The present invention relates to hand tools, and more particularly to a combination multi-tool repair system, which will be used in the home and business for doing minor home repairs, completing large building detailing projects, and maintaining valued assets.
A multi-tool generally has one or more tools abutting to and being controlled by a handle. A multi-tool is generally used to apply a predetermined tool to a surface and or apply a material, then smooth the material, coat the material and clean the material around the surface. A control grip could be disposed on the handle for comfort and slip resistance.
Existing multi-tool repair systems could be composed of plastic, metallic (e.g., copper, SS, wood laminate, carbon fiber, aluminum) and or many other composites. A worker often prefers a rigid composite tool (e.g., stainless steel trowel) for tooling a large surface area. They may use a semi-rigid composite tool (e.g., aluminum oxide) to apply an intermediate force to the surface. Then, they could consider a soft composite (e.g., nylon bristle or high-density foam) to seal coat the surface, then resort back to a metallic tool composite to clean the tool. Cleaning accessories would typically have softer composites (e.g., nylon microfiber, paper composite) for soft spiff up chores. In some instances, the worker may prefer an all-purpose composite tool (e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), wood composite, bioplastic, stain resistant stainless steel (“SS”), and other suitable composites) to apply a variety of compatible materials to a surface.
Other common multi-tools repair systems may include a margin trowel, which is equipped with a forward fixed offset tool portion for maintaining forward communication with a rearward orientated control handle. A float trowel is sometimes used to gather a material from a container. Unfortunately, the margin trowel sometimes becomes tipsy and could fall into builder adhesive or jar loose in a confined space. The float trowel is also problematic in tight confines and sometimes has difficulty spooning a material at the bottom of a cup.
A multi-tool repair system may include a swivel mechanism (e.g., ball receiver) mounted to a work head and a handle for controlling a forward orientated work head. When such a hand tool is extended out for use, the work head could accidently bump a corner surface to easily loosen the work head, sometimes far from readjustment. A tool with a misaligned work head could cause stains on a nearby finished surface. Moreover, tool misalignment could cause worker fatigue more rapidly than a swivel adjusted work head.
Sometimes a multi-tool repair system will contain a liquid within a handle to be applied to a surface. In order to s sufficiently transfer the liquid, the worker may be orientated in an awkward position to maintain unnatural control of such a handle.
The prior art further shows an attachment mechanism system meant to hold a hand tool suitably on a rack. A hand tool may suitably secure to the attachment, but such an attachment may not suitably lock the hand tool in place. A preferred method to minimize unwanted hand tool movement would be to have the hand tool securely fastened along all three rotational axes of the rack.
A multi-tool system having a two or more tools jockeying for a forward use position with respect to the handle maintaining rearward control also exists. An unintended consequence of such a dual use hand tool, the tool load is generally double at its use end, so as to put undesirable tension on the handle.
What is needed is a simple to use combination multi-tool repair system to complete small home repairs, detail large business facilities, and upkeep other valued assets. A combination multi-tool system would be welcomed if it can be used safely, efficiently, and securely, then help complete a small to large building project safely.
Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a modular multi-tool system meant to simplify minor home improvement repairs, close-out large building projects, and improve valued assets with the advantages and features of the present invention.
A first objective of the present invention is to provide a combination multi-tool system for home and business repairs. The invention provides a first multi-tool and a second multi-tool meant to combine together in “many-in-one” hand tool modular exercises.
A second object of the present invention is to provide the system a plurality of tool accessories (e.g., trowel, sander, brush, scrubber, sponge) for saving back-and-forth time when gathering hand tools.
A third object of the present invention is to provide the system one suitable ergonomic orientated handle with respect to one of many predetermined tool tips (e.g., scraper/razor, straightedge, ruler, pointed caulk tool, V scraper, notched tip, abrading tool, razor) providing suitable use when applying a material to a surface.
A fourth object of the present invention is to provide the system a float trowel when the separable multi-tools are attached for easy float balance of the system on a level patch surface.
A fifth object of the present invention is to provide the system one or more containers (e.g., PPE, hand tools, tool accessories, coating, paste, cleaning wipes, recyclable bags, waste bins, carts and other modular supplies) meant to encourage safety, organization, and tidiness.
A sixth object of the present invention is to provide the system additional reuse shim options when the multi-tools become worn or damaged, which would otherwise go to recycling or waste.
The preferred embodiment may also include a non-absorbent container element with a tray and lid which may also serve as a protective brush cover. The tray can then be used to house a small amount of paint, spackle, putty, grout, or other material which is used during the touchup process.
The brush element may contain a ferrule with multi-directional receiver with two or more latches for retaining an end of the blade within the ferrule. This would allow the user to use the first multi-tool and or the second multi-tool as a handle for the brush. A similar arrangement could be used in conjunction with the scrubbing element.
The first and second multi-tools may attach detach to from a cog to join a pair of blades to form a protractor for use.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.
As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.
A combination hand tool system 2 for home and business repairs of the present invention is illustrated generally at
The first multi-tool 4 includes an edge portion 60 (e.g., a top 62, bottom 64, front 68, right 70, back 72, and left 74 edge portion) to centrally form a handle 28 portion and outwardly provide a shank 30 portion and/or a head 32 portion. The handle 28 could have an interior channel 56 shaped and sized to contain a tool bit 58 (e.g., stir stick, door hinge shim, plastic or SS razor) which could be reused when worn as a small shim.
The two multi-tools 4, 6 can be slotted together into a single multi-tool element 3. The multi-tools 4, 6 could comprise any suitable size, composite (e.g., polypropylene (“PP”), stainless steel (“SS”), copper, titanium, aluminum oxide, wood, wood composite, bioplastic, metal, rubber, polyurethane foam, nylon, carbon fiber, glass reinforcement, UV coating, etc.) and attach or nearly attach together using one or more coupling mechanisms (e.g., injection mold, weld, spring release, adhesive, rivet, clip, bayonet, ball swivel, rails) and other mechanisms known in the art. Preferably, the system 2 wraps together with compatible materials (e.g., PP, polyurethane foam, paper stock, AlO2) known and approved in the art.
PP is a safe all-purpose composite alternative because it is compatible with many building materials found in the EPA Substance Compatibility Chart. PP repels many materials while 10% glass reinforcement adheres the material momentarily, in order to suitably apply a material to a surface therefrom. Not only is PP affordable and easily recyclable, it can also be used as mold regrinds without compromising the performance of the used materials. PP won't rust, splinter or waterlog. Wood composite, SS, titanium, carbon, bamboo, bioplastic, and other approved tool composites could be used. Tool accessory 8 members and storage containers 10 could be any approved size, shape and composite known in the art. The combined system 2 could be sold as individual separable units 4, in order to accommodate loss of components and more affordable use and reuse of the system 2.
Similarly, the handle 28 could be reverse grasped with its bottom face 64 facing upward, so that the tool tip of the shank 30 of the first multi-tool 4, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 bottom 64 orientates in a forward use mode to apply the material to a low surface using a low-surface technique 252. The handle 28 could also be reverse grasped with its bottom face 64 facing upward with respect to the tool tip of the head 32 of the first multi-tool 4 when rotated to a forward position on the handle 28. To that end, the tool tip of the first multi-tool, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 is maintaining forward transverse orientation at its front 64 use end, so that the tool tip at the front 64 use end can apply a material from a container 10 and suitably apply it to a central surface using a central technique.
A generalized cart or other suitable work space storage or organizer is shown in
The shank 30 includes a shank edge portion 61 (e.g., a top 63, bottom 65, front 67, right 69, back 73 and left 75 edge portion). The shank 30 top 63 could comprise rails (e.g., left and right rails) and the shank front 67 could comprise a beveled edge which could be used as a bit shovel/bit scraper. The shank bottom 65 bisects a longitudinal plane of the handle 28 about its top surface 62, preferably at or about a thirty-degree (30°) angle, meant to maintain the handle 28 in “one-in-many” rearward neutral ergonomic control modes of operation. The first multi-tool 4 could be separated from the larger multi-tool 6, to perform smaller repair tasks.
The back edge 72 of the shank 30 could be seated on a ledge with the handle 28 descending downward, as shown prior in
The coupler 76 could be sized and shaped for selectively securing the shank 30 to a relief 78 mechanism (e.g., pivot clip, plunger, etc.) which could be mounted to at least one second multi-tool 6 or at least one side 92 of a tool accessory 8. The tool accessory 8 could comprise an edge portion (e.g., a top, bottom, front, right, back, and left edge portion) to abut or nearly abut at its back edge 112 to the relief 78, as shown in
The first multi-tool 4 could comprise a shank coupler 30 orientated transverse with respect to longitudinal orientation of the handle 28 and a head coupler 31 orientated longitudinal with respect to the longitudinal orientation of the handle 28 could attach detach to from each second multi-tool 6 and each tool accessory 8 in four unique positions by engagement of the relief 78. The second multi-tool 6 or tool accessory 8 reliefs 78 could include a locking mechanism (e.g., clip 86, stop bumps 88, 89, or other locking mechanisms not shown, including ball swivel, plunger, key, collar, cam, cogwheel, bayonet, snap ring, adhesive, rivet, sleeve, weld, adhesive, clamp, rail, latch, etc.) to abut or nearly abut to the first multi-tool 4 coupler 76 to the second multi-tool 6 in at least one locked use mode of operation. The worker could use one hand to keep the first multi-tool 4 stationary simultaneously with the other hand urging the second multi-tool 6 or the tool attachment to separate the multi-tools 4, 6 and the tool accessory 8. The coupler 76 relief 78 engagement of the multi-tools 4, 6 and the tool accessory 8 will sufficiently restrict system 2 movement to apply a material to a surface.
As shown in
The second multi-tool 6 relief mechanism 78 is similar to the ones described above for the tool accessories 8. The second multi-tool 6 rails 66 could further form a longitudinal track to receive the first multi-tool 4 therein by equipping the shoulders 76 meant to maintain the multi-tool set 3 in a low profile stow position. The second multi-tool 6 could also comprise a clip 86 mechanism meant to receive the first multi-tool 4 in multiple orientations as shown in
The handle 28 could be grasped with its top face 62 facing upward to maintain rearward longitudinal orientated control end movements (e.g., forward, backward, sideward) with respect to the shank 30, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 bottom 65, 164, 94 maintaining forward transverse orientation at its bottom 64 use end, so that the bottom 64 use end can receive a material from a container 10 to suitably apply a tool, coating or material to an upper surface. The handle 28 could be reverse grasped with its bottom face 64 facing upward, so that the shank 30 bottom 65, the second multi-tool 6 bottom 164 or the tool accessory 8 bottom orientate in a forward use mode to apply the material to a low surface. The handle 28 could also be reverse grasped with its bottom face 64 facing upward with respect to the shank 30, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 maintaining forward transverse orientation at its front 164 use end, so that the tool tip 54 at the front 164 use end can apply a material from a container 10 and suitably apply it to a central surface.
The handle 28 could be grasped with its back face 64 facing forward to maintain rearward longitudinal orientated control end movements (e.g., forward, backward, sideward) simultaneously with the head 32, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 maintaining a forward longitudinal orientated mode of operation, so that the front use end can gather a material from a container 10 and suitably apply it to a central surface. The handle 28 maintains one neutral ergonomic control orientations with respect to the head 32, the second multi-tool 6 or the tool accessory 8 maintaining many modular use orientations.
The multi-tools 4, 6 could be given ruler hash marks 154 meant to be initially used to hold molten composite in place during production of the multi-tools 4, 6, so as to resist warpage. The worker can then use the multi-tools 6 to make more accurate measurements in hard-to-reach building repair gap.
The multi-tools 4, 6 can be combined to detail measure, mark, patch, and paste a surface without smearing the handle 28 as shown in
When multi-tools 4, 6 are worn they could be reused as backup shims (e.g., proximate ⅛″, ¼″, 5/16th″ combined). Accordingly, the shank 30 can be accurately sheared off when wanting to reuse the shank 30 and the handle 28 as a pair of separate backup shims.
At least one container 10 (e.g., cart, bucket, carton, cup, dish, bag) could modulate with other containers, in order to organize workspace. Each container 10 is meant to cover the multi-tools 4, 6 and each tool accessory 8, so as to prevent soiled tools. The container 10 can be wrapped into multiple containers, in order to strengthen the composite during shipment of the product. Thinner, stronger material lowers carbon emissions. For example, one container 10 could be a cup used to contain multi-tools 4, 6 and each tool accessory 8 whereas another container 10 cup could be used to contain a liquid material. A raised lid element could be used to contain liquid content. Each container 10 could comprise one or more compartments 108 to comprise multi-tools, 4, 6, one or more tool accessories 8, and sundries 160 (e.g., spackle, glue, cleaning wipes, sanders, paint brushes) which could be of any number, shape, composite, and filled substance known to the art.
In other embodiments, the multi-tools 4, 6 could comprise a power control handle 12 as shown in
It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.
This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/008,308 Filed Apr. 10, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63008308 | Apr 2020 | US |