Patent Publication Number: US-8113488-B2

Title: Hammer and hammer head having a frontal extractor

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/225,464, filed Aug. 22, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/317,119, filed Sep. 6, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to hammers and hammer heads that may be used to extract nails or other fasteners. In particular, the present invention is directed to a hammer or hammer head having a frontal extractor. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Most conventional hammers are of either the straight rip-claw type or the curved-claw type. Both types are used for nail extraction. These claw hammers have a striking head or poll on the front of the hammer head, and a nail-removing claw located at the back of the hammer head opposite the striking head. Claw hammers are used for various household purposes and in the construction industry, such as for framing and finishing work, as well as for ripping and other demolition work. Of course, these uses are merely identified for example purposes; hammers may be used in other applications for various other purposes. 
     One significant limitation of conventional claw hammers is that they cannot be used to extract nails easily or quickly. This is largely due to the fact that once the nail is extracted a distance of about one inch, leverage is substantially reduced. In particular, as the nail is extracted using the conventional claw hammer, the fulcrum point moves away from the nail, thereby effectively decreasing the leverage and effectively increasing the required force that must be exerted by the user of the hammer to further extract the nail. This disadvantage or limitation of the conventional claw hammer is especially problematic when the nails are designed to be difficult to extract. For instance, large nails, glue-coated nails, or nails having ribbed shanks may be very difficult to extract and may therefore require exertion of substantial force by the user to do so. 
     Other limitations of the conventional claw hammer relate to the extraction of relatively long nails, or nails that have already been partially removed from a surface. Due to the geometry of the conventional claw in relation to the striking portion of the hammer head, complete extraction is often impeded. In addition, if the nail to be extracted is especially long, extraction using a conventional claw may also severely bend the nail so that complete extraction is further impeded. To extract such long nails, it is often necessary for a carpenter to use a special nail-pulling tool in addition to the hammer, or to find a block of wood or other object to place underneath the head of the hammer to raise the hammer so as to reestablish the fulcrum point above the surface for greater leverage. 
     Various solutions have been proposed to try to overcome the above described limitations of conventional claw hammers. In particular, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,279,876, 5,441,236, 5,249,776, 5,060,911, 4,998,996, 4,533,116, 4,422,620, 2,657,903, and 2,589,046 all disclose claw hammers in which the positioning of the fulcrum is enhanced or otherwise made adjustable to provide adequate leverage to facilitate nail extraction, especially of long nails. In this regard, these proposed hammers provide a movable mechanism that extends outwardly from the top of the hammer that provides an elevated fulcrum point to allow the extraction of long nails. The proposed solutions, however, utilize various moving parts that increase the cost and decrease the durability of the hammers. In addition, in many proposed implementations, the hammers must be manually adjusted to provide for the extended fulcrum, which makes the use of the hammers with such features cumbersome, inconvenient, and time-consuming. A moveable, extensible fulcrum also decreases the stability of the hammers, and along with the wear and breakage of the fulcrum mechanism inevitably occasioned by the conventional striking and ripping uses of the hammers, creates a substantial risk of injury to the user. 
     Other solutions have also been proposed to try to overcome the above limitations of conventional claw hammers. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,239,719, 1,535,685, 1,425,369, and 559,049 all disclose hammers having multiple claws to allow engagement and extraction of long nails and nails that extend from a surface at various lengths. Such proposed claw hammers, however, still fail to address the leverage limitation caused by the movement of the fulcrum away from the nail. The various proposed solutions fail to solve the inefficiencies associated with extraction by conventional means, and in turn create separate problems that engender either additional inefficiencies, such as breakage, instability, time waste, exhaustion, and potential injury, or various interferences with the full functioning of the conventional claw hammer. 
     Still another limitation of the conventional claw hammer is that due to the positioning of the claw on the hammer head, the user must reverse his grip and/or turn the hammer around to use the claw. This impedes work efficiency in situations where nails must be driven and extracted quickly on a continuous basis. For instance, weaker nails such as aluminum, brass, or galvanized nails tend to bend when being driven into harder woods or surfaces. Of course, these bent nails must be removed so that a replacement nail may be inserted instead. Each extraction and insertion of another replacement nail would entail reversing the rip and/or turning the claw hammer around twice. U.S. Pat. No. 1,252,903 discloses a lathing hatchet having a claw positioned below a hammer poll on the same side of the hatchet. The lathing hatchet of the &#39;903 reference cannot be used like a conventional hammer, however, because a claw is not provided opposite to the hammer poll. Moreover, the claw of the disclosed lathing hatchet fails to provide sufficient leverage to accomplish efficient or complete extraction of most nails. In particular, long nails and nails that extend from a surface at various lengths cannot be easily extracted using the disclosed lathing hatchet. Furthermore, to extract most nails, the disclosed lathing hatchet requires substantial repositioning in order to engage nails with means separate from the claw, and also anticipates the use of additional means, such as a block of wood, in order to complete extraction. In this regard, the disclosed lathing hatchet admits of inefficiencies similar to those inherent in the proposed solutions to the problems associated with using the conventional claw hammer as a nail extractor. 
     Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. D438,082 discloses an ornamental design for a hammer with a provision for holding a nail in place so that the nail may be initially driven into a surface without the user having to hold the nail with the other hand. The nail appears to be held in place by a set screw that engages the shank of the nail. The use of this holding feature is cumbersome, however, because it requires tightening and loosening of the set screw each time the user desires to use the holding feature. 
     Therefore, in view of the above, an unfulfilled need still exists for an improved hammer that avoids the above described limitations of the conventional and prior art hammers. In particular, an unfulfilled need still exists for an improved hammer that facilitates the extraction of nails, that permits the full functioning of the hammer as a hammer, and that provides additional functionality and features enhancing the utility of the hammer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, one advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that facilitates extraction of nails from surfaces. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that maintains the fulcrum point of the hammer substantially constant so that effort required to extract the nail is not increased as the nail is extracted. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that allows extraction of nails without reversing grip or turning the hammer around. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that facilitates extraction of long nails. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that facilitates proper positioning of commonly sized wood beams by facilitating twisting thereof. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that facilitates the initial driving of a nail into a surface. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer that increases efficiency of nail extraction and that provides enhanced utility, while also permitting the hammer to be used in the conventional manner. 
     These and other advantages and features are attained by a hammer that includes a handle with a first end, a hammer head secured to the first end of the handle, the hammer head having a striking head at one end, the striking head having a striking surface thereon, a first frontal extractor extending from the striking head, and a second frontal extractor disposed between the handle and the striking head. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the first frontal extractor extends from the striking head at a distal end thereof adjacent to the striking surface. Preferably, the second frontal extractor is shorter in length than the first frontal extractor. The hammer may include a groove that extends through the first and second frontal extractors, and at least one slot positioned between the first and second frontal extractors. The slot is sized to allow a head of a nail to be supported therein so that the nail is cantilevered substantially perpendicular relative to the striking surface. In one example implementation, the slot may be dimensioned approximately between 1/16 to ⅛ inch in width, for example, approximately 3/32 inch in width. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the slot of the hammer is bounded by webbing at ends thereof. Preferably, the webbing is integrally formed with the first and second frontal extractors, and connects the frontal extractors together. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first frontal extractor extends from the striking head substantially parallel to the handle, and is spaced approximately 1⅝ inches from the handle. In another embodiment, the second frontal extractor extends substantially parallel to the handle, and is spaced approximately 1¼ inches from the handle. 
     In other embodiments of the hammer, the first frontal extractor and/or the second frontal extractor may be magnetized to allow a nail to be supported therein so that the nail is cantilevered substantially perpendicular relative to the striking surface. In addition, the first frontal extractor may include tips at a distal end thereof that are angled to facilitate engagement with the nail to be extracted. In this regard, the tips may be angled with a curvature. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hammer head is also provided having various features noted. 
     These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the hammer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 1  being used to extract a nail using the conventional claw provided thereon; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 1  being used to extract a nail using the frontal extractor provided thereon; 
         FIG. 5  is a side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 1  being used to extract a nail on a vertical surface using the conventional claw; 
         FIG. 6  is a side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 1  being used to extract a nail on a vertical surface using the frontal extractor of the hammer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a frontal view of the hammer of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 10  being used to extract a nail on a vertical surface using the frontal extractors; and 
         FIG. 13  is partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is rear perspective view of the hammer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is an underside view of the hammer of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a frontal view of the hammer of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, a hammer and a hammer head in accordance with the present invention overcome the previously noted disadvantages of the prior art hammers. In particular, the present invention facilitates extraction of nails, and enhances the user&#39;s reach so that nails in elevated locations may be extracted. In addition, the hammer and the hammer head in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention also facilitate insertion of a nail and facilitate rotation of a beam. In this regard, whereas the various figures discussed below show a complete hammer that includes a handle integrally formed with the hammer head, it should be apparent that the present invention also encompasses a hammer head that may readily be attached to a separate handle to thereby form a hammer. Therefore, the various features of the present invention as described herein below are applicable to both hammers as well as hammer heads. 
       FIG. 1  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that although the hammer  10  shown in the present embodiment as well as other embodiments below are of the claw type commonly used by carpenters, homeowners, etc., the present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other types of hammers as well. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , hammer  10  in the illustrated embodiment includes a head  12  that is attached to a first end of handle  14 . The handle  14  of the hammer  10  is provided with handle grip  16  (only partially shown) to facilitate handling of the hammer  10  by the user. The head  12  of the hammer  10  includes a striking head  20  that extends substantially perpendicularly to the handle  14 . The striking head  20  includes a striking surface  22  at one end thereof for driving nails, fasteners, etc. The head  12  of the hammer  10  also includes a conventional claw  24  with a v-shaped groove for engaging the head of a nail and extracting the nail. The provision of the claw  24  allows the illustrated hammer  10  to be used in a substantially conventional manner. 
     The hammer  10  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment is also provided with an interface section  30  that diagonally spans between the underside of the striking head  20  and the front side of the handle  14  of the hammer  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the diagonal orientation of the interface  30  results in webbing  31  between the interface section  30  and the hammer head  12  and the handle  14  as shown. The interface section  30  is provided with first, second, and third frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36 , respectively. In this regard, the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  are formed on the interface section  30  by cavities or slots  33 ,  35 , and  37 , respectively. 
     The slots  33 ,  35 , and  37  formed on the interface section  30  are preferably sized to allow the heads of nails or other fasteners to be engaged by the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  for the purpose of extraction. In this regard, surface  38  (indicated by dashed line) in the interface section  30  defines a contact surface of a groove for restricting movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted. In addition, the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  are sequentially positioned along the interface section  30  to facilitate extraction of nails or other fasteners that protrude from a surface, such as a wall or a beam, at different lengths. In addition, the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  allows progressive leveraging to facilitate extraction of long nails or other fasteners. 
       FIG. 2  shows a frontal view of the hammer  10  of  FIG. 1 , both of these figures being referred to herein for clarity. As shown, the interface section  30  is preferably not wider than the striking head  20  of the hammer  10  so that the interface section  30  does not interfere with the full function of the hammer  10  as a standard claw hammer. However, in other embodiments and applications, the interface section  30  of the present invention and the frontal extractors provided thereon may be slightly wider than the striking head  20 . A groove  40  with surface  38  extends through the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  as shown, the v-shaped surfaces indicating the interface between the groove  40  and the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the hammer  10  of the present embodiment being used to extract nail  2  from surface  6 , which may be a wall, a beam or any other surface using the conventional claw  24 . By rotating the hammer  10  in the direction of arrow “A”, the nail  2  may be extracted. In the illustration, however, when the nail  2  is extracted using the conventional claw  24 , the fulcrum point “C” of the hammer  10  moves in the direction of arrow “B” away from the nail  2  as the hammer  10  is rotated in the direction of arrow A. As previously described, this movement of the fulcrum point C away from the nail  2  increases the length of the effective lever arm between the fulcrum point C and the nail  2  thereby increasing the force required to rotate the hammer  10  in the direction of arrow A. 
       FIG. 4  shows the hammer  10  of the present embodiment being used to extract nail  2  from surface  6  using the first frontal extractor  32  that is provided on the interface section  30  of the hammer  10 . In this regard, the hammer  10  is positioned so that the striking surface  22  of the striking head  20  is positioned along surface  6 . The hammer  10  is then maneuvered so that frontal extractor  32  engages the head  4  of the nail  2 . The hammer  10  is rotated in the direction of arrow “D” so that the hammer  10  pivots about the fulcrum point “E” thereby extracting the nail  2  by pulling it by its head  4 . 
     In contrast to nail extraction using the conventional claw  24  as described above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the fulcrum point E shown in  FIG. 4  remains substantially stationary relative to the position of the nail  2 . Thus, the length of the effective lever arm between the fulcrum point E and the nail  2  remains constant. Consequently, the force required to rotate the hammer  10  in the direction of arrow D does not increase as it does in using the conventional claw  24 , and therefore the effort and force required by the user of the hammer  10  to remove nails and other fasteners is greatly reduced. If the nail  2  is long, the fulcrum point E actually moves slightly closer to the nail  2 , thereby further reducing the force required to rotate the hammer  10  as the nail  2  is extracted. 
     This reduction in effort greatly enhances the utility of the hammer  10  in accordance with the present invention by minimizing fatigue for end users such as carpenters and framers who must extract many dozens of nails and other fasteners on a daily basis. In addition, the hammer  10  of the present invention further allows extraction of nails that could otherwise not be removed using conventional claw extractors. 
     In addition, extraction of long nails or fasteners is also facilitated by the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  on the interface section  30  of the hammer  10 . In particular, in cases where the nail  2  is especially long or protrudes far from the surface  6 , proper positioning and leveraging of the hammer  10  may not be easily attained when the head  4  of the nail  2  is engaged in the first frontal extractor  32 . In such an instance, the second frontal extractor  34 , which is positioned along the interface section  30  to receive longer protruding nails, may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface section  30  is further provided with a third frontal extractor  36  to receive even longer protruding nails. 
     Moreover, the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  on the interface section  30  facilitates extraction of long nails by allowing the user to partially extract the nail  2  from the surface  6  by using the first frontal extractor  32 , and then, by using the second frontal extractor  34  and/or the third frontal extractor  36  to fully extract the remaining portion of nail  2 . This eliminates the need for bolstering the position of the hammer head  12  by using a wooden block as is conventionally done in the field by carpenters, or the need for a complex mechanism as attempted in the prior art. 
     In this regard, the above discussed embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method of extracting nails or other fasteners from a surface. In particular, referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , the method disclosed includes the steps of positioning the hammer  10  adjacent to the nail  2  in a manner that the striking surface  22  of the hammer  10  that defines a front of the hammer  10 , contacts the surface  6  from which the nail  2  is to be extracted. The nail  2  is engaged using the first frontal extractor  32  that is positioned toward the front of the hammer  10  proximate to the striking surface  22 . The handle  14  is then rotated in the direction of arrow D about the striking surface  22  as shown in  FIG. 4  to partially extract the nail from the surface. 
     Then, the nail  2  is disengaged from the first frontal extractor  32  and engaged by the second frontal extractor  34  that is positioned toward the front of the hammer  10  between the first frontal extractor  32  and the handle  14 . The handle  14  is again rotated about the striking surface  22  to further extract the nail  2  from the surface. Depending on the length of the nail  2 , the above steps may be sufficient to fully extract the nail  2  from the surface  6 . However, to the extent that the above steps do not fully extract the nail, the nail  2  is disengaged from the second frontal extractor  34  and engaged by the third frontal extractor  36  that is positioned toward the front of the hammer  10  between the second frontal extractor  34  and the handle  14 . The handle  14  is again rotated about the striking surface  22  to fully extract the nail  2  from the surface  6 . 
     Further benefits of utilizing the hammer  10  in accordance with the present invention are also shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  that illustrate the hammer  10  being used to extract a nail  3  from a vertical surface  7  using the conventional claw  24  and a frontal extractor  32 , respectively. If the nail  3  is embedded in a vertical surface  7 , the ability of the conventional claw  24  to remove the nail  3  may be significantly diminished if the nail  3  and its head  5  is at a height just out of reach of the user. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 5 , in order to extract the nail  3  using the conventional claw  24  of the hammer  10 , the handle grip  16  of the hammer  10  must actually be elevated higher than the height of the nail  3  itself. Thus, if the head  5  of nail  3  is positioned just out of reach of the user, it cannot be easily extracted unless a ladder or other elevating device is used to increase the reach of the user. 
     In contrast, as clearly shown in  FIG. 6 , the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  position the handle grip  16  of the hammer  10  at a significantly lower height position relative to the nail  3 . This effectively increases the reach of the user so that head  5  of nail  3  may be engaged. In this manner, the present invention allows extraction of nails or other fasteners using the frontal extractors  32 ,  34 , and  36  that would otherwise be out of reach. 
     The hammer  10  may be manufactured in any conventional manner using steel and/or other appropriate materials. In this regard, interface section  30  with the frontal extractors provided thereon, may be integrally formed with the hammer head  12  and/or the handle  14 . Alternatively, the interface section  30  may be manufactured separately from the hammer  10 , and subsequently attached to the hammer head  12  and/or the handle  14  by welding or by any other appropriate manner to provide secure attachment thereof. In this regard, the interface section and the frontal extractors in accordance with the present invention may be implemented as a separate component that may be retrofitted to existing conventional hammers. For instance, the interface section and the frontal extractors mechanically secured using mechanisms such as clamps and/or fasteners including bolts, screws, pins, etc. In addition, although in the illustrated embodiment the interface section  30  is attached to the hammer head  12  and the handle  14  of the hammer  10 , the interface section  30  may be cantilevered in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  110  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the hammer  110  is substantially similar to hammer  10  of  FIG. 1  discussed above. In this regard, the hammer  110  includes a head  112  that is attached to a first end of handle  114 , the handle  114  being provided with handle grip  116  (only partially shown). The head  112  of the hammer  110  includes a striking head  120  extending perpendicularly from the handle  114 , and a conventional claw  124 , the striking head  120  having a striking surface  122 . 
     The hammer  110  in accordance with the illustrated embodiment also includes an interface section  130  that diagonally spans between the underside of the striking head  120  and the front side of the handle  114  of the hammer  110 . In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, the diagonal orientation of the interface section  130  results in an opening  131  being formed between the interface section  130  and the hammer head  112  as shown. The opening  131  serves to conserve manufacturing material and to permit adaptation to weight and balance considerations. 
     Like the previously described embodiment, interface section  130  is provided with first, second, and third frontal extractors  132 ,  134 , and  136 , respectively. In this regard, the frontal extractors  132 ,  134 , and  136  are formed on the interface section  130  by slots  133 ,  135 , and  137 , respectively, that are sized to allow the heads of nails or other fasteners to be engaged. As previously described, surface  138  (indicated by dashed line) in the interface section  130  defines a contact surface of a groove that extends through the slots  133 ,  135 , and  137  for restricting movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted. The hammer  110  may be utilized in substantially the same manner as hammer  10  described previously with respect to  FIGS. 3 to 6 . Consequently, further discussion of hammer  110  and its operation is omitted to avoid repetition. 
       FIG. 8  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  210  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention that is substantially similar to hammer  110  of  FIG. 7 . In this regard, the hammer  210  includes a head  212  that is attached to a first end of handle  214  having a handle grip  216  (only partially shown). The head  212  of the hammer  210  includes a striking head  220  with a striking surface  222 , and a conventional claw  224 . 
     The hammer  210  also includes an interface section  230  that diagonally spans between the underside of the striking head  220  and the front side of the handle  214  and having an opening  231 . Like the previously described embodiment, interface section  230  is provided with first, second, and third frontal extractors  232 ,  234 , and  236 , respectively, that may be used in the previously described manner to extract nails or other fasteners from a surface. The frontal extractors  232 ,  234 , and  236  are formed on the interface section  230  by slots  233 ,  235 , and  237 , respectively, surface  238  defining a contact surface of a groove that extends through the slots. 
     As shown by the illustration of  FIG. 8 , the first slot  233  and the second slot  235  of hammer  210  are enlarged in the present embodiment and substantially angular in shape so that width of the slots decreases toward the interface section. This enlargement of the slots  233  and  235  allows easier placement of the head of the nail into the slots  233  and  235  as compared to the slots of the previously described embodiments, and thus, facilitates engagement of the head of the nail by the first frontal extractor  232  or the second frontal extractor  234 . In particular, the angular shape of the slots  233  and  235  allows the user of the hammer  210  to readily engage a nail head by positioning the hammer  210  so that the slot corresponding to the desired frontal extractor is proximate to the head of the nail to be extracted, and then by pulling on the hammer  210  so that the head of the nail slides along the angled surface of the slot to be engaged by the extractor associated therewith. In such a manner, rapid extraction of nails is facilitated so that work efficiency can be further improved. 
     Of course, whereas  FIGS. 1 to 8  discussed above illustrate embodiments of the present invention with three frontal extractors, other embodiments of the present invention may be provided with different numbers of extractors. As also previously noted and as shown in these illustrated embodiments, the interface section may be attached to the striking head and the handle. In other embodiments of the present invention as specifically described below, however, the interface section may be cantilevered so that it is attached to the striking head or the handle. 
       FIG. 9  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  310  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the hammer  310  includes a head  312  that is attached to a first end of handle  314  having a handle grip  316  (only partially shown). The head  312  of the hammer  310  includes a striking head  320  with a striking surface  322 , and a conventional claw  324 . The hammer  310  also includes an interface section  330  having first, second, and third frontal extractors  332 ,  334 , and  336 , respectively, that may be used in the previously described manner to extract nails or other fasteners from a surface. In this regard, the frontal extractors  332 ,  334 , and  336  are formed on the interface section  330  by slots  333 ,  335 , and  337 , respectively, surface  338  defining a contact surface of a groove that extends through the slots. 
     In contrast with the previously described embodiments, the interface section  330  of hammer  310  is cantilevered and attached to the handle  314  of the hammer  310 . The illustrated embodiment allows the interface section  330  and the frontal extractors provided thereon to be formed together with the handle  314  of the hammer  310 . This may be especially advantageous in implementations where the hammer head is formed as a separate piece from the handle and then is attached together to provide a complete hammer. Again, it should be noted that whereas three frontal extractors are illustrated in the present embodiment, other embodiments may be provided with different number of extractors. 
       FIG. 10  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  410  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 11  showing a frontal view thereof. Like conventional claw hammers, the hammer  410  includes a head  412  that is attached to a first end of handle  414 , the handle  414  being provided with handle grip  416  (only partially shown). The head  412  of the hammer  410  includes a striking head  420 , and a conventional claw  424 , the striking head extending perpendicularly from the handle  414  and having a striking surface  422 . 
     In addition, the hammer  410  is provided with an interface section  430  that is attached to the striking head  420 . In contrast to the previous embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 to 9 , the interface section  430  of hammer  410  is cantilevered from the striking head  420  and is not attached to the handle  414 . The interface section  430  is provided with first and second frontal extractors  432  and  434 , respectively. The first frontal extractor  432  is formed on the interface section  430  by slot  433 , which is sized to allow the heads of nails or other fasteners to be engaged for the purpose of extraction. The second frontal extractor  434  is also formed on the interface section  430 . Surface  438  (indicated by dashed line) in the interface section  430  defines a contact surface of a groove  440  shown in  FIG. 11  that extends through the first frontal extractor  432  and second frontal extractor  434  and restricts movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted. 
       FIG. 12  is a side profile view of the hammer of  FIG. 10  being used to extract nail  403  from vertical surface  407  using the frontal extractors of the hammer  410 . In particular, as shown, the head  405  of the nail  403  is engaged by the first frontal extractor  432  so that upon rotation of the hammer  410  in the direction of arrow “G”, the nail  403  is pulled out from the surface  407 . If the nail protrudes farther from the surface  407 , or can be only partially removed using the first frontal extractor  432 , then the second frontal extractor  434  may be used. For instance, the nail  403 ′ that protrudes out farther from the surface  407  may be readily removed by engaging the second frontal extractor  434  to the nail head  405 ′ as shown, and then, by rotating the hammer  410  in the direction of arrow G. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first frontal extractor  432  and the second frontal extractor  434  both extend outwardly and are substantially parallel to the handle  414  of the hammer  410 . In the preferred embodiment, the second frontal extractor  434  does not extend as far as the first frontal extractor  432 , as shown. This allows the hammer  410  to be advantageously used to twist wood beams used in framing and carpentry by engaging such beams between the handle  414  of the hammer  410 , and one of the frontal extractors  432  and  434 . 
     In particular, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the hammer  410  and the first frontal extractor  432  provided thereon may be dimensioned to engage a wood beam schematically shown by dashed rectangle marked P 1  having a width dimension of w 1 . By rotating the hammer  410  in the direction of arrow “F”, the schematically illustrated wood beam P 1  may be readily rotated by the twisting action of the first frontal extractor  432  and the handle  414  of the hammer  410 . Similarly, the second frontal extractor  434  may be dimensioned to engage a wood beam schematically shown by dashed rectangle marked P 2  having a width dimension of w 2  that is smaller than w 1 . Again, by rotating the hammer  410  in the direction of arrow “F”, the schematically illustrated wood beam P 2  may be readily rotated by the twisting action of the second frontal extractor  434  and the handle  414  of the hammer  410 . 
     In the above regard, the handle  414  of the hammer  410  and the first frontal extractor  432  may be spaced approximately 1⅝ inches from each other to allow engagement and twisting of conventional “two by four” wood beams. The handle  414  of the hammer  410  and the second frontal extractor  434  may be spaced approximately 1¼ inches from each other to allow engagement and twisting of commonly used wood beams. Of course, it should be noted that the above described dimensions are merely provided as examples that add further utility and value to the hammer  410  as compared to conventional hammers. 
     It should be noted that whereas two frontal extractors  432  and  434  are shown with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 10 to 12 , other embodiments of the present invention may be provided with different numbers of frontal extractors such as one frontal extractor or more than two frontal extractors. Furthermore, the frontal extractors may be of different or same lengths, and may be oriented parallel (as shown), or at an angle to the handle  414 . The hammer  410  may be manufactured in any conventional manner. In this regard, the interface section  430  and the frontal extractors  432  and  434  may be integrally formed with the hammer head  412 . Alternatively, the interface section  430  and the frontal extractors  432  and  434  may be manufactured separately from the hammer  410 , and subsequently attached to the hammer head  412  by welding or by other manner or mechanism for secure attachment. 
     Moreover, although the frontal extractors of  FIG. 10 to 12  are shown and described as protruding from interface section  430 , which has a substantial thickness dimension, it should be noted that in the present embodiment, the interface section serves to secure the frontal extractors  432  and  434  to the underside of the striking head  420 . Consequently, in other embodiments, the interface section  430  may be very thin or otherwise omitted so that the frontal extractors  432  and/or  434  essentially protrude out directly from the striking head  420  itself. The provision of the interface section  430 , however, is preferred to control the bending of the nail during its extraction, and to allow extraction of long nails that would otherwise be difficult if the extractors were located closer to the striking head  420 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  510  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the hammer  510  is like the hammer  410  described above with respect to  FIGS. 10 to 12 . The hammer  510  includes a head  512  that is attached to a first end of handle  514 , the head  512  of the hammer  510  including a striking head  520  that extends substantially perpendicular to the handle  514 , and a conventional claw  524 , the striking head  520  including a striking surface  522 . In addition, the hammer  510  is provided with an interface section  530  that is provided with first and second frontal extractors  532  and  534 , respectively, and surface  538  (indicated by dashed line) that defines a contact surface of a groove that extends through the first and second frontal extractors  532  and  534 , and restricts movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the slot  533  that forms the first frontal extractor  532  on the interface section  530  is sized to engage the head  505  of the nail  503  to thereby support the nail  503  in a substantially cantilevered position shown in  FIG. 13 . This allows the nail  503  to be initially driven into a surface by merely swinging the hammer  510  so as to strike the surface with the point of the nail  503 , without requiring the user to support or position the nail  503  against the surface using his/her hands. The user then simply disengages the nail from the slot  533 , after which the user may continue to drive the nail into the surface by using the conventional application of the hammer  510  as a striking tool. The slot  533  may be dimensioned to be between 1/16 to ⅛ inch in width so as to allow engagement of heads of most commonly used nails. Preferably, the slot  533  is dimensioned to be approximately 3/32 inch in width and to taper down slightly in width toward the interface section  530  so as to allow engagement of nail heads of varying thicknesses. 
     Instead of the above method of retaining the nail  503  in the slot  533 , or in addition thereto, the interface section  530 , the first frontal extractor  532 , and/or the second frontal extractor  534  may be magnetized so as to allow supporting of a nail in a substantially cantilevered position as shown. Since most nails and fasteners are made of steel, they can be supported in position by magnetic force thereon. Of course, this feature may also be readily incorporated into the embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 to 9  as well. 
       FIG. 14  is a partial side profile view of a hammer  610  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the hammer  610  is similar to the hammer  410  described above with respect to  FIGS. 10 to 12 . In this regard, the hammer  610  of the illustrated embodiment is provided with features that are substantially similar to the hammer  410 . As described in further detail below, the primary distinction between the two embodiments is that the hammer  610  includes a webbing  635  that spans between the frontal extractors to cover the ends of the slot. 
     In particular, the hammer  610  includes a head  612  with a body  613  that is attached to a first end of handle  614 , the head  612  extending substantially perpendicular to the handle  614 . The head  612  of the hammer  610  includes the body  613 , a striking head  620  positioned at one end of the head  612 , and a conventional claw  624  at the opposing end. The striking head  620  includes a striking surface  622  positioned at the distal end thereof. In addition, as most clearly shown in the rear perspective view of  FIG. 15  as well as the underside view of  FIG. 16 , the striking head  620  of hammer  610  is provided with a first frontal extractor  632  and a second frontal extractor  634 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first and second frontal extractors are positioned toward the distal end of the striking head  620 , proximate to the striking surface  622  of the striking head  620 , and on the underside thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a groove  640  extends through the first and second frontal extractors  632  and  634 , so as to partially define the frontal extractors. In the manner previously described, the groove  640  restricts movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted using the frontal extractors. However, instead of a slot that extends across the transverse width of the extractors to clearly separate the first frontal extractors  632  from the second frontal extractors  634  as shown in the previously described embodiments, the slot in the present embodiment does not extend through the frontal extractors. Instead, the slot is surrounded at each end by a webbing  635  so that the first and second frontal extractors are connected by the webbing. Preferably, the webbing  635  is integrally formed together with the frontal extractors during manufacturing of the hammer head  612 , and is not a discrete component of the hammer head  612 . In this regard, the webbing  635  is preferably made of the same material as the hammer head  612  such as steel, and is formed together with the other physical features of the hammer head  612 . 
     The webbing  635  is most clearly shown in the rear perspective view of  FIG. 15  and the underside view of  FIG. 16 . The groove  640  extends in the longitudinal direction of the head  612  thereby defining the space between the frontal extractors in which the shank of the nail is received as the nail is extracted by the first frontal extractors  632  or the second frontal extractors  634 . The slot  633  extends in the transverse direction of the head  612  in the manner most clearly shown in  FIG. 16  to thereby define the first and second frontal extractors  632  and  634 . In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the slot  633  does not extend the width of the frontal extractors. Instead, the first and second frontal extractors  632  and  634  are connected at the outer side peripheral edges by the webbing  635 . Stated in another manner, the slot  633  is dimensioned smaller than the transverse width of the extractors such that the slot  633  is bounded by remaining material of the hammer head  612  that forms the webbing  635 . Thus, as also clearly shown in  FIG. 16 , the intersection of the groove  640  and the slot  633  resembles a cross, especially due to the webbing  635 . 
     Of course, the slot  633  is sufficiently sized in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the head  612  to receive a nail head therein during extraction. In this regard, the slot  633  may be dimensioned to be between 1/16 to ⅛ inch in width (in the longitudinal direction of the head  612 ) so as to allow engagement of heads of most commonly used nails. Preferably, the slot  633  is dimensioned to be approximately 3/32 inch in width so as to allow engagement of nail heads of varying thicknesses. 
     The hammer  610  is used in substantially the same manner as the hammer  410  discussed above. In this regard, the protruding nail head is initially engaged by sliding the nail head between the first frontal extractors  632  and into the slot  633  so that the first frontal extractors  632  is between the head of the nail and the wood surface in which the nail is embedded. Thus, the head of the nail is positioned close to the striking head  620  to increase leverage in comparison to prior art hammers. The handle of the hammer  610  is then rotated so that the head  612  pivots about the striking face  622  with the striking face  622  serving as the fulcrum point, thereby pivoting the frontal extractors upward and pulling on the nail head to extract the nail. The hammer  610  can then be disengage from the nail head, and repositioned with the shank of the partially extracted nail within the groove  640  so that the nail head is now engaged by the second frontal extractor  634 . Rotating the handle of the hammer  610  again further extracts the nail by causing the second frontal extractors  634  to pull on the head of the nail. 
     The provision of the webbing region  635  between the first frontal extractors  632  and the second frontal extractors  634  has been found to significantly increase the extraction load capacity and durability of both the first and second frontal extractors. In particular; the webbing region  635  aids in distributing the load stresses exerted on the frontal extractors during the extraction process. For instance, if the first frontal extractors  632  are being used to extract the nail, the forces exerted on the first frontal extractors  632  are partially distributed to the second frontal extractors  634  through the webbing  635  that connects the first and second frontal extractors. Likewise, if the second frontal extractors  634  are being used to extract the nail, the forces exerted on the second frontal extractors  634  are partially distributed to the first frontal extractors  632  through the webbing  635 . Correspondingly, a much higher force can be exerted to extract nails with minimal concern for the load stress bearing capacity of the frontal extractors. It should also be evident that the durability of both the first and second frontal extractors are also significantly increased since the stresses exerted on each of the frontal extractors are effectively reduced. 
     Furthermore, as shown in the frontal view of  FIG. 17 , the illustrated embodiment of the first frontal extractors  632  of the hammer  610  are provided with angled tips  637  that increase the width of the groove  640  at the distal end of the first frontal extractors  632 . The angling of the tips  637  of the first frontal extractors  632  facilitates positioning the shank of the nail between the first frontal extractors  632  and within the groove  640  when the hammer  610  is being used to extract a nail. As can be appreciated by examination of  FIG. 17 , in the illustrated preferred embodiment, the tips are angled with a curvature to thereby further facilitate smooth positioning of the shank of the nail between the first frontal extractors  632 . Of course, in other embodiments, the tips  637  need not be angled or be provided with a curvature. 
     As previously noted, the hammer and hammer head in accordance with the present invention may be manufactured in any conventional manner using steel and/or other appropriate materials. The described interface section with the frontal extractors thereon may be integrally formed with the hammer head and/or the handle, or alternatively, be manufactured separately and subsequently attached by welding or by any other appropriate manner. This allows the interface section and the frontal extractors in accordance with the present invention to be implemented as a separate component that is retrofitted to existing conventional hammers. 
     While various embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be changed, modified and further applied by those skilled in the art. In addition, as initially noted, the present invention may also be readily applied to hammer heads that are then assembled together with a handle to provide a complete hammer. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also includes all such changes and modifications.