CA2280368A1 - Combination construction tool - Google Patents
Combination construction tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2280368A1 CA2280368A1 CA002280368A CA2280368A CA2280368A1 CA 2280368 A1 CA2280368 A1 CA 2280368A1 CA 002280368 A CA002280368 A CA 002280368A CA 2280368 A CA2280368 A CA 2280368A CA 2280368 A1 CA2280368 A1 CA 2280368A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- handle
- claw
- lumber
- jaw
- combination tool
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25D—PERCUSSIVE TOOLS
- B25D1/00—Hand hammers; Hammer heads of special shape or materials
- B25D1/04—Hand hammers; Hammer heads of special shape or materials with provision for withdrawing or holding nails or spikes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F1/00—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools
- B25F1/006—Combination or multi-purpose hand tools with percussion tool-heads or -blades, e.g. hammers, axes
Abstract
The invention is a combination construction tool for hammering, manipulating lumber, setting masonry materials into mortar and for creating apertures in hard roofing materials. The inventive device includes a handle, a hammerhead attached to an end of the handle having a claw and a striking head, and an optional striking cap attached to the distal end of the handle, and a jaw attached to the handle in opposition to the claw of the hammerhead. The claw has a pick member for creating apertures in roofing materials. The distal space between the claw and the jaw is formed to fittingly engage a piece of lumber to be manipulated. After engaging the piece of lumber between the claw and the jaw, the user leverages the handle to rotate the lumber into the desired position. The jaw may also include at least one tooth for gripping the piece of lumber.
Description
Combination Construction Tool BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cross-Reference to Related U.S. Patent Applications We hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of United States patent application Serial Number 08/876,165 filed June 13, 1997 and of to United States patent application Serial Number 09/027,434 filed February 20, 1998.
This application is a continuation-in-part of the above stated applications.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to construction tools and more specifically it relates to a single roofing, bricklaying and lumber manipulating tool that is useful for twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials and tapping masonry materials such as bricks and cinderblocks into mortar.
2o Often times a craftsman will need to align a piece of lumber that has become twisted for various reasons such as misalignment or warping of the lumber. The craftsman will typically force the lumber into the desired position with a pry bar or other striking tool with one hand, while operating a nailing device with the other hand. In many cases, multiple tools will be carried along with the craftsman to assist in aligning lumber.
Such multiple tools are generally heavy and cumbersome to carry and use.
Also, it is not uncommon for craftsman such as carpenters or bricklayers to use the butt end of a hammer for certain applications, such as to tap masonry materials such as _,_ bricks or cinderblocks into alignment in mortar when bricklaying. This tapping deforms and damages the hammer handle so as to lessen the utility of the hammer as well as the comfort of the handle.
When roofing using hard and brittle roofing materials such as clay or slate, it is often necessary to use a pointed striking tool to insert apertures in the roofing materials through which fastening means are inserted. Prior art tools suitable for this purpose generally have a pick-like member. Such tools, however, cannot be used for manipulating lumber.
to One problem with conventional methods of aligning lumber is that by utilizing conventional tools therefor, such as prybars, the use of both hands is often required, necessitating one person to hold the lumber in place and another person to nail the lumber.
Alternatively, a single person may have difficulty in ei~iciently manipulating the various tools used for straightening lumber and nailing at the same time.
A second problem with conventional methods is that simply striking the lumber does not always retain the lumber in the desired position because of stress within the lumber.
The lumber will sometimes return to its previous position after being hit by the striking head or the butt end of the handle thereby requiring increased force from the striking head or 2o repeated blows to achieve the desired alignment. This increased force and/or repeated blows further increases damage to the wood and/or the butt end of the handle, and decreases the efficiency of the operator.
A third problem with conventional methods is that by utilizing the butt end of the handle, the gripping of the roofing tool will become damaged over time making the roofing tool dif~'icult to grasp by the craftsman. Additionally, the handle itself may become damaged over time from the constant striking against lumber or masonry materials.
Cross-Reference to Related U.S. Patent Applications We hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of United States patent application Serial Number 08/876,165 filed June 13, 1997 and of to United States patent application Serial Number 09/027,434 filed February 20, 1998.
This application is a continuation-in-part of the above stated applications.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to construction tools and more specifically it relates to a single roofing, bricklaying and lumber manipulating tool that is useful for twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials and tapping masonry materials such as bricks and cinderblocks into mortar.
2o Often times a craftsman will need to align a piece of lumber that has become twisted for various reasons such as misalignment or warping of the lumber. The craftsman will typically force the lumber into the desired position with a pry bar or other striking tool with one hand, while operating a nailing device with the other hand. In many cases, multiple tools will be carried along with the craftsman to assist in aligning lumber.
Such multiple tools are generally heavy and cumbersome to carry and use.
Also, it is not uncommon for craftsman such as carpenters or bricklayers to use the butt end of a hammer for certain applications, such as to tap masonry materials such as _,_ bricks or cinderblocks into alignment in mortar when bricklaying. This tapping deforms and damages the hammer handle so as to lessen the utility of the hammer as well as the comfort of the handle.
When roofing using hard and brittle roofing materials such as clay or slate, it is often necessary to use a pointed striking tool to insert apertures in the roofing materials through which fastening means are inserted. Prior art tools suitable for this purpose generally have a pick-like member. Such tools, however, cannot be used for manipulating lumber.
to One problem with conventional methods of aligning lumber is that by utilizing conventional tools therefor, such as prybars, the use of both hands is often required, necessitating one person to hold the lumber in place and another person to nail the lumber.
Alternatively, a single person may have difficulty in ei~iciently manipulating the various tools used for straightening lumber and nailing at the same time.
A second problem with conventional methods is that simply striking the lumber does not always retain the lumber in the desired position because of stress within the lumber.
The lumber will sometimes return to its previous position after being hit by the striking head or the butt end of the handle thereby requiring increased force from the striking head or 2o repeated blows to achieve the desired alignment. This increased force and/or repeated blows further increases damage to the wood and/or the butt end of the handle, and decreases the efficiency of the operator.
A third problem with conventional methods is that by utilizing the butt end of the handle, the gripping of the roofing tool will become damaged over time making the roofing tool dif~'icult to grasp by the craftsman. Additionally, the handle itself may become damaged over time from the constant striking against lumber or masonry materials.
Lastly, it is cumbersome and inefficient for the craftsman to care multiple conventional tools for manipulating lumber, laying masonry materials and roofing.
Description of the Prior Art The prior art discloses a hammerhead having a sliding jaw connected to a socket of the hammerhead and a plurality of ratchet-teeth for securing the sliding jaw when adjusted in relation to the claw of the hammerhead.
1o Also disclosed is a monkey wrench having a shank with inclined apertures along its front side in combination with a movable jaw and an inclined dowel pin adapted to engage the apertures.
One prior art combination tool includes a combination wrench, hammer, screw-driver and rule, comprising a hammerhead, a jaw slidably mounted on a shank of the hammerhead, guiding flanges carried by the movable jaw which are engageable upon each side of the shank, and a means for holding the jaw against movement. Such tools are typically used for manipulating fasteners and pipes.
2o Additionally disclosed in the prior art is a lumber gripping device including an elongated handle and a head having two opposed and spaced apart claws with one substantially shorter in length than the other. The pair of claws engage opposing sides of a piece of lumber and the elongated handle provides leverage to manipulate the lumber. This device has no utility for any purpose other than manipulating lumber.
Traditional roofing tools include a striking surface with a hammerhead and a single pointed claw extension for making openings in hard roofing materials. These tools, however, cannot be used to manipulate lumber and are not specially adapted to provide a tapping surface for setting masonry materials.
While these devices may be suitable for the individual purposes for which they are designed, they are not suitable for providing a single combination tool that is capable of twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials, and providing a masonry striking surface which minimizes damage to the tool.
Additionally, all of the prior art devices include moving parts that may break or malfi~nction compared to a unitary design with no moving parts. Such moving parts increase the vibrational stress to absorbed by the operator during striking, making such tools less comfortable to use compared to a non-moveable, unitary design. Additionally, the connections between the plurality of moving components have a certain amount of slack and eventually wear out over time, thereby providing an unsure grip and excess vibration upon impact of the hammer when striking an object such as a nail or bricks.
Therefore, none of the above stated prior art is designed specifically as a multi-purpose, durable, construction tool usefizl for framing, roofing and bricklaying, as well as striking nails and other purposes.
2o The present invention provides a construction tool for multiple building uses including but not limited to nailing, roofing, manipulating lumber and setting masonry materials that has no moving components and is approximately the same weight as conventional single tool used for such purposes. Since there are no moving parts, there is a solid impact of the striking surface when striking an object without any vibration to the craftsman. Further, the present invention reduces the amount of weight and number of objects that the craftsman must carry while working. Finally, the present invention eliminates the need for a second person to hold the piece of lumber in position with their hands; thereby preventing injuries which can occur from nails being air-nailed from an adjacent piece of lumber.
In these respects, the combination tool according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a combination tool that is capable of traditional hammering, twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials and setting masonry materials into mortar, which minimizes vibrational stresses created during striking as compared to 1o multiple-piece tools, and which also optionally provides a durable striking surface on the handle end of the tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a combination construction tool that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object is to provide a combination construction tool that eliminates the need to carry multiple tools.
An additional object is to provide a combination construction tool that is approximately the same weight as a conventional hammer.
A further object is to provide a combination construction tool that does not have any moving parts that can affect the striking character of a conventional one-piece striking tool.
Description of the Prior Art The prior art discloses a hammerhead having a sliding jaw connected to a socket of the hammerhead and a plurality of ratchet-teeth for securing the sliding jaw when adjusted in relation to the claw of the hammerhead.
1o Also disclosed is a monkey wrench having a shank with inclined apertures along its front side in combination with a movable jaw and an inclined dowel pin adapted to engage the apertures.
One prior art combination tool includes a combination wrench, hammer, screw-driver and rule, comprising a hammerhead, a jaw slidably mounted on a shank of the hammerhead, guiding flanges carried by the movable jaw which are engageable upon each side of the shank, and a means for holding the jaw against movement. Such tools are typically used for manipulating fasteners and pipes.
2o Additionally disclosed in the prior art is a lumber gripping device including an elongated handle and a head having two opposed and spaced apart claws with one substantially shorter in length than the other. The pair of claws engage opposing sides of a piece of lumber and the elongated handle provides leverage to manipulate the lumber. This device has no utility for any purpose other than manipulating lumber.
Traditional roofing tools include a striking surface with a hammerhead and a single pointed claw extension for making openings in hard roofing materials. These tools, however, cannot be used to manipulate lumber and are not specially adapted to provide a tapping surface for setting masonry materials.
While these devices may be suitable for the individual purposes for which they are designed, they are not suitable for providing a single combination tool that is capable of twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials, and providing a masonry striking surface which minimizes damage to the tool.
Additionally, all of the prior art devices include moving parts that may break or malfi~nction compared to a unitary design with no moving parts. Such moving parts increase the vibrational stress to absorbed by the operator during striking, making such tools less comfortable to use compared to a non-moveable, unitary design. Additionally, the connections between the plurality of moving components have a certain amount of slack and eventually wear out over time, thereby providing an unsure grip and excess vibration upon impact of the hammer when striking an object such as a nail or bricks.
Therefore, none of the above stated prior art is designed specifically as a multi-purpose, durable, construction tool usefizl for framing, roofing and bricklaying, as well as striking nails and other purposes.
2o The present invention provides a construction tool for multiple building uses including but not limited to nailing, roofing, manipulating lumber and setting masonry materials that has no moving components and is approximately the same weight as conventional single tool used for such purposes. Since there are no moving parts, there is a solid impact of the striking surface when striking an object without any vibration to the craftsman. Further, the present invention reduces the amount of weight and number of objects that the craftsman must carry while working. Finally, the present invention eliminates the need for a second person to hold the piece of lumber in position with their hands; thereby preventing injuries which can occur from nails being air-nailed from an adjacent piece of lumber.
In these respects, the combination tool according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a combination tool that is capable of traditional hammering, twisting and manipulating lumber, creating apertures in hard roofing materials and setting masonry materials into mortar, which minimizes vibrational stresses created during striking as compared to 1o multiple-piece tools, and which also optionally provides a durable striking surface on the handle end of the tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a combination construction tool that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object is to provide a combination construction tool that eliminates the need to carry multiple tools.
An additional object is to provide a combination construction tool that is approximately the same weight as a conventional hammer.
A further object is to provide a combination construction tool that does not have any moving parts that can affect the striking character of a conventional one-piece striking tool.
A further object is to provide a combination tool for hammering, roofing, manipulating lumber and setting masonry materials wherein the handle and gripping means have an extended useful life compared to conventional bricklaying hammers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lumber manipulating tool that fits various widths of lumber.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination construction tool that reduces vibrational strain and reduces the amount of time required to complete a 1o building project.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
The invention comprises a handle, a hammerhead attached to an end of the handle having a claw and a striking head, a striking cap optionally attached to the distal end of the handle, and a jaw attached to the handle in opposition to the claw of the hammerhead. The claw has a first blunt member, and a second pick member which pick member is used for 2o creating apertures in hard roofing materials. The distal space between the claw and the jaw is formed to fittingly engage a piece of lumber to be manipulated. After engaging the piece of lumber between the claw and the jaw, the user leverages the handle to rotate the lumber into the desired position. If the user desires to tap a brick or piece of lumber in a desired position, the user simply engages the object with the striking or head cap or optionally the handle includes a grip and an integrally attached striking cap at least partially embedded in the grip and/or handle. The striking cap is of a material harder than the grip, and provides the hammer with a striking surface at the butt end of the handle. The striking cap may further have at least one rib or groove, which serve to more strongly affix the striking cap to the hammer. The invention may also include a reinforced grip.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
to Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. I is a side view of the present invention in removable engagement with a piece of lumber.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention disclosing the jaw in relation to the 2o claw.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment that discloses a pick member.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the alternative embodiment disclosing a channel for catchably receiving a nail.
FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a device of the invention engaging and manipulating a piece of lumber.
_g_ FIG. 6 is a side view of the optional striking cap of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several view, Figures 1, 2 and 4 illustrate a combination construction tool 10, which comprises a handle 20, a hammerhead 30 attached to an end of the handle 20 having a claw 32 and a striking head 36, and a jaw 40 attached to 1o the handle 20 in opposition to the claw 32 of the hammerhead 30, and optionally having a striking cap 50 having at least one groove or rib 51 attached to the distal end of the handle 20. The claw 32 has a groove 34 for removably engaging nails or other fasteners. The claw 32 further has a blunt member 74 and a pick member 60. The distal space between the claw 32 and the jaw 40 is formed to fittingly engage a piece of lumber 12 that is to be manipulated. After engaging the piece of lumber 12 between the claw 32 and the jaw 40, the user leverages the handle 20 to rotate the lumber 12 into the desired position. If the user desires to tap a brick or cinder block or stone or piece of lumber 12 in a desired position, the user simply engages the object with the butt end of the tool optionally having the striking cap 50 thereby reducing the damage to the object and to the handle 20. The 2o jaw 40 may optionally include at least one tooth 42 for gripping the piece of lumber 12.
The handle 20, hammerhead 30 and jaw 40 are preferably constructed from metal, such as steel or other alloy. Preferably, the handle 20, hammerhead 30 and jaw 40 are forged together in one piece, however it can be appreciated that constructing the components separately and then permanently attaching them later is also possible. It can also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various other conventional materials may be utilized for constructing the handle 20 such as wood or fiberglass. The handle 20 may be constructed of an extended length (not shown) for increasing the momentum of the hammerhead 30 and reducing the amount of wrist action required by the craftsman to operate the present invention.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the grip 22 is attached about the mid-portion of the handle 20 to the distal end of the handle 21. The grip 22 preferably is constructed of a polymer vinyl composite material, however, the grip 22 may be constructed of any other well known material such as leather, vinyl or rubber. The grip 22 preferably includes a plurality of unnumbered indentations within for increasing the ability of the craftsman to grasp the handle 20.
As best shown in Figures 1 through 2 of the drawings, the jaw 40 is secured to the handle 20 in opposition to the claw 32. The jaw 40 is spaced from the claw 32 a finite distance for receiving the piece of lumber 12. The distance between the claw 32 and the jaw 40 is preferably wider than a width of the piece of lumber 12 as best shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The typical width of a conventional piece of lumber 12 is approximately 1 '/z inches and can vary plus or minus 1/8 of an inch, however various other sizes of lumber 12 are available both in the U.S. and in foreign countries, for which the present invention is easily suitable for.
2o As shown in Figure 1, the jaw 40 preferably has a broad end and a narrow end, however various other shapes may be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The broad end of the jaw 40 is attached to the handle 20 and the jaw 40 preferably tapers upward towards the claw 32 where it forms the narrow end. The jaw 40 also includes an engaging edge 44 that is in opposition to the claw 32 of the hammerhead 30. The engaging edge 44 is in direct contact to the piece of lumber 12 when manipulating the lumber 12 as best shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The distance between the engaging edge 44 and the claw 32 is preferably wider than the width of the piece of lumber 12.
As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the engaging edge 44 of the jaw 40 forms a flat surface. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various angles may also be utilized for the engaging edge 44. The engaging edge 44 may also be constructed to be orthogonal with respect to the handle 20 or the claw 32. The engaging edge 44 may also include at least one tooth 42 or at least one groove for gripping the piece of lumber 12.
Additionally, the engaging edge 44 may also be swaged or arcuate.
When using the combination tool of the invention to manipulate lumber, when the craftsman encounters a twisted or misaligned piece of lumber 12, the craftsman has two to options with the present invention. First, the craftsman can tap the lumber 12 with the striking cap 50 to move the lumber 12 into the desired location. Second, the craftsman can engage the piece of lumber 12 between the jaw 40 and the claw 32, and apply leverage to the handle 20 so that the jaw 40 is pushing upon the lumber 12 in the rotational direction desired by the craftsman. The distal end of the claw 32, or the distal end of the pick member 60 for the alternative embodiment, engages the opposing side of the lumber 12 more towards the center of the piece of lumber 12 thereby providing a quasi-pivot point.
The craftsman continues applying leverage to the handle 20 until the lumber 12 is in the desired position. The craftsman then inserts fastener to retain the lumber 12 in the desired location.
As illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the striking cap 50 is attached to the end of the handle 20 and is surrounded by the grip 22, leaving a striking surface 53 exposed..
Preferably, the striking cap 50 is attached to the grip 22 during the curing of the grip 22, which grip 22 is applied to the handle 20 by injection molding or other process, although the striking cap may be attached to a wood handle after forming as well. The striking cap 50 preferably is formed to the shape of the distal end 21 of the grip 22 and handle 20, however it can be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized. At least one rib or groove 51 may optionally be present on the striking cap 50, which rib or groove 51 may be surrounded by a grip 22 if such grip is made of moldable materials such as composite or rubber, thus strengthening the integral attachment of striking cap 50 to the grip 22 and handle 20. The striking cap 50 is generally constructed of a material harder than the grip 22 yet more resilient than the handle 20 to absorb a portion of the shock from engaging an object. When used for bricklaying, bricks or other masonry items are set into the mortar, then tapped with the butt end of the hammer optionally having a striking cap with a striking surface 53 to set the masonry items into the mortar.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 3 through 5 of the drawings. As shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the hammerhead 30 includes a claw 32 and a striking head 36 with the striking head 36 preferably having a rectangular cross-sectional area. The corner edges 37 of the striking head 36 are preferably rounded to avoid chipping of the face of the striking head 36. The striking head 36 preferably includes a channel 70 shaped to receive a conventional fastener such as a nail. The channel 70 is preferably of a constant diameter from the face of the striking head 36, where after a finite distance along the surface of the striking head 36 the channel 70 abruptly broadens to receive the head portion of the fastener. The channel 70 preferably has a magnet 72 within to retain the fastener within the channel 70 during swinging the initial strike of the combination tool. Alternatively, the striking head 36 may be magnetized itself for retaining 2o the fastener within the channel 70. The user utilizes the fastener within the channel 70 to start the fastener penetration into an object such as wood. The claw 32 has a pick member 60 and a flat member 74 (as seen in Fig. 4), each located on either side of groove 34. Pick member 60 is preferably attached to and extended from one side of the claw 32 as best shown in Figure 4 of the drawings.
2~
The pick member 60 is used for penetrating objects such as slate shingles for allowing insertion of a fastener such as a spike or a nail. The user places the combination tool so that the pick member 60 is facing the slate shingle, and then penetrates the slate shingle with the pick member 60 in the desired location thereby creating an aperture that receives a fastener. Groove 34 may be used for prying fasteners out of material.
In use and as described above, the craftsman utilizes the invention as a conventional tool for hammering, inserting and removing fasteners, for aligning lumber, for creatin~~
apertures in slate or similar roofing materials and for tapping bricks, cinder blocks or similar items mto mortar.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present 1o invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
With respect to the above description then, the user will realize that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the 2o invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lumber manipulating tool that fits various widths of lumber.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination construction tool that reduces vibrational strain and reduces the amount of time required to complete a 1o building project.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
The invention comprises a handle, a hammerhead attached to an end of the handle having a claw and a striking head, a striking cap optionally attached to the distal end of the handle, and a jaw attached to the handle in opposition to the claw of the hammerhead. The claw has a first blunt member, and a second pick member which pick member is used for 2o creating apertures in hard roofing materials. The distal space between the claw and the jaw is formed to fittingly engage a piece of lumber to be manipulated. After engaging the piece of lumber between the claw and the jaw, the user leverages the handle to rotate the lumber into the desired position. If the user desires to tap a brick or piece of lumber in a desired position, the user simply engages the object with the striking or head cap or optionally the handle includes a grip and an integrally attached striking cap at least partially embedded in the grip and/or handle. The striking cap is of a material harder than the grip, and provides the hammer with a striking surface at the butt end of the handle. The striking cap may further have at least one rib or groove, which serve to more strongly affix the striking cap to the hammer. The invention may also include a reinforced grip.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
to Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. I is a side view of the present invention in removable engagement with a piece of lumber.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention disclosing the jaw in relation to the 2o claw.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment that discloses a pick member.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the alternative embodiment disclosing a channel for catchably receiving a nail.
FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a device of the invention engaging and manipulating a piece of lumber.
_g_ FIG. 6 is a side view of the optional striking cap of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several view, Figures 1, 2 and 4 illustrate a combination construction tool 10, which comprises a handle 20, a hammerhead 30 attached to an end of the handle 20 having a claw 32 and a striking head 36, and a jaw 40 attached to 1o the handle 20 in opposition to the claw 32 of the hammerhead 30, and optionally having a striking cap 50 having at least one groove or rib 51 attached to the distal end of the handle 20. The claw 32 has a groove 34 for removably engaging nails or other fasteners. The claw 32 further has a blunt member 74 and a pick member 60. The distal space between the claw 32 and the jaw 40 is formed to fittingly engage a piece of lumber 12 that is to be manipulated. After engaging the piece of lumber 12 between the claw 32 and the jaw 40, the user leverages the handle 20 to rotate the lumber 12 into the desired position. If the user desires to tap a brick or cinder block or stone or piece of lumber 12 in a desired position, the user simply engages the object with the butt end of the tool optionally having the striking cap 50 thereby reducing the damage to the object and to the handle 20. The 2o jaw 40 may optionally include at least one tooth 42 for gripping the piece of lumber 12.
The handle 20, hammerhead 30 and jaw 40 are preferably constructed from metal, such as steel or other alloy. Preferably, the handle 20, hammerhead 30 and jaw 40 are forged together in one piece, however it can be appreciated that constructing the components separately and then permanently attaching them later is also possible. It can also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various other conventional materials may be utilized for constructing the handle 20 such as wood or fiberglass. The handle 20 may be constructed of an extended length (not shown) for increasing the momentum of the hammerhead 30 and reducing the amount of wrist action required by the craftsman to operate the present invention.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the grip 22 is attached about the mid-portion of the handle 20 to the distal end of the handle 21. The grip 22 preferably is constructed of a polymer vinyl composite material, however, the grip 22 may be constructed of any other well known material such as leather, vinyl or rubber. The grip 22 preferably includes a plurality of unnumbered indentations within for increasing the ability of the craftsman to grasp the handle 20.
As best shown in Figures 1 through 2 of the drawings, the jaw 40 is secured to the handle 20 in opposition to the claw 32. The jaw 40 is spaced from the claw 32 a finite distance for receiving the piece of lumber 12. The distance between the claw 32 and the jaw 40 is preferably wider than a width of the piece of lumber 12 as best shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The typical width of a conventional piece of lumber 12 is approximately 1 '/z inches and can vary plus or minus 1/8 of an inch, however various other sizes of lumber 12 are available both in the U.S. and in foreign countries, for which the present invention is easily suitable for.
2o As shown in Figure 1, the jaw 40 preferably has a broad end and a narrow end, however various other shapes may be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The broad end of the jaw 40 is attached to the handle 20 and the jaw 40 preferably tapers upward towards the claw 32 where it forms the narrow end. The jaw 40 also includes an engaging edge 44 that is in opposition to the claw 32 of the hammerhead 30. The engaging edge 44 is in direct contact to the piece of lumber 12 when manipulating the lumber 12 as best shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The distance between the engaging edge 44 and the claw 32 is preferably wider than the width of the piece of lumber 12.
As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the engaging edge 44 of the jaw 40 forms a flat surface. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that various angles may also be utilized for the engaging edge 44. The engaging edge 44 may also be constructed to be orthogonal with respect to the handle 20 or the claw 32. The engaging edge 44 may also include at least one tooth 42 or at least one groove for gripping the piece of lumber 12.
Additionally, the engaging edge 44 may also be swaged or arcuate.
When using the combination tool of the invention to manipulate lumber, when the craftsman encounters a twisted or misaligned piece of lumber 12, the craftsman has two to options with the present invention. First, the craftsman can tap the lumber 12 with the striking cap 50 to move the lumber 12 into the desired location. Second, the craftsman can engage the piece of lumber 12 between the jaw 40 and the claw 32, and apply leverage to the handle 20 so that the jaw 40 is pushing upon the lumber 12 in the rotational direction desired by the craftsman. The distal end of the claw 32, or the distal end of the pick member 60 for the alternative embodiment, engages the opposing side of the lumber 12 more towards the center of the piece of lumber 12 thereby providing a quasi-pivot point.
The craftsman continues applying leverage to the handle 20 until the lumber 12 is in the desired position. The craftsman then inserts fastener to retain the lumber 12 in the desired location.
As illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, the striking cap 50 is attached to the end of the handle 20 and is surrounded by the grip 22, leaving a striking surface 53 exposed..
Preferably, the striking cap 50 is attached to the grip 22 during the curing of the grip 22, which grip 22 is applied to the handle 20 by injection molding or other process, although the striking cap may be attached to a wood handle after forming as well. The striking cap 50 preferably is formed to the shape of the distal end 21 of the grip 22 and handle 20, however it can be appreciated that various other shapes may be utilized. At least one rib or groove 51 may optionally be present on the striking cap 50, which rib or groove 51 may be surrounded by a grip 22 if such grip is made of moldable materials such as composite or rubber, thus strengthening the integral attachment of striking cap 50 to the grip 22 and handle 20. The striking cap 50 is generally constructed of a material harder than the grip 22 yet more resilient than the handle 20 to absorb a portion of the shock from engaging an object. When used for bricklaying, bricks or other masonry items are set into the mortar, then tapped with the butt end of the hammer optionally having a striking cap with a striking surface 53 to set the masonry items into the mortar.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 3 through 5 of the drawings. As shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the hammerhead 30 includes a claw 32 and a striking head 36 with the striking head 36 preferably having a rectangular cross-sectional area. The corner edges 37 of the striking head 36 are preferably rounded to avoid chipping of the face of the striking head 36. The striking head 36 preferably includes a channel 70 shaped to receive a conventional fastener such as a nail. The channel 70 is preferably of a constant diameter from the face of the striking head 36, where after a finite distance along the surface of the striking head 36 the channel 70 abruptly broadens to receive the head portion of the fastener. The channel 70 preferably has a magnet 72 within to retain the fastener within the channel 70 during swinging the initial strike of the combination tool. Alternatively, the striking head 36 may be magnetized itself for retaining 2o the fastener within the channel 70. The user utilizes the fastener within the channel 70 to start the fastener penetration into an object such as wood. The claw 32 has a pick member 60 and a flat member 74 (as seen in Fig. 4), each located on either side of groove 34. Pick member 60 is preferably attached to and extended from one side of the claw 32 as best shown in Figure 4 of the drawings.
2~
The pick member 60 is used for penetrating objects such as slate shingles for allowing insertion of a fastener such as a spike or a nail. The user places the combination tool so that the pick member 60 is facing the slate shingle, and then penetrates the slate shingle with the pick member 60 in the desired location thereby creating an aperture that receives a fastener. Groove 34 may be used for prying fasteners out of material.
In use and as described above, the craftsman utilizes the invention as a conventional tool for hammering, inserting and removing fasteners, for aligning lumber, for creatin~~
apertures in slate or similar roofing materials and for tapping bricks, cinder blocks or similar items mto mortar.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present 1o invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
With respect to the above description then, the user will realize that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the 2o invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (21)
1. A combination construction tool, comprising:
a hammerhead including of a claw and a striking head;
a handle including a distal end, the handle attached to said hammerhead; and a jaw non-movably secured to said handle in opposition to said claw and spaced from said claw a finite distance, wherein a piece of lumber is removably positionable between said jaw and said claw.
a hammerhead including of a claw and a striking head;
a handle including a distal end, the handle attached to said hammerhead; and a jaw non-movably secured to said handle in opposition to said claw and spaced from said claw a finite distance, wherein a piece of lumber is removably positionable between said jaw and said claw.
2. The combination tool of Claim 1, wherein said jaw includes a broad end and a narrow end, wherein said broad end is attached to said handle and said jaw tapers upward towards said claw into said narrow end.
3. The combination tool of Claim 1, wherein said jaw includes an engaging edge facing said claw.
4. The combination tool of Claim 3, wherein said engaging edge is perpendicular to said handle.
5. The combination tool of Claim 4, wherein said finite distance is larger than a width of said piece of lumber.
6. The combination tool of Claim 5, wherein a total weight of said combination tool is approximately equal to a weight of a conventional hammer.
7. The combination tool of Claim 6, wherein the tool is constructed without moving parts.
8. The combination tool of Claim 3, wherein said engaging edge includes at least one tooth.
9. The combination tool of Claim 8, wherein said at least one tooth is positioned adjacent a distal end of said jaw.
10. The combination tool of Claim 1 further having a striking cap attached to the distal end of the handle, wherein the striking cap has sides and a striking surface, and wherein the striking cap is integrally attached to the handle and the sides of the striking cap are surrounded by the grip.
11. The combination tool of Claim 10, wherein said striking cap is constructed of a material more resilient than said handle.
12. A combination construction tool, comprising:
a hammerhead including of a claw, a striking head and a pick member extending from said claw;
a handle including a distal end, the handle attached to said hammerhead; and a jaw non-movably secured to said handle in opposition to said claw and spaced from said claw a finite distance, wherein a piece of lumber is removably positionable between said jaw and said claw.
a hammerhead including of a claw, a striking head and a pick member extending from said claw;
a handle including a distal end, the handle attached to said hammerhead; and a jaw non-movably secured to said handle in opposition to said claw and spaced from said claw a finite distance, wherein a piece of lumber is removably positionable between said jaw and said claw.
13. The combination tool of Claim 12, wherein said jaw includes an engaging edge facing said claw.
14. The combination tool of Claim 13, wherein said engaging edge is perpendicular with respect to said handle.
15. The combination tool of Claim 14, wherein said finite distance is larger than a width of said piece of lumber for removably engaging said piece of lumber.
16. The combination tool of Claim 15, wherein said striking head includes a channel formed for receiving a conventional fastener.
17. The combination tool of Claim 16, wherein said channel may further include a magnet.
18. The combination tool of Claim 13, wherein said engaging edge includes at least one tooth.
19. The combination tool of Claim 18, wherein said at least one tooth is positioned adjacent a distal end of said jaw.
20. The combination tool of Claim 12 further having a striking cap attached to the distal end, wherein the striking cap has sides and a striking surface wherein the striking cap is integrally attached to the handle and a grip surrounds the sides of the striking cap.
21. The combination tool of Claim 20, wherein said striking cap is constructed of a material more resilient than said handle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14107798A | 1998-08-27 | 1998-08-27 | |
| US09/141,077 | 1998-08-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2280368A1 true CA2280368A1 (en) | 2000-02-27 |
Family
ID=22494066
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002280368A Abandoned CA2280368A1 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-08-18 | Combination construction tool |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2280368A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19937951A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2008775A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2008-12-31 | The Stanley Works | Demolition utility tool |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2383771A (en) * | 2002-01-04 | 2003-07-09 | Keith England | Percussive Hand Tools |
| US8117702B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2012-02-21 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Demolition tool |
| CN104493743A (en) * | 2014-12-01 | 2015-04-08 | 国家电网公司 | Magnetic clamp and magnetic hammer |
-
1999
- 1999-08-11 DE DE19937951A patent/DE19937951A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-08-18 CA CA002280368A patent/CA2280368A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2008775A1 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2008-12-31 | The Stanley Works | Demolition utility tool |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE19937951A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP2008775B1 (en) | Demolition utility tool | |
| US8770548B2 (en) | Striking tools | |
| AU720459B2 (en) | An improved striking tool | |
| US5820107A (en) | Multi-use lever | |
| US20090271929A1 (en) | Multi-function tool for demolition | |
| CA2582672A1 (en) | Demolition tool | |
| US20040154812A1 (en) | Stake driver hand tool | |
| CA2240576C (en) | Combination hammer and lumber manipulating tool | |
| CN207888579U (en) | A kind of tool | |
| US4240478A (en) | Compact hammer with recessed face and notched claw | |
| US11607796B2 (en) | Striking tool | |
| US20160052121A1 (en) | Hick Carpentry, Construction and Demolition Tool | |
| CA2280368A1 (en) | Combination construction tool | |
| US6446401B1 (en) | Krupp quick roof remover tool and method | |
| US5002257A (en) | Brick hammer with nail puller | |
| US20060021474A1 (en) | Double headed striking tool | |
| US5107935A (en) | Stake setting accessory for jack hammer | |
| US20010029633A1 (en) | Hammerhead with nail straightening holes | |
| US6682048B2 (en) | Nail pulling cam | |
| US10603774B2 (en) | Leverage enhancement attachment for lever tools | |
| JPH075986Y2 (en) | Hammer structure | |
| Nagyszlanczy | The Homeowner's Ultimate Tool Guide | |
| GB2039815A (en) | Magnetized Hand Hammer | |
| CA2509984C (en) | Hammer and hammer head having a frontal extractor | |
| WO2004069485A2 (en) | Attachment for a tool |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |