DRIVING TOOL

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool for driving fasteners (10). The tool comprises a weight (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate, a central guide (31) surrounding the weight (14), a release cage (30), and a rod (2) for pushing the release cage (30) so that it moves along the weight (14) to actuate a firing release mechanism (3). The release cage (30) engages slidably with the central guide (31) as it moves along the weight (14). Figure for the abstract: FIG. 10.

Description

Title of the invention: DRIVING TOOL Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driving tools. More specifically, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a driving tool with a firing release mechanism for selectively allowing the tool to be fired. Technical background

[0002] Driving tools with a firing release mechanism for selectively allowing the tool to be fired are known. These tools normally include a feeler which, when actuated, applies a balanced force to the firing release mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0003] A fastener driving tool is provided, the tool comprising: a counterweight for driving fasteners into a substrate; a central guide surrounding the counterweight; a release cage for actuating a firing release mechanism to enable the tool to be fired; and a rod for urging the release cage to move along the counterweight to actuate the firing release mechanism; wherein the release cage slidably engages the central guide as it moves along the counterweight.

[0004] The rod may be parallel to the weight and / or offset relative to it.

[0005] More precisely, the rod may be parallel to the weight but offset from it.

[0006] The invention also relates to a fastener driving tool, the tool comprising: a counterweight for driving fasteners into a substrate; a central guide surrounding the counterweight; a release cage for actuating a firing release mechanism to enable the tool to be fired; and a rod parallel to but offset from the counterweight for urging the release cage to move along the counterweight to actuate the firing release mechanism; wherein the release cage slidably engages the central guide as it moves along the counterweight.

[0007] The rod can be disconnected from the release cage.

[0008] The assembly may include spring means surrounding the central guide for urging the release cage toward a pre-activated position to prevent the tool from firing.

[0009] The release cage may include a ring. The ring may be formed of a polymeric material, which may be lubricated. The ring may provide a contact surface for engaging with the central guide.

[0010] More specifically, the release cage may include a ring formed of a lubricated polymeric material that provides a contact surface for engaging the center guide.

[0011] The tool may include a driving depth adjustment assembly.

[0012] The assembly may include a probe. The probe may be threaded onto the rod. The probe may have a contact end, for example for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven.

[0013] The assembly may include a wheel. The wheel may be slidably coupled to the rod. The wheel may be axially captured relative to the tool, for example such that rotation of the wheel causes rotation of the rod and / or allows the rod to slide relative to the tool and / or relative to the wheel.

[0014] Rotation of the thumbwheel may move the probe relative to the driving tool. Movement of the probe may adjust the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0015] More specifically, the tool may include a driving depth adjustment assembly, the assembly including: a probe threaded onto the shank and having a contact end for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a thumbwheel slidably coupled to the shank and axially captured relative to the tool such that rotation of the thumbwheel causes rotation of the shank while allowing the shank to slide relative to the tool and relative to the thumbwheel; wherein rotation of the thumbwheel moves the probe relative to the tool, thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool drives the fastener into the substrate.

[0016] The rod may include a non-circular cross-section, for example over at least a portion of its length. The knurl may include a hole. The hole may cooperate with the non-circular cross-section of the rod, for example to rotatably couple the knurl to the rod while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0017] In some examples, the rod includes a non-circular cross-section along at least a portion of its length and the knurl includes a hole that cooperates with the non-circular cross-section of the rod to rotatably couple the knurl to the rod while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0018] The tool may comprise locking means. The locking means may be between the wheel and the tool. The locking means may be for blocking, for example removably, rotation between them.

[0019] More specifically, the tool may comprise locking means between the wheel and the tool to removably block rotation therebetween.

[0020] The locking means may comprise a notch. The notch may receive a rib. The wheel may be pushed towards a locked position. In the locked position, the rib may be pushed into the notch, for example when they are aligned with each other.

[0021] In some examples, the locking means comprises a notch that receives a rib and the wheel is urged toward a locked position in which the rib is urged into the notch when they are aligned with each other.

[0022] The notch may be in the wheel. The rib may be on the tool.

[0023] In some examples, the notch is in the wheel and the rib is on the tool.

[0024] The tool may include a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel may be received. The tool may include spring means, for example between a first of the flanges and the wheel. The spring means may urge the wheel, for example toward a second of the flanges. The second flange may include the rib.

[0025] More specifically, the tool may include a pair of spaced flanges, between which the wheel is received, and spring means between a first of the flanges and the wheel, which urges the wheel toward a second of the flanges which includes the rib.

[0026] The tool may include a nailer or a stapler.

[0027] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0028] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0029] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", and any other similar terms used herein are to be interpreted as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not expressly claimed. Applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend upon and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim. dication although it was not originally claimed in this way. Brief description of the figures

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] illustrates a driving tool according to an example;

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an enlarged partial view showing the worm mechanism rust between the wheel and the support of the tool depth adjustment assembly of [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates the driving depth adjustment assembly of the tool of [Fig.l] shown in a minimum depth configuration;

[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a horizontal sectional view through the rod and feeler of the assembly of [Fig.3];

[0035] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a vertical sectional view through the rod of the assembly of [Fig.3];

[0036] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a horizontal sectional view of the sinking assembly of the tool of [Fig.l], taken through the center of the weight, the firing release mechanism being shown in a pre-actuated position (rest state);

[0037] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6], the mechanism of li firing position being shown in an actuating position in which the tool can be fired;

[0038] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], with the mechanism of li firing position shown in the actuation position;

[0039] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to that of [Fig.8], shown in a confi maximum depth figure;

[0040] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a portion of the drive assembly of the tool of [Fig.l], with the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position;

[0041] [Fig.11] [Fig.11] is a view similar to that of [Fig.10], the firing release mechanism being shown in the actuated position; and

[0042] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the interaction between the spring and the release cage of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position.

[0043] the interaction between the spring and the release cage of the firing release mechanism in the pre-actuated position; and Detailed description of the invention

[0044] Referring now to the figures, a fastener driving tool 10 can be seen, which is a stapler in this example. The tool 10 comprises a holder 11 on which is mounted a driving depth adjustment assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises a rod 2 with an actuating end 20 for actuating a firing release mechanism 3 to enable the driving tool 10 to be fired. The assembly 1 also comprises a feeler 4 threaded onto the rod 2. The feeler 4 comprises a contact end 40 for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven.

[0045] The assembly 1 also includes a wheel 5 slidably coupled to the rod 2. More specifically, the rod 2 includes a non-circular cross-section 21 over a portion of its length. The wheel 5 includes a hole 50 that cooperates with the non-circular cross-section 21 of the rod 2 to rotatably couple the wheel 5 to the rod 2, while allowing it to slide therealong.

[0046] The support 11 comprises a first flange 12a and a second flange 12b which are spaced apart and between which the knurl 5 is received. The rod 2 extends through a respective hole in each flange 12a, 12b, so that it is slidably and rotatably mounted on the support 11. The knurl 5 is therefore axially captured relative to the support 11 so that rotation of the knurl 5 causes rotation of the rod 2, while allowing the rod 2 to slide relative to the support 11 and relative to the knurl 5.

[0047] The assembly 1 also comprises a spring 13 and a locking means 6. The spring 13 surrounds the rod 2 and is located between the first flange 12a and the wheel 5. The locking means 6 is located between the wheel 5 and the second flange 12b, to removably block rotation therebetween. The locking means 6 comprises a notch 60 in the wheel 5 which receives a rib 61 on the second flange 12b. The spring 13 pushes the wheel 5 towards the second flange 12b, and towards a locked position in which the rib 61 is pushed into the notch 60, when they are aligned with each other.

[0048] In use, the depth to which a weight 14 of the tool 10 drives a fastener into a substrate can be adjusted by pushing the thumbwheel 5 against the force of the spring 13, and rotating it to move the feeler 4 relative to the tool 10. As shown by comparing Figures 8 and 9, this adjustment moves the feeler 4 relative to the end of travel of the weight 14, which is itself fixed. As a result, the fastener is released by the weight 14 further from the substrate ([Fig. 8]) or closer to the substrate ([Fig. 9]).

[0049] The firing release mechanism 3 comprises a release cage 30 against which the rod 2 is pushed to actuate the firing release mechanism 3. The rod 2 is disconnected from the release cage 30 and is offset relative to a weight 14 of the tool 10. The firing release mechanism 3 also comprises a central guide 31 which surrounds the weight 14 of the tool 10, with which the release cage 30 is slidably engaged to guide the movement of the release cage 30 when actuated by the rod 2.

[0050] The firing release mechanism 3 also includes a spring 32 which surrounds the central guide 31, and which is captivated between the release cage 30 and a drive assembly 7 of the tool 10. The spring 32 pushes the release cage 30 towards a pre-activated position to deactivate the drive assembly 7, thereby preventing the tool 10 from firing.

[0051] The release cage 30 includes a ring 33, which is formed of a lubricated polymeric material. The ring 33 provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide 31. This allows the release cage 30 to slide effectively when exposed to the asymmetric force resulting from the offset position of the rod 2.

[0052] Throughout the specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, or whole or partial components. Throughout the specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0053] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention should be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. List of reference signs

[0054] 1 set of driving depth adjustment

[0055] 10 tool for driving fasteners

[0056] 11 support

[0057] 12a first flange

[0058] 12b second flange

[0059] 13 spring means

[0060] 14 weights

[0061] 2 rod

[0062] 20 actuating end

[0063] 21 non-circular cross-section

[0064] 3 firing release mechanism

[0065] 30 release cage

[0066] 31 central guide

[0067] 32 spring means

[0068]

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] 33 ring 4 feeler 40 contact end 5 wheel 50 hole 6 locking means 60 notch 61 rib 7 drive assembly

Claims

Claims

1. A fastener driving tool (10), the tool comprising: a weight (14) for driving fasteners into a substrate; a center guide (31) surrounding the weight (14); a release cage (30) for actuating a firing release mechanism (3) to enable the tool (10) to be fired; and a rod (2) for urging the release cage (30) to move along the weight (14) to actuate the firing release mechanism (3); wherein the release cage (30) slidably engages with the center guide (31) as it moves along the weight (14).

2. A tool according to claim 1, wherein the rod (2) is parallel to the weight (14) but offset from it.

3. A tool according to claim 2, wherein the rod (2) is disconnected from the release cage (30).

4. A tool according to claim 3 comprising spring means (32) surrounding the central guide (31) for urging the release cage (30) towards a pre-activated position to prevent the tool (10) from firing.

5. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the release cage (30) comprises a ring (33) formed of a lubricated polymeric material which provides a contact surface for engaging with the central guide (31).

6. A tool according to any preceding claim comprising a driving depth adjustment assembly (1), the assembly comprising: a feeler (4) threaded onto the rod (2) and having a contact end (40) for contacting a substrate into which a fastener is to be driven; and a thumbwheel (5) slidably coupled to the rod (2) and axially captured relative to the tool (10) such that rotation of the thumbwheel (5) causes rotation of the rod (2) while allowing the rod (2) to slide relative to the tool (10) and relative to the thumbwheel (5); wherein rotation of the thumbwheel (5) moves the feeler (4) relative to the tool (10), thereby adjusting the depth to which the tool (10) drives the fastener into the substrate.

7. A tool according to claim 6, wherein the shank (2) comprises a non-circular cross-section (21) along at least part of its length and the wheel (5) comprises a hole (50) which cooperates with the non-circular cross-section (21) of the shank (2) to rotatably couple the wheel (5) to the shank (2) while allowing it to slide therealong.

8. A tool according to claim 6 or claim 7 comprising locking means (6) between the wheel (5) and the tool (10) for releasably locking rotation therebetween.

9. A tool according to claim 8, wherein the locking means (6) comprises a notch (60) which receives a rib (61) and the wheel (5) is pushed towards a locked position in which the rib (61) is pushed into the notch (60) when they are aligned with each other.

10. A tool according to claim 9, wherein the notch (60) is in the wheel (5) and the rib (61) is on the tool (10).

11. A tool according to claim 10 comprising a pair of spaced flanges (12a, 12b) between which the wheel (5) is received, and spring means (13) between a first of the flanges (12a) and the wheel (5) which urges the wheel (5) towards a second of the flanges (12b) which includes the rib (61).

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