The present invention relates generally to the field of tool kits or systems.
One embodiment relates to a tool system that includes a first tool defining a first aperture, a second tool defining a second aperture, and a connecting mechanism formed of a resilient material and including a first coupling portion sized to engage the first aperture and a second coupling portion sized to engage the second aperture. The connecting mechanism passes through the first tool and the second tool, and engages the first aperture and the second aperture in a storage configuration. The first tool provides a first mode of operation when used independently, the second tool provides a second mode of operation when used independently, and the tool system provides a third mode of operation when arranged in the storage configuration.
Another embodiment relates to solid state tool system that includes a first solid state tool, a second solid state tool comprising a plurality of tool structures, and a third solid state tool comprising a plurality of tool structures. In a first mode of operation, the first solid state tool, the second solid state tool, and the third solid state tool are coupled to one another in a storage configuration. In a second mode of operation, the first solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a third mode of operation, the second solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a fourth mode of operation, the third solid state tool is used as a tool by itself. In a fifth mode of operation, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a first combination tool. In a sixth mode of operation, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a second combination tool.
Another embodiment relates to a solid state tool system that includes a first solid state tool comprising a first tool structure and a first closed hex wrench, a second solid state tool comprising a second tool structure and a second closed hex wrench, and a third solid state tool comprising a third tool structure and a male hex wrench. In a first mode of operation, the first solid state tool, the second solid state tool, and the third solid state tool are coupled to one another in a storage configuration by inserting the male hex wrench through the second closed hex wrench and the first closed hex wrench so that the second solid state tool is positioned between the first solid state tool and the third solid state tool. In a second mode of operation, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool by inserting the male hex wrench through the first closed hex wrench. In a third mode of operation, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool by inserting the male hex wrench through the second closed hex wrench.
Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.
The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Solid state tools (“SSTs”) are hand tools that have no moving parts and are frequently made from a single piece of material. SSTs are typically very durable and easy to manufacture.
The SST system or kit disclosed herein includes two or more SSTs that can each be used individually, that can be coupled together for use as a combined tool, and that can be coupled together in a compact storage configuration. Such a system is particularly helpful as a field-carry or field-use system for a variety of specific users or users. For example, as described in more detail below, the SST system can be configured to provide a variety of tools usable with firearms (e.g., firearms in general or a particular family or type of firearms. Other SST systems can be configured to provide a variety of tools usable with cars (e.g., cars in general or particular makes and/or models of cars), bicycles (e.g., bicycles in general or particular makes and/or models of bicycles), motorcycles (e.g., motorcycles in general or particular makes and/or models of motorcycles), skateboards (e.g., skateboards in general or particular makes and/or models of skateboards), boats (e.g., boats in general or particular makes and/or models of boats), sporting equipment (e.g., sporting equipment in general, specific types of sporting equipment, like a bow, and particular makes and/or models of sporting equipment). Other SSTs systems can be configured to provide a variety of tools frequently used in various activities or by various types of users including hiking, camping, and other outdoors activities, skilled tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.), military personal, first responders, etc.
The SST system 100 illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of
As shown in
The SST system 100 is usable in multiple modes of operation. In a first mode of operation the three SSTs 102, 104, and 106 are coupled to one another in a storage configuration. To couple the three SSTs 102, 104, and 106 together in the storage configuration, the male hex wrench 150 of the third SST 106 is first inserted through the closed hex wrench 130 of the second SST 104 and then through the closed hex wrench 120 of the first SST 102. The longitudinal axes of the three SSTs 102, 104, and 106 are aligned in the storage configuration. The magnets 132 and 158 of the second SST 104 and the third SST 106, respectively, magnetically engage with one another as well as the metal body of the first SST 102 to act as an additional connecting mechanism between the SSTs (i.e., in addition the connection provided by the male hex wrench and the closed hex wrenches of the SSTs). In embodiments including the bit holder 108, the bit holder is coupled to the first SST 102, the second SST 104, and the third SST 106 in the storage configuration. The first coupling portion 170 is received within the open hex wrench 126 of the first SST 102, the second coupling portion 172 is received within the open hex wrench 110 of the first SST 102, and the flange 174 overhangs and engages the outer surface of the first SST 102. This coupling acts as an additional connecting mechanism between the SSTs (i.e., in addition the connection provided by the male hex wrench and the closed hex wrenches of the SSTs).
In a preferred embodiment, the SST system 100 in the storage configuration has an overall width of about 0.6 inches, an overall length of about 2.95 inches and an overall height of about 1.2 inches. This relatively compact size of the storage configuration enables the SST system 100 to fit within a storage compartment of a firearm, in particular a storage compartment of an AR family rifle. This relatively compact size of the storage configuration also enables the SST system 100 to comfortably fit in a pants pocket.
In a second mode of operation the first SST 102 is used as a tool by itself. For example, the open hex wrench 112 is used to remove a flash suppressor from the firearm.
In a third mode of operation the second SST 104 is used as a tool by itself. For example, the buffer tube wrench 128 is used to remove the buffer tube nut from the buffer tube of the firearm.
In a fourth mode of operation the third SST 106 is used as a tool by itself. For example, cleaning cable aperture 144 is used to secure a cleaning cable to clean the muzzle of the firearm.
In further modes of operation, the third SST 106 is combined with an additional tool (e.g., the first SST 102, the second SST 104, the bit driver 166, the bit driver 168) and functions as a torque to increase the amount of torque the user can apply relative to the additional tool by itself. As shown in
As shown in
In a seventh mode of operation, one of the bit drivers 166 and 168 is coupled to the third SST 106 and is used as a third combination tool. The base of the bit driver is inserted into the closed hex wrench 140 of the third SST 106 to couple the bit driver to the third SST 106. The third combination tool enables a user to apply greater torque with the bit driver than when using the bit driver on its own.
The construction and arrangement of the apparatus, systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/796,636 filed on Jul. 10, 2015, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/023,649 filed on Jul. 11, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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20180071906 A1 | Mar 2018 | US |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14796636 | Jul 2015 | US |
Child | 15814702 | US |