U.S. patent application number 11/320140 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for flute positioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.. Invention is credited to Donald Buytaert, George Matthew Davis, Richard J. Ernst, David W. Jablonski.
Application Number | 20060104743 11/320140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35922663 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060104743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buytaert; Donald ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Flute positioner
Abstract
A flute positioner is provided for positioning a fastener in a
tool barrel, and includes a body, a throughbore extending through
the body, and at least one holding member extending into the
throughbore. One or more extensions may extend radially outward
from the body.
Inventors: |
Buytaert; Donald; (Huntley,
IL) ; Ernst; Richard J.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Davis; George Matthew; (Stone Mountain, GA) ;
Jablonski; David W.; (Warrenville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lisa M. Soltis;ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
3600 West Lake Avenue
Glenview
IL
60025
US
|
Assignee: |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
35922663 |
Appl. No.: |
11/320140 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10955437 |
Sep 30, 2004 |
7004704 |
|
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11320140 |
Dec 28, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
411/441 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 19/14 20130101;
B25C 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/441 |
International
Class: |
F16B 15/00 20060101
F16B015/00 |
Claims
1. A tool and a flute positioner for positioning a fastener in the
tool comprising: a tool having a barrel; a flute positioner
comprising: a body configured to be received in said tool barrel
and having a sidewall; a throughbore extending through said body;
and, at least one holding member in said throughbore and configured
for engaging the fastener, said at least one holding member
configured to cause at least a region of said body sidewall to
bulge outward into engagement with said barrel when said at least
one holding member engages said fastener and before a driving force
is exerted on the fastener by said tool wherein the holding power
of the positioner in said barrel is increased before a driving
force is exerted on the fastener by said tool.
2. (canceled)
3. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
at least one holding member is configured to cause selected regions
of said sidewall to bulge outward more than other regions of said
sidewall when said at least one holding member engages the
fastener.
4. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 and further
including at least one extension extending outwardly from said
body.
5. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein said
body has a major axis and a length along said major axis, and
wherein said at least one extension comprises a fin that has a
length coincident with said body length.
6. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein said
body has a sidewall with a thickness, said at least one extension
extending out from said body for a distance that is within about
25% of said sidewall thickness.
7. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein said
at least one extension comprises from 3 to 6 extensions spaced
equidistantly about said body.
8. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein said
body and said throughbore each define a perimeter, and wherein each
of said at least one holding member and each of said at least one
extension has a width that extends along respective of said
perimeter, and wherein said holding member width is more than twice
said extension width.
9. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein each
of said at least one extension extends radially outward from said
body by a first distance, and wherein each of said at least one
holding member extends radially into said throughbore by a second
distance that is greater than said first distance.
10. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 4 wherein said
at least one holding member comprises a plurality of holding
members, wherein said at least one extension comprises a plurality
of extensions, and wherein said plurality of holding members and
said plurality of extensions are staggered relative to one
another.
11. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 10 wherein each
of said holding members is configured to cause a region of said
body that is proximate to said each holding member to bulge
radially outward and into engagement with said tool barrel when
said each holding member engages the fastener, while regions of
said body proximate to said extensions do not substantially bulge
outward into engagement with said tool barrel.
12. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
at least one holding member extends radially from said sidewall
into said throughbore, includes a base adjacent to said sidewall
and a concave engaging surface distal from said base, and said at
least one holding member being tapered from said base to said
engaging surface.
13. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
throughbore defines a perimeter and has a major axis, wherein said
at least one holding member comprises a plurality of holding
members spaced equidistantly about the perimeter of the
throughbore, and wherein said holding members extend along said
major axis for the length of said throughbore.
14. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1, wherein said
throughbore defines a perimeter, and wherein said at least one
holding member comprises three holding members that each extends
along said perimeter for about 1/8 to about 1/4 of said
perimeter.
15. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
body includes a sidewall having a thickness of between about 0.1
and about 0.05 inches.
16. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein each
of said holding members extends into said throughbore from said
body for a distance of between about 0.1 and about 0.05 inches.
17. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
body has a length of between about 0.15 and about 0.2 inches along
its major axis.
18. A tool and flute positioner as defined by claim 1 wherein said
body has a hardness of between about 80 and about 90 durometer.
19. A tool and a flute positioner for positioning a fastener the
tool comprising: a tool for imparting a driving force on a fastener
and having a barrel, a flute positioner comprising: a body having a
substantially cylindrical sidewall and a major axis; a plurality of
extensions extending radially outward from said sidewall; a
throughbore extending through said body and along the major axis of
said body; and, from three to six holding members extending
radially into said throughbore, said holding members spaced
equidistantly about a circumference of said cylindrical sidewall
and staggered with said plurality of extensions, said holding
members configured for causing regions of said sidewall that are
proximate to said holding members to bulge outward and into
engagement with said tool barrel when they engage a fastener and
before said tool imparts a driving force onto the fastener, while
regions of said sidewall that are proximate to said fins do not
substantially bulge outward into engagement with said tool
barrel.
20. A fastener driving tool and a flute positioner for positioning
a fastener comprising: a fastener driving tool having a barrel for
receiving the fastener; a flute positioner comprising: a generally
cylindrical sidewall having a thickness and a perimeter; a
plurality of flexible fins extending radially outward from said
sidewall, each of said flexible fins having a width in the
direction of the sidewall perimeter; a throughbore defined by said
cylindrical sidewall; and, a plurality of holding members extending
from said sidewall radially inward into said throughbore, each of
said holding members having a width in the direction of said
sidewall perimeter that is at least twice as large as said
extension width, each of said holding members being tapered from a
base adjacent to said sidewall to a distal concave engaging
surface, each of said holding members configured to cause at least
a region of said sidewall to bulge outward and into engagement with
said tool barrel when said holding members engage a fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to fastener positioners and
holders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts and the like are well
known in the art, and may be used in a variety of applications,
including for attaching brackets and other items to a substrate.
One exemplary fastener is a nail or pin useful for insertion into a
substrate such as a wall, ceiling, or other surface. A hammer or an
automated driving tool such as a pneumatic or powder-actuated tool
may be used to drive the nail.
[0003] In such operation, the angle of incidence of the fastener
into the underlying substrate can be important to the holding power
of the fastener. Often, it is desired to achieve an insertion angle
substantially close to 90.degree.. To accomplish this, the fastener
should be generally transverse to the substrate surface when it
receives a driving force from a tool. If the driving tool includes
a barrel for impacting the fastener with the driving force, it may
also be desirable to insert the fastener into the barrel and have
it held therein. The driving tool can then be located at a desired
location for driving the fastener into the substrate. When this is
accomplished, "one-handed" operation of the tool may be practiced
wherein an operator is not required to hold the fastener in place
for operation on by the tool.
[0004] It is known to use a holder for holding the fastener head in
the tool barrel. For example, a thin ring with outwardly extending
pliable fingers may be positioned on the fastener shaft. The
fingers of the ring engage the wall of a tool barrel when the
fastener is inserted therein to help center the fastener within the
barrel.
[0005] Known positioner rings fail to solve several problems in the
art, however. For example, known positioner ring fingers may fail
to engage the tool barrel with satisfactory firmness or friction,
with the result that insufficient guidance is provided when the
fastener is driven into a substrate. An undesirable variance of
angle of insertion can result. This can lead to diminished fastener
holding power, to bent or deformed fasteners, or even to fastener
failure. Also, different diameter rings may be needed for fasteners
of different diameters, and different sized fingers are required
for use with different diameter tool barrels. This results in a
number of different positioner rings being required, lowering the
efficiency of their manufacture. Accordingly, needs and problems
remain unresolved in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A flute positioner is provided for positioning a fastener in
a tool barrel. An exemplary flute positioner includes a body, a
throughbore extending through the body, and at least one holding
member extending into the throughbore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective of an embodiment of the present
flute positioner engaged on a fastener and being inserted into the
barrel of a driving tool;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective of an exemplary flute
positioner;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the exemplary flute positioner of
FIG. 2 viewed from the line 3-3 in the direction shown;
[0010] FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3 with a fastener (shown in cross
section) engaged in the exemplary flute positioner; and,
[0011] FIG. 5 is the view of FIG. 4 with the exemplary flute
positioner engaged in the barrel (shown in cross section) of a
driving tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Turning now to the drawings, an exemplary flute or flute
positioner is shown generally at 2 in FIG. 1 with a fastener 4
engaged therein. The flute positioner 2 is configured for being
engaged in the barrel B of a driving tool such as a pneumatic or
powder-actuated tool. Once engaged in the barrel B, the flute
positioner 2 frictionally holds the fastener 4 in position for
receiving a driving force from the driving tool. When the driving
force is received the fastener 4 with the flute positioner 2
attached may be ejected from the barrel of the tool and the
fastener 4 driven into a substrate. The flute positioner 2 may
completely or partially split apart. A portion of the flute
positioner 2 may be retained in a deformed condition between the
head of the fastener 4 and the substrate.
[0013] As shown by FIGS. 1-3, the exemplary flute positioner 2
includes a body 6 that is defined by a generally cylindrical
sidewall 8 and that is configured to be received in the barrel B. A
throughbore 10 is defined by an inner surface 11 of the sidewall 8
and extends through the body in the direction of its major axis. At
least one, and preferably a plurality of holding members 12 extend
from the sidewall 8 radially inward into the throughbore 10, and
are configured to engage the fastener 4. A plurality of extensions
14 extends radially outward from the sidewall 8 exterior surface
13. In the exemplary flute positioner 2, the holding members 12 are
configured as lobes and the extensions 14 are configured as fins.
The precise number and shape of the holding members 12 and/or the
extensions 14 may vary to suit the application.
[0014] As illustrated by FIG. 2, the exemplary flute positioner 2
includes three fins 14. Other numbers of fins 14 may be provided,
with from one to six being preferred, and from three to six a more
preferred number. The fins 14 are preferably spaced equidistantly
about the perimeter of the body 6, and preferably extend for the
entire length of the body 6 in its axial direction. The fins 14,
body 6 and holding members 12 are preferably made of a flexible
material such as a thermoplastic, with polyvinyl chloride being one
example.
[0015] Three holding members 12 are provided in the exemplary flute
positioner 2, with from three to six holding members a preferred
number. The exemplary holding members 12 are preferably spaced
equidistantly about the perimeter of the throughbore 10. As shown
by FIG. 3, each holding member 12 includes a concave engaging
surface 16 for engaging a shaft 15 of the fastener 4 (FIG. 1), and
a base 18 that is proximate to the sidewall 8. The preferred
holding members 12 are each tapered from their base 18 to their
engaging surface 16. The holding members 12 also preferably extend
in the axial direction of the cylindrical sidewall 8 for the entire
length of the sidewall. However, it is contemplated that the length
of the members may vary to suit the application. Preferably, the
holding members 12 and the fins 14 are staggered or interspersed
with one another about the circumference of the sidewall 8. That
is, each holding member 12 is placed at a location on the interior
of the sidewall 8 that is between two fin 14 locations on the
exterior of the sidewall 8. The holding members 12 are preferably
somewhat flexible and compressible in the radial direction towards
the sidewall 8, with the result that different fasteners 4 with
different diameter shafts can be accommodated.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exemplary flute positioner
2 with the fastener shaft 15 (shown in cross section) engaged with
the lobes 12 in the throughbore 10. As illustrated, engagement
between the lobes 12 and the fastener shaft 15 causes the sidewall
8 to deform. In particular, the darkly shaded regions 20 of the
sidewall 8 bulge radially outward as illustrated. It will be
appreciated that these regions 20 extend generally along the entire
axial length of the sidewall 8, as shown by FIG. 1. However, it is
contemplated that the length of the regions 20 may vary to suit the
application. The sidewall bulging regions 20 occur in areas that
are generally adjacent to the holding member bases 18. Although all
of the circumference of the sidewall 8 may bulge to some degree,
the holding members 12 are configured to cause the bulging regions
20 to preferably show substantially more deformation than do other
regions 22 of the sidewall that are proximate to the fins 14.
Preferably, the sidewall regions 22 proximate to the fins 14 do not
substantially bulge outward.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the flute and fastener engaged in the barrel B,
with the barrel shown in cross-section. As illustrated, the bulging
sidewall regions 20 are useful for frictionally engaging the barrel
B. It has been discovered that the engagement between the bulging
sidewall regions 20 and the barrel B is useful to provide desirable
guidance for the positioning of the flute 2 within the barrel.
While the fins 14 may engage the barrel B, it has been discovered
that the engagement of the bulging sidewall regions 20 can provide
a larger engagement area and can substantially enhance the holding
power and guidance of the barrel B. Also, because the bulging
sidewall regions 20 extend in an axial direction along the sidewall
8, they are believed to promote self-aligning of the flute 2 as it
travels through the barrel B that facilitates a desirable straight
ejection from the barrel. Testing has indicated that use of the
exemplary flute positioner 2 can substantially increase the
occurrence of desirable angles of insertion of fasteners 4 into
substrates.
[0018] Note also that the regions 22 show little or no outward
bulge. It is contemplated that in other invention embodiments
noticeable bulge will occur in these regions 22 depending, for
instance, on the diameter of the fastener shaft 15 engaged. It is
preferred that the amount of outward bulge in the regions 22 be
less than that of the regions 20. Finally, it will be appreciated
that in some embodiments of the invention no fins 14 are provided,
and that engagement with the barrel B will occur only at the
bulging sidewall regions 20.
[0019] Achieving desirable engagement between the flute 2 and the
barrel B depends to an extent on the firmness of engagement between
the bulging sidewall regions 20 and the barrel. The firmness of
engagement partially depends on the amount of sidewall 8 that
deforms when the holding members 12 engage the fastener shaft 15. A
balance must be achieved between too much deformation and too
little, since neither too firm nor too loose of an engagement with
the barrel B is desirable. It has been discovered that various
elements of the flute positioner 2 interact with one another to
determine the amount of sidewall 8 deformation that occurs, and
that a beneficial amount of deformation can be achieved through
choice of element configuration, placement, materials of
construction and dimensions.
[0020] For example, the amount of sidewall 8 deformation that
creates the bulging regions 20 can be partially controlled through
selection of the thickness and hardness of sidewall 8, as well as
the size, placement, and hardness of the holding members 12. Those
knowledgeable in the art will appreciate that these factors may all
interrelate with one another, and that a variety of particular
combinations will prove to be suitable.
[0021] Referring again to FIG. 3, it has been discovered that a
beneficial amount of sidewall 8 deformation occurs when the holding
members 12 extend along the generally circular perimeter of the
sidewall 8 for a portion of the perimeter of the sidewall 8
illustrated in FIG. 3 as generally arcuate distance HMD1 that is
between about 1/8 and 1/4 of the overall perimeter of the sidewall
8. When considering FIG. 3, it should be kept in mind that the FIG.
and its referenced distances and thicknesses are illustrative only,
and that no particular scale is intended. It will be appreciated
that in other embodiments of flutes of the invention, the sidewall
may be shapes other than cylindrical, and the distance HMD1 may not
be an arc length.
[0022] In the exemplary flute 2 with its generally cylindrical
sidewall 8, a preferred arc length for the arc HMD1 is between
about 45.degree. and about 90.degree.. As best illustrated by FIGS.
4 and 6, this relative portion of the sidewall 8 perimeter has been
discovered to be suitable to effectively distribute the outward
force from the holding members 12 when engaged by the fastener 4.
Spreading this force over too narrow a portion of the perimeter of
the sidewall 8 can cause undesirable strain on the sidewall and the
bulging sidewall regions 20 to extend too far radially outward.
Spreading this force over too wide a portion of the sidewall 8, on
the other hand, can result in bulging sidewall regions 20 that do
not extend far enough radially outward.
[0023] It is also preferred that the fins 14 extend along the
circumference of the sidewall 8 for a portion of the sidewall
perimeter that is illustrated in FIG. 3 as a distance ED1 that is
less than about half HMD1. With reference again made to FIG. 4,
this preferred distance ED1 in combination with the staggered or
interspersed circumferential placement relative to the holding
members 12 helps to prevent the fins 14 from being forced too far
radially outward. Overextension of the fins 14 could result in
undesirably tight engagement between the flute 2 and the tool
barrel B. It has also been discovered that beneficial deformation
of the sidewall 8 results when the holding members 12 extend from
the inner sidewall surface 11 radially into the throughbore 10 by a
distance illustrated as HMD2 that is greater than the radial
distance that the fins 14 extend radially outward from the sidewall
8 illustrated as ED2.
[0024] It has also been discovered that maintaining a relationship
between the thickness of the sidewall 8, illustrated in FIG. 3 as
SWT, and the distances HMD2 and ED2 can be useful in achieving a
desirable amount of deformation of the sidewall 8. For example, the
sidewall thickness SWT is preferably within about 25% of (i.e.,
from about 75% to 125% of) the distance HMD2 and within about 25%
of the distance ED2. Also, the distance HMD2 that the holding
members extend radially into the throughbore 10 from the sidewall 8
is preferably greater than the distance that the fins 14 extend
radially outward from the sidewall 8.
[0025] In summary, the following dimensional relationships have
been discovered to be useful for practice of the invention. In
considering these useful ranges, it should be kept in mind that the
referenced distances and thicknesses as illustrated in FIG. 3 are
illustrative only, and may be outside of these ranges. [0026] (1/4
sidewall perimeter).gtoreq.HMD1.gtoreq.(1/8 sidewall perimeter)
[0027] HMD1.gtoreq.(2.times.ED1) [0028] HMD2.gtoreq.ED2 [0029]
(125%.times.HMD2).gtoreq.SWT.gtoreq.(75%.times.HMD2) and
(125%.times.ED2).gtoreq.SWT.gtoreq.(75%.times.ED2)
[0030] It will be appreciated that particular dimensions will vary
with applications. However, it is believed that values that offer
useful benefits in many applications include the sidewall 8
thickness SWT being about 0.05 to about 0.1 inches, the holding
member 12 distance HMD2 being about 0.05 to about 0.1 inches, and
the fin 14 extension distance ED2 being about 0.05 to about 0.1
inches. These dimensions have shown acceptable deformation of the
sidewall 8 when the sidewall 8, the holding members 12, and the
fins 14 all have a hardness of about 80 to about 90 durometer shore
A. The length of the body 6 in the direction of the axis of the
cylindrical sidewall 8 may also have an effect on the relative size
of the bulging sidewall regions 20. It has been discovered that a
useful length in this direction for many applications is between
about 0.2 and about 0.15 inches.
[0031] The configuration of the exemplary flute positioner 2 is
also believed to offer benefits and advantages in that it is well
suited for large-scale manufacture through a continuous extrusion
process using a thermoplastic. When taking advantage of this
process for manufacture of the flute 2, the sidewall 8, the holding
members 12, and the fins 14 will all be integral with one another.
Those knowledgeable in the art will appreciate that many different
materials will be suitable for manufacture of the flute positioner
2, and may be selected based on considerations including cost,
hardness, appearance, durability, and the like. It has been
discovered that one beneficial thermoplastic material of
construction is polyvinyl chloride.
[0032] It will be appreciated that although exemplary embodiments
of the invention have been shown and discussed herein, these are
exemplary only and are not exhaustive of the invention. Those
knowledgeable in the art will readily recognize that many
equivalents and alternatives are possible within the invention.
Also, it will be appreciated that the figures presented herein are
illustrative only, and that their particular dimensions and scales
are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *