Baluster driver tool and method of using the same

Abstract

A baluster driver tool for rotating a baluster to threadably secure it to a support. The driver tool includes a housing having a connector at one end for connecting it to a drill and a baluster-engaging member at the opposite end for receiving the baluster. The baluster-engaging member includes a cavity that is complementary sized and shaped to receive an end of the baluster. When the drill is activated, the housing rotates about its longitudinal axis causing the baluster to rotate in unison with the housing and securing a threaded end of the baluster into the support. In a second embodiment, a smooth tapered end of a baluster is received within a threaded tapered cavity in the housing. The threads secure the smooth tapered end of the baluster within the cavity so that rotation of the housing causes the baluster to rotate in unison therewith and securing the threaded end of the baluster to the support.

1 . In combination: 
 a baluster driver tool comprising: 
 a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;  
 a shaft extending outwardly from the first end of the housing and adapted to be detachably connected to a powered rotary tool; and  
 a socket provided in the second end of the housing; and  
   a first wooden baluster having a first end that is receivable within the socket; whereby activation of the rotary tool causes the housing and therefore the first baluster retained therein to rotate about the housing's longitudinal axis and to thereby become attached to a supporting structure.    
   
   
       2 . The combination as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the socket comprises a first cavity having at least one straight wall.  
   
   
       3 . The combination as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the first cavity is square in cross-section.  
   
   
       4 . The combination as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the socket comprises a first cavity of a first cross-sectional shape and a second cavity extending inwardly from the first cavity and having a second cross-sectional shape.  
   
   
       5 . The combination as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the first cavity has a flat wall and the second cavity is circular in cross-sectional shape.  
   
   
       6 . The combination as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the second cavity tapers from a maximum diameter proximate the first cavity to a minimum diameter remote from the first cavity.  
   
   
       7 . The combination as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the first end of the first baluster is square in cross-sectional shape and is receivable in the first cavity.  
   
   
       8 . The combination as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the first end of the first baluster is round in cross-sectional shape and is receivable in the second cavity.  
   
   
       9 . The combination as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the second cavity is internally threaded.  
   
   
       10 . The combination as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the first and second cavities are axially aligned.  
   
   
       11 . The combination as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising a wooden second wooden baluster having a first end that is selectively engageable in the socket; and wherein the first end of the first baluster is of a first cross-sectional shape and is selectively engageable in the first cavity; and the first end of the second baluster is of a second cross-sectional shape and is selectively engageable in the second cavity.  
   
   
       12 . The combination as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the first end of the first baluster is square in cross-sectional shape, and the first end of the second baluster is circular in cross-sectional shape.  
   
   
       13 . The combination as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the first and second cavities are axially aligned.  
   
   
       14 . The combination as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the second cavity of the socket is internally threaded.  
   
   
       15 . The combination as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the second cavity tapers from a maximum diameter proximate the first cavity to a minimum diameter remote from the first cavity.  
   
   
       16 . A baluster driver tool for rotatably connecting a baluster to a support; 
 said baluster driver tool comprising: 
 a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;  
 an opening defined in the first end of said housing;  
 a first cavity defined in the second end of the housing and having a first cross-sectional shape; wherein said first cavity is adapted to selectively receive an end of a first cross-sectionally shaped baluster therein;  
 a second cavity extending between the first cavity and the opening; said second cavity having a second cross-sectional shape; wherein said second cavity is adapted to selectively receive an end of a second-cross-sectionally shaped baluster therein; and  
 a connector extending into the opening and having an interior end that terminates in the opening a spaced distance away from the second cavity; and wherein an exterior end of said connector is adapted to connect the housing to a power tool which is activatable to rotate the housing about the longitudinal axis thereof.  
   
   
   
       17 . The baluster driver tool of  claim 16 , wherein the first cavity has at least one straight wall.  
   
   
       18 . The baluster driver tool of  claim 17 , wherein the first cavity is square in cross-section.  
   
   
       19 . The baluster driver tool of  claim 17 , wherein the second cavity is circular in cross-section.  
   
   
       20 . The baluster driver tool of  claim 19 , wherein the second cavity is internally threaded.  
   
   
       21 . The baluster driver tool of  claim 16 , wherein the second cavity is tapered in diameter from a maximum diameter proximate the first cavity to a minimum diameter proximate the opening.  
   
   
       22 . A method of connecting a wooden baluster to a support surface, wherein the baluster is an elongated member having a threaded first end and a non-threaded second end; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: 
 inserting the second end of the baluster into a threaded interior cavity in a baluster engaging housing until the second end becomes securely engaged therein;    inserting the first end of the baluster into an aperture in the support surface;    activating a power tool to which the housing is connected so as to cause rotation of the housing and subsequent rotation of the baluster;    rotating the housing via the power tool until the first end of the baluster is securely threaded into the aperture in the support surface; and    detaching the second end of the baluster from the housing.