Fastener driving tool with rafter hanger

Abstract

A fastener driving tool has a hanger attachment that is rotatable around the tool's handle. The hanger is configured to fit over 2x4 rafters or joists on either side of the tool. This flexibility of the rotatable hanger allows the tool to be securely suspended at a job site. The hanger has multiple designed stop positions (detents) around the handle. As the user rotates the hanger around the handle, they feel the hanger become more secure at one of these designed stop positions (detents).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 077,359, entitled "FASTENER DRIVER TOOL WITH RAFTER HANGER," filed September 11, 2020, and Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 084,782, entitled "FASTENER DRIVER TOOL WITH RAFTER HANGER," filed September 29, 2020. [Technical Field]

[0002] The technology disclosed herein generally relates to linear fastener driving tools, and more particularly to portable tools for driving staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners that have hangers for hanging the tool from a rafter or other object. The technology is specifically disclosed as a fastener driving tool with a rotatable hanger so that a tool operator can hang the tool from a 2x4 rafter or similarly sized workpiece at a job site. The rotatable hanger pivots around the handle of the fastener driving tool, allowing a user to hang the tool from a 2x4 rafter or joist on both sides of the tool.

[0003] In a first embodiment, an air-powered fastener driving tool having a magazine mounted near the centerline of the tool includes a rotatable hanger. The rotatable hanger is attached to an end cap near the handle of the tool and can pivot about the handle. The rotatable hanger is large enough to fit onto a 2x4 structural member (e.g., a rafter or joist). A user can rotate the hanger to either side of the tool and then hang the tool on the 2x4.

[0004] In a second embodiment, a gas spring fastener driving tool with a magazine attached to one side of the tool includes a rotatable hanger. The rotatable hanger is attached to a groove in the tool handle and can pivot around the handle. The rotatable hanger is large enough to fit onto a 2x4 structural member. A user can rotate the hanger to either side of the tool and then hang the tool from the 2x4.

[0005] In a third embodiment, a fastener driving tool includes a rotatable hanger. The rotatable hanger is attached to an end cap near the handle of the tool and is capable of pivoting about the handle. The rotatable hanger exhibits a first annular bearing surface having a plurality of detents. The rotatable hanger also has a second annular bearing surface having a plurality of outward protrusions that mate with the first annular bearing surface. A user can rotate the rotatable hanger about the handle, and when one of the outward protrusions slides into one of the detents, the rotatable hanger is "held" in place. This "holding" prevents the rotatable hanger from moving unless the user applies a large enough force to overcome the friction that creates the detents.

[0006] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT none. [Background technology]

[0007] Portable tools, and more specifically, powered fastener driving tools, typically include or can be attached to a hook (or hanger) that allows a user to hold the tool on their belt or, in some cases, hang it from a workpiece at a job site. Typical hangers found in the prior art may include a belt clip, a belt hook, or a workpiece hanger. Some of these hangers rotate about their attachment point.

[0008] However, when hangers are only available on one side of the tool, an undesirable situation arises. For example, a user may have a workpiece secured and only have a place to hang their tool on the left side, but the tool only has a right-side hanger. The user may then be forced to do some unconventional twisting to hang the tool, or may not be able to hang the tool at all. In either case, there is a risk that the user will drop the tool. Depending on the workplace conditions, this could result in anything from tool damage to a harmful accident.

[0009] There are several conventional fastener driving tools available in the prior art that include rotatable hangers. For example, the DeWalt DCN962 Friction Flywheel Framer tool has a magazine that is not symmetrical (i.e., not on the centerline of the tool) and has clearance for 2x4 workpieces, but only has a hanger on one side of the tool. The other side of the tool does not have such clearance.

[0010] Another exemplary tool is the Rigid R350CHE air tool framer, which exhibits an asymmetrical (non-centerline) magazine and its hanger does not have clearance for a 2x4 workpiece on either side of the tool. The hanger on this Rigid tool is located between the tool cap and handle.

[0011] Yet another exemplary tool is the Senco FinishPro 16XP (sold by Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc.), which has a hanger with no clearance for a 2x4 workpiece on either side (it is more of a belt hook than a hanger). The Senco FinishPro's hanger is located between the tool's cap and handle. Yet another example is the Senco JoistPro 250XP (sold by Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc.), whose hanger is located in the tool's air fitting. The Senco JoistPro hanger has clearance for a 2x4 workpiece, but only on one side of the tool.

[0012] Yet another example of a conventional tool known in the art is the Max SN883CH / 34 air tool framer. This Max tool does not have a hanger, but does exhibit an asymmetric magazine (i.e., the magazine is not on the centerline of the tool). Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, an advantage of the present technology is to provide a fastener driving tool that includes a rotatable hanger so that the tool can be securely hung from 2x4 structural members on both sides of the tool.

[0014] Another advantage of the present technology is that it provides an air fastener driving tool that includes a rotatable hanger that rotates about the centerline of the tool so that the hangers can be positioned on either side of the tool to provide a substantially symmetrical gap, thereby allowing the tool to be securely suspended from 2x4 structural members on either side of the tool.

[0015] Another advantage of the present technology is that it provides a gas spring fastener driving tool that includes a rotatable hanger that rotates about the centerline of the tool so that the hanger can be positioned on either side of the tool to provide a substantial gap, thereby allowing the tool to be securely suspended from 2x4 structural members on either side of the tool.

[0016] Yet another advantage is to provide a fastener driving tool that includes a rotatable hanger having a first bearing surface that exhibits a plurality of detent positions and a second bearing surface that has a plurality of outward protrusions that contact the first bearing surface, where the hanger can be rotated and "held" in place when one of the plurality of outward protrusions slides into one of the plurality of detent positions.

[0017] 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.

[0018] To achieve these and other advantages, according to one aspect, there is provided a fastener driving tool including an outer housing portion, a handle portion, a magazine for storing fasteners, a fastener outlet portion, and a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, the hanger exhibiting a minimum rotational movement from at least a first position on a first side of the tool to at least a second position on an opposite second side of the tool, the hanger being sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion on the first side of the tool and between the hanger and the handle portion on the first side of the tool when rotated to the first position, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and at least 3.5 inches in a second vertical direction, and the hanger being sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion on the second side of the tool and between the hanger and the handle portion on the second side of the tool when rotated to the second position, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in the first direction and at least 3.5 inches in the second vertical direction.

[0019] According to another aspect, a fastener driving tool is provided that includes an outer housing portion, a handle portion, a magazine that stores fasteners, a fastener exit portion, and a movable hanger that is rotatable about the handle portion, the hanger exhibiting minimal rotational movement from at least a first position on a first side of the tool to at least a second position on an opposing second side of the tool, the hanger configured to fit around a solid surface at least 1.5 inches wide when rotated to the first position and positioned between the outer portion of the hanger and the outer housing portion and between the outer portion of the hanger and the handle portion, and the hanger configured to fit around a solid surface at least 1.5 inches wide when rotated to the second position and positioned between the outer portion of the hanger and the outer housing portion and between the outer portion of the hanger and the handle portion.

[0020] According to yet another aspect, a method for suspending a fastener driving tool on a solid rectangular surface is provided, the method including: (a) providing a fastener driving tool, the fastener driving tool including: (i) an outer housing portion; (ii) a handle portion; (iii) a magazine for storing fasteners; (iv) a fastener exit portion; and (v) a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, the movable hanger including an extension portion configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch surface of a solid rectangular object exhibiting two dimensions of approximately 1.5 inches wide by approximately 3.5 inches high; (b) rotating the hanger about the handle portion to a first rotated position on a first side of the tool and using the extension portion of the hanger to suspend the tool from the solid rectangular object; and (c) thereafter, rotating the hanger about the handle portion to a second rotated position on an opposite second side of the tool and using the extension portion of the hanger to suspend the tool from the solid rectangular object.

[0021] According to yet another aspect, a handle having a rotatable hanger for use in a fastener driving tool includes: (a) a rotatable hanger, the first portion including: (i) a first portion, the first portion including: (A) a rotatable ring portion, the ring portion including an inwardly facing first bearing surface, the first bearing surface exhibiting a plurality of concave depressions located at predetermined spaced locations around the first bearing surface; and (B) an extension portion extending from the ring portion along a first direction and then bending to further extend along a second, substantially perpendicular direction; and (ii) a second portion, the second portion including: (A) an annular bearing, the annular bearing including an outwardly facing second bearing surface and an inwardly facing third surface, the second bearing surface exhibiting a plurality of outwardly facing projections, the annular bearing facing the first bearing surface. (B) a second portion including a plurality of outward protrusions located at predetermined spaced locations around the second bearing surface, and (C) a third surface having at least one inward protrusion located thereon; and (b) a handle portion including a fourth surface having at least one notch and facing the third surface, wherein (c) when (i) the second bearing surface interfaces with the first bearing surface, and (ii) the plurality of outward protrusions contact the first bearing surface at a position other than one of the plurality of concave depressions, the first portion is capable of rotating about the handle portion at the first and second bearing surfaces, and (iii) when the plurality of outward protrusions contact the first bearing surface at the plurality of concave depressions, rotation between the third surface and the fourth surface is prevented.

[0022] According to a further aspect, a fastener driving tool is provided, the fastener driving tool including an outer housing portion, a handle portion, a fastener outlet portion, and a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, the first ring portion presenting a plurality of spaced apart concave depressions along an inwardly facing first bearing surface, and the second ring portion presenting a plurality of spaced apart outwardly facing flexible protrusions along an outwardly facing second bearing surface, the first ring presenting a first extension portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and and a movable hanger presenting a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first extension portion, wherein the first bearing surface mates with the second bearing surface, the first ring is rotatable around the second bearing surface, and when the first bearing surface rotates relative to the second bearing surface to a detent position, the plurality of outward protrusions mate with the plurality of concave recesses, and when the first bearing surface rotates to the detent position, the outward protrusions hold the first ring portion in position relative to the second ring portion.

[0023] 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]

[0024] 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.

[0025] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of a fastener driving tool made in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein and having a rotatable rafter hanger located on the left side of the tool;

[0026] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front right perspective view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right.

[0027] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left.

[0028] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right.

[0029] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0031] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0032] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0033] [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a rotatable rafter hanger subassembly of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1.

[0034] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view of a rotatable rafter hanger of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1, illustrating the rotatable arc of movement of the hanger about the handle.

[0035] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of a first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool with a rotatable rafter hanger on the left side made in accordance with the principles of the technology disclosed herein;

[0036] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right.

[0037] [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a left side view of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left.

[0038] [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a right side view of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right.

[0039] [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a front view of the first alternate embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0040] [Figure 16] FIG. 12 is a front view of the first alternate embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0041] [Figure 17] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the first alternate embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the left and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0042] [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the first alternate embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11 with the rotatable rafter hanger pivoted to the right and a 2×4 rafter seated on the hanger.

[0043] [Figure 19] FIG. 12 is a partial exploded view of a rotatable rafter hanger subassembly of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11.

[0044] [Figure 20] FIG. 12 is a top view of the rotatable rafter hanger of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11, illustrating the rotatable arc of movement of the hanger about the handle.

[0045] [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of a second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool with a rotatable hook or hanger subassembly that includes multiple detent positions for positioning the hanger relative to the tool.

[0046] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the rotatable hanger subassembly of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21.

[0047] [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a cutaway view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21.

[0048] [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21, showing the annular main bearing joined with the handle portion of the rotatable hanger.

[0049] [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21, showing the slidable plate of the rotatable hanger.

[0050] [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21, showing the slidable handle portion of the rotatable hanger (attached to the handle of the tool).

[0051] [Figure 27] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21, showing the main bearing of the rotatable hanger.

[0052] [Figure 28] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the second alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 21, showing the handle portion of the rotatable hanger and the main bearing in the "soft lock" position.

[0053] [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the rotatable rafter hanger of the fastener driving tool of FIG. 1 , illustrating the rotatable arc of travel of the hanger about the handle.

[0054] [Figure 30] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the rotatable rafter hanger of the first alternative embodiment fastener driving tool of FIG. 11, illustrating the rotatable arc of travel of the hanger about the handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] 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.

[0056] It is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and 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 encompass both 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 that communicate signals or information to one another in some manner, whether the communication is direct or whether there are additional physical or virtual elements between them that are also involved in the communication of signals 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 particular driving force (mechanical movement, 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 these 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The tool 10 is designed primarily for linearly driving fasteners such as nails and staples. The tool 10 includes an outer housing 20, a handle portion 22, a magazine portion 26 for holding fasteners, an outlet portion 28, and a trigger 24. The tool 10 also includes a hanger 30 mounted between an upper end cap portion 40 and a lower end cap portion 42. The hanger 30 has a rotatable ring portion 32, a first extending (generally horizontal in this view) hanger portion 34, and a second extending (generally vertical in this view) hanger portion 36. The movable hanger 30 is preferably manufactured as a single piece of material.

[0059] The tool of this first embodiment is preferably an air tool, meaning that it does not contain any electronic components. The tool operates using pressurized air, typically from an air hose attached to bottom end cap portion 42 (note that the hose attachment is not shown in Figures 1-9). The tool of this first embodiment preferably has a magazine 26 located along the centerline of tool 10, as shown.

[0060] Referring now to Figure 2, the tool 10 is shown in the opposite view to that shown in Figure 1. Note that the hanger 30 has been rotated to this opposite side.

[0061] Rotation of the hanger 30 about the handle 22 of the tool 10 allows the user to securely hang the tool on either its right or left side. In an exemplary scenario, a user is operating the tool 10 at a job site. The hanger 30 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 1 (to the "left"). However, the user only has a place to hang the tool on their right side. If the user simply rotates the hanger 30 from the "left" position to the "right" position (shown in FIG. 2), the tool can be securely hung on its right side.

[0062] The hanger 30 can be securely hung from a 2x4 rafter (see Figures 5-8). The open space between the tool and the (vertical) hanger portion 36 of the hanger 30 is large enough to accommodate a standard 2x4 piece of lumber on either side of the tool (note that a standard 2x4 piece of lumber is actually 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches wide).

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3 , the tool 10 is shown with the hanger 30 on its “left” side. The hanger 30 rotates on a rotatable ring portion 32. The rotatable ring portion 32 is constrained between the top and bottom end caps 40, 42, thereby allowing rotation only along a plane and about the handle 22 of the tool 10. The “tight” constraint of the hanger 30 between the top and bottom end caps 40, 42 means that when a user hangs a tool, the air tool hanger 30 will not wobble or swing enough to cause the tool to fall off the 2×4. Even though the hanger 30 is rotatable, it is sufficiently constrained to securely hang the tool on the 2×4.

[0064] 4, tool 10 is shown with hanger 30 on its "right" side. Hanger 30 has been rotated (in a plane as described above) about handle 22 via rotatable ring portion 32.

[0065] It is worth noting that the optimum position for the hanger 30 is on either side of the tool 10, as shown in the drawings. However, because the hanger 30 is rotatable from one side of the magazine 26 to the other, there are many positions to which the hanger can be moved. However, the optimum position is a specially designed rotatable position that allows the tool 10 to be securely suspended from a 2x4 rafter. The hanger 30 may be obstructed by parts of the tool itself, such as the housing 20, in other rotatable positions.

[0066] Referring now to Figure 5, a bottom view of tool 10 is shown with a 2x4 workpiece 50 nested within hanger 30. 2x4 piece 50 is preferably a 2x4 wooden rafter, but can be any material having the dimensional characteristics of a 2x4. Figure 6 shows 2x4 workpiece 50 nested within hanger 30 on the opposite side of tool 10.

[0067] It can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 that the hanger 30 forms an open space between its extensions 34, 36 and the tool's main housing 20, and between its extensions 34, 36 and the tool's handle 22 (including the handle's top and bottom end caps 40, 42). This open space is large enough to fit a standard 2-by-4 piece of lumber therein, thereby allowing the tool to be "hanging" (inverted) on such a piece of lumber. It can further be seen that the first extension 34 completely confines the lumber, while the second extension 36 at least partially confines the lumber. In other words, the open space is completely surrounded by the hanger in a first direction (horizontal in these figures) and at least partially surrounded by the hanger in a second direction (vertical in these figures). It will be appreciated that the length dimension of the second extension portion 36 of the hanger does not need to be exactly the same length as the 3.5 inch dimension of the 2x4 piece of wood to adequately confine the 2x4 piece of wood to the tool (i.e., the tool will be held in place when hung on the piece of wood).

[0068] 7, tool 10 is shown with a 2x4 workpiece 50 nested in hanger 30. FIG. 8 shows a 2x4 workpiece 50 nested in hanger 30 on the opposite side of tool 10.

[0069] 9, the hanger 30 is shown in a partially exploded view. The top end cap portion 40 has a lip against which the rotatable ring portion 32 slides. An end cap gasket 44 fits inside the lip of the end cap portion 40. The bottom end cap portion 42 then joins to the rotatable ring portion 32 and end cap gasket 44. A number of fasteners 46 are used to secure the bottom end cap portion 42 to the end cap gasket 44 and top end cap portion 40. Once the bottom end cap portion 42 is securely fastened to the top end cap portion 40, the hanger 30 is fixed and can rotate via the rotatable ring portion 32.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 10 , the tool 10 is shown illustrating the rotational arc (or minimum rotational movement) of the hanger 30 around the handle 22. This rotational arc extends from at least a fully left position on the left side of the tool to at least a fully right position on the opposite right side of the tool. The hanger 30 has sufficient clearance under the housing 20 to rotate easily, as shown in FIG. 10 . Note the extent to which the (vertical) hanger section 36 is spaced from the housing 20. This open space has a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and at least 3.5 inches in a second vertical direction, allowing the tool 10 to be securely suspended from a 2x4 rafter when the user is not operating the tool. Note that the two positions shown in FIG. 10 are the "optimum positions" for the hanger 30 design. There is sufficient clearance around the housing 20 and handle 22 so that the hanger 30 can rotate until it contacts (or nearly contacts) the magazine 26 on both sides of the tool 10. The hanger 30 can similarly rotate under the rear of the housing 20.

[0071] 5-8, the magazine 26 extends along the centerline of the tool 10, and therefore the magazine 26 is symmetrical with the main portion of the tool 10. This symmetrical attribute allows the hanger 30 to rotate through a large arc about the tool 10, as shown in FIGS.

[0072] Referring now to FIG. 11 , a second embodiment of a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral 110. The tool 110 is designed primarily for linearly driving fasteners such as nails and staples. The tool 110 includes an outer housing 120, a handle portion 122, a magazine portion 126 for holding fasteners, an outlet portion 128, and a trigger 124. The tool 110 also includes a hanger subassembly (S / A) 130 mounted in an annular groove 140 (see FIG. 19 ) in the handle portion 122. The hanger S / A 130 has a two-piece rotatable ring portion 132, a first extending (generally horizontal in this view) hanger portion 134, and a second extending (generally vertical in this view) hanger portion 136. A battery pack 148 is mounted below the handle portion 122 and provides power to the tool 110.

[0073] The tool of this second embodiment is preferably a gas spring tool, meaning that the tool has a pressure chamber for permanently containing pressurized gas that is reused for multiple drive strokes (there is no air hose connector on this tool). An example of a gas spring tool is manufactured by Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc. and patented under U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,547. Generally, the tool operates by releasing a driver that is depressed by pressurized gas in a pressure chamber, causing the driver to strike the fastener, thereby driving the fastener into the substrate. It should be noted that the tool 110 of this second embodiment does not have a magazine located on the centerline of the tool as shown.

[0074] Referring now to FIG. 12, tool 110 is 11 1 is shown in the opposite view to that shown in FIG. 1. Note that hanger S / A 130 has been rotated to the opposite side (i.e., the "right" side of the tool).

[0075] Rotation of the hanger S / A 130 about the handle 122 of the tool 110 allows the user to securely hang the tool on either its right or left side. In an exemplary scenario, a user is operating the tool 110 at a job site. The hanger S / A 130 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 11 (to the "left"). However, the user only has a place to hang the tool on their right side. Fortunately, for the tool 110, the user can simply rotate the hanger S / A 130 from the "left" position to the "right" position (as shown in FIG. 12) to securely hang the tool on its right side.

[0076] Hanger S / A 130 can be securely hung from a 2x4 rafter (see Figures 15-18). The space between the tool and the (vertical) hanger portion 136 of Hanger S / A 130 is large enough to accommodate a standard 2x4 size piece of wood on either side of the tool.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 13, the tool 110 is shown with the hanger S / A 130 on its "left" side. The hanger S / A 130 rotates on a rotatable ring portion 132. The two-piece rotatable ring portion 132 is constrained around an annular groove 140 on the handle (see FIG. 19), thereby allowing rotation only along a plane, about the handle 122 of the tool 110. The "tight" constraining of the hanger S / A 130 around the annular groove 140 on the handle means that when a user hangs a tool, the air tool hanger S / A 130 will not wobble or swing enough to cause it to fall off the 2x4. Even though the hanger S / A 130 can rotate, it is sufficiently constrained to securely hang the tool on the 2x4.

[0078] 14, the tool 110 is shown with the hanger S / A 130 on its "right" side. The hanger S / A 130 is rotated (in a plane as described above) about the handle 122 via the two-piece rotatable ring portion 132.

[0079] It is worth mentioning that the optimum position for the hanger S / A 130 is on either side of the tool 110. However, because the hanger S / A 130 is rotatable from one side of the magazine 126 to the other side of the magazine, there are many positions to which the hanger can be moved. That being said, the optimum position is a specially designed rotatable position that allows the tool 110 to be securely hung from a 2x4 rafter. In other rotatable positions, the hanger S / A 130 may be obstructed by parts of the tool itself, such as the housing 120.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 15, a bottom view of the tool 110 is shown with a 2×4 workpiece 150 nested within the hanger S / A 130. The 2×4 piece 150 is preferably a 2×4 wooden rafter, but can be any material having the dimensional characteristics of a 2×4. FIG. 16 shows the 2×4 workpiece 150 nested within the hanger S / A 130 on the opposite side of the tool 110. Note that (particularly in FIG. 16) a portion of the wood workpiece is shown in hidden lines because the wood workpiece 150 is shown as being cut at the hanger 130. However, the entire 2×4 workpiece fits neatly along the side of the tool and within the open area to the right of the hanger, assuming the centerline of the tool is not exactly parallel to the centerline of the workpiece 150 (e.g., the rafter or joist from which the tool is suspended).

[0081] It can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16 that the hanger 130 forms an open space between its extensions 134, 136 and the tool's main housing 120, and between its extensions 134, 136 and the tool's handle 122 or its magazine 126. This open space is large enough to fit a standard 2-by-4 piece of lumber therein, thereby allowing the tool to be "hanging" (upside down) on such a piece of lumber. It can further be seen that the first extension 34 completely confines the lumber, while the second extension 36 may completely confine the lumber or may only at least partially confine it. In other words, the open space is completely surrounded by the hanger in a first direction (horizontal in these figures) and at least partially surrounded by the hanger in a second direction (vertical in these figures). It will be appreciated that the length dimension of the second extension portion 136 of the hanger does not need to be exactly the same length as the 3.5 inch dimension of the 2x4 piece of wood to adequately confine the 2x4 piece of wood to the tool (i.e., the tool will be held in place when hung on the piece of wood).

[0082] 17, there is shown a top view of the tool 110 with a 2x4 workpiece 150 nested within the hanger S / A 130. FIG. 18 shows the 2x4 workpiece 150 nested within the hanger S / A 130 on the opposite side of the tool 110.

[0083] 17-18, the magazine 126 is not on the centerline of the tool 110, and therefore the magazine 26 is asymmetrical relative to the tool 110. Despite this asymmetrical attribute, the illustrated embodiment is designed to provide the hanger 130 with a large arc of rotation around the tool 110. Note that the hanger 130 can rotate further on the opposite side of the magazine 126, as shown in FIGS.

[0084] 19, hanger S / A 130 is shown in a partially exploded view (with hanger S / A removed). Two-piece rotatable ring portion 132 is attached to locking ring portion 144 around annular groove 140 via a number of fasteners 146. When two-piece rotatable ring portion 132 and locking ring portion 144 are securely fastened to annular groove 140, hanger S / A 130 is fixed and can rotate via two-piece rotatable ring portion 132.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 20 , the tool 110 is shown depicting the rotational arc of the hanger S / A 130 about the handle 122. As shown in FIG. 20 , the hanger S / A 130 has sufficient clearance under the housing 120 to rotate easily. Note the degree to which the (vertical) hanger section 136 is spaced from the housing 120. This space allows the tool 110 to be securely suspended from a 2×4 rafter when the user is not operating the tool. Note that the two positions shown in FIG. 20 are the “optimum positions” for the design of the hanger S / A 130. There is sufficient clearance around the housing 120 and handle 122 so that the hanger S / A 130 can rotate until it contacts (or nearly contacts) the magazine 126 on both sides of the tool 110. The hanger S / A 130 can similarly rotate under the rear of the housing 120.

[0086] It will be appreciated that pieces of wood larger than 2x4 can be held relative to the rafter hangers described herein. For example, if the hangers are rotated slightly to either the left or right of both tools 10 and 110 from the 90-degree angle, the hangers can be used to "hang" these tools on other sized rafters, including at least 2x12 rafters, or any size rafter from 2x4 to 2x12. In this manner, these new hanger / tool combinations can be used for virtually any size rafter height (greater than 11.25 inches for 2x12 rafters). The exact angle of the hanger is essentially self-adjusting as the user actually performs the action of hanging the tool / hanger combination on such a large rafter.

[0087] 21 , a third embodiment of a fastener driving tool is indicated generally by the reference numeral 260. Tool 260 includes a handle 252 having a cylindrical bearing surface 256 exhibiting a plurality of slot-like recesses (notches) 258 designed to function as keyways. A gasket 254 is bonded to the end of handle 252 and end cap 250. This gasket 254 fits inside the annular opening of hanger subassembly (S / A) 200, and both gasket 254 and hanger S / A 200 are attached between handle 252 and end cap 250 by fasteners 262.

[0088] An annular locking plate (or flat bearing) 202, which exhibits a plurality of inward protrusions 204, is securely joined to the handle 252 by aligning the inward protrusions 204 with a plurality of keyway cutouts (or notches) 258 and then pressing the annular locking plate 202 onto the handle 252. The annular locking plate 202 is then prevented from rotating about the handle 252 because the inward protrusions 204 (which function as keys) are inserted into the plurality of keyway cutouts 258. The annular locking plate 202 has a bearing surface 206 against which the annular rotatable ring portion 236 slides as the hanger 230 rotates about the handle 252.

[0089] The hanger 230 presents a first extending (generally horizontal in this view) portion 232, which then bends to extend further along a second extending (generally vertical in this view) portion 234, and an annular rotatable ring portion 236. Preferably, the hanger 230 is fabricated as a solid, single piece of construction, for example, aluminum. The annular rotatable ring portion 236 presents a circumferential (inwardly facing) bearing surface 240 that includes a plurality of arc-shaped, relatively smooth, concave depressions 238 that function as detent locations, as described below. The concave depressions 238 are located at predetermined, spaced locations around the periphery of the bearing surface 240.

[0090] It should be noted that the overall shape of the hanger 230 can be more generally described as having a ring portion 236 presenting a first extension portion 232 that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool. There is also a second extension portion 234 that extends from the first extension portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first extension portion.

[0091] The annular main bearing 210 presents an inner annular bearing surface 219 with a number of inner (inwardly facing) protrusions 212 that act as keys to prevent rotation. The annular main bearing 210 may be made from Delrin®, for example. The inner bearing surface 219 mates with a cylindrical bearing surface 256, and these inner protrusions 212 mate securely with a number of slots (notches or keyways) 258, thereby locking the annular main bearing 210 in place so that it cannot rotate (in the same way that the annular locking plate 202 described above "locks" into place on the handle 252). Thus, the annular locking plate 202 and the annular main bearing 210 are locked in place with the cylindrical bearing surface 256, thereby preventing rotation between these surfaces. Of course, because the hanger 230 is fixed between the annular locking plate 202 and the annular main bearing 210 but is not bonded to the cylindrical bearing surface 256, the hanger 230 is free to move around its arc of movement.

[0092] The annular main bearing 210 presents an outer annular bearing surface 218 having a plurality of semi-radial (outward) protrusions 216 and an abutment surface or lip 214. The semi-radial protrusions 216 are angled (i.e., not strictly "pointing" radially about the bearing 210) and exhibit elastic properties (e.g., are somewhat flexible) such that the semi-radial protrusions are compressed when the hanger 230 is rotated about the handle 252 and are released when the hanger 230 is rotated into a plurality of recessed detents 238. The annular main bearing 210 is abutted to the annular rotatable ring portion 236 by locating the outer bearing surface 218 inside the bearing surface 240. The abutment surface 214 provides a "locking" surface by forcing the lip onto the bearing surface 240, thereby fitting the annular main bearing 210 into place inside the annular rotatable ring portion 236.

[0093] The semi-radial protrusions 216 provide a substantially constant radial outward force against the bearing surface 240. This provides some friction as the semi-radial protrusions 216 compress against the bearing surface 240 when the user rotates the hanger 230 around the handle 252 after assembly. As the hanger 230 rotates and the semi-radial protrusions 216 slide into the recessed detents 238, a “soft lock” point is reached. Upon reaching this rotational position, the semi-radial protrusions 216 are released and better “held” in the recessed detents 238, and the user will feel this “soft lock” and know that the hanger 230 is more securely secured. In this “soft lock” position, the hanger 230 is in a detent state that prevents further rotation of the rotatable ring portion unless additional torque is applied to the hanger 230 or the annular rotatable ring portion 236 in the rotational direction.

[0094] As the user continues to rotate the hanger 230, the semi-radial protrusions 216 slide out of the recessed detents 238 due to the shape of the recessed detents, compressing the semi-radial protrusions 216. The recessed detents 238 and the semi-radial protrusions 216 allow for several "soft lock" positions as the hanger 230 rotates about the handle 252.

[0095] 22, a third embodiment of the hanger S / A 200 is shown in an exploded view. While the various portions of the hanger S / A 200 are preferably assembled in a specific order, the gasket 254 is positioned intermediate the other portions and can be placed immediately prior to fastening the handle 252 and end cap 250. Assembly begins by placing the annular plate 202 onto the handle 252 so that the inward projections 204 slide into the keyways 258. As noted above, the plate 202 does not move (rotate) once attached to the handle 252.

[0096] The annular main bearing 210 is then placed within the annular rotatable ring portion 236 of the hanger 230. The annular main bearing 210 should be locked into place by the lip 214 "snapping" into place on the bearing surface 240.

[0097] The combined annular main bearing 210 and hanger 230 are then placed onto the handle 252, aligning the inner protrusions 212 with the keyways 258, and then pressed into place on the handle. The annular main bearing 210 should not move once installed, but the hanger 230 can rotate about the handle 252. As mentioned above, the semi-radial protrusions 216 of the annular main bearing 210 provide a constant radial outward force against the bearing surface 240 of the annular rotatable ring portion 236. This provides friction when the user rotates the hanger 230, and also provides several "soft-lock" positions as the semi-radial protrusions 216 slide into the recessed detents 238.

[0098] Finally, the end cap 250 is placed onto the handle 252 and fasteners 262 (see FIG. 21) are tightened through the end cap 250 so that the entire hanger S / A 200 is securely attached to the tool 260.

[0099] 23, the assembled hanger S / A 200 is illustrated in cutaway view. The annular plate 202 is located proximal to the handle 252. The annular main bearing 210 and the annular rotatable ring portion 236 are located proximal to the annular plate 202. By "locking" the multiple inward protrusions 204 and multiple inner protrusions 212 to the handle 252, the annular rotatable ring portion 236 is securely rotatable about the handle. The end cap 250 is securely fastened to the handle 252.

[0100] Referring now to Figure 24, hanger 230 and annular main bearing 210 are shown in top view. Note that semi-radial projections 216 are not positioned in recessed detents 238. In other words, Figure 24 does not illustrate the "soft-lock" state, in which semi-radial projections 216 would be positioned in recessed detents 238 (see Figure 28).

[0101] Also note that lip or mating surface 214 is mated to annular rotatable ring portion 236. A plurality of inner projections 212 are shown which mate with a plurality of keyways 258 in handle 252 (see FIG. 23).

[0102] 25, the annular plate 202 is shown in a top view. Note the inward protrusions 204, which mate with notches 258 in the handle 252 to "lock" the annular plate 202 in place (see FIG. 23). Proximal to the annular rotatable ring portion 236 is the bearing surface 206 against which the annular rotatable ring portion slides as the hanger 230 rotates about the handle 252 (see FIG. 23).

[0103] 26, the hanger 230 is shown in a top view. It shows an (inward-facing) bearing surface 240 that includes a plurality of concave depressions 238. This bearing surface 240 slides against the outer bearing surface 218 of the annular main bearing 210 as the hanger 230 rotates about the handle 252. The bearing surface 240 also slides against the plurality of semi-radial projections 216, and the bearing surface 240 is subjected to a constant radially outward force generated by the plurality of semi-radial projections.

[0104] 27, the annular main bearing 210 is shown in top view. An outer bearing surface 218 is shown, which includes a plurality of semi-radial projections 216. An inner bearing surface 219 and a plurality of inner projections 212 mate with a cylindrical bearing surface 256 and a plurality of keyways 258, respectively, of the handle 252. The annular rotatable ring portion 236 slides against the annular main bearing 210 as the hanger 230 rotates about the handle 252.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the semi-radial projections 216 extend in pairs from the circumferential outer bearing surface 218. Each of these pairs of projections 216 has a small gap between them. When the hanger is rotated, the projections 216 Because their concave surfaces are very smooth, they do not "catch" in the recesses of the opposing detent recesses 238. It will be appreciated that any suitable shape can be used for these protrusions 216 and concave recesses 238 that function as detent surfaces without departing from the principles of the technology disclosed herein.

[0106] 28, the annular main bearing 210 is shown in a "soft-lock" position with the hanger 230. In this view, the semi-radial protrusions 216 are positioned in the recessed detents 238, and the constant radial outward force projected by the semi-radial protrusions secures this "soft-lock" position. Of course, if a user rotates the hanger 230 and applies sufficient torsional torque, the semi-radial protrusions 216 will slide out of the recessed detents 238, which is the position shown in FIG.

[0107] The principles described above and illustrated in the drawings can be further summarized in a series of short statements as follows.

[0108] [A1] A fastener driving tool comprising an outer housing portion, a handle portion, a magazine for storing fasteners, a fastener exit portion, and a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, wherein: (a) the hanger exhibits a minimum rotational movement from at least a first position on a first side of the tool to at least a second position on an opposite second side of the tool; (b) the hanger, when rotated to the first position, is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion on the first side of the tool and between the hanger and the handle portion on the first side of the tool, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and at least 3.5 inches in a second vertical direction; and (c) the hanger, when rotated to the second position, is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion on the second side of the tool and between the hanger and the handle portion on the second side of the tool, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in the first direction and at least 3.5 inches in the second vertical direction.

[0109] [A2] The fastener driving tool according to [A1] above, wherein the open space is completely surrounded by the hanger in the first direction and at least partially surrounded by the hanger in the second direction.

[0110] [A3] The fastener driving tool of [A1] above, wherein (a) the open space allows a standard size 2x4 piece of lumber to be installed therein regardless of whether the hanger is positioned in the first position or the second position, and (b) the 2x4 piece of lumber has different overall dimensions of approximately 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches in width and height.

[0111] [A4] The fastener driving tool according to [A1] above, characterized in that the minimum movement of the hanger rotation is from at least a fully left position on the left side of the tool to at least a fully right position on the right side of the tool.

[0112] [A5] The fastener driving tool according to [A1] above, wherein the rotatable hanger is a one-piece, integrally molded structure and includes: (a) a ring portion that fits around the handle portion; and (b) an extension portion that extends from the ring portion along a first direction and then bends to extend further along a second direction.

[0113] [A6] The fastener driving tool described in [A1] above, wherein the rotatable hanger has a two-piece structure and includes: (a) a first partial ring portion; (b) an extension portion that extends from the first partial ring portion along a first direction and then bends to extend further along a second direction; (c) a second partial ring portion; and (d) at least one fastener for holding the first and second partial ring portions together so as to fit around the handle portion.

[0114] [A7] The fastener driving tool according to [A5] above, characterized in that the end cap located at the base of the handle includes upper and lower portions joined to each other by a plurality of fasteners, and an integrally molded hanger is rotatably attached between the upper and lower portions of the end cap.

[0115] [A8] A fastener driving tool as described in [A6] above, characterized in that the handle has an annular groove on its outer periphery, and the two-piece hanger is rotatably attached to the annular groove.

[0116] [B1] A fastener driving tool comprising an outer housing portion, a handle portion, a magazine for storing fasteners, a fastener exit portion, and a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, wherein: (a) the hanger exhibits minimal rotational movement from at least a first position on a first side of the tool to at least a second position on an opposite second side of the tool; (b) the hanger is configured to fit around a solid surface at least 1.5 inches wide when rotated to the first position and positioned between an outer portion of the hanger and the outer housing portion and between the outer portion of the hanger and the handle portion; and (c) the hanger is configured to fit around a solid surface at least 1.5 inches wide when rotated to the second position and positioned between the outer portion of the hanger and the outer housing portion and between the outer portion of the hanger and the handle portion.

[0117] [B2] The fastener driving tool according to [B1] above, characterized in that the minimum movement of the hanger rotation is from at least a fully left position on the left side of the tool to at least a fully right position on the right side of the tool.

[0118] [B3] The fastener driving tool according to [B2] above, wherein the magazine and the fastener outlet portion are both located along the centerline of the tool, and the left-end and right-end positions of the hanger are substantially symmetrical with respect to the outer housing portion and with respect to the fastener outlet portion.

[0119] [B4] The fastener driving tool of [B2] above, wherein the fastener exit portion is located substantially along a center line of the tool, the magazine is offset to a first side and is not located substantially along the center line of the tool, the outer housing portion is offset to a second side at least partially in a proximal region of the handle portion, and the left and right full positions of the hanger are each disposed in a spaced relationship with one of the magazine and regions of the outer housing portion proximal to the handle portion, and the spaced relationships on both the left and right sides of the tool are large enough to fit around a solid surface at least 1.5 inches wide.

[0120] [C1] A method for suspending a fastener driving tool on a solid rectangular surface, the method comprising: (a) providing a fastener driving tool, the fastener driving tool including: (i) an outer housing portion; (ii) a handle portion; (iii) a magazine for storing fasteners; (iv) a fastener exit portion; and (v) a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, the movable hanger including an extension portion configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch surface of a solid rectangular object exhibiting two dimensions of approximately 1.5 inches wide by approximately 3.5 inches high; (b) rotating the hanger about the handle portion to a first rotated position on a first side of the tool and using the extension portion of the hanger to suspend the tool from the solid rectangular object; and (c) thereafter, rotating the hanger about the handle portion to a second rotated position on an opposite second side of the tool and using the extension portion of the hanger to suspend the tool from the solid rectangular object.

[0121] [C2] A method according to [C1] above, characterized in that the rotatable hanger includes (a) a ring portion that fits around the handle portion, and (b) an extension portion that extends from the ring portion along a first direction and then bends to further extend along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0122] [C3] The method described in [C1] above, wherein the rotatable hanger includes: (a) a first partial ring portion; (b) an extension portion extending from the first partial ring portion along a first direction and then bending to extend further along a second direction; (C) a second partial ring portion; and (d) at least one fastener for holding the first and second partial ring portions together so as to fit around the handle portion.

[0123] [C4] The method described in [C2] above, characterized in that the end cap located at the base of the handle includes an upper and lower portion joined to each other by a plurality of fasteners, and the hanger is rotatably attached between the upper and lower portions of the end cap.

[0124] [C5] The method according to [C3] above, characterized in that the handle has an annular groove around its outer periphery, and the hanger is rotatably attached to the annular groove.

[0125] [D1] A handle having a rotatable hanger for use in a fastener driving tool includes: (a) a rotatable hanger, the first portion including: (i) a first portion, the first portion including: (A) a rotatable ring portion, the ring portion including an inwardly facing first bearing surface, the first bearing surface presenting a plurality of concave depressions located at predetermined spaced locations around the first bearing surface; and (B) an extension portion extending from the ring portion along a first direction and then bending to further extend along a second, substantially perpendicular direction; and (ii) a second portion, the second portion including: (A) an annular bearing, the annular bearing including an outwardly facing second bearing surface and an inwardly facing third surface, the second bearing surface presenting a plurality of outwardly facing projections facing the first bearing surface; and (B) a rotatable hanger including: (b) a second portion including a plurality of outward protrusions located at predetermined spaced locations around the second bearing surface; and (C) a third surface having at least one inward protrusion located thereon; and (b) a handle portion including a fourth surface having at least one notch and facing the third surface, wherein (c) (i) the second bearing surface interfaces with the first bearing surface; (ii) when the plurality of outward protrusions contact the first bearing surface at a position other than one of the plurality of concave depressions, the first portion is capable of rotating about the handle portion at the first and second bearing surfaces; and (iii) when the plurality of outward protrusions contact the first bearing surface at the plurality of concave depressions, rotation between the third surface and the fourth surface is prevented.

[0126] [D2] A handle having a rotatable hanger as described in [D1] above, characterized in that when the rotatable ring portion is positioned so that the multiple outward protrusions are positioned in the multiple concave recesses, the rotatable hanger is in a detent state that prevents further rotation of the rotatable ring portion.

[0127] [D3] A handle having the rotatable hanger described in [D2] above, characterized in that the detent state persists until additional torque in the rotational direction is applied to at least one of the rotatable ring portion and the handle portion.

[0128] [D4] A handle having a rotatable hanger as described in [D1] above, characterized in that the multiple outward protrusions are compressed when in contact with the first bearing surface at a position other than one of the multiple concave recesses, and the multiple outward protrusions are at least partially decompressed when in contact with the first bearing surface at the multiple concave recesses.

[0129] [D5] A handle having a rotatable hanger as described in [D1] above, wherein the plurality of outward protrusions are angled and exhibit elastic properties, are compressed when the first portion rotates around the handle portion, and are released from pressure when the first portion rotates into the plurality of concave recesses, providing a constant radially outward force on the first bearing surface.

[0130] [D6] A handle having a rotatable hanger as described in [D1] above, characterized in that the first bearing surface is cylindrical, the second bearing surface is cylindrical, and the second bearing surface does not rotate relative to the handle portion.

[0131] [D7] A handle having the rotatable hanger described in [D1] above, characterized in that at least one inward protrusion located on the third surface includes a plurality of inward protrusions at spaced positions around the periphery of the third surface, and at least one notch located on the fourth surface includes a plurality of spaced notches around the periphery of the fourth surface.

[0132] [E1] A fastener driving tool comprising: an outer housing portion; a handle portion; a fastener outlet portion; and a movable hanger rotatable about the handle portion, the first ring portion presenting a plurality of spaced apart concave recesses along an inwardly facing first bearing surface; and a second ring portion presenting a plurality of spaced apart outwardly facing flexible protrusions along an outwardly facing second bearing surface, the first ring presenting a first extension portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and a second ring portion presenting a plurality of spaced apart outwardly facing flexible protrusions along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first extension portion. and a movable hanger presenting a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion toward the first ring portion, wherein (a) the first bearing surface abuts the second bearing surface and the first ring is rotatable about the second bearing surface, (b) the plurality of outwardly extending projections abut the plurality of concave recesses when the first bearing surface rotates relative to the second bearing surface to a detent position, and (c) the outwardly extending projections hold the first ring portion in position relative to the second ring portion when the first bearing surface rotates to the detent position.

[0133] [E2] The fastener driving tool according to [E1] above, wherein the plurality of outward protrusions are angled and exhibit elastic properties, the plurality of outward protrusions being compressed when the first bearing surface rotates around the second bearing surface and being released from pressure when the first bearing surface is rotated to the first detent position.

[0134] [E3] A fastener driving tool according to [E2] above, characterized in that the multiple outward protrusions are arranged in pairs, each pair having a small gap therebetween.

[0135] [E4] The fastener driving tool of paragraph [E3] above, wherein when the outwardly extending projections are disposed within the recessed depressions, thereby in a detent position, and sufficient additional rotational force is applied to at least one of the movable hanger and the handle portion, the detent condition is lifted and rotation between the movable hanger and the handle portion is once again permitted.

[0136] [E5] The fastener driving tool of paragraph [E4] above, wherein each of the concave recesses is sufficiently smooth to allow the plurality of flexible outwardly facing protrusions to slide along the inwardly facing first bearing surface without binding when released from the detent condition.

[0137] [E6] The fastener driving tool according to paragraph [E1] above, wherein the first and second bearing surfaces are cylindrical.

[0138] [E7] The fastener driving tool of paragraph [E1] above, characterized by at least one inward protrusion located on the second ring portion; at least one slot in the outer surface of the handle portion; and the at least one inward protrusion mating within the at least one slot to lock the second ring portion to the handle portion, thereby preventing rotational movement of the second ring portion and the handle portion.

[0139] It should be noted that, for purposes of clarity, some of the embodiments illustrated herein do not have all of their components included in some of the figures 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 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 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 No. 6,431,425; U.S. Patent No. 5,927,585; U.S. Patent No. 5,918,788; U.S. Patent No. 5,732,870; U.S. Patent No. 4,986,164; U.S. Patent No. 4,679,719; U.S. Patent No. 8,011,547; U.S. Patent No. 8,267,296; U.S. Patent No. 8,267,297; U.S. Patent No. 8,011,441; U.S. Patent No. 8,387,718; U.S. Patent No. 8,286,722; U.S. Patent No. 8,230,941; and U.S. Patent No. 8,763,874; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2016 / 0288305 and 2018 / 0178361. These publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0140] 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 perhaps adjacent to one another, but does not necessarily require the absence of a third object disposed between them. In the technology disclosed herein, there may be cases where a "male positioning structure" is positioned "proximal" to a "female positioning structure." Generally, this may mean that two male and female structures physically abut one another, or that they are "mated" with one another by virtue of a particular size and shape that essentially holds one structure in a predetermined orientation and XY (e.g., horizontal and vertical) position relative to the other, 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 positioned 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).

[0141] It will be understood that the various components described and / or illustrated herein may 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 claims below 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 illustrated herein only as a unitary structure.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 illustrated 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 use 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 (110) comprising: an outer housing part (120); A handle portion (122); a magazine for storing fasteners (126); a fastener exit portion (128); a hanger (130) rotatable around the handle portion; Equipped with the hanger (130) exhibits a rotational movement (160) from at least a first position on a first side of the tool (110) to at least a second position on an opposite second side of the tool; the hanger (130) is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion (120) on the first side of the tool (110) and between the hanger and the handle portion (122) on the first side of the tool when rotated to the first position, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and at least 3.5 inches in a second perpendicular direction; the hanger (130) is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion (120) on the second side of the tool (110) and between the hanger and the handle portion (122) on the second side of the tool when rotated to the second position, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in the first direction and at least 3.5 inches in the second perpendicular direction; The hanger (130) is of two-piece construction; (a) a first partial ring portion (132) having a semicircular first interior shape and presenting a first vertical flat end surface; (b) an extension portion extending from the first partial ring portion along the first direction (134) and then bending to further extend along the second perpendicular direction (136); (c) a second partial ring portion (144) having a semicircular second inner shape and presenting a second vertical flat end surface; (d) at least one fastener (146) for holding the first and second partial ring portions together to fit around the handle portion (122); the first and second semicircular inner shapes are configured such that the first and second partial ring portions can directly join with each other when the first and second vertical flat end surfaces contact each other. A fastener driving tool (110).

2. said handle portion (122) presents an annular groove (140) around its outer periphery; The hanger (130) is rotatably mounted in the annular groove. The fastener driving tool (110) of claim 1.

3. A method for suspending a fastener driving tool (110) from a solid rectangular object (150), comprising: (a) providing a fastener driving tool, said fastener driving tool comprising: (i) an outer housing portion (120); (ii) a handle portion (122); (iii) a magazine for storing fasteners (126); (iv) a fastener exit portion (128); (v) a hanger (130) rotatable about said handle portion, said hanger (130) including extensions (134, 136) configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch surface of a solid rectangular object (150) exhibiting two dimensions of approximately 1.5 inches wide and approximately 3.5 inches high; (b) rotating the hanger (130) about the handle portion (122) to a first rotational position on a first side of the tool (110) and suspending the tool from the solid rectangular object (150) using the extensions (134, 136) of the hanger; (c) then rotating the hanger (130) about the handle portion (122) to a second rotational position on a second, opposite side of the tool (110) and suspending the tool from the solid rectangular object (150) using the extensions (134, 136) of the hanger; Including, The hanger (130) (a) a first partial ring portion (132) having a semicircular first inner shape and having a first pair of vertical flat end faces; (b) an extension portion (134) extending from the first partial ring portion along a first direction and then bending to further extend along a second direction (136); (c) a second partial ring portion (144) having a second semicircular inner shape and a second pair of vertical flat end faces; (d) at least one fastener (146) for holding the first and second partial ring portions together to fit around the handle portion (122); and Including, the first pair of vertical flat end faces and the second pair of vertical flat end faces are brought together to form a complete circle; method.

4. said handle portion (122) presents an annular groove (140) around its outer periphery; The hanger (130) is rotatably mounted in the annular groove. The method of claim 3.

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