Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force – Nail extractor type – Single throw lever
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-15
2001-08-28
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force
Nail extractor type
Single throw lever
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279876
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to construction tools, and, more particularly, to a hammer with integral lever mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
The hammer is an important part of every construction worker's tool box. In addition, the hammer is used constantly by do-it-yourself home repair and remodelers. The hammer, as is well known, is used to nail fastening devices, such as nails, into wood or other materials. Most hammers also have a means for removing such fastening devices, such as a claw shaped protrusion or other mechanism which grips the nail. The head of the hammer is used as a fulcrum, creating leverage to remove the nail. However, many times the nails are very long, such as is the case with framing nails, and complete removal with a conventional hammer is difficult. This is because the lateral distance from the fulcrum point to the nail is smaller than the length of the nail as implanted in the board.
Traditionally, when this incomplete nail removal occurs, the worker must find a board or other similar device to place between the head of the hammer and the board, thus allowing the nail to be removed the rest of the way. However, finding a board to place under the hammer head is time consuming and tiring. In addition, using the hammer multiple times to remove the nail is time consuming and tiring. As an alternative, the worker could use a crowbar. However, this requires carrying an extra tool with him or her.
In the previous art, numerous attempts have been made to correct for the foregoing problem. Numerous devices attempt to address the problem of removing long nails by placing an extension rod at the top of the hammer head. The rod typically extends outward parallel to the centerline of the handle. Thus, the necessity of using a board is removed. Examples of this type of device include U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,236, issued in the name of Kiernan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,776, issued in the name of Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,911, issued in the name of Mikesell, U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,620, issued in the name of Nitzberg, U.S. Pat. No. 2,657,903, issued in the name of Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 2,643,854, issued in the name of Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 2,589,047, issued in the name of Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 1,737,958, issued in the name of Carlson, and U.S. Pat. No. 540,967, issued in the name of Eveleth.
Such devices have one or more of the following problems associated with their use. First, the device is bulky, with the rod assembly adding significant weight to the device. Second, the rod interferes with use of the hammer when the rod is not needed. Third, the device still requires significant lateral movement of the handle to remove long nails. Fourth, the device is expensive to manufacture. Fifth, the device does not produce significantly enough force to remove very long nails. Sixth, raising the hammer up off the board or other material from which the nail is being removed and balancing the hammer by the rod end creates an unstable situation during use, with the hammer rotating and slipping along the rod end, increasing the risk of injury to the user. Seventh, the device does not increase the lateral distance between the nail, held by the claw of the hammer, and the fulcrum point. Without this feature, removal of the nail can still take more than one cycle of hammer movement.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an improved apparatus and method which overcomes the problems cited above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved hammer with integral lever mechanism that provides additional leverage to remove long nails in one, simple, easy movement.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, the hammer with integral lever mechanism is comprised of a traditional handle and claw head. To increase leverage during nail removal and enable the user to remove longer nails with speed and ease, a lever is incorporated into the design of the device. The lever is T-shaped, and in its resting position is located inside of the head, so as to not interfere with use of the device when the lever is not needed. The lever can be rotated relative to the head to aid in nail removal by depressing a lever release button. The lever is of a ratchet style configuration, allowing the user to position the lever in a multitude of locations relative to the head, to assist in removing nails of various lengths. The lever is capable of being locked into position relative to the head at each of the lever's possible positions. A hand guard and finger grips permit the user to obtain a firm hold on the handle during use, thus reducing risk of injury. A retractable tape measure is incorporated into the design of the handle.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a built-in lever which increases the lateral distance from the nail to the fulcrum point, thus allowing more of a nail to be removed easy and fast, in one movement of the hammer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a built-in lever which increases the leverage needed to remove long nails, without requiring the use of a board or other device under the hammer head.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable ratcheting system in the hammer head such that the lever can be placed in a variety of positions. The lever folds out, locking in place in its desired position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring loaded, quick release for the adjustable ratcheting system, thus making adjustment of the lever's position relative to the head quick and easy.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a lever that stores inside the hammer head when not in use. As such, when the lever feature is not in use, the present invention can be used as an otherwise conventional hammer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a lever that is rubber coated, thus reducing damage to surfaces from which nails are being removed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a finger guard, which protects the fingers on the handle from injury during use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a handle with contoured finger grips that prevent the hand from slipping from the handle during use. These finger grips give the user a stronger grip on the hammer during use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for attaching the device to a wall, thus eliminating clutter on a work bench.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a retractable tape measure built into the handle, thus relieving the worker from carrying around a separate tape measure. This feature is also beneficial because using it measuring where to place a nail is common in the construction trade.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is simple in design, sturdy, and easy to use.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2643854 (1953-06-01), Johnson
patent: 5119521 (1992-06-01), Clontz
patent: 5249776 (1993-10-01), Johnson
patent: 6122788 (2000-09-01), Bulcock
Gugliotta John D.
Watson Robert C.
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