Fastener driving tool with cylindrical driver

Abstract

The fastener driving tool has a movable elongated cylindrical portion of a driver that sequentially drives fasteners into a substrate. The elongated cylindrical portion of the driver is designed to drive fasteners into harder substrates, such as concrete. The elongated cylindrical portion of the driver design allows for greater control of the driving force for these harder substrates compared to traditional non-cylindrical driver designs. The fastener driving tool also has a magazine that has a cutout along the outer housing of the magazine between a user grip portion and an upper side of the magazine. The cutout allows for use of the tool in limited access locations, such as within a channel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 454,394, entitled "FASTENER DRIVING TOOL WITH CYLINDRICAL DRIVER," filed March 24, 2023. [Technical Field]

[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates generally to linear fastener driving tools, and more particularly to driver blades that sequentially drive fasteners into a workpiece. At least one embodiment is disclosed as a fastener driving tool having an elongated tubular driver portion with a first elongated protrusion (or "first wing") at a first arcuate portion of the driver and a second elongated protrusion (or "second wing") at a second, opposing arcuate portion of the driver, the first and second wings (elongated protrusions) having a plurality of spaced apart driver protrusions.

[0003] The plurality of spaced apart driver lugs each have a roller (or bearing) and a retaining ring. The rollers on each driver lug allow for a smoother return stroke when the lifter is actuated (the driver lug is "captured" and "lifted" by the lifter extension) and also help prevent possible interference conditions (such as jamming).

[0004] The tool includes a removably attachable fastener magazine having a gap portion. The magazine includes a user grip portion, a fulcrum, and a latch portion, and the magazine is rotatably attachable to the tool. The magazine gap is useful for working in raised, narrow spaces, such as the interior space of a channel.

[0005] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT none. [Background technology]

[0006] Fastener driving tools are commonly used to drive nails into substrates. Driving nails into concrete requires a stronger driving stroke and a more robust driver to withstand hundreds or thousands of driving strokes without breaking. Typical drivers used in Senco's FUSION® tools have a substantially planar (flat) shape.

[0007] A common challenge with automatic nailing tools is that the magazine can interfere in certain workspaces, such as inside a channel or other small raised area, forcing the user to either manipulate the tool within the channel or use another method to drive fasteners into the channel to secure the channel to the workpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a driver for a hoseless fastener driving tool having a solid elongated cylindrical portion, a first wing (elongated protrusion) on one side of the driver, and a second wing (elongated protrusion) on an opposite side of the driver, each of the wings including a plurality of spaced apart vertical protrusions with rollers used to lift the driver during a lifting stroke.

[0009] It is another advantage to provide a driver for a hoseless fastener driving tool having a solid elongated cylindrical portion, a first wing (elongated protrusion) on one side of the driver, and a second wing (elongated protrusion) on the opposite side of the driver, wherein the solid cylindrical portion is used to drive fasteners into very hard substrates.

[0010] It is yet another advantage to provide a magazine for a hoseless fastener driving tool, wherein the magazine housing has a cutout (or gap) portion between a user grip portion and an upper side of the magazine, thereby allowing the nose of the tool to access small work areas.

[0011] Additional advantages and other novel features will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the techniques disclosed herein.

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned and other advantages, according to one aspect, there is provided a fastener driving tool comprising: an outer housing; an actuating cylinder including a tubular sleeve and a movable piston within the tubular sleeve; a movable driver in mechanical communication with the movable piston, the movable driver having a direction of movement at least between a driven position and a ready position, the movable driver including an elongated tubular portion, the elongated tubular portion encompassing a majority of the overall length of the movable driver, the movable driver including a first wing having a plurality of spaced-apart projections and a second, opposing wing having a second plurality of spaced-apart projections; and a guide body including a driver passage and an outlet end into which a fastener is driven.

[0013] According to another aspect, a movable driver for use in a fastener driving tool includes an elongated tubular portion extending from a first end of the movable driver toward a second, opposite end of the movable driver, encompassing a majority of the length of the movable driver and including a first longitudinal side and a second, opposite longitudinal side; a first wing portion extending along at least a portion of the first longitudinal side and having a first outer longitudinal edge; and a second wing portion extending along at least a portion of the second longitudinal side and having a second outer longitudinal edge. a first plurality of spaced apart projections disposed along at least a portion of a first outer longitudinal edge of the first wing portion and projecting at an angle non-parallel to the elongated tubular portion; a second plurality of spaced apart projections disposed along at least a portion of a second outer longitudinal edge of the second wing portion and projecting at an angle non-parallel to the elongated tubular portion; and an interface portion proximal to a second, opposite end of the movable driver and in mechanical communication with the elongated tubular portion.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a magazine for use in a fastener driving tool, the magazine comprising: an elongated body including a second end for receiving a plurality of fasteners and a first opposite end for sequentially feeding the plurality of fasteners; a fastener guide between the first end and the second end, the fastener guide being sized and shaped to allow a length of fastener to pass through the fastener guide; and a two-piece fastener cover located along an elongated side of the elongated body, the two-piece fastener cover including an upper magazine cover portion and a lower magazine cover portion with a gap portion between the upper and lower magazine cover portions, the upper magazine cover portion being proximate the first end of the elongated body and the lower magazine cover portion being proximate the second end of the elongated body.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, a method of securing a U-shaped channel having a horizontal base and two separated vertical walls to a substrate using a fastener driving tool includes providing a fastener driving tool including an outer housing including a fastener exit end, an actuation cylinder including a tubular sleeve and a movable piston within the tubular sleeve, and a movable driver in mechanical communication with the movable piston at least during a driving stroke, the movable driver having a direction of movement between at least a completed driving position and a ready position; and a magazine for use with the tool, the magazine including an elongated body including a first end for sequentially delivering a plurality of fasteners and a second, opposite end for receiving the plurality of fasteners, and a fastener guide between the first end and the second end, the magazine having a length of A method is provided that includes providing a magazine comprising: a fastener guide sized and shaped to allow passage of a plurality of fasteners; and a two-piece fastener cover positioned along an elongated side of the elongated body, the fastener cover including an upper magazine cover portion and a lower magazine cover portion, the two-piece fastener cover having a gap between the upper and lower magazine cover portions, the upper magazine cover portion being proximal to a first end of the elongated body and the lower magazine cover portion being proximal to a second end of the elongated body; positioning the fastener exit end between two separated vertical walls; positioning the gap on one of the two separated vertical walls; pressing the fastener exit end against a horizontal base; and driving one of the plurality of fasteners through the channel and into a substrate.

[0016] Still other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and drawings, in which a preferred embodiment in one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present technology is described and shown. As will be understood, the technology disclosed herein is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the principles thereof. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the technology disclosed herein and, together with the description and claims, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

[0018] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top left perspective view of a fastener driving tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein;

[0019] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a bottom left perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1A with a magazine loaded with a plurality of shorter fasteners.

[0020] [Figure 2] FIG. 1B is a front view of the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a left side cutaway view of the tool of FIG. 2 along line 3-3, with the magazine loaded with a plurality of shorter fasteners.

[0022] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a right side cutaway view of the tool of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4, with the magazine loaded with a plurality of shorter fasteners.

[0023] [Figure 5] FIG. 1B is a left side view of the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0024] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front elevation cutaway view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation cutaway view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

[0026] [Figure 8] FIG. 1B is a right perspective view of a driver for the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0027] [Figure 9] 9 is a rear perspective view of the driver of FIG. 8, showing the bearing and retaining ring partially disassembled.

[0028] [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0029] [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a top view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0030] [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0031] [Figure 13] FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0032] [Figure 14] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0033] [Figure 15] FIG. 9 is a right front perspective view of the driver of FIG. 8.

[0034] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of the driver of FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16.

[0035] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of the driver of FIG. 14 taken along line 17-17.

[0036] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of the driver of FIG. 14 taken along line 18-18.

[0037] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cutaway view of the driver of FIG. 14 taken along line 19-19.

[0038] [Figure 20]9 is a rear elevational view of the driver of FIG. 8, including the piston.

[0039] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a left side view of the driver and piston of FIG. 20.

[0040] [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the driver and piston of FIG. 20.

[0041] [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a right front bottom perspective view of the driver and piston of FIG.

[0042] [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is a right rear bottom perspective view of the driver and piston of FIG. 20.

[0043] [Figure 25] 21 is a top left front perspective view of the driver and piston of FIG. 20, including the tool front plate and magazine back plate for the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0044] [Figure 26] FIG. 1B is a left rear perspective view of the front plate of the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0045] [Figure 27] 1B is a right front perspective view of the rear plate of the magazine of FIG. 1A. FIG.

[0046] [Figure 28] FIG. 1B is a bottom left front perspective view of the driver, piston, front plate, and back plate of the tool of FIG. 1A, showing the front plate and back plate exploded from the driver and piston.

[0047] [Figure 29] FIG. 1B is a bottom left front perspective view of the driver, piston, front plate, and back plate of the tool of FIG. 1A.

[0048] [Figure 30] 1B is a rear elevational view of the front plate of the tool and the rear plate of the magazine of FIG. 1A. FIG.

[0049] [Figure 31] 1B is a front elevational view of the front plate of the tool and the rear plate of the magazine of FIG. 1A. FIG.

[0050] [Figure 32] FIG. 1B is a bottom left perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1A with a magazine loaded with a plurality of longer fasteners.

[0051] [Figure 33] FIG. 1B is a right side cutaway view of the tool of FIG. 1A with the magazine loaded with multiple longer fasteners.

[0052] [Figure 34] 1B is a top left perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1A, with the tool partially positioned inside a channel at a job site. FIG.

[0053] [Figure 35] 1B is a left side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 1A with the tool partially positioned inside a channel at a job site. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0055] It is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connected," "coupled," or "mounted," and variations thereof, herein are used broadly and include direct and indirect connections, couplings, or attachments. Furthermore, the terms "connected" or "coupled," and variations thereof, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the terms "in communication with" or "in communication with" refer to two distinct physical or virtual elements passing signals or information between one another in some manner, whether the signal or information transmission is direct or whether there are additional physical or virtual elements between them that are also involved in the transmission of the signal or information. Additionally, the term "in communication with" can also refer to a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system in which one end of the "communication" (the "first end") can be the "cause" of a certain kinetic force (mechanical movement or hydraulic or pneumatic change of state) that occurs, and the other end of the "communication" (the "second end") can be "affected" by that movement / change of state, regardless of whether there are intermediate components between the "first end" and "second end."If a product has moving parts that depend on magnetic fields or somehow detects changes in magnetic fields, or if data is passed from one electronic device to another through the use of magnetic fields, then the situations can be referred to as being "in magnetic communication" with each other, where one end of the "communication" can induce a magnetic field and the other end can receive and be affected by (or otherwise affected by) that magnetic field.

[0056] The terms "first" or "second" preceding an element name, e.g., first inlet, second inlet, etc., are used for distinguishing purposes to distinguish among similar or related elements, results, or concepts and are not necessarily intended to denote order, nor are the terms "first" or "second" intended to exclude the inclusion of additional similar or related elements, results, or concepts, unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] 1A, a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Tool 10 includes an outer housing 16, a handle portion 18, a user-operated trigger 20, a battery pack connector portion 28, a fastener exit end 14, and a motor 26 mounted within a motor housing 24. Tool 10 also includes a removably attachable elongated magazine 12, a bracket 84 (also referred to herein as a "magazine tool latch portion"), and a lever 86 (also referred to herein as a "magazine latch"). Magazine 12 itself includes a lower magazine cover portion 88 (used as a user's grip portion), a magazine second (bottom) end 54, a magazine first (top) end 56 (see FIGS. 3-4), a fastener guide 21 therebetween, as well as a pusher 57 and a magazine housing cutout (or magazine cover "gap" portion) 22.

[0058] Magazine 12 is attachable to tool 10 proximate magazine first end 56 and secured using lever 86 and bracket 84. The magazine is loaded with fasteners by inserting the fasteners into magazine second end 54, and the fasteners sequentially exit magazine 12 and enter tool 10 during a driving stroke at magazine first end 56. A front plate 70 mounted proximate outlet end 14 of tool 10 and a back plate 72 mounted proximate magazine first end 56 form guide body 46 (see FIGS. 3-4) for directing the fasteners toward outlet end 14 during a driving stroke.

[0059] 1B, tool 10 and magazine cutout 22 are shown in a front perspective view. A portion of the magazine housing has been removed to form cutout 22, which extends between gripping portion 88 and upper magazine cover portion 106. Note that upper magazine cover portion 106 is not part of back plate 72 and does not form part of guide body 46; instead, upper magazine cover portion 106 partially forms the entire upper side of the magazine, which holds a plurality of fasteners and pusher 57.

[0060] To summarize the structure of magazine 12, it includes a two-piece fastener cover comprised of a lower magazine cover portion 88 and an upper magazine cover portion 106. The two magazine cover portion pieces 88 and 106 are located along the elongated side of the elongated body along the "front" side of the magazine (or, as viewed in FIG. 3, on the left side). These two cover pieces 88 and 106 are separated by a "gap" portion 22, which provides advantages discussed below. As can be seen in the drawing, the upper magazine cover portion is proximal to the first end 56 of the elongated body, and the lower magazine cover portion is proximal to the second end 54 of the elongated body.

[0061] 2, the motor housing 24 is shown mounted on the right side of the tool 10. The top plate 70 and outlet end 14 are also shown.

[0062] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a cutaway view of tool 10 taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2. In Figure 3, magazine 12 holds a plurality of short fasteners 30, however, magazine 12 is configured to also hold long fasteners 32 (see Figures 32-33). Tool 10 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 34 with a system controller that controls certain functions of the tool.

[0063] The illustrated embodiment of the tool 10 uses a gas spring to perform the driving stroke. Compressed gas is stored in a main pressurized storage chamber 36 having an outer wall 52. An actuation cylinder 108 has an outer wall 48 (also referred to herein as a "cylinder sleeve") and houses a movable piston 58 and a movable driver 50 therein. The compressed gas above the piston 58 is defined herein as a variable exhaust volume 40, which is not vented to the atmosphere but is reused over hundreds or thousands of driving strokes. The gas below the piston 58 is defined herein as a variable discharge volume 38, which is vented to the atmosphere after each driving stroke. The tool 10 also includes a bumper (or piston stop) 42, a lifter subassembly (S / A) 44, and a latch 45. The latch 45 is configured to prevent the driver 50 from moving "backward" during the return stroke.

[0064] The storage chamber 36 is in fluid communication with the actuation cylinder 108 and is charged with pressurized gas that, under proper operating conditions, moves the movable piston 58 through the driving stroke toward a completed driving position. In the illustrated embodiment (Senco FUSION® nailing tool) design, the pressurized gas is not vented to atmosphere after the driving stroke; instead, the pressurized gas is reused over multiple operating cycles. It will be appreciated that many of the design engineering principles described herein are applicable to standard "air tools" in which pressurized gas (e.g., compressed air) is not reused but instead vented to atmosphere after each driving stroke.

[0065] 4, there is shown a plurality of short fasteners 30 loaded into magazine 12. Short fasteners 30 do not extend beyond magazine housing cutout 22. However, long fasteners 32 do extend beyond magazine housing cutout 22, as shown in FIGS. 32-33.

[0066] 5, gripping portion 88 is shown extending approximately one-third of the length of magazine 12. This provides an extended, secure grip for when a user wants to remove or reinstall magazine 12 from tool 10. If magazine 12 is loaded with short fasteners 30 (as in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5), a user may also grip notch 22. However, if magazine 12 is loaded with long fasteners 32, a user likely would not attempt to grip notch 22 because the fasteners would extend partially through the notch (see FIGS. 32-33).

[0067] Referring now to Figure 6, tool 10 is shown in a cutaway view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. In this view, driver 50 of tool 10 is in the "ready position," i.e., ready to begin the driving stroke. Piston 58 is positioned distal from bumper 42, and fastener 31 is loaded into guide body 46.

[0068] When latch 45 is released, compressed gas rapidly pushes piston 58 and driver 50 "down" (in this illustration), driving fastener 31 through outlet end 14 and into the substrate. Piston 58 reaches a drive-completed position proximal to bumper 42. At this point, lifter S / A 44 begins its return stroke, retracting driver 50 and piston 58 toward the ready position. As described herein, it will be apparent that movable driver 50 has at least a direction of movement between the drive-completed position and the ready position.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 7, tool 10 is shown in a cutaway view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5. In this view, a plurality of spaced apart protrusion subassemblies ("S / A") 60 are shown on each side of driver 50 (note that these protrusions S / A 60 are also shown in Figure 6). These protrusions S / A 60 are "captured" by lifters S / A 44 and are used to "lift" driver 50 back toward the ready position after the driving stroke.

[0070] 8, driver 50 is shown excluding the remainder of tool 10, including an "interface portion" that includes a piston mounting portion 64 and a throughbore 66, both of which are used to secure driver 50 to piston 58 (see FIGS. 20-24). Driver 50 has an elongated tubular portion 68 that extends substantially the entire length of driver 50, with driver 50 having a first elongated arcuate portion 62 and a second elongated arcuate portion 63 on the opposite side of the driver (see FIG. 12).

[0071] The first elongated arcuate portion 62 has a first "wing" (or elongated protrusion) 96, and the second elongated arcuate portion 63 has a second "wing" (or elongated protrusion) 98 (see FIG. 12). Both the first wing 96 and the second wing 98 have a plurality of evenly spaced grooves (or notches) 100. The driver latch 45 slides sequentially into the grooves 100 during the return stroke (as the driver 50 is "lifted" to the right in this illustration) to prevent the driver 50 from accidentally moving in the driving direction more than a very short distance.

[0072] Both the first wing 96 and the second wing 98 also have a plurality of spaced apart driver projections S / A 60. Each projection S / A 60 includes a vertical driver projection (see FIG. 9), a roller (or bearing) 92, and a retaining ring 94. The first wing 96 further includes a holder 90 proximal to the mounting portion 64 within which a magnet 91 can be mounted (see FIGS. 23-24).

[0073] It should be noted that the driver 50 is preferably machined to the shape shown in Figure 8, and that the elongated tubular portion 68 is preferably solid. However, the method of manufacture of the driver, as well as the materials used for the driver, are left to the designer, and other manufacturing methods and materials are contemplated by the inventors.

[0074] 9, one of the rollers 92 and one of the retaining rings 94 is shown partially disassembled from the driver 50. The retaining rings 94 are used to secure the bearings 92 to the vertical driver lugs 93.

[0075] 10, the driver 50 is shown in a bottom view. Shown is the elongated tubular portion 68 having a first wing 96 and a second wing 98 on either side of the driver 50. Shown are a pair of driver lugs S / A 60, both of which include a roller 92 and a retaining ring 94.

[0076] 11, the driver 50 is shown in a top view, in which the mounting portion 64 encompasses most of the driver 50, with one driver projection S / A 60 shown on one side of the driver 50 and the holder 90 shown on the opposite side of the driver.

[0077] 12, a rear elevation view of the driver 50 is shown. Multiple latch grooves 100 are visible, and the entire lengths of the elongated tubular portion 68, first wing 96, and second wing 98 are shown in this view. As can be seen in these views (e.g., FIGS. 20-24), the wings 96 and 98 are generally planar in shape throughout their elongated lengths along the side arcs of the driver 50; however, the portions of the wings 96 and 98 between the vertical projection subassemblies 60 extend further out to the sides, and there are several notches (or grooves) 100 along the rear surface of both wings that somewhat interrupt the generally planar shape in that portion of the wings. (These notches / grooves 100 are designed to engage the driver latch 45 during the lift stroke or in the driver's "ready" position, as needed.)

[0078] 13, the right side (upside down) of the driver 50 is shown, with the latch grooves 100 facing "up" (in this view). Figure 13 also shows a number of rollers 92 individually mounted on several vertical driver projections 93, with each roller 92 individually secured by a retaining ring 94.

[0079] 14, there is shown a front elevation view of driver 50. This side of driver 50 is relatively smooth and does not have any latch grooves. Several cross-sections can be taken from this view.

[0080] 15, the front side of driver 50 is shown in perspective view. As mentioned above, the front side of driver 50 is relatively smooth, with multiple latch grooves 100 located on the rear side of the driver. Note that elongated tubular portion 68 must be designed to be very strong and withstand the rigors of thousands of driving cycles. Driver 50 includes elongated tubular portion 68 because tool 10 is preferably used to drive relatively large nails into concrete. Of course, the driver design can be used with any fastener-driving tool, but the rugged construction of driver 50 shown herein makes it particularly well-suited for driving fasteners into harder materials, such as concrete.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 16, driver 50 is shown in cutaway view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14. As can be seen, driver 50 is constructed of a solid material, preferably metal.

[0082] 17, driver 50 is shown in cutaway view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 14. As noted above, this cutaway view shows driver 50 constructed of a solid material, preferably a metal such as steel.

[0083] 18, driver 50 is shown in a cutaway view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 14. Note that in this view, driver 50 is shown constructed of a solid material, but vertical driver projection 93 is also shown constructed of a solid material, preferably the same material as the rest of the driver.

[0084] 19, driver 50 is shown in a cutaway view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 14. In this view, only elongated tubular portion 68 is shown, which is also constructed of a solid material, preferably steel. As mentioned above, the preferred construction technique is to machine the entire driver 50 from a single piece of a relatively strong, durable material, such as steel.

[0085] 20, piston 58 and driver 50 are shown in a rear view. Piston 58 is fixedly attached to driver 50 at mounting portion 64. FIG. 21 shows piston 58 and driver 50 in a left side view, and FIG. 22 shows piston 58 and driver 50 in a top view.

[0086] Referring now to Figure 23, the piston 58 and driver 50 are shown in a right front bottom perspective view, and in Figure 24, the piston 58 and driver 50 are shown in a right rear bottom perspective view. In Figures 23 and 24, a magnet 91 is shown mounted inside the holder 90.

[0087] 25, the piston 58, driver 50, front plate 70, and back plate 72 are shown in a top perspective view. FIG. 25 shows the front plate 70 and back plate 72 in an assembled state, with the driver 50 positioned in the curved portion of the driver passage 78 (see FIG. 26). During the driving stroke, the driver 50 and piston 58 slide toward the outlet end 14 as the variable displacement volume 40 urges the piston 58 toward the outlet end. On the return stroke, the driver 50 slides through the driver passage 78 as the lifter S / A 44 "lifts" the driver back toward the ready position.

[0088] 26, the front plate 70 is shown, illustrating the curved portion of the driver passage 78. The front plate 70 includes a rounded receiving portion 74 and an opening 82 for the front portion of the driver 50.

[0089] 27, backplate 72 is shown, showing fastener feed gap 102, the curved portion of driver passage 80, and fulcrum 76. A user places fulcrum 76 in rounded receptacle 74, "rocks" the magazine toward tool 10, and then secures the magazine to the tool by clipping lever 86 to bracket 84. During each driving stroke, magazine 12 sequentially feeds fasteners 30, 32 into guide body 46, with each fastener traveling through feed gap 102 and seated in driver passages 78, 80 until driver 50 drives a single fastener into the substrate.

[0090] 28, there is shown front plate 70 and back plate 72 partially exploded from driver 50 and piston 58. Driver 50 slides along driver passage 78 and driver passage 80, such that driver 50 typically does not contact opening 82 during normal operation. In other words, first curved portion 78 and second opposing curved portion 80 are sized and shaped to orient elongated tubular portion 68 of movable driver 50, at least during the driving stroke.

[0091] 29, there is shown a front perspective view of the front plate 70, back plate 72, driver 50, and piston 58. In FIG. 29, the driver 50 is shown not in contact with the opening 82, and the fulcrum 76 is mounted within the rounded receiver 74.

[0092] 30, front and back plates 70, 72 are shown in rear view without driver 50. Driver passages 78 and 80 direct driver 50 during the drive and return strokes.

[0093] 31, front and back plates 70, 72 are shown in front view without driver 50. Opening 82 is shown to be slightly larger than the combined diameter of curved driver passage 80 and curved driver passage 78. Due to its larger diameter, opening 82 typically does not contact driver 50 during normal operation.

[0094] 32, tool 10 is shown with a plurality of long fasteners 32 loaded into magazine 12. These long fasteners 32 protrude slightly from cutout 22 in magazine 12. As mentioned above, user grip 88 is preferably used (by a user) to grasp magazine 12 to move tool 10, to hold the tool steady while driving fasteners into a workpiece, or to attach / detach the magazine itself to / from the tool.

[0095] 33, tool 10 is shown in a left side cutaway view with a plurality of long fasteners 32 loaded into magazine 12. FIG. 33 shows how far long fasteners 32 protrude from notch 22.

[0096] 34, the tool 10 is shown at a job site driving a fastener into a U-shaped channel 104. The cutout 22 overhanging a first vertical portion 112 of the channel 104 (also referred to herein as the "first vertical wall") allows the outlet end 14 to extend deep enough into the channel 104 to reach the horizontal base 110. Of course, depending on the job site orientation, the tool 10 can also overhang a second, opposite vertical portion 114 of the channel 104 (also referred to herein as the "second vertical wall"). The first vertical wall 112 and the second vertical wall 114 may be collectively referred to as "two separate vertical walls."

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 35, the tool 10 is shown operating within the channel 104. In this view, the entire upper magazine cover portion 106, along with the outlet end 14 of the tool, fits into the channel 104. While FIGS. 34 and 35 show the magazine 12 loaded with short fasteners 30, long fasteners 32 can also be driven into the horizontal portion 110 using this same magazine. The notch 22 can accommodate both types (sizes) of fasteners. Due to the length of the notch 22, the user can also partially "swing" the tool 10 about a vertical axis along the outlet end 14. In other words, the tool 10 can swing toward (considering FIG. 34) or away from (considering FIG. 34) the first vertical portion 112. This allows the user more flexibility when working in tight spaces.

[0098] It should be noted that, for purposes of clarity, some of the embodiments shown herein do not have all of their components included in some of the drawings herein. To see examples of such outer housings and other components, particularly with respect to earlier designs, the reader is referred to other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco. Similarly, information regarding "how" the electronic controller operates to control tool functions can be found in other U.S. patents and applications owned by Kyocera Senco. Furthermore, other aspects of the tool technology of the present invention may be present in conventional fastener-driving tools sold by assignee Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., including information disclosed in earlier U.S. patents and published applications. Examples of such publications are U.S. Patent Nos. 6,431,425, 5,927,585, 5,918,788, 5,732,870, 4,986,164, 4,679,719, 8,011,547, 8,267,296, 8,267,297, 8,011,441, 8,387,718, 8,286,722, 8,230,941, and 8,387,718. Nos. 8,602,282, 9,676,088, 10,478,954, 9,993,913, 10,549,412, 10,898,994, 10,821,585, and 8,763,874, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2020 / 0156228, 2021 / 0016424, 2020 / 0070330, and 2020 / 0122308, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0099] As used herein, the term "proximal" may refer to the placement of one physical object in close proximity to a second physical object, such that the two objects are potentially adjacent to one another, but does not necessarily require the absence of a third object disposed between them. In the technology disclosed herein, a "male positioning structure" may be positioned "proximal" to a "female positioning structure." Generally, this may mean that the two (male and female) structures physically abut one another, or that they are "mated" to one another by virtue of a particular size and shape that essentially holds one structure oriented relative to the other and in an XY (e.g., horizontal and vertical) position, regardless of whether the two (male and female) structures actually contact one another along a continuous surface. Alternatively, two structures of any size and shape (whether male, female, or other) may be located somewhat near one another, regardless of whether they physically abut one another, and such a relationship can still be referred to as "proximal." Alternatively, two or more possible locations for a particular point can be specified relative to a precise attribute of a physical object, such as being "near" the end of a rod or being "at" the end of a rod, and all of those possible near / at locations can be considered "proximal" to that end of the rod. Furthermore, the term "proximal" can also have a meaning strictly related to a single object, where a single object may have two ends, the "distal end" being the end located somewhat farther away from a target reference point (or region), and the "proximal end" being the other end that would be located somewhat closer to that same target reference point (or region).

[0100] It will be understood that the various components described and / or shown herein can be manufactured in a variety of ways, including being fabricated in multiple parts or as a unitary piece for each of these components, without departing from the principles of the technology disclosed herein. For example, a component included as a recited element in the following claims may be fabricated as a unitary piece, or the component may be fabricated as a combined structure of several individual parts assembled together. However, that "multiple-piece component" would still be included within the scope of the claimed recited element for infringement purposes of claim interpretation, even if the claimed recited element appears to be described and shown herein only as a unitary structure.

[0101] All documents cited in the "Background" and "Detailed Description" sections are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art to the technology disclosed herein.

[0102] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology disclosed herein to the precise form disclosed, as the technology disclosed herein can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Any examples described or shown herein are intended as non-limiting examples, and many modifications or variations of those examples or preferred embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed herein. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to illustrate the principles of the technology disclosed herein and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the technology disclosed herein in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular uses contemplated. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the technology disclosed herein using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this technology is disclosed and which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastener driving tool (10), comprising: an outer housing (16); an actuating cylinder including a cylindrical sleeve (48) and a movable piston (58) within said cylindrical sleeve; a movable driver (50) in mechanical communication with the movable piston (58), having a direction of movement between at least a driven position and a ready position, the movable driver including an elongated tubular portion (68), the elongated tubular portion encompassing a majority of the length of the movable driver, the movable driver including a first wing (96) having a plurality of spaced apart projections (60) and a second, opposing wing (98) having a second plurality of spaced apart projections (60); a guide body (46) including a driver passageway and an exit end (14) into which the fastener is driven; A fastener driving tool comprising:

2. (a) the driver passage includes a first curved portion (78) and a second, opposing curved portion (80); and (b) the first and second curved portions are sized and shaped to orient the elongated tubular portion (68) of the movable driver (50) at least during a driving stroke. The tool of claim 1.

3. a lifter (44) configured to move the driver (50) toward the ready position; a storage chamber (36) in fluid communication with the actuation cylinder and filled with pressurized gas; a pressurized gas that moves the movable piston (58) through a driving stroke toward the driving end position, the pressurized gas not being vented to atmosphere after the driving stroke but instead being reused over multiple operating cycles; The tool of claim 1 further comprising:

4. A movable driver (50) for use in a fastener driving tool (10), comprising: an elongated tubular portion (68) extending from a first end of the movable driver (50) toward a second, opposite end of the movable driver, encompassing a majority of the length of the movable driver, the elongated tubular portion (68) including a first longitudinal side (62) and a second, opposite longitudinal side (63); a first wing (96) extending along at least a portion of said first longitudinal side and having a first outer longitudinal edge; a second wing portion (98) extending along at least a portion of said second longitudinal side and having a second outer longitudinal edge; a first plurality of spaced apart projections (60) disposed along at least a portion of the first outer longitudinal edge of the first wing portion and projecting at a non-parallel angle relative to the elongated tubular portion; a second plurality of spaced apart projections (60) disposed along at least a portion of the second outer longitudinal edge of the second wing portion and projecting at a non-parallel angle relative to the elongated tubular portion; an interface portion of the movable driver (50) proximal to the second opposite end and in mechanical communication with the elongated tubular portion (68); A movable driver comprising:

5. further comprising a plurality of rollers (92) each attached to at least one of the first and second plurality of spaced apart projections (60); The movable driver (50) of claim 4.

6. The movable driver of claim 4, wherein the interface portion comprises a substantially flat portion (64) having a through hole (66).

7. a first extension of said first wing portion (96) including a first plurality of spaced apart notches (100) in a direction substantially parallel to said elongated tubular portion; a second extension of said second wing portion (98) including a second plurality of spaced apart notches (100) in a direction substantially parallel to said elongated tubular portion; The movable driver (50) of claim 4, further comprising:

8. The driver (50) of claim 4, wherein the elongated tubular portion (68) comprises a solid rod.

9. A magazine (12) for use in a fastener driving tool (10), comprising: an elongate body including a second end (54) for receiving a plurality of fasteners (30, 32) and a first opposite end (56) for sequentially delivering said plurality of fasteners; a fastener guide (21) between the first end (56) and the second end (54), the fastener guide being sized and shaped to allow a length of fastener to pass through the fastener guide; a two-piece fastener cover located along an elongated side of the elongated body, the two-piece fastener cover including an upper magazine cover portion (106) and a lower magazine cover portion (88) with a gap portion (22) between the upper and lower magazine cover portions, the upper magazine cover portion being proximal to the first end (56) of the elongated body and the lower magazine cover portion being proximal to the second end (54) of the elongated body; A magazine equipped with:

10. 10. The magazine (12) of claim 9, wherein the lower magazine cover portion (88) functions as a user grip for holding the magazine securely while the magazine is attached to the fastener driving tool (10).

11. 10. The magazine (12) of claim 9, wherein the gap (22) extends between the upper magazine cover portion (106) and the lower magazine cover portion (88), allowing the magazine to be placed in a limited spatial area of ​​a job site having physical protruding objects.

12. a pusher (57) for sequentially advancing the plurality of fasteners (30, 32) within the fastener guide (21); A magazine (12) according to claim 9.

13. The fastener guide (21) (a) to allow passage of a first type of fastener (30) having a shorter length; and 10. The magazine (12) of claim 9, wherein (b) the magazine (12) is sized and shaped to allow passage of a second type of fastener (32) having a longer length.

14. 1. A method for fastening a U-shaped channel (104) having a horizontal base (110) and two separated vertical walls (112, 114) to a substrate using a fastener driving tool (10), the method comprising: Providing a fastener driving tool (10), the fastener driving tool comprising: an outer housing (16) including a fastener exit end (14); an actuating cylinder including a cylindrical sleeve (48) and a movable piston (58) within said cylindrical sleeve; a movable driver (50) in mechanical communication with the movable piston at least during the driving stroke, the movable driver having a direction of movement at least between a driving completed position and a ready position; A magazine (12) for use with said tool, comprising: an elongate body including a first end (56) for sequentially delivering a plurality of fasteners and a second opposite end (54) for receiving said plurality of fasteners; a fastener guide (21) between the first end and the second end, the fastener guide being sized and shaped to allow a length of the plurality of fasteners (30, 32) to pass therethrough; a two-piece fastener cover located along an elongated side of the elongated body, the two-piece fastener cover including an upper magazine cover portion (106) and a lower magazine cover portion (88), with a gap portion (22) between the upper and lower magazine cover portions, the upper magazine cover portion being proximal to the first end (56) of the elongated body and the lower magazine cover portion being proximal to the second end (54) of the elongated body; disposing the fastener exit end (14) between the two separated vertical walls (112, 114); disposing said gap (22) on one of said two separated vertical walls; Pressing the fastener exit end against the horizontal base (110); driving one of the plurality of fasteners (30, 32) through the channel (104) into the substrate; A method comprising:

15. a lifter (44) configured to move the driver (50) toward the ready position; a storage chamber (36) in fluid communication with the actuation cylinder and filled with pressurized gas; a pressurized gas that moves the movable piston (58) through a driving stroke toward the driving end position, the pressurized gas not being vented to atmosphere after the driving stroke but instead being reused over multiple operating cycles; The method of claim 14 further comprising:

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the lower magazine cover portion (88) acts as a user grip for securely holding the magazine (12).

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