Abstract: A utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to the handle. A blade lock pivotally connects to the blade holder for movement relative to the blade holder about a blade lock axis between a locked position and a released position. The blade lock axis forms an acute angle ? with a lateral direction of the knife so that a surface of the blade lock that is configured to engage the utility blade moves both laterally and vertically as the blade lock moves between its locked and released positions. A blade release trigger is conveniently disposed well rearwardly of a front of the handle. The knife includes a sealed blade storage compartment with a manually openable cover. A seal disposed between the compartment and cover discourages water and/or debris from getting into the compartment when the cover is closed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a railroad track tool apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to perform an operation to the rail of the railroad track, a clamp assembly, and a coupling. The clamp assembly is moveable between a clamped position and an unclamped position to removably couple the tool with the rail. The clamp assembly is moveable along the rail. The coupling is configured to couple the tool to the clamp assembly. The coupling comprises a pivot, a linkage assembly comprising an arm coupled to the pivot, and a head coupled to the linkage assembly. The coupling is configured such that the tool is moveable between an inner side and an outer side of the rail, rotatable toward and away from the inner side or the outer side of the rail, and rotatable toward and away from an underside of the rail.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes a housing, an axle within the housing, a reel within the housing, a first spring and a second spring. The housing has a fixed connection portion. The fixed connection portion is fixed from rotation relative to the housing. The axle is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The reel is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation and the axle. The first spring is coupled between the axle and the fixed connection portion of the housing. The second spring is coupled between the axle and the reel. The second spring has a torque profile associated therewith different from a torque profile of the first spring. Rotation of the reel relative to the housing in a direction tending to tension the second spring transmits rotational movement to the axle through the tensioning of the second spring. Such rotational movement of the axle is applied to the first spring to tension the first spring.

Abstract: A knife may include a housing, a blade holder, and an actuator. The blade holder may be movably attached to the housing and configured to receive a blade at least partially within the blade holder. The blade holder may be configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position in which a cutting edge of the blade is positioned entirely within the housing and an open position in which the cutting edge is positioned at least partially outside of the housing. The actuator may be movably attached to the housing and configured to move the blade holder from the closed position toward the open position. The actuator may be configured to move relative to the housing between an extended position in which the actuator is positioned at least partially outside of the housing and a retracted position in which the actuator is positioned entirely within the housing.

Abstract: A laser beam generating device which includes a housing. A laser light generator is disposed in the housing and is operable to generate two output beams which project outside of the housing. The laser light generator includes a light source and a leveling mechanism on which the laser light generator is disposed. A mounting member is disposed on the housing and is configured to mount the laser beam generating device on a screw thread. The mounting member is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A tool includes a housing and a slidable blade assembly configured to move between a first, second and third positions. The blade assembly is configured to receive a removable blade, such that the blade is stored within the housing when the blade assembly is in the first position, a portion of the blade extends outwardly from the housing when the blade assembly is in the second position, and the blade is completely outside of the housing when the blade assembly is in the third position, facilitating removal from the blade assembly. The housing comprises a guide path associated with movement of the blade assembly. The guide path includes a first path portion associated with the blade assembly being in the first position or the second position, and a second path portion associated with the blade assembly being in the third position, the first and second path portions being noncontiguous.

Abstract: A level vial includes an elongated vial liquid housing extending along an axis of elongation and containing a liquid and a bubble therein, an outer support body supporting the elongated vial liquid housing, the outer support body being integral with the elongated vial liquid housing, and having an inner surface at least partially surrounding the elongated vial liquid housing, and an open space between the inner surface and the elongated vial liquid housing. The elongated vial liquid housing is shaped such that a horizontal orientation of the axis of elongation causes the liquid to flow such that the bubble floats to a center of the elongated vial liquid housing. The elongated vial liquid housing and the open space are in an outwardly exposed and unobstructed configuration relative to a front face of the level vial.

Abstract: A chalk line device that includes a housing, a reel mounted for rotation within the housing, a liquid container disposed within the housing, and a handle connected with the reel and extending outside the housing is provided. The reel is constructed and arranged to carry a chalk line wound thereon. The reel is positioned in the liquid container such that the chalk line wound therein is at least partially submerged in the liquid chalk received in the liquid container. The liquid container has a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. In the unsealed configuration, the liquid container is configured to receive liquid chalk therein. In the sealed configuration, the liquid container substantially seals the liquid chalk received therein. The handle is operable to wind up the chalk line onto the reel.

Abstract: A laser level including a control mechanism housing which houses a control mechanism, the control mechanism including at least a top surface and a bottom surface. A protective structure extends from the control mechanism housing configured to protect the control mechanism from impact and including an upper structure which extends from a top surface of the control mechanism housing and a lower structure which extends from a bottom surface of the control mechanism housing.

Abstract: A tool and cradle assembly coupleable to a carrier, the assembly including a backplate coupleable to the carrier; a pair of ears coupleable to and forwardly extending from a first side of the backplate; and at least one plate laterally coupleable to each ear. The ears each have a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an angle portion therebetween. The proximal portions are substantially parallel and spaced laterally at a first distance. The distal portions are substantially parallel and spaced laterally at a second distance. The first distance is larger than the second distance. Each angle portion is sloped inwards towards the other and is coupled to the corresponding distal and proximal portions. A sideplate is mounted to opposite sides of the tool. A pivot pin couples the distal portion of each ear to the tool substantially at center-mass. A boom-pin couples together the proximal portions and the sideplates.

Abstract: A laser level including a housing. A laser generator assembly is housed in the housing and generates a laser beam. A projector projects the beam from the laser generator outside of the housing onto a target surface. The laser is a rotary laser and the projector rotates to rotate projection of the beam. The laser level also includes protective arms extending from the housing, the protective arms blocking projection of the beam along part of its path as the projector rotates. A width of the beam is at least twenty percent greater than a width of the leg where the beam contacts the leg.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a toolbox includes a housing, one or more drawers received in the housing, and a handle extending from the housing. The handle comprises a pair of spaced grasping surfaces connected by a central grasping surface, the spaced grasping surface and the central grasping surface each spaced from the housing. According to another embodiment, a toolbox includes a housing and one or more drawers slidably received in the housing. The one or more drawers each comprise an integral latch, and the housing comprises an integral latch receptacle. Closing the drawer of the toolbox with a first amount of force does not engage the integral latch with the latch receptacle, while closing the drawer of the toolbox with a second amount of force automatically engages the integral latch with the latch receptacle, securing the one or more drawers within the housing.