U.S. patent application number 10/629293 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for multi-function tool with cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alterra Holdings Corporation. Invention is credited to Alfaro, Charlie, Dallas, Edgar A., Montague, Phillip A., Nason, John, Parrish, Bradford, Poehlmann, Paul W., Whitlock, Peter.
Application Number | 20040019974 10/629293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28678929 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040019974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Montague, Phillip A. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2004 |
Multi-function tool with cartridge
Abstract
A multi-function tool includes a head and a pair of handles. The
head has a first jaw and a second jaw, each having a working
portion and a tang. The handles have a folded configuration and an
unfolded configuration. A spring in the head biases the working
portions apart from one another such that the handles are biased in
an open position when the handles are in the unfolded configuration
and the handles are biased in a closed position when the handles
are in the folded configuration.
Inventors: |
Montague, Phillip A.;
(Tualatin, OR) ; Dallas, Edgar A.; (Beaverton,
OR) ; Parrish, Bradford; (Oregon City, OR) ;
Whitlock, Peter; (Beaverton, OR) ; Poehlmann, Paul
W.; (Heriot Bay, CA) ; Alfaro, Charlie;
(Beaverton, OR) ; Nason, John; (Keizer,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 3800
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5308
US
|
Assignee: |
Alterra Holdings
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
28678929 |
Appl. No.: |
10/629293 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10629293 |
Jul 29, 2003 |
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09756547 |
Jan 8, 2001 |
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6625832 |
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09756547 |
Jan 8, 2001 |
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09518325 |
Mar 3, 2000 |
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6305041 |
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09518325 |
Mar 3, 2000 |
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08771449 |
Dec 20, 1996 |
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6088860 |
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09518325 |
Mar 3, 2000 |
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09368781 |
Aug 5, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
7/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B26B 11/003 20130101;
B25F 1/003 20130101; B25F 1/04 20130101; B26B 17/00 20130101; B23D
29/002 20130101; B23D 35/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
7/128 |
International
Class: |
B25B 007/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-function tool, comprising: a head having a first jaw and
a second jaw joined at an axis, the first jaw having a working
portion and a tang and the second jaw having a working portion and
a tang; a first handle coupled to the first jaw; a second handle
coupled to the second jaw, the handles having a folded
configuration, and an unfolded configuration; and a spring in the
head biasing the working portions apart from one another, wherein
the handles are biased in an open position when the handles are in
the unfolded configuration and the handles are biased in a closed
position when the handles are in the folded configuration.
2. The multi-function tool of claim 1, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw form a pair of pliers.
3. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising: a tool
cartridge captured in a channel in the first handle, the tool
cartridge having a cartridge axle and a plurality of ancillary
tools pivotally coupled to the cartridge axle.
4. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to the first
handle.
5. The multi-function tool of claim 1, further comprising: a cam
surface on each of the tangs; and a spring arm coupled to each
handle, each spring arm configured to engage one of the cam
surfaces, wherein the handles snap into the folded configuration
due to the interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface,
and wherein the handles snap into the unfolded configuration due to
the interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface.
6. A multi-function tool, comprising: a head having a first jaw and
a second jaw rotatably coupled to one another, the first jaw having
a working portion and a tang and the second jaw having a working
portion and a tang; a first handle coupled to the first jaw; a
second handle coupled to the second jaw; and a replaceable cutting
insert coupled to the head, the cutting insert comprising two
pieces, one coupled to each of the jaws, wherein the pieces each
have a notch for stripping wires.
7. The multi-function tool of claim 6, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw form a pair of pliers.
8. The multi-function tool of claim 6, further comprising: a tool
cartridge captured in a channel in the first handle, the tool
cartridge having a cartridge axle and a plurality of ancillary
tools pivotally coupled to the cartridge axle.
9. The multi-function tool of claim 6, further comprising a
plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to the first
handle.
10. The multi-function tool of claim 9, wherein one of the
ancillary tools is a pair of scissors.
11. The multi-function tool of claim 6, further comprising: a cam
surface on each of the tangs; and a spring arm coupled to each
handle, each spring arm configured to engage one of the cam
surfaces, wherein the handles snap into the folded configuration
due to the interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface,
and wherein the handles snap into the unfolded configuration due to
the interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface.
12. The multi-function tool of claim 6, wherein the two pieces of
the cutting insert are coupled to the jaws with one or more
screws.
13. A multi-function tool, comprising: a head having a first jaw
and a second jaw; a first handle coupled to the first jaw, the
first handle having a first channel; a second handle coupled to the
second jaw, the second handle having a second channel, wherein the
first and second handles each have a first side and a second side;
the first side of each handle having a tongue; and the second side
of each handle having a groove configured to receive the
tongue.
14. The multi-function tool of claim 13, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw form a pair of scissors.
15. The multi-function tool of claim 13, further comprising: a tool
cartridge captured in the first channel, the tool cartridge having
a cartridge axle and a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally
coupled to the cartridge axle.
16. The multi-function tool of claim 15, wherein the first channel
includes a recess in a wall of the first channel, the recess
corresponding in size to the tool cartridge.
17. The multi-function tool of claim 13, further comprising a
plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to the first
handle.
18. A method of manufacturing or repairing the handle of a
multi-function tool, the handle having a first side and a second
side, comprising the steps of: providing an interchangeable
component; inserting the interchangeable component between the two
sides of the handle; and fastening the handle sides together using
a plurality of fasteners, whereby the interchangeable component is
captured between the first and second sides.
19. The method of manufacturing or repairing the handle of a
multi-function tool of claim 18, wherein the interchangeable
component is a tool cartridge having a plurality of ancillary
tools.
20. The method of manufacturing or repairing the handle of a
multi-function tool of claim 18, wherein the first side has a
flange with a tongue, and the second side has a flange with a
groove, and further comprising the step of inserting the tongue
into the groove.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/756,547,
filed Jan. 8, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/518,325, filed Mar. 3, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,305,041, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
08/771,449, filed Dec. 20, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,860.
application Ser. No. 09/756,547 is also a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 09/368,781, filed Aug. 5, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
multi-function tools. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a multi-function tool having a tool cartridge containing
a slide lock mechanism and a plurality of ancillary tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional multi-function tools generally have a pair of
handles, a pliers head, and a variety of additional tools. The
pliers head generally includes a pair of jaws that are attached to
the handles. The jaws may be removable, or reversible, depending on
the type of tool. The jaws can also have replaceable cutting
inserts, such as those described in U.S. application Ser. No.
09/368,781, which is incorporated herein by reference. Types of
additional implements include scissors, screwdrivers, files,
knives, or bottle openers. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,946,752 and 6,105,260
issued on Sep. 7, 1999 to Parrish and Aug. 22, 2000 to Parrish et
al. disclose types of additional implements. These patents are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Conventional multi-function tools generally have the ability
to fold into a compact state. This can be done by rotating the
handles about the jaws to result in a position whereby the jaws are
folded into the handles. This configuration is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,047,426 to McIntosh et al.
[0005] The tangs of the respective plier jaws can be slidably
affixed to the respective handles such that the jaws can be
slidably retracted into the interior of the handle channels.
Examples of such multi-function tools are described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,142,721 and 5,212,844 issued on Sep. 1, 1992 and May 25,
1993, respectively to Sessions et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,860
issued Jul. 18, 2000 to Poehlmann et al. These patents are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] Conventional multi-function tools typically have some means
to lock the additional implements into the opened position. Types
of locks include slide locks or liner locks.
[0007] One disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the handles may not be biased into their operative and folded
positions, respectively. Therefore, the handles may inadvertently
come out of their folded configuration, or close when the user
desires the handles to be in their open position.
[0008] Another disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the additional implements may be directly attached to the
handles via an axle. This creates both manufacturing and end-user
difficulties. From the manufacturing standpoint, the manufacturer
may wish to use a variety of different tool packages with a
standardized set of multi-function tool handles. This is
inefficient if the implements are individually directly attached to
the handles. Additionally, if the end user wishes to replace one or
more of the ancillary implements, or disassemble the handles for
some reason, removal of the sides of the handles disassembles all
of the ancillary implements simultaneously, creating reassembly
difficulties.
[0009] Another disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the handles are difficult to manufacture because of the
difficulty in aligning the two sides of the handles to create a
flat exterior surface.
[0010] Another disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the cutting or wire stripping portion of the pliers head is
not replaceable. Therefore, if the cutting insert becomes damaged
or dull, the entire head of the tool must be replaced, if that is
even possible, rather than simply replacing the cutting insert.
[0011] Another disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the anti-rotational washers that may be used to prevent
transmission of torque between the ancillary implements have
fingers that extend into a slot in the handles. The slot extends
through the handle, and therefore may be viewed from the exterior
of the tool.
[0012] Another disadvantage of conventional multi-function tools is
that the handles may have a cut-out portion to allow a user to
access folded interior tools. This design relies on the user's
ability to engage the folded tools with a thumb or fingernail.
Additionally, the cut-out portion detracts from the overall
aesthetic appearance of the multi-function tool.
[0013] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a
multi-function tool in which the handles are biased in both the
opened and closed positions. Further, it would be advantageous to
have a multi-function tool with a replaceable cutting insert in the
head. Further, it would be advantageous to have a multi-function
tool that has a tool cartridge that may be separately installed
into the handles. Further, it would be advantageous to have a
multi-function tool that does not have a through slot in the
handles to engage the fingers of anti-rotational washers. Further,
it would be advantageous to have a multi-function tool that has a
handle design that allows for easy manufacture. Further, it would
be advantageous to have a multi-function tool that does not have a
cut-out portion in the handle through which the user must extend a
finger or a thumbnail to engage one of the retracted tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] One embodiment of the invention relates to a multi-function
tool having a head with a first jaw and a second jaw joined at an
axis. A first handle is coupled to the first jaw, and the first
handle has a channel. A second handle is coupled to the second jaw.
A first scissors piece is pivotally secured to the first handle. A
second scissors piece is pivotally secured to the first scissors
piece at a scissors axle. The second scissors piece has a working
portion and a tang. The two scissors pieces have a first
configuration suitable for storage in the channel, and a second
configuration suitable for operation, wherein the tang is
positioned above the channel in the second configuration.
[0015] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a
multi-function tool having a head with a first jaw and a second jaw
joined at an axis. The first and second jaws have a working portion
and a tang. A first handle is coupled to the first jaw and a second
handle is coupled to the second jaw. The handles have a folded
configuration and an unfolded configuration. A spring in the head
biases the working portions apart from one another, wherein the
handles are biased in an open position when the handles are in the
unfolded configuration and the handles are biased in a closed
position when the handles are in the folded configuration.
[0016] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
operating a multi-function tool. The tool has a scissors tool
including a first piece and a second piece. The method includes the
steps of unfolding the scissors tool by rotating the scissors tool
in a first direction of rotation, and replacing the scissors tool
in an operative configuration by rotating the second piece relative
to the first piece in a second direction of rotation that is
opposite of the first direction of rotation.
[0017] A still further embodiment of the invention relates to a
multi-function tool having a head with a first jaw and a second jaw
joined at an axis. The first jaw has a working portion and a tang,
and the second jaw has a working portion and a tang. A first handle
is coupled to the first jaw at a first axle and a second handle is
coupled to the second jaw at a second axle. A replaceable cutting
insert is coupled to the head. The cutting insert has two pieces,
one coupled to each of the jaws. The pieces each have a notch.
[0018] A still further embodiment of the invention relates to a
multi-function tool having a head with a first jaw and a second jaw
joined at an axis. A first handle is coupled to the first jaw, and
the first handle has a first channel. A second handle is coupled to
the second jaw, and the second handle has a second channel. The
first and second handles each have a first side and a second side.
The first side of each handle has a tongue, and the second side of
each handle has a groove configured to receive the tongue.
[0019] A still further embodiment of the invention relates to a
multi-function tool having a head with a first jaw and a second jaw
joined at an axis. The first and second jaws each have a working
portion and a tang. The first handle is coupled to the first jaw,
and a second handle is coupled to the second jaw. The first and
second handles each have a channel. The handles have a folded
configuration and an unfolded configuration. A cam surface is on
each of the tangs and a spring arm is coupled to each handle. Each
spring arm is configured to engage one of the cam surfaces wherein
the handles snap into the folded configuration due to the
interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface, and wherein
the handles snap into the unfolded configuration due to the
interaction between the spring arm and the cam surface.
[0020] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
manufacturing or repairing the handle of a multi-function tool. The
handle has a first side and a second side. The method includes the
steps of providing a tool cartridge having a plurality of ancillary
tools, inserting the tool cartridge between the two sides of the
handle, and fastening the sides together using a plurality of
fasteners. The tool cartridge is captured between the first and
second sides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention will hereafter be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denotes
like elements, and:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side view of the multi-function tool of the
present invention in an unfolded position;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of the multi-function tool in a folded
position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view of the multi-function tool in the
unfolded position with ancillary tools opened from the handles;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view showing an end of one of
the handles with a scissors tool in the fully opened position;
[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the multi-function tool
showing the construction of one of the handles;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tool cartridge
of the multi-function tool showing the assembly of the tool
cartridge;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view showing
the assembly of the spring clip to the tang of one of the jaws of
the multi-function tool;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the jaws and
a portion of the handles of the multi-function tool with the
handles in the unfolded configuration;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the jaws and
a portion of the handles of the multi-function tool with the
handles in an intermediate position between the folded and unfolded
positions;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the
multi-function tool in an intermediate position between the fully
closed and fully opened positions;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the multi-function tool in
the fully closed position;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken generally along line 12-12
of FIG. 6;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken generally along line 13-13
of FIG. 12;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken generally along line 14-14
of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken generally along line 15-15
of FIG. 14 showing the position of the wedge lock when all
ancillary tools are folded;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken generally along line 15-15
of FIG. 14, showing the position of the wedge lock when an
ancillary tool is in a partially opened state;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a sectional view along line 15-15 of FIG. 14
showing the position of the wedge lock when one or more ancillary
tools are in the fully opened state; and
[0039] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the multi-function
tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-function tool 10 has a head 11,
and a pair of handles 12, 14. The handles 12, 14 have a first axle
20, 22 on one end to which the head 11 is coupled. A second axle
24, 26 extends through a tool cartridge 16 (FIG. 5) that resides
within each handle 12, 14.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handles 12, 14 have a folded
configuration as shown in FIG. 2 and an unfolded configuration as
shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a variety of ancillary tools
132 may be coupled to the handles 12, 14.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, the head 11 includes a pair of jaws 28,
30 coupled together at an axis 32. Each jaw has a working portion
34, 36 and an opposed jaw tang 38, 40. The jaws 28, 30 work
together to function as a pliers-type of tool. Closing force is
applied by the handles 12, 14, which are coupled to the jaw tangs
38, 40. Within the head 11 is a head spring 66 that biases the jaws
28, 30 into the opened position. In an exemplary embodiment, the
head spring 66 is a coil spring disposed in a channel formed by the
jaws 28, 30.
[0043] Each jaw 28, 30 has a removable cutting insert 42, 44. A
threaded aperture 116 in the location of each cutting insert 42, 44
receives a fastener 114 that attaches the cutting insert 42, 44 to
the jaw. The fastener 114 permits easy installation and removal of
the cutting inserts 42, 44. The cutting inserts 42, 44 are recessed
into the working portion 34, 36 to avoid interference with other
components. When the jaws 28, 30 are closed together, the cutting
inserts 42, 44 work together to cut material placed therebetween.
The cutting inserts 42, 44 each have a notch 46, 48 that may be
used to strip wires. The notch 46, 48 can be of various sizes for
different applications. In one embodiment the notches 46, 48 create
an aperture when the jaws 28, 30 are closed. In another, the
notches 46, 48 cut through items placed therebetween. The cutting
inserts 42, 44 can have multiple cutting edges allowing rotation of
the cutting insert 42, 44.
[0044] Each cutting insert 42, 44 has a beveled region 45, 47 that
terminates in a cutting edge. The angle of the beveled region 45,
47 can vary depending on the preferred use of the cutting inserts
42, 44. Additionally, because the cutting inserts 42, 44 are
removable and rotatable, each cutting insert 42, 44 can have three
different beveled regions 45, 47 with different bevel angles to
allow the user to selectively choose the preferred
configuration.
[0045] While in a preferred embodiment the jaws 28, 30 combine to
make a pair of pliers, in alternative embodiments the head 11 could
be any type of tool that uses two jaws 28, 30.
[0046] The jaws 28, 30 are preferably made of steel, but may also
be made of other suitable materials such as aluminum. The cutting
inserts 42, 44 preferably are made of a hardened tool steel and
have a tungsten carbide cutting surface to provide added wear
resistance. However, a benefit of having a removable cutting insert
42, 44 is that by simply removing the fasteners 114, the cutting
insert 42, 44 may be easily rotated or replaced by the user.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 9, each jaw tang 38, 40 has a first detent
50, 52 and a second detent 54, 56. Each jaw tang 38, 40 has a first
flattened portion 58, 60 adjacent first detent 50, 52 and a second
flattened portion 62, 64 adjacent second detent 54, 56. Thus jaw
tangs 38, 40 act as a cam.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each handle 12, 14 has a spring
arm 70, 71 that rides on the cammed surface of tangs 38, 40. Thus,
handles 12, 14 have two preferred positions. The handles snap into
the folded position when the ends of the spring arms 70, 71 snap
into position on the second flattened portion 62, 64. The handles
12, 14 snap into the unfolded position when ends of spring arms 70,
71 snap into position on the first flattened portion 58, 60, as
shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the handles 12, 14 are biased in the fully
unfolded or fully folded positions.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the construction of the handle 12 is
shown. The other handle 14 is of similar construction. For
convenience, reference numerals will only be used for handle 1 2.
The handle 12 has first side 72 and second side 74. Each side 72,
74 has a first aperture 76, 78 on one end and a second aperture 80,
82 on the other end. Proximate second aperture 80, 82 is a handle
slot 84, 86. The first side 72 has a first flange 88 extending
perpendicularly therefrom. The second side 74 has a second flange
90 extending perpendicularly therefrom. The first flange 88 has a
groove 92 (FIG. 14). The second flange 90 has a tongue 94 (FIG.
14). The sides 72, 74 can be attached together by screws 96 that
are threaded into axles 20, 22, 24, 26. Thus, the screws 96 not
only join the handle sides 72, 74 but help maintain the tool
cartridge 16 and spring arm insert 68 in position by fixing the
axles 20, 22, 24, 26 with respect to the handle sides 72, 74. The
tongue 94 and groove 92 fit together when the first side and second
side are assembled to create a three-sided channel 99 (FIGS. 14 and
18). A web 91 (FIG. 14) is created by the two joined flanges 88,
90. The remaining portion of the assembled handle has a
longitudinal slot or opening 98 between the two sides 72, 74 of the
handle 12 (FIG. 18).
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the handle 12 may be attached to
the head 11 in the following manner. A spring arm insert 68 has a
pair of spring arm insert apertures 77, 79 that line up with the
first handle apertures 76, 78. Accordingly, the first and second
handle sides 72, 74 and the spring arm insert 68 may be coupled to
the first axle 20 along with the tang 38. A pair of spacers 81 may
also be coupled to the first axle 20 on either side of the tang 38.
When the screws 96 are threaded into the first axle 20, the handle
12 is thereby rotatably coupled to the head 11.
[0051] Because each handle 12, 14 is constructed using two separate
sides 72, 74 and fasteners 96, components may be inserted and
removed after assembly of the handles 12, 14. Additionally,
interchangeable components, such as spring arm insert 68 may be
captured between the two sides of each handle once the two sides
are attached.
[0052] The handles 12, 14 are assembled by first inserting any
desired interchangeable components between the two handle sides 72,
74. The tongue 94 and groove 92 are meshed to ensure that the web
91 is flat. The screws 96 can then be used to complete the
assembly.
[0053] The handles 12, 14 are preferably made of steel or aluminum.
Exterior surface 100 of handles 12, 14 has textured surface areas
104 to provide extra gripping ability as well as a more comfortable
fit in the user's hand.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, once assembled, each handle 12,
14 has a curved profile. The curved structure allows the tool to
fit better into user's hand both when handles 12, 14 are in the
opened position, as well as in the folded position.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 12, the tool cartridge 16
resides within each handle 12, 14. Because the tool cartridges 16
are similar, only one set of reference numerals will be used for
convenience. The tool cartridge 16 has a first side 118, a second
side 120, and a cartridge bottom 122 connecting the two sides. Each
side 118, 120 fits into a cartridge recess 124 (see FIG. 5) in the
first side 72 and the second side 74 of the handle 12.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge bottom 122 is
integral with the cartridge sides 118, 120 and extends the length
of the tool cartridge 16. In an alternative embodiment, a portion
of the cartridge bottom can comprise a plastic insert.
[0057] The use of the cartridge recesses 124 permits the capture of
the tool cartridge 16 without the use of fasteners. The tool
cartridge 16 may be inserted between the handle sides 72, 74 prior
to assembly of the handle 12, 14, and captured therebetween once
the handle sides 72, 74 are coupled together. The capture
construction and method of assembly is superior because of the
resultant reduction in parts, such as springs and fasteners, and
lighter weight of the multi-function tool 10.
[0058] A cartridge axle 126, which may serve as second axle 24, 26,
extends between the first side 118 and the second side 120 of the
cartridge. The cartridge axle 126 can have threaded recesses 128 to
receive screws 96 (see FIGS. 5 and 14). The cartridge 16 is secured
to the handle 12 by means of screws 96 inserted through the second
apertures 80, 82 of the handle and threaded into the cartridge axle
recesses 128.
[0059] The cartridge axle 126 is used to adjust the tension of the
ancillary tools 132. The cartridge axle 126 has a keyed head 130
that fits into a corresponding recess 129 in the tool cartridge 16.
As a screw 96 is threaded into the recess 128 distal the keyed head
130, the keyed head 130 is drawn through the recess 129 to compress
the ancillary tools 132. The interference between keyed head 130
and keyed opening 129 after assembly prevents the cartridge axle
126 from rotating. The amount of compression on the ancillary tools
132 after assembly is determined by the tightness of screws 96.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 6 number of ancillary tools 132 may be
rotatably coupled to the cartridge axle 126. Each ancillary tool
has a working portion 134 and a tang 136. The tang 136 has an
aperture 138 through which the cartridge axle 126 travels. The tang
136 also has an associated notch 168 and an associated flattened
portion 170. The working portion 134 of the ancillary tools 132 can
include such implements as screwdrivers, files, scissors, knives,
bottle openers, rulers, corkscrews, and assorted other cutting
instruments.
[0061] Extending outward from the cartridge bottom 122 is a
retaining finger 140. The retaining finger 140 is sloped away from
the cartridge bottom 122. An end 142 of the retaining finger 140
extends at a greater angle relative to cartridge bottom 122.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a wedge lock 144 includes a
wedge plate 146, a compression spring 148, and a spring housing
150. The wedge plate 146 has a first planar side 152 disposed
against the bottom 122 of the tool cartridge 16 and a second planar
side 154 facing the ancillary tools 132 (FIG. 15). The second side
154 has a beveled region 166 distal compression spring 148. The
wedge plate 146 has wings 156 that extend outward through the tool
cartridge slots 158 (FIG. 6) and further through handle slots 84,
86 (FIG. 5). The wings 156 may have a serrated edge 157 (FIG. 18)
to aid in frictionally engaging a user's thumb and fingers.
[0063] The wedge plate 146 retains one end of the compression
spring 148. The compression spring 148 is located within the spring
housing 150. The spring housing 150 is attached to the bottom 122
of the tool cartridge 16. The spring housing 150 has a spring
retaining finger 162 on an end distal the wedge plate 146. The
spring housing 150 is shaped to fit within a wedge plate notch 164
to allow the wedge plate 146 to be moved back and forth relative to
the fixed spring housing 150.
[0064] When a plastic insert is used as a portion of the tool
cartridge bottom 122, integral with the plastic insert can be the
spring housing 150. The integral design eliminates the necessity of
fasteners used to attach the spring housing 150 to the bottom 122
of the tool cartridge 16.
[0065] FIGS. 15-17 show the operation of the wedge plate 146. When
all of the ancillary tools 132 are in the closed position, the
wedge plate 146 is biased against the notches 168 of the ancillary
tools 132 as shown in FIG. 15. In this position, the wedge plate
146 provides a closing torque on the ancillary tools 132 to
maintain the ancillary tools 132 in their closed position. The
ancillary tools 132 are not locked in the closed position however,
in that the ancillary tools 132 may be opened by the user without
manually disengaging the wedge plate 146. The notch 168 of the
ancillary tool 132 can move the wedge plate 146 away from its first
operative position automatically as the ancillary tool 132 is
rotated from its folded position. FIG. 16 shows the position of the
wedge plate 146 when an ancillary tool is in an intermediate
position between its fully closed and fully opened positions.
[0066] Once the ancillary tool 132 is in its fully opened position,
the compression spring 148 biases the wedge plate 146 into the
operative position shown in FIG. 17. In this position, the beveled
region 166 of the wedge plate 146 is disposed against the flattened
region 170 of the tang 136 of the opened ancillary tool 132. In the
locked open position, the flattened region 170 is disposed at a
slight angle relative to the tool cartridge bottom 122, creating a
v-shaped opening for insertion of the wedge plate 146. In this
position, the wedge plate 146 locks the ancillary tool 132 in the
fully opened position, preventing rotation of the ancillary tool
132 until the wedge plate 146 is disengaged from the ancillary
tool. In the position shown in FIG. 17, the remaining ancillary
tools 132 may still be rotated into an opened position. The wedge
plate 146 will lock multiple tools in their fully opened position
if desired.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 17, when an ancillary tool 132 is locked
open, the wedge plate 146 is pushed into an interference fit with
the flattened region 170 of the locked ancillary tool 132 by the
compression spring 148. The wedge plate 146 does not extend fully
as shown in FIG. 15 when locking an ancillary tool 132. This design
allows for greater variability in manufacturing tolerances. Wedge
plate 146 rests against notch 168 of the closed ancillary tool 132
when all of such tools 132 are folded as shown in FIG. 15. If the
wedge plate 146 were to reside in the same position when locking an
ancillary tool 132 into the open position as shown in FIG. 17,
variability in the positioning of the notch 168, or thickness of
the wedge plate 146 could allow play in the fully opened tool 132.
Thus the interference fit shown in FIG. 17 between beveled region
166 and flattened region 170 allows for more manufacturing
variability.
[0068] To close a locked open ancillary tool 132, the wedge lock
144 must be disengaged from the ancillary tool 132. The
disengagement may be effected in two ways. First, a user may
retract the wedge plate 146 manually by grasping the wings 156 of
the wedge plate 146 and moving the wedge plate 146 out from
engagement with the tang 136 of the opened tool. A second way of
disengaging the wedge plate 146 is to partially remove a second
ancillary tool 132 from its closed position. When an ancillary tool
132 is rotated from its closed position toward its open position,
the tang 136 of the ancillary tool 132 will automatically slide the
wedge plate 146 away from its locked position. Therefore, if a
second ancillary tool 132 is partially rotated from its closed
position, the wedge lock 144 will be automatically unlocked (see
FIG. 16), disengaging the beveled region 166 from the flattened
portion 170 of the locked fully opened tool 132. The fully opened
tool 132 may then be closed while the wedge plate 146 is
disengaged.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, disposed between ancillary tools 132
are a number of washers 180. The washers 180 each have a profile
that roughly matches the tangs 136 of the ancillary tools 132 when
the ancillary tools 132 are in the closed position. The washers 180
have a washer finger 182 that extends into a transverse slot 184 in
the bottom 122 of the tool cartridge 16. Because the washer fingers
182 extend into the transverse slot 184, the washers 180 do not
rotate. Thus when an ancillary tool 132 is rotated about the
cartridge axle 126, the adjacent ancillary tools 132 remain in
position because the washer 180 prevents torque from being
transmitted from the tool 132 being rotated to an adjacent tool
132.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 16, the washer finger 182 extends into the
transverse slot 184. Next to the transverse slot 184 is the web 91,
which does not have a corresponding slot. Accordingly, the washer
182 and the slot 184 are not visible from the exterior of an
assembled handle 12, 14 because the web 91 covers the slot 184.
[0071] To rotate the ancillary tools 132 from their folded to their
opened position, the user must grasp or engage the ancillary tools
132 in some fashion. Conventional handle designs have a cut-out
portion in the sides of the handles 12, 14 to allow a user to
access a tool 132 disposed adjacent to the side 72 of the handle
12, 14. The tool 132 conventionally has a recessed portion that a
user may insert a fingernail into to aid in rotating the tool 132
from its closed position.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, instead of a cut-out portion in
the handle 12, 14, the multi-function tool 10 has an ancillary tool
132 with a nub 186 that a user may use to engage the ancillary tool
adjacent the side of the handle 12, 14. The nub 186 resides in a
handle notch 190 when the ancillary tool 132 is in the stowed
position (see FIG. 1). The user may easily open the stowed tool by
engaging the nub 186 to pivot ancillary tool 132 from within the
handle 12, 14. Preferably, the surface of the nub 186 is textured
to aid in engaging with the user's thumb or finger.
[0073] An ancillary tool 132 disposed inward from the sides of the
handles 12, 14 may have a catch structure 188 (see FIG. 3) that a
user may use to rotate an interior ancillary tool 132 outward
without first rotating the other ancillary tools 132 that are
closer to the handle 12, 14 sides outward.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the spring arm insert 68 is
disposed between handle sides 72, 74 proximate the jaw tang 38. The
spring arm 70 (and similarly, spring arm 71 for the opposing handle
14) extends from the spring arm insert 68. The spring arm insert 68
has associated first and second sides 192, 194 and a bottom 196.
The first and second sides 192, 194 of the spring arm insert 68 fit
into a spring arm recess 198 in the first and second sides 72, 74
of the handles 12, 14. The spring arm insert 68 is captured within
the handle 12, 14 once the first side 72 and the second side 74 of
the handle 12, 14 are assembled together.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, one of the ancillary tools 132 may be a
scissors tool 200. The scissors tool 200 is of two-piece 202, 204
construction, each piece 202, 204 includes a working portion 134
and a tang 136. The tang 136 of the first scissors piece 202 pivots
on the cartridge axle 126, while the tang 136 of second scissors
piece 204 coacts with user's thumb to operate the scissors 200. A
scissors axle 206 couples the two scissors pieces 202, 204. The
tang 136 of the second scissors piece 204 has a ledge 208 that
coacts with a wire loop spring 210. The wire loop spring 210 forces
the second scissors piece 204 away from the first scissors piece
202, thus opening the scissors 200. Thus, the scissors 200 may be
operated by repeatedly pressing down on the tang 136 of second
scissors piece 204 to perform a cutting motion, then releasing
pressure from the tang 136 to again open the working portions 134
of the scissors 200. The second scissors piece 204 is rotated away
from the wire loop spring 210 in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
4 into the configuration shown in FIG. 3 to prepare the scissors
200 for storage.
[0076] To remove the scissors 200 from its folded position in the
handle 12 and into its operational position shown in FIG. 4, the
scissors 200 must first be rotated 180 degrees about axle 24. The
second scissors piece 204 is then rotated in the opposite direction
about scissors axle 206. Rotating the second piece 204 results in a
final configuration wherein the tang 136 is positioned above the
rest of the folded ancillary tools 132 in the channel 99. The
operational configuration of the scissors 200 permits effective use
of the scissors 200 when the multi-function tool 10 is in its
folded configuration.
[0077] The operational configuration wherein the tang 136 of the
scissors 200 is above the channel 99 rather than the web 91 permits
further travel of the tang 136 when using the scissors 200 because
the tang 136 may travel into the channel 99, rather than having its
travel blocked by the web 91. Further, the user may exert a greater
degree of torque on the tang 136 as the tang 136 approaches the
first scissors piece 202, so allowing a greater degree of travel in
that direction can permit more effective use of the scissors
200.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-function tool 10 folds into a
compact orientation. The head 11 as well as the ancillary tools 132
may be stowed within the folded handles 12, 14. The ancillary tools
132 may be opened from handles 12, 14 while the multi-function tool
10 is in the folded or opened position. When an ancillary tool 132
is opened from the handles 12, 14 when the multi-function tool 10
is in the folded position, the curved profile of the handles 12, 14
fits the user's hand to allow more effective use of the ancillary
tool 132.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 11, the head spring 66 maintains a
positive closing force on the handles 12, 14 of the multi-function
tool 10 while the multi-function tool 10 is in the folded position.
The head spring 66 forces the jaws 28, 30 into the open position.
When the jaws 28, 30 are in the open position, the jaw tangs 38, 40
are also separated from one another. Therefore, the head spring 66
also forces the tangs 38, 40 of the jaws 28, 30 apart from one
another. When the handles 12, 14 are in the folded position, the
spring arms 70, 71 rest within the second detent 54, 56 of the jaw
tangs 38, 40. Each spring arm 70, 71 is fixed with respect to its
particular handle 12, 14. However, because the head spring 66 is
forcing the jaw tangs 38, 40 apart from one another, the tangs 38,
40 are exerting a force on the spring arms 70, 71, which in turn
force the handles 12, 14 into the folded position. The second
detents 54, 56 maintain the spring arms 70, 71 in position on the
tang 38, 40 such that the force of the head spring 66 maintains the
handles 12, 14 closed, rather than allowing the spring arms 70, 71
to ride on the cammed surface of the tangs 38, 40 of the jaws 28,
30.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 8, the force the head spring 66 exerts on
the handles 12, 14 is reversed when the multi-function tool 10 is
in the unfolded position. When the multi-function tool 10 is in the
unfolded position, the spring arms 70, 71 rest on the first
flattened portion 58, 60 of the jaw tangs 38, 40. The spring arms
70, 71 rest against the first detent 50, 52 of the jaw tangs 38,
40. Thus, when the head spring 66 forces the jaw tangs 38, 40 apart
from one another, the tangs 38, 40 force the handles 12, 14 apart
from one another as well. When a user forces the handles 12, 14
toward one another while the multi-function tool 10 is in the
unfolded position to the close the jaws 28, 30 toward one another,
the user's force applied to the handles 12, 14 is transferred to
the tangs 38, 40 of the jaws 28, 30 by the spring arms 70, 71. When
the jaws 28, 30 close onto another object, or meet up with one
another, the handles 12, 14 do not continue movement toward one
another because the spring arms 70, 71 are prevented from moving
relative to tangs 38, 40 of jaws 28, 30 by the first detent 50, 52.
When the user wishes to fold up the tool, the handles 12, 14 may be
rotated apart from one another because the spring arms 70, 71 are
not prevented from riding along the cammed surface of the tangs 38,
40 of the jaws 28, 30 in that direction.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the multi-function tool
10 is folded into the closed position, the jaws 28, 30 travel
through the longitudinal openings 98 (FIG. 18) and nest into the
handles 12, 14. Further travel through the handle 12, 14 by either
jaw 28, 30 is prevented by the retaining finger 140 of the
cartridge. The retaining finger 140 is sloped to guide the jaws 28,
30 into their folded position.
[0082] While several embodiments of the invention have been
described, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that
what has been described is considered at present to be the
preferred embodiments of a multi-function tool 10 and a method of
manufacture of the multi-function tool 10. However, changes can be
made in the design without departing from the true spirit and scope
of the invention. The following claims are intended to cover all
such changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *