U.S. patent number 3,837,023 [Application Number 05/187,345] was granted by the patent office on 1974-09-24 for multipurpose implement for performing destructive operations.
Invention is credited to Ronald Spencer-Foote.
United States Patent |
3,837,023 |
Spencer-Foote |
September 24, 1974 |
MULTIPURPOSE IMPLEMENT FOR PERFORMING DESTRUCTIVE OPERATIONS
Abstract
A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operations
such as cutting, tearing, breaking, and the like. The implement
includes an elongated handle assembly for transmitting forces such
as impact forces, wedging forces, pushing forces, pulling forces,
twisting forces, and the like. A plurality of tools are available
for selective connection with the handle assembly to receive the
above forces therefrom, these tools being capable of carrying out
operations such as wood-cutting and wood-breaking operations,
metal-cutting and metal-tearing operations and lock-pulling as well
as lock-breaking operations. A connecting structure is carried on
the one hand by the handle assembly and on the other hand by each
of the tools for selectively connecting the tools to the handle
assembly, at least some of the tools being capable of connection
with the handle assembly in a number of different positions, and at
least some of the tools being capable of being connected
simultaneously to the handle assembly. Also, at least some of the
tools are capable of connection simultaneously to the handle
assembly in a selected one of a number of different positions with
respect to each other. The tools which can be selectively connected
either separately or simultaneously to the handle assembly include
an axe-head, capable also of functioning as an adze, a pike, a
sheet-metal cutter capable also of functioning as a plaster and
lath breaker, and a lock puller, with the axe-head in certain
positions also having a chisel function.
Inventors: |
Spencer-Foote; Ronald
(Brooklyn, NY) |
Family
ID: |
22688597 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/187,345 |
Filed: |
October 7, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
7/145; 403/3;
403/263; 403/287; 403/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25F
1/02 (20130101); Y10T 403/12 (20150115); F16B
2200/10 (20180801); Y10T 403/587 (20150115); Y10T
403/51 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B25F
1/00 (20060101); B25F 1/02 (20060101); B25f
001/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;306/1.6,6,28,30,32,43
;7/12,14.1R,8.1R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Smith; Al Lawrence
Assistant Examiner: Parker; Roscoe V.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Steinberg & Blake
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multipurpse tool comprising an axe-head, a pike, and a handle,
said axe-head being formed with a bore in which said pike is stored
in a position of nonuse where said pike does not extend beyond the
exterior surface of said axe-head, and said handle being removably
connected to said axe-head and releasably locking said pike in said
bore of said axe-head in the stored position of nonuse of said
pike.
2. The combination of claim 1 and wherein said pike has an
operative position reversed from its position of non-use and
extending only partly into said bore of said axe-head, and said
handle also fixing said pike to said axe-head in said operative
position of said pike.
3. A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operations
comprising elongated handle means for transmitting forces, a
plurality of tool means for receiving said forces from said haandle
means and for applying said forces to a location where th
destructive operation is to be carried out, said plurality of tool
means including an axe-head and connecting means operatively
connected on the one hand with said handle means and on the other
hand with said axe-head for connecting said axe-head to said handle
means to be operated thereby, said axe-head having at one end an
elongated cutting edge located in a predetermined first plane and
at an opposite end a flat hammer surface located in a predetermined
second plane perpendicular to said first plane, said axe-head being
formed with a pair of mutually perpendicular bores provided with
internal threads forming part of said connecting means, one of said
bores having an axis located in the plane of said cutting edge and
the other of said bores having an axis perpendicular to the plane
of said cutting edge and parallel to the plane of said hammer
surface, said elongated handle means having at an end region a
threaded portion forming part of said connecting means and when
located in said bore whose axis is in the plane of said cutting
edge providing a normal axe function for said axe-head and when
located in said bore whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of
said cutting edge providing for said axe-head an adze function,
said axe-head being formed with a third bore whose axis is in the
plane of said cutting edge, said third bore extending
perpendicularly from said flat hammer surface, and said plurality
of tool means including a pike stored in said third bore in a
position of non-use, said bore whose axis is also in said plane of
said cutting edge communicating with said third bore and said
handle means when in said first-named bore whose axis is in the
plane of said cutting edge coacting with said pike for locking the
latter in its stored position of non-use in said third bore.
4. The combination of claim 3 and wherein said pike has a position
of use reversed from its position of non-use and located partly in
said third bore while projecting freely beyond said flat hammer
surface perpendicularly thereto, and said handle means also
coacting with said pike when the latter is in said position of use
projecting from said hammer surface for locking said pike to said
axe-head.
5. The combination of claim 4 and wherein said pike has a pointed
operating end and an opposite end formed with a recess for
receiving a portion of said handle means when the latter locks said
pike either in its position of use or in its position of
non-use.
6. The combination of claim 5 and wherein said first-named bore
whose axis is in said plane of said cutting edge extends completely
through said axe-head for receiving said pike in a second position
of use projecting from said axe-head in a position spaced from but
parallel to said flat hammer surface, said bore whose axis is
perpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge communicating with
said first-named bore and engaging said pike when the latter is its
second position of use for locking said pike in its second position
of use while said handle means extends perpendicularly with respect
to the plane of said cutting edge of said axe-head so that the
latter may function as an adze when said pike is in said second
position of use thereof.
7. A multipurpose implement for carrying out destructive operations
comprising elongated handle means for transmitting forces, tool
means for receiving said forces from said handle means and for
applying said forces to a location where the destructive operation
is to be carried out, said tool means including an axe-head, and
connecting means operatively connected on the one hand with said
handle means and on the other hand with said axe-head for
connecting said axe-head to said handle means to be operated
thereby, said axe-head having at one end an elongated cutting edge
located in a predetermined first plane and at an opposite end a
flat hammer surface located in a predetermined second plane
perpendicular to said first plane, said axe-head being formed with
a pair of mutually perpendicular bores provided with internal
threads forming part of said connecting means, one of said bores
having an axis located in the plane of said cutting edge and the
other of said bores having an axis perpendicular to the plane of
said cutting edge and parallel to the plane of said hammer surface,
said elongated handle means having at an end region a threaded
portion forming part of said connecting means and when located in
said bore whose axis is in the plane of said cutting edge providing
a normal axe function for said axe-head and when located in said
bore whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of said cutting edge
providing for said axe-head an adze function, said axe-head having
a third bore formed with internal threads forming part of said
connecting means, said third bore extending perpendicularly from
said flat hammer surface and also having an axis in the plane of
said cutting edge, said handle means when connected to said
axe-head in said third bore thereof projecting perpendicularly from
said hammer surface to provide a chisel function for said axe-head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multipurpose implement wherein a
plurality of tools can be selectively connected either separately
or simultaneously to a handle assembly for carrying out various
types of destructive functions.
The multipurpose tool of the invention can be used by firemen,
building wreckers, construction workers, carpenters and the
like.
Tools which are currently used in the fire service, as well as in
other operations, have as a general rule specific functions with a
separate tool being provided for a particular function. Thus, for
example, a fireman equipped with a flat-head axe is provided only
with this one implement and nothing more. If other tools are
required to perform a specific function such as breaking a lock,
tearing away plaster and the like, the fireman as compelled to
leave the scene of action and go to a fire apparatus where various
additional tools are situated so that the fireman can then equip
himself with the proper tool for performing the desired task.
During the course of the performance of his duties at a fire, a
fireman may be called upon to use several different tools, thus
necessitating several trips to the fire apparatus which may be
located at some distance away from the scene of the fire. At the
very least it may be necessary to find or locate another fireman at
the scene who is equipped with the required tool. The result is
that there is a loss of valuable time when time is of the essence
in fighting a fire. There is also a hazardous situation when a
fireman happens to be equipped with a plaster hook and is suddenly
in need of a lock-breaker in order to force open a door and escape
from a dangerous condition. If the door cannot be forced with the
tool which happens to be at hand, namely the plaster hook, then the
end result may well be the tragic loss of the fireman's life.
It is because of these conditions normally encountered in
fighting-fighting operations that it has become standard practice
for a team of firemen of a given company to equip themselves
respectively with different tools so that among the several fireman
who are simultaneously fighting a fire there will be on hand at
least one of each of a plurality of different types of tools which
may be required under conditions as set forth above. However,
conditions are frequently encountered where several tools of the
same type are urgently required, so that much time and energy are
consumed wastefully by sending several firemen back to the
apparatus in order to obtain the required tools.
Conventional tools of the above type, such as axes, plaster hooks,
lock-breakers, and the like are necessarily relatively large and
heavy, so that even when they are carried to the scene of a fire
they detract from the mobility of the firemen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to
provide a multipurpose implement which will avoid the above
drawbacks.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a multipurpose implement which can be rapidly and conveniently
manipulated so that it can perform a number of different functions
such as the function of an axe, the function of lock-breaker, the
function of a sheet-metal cutter, the function of a plaster hook,
the function of an adze, or the function of a lock-puller.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide
one basic multipurpose implement with which a fireman can equip
himself for the purpose of being able to carry out any of the above
functions with the one basic implement without wasting time and
energy travelling between the apparatus and the scene of the fire
and without searching out at the scene of the fire another fireman
who may have the required tool.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
multipurpose tool which while it can perform a large number of
different functions nevertheless is capable of being conveniently
carried about without providing any substantial detraction from the
mobility of the fireman.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a multipurpose implement of the above type with which several
firemen can be equipped so that it becomes possible for a number of
firemen to concentrate the performance of identical operations with
a high degree of intensity at a required location, so that the
operations of a number of different firemen can augment eah other
with great saving of time and with an increased safety and
preservation of property.
According to the invention the multipurpose implement for carrying
out destructive operations includes an elongated handle means for
transmitting forces such as impact forces, wedging forces, pushing
forces, pulling forces, twisting forces and the like. A plurality
of tool means are provided for receiving these forces so as to
carry out a number of different functions such as wood-cutting or
wood-breaking operations, metal-cutting or metal-tearing
operations, and lock-pulling or lock-breaking operations. A
connecting means is provided on the one hand at part of the handle
means and on the other hand at each of the several tool means for
selectively connecting the tool means to the handle means with at
least some of the tool means having different possible positions of
connection with the handle means and with at least some of the tool
means being capable of simultaneous connection to the handle means
with these latter tool means extending in predetermined positions
with respect to each other. Furthermore, the connecting means is
capable of connecting at least some of the tool means to the handle
means not only simultaneously but also in different selected
positions one with respect to the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying
drawings which form part of this application and in which:
FIG. 1 is a partly fragmentary sectional elevation of one
embodiment of an implement according to the invention, the section
of FIG. 1 being taken in a plane which contains the cutting edge of
the illustrated axe-head as well as the axis of the handle
means;
FIG. 2 shows in side elevation a pike which is combined with the
axe-head;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation similar to FIG. 1 but
showing the pike of FIG. 2 displaced from the position of non-use
of FIG. 1 into a position of use which is illustrated in FIG.
3;
FIG. 4 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 3 as seen from the
left of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevation showing the axe-head of FIGS. 1
and 3 attached to the handle means in a position where the axe-head
can perform the function of an adze;
FIG. 5A shows the components of FIG. 5 separately;
FIG. 6 is a sectional plan view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5 in
the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of the implement of FIGS. 5
and 6;
FIG. 8 illustrates how the implement of FIG. 7 is used to open a
locked door which opens outwardly;
FIG. 9 illustrates how the implement of FIG. 7 is used to break
open a locked door which opens inwardly;
FIG. 10 is a partly sectional elevation showing a modification of
the implement of FIGS. 1-3 enabling the implement to form the
function of a chisel;
FIG. 11 illustrates a cap which may be used to cover an exposed
thread of the handle means of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 shows partly in section an extension of the handle means
which can be attached to a section of the handle means for
providing an impact force as well as for determining the balance
point of the implement;
FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of the handle means of FIG. 12 to
provide an impact;
FIG. 14 illustrates in a partly sectional elevation another
embodiment of the invention according to which the tool means is a
sheet-metal cutter;
FIG. 15 is a side elevation of a gripping jaw forming part of the
implement of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the implement of FIG. 14;
FIGS. 17-21 illustrate different stages in the operation of the
tool of FIGS. 14-16 with this tool augmented by an additional tool
in the form of a pike as shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 22 is a section elevation of another embodiment of a gripping
jaw to be used with a tool such as that shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 23 shows another operative connection between the sheet-metal
cutter of FIG. 14 and the handle means with the pike also being
included in the assembly, the structure of FIG. 23 being used as a
plaster hook;
FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a pike which may be used with
an assembly as shown in FIG. 23;
FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively illustrate different forms of cutting
blades which form tool means respectively capable of being
connected with the sheet-metal cutter of FIG. 14 simultaneously
with the handle means;
FIG. 27 illustrates a hammer poll also forming a tool means capable
of being connected simultaneously to the handle means;
FIG. 28 is a front elevation of a lock-cylinder puller capable of
being operatively connected with the handle means of the
invention;
FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the puller of FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is a section elevation of the puller of FIG. 28 and 29,
taken along line 30--30 of FIG. 29 in the direction of the
arrows;
FIG. 31 is an elevation of another embodiment of a lock-cylinder
puller capable of being operatively connected with the handle means
of the invention; and
FIG. 32 is a side elevation of the puller of FIG. 31 as seen from
the right side of FIG. 31.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the implement 40 illustrated therein
includes an elongated handle means 42 for transmitting forces of
many different types such as impact forces, wedging forces, pulling
forces, pushing forces, twisting forces, and the like. This
elongated handle means 42 in the illustrated example includes an
elongated hollow tubular component 44 which may be made of any
metal and which is of a circular cross section. Fixed to the upper
end of the hollow tubular component 44 is an elongated rod
component 46 which has an elongated lower portion 48 received in
and fixed with the tubular component 44 in any suitable way. The
elongated solid rod portion 46 is also of circular cross section
and includes an intermediate externally threaded portion 50 and an
elongated end portion 52 which forms a stud for various
purposes.
A plurality of tool means are capable of being selectively
connected with the elongated handle means 42 of the implement 40 so
as to receive from the handle means 42 the forces transmitted
thereby. In the example of FIGS. 1-4 the tool means which are
selectively connected with the handle means 42 includes the
axe-head 54. This axe-head 54 has a curved cutting edge 56 located
in a predetermined plane which is normal to the flat surface 58
which defines a hammer surface at the end of the axe-head 54
opposed to its cutting edge 56. The axe-head 54 is formed with an
axial bore 60 passing through the axe-head, and the axis of the
bore 60 is located in a plane which contains the cutting edge 56
and which is normal to the hammer surface 58. At a part of its bore
60, the axe-head 54 is provided with internal threads 62 which
coact with the external threads at the intermediate portion 50 of
the rod 46 for interconnecting the handle means 42 and the tool
means 54. Thus these threads form a connecting means for connecting
the handle means 42 and the tool means 54 to each other in the
position indicated in FIG. 1.
The axe-head 54 has a second bore 64 which extends through the
axe-head 54 with the axis of the bore 64 being perpendicular to the
axis of the bore 60 and the plane which contains both the axis of
the bore 60 and the cutting edge 56. Thus, the axis of the bore 64
is parallel to the plane which contains the hammer surface 58. This
bore 64 is internally threaded.
The axe-head 54 is additionally formed with a third bore 66 the
axis of which is perpendicular to the surface 58 and in the plane
which contains the axis of the bore 60 and the cutting edge 56.
This bore 66 extends inwardly from the surface 58 across the bore
60, and it will be noted that the bore 64 also communicates with
the bore 60, partly overlapping the latter. The bore 66 has just to
the right of the bore 60, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3, a shoulder
68, and beyond the shoulder 68 the bore 66 has an elongated tapered
portion 70.
At the side of the bore 60 opposite from the bore 64 the axe-head
54 is formed with a relatively short smaller bore 72 which extends
parallel to the bore 64 inwardly from one side surface of the
axe-head 54, the orientation of the bore 72 with respect to the
axe-head being most clearly apparent from FIG. 5. In addition the
axe-head 54 is formed with a bore 74 which extends into the
axe-head, parallel to the bore 60, from the lower surface of the
axe-head, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3, to the extent illustrated in
the latter figures.
In order to perform a normal ax function, the handle means 42 is
connected with the tool means 54 in the manner illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 3. A means is provided to prevent rotary movement of the
handle means 42 and the tool means selected to be connected
thereto, one with respect to the other, this means for preventing
relative rotary movement between the tool means and handle means
interconnected by the connecting means formed by the threads in the
example of FIGS. 1 and 3 taking the form of an assembly 76 which
includes a block 78 fixed to the rod 46 in the manner shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3. In addition to the block 78, the assembly 76
includes a plate 80 which is also fixed to the rod 46. The block 78
is formed with a stepped bore 82 receiving an elongated plunger 84
which has a free end extending through a bore in the plate 80 so
that this free end of the plunger 84 can be received in the bore
74, in the position of the parts indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Within
the bore 82 a spring 86 surrounds the plunger 84, pressing at one
end against a flange or collar 88 surrounding the plunger 84 and
freely movable within the bore 82 and pressing at its other end
against the wall portion of the block 78 which surrounds the
plunger 84 at its end distant from the bore 74. This latter end of
the plunger 84 is formed with an eye 90.
By way of the eye 90 it is possible for the operator to hold the
plunger 84 in a retracted position, in opposition to the force of
the spring 86, with the free end of the plunger situated inwardly
of the plate 80, and with the parts in this position it is possible
to thread or unthread the handle means 42 and the selected tool
means 54 with respect to each other for connecting or
interconnecting the handle means and the tool means. If desired a
suitable string, for example, can be attached to the eye 90 so that
pulling on this string and holding it with one hand against the
handle means 42 will enable the plunger to be conveniently
retracted. Once the parts have the position shown in FIG. 1, the
plunger can be released so that the spring 86 will advance the free
end of the plunger into the bore 74, and in this way the assembly
76 forms a means for preventing relative rotary movement between
the handle means 42 and the selected tool means which in the
illustrated example is the axe-head 54.
A second tool means which can be selectively connected to the
assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3 is the pike 92 illustrated in FIG. 2.
This pike 92 has an elongated tapered portion 94 terminating in a
pointed end 96. Beyond the tapered portion 94 the pike 92 has a
pair of circumferentially extending annular grooves 98 and 100
arranged as illustrated in FIG. 2. The curvature of the grooves 98
and 100 corresponds to the curvature at the free end of the stud 52
of the rod 46 of the handle means 42. Opposite to its pointed end
96 the pike 92 has a flat end face 102 which is situated in a plane
perpendicular to the axis of the pike 92. The tapered bore portion
70 has a configuration matching that of the tapered pike portion
94.
The pike 92 may have a position of non-use illustrated in FIG. 1.
In this position the pike 92 is housed within the axe-head 54 in
the manner illustrated in FIG. 1. A shoulder 104 at the largest end
of the tapered pike portion 94 engages the shoulder 68 of the
axe-head 54, and when the handle means 42 is connected by the
connecting means 50, 62 to the tool means 54, the curved free end
of the stud portion 52 is received within the annular groove 98 of
the tool means 92, so that in this way this tool means 92 is fixed
in its position of non-use within the tool means 54 when the parts
have the position shown in FIG. 1. In this position the end surface
102 is flush with and forms a continuation of the hammer surface 58
of the axe-head. Thus, with the parts assembled as shown in FIG. 1
the implement 40 forms a flathead axe.
In order to convert the implement from the flathead axe of FIG. 1
into a pike-head axe, as shown in FIG. 3, it is only necessary to
retract the plunger 84 and unthread the axe-head 54 and handle
means 42 with respect to each other through a distance sufficient
to release the pike 92 so that it can be removed out of the
axe-head from its position of non-use illustrated in FIG. 1. The
pike is then reversed and introduced into the bore 60 until the end
surface 102 of the pike engages the shoulder 68, as shown in FIG.
3. Now the connecting means 50, 62 is actuated to again
interconnect the components so that they will have the position
shown in FIG. 3. At this time the free end of the stud 52 will
enter into the groove 100 so as to maintain the parts fixed in the
position of FIG. 3 with the pike 92 extending perpendicularly from
and outwardly beyond the hammerhead surface 58 of the tool 54.
Thus, FIGS. 3 and 4 show the components of FIG. 1 assembled in a
different position with respect to each other according to which
the pair of tool means 54 and 92 have, instead of the position
shown in FIG. 1, the position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 enabling
the assembly to form a pike-head axe.
It is also possible to interconnect the pair of tool means 54 and
92 with the handle means 42 in a third position, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6. In this case the externally threaded portion 50 of
the connecting means coacts with the internally threaded bore 64 of
the connecting means so that the elongated handle means 42 extends
prependicularly with respect to the plane which contains the
cutting edge 56 and the axis of the bore 60. It will be noted that
when the parts are assembled in this position, the means formed by
the assembly 76 will have its plunger 84 situated in the bore 72 to
prevent relative rotary movement between the tool means 54 and the
handle means 42. When the parts are assembled in the position of
FIGS. 5 and 6, the elongated stud 52 at the free end of the handle
means 42 projects outwardly beyond the axe-head 54 perpendicularly
to a side surface thereof as is apparent from FIG. 5.
As may be seen from FIG. 6, the tool means formed by the pike 92
is, in this position of the components, inserted into the bore 60
so that the flat surface 102 reaches up to the inner end of the
threads 62 of the connecting means. The threaded intermediate
portion 50 of the connecting means will in the position of the
parts shown in FIG. 6 be received in the outer groove 110 which
forms the part of the connecting means connected to the pike 92 so
as to maintain the pike 92 assembled with the axe-head 54 in the
manner illustrated in FIG. 6.
With the parts assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the implement
40 will have the configuration shown in perspective in FIG. 7.
Thus, with the parts positioned as shown in FIGS. 5-7 the implement
40 will form an adze having a pike 92 projecting from one edge
thereof and having the stud 52 projecting from one side surface of
the axe-head 54.
This implement 40 has important functions in connection with
firefighting operations, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
Thus, referring to FIG. 8, the use of the implement of FIG. 7 is
shown in connection with breaking open a door 110 which opens
outwardly and which is initially locked by a conventional lock
assembly 112. Thus, in order to be opened the door 110 must swing
in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 8, about the
hinges 114 which connect the door to the frame 116. The axe-head 54
is driven into the crack between the door 110 and the right side of
the frame 116, as viewed in FIG. 8, this operation being carried
out by applying impact forces from another tool such as another axe
against the surface 58 in the direction indicated by the arrow 118.
The adze tool formed by the implement 40 is driven into the
position shown in FIG. 8 just above or beneath the lock 112. With
the parts in the position of FIG. 8, the handle means 42 is pulled
in the direction indicated by the arrow 120, and the stud 52 acts
as a fulcrum against the outer surface of the right wall of the
frame 116. This pulling in the handle means 42 will result in
tearing the bolt of the lock 112 out of its recess in the right
doorframe component 116 shown in FIG. 8, and thus the door 110 will
be forcibily opened in the outward direction. Thus, with the
implement 40 of FIGS. 5-7 the stud 52 forms a fulcrum enabling the
implement to act effectively in the opening of a door 100 such as
that shown in FIG. 8.
Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown therein a door 122 which opens
inwardly in the direction of the arrow 124. In this case suitable
impact forces applied in the direction of the arrow 126 against the
surface 58 of the axe-head 54 will drive this axe-head of the
implement 40 into the right doorframe component shown in FIG. 9.
This adze-tool type of implement is driven into the position shown
in FIG. 9 where the free end of the stud 52 becomes situated
directly next to the cylinder of the lock assembly 112 which may be
identical with that of FIG. 8. With the parts in the position shown
in FIG. 9 the operator will pull on the handle means 42 in the
direction of the arrow 128, so that with the cutting edge region of
the adze-type of tool 54 acting as a fulcrum the stud 52 will cause
the cylinder of the lock assembly 112 to be pressed through and out
of the door 122 tearing the lock bolt from its recess in the door
jamb, so that the door 122 will be forcibily opened in the
direction of the arrow 124.
FIGS. 10-13 illustrate an embodiment of the invention where
structure as described above with slight further modifications can
perform additional functions. Thus, the implement 130 shown in FIG.
10 has an elongated handle means 132 identical with the handle
means 42 except that the outer free end of the handle means 132 has
a threaded portion 134. Thus, the handle means 132 includes the
assembly 76 which forms the means for preventing relative rotation
between the interconnected components, as well as the threaded
portion 136 and the stud 138 corresponding in all respects to the
threaded portion 50 and the stud 52 refered to above. The tool
means 140 corresponds to the tool means 54 except that the tool
means 140 is provided with a notch 142 and an additional internally
threaded bore 144 extending inwardly from the flat hammer surface
146 which corresponds to the surface 58. This internally threaded
bore 144 is parallel to the bore 148 which corresponds in all
respects to the bore 66. The tool means 140 is additionally
provided with the bores 150 and 152 respectively corresponding to
the bores 60 and 64, and the pike 92 is shown seated in its
position of non-use in FIG. 10 in the bore 148. This assembly as
thus far described can perform all of the functions described above
in precisely the same way with the tool means 140 and 92 assembled
with the handle means 132 in exactly the manner described
above.
However, because of the presence of the additional internally
threaded bore 144, it is possible for the handle means 132 to be
assembled with the tool means 140 in the position shown in FIG. 10,
and the surface 146 is formed with an additional bore 154 for
receiving the free end of the plunger of the means 76 so that the
parts will be retained in the position shown in FIG. 10. In this
position the tool means 140 can perform the function of a chisel
and the notch 142 is available to enable the implement 130 to
function also as a spanner for shutting off valve cocks of the type
commonly used on gas meters, so as to control gas flow in this
way.
FIG. 11 shows an internally threaded cap 156 which can be threaded
onto the threads 134 so as to cover and protect the latter when
they are not used, this cap 156 thus covering the free end of the
elongated handle means 132.
Instead of the handle means 132 of FIG. 10, it is possible to
connect to the tool means 140 the handle means 158 of FIG. 12. This
handle means 158 of FIG. 12 is identical with the handle means 132
except that the free end of the handle means 158 is formed with an
internally threaded portion 160 beneath which the handle means 158
has an externally threaded portion 162. In addition, the handle
means 158 fixedly carries just above the means 76 an externally
threaded sleeve 164. Spaced equidistantly between the externally
threaded portions 162 and 164 are a pair of anvil collars 166 and
168 which are rigidly fixed with the elongated handle means 158 and
may be formed integrally therewith if desired.
Between the anvil collars 166 and 168, on the one hand, and the
externally threaded portions 162 and 164, on the other hand, there
are respectively situated a pair of freely movable sleeves 170 and
172 which freely surround the elongated handle means 158. The
sleeve 170 has an internally threaded portion 174 capable of being
threaded with the externally threaded portion 162, while the sleeve
172 has an internally threaded portion 176 capable of being
threaded onto the externally threaded portion 164, as illustrated
in FIG. 12. These sleeves 170 and 172 are formed at their ends
which are directed toward the anvil collars 166 and 168 with
recesses 178 and 180 capable of receiving the collars 166 and 168,
the collar 166 being shown situated within the recess 178 of the
sleeve 170.
Between the collars 166 and 168 an elongated impact means 182 is
situated. This impact means 182 is in the form of a heavy metal
sleeve which can move freely along the handle means 158 between the
anvil collars 166 and 168. Where these collars are integral with
the handle the impact means 182 can be formed in two halves having
adjoining surfaces situated in planes which contain the axis of the
handle means 158 and these two halves can be fixed to each other in
any suitable way. Where the collars 166 and 168 are fixed to but
not integral with the handle means 158 the impact means 182 can
take the form of one-piece sleeve. At its ends the impact means 182
is formed with a pair of internally threaded recesses 184 and 186
capable of being threaded onto externally threaded end portions of
the sleeves 170 and 172. In the position of the parts shown in FIG.
12 the impact means 182 is threaded to the sleeve 170 so as to be
fixed in this way to the collar 166. At this time the sleeve 172 is
connected to the threads 164. However it is possible to reverse the
assembly by disconnecting the impact means 182 and sleeve 170 from
each other. At this time the sleeve 170 can be connected to the
threads 162 and the sleeve 182 can be fixed to the external threads
of the sleeve 172 with the collar 168 received in the recess 180.
With this impact means 182 fixed to the handle means 158 in either
of these positions it is possible for this handle means 158 to be
combined in any one of a number of different selected operative
positions with the tool means 140 as described above and as shown
in FIGS. 1, 3, 7, and 10. By selectively connecting impact means
182 either to the collar 166 or to the collar 168 it is possible to
shift the balance point of the entire implement to a desired
location to enable the implement to be used most effectively.
When, however, it is desired to use the impact means 182 to provide
impact forces rather than to determine the blance point, both of
the sleeves 170 and 172 are connected to the threaded portions 162
and 164, as illustrated in FIG. 13, so that both of the collars 166
and 168 are exposed and situated inwadly beyond the sleeves 170 and
172. With the parts in the position shown in FIG. 13 it is possible
for the operator to propel the impact means 182 downwardly, for
example, so as to strike forcefully against the anvil collar 168,
and it is also possible for the operator to propel the impact means
182 forcefully in an upward direction so as to strike against the
upper anvil collar 166, and in this way impact forces can be
provided in one direction or the other along the axis of the
elongated handle means 158 with the latter being capable of
connection to the tool means referred to above in all of the
manners described above.
In addition, it is possible to invert the handle means 158 from the
position shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, with the cap 156 removed from
the threads 134, so that the internally threaded portion 160 can be
threaded onto the portion 134. In this way the handle means 158 can
form an extension of the handle means 132, enabling the entire
implement to have a much longer handle which may be more convenient
for certain purposes, with the added possibility of providing
either a selected location of the balance point or impact forces in
the manner described above.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an embodiment of the invention where the
implement 190 forms a sheet metal cutter. This implement 190 has in
the illustrated example a handle means 42 identical with that shown
in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. However, if desired the handle means 130 of
FIG. 10 or the handle means 158 of FIG. 12, either by itself or in
combination with the handle means 130, may be used with the
implement 190 instead of the handle means 42.
This implement 190 includes a tool means 192 which includes an
elongated relatively thin blade portion 194 having the pointed
regions 196 and 198 and formed with a cutting edge 200 extending
all along the periphery of the blade portion 194 the tool means
192. To the right of the blade portion 194 the tool means 192 is
thicker and is formed with the several bores 202, 204, and 206. The
bore 206 extends completely through the rear portion 208 which
forms that part of the connecting means which is fixed with the
tool means 192. The threaded portion 50 of the handle means 42
forms the other part of the connecting means, and this embodiment
also has a means 76 for preventing relatve rotation between the
interconnected components. The axes of the bores 202, 204, and 206
are all situated in a plane which contains the cutting edge 200,
and the bores 204 and 202 are parallel to each other, extending
perpendicularly to a flat end face 210 situated at the right of the
tool means 192, as viewed in FIG. 14, and capable of being used as
a hammer surface, if desired. The bore 206 has an axis which is
parallel to the plane which contains the surface 210.
At its lower region the blade 194 has an elongated projection 212
capable of being received in a slot 214 which is formed in a
gripping jaw element 216 in the form of a relatively wide plate
which is perpendicular to the blade 194 and which has the
configuration most clearly shown in FIG. 16. This gripping jaw 216
has a rear edge 218 engaging a shoulder 220 formed at the lower
surface of the rear portion 208 of the tool means 192, so that when
the part 212 of the blade 194 is in the slot 214 the edge 218
coacts with the shoulder 220 in order to prevent relative rotation
between the gripping jaw 216 and the blade 194. In addition it will
be noted that adjacent to its edge 218 the gripping jaw plate 216
is formed with an opening 222 through which the handle means 42
projects. As further security in the connection, the gripping jaw
216 fixedly carries a pin 224 formed with an annular recess 226 and
received in the bore 206 in the position of the parts shown in FIG.
14, the gripping jaw being formed just below the pin 224 with a
bore 228 which receives the free end of the plunger 84 of the means
76.
At its wider left end, as viewed in FIGS. 14-16, the gripping jaw
216 is formed with a row of threaded bores into which individual
pointed gripping teeth 230 are threaded so that the pointed end
thereof extend upwardly toward the free end of the blade 194.
With parts assembled as shown in FIGS. 14-16, it is possible to use
the implement 190 as a sheet metal cutter in the manner illustrated
in FIGS. 17-21. This operation is extremely important for
firefighting operations where in many old buildings there are sheet
metal ceilings which must be cut through during firefighting
operations.
It is to be noted that the pike 92 shown in FIG. 2 has been
introduced into the bore 204 with the stud 52 extending into the
recess 100 of the pike 92 so as to fix the latter to the tool means
192 in order to provide the implement as shown in FIGS. 17-21. In
these figures the implement is shown as capable of cutting through
sheet metal not only of ceilings but also of air-conditioning ducts
or grease ducts, as is commonly encountered in various
installations such as restaurants or the like, and in addition such
a tool is of great utility in cutting through the metal skin of
aircraft, automobiles, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 17, the pointed sharpened end 196 of the tool
means 192 has been forcibily driven through the wall of sheet metal
232 as by applying suitable impact forces against the surface 210
with any other suitable tool which is available. The gripping jaw
216 remains beneath the wall 232 so that the teeth 230 thereof can
engage the wall 232 from beneath. FIG. 18 shows the tool means 192
driven further through the wall 232 as by applying further impact
forces against the surface 210, for example, and the spiked teeth
230 of the gripping jaw 216 are now in a position to puncture
through the wall 232, to grip the latter with the tool while the
rear region 208 and the pike 92 have been forcefully pushed up
through the wall 232. At this time the crest 234 of the lower
V-shaped portion of the cutting edge 200 forms a fulcrum against an
end of the opening in the wall 232 formed by penetration of the
implement to the position shown in FIG. 18, and with this crest 234
acting as a fulcrum the operator swings the handle means 42 in a
counterclockwsie direction, as illustrated in FIG. 19, so that the
spiked teeth 230 will now penetrate through the wall 232 and will
themselves form a second fulcrum about which the implement
continues to turn while the part of the cutting edge 200 above the
crest 234 now cuts through the sheet metal as the operator
continues to turn the handle means 42 together with the remainder
of the implement to the position illustrated in FIG. 20. Then the
handle means 42 will be swung in a clockwise direction to release
the teeth 230 from the openings 236 which were initially formed in
the sheet metal 232, and the entire implement is advanced to the
right, as viewed in FIGS. 20 and 21, up to the position of FIG. 21
where the above actions are repeated so that the spiked teeth 230
puncture through to form the openings 238, and in this way the
implement will progress along the sheet metal 232 in order to cut
through the latter.
Referring to FIG. 22, the gripping jaw 240 illustrated therein is
identical with the gripping jaw 216 described above except that the
pin 242 is formed only with a circular indentation or recess 244
instead of the annular recess 226 which is provided in the pin 224.
This modified gripping jaw 240 can be used in precisely the same
way as the jaw 216.
FIG. 23 illustrates how it is possible to interconnect the
components of FIG. 14 so that they can function as a plaster hook.
In this case the handle means 42 has been removed from the threaded
bore 246 and instead has been introduced into the bore 202. The
free end of the plunger 84 is now received in a bore 248 which is
provided for this purpose at the surface 210. With the tool means
192 thus assembled with the handle means 42, as shown in FIG. 23,
the implement can be used for pulling down lathe and plaster or
plaster board, or it may be used for pulling down sheet metal
ceilings in buildings, so as to reveal fire which otherwise might
remain concealed. In the particular implement combination which is
shown in FIG. 23, the pike 92 has been assembled with the tool
means 192 by being introduced into the bore 206 so that the stud 52
will extend into the recess 100 for locking the pike 92 in the
position illustrated in FIG. 23.
Instead of the pike 92, it is possible to assemble either the
gripping jaw 240 or the gripping jaw 216 with the tool means 192,
the pin 224 or 242 now extending into the bore 206 through the left
end thereof, as viewed in FIG. 23, so that the stud 52 can engage
either the recess 226 of the pin 224 or the recess 244 of the pin
242 for fixing the gripping jaw in position. This construction can
be used for cutting through sheet metal situated at an attitude
which renders the arrangement of FIG. 23 more convenient than that
illustrated in FIGS. 14-16.
As may be seen from FIG. 24, it is also possible to use with the
assembly of FIG. 23 a double-ended pike 250. This tool means 250
has at its intermediate portion three intermediate recesses 252
beyond which are located a pair of elongated tapered pike portions
254. Thus, the tool means 250 can be inserted into the bore 206,
for example, extending completely through and beyond opposite ends
of the bore with the stud 52 engaging the central recess 252 in
order to fix the tool means 250 in a position where a pair of
elongated pike portions 254 will extend beyond the opposed faces of
the tool means 192.
Also it is possible to introduce into the bore 206, through either
end thereof, a tool means 256 shown in FIG. 25. This tool means has
a cutting blade portion 258 of the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 25, and this blade portion is integral with an elongated pin
260 formed with a recess 262 for receiving the free end of the stud
52 so that in this way the tool means 256 can be fixed with the
tool means 192 extending from either end of the bore 206.
Instead of the tool means 256 it is possible to selectively
interconnect with the tool means 192 a tool means 264 as indicated
in FIG. 26, this tool means having the triangular blade 266 formed
with the straight cutting edge 268 while the blade 258 of FIG. 25
has the curved cutting edge 270. The pin 272 is integrally fixed
with the blade 266 and is formed with a recess 274 which will
receive the free end of the stud 52 with the tool means 264
extending from either end of the bore 206.
It is furthermore to be noted that with the handle means 42
oriented with respect to the tool means 192 as shown in FIG. 14, it
is possible to introduce either the tool means 256 or the tool
means 264 into the bore 204 so that the blade 258 or the blade 256
will project from the surface 210.
Referring to FIG. 27, there is shown therein a tool means 276 in
the form of a hammer poll. This tool means is in the form of an
elongated body 278 formed inwardly of its opposed ends 280 and 282
with a pair of annular recesses 284 and 286. With the handle means
42 having the position with respect to the tool means 192 shown in
FIG. 23 it is possible to introduce the hammer poll 276 into the
opening 206 to project from either end thereof while the stud 52
engages one or the other of the recesses 284 or 286 so as to fix
the hammer poll in an operative position projecting from the tool
means 192 either to the right or to the left, as viewed in FIG. 23.
Also it is possible to assemble the tool means 276 with the
axe-head 54. In this case the tool means 276 will be introduced
either into the bore 66 or into the bore 60, with either end of the
hammer poll projecting beyond the axe-head 54 and with the stud 52
also engaging one or the other of the recesses 284 and 286 in order
to maintain the parts assembled.
FIGS. 28-30 illustrate an embodiment of a tool means 288 which
forms a cylinder lock puller. This tool means 288 includes a block
290 formed of any suitable metal and also formed with a threaded
bore 292 passing therethrough to form part of the connecting means
by which the tool means 288 can be connected with any of the handle
means referred to above. The block 290 is formed also with a recess
294 which receives the free end of the plunger of the means 76.
The block 290 is formed along one surface with a recess 296 defined
between a pair of legs 298 and 300. The leg 298 is parallel to the
axis of the bore 292 while the leg 300 is inclined with respect to
this axis so that the recess 296 has a wedge-shaped configuration.
By way of suitable countersunk screws 302 a pair of blades 304 and
306 are fixed to the block 290 with these blades having inner edges
extending over part of the space formed by the recess 296. As a
result of the relative inclination of the blades 304 and 306, most
clearly shown in FIG. 28, these blades form between themselves a
tapered wedge-shaped space enabling the inner edges of the blades
to grip behind the exterior cylindrical part of a cylinder lock
enabling the puller of FIGS. 28-30 to securely grip the cylinder
and pull it away from the door in order to displace the bolt of the
lock out of the recess, and thus the tool means 288 can be
assembled with any of the handle means described above in order to
form an effective lock puller to give access through locked doors
into rooms for firefighting purposes.
According to the embodiment of the invention which is illustrated
in FIGS. 31 and 32, there is also a tool means 308 which forms a
cylinder lock puller, but in this case the tool means is provided
with a pair of symmetrical legs 310. These legs 310 form part of a
block 312 of any suitable metal formed at its upper end, as viewed
in FIGS. 31 and 32, with an internally threaded bore 314 capable of
receiving any of the handle means referred to above. Thus, the bore
314 has below its threaded portion an elongated unthreaded portion
316 to receive the stud 52, for example.
The legs 310 are formed with flat surfaces 318 and shoulders 320.
Against these flat surfaces and shoulders of the legs 310 are
located a pair of blades 322 fixed in position by the countersunk
screws 324 received in suitable bores formed in the legs 310. The
blades 322 are provided with edges 326 which extend over the space
between the legs 310, and it will be noted that with this
arrangement these legs are equally inclined in opposite directions
with respect to the axis of the bore 314, so that the edges 326 of
the hardened plates 322 form opposite sides of a V-shaped recess
and extends symmetrically with respect to this recess. With this
embodiment also it is possible to insert the edges 326 behind the
exterior circular flange of a cylinder of a lock so as to engage
the cylinder and pull it out of the door to displace the bolt from
the recess and thus give access through a door which initially is
locked.
It is apparent from the above description that with the
multipurpose implement of the invention it is possible to equip
firemen with basic tools so as to enhance the performance of the
firemen by providing interchangeability of the component parts of
the basic tools, thereby increasing and implementing each
individual fireman's ability to perform the functions within the
scope of the basic tools. If for example a fireman equipped with a
tool set up as a sheet metal cutter is suddenly in need of a
plaster hook, this is easily obtained by changing the assembly of
components from that shown in FIG. 14 to that shown in FIG. 23.
With the arrangement of handle means as illustrated in FIGS. 10-13
it is possible to increase the length of the handle means. For
example one fireman may receive a handle means 158 from another
fireman so as to provide an extension of the handle means 132. In
this way a longer reach can be provided for an implement. It is to
be noted that when the handle means of FIGS. 10 and 12 is used with
a plaster hook, for example, the impact means of FIG. 12 becomes
readily available to drive the tool means through plaster, lathe,
or the like. Also, in connection with the cylinder lock pullers
referred to above it is possible to use either a handle means as
shown in FIG. 1 or the handle means of FIG. 12 or FIGS. 10 and 12
in order to achieve impact forces to drive the edges of the
cylinder lock pullers behind the cylinders of the locks, and in
order to achieve greater leverage by having a longer handle.
Thus, with the invention there are a few basic tool heads, a few
basic forms of handles, and additional component parts such as
hooks, pikes, hammer polls, and the like, all of which can be
releasably connected to each other in various types of
combinations. With this arrangement it is possible to convert the
tools so that they will form a flathead axe, a pike-head axe, an
adze, a lcok breaker, a shovel, a hoe, a chisel, a scraper, an
over-hauling tool, a plaster hook, a sheet metal cutter, a sheet
metal hook, a lock puller, a fork tool, a hammer, a gas shut-off
tool, as well as others. The ease of conversion from one implement
to another and the rapidity of connection and positive locking of
the components with the various possible combinations inherent in
the multipurpose implement of the invention create the possibility
of expediting the extinguishing of fires and the safeguarding of
life.
* * * * *