is shown at the comer of the “L”-shaped slot (52) of the axial travel control collar (45a). The latching collar (45b) is at its uppermost position at this point. The axial travel control collar (45a) hits the upper stop (25) at the top of the upstroke so as to cause the axial travel control collar (45a) to transition from the first to second state.

[0082]

[0085] , The plunger (20) is withdrawn upwardly by the user causing the upper surface of the axial travel control collar (45a) to contact the upper stop (25), causing transition to an intermediate state (centre column). The teeth (55) and (60) are opposed and no longer meshing. The pin (80) is at the top of the vertical slot (65), and can travel no further. The pin (75) is midway along the vertical portion of the “L”-shaped slot (52). As pin (75) is midway, pin (80) has not reached its maximum upward travel and is therefore unrestricted in its travel. At this juncture, the mechanism is unstable and has been artificially restrained in this arrangement only for the purpose of the figure.

[0083]

[0086] , Further upward withdrawal of the plunger (20) and further bearing of the upper end of the axial travel control collar (45a) on the upper stop (25), and subsequent downward movement of the plunger toward the lower stop (30) causes transition to of the axial travel control collar (45a) to the second state (see right column), and to be maintained in that state.

[0084]

[0087] , In the second state, the ramped surfaces (48) and (55) are in mutual contact. The pin (80) is at the top of the vertical slot (65), and can move no further. The pin (75) is in the horizontal portion of the “L”-shaped slot (52) thereby preventing vertical movement of the axial travel control collar (45a) relative to the plunger (20), such that when the plunger (20) is pushed fully downwardly in the second state, the hammer (35) is able to bear fully on a fastener in the guide (36) and expel it from the (guide) into the ground.

[0085]

[0088] , Moreover, the user pushing downwardly on the plunger (20) causes the lower end of the latching collar (45b) to contact and bear upon the second stop (30) resulting in transition of the axial travel control collar (45a) to the unstable intermediate form shown in the centre column, and then back to the first state of the left column. The upward movement of the latching collar (45b) arising from contact with the lower stop (20) transitions the assembly directly from second state to first state by rotating the axial travel control collar (45a) and positioning of pin(75) within the vertical section of slot (52). The latching collar (45b) assists in that process and latches the axial travel control collar (45a) in the first state.

[0086]

[0089] , Reference is now made to FIG. 4 showing a collocation of fasteners (38) as would be typically provided in the form of a magazine. Fastener (38a) is being blocked from moving into the guide below because the collar (not shown) is in the second state, and accordingly the hammer (35) cannot be withdrawn upwardly to a sufficient extent so as to clear the top of fastener (38a). Fastener (38a) is therefore prevented from entering the guide beneath, and is therefore prevented from jamming against the already present fastener (39).

[0087]

[0090] , FIG. 5 A shows a complete fastener inserting device (10), resting on the ground (37) as it would appear when a fastener is about to the inserted. The plunger (20) has fastener magazine (90) and a handle (92) at the top for engagement by the user.

[0088]

[0091] , FIG. 5B shows the device of FIG. 5A with the magazine removed, revealing the hammer (35) in the guide. This view shows the entry space for the fasteners in front of the hammer (35) and guide, allowing a fastener awaiting entry into the guide to contact the hammer (35) face. That contact prevents entry of the fastener into the guide. However, when the hammer (35) is withdrawn sufficiently upwardly by the user (as is possible when the collar is in the first state) the fastener no longer contacts the face of the hammer (35) and is therefore permitted to enter the guide.

[0089]

[0092] , Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0093] , The invention is described mainly by reference to a manually operable device, with the plunger being axially movable by a human operator. Given the benefit of the present specification, the skilled person is enabled to produce a powered version whereby the plunger is movable by electrical power, hydraulic power, pneumatic power, mechanical power, or any other powered means by which the plunger may be moved axially.

[0090]

[0094] , Moreover, the invention is described mainly by reference to an embodiment having a cross-sectionally circular plunger with the latching components being curved to conform to the curved surface of the plunger and which rotate on their respective axes during use.

[0091] That arrangement may be modified to a planar arrangement whereby the plunger has a planar surface upon which planar latching components (such as plates) slide laterally thereacross.

[0095] , The spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for inserting a heavy duty fastener into a terrestrial substrate, the apparatus comprising: an elongate support having a substrate contacting portion, and an upper stop distal to the substrate contacting portion stop and a lower stop proximal to the substrate contacting portion , a plunger being manually movable relative to the support, and having a fastener moving portion configured to move a fastener along a guide of the device and toward a guide exit, an axial travel control portion located about the plunger, the axial travel control portion configured to adopt alternatively a first state and a second state, wherein when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the plunger is prevented from being sufficiently withdrawn so as to allow the fastener moving portion to clear a fastener entry space about the guide such that the fastener moving portion blocks passage of a fastener into the guide, and wherein when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the plunger is permitted to be sufficiently withdrawn so as to allow the fastener moving portion to clear the fastener entry space thereby allowing passage of a fastener into the guide, and wherein contact of the axial travel control portion or an associated structure with the lower stop causes the axial travel control portion to transition from the second state to the first state, and contact of the axial travel control portion or an associated structure with the upper stop causes the axial travel control portion to transition from the first state to the second state.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the axial travel control portion is configured to be latchable between the first and second states.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a latching portion configured to facilitate transition of the axial travel control portion between the first and second states and / or maintain the axial travel control portion in the first or second states.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion are movable across or above the surface of the plunger the plunger.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein all or some of the plunger has a curved or planar surface, and the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are shaped to fit on or lie above the surface.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are a collar or a collar portion, and the collar or collar portion has a central axis and the plunger has a central axis, and the collar or collar portion central axis is coaxial with the plunger central axis.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are axially rotatable about the plunger.

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are a plate portion, and the plate portion has a planar surface and the plunger has a planar surface coplanar or parallel with the plate portion planar surface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are movable over the plunger surface.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are movable relative to the plunger and is / are biased toward one end of the plunger.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the one end of the plunger is the end toward the fastener exit.

12. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion is / are rotatable about a plunger axis and is biased toward a rotational position.

13. The device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the bias is effected by a spring.

14. The device of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the bias is counteracted by a stop on or about the plunger, or on or about the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion.

15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein movement of the latching portion is restricted or controlled by (i) a substantially linear slot formed in or about the latching portion which accepts a pin extending from or about the plunger, or (ii) a slot formed in or about the plunger which accepts a pin extending from or about the latching portion.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein when the pin is away from a terminus of the slot the axial travel control portion is in the first state, and where the pin is at a terminus of the slot the axial travel control portion is in the second state.

17. The device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein movement of the axial travel control portion is restricted or controlled by (i) a substantially “L”-shaped slot formed in or about the axial travel control portion which accepts a pin extending from or about the plunger, or (ii) a slot formed in or about the plunger which accepts a pin extending from or about the axial travel control portion.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein where the pin is in the vertical portion of the “L”-shape the plunger is permitted to extend upwards fully so as to admit a fastener into the fastener guide.

19. The device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion each comprise a ramped face terminating in a tooth.

20. The device of clam 19, wherein one of the ramped faces is generally directed toward the guide exit, and the other of the ramped faces is generally directed away from guide exit, and when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the ramped faces do not make mutual contact, and when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the ramped faces make mutual contact.

21. The device of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the teeth are mutually opposed, and when the axial travel control portion is in the first state the teeth mesh, and when the axial travel control portion is in the second state the teeth do not mesh.

22. The device of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein when the axial travel control portion transitions from the first state to the second state, the teeth are caused or allowed to separate so as to cause or allow the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion rotate axially relative to each other until the teeth cease meshing after which time the ramped faces are caused or allowed to make mutual contact.

23. The device of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein when the axial travel control portion transitions from the second state to the first state, the ramped surfaces are caused or allowed to slide over each other so as to cause or allow the axial travel control portion and / or the latching portion to rotate axially relative to the each other until the ramped surfaces cease mutual contact at which time the teeth are caused or allowed to mesh.

24. The device of any one of claims 1 to 23 configured to be operable by manual means, powered means, or a combination of manual and powered means.

25. The device of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a magazine of fasteners, wherein the individual fasteners are maintained en bloc using at least one of wire, glue, gum and tape.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein each of the fasteners have a length of at least approximately 50 mm or at least approximately 100 mm or at least approximately 150 mm or at least approximately 200 mm.

27. The device of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein each of the fasteners is substantially stapleshaped or is substantially T-shaped.

28. The device of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein each of the fasteners is composed of a metal or of a high-density polymer.

29. A method of inserting a fastener into a terrestrial substrate, the method comprising use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A method according to claim 29 comprising the steps: inserting a magazine of fasteners into the device according to any one of claims 1 to 28; and actuating the plunger such that a fastener is inserted into a substrate.

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