CN219599403U

CN219599403U - Fastener driver and pusher assembly for fastener driver

Info

Publication number: CN219599403U
Application number: CN202190000382.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·N·齐默尔曼; G·惠特莫尔; M·韦塞尔伯格; C·D·加尔塞斯; M·T·纽霍夫
Original assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Current assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-31
Publication date: 2023-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-31

Abstract

A fastener driver and a pusher assembly for a fastener driver that includes a pusher assembly slidably coupled to a magazine assembly. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion that are selectively movable relative to one another. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion. The blank fire lockout assembly includes a blocking member coupled to the cartridge assembly or the nosepiece assembly, and a lockout member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from the first and second positions. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

Description

Fastener driver and pusher assembly for fastener driver

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/040,761, filed on 18 th month 6, 2020, 5 th month 20, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/027,391 and 31 rd month 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a powered fastener driver.

Background

A variety of fastener drivers are known in the art for driving fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) into a workpiece. These fastener drivers operate using various means known in the art (e.g., compressed air generated by an air compressor, electrical energy, flywheel mechanisms, etc.), but these designs typically suffer from power, size, and cost limitations.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver comprising: a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners; a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are selectively movable relative to one another. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The dry-fire locking assembly (dry-fire lockout assembly) comprises: a blocking member coupled to the cartridge assembly or the nosepiece assembly; and a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

In another aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver comprising: a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners; a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are selectively movable relative to one another. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The blank fire locking assembly includes: a blocking member coupled to the cartridge assembly or the nosepiece assembly; and a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The first spring is configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state when the blocking member is in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position and after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

In another aspect, the present utility model provides a driver assembly for a fastener driver. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel of the nosepiece assembly. The pusher assembly includes a first portion configured to contact a fastener within the magazine. The second portion is selectively movable with the first portion. The first spring has an end coupled to the first portion. The second spring has an end coupled to the second portion. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion is configured to move toward the channel relative to the second portion. Each of the first and second springs is configured to bias the first and second portions, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other. The pusher assembly is in the first state if the number of fasteners in the magazine assembly equals or exceeds a predetermined number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly. The pusher assembly is adjustable from a first state to a second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly.

In another aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver comprising: a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners; a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion selectively coupled for movement with the first portion. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are coupled for movement together toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion is moved toward the channel relative to the second portion. The fastener driver further includes a workpiece contact element movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position; and a blank fire locking assembly. The blank fire locking assembly includes: a blocking member coupled to the cassette assembly; and a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

In another aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver that includes a magazine assembly having a fastener channel extending along a length thereof and configured to receive fasteners and a window positioned on one side of the magazine assembly. The fastener driver further includes: a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably positioned in the fastener channel. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion selectively coupled for movement with the first portion. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are coupled for movement together toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion is moved toward the channel relative to the second portion. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The blank fire lock assembly includes a blocking member coupled to the cassette assembly. An end portion of the blocking member may be selectively received within the window. The spring biases the end portion toward the fastener passage and away from the window. The blank fire lockout assembly further includes a lockout member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member, and a second position in which an end portion of the blocking member is positioned in the window so as to inhibit movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

In yet another aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver comprising: a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners; a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion and a second portion movably coupled to the first portion. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The blank fire locking assembly includes: a blocking member coupled to the nosepiece assembly; and a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

In another aspect, the present utility model provides a fastener driver comprising: a magazine assembly having a fastener channel extending along a length thereof and configured to receive fasteners; a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven; and a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cassette assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel. The pusher assembly includes a first portion having a body defining a window. The body is slidably positioned in the fastener channel. The pusher assembly also includes a second portion movably positioned within the window of the first portion and a first spring extending between the first wall and the second portion of the window. The pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first and second portions are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion. The workpiece contact element is movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The blank fire locking assembly includes: a blocking member coupled to the nosepiece assembly; and a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly. The locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly. The biasing force of the first spring is configured to bias the pusher assembly into the first state.

Other features and aspects of the utility model will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered fastener driver according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 1 with portions removed, showing the nosepiece assembly, the elevator assembly, and the depth of drive adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

Fig. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of the nosepiece assembly of fig. 3.

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the magazine assembly of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 1.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cassette assembly of fig. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette assembly of FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6, showing the pusher assembly of the cassette assembly.

FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of the cassette assembly of FIG. 6 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the pusher assembly of fig. 7.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cassette assembly showing the pusher assembly in a first state.

FIG. 11 is another partial cross-sectional view of the cassette assembly showing the pusher assembly in a second state.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a powered fastener driver according to another embodiment of the present utility model.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 12, illustrating a depth of drive adjustment mechanism positioned relative to a portion of the nosepiece assembly and the magazine assembly of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the powered fastener driver of FIG. 13, illustrating a recess defined by the magazine assembly of FIG. 13.

Fig. 15 is an exploded view of a pusher assembly of a portion of the powered fastener driver of fig. 12.

Fig. 16 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the pusher assembly of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a side view, partially in section, of the pusher assembly of fig. 15.

FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the cassette assembly showing the blank fire lockout assembly with the blocking member in the bypass position.

FIG. 19 is another partial cutaway perspective view of the cassette assembly showing the blocking member in the blocking position.

Before any embodiments of the utility model are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the utility model 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 following drawings. The utility model 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.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-3, a powered fastener driver 10 is operable to drive fasteners (e.g., nails, tacks, staples, etc.) held within a magazine assembly 14 into a workpiece. Fastener driver 10 includes an inner cylinder 18 and a movable piston 22 (fig. 2) positioned within cylinder 18. Fastener driver 10 further includes a driver blade 26 attached to and movable with piston 22. Fastener driver 10 does not require an external air pressure source, but rather includes an external reservoir cylinder 30 of pressurized gas in fluid communication with internal cylinder 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cylinder 18 and the movable piston 22 are positioned within a reservoir cylinder 30. Referring to fig. 2, the driver 10 further includes a filling valve 34 coupled to the reservoir cylinder 30. When connected to a source of compressed gas, the fill valve 34 allows the reservoir cylinder 30 to be refilled with compressed gas if any leakage previously occurred. For example, the fill valve 34 may be configured as a schrader valve.

Referring to fig. 2, fastener driver 10 includes a housing 38 having a cylinder housing portion 42 and a motor housing portion 46 extending therefrom. The cylinder housing portion 42 is configured to support the cylinders 18, 30, while the motor housing portion 46 is configured to support the motor 50 and the transmission 54 operatively coupled to the motor 50. The illustrated transmission 54 is configured as a planetary transmission having a plurality of planetary stages. In alternative embodiments, transmission 54 may be a single stage planetary transmission or a multi-stage planetary transmission including any number of planetary stages.

The housing 38 further includes a handle portion 58 extending from the cylinder housing portion 42 and a battery attachment portion 62 coupled to an opposite end of the handle portion 58. The battery pack 66 may be electrically connected to the motor 50 for supplying power to the motor 50. The handle portion 58 supports a trigger 70 that is depressed by a user to initiate a firing cycle of the fastener driver 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the inner cylinder 18 and the driver blade 26 define a longitudinal axis 74. During a firing cycle, the driver blade 26 and the piston 22 may move between a Top Dead Center (TDC) position and a drive or Bottom Dead Center (BDC) position. The fastener driver 10 further includes a lift assembly 78 (fig. 3) powered by the motor 50 and operable to move the driver blade 26 from the BDC position toward the TDC position.

In operation, the lift assembly 78 drives the piston 22 and the driver blade 26 toward the TDC position by energizing the motor 50. As the piston 22 and the driver blade 26 are driven toward the TDC position, the gas above the piston 22 is compressed. Before reaching the TDC position, the motor 50 is deactivated and the piston 22 and the driver blade 26 are held in a ready position (fig. 5A), which is located between the TDC position and the BDC position. With the user depressing the trigger 70 (FIG. 1), the elevator assembly 78 continues to raise the driver blade 26 from the ready position to the TDC position, in which the driver blade 26 is released from the elevator assembly 78. When released, the compressed gas above the piston 22 and within the reservoir cylinder 30 drives the piston 22 and the driver blade 26 to the BDC position, thereby driving the fastener into the workpiece. The illustrated fastener driver 10 thus operates according to the gas spring principle using the lifter assembly 78 and the piston 22 to compress the gas within the inner cylinder 18 and the reservoir cylinder 30. Further details regarding the structure and operation of fastener driver 10 are provided below.

Referring to fig. 6-8, the magazine assembly 14 includes a magazine body 82 configured to receive fasteners for driving into a workpiece by a powered fastener driver. The cassette body 82 has a first end 86 and a second end 88 opposite the first end 86. The cassette body 82 further includes a first side 90 and a second side 94 (fig. 8) opposite the first side 90, and a bottom side 98 and a top side 102 extending between the first side 90 and the second side 94, respectively.

The illustrated cassette body 82 is formed from a base portion 106 and a cover portion 110. Specifically, the cover portion 110 is slidably coupled to the base portion 106. In addition, the base portion 106 and the cover portion 110 cooperatively define a fastener channel 114 (fig. 6) for storing fasteners that extends from the first end 86 to near the second end 88 of the cartridge body 82. The fastener channel 114 is configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a chain-type fastener strip (collated fastener strip); schematically illustrated in fig. 5B).

Referring particularly to fig. 6 and 8, the first side 90 of the cassette body 82 includes a protrusion 121 defining a recess 122. The recess 122 extends along the first side 90 from adjacent the second end 88 toward the first end 86. More specifically, recess 122 extends parallel to and communicates with fastener channel 114. The first side 90 further defines an opening or window 126 in communication with the recess 122 near the first end 86 of the cassette body 82.

Referring to fig. 6-9, the cartridge assembly 14 further includes a pusher assembly 130 positioned within the fastener channel 114 of the cartridge body 82. The pusher assembly 130 is slidably coupled to the magazine body 82 and biases the chain belt fastener strips 120 toward the first end 86 of the magazine body 82. As shown in fig. 9, the illustrated pusher assembly 130 includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 138 that is selectively coupled for movement with the first portion 134. The cassette assembly 14 includes first and second springs 142, 146 configured to bias the first and second portions 134, 138 toward the first end 86 of the cassette body 82, respectively. More specifically, the first spring 142 applies a biasing force to the first portion 134 for moving the first portion 134 toward the first end 86 of the cassette body 82, and the second spring 146 applies a biasing force to the second portion 138 that is separate from the biasing force applied by the first spring 142 for moving the second portion 138 toward the first end 86. Because the first and second portions 134, 138 of the pusher assembly 130 are independently biased by respective springs 142, 146, the pusher assembly 130 is movable between a first state in which the first and second portions 134, 138 move together in unison toward the first end 86 of the cartridge body 82, and a second state in which the first portion 134 moves relative to the second portion 138, as discussed further below.

Referring to fig. 3, a nose piece assembly 150 is positioned at the first end 86 of the cartridge body 82. The nosepiece assembly 150 generally includes a first base portion 154 (fig. 5A) coupled to the first end 86 of the cartridge body 82 and a second cap portion 158 (fig. 3) coupled to the base portion 154. The second cap portion 158 is a nosepiece cap coupled to the nosepiece base 154. The base portion 154 of the nosepiece assembly 150 is secured to the base portion 106 of the cartridge body 82. The cover portion 158 of the nosepiece assembly 150 substantially covers the base portion 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 158 is pivotally coupled to the base portion 154 by a latch mechanism 162. Nose piece assembly 150 cooperatively defines a firing channel 166 (only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 5A) that extends along longitudinal axis 74. Firing channel 166 communicates with fastener channel 114 of cartridge body 82 (e.g., through opening 172 in nosepiece base 154) for receiving fasteners from cartridge body 82. Nose piece assembly 150 further has a distal end 170 (FIG. 3) at one end of firing channel 166. Driver blade 26 is received in firing channel 166 for driving fasteners out of firing channel 166, out of distal end 170 of nosepiece assembly 150 and into a workpiece.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, when the driver blade 26 is in the ready position, the tip 174 of the driver blade 26 may partially cover (i.e., extend over) the fastener channel 114 and the opening 172. Fastener strip 120 having a selected length (e.g., 2-1/8 inch) may have a head portion 178 that is covered by the tip 174 of the driver blade 26 when the driver blade 26 is in the ready position such that the entire length of a single fastener of fastener strip 120 cannot enter firing channel 166 until the driver blade 26 moves to the TDC position during a firing cycle. Further, first spring 142 and second spring 146 continue to bias pusher assembly 130 (and fastener strip 120) toward firing channel 166, causing fastener strip 120 to light or pivot about tip 174 of driver blade 26, thereby creating a gap 182 (FIG. 5B) between pusher assembly 130 and the last fastener of fastener strip 120. When the driver blade 26 moves from the ready position to the TDC position, the tip 174 of the driver blade 26 no longer covers the upper portion of the fastener channel 114 that coincides with the head portion 178 of the fastener strip 120, allowing the entire length of a single fastener to be received in the firing channel 166. This allows the overall height of the driver 10 to be reduced while still allowing fasteners having a relatively long length (e.g., 2-1/8 inch or greater) to be used with the driver 10.

Referring to fig. 1-3, the driver 10 includes a workpiece contact element 190 extending along one side of the nosepiece assembly 150. The workpiece contact element 190 includes a first end 194 (FIG. 3) and an opposite second end 198 engageable with the workpiece during a firing operation. The workpiece contact element 190 includes a plurality of sections 202, 206, wherein each section 202, 206 is formed from a plurality of interconnected sections 208. The spring 210 (fig. 3) is configured to bias the workpiece contact element 190 toward the extended position. The workpiece contact element 190 is configured to move from the extended position toward the retracted position when the workpiece contact element 190 is pressed against a workpiece.

The illustrated workpiece contact element 190 generally includes two sections 202, 206, each section 202, 206 being formed from a plurality of sections 208, and adjacent sections 208 of the plurality of sections being coupled by a bend. The first section 202 of the workpiece contact element 190 is positioned closer to the top side 102 of the cassette body 82 than the bottom side 98. The first section 202 includes the first end 194 of the workpiece contact element 190. The second section 206 includes at least one section 208 positioned directly behind the base portion 154 of the nosepiece assembly 150 and extending along the longitudinal axis 74. The second section 206 includes a second end 198 configured to engage a workpiece. The first section 202 and the second section 206 are coupled together by a depth of drive adjustment mechanism 214 that adjusts the effective length of the workpiece contact element 190.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the depth of drive adjustment assembly 214 includes a support member 218, an adjustment knob 222 (fig. 1), and a screw portion 226. The adjustment knob 222 is rotatably supported on the support member 218. The screw portion 226 extends between the first section 202 and the second section 206 of the workpiece contact element 190. One end of the second section 206 is threadably coupled to a screw portion 226. Further, a screw portion 226 is coupled for common rotation with the adjustment knob 222. Thus, the screw portion 226 and the knob 222 are rotatably supported by the support member 218. Rotation of the adjustment knob 222 axially threads the second section 206 along the screw portion 226 for adjusting the protruding length of the workpiece contact element 190 relative to the distal end 170 of the nosepiece assembly 150. More specifically, rotation of the adjustment knob 222 moves the second section 206 relative to the first section 202 for adjusting the effective length of the workpiece contact element 190. As such, the adjustment knob 222 may be referred to as an actuator.

The depth of drive adjustment assembly 214 adjusts the depth to which the fastener is driven into the workpiece. In particular, the depth of drive adjustment assembly 214 adjusts the length by which the workpiece contact element 190 protrudes relative to the distal end 170 of the nosepiece assembly 150, thereby changing the distance between the distal end 170 of the nosepiece assembly 150 and the workpiece contact element 190 in the extended position. In other words, the depth of drive adjustment assembly 214 adjusts the distance that the workpiece contact element 190 extends through the nosepiece assembly 150 for abutment with the workpiece. The greater the clearance between the distal end 170 of the nosepiece assembly 150 and the workpiece, the shallower the depth to which the fastener will be driven into the workpiece. As such, the position of the workpiece contact element 190 relative to the nosepiece assembly 150 is adjustable to adjust the depth to which the fastener is driven.

The workpiece contact element 190 further includes an engagement portion 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 202 includes an engagement portion 228. In addition, the engagement portion 228 is positioned between the depth of drive adjustment mechanism 214 and the nosepiece assembly 150. The engagement portion 228 is intermediate the first end 194 and the second end 198 of the workpiece contact element 190.

Referring to fig. 3 and 8, the powered fastener driver 10 further includes a blank fire lockout assembly 230 (fig. 8). The blank fire lock assembly 230 includes an engagement portion 228 of the workpiece contact element 190, a blocking member 234, and a lock member 238 (fig. 9) engageable with the blocking member 234. The blocking member 234 is received in the recess 122 of the cassette body 82. The blocking member 234 includes a first end portion 242 pivotally coupled to the first side 90 of the cassette body 82. A second end portion 246 of the blocking member 234, opposite the first end portion 242, is selectively received in the window 126 defined by the first side 90 of the cassette body 82. The illustrated blocking member 234 is configured as a pivotable lever.

Referring to fig. 4 and 8, the blocking member 234 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a first non-blocking or bypass position and a second blocking position. A spring (not shown) is configured to bias the blocking member 234 toward the bypass position. When the blocking member 234 is in the blocking position, the second end portion 246 of the blocking member 234 protrudes into the window 126 (in which it interferes with retraction of the workpiece contact element 190), which is a prerequisite to initiating the fastener firing cycle. More specifically, the second end portion 246 extends into the path of the engagement portion 228 to prevent the workpiece contact element 190 from moving from the frame of reference of FIG. 4 into the page. In some embodiments, movement of the workpiece contact element 190 along the longitudinal axis 74 is completely stopped by the second end portion 246 of the blocking member 234 when the blocking member 234 is moved toward the second position.

The locking member 238 is integral with the second portion 138 of the pusher assembly 130 (fig. 8 and 9). The illustrated locking member 238 is a tab or protrusion extending at an angle from the second portion 138 of the pusher assembly 130. The locking member 238 is selectively engageable with the second end portion 246 of the blocking member 234 for moving the blocking member 234 against the bias of the spring from the first position toward the second position. More specifically, the locking member 238 is configured to move the blocking member 234 toward a second position in which the blocking member 234 is configured to block movement of the workpiece contact element 190 when a predetermined number of fasteners (e.g., 0, 1, 2, etc.) remain in the cartridge assembly 14. The predetermined number of fasteners left may be five or less. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be 1, 2, 3, etc. In other embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be zero. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined number of fasteners is four.

In operation, with more than a predetermined number of fasteners in the magazine assembly 14, as successive fasteners from the chain belt fastener strip 120 move into the firing channel 166 and are expelled from the nosepiece assembly 150, the first and second portions 134, 138 of the pusher assembly 130 are biased by the respective springs 142, 146 to incrementally move in unison toward the first end 86 of the magazine body 82. At this point, the blocking member 234 remains in the bypass position within the recess 122, which allows the workpiece contact element 190 to retract in response to being pressed against the workpiece to effect actuation of the fastener driver 10.

In the scenario where fasteners having a relatively short length (e.g., 2 inches or less) are placed in the magazine assembly 14, when a predetermined number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly 14 are reached, the locking member 238 engages the second end portion 246 and pivots the blocking member 234 against the bias of the spring from the bypass position toward the blocking position. Upon reaching the blocking position, the second end portion 246 of the blocking member 234 protrudes into the window 126 and retraction of the workpiece contact element 190 is inhibited (i.e., by engagement between the second end portion 246 and the engagement portion 228 of the workpiece contact element 190) to prevent further activation of the powered fastener driver 10. In this scenario, movement of the pusher assembly 130 may remain in the first state (i.e., where the first portion 134 and the second portion 138 move in unison) until the blocking member 234 moves to the blocking position.

However, in the scenario where fasteners having a relatively long length (e.g., 2-1/8 inch) are placed in the magazine assembly 14, the deflected chain belt fastener strips 120 within the channel 114 may only allow the locking member 238 to move the blocking member 234 partially toward the blocking position when a predetermined number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly 14 are reached. That is, the blocking member 234 may be moved to an intermediate position between the bypass position and the blocking position in which the second end portion 146 protrudes only slightly into the window 126. With the blocking member 234 in the intermediate position, the workpiece contact element 190 can engage the second end portion 146 very slightly during retraction and pivot the blocking member 234 back toward the bypass position, allowing the workpiece contact element 190 to continue to retract to effect a fastener firing cycle. In this scenario, after moving blocking member 234 to the neutral position, movement of pusher assembly 130 transitions from the first state to the second state (i.e., wherein first portion 134 moves relative to second portion 138).

Because the first portion 134 of the pusher assembly 130 is separable from the second portion 138 and is independently biased toward the first end 86 of the cassette body 82 by the spring 142, the first portion 134 of the pusher assembly 130 can continue to move toward the first end 86 of the cassette body 82 even if the second portion 138 stops due to engagement between the locking member 238 and the blocking member 234. Thus, first portion 134 of pusher assembly 130 may advance a single fastener in chain-type fastener strip 120 into firing channel 166 (although blocking member 234 is in an intermediate position between the bypass position and the blocking position), thereby preventing a "blank fire" cycle in which driver blade 26 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position without a fastener in firing channel 166.

After one or two similar firing cycles after the predetermined number of fasteners have been reached, the second portion 138 of the pusher assembly 130 is allowed to move far enough toward the first end 86 of the cartridge body 82 to fully pivot the blocking member 234 to the blocking position, thereby inhibiting retraction of the workpiece contact element 150 and preventing additional fastener firing cycles.

Fig. 12-19 illustrate a second embodiment of a powered fastener driver 1010 according to another embodiment of the utility model, wherein like components and features to the first embodiment of the powered fastener driver 10 illustrated in fig. 1-11 are labeled with like reference numerals incremented by "1000". The powered fastener driver 1010 is similar to the powered fastener driver 10, and thus, the discussion of the powered fastener driver 10 above applies similarly to the powered fastener driver 1010 and is not re-stated. Rather, only the differences between powered fastener driver 10 and powered fastener driver 1010 (e.g., the differences between the driver assembly and the blank injection locking assembly) are specifically noted herein.

Referring to fig. 12-14, the powered fastener driver 1010 includes a magazine assembly 1014 having a magazine body 1082, and a nosepiece assembly 1150. The cassette body 1082 has a first end 1086 and a second end 1088 opposite the first end 1086. Cassette body 1082 further includes a first side 1090 (fig. 13) and a second side 1094 (fig. 12) opposite first side 1090, and a bottom side 1098 and a top side 1102 extending between first side 1090 and second side 1094, respectively. The cartridge body 1082 defines a fastener channel 1114 (fig. 18) for storing fasteners that extends from a first end 1086 to near a second end 1088. The fastener channels 1114 are configured to receive fasteners (e.g., chain-type fastener strips 1120; fig. 18).

Referring to fig. 12-14, the nosepiece assembly 1150 includes a base portion 1154 and a cap portion (not shown) coupled to the base portion 1154. Base portion 1154 is coupled to a first end 1086 of cassette body 1082. The nosepiece assembly 1150 cooperatively defines a firing channel 1166 (only a portion of which is shown in fig. 12-14) that extends along a longitudinal axis 1074. Firing channel 1166 communicates with fastener channel 1114 of cartridge body 1082.

The driver 1010 further includes a workpiece contact element 1190 slidably coupled to the base portion 1154. The illustrated workpiece contact element 1190 generally includes two sections 1202, 1206 (fig. 13). The first section 1202 and the second section 1206 are coupled together by a depth of drive adjustment mechanism 1214 that adjusts the effective length of the workpiece contact element 1190. A spring (not shown) is configured to bias the workpiece contact element 1190 toward the extended position. The workpiece contact element 1190 is configured to move from the extended position toward the retracted position when the workpiece contact element 1190 is pressed against a workpiece.

Referring to fig. 13-14, a first side 1090 of the cassette body 1082 includes a groove 1250. The first section 1202 of the workpiece contact element 1190 is at least partially received in the recess 1250 (fig. 14). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first section 1202 of the workpiece contact element 1190 includes an elongated end portion 1228 (fig. 13) that is received in the groove 1250. An end portion 1228 of the first section 1202 is slidable within the recess 1250. As such, the groove 1250 is configured to guide movement of the first section 1202, and thus the workpiece contact element 1190, relative to the nosepiece assembly 1150/cassette assembly 1014. The end portion 1228 is also an engagement portion of the workpiece contact element 1190. The end portion 1228 is positioned on one side (i.e., below the frame of reference of fig. 13) of the drive depth adjustment mechanism 1214 and the nosepiece assembly 1150. In addition, end portion 1228 forms an end 1194 of workpiece contact element 1190. A portion of the illustrated second section 1206 of the workpiece contact element 1190 is positioned at least partially within the nosepiece assembly 1150 and extends along the longitudinal axis 1074. As such, at least the portion of the second section 1206 partially defines a firing channel 1166.

Referring to fig. 12 and 15-19, driver 1010 includes a pusher assembly 1130 slidably coupled to cassette body 1082. As shown in fig. 16, the illustrated pusher assembly 1130 includes a first portion 1134 and a second portion 1138 movably coupled to the first portion 1134. The cassette assembly 1014 includes a first spring 1142 (fig. 12) configured to apply a biasing force to the pusher assembly 1130 for moving the pusher assembly 1130 toward the first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082. Further, the second portion 1138 is movably coupled to the first portion 1134 by a second spring 1146. As such, the first portion 1134 of the pusher assembly 1130 may be selectively movable relative to the second portion 1138. The biasing force of the second spring 1146 is independent of the biasing force of the first spring 1142. The pusher assembly 1130 is movable between a first state in which the first portion 1134 and the second portion 1138 move together in unison toward the first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082 and a second state in which the first portion 1134 moves relative to the second portion 1138, as discussed further below.

In the illustrated embodiment of the pusher assembly 1130, referring to fig. 15-17, the first portion 1134 of the pusher assembly 1130 includes a body 1254 and an arm member 1258 extending from the body. Edges 1262 of body 1254 are configured to engage fasteners within fastener channels 1114 of magazine body 1082. A first end 1266 (fig. 15) of the arm member 1258 is coupled to the body 1254. Also, a second end 1270 opposite the first end 1266 is coupled to a handle portion 1274 (fig. 12) of the pusher assembly 1130. The handle portion 1274 is engageable by a user for moving the pusher assembly 1130 from the first end 1086 toward the second end 1088 of the cassette body 1082. The body 1254 of the first portion 1134 further defines a cutout or window 1278 (fig. 15). Window 1278 is defined by a plurality of walls 1282, 1284, wherein one of the plurality of walls 1282, 1284 is a first wall and the other is a second wall, and a stop member 1290 is positioned intermediate the first wall and the second wall opposite the first wall. Stop member 1290 is positioned intermediate lower wall 1282 and upper wall 1284 of the plurality of walls 1282, 2184 of window 1278.

The illustrated second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 is at least partially received in the window 1278. More specifically, second portion 1138 includes a first housing member 1294 and a second housing member 1298. The second housing member 1298 includes a tab or projection 1302 extending therefrom. The first housing member 1294 is positioned on one side of the window 1278 and the second housing member 1298 is positioned on the opposite side. The protruding portion 1302 extends from the second housing member 1298 through the window 1278 to the first housing member 1294. Further, the first housing member 1294 includes an aperture 1306 and the nose 1302 includes another aperture 1310 aligned with the aperture 1306 of the first housing member 1294. Pins 1314 extend through the holes 1306, 1310 for coupling the first housing member 1294 and the second housing member 1298, respectively. The pin 1314 is positioned on the side of the window 1278 where the first housing member 1294 is located (fig. 16). In other embodiments, the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 may be formed from one or more pieces.

The first end 1316 of the second spring 1146 seats against the inner surface of the ledge 1302 of the second housing member 1298. The opposite second end 1318 of the spring 1146 seats against the lower wall 1282 of the window 1278 of the first portion 1134. As such, the second springs 1146 extend between the upper wall 1282 and the lower wall 1286 of the window 1278, respectively. Specifically, the first housing member 1294 and the second housing member 1298 collectively define a cavity within which the second spring 1146 is housed. Further, a second spring 1146 is secured between the first portion 1134 and the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130. The second spring 1146 is configured to bias the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 toward the upper wall 1286 of the window 1278 of the first portion 1134. Stop member 1290 is configured to limit movement of first portion 134 relative to second portion 1138 from adjacent upper wall 1286 toward lower wall 1282.

Referring to fig. 13-14 and 18-19, the powered fastener driver 10 further includes a blank fire lock assembly 1230. The blank fire lock assembly 1230 includes an engagement portion 1228 (i.e., an end portion) of the workpiece contact element 1190, a blocking member 1234, and a lock member 1238 engageable with the blocking member 1234. The blocking member 1234 is pivotably coupled to a base portion 1154 (fig. 14) of the nosepiece assembly 1150 near a first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082. Blocking member 1234 includes a first end portion 1242 pivotally coupled to base portion 1154 by a pin 1322 and a second end portion 1246 of blocking member 1234 opposite first end portion 1242. The second end portion 1246 is positioned adjacent the recess 1250 in the cassette body 1082 such that the second end portion 1246 can selectively block the end 1194 (i.e., the first section 1202) of the workpiece contact element 1190. The illustrated blocking member 1234 is configured as a pivotable lever.

Referring to fig. 18-19, the blocking member 1234 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a first non-blocking or bypass position and a second blocking position. A third spring 1326 (e.g., a torsion spring; fig. 14) is configured to bias the blocking member 1234 toward the bypass position. Specifically, when the blocking member 1234 is in the bypass position, the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 does not overlie the recess 1250. When the blocking member 1234 is in the blocking position, the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 blocks the end 1194 of the workpiece contact element 1190 (at which it interferes with the retraction of the workpiece contact element 1190), which is a prerequisite to initiating the fastener firing cycle. More specifically, the second end portion 1246 extends into the path of the engagement portion 1228 to prevent the workpiece contact element 1190 from moving out of the page from the frame of reference of fig. 19. In other words, when the blocking member 1234 is in the blocking position, the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 does not overlie the recess 1250. In some embodiments, movement of the workpiece contact element 1190 along the longitudinal axis 1074 is completely stopped by the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 when the blocking member 1234 is moved toward the second position.

The locking member 1238 is integral with the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130. The illustrated locking member 1238 is a face of the second housing member 1298 of the second portion 1138. A locking member 1238 is selectively engageable with the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 for moving the blocking member 1234 from the first position toward the second position against the bias of the third spring 1326. More specifically, the locking member 1238 is configured to move the blocking member 1234 toward a second position in which the blocking member 1234 is configured to block movement of the workpiece contact element 1190 when a predetermined number of fasteners (e.g., 0, 1, 2, etc.) remain in the cassette assembly 1014. The predetermined number of fasteners left may be twelve or less. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be 1, 2, 3, etc. In other embodiments, the predetermined number of fasteners may be zero. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined number of fasteners is five.

Still further, in some embodiments, the locking member 1238 is configured to move the blocking member 1234 toward the second position when a predetermined range of fasteners remain in the cassette assembly 1014. As such, movement of the blocking member 1234 from the first position toward the second position can be performed while a predetermined range of fasteners are left in the magazine assembly 1014. The predetermined number of fasteners left has a lower limit and an upper limit. Specifically, when the number of fasteners remaining in the cassette assembly 1014 reaches an upper limit, the locking member 1238 begins to move the blocking member 1234 toward the second position. When the number of fasteners left approaches or has reached the lower limit, the locking member 1238 has moved the blocking member 1234 closer to the second position than the first position.

In some embodiments, the lower limit may be one, two, three, etc., and the upper limit may be ten, eleven, twelve, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the lower limit is one and the upper limit is twelve such that the predetermined number of fasteners left is in the range between one fastener and twelve fasteners. In other embodiments, the lower limit is three and the upper limit is nine such that the predetermined number of fasteners left is in the range between three fasteners and nine fasteners. Thus, as the number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly 1014 drops from an upper limit to a lower limit (i.e., as the driver 10 is fired), the blocking member 1234 moves from the first position toward the second position.

Retraction of the workpiece contact element 1190 may be blocked when any one of the number of fasteners left is reached within a predetermined number of fasteners (i.e., between an upper limit and a lower limit). For example, if the predetermined number of fasteners left is in the range between three and nine, the locking member 1238 engages the blocking member 1234 to begin moving the blocking member 1234 toward the second position when the number of fasteners left is nine. As the number of fasteners left drops from nine fasteners to three fasteners, locking member 1238 continues to engage blocking member 1234 to move blocking member 1234 toward the second position. The blocking member 1234 does not reach the second position until the number of fasteners left is near the lower limit of three nails left, but the blocking member 1234 may be moved toward the second position sufficiently to block retraction of the workpiece contact element 1190 when the number of fasteners left is between any of the number of fasteners left and the number of fasteners left between nine fasteners left.

In operation, with more than a predetermined number of fasteners in the magazine assembly 1014, the first portion 1134 and the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 are biased by the first spring 1142 to incrementally move in unison toward the first end 1086 of the magazine body 1082 as successive fasteners from the chain belt fastener strips are discharged from the nosepiece assembly 1150. At this point, the blocking member 1234 is still in the bypass position (in which the blocking member 1234 does not overlie the recess 1250), which allows the workpiece contact element 1190 to retract in response to being pressed against the workpiece to effect actuation of the fastener driver 1010.

In a scenario when a predetermined number of fasteners are retained in the magazine assembly 1014, the locking member 1238 engages the second end portion 1246 and pivots the blocking member 1234 against the bias of the third spring 1326 from the bypass position toward the blocking position (fig. 19). Upon reaching the blocking position, the second end portion 1246 of the blocking member 1234 overlies the recess 1250 such that the blocking member 1234 blocks the end 1194 of the end portion 1228 of the workpiece contact element 1190 and retraction of the workpiece contact element 1190 is inhibited (i.e., by engagement between the second end portion 1246 and the engagement portion 1228 of the workpiece contact element 1190) to prevent further activation of the powered fastener driver 1010. In this scenario, movement of the pusher assembly 1130 may remain in the first state (i.e., where the first portion 1134 and the second portion 1138 move in unison) until the blocking member 1234 is moved to the blocking position.

However, in the scenario where fasteners of a particular size (e.g., fasteners having a particular shank length or diameter) are placed in the magazine assembly 1014, the deflected chain belt fastener strips within the fastener channel 1114 may only allow the locking member 1238 to partially move the blocking member 1234 toward the blocking position when a predetermined number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly 1014 is reached. That is, the blocking member 1234 may be moved to an intermediate position between the bypass position and the blocking position in which the second end portion 1246 only slightly blocks the end 1194 of the workpiece contact element 1190. In addition, other tolerances associated with the particular size of fastener used and/or with the driver 1010 as a whole may cause the blocking member 1234 to move to an intermediate position. With the blocking member 1234 in the intermediate position, the workpiece contact element 1190 can engage the second end portion 1246 very slightly during retraction and pivot the blocking member 1234 back toward the bypass position, allowing the workpiece contact element 1190 to continue retraction to effect a fastener firing cycle. In this scenario, after moving blocking member 1234 to the intermediate position, movement of pusher assembly 1130 transitions from the first state to the second state (i.e., wherein first portion 1134 moves relative to second portion 1138 against the bias of second spring 1146).

Because the first portion 1134 of the pusher assembly 1130 is movable relative to the second portion 1138 and continues to be biased toward the first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082 by the first spring 1142, the first portion 1134 of the pusher assembly 1130 may continue to move toward the first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082 even if the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 is stopped due to engagement between the locking member 1238 and the blocking member 1234. Thus, the first portion 1134 of the pusher assembly 1130 may advance individual fasteners in the chain-type fastener strips into the firing channel 1166 (although the blocking member 1234 is in an intermediate position between the bypass and blocking positions), thereby preventing a "blank fire" cycle in which the driver blade 1026 is driven from the TDC position to the BDC position without fasteners in the firing channel 1166.

Similar to the first embodiment of the blank fire lockout assembly 230, after one or two similar firing cycles after a predetermined number of fasteners have been reached, the second portion 1138 of the pusher assembly 1130 (with the lockout member 1238) is allowed to move far enough toward the first end 1086 of the cassette body 1082 to fully pivot the blocking member 1234 to the blocking position, thereby inhibiting retraction of the workpiece contact element 1190 and preventing additional fastener firing cycles.

Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the utility model as described.

Various features of the utility model are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastener driver, comprising:

a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners;

a nosepiece assembly including a channel from which successive fasteners from the magazine assembly are driven;

a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cartridge assembly, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being selectively movable relative to one another, the pusher assembly being adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are configured to move together in unison toward the channel, and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion;

a workpiece contact element movable relative to the nosepiece assembly between an extended position and a retracted position; and

A blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the cartridge assembly or the nose assembly, and

a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member, and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly,

wherein the locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly, and

wherein the pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after the predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

2. The fastener driver of claim 1 wherein the pusher assembly is adjustable from the first state to the second state when the blocking member is in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

3. The fastener driver of claim 1, further comprising a first spring and a second spring, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring are configured to bias the first portion and the second portion, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other.

4. The fastener driver of claim 3, further comprising a third spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position.

5. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein the workpiece contact element comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the plurality of segments comprises a first segment and a second segment movably coupled to the first segment by a depth of drive adjustment mechanism, and wherein the first segment is selectively engageable with the blocking member and the second segment is configured to contact a workpiece.

6. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein the blank fire lockout assembly further comprises a spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position.

7. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein the blocking member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion is pivotably coupled to the magazine assembly or the nosepiece assembly, and wherein the second end portion is selectively engageable with the workpiece contact element.

8. The fastener driver of claim 1 wherein the locking member is a protrusion or face of the second portion.

9. The fastener driver of claim 1 wherein the magazine assembly includes a fastener channel extending along its length in which the fasteners are stored, and wherein the locking member extends outwardly of the fastener channel.

10. The fastener driver of claim 1, wherein the nosepiece assembly includes a nosepiece base and a nosepiece cap coupled to the nosepiece base, and wherein the channel is defined between the nosepiece cap and the nosepiece base.

11. A fastener driver, comprising:

a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners;

a blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the cassette assembly or the nosepiece assembly,

a locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member, and a second position in which the blocking member inhibits movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly, and

a first spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position,

wherein the pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state when the blocking member is in an intermediate position between the first position and the second position and after the predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

12. The fastener driver of claim 11, further comprising a second spring and a third spring, wherein each of the second spring and the third spring are configured to bias the first portion and the second portion, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other.

13. The fastener driver of claim 11, wherein the workpiece contact element comprises a plurality of sections, wherein the plurality of sections comprises a first section and a second section movably coupled to the first section by a depth of drive adjustment mechanism, and wherein the first section is selectively engageable with the blocking member and the second section is configured to contact a workpiece.

14. The fastener driver of claim 11, wherein the blocking member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion is pivotably coupled to the magazine assembly or the nosepiece assembly, and wherein the second end portion is selectively engageable with the workpiece contact element.

15. The fastener driver of claim 11 wherein the locking member is a protrusion or face of the second portion.

16. The fastener driver of claim 11 wherein the magazine assembly includes a fastener channel extending along its length in which the fasteners are stored, and wherein the locking member extends outwardly of the fastener channel.

17. The fastener driver of claim 11, wherein the nosepiece assembly includes a nosepiece base and a nosepiece cap coupled to the nosepiece base, and wherein the channel is defined between the nosepiece cap and the nosepiece base.

18. A pusher assembly for a fastener driver, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within a magazine assembly toward a channel of a nosepiece assembly, the pusher assembly comprising:

a first portion configured to contact a fastener within the cartridge;

a second portion selectively movable with the first portion;

a first spring having an end coupled to the first portion; and

a second spring having an end coupled to the second portion,

wherein the pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion is configured to move toward the channel relative to the second portion,

wherein each of the first and second springs is configured to bias the first and second portions toward the channel, respectively, independently of each other,

Wherein if the number of fasteners in the magazine assembly equals or exceeds a predetermined number of fasteners remaining in the magazine assembly, the pusher assembly is in the first state and

wherein the pusher assembly is adjustable from the first state to the second state after the predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly.

19. The pusher assembly for a fastener driver of claim 18 wherein a portion of the second portion is configured to extend out of the fastener channel of the cartridge assembly.

20. The driver assembly for a fastener driver of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the first portion is configured to be positioned closer to the channel than the second portion.

21. A fastener driver, comprising:

a magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners;

a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cartridge assembly, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion selectively coupled for movement with the first portion, the pusher assembly being adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled for movement together toward the channel, and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion;

a blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the cassette assembly, and

22. The fastener driver of claim 21 wherein the magazine assembly includes a window and wherein an end portion of the blocking member is received in the window when the blocking member is in the second position.

23. The fastener driver of claim 22 wherein the end portion is engageable with the workpiece contact element when the end portion is received in the window.

24. The fastener driver of claim 21, wherein the blocking member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the first end portion is pivotably coupled to the body of the cartridge assembly, and wherein the second end portion is selectively engageable with the workpiece contact element.

25. The fastener driver of claim 21 wherein the magazine assembly includes a body and a projection extending outwardly from one side of the body, wherein the projection defines a recess, and wherein the blocking member is positioned within the recess.

26. The fastener driver of claim 25, wherein the magazine assembly further comprises a window positioned on the side of the body and in communication with the recess, and wherein an end portion of the blocking member is selectively receivable within the window.

27. The fastener driver of claim 25 wherein the magazine assembly includes a fastener channel extending along its length in which the fasteners are stored, and wherein the recess extends parallel to and communicates with the fastener channel.

28. The fastener driver of claim 21 wherein the locking member is a protrusion extending outwardly from the second portion of the pusher assembly.

29. The fastener driver of claim 21 further comprising a first spring and a second spring, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring are configured to bias the first portion and the second portion, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other.

30. The fastener driver of claim 29, further comprising a third spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position.

31. The fastener driver of claim 21 wherein the magazine assembly includes a fastener channel extending along its length in which the fasteners are stored, and wherein the first portion is positioned within the fastener channel closer to the channel of the nosepiece assembly than the second portion.

32. A fastener driver, comprising:

a magazine assembly including a fastener channel extending along a length thereof and configured to receive fasteners and a window positioned on one side of the magazine assembly;

a pusher assembly slidably positioned in the fastener channel, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion selectively coupled for movement with the first portion, the pusher assembly being adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are coupled for movement together toward the channel, and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion;

a blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the cartridge assembly, an end portion of the blocking member selectively receivable within the window, a spring biasing the end portion toward the fastener channel and away from the window, and

A locking member selectively engageable with the blocking member for moving the blocking member from a first position in which the workpiece contact element is configured to slide past the blocking member, and a second position in which an end portion of the blocking member is positioned in the window to inhibit movement of the workpiece contact element when a predetermined number of fasteners remain in the magazine assembly,

33. The fastener driver of claim 32, wherein the blocking member is pivotably coupled to the body of the cartridge assembly.

34. The fastener driver of claim 32, wherein the magazine assembly includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the side of the magazine assembly, wherein the protrusion defines a recess, and wherein the blocking member is positioned within the recess.

35. The fastener driver of claim 34 wherein the window communicates with the recess.

36. The fastener driver of claim 34 wherein the recess extends parallel to and communicates with the fastener channel.

37. The fastener driver of claim 32 wherein the locking member is a protrusion extending outwardly from the second portion of the pusher assembly.

38. The fastener driver of claim 32, further comprising a second spring and a third spring, wherein each of the second spring and the third spring are configured to bias the first portion and the second portion, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other.

39. The fastener driver of claim 32 wherein the first portion is positioned within the fastener channel closer to the channel of the nosepiece assembly than the second portion.

40. The fastener driver of claim 32 wherein the magazine assembly includes a recess extending parallel to and in communication with the fastener channel, wherein the locking member extends outwardly from the fastener channel toward the recess, and wherein one end of the locking member is positioned in the recess.

41. A fastener driver, comprising:

A magazine assembly configured to receive fasteners;

a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cartridge assembly, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, the pusher assembly being adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion;

a blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the nose assembly, an

42. The fastener driver of claim 41 wherein the first portion comprises a body defining a window, wherein the body is configured to contact a fastener within the cartridge assembly, and wherein the second portion is movably positioned in the window.

43. The fastener driver of claim 42 wherein the pusher assembly includes a spring extending between the wall of the window and the second portion.

44. The fastener driver of claim 42 wherein the second portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is positioned on a first side of the window and the second housing portion is positioned on an opposite second side of the window.

45. The fastener driver of claim 44 wherein each of the first and second housing portions includes an aperture, wherein a pin extends through the aligned apertures to couple the first and second housing portions together, and wherein the pin is positioned on one of the first and second sides of the window.

46. The fastener driver of claim 42 wherein the window is defined by a plurality of walls and a stop member, wherein the stop member is positioned intermediate a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and wherein the stop member is configured to limit movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.

47. The fastener driver of claim 42 wherein the first portion further comprises an arm member extending from the body, wherein an end portion of the arm member is configured as a handle portion engageable by a user for moving the pusher assembly.

48. The fastener driver of claim 41 wherein the second portion comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion together define a cavity within which a first spring is received, and wherein a biasing force of the first spring is configured to bias the pusher assembly to the first state.

49. The fastener driver of claim 48 further comprising a second spring, wherein each of the first and second springs is configured to bias the second and first portions toward the channel, respectively, independently of each other.

50. The fastener driver of claim 49 further comprising a third spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position.

51. The fastener driver of claim 48 wherein the first housing portion is configured to receive a protruding portion of the second housing portion, wherein each of the first housing portion and the protruding portion includes an aperture, and wherein a pin extends through the aligned apertures to couple the first housing portion and the second housing portion together.

52. The fastener driver of claim 41 wherein the locking member is a face of the second portion.

53. A fastener driver, comprising:

a magazine assembly including a fastener channel extending along a length thereof and configured to receive fasteners;

a pusher assembly slidably coupled to the cartridge assembly, the pusher assembly configured to bias fasteners within the cartridge assembly toward the channel, the pusher assembly comprising

A first portion having a body defining a window, the body being slidably positioned in the fastener passage,

a second portion movably positioned within the window of the first portion, an

A first spring extending between the first wall and the second portion of the window,

wherein the pusher assembly is adjustable between a first state in which the first portion and the second portion are configured to move together in unison toward the channel and a second state in which the first portion moves toward the channel relative to the second portion;

a blank fire locking assembly comprising

A blocking member coupled to the nose assembly, an

Wherein the locking member is integral with the second portion of the pusher assembly,

wherein the pusher assembly is configured to transition from the first state to the second state after the predetermined number of fasteners remain in the cartridge assembly, and

wherein the biasing force of the first spring is configured to bias the pusher assembly to the first state.

54. The fastener driver of claim 53 wherein the second portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion is positioned on a first side of the window and the second housing portion is positioned on an opposite second side of the window.

55. The fastener driver of claim 53 wherein the window includes a stop member, wherein the stop member is positioned intermediate the first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and wherein the stop member is configured to limit movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.

56. The fastener driver of claim 53 wherein the first portion further comprises an arm member extending from the body, wherein an end portion of the arm member is configured as a handle portion engageable by a user for moving the pusher assembly.

57. The fastener driver of claim 53 wherein the second portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion together define a cavity in which the first spring is received.

58. The fastener driver of claim 53 further comprising a second spring, wherein each of the first and second springs is configured to bias the second and first portions, respectively, toward the channel independent of each other.

59. The fastener driver of claim 58 further comprising a third spring configured to bias the blocking member toward the first position.

60. The fastener driver of claim 53 wherein the locking member is a face of the second portion.