Multiple function tool

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6481034
  • Patent Number
    6,481,034
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, March 1, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 19, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles. Preferably, an individual spring is provided for each tool to prevent further pivoting of the selected tool away from the storage channels once the tool is extended into a working position. A spring lock mechanism may also be provided to prevent the undesired return of an extended tool into the storage position until the lock is released.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to a multiple function, compound tool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination tool having a tool head with jaw members foldable into channels in the handles and other tools pivotable from a position within other channels of the handles to a position that provides optimum usability of the selected tool.




2. Discussion of the Related Art




Compound, multiple function tools having foldable handles and at least one tool with jaws foldable into the handles are known in the art. Typically, the pliers, or other tool having a pivotable jaw, have a pivot axis and tangs extending from the pivot axis in a direction opposite from the jaw. The tangs are pivotally coupled to the handles. Prior art combination tools have shown jaws that are pivotable about their tangs, either about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the jaws, or an axis perpendicular to the jaws' pivot axis. Prior art combination tools have also shown jaws that are slidable along the handles of the tool to retract into a channel within the handles.




Multi-function, compact tools typically also include a variety of other tools that may be pivoted into and out of a channel within the handle of the tool for selective use. However, multi-function tools that include a tool having jaw members, such as pliers, typically do not permit access to the remaining tools without opening the handles to also extend the jaw members. Thus, access of a tool other than the pliers often requires more than the single step of extending the desired tool. Moreover, many of such selectable tools are not in an optimum using position when extended out of their respective handles. The selected tool (screwdrivers, in particular) is often in an awkward using position and is generally not aligned to have the greatest amount of centerline force transmitted from the user's hand and arm to the tool. Cutting tools generally are positioned so that a barrier is created by the handles such that the entire length of the sharp edge is not readily usable, Typically, such a barrier is created by having the sharp edge face between the handles and thus spaced from the sides of the tool where the object to be cut, sliced, sawed, etc., is positioned.




Another disadvantage with pivoting of certain models of such tools into and out of their respective channels for use is that once a tool has been extended and locked in place (for those tools that have locks), typically another tool must be extended at least half way to permit the first tool to be replaced into the storage position within its respective channel.




Although combination tools provide a variety of different tools, the user is generally limited in the number of different tools that are available from a given combination tool. For instance, generally only one size of a given tool is provided. Additionally, certain tools, such as ratchets, generally are not provided in combination tools.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multiple unction, compound, compact tool having at least one tool with jaw members retractable into the handle of the tools, and a variety of other tools pivotable into and out of channels within the handles while the jaw members remain in a stored position, retracted within the handles. Likewise, when the jaw members are extended into a usable position, it is an object of the present invention to have the remaining tools out of the way so that comfortable gripping of the handles during jaw member use may be achieved.




It is a related object of the present invention to provide a foldable tool having jaw members easily retractable into the handles of the tool.




It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multiple function tool having a variety of tools extendible, from a retracted position within the handles of the tool, to an optimum position for use such that the full working length of the tool is available and conveniently located, and the axes of the rotating tools are substantially aligned with the centerline of the handles of the tool so that force is substantially directly transmitted along the centerline from the user's hand and arm to the tool.




It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a multiple function tool that permits the tools to be interchangeable, or at least modifiable for different uses or sizes, and also provides tools and features that are not typically provided in compound tools, such as a mechanical reversible ratchet.




It is yet another object of the invention to provide a spring mechanism that permits pivoting of individual tools between a storage position and a working position without affecting adjacent tools. Preferably, the spring mechanism also permits individual locking of the tools in either a straight position or a working position.




These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the present invention by providing a compact, foldable, multiple function tool having a tool with jaw members retractable into a first storage area of the handles of a tool, and a plurality of different tools retractable into a second storage area of the foldable handles. The tool with the jaw members preferably is a set of pliers having a jaw pivot axis and tangs extending from the jaw pivot axis away from the jaw members. The handles are pivotable along an axis through the tangs substantially parallel to the jaw pivot axis. The jaw members have a working surface formed by the opposing faces of the jaw members, and an outside surface facing away from the working surface. The handles have a working surface, substantially aligned with the outside surface of the jaw members, which surface is gripped during use of the jaw members when the handles are unfolded. The jaw members are stored within channels in these working surfaces of the handles, the outside surfaces of the jaw members being nested within the channels. The handles also include a second surface facing the same side as the working surface of the jaw members, which therefore form an inner surface when the handles are extended to use the jaw members, but an outer grip surface when the handles are folded to make the tool compact, and comfortable to grip.




Another channel is provided in each handle of the tool opposite the channel in which the jaw members are stored, and a variety of other tools may be stored within these additional channels. The other tools are accessible and extendible for use even when the jaw members are still in their retracted, stored position. Thus, the handles may be in a folded position when these other tools are used, so that the handles, together, form a single handle for these other tools. These additional tools are pivotable along a pivot axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the jaw members and the tangs, but preferably are connected to an end of the handles opposite the connection point of the jaw members. The shank of each of the tools is preferably designed such that the working area of the tool is in an optimum working position. Thus, at least some of the tools that require rotation are preferably substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the folded handles that form the gripping area of the tool and also are preferably longer than prior art tools and the other tools of the multi-tool. Likewise, cutting tools are preferably designed such that the cutting area is at the most accessible position for cutting, slicing, sawing. etc., an object. Additionally, the handles may be provided with full-length (i.e. 1 inch) rulers that are disposed adjacent to straight free edges.




The multiple function tool of the present invention preferably includes modular components that are positionable and various ones of the pivotable tools to permit the tools that are integral to the compound tool to be modified for other uses. Preferably, an adapter is provided that may be fit on the heads of the tools that are integral to the compound tool. Additional tools may then be positioned on the adapter and used with the compound tool. Additionally, a mechanical reversible ratchet is provided in which a variety of such additional tools may be fit for 90° to the handle socket and tip applications and rotations for clockwise or counterclockwise rotations.




A further feature of the tool of the present invention, is the provision of an individual spring for each tool pivotally connected to the handles. The spring locks the individual tool in its working position by preventing further pivoting of the tool away from its storage position. Furthermore, the individual springs permit repositioning of the tools in the storage position without affecting the position of adjacent tools. A spring lock may be provided to provide an additional lock for the tools to prevent the tools from moving back into the storage position when in the working position. Only when the spring lock is moved may the tool be replaced into the storage position.




These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters represent like elements, the scope of the invention being set out in the appended claims.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a tool set having a compact multiple function tool and a set of adapters and additional heads for use with the multiple function tool, the tool and the adapter and tool heads being positionable within a case in accordance with the principles of the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a cross-sectional view along line


2





2


of

FIG. 1

, showing the multiple function tool, adapter, and additional heads in place within the case;





FIG. 3

is a top elevational view of a compact multiple function tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;





FIG. 4

is a cross-sectional view of the tool of

FIG. 3

, showing a variety of tools nested within the handles of the compact tool;





FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view along line


5





5


of

FIG. 4

showing a plan view of the interior side of the tool of the present invention;





FIG. 6

is an isolated perspective view of an inclined tool jaw pocket formed in a handle of the tool of the present invention;





FIG. 7

is an elevational view of the tool of the present invention shown in an unfolded configuration with a tool having a jaw member being in an extended position;





FIGS. 8 and 9

are sequential elevational views of the tool of the present invention being folded into a compact configuration;





FIG. 10

is a side elevational view of the tool of the present invention in a folded configuration;





FIG. 11

is a side elevational view of the other side of the tool shown in

FIG. 8

;





FIG. 12

is a top elevational view of the tool of the present invention in a folded configuration, but with first and second tools in extended positions;





FIG. 13

is a view similar to that of

FIG. 12

, but with another tool in an extended position;





FIG. 14

is a view similar to that of

FIG. 12

, but with yet other tools in an extended position;





FIG. 15

is a top elevational view of the tool of the present invention in a folded configuration, but with partially cut-away portions showing the internal mechanism of the ratchet of the tool, the ratchet being in a first operative position;





FIG. 16

is a view similar to that of

FIG. 15

, but with the ratchet in a second operative position;





FIG. 17

is a perspective view of the tool of the present invention, showing various adapters and additional tool heads that may be used with the tool of the present invention;





FIG. 18

is a perspective view of the tool of the present invention in a folded configuration, and with an adapter positioned within the ratchet and a hex socket in position for use on the adapter;





FIG. 19

is a perspective view of a variation of the multiple function tool of

FIGS. 1-18

;





FIG. 20

is an elevational view of the multiple function tool of

FIG. 19

in position for use as a ruler;





FIG. 21

is a perspective view of the multiple function tool of

FIG. 19

in position for use as a right angle with individual blade springs shown;





FIG. 22

is a cross-sectional view, along line


22





22


of

FIG. 21

, of one of the handles of the multiple function tool of

FIG. 21

;





FIG. 23

is an isolated cross-sectional view of a handle of the multiple function tool of

FIG. 21

showing a tool partially withdrawn from a storage position and the action of individual blade springs;





FIG. 24

is an isolated cross-sectional view similar to that of

FIG. 23

, but with the tool fully withdrawn into a usable position;





FIG. 24A

is an elevational view of a handle of the multiple function tool shown in

FIG. 24

, but with a side removed to reveal the formation of spring elements therein;





FIG. 25

is a front elevational view of a multiple function tool in accordance with the principles of the present invention having a spring lock mechanism;





FIG. 26

is a cross-sectional view, along line


26





26


of

FIG. 25

, of a handle of the multiple function tool of

FIG. 25

;





FIG. 27

is a cross-sectional view along line


27





27


of

FIG. 26

, showing the functioning of the spring lock mechanism;





FIG. 28

is a cross-sectional view along line


28





28


of

FIG. 26

, showing a tool in a storage position and the spring lock mechanism in a neutral position;





FIG. 29

is an isolated cross-sectional view similar to that of

FIG. 28

, but showing a tool partially withdrawn from a storage position;





FIG. 30

is an isolated cross-sectional view similar to that of

FIG. 29

, but showing the tool in a completely withdrawn and locked position;





FIG. 31

is a cross-sectional view, along line


31





31


of

FIG. 22

, of a one-piece handle of a multiple function tool of the present invention;





FIG. 32

is a view similar to that of

FIG. 22

, but showing a two-piece handle; and





FIG. 33

is a cross-sectional view, along line


33





33


of

FIG. 32

, of a two-piece handle of a multiple function tool of the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




A multiple function tool set


10


formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG.


1


. Tool set


10


includes a compact, foldable, multiple function tool, or “multi-tool”


12


, an adapter set


14


, and a carrying case


16


. Multi-tool


12


and adapter set


14


fit within case


16


, as shown in FIG.


2


.




Multi-tool


12


, shown in the top elevation view in

FIG. 3

, has a first handle


20


and a second handle


22


. First handle


20


has a first, proximal end


24


having a proximal pivot axis


26


, and a second, distal end


28


having a distal pivot axis


30


. Optionally, first handle


20


also includes a ratchet


32


with ratchet control knob


34


and an additional pivot axis


36


, as will be described in greater detail below. The longitudinal axis of first handle


20


may be defined as substantially parallel to a line through proximal pivot axis


26


and distal pivot axis


30


. Second handle


22


likewise has a first, proximal end


40


having a first, proximal pivot axis


42


, and a second, distal end


44


having a second, distal pivot axis


46


. The longitudinal axis of second handle


22


may be defined as substantially parallel to a line through proximal pivot axis


42


and distal pivot axis


46


. The longitudinal axis of the handles, together, is equidistant from and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the individual handles. Pivot axes


26


,


30


,


42


, and


46


preferably extend from the top surfaces


50


,


52


of handles


20


,


22


, respectively, to the respective bottom surfaces


51


,


53


. Each handle


20


,


22


further includes a respective exterior first sides


54


,


56


, forming exterior sides of the handles when multi-tool


12


is in the folded configuration (See FIGS.


3


and


4


). The top surfaces


50


,


52


, the bottom surfaces


51


,


53


(FIGS.


10


and


11


), and the exterior sides


54


,


56


form a gripping surface


58


for the multi-tool


12


when in the folded configuration shown in FIG.


3


. As can be seen in

FIGS. 1

,


10


,


11


,


17


and


18


, first sides


54


,


56


are substantially open to allow access to a plurality of tools


13


nested within the handles. Although first sides


54


,


56


may be slightly bowed outwardly, as shown in

FIG. 3

, to provide a comfortable grip, if a ruler is provided on top surfaces


50


,


52


and/or bottom surfaces


51


,


53


as in the embodiment of

FIGS. 19-21

(described in further detail below), first sides


54


,


56


are most preferably straight edges. First and second handles


20


,


22


further include respective second sides


60


,


62


that face each other when multi-tool


12


is in the folded configuration and thus may be considered interior sides as shown in FIG.


3


. Second sides


60


,


62


have a sufficiently smooth closed surface to form a uniform gripping surface


59


together with the top surfaces


50


,


52


and the bottom surfaces


51


,


53


when in the unfolded configuration (see FIG.


7


). As may be understood from a review of

FIGS. 4

,


7


, and


10


-


12


, the multiple tools of multi-tool


12


are nested within and extracted from either the first sides


54


,


56


or the second sides


60


,


62


of the handles.




Multi-tool


12


includes a tool head


64


, such as a set of pliers, having pivotable jaw members


66


and


68


pivotable along jaw pivot


70


. Tool head


64


is nested in channels along second sides


60


,


62


that form interior sides of the handles


20


,


22


when in the folded configuration such that tool head


64


is substantially hidden from view in the folded configuration shown, for example, in

FIGS. 3 and 4

.




Jaw member


66


preferably includes a tang


72


pivotally connected to second handle


22


along distal pivot axis


46


. Jaw member


68


likewise preferably has a tang


74


pivotally connected to first handle


20


along distal pivot axis


30


. Preferably distal pivot axes


30


and


46


are substantially parallel to jaw pivot


70


such that jaw members


66


,


68


pivot with respect to handles


20


,


22


along an axis substantially parallel to their pivot axis


70


. As may be seen in

FIG. 4

, jaw members


66


,


68


of tool head


64


are nested along second sides


60


,


62


of handles


20


,


22


. As may be seen in

FIG. 5

, jaw member


68


has first and second gripping surfaces


76


,


77


provided with a plurality of fine teeth, preferably extending parallel to each other and laterally across jaw member


68


. In the preferred embodiment, tool head


64


is a set of pliers, and gripping surface


76


is at the distal-most, pointed section of jaw


68


. Preferably, as may be seen, for example, in

FIG. 4

, each jaw member


66


,


68


also includes a sharp edge


78


, edges


78


together forming a wire cutter


79


. It will be understood that jaw


66


is substantially similar to jaw


68


.




Jaw members


66


and


68


are nested in respective tool head channels


80


,


82


in the second sides


60


,


62


of respective first and second handles


20


,


22


as may be seen in

FIGS. 4 and 5

. The distal, pointed end


67


,


69


of each jaw member


66


,


68


is preferably nested within the specially configured inclined pockets or inclined planes


86


,


88


, as may be seen in

FIGS. 4 and 5

. Pocket


88


is shown in more detail in FIG.


6


. Each pocket


86


,


88


is inclined to facilitate folding and sliding of tool head


64


within the interior surfaces of handles


20


,


22


, as shown in

FIGS. 8 and 9

, upon pivoting the handles about their respective distal axes


30


,


46


to fold multi-tool


12


from an unfolded configuration (as shown in

FIG. 7

) into its compact, folded configuration (shown, for example, in FIGS.


3


and


4


). As may be seen in

FIGS. 8 and 9

(which sequentially show the folding of multi-tool


12


such that tool head


64


is nested within handles


20


,


22


) the distal ends


67


,


69


of jaw members


66


,


68


are the first parts of tool head


64


to enter tool head channels


80


,


82


. Distal ends


67


,


69


first contact inclined pockets


86


,


88


, as shown in FIG.


8


. The inclination of pockets


86


,


88


facilitates smooth sliding and positioning of jaw members


66


,


68


within pockets


86


,


88


, as shown in

FIG. 9

, and hence smooth positioning of tool head


64


within tool head channels


80


,


82


for storage. Preferably, a self-lubricating material is used at pockets


86


,


88


to further facilitate sliding of jaw members


66


,


68


therealong. Inclined jaw pockets


86


,


88


may be formed from the tool head channels material or by the separate spring and/or locking devices.




When first and second handles


20


,


22


are pivoted about their respective distal axes


30


,


46


to open multi-tool


12


, tool head


64


is extended from its retracted position into a usable position, such as shown in FIG.


7


. Second sides


60


and


62


are thereby exposed to face outwardly, away from each other, and first sides


54


,


56


are thereby positioned at the inside of the tool, facing each other in this configuration for use of the tool head


64


. As may be seen in

FIGS. 4

,


8


and


9


, and more clearly understood from reviewing

FIG. 7

, second sides


60


,


62


of first and second handles


20


,


22


further include grip surfaces


90


,


92


to facilitate gripping of handles


20


,


22


in utilizing tool head


64


. Accordingly, even though handles


20


and


22


have open channels


80


,


82


in which jaw members


66


,


68


are respectively nested, smooth surfaces


90


,


92


are provided so that a user may comfortably grip handles


20


and


22


during use of tool head


64


. Surfaces


90


,


92


may be bowed or textured or coated or otherwise formed to increase user comfort during gripping.




As may be seen, for example, in

FIGS. 4 and 7

, additional tools


13


are nested within handles


20


,


22


adjacent first sides


54


,


56


, respectively, which are exterior sides when handles


20


,


22


are folded (as in

FIG. 3

) but which face each other when tool head


64


is in a usable position, as in FIG.


7


. Thus, when multi-tool


12


is in the folded configuration of

FIG. 3

, tools


13


are easily accessible because they are accessed through exterior first sides


54


,


56


of handles


20


,


22


. However, when tool head


64


is used, tools


13


are not easily accessible and therefore do not interfere with the gripping of handles


20


and


22


during use of tool head


64


.




A variety of tools may be provided in handles


20


,


22


, as illustrated in

FIGS. 10-14

. Exterior first side


54


of first handle


20


is shown in FIG.


10


. An interior nesting channel


94


is formed between top side


50


, bottom side


51


and interior second side


60


of first handle


20


. Such tools as a saw


96


, file


98


, and a long thin screwdriver


100


(to facilitate access to difficult spaces) may be pivotally coupled to first handle


20


, within tool channel


94


via pivot axis


26


. An additional tool such as a pick or awl


102


may be pivotally connected within channel


94


via additional pivot axle


36


. Pick or awl


102


is shown in the extended position in FIG.


12


. Ratchet


32


is preferably positioned on first handle


20


and will be discussed in greater detail below.




Additional tools are positioned within tool channel


104


formed in second handle


22


, between top side


52


, bottom side


53


, and interior second side


62


, and accessible through first exterior side


56


as shown in FIG.


11


. Exemplary tools include a cutting blade


106


, a can opener


108


, a Phillips head screwdriver


110


, a cap lifter/screwdriver


112


, and a scissors


114


pivotally connected within tool channel


104


via pivot axis


42


. It will be understood that various modifications to the tools


13


shown in the Figs. may be made, such as to the length or width/diameter of the shanks of the tools. It will be further understood that tools different from or in addition to or in different positions from the ones shown may be provided in either of tool channels


94


and


104


, such as shown in the embodiment of

FIGS. 19-21

described in further detail below. Accordingly, pivot axes


26


,


42


may be removed by the user with an appropriate tool in order to replace, change, or reposition the tools or blades.




In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the tools that are pivotally connected to handles


20


,


22


within tool channels


94


,


104


are preferably shaped to provide optimal usage when extended into a working position. Specifically, as shown in

FIGS. 12 and 13

, respective shanks


116


,


118


of screwdrivers


100


,


110


are angled s,such that the heads of the screwdrivers are positioned as close to the interior of the handle formed by handles


20


,


22


, i.e., the heads of screwdrivers


100


,


110


are as close to interior sides


60


,


62


as possible and therefore as close to the longitudinal axis of the handles, when held together, as described above. Thus, any force applied to screwdrivers


100


,


110


via the handles


20


,


22


is transmitted substantially directly to the tool head with as little moment arm, and thus as little loss of applied force, as possible. The same is preferably true for the other tools


13


.




Exemplary blade


114


and exemplary saw


96


are shown in extended positions in FIG.


14


. The cutting tools of the multi-tool


12


are also positioned and connected to handles


20


,


22


for optimal use in the extended position. Thus, blade edge


120


is positioned as close to exterior first side


56


as possible to facilitate cutting with slicing type blade


114


. Likewise, serrated edge


121


of saw


96


is positioned as close to exterior first side


54


as possible to facilitate sawing with saw


96


. A notch or groove


122


is provided to assist a user in grasping blade


114


or saw


96


from within tool channel


104


,


94


to position blade


114


or saw


96


in the extended, usable position shown in FIG.


12


. It will be understood that other tools of multi-tool


14


may include similar notches


122


.




Multi-tool


12


may be provided with a mechanical reversing ratchet


32


, positioned within first handle


20


. The internal mechanism of ratchet


32


is shown in

FIGS. 15 and 16

. Ratchet


32


includes a ratchet wheel


124


alternately engaged by one of pawls


126


,


128


, which pawls are disposed on lever


130


. Lever


130


includes a lever switch


132


for selecting which of pawls


126


,


128


is to engage ratchet wheel


124


. A biasing member or unit


134


, such as a spring and ball, or leaf spring, or other detente device, is provided to maintain the selected pawl


126


,


128


in its engaged position with ratchet wheel


124


. When pawl


126


is engaged with ratchet wheel


124


, as shown in

FIG. 15

, ratchet


32


is usable only in the counterclockwise position. Pawl


126


is shaped to prevent clockwise rotation of ratchet wheel


124


. As shown in

FIG. 16

, when pawl


128


is engaged with ratchet wheel


124


, ratchet


32


moves only in the clockwise position. Pawl


128


is likewise shaped to prevent rotation of ratchet wheel


124


in the opposite direction, in this case, counterclockwise rotation.




Referring now to

FIG. 17

, ratchet


32


is preferably provided with a socket


136


shaped to fit a variety of tool heads


138


. Exemplary tool heads


138


include a variety of tips, such as a star-shaped tip


140


, a hex tip


142


, a square-shaped tip


148


, another sized hex tip


144


and a screwdriver tip


146


. Square-shaped tip


148


may function as an adapter that fits into socket


150


of adapter


152


. Adapter


152


includes an additional adapter socket


154


in which shanks


156


of additional tool heads


158


may fit. Adapter


152


may be magnetic, if desired, to provide a more secure coupling. Adapter


152


is thus provided to permit tool heads


158


to extend the length of the tools that are pivotally coupled to multi-tool


12


. Tool heads


158


may include a variety of different sized sockets


160


,


162


for use as socket wrenches, and phillips screwdriver


164


. An exemplary socket


162


is shown connected to ratchet


32


via adapter


152


and


148


in FIG.


18


.




Phillips screwdriver


110


that is pivotally connected within tool channel


94


of first handle


20


is preferably provided with a substantially square distal portion


166


of shank


118


that may be fit within square socket


150


of adapter


152


(FIG.


17


). Accordingly, different tool heads, such as screwdriver tool head


168


, may be positioned on shank


118


to provide a non-ratcheting tool different from the ones that are pivotally connected to and form an integral part of multi-tool


12


. Moreover, adapter


152


may thus function as an extender to thereby provide longer tools for accessing difficult to reach areas.




Tools and tips that are smaller and larger than adapter


154


may also be provided either with adapter set


14


or as an optional accessory pack. The distal portions of others of tools


13


may similarly have a square cross-section. Tool heads


138


,


156


and adapter


152


may be stored on adapter set


14


and can be fit, together with multi-tool


12


, within case


16


, as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

.




As described above, multi-tool


12


may be provided with additional or alternative tools, such as multi-tool


212


of

FIGS. 19-21

. Elements of multi-tool


212


that correspond to elements of multi-tool


12


are labeled with reference numerals used with respect to multi-tool


12


increased by


200


. Multi-tool


212


includes tool head


264


, preferably in the form of pliers, pivotally coupled to respective handles


220


,


222


via respective pivot axes


230


,


246


. Tool head


264


preferably includes wire cutter


279


in addition to gripping surfaces


276


,


277


. As in multi-tool


12


, multi-tool


212


is foldable into a compact configuration similar to the configuration of multi-tool


12


shown in FIG.


3


. Upon folding multi-tool


212


into a compact configuration, jaw members


266


,


268


of tool head


264


are nested within tool head channels


280


,


282


of respective handles


220


,


222


. Jaw pockets such as those provided in multi-tool


12


may also provided in multi-tool


212


.




Once multi-tool


212


is folded such that tool head


264


is in a stored position, the additional tools


213


, stored in channels


294


,


304


, are readily accessible. Such additional tools as serrated blade


400


, reamer and punch


402


, metal saw and metal file


404


, phillips head screwdriver


406


, and screwdriver


408


(preferably a small sized screwdriver, e.g., approximately 2 mm) may be pivotally connected to handle


220


via pivot axis


226


and storable within channel


294


. Such additional tools as combination screwdriver can opener


410


(having screwdriver edge


412


preferably approximately 3 mm long), chisel/scraper


414


, large sized screwdriver


416


(preferably approximately 7 mm), wood saw


418


; combination tool


420


having a medium sized screwdriver head


422


(preferably approximately 5 mm), a cap lifter


424


, and a wire stripper


426


; and a large blade


428


may be pivotally connected to handle


222


via pivot axis


242


and storable within channel


304


. Pivot axes


226


and


242


may be removed by the user with an appropriate tool in order to replace, change, or reposition the tools or blades. It will be understood that additional tools, such as scissors, a lanyard loop, a fish scaler or a corkscrew, may be provided instead or in addition to the tools shown. Additionally, handle


222


may be provided with a ratchet similar to ratchet


32


of multi-tool


12


, with similar attachments as described with reference to the above-described multi-tool


12


embodiment.




In addition to tools


213


, multi-tool


212


may also be provided with a metric ruler


430


on top surfaces


250


,


252


of handles


220


,


222


, and a full length (e.g. 12 inches) English ruler


432


on bottom surfaces


251


,


253


. Preferably, the marks of the rulers


430


,


432


are adjacent first sides


254


,


256


. Accordingly, as mentioned above, when rulers are provided on handles


220


,


222


, preferably straight edges are also provided (by forming first sides


254


,


256


straight, rather than bowed) such that rulers


430


,


432


may be read right up to the edges to facilitate accurate reading of the side of the measured item). As shown in

FIG. 20

, handles


220


,


222


may be extended to be substantially collinear such that the full extent of ruler


432


may be used. Alternatively, handles


220


,


222


may be positioned at right angles, such as shown in

FIG. 21

, to provide a right angle with multi-tool


212


for measurement or other purposes.




Another feature of multi-tool


212


that facilitates use of additional tools


213


(in addition to the position of the tools


213


for removal from the first sides


254


,


256


when multi-tool


212


is in the compact, folded configuration) is the provision of an individual spring for each individual tool. An individual spring


440


associated with exemplary blade


428


is shown in

FIGS. 22-24

,

FIG. 22

being a cross-section along line


22





22


in

FIG. 21

of handle


222


. It will be understood that the description of spring


440


may be applied to any of tools


213


. Blade


428


is in nested position within channel


304


of handle


222


as shown in FIG.


22


. Upon withdrawal of blade


428


from within channel


304


, resilient end


442


of spring


440


(adjacent pivot end


444


of blade


428


, which is pivotally connected to handle


222


via pivot axis


242


) flexes outwardly as shown in FIG.


23


. The free end of resilient end


442


of spring


440


is provided with tooth


446


and pivot end


444


of blade


428


is provided with a notch


448


for receiving tooth


446


when blade


428


is in the fully extended position shown in FIG.


24


. Thus, blade


428


is prevented from further rotation away from channel


304


, such that application of force to blade


428


during cutting, slicing, etc., is transmitted to the blade to perform the desire task without causing further rotation of blade


428


. The radius of curvature of first end


444


is selected to provide sufficient resistance to opening, yet does not unduly restrict opening. If desired, the radius of curvature may vary to produce a desired change. in resistance to opening/closing. Although, springs


440


may be formed as separate elements, it is simpler to manufacture springs


440


from a single plate


441


having a plurality of cuts


443


separating plate


441


into springs


440


. (See FIG.


24


A).




A further modification to the spring feature shown in

FIGS. 22-24

is the provision of a spring lock


450


on multi-tool


212


′, as shown in

FIGS. 25-30

. Spring lock


450


may be used with springs essentially the same as spring


440


of

FIGS. 22-24

. Accordingly, the spring in

FIGS. 25-30

is labeled as spring


440


with tooth


446


at its resilient end


442


. It will be understood that spring lock


450


may be applied to a spring


440


of any of the tools of the multi-tool, reference being made herein to only blade


428


for the sake of simplicity. As may be seen in

FIG. 26

, which is a cross-sectional view along line


26





26


of

FIG. 25

, spring lock


450


is positioned below spring


440


, for reasons as will be understood with reference to

FIGS. 28-30

. Spring lock


450


is biased by a biasing spring


452


fitted against curved end


454


of spring lock plate


456


of spring lock


450


and post


458


, as shown in

FIG. 27

, which Fig. is a cross-sectional view along line


27





27


of FIG.


26


. Biasing spring


452


is illustrated in

FIG. 27

in an extended position in solid lines to bias spring lock plate


456


to the left against an end of an extended tool, as will be described in further detail below. Post


458


provides a surface, which is fixed with respect to the handle, against which biasing spring


452


may be biased upon moving spring lock plate


456


to the right, as shown in phantom in

FIG. 27

, and as will be described in further detail below. Biasing spring


452


may be a leaf spring, as shown, or any other spring that would provide the desired biasing effect.




As may be seen in

FIG. 28

, which shows a cross-sectional view along line


28





28


of

FIG. 26

, pivot end


444


of blade


428


is provided with a partially cut away area


460


that accommodates spring lock


450


when blade


428


is nested within channel


304


such that spring lock


450


is in an essentially neutral position. As blade


428


is withdrawn from channel


304


, as in

FIG. 29

, curved end


462


of pivot end


444


rides along spring lock


450


, pushing spring lock plate


456


to the right, against biasing spring


452


. Once blade


428


is fully withdrawn, as shown in

FIG. 30

, spring lock


450


returns to an essentially neutral position as spring lock plate


456


comes to rest in notch


464


of pivot end


444


. In the fully withdrawn position, notch


464


and spring lock


450


prevent rotation of blade


428


back into channel


304


without first moving spring lock


450


out of the way, i.e., to the right, against biasing spring


452


. Thus, an inadvertent closure of blade


428


is prevented. As in the embodiment of

FIGS. 22-24

, pivot end


444


is also provided with a notch


448


in which resilient end


442


of spring


440


rests when blade


428


is fully extended. Resilient end


442


and notch


448


prevent further rotation of blade


428


out of channel


304


so that force applied to blade


428


may be transmitted to the workpiece. Blade


428


can now only be retracted into channel


304


by first moving spring lock


450


and spring plate


456


to the right, against biasing spring


452


, and thus out of notch


464


and thereafter pivoting blade


428


into channel


304


. Curved end


462


can thus slide along spring lock plate


456


, as shown in

FIG. 29

, and blade


428


may be returned to its nested position within channel


304


.




The handles of the multi-tool of the present invention may be formed by any desired process, such as extrusion, or molding, or stampings, and out of any desired material, such as plastic or stainless steel. The front and back surfaces of the handles may further be textured and the above-described rulers may be formed in the basic structural material of the multi-tool or from separate aluminum or plastic pieces coupled to the handles in any desired manner. Upon comparison of multi-tool


212


of FIG.


21


and multi-tool


212


′ of

FIG. 26

, it may be seen that the handles of the multi-tool of the present invention may be formed as either a one-piece unit or a two-piece unit, as will now be described. It will be understood that the description of the handles of these embodiments is also applicable to multi-tool


12


.




Handles


220


,


222


of multi-tool


212


shown in

FIG. 21

are formed essentially as a one-piece unit. A cross-section of handle


222


, along line


31





31


of

FIG. 22

, illustrating the formation of handle


222


as a one-piece unit is shown in FIG.


31


. As may be seen in

FIG. 31

, top surface


252


, second side


262


, and bottom surface


253


form a substantially one-piece handle


222


.




Alternatively, handles


220


′,


222


′ may be formed from two overlapping pieces, as shown in

FIGS. 26

,


32


, and


33


. As may be seen upon comparing

FIG. 32

with

FIG. 22

, which essentially are the same cross-sectional view through one of the handles of a multi-tool of the present invention, second side


262


′ of two-piece handle


222


′ is formed as an overlap of a portion of bottom surface


253


′ and second side


262


′, whereas second side


262


of handle


222


is substantially uniform. The overlap of second side


262


′ of handle


222


′ may be seen, more easily, in FIG.


33


. Bottom surface


253


′ has a bent edge


253


′ that overlaps second side


262


′ and facilitates bonding of the two halves of handle


222


′. Preferably, second side


262


′ is closest to springs


440


, as shown, to provide support for springs


440


.




From the foregoing description, it will be clear that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportion, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components, and otherwise, use in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.



Claims
  • 1. A multiple function tool comprising:a first handle having first and second opposing sides; more than one tool coupled to said first handle for movement along a pivot plane between a storage position and an extended working position; and a first locking mechanism positioned along one of said opposing sides of said first handle and positioned with respect to said tools such that each of said tools is separately lockable by said first locking mechanism into an extended working position; wherein said first locking mechanism is positioned with respect to said first handle to permit actuation thereof to release a tool from being locked in an extended working position without the user crossing said pivot plane.
  • 2. A multiple function tool as in claim 1, further comprising a second handle coupled to said first handle and having first and second sides, wherein:more than one tool is coupled to said second handle for movement along a pivot plane between a storage position and an extended working position; a second locking mechanism is coupled to said second handle and positioned with respect to said tools such that each of said tools coupled to said second handle is lockable by said second locking mechanism into an extended working position; said second locking mechanism is positioned with respect to said second handle to permit actuation thereof to release a tool in an extended working position and to return the tool to a storage position without the user crossing said pivot plane; and a portion of at least one of said first and second locking mechanisms is accessible along one of the first and second sides of the handle to which said locking mechanism is coupled for actuation such that a user's finger need not pass through said pivot plane to actuate said locking mechanism to release a tool from being locked in an extended working position.
  • 3. A multiple function tool as in claim 2, wherein:said first handle has a channel formed therein in which said tools coupled to said first handle are positioned when in a storage position; said second handle has a channel formed therein in which said tools coupled to said second handle are positioned when in a storage position; and said first and second locking mechanisms and said tools are positioned to be accessible when said first and second handles are in a folded configuration.
  • 4. A multiple function tool as in claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a spring lock plate having a major plane perpendicular to said pivot plane.
  • 5. A multiple function tool comprising:a first handle having a longitudinal axis and a channel wall defining a channel; more than one tool coupled to said first handle for movement along a pivot plane between a storage position and an extended working position; and a locking mechanism slidably coupled to said first handle for movement along said longitudinal axis between (a) a locking position in which said locking mechanism is sandwiched between said tools and said channel wall to contact and to lock any of said tools into an extended working position, and (b) an unlock position in which said tools are free to move between said storage position and said extended working position; wherein each tool is positioned with respect to said locking mechanism to be locked by said locking mechanism.
  • 6. A multiple function tool as in claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism is slidable along said longitudinal axis into and out of direct contact with a selected tool to selectively lock said selected tool into one of said storage position and said extended working position.
  • 7. A multiple function tool as in claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism selectively prevents a selected tool from moving from an extended working position into a storage position.
  • 8. A multiple function tool comprising:a first handle; a plurality of tools each pivotably coupled to said first handle for movement along a pivot plane between a storage position and an extended working position; and a locking mechanism comprising a flat spring lock plate lying perpendicular to said pivot plane and slidably coupled to said handle for selectively locking any of said plurality of tools into a working position; wherein each tool is positioned with respect to said locking mechanism to be locked by said locking mechanism while any number of said plurality of tools remains in said storage position.
  • 9. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, wherein said first handle has a longitudinal axis and said locking mechanism is slidably coupled to said handle for movement along said longitudinal axis.
  • 10. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of springs coupled to said handle and corresponding to said plurality of tools, said locking mechanism being movable with respect to said springs.
  • 11. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, wherein said locking mechanism is positioned to directly contact said selected tool to selectively lock said selected tool in a working position.
  • 12. A multiple function tool as in claim 11, wherein:each of said tools has a pivot end by which said tool is coupled to said handle; a locking notch is defined in said pivot end of each said tool; and said locking mechanism selectively slides into and out of engagement with said locking notch in said pivot end to selectively prevent movement of said tools from said extended working position into said storage position.
  • 13. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, wherein:said first handle has first and second sides; and said locking mechanism is positioned along one of said sides of said first handle.
  • 14. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, wherein:said plurality of tools are coupled to said first handle for movement along a pivot plane between said storage position and said extended working position; and said locking mechanism is positioned with respect to said first handle to permit actuation thereof to release a tool in an extended working position and to return the tool to a storage position without the user crossing said pivot plane.
  • 15. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, further comprising:a second handle coupled to said first handle and having first and second sides; and a tool head having first and second jaw members coupled to each other, said first jaw further being coupled to said first handle and said second jaw further being coupled to said second handles.
  • 16. A multiple function tool as in claim 8, wherein:said first handle has a longitudinal axis and a channel wall defining a channel; and said locking mechanism is coupled to said first handle for movement between a locking position, in which said locking mechanism is positioned between said plurality of tools and said channel wall to contact and to lock any of said tools into an extended working position, and an unlock position in which said plurality of tools are free to move between said storage position and said extended working position.
  • 17. A multiple function tool as in claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism is directly adjacent said channel wall.
  • 18. A multiple function tool comprising:a first handle having first and second sides and a longitudinal axis; more than one tool pivotably coupled to said first handle for movement along a pivot plane between a storage position and an extended working position; and a first locking mechanism coupled to said first handle and positioned with respect to said tools to lock any one of said tools into an extended working position; wherein: said locking mechanism is in a neutral position when said tools are in said storage position; said locking mechanism is movable from said neutral position along said handle longitudinal axis as a tool is withdrawn from said storage position and into said extended working position; and once said tool is fully withdrawn into said extended working position, said locking mechanism returns to said neutral position.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/437,790, filed Nov. 10, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,901, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/874,959, filed Jun. 13, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,582, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/739,707, filed Oct. 29, 1996, now abandoned.

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Continuations (3)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/437790 Nov 1999 US
Child 09/796817 US
Parent 09/874959 Jun 1997 US
Child 09/437790 US
Parent 08/739707 Oct 1996 US
Child 09/874959 US