Patent ID: 7318546
Filing Date: 2008-01-15
Classification: B25C

Abstract:
1. An adjustable depth-of-drive mechanism for a fastener driving tool having a housing structure which defines an axis, and a nosepiece which extends generally axially from the housing structure, comprising: a lower work contact element having a sleeve configured for reciprocatingly receiving the nosepiece, and a bore; an upper work contact element attached at a first end to the housing structure; a rotatable thumbwheel assembly having a first portion threadably engageable with said bore, a thumbwheel accessible by a user and a second portion having at least one detent assembly, wherein said second portion is configured for being received by a second end of said upper work contact element; said at least one detent assembly includes a detent spring and a detent element; a retaining mechanism for retaining said thumbwheel assembly relative to said upper work contact element, wherein said retaining mechanism is a bushing having an orifice configured for receiving said thumbwheel assembly second portion, said bushing orifice includes a chamber in communication with said orifice and configured for receiving said detent element in a locked position, wherein when the user axially rotates said thumbwheel, the user action overcomes a detent assembly biasing force, releasably unlocking said detent element from said bushing chamber; said bushing includes a retaining pin and a pinhole for receiving said retaining pin, wherein said retaining pin rotatably engages said thumbwheel assembly second portion relative to said upper work contact element; said thumbwheel assembly has an annular groove constructed and arranged for rotatably receiving said retaining pin; and a biasing element located between the housing structure and said bushing and configured for biasing the adjustable depth-of-drive mechanism relative to the nosepiece between a rest position and an actuating position; when said thumbwheel is rotated axially relative to said first portion, the position of said lower work contact element is moved relative to the nosepiece; and said detent assembly being located on said thumbwheel assembly between said annular groove and a radially enlarged portion of said thumbwheel.