GB2517446A

GB2517446A - Multipurpose tool

Info

Publication number: GB2517446A
Application number: GB1314866.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Arthur Collier
Original assignee: Monument Tools Ltd
Current assignee: Monument Tools Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-20
Filing date: 2013-08-20
Publication date: 2015-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-20
Also published as: GB2517446B; GB201314866D0

Abstract

A multipurpose tool 10 has an elongate handle 16 with a grip 20 and a tool head 18 at one end. The tool has a plurality of tool attachments 12 with inter-engaging elements 116 that cooperate with a complementary element 32 on the tool head. The tool head also has a drive surface 40 which mates with a corresponding surface 114 on each attachment and transfers the torque applied on the handle by a user to the attachment. The tool head may be detachable, and may be pivotable. The complementary inter-engaging elements may comprise a male and female portion, which may be a peg 32 and recess 118 (figs 5, 6). A tommy bar may be attached to the hole 22 to assist rotation of the tool. The tool attachments may comprise a hex socket or driver, square socket or driver, or various other types of valve sockets, keys or the like.

Description

Multipurpose Tool

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multipurpose tool. Aspects of the invention also relate to tool attachments configured for use in a multipurpose tool.

Background to the Invention

Many different tools are available and are required to complete a particular job. As a result, a tool box containing a multitude of different tools of different sizes and/or having different tool heads (e.g. comprising square or hex sockets or drivers) is often required.

To reduce the number of individual tools required, multipurpose tools have been proposed. These traditionally comprise a straight shaft on which different tool heads can be located for use. The location mechanism is configured such that rotation of the shaft results in rotation of the tool head also. Whilst this can be adequate for many jobs, in others there may not be space to accommodate and/or rotate the shaft when the tool head is engaged with a part to be worked (i.e. loosened or tightened). There is therefore a need 101 a multipurpose tool with greater flexibility.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a multipurpose tool which helps to address the afore-mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a multipurpose tool comprising: an elongate handle; a tool head provided at one end of the handle; and a plurality of tool attachments; the tool head and each tool attachment having complementary inter-engaging elements for attaching each tool attachment to the tool head; and wherein the tool head comprises a drive surface, independent of the inter-engaging elements, and each tool attachment comprises a mating surface configured to transfer torque applied to the drive surface, to the tool attachment, by relative movement of the handle.

Embodiments of the invention therefore provide an alternative multipurpose tool in which the inter-engaging elements that serve to locate each tool attachment on the tool head are separate from the drive mechanism. This provides greater flexibility in how the tool can be configured for use in awkward or tight locations.

For example, the tool may be configured in a manner similar to an adjustable basin wrench. Thus, the tool head may be pivotally mounted on the handle. More specifically, the tool head may be pivotally mounted on the handle with an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the handle's length.

The complementary inter-engaging elements may comprise a male portion and a female portion. The male portion may comprise a substantially cylindrical peg and the female portion may comprise a substantially cylindrical recess. The recess may comprise a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of a spring-biased ball projecting radially from the peg so as to retain the peg in the recess.

The male portion may be provided on the tool head and the female portion may be provided on each tool attachment.

The drive surface may be provided on a projection extending from the tool head. The projection may be spaced from and substantially parallel to the male portion. The projection may be of any desired shape as long as the drive surface provided thereon is configured to mate with and engage the mating surface of each tool attachment to transfer torque thereto. For example, the projection may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, triangular or hexagonal.

The drive surface may be substantially planar. In which case, the mating surface will also be substantially planar (i.e. flat). In other embodiments, the drive surface may be of any appropriate configuration, for example, concave or convex, and the mating surface will have a complementary shape to fixedly engage with the drive surface so as to be able to transfer torque to the tool attachment.

The tool attachments may comprise a substantially cylindrical base having the mating surface provided on a side thereof Accordingly, where the drive surface and mating surface are both planar, the cylindrical base will have a planar portion at one side which constitutes the mating surface. The female portion of the inter-engaging elements may be provided in the cylindrical base. For example, a cylindrical recess may be axially aligned in the centre of the cylindrical base.

It will be understood that each tool attachment will be provided with a different tool end configured for a different purpose. The tool ends may be different in their size, shape or configuration. For example, the tool ends may comprise hex sockets or drivers, square sockets or drivers, a toilet seat socket, a crutch valve socket, a gate valve socket, a cabinet key, a gas meter box key, a radiator valve slot socket, a tap backnut open socket, a sink waste basket socket. Although some of the example tool ends listed constitute plumbing tools, other types of tools end may be provided in embodiments of the invention, for example, automotive tools, engineering tools or construction tools. Advantageously, a kit of tool attachments may be provided with the multipurpose tool for a specific use (e.g. plumbing). The number of tool attachments in each kit may vary but in some cases as many as 20 or more different attachments may be provided.

The tool end may be provided on the cylindrical base. In some embodiments, the tool end will project from the cylindrical base and may be axially aligned therewith. In other embodiments, the tool end may be attached to the side of the cylindrical base (e.g. opposite to the side constituting the mating surface).

In embodiments of the invention, the tool head may be similar to that described in GB813359, which is incorporated herein by reference. In other words, the adjustable wrench described in GB813359 may be adapted tor use as a multipurpose tool in accordance with the present invention by replacing the movable gripping member with a tool attachment as described herein. It should be noted that the tool head in GB813359 has not been configured to provide a drive surface that engages with a mating surface of a tool attachment for the transfer of torque applied through the handle. However, the present applicant has surpiisingly realised that the flattened cylindrical portion of the fixed gripping member in GB813359 could constitute a drive surface in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, the tool head may comprise a flattened cylindrical projection having a curved gripping surface disposed on one surface thereof and an opposed flattened surface constituting the drive surface of the present invention. The gripping surface may be provided with serrations or teeth.

The tool may further comprise a tommy bar to facilitate rotation of the handle.

The handle may be provided with a transverse hole through the end opposite to the end on which the tool head is located, the hole being provided for receipt of a tommy bar.

The handle may be provided with a grip.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tool attachment, for use with the multipurpose tool according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising: an engagement element for attaching the tool attachment to a tool head of the multipurpose tool; and a mating surface, independent of the engagement element, configured to transfer torque applied to a drive surface of the tool head during use, to the tool attachment.

The tool attachment may comprise a substantially cylindrical base having the mating surface provided on a side thereof Accordingly, where the drive surface and mating surface are both planar, the cylindrical base will have a planar portion at one side which constitutes the mating surface. The engagement element may comprise a cylindrical recess provided in the cylindrical base. For example, a cylindrical recess may be axially aligned in the centre of the cylindrical base.

The tool attachment may comprise a tool end configured as, for example, a hex socket or driver, a square socket or driver, a toilet seat socket, a crutch valve socket, a gate valve socket, a cabinet key, a gas meter box key, a radiator valve slot socket, a tap backnut open socket or a sink waste basket socket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side perspective of a multipurpose tool according to a first embodiment of the invention, with 27 tool attachments and an alternative tool head according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2A shows a perspective view from a first end of the multifunctional tool of the first embodiment, without any tool attachments; Figures 2B shows a perspective view from a second end of the multifunctional tool of the first embodiment, without any tool attachments; Figure 3A shows a side perspective view of the tool head of the first embodiment; Figure 3B shows a side view of the tool head of the first embodiment; Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the tool head of the second embodiment; Figure 5 shows an underneath perspective view of a tool attachment configured as a hex driver; Figure 6 shows a side perspective view of the tool attachment of Figure 5 being located on the tool head of the first embodiment; Figure 7A shows a top perspective view of a tool attachment configured as a square I hex driver; Figure 7B shows a top view of the tool attachment of Figure 7A; Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7B; Figure 7D shows a side view of the tool attachment of Figure 7A; Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of the tool attachment of Figures 7A through 7D when located on the tool head of the first embodiment; Figure 9A shows a top perspective view of a tool attachment configured as a square socket; Figure 9B shows a top view of the tool attachment of Figure 9A; Figure 9C shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9B; and Figure 9D shows a side view of the tool attachment of Figure 9A.

Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments

With reference to Figure 1 there is illustrated a multipurpose tool 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention, with 27 tool attachments 12 and an alternative tool head 14 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, 2A and 2B the multipurpose tool 10 comprises an elongate handle 16 and a tool head 18 (according to a first embodiment of the invention) provided at one end of the handle 16.

The handle 16 is provided with a central grip 20 and has a first transverse hole 22 through the end opposite to the end on which the tool head 18 is located, the first hole 22 being provided for receipt of a tommy bar (not shown). The tool head 18 is pivotally mounted on the handle 16 via a transverse pin (not shown) which extends through a second transverse hole 24 which has an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the length of the handle 16 and 90 degrees from the axis of the first hole 22. The second transverse hole 24 is provided through opposed flattened side surfaces 25 of the handle 12 to aid attachment and movement of the tool head 18 thereon. An (optional) third transverse hole 27 is provided in the handle 12 below the tool head 18 and is parallel to the second transverse hole 24. The third transverse hole 27 may be provided for receipt of a further tool or tommy bar (not shown).

The tool head 18 is substantially similar to that in GB813359. More specifically, the tool head 18 comprises a body 26 which, in this case, is substantially U-shaped such that its opposing legs 28 straddle the handle 16 and include holes 29 for receipt of the pivot pin extending through the second hole 24. Accordingly, the tool head 18 is free to pivot around the end of the handle 16 (e.g. from facing to the right of the handle 16, to facing axially away from handle 16, to facing to the left of the handle 16). Thus, the tool head 18 can be positioned for optimal engagement with a workpiece.

As shown most clearly in Figures 3A and 3B, mounted on top of a flat surface 30 of the body 26, is a male inter-engaging element in the form of a substantially cylindrical peg 32. The peg 32 is provided with transverse blind hole 34 which is provided with a spring-based ball 36 (shown in Figure 3B). Spaced from and substantially parallel to the peg 32 there is provided a part-cylindrical projection 38 having a planar drive surface 40 disposed opposite the peg 32. The curved portion of the projection 38 constitutes a gripping surface and is provided with a series of serrations or teeth 42.

Figure 4 shows the alternative tool head 14. In this case, the body 44 comprises a substantially hollow cuboid 46 which slots over the end of the handle 16 and is secured in place by a pin (not shown) provided through transverse holes 48. At a free end of the body 44 there is provided a planar ledge 50 on which is mounted a male inter-engaging element in the form of a substantially cylindrical peg 52. Although not shown, the peg may be provided with a spring-based ball similar to that described above, so as to retain a tool attachment 12 thereon. Spaced from and substantially parallel to the peg 52 there is provided a substantially rectangular projection 54 having a planar drive surface 56 disposed opposite the peg 52. As illustrated, the side of the projection 54 opposite to the drive surface 56 is slightly concavely curved.

In other embodiments, the tool head 14 may be configured to pivot on the handle 16 in a similar manner to that described above for tool head 18.

Referring back to Figure 1, the 27 tool attachments 12 shown are respectively configured as: a 16mm square socket 60; a multi hex driver 62; a multi hex driver 64; a square / hex driver 66; a circular / hex driver 68; a hex driver 70; a 13mm socket and 17mm hex NF 72; a 12mm socket and 16mm hex A/F 74; a 11mm socket and 15mm hex A/F 76; a 10mm socket and 10mm hex A/F 78; a 9mm socket and 13mm hex A/F 80; a 8mm socket and 9mm hex A/F 82; a toilet seat socket 12-14mm 84; a crutch valve socket 86; a gate valve socket 88; a 7.2mm square socket 90; a 8.5mm square socket 92; a 9.5mm square socket 94; a cabinet key 96; a 5.2mm square socket 98; a 7.9mm square socket 100; a gas meter box key 102; a radiator valve 5.5mm slot socket 104; a radiator valve balance 4mm slot socket 106; a 15mm tap backnut open socket 108; a 22mm tap backnut open socket 110; and a sink waste basket socket 112; with each tool attachment 12 having an appropriately configured tool end 113.

Each tool attachment 12 comprises a planar mating surface 114 configured to mate with either the drive surface 40 on the tool head 18 or the drive surface 56 on the tool head 14 so as to transfer torque applied to the respective drive surface 40, 56, to the tool attachment 12, by relative movement of the handle 16 during use.

Although not shown in Figure 1, it will be understood that each tool attachment 12 comprises a female inter-engaging element in the form of a substantially cylindrical recess for receipt of either the peg 32 of the tool head 18 or the peg 52 of the tool head 14 for attachment thereto. In addition, the recess comprises a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of the spring-biased ball 36 projecting radially from the peg 32, 52 so as to retain the peg 32, 52 in the recess.

It will also be noted that each tool attachment 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical base 116 having the mating surface 114 provided on a side thereof In most of the tool attachments 12 shown, the tool end 113 projects from the cylindrical base 116 and is axially aligned therewith. However, in the case of the tap backnut open sockets 108, the tool end 113 is attached to the side of the cylindrical base 116 opposite to the side constituting the mating surface 114.

Figure 5 shows the hex driver 70 tool attachment 12 of Figure 1 in which the cylindrical base 116, planar mating surface 114, tool end 113 and inter-engaging recess 118 are clearly illustrated.

Figure 6 shows the hex driver 70 of Figure 5 being located on the tool head 18 of the multipurpose tool 10. Accordingly, the recess 118 is aligned for insertion of the peg 32 and the tool attachment 12 is rotated so as to align the mating surface 114 with the drive surface 40.

Figures 7A through 7D show the square I hex driver 66 tool attachment 12 of Figure 1 in more detail. In addition to the cylindrical base 116, planar mating surface 114 and inter-engaging recess 118, the tool end 113, in this case, comprises a lower portion in the form of a hexagonal driver 120 and an upper portion in the form of a square driver 122 having a cylindrical hole 124 therein. As shown in Figure 70, the recess 118 is provided with a radial groove 126 for receipt of the spring-ball 36 which projects from the peg 32 in order to retain the tool attachment 12 on the tool head 18 as shown in Figure 8.

Figures 9A through 9D show the 16mm square socket 60 tool attachment 12 of Figure 1 in more detail. In this embodiment, the cylindrical base 116 on which the planar mating surface 114 is provided merges into the tool end 113 such that the cylindrical external surface 130 of the tool end 113 is continuous with the cylindrical base 116.

Furthermore, the recess 118 in which the groove 126 is provided merges into a wider cylindrical bore 132 provided in the tool end 113 so that the tool attachment 12 in this instance has a continuous bore therethrough. At an upper portion of the cylindrical bore 132 there is provided four semi-circular channels 134 equally spaced around the bore.

Although not illustrated, it will be understood that the square socket 60 can be located on either the tool head 18 or the tool head 14, with the respective peg 32, 52 located in the recess 118 and the spring-ball 36 located in the groove 126. At the same time, the mating surface 114 will be provided adjacent the drive surface 40, 56 to transfer torque applied through the handle 10 to the tool attachment 12.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. For example, features shown in one embodiment may be mixed and matched with features shown in other embodiments.

Furthermore, although the tool attachments illustrated relate primarily to plumbing applications, other types of tool attachments are envisaged for other applications.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A multipurpose tool comprising: an elongate handle; a tool head provided at one end of the handle; and a plurality of tool attachments; the tool head and each tool attachment having complementary inter-engaging elements for attaching each tool attachment to the tool head; and wherein the tool head comprises a drive surface, independent of the intel-engaging elements, and each tool attachment comprises a mating surface configured to transfer torque applied to the drive surface, to the tool attachment, by relative movement of the handle.
2. The multipurpose tool according to claim 1 wherein the tool head is pivotally mounted on the handle.
3. The multipurpose tool according to claim 2 wherein the tool head has an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the handle's length.
4. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein the drive surface is provided on a projection extending from the tool head.
5. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein the drive surface and the mating surface are substantially planar.
6. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein the complementary inter-engaging elements comprise a male portion and a female portion.
7. The multipurpose tool according to claim 6 wherein the male portion comprises a substantially cylindrical peg and the female portion comprises a substantially cylindrical recess.
8. The multipurpose tool according to claim 7 wherein the recess comprises a circumferential groove configured to receive a spring-biased ball projecting radially from the peg so as to retain the peg in the recess.
9. The multipurpose tool according to claim 6 wherein the male portion is provided on the tool head and the female portion is provided on each tool attachment.
10. The multipurpose tool according to claim 6 wherein the drive surface is spaced from and substantially parallel to the male portion.
11. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein the tool attachments comprise a substantially cylindrical base having the mating surface provided on a side thereof.
12.The multipurpose tool according to claim 11, when depend upon claim 6, wherein the female portion of the inter-engaging elements is provided in the cylindrical base.
13.The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein each tool attachment is provided with a different tool end configured for a different purpose.
14. The multipurpose tool according to claim 13 wherein the tool end is provided on the cylindrical base.
15. The multipurpose tool according to claim 14 wherein the tool end projects from the cylindrical base and is axially aligned therewith.
16. The multipurpose tool according to claim 14 wherein the tool end is attached to the side of the cylindrical base.
17. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim wherein the tool head comprises a flattened cylindrical projection having a curved gripping surface disposed on one surface thereof and an opposed flattened surface constituting the drive surface.
18. The multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim further comprising a tommy bar to facilitate rotation of the handle.
19. The multipurpose tool according to claim 18 wherein the handle is provided with a transverse hole through the end opposite to the end on which the tool head is located, the hole being provided for receipt of a tommy bar.
20. A tool attachment, for use with the multipurpose tool according to any preceding claim, comprising: an engagement element for attaching the tool attachment to a tool head of the multipurpose tool; and a mating surface, independent of the engagement element, configured to transfer torque applied to a drive surface of the tool head during use, to the tool attachment.
21. The tool attachment according to claim 20 comprising a substantially cylindrical base having the mating surface provided on a side thereof.
22. The tool attachment according to claim 21 wherein the drive surface and the mating surface are both planar and the cylindrical base has a planar portion at one side which constitutes the mating surface.
23. The tool attachment according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the engagement element comprises a cylindrical recess provided in the cylindrical base.
24. The tool attachment according to any one of claims 20 to 23 comprising a tool end configured as one of: a hex socket or driver, a square socket or driver, a toilet seat socket, a crutch valve socket, a gate valve socket, a cabinet key, a gas meter box key, a radiator valve slot socket, a tap backnut open socket or a sink waste basket socket.
25. The tool attachment according to claim 24 wherein the tool end is provided on the cylindrical base.
26. The tool attachment according to claim 25 wherein the tool end projects from the cylindrical base and is axially aligned therewith.
27. The tool attachment according to claim 25 wherein the tool end is attached to the side of the cylindrical base.
28. A multipurpose tool substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures.
29.A tool attachment substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures.