Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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HAMMER AND HAMMER HEAD
HAVING A FRONTAL EXTRACTOR
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/317,119 filed September 6, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to hammers and hammer heads that
may be used to extract nails or other fasteners. In particular, the present
invention
is directed to a hammer or hammer head having a frontal extractor.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Most conventional hammers are of either the straight rip-claw type or
the curved-claw type. Both types are used for nail extraction. These claw
hammers have a striking head or poll on the front of the hammer head, and a
nail-
removing claw located at the back of the hammer head opposite the striking
head.
Claw hammers are used for various household purposes and in the construction
industry, such as for framing and finishing work, as well as for ripping and
other
demolition work. Of course, these uses are merely identified for example
purposes; hammers may be used in other applications for various other
purposes.
[0004] One significant limitation of conventional claw hammers is that they
cannot be used to extract nails easily or quickly. This is largely due to the
fact that
once the nail is extracted a distance of about one inch, leverage is
substantially
reduced. In particular, as the nail is extracted using the conventional claw
hammer, the fulcrum point moves away from the nail, thereby effectively
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decreasing the leverage and effectively increasing the required force that
must be
exerted by the user of the hammer to further extract the nail. This
disadvantage or
limitation of the conventional claw hammer is especially problematic when the
nails are designed to be difficult to extract. For instance, large nails, glue-
coated
nails, or nails having ribbed shanks may be very difficult to extract and may
therefore require exertion of substantial force by the user to do so.
[0005] Other limitations of the conventional claw hammer relate to the
extraction of relatively long nails, or nails that have already been partially
removed from a surface. Due to the geometry of the conventional claw in
relation
to the striking portion of the hammer head, complete extraction is often
impeded.
In addition, if the nail to be extracted is especially long, extraction using
a
conventional claw may also severely bend the nail so that complete extraction
is
further impeded. To extract such long nails, it is often necessary for a
carpenter to
use a special nail-pulling tool in addition to the hammer, or to find a block
of
wood or other object to place underneath the head of the hammer to raise the
hammer so as to reestablish the fulcrum point above the surface for greater
leverage.
[0006] Various solutions have been proposed to try to overcome the above
described limitations of conventional claw hammers. In particular, U.S.
Patents
No. 6,279,876, No. 5,441,236, No. 5,249,776, No. 5,060,911, No. 4,998,996, No.
4,533,116, No. 4,422,620, No. 2,657,903, and No. 2,589,046 all disclose claw
hammers in which the positioning of the fulcrum is enhanced or otherwise made
adjustable to provide adequate leverage to facilitate nail extraction,
especially of
long nails. In this regard, these proposed hammers provide a movable mechanism
that extends outwardly from the top of the hammer that provides an elevated
fulcrum point to allow the extraction of long nails. The proposed solutions,
however, utilize various moving parts that increase the cost and decrease the
durability of the hammers. In addition, in many proposed implementations, the
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hammers must be manually adjusted to provide for the extended fulcrum, which
makes the use of the hammers with such features cumbersome, inconvenient, and
time-consuming. A moveable, extensible fulcrum also decreases the stability of
the hammers, and along with the wear and breakage of the fulcrum mechanism
inevitably occasioned by the conventional striking and ripping uses of the
hammers, creates a substantial risk of injury to the user.
[0007] Other solutions have also been proposed to try to overcome the above
limitations of conventional claw hammers. For instance, U.S. Patents No.
2,239,719, No. 1,535,685, No. 1,425,369, and No. 559,049 all disclose hammers
having multiple claws to allow engagement and extraction of long nails and
nails
that extend from a surface at various lengths. Such proposed claw hammers,
however, still fail to address the leverage limitation caused by the movement
of
the fulcrum away from the nail. The various proposed solutions fail to solve
the
inefficiencies associated with extraction by conventional means, and in turn
create
separate problems that engender either additional inefficiencies, such as
breakage,
instability, time waste, exhaustion, and potential injury, or various
interferences
with the full functioning of the conventional claw hammer.
[0008] Still another limitation of the conventional claw hammer is that due to
the positioning of the claw on the hammer head, the user must reverse his grip
and/or turn the hammer around to use the claw. This impedes work efficiency in
situations where nails must be driven and extracted quickly on a continuous
basis.
For instance, weaker nails such as aluminum, brass, or galvanized nails tend
to
bend when being driven into harder woods or surfaces. Of course, these bent
nails
must be removed so that a replacement nail may be inserted instead. Each
extraction and insertion of another replacement nail would entail reversing
the
grip and/or turning the claw hammer around twice. U.S. Patent No. 1,252,903
discloses a lathing hatchet having a claw positioned below a hammer poll on
the
same side of the hatchet. The lathing hatchet of the `903 reference cannot be
used
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like a conventional hammer, however, because a claw is not provided opposite
to
the hammer poll. Moreover, the claw of the disclosed lathing hatchet fails to
provide sufficient leverage to accomplish efficient or complete extraction of
most
nails. In particular, long nails and nails that extend from a surface at
various
lengths cannot be easily extracted using the disclosed lathing hatchet.
Furthermore, to extract most nails, the disclosed lathing hatchet requires
substantial repositioning in order to engage nails with means separate from
the
claw, and also anticipates the use of additional means, such as a block of
wood, in
order to complete extraction. In this regard, the disclosed lathing hatchet
admits of
inefficiencies similar to those inherent in the proposed solutions to the
problems
associated with using the conventional claw hammer as a nail extractor.
[0009] Lastly, U.S. Patent No. D438,082 discloses an ornamental design for a
hammer with a provision for holding a nail in place so that the nail may be
initially
driven into a surface without the user having to hold the nail with the other
hand.
The nail appears to be held in place by a set screw that engages the shank of
the
nail. The use of this holding feature is cumbersome, however, because it
requires
tightening and loosening of the set screw each time the user desires to use
the
holding feature.
[0010] Therefore, in view of the above, an unfulfilled need still exists for
an
improved hammer that avoids the above described limitations of the
conventional
and prior art hammers. In particular, an unfulfilled need still exists for an
improved hammer that facilitates the extraction of nails, that permits the
full
functioning of the hammer as a hammer, and that provides additional
functionality
and features enhancing the utility of the hammer.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the above, one advantage of the present invention is in
providing a hammer that facilitates extraction of nails from surfaces.
[0012] Another advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer
that maintains the fulcrum point of the hammer substantially constant so that
effort
required to extract the nail is not increased as the nail is extracted.
[0013] Still another advantage of the present invention is in providing a
hammer that allows extraction of nails without reversing grip or turning the
hammer around.
[0014] Yet another advantage of the present invention is in providing a
hammer that facilitates extraction of long nails.
[0015] A further advantage of the present invention is in providing a hammer
that facilitates proper positioning of commonly sized wood beams by
facilitating
twisting thereof.
[0016] Still another advantage of the present invention is in providing a
hammer that facilitates the initial driving of a nail into a surface.
[0017] Yet another advantage of the present invention is in providing a
hammer that increases efficiency of nail extraction and that provides enhanced
utility, while also permitting the hammer to be used in the conventional
manner.
[0018] These and other advantages and features are attained by a hammer in
accordance with one embodiment that comprises a handle with a first end, a
hammer head secured to the first end of the handle, the hammer head having a
striking head with a striking surface thereon that defines a front of the
hammer,
and an interface section attached to the striking head, the interface section
including at least one frontal extractor.
[0019] In one embodiment, the interface section includes a groove that extends
through the at least one frontal extractor. In accordance with one embodiment,
the
at least one frontal extractor is a plurality of frontal extractors formed by
at least
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one slot formed in the interface section. In another embodiment, the slot has
an
angular shape so that width of the slot decreases toward the interface
section.
[00201 In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the
interface section diagonally spans between the underside of the striking head
and
the handle, and is attached thereto. Of course, in alterative embodiments, the
interface section may be cantilevered. The interface section is attached to
the
striking head and/or the handle by welding or other securing mechanism, or
alternatively, is integrally formed together with the striking head and/or the
handle.
[0021] In accordance with still another embodiment, the at least one frontal
extractor of the interface section includes a first frontal extractor
cantilevered
substantially parallel to the handle and spaced approximately 1 5/8 inches
from the
handle. In addition, the hammer may further include a second frontal extractor
cantilevered between the handle and the first frontal extractor that is
shorter than
the first frontal extractor and is spaced approximately 1 1/4 inches from the
handle.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the
slot is sized to allow a head of a nail to be supported therein so that the
nail is
cantilevered substantially perpendicular relative to the striking surface.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the frontal extractors are magnetized
to allow
a nail to be supported therein so that the nail is cantilevered substantially
perpendicular relative to the striking surface.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a
hammer comprising a handle with a first end, a hammer head secured to the
first
end of the handle, the hammer head having a striking head with a striking
surface
thereon that defines a front of the hammer, and an interface section attached
to at
least one of the striking head and the handle, the interface section including
a
plurality of frontal extractors positioned toward the front of the hammer
proximate
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to the hammer head. In one embodiment, the interface section includes a groove
that extends through the plurality of frontal extractors and the plurality of
frontal
extractors are formed by at least one slot formed in the interface section.
[0024] In accordance with another embodiment, the interface section
diagonally spans between the underside of the striking head and the handle. In
this regard, the interface section may be attached to the underside of the
striking
head and to the handle. Alternatively, the interface section with the
plurality of
frontal extractors is attached to the handle and is cantilevered therefrom, or
is
attached to the striking head and is cantilevered therefrom.
[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of frontal extractors are formed by at
least one slot in the interface section, and the slot may be provided with an
angular
shape so that width of the slot decreases toward the interface section. In
another
embodiment, the slot is sized to allow a head of a nail to be supported
therein.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the plurality of frontal extractors may
be
magnetized to allow a nail to be supported therein.
[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a hammer head
having a striking head with a striking surface thereon that defines a front of
the
hammer head, and an interface section attached to the striking head, the
interface
section including a plurality of frontal extractors proximate to the striking
head,
the plurality of frontal extractors being adapted to allow extraction of
nails. In
accordance with one embodiment, the plurality of frontal extractors includes a
first
frontal extractor cantilevered from the interface section, and a second
frontal
extractor cantilevered from the interface section.
[0027] In accordance with one embodiment, the first frontal extractor is
longer
than the second frontal extractor, both the first frontal extractor and the
second
frontal extractor being substantially parallel to the striking surface. The
interface
section preferably includes a groove that extends through the first frontal
extractor
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and the second frontal extractor that are formed by at least one slot formed
in the interface
section
[0028] In accordance with another embodiment, the slot is sized to support a
head of
a nail therein so that the nail is cantilevered substantially perpendicular
relative to the striking
surface. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the frontal extractors may be
magnetized.
[0029] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a
hammer head
comprises a striking head with a striking surface thereon that defines a front
of the hammer
head, and a first frontal extractor and a second frontal extractor that are
cantilevered from the
striking head, the first and second frontal extractors being adapted to allow
extraction of nails.
In such an embodiment, the first frontal extractor is preferably longer than
the second frontal
extractor and both frontal extractors are substantially parallel to the
striking surface.
[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, the hammer head includes a groove
that
extends through the first frontal extractor and the second frontal extractor,
and a slot between
the first frontal extractor and the second frontal extractor. The slot may be
sized to retain a
head of a nail therein so that the nail is retained in the groove and
cantilevered substantially
perpendicular relative to the striking surface. Alternatively, or in addition
thereto, the frontal
extractors may be magnetized.
[0030a] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention then, there is
provided
a hammer comprising a handle with a first end; a hammer head secured to said
first end of said
handle, said hammer head having a striking head extending therefrom, said
striking head
having a striking surface thereon that defines a front of said hammer; and an
interface section
attached to said striking head at a distal end of said striking head adjacent
said striking surface,
said interface section including a first frontal extractor cantilevered
substantially parallel to
said handle, and a second frontal extractor cantilevered between said handle
and said first
frontal extractor.
[0030b] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention then, there
is also
provided a hammer head comprising a striking head with a striking surface
thereon that defines
a front of said hammer head; and an interface section attached to a distal end
of said striking
head, said interface section including a plurality of frontal extractors
proximate to said striking
head, said plurality of frontal extractors being adapted to allow extraction
of nails, said
plurality of frontal extractors including a first frontal extractor that is
cantilevered from said
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interface section and is substantially parallel to said striking surface, and
a second frontal
extractor that is cantilevered from said interface section and is
substantially parallel to said
striking surface.
[0030c] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention then,
there is also
provided a hammer head comprising a body for securement to a handle; a
striking head
extending from said body, said body having a striking surface thereon that
defines a front of
said hammer head; and a first frontal extractor and a second frontal extractor
that are
cantilevered from said striking head at a distal end of said striking head,
said first and second
frontal extractors being substantially parallel to said striking surface and
adapted to allow
extraction of nails.
[0030d] In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention
then, there is
also provided a hammer comprising a handle with a first end; a hammer head
secured to said
first end of said handle, said hammer head having a striking head extending
therefrom with
a striking surface thereon that defines a front of said hammer; and an
interface section attached
to at least one of said handle and a distal end of said striking head adjacent
said striking
surface, said interface section including a first frontal extractor and a
second frontal extractor
that are cantilevered therefrom and positioned toward said front of said
hammer proximate to
said hammer head, said second frontal extractor being cantilevered between
said handle and
said first frontal extractor.
[0031] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a
method of
extracting a nail from a surface is provided comprising the steps of
positioning a hammer
adjacent to the nail in a manner that a striking surface of the hammer that
defines a front of the
hammer, contacts the surface from which the nail is to be extracted, engaging
the nail with a
first frontal extractor that is positioned toward the front of the hammer
proximate to the
striking surface of the hammer, rotating a handle of the hammer about the
striking surface to
partially extract the nail from the surface, disengaging the nail from the
first frontal
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extractor, engaging the nail with a second frontal extractor that is
positioned
toward the front of the hammer between the first frontal extractor and the
handle
of the hammer, and rotating the handle of the hammer about the striking
surface to
further extract the nail from the surface.
[0032] In accordance with another embodiment, the method further includes
the steps of disengaging the nail from the second frontal extractor, engaging
the
nail with a third frontal extractor that is positioned toward the front of the
hammer
between the second frontal extractor and the handle of the hammer, and
rotating
the handle of the hammer about the striking surface to fully extract the nail
from
the surface.
[0033] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will
become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Figure 1 is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 2 is a frontal view of the hammer of Figure 1;
[0036] Figure 3 is a partial side profile view of the hammer of Figure 1 being
used to extract a nail using the conventional claw provided thereon;
[0037] Figure 4 is a partial side profile view of the hammer of Figure 1 being
used to extract a nail using the frontal extractor provided thereon;
[0038] Figure 5 is a side profile view of the hammer of Figure 1 being used to
extract a nail on a vertical surface using the conventional claw;
[0039] Figure 6 is a side profile view of the hammer of Figure 1 being used to
extract a nail on a vertical surface using the frontal extractor of the hammer
in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
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[0040] Figure 7 is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] Figure 8 is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] Figure 9 is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 10 is a partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 11 is a frontal view of the hammer of Figure 10;
[0045] Figure 12 is a side profile view of the hammer of Figure 10 being used
to extract a nail on a vertical surface using the frontal extractors; and
[0046] Figure 13 is partial side profile view of a hammer in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] As will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, a hammer and a
hammer head in accordance with the present invention overcome the previously
noted disadvantages of the prior art hammers. In particular, the present
invention
facilitates extraction of nails, and enhances the user's reach so that nails
in
elevated locations may be extracted. In addition, the hammer and the hammer
head in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention also
facilitate
insertion of a nail and facilitate rotation of a beam. In this regard, whereas
the
various figures discussed below show a complete hammer that includes a handle
integrally formed with the hammer head, it should be apparent that the present
invention also encompasses a hammer head that may readily be attached to a
separate handle to thereby form a hammer. Therefore, the various features of
the
present invention as described herein below are applicable to both hammers as
well as hammer heads.
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[0048] Figure 1 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 10 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that although
the hammer 10 shown in the present embodiment as well as other embodiments
below are of the claw type commonly used by carpenters, homeowners, etc., the
present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied as other types of
hammers as well.
[0049] Referring again to Figure 1, hammer 10 in the illustrated embodiment
includes a head 12 that is attached to a first end of handle 14. The handle 14
of
the hammer 10 is provided with handle grip 16 (only partially shown) to
facilitate
handling of the hammer 10 by the user. The head 12 of the hammer 10 includes a
striking head 20 that extends substantially perpendicularly to the handle 14.
The
striking head 20 includes a striking surface 22 at one end thereof for driving
nails,
fasteners, etc. The head 12 of the hammer 10 also includes a conventional claw
24 with a v-shaped groove for engaging the head of a nail and extracting the
nail.
The provision of the claw 24 allows the illustrated hammer 10 to be used in a
substantially conventional manner.
[0050] The hammer 10 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment is also
provided with an interface section 30 that diagonally spans between the
underside
of the striking head 20 and the front side of the handle 14 of the hammer 10.
In
the illustrated embodiment, the diagonal orientation of the interface 30
results in
webbing 31 between the interface section 30 and the hammer head 12 and the
handle 14 as shown. The interface section 30 is provided with first, second,
and
third frontal extractors 32, 34, and 36, respectively. In this regard, the
frontal
extractors 32, 34, and 36 are formed on the interface section 30 by cavities
or slots
33, 35, and 37, respectively.
[0051] The slots 33, 35, and 37 formed on the interface section 30 are
preferably sized to allow the heads of nails or other fasteners to be engaged
by the
frontal extractors 32, 34, and 36 for the purpose of extraction. In this
regard,
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surface 38 (indicated by dashed line) in the interface section 30 defines a
contact
surface of a groove for restricting movement of the nail or other fastener as
it is
extracted. In addition, the frontal extractors 32, 34, and 36 are sequentially
positioned along the interface section 30 to facilitate extraction of nails or
other
fasteners that protrude from a surface, such as a wall or a beam, at different
lengths. In addition, the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors 32,
34, and
36 allows progressive leveraging to facilitate extraction of long nails or
other
fasteners.
[0052] Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the hammer 10 of Figure 1, both of
these figures being referred to herein for clarity. As shown, the interface
section
30 is preferably not wider than the striking head 20 of the hammer 10 so that
the
interface section 30 does not interfere with the full function of the hammer
10 as a
standard claw hammer. However, in other embodiments and applications, the
interface section 30 of the present invention and the frontal extractors
provided
thereon may be slightly wider than the striking head 20. A groove 40 with
surface
38 extends through the frontal extractors 32, 34, and 36 as shown, the v-
shaped
surfaces indicating the interface between the groove 40 and the frontal
extractors
32, 34, and 36.
[0053] Figure 3 shows the hammer 10 of the present embodiment being used
to extract nail 2 from surface 6, which may be a wall, a beam or any other
surface
using the conventional claw 24. By rotating the hammer 10 in the direction of
arrow "A", the nail 2 may be extracted. In the illustration, however, when the
nail
2 is extracted using the conventional claw 24, the fulcrum point "C" of the
hammer 10 moves in the direction of arrow "B" away from the nail 2 as the
hammer 10 is rotated in the direction of arrow A. As previously described,
this
movement of the fulcrum point C away from the nail 2 increases the length of
the
effective lever arm between the fulcrum point C and the nail 2 thereby
increasing
the force required to rotate the hammer 10 in the direction of arrow A.
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[0054] Figure 4 shows the hammer 10 of the present embodiment being used
to extract nail 2 from surface 6 using the first frontal extractor 32 that is
provided
on the interface section 30 of the hammer 10. In this regard, the hammer 10 is
positioned so that the striking surface 22 of the striking head 20 is
positioned
along surface 6. The hammer 10 is then maneuvered so that frontal extractor 32
engages the head 4 of the nail 2. The hammer 10 is rotated in the direction of
arrow "D" so that the hammer 10 pivots about the fulcrum point "E" thereby
extracting the nail 2 by pulling it by its head 4.
[0055] In contrast to nail extraction using the conventional claw 24 as
described above with respect to Figure 3, the fulcrum point E shown in Figure
4
remains substantially stationary relative to the position of the nail 2. Thus,
the
length of the effective lever arm between the fulcrum point E and the nail 2
remains constant. Consequently, the force required to rotate the hammer 10 in
the
direction of arrow D does not increase as it does in using the conventional
claw
24, and therefore the effort and force required by the user of the hammer 10
to
remove nails and other fasteners is greatly reduced. If the nail 2 is long,
the
fulcrum point E actually moves slightly closer to the nail 2, thereby further
reducing the force required to rotate the hammer 10 as the nai12 is extracted.
[0056] This reduction in effort greatly enhances the utility of the hammer 10
in
accordance with the present invention by minimizing fatigue for end users such
as
carpenters and framers who must extract many dozens of nails and other
fasteners
on a daily basis. In addition, the hammer 10 of the present invention further
allows extraction of nails that could otherwise not be removed using
conventional
claw extractors.
[0057] In addition, extraction of long nails or fasteners is also facilitated
by
the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors 32, 34, and 36 on the
interface
section 30 of the hammer 10. In particular, in cases where the nail 2 is
especially
long or protrudes far from the surface 6, proper positioning and leveraging of
the
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hammer 10 may not be easily attained when the head 4 of the nail 2 is engaged
in
the first frontal extractor 32. In such an instance, the second frontal
extractor 34,
which is positioned along the interface section 30 to receive longer
protruding
nails, may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface section 30 is
further provided with a third frontal extractor 36 to receive even longer
protruding
nails.
[0058] Moreover, the sequential positioning of the frontal extractors 32, 34,
and 36 on the interface section 30 facilitates extraction of long nails by
allowing
the user to partially extract the nail 2 from the surface 6 by using the first
frontal
extractor 32, and then, by using the second frontal extractor 34 and/or the
third
frontal extractor 36 to fully extract the remaining portion of nail 2. This
eliminates the need for bolstering the position of the hammer head 12 by using
a
wooden block as is conventionally done in the field by carpenters, or the need
for
a complex mechanism as attempted in the prior art.
[0059] In this regard, the above discussed embodiment of the present
invention provides a novel method of extracting nails or other fasteners from
a
surface. In particular, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, the method disclosed
includes the steps of positioning the hammer 10 adjacent to the nail 2 in a
manner
that the striking surface 22 of the hammer 10 that defines a front of the
hammer
10, contacts the surface 6 from which the nail 2 is to be extracted. The nail
2 is
engaged using the first frontal extractor 32 that is positioned toward the
front of
the hammer 10 proximate to the striking surface 22. The handle 14 is then
rotated
in the direction of arrow D about the striking surface 22 as shown in Figure 4
to
partially extract the nail from the surface.
[0060] Then, the nail 2 is disengaged from the first frontal extractor 32 and
engaged by the second frontal extractor 34 that is positioned toward the front
of
the hammer 10 between the first frontal extractor 32 and the handle 14. The
handle 14 is again rotated about the striking surface 22 to further extract
the nail 2
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from the surface. Depending on the length of the nail 2, the above steps may
be
sufficient to fully extract the nail 2 from the surface 6. However, to the
extent that
the above steps do not fully extract the nail, the nail 2 is disengaged from
the
second frontal extractor 34 and engaged by the third frontal extractor 36 that
is
positioned toward the front of the hammer 10 between the second frontal
extractor
34 and the handle 14. The handle 14 is again rotated about the striking
surface 22
to fully extract the nail 2 from the surface 6.
[0061] Further benefits of utilizing the hammer 10 in accordance with the
present invention are also shown in Figures 5 and 6 that illustrate the hammer
10
being used to extract a nai13 from a vertical surface 7 using the conventional
claw
24 and a frontal extractor 32, respectively. If the nail 3 is embedded in a
vertical
surface 7, the ability of the conventional claw 24 to remove the nail 3 may be
significantly diminished if the nail 3 and its head 5 is at a height just out
of reach
of the user. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, in order to extract the nail
3 using
the conventional claw 24 of the hammer 10, the handle grip 16 of the hammer 10
must actually be elevated higher than the height of the nail 3 itself. Thus,
if the
head 5 of nail 3 is positioned just out of reach of the user, it cannot be
easily
extracted unless a ladder or other elevating device is used to increase the
reach of
the user.
[0062] In contrast, as clearly shown in Figure 6, the frontal extractors 32,
34,
and 36 position the handle grip 16 of the hammer 10 at a significantly lower
height
position relative to the nail 3. This effectively increases the reach of the
user so
that head 5 of nail 3 may be engaged. In this manner, the present invention
allows
extraction of nails or other fasteners using the frontal extractors 32, 34,
and 36 that
would otherwise be out of reach.
[0063] The hammer 10 may be manufactured in any conventional manner
using steel and/or other appropriate materials. In this regard, interface
section 30
with the frontal extractors provided thereon, may be integrally formed with
the
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hammer head 12 and/or the handle 14. Alternatively, the interface section 30
may
be manufactured separately from the hammer 10, and subsequently attached to
the
hammer head 12 and/or the handle 14 by welding or by any other appropriate
manner to provide secure attachment thereof. In this regard, the interface
section
and the frontal extractors in accordance with the present invention may be
implemented as a separate component that may be retrofitted to existing
conventional hammers. For instance, the interface section and the frontal
extractors mechanically secured using mechanisms such as clamps and/or
fasteners including bolts, screws, pins, etc. In addition, although in the
illustrated
embodiment the interface section 30 is attached to the hammer head 12 and the
handle 14 of the hammer 10, the interface section 30 may be cantilevered in
other
embodiments.
[0064] Figure 7 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 110 in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the hammer I 10 is
substantially similar to hammer 10 of Figure 1 discussed above. In this
regard, the
hammer 110 includes a head 112 that is attached to a first end of handle 114,
the
handle 114 being provided with handle grip 116 (only partially shown). The
head
112 of the hammer I10 includes a striking head 120 extending perpendicularly
from the handle 114, and a conventional claw 124, the striking head 120 having
a
striking surface 122.
[0065] The hammer 110 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment also
includes an interface section 130 that diagonally spans between the underside
of
the striking head 120 and the front side of the handle 114 of the hammer I 10.
In
this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, the diagonal orientation of the
interface
section 130 results in an opening 131 being formed between the interface
section
130 and the hammer head 112 as shown. The opening 131 serves to conserve
manufacturing material and to permit adaptation to weight and balance
considerations.
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[0066] Like the previously described embodiment, interface section 130 is
provided with first, second, and third frontal extractors 132, 134, and 136,
respectively. In this regard, the frontal extractors 132, 134, and 136 are
formed on
the interface section 130 by slots 133, 135, and 137, respectively, that are
sized to
allow the heads of nails or other fasteners to be engaged. As previously
described,
surface 138 (indicated by dashed line) in the interface section 130 defines a
contact surface of a groove that extends through the slots 133, 135, and 137
for
restricting movement of the nail or other fastener as it is extracted. The
hammer
110 may be utilized in substantially the same manner as hammer 10 described
previously with respect to Figures 3 to 6. Consequently, further discussion of
hammer 110 and its operation is omitted to avoid repetition.
[0067] Figure 8 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 210 in accordance
with still another embodiment of the present invention that is substantially
similar
to hammer 110 of Figure 7. In this regard, the hammer 210 includes a head 212
that is attached to a first end of handle 214 having a handle grip 216 (only
partially
shown). The head 212 of the hammer 210 includes a striking head 220 with a
striking surface 222, and a conventional claw 224.
[0068] The hammer 210 also includes an interface section 230 that diagonally
spans between the underside of the striking head 220 and the front side of the
handle 214 and having an opening 231. Like the previously described
embodiment, interface section 230 is provided with first, second, and third
frontal
extractors 232, 234, and 236, respectively, that may be used in the previously
described manner to extract nails or other fasteners from a surface. The
frontal
extractors 232, 234, and 236 are formed on the interface section 230 by slots
233,
235, and 237, respectively, surface 238 defining a contact surface of a groove
that
extends through the slots.
[0069] As shown by the illustration of Figure 8, the first slot 233 and the
second slot 235 of hammer 210 are enlarged in the present embodiment and
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substantially angular in shape so that width of the slots decreases toward the
interface section. This enlargement of the slots 233 and 235 allows easier
placement of the head of the nail into the slots 233 and 235 as compared to
the
slots of the previously described embodiments, and thus, facilitates
engagement of
the head of the nail by the first frontal extractor 232 or the second frontal
extractor
234. In particular, the angular shape of the slots 233 and 235 allows the user
of
the hammer 210 to readily engage a nail head by positioning the hammer 210 so
that the slot corresponding to the desired frontal extractor is proximate to
the head
of the nail to be extracted, and then by pulling on the hammer 210 so that the
head
of the nail slides along the angled surface of the slot to be engaged by the
extractor
associated therewith. In such a manner, rapid extraction of nails is
facilitated so
that work efficiency can be further improved.
[0070] Of course, whereas Figures 1 to 8 discussed above illustrate
embodiments of the present invention with three frontal extractors, other
embodiments of the present invention may be provided with different numbers of
extractors. As also previously noted and as shown in these illustrated
embodiments, the interface section may be attached to the striking head and
the
handle. In other embodiments of the present invention as specifically
described
below, however, the interface section may be cantilevered so that it is
attached to
the striking head or the handle.
[0071] Figure 9 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 310 in accordance
with still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the hammer
310 includes a head 312 that is attached to a first end of handle 314 having a
handle grip 316 (only partially shown). The head 312 of the hammer 310
includes
a striking head 320 with a striking surface 322, and a conventional claw 324.
The
hammer 310 also includes an interface section 330 having first, second, and
third
frontal extractors 332, 334, and 336, respectively, that may be used in the
previously described manner to extract nails or other fasteners from a
surface. In
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this regard, the frontal extractors 332, 334, and 336 are formed on the
interface
section 330 by slots 333, 335, and 337, respectively, surface 338 defining a
contact surface of a groove that extends through the slots.
[0072] In contrast with the previously described embodiments, the interface
section 330 of hammer 310 is cantilevered and attached to the handle 314 of
the
hammer 310. The illustrated embodiment allows the interface section 330 and
the
frontal extractors provided thereon to be formed together with the handle 314
of
the hammer 310. This may be especially advantageous in implementations where
the hammer head is formed as a separate piece from the handle and then is
attached together to provide a complete hammer. Again, it should be noted that
whereas three frontal extractors are illustrated in the present embodiment,
other
embodiments may be provided with different number of extractors.
[0073] Figure 10 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 410 in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 showing a
frontal
view thereof. Like conventional claw hammers, the hammer 410 includes a head
412 that is attached to a first end of handle 414, the handle 414 being
provided
with handle grip 416 (only partially shown). The head 412 of the hammer 410
includes a striking head 420, and a conventional claw 424, the striking head
extending perpendicularly from the handle 414 and having a striking surface
422.
[0074] In addition, the hammer 410 is provided with an interface section 430
that is attached to the striking head 420. In contrast to the previous
embodiments
described above with respect to Figures 1 to 9, the interface section 430 of
hammer 410 is cantilevered from the striking head 420 and is not attached to
the
handle 414. The interface section 430 is provided with first and second
frontal
extractors 432 and 434, respectively. The first frontal extractor 432 is
formed on
the interface section 430 by slot 433, which is sized to allow the heads of
nails or
other fasteners to be engaged for the purpose of extraction. The second
frontal
extractor 434 is also formed on the interface section 430. Surface 438
(indicated
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by dashed line) in the interface section 430 defines a contact surface of a
groove
440 shown in Figure 11 that extends through the first frontal extractor 432
and
second frontal extractor 434 and restricts movement of the nail or other
fastener as
it is extracted.
[0075] Figure 12 is a side profile view of the hamrner of Figure 10 being used
to extract nail 403 from vertical surface 407 using the frontal extractors of
the
hammer 410. In particular, as shown, the head 405 of the nail 403 is engaged
by
the first frontal extractor 432 so that upon rotation of the hammer 410 in the
direction of arrow "G", the nail 403 is pulled out from the surface 407. If
the nail
protrudes farther from the surface 407, or can be only partially removed using
the
first frontal extractor 432, then the second frontal extractor 434 may be
used. For
instance, the nail 403' that protrudes out farther from the surface 407 may be
readily removed by engaging the second frontal extractor 434 to the nail head
405'
as shown, and then, by rotating the hammer 410 in the direction of arrow G.
[0076] Referring again to Figure 10, in the illustrated embodiment of the
present invention, the first frontal extractor 432 and the second frontal
extractor
434 both extend outwardly and are substantially parallel to the handle 414 of
the
hammer 410. In the preferred embodiment, the second frontal extractor 434 does
not extend as far as the first frontal extractor 432, as shown. This allows
the
hammer 410 to be advantageously used to twist wood beams used in framing and
carpentry by engaging such beams between the handle 414 of the hammer 410,
and one of the frontal extractors 432 and 434.
[0077] In particular, as shown in Figure 10, the hammer 410 and the first
frontal extractor 432 provided thereon may be dimensioned to engage a wood
beam schematically shown by dashed rectangle marked P, having a width
dimension of wl. By rotating the hammer 410 in the direction of arrow "F", the
schematically illustrated wood beam P, may be readily rotated by the twisting
action of the first frontal extractor 432 and the handle 414 of the hammer
410.
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Similarly, the second frontal extractor 434 may be dimensioned to engage a
wood
beam schematically shown by dashed rectangle marked P2 having a width
dimension of w2 that is smaller than wi. Again, by rotating the hammer 410 in
the
direction of arrow "F", the schematically illustrated wood beam P2 may be
readily
rotated by the twisting action of the second frontal extractor 434 and the
handle
414 of the hammer 410.
[0078] In the above regard, the handle 414 of the hammer 410 and the first
frontal extractor 432 may be spaced approximately 1 5/8 inches from each other
to
allow engagement and twisting of conventional "two by four" wood beams. The
handle 414 of the hammer 410 and the second frontal extractor 434 may be
spaced
approximately 1 1/4 inches from each other to allow engagement and twisting of
commonly used wood beams. Of course, it should be noted that the above
described dimensions are merely provided as examples that add further utility
and
value to the hammer 410 as compared to conventional hammers.
[0079] It should be noted that whereas two frontal extractors 432 and 434 are
shown with respect to the embodiment of Figure 10 to 12, other embodiments of
the present invention may be provided with different numbers of frontal
extractors
such as one frontal extractor or more than two frontal extractors.
Furthermore, the
frontal extractors may be of different or same lengths, and may be oriented
parallel (as shown), or at an angle to the handle 414. The hammer 410 may be
manufactured in any conventional manner. In this regard, the interface section
430 and the frontal extractors 432 and 434 may be integrally formed with the
hammer head 412. Alternatively, the interface section 430 and the frontal
extractors 432 and 434 may be manufactured separately from the hanuner 410,
and
subsequently attached to the hammer head 412 by welding or by other manner or
mechanism for secure attachment.
[0080] Moreover, although the frontal extractors of Figure 10 to 12 are shown
and described as protruding from interface section 430, which has a
substantial
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thickness dimension, it should be noted that in the present embodiment, the
interface section serves to secure the frontal extractors 432 and 434 to the
underside of the striking head 420. Consequently, in other embodiments, the
interface section 430 may be very thin or otherwise omitted so that the
frontal
extractors 432 and/or 434 essentially protrude out directly from the striking
head
420 itself. The provision of the interface section 430, however, is preferred
to
control the bending of the nail during its extraction, and to allow extraction
of
long nails that would otherwise be difficult if the extractors were located
closer to
the striking head 420.
[0081] Figure 13 is a partial side profile view of a hammer 510 in accordance
with still another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the
hammer 510 is like the hammer 410 described above with respect to Figures 10
to
12. The hammer 510 includes a head 512 that is attached to a first end of
handle
514, the head 512 of the hammer 510 including a striking head 520 that extends
substantially perpendicular to the handle 514, and a conventional claw 524,
the
striking head 520 including a striking surface 522. In addition, the hammer
510 is
provided with an interface section 530 that is provided with first and second
frontal extractors 532 and 534, respectively, and surface 538 (indicated by
dashed
line) that defines a contact surface of a groove that extends through the
first and
second frontal extractors 532 and 534, and restricts movement of the nail or
other
fastener as it is extracted.
[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 533 that forms the first
frontal
extractor 532 on the interface section 530 is sized to engage the head 505 of
the
nail 503 to thereby support the nail 503 in a substantially cantilevered
position
shown in Figure 13. This allows the nail 503 to be initially driven into a
surface
by merely swinging the hammer 510 so as to strike the surface with the point
of
the nail 503, without requiring the user to support or position the nail 503
against
the surface using his/her hands. The user then simply disengages the nail from
the
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slot 533, after which the user may continue to drive the nail into the surface
by
using the conventional application of the hammer 510 as a striking tool. The
slot
533 may be dimensioned to be between 1/16 to 1/8 inch in width so as to allow
engagement of heads of most commonly used nails. Preferably, the slot 533 is
dimensioned to be approximately 3/32 inch in width and to taper down slightly
in
width toward the interface section 530 so as to allow engagement of nail heads
of
varying thicknesses.
[0083] Instead of the above method of retaining the nail 503 in the slot 533,
or
in addition thereto, the interface section 530, the first frontal extractor
532, and/or
the second frontal extractor 534 may be magnetized so as to allow supporting
of a
nail in a substantially cantilevered position as shown. Since most nails and
fasteners are made of steel, they can be supported in position by magnetic
force
thereon. Of course, this feature may also be readily incorporated into the
embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to Figures 1
to
9 as well.
[0084] As previously noted, the hammer and hammer head in accordance with
the present invention may be manufactured in any conventional manner using
steel
and/or other appropriate materials. The described interface section with the
frontal extractors thereon may be integrally formed with the hammer head
and/or
the handle, or alternatively, be manufactured separately and subsequently
attached
by welding or by any other appropriate manner. This allows the interface
section
and the frontal extractors in accordance with the present invention to be
implemented as a separate component that is retrofitted to existing
conventional
hammers.
[0085] While various embodiments in accordance with the present invention
have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not
limited
thereto. The present invention may be changed, modified and further applied by
those skilled in the art. In addition, as initially noted, the present
invention may
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also be readily applied to hammer heads that are then assembled together with
a
handle to provide a complete hammer. Therefore, this invention is not limited
to
the detail shown and described previously, but also includes all such changes
and
modifications.
