KR20010071243A - Briefcase tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multifunctional combined business travel tool having a variety of business instruments in a single reduced configuration for various travel purposes. The tool includes a flash 16 arranged along the wide handle of the tool such that the bulb and reflector can be larger than the tool according to the prior art. The tool includes a digital alarm clock 82 and other appliances 48, 50, 52, 54, 66, 68 that require a business traveler. The tool includes scissors 90 which are developed by rotating the two handles of the device outward.

Description

Briefcase tool {BRIEFCASE TOOL}

Occasionally, travelers need a variety of tools and other equipment to accommodate a variety of environments. For example, a person traveling on business uses a writing instrument and a clock to organize a meeting or meeting. In addition, a person traveling on business may need eyeglass care equipment if the glasses must be repaired in order to get the job done.

Since such instruments are made compact to facilitate their use and transport, it is difficult to transport many individual instruments in a carrying case. In addition, such small instruments make it difficult to place tools in suits and carrying cases, including pockets. In addition, small devices are relatively more likely to be lost in a suit or carrying case. Alternatively, a complex device such as a nail clipper may be connected to a nail file, a key package, or the like by a chain or a string. However, the composite of each of the heterogeneous devices thus joined may be too bulky to be manipulated and stored in a suit or carrying case.

It can also be easily purchased at shops such as airports or railway terminals where travelers come and go like business travelers. However, a person traveling on business may lack time or money to purchase the necessary equipment for the various uses described above.

Multifunctional tools with collapsible tools are known in the art. The tool can be rotated in and out of a predetermined channel inside at least one handle of the composite tool for optional use. For example, Leatherman's U.S. Patent 4,238,862 describes an initially folded small pocket compound tool that can be unfolded to produce a pair of forceps as well as nail files, small scissors, permanent magnetic Phillips-type screwdrivers, bottle openers and small to medium screwdriver bits. In addition, U.S. of Schaub. Patent 4,854,045 describes a module pocket knife having an electronic component such as an input keyboard and a display as well as a radio receiver. McIntosh's U.S. Patent 5,313, 376 includes a multifunction knife having an attachable flash. The SWISS ARMY knife can also be used through catalog sales, such as "NORM THOMPSON", which includes a combination of golf tools, knives, bottle openers, screwdrivers and removable tweezers and toothpicks.

However, although the joining tool may provide a variety of instruments, the user is limited by the tools available from a given joining instrument for the main purpose of the instrument. For example, many combinations, multifunction tools, are tools that have a function suitable for travel, not for business purposes, such as camping and hiking. For example, the cutting device and food device may be provided as a knife and may be an opener.

Many joining tools meet the specific needs that a businessman may encounter on a daily basis and do not include tools that are suitable for use by a person leaving for a business trip.

In addition, a person who has traveled on a business trip needs such a business apparatus, but does not give a space to a person to carry many apparatuses. Small business tools have the disadvantages described above; In other words, these small tools are easy to misplace or lose, and the combination of each tool may be bulky.

Therefore, these work tools must be small enough to fit in a briefcase or other business travel accessory, such as a purse, suitcase, pocket, glove part of the vehicle, a pocket that can be worn around the waist or other parts of the body. .

These coupling tools do not provide a compact tool assembly suitable for carrying in business travel accessories.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to multifunctional composite tools, and more particularly to tools suitable for use with business travel accessories such as briefcases.

The features and advantages of the multifunctional composite work tool are apparent and readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

1 is a front view of a tool formed in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a side view showing a first side of the tool of FIG. 1;

3 is a rear view of the tool shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a second side view showing a second side of the tool of FIG. 1 opposite the first side;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along line V-V of FIGS. 2 to 4 with each instrument of the tool deployed; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view along line VI-VI of FIGS. 2 to 4 with the pair of scissors folded;

7 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 6 with scissors unfolded;

8-11 illustrate another embodiment of a tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

12 is a front view of the instrument of FIGS. 8-11 with scissors deployed;

13 is a perspective view of another embodiment formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

14 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the instrument shown in FIG. 13;

15 is an exploded view of the instrument shown in FIG. 13;

16 is a perspective view of an electrical contact for the flash of the instrument shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the instrument shown in FIG. 13 with the watch housing rotated open to access the battery housing of the flash and watch. FIG.

For a variety of business travel purposes, a multifunctional coupling tool can be used, which can be used in a variety of ways to suit the nature of the work and can be small enough to fit inside a briefcase or other business travel accessory.

A multifunctional work travel composite device is described, which includes a number of individual work tools in a single compact structure. The work tool according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as " document bag " for the sake of clarity and not for purposes of limitation) includes a flash, a pen, a hole for storing the pen and a number of deployable instruments. Each deployable instrument is mounted to and disposed in an instrument channel for deployment by rotating about each instrument axis in a selectable orientation relative to the instrument channel. Many deployable instruments include cutting edges, cap lifters, Phillips-type screwdrivers, and nail files. The briefcase tool also includes a pair of scissors and a flash. The flash is provided in the size of the tool (the wide face forming the protective housing of the tool) which can provide a larger reflector and lens than can be provided along the narrow side or end of the tool. In addition, a watch may be provided. Preferably the clock is a digital alarm clock, which can be programmed by the user for use in midnight work. A number of detachable instruments may also be provided that can be completely detached from the additional instrument channel. Such detachable instruments include, but are not limited to, a set of tweezers and toothpicks.

In an embodiment of the invention, the scissors are arranged and formed such that the tool unit itself forms a scissors handle. In particular, the tool comprises a first handle having a first instrument channel and a first scissors channel, a second handle having a second instrument channel and a second scissors channel. The first and second scissors blades are mounted to the first and second handles by the first and second shafts. The shear point axis mounts the first shear blade to the second shear blade so that it can rotate. The first and second shear blades are arranged to be deployed inside the first and second shear channels of a non-deployable structure. When the first and second scissors blades are developed by rotation about the first and second axes, the first and second handles form the scissors that form the handles. The deployable instrument is disposed in the first instrument channel of the first handle and mounted to each instrument axis for deployment by rotating around each instrument in each selectable orientation relative to the first instrument channel. A detachable deployment mechanism and watch are provided on the second handle. The flash is provided in an extension of the first handle scale.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements, steps and features, and the present invention relates to a multifunctional combined business travel instrument, which is an initially fully constructed structure that includes a briefcase, purse, suitcase, pocket, glove portion of a vehicle, It's easy to carry with your business travel accessories, such as a pocket that you can wrap around your waist or other parts of your body. The business travel tool according to the present invention, described below for the sake of clarity and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, includes the tools required by the general businessman, especially during travel. For example, the briefcase tool according to the present invention includes various instruments such as blades, screwdrivers, cap lifter / bottle openers, scissors, nail files, tweezers, toothpicks and pens. In addition, a flash is provided. Preferably the flash is formed and arranged to provide maximum illumination. A clock, in particular an alarm clock, may also be provided. Such elements may be arranged in various ways in accordance with the principles of the invention, and the embodiments described herein are exemplary only and do not limit the invention.

1-4 show a front, first side, back and second side view, respectively, of a briefcase tool 10 according to the invention. Tool 10 includes a flash, pen, knife, cap lifter / slot screwdriver (on the free end of the cap lifter), Phillips screwdriver / eyeglass repair composite instrument, and nail file / flat head screwdriver (nail On the free end of the string) to accommodate the composite device. The second portion 14 is shaped to receive a watch, a removable toothpick and a pair of tweezers. A pair of scissors is placed inside the tool 10 with each scissors blade mounted to each of the parts 12, 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the flash actuator 18 associated with the flash 16 is mounted on top of the first portion 12. The flash actuator 18 may be a push button, a toggle switch or another actuating device for turning the flash 16 on and off or adjusting the brightness. The actuator 18 can automatically return to the off position when releasing pressure to the actuator 18 and, once activated, remain in the on position until pressure is once again applied to return the actuator 18 to the off position. Can be. The flash actuator 18 is a concave button disposed in a groove that extends partially into the interior of the flash housing 24, so that a fingertip defined to contain the thumb is inserted into the groove to operate the flash actuator 18. The flash actuator 18 is also a flat, touch-sensitive surface as used in a mouse for a laptop. By using concave buttons or touch-sensitive surfaces, the flash actuator 18 does not have any side extending from the flash housing 24 and, as a result of frictional contact with other elements such as surfaces and books in a briefcase or other carrying case, or Due to the normal maintenance by the user, the possibility of accidental operation of the flash 16 is lowered. The flash actuator 18 can be disposed on the side of the tool 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, so that the user can hold the tool 10 with a thumb placed over the flash actuator 18 to operate and stop. . The actuator 18 may also be disposed at the end 19 of the tool 10 adjacent to the flash 16. Instead of using a finger, a user may use a toothpick or other instrument as described herein to operate the flash actuator 18.

The flash 16 comprises a lens 20; That is, a flat plate or sheet made of a transparent material extending through the opening of the front scale (housing plate) 22 of the tool 10. If desired, the focal length of the lens 20 can be adjusted to adjust the focus of the light emitted from the flash 16. The light housing 24 is mounted between the front scale 22 and the first intermediate plate 26, and the flash actuator 18 extends through the opening at one side of the flash housing 24, as shown in FIG. 2. have.

The battery hatch 28 shown in FIG. 5 is provided to replace the battery 30 to power the flash 16. The tool 10 and flash housing 24 have an interior space for accommodating the battery 30, and the battery hatch 28 is configured to be wide enough to replace the battery 30. For example, battery 30 may be an N size battery that provides about 1.5V DC to power flash 16, and No. It may be a number of energy cells, such as a 357 type battery cell. Instructions labeled on tool 10, such as battery hatch 28, indicate the required battery size, shape, voltage and insertion direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, mounting the reflector 34 on the remaining components of the flash 16, such as the replaceable battery 30, the bulb 32 disposed on the reflector 34, and the front scale 22. The groove 36 and the electrical connection 38 are arranged inside the flash housing 24. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 5, the flash 16 is disposed on the front scale 22 and the electrical connections 38 such that the longitudinal axis 31 of the battery 30 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 33 of the bulb 32. ) Is configured. This orientation of the flash 16 allows the use of a larger lens 22, bulb 32 and reflector 34 than would be possible if the flash 16 was placed along the end 19 of the tool 10. . In addition, the orientation of these electrical connections 38 allows the battery 30 to occupy as little space as possible along the length of the tool 10 to allow the maximum space for the instrument contained therein, as described below.

The battery hatch 28 includes a conductive plate for contacting the electrical connection 38 when the battery hatch 28 is connected to the flash housing 24, so that the end of the battery 30 has a conductive plate and electrical connection 38. Contact with. Accordingly, the components of the flash 16 form a circuit in response to the operation of the flash actuator 18 to provide or disconnect circuit paths and electrical contacts between the battery 30 and the bulb 32.

The first portion 12 includes a writing instrument disposed on top of the first portion 12, as shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment herein, the writing instrument may be a ballpoint pen 40 having an ink cartridge 42 stored therein for removal in the slot 44 at the end 19 of the tool 10, and the ink cartridge 42 The end 46 of the extends beyond the end 19 of the first portion 12 so that the user can hold or place the pen 40. In the embodiments herein, the pen 40 can be used independently of the tool 10; That is, the user can hold the pen 40 and write it, and the tool 10 may not be used afterwards. In addition, the end 46 attaches the end 46 to the slot 44 after the ink cartridge 42 is rotated 180 degrees so that the writing end of the pen 40 extends away from the tool 10 during writing. It may also include a device. For example, the end 46 and the slot 44 include screws for screwing the end 46 into the slot 44 so that when the pen 40 is stretched during writing, the user may move the tool 10. I can keep it.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a pen 40 is shown with the writing end lying inwards towards the inside of the tool 10. In another embodiment, the writing instrument tip is oriented outwards such that the pen 40 and writing instrument tip can extend from the tool 10, with the end 46 having the pen 40 completely removed from the tool 10. With detents and other secure connections, the pen 40 can be reinserted into the tool 10 while not in use. In another embodiment, the pen 40 and ink cartridge 42 can be hingedly moved by an axis within the upper portion of the first portion 12 such that the pen 40 rotates around the hinge for use. The pen 40 is deployed and reinserts the pen 40 into the first portion 12 while not in use.

Writing instruments of the tool 10 may include pencils, markers, chalk, and other writing instruments. In addition, the writing instrument of the tool 10 may be replaced or included with other useful business instruments; For example, a telescopically expandable pointer for use during a presentation; A laser pointer for presentation that can be powered by a battery of flash 16; A rubber stick eraser that can be unfolded for use with a writing instrument; Glue / full tube; Correction fluid tube; And fix tape dispenser.

4-5, the lower portion of the first portion 12 includes a number of collapsible retractable mechanisms, which are Phillips head screwdrivers 48, nail files 50, blades 52 and cap lifters ( 54) and the like. The components of the instrument 10 described above are documents that are not magnetic in the preferred embodiment but may include magnetic sensitive materials such as computer disks, cassette tapes, dictaphone tapes, and credit cards that are typically carried by people traveling. It may be made of a nonmagnetic material such as hardened ceramic to be carried in a bag or other transport accessory. Since the magnetic sensitive material and the above-described instrument 10 may be adjacent, the above-described instrument 10 should not have any magnetic / device influence on the object enclosed in the briefcase or other carrying accessory.

Each instrument 48-54 is mounted to at least one axis in the first portion 12 so as to be able to rotate in all angular orientations within the range of 0 ° to 180 °. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5, the instruments 48-54 share a common axis 56 that extends through the aligned holes of the instruments 48-54.

Each instrument 48-54 is associated with a respective spring, such as a spring 58, which is mounted to the first portion 12 and curves to form an instrument channel for receiving each instrument in all angular orientations. It has a recess, which matches the shape of each instrument 48-54. The rectangular portion of the spring 58 has an end 60 and the spring 58 is bent while each mechanism is rotating. Advantageously, when the selected mechanism is rotated to the set deployment position, ie the 180 ° position of the cap lifter 54 shown in FIG. 5, each end 60 of the spring 58 is capable of separating the instrument into the deployed position. It is engaged with the corresponding detent 62 of the mechanism for securing.

To reposition each instrument, for example to rotate the instrument back to the fully retracted position as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the user rotates the instrument and exerts sufficient force to bend the spring 58 and each detent ( Separate end 60 from 62.

Like other compound instruments, each instrument 48-54 includes a recess 64 that allows the user to rotate and select the instrument outwards in the fully retracted position as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The instruments 48-54 are associated with the width and position of each recess 64 such that the instruments 48-54 or each recess 64 are staggered for easy access to the selected instrument and the remaining instruments Does not prevent the user from holding and deploying the selected instrument.

Each instrument 48-54 has a variety of functions and features. For example, the Phillips head screwdriver 48 may be a micro-Phillips head screwdriver that is sized for use in repairing a watch, such as a watchband that may loosen, as well as a spectacle frame that uses a screw connection between the frame portions. . The nail file 50 and the blade 52 may include a tip 66 sized and shaped as a flat head screwdriver, which may be used for watch and eyeglass repair. The cap lifter 54 includes a relatively large tip 68 configured to function as a slot and a flat head screwdriver. Thus, by including various screwdriver sizes and shapes, the instrument 48-54 can be used for work-related travel, such as repairing glasses, trimming with a nail file 50, or picking a beverage bottle with a cap lifter 54. Including work, it can be used for various purposes.

In FIGS. 1-2, the second portion 14 of the tool 10 includes toothpicks 72 and tweezers 70 arranged to be separable into each slot in the second portion 14. Tweezers 70 and toothpicks 72 can be secured by friction fitting the ends and sides into the walls of each slot. The tweezers 70 and ends 74, 76 of the toothpick 72 extend beyond the surface of the second portion 14 so that the user can grab and remove the selected instrument.

The second part 14 comprises a clock device 78, like the digital clock in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Since the clock device 78 is provided along one side of the tool 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the tool 10 is stable when placed next to the bedside table to view the clock 78. However, the clock 78 may be placed along the scale of the instrument 10. As shown in the tool 10, the battery powered clock 78 is complete by incorporating a clock battery and in the preferred embodiment is not connected to the flash 16 or the battery 30 of an external power source. Accordingly, power is continuously supplied to the clock 78 so as to maintain accurate time without interruption during the battery replacement process and without power equipment, such as power change and consumption from the flash 16. In general, clock 78 may use a power cell, which may last more than three years without replacement. To facilitate battery replacement when needed, second portion 14 includes an opening, such as clock battery hatch 80, so that it can be replaced as required.

As shown in FIG. 2, the watch 78 includes a digital watch face 82 in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In another embodiment, the watch has one analog face; It is hour and minute hands and can be powered by batteries.

1-3, clock 78 includes multiple clock actuators 84-86 to perform functions such as time setting function, mode setting function, alarm, and the like. For example, clock 78 may be an alarm clock and includes a speaker for generating an alarm sound. In embodiments herein, the speaker may be connected with a speaker opening 88 to provide an alarm signal at a sufficient volume. Other buttons may also be provided if required for other settings.

As described above for the flash actuator 18, the clock actuators 84-86 may be pushed, toggled switches or recessed buttons as well as flat, touch-sensitive surfaces to minimize mis-correction of the clock 78's time settings. Other actuating devices such as grooves. Toothpicks or other instruments as described herein may be used to operate the clock actuator 84-86.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the tool 10 includes scissors 90, which can be rearranged from the folded position shown in FIG. 6 to the unfolded position shown in FIG. 7. Scissors 90 includes a third intermediate plate 98 (FIG. 2) and a second intermediate plate (FIG. 2) that divide the second portion 14 of the tool 10 into a front portion where tweezers 70 and toothpicks 72 are disposed. A pair of blades 92,94 disposed between 96; A rear including a clock 78; And an intermediate portion for storing the blades 92, 94 in the shear channel formed by the intermediate plates 96, 98.

Each blade 92, 94 is mounted to the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 at each blade axis 100, 102. When the scissors 90 are unfolded as shown in FIG. 7, the portions 12, 14 of the tool 10 are used as handles of the scissors 90. The shear point axis 104 couples the blades 92 and 94 together and effectively connects the portions 12 and 14.

Each blade 92, 94 is engaged with each spring 106, 108 of the portion 12, 14, and each spring 106, 108 is sized and shaped to accommodate the blade 92, 94 as shown in FIG. 6. Is set. Each spring 106, 108 includes spring ends 110, 112 for connecting surfaces 114-120 of the blades 92, 94. In particular, the outer faces 114, 116 of the blades 92, 94 are formed in a plane for placement with respect to the planar spring ends 110, 112. When the tool 10 is placed in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 6, the restoring force of the springs 106, 108 secures the spring ends 110, 112 so that they do not move, i.e., rotate, the outer faces 114, 116.

During deployment, the user rotates portions 12 and 14 around the axes 100 and 102 of each blade to overcome the resilience of the springs 106 and 108 to separate the spring ends 110 and 112 from the outer faces 114 and 116. When the portions 12 and 14 have been sufficiently rotated to the position shown in FIG. 7, the spring ends 110 and 112 engage the inner faces 118 and 120 of the blades 92 and 94. When the tool 10 is arranged in the open open configuration shown in FIG. 7, the restoring force of the springs 106, 108 secures the inner faces 118, 120 from moving, i.e., from rotating.

As such, in order to return the tool 10 to the closed position of FIG. 6, the user rotates the portions 12, 14 around the blade axes 100, 102 with sufficient force to overcome the resilience of the springs 106, 108 and the inner surface ( 118, 120 to separate the spring ends (110, 112) and connect the outer surfaces (114, 16).

When the scissors 90 are deployed, the tool 10 described above is equipped with a bias spring 122 mounted to a corresponding spring that mounts a channel to each of the blades 92 and 94 to space-bias the blades 92 and 94. It includes. By biasing the blades 92 and 94, the scissors 90 are unfolded and the portions 12 and 14 have an angular orientation to obtain a maximum stop angle to open the blades 92 and 94 for use. As shown in FIG. 7, the maximum stop angle is about 15 °. During use, the user overcomes the resilience of the bias spring 122 to bring the portions 12, 14 and the blades 92, 94 together. In other embodiments, bias spring 122 may be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first portion 12 includes a front scale 22 as well as a rear scale 124 to enclose the components therebetween. Similarly, second portion 14 includes a front scale 126 and a rear scale 128. For the outwardly facing surfaces of scales 22,124-128, each outward surface can be machined to be smooth. This surface may also be granulated to provide friction to the user's hand using and holding the tool 10. In addition, marks indicating brand names, logos, patent indication information and other product characteristics may be arranged on the outer surface. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 13-17 and described in more detail below, soft materials having high coefficients of friction are overmolded onto the scales 22, 124, 126, 128 to increase friction and improve grip of the tool 10 to allow the tool 10 Does not slip when placed on the surface, such as when viewing the clock 78.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8-11, the aforementioned tool 210 includes a first portion 212 and a twenty-second portion 214. The first portion 212 includes a flash 216 having a corresponding flash actuator 218 disposed within the flash housing 224 as described above. Battery hatch 228 is provided inside flash housing 224 to allow battery replacement to operate flash 216.

The tool 210 is connected to the sliding button 236 and a sliding button 236 that is slidable inside the pen actuator slot 238 to unfold and draw in the pen 240 disposed in the first portion 212. It includes a pen actuator such as. The pen 240 includes a cartridge 242 disposed to slide in the slot 244 at the first portion 212, so that the tip portion 246 of the pen is fully extended out or the first portion 212. Is fully inserted into

First portion 212 includes foldable instruments such as Phillips screwdriver 248, nail file 250, cutting edge mechanism 252 and cap lifter 254, which are described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. It can be selectively oriented and deployed by using various springs and detents as described.

Tweezers 270 and toothpicks 272 of the tool 210 are arranged to be separable in the respective slots 274 and 276 in the first portion 212. Thus, except for the pair of scissors 290 shown in FIG. 12 mounted to the two parts 212 and 214, the second part 214 has actuators 284 and 286 and a clock face 282 along one side. All the mechanisms including only the watch 278, which can be deployed and detached, are provided in the first portion 212.

As shown in FIG. 12, the tool 210 can be rearranged into a fully unfolded structure 288 where a pair of scissors 290 has portions 212 and 214 that serve as scissors handles. Scissors 290 include blades 292 and 294 mounted to axes 300 and 302 of portions 212 and 214. The blades 292 and 294 are mounted to be rotatable relative to each other via the point axis 304. The second portion 214 is a point axis 304 because the tool 210 can be repositioned by rotating the second portion 214 around the axis 302 and rotating the first portion 212 around the axis 300. Rotate in a predetermined arc of about 340 ° in the direction of arrow 310 in a relative motion. In addition, the two portions 212, 214 can move and rotate to relatively rotate the second portion 214 away from the first portion 212 to obtain the deployed structure 288.

The tool 410 shown in FIGS. 13-17 does not include scissors that utilize a portion such as a handle as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12. Instead, the tool 410 is similar to a standard pocket tool and has only one front plate 422 and only one rear scale 524 as can be understood with reference to FIGS. 13-15. However, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, like the tool 10, the tool 410 includes a flash 416 on the front scale 422, includes a watch 478 along one side of the tool, and It includes a number of instruments stored on the side facing 478. Components of the tool 410, which are similar to the components of the tool 10, are indicated by reference numerals increased by 400.

Like the flash 16 of the tool 10, the flash actuator 418 may be provided at the end 419 of the tool 410 and may be configured in any shape desired as described above with reference to the actuator 18. Like the flash 16, the flash 416 can be understood by reference to the exploded view of FIG. 15, the electrical connections 438, grooves (for connecting the actuator 418 to the battery 430 to operate the flash 416). 436, reflector 434, bulb 432, flash housing 424, and lens 420. As noted above, the orientation of this flash 416 allows for a wider light spread than is allowed when the flash 416 is provided at the end 419.

The components of the electrical contact 438 are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Electrical connection 438 includes a first lead 540 positioned to move in motion of flash actuator 418. The movement of the first lead 540 causes a reciprocating motion of the second lead 542 through the block 544 such that the battery contact end 546 of the second lead 542 is pushed and the same battery as the sliding end shown in FIG. 16. Contact with a first end of 430. The opposite end of the second lead 542 forms a bulb contact end 548 connected to the first electrical contact of the bulb 432 to provide a first electrical connection. The second end of the battery 430 (negative end in the embodiment of FIG. 16) and the second electrical contact of the bulb 432 are electrically connected through the first lead 540 and the third lead 550. In particular, the battery contact end of the third lead 550 is in continuous contact with the other end of the battery 430. The electrical connection end 554 of the third lead 550 is in electrical contact with the electrical connection end 56 of the first lead 540, and the bulb contact end 558 of the first lead 540 is the bulb 432. Contact with a second electrical contact of bulb 432 to electrically connect a second end of battery 430 to a second electrical contact of.

This flash 416 and electrical connections 438 allow the longitudinal axis of the light bulb 432 to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 431 of the battery 430, such that the flash 416 is one of the scales 422, 524 of the tool 410. Can be accommodated in one. Thus, a larger flash provided in the pocket tool according to the prior art may be provided inside the tool 410. The electrical connections shown in Figures 15 and 16 can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention.

As can be appreciated with reference to FIG. 17, the battery 430 of the flash 416 can be accessed for replacement by rotating the clock housing 560 around the axis of rotation 562. Thus, placing the battery 430 along the battery longitudinal axis 431 parallel to the longitudinal axis 411 of the tool 410 allows for relatively easy replacement of the battery 430. This possibility of rotation of the clock housing 560 facilitates replacement of the clock battery 564 disposed between the clock battery leads 566a and 566b inside the battery housing 568.

As can be understood with reference to FIG. 17, the watch 478 includes a watch face or instrument 482 disposed between the first and second portions 560a, 560b of the watch housing 560. The front watch housing portion 560a has a hole for viewing the watch face 482 as well as a hole for the watch operation button 484. Many actuation buttons 484, of the type described above with reference to actuation button 84, may be provided. For example, an operation button may be provided for functions such as time setting, alarm setting, and alarm on / off.

The orientation of the battery 430 described above gives the maximum space for the instrument included along the side of the instrument 410 opposite the watch 478. Such instruments may be relatively large to operate as nail files 450, cutting edge mechanism 452, slots and flat head screwdrivers having end portions 466 formed as Phillips screwdrivers 448, flat head screwdrivers or other devices. Like the cap lifter 454 with the end 468, it includes the same deployment mechanism as provided in the tool 10, each of which is rotatably coupled to the tool 410 about the axis of rotation 456. Each instrument includes a respective spring 458 for biasing the instrument to the desired position as detailed above for the instrument of tool 10. The scissors 490 may be rotatably connected to the tool 410 via the axis of rotation 456. As described above, the scissors 490 provided inside the tool 410 have handles extending from the rear ends of each blade 492, 494 regardless of the housing or scale of the tool 410. Multiple instruments described above with respect to the tool 10 may be provided to the tool 410.

Like the tool 10, the tool 410 includes detachable instruments such as writing implements 440, tweezers 470 and toothpicks 472, each provided in a respective slot provided on one of the scales 422, 524. . As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the writing instrument 440 is held in a writing implement holder 535 that is slidably disposed within the writing instrument operating slot. The sliding writing implements 536 extend from the writing implement holder 535 through one scale 422, 524 (in FIG. 14, scale 524) for access by the user. The sliding movement of the writing instrument actuator 536 is drawn into the writing instrument actuator for removal or storage from the tool 410 for use of the writing instrument 440. Other forms of writing instruments, such as those described above for the tool 10, may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 17, the overmold 570 may be provided on at least one portion of the scales 422, 524. In a preferred embodiment, the scales 422, 524 are formed of a rigid, durable material, such as a plastic material, suitable for forming a protective shell or housing such as provided by the scales 422, 524. Advantageously, this material is resistant to chemicals and water. One such material is acetyl, such as ^DELRIN® , manufactured by DuPont Company of Wilmington, Delaware, a polymer. To improve the tactile feel, the overmold 570 is made of a softer material than the scale 422, 524 material. In addition, the material of the overmold 570 has a high coefficient of friction to provide a non-slip surface to the tool 410. Thus, when the tool 410 is placed on the support surface, slippage of the tool 410 is prevented. The anti-skid feature described above is particularly useful when the tool 410 uses the alarm feature of the clock 478 and places it on a surface, such as next to the bedroom table to view the clock 478. Advantageously, the overmold 570 is formed of an elastomeric or rubber material, such as SANTOPRENE ^R , manufactured by Monsanto Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri. The ridge 572 may be formed along the surface of the overmold 570 for improved design and for additional friction. If only the aesthetics from the overmold 570 need to be improved, any material desired may be used, although the material of the overmold 570 has the same durability, chemical, and weather resistance as the scale 422,524 materials.

It will be appreciated that all of the tools described above may be equipped with additional mechanisms. For example, lanyards or key bundles may be provided to attach keys or other objects. In addition, the small recording apparatus may be provided in all the above-described tools for recording the memo. The length of the memo will vary depending on the storage capacity of the voice chip or other recording device provided for storing the memo or message. Other devices may be provided that are deemed useful to the businessman. For example, small staples, paper clip storage portions and paper clip feeders, personal names and address stamps, and the like can be included.

While the foregoing multifunctional combined business travel tool is shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the ends of writing instruments, tweezers and toothpicks, flash actuators, and watches will extend into shallow recesses at the surface of the tool instead of extending beyond the surface of the tool as described herein. In addition, the flash may be provided on the rear scale instead of the front scale as described herein, and may be provided with a groove different from that shown. Therefore, modifications may be made as in the examples presented herein within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (30)

Multiple instruments; flash; And Multifunctional tool that includes a clock as a unit. The method of claim 1, A first scale forming a first side of the tool; And And a second scale forming a second side of the tool, And the flash is disposed on one of the first and second scales. 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the over mold is provided for a portion of one of the first and second scales. 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the instrument is rotatably coupled to the tool between the first and second scales. 3. The device of claim 2, comprising a flash housing including a compartment for receiving a battery; The flashlight and the battery compartment are oriented so that the vertical axis of the bulb provided in the flash is perpendicular to the battery longitudinal axis provided in the battery compartment. 3. The tool of claim 2 comprising a flash reflector disposed at one of the first and second scales. The tool of claim 1 wherein the clock is an alarm clock. 8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the clock is a digital alarm clock. The method of claim 1, A flash housing comprising a compartment for accommodating a battery; And A watch housing in which the watch is received; The watch housing is connected to the tool so as to be rotatable; And the flash housing has an interior disposed inside the tool behind the watch housing to allow access to the interior of the flash housing when the watch housing rotates away from the tool. First scale; Second scale; A plurality of instruments stored between the first scale and the second scale; And Multifunctional tool consisting of a flash disposed on one of the first and second scales. The tool of claim 10, wherein the instrument is rotatably coupled to the tool. 11. The tool of claim 10, wherein the overmold is disposed relative to a portion of one of the first and second scales. First scale; Second scale; A plurality of instruments stored between the first and second scales; And A multifunctional tool comprising an overmold provided for a portion of one of the first and second scales. The method of claim 13, The first and second scales are formed of a rigid durable material; The overmold is formed of a material that is softer than the material of the first and second scales. The method of claim 14, The first and second scales are formed of plastic; And said overmold is formed of rubber. A first portion having a first instrument channel, a first shear channel and a first axis; A second portion having a second instrument channel, a second scissors channel and a second axis; First and second scissors blades mounted to the first and second portions by first and second axes; A shear point axis for rotatably mounting the first shear blade to the second shear blade; And Consists of deployable instruments mounted to one of the first and second instrument channels for deployment by rotating about the instrument axis in selectable orientations for one of the first and second instrument channels. It is done; The first and second scissors blades are arranged to be unfoldable inside the first and second scissors channels in an unfolded state; A multifunctional tool for forming a scissors wherein the first and second portions are handles when the first and second scissors blades are unfolded by rotating around the first and second axes. 17. The tool of claim 16, comprising a removable instrument disposed in another first and second instrument channel and capable of being completely removed from the first and second instrument channel. 18. The tool of claim 17, wherein the removable instrument is a group consisting of a set of tweezers, toothpicks, and writing implements. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a lighting device coupled to one of the first and second portions; And And a watch coupled to one of said first and second parts. 20. The tool of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second portions includes a battery hatch to replace a battery for powering the lighting device and the watch. 17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the first portion includes a spring for applying a restoring force to the deployable instrument to secure the deployable instrument in one of two respective orientations set for the instrument channel. 17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the deployable mechanism is one or more groups consisting of cutting edges, cap lifters, Phillips-type screwdrivers, nail files, flat head screwdrivers, and slot screwdrivers. 17. The tool of claim 16, comprising an independent flash. The flash of claim 23, wherein the flash is: A flash actuator arranged to operate and stop the flash; bulb; And And a battery hatch to receive and replace the battery for powering the bulb for operation of the actuator. 17. The tool of claim 16, comprising an independent digital alarm clock. 27. The multifunctional tool of claim 25, wherein the digital alarm clock includes one or more actuators arranged to set the clock function of the digital alarm clock. 17. The tool of claim 16, comprising a writing instrument, the first portion comprising a slot for storing the writing instrument. 17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the deployable instrument includes a nail file having a tip having a flat surface for use as a flat head screwdriver. 17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the expandable mechanism includes a cap lifter having a flat end and a tip for use as a slotted screwdriver. 18. The tool of claim 16, comprising a shear blade spring for biasing the deployed first and second shear blades to an open position in a predetermined maximum angular orientation.