Patent ID: 12202113

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views.

It is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology disclosed herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is 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 limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, or mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” or “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, the terms “communicating with” or “in communications with” refer to two different physical or virtual elements that somehow pass signals or information between each other, whether that transfer of signals or information is direct or whether there are additional physical or virtual elements therebetween that are also involved in that passing of signals or information. Moreover, the term “in communication with” can also refer to a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system in which one end (a “first end”) of the “communication” may be the “cause” of a certain impetus to occur (such as a mechanical movement, or a hydraulic or pneumatic change of state) and the other end (a “second end”) of the “communication” may receive the “effect” of that movement/change of state, whether there are intermediate components between the “first end” and the “second end,” or not. If a product has moving parts that rely on magnetic fields, or somehow detects a change in a magnetic field, or if data is passed from one electronic device to another by use of a magnetic field, then one could refer to those situations as items that are “in magnetic communication with” each other, in which one end of the “communication” may induce a magnetic field, and the other end may receive that magnetic field, and be acted on (or otherwise affected) by that magnetic field.

The terms “first” or “second” preceding an element name, e.g., first inlet, second inlet, etc., are used for identification purposes to distinguish between similar or related elements, results or concepts, and are not intended to necessarily imply order, nor are the terms “first” or “second” intended to preclude the inclusion of additional similar or related elements, results or concepts, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring now toFIG.1, a first embodiment of a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral10. This tool10is mainly designed to linearly drive fasteners such as nails and staples. The tool10includes an outer housing20, a handle portion22, a magazine portion26for holding fasteners, an exit portion28, and a trigger24. The tool10also includes a hanger30mounted between an upper end cap portion40and a lower end cap portion42. The hanger30has a rotatable ring portion32, a first extending (about horizontal in this view) hanger portion34, and a second extending (about vertical in this view) hanger portion36. The movable hanger30is preferably manufactured as a single piece of material.

This first embodiment tool is preferably an air tool, which means that no electronic parts are included in this tool. The tool operates using pressurized air from an air hose that is typically attached at the lower end cap portion42(note that the hose attachment is not shown inFIGS.1-9). This first embodiment tool preferably has its magazine26positioned along a centerline of the tool10, as illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.2, the tool10is depicted in a view opposite that illustrated inFIG.1. Note that the hanger30is rotated to this opposite side.

The rotation of the hanger30around the handle22of the tool10allows the user to securely hang the tool on its right or left side. In an example scenario, a user is operating the tool10on the jobsite. The hanger30is rotated in the position illustrated inFIG.1(to the “left”). However, the user only has a place to hang the tool on his or her right side. The user can simply rotate the hanger30from the “left” position into a “right” position (the position depicted inFIG.2), and then securely hang the tool on that right side.

The hanger30may be securely hung on a 2×4 rafter (seeFIGS.5-8). The open space between the tool and the (vertical) hanger portion36of the hanger30is large enough on both sides of the tool to accommodate a standard 2×4 piece of lumber (noting here that a 2×4 standard-sized lumber is actually 1.5 inches thick by 3.5 inches wide).

Referring now toFIG.3, the tool10is depicted with the hanger30on its “left” side. The hanger30rotates at the rotatable ring portion32. The rotatable ring portion32is constrained between the upper end cap40and the lower end cap42, thereby allowing only rotation along a flat plane around the handle22of the tool10. The “tight” constrainment of the hanger30between the upper end cap40and the lower end cap42means that when a user hangs the tool, the air tool hanger30does not wobble or wiggle enough to fall off the 2×4. Even though the hanger30is rotatable, because it is so well constrained, the tool is able to securely hang on a 2×4.

Referring now toFIG.4, the tool10is depicted with the hanger30on its “right” side. The hanger30has been rotated around the handle22(in a flat plane, as mentioned above) via the rotatable ring portion32.

It is worth mentioning that the optimal location for the hanger30is on either side of the tool10, as depicted in the drawings. However, the hanger30is rotatable from one side of the magazine26to the other, so there are a multitude of locations the hanger may be moved to. That being said, the optimal locations are the specifically designed rotatable positions where the tool10may be hung on a 2×4 rafter securely. In other rotatable positions, the hanger30may be impeded by part of the tool itself, such as the housing20.

Referring now toFIG.5, a bottom view of the tool10is depicted with a 2×4 work piece50nested within the hanger30. The 2×4 piece50is preferably a 2×4 wood rafter, but can be any material having a 2×4 dimension characteristic.FIG.6depicts the 2×4 work piece50nested in the hanger30on the opposite side of the tool10.

It can be seen inFIGS.5and6that the hanger30creates an open space between its extending portions34,36and the tool's main housing20, and between its extending portions34,36and the tool's handle22(including the handle's upper and lower end caps40,42). This open space is sufficiently large to emplace a standard 2×4 piece of lumber therewithin, which allows the tool to be “hung” (upside down) on such a piece of lumber. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first extending portion34entirely confines the lumber, whereas the second extending portion36at least partially confines the lumber. In other words, open space is entirely bounded by the hanger in the first direction (horizontal, in these views) and is at least partially bounded by the hanger in the second direction (vertical, in these views). It will be understood that the length dimension of the hanger's second extending portion36does not necessarily need to be completely as long as the 3.5 inch dimension of the 2×4 lumber piece so as to sufficiently confine it against the tool (i.e., to hold the tool in place, once the tool is hung on the lumber piece).

Referring now toFIG.7, the tool10is depicted with the 2×4 work piece50nested in the hanger30.FIG.8depicts the 2×4 work piece50nested in the hanger30on the opposite side of the tool10.

Referring now toFIG.9, the hanger30is depicted in a partially exploded view. The upper end cap portion40has a lip that the rotatable ring portion32slides onto. An end cap gasket44fits inside the lip of the end cap portion40. The lower end cap portion42then mates to the rotatable ring portion32and the end cap gasket44. A plurality of fasteners46is used to secure the lower end cap portion42to the end cap gasket44and the upper end cap portion40. Once the lower end cap portion42is securely fastened to the upper end cap portion40, the hanger30is secured, and may be rotated via the rotatable ring portion32.

Referring now toFIG.10, the tool10is depicted showing the hanger's30rotational arc (or minimum rotational travel)60around the handle22. This rotational arc is from at least a full-left-hand position on the left side of the tool, to at least a full-right-hand position on the opposite, right side of the tool. The hanger30has sufficient clearance beneath the housing20to easily rotate as shown inFIG.10. Note how far the (vertical) hanger portion36is from the housing20. This open space allows the tool10to be securely hanged onto a 2×4 rafter when a user is not operating the tool, because the open space has a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and of at least 3.5 inches in a second, perpendicular direction. It should be noted that the two positions illustrated inFIG.10are the designed “optimal positions” of the hanger30. There is enough clearance around the housing20and the handle22for the hanger30to rotate until it touches (or almost touches) the magazine26on either side of the tool10. The hanger30may be rotated underneath the rear of the housing20as well.

As can be seen onFIGS.5-8, the magazine26extends along the centerline of the tool10; thus, the magazine26is symmetrical with the major portions of the tool10. This symmetrical attribute allows the hanger30a large arc of rotation about the tool10, as illustrated inFIGS.10and29.

Referring now toFIG.11, a second embodiment of a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral110. This tool110is mainly designed to linearly drive fasteners such as nails and staples. The tool110includes an outer housing120, a handle portion122, a magazine portion126for holding fasteners, an exit portion128, and a trigger124. The tool110also includes a hanger subassembly (S/A)130mounted on an annular groove140(seeFIG.19) in the handle portion122. The hanger S/A130has a two-piece rotatable ring portion132, a first extending (about horizontal in this view) hanger portion134, and a second extending (about vertical in this view) hanger portion136. A battery pack148is attached beneath the handle portion122, and provides electrical power to the tool110.

This second embodiment tool is preferably a gas-spring tool, which means that the tool has a pressure chamber for permanently containing pressurized gas that is re-used for multiple driving strokes. (There is no air hose connector for this tool.) An example of a gas spring tool is manufactured by Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., and is patented under U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,547. Generally, the tool operates by releasing a driver, which is forced down due to the pressurized gas in the pressure chamber, and the driver strikes a fastener, thereby driving the fastener into a substrate. Note that this second embodiment tool110does not have a magazine positioned on the tool's centerline, as illustrated.

Referring now toFIG.12, the tool110is depicted in a view opposite that illustrated inFIG.10. Note that the hanger S/A130is rotated to this opposite side (i.e., the “right” side of the tool).

The rotation of the hanger S/A130around the handle122of the tool110allows the user to securely hang the tool on its right or left side. In an example scenario, a user is operating the tool110on the jobsite. The hanger S/A130is rotated in the position illustrated inFIG.11(to the “left”). However, the user only has a place to hang the tool on his or her right side. Fortunately, for this tool110, the user can simply rotate the hanger S/A130from the “left” position into a “right” position (the position depicted inFIG.12), and then securely hang the tool on that right side.

The hanger S/A130may be securely hung on a 2×4 rafter (seeFIGS.15-18). The space between the tool and the (vertical) hanger portion136of the hanger S/A130is large enough on both sides of the tool to accommodate a 2×4 standard sized piece of lumber.

Referring now toFIG.13, the tool110is depicted with the hanger S/A130on its “left” side. The hanger S/A130rotates at the rotatable ring portion132. The two-piece rotatable ring portion132is constrained around the annular groove140(seeFIG.19) on the handle, thereby allowing only rotation along a flat plane around the handle122of the tool110. The “tight” constrainment of the hanger S/A130around the annular groove140on the handle means that when a user hangs the tool, the hanger S/A130does not wobble or wiggle enough to fall off the 2×4. Even though the hanger S/A130is rotatable, because it is so well constrained, the tool is able to securely hang on a 2×4.

Referring now toFIG.14, the tool110is depicted with the hanger S/A130on its “right” side. The hanger S/A130has been rotated around the handle122(in a flat plane, as mentioned above) via the two-piece rotatable ring portion132.

It is worth mentioning that the optimal location for the hanger S/A130is on either side of the tool110. However, the hanger S/A130is rotatable from one side of the magazine126to the opposite side of the magazine, so there are a multitude of locations the hanger may be moved to. That being said, the optimal locations are the specifically designed rotatable positions where the tool110may be hung on a 2×4 rafter securely. In other rotatable positions, the hanger S/A130may be impeded by part of the tool itself, such as the housing120.

Referring now toFIG.15, a bottom view of the tool110is depicted with a 2×4 work piece150nested within the hanger S/A130. The 2×4 piece150is preferably a 2×4 wood rafter, but can be any material having a 2×4 dimension characteristic.FIG.16depicts the 2×4 workpiece150nested in the hanger S/A130on the opposite side of the tool110. It should be noted here that the wood workpiece150is illustrated as being cut off right at the hanger130, which is why part of the word workpiece is depicted in hidden lines (especially onFIG.16). However, the entire 2×4 workpiece will truly fit along the side of the tool, as well as within the open area right at the hanger, assuming the centerline of the tool is not exactly parallel to the centerline of the workpiece150(e.g., the wood rafter or joist that the tool is hanging from).

It can be seen inFIGS.15and16that the hanger130creates an open space between its extending portions134,136and the tool's main housing120, and between its extending portions134,136and the tool's handle122or its magazine126. This open space is sufficiently large to emplace a standard 2×4 piece of lumber therewithin, which allows the tool to be “hung” (upside down) on such a piece of lumber. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first extending portion34entirely confines the lumber, whereas the second extending portion36may entirely confine the lumber, but only needs to at least partially confine the lumber. In other words, open space is entirely bounded by the hanger in the first direction (horizontal, in these views) and is at least partially bounded by the hanger in the second direction (vertical, in these views). It will be understood that the length dimension of the hanger's second extending portion136does not necessarily need to be completely as long as the 3.5 inch dimension of the 2×4 lumber piece so as to sufficiently confine it against the tool (i.e., to hold the tool in place, once the tool is hung on the lumber piece).

Referring now toFIG.17, a top view of the tool110is depicted with the 2×4 work piece150nested in the hanger S/A130.FIG.18depicts the 2×4 work piece150nested in the hanger S/A130on the opposite side of the tool110.

As can be seen onFIGS.17-18, the magazine126is not at the centerline of the tool110; thus, the magazine26is asymmetric with the tool10. Regardless of this asymmetrical attribute, the illustrated embodiment is designed to provide the hanger130with a large arc of rotation about the tool110. Note that the hanger130can rotate further on the side opposite the magazine126, as illustrated inFIGS.20and30.

Referring now toFIG.19, the hanger S/A130is depicted in a partially exploded view (with the hanger S/A detached). The two-piece rotatable ring portion132attaches to a locking ring portion144around the annular groove140via a plurality of fasteners146. As can be seen in the drawings, the ring portion132can be referred to as “a first partial ring portion having an inner shape of a semi-circle”, and the ring portion144can be referred to as “a second partial ring portion having an inner shape of a semi-circle”. This semi-circle shape is half of a circle, as shown by the first and second partial ring portions (132,144) inFIG.19. The first partial ring portion132includes a pair of first end surfaces and the second partial ring portion144includes a pair of second end surfaces. The first and second end surfaces are configured to meet one another. Once the two-piece rotatable ring portion132and the locking ring portion144are securely fastened to the annular groove140, the hanger S/A130is secured, and may be rotated via the two-piece rotatable ring portion132.

Referring now toFIG.20, the tool110is depicted showing the hanger S/A's130rotational arc160around the handle122. The hanger S/A130has sufficient clearance beneath the housing120to easily rotate as shown inFIG.20. Note how far the (vertical) hanger portion136is from the housing120. This space allows the tool110to be securely hanged onto a 2×4 rafter when a user is not operating the tool. It should be noted that the two positions illustrated inFIG.20are the designed “optimal positions” of the hanger S/A130. There is enough clearance around the housing120and the handle122for the hanger S/A130to rotate until it touches (or almost touches) the magazine126on either side of the tool110. The hanger S/A130may be rotated underneath the rear of the housing120as well.

It will be understood that pieces of lumber larger than 2×4s can be held against the rafter hangers described herein. For example, if the hanger is rotated slightly away from a 90 degree angle either to the left or right of both tools10and110, then the hangers can be used to “hang” these tools on other rafter sizes, including at least a 2×12 rafter, or any size between 2×4 and 2×12 rafters. In this manner, these new hanger/tool combinations could be used on rafter heights of virtually any size (even larger than 11.25 inches for a 2×12 rafter). The exact angle of the hanger is essentially self-adjusting as the user goes through the motion of actually hanging the tool/hanger combination on such a large rafter.

Referring now toFIG.21, a third embodiment of a fastener driving tool is generally designated by the reference numeral260. The tool260includes a handle252which has a cylindrical bearing surface256that exhibits a plurality of slot-like indentations (notches)258that are designed to act as keyways. A gasket254mates against the end of the handle252and an end cap250. This gasket254fits inside an annular opening of a hanger subassembly (S/A)200, and both the gasket254and hanger S/A200are mounted between the handle252and the end cap250by fasteners262.

An annular locking plate (or flat bearing)202, exhibiting a plurality of inward-facing protrusions204, securely mates to the handle252by matching the inward-facing protrusions204with the plurality of keyway-type cutouts (or notches)258and then pushing the annular locking plate202onto the handle252. The annular locking plate202then becomes unable to rotate around the handle252, because the inward-facing protrusions204(acting as keys) are slotted into the plurality of keyway cutouts258. The annular locking plate202has a bearing surface206that an annular rotatable ring portion236slides against when a hanger230is rotated around the handle252.

The hanger230exhibits a first extending (about horizontal in this view) portion232, and then bends to further extend along a second extending (about vertical in this view) portion234, and the annular rotatable ring portion236. Preferably, this hanger230is constructed as a solid unitary piece, such as aluminum, for example. The annular rotatable ring portion236exhibits a circumferential (inward-facing) bearing surface240, and this bearing surface240includes a plurality of arcuate-shaped, relatively smooth concave indentations238that will act as detent positions, as explained below. The concave indentations238are located at predetermined spaced-apart positions around the bearing surface240.

It should be noted that the overall shape of the hanger230can be expressed in a more general way, such as: the ring portion236exhibits a first extension portion232that extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool. There is also a second extension portion234that extends from the first extension portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first extension portion.

An annular main bearing210exhibits an inner annular bearing surface219having a plurality of inner (inward-facing) protrusions212that act as keys, to prevent rotation. The annular main bearing210may be constructed out of Delrin®, for example. The inner bearing surface219mates with the cylindrical bearing surface256, and these inner protrusions212securely mate to the plurality of slots (notches or keyways)258, thereby locking the annular main bearing210in place so it cannot be rotated (in the same manner that the annular locking plate202“locks” into place on the handle252, discussed above). Thus, the annular locking plate202and the annular main bearing210lock into place with the cylindrical bearing surface256thereby preventing rotation between those surfaces. Of course, since the hanger230is secured between the annular locking plate202and the annular main bearing210, but not mated with the cylindrical bearing surface256, the hanger230is free to move about its travel arc.

The annular main bearing210exhibits an outer annular bearing surface218having a plurality of semi-radial (outward-facing) projections216, and a mating surface or lip214. The plurality of semi-radial projections216are angled (i.e., they are not strictly ‘aimed’ along the radius of the bearing210), and exhibit elastic properties (e.g., they are somewhat flexible), such that the plurality of semi-radial projections compress if the hanger230is rotated about the handle252, and the plurality of semi-radial projections decompress if the hanger230is rotated to the plurality of concave detents238. The annular main bearing210is mated to the annular rotatable ring portion236by placing the outer bearing surface218inside the bearing surface240. The mating surface214provides a “locking” surface by pressing the lip over the bearing surface240, thereby fitting the annular main bearing210in place inside the annular rotatable ring portion236.

The plurality of semi-radial projections216provide a substantially constant outward radial force against the bearing surface240. This provides some friction when a user rotates the hanger230around the handle252, after assembly, because the plurality of semi-radial projections216are compressed against the bearing surface240. When the hanger230is rotated so that the plurality of semi-radial projections216slide into the plurality of concave detents238, a “soft lock” point is reached. The user will feel this “soft lock” and know the hanger230has become more secure upon reaching this rotated position, because the plurality of semi-radial projections216decompress to better “hold” at the plurality of concave detents238. At this “soft lock” position, the hanger230is in a detent state that will prevent further rotation of the rotatable ring portion, unless additional torque is applied in the rotational direction to the hanger230or the annular rotatable ring portion236.

If the user continues to rotate the hanger230, the plurality of semi-radial projections216will slide out of the plurality of concave detents238due to the shape of the plurality of concave detents, and the plurality of semi-radial projections216will compress. The plurality of concave detents238and plurality of semi-radial projections216allow several “soft lock” positions as the hanger230is rotated around the handle252.

Referring now toFIG.22, the third embodiment hanger S/A200is illustrated in an exploded view. Each portion of the hanger S/A200is preferably assembled in a specific order, although the gasket254can be positioned just prior to fastening the handle252and the end cap250, since it sits in the middle of the other portions. To assemble, first the annular plate202is placed onto the handle252so that the plurality of inward facing protrusions204slide into the plurality of keyways258. As mentioned above, the plate202does not move (rotate) once mounted to the handle252.

Next, the annular main bearing210is placed into the annular rotatable ring portion236of the hanger230. The annular main bearing210should lock into place via the lip214“snapping” into place over the bearing surface240.

Then, the combined annular main bearing210and hanger230are positioned over the handle252, the plurality of inner protrusions212are lined up over the plurality of keyways258, and then pushed into place on the handle. The annular main bearing210should not move once mounted, but the hanger230is rotatable around the handle252. As mentioned above, the plurality of semi-radial projections216on the annular main bearing210provide a constant outward radial force against the bearing surface240of the annular rotatable ring portion236. This provides friction when the user rotates the hanger230, and also provides several “soft lock” positions when the plurality of semi-radial projections216slide into the plurality of concave detents238.

Last, the end cap250is positioned over the handle252, and the fasteners262(seeFIG.21) are fastened through the end cap250so that the entire hanger S/A200is securely attached to the tool260.

Referring now toFIG.23, the assembled hanger S/A200is illustrated in a cutaway view. The annular plate202is proximal to the handle252. The annular main bearing210and the annular rotatable ring portion236are proximal to the annular plate202. By “locking” the plurality of inward facing protrusions204and the plurality of inner protrusions212to the handle252, the annular rotatable ring portion236is securely rotatable around the handle. The end cap250is fastened securely to the handle252.

Referring now toFIG.24, the hanger230and annular main bearing210are illustrated from a top view. Note that the plurality of semi-radial projections216are not positioned at the plurality of concave detents238. In other words,FIG.24does not illustrate a “soft lock” state. In a “soft lock” state, the plurality of semi-radial projections216would be positioned at the plurality of concave detents238(seeFIG.28).

Note also that the lip or mating surface214is mated to the annular rotatable ring portion236. The plurality of inner protrusions212are illustrated, and these mate with the plurality of keyways258on the handle252(seeFIG.23).

Referring now toFIG.25, the annular plate202is illustrated in a top view. Note the plurality of inward facing protrusions204; these mate with the plurality of notches258on the handle252to “lock” the annular plate202in place (seeFIG.23). The bearing surface206is proximal to the annular rotatable ring portion236, and this bearing surface206is what the annular rotatable ring portion slides against when the hanger230is rotated around the handle252(seeFIG.23).

Referring now toFIG.26, the hanger230is illustrated in a top view. The (inward-facing) bearing surface240is shown, including the plurality of concave indentations238. This bearing surface240slides against the outer bearing surface218of the annular main bearing210when the hanger230is rotated around the handle252. The bearing surface240also slides against the plurality of semi-radial projections216, and this bearing surface240is subject to the constant outward radial force produced by the plurality of semi-radial projections.

Referring now toFIG.27, the annular main bearing210is illustrated in a top view. The outer bearing surface218is illustrated, including the plurality of semi-radial projections216. The inner bearing surface219and the plurality of inner protrusions212mate with the cylindrical bearing surface256and the plurality of keyways258, respectively, on the handle252. The annular rotatable ring portion236slides against the annular main bearing210when the hanger230is rotated around the handle252.

The semi-radial projections216extend from the circumferential outer bearing surface218in pairs, in the illustrated embodiment. Each of these pairs of projections216have a small air gap therebetween. When the hanger is rotated, the projections218will not “catch” on the concave opposite detent indentations238, because those concave surfaces are quite smooth. It will be understood that any appropriate shape could be used for these projections216and for the concave indentations238, acting as detent surfaces, without departing from the principles of the present technology disclosed herein.

Referring now toFIG.28, the annular main bearing210is illustrated in a “soft lock” position with the hanger230. In this view, the plurality of semi-radial projections216are positioned at the plurality of concave detents238, and the constant outward radial force projected by the plurality of semi-radial projections secures this “soft lock” position. Of course, if the user provides sufficient twisting torque while rotating the hanger230, then the plurality of semi-radial projections216will slide out of the plurality of concave detents238, and this position is illustrated inFIG.24.

The principles discussed above and illustrated in the drawings can be further summarized in a series of short statements, such as follows:

{A1} A fastener driving tool, comprising: an outer housing portion; a handle portion; a magazine that stores fasteners; a fastener exit portion; and a movable hanger that is rotatable around the handle portion; wherein: (a) the hanger exhibits a minimum rotational travel from at least a first position at a first side of the tool to at least a second position at a second, opposite side of the tool; (b) the hanger, if rotated to the first position, is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion at the first side of the tool, and between the hanger and the handle portion at the first side of the tool, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in a first direction and of at least 3.5 inches in a second, perpendicular direction; and (c) the hanger, if rotated to the second position, is sized and shaped to provide an open space between the hanger and the outer housing portion at the second side of the tool, and between the hanger and the handle portion at the second side of the tool, the open space having a minimum dimension of at least 1.5 inches in the first direction and of at least 3.5 inches in the second, perpendicular direction.

{A2} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A1} plus the following features: the open space is entirely bounded by the hanger in the first direction and is at least partially bounded by the hanger in the second direction.

{A3} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A1} plus the following features: (a) the open space allows a standard sized 2×4 piece of lumber to be emplaced therein, whether the hanger is positioned at the first position, or at the second position, and (b) the 2×4 piece of lumber has outer width and height dimensions of about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, and of a varying outer length dimension.

{A4} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A1} plus the following features: the minimum travel of hanger rotation is from at least a full left-hand position at a left side of the tool to at least a full right-hand position at a right side of the tool.

{A5} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A1} plus the following features: the rotatable hanger is of a single-piece, unitary construction, comprising: (a) a ring portion that fits around the handle portion; and (b) an extension portion that extends from the ring portion along the first direction, then bends to further extend along the second direction.

{A6} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A1} plus the following features: wherein: the rotatable hanger is of a two-piece construction, comprising: (a) a first partial ring portion; (b) an extension portion that extends from the first partial ring portion along the first direction, then bends to further extend along the 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.

{A7} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A5} plus the following features: an end cap located at the base of the handle; the end cap includes an upper portion and a lower portion mated together by a plurality of fasteners; and the single-piece hanger is rotatably mounted between the end cap upper and lower portions.

{A8} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {A6} plus the following features: the handle exhibits an annular groove about its outer perimeter; and the two-piece hanger is rotatably mounted in the annular groove.

{B1} A fastener driving tool, comprising: 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; wherein: (a) the hanger exhibits a minimum rotational travel from at least a first position at a first side of the tool to at least a second position at a second, opposite side of the tool; (b) the hanger, if rotated to the first position, is configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch-wide solid surface, if placed 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, if rotated to the second position, is configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch-wide solid surface, if placed between an outer portion of the hanger and the outer housing portion, and between the outer portion of the hanger and the handle portion.

{B2} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {B1} plus the following features: the minimum travel of hanger rotation is from at least a full left-hand position at a left side of the tool to at least a full right-hand position at a right side of the tool.

{B3} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {B2} plus the following features: the magazine and the fastener exit portion are both located substantially along a centerline of the tool; and the full left-hand position and the full right-hand position of the hanger are substantially symmetrical with respect to the outer housing portion and with respect to the fastener exit portion.

{B4} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {B2} plus the following features: the fastener exit portion is located substantially along a centerline of the tool; the magazine is offset to the first side, and is not located substantially along a centerline of the tool; the outer housing portion is, at least in part, offset to the second side at a region proximal to the handle portion; the full left-hand position and the full right-hand position of the hanger each are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with one of the magazine and the region of the outer housing portion that is proximal to the handle portion, and the spaced-apart relationship on both the left side and the right side of the tool is sufficiently large to fit around the at least a 1.5 inch-wide solid surface.

{C1} A method for hanging a fastener driving tool on a solid rectangular-shaped surface, the method comprising: (a) providing a fastener driving tool, including: (i) an outer housing portion; (ii) a handle portion; (iii) a magazine that stores fasteners; (iv) a fastener exit portion; and (v) a movable hanger that is rotatable about the handle portion, the hanger including an extension portion that is configured to fit around at least a 1.5 inch surface of a solid rectangular-shaped object that exhibits two dimensions that are about 1.5 inches in width by about 3.5 inches in height; (b) rotating the hanger around the handle portion to a first rotational position at a first side of the tool, and hanging the tool on the solid rectangular-shaped object, using the extension portion of the hanger; and (c) later, rotating the hanger around the handle portion to a second rotational position at a second, opposite side of the tool, and hanging the tool on the solid rectangular-shaped object, using the extension portion of the hanger.

{C2} The method of the above paragraph {C1} plus the following features: the rotatable hanger comprises: (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, then bends to further extend along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

{C3} The method of the above paragraph {C1} plus the following features: the rotatable hanger comprises: (a) a first partial ring portion; (b) an extension portion that extends from the first partial ring portion along the first direction, then bends to further extend along the 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.

{C4} The method of the above paragraph {C2} plus the following features: an end cap located at the base of the handle; the end cap includes an upper portion and a lower portion mated together by a plurality of fasteners; and the hanger is rotatably mounted between the end cap upper and lower portions.

{C5} The method of the above paragraph {C3} plus the following features: the handle exhibits an annular groove about its outer perimeter; and the hanger is rotatably mounted in the annular groove.

{D1} A handle with a rotatable hanger for use in a fastener driving tool, comprising: (a) a rotatable hanger comprising: (i) a first portion including: (A) a rotatable ring portion, the ring portion including an inward-facing first bearing surface, the first bearing surface exhibiting a plurality of concave indentations located at predetermined spaced-apart positions around the first bearing surface; and (B) an extension portion that extends from the ring portion along a first direction, then bends to further extend along a second, substantially perpendicular direction; (ii) a second portion including: (A) an annular bearing that includes an outward-facing second bearing surface and an inward-facing third surface, the second bearing surface exhibiting a plurality of outward-facing projections, the second bearing surface facing toward the first bearing surface; (B) the plurality of outward-facing projections are located at predetermined spaced-apart positions around the second bearing surface; and (C) the third surface exhibiting at least one inward-facing protrusion located on the third surface; (b) a handle portion including a fourth surface, the fourth surface exhibiting at least one notch, the fourth surface facing toward the third surface; (c) wherein: (i) the second bearing surface mates to the first bearing surface; (ii) if the plurality of outward-facing projections are in contact with the first bearing surface at locations not at one of the plurality of concave indentations, then the first portion is allowed to rotate about the handle portion at the first and second bearing surfaces; and (iii) if the plurality of outward-facing projections are in contact with the first bearing surface at the plurality of concave indentations, then rotation between the third surface and the fourth surface is prevented.

{D2} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D1} plus the following features: if the rotatable ring portion is positioned such that the plurality of outward-facing projections are positioned at the plurality of concave indentations, then the rotatable hanger is in a detent state that will prevent further rotation of the rotatable ring portion.

{D3} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D2} plus the following features: the detent state will persist until additional torque is applied in the rotational direction to at least one of the rotatable ring portion and the handle portion.

{D4} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D1} plus the following features: the plurality of outward-facing projections are compressed when in contact with the first bearing surface at locations not at one of the plurality of concave indentations, and the plurality of outward-facing projections are, at least to some extent, decompressed when in contact with the first bearing surface at the plurality of concave indentations.

{D5} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D1} plus the following features: the plurality of outward-facing projections are angled, and exhibit elastic properties; the plurality of outward-facing projections compress if the first portion is rotated around the handle portion; the plurality of outward-facing projections decompress if the first portion is rotated to the plurality of concave indentations; and the plurality of outward-facing projections provide a constant outward radial force on the first bearing surface.

{D6} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D1} plus the following features: the first bearing surface is cylindrical in shape; the second bearing surface is cylindrical in shape; and the second bearing surface does not rotate with respect to the handle portion.

{D7} The handle with a rotatable hanger of the above paragraph {D1} plus the following features: the at least one inward-facing protrusion located on the third surface comprises a plurality of inward-facing protrusions at spaced-apart positions around the third surface; and the at least one notch located on the fourth surface comprises a plurality of spaced-apart notches around the fourth surface.

{E1} A fastener driving tool, comprising: an outer housing portion; a handle portion; a fastener exit portion; a movable hanger that is rotatable about the handle portion, the hanger including a first ring portion that exhibits a plurality of concave indentations spaced-apart along an inward-facing first bearing surface, and a second ring portion that exhibits a plurality of outward-facing flexible projections spaced-apart along an outward-facing second bearing surface; the first ring exhibiting a first extension portion that extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool; and exhibiting a second extension portion that extends from the first extension portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first extension portion; wherein: (a) the first bearing surface mates to the second bearing surface, and the first ring is rotatable about the second bearing surface; (b) the plurality of outward-facing projections mate to the plurality of concave indentations, if the first bearing surface is rotated to a detent position with respect to the second bearing surface; and (c) if the first bearing surface is rotated to the detent position, then the outward-facing projections hold the first ring portion in place with respect to the second ring portion.

{E2} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E1} plus the following features: the plurality of outward-facing projections are angled, and exhibit elastic properties; the plurality of outward-facing projections compress when the first bearing surface is rotated around the second bearing surface; and the plurality of outward-facing projections decompress when the first bearing surface is rotated to the first detent position.

{E3} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E2} plus the following features: the plurality of outward-facing projections are arranged in pairs, and each of the pairs has a small air gap therebetween.

{E4} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E3} plus the following features: if the plurality of outward-facing projections are positioned within the plurality of concave indentations, and thereby in a detent position, then if sufficient additional rotational force is applied to at least one of the movable hanger and the handle portion, then the detent state will be overcome, again allowing rotation between the movable hanger and the handle portion.

{E5} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E4} plus the following features: each of the concave indentations is sufficient smooth to allow the plurality of outward-facing flexible projections to slide along the inward-facing first bearing surface without catching, just as the detent state is being overcome.

{E6} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E1} plus the following features: the first and second bearing surfaces are cylindrical in shape.

{E7} The fastener driving tool of the above paragraph {E1} plus the following features: at least one inward-facing protrusion located on the second ring portion; at least one slot in an outer surface of the handle portion; wherein: the at least one inward-facing protrusion mates into the at least one slot to lock the second ring portion to the handle portion, thereby preventing rotational movement therebetween.

Note that some of the embodiments illustrated herein do not have all of their components included on some of the figures herein, for purposes of clarity. To see examples of such outer housings and other components, especially for earlier designs, the reader is directed to other U.S. patents and applications owned by Senco. Similarly, information about “how” the electronic controller operates to control the functions of the tool is found in other U.S. patents and applications owned by Senco. Moreover, other aspects of the present tool technology may have been present in earlier fastener driving tools sold by the Assignee, Kyocera Senco Industrial Tools, Inc., including information disclosed in previous U.S. patents and published applications. Examples of such publications are patent numbers U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,431,425; 5,927,585; 5,918,788; 5,732,870; 4,986,164; 4,679,719; 8,011,547, 8,267,296, 8,267,297, 8,011,441, 8,387,718, 8,286,722, 8,230,941, and 8,763,874; also published U.S. patent application No. 2016/0288305 and published U.S. patent application, No. 2018/0178361. These documents are incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

As used herein, the term “proximal” can have a meaning of closely positioning one physical object with a second physical object, such that the two objects are perhaps adjacent to one another, although it is not necessarily required that there be no third object positioned therebetween. In the technology disclosed herein, there may be instances in which a “male locating structure” is to be positioned “proximal” to a “female locating structure.” In general, this could mean that the two male and female structures are to be physically abutting one another, or this could mean that they are “mated” to one another by way of a particular size and shape that essentially keeps one structure oriented in a predetermined direction and at an X-Y (e.g., horizontal and vertical) position with respect to one another, regardless as to whether the two male and female structures actually touch one another along a continuous surface. Or, two structures of any size and shape (whether male, female, or otherwise in shape) may be located somewhat near one another, regardless if they physically abut one another or not; such a relationship could still be termed “proximal.” Or, two or more possible locations for a particular point can be specified in relation to a precise attribute of a physical object, such as being “near” or “at” the end of a stick; all of those possible near/at locations could be deemed “proximal” to the end of that stick. Moreover, the term “proximal” can also have a meaning that relates strictly to a single object, in which the single object may have two ends, and the “distal end” is the end that is positioned somewhat farther away from a subject point (or area) of reference, and the “proximal end” is the other end, which would be positioned somewhat closer to that same subject point (or area) of reference.

It will be understood that the various components that are described and/or illustrated herein can be fabricated in various ways, including in multiple parts or as a unitary part for each of these components, without departing from the principles of the technology disclosed herein. For example, a component that is included as a recited element of a claim hereinbelow may be fabricated as a unitary part; or that component may be fabricated as a combined structure of several individual parts that are assembled together. But that “multi-part component” will still fall within the scope of the claimed, recited element for infringement purposes of claim interpretation, even if it appears that the claimed, recited element is described and illustrated herein only as a unitary structure.

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

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment 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, and the technology disclosed herein may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Any examples described or illustrated herein are intended as non-limiting examples, and many modifications or variations of the examples, or of the preferred embodiment(s), are possible in light of the above teachings, without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed herein. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described in order to illustrate the principles of the technology disclosed herein and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology disclosed herein in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to particular uses contemplated. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the technology disclosed herein using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this technology disclosed herein pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.