US2902690A - Extensible stud driving tool - Google Patents

Description

Sept. '8, 1959 J. F. HAMLIN 2,902,690

` EXTENSIBLE STUD DRIVING Toor.

Filed Aug. 2o, 1957 f 2 sheets-snee: 1

la"A

ee 52 A59/6o 58 INVENTOR. 655| i i 58 r l JERRY EHAML/N A T Tom/EVS Sept. 8, 1959 J. F. HAMLIN EXTENSIBLE STUD DRIVINGTOQL Filed Aug. zo, 195'? 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /EGL 7 3 e4 u 89 v le J 9| es INVENTOR. 73 K JERRY lc." HAML /N l BY .7 93 88 ffy 2% ATTORNEYS -United States Patent EXTENSIBLE STUD DRIVING TOOL Jerry F. Hamlin, San Rafael, Calif. Application August 20, 1957, Serial No. 679,190

11 Claims. (Cl. 1-47) This invention relates to manually operated tools for forcibly driving a pointed stud or the like in'to a surface for securing various objects to such surface. More particularly this invention relates to a stud driving tool assembly comprising an extensible body structure including a stud guide element or section therein with adjust- .able handle structure securedadjacent one end thereof and also including a weightedhammer member slidably positioned adjacent another endthereof.

The tool of the instant invention is well adapted for driving pointed studs or nail members into a receiving surface, such as wood or the like, for securing -lathing or similar building construction items to such su-rface, as well as for securing name plates or other decorative items to the surface. It should be understood, however, that the instant tool may also be used to drive hardened studs into surfaces other than wood, such as concrete,

sizes, each of such studs being intended for a particular .4 ,u

purpose.

More particularly `this invention relates to the provision of a manually operated stud driving tool assembly which comprises an extensible body structure, desirably including two or more telescopically inter-engaged tubular members, in one of which is slidablyfmounted stud contacting and driving means, desirably in the form of an elongated pin. A

The invention also includes the provision of an internally recessed hammer having one vend vthereof substantially enclosed which is slidably mounted on one "of the telescoping members comprising thebody structure. The invention also includes the provision of adjustable handle structure mounted adjacent an end of the tool comprising a handle which may be adjustably secured in any of numerous predetermined positions relative to the tool body structure thereby adapting the tool for driving studs into surfaces variously positioned relative to the user of the tool.

The invention also relates to a method for driving studs into a surface by utilizing the tool of the instant invention.

In applicants co-pending application, Serial No. 589,- 496, liled lune 5, 1956, now Patent No. 2,855,601, dated October 14, 1958, a manually operated stud driving tool l assembly is illustrated and described which is intended to forcibly drive a stud into a receiving surface. The tool assembly of such co-pending application comprises two separate parts, an anvil and a stud guide clement,

which together form the tool assembly. Oneof such Ffice parts includes an elongated guide bar having a hammer member slidable thereon. The effective length of stroke of such hammer for driving of the stud is limited by the length of the guide barupon which the hammer is slidably mounted. ln such tool, therefore, it is necessary to utilize a comparatively long hammer guide bar to allow a blow of substantial proportions to be applied by the hammer to the stud to be driven by the tool assembly.

In the tool of the instant invention, however, all of the operative parts are connected into a unitary assembly' and a relatively short and compact extensible body structure is utilized in such assembly which precludes the need for an elongated hammer mounting bar, such as is utilized in the tool assembly disclosed in the aforementioned co-pending application. By utilizing an extensible body structure 'in the present tool, the driving hammer may be withdrawn from the stud to be driven a predetermined amount depending upon the force of the blow desired to be imparted to the stud. In such manner blows of various force may be applied to a stud without requiring a long hammer guiding bar aspart of the. tool.

This invention has an object, among others, the provision of a unitary stud driving tool assembly, including an extensible body structure, which may be used in the usual upright position and `equally well in the inverted overhead position or in a substantially horizontal position.

A further object is to provide a tool with a hammer slidablv connected thereto which is of considerable weight to enable the user to drive a stud with a minimum amount of effort and a comparatively small number of blows.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which is capable of use in close quarters near a wall or other structure extending from the surface into which a stud is to be driven.

Other objects and advantages of the instant tool will become apparent from a study of the following specification wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings for a detailed description of a desirable/embodiment of the invention and the manner in which it may be used.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a view of la workman using the tool ofl the instant invention for driving a stud into an overhead surface;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View with portions of the stud driving tool being shown in vertical section. In such view a stud is illustrated as positioned in the tool and the hammer and' body structure are shown in telescoped relationship;

Fig. 3 is an elevational View similar to Fig. 2 showing parts of the tool in vertical section and illustrating the hammer and extensible body structure in extended posi,- tion;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the lower end of the tool showing parts thereof in vertical section and illustrating a stud driven into a work surface; Y

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the handle structure of the tool showing the various parts thereof separated for purposes of illustration; v

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the handle structure of the tool taken in the plane of line 6 6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is an elevational View of the lower portion of the tool showing a modified form of'dn'ving pin.

Referring first to Figs. 2 and 3, the tool of the instant invention is generally designated 1 and includes an extensible body structure 2, which desirably consists of a plurality of slidably interfitting telescopic tubular members. In the illustrated embodiment, the body structure cluding an outer member 3 and an inner member 4, but more than two tubular members may be utilized if desired. The tubular members 3 and 4 which comprise the extensible body structure are so arranged that member 4 is Slidably retained within outer member 3. That is, an outer enlarged portion 6 adjacent one end of inner member 4 slidably engages an inner bore section 7 of member 3.

While desirable, for ease of manufacture and low cost, the tubular members 3 and 4 are substantially circular in cross-section, it should be understood that such intertting members may be any configuration desired which will allow sliding engagement therebetween. It should also be understood that enlarged portion 6 of member 4 is substantially of the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of bore section 7 of tubular member 3. The outer diameter of portion 6, of course, is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of bore 7 to allow for free sliding movement of tubular member 4 in tubular member 3.

Adjacent the upper end of inner tubular member 4 is formed a circumferential shoulder 8 which separates such inner member 4 into the enlarged portion 6 mentioned previously and a portion of reduced outer diameter 9 which extends downwardly therefrom. lt will be noted that outer tubular member 3 has adjacent its lower end,

but spaced inwardly therefrom, an internal shoulder 11.

It Will be noted, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, that the reduced diameter bore section 12 of outer tubular member 3 Slidably engages the reduced portion 9 of inner tubular member 4. Reduced portion 9 of member 4 and reduced bore 12 of member 3 are only slightly dissimilar in diameter to allow free sliding movement therebetween. Reduced portion 9 and reduced bore 12 cooperate with enlarged upper portion 6 and enlarged bore 7 mentionedv previously to preclude tilting of the inner member 4 as it moves telescopically in the outer member 3.

The inner tubular member 4 desirably is internally recessed throughout its length thereby providing a longitudinal bore 13 extending for the majority of the length of such tubular member 4 from the upper end thereof. Adjacent `a lower end' of tubular member 4 but spaced from such end is an internal substantially frusto-conical shoulder 14 which separates the first mentioned bore '13 from a bore or passage of reduced diameter 16 which is formed in tubular member 4 adjacent the lower end thereof.

At the extreme lower end of tubular member 4 is formed a stud receiving passage or bore portion 17 which is longitudinally aligned with and which communicates with reduced bore portion 16 and upper bore portion 13 but which is of enlarged diameter relative to the reduced portion 16. Such bore portion 17 cooperates with reduced diameter bore portion 16 to produce astud guide means or section within tubular member 4, the purpose of which will appear hereinafter. It will be noted, however, that the cylindrical portion of tubular member 4 which defines bore portions 13, 16 and 17 is telescopically receivable in tubular member 3 ofthe body structure.

Slidably received within inner tubular member 4 is elongated stud contacting and driving means, which desirably is in the form of an elongated stud driving pin 18. One end portion of such pin 18 is adapted to engage an appropriate surface on a stud to be driven by the tool. Such stud driving pin includes at its upper end portion an enlarged Ihead 19 having an under surface 20 which precludes separation of the pin 18 in one direction from the tubular member 4. That is, the enlarged head 19, which desirably is circular in cross-section but which obviously may be any other desirable configuration, has an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of bore 13 of tubular member 4. Enlarged head 19, however, is of smaller diameter than bore portion 7 of tubular member 3 into which it extends thereby precluding any interference betwen such head 19 and bore portion 7 as members 3 land 4- move one over the other.

Positioned below head 19' and extending for a substantial portion of the length of the pin 18 is enlarged first pin section 21. Desirably such first pin` section 21 is circular in cross-section and cylindrical in outer configuration to conform substantially in size and configuration to the inner diameter of bore section 13 of tubular member `4. It should be' understood, however, that first pin section 21 is slightly smaller in -diameter than bore 13 to allow sliding movement therein but to preclude any tilting or transverse movement of the pin 18 in such tubular member 4.

Intermediate the ends of driving pin 1S is formed an inwardly and downwardly sloping substantially fr'usto- Aconical shoulder 22 which separates first enlarged pin section 23. Reduced' diameter pinl section 2'3 also desirably is` circular in cross-section and of `cylindrical outer configuration' and substantially conforms in size and configuration with Ythe internal diameterv of the reduced bore section 16 of tubular member 4. As a result, pin 18 is slidable within tubular member 4 to effect driving of a stud ina manner to be described'.

Desirably the length of pin 18 from the under surface 20 of enlarged head 19to the bottom surface 24 of such pin is only slightlyl less than the overall length of the inner tubular member' 4. In this manner, contact of the driving pin 18 with the surfaces into which a stud is to be driven is precluded in that under surface 2d of enlarged head I9 will contact the outer or upper face 26 of such tubular member 4 before end 24 of pin 18 contacts such surface S. Furthermore, as illustrated in the drawings, outer tubular member 3 is slightly shorter in length than inner tubular member 4. It should be understood, however, that the relative length of the various tubular parts of the body structure 2 may be varied to meet a particular need without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Adjacent the upper face 26 of the tubular member 4, but spaced inwardly therefrom, is an internal circ-umferent-iai groove or recess 27. Retained in such internal groove 27 isy friction means, which desirably is in the form of a rubber or plastic Oring 28, the function of which will be set out hereinafter. Desirably, the external diameter of the O-ring 28 slightly exceeds the internal diameter of the groove 27 while the internal diameter of `such O-ning is slightly smaller than the external diameter of the enlarged section 21 of pin 18. As aJresult, the pin 18 )is frictionally gripped by the Ofring 23 and the O-ring is firmly secured in the groove 27 v Although under most conditions it is unnecessary, if desirable, an appropriate means, such as adhesive or the like, may be utilized to secure the O-ring 28 in groove 27.

Adjacent the upper end of external tub-ular member 3 desirably is provided an enlarged cylindrical section 29 which iis separated from` the lower elongated reduced outer diameter cylindrical section 31 surrounding bore 7 by a penipiheral shoulder 32 which divides tubular member 3 into the two different diameter sections 29 and 31 just mentioned. Slidably interconnected with outer tubular member 3 isl weighted stud drilve rmeans, desirably in the form of a hammer member 33, which possesses substantial Weight. It will be noted that hammer 33 has an intermediate external configuration 34 of somewhat rounded shape with enlarged portions 36`and 37 at opposite ends thereof. The external configuration of the intermedate rounded section 34 is intended to conform substantially to the shape of the hand 'of a person us'in'g the tool.

' 'The hammer 33 desirably is Ainternally recessed from its-lower end 36 vthereby providing an internal bore 38 extendingfinwardly from end 36. Such bore 38 desirablyis cylindrical in shape and the internal diameter of such bore desirably is only slightly larger than the Adiameter of the enlarged cylindrical upper section29 of outer tubular member 3. As a result, hammer 33 is slidable over the end of tubular member 3 with a substantial portion of such tubular member 3 being receivablein bore 38 of the hammer, as is shown in Fig. 2. It should be noted, however, that hammer 33 is slidable over member 3 to a greater extent than is shown in Fig. 2. When there is no stud in the tool end the hammery 33 is slidable for the entire length of bore 38 over member 3.

Enlarged upper end 37 of hammer 33 is substantially enclosed. That is, the bore 38 doesl not run through the entire hammer but stops a substantial distance inwardly from the extreme outer surface of enlarged end 37 thereby providing an internal planar driving ,face 39 which is intended to forcibly engage the enlarged head 19 of driving pin 18 in a manner to be subsequently discussed. It will be noted, however, that enlarged upper end 37 of hammer 33 is not completely enclosed in that a small passage 41, which communicates with bore 38, extends from such bore through the enlarged end 37 of the hammer. While the passage 41 is shown extending longitudinally of the hammer, it should be understood that such passage may extend in any direction desired without departing from the scope of this invention. The purpose of suoh passage 41 is to allow 'air entrapped in bore 38 to escape therefrom as the hammer 33 is utilized to foroibly drive a stud member.

Adjacent lower enlarged end 36 of hammer 33 bore 38 is somewhat enlarged thereby forming a counter-bore 42, the inner surface of which is provided with threads 43 of any conventional design. Threadably engaged in such counter-bore 42 is retaining means which desirably tis in the form of an externally threaded nut member 44. Such retaining nut member 44 has threads on the outer surface thereof corresponding in size and shape with the internal threads 43 of the counter-bore 42.

The threads on nut' member 44 and the threads 43 o-f counter-bore 42, it should be understood, diifer in crest and root diameters the standard amount to provide standard clearance therebetween to allow threaded engagement `of the nut 44 into counter-bore 42. Adjacent the lower end of nut 44 and extending diametrically thereacross is nut driving means, desirably in the form of a transverse 4slot 46. By means of slot 46 the nut 44 may be threadably engaged in counter-bore 42. It should beunderstood, however, that driving means of any conventional design may be utilized to allow insertion of the nut 44 into the counter-bore 42. As illustrated in the drawings, the lower slotted surface of nut 44 desirably is substanitially ush with the lower end of hammer portion 36.

bore 49 of the retaining nut 44.

Because the nut 44 partially restricts bore 38 of hammer 33, it will be noted that, as shown in Fig. 3, the upper face 47 of nut 44 may engage `the shoulder 32 formed on tubular member 3 adjacent the upper end thereof. ln this manner, separation of the hammer 33 from the tubular member 3 is precluded while retaining nut 44 is positioned in counter-bore 42.

The tool body structure 2 may be extended to the position shown in Fig. 3 merely by drawing the hammer 33 away from the end of the body structure in which the stud is mounted. That is, by sliding hammer33 upwardly from the position of Fig. 2 the hammer will move along' tubular member 3 until upper face 47 of retaining nut 44 contacts enlarged section 29 of tubular member 3. When such contact occurs, continued upward movement of the hammer will cause upward movement of tubular member 3 therewith, thereby causing such member 3 to slide over tubular member 4 until shoulder 11 of member 3 engages shoulder 8 of inner tubular member 4. In such position, the tool is fully extended as is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Taking reference to Fig, 4, it will be noted that a stud is slidably received in guiding and positioning means adjacent the lower end of the tool body section 2. Such guiding and positioning means desirably includes the enlarged bore section 17 which communicates with reduced bore section 16 of member 4 mentioned previously.

A stud 51 to be driven by the tool desirably has adjacent one end a threaded section 52 by means of which various articles may be threadably fastened thereto after the stud 51 has been driven into surface S. Extending upwardly from the threaded section S2 is a reduced stud head section 53 which is unthreaded and which serves as a driving head to prevent distortion of the threads on section 52 during forcible driving of the stud by hammer 33. It will be noted from Fig. 4 that the lower end or face 24 of driving pin 18 has extending upwardly therein a recess 54. Such recess 54 surrounds a portion of the threaded end 52 of the stud when the threaded end is inserted therein and the inner flat face 56 of such recess 54 engages the end of the reduced diameter headed portion 53 of the stud. It should be noted that the inner diameter of recess 54 is substantially equal to the outer crest diameter of the threaded section 52 of stud 51 whereby the upper end of the stud is maintained in proper position and is precluded from lateral shifting or misalignment during forcible driving thereof.

As shown in each of Figs. 2 and 3 positioned adjacent the pointed end 57 of the stud 51 and surrounding such stud is a guide member, which desirably is in the form of an O-ring 58. Such O-ring desirably is formed from plastic, but may be formed from metal or other material, and has an internal diameter substantially corresponding with the external diameter of the shank of stud 51. The external diameter of guide ring 58 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of bore section 17 of tubular member 4.

As the stud is driven, such guide ring 58 maintains the shank of stud 51 in proper axial alignment and precludes lateral shifting thereof thereby eliminating any tendency or possibility of the stud becoming canted during driving. The guide ring 58 cooperates with the recess 54 mentioned previously in maintaining proper alignment of the stud 51 during driving thereby insuring entry of the stud into the surface S in a direction substantially normal to the outer face of surface S. As -stud 51 is driven into surface S, ring 58 travels therewith until it contacts the surface S after which the ring slides over the shank of stud 51. The initial and tinal positions kof guide ring 58 are shown in Figs. 2 and 4 respectively.

After the stud has been driven into the surface, guide ring 58 may be removed therefrom or may be allowed to remain around the stud to serve as a washer or spacer to form a seat for an article to be secured to the surface.

Surrounding the lower portion of tubular member 4 and connected thereto is handle structure 60. Such handle structure 60 desirably includes a anged member 61 having means thereon for securing such handle structure to the body structure of the stud driving tool. As shown in Fig. 5, such member 61 includes an upright, substantially cylindrical hollow tubular member 62. A longitudinal bore 63 is formed through member 62. Secured to the lower end of` tubular member 62 is a base flange 64 which extends transversely of tubular member 62 and provides a substantially flat lower face 65 adapted for engagement with the surface S into which the stud 51 is to be driven to stabilize the tool as the stud is driven. It should be understood, however, that stabilizing ange 64 may be an. element separate from the handle structure described. That is, the flange may take the form of a separate washery or ring which may be secured to the tool body structure at one end thereof independently of the other elements which comprise the handle structure.

It will be noted that portions of hollow tubular member 62 and iiange 64 are cut away at one side thereby presenting a'isubstantially planar face 66, the purpose of which will be set out hereinafter. Extending laterally from tubular member 62 and tiange 64 and connected therewithis a boss 67. Desirably all of boss 67 does not extend radially from tubular member 62 but is oiiset from a radius of such member 62 but substantially parallel thereto. It should be noted, however, as shown' in Fig. 6 that the inner face of boss 67, which is designated 68, extends substantially radially with respect to tubular member 62.

Desirably the outer surface of the boss 67 is rounded at the end remote from tubular member 62, as atv 69, and desirably such rounded end surface is in the form' of an arc of a circle; A bore 71 extends transversely through the boss 67 and desirably the axis of such bore 71v is concentric with the axis of rounded end surface 69.

An elongated curved handle 72 is adapted for use with the boss 67 and such handle consists of an outer end, which is adapted to be grasped by the hand of a user of the tool, and an inner end adapted to be inter-engaged with the boss 67. Such inner end includes a rounded extension 73 and a cutaway portion 74 adjacent such' ex'- tension which has an inner surface thereof corresponding generally in shape to ythe rounded end surface 69 of boss 67, all as shown in Fig. 5.

It will be noted that extension 73 comprises approxi'- mately one-half the width of handle 72 and is substantially equal to the transverse thickness of boss 67. Such extension 73 includes an inner face 76 which is adapted for engagement with the inner face 68 of boss 67. Extension 73 has an outer curved end surface 77 and a transverse recess or bore 78, the axis of such bore desirably being concentric with outer curved surface 77. It should be understood that the distance from the axis of bore 78 to the concave surface of cutaway portion 74 of handle 72 is substantially equal to the distance from the axis of bore '71 to the curved end surface 69- of boss 67 thereby allowing bores 71 and 78'to be .brought into alignment when the boss and handle are engaged.

As shown in Fig. 6 when handle 72 is engaged with boss 67, the inner face 76 of handle extension 73 engages inner face 68 of the boss. The face 76, when thus positioned, is `substantially radially extending relative to tubular member 62.

To preclude movement between handle 72 and boss 67, intertitting or interengaging means, desirably in the form of complementary recesses and protuberances, are formed on faces 76 and 68 of the handle and boss. Such recess and protuberance means desirably include V- shaped radially extending protuberances 79 formed on the inner face 76 of lthe handle extension 73 and radially extending grooves 81 formed in the face 68 of boss 67. It should be understood, however, that the protuberance and groove means may be reversed with the protuberances being formed on the boss and the recesses being formed in the handle extension. It furthermore should be understood that various other shapesy and coniigurations of protuberances and grooves may be utilized if Y desired.

67. In. the'embodiment illustrated, eight recesses and eightv protuberances are' shownvv thereby providingy the handle with numerousdifferent positions of arrangement relative to the boss'and alsoY relative to the entire stud driving' tool; Itlshouldibe understood that more handle positions' may be obtained by increasing the number of protuberancesandrecesses on the respective handle structure parts.

After the handle has beenv positioned in a predetermined relationship relative to the boss 67, it is maintained in such position by fastening means, desirably in the form of a conventional threaded bolt 82 having an enlarged head 83 at oneV end anda conventional Wing nut 84 adapted to be threadedly received on the threaded end of the bolt. The bolt 82 extends through the aligned bores 71 and 78 in the boss 67 and handle extension 73 respectively and acts as a pivot about which the handle may be rotated' relative to the boss. After the handle has been rotated to the desired position and the protu? berances engaged in the recesses, the wing nut is tightened thereby urging the surfaces 76 on the handle and 618 on the boss into close engagement. Rotation of the handle relative to the tool is precluded unless the fastening means are threadably disengaged a suiiicient amount to allow the protuberances to slide out of the grooves.

While a conventional bolt and wing nut have been illustrated as the fastening means intended to prevent movement between the handle 72 and boss 67, it should be understoodA that other fastening means may be utilized to perform the same function.

The handle structure 60 described previously desirably is secured adjacent an end of the tool body structure by inserting the reduced lowermost portion 86 of the inner tubular member 4 into the bore 63 of the tubular portion 62 of the handle structure. It will be noted that a shoulder 87 is formed adjacent the reduced end 86 of tubular member 4 which is engageable with the upper surface of tubular portion 62 and surrounding the bore 63 thereof. Desirably the reduced portion 86 is substantially equal in length to the length of the bore 63 extending` through-,tubular portion 6-2 and flange 64 of the member 61. As a result the end 88 of tubular member 4 is substantially co-planar with the bottom surface 65 of the flange 64 whereby a flat tool stabilizing face is presented-,for engaging the tool against the surface into which the stud is to be driven.

Desirably reduced portion 86 of member 4- is secured by a force tit in the bore 63 of the member 61 of the handle structure thereby precluding the need for any other fastening means to prevent separation between the respective parts. However, if desired, tubular member 4 and member 61 of the handle structure may be welded or otherwise secured to prevent their separation.

Surrounding tubular member 4 adjacent the shoulder 87 thereon `is a cushioning washer 89 which is interposed between the lower end of outer tubular mem-ber 3 and the upper surface of member 61 of the handle structure when the respective tubular members of the body section are in the telescoped relationship shown in Fig. 4. The purpose of such cushioning Washer will be set out hereafter.

Referring now to the modification of the stud driving tool illustrated in Fig; 7, it should be understood that the tool structure illustrated in such figure is essentially the same as the tool structure described previously with reference to Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar parts in both modiiications. 4It will be noted, however, that the lower end of the stud driving pin 18 in Fig. 7 has been modified to accommodate a modified type stud 91 having an enlarged head 92 at one end" thereof and a conventional point 93 at the other end. The enlarged head 92 of such stud desirably has an upper convex rounded surface 94 there` on and'k a' peripheral cylindrical surface which substantilly corresponds in size and shape tothe internal diameter of restricted bore portion 16 of tubular member 4. In this manner, the upper portion of stud 91 is positioned and guided in bore portion 16 as the stud is driven.

A guiding washer 95, desirably of plastic or like material, is secured adjacent the pointed end of stud 91 and is frictionally but slidably retained thereon. Washer 95 functions to properly position and guide such pointed end in enlarged stud guide bore portion 17 at the bottom of tubular member 4 in the manner discussed previously.

It will be noted that the lower end of stud driving pin l18 which contacts the upper convex surface of stud head 92 has a concave surface 96 formed in the end thereof :which corresponds substantially to the shape of surface 94 on the stud head. In this manner proper engagement between the driving pin 18 and the stud head 92 during use of the stud driving tool is insured.

It should be understood, however, that while only two lstud modiiications and two driving pin end modifications have been illustrated and described herein that various other/type studs may be utilized with the stud driving tool of this invention merely by modifying the end of vsuch stud driving pin 18 to properly accommodate and contact the head portion of the `studV to be driven.

The stud driving tool of the type illustrated is utilized inthe following manner. The operator lirst untightens wing nut 84 on the handle structure thereby allowing the lhandle '72 and the protuberances 79 thereon to be disengaged from the recesses 81 formed in boss 68. Upon *such disengagement, the handle may be moved and positioned relative to boss 68 inv any position which is convenient for the particular operator and which allows the operator to maintain the tool in engagement with the surface into which the stud is to be driven. After the handle has been so positioned, wing nut 84 is again tightened Athereby engaging protuberances 79 in recesses 81 and precluding inadvertent movement of the handle. The fact that the handle structure is adjustable to various positions is highly desirable in that the tool may be easily positioned and maintained for use not only in the conventional upright position for driving a stud downwardly, -but the tool may also be positioned horizontally for use driven. For example, when the tool is used to drive a stud into the ceiling of a building, the tool may be placed at the juncture of the ceiling with a vertical wall amd in close proximity to such vertical wall thereby allowing 'the' stud to-be driven into the ceiling at a location closely adjacent to the vertical wall.

Although the cutaway portion of the flanged member '6l-*of the -handle structure has been shown as a planar surface, it should be understood that other constructions -rnay be utilized to meet a particular need. For example the cutaway portion of ange member 61 could be V- yshaped so that the tool could be utilized to drive studs into a ceiling or iioor at the juncture of such ceiling and iioor with two vertical wall surfaces. That is, a stud could `be driven'int'o the ceiling at the corner formed by such vertical walls.

After the handle has been adjusted to a predetermined Iposition in the manner described previously, a stud is .inserted through the lower bore portion 17 of the inner tubular member 4 with the head thereof engaged in the recess formed in the end 24 of driving pin 18. Driving pin 18 is slidably moved upwardly in tubular member V4 by -forcing the stud intov such vbore until the point of the stud is flush, or substantiallyso, with` the planar sur- 10 face formed 'by Vthe bottom of flange 64 and the end 88 of tubular member 4. A stud in position to be driven is illustrated in both Figs. 2 and 7.

After the stud has been properly positioned in the tool, the hammer 33` is withdrawn in the manner discussed previously until the tubular members 3 and 4 ofthe stud body structure are extended, desirably to the position `shown in' Fig. 3.

lt should be understood that the showing of Fig. 3 illustrates the hammer withdrawn from the stud driving pin the maximum amount thereby allowing the maximum force to be applied to the end of the stud driving pin. However, when a blow of intermediate force only would be required to drive a stud, it should be understood that the hammer need not be withdrawn to the amount indicated in Fig. 3 nor need the tubular 4members 3 and 4 be fully extended.

After the hammer has been withdrawn from the end of driving pin 18 the desired amount, the hammer is forcibly driven until end surface 39 of bore 38 strikes against the head 19 of such driving pin thereby moving the pin 18 downwardly and forcing the stud into the ksurface S. Use of the hammer to drive the pin 18 downwardly and the stud therewith .is repeated the required number of times until the stud is driven the requisite amount into the receiving surface.

.It should be noted that as the hammer 33 is forcibly driven downwardly that outer tubular member 3 is forcibly driven over inner tubular member 4. To preclude any undesirable sounds and recoil effects which would be produced if the end of member 3 forcibly engages the upper `surface of tubular member 62 of the handle structure, la cushioning washer S9 is interposed between the end of member 4 and the handle structure to absorb the impact of tubular member 3 on member 62 of the handle structure. Generally the cushioning washer 89 snugly engages the outer surface of tubular member 4 and it is unnecessary to secure such washer in p-lace. However, if desired the cushioning washer may be secured in place by any conventional means, such as by an appropriate adhesive.

Alternately, the cushioning washer 89 could be secured `to the end of tubular member 3 in which case it would travel therewith. It should be evident, however, that in such modification the inner diameter of the bore ofthe cushioning washer would have to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of tubular member 4 to allowfree sliding movement of member 3 over member 4.

As mentioned previously, friction means, desirably in the form of a rubber O-ring 28, is located adjacent one end of inner tubular member 4. The O-ring 28 is particularly desirable when the tool is used in the inverted position to drive a stud into an overhead surface;

It should be noted that when used in such inverted posi- ,tion the tendency of the driving pin 18 would be to fall ldownwardly through tubular members 3 and 4 into engagement with the internal surface 39 at the enclosed end of the hammer 33. To temporarily preclude such downward movement while the hammer is out of engagement with driving pin 18, the O-ring 28 is positioned in frictional engagement about driving pin 18 thereby precluding such pin from falling downwardly each time the hammer member is withdrawn prior to a compressive stroke thereof. That is, the O-ring 28 maintains the driving pin in contact with the stud head each time the hammer is withdrawn preparatory to striking another blow.

The frictional engagement of O-ring 28 with pin 18 is suiiiciently tight to preclude movement of the pin downwardly but such frictional engagement does not materially hinder the driving force of the hammer as force is applied to such pin. O-ring 28 also is useful when the tool is used in the upright of horizontal position. Because hammer 33 strikes pin 18 with substantial force the tendency of the pin is to recoil slightly away from the stud even when the tool is upright or horizontal. The

(2-ring 2S' precludes such recoil and maintains the pin 18 incontact with the stud regardless of the position in which the tool is used.

As mentioned previously, the tool of this invention is adapted for use in various positions but it is particularly well adapted for driving studs into overhead structures. Because the handle and theV hammer forma unitary tool assembly with the extensible body of the stud drivingy tool, it is only necessary to utilize twohands in the stud' driving operation in that the stud itself is properly positioned and guided by the guiding means in the body structure of the tool. it is merely necessary to manually drive the hammer Withone of the hands while the other hand, which engages the handle, maintains the tool in proper position.

Other manually operated stud driving tools are availableon the market but such tools require the use of means separate from the tool for driving the stud. Itv is particularly diicult, for example, to utilize a separatey hammer, s'uch as a Sledge hammer, to drive a stud into an overhead structure. To drive a stud into an overhead surface by utilizing a tool which requires the use of a separate hammer would require more than two hands because the: user would tbe required to maintain the tool, the driving pin therein, and the stud in place yagainst a surface and then apply a blow to such tool with a separate hammer to forcibly drive the stud. Such procedure would be extremely ditcult when driving studs into an overhead surface because the driving pin would tend to fall out. of the tool and become disengaged from the stud to be driven.

The extensible characteristics of this tool are also highly desirable in that a tool of comparatively short length'- is produced which may be easily packed and carried in a workmans tool box and yet which may be extended a substantial distance to allow a substantialk force to be applied by the hammer. With respect to carrying sucht tool in a tool box, it will be noted that the adjustable handle is well suited for such carrying in that the handle may be rotated to a position lying substantially parallel with the body of the tool and the hammer thereby allowing the tool to take up a minimum amount of space.

In this respect it will be noted, as shown in Fig. 2, that handle member 72 has an offset portion 97 thereon which presents a concave surface 93 on one side thereof. Such concave surface 9S is intended when the tool is in completely telescoped position with the handle 72 substantially parallel to the body of the tool, to fit around the lower enlarged end 36 of the hammer 33 thereby further insuring a compact structure for carrying in a tool box when the tool is in nonuse.

The materials from which the vaiious components of the tool are manufactured generally are not critical but it has been found that the driving pin 18 and the interengaging tubular members 3 and d! desirably may be formed from steel while the adjustable handle 72 and fianged member 61 which comprise the handle structure 6() may be formed from aluminum to minimize the overall weight of the tool as much as possible. The hammer 33 may be formed from any heavy material, such as steel or iron.

it should be understood that the foregoing description is intended as being merely illustrative of a desirable ernbodiment of the tool but the scope of this invention is not to be limited by such description, but shouldl be interpreted in light of the following claims.

I claim:

l. A stud driving tool comprising an extensible and telescopic body structure including at least two slidably intercorniected tubular members, one of said tubular members including means for positioning and guiding a stud to be driven by said tool, a stud driving pin positioned in said one tubular member and engageable with a stud to be driven into a surface, said one tubular member having a recess provided in the inner periphery thereof, friction means comprising a nonmetallic memberpositioned' in said recess and engaging said pin to' maintain i2 the same temporarily in substantially fixed posit-ion'relative to said one tubular member, and' a hammer interconnected with another of said tubular members and slidable thereon', said hammer being engageable with said pinto forcibly movey said pin against the restraining' effe/ct. of said friction means whereby a stud-may be forcibly driven into said surface. j

2. A stud: driving tool comprising an elongatedv body structure including a plurality of telescopingv tubes, one of said tubes havingV a passage adjacent an end thereof for receiving a stud to be driven, a driving pin slidably mountedV in said one tube yand having. its end portion opposite saidV stud receiving passage projecting through said one tube into another of said tubes, and a hollow hammer member slidably mounted over said another tube and having an internal driving face adapted to strike said end portiony of said driving pin.

3. A stud driving tool comprising an elongated body structure including a plurality of telescoping tubes, one of said tubes having a passage adjacent an end thereof for receiving a stud to be driven, a driving pin slidably mounted in said one tube and having its end portion yopposite said stud receiving passage projecting through said one tube into another of said tubes, a` hollow hammer member slidably mounted overy said another tube and having anv internal driving face adapted to strike said end portion of said driving pin, a stabilizing flange secured to said one tube adjacent the end thereof having the stud receiving passage, and an adjustable handle connected to said body structure adjacent an end thereof for positioning said tool against a surface into which said stud is to be driven.

4. For use in a stud driving tool, an extensible body structure comprising a pair of tubular members slidably interconnected in telescoping relationship, one of said members having internal shoulder means adjacent one end thereof for engagement with the other of said members and external shoulder means adjacent another end thereof engageable with a hammer adapted to be slidably interconnected therewith, the other of said members having external shoulder means adjacent an end thereof engageable with said internal shoulder means of said one member whereby said body structure may -be extended until said engageable shoulder means Ion said members contact each other thereby precluding further extension.

5. In a stud driving tool extensible from a retracted state to an extended state, an adjustable handle structure adapted to be pivotally secured to said tool comprising a handle adapted to be engaged by the hand of a user of the tool, a member having meansv thereon for securing the same to the body of said tool, a boss extending' laterally from said member, said member having a cut-away portion presenting a substantially planar face substantially opposite from said boss, opposing surfaces on said boss and said handle, interengaging means on said opposing surfaces whereby said handle may be located in a predetermined position relative to said boss, and fastening means engageable with said boss andY handle to preclude inadvertent relative movement therebetween, said handle including means engageable with a portion of said tool when said handle is pivoted to a position substantially parallel to said tool whereby said tool may be maintained in said retracted state for packing or storage.

6. A stud driving tool comprising a tubular body structure which is collapsible thereby facilitating packing thereof, said tubular body structure having a passage adjacent an end thereof for receiving aV stud to be driven, a stud driving member slidably mounted in said structure adjacent said stud receiving passage and having means adapted to receive hammer blows, a manually operable hollow hammer member slidably mounted over'said'tubul'ar body structure' for striking said stud driving member, a stabilizing flange secured to said body structure adjacent the end thereof having the stud receiving passage, 'and 13 an adjustable handle pivotally connected to said body structure for positioning said tool against a surface into which said stud is to be driven, said handle including means engageable with said hammer member when said tool is collapsed and said handle is pivoted to a position substantially parallel to said body structure whereby said tool may be maintained collapsed for packing or storage.

7. A stud driving tool comprising an extensible multipiece body structure including a plurality of telescopically arranged tubular members slidably interconnected with each other, stud contacting and driving means positioned in said body structure and engageable with a stud to be driven by said tool, and hammer means separate from said stud contacting and driving means interconnected with said body structure and slidable over one of said tubular members, said hammer means being cooperable with said stud contacting and driving means for forcibly driving said stud into a surface.

8. A stud driving tool assembly comprising a telescoping body structure extensible from a telescoped state to an extended state, said body structure including means for positioning and guiding a stud to be forcibly driven into a surface by said tool, slidable means positioned in said body structure and engageable with a stud to be driven, hammer means slidably interconnected with said body structure and cooperable with said slidable means for forcibly driving said stud, and handle structure mounted on said body structure adjacent an end thereof and adjustable relative thereto whereby grasping of said tool for positioning against said surface during stud driving is facilitated, said handle structure including means cooperable with said tool assembly for maintaining said body structure in said telescoped state whereby said tool may be maintained in said telescoped state when not in use.

9. The tool assembly of claim 8 wherein said handle structure including said means for holding said assembly in said telescoped state comprises a hollow member secured around said body structure, a handle pivotable relative to said hollow member, and interengaging means on said handle and hollow member for maintaining said handle in a predetermined position relative to said body structure, said handle including a curved portion engageable with said hammer means when said handle is pivoted to a position substantially parallel to said body structure.

10. The tool assembly of claim 9 wherein a substantially flat flange extends transversely from said body structure at said end thereof, said ange being engageable with said surface into which said stud is to be driven for stabilizing said tool assembly during such driving, each of said hollow member of said handle structure and said stabilizing flange having a portion thereof cut away to provide a substantially planar surface opposite said handle whereby said tool assembly may be positioned in proximity to a wall or like surface which extends at an angle relative to said surface into which said stud is to be driven.

11. A stud driving tool assembly comprising an extensible body structure including a pair of telescoped tubes, one of said tubes having an external shoulder adjacent an end thereof, the other of said tubes having an internal shoulder adjacent an end thereof engageable with said external shoulder of said one tube to preclude separation of said tubes when said body structure is extended, a driving pin slidably positioned in said one tube, one end of said driving pin being engageable with a stud to be driven by said tool, the other end of said driving pin projecting beyond said body structure when said tubes are telescoped, and a hammer slidably mounted on and interconnected with said other tube and engageable with said projecting end of said driving pin when said tubes are telescoped for forcibly driving said stud into a surface.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 983,798 Angell Feb. 7, 1911 1,164,086 Gooding Dec. 14, 1915 2,199,833 Fleischman May 7, 1940 2,701,359 Asbury Feb. 8, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 525,120 Canada May 15, 1956

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