US-12617063-B2 - Sheet metal hammer with drive manipulation feature

Abstract

An ergonomic sheet metal hammer is disclosed, featuring a multifunctional design that enhances usability and efficiency in sheet metal work. The hammer includes a built-in drive slot for precise bending of sheet metal drives, an ergonomically configured handle to reduce fatigue, and a handle with a removable cap for storage. Additionally, the hammer head incorporates a 1″×1″ measurement for quick reference and is marked with various measurement indicia for versatility in use. The invention aims to provide a comprehensive tool for sheet metal workers, combining functionality for bending, measuring, and marking in a single, ergonomically optimized device.

Inventors

• Robert Kraft

Assignees

• OCD INNOVATIONS, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240319

Claims (20)

1. 1 . A method of using a sheet metal hammer to bend a sheet metal drive for ductwork, the method comprising steps of: providing the sheet metal hammer having a handle and a head attached to the handle, the head including a drive manipulation feature configured to bend a sheet metal drive, the drive manipulation feature including a slot integrated into the head, the slot passing entirely through the head and disposed orthogonal to the handle, wherein the slot includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface disposed parallel to the lower surface, and the upper surface and the lower surface are two opposing parallel sides of equal length configured to provide a uniform guide for the sheet metal drive to ensure a consistent bend along an entire width of the sheet metal, a drive opener including a drive opener edge that runs along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, and an integrated striking surface disposed opposite the drive opener, wherein the slot is disposed within the longitudinal axis of the handle and entirely within the head, and a length of the head from where the handle meets the head to the integrated striking surface has a constant cross section; providing a sheet metal drive; inserting a portion of the sheet metal drive through the slot of the head perpendicular to the handle for a variable distance; and bending the sheet metal drive using the sheet metal hammer while the portion of the sheet metal drive is disposed through the slot of the head of the sheet metal hammer by applying a force to one side of the sheet metal drive.
2. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sheet metal hammer includes a drive opener and the method further comprises steps of: inserting the drive opener into the sheet metal drive to open the sheet metal drive; and placing the sheet metal drive onto the ductwork, prior to the steps of inserting the sheet metal drive into the slot of the head and bending the sheet metal drive by applying a force to one side of the sheet metal drive.
3. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of bending includes rotating the sheet metal hammer while the sheet metal drive remains disposed through the slot.
4. 4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of bending creates a bend angle of approximately 90 degrees in the sheet metal drive.
5. 5 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of removing the sheet metal drive from the slot after the step of bending.
6. 6 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of measuring a desired bend location of the sheet metal drive before the step of inserting.
7. 7 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of placing the sheet metal drive onto ductwork before the step of bending.
8. 8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the step of placing includes positioning the sheet metal drive to span a joint between two sections of ductwork.
9. 9 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of hammering the sheet metal drive against the ductwork using the sheet metal hammer.
10. 10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of applying the force includes applying the force manually by gripping the handle and leveraging the head against the sheet metal drive.
11. 11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting includes inserting the sheet metal drive through the slot from a first side and extending to a second opposite side of the head.
12. 12 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of repeating the steps of inserting and bending for a plurality of different locations along the sheet metal drive to create multiple bends.
13. 13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing includes providing a plurality of sheet metal drives of different sizes, and further comprising selecting an appropriately sized sheet metal drive for the ductwork.
14. 14 . The method of claim 1 , further including the step of securing the bent sheet metal drive to the ductwork using fasteners after the step of bending.
15. 15 . A method of using a sheet metal hammer to bend a sheet metal drive for ductwork, the method comprising steps of: providing the sheet metal hammer having a handle and a head attached to the handle, the head including a drive manipulation feature configured to bend a sheet metal drive, the drive manipulation feature including a slot integrated into the head, the slot passing entirely through the head and disposed orthogonal to the handle; providing a sheet metal drive; inserting a portion of the sheet metal drive through the slot of the head perpendicular to the handle for a variable distance; and bending the sheet metal drive using the sheet metal hammer while the portion of the sheet metal drive is disposed through the slot of the head of the sheet metal hammer by applying a force to one side of the sheet metal drive.
16. 16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the step of bending includes rotating the sheet metal hammer while the sheet metal drive remains disposed through the slot.
17. 17 . The method of claim 15 , further including the step of removing the sheet metal drive from the slot after the step of bending.
18. 18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the step of applying the force includes applying the force manually by gripping the handle and leveraging the head against the sheet metal drive.
19. 19 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the step of inserting includes inserting the sheet metal drive through the slot from a first side and extending to a second opposite side of the head.
20. 20 . The method of claim 15 , further including the step of repeating the steps of inserting and bending for a plurality of different locations along the sheet metal drive to create multiple bends.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/493,232, filed on Mar. 30, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD The present technology relates to hand tools designed for sheet metal work and, more specifically, to a sheet metal hammer that integrates multiple functions including bending, measuring, and marking capabilities. INTRODUCTION This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. Various types of sheet metal work may be performed in various industries, including construction and automotive applications, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. Workers in these fields may frequently engage in tasks that require the manipulation of sheet metal, such as bending, cutting, and shaping to meet specific design requirements. Traditional tools used in sheet metal work, while effective for an intended purpose, may fall short in providing the versatility and efficiency needed to address a full spectrum of tasks encountered by professionals in these industries. A challenge in sheet metal work may be the bending of sheet metal drives. Sheet metal hammers may be designed primarily for striking and shaping metal surfaces but lack specialized features for precisely bending sheet metal drives. This limitation necessitates the use of additional tools, such as hand seamers or pliers, to achieve desired bends. The need to switch between multiple tools may slow down the workflow and increase the risk of inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the work produced. A sheet metal hammer may also not have the capability to bend a drive or make a common measurement used in the sheet metal industry. The sheet metal hammer may also not open drives, and typically does not have a comfortable handle and thus may cause fatigue after prolonged use. Accordingly, there is a need for a sheet metal hammer that has the capability to bend a drive, make a common measurement, open drives, and have a comfortable handle that does not cause fatigue after using for a period of time. SUMMARY In concordance with the instant disclosure, a sheet metal hammer that has the capability to bend a drive, make a common measurement, open drives, and have a comfortable handle that does not cause fatigue after using for a period of time, has surprisingly been discovered. The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, and processes that relate to a multifunctional sheet metal hammer configured to improve efficiency and precision in sheet metal work. This tool may integrate features such as a drive manipulation feature or slot, an ergonomic grip, a writing implement holder, and measurement indicia, to facilitate a wide range of tasks including bending drives, making measurements, and marking work materials. In certain embodiments, a sheet metal hammer is provided that includes a handle and a head attached to the handle. The head may include drive manipulation feature configured to bend a sheet metal drive. The drive manipulation feature may include a slot integrated into the head. The slot may pass entirely through the head. The slot may be disposed orthogonal to the handle. In certain embodiments, a sheet metal hammer may include a handle, a drive opener, and a head attached to the handle. The drive opener may be configured to open a sheet metal drive. The head may have a drive manipulation feature configured to bend the sheet metal drive. The drive manipulation feature may include an elongate slot integrated into the head, where the elongate slot may be dimensioned to accommodate a range of predetermined sheet metal drive widths. The drive manipulation feature may include the slot integrated into a top of the head. The slot may pass entirely through the head, and further wherein the slot is disposed orthogonal to the handle. Measurement indicia on the head of the sheet metal hammer may include various linear measurements, such as ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, ¾″, and 1″. The head may be dimensioned 1″×1″. An ergonomically configured handle may include ridges and be contoured for ergonomic comfort. A writing element may be removably disposed within the handle. An integrated magnet may be configured to couple the sheet metal hammer to a magnetically attractable surface. In certain embodiments, a method of using a sheet metal hammer to bend a drive for ductwork is provided. The method may include providing the sheet metal hammer with a handle and a head attached to the handle, the head having a drive manipulation feature. The drive manipulation feature may include a slot integrated into a top of the head. The slot may pass entirely through the head. The slot may be disposed orthogonal to the handle. A sheet metal drive may be inserted into a slot of the head, and then bent by applying a force to one side of the drive. This method may simplify the