Claims
- 1. A multi-function tool, comprising:
a first handle; a second handle; an implement; and a latch coupled to at least one of the handles; wherein the implement is removably coupled to the handles by the latch.
- 2. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein the implement is reversible.
- 3. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein the latch comprises:
a plate; a pair of wings extending from the plate; and an engaging portion extending from the plate.
- 4. The multi-function tool of claim 3, wherein the engaging portion releasably engages the implement.
- 5. The multi-function tool of claim 3, wherein the engaging portion is a finger.
- 6. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein each handle includes two side walls; and
further comprising a pivot extending between the two side walls, the pivot coupling the latch to one of the handles.
- 7. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein the implement is secured to the handles when the latch is in an engaged position, and;
further comprising a spring configured to bias the latch in the engaged position, such that the implement remains coupled to the handles until the latch is intentionally disengaged.
- 8. The multi-function tool of claim 7, wherein the spring extends through a slot in the handle to engage the latch.
- 9. The multi-function tool of claim 8, wherein the spring is disposed on the pivot.
- 10. The multi-function tool of claim 8, wherein the spring is part of one of the handles.
- 11. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of grooves disposed in the implement; a catch extending from one of the handles, the catch engaging the one of the plurality of grooves.
- 12. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein the implement includes a pair of jaws pivotally coupled by an axle.
- 13. The multi-function tool of claim 12, wherein the first and second handles are pivotally coupled together at a first end of each handle, creating a pivot axis.
- 14. The multi-function tool of claim 13, wherein the implement axle is coaxial with the pivot axis.
- 15. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tools pivotally coupled to at least one of the handles on an end distal from the latch.
- 16. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising a second latch coupled to one of the handles, the second latch engaging the removable implement.
- 17. A latch mechanism for a multi-function tool, comprising:
a rocker pivotally coupled to a handle; and an engagement mechanism extending from the rocker, the engagement mechanism releasably coupling an implement to the handle.
- 18. The multi-function tool of claim 17, wherein the implement is reversible.
- 19. The latch mechanism of claim 17, wherein the engagement mechanism is a finger.
- 20. The latch mechanism of claim 17, further comprising a pivot bar, wherein the pivot bar pivotally couples the rocker to the handle.
- 21. The latch mechanism of claim 20, further comprising a spring biasing the rocker in a first position, wherein the implement is secured to the handles when the rocker is in the first position.
- 22. The latch mechanism of claim 17, the rocker having a second position, wherein the implement is not secured to the handles when the rocker is in the second position.
- 23. The latch mechanism of claim 17, wherein the latch mechanism is attached to the implement.
- 24. The latch mechanism of claim 17, wherein the latch mechanism is attached to the handle.
- 25. A method of reversing an implement of a multi-function tool, the implement having two opposing working portions and the tool having a pair of handles and a latch mechanism, comprising the steps of:
releasing the implement from the handles by disengaging the latch mechanism; reversing the direction of the implement; and reinserting the reversed implement into the handles.
- 26. A tool, comprising: a pair of handles;
an implement having a working portion and an opposed portion; a latch releasably coupling the opposed portion to the handles; and a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to at least one of the handles; wherein the implement is reversible, whereby the opposed portion becomes the working portion.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/662,610, filed Sep. 14, 2000, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/170,992 filed Oct. 13, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,144.