U.S. patent application number 17/135956 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-01 for multi-tool sleeve assembly including multi-tool storage sleeve and bar end cap.
The applicant listed for this patent is WOLF TOOTH COMPONENTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Anthony C. Bacon, Jack W. Hinkens, Michael W. Pfeiffer, Jonathan E. Rosemeier.
Application Number | 20210197920 17/135956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005354911 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210197920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bacon; Anthony C. ; et
al. |
July 1, 2021 |
MULTI-TOOL SLEEVE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING MULTI-TOOL STORAGE SLEEVE AND
BAR END CAP
Abstract
A multi-tool sleeve assembly includes a storage sleeve and a bar
end cap to be inserted into an open end of the storage sleeve.
Inventors: |
Bacon; Anthony C.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Pfeiffer; Michael W.; (Eden
Prairie, MN) ; Hinkens; Jack W.; (Eden Prairie,
MN) ; Rosemeier; Jonathan E.; (Prior Lake,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WOLF TOOTH COMPONENTS, LLC |
Burnsville |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005354911 |
Appl. No.: |
17/135956 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62953892 |
Dec 26, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 9/21 20200201; B25B
15/00 20130101; B62J 9/40 20200201; B62K 21/26 20130101; B25B
27/0071 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62K 21/26 20060101
B62K021/26; B62J 9/40 20060101 B62J009/40; B62J 9/21 20060101
B62J009/21 |
Claims
1. A multi-tool sleeve assembly, comprising: a storage sleeve, and
a bar end cap to be inserted into an open end of the storage
sleeve.
2. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the storage sleeve to
store a multi-tool.
3. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the multi-tool sleeve
assembly to be inserted into an open end of a hollow bar.
4. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the storage sleeve to
be positioned within the hollow bar.
5. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the bar end cap to
seal the open end of the hollow bar.
6. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the hollow bar
comprising a handlebar for a bicycle.
7. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 3, the storage sleeve
including a barb at the open end, the barb to provide friction-fit
of the storage sleeve within the hollow bar.
8. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the storage sleeve
having an opening formed in a side thereof and including a flap to
be opened and closed to substantially reveal and substantially
conceal the opening.
9. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 8, the flap of the
storage sleeve hinged with the storage sleeve along an axis
oriented substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the
storage sleeve.
10. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 8, the storage sleeve
to have a multi-tool removed therefrom or positioned therewithin
through the opening.
11. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, an outer surface of
the storage sleeve including ribs spaced around a circumference
thereof.
12. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 11, the ribs extending
longitudinally along a length of the storage sleeve.
13. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 11, the storage sleeve
formed of a polymer material.
14. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 1, the bar end cap
having a capped end and an open end opposite the capped end.
15. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the capped end
including a tapered surface extended at a non-orthogonal angle
between an end face of the bar end cap and a peripheral surface of
the bar end cap.
16. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 15, the tapered surface
extending less than a full circumference of the capped end.
17. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the capped end
including a notch communicated with an inner face of the bar end
cap and a peripheral surface of the bar end cap.
18. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the bar end cap
including a barb adjacent the open end, the barb to provide
friction-fit of the bar end cap within the storage sleeve.
19. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 14, the open end of the
bar end cap having a groove provided in an inner surface thereof,
and further comprising an O-ring provided within groove.
20. The multi-tool sleeve assembly of claim 19, the open end of the
bar end cap to store one of a chain link for a roller chain or a
valve core for a valve stem, the O-ring to retain the one of the
chain link or the valve core within the open end of the bar end
cap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/953,892 filed on
Dec. 26, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference. In this
instance, the day that is 12 months after the filing date of the
provisional application falls on a Saturday (i.e., Saturday, Dec.
26, 2020). As such, the period of pendency of the provisional
application is extended to the next succeeding business day (i.e.,
Monday, Dec. 28, 2020). See 35 U.S.C. 119(e)(3).
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a multi-tool
sleeve assembly including a multi-tool storage sleeve and a bar end
cap and, more specifically, relates to a multi-tool sleeve assembly
including a multi-tool storage sleeve and a bar end cap for use
with a bicycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve (300)
[0003] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views of an example of a
multi-tool storage sleeve, with a flap of the multi-tool storage
sleeve in an open position.
[0004] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-tool storage
sleeve of FIG. 1, with the flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in
a closed position.
[0005] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of the multi-tool
storage sleeve of FIG. 1.
Bar End Cap (400)
[0006] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of an example of a bar
end cap.
[0007] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the bar end cap of FIG.
7.
[0008] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bar end cap of FIG.
9.
[0009] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of the bar end
cap of FIG. 7.
[0010] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of the bar end
cap of FIG. 7.
Multi-Tool Sleeve Assembly (500)
[0011] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a multi-tool
sleeve assembly.
[0012] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve
assembly of FIG. 15.
[0013] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 16.
[0014] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of the multi-tool
sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.
[0015] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates another example of use of
the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.
[0016] FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve
assembly of FIG. 15.
Multi-Tool System (600)
[0017] FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of an example of a
multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states,
respectively.
[0018] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of another example
of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states,
respectively, and FIG. 22C is a partial cross-sectional view of the
multi-tool system of FIG. 22B.
[0019] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing the
multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.
[0020] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of storing the multi-tool
system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the
disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve (300)
[0022] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views of an example of a
multi-tool storage sleeve, with a flap of the multi-tool storage
sleeve in an open position.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-tool storage
sleeve of FIG. 1, with the flap of the multi-tool storage sleeve in
a closed position.
[0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of the multi-tool
storage sleeve of FIG. 1.
[0025] In one example, multi-tool storage sleeve 300 (referred to
hereinafter as sleeve 300) is a cylindrical or tubular member and
has an open end 312 and a closed end 314 opposite open end 312. In
the illustrated example, closed end 314 includes a vent hole
315.
[0026] In one implementation, sleeve 300 has an opening 318 formed
in a side thereof and includes a flap 320 that may be opened and
closed to reveal (substantially) and conceal (substantially)
opening 318. In examples, an interior of sleeve 300, as accessed
through opening 318, forms a pocket or chamber 322 for storage.
[0027] In one example, flap 320 is formed by and/or forms a portion
of sleeve 300. In one implementation, flap 320 is hinged with
sleeve 300 along an axis oriented parallel (substantially) with a
longitudinal axis 309 of sleeve 300 such that flap 320 may be
opened by rotation in a direction away from opening 318 (for
example, clockwise in the illustrated example of FIG. 3, as
represented by arrow 301), and may be closed by rotation in a
direction toward opening 318 (for example, clockwise in the
illustrated example of FIG. 4, as represented by arrow 302).
[0028] In the illustrated example, sleeve 300 includes outwardly
protruding annular rings or barbs 330 at (adjacent or near) open
end 312. In examples, barbs 330 provide friction-fit of sleeve 300
within a hollow bar, as disclosed herein. Although sleeve 300 is
illustrated as including two barbs 330, sleeve 300 may include any
number of barbs 330 (including no barbs).
[0029] In one example, sleeve 300 is formed of a polymer material.
In one implementation, the polymer material is a flexible polymer
material, such as, for example, an EPDM rubber material. As such,
in examples, sleeve 300 (including flap 320) is flexible.
[0030] In the illustrated example, an outer surface of sleeve 300
includes ribs 340 spaced around a circumference of sleeve 300. In
one implementation, ribs extend (generally) longitudinally along a
length of sleeve 300. As such, in examples, ribs 340 provide
reinforcement to sleeve 300.
[0031] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate examples of use of sleeve 300. As
illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, sleeve 300 may be used to
store a multi-tool, such as, for example, bit driver multi-tool 100
(see, for example, FIG. 1). As illustrated in the example of FIG.
6, sleeve 300 may be used to store a multi-tool, such as, for
example, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 (see, for
example, FIG. 15).
Bar End Cap (400)
[0032] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of an example of a bar
end cap.
[0033] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the bar end cap of FIG.
7.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bar end cap of FIG.
9.
[0035] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of the bar end
cap of FIG. 7.
[0036] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of the bar end
cap of FIG. 7.
[0037] In one example, bar end plug or bar end cap 400 (referred to
hereinafter as end cap 400) includes a cylindrical body 410 and has
a capped end 420 and an open end 440 opposite capped end 420. In
the illustrated example, capped end 420 includes a peripheral
surface 422, an outer or end face 424, and an inner face 426. In
one example, capped end 420 includes a tapered surface 428 extended
at a non-orthogonal angle between end face 424 and peripheral
surface 422. In one implementation, tapered surface 428 extends
less than a full circumference of capped end 420.
[0038] In one example, capped end 420 includes a notch or pocket
430 formed in and communicated with inner face 426 and peripheral
surface 422. In one implementation, notch or pocket 430 is formed
in a region of capped end 420 which excludes (i.e., does not
include) tapered surface 428. As such, in one example, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, a minimum width or thickness (t) of
peripheral surface 422 is provided in a region of tapered surface
428 and a region of notch or pocket 430.
[0039] In one implementation, body 410 includes an annular ring or
barb 412 at (adjacent or near) open end 440. In examples, barb 412
provides friction-fit of end cap 400 within a sleeve, as disclosed
herein. In one implementation, body includes a shoulder 414 to
limit insertion of end cap 400 into a sleeve, as disclosed
herein.
[0040] In one example, a groove 444 is provided in an inner surface
442 of open end 440. In one implementation, groove 440 is provided
in a region of barb 412. In one implementation, as illustrated in
the example of FIG. 10, an O-ring 450 is provided within groove
440. As such, in examples, O-ring 450 helps to retain an item
positioned within open end 440, as disclosed herein.
[0041] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an example of use of end cap 400.
For example, end cap 400 may be used to seal or cap an end of a
hollow bar. More specifically, end cap 400 may be inserted into an
open end 492 of a hollow bar 490 such that a shoulder 427 of capped
end 420, as formed by inner face 426, abuts or contacts an end
surface 494 of hollow bar 490. In one implementation, an outer
periphery 416 of body 410 provides friction-fit of end cap 400
within an end of hollow bar 490, and shoulder 427 of capped end 420
limits insertion of end cap 400 into open end 492 of hollow bar
490. In examples, hollow bar 490 is a handlebar for a bicycle.
[0042] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of use of end cap 400.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 13, end cap 400 may be used
to store a chain link 498 for a roller chain, such as a master link
for a roller chain of a bicycle. More specifically, chain link 498
may be inserted into open end 440 of end cap 400. As such, in
examples, O-ring 450 (FIG. 10) may help to hold or retain chain
link 498 within open end 440. As illustrated in the example of FIG.
14, end cap 400 may be used to store a valve core 499 for a valve
stem of an inner tube or a wheel rim, such as an inner tube or a
wheel rim of a bicycle. More specifically, valve core 499 may be
inserted into open end 440 of end cap 400. As such, in examples,
O-ring 450 (FIG. 10) may help to hold or retain valve core 499
within open end 440. Although illustrated and described as being
used to store a chain link or a valve core, end cap 400 may also be
used to store other items, such as, for example, a
Presta-to-Schrader valve adapter.
Multi-Tool Storage Sleeve Assembly (500)
[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example of a multi-tool
sleeve assembly.
[0044] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve
assembly of FIG. 15.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 16.
[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of the multi-tool
sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.
[0047] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates another example of use of
the multi-tool sleeve assembly of FIG. 15.
[0048] FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the multi-tool sleeve
assembly of FIG. 15.
[0049] In one implementation, as illustrated in the example of
FIGS. 15 and 16, multi-tool storage sleeve 300 (for example, FIG.
1) and bar end cap 400 (for example, FIG. 7) are assembled to form
multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 (referred to hereinafter as
sleeve assembly 500). More specifically, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 17, open end 440 of end cap 400 is inserted into
open end 312 of sleeve 300. As such, barb 412 of end cap 400
contacts an inner surface of sleeve 300 and an end of sleeve 300
abuts or contacts shoulder 414 of end cap 400.
[0050] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of use of sleeve assembly
500. For example, sleeve assembly 500 is inserted into an open end
592 of a hollow bar 590. As such, in one example, barbs 330 of
sleeve 300 contact an inner surface of hollow bar 590 and shoulder
427 of capped end 420 of end cap 400 abuts or contacts an end
surface 594 of hollow bar 590. In examples, hollow bar 590 is a
handlebar for a bicycle.
[0051] Although hollow bar 590 is illustrated as being a straight
bar, in other examples, hollow bar 590 may be of other shapes,
including, for example, a curved bar. For example, FIG. 19
schematically illustrates an example of sleeve assembly 500
inserted into a curved hollow bar 590'. As such, in some examples,
hollow bar 590 may be a straight portion of a "flat" or "riser"
handlebar for a bicycle and, in other examples, hollow bar 590 may
be a curved portion of a "drop" handlebar for a bicycle.
[0052] In one example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 20,
flap 320 of sleeve 300 may be trimmed to adjust a fit of sleeve 300
within, for example, hollow bar 590 and/or hollow bar 590'. More
specifically, flap 320 may be trimmed (as represented, for example,
by dashed line 329) to adjust an amount of overlap of flap 320
relative to tubular member 310.
Multi-Tool System (600)
[0053] FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of an example of a
multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states,
respectively.
[0054] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of another example
of a multi-tool system in unassembled and assembled states,
respectively, and FIG. 22C is a partial cross-sectional view of the
multi-tool system of FIG. 22B.
[0055] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing the
multi-tool system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.
[0056] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of storing the multi-tool
system of FIG. 21B or FIG. 22B.
[0057] As an example of multi-tool system 600, multi-tool system
601 includes bit driver multi-tool 100 and multi-tool storage
sleeve assembly 500 for storing bit driver multi-tool 100. In an
unassembled (or unstored or unstowed) state, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 21A, bit driver multi-tool 100 is removed from
multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more
specifically, removed from pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300
through opening 318. As such, bit driver multi-tool 100 may be
used. In one example, a valve core for a valve stem of an inner
tube or a wheel rim, such as valve core 499, may also be stored in
multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, including, more
specifically, in an end of bar end cap 400, such as open end 440
(see, for example, FIG. 408).
[0058] In an assembled (or stored or stowed) state, as illustrated
in the example of FIG. 21B, bit driver multi-tool 100 (with or
without valve core 499) is positioned within multi-tool storage
sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, positioned within
pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318 (FIG. 21A).
As such, multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500, with bit driver
multi-tool 100 stored therein (with or without valve core 499), may
be stored, as disclosed herein.
[0059] As another example of multi-tool system 600, multi-tool
system 602 includes chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 and
multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 for storing chain break and
tire plug multi-tool 200. In an unassembled (or unstored or
unstowed) state, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 22A, chain
break and tire plug multi-tool 200 is removed from multi-tool
storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more specifically, removed
from pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300 through opening 318. As
such, chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 may be used. In one
example, a chain link for a roller chain, such as chain link 498,
may also be stored in multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500,
including, more specifically, in an open end of bar end cap 400,
such as open end 440 (see, for example, FIG. 407).
[0060] In an assembled (or stored or stowed) state, as illustrated
in the example of FIG. 22B, chain break and tire plug multi-tool
200 (with or without chain link 498) is positioned within
multi-tool storage sleeve assembly 500 including, more
specifically, positioned within pocket or chamber 322 of sleeve 300
through opening 318 (FIG. 22A). In one example, as illustrated in
FIG. 22C, chain link 498 may be stored in open end 440 of bar end
cap 400 (see also, for example, FIG. 407). As such, multi-tool
storage sleeve assembly 500, with chain break and tire plug
multi-tool 200 stored therein (with or without chain link 498), may
be stored, as disclosed herein.
[0061] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate an example of storing
multi-tool system 600. For example, multi-tool system 601 or
multi-tool system 602 may be stored in a hollow bar, such as, for
example, a handlebar 690 of a bicycle. More specifically,
multi-tool sleeve assembly 500 (with, for example, bit driver
multi-tool 100 or chain break and tire plug multi-tool 200 stored
therein) is inserted into an open end 692 of handlebar 690 such
that sleeve 300 is positioned within handlebar 690 and end cap 400
seals or caps open end 692 of handlebar 690.
[0062] In one implementation, as illustrated in FIG. 24, multi-tool
system 601 or multi-tool system 602 is stored in handlebar 690 such
that tapered surface 428 of bar end cap 400 is oriented in a
forward direction (i.e., a direction of travel of the bicycle) and
notch or pocket 430 is oriented in an opposite direction. As such,
tapered surface 428 may help to deflect handlebar 690 if an end of
handlebar 690 makes contact with an object (for example, a
tree).
[0063] In addition, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 24, with
multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 positioned within
handlebar 690, notch or pocket 430 may facilitate removal of
multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602 from handlebar 690.
For example, a user may place a thumb or finger nail, or a flat
blade tool, in notch or pocket 430 to pry or force bar end cap 400
(and, therefore, multi-tool system 601 or multi-tool system 602)
out of handlebar 690.
[0064] Although specific examples have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown
and described without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations
or variations of the specific examples disclosed herein.
* * * * *