WO2020232457A1 - Multi-tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a configurable multi-tool. The multi-tool includes a plurality of tool storage segments. A tool storage segment houses a tool when the tool is in a stored position and supports the tool when the tool is in the deployed for use position.

Description

MULTI-TOOL

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/921,680 filed on June 29, 2019.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many tasks require multiple small hand tools of the correct size and type. Unfortunately, these tools are frequently misplaced or lost due to their size and infrequent use. Workers and hobbyists using these tools increasingly find it difficult to purchase and maintain the appropriate size and mixture of tools. The industry would benefit from a multi-tool that could both store and facilitate the use of predetermined tool sets.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment the present disclosure describes an apparatus configured to retain small hand tools for storage and use. The apparatus functions as a multi-tool. The apparatus includes:

a tool storage segment;

the tool storage segment has an elongated recess, wherein the elongated recess extends from an opening to a bottom;

the opening has dimensions greater than the elongated recess;

positioned within the elongated recess is a tool;

the tool has a first end and a second end with a body therebetween;

the body is configured to allow the tool to nest within the elongated recess;

the second end is configured to nest within the opening of the elongated recess; and

when the second end of the tool is placed within the opening of the elongated recess with the body outside of the elongated recess, the opening of the elongated recess will retain the tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the multi-tool.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the multi-tool showing tools partially stored and one tool attached and ready for use.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a top-edge view of one embodiment of the multi-tool.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a side-edge view of one embodiment of the multi-tool.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tool storage segment and tool of one embodiment of the multi-tool taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 3.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side-view of the multi-tool with tools in storage of one embodiment of the multi-tool taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 3.

[0010] FIGS. 7A-7E are examples of tools, shown in side view, that can be used with various embodiments of the multi-tool.

[0011] FIGS. 8A-8C are exploded views depicting various embodiments of openings and the mating side of tools that can be used with the multi-tool.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of the design.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a top side profile view of one embodiment of the design.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a bottom side profile view of one embodiment of the design.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a left side profile view of one embodiment of the design.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a right side profile view of one embodiment of the design. [0017] FIG. 14 is a side cut-away view depicting the location of hollow chamber 32.

[0018] FIGS. 15A and 15B depict the engagement of tool 90 with flanges 21.

[0019] FIG. 16 depicts the location of a ratcheting mechanism in tool storage segment 22.

[0020] FIG. 17 depicts the location of threads 96 in opening 25 and threads 98a, 98b on end

50 of tool 90.

[0021] FIGS. 18A-18E depict an alternative embodiment of multi-tool 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The drawings included with this application illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments described herein. However, the drawings should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of modification or alteration in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1-8, the multi-tool 10 disclosed herein is particularly suited for use as a multi-purpose hand tool. As depicted in the FIGS. 1-6, the design of multi-tool 10 provides the ability to store one or more tools 90. Further, the configuration of central body 30 provides support for tools 90 and leverage necessary to accomplish a variety of tasks. Although depicted with five variations of tools 90, multi-tool 10 is not limited to tools disclosed herein. The primary limiting factor being the ability to store the selected tool in tool storage segment 22. In the embodiment depicted by FIGS. 1-6 each tool storage segment 22 terminates in a tip 20. Typically, tools requiring more torque can be strategically placed to take advantage of the unique dimensioning of the central body 30.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 depicts one embodiment of the multi-tool 10 configured to house up to five tools 90. The shape of multi-tool 10 depicted is not intended to be limiting, but merely an illustration of one embodiment of the multi-tool. Multi-tool 10 has a central body 30. Extending from central body 30 are a plurality of tool storage segments 22. Each tool storage segment 22 has an elongated recess or slot 40 suitable for receiving and retaining tool 90. Elongated recess 40 extends from an opening 25 to a bottom 42. Although the shape and size of the elongated recess 40 as depicted here closely match the tool 90, other sizes and shapes can be selected without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. In most instances, elongated recess 40 will be tubular; however, other channel forms will also be appropriate.

[0025] Tool 90 has a first end 80 and a second end 50 with a body 60 therebetween. First end 80 is sometimes referred to as the tool end or the working end. For example, first end 80 may be configured as a screw driver 80b or an awl 80c. Second end 50 has a geometric shape corresponding to the opening 25 of elongated recess 40 such that second end 50 will nest within opening 25. Body 60 can be any geometric shape that adequately supports first end 80 and second end 50 of the tool 90 relative to each end. Typically, body 60 has a shape that conforms with the interior of elongated recess 40 to further enhance the nesting of tool 90 within the elongated recess 40. Opening 25 can be any geometric shape that supports and retains the tool 90. The elongated recess 40 can be any geometric shape. Thus, in the stored configuration, tool 90 has a length which allows second end 50 to be fully received within opening 25 and a body 60 which generally corresponds to the interior dimensions of recess 40. When using multi-tool 10, the user will extract a selected tool 90 from recess 40 and position second end 50 of the tool 90 within opening 25 of elongated recess 40. Thus, when configured in the deployed position, second end 50 nests within opening 25 and body 60 extends outward and away from tool storage segment 22. FIG. 2 depicts tool 90 positioned for use, i.e. the deployed position, with body 60 extending outward from second end 50 while opening 25 retains tool 90. [0026] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of the multi-tool 10. FIG. 2 depicts tool 90c in the deployed for use position with second end 50c located within opening 25c of tool storage segment 22c. Thus, as depicted tool 90c is configured for use. In this configuration second end 50 provides for nesting within opening 25 of the elongated recess 40 with multi-tool 10 configured for use or configured in the stored position. Additionally, FIG. 2 depicts tools 90a and 90d partially stored within recesses 40a and 40d of tool storage segments 22a and 22d. As reflected by the hidden line of segments 22b and 22e, stored tools 90 are completely hidden from view when viewing multi-tool 10 from the side.

[0027] While FIGS. 1 and 2 depict elongated recess 40 as having a closed end 42, alternative embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 14, may include a hollow chamber 32 within the center of central body 30 such that each elongated recess communicates with the hollow chamber 32. Although elongated recess 40, bottom 42 and first end 80 of the tools 90 as depicted are dimensionally similar, this is not a limitation of the disclosure. The length of the recess 40 can be any length and diameter sufficient to receive tool 90. Although the dimensional length and width of elongated recess 40 is depicted as corresponding generally to the dimensions of body 60, variations in elongated recess 40 are permitted. The primary requirement of elongated recess 40 being the ability of opening 25 to retain tool 90 in either the stored position or the extended position for use. Thus, second end 50 of tool 90 nests or is received in opening 25 in both the stored configuration and extended for use configuration.

[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict multi-tool 10 from a top and side view (respectively), with tools 90 stored. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, opening 25 of elongated recess 40 is located between outwardly extending flanges 21. Flanges 21 are positioned immediately adjacent to opening 25. Thus, flanges 21 may engage tool 90 when tool 90 is positioned for use thereby providing further support to tool 90. Although second end 50 of the tool 90 is depicted as a circular shape, other geometric shapes can be used without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view of tool storage segment 22 and a cross-section view of tool 90. Tool 90 is stored within the elongated recess 40 by inserting the first end 80 into opening 25 located between flanges 21. Tool 90 is stored when its body 60 is positioned within the elongated recess 40 and its second end 50 is nested within opening 25.

[0030] In one embodiment, multi-tool 10 includes a magnet 29 positioned to retain tool 90 within elongated recess 40. FIG. 5 depicts alternative locations for magnet 29. Magnet 29 may form a portion of opening 25 or may be located anywhere within central body 30 of multi-tool 10. For example, magnet 29 may be located adjacent to or as part of the walls defining elongated recess 40. In one embodiment, magnet 29 is located at a base 27 of opening 25. In an alternative embodiment lower surface 45 of second end 50 carries or is defined by magnet 29. Additionally, magnet 29 may be used at both base 27 and lower surface 45 to provide improved retention of tool 90 in opening 25. When utilizing two magnets 29, one at base 27 and the other at lower surface 45, dissimilar poles will face one another when tool 90 is in the stored position. To retain tool 90 in the extended operational configuration, flanges 21 are preferably ferrous material which will attract and provide sufficient retention to magnet 29 at surface 45 to overcome any repelling force of the similar magnet poles. Since most tools 90 will be manufactured from steel, use of a single magnet 29 at only base 27 of opening 25 or only lower surface 45 of second end 50 will suffice to retain tool 90 in either the stored or extended positions. Central body 30 may be manufactured from any material capable of supporting the tool. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: metal, plastic, and wood. Flanges 21 can be manufactured from any material having sufficient strength to support tool 90 during use and may be manufactured from the same material as central body 30 or a different material bonded or otherwise secured to central body 30.

[0031] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of multi-tool 10 with tools 90 in the stored position. When in the stored position, elongated recess 40 fully house body 60 of tool 90 and second end 50 nests within opening 25. As discussed above, elongated recesses may terminate at bottom 42 or may continue to a hollow chamber 32 or series of channels located within central body 30.

[0032] The present invention also contemplates alternative tool 90 retention forms. For example, as an alternative embodiment magnet 29, mechanical friction provided by a spring, a detent or friction fit will also suffice to retain second end 50 within opening 25. Mechanical pressure retention can be used independently or in conjunction with magnetic retention. In another embodiment, the tool 90 could be retained by mating screw threads on second end 50 and in opening 25. FIG. 17 provides an example of an embodiment using threads 96 to retain tool 90 in elongated recess 40 when in the stored position and in opening 25 when in the deployed for use position. Opening 25 carries convention right hand threads 96 in the walls defining opening 25. Likewise, tool 90 carries two sets of right-hand threads 98a and 98b on end 50. Threads 98a will engage threads 96 of opening 25 when tool 90 is stored in elongated recess 40. Threads 98b will engage threads 96 of opening 25 when tool 90 is deployed for use, i.e. extending outward from body 30.

[0033] FIGS. 7A-7E provide non-limiting examples of tools 90 suitable for use with multi tool 10. FIG. 7A is a ball point tool 90a. FIG. 7B is a flat head tool 90b. FIG. 7C is an awl 90c. FIG. 7D is a scoop point tool 90d. FIG. 7E is a diamond point tool 90e. Other non-limiting examples may include: phillips tips, hex or alien bits, torx bits, drill bits, nut driver attachments, socketed attachments, knife or bladed attachments, and alligator clips or other hands-free retaining clips.

[0034] FIGS. 8A-8C depict perspective exploded views of second end 50 of tool 90 relative to opening 25 of elongated recess 40 located within tool storage segment 22. FIG. 8A depicts second end 50 and opening 25 as a circular opening; however, opening 25 may also have an oval or any other rounded shape. FIG. 8B depicts a square opening; however, opening 25 may also have a rectangle or diamond shape. FIG. 8C depicts an octagon shape; however, opening 25 may have a polygon shape of any number of sides. Also, these are not intended to illustrate limitations but to provide examples of opening 25. Other shapes could be triangles, torx, star, or any other geometric shape that provides adequate support and retention of the tool. Adequate support depends on the application but includes that support necessary to preclude spinning of the tool 90 when in use. A round opening 25 may be used for some applications, such as an awl used only to apply pressure from the point along the linear axis of the tool 90 that extends along the center of its body 60 from the approximate center of its first end 80 to its approximate center of its second end 50. The foregoing identification of suitable shapes for opening 25 is not intended to be an exhaustive list as other shapes may be determined by the configuration and types of tools 90 associated with multi-tool 10.

[0035] In another embodiment, multi-tool 10 may include one or more ratcheting mechanisms 92 incorporated into one or more tool storage segments 22. As depicted in FIG. 16, ratcheting mechanism will include opening 25 and have a passageway 94 corresponding to elongated recess 40. Thus, when tool 90 is stored, body 60 of tool 90 will pass through ratcheting mechanism 92. When tool 90 is positioned for use, second end 50 will be received within opening 25 of ratcheting mechanism 92. Thus, ratcheting mechanism 90 will enhance use of tools such as screw drivers, torx drivers and other similar rotating tools.

[0036] Another configuration of multi-tool 10 is provided in FIGS. 18A-E. As depicted in FIGS. 18A-E, tip 20 carries or is integrated with tool 90. FIG. 18D depicts one possible embodiment of tip 20 as a top view. FIG. 18E depicts tip 20 with attached tool 90 separately from multi-tool 10. FIG. 18A depicts tool 90 in the stored position. In this configuration, tip 20 completes the petal like configuration of tool storage segment 22 terminating in a pointed tip with tool 90 located within elongated recess 40. FIG. 18B depicts tool storage segment 22 without tip 20 and tool 90. As depicted in FIG. 18B, opening 25 may have a concave shape, in this instance opening 25 has a generally inverted pyramidal recess. Likewise, as depicted in FIG. 18D and 18E, tip 20, now part of tool 90, corresponds generally to a pyramidal tip. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 18C, opening 25 has been modified to receive tip 20 within opening 25 when tool 90 is in the deployed position, i.e. body 60 of tool 90 extends outward from tool storage segment 22. As discussed above, friction or magnetic attraction may be used to retain tip 20 and tool 90 in both the stored and deployed position for use configurations. As used herein a pyramidal shape can have sharp straight edge configuration, FIG. 18E, from base to tip or a curved, i.e. convex configuration from base to tip, FIG. 18 A. In general, the configuration of pyramidal tip 20 and modified opening 25 will correspond to provide a matching fit, preferably a friction fit, between tip 20 and modified opening 25 when tool 90 is in the deployed position. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, tip 20 has a lower portion 23 which mirrors tip 20. Thus, in the stored position, portion 23 engages in a matching fit with modified opening 25, preferably a friction fit with opening 25 to retain tool 90 in storage segment 22. Alternatively, portion 23 may include a magnet to aid in retaining tool 90 in tool storage segment 22. [0037] FIGS. 9-13 are possible design variations of one of the embodiments disclosed herein. Although similar in appearance, any variations are intended to be illustrative of other possible embodiments and not limitations.

[0038] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art. As such, the foregoing description merely enables and describes the general uses and methods of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims define the true scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-tool comprising:

a tool storage segment;

the tool storage segment has an elongated recess and the elongated recess has a first width or diameter, wherein the elongated recess extends from an opening to a bottom;

the opening has a second width or diameter that is greater than the first width or diameter of the elongated recess;

positioned within the elongated recess is a tool;

the tool has a first end and a second end with a body therebetween; the body is configured to allow the tool to nest within the elongated recess;

the second end of said tool is configured to nest within the opening of the elongated recess with the first end of said tool located in said elongated recess.

2. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a central body having a plurality of the tool storage segments extending therefrom.

3. The multi-tool of claim 2, further comprising a tip located at the outer end of each tool storage segment, said tip carries a pair of flanges with said opening positioned between said flanges.

4. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a magnet adjacent to said elongated recess.

5. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a magnet carried by said second end of said tool.

6. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a donut magnet as said opening of said elongated recess.

7. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a magnet located adjacent to the opening of said elongated recess.

8. The multi-tool of claim 1, further comprising a ratcheting mechanism having a central passageway, said ratcheting mechanism defining said opening of said elongated recess.

9. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein said opening of said elongated recess defines an inverted pyramidal recess and said second end of said tool defines a pyramidal tip configured to fit within said pyramidal recess when said tool is positioned in a deployed position with the body of the tool extending outward from said tool storage segment.

10. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein the body of the tool has an exterior configuration which conforms generally to the elongated recess.

11. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein said second end of said tool and said opening of said elongated recess engage one another to provide a friction fit between said second end and said opening.

12. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein said opening of said elongated recess includes a spring or a detent configuration configured to the second end of said tool within said opening.

13. A multi-tool comprising:

a central body;

a plurality of tool storage segments extending from the central body; each tool storage segment has an elongated recess, said elongated recess has a first width or diameter, wherein the elongated recess extends from an opening to a bottom and;

the opening has a second width or diameter greater than the first width or diameter of the elongated recess; positioned within at least one elongated recess is a tool;

the tool has a first end and a second end with a body therebetween; the body is configured to nest within the elongated recess; and,

the second end is configured to nest within the opening of the elongated recess.

14. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a tip located at the outer end of each tool storage segment, said tip carries a pair of flanges with said opening positioned between said flanges.

15. The multi-tool of claim 14, wherein said second end of said tool engages said flanges when said tool is positioned in a deployed position with the body of the tool extending outward from said tool storage segment.

16. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a magnet adjacent to said elongated recess.

17. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a magnet carried by said second end of said tool.

18. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a donut magnet as said opening of said elongated recess.

19. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a magnet located adjacent to the opening of said elongated recess.

20. The multi-tool of claim 13, further comprising a ratcheting mechanism having a central passageway, said ratcheting mechanism defining said opening of said elongated recess.

21. The multi-tool of claim 13, wherein said opening of said elongated recess defines an inverted pyramidal recess and said second end of said tool defines a pyramidal tip configured to fit within said pyramidal recess when said tool is positioned in a deployed position with the body of the tool extending outward from said tool storage segment.

22. The multi-tool of claim 13, wherein the body of each tool has an exterior configuration which conforms generally to the elongated recess.

23. The multi-tool of claim 13, wherein said second end of said tool and said opening of said elongated recess engage one another to provide a friction fit between said second end and said opening.

24. The multi-tool of claim 1, wherein said opening of said elongated recess includes a spring or a detent configuration configured to the second end of said tool within said opening.

25. A multi-tool comprising:

a central body, said central body having a hollow central chamber; a plurality of tool storage segments extending from the central body; each tool storage segment has an elongated recess, wherein has a first width or diameter, said elongated recess has a first opening located at an outer end of said tool storage segment and said elongated recess is in communication with said hollow central chamber;

the opening of said elongated recess has a second width or diameter that is greater than the first width or diameter of the elongated recess;

positioned within at least one elongated recess is a tool;

the tool has a first end and a second end with a body therebetween; the body is configured to allow the tool to nest within the elongated recess;

the second end of the tool is configured to nest within the opening of the elongated recess.

26. The multi-tool of claim 25, wherein the body of each tool has an exterior configuration which conforms generally to the elongated recess.

27. The multi-tool of claim 26, wherein said second end of said tool and said opening of said elongated recess engage one another to provide a friction fit between said second end and said opening.

28. The multi-tool of claim 25, further comprising a magnet adjacent to said elongated recess.

29. The multi-tool of claim 25, further comprising a magnet carried by said second end of said tool.

30. The multi-tool of claim 25, further comprising a donut magnet as said opening of said elongated recess.

31. The multi-tool of claim 25, further comprising a magnet located adjacent to the opening of said elongated recess.

32. The multi-tool of claim 25, further comprising a ratcheting mechanism having a central passageway, said ratcheting mechanism defining said opening of said elongated recess.

33. The multi-tool of claim 25, wherein said opening of said elongated recess defines an inverted pyramidal recess and said second end of said tool defines a pyramidal tip configured to fit within said pyramidal recess when said tool is positioned in a deployed position with the body of the tool extending outward from said tool storage segment.

34. The multi-tool of claim 25, wherein said opening of said elongated recess includes a spring or a detent configuration configured to the second end of said tool within said opening.