CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims priority to provisional patent application No. 62/262,851 , entitled, "FASTENER DRIVING SYSTEM", to Hale et al., which application was filed on December 3, 2015 and which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Power fastener drivers for driving collated fastener strips have a number of uses in the construction industry. Examples of such power drive fastener drivers are shown in include U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,753 to Habermehl, issued Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,933 to Habermehl, issued Feb. 16, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,618 to Habermehl et al., issued Nov. 5, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,963 issued Mar. 8 2005. Additional examples of such systems are commercially available under the name QuikDrive® from Simpson Strong Tie Inc, Pleasanton, California.

[0003] Certain types of powered fastener drivers utilize an automatic feed fastener driver in which a housing is secured to a power driver. The housing includes a fastener feed channel to receive the fastener strips holding a plurality of fastener s. The fastener s held in the fastener strips are advanced sequentially to a point where each successive fastener to be driven is coaxially arranged within a bore of a guide tube in line with a driver shaft. Pressure applied by the user in conjunction with the application of power to the driver allows the fastener to be driven into the workpiece.

[0004] Normally, the fasteners are held by the fastener strips until driven into the workpiece.

[0005] These prior art auto feed fastener drivers provide for various linkages between the driver body and the housing such that on reciprocal telescopic sliding of the slide body into and out of the housing between extended and retracted positions, the linkages cause automatic advance of the fastener strip in the feed guide channel.

[0006] Known power driven systems generally have an open end though which the fasteners advance into the work piece. In certain applications, greater accuracy than available using current power driven fastener drivers is required. Installers may need to find a particular pre-drilled hole. Currently, users place a fastener gun over the hole and "hope for the best."

SUMMARY

[0007] The technology provides a guide assembly for an apparatus for driving a threaded fastener. The apparatus may include: a driver guide tube having a first end, and an elongated driver shaft in the guide tube having a rear end coupled to a power driver and a forward end carrying a bit, the driver shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The positioning assembly has a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw fixed to the driver guide tube, the second jaw fixed to the first jaw to allow one end of the first jaw to rotate away from the first jaw about a connection point. Each jaw has an interior channel, the interior channel of the first jaw and the second jaw forming a guide channel. The apparatus also includes the interior channel of the first jaw having an arcuate cross-section. The apparatus also includes the interior channel of the second jaw formed from a plurality of walls including an arcuate upper wall formed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, a sub-channel having cross-section formed by a base surface and two side walls, each side wall angled with respect to the base surface.

[0008] Another aspect includes an apparatus for driving a threaded fastener, including: a driver guide tube having a first end; an elongated driver shaft in the guide tube having a rear end coupled to a power driver and a forward end adapted to carry a bit, the driver shaft defining a longitudinal axis; a positioning assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw fixed to the driver guide tube, the second jaw fixed to the first jaw to allow one end of the first jaw to rotate away from the first jaw about a connection point, each jaw having an interior channel. The apparatus also includes a locking member configured to engage the second jaw when the second jaw is rotated away from the first jaw and retain the second jaw in a rotated position. [0009] A further aspect includes a positioning assembly for a driving system, the assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw fixed to the driving system, the second jaw fixed to the first jaw to allow one end of the first jaw to rotate away from the first jaw about a connection point, each jaw having an interior channel. The interior channel of the first jaw has an arcuate cross-section. The apparatus also includes the interior channel of the second jaw formed from a plurality of walls including an arcuate upper wall formed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, a sub-channel having cross-section formed by a base surface and two side walls, each side wall angled with respect to the base surface. The apparatus also includes a locking member configured to engage the second jaw when the second jaw is rotated away from the first jaw and retain the second jaw in a rotated position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a guide tool assembly used in conjunction with an extension assembly.

[0011] Figure 2A is a partially exploded perspective view of the guide assembly for the guide tool shown in Figure 1 .

[0012] Figure 2B is an end view of the guide positioner assembly where the jaws are in the closed position.

[0013] Figure 2C is an end view of the guide positioner assembly where the jaws are in an opened position.

[0014] Figures 3A - 23A illustrate various parts of a first embodiment of a guide assembly.

[0015] Figure 3B - 23B illustrate various parts of a second embodiment of a guide assembly.

[0016] Figure 3A is a plan view of a first embodiment of a first positioning jaw. [0017] Figure 3B is a plan view of a second embodiment of a first positioning jaw. [0018] Figure 3C is an enlarged view of the jaw in Figure 3A.

[0019] Figure 4A is a first side view the first embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0020] Figure 4B is a first side view the second embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0021] Figure 5A is a second side view the first embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0022] Figure 5B is a second side view the second embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0023] Figure 6A is a third side view the first embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0024] Figure 6B is a third side view the second embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0025] Figure 7A is a partial cross-sectional view along line 7A-7A in Figure 8A.

[0026] Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view along line 7B-7B in Figure 8b.

[0027] Figure 8A is a partial cross-sectional view along line 8A-8A in Figure 7A.

[0028] Figure 8B is a partial cross-sectional view along line 8B-8B in Figure 7B.

[0029] Figure 9A is a fourth side view the first embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0030] Figure 9B is a fourth side view the second embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0031] Figure 10A is a partial cross-sectional view along line 10A-1 OA in Figure 9A.

[0032] Figure 10B is a partial cross-sectional view along line 10B-10B in Figure 9B.

[0033] Figure 1 1 A is a top view of the first embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0034] Figure 1 1 B is a top view of the second embodiment of a first positioning jaw.

[0035] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view along line 12A - 12A in Figure 3A. [0036] Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view along line 12B -12B in Figure 3B.

[0037] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view along line 13A - 13A in Figure 3A.

[0038] Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view along line 13B - 13B in Figure 3B.

[0039] Figure 14A is a perspective view the first embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0040] Figure 14B is a perspective view the second embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0041] Figure 15A is a side view the first embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0042] Figure 15B is a side view the second embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0043] Figure 16A is a end view the first embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0044] Figure 16B is a end view the second embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0045] Figure 17A is a top view the first embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0046] Figure 17B is top side view the second embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0047] Figure 18A is a cross-sectional view along line 18A -18A in Figure 17A.

[0048] Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view along line 18B -18B in Figure 17B.

[0049] Figure 19A is a cross-sectional view along line 19A -19A in Figure 17A.

[0050] Figure 19B is a cross-sectional view along line 19B - 19B in Figure 17B.

[0051] Figure 20A is a cross-sectional view along line 20A -20A in Figure 17A.

[0052] Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view along line 20B - 20B in Figure 17B.

[0053] Figure 21 A is another side view the first embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0054] Figure 21 B is another side view the second embodiment of a second positioning jaw.

[0055] Figure 22A is a cross-sectional view along line 22A -22A in Figure 23A.

[0056] Figure 22B is a cross-sectional view along line 22B - 22B in Figure 22B.

[0057] Figure 23A is a cross-sectional view along line 23A -23A in Figure 21 A.

[0058] Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view along line 23B - 23B in Figure 21 B.

[0059] Figure 23C is a cross section along line 23c-23c in Figure 21 A.

[0060] Figure 24 is a partial, exploded assembly view of a second embodiment of the guide tube assembly incorporating a locking member.

[0061] Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of the guide tube assembly illustrating the locking member.

[0062] Figure 26 is a partial perspective view of the guide tube assembly illustrating the locking member.

[0063] Figure 27 is a partial perspective view of the guide tube assembly illustrating the locking member.

[0064] Figure 28 is a partial perspective view of the guide tube assembly illustrating the locking member.

[0065] Figure 29A is perspective view of the locking member along the view line 29A- 29A illustrated in Figure 29B.

[0066] Figure 29B is a bottom view of the locking member.

[0067] Figure 29C is a plan view of the locking member.

[0068] Figure 29D is an end view of the locking member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] A power driven fastener driving system is provided that increases the accuracy of fastener placement for an installer. A positioning assembly on the driving system ensures that the fastener will exit the driver and enter the work piece at the location where the positioning assembly abuts the work piece and along an axis defined by a drive shaft of the driving system. A spring-loaded jaw moves under the advancement of fasteners in a fastener strip to receive a fastener and retain the fastener in an accurate position while being driven into a workpiece. The system includes a positioning assembly with a unique interior channel configuration and a locking member ensuring that the jaws of the positioning assembly remain open when the fastener is inserted into the assembly.

[0070] Figure 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of the driving system 100. The driving system 100 includes a power driver 150, extension assembly 120 and positive placement, guide tube assembly 200. The driving system 100 is adapted for use with a number of commercially available power drivers 150. As shown in Figure 1 , and as known to one skilled in the art, a mandrel assembly 130 and return spring 140 are positioned within extension assembly 120 and positive placement guide tube assembly 200 to advance a rotating and reciprocating bit driven by the power driver 150 to drive fasteners into a work piece. The extension assembly 120 includes a housing which contains the mandrel 130, spring 140 and a driving bit (not shown). The mandrel 130 and driving bit enter the guide tube assembly 200 to eject fasteners from the system 100. The guide tube assembly 200 is attached to the extension assembly 120 by shuttle brackets 96, which are fastened to bores in the guide tube assembly and pass through first and second slots 98 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1 ) on a first and second side of the extension assembly 120.

[0071] The driving system 100 is designed to drive fasteners comprising fastener s provided in a fastener strip. The fastener strips 12 hold the fasteners connected to each other by a retaining belt generally made of plastic material. Fasteners in such strips 12 are engaged by a bit of a fastener driver and then fastened (or screwed) into a workpiece. In the course of the bit or mandrel 130 engaging the fastener and/or driving the same into the workpiece, the fastener becomes detached from the plastic strip 12. The fastener strips 12 are fed into an engagement channel in the guide tube assembly 200 by two guide rails 240, 242 which form a feed channel extending radially from the placement assembly 200.

[0072] Fasteners carried by such strips are adapted to be successively incrementally advanced to a position in alignment with a reciprocating, rotating power bit attached to the mandrel, and fastened into a workpiece. In the strip, each fastener to be driven has its threaded shaft engaged in a threaded sleeve of the strip such that on the fastener driver engaging and rotating each successive fastener, the fastener turns within the sleeve which acts to guide the fastener as it moves forwardly into threaded engagement into the workpiece. Further forward movement of the fastener into the workpiece then draws the head downward to engage the sleeve and rupture the sleeve by reason of the forward movement of the head with the strip retained against movement towards the workpiece. Advancing the strip with each successive fastener to be driven results in portions of the strip from which each fastener has been driven are advanced to exit from the driving system.

[0073] Driving of fastener s in this manner is well known in the art and generally illustrated in Patent Nos. 6, 164, 170 and 6,862,963. In tool 100, the mandrel and driving bit are aligned on an axis extending the length of the mandrel. The axis extends though the work piece and defines the position where the fastener will enter the work piece. The axis X may be referred to herein as the longitudinal axis.

[0074] The present technology provides improved placement and securing of the fastener of in the placement assembly.

[0075] Figure 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the guide tube subassembly 200 of the driving system 100. With reference to Figures 1 through 3, the guide tube assembly 200 is adapted to receive a collated fastener strip 12.

[0076] The guide tube assembly 200 includes two positioning jaws 210, 220 which are mounted in opposing fashion to one end of the guide tube placement assembly 200. One positioning jaw 220 is molded to a mounting structure 222 and remains fixed while an opposing jaw 210 rotates outward to allow fasteners to enter a placement channel in the guide tube assembly 200. As discussed below, two embodiments the positioning jaws (designated with "A" and Έ) are shown herein, with the primary difference between the two embodiments being the location of a collation shelf 870, 970 on either jaw 21 OA or 220B. Like numbers are used to designate like elements in both embodiments. It should be understood that where reference to a part number does not include a designation "A" or "B", both part embodiments may be used equally. (For example, a reference to jaw 210 without specific reference to the embodiment of 21 OA or 210B means that either part may be used.)

[0077] In the embodiment of Figures 3A - 23A, the collation shelf is formed on jaw 21 OA. In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 3B - 23B, the collation shelf 970 is positioned on jaw 220B rather than on jaw 210B.

[0078] Generally, jaw 210 is mounted to jaw 220 by a pin 215 secured in bore 212, 214 of jaw 210 and bore 225 of jaw 220. A coil spring 230 is positioned adjacent each jaw and has a first portion abutting the jaw 210 and a second portion abutting the jaw 220. Spring 230 maintains jaw 210 engaged to jaw 220 with tension provided by the spring, the tension having sufficient force to maintain engagement but also allow a fastener on a fastener strip passing through fastener strip guides 240, 242 into the open jaws to receive the fastener between the jaws.

[0079] A feed carrier assembly advances fastener s in the carrier in a manner shown in United States Patent No. 6, 164, 170. A lever 250 is pivotally mounted to arm 225 by pin 258 engaging bore 252 in lever 250 and bore 256 in arm 225. The lever 250 pivots about pivoting an axis of ping 258 which passes centrally through the pin 258. A spring 256 engages the lever 250 and arm 225 to bias the lever upward toward a position where lever 250 is generally parallel with the fastener channel in the assembly 200. A sub-lever 254 allows lever 250 to be attached to a controlling mechanism on extension assembly 120 to rotate the lever about the axis. The forward end of lever 250 is adapted to to engage the fastener strip 12 and with movement of the shuttle 96 causes the lever to successively advance the strip one fastener at a time. [0080] As illustrated in Figures 2B and 2C, a portion of the fastener strip 12 (not shown in Figure 2B, 2C) holding a fastener will enter channel strip 865 and pass through the assembly 200, with a fastener-less portion of the strip being ejected out the other side of assembly 200. As each fastener in the strip moves (into the page) into the assembly between jaws 210, 220, jaw 210 opens and captures a fastener between the jaws, positioning the fastener in a guide channel 202. A collation shelf 870 stops movement of the fastener. As discussed below, a collation shelf 970 is positioned on jaw 220B in the second embodiment of the technology.

[0081] Figures 3A - 23A show a first embodiment of the jaws 210, 220, designated 21 OA and 220A. Figures 3B - 23B show a second embodiment of the jaws 210, 220 designated 210B and 220B. The primary difference between the two embodiments is the location of the collation shelf. In the embodiment of Figures 3A - 23A, the collation shelf is positioned on jaw 21 OA, while in the embodiment of 3B - 23B, the collation shelf is positioned on the jaw 220B.

[0082] Figures 3A through 23A show various features of the jaws 210, 220 in the placement assembly 200. As discussed below, the placement assembly is designed to ensure that the fastener exiting the tool is aligned in three dimensions on axis so that it enters the work piece at the location desired by the user. In this respect, the placement assembly 200 maintains the position of the fastener in x and y axis directions (generally in plane to the workpiece into which the fastener is being driven, although it should be understood that the workpiece need not be totally planar), and secures the fastener between the jaws, as a result of the features discussed below. The fastener is driven in the z axis direction relative to the workpiece

[0083] With primary reference to Figure 3A, jaw 210 includes a channel 805 for receiving the collated fastener strip. Channel 805 makes up one half of the guide channel 202. The feed pawl carrier assembly advances fastener s on a fastener strip toward two closed jaws 21 OA, 220A. Each jaw has an outer surface and an inner cavity (Surface 805 on jaw 21 OA and surface 902 on jaw 220A). Jaw 210 has an inner cavity defined by an upper arcuate wall 415 and further defined by a series of inner walls 830, 840, 880 which creates a feed sub-channel 855. The arcuate wall 415 defines angled edges 820 and 850. [0084] An entry panel 860 is positioned at an angle relative to the entering fastener and the opposing jaw 220. The entry panel provides guidance to the fastener as the fastener strip including fasteners is moved into the channel 865 formed between the jaws. Both the embodiments of Figures 3A - 23A and 3B - 23B include this feature.

[0085] A collation shelf 870 is positioned adjacent to a channel 865 through which the fastener strip passes after depositing fastener s into the feed channel 855. In the embodiment of Figures 3A - 23A, the collation shelf is formed on jaw 21 OA. In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 3B - 23B, the collation shelf 970 is positioned on jaw 220B rather than on jaw 210B.

[0086] Jaw 21 OA, 210B rotate about a rotational axis formed by pin 215 passing though bores 212,214 of respective jaws 220A, 220B. Each jaw includes a plurality of engagement surfaces 882, 884 (on jaw 21 OA, 210B) and surfaces 912, 910 on jaws 220A and 220B. Surface 882 engages surface 912 and surface 884 engages surface 910 when in the closed position illustrated in Figure 2B.

[0087] Jaws 21 OA, 210B and jaws 220A, 220B include opposing channels that define a fastener guide channel to position a fastener at the output of the tool. The channel 902 in jaws 220A, 220B has an arcuate cross section, as illustrated at Figures 23C and 23D.

[0088] The channel in jaws 21 OA and 210B is designed to capture and retain a fastener as the jaw is forced outward about rotational axis of pin 215 and maintained in contact with the fastener entering the assembly by the tension of spring 230. As may be noted in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the channel is formed by upper arcuate wall 415, and inner walls 830, 840, 880 which create a feed sub-channel 855. The arcuate wall 415 defines angled edges 820 and 850. Wall 830 is longer (vertically) than wall 840. Wall 830 acts as a stop to capture the fastener as the fastener enters the assembly (from right to left in Figure 3A and 3C).

[0089] Wall 830 is slightly angled (see Figures 8A and 8B) as is wall 840 to allow a fastener into sub-channel 855. Wall 840 is less angled than wall 830 (Figures 8A, 8B) with respect to an axis A normal to wall 880, and acts as a reverse stop, preventing the fastener and fastener strip from moving backwards. As the fastener is driven toward the workpiece (from top to bottom in Figures 3A and 3C), the arcuate and angled wall 415 may ensures that the fastener head remains centered into the channel to allow the fastener to exit the assembly.

[0090] The technology encapsulates the fastener within the channel 202 to prevent the fastener from exiting the channel and the tool accurately positions a fastener in the channel as the fastener is caused to exit the channel by downward pressure on the power driver 150 and the assembly 120.

[0091] Figures 24 - 29 illustrate another embodiment of the present technology wherein a locking member 2400 is utilized to ensure that arm jaw 210 (21 OA, 210B) stays open when a fastener is advanced into the channel prior to fastener driving. Figure 24 is a partial, exploded assembly view of a second embodiment of the guide tube assembly incorporating a locking member 2400. The locking member 2400 is positioned between the lever 250 and the body of jaws 21 OA and 225A (or 210B and 225B).

[0092] Figures 29A - 29D illustrate the locking member 2400. Tab 2400 includes an engagement tab 2910 which engages a clearance pocket 2402 in jaw 210 as illustrated in Figure 25. On the opposite side of the locking member is a pivot tab 2902 which rests in a slot in jaw 225 (225a, 225b). Tab 2400 includes a generally trapezoidal shaped projection 2905 having two angled spacers 2904 and 2906 positioned in opposing relation to the direction of pivot tab 2902. An engagement tab 2910 is positioned on extension region 2914. The extension region 2914 is formed to allow the locking member 2400 to freely rotate about the pivot tab 2902 without interference from the structure of the fastener strip guide rail 240, and position the locking tab 2910 to engage a clearance pocket 2402 in jaw 210, The locking member 2400 rotates about the pivot tab 2902 between a position where the engagement tab 2910 enters the clearance pocket 2402 on jaw 21 OA, 210B, and a rotated, locked position (Figures 25 and 27) where the engagement tab 2910 is forced out of the clearance pocket 2402 by the force of spring 2912 and into a "pinch point" between the jaw 210 and a portion of the guide rail 240. [0093] Figures 25 - 28 illustrate operation of the locking member 2400. Figure 25 shows the locking member 2400 in a position where 210 jaw is closed and engaged with jaw 225. In Figure 25, the feed lever 250 is not shown for clarity in illustrating the position of the locking member 240. Figure 26 illustrates rotation of the locking member 2400 as jaw 210 opens (and feed lever stokes away from jaw 210, not illustrated, to bring the next fastener into the channel). Figure 27 illustrates the feed lever 250 returning from the end of its stroke, pushing the locking member 2400 out of its pinched state. Figure 28 is an enlarged view of the pinch point.

[0094] With reference to Figures 25 - 28, positioning of the locking member 2400 is based on movement of the lever 250, jaw 210 and a spring 2920. The spring 2920 engages a spring tab 2912 on the locking member 2400 and a surface of jaw 225. When jaw 210 is closed (engaged with jaw 225), the engagement tab 2910 rests in the clearance pocket. When the feed lever 250 is in a position where the lever has moved a fastener on the strip into the channel, and is generally parallel length of the jaw 210, the locking member is retained in the position shown in Figure 25 against the force exerted by spring 2920.

[0095] When the feed lever 250 strokes away from the jaw 210 (in the direction of arrow 2500 in Figure 26) and jaw 210 opens to allow a fastener into the inner channel, the locking member 2400 under the force exerted by spring 2920 moves such that the engagement tab 2910 is forced out of the clearance pocket 2402 and the locking member 2400 to rotates in the direction of arrow 2500 to position engagement tab 2910 into a pinch point 2802 (Figure 28), locking the jaw 210 open until the feed lever 250 moves on its return stroke. As the feed lever moves back toward jaw 210, as it reaches the end of its return stroke, the feed lever 250 pushes the locking member 2400 out of its pinched state, allowing the jaw 210 to close, and the engagement tab to return to the clearance pocket 2402. Figure 28 illustrates the pinch point between the jaw 210 and the guide track 240. Note that the locking member 2400 is not fastened to either the assembly except by positioning of the pivot tab 2902 and is retained in position by the feed lever 250. The angled spacers on projection 2905 are angled such that the feed lever 250 engages the spacers to push locking member 2400 upward (toward jaw 210) and engagement tab 2910 into the clearance pocket 2402. [0096] It should be recognized that the particular structure of the locking member may be modified to provide other forms of a locking member which provide an engagement tab, pivot tab or other pivot point, and

[0097] While the technology is shown as utilized with a collated fastener strip, an automatic feeding mechanism for fasteners is not a critical component of the technology described herein. The positioning assembly may be utilized with numerous types of fasteners and fastening systems.

[0098] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.