Compound tools – Plier type – With tool or plier handle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-03
2001-10-23
Morgan, Eileen P. (Department: 3723)
Compound tools
Plier type
With tool or plier handle
C007S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305041
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a pocket tool with retractable pliers, and other pivotally attached ancillary tools. More particularly the present invention relates to a multi-function tool which includes an easily removable retractable plier module. The present invention further relates to a pocket tool provided with a wedge locking mechanism and an anti-rotation feature to permit pivotal movement of a single ancillary tool from a plurality of adjacent ones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general, multi-function tools, including in a single instrument, pliers, and other selected tools, such as screwdrivers, knife blades, files and the like are well known. The prior art multi-function tools typically include a cross-jaw pliers with channel-shaped handles connected to the shanks or tangs of the respective plier jaws. In one type of multi-function tool the cross-jaw pliers are pivotally mounted to the handles at the distal end, the jaws being adapted to nest within the handle, for storage. Examples of such multiple tools are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,238,862, 4,744,272, and 4,888,869 issued on Dec. 16, 1980, May 17, 1988, and Dec. 26, 1989, respectively, to Timothy S. Leatherman.
In another type of multi-function tool, the tangs of the respective plier jaws are 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. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.
The plier jaws of the multi-function tools identified above are mechanically attached to the handles such that assembly of the plier jaws to the handles or removal of the plier jaws requires the use of a separate tool.
Another feature of the multi-function tools described above is an integral spring formed in the region of the handle proximate the pivotally attached ancillary tools. The integral spring cooperates with a surface of each selected ancillary tool to resiliently lock each selected tool in its extended position. The selected tool is released by application of sufficient pressure to the working portion of the ancillary tool to overcome the spring force of the integral spring.
An attempt has been made to develop a positive locking mechanism for a multi-function tool by providing a tab at the end of the integral spring. The tab is received in a notch formed on the selected tool thereby positively locking the selected tool in an extended position. This approach has been incorporated in the Leatherman Super Tool® marketed by Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. However, in order to release the selected tool from the integral spring a second selected tool must be rotated approximately 90 degrees. Additionally, if all of the ancillary tools are extended and locked, a separate tool is required to unlock them.
From another standpoint, the ancillary tools in the multi-function tools described above are typically pivotally attached at a distal end of the channel-shaped handles. The rotation of a single selected tool to an extended position often results in an adjacent tool to be rotated out of the channel-shaped handle as well.
It is therefore desirable to provide a multi-function tool in which the tool head can be easily attached and removed from the handles. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a locking mechanism to positively lock a selected tool in an extended position and release the selected tool without having to extend a second selected tool. Finally, it is also desirable to provide an anti-rotational mechanism to prevent the rotation of a second tool by the rotation of an adjacent selected tool.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A multi-function tool in accordance with one
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aspect of the present invention comprises a removable cross-jaw module including a first jaw and a second jaw. Each jaw includes a working portion and a tang interconnected by a bearing portion. The jaws are pivotally connected at the bearing portion. The multi-function tool further includes a first handle and a second handle pivotally connected to the first handle. Each handle includes an internal channel therein. The tool also includes a pair of clips, removably attaching the cross-jaw module to the handles.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention a multi-function tool is provided with a mechanism to lock at least one of a plurality of implements pivotally attached to the tool. The tool includes a channel-shaped handle which includes a web and a pair of sides extending therefrom. The web includes a locking edge, a top surface, an oppositely facing bottom surface, and an opening therethrough. The tool further includes an axle extending transversely between the pair of sides proximate the locking edge, the axle being configured to receive a plurality of implements pivotally attached to the axle. Each implement includes a working portion and an opposed tang portion provided with a locking surface. The locking mechanism includes a wedge slidably attached to the web for engagement with the locking surface of one of the implements the implement is in an extended position. The wedge is spring biased into engagement with the locking surface.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a multi-function tool having a plurality of implements pivotally attached thereto, and an anti-rotation feature designed to prohibit the rotation of the plurality of implements when one of the implements is pivoted to an open position. The multi-function tool includes a channel-shaped handle having a web, a first side and a second side extending therefrom. The web includes a slot extending transverse to the first and second sides. The tool also includes a fastener system having an axle extending between the first and second sides, and a plurality of implements are pivotally attached to the thereto. The anti-rotation feature includes a plurality of washers, each washer being attached to the axle and separating respective implements disposed adjacent thereto. Each washer includes a protrusion extending therefrom which is received in the slot.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the appended claims.
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Dallas Edgar A.
Montague Phillip A.
Poehlmann Paul W.
Alterra Holdings Corporation
Danganan Joni B.
Foley & Lardner
Morgan Eileen P.
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