With Tool Pivoted To Plier Patents (Class 7/128)
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Publication number: 20040019973Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including folding pliers or scissors and other tool blades and bits. A pair of handles each has a pivot axle at each end. A base of each pliers jaw or scissors blade is mounted on the pivot axle at one end of a handle, allowing the handles to fold around the jaws to blades to a compact folded configuration of the tool. Each handle has frame side members with attached flanges. Elongate springs lie between the handle frame side members and fit around the flanges, rather than being riveted to the handle frame side members. The springs press against the base of each pliers jaw or other tool blade, to keep each in a folded position or support it in a deployed position. One end of a spring may be hooked around a spring retainer at one end of the handle. The pivot axles interconnect the handle frame side members and the jaws, blades, or tool bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6675419Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool includes removable tweezers. The tweezers have a pair of opposed legs that are hooked over a pin extending through a tool storage pocket in a handle of the tool. The tweezers can pivot about said pin between a folded position within said pocket and an extended position outside of said pocket. One of the legs is thicker than the other and unable to pass through a passageway between the pin and the floor of the tool pocket. When the tweezers are in the extended position one of the legs may be slid into the pocket, disengaging the tweezers from the pin and enables the tweezer to be lifted out of the pocket. A generic implement with a hooked shaped base may be removed from a tool pocket in a similar manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20040003472Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a pair of handles and an implement slidably coupled to the handles. The implement is configured to slide in a linear fashion between a stowed position and a deployed position. A bias mechanism is coupled to the implement such that the bias mechanism biases the implement in the direction of the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventors: Edgar A. Dallas, Edward M. Wallace, John A. Nason, Phillip A. Montague
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Publication number: 20030196273Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Craig Anderson, Howard G. Berg
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Publication number: 20030192128Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6625832Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a head, a pair of handles, and a plurality of ancillary tools. The head and tools are stored within the handles in a folded configuration. The ancillary tools are coupled to an interchangeable cartridge that resides within one or both of the handles. A wedge lock prevents a fully opened ancillary tool from closing unless the wedge lock is manually disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Bradford Parrish, Peter Whitlock, Paul W. Poehlmann, Charlie Alfaro, John Nason
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Patent number: 6622328Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including folding pliers or scissors and other tool blades and bits. A pair of handles each has a pivot axle at each end. A base of each pliers jaw or scissors blade is mounted on the pivot axle at one end of a handle, allowing the handles to fold around the jaws to blades to a compact folded configuration of the tool. Each handle has frame side members with attached flanges. Elongate springs lie between the handle frame side members and fit around the flanges, rather than being riveted to the handle frame side members. The springs press against the base of each pliers jaw or other tool blade, to keep each in a folded position or support it in a deployed position. One end of a spring may be hooked around a spring retainer at one end of the handle. The pivot axles interconnect the handle frame side members and the jaws, blades, or tool bits.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6622327Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including folding pliers and other tool blades and bits. A pair of handles each have a pivot axle at each end. A base of each jaw of the pliers is mounted on the pivot axle at one end of a handle, allowing the handles to fold around the jaws to a compact folded configuration of the tool. Each handle has frame side members with attached flanges. Elongate springs lie alongside the handle frame side members and fit around the flanges, rather than being riveted to the handle frame side member. The springs press against the base of a pliers jaw or other tool bit or blade, or a spacer, to keep each tool blade, jaw, or bit in a folded position or support it in a deployed position. Additional frame side members each include a flange and support a spring and one or two additional tool blades or bits. The pivot axles interconnect the handle frame side members and the tool bits.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6612147Abstract: The present invention relates to hand operable pliers (1) including a pliers head (2) and a drive (3). The pliers head (2) includes a frame (4), a stationary jaw (7) and a movable jaw (8), and it is designed and arranged to be replaceable. The drive (3) includes two handles (21, 22) and a common joint (20) being designed and arranged to connect the handles (21, 22) to be pivotable about the common joint (20) and to allow for an opening movement and for a closing movement of the handles (21, 22). The common joint (20) forms a pressure bolt (23). The movable jaw (8) is designed and arranged to be detachably supported at the pressure bolt (23). The drive (3) further includes a plurality of connecting members (36) each being designed and arranged to be detachable, two pulling elements (30) being associated with the drive (3) and each having a first end (32) facing the pliers head (4) and a second end facing the handles (21, 22).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Wezag GmbH WerkzeugfabrikInventors: Horst Beetz, Kurt Battenfeld
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Patent number: 6601254Abstract: A combination includes a foldable hand tool, an adapter, and an implement. The foldable hand tool provides a pair of handles that are connected with a pin to a pair of pivotally engaged gripping jaws. The implement includes a tool head, such as a ratchet wrench or screw driver, and a male adapter engagement portion. The adapter includes a female tool engagement chamber for receiving the implement; and the adapter includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending from the female tool engagement chamber. An interior surface of each of the sidewalls has a generally U-shaped depression on the interior surface of each of the sidewalls, each of the depressions being shaped to firmly engage one of the pins in the foldable hand tool. Once it has been assembled, the foldable hand tool is connected to the implement through the adapter. The foldable hand tool thereby provides leverage through the handle to manipulate the tool head of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventor: Matthias Walz
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Publication number: 20030140425Abstract: A multi hand tool comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws having convex outer surfaces. The first and second handles comprising a pair of spaced upstanding side walls and a base connecting the side wall together. The unattached edges of the side walls are in alignment and coextensive with each other. The rear ends of the jaws are attached to the handles. The second hollow handle is pivotally mounted to the second jaw. Locking mechanism includes a linkage connecting the second hollow handle with the first hollow handle and a slidable block pivotally connected to one end of the linkage with control mechanism adjacent the slidable block.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Publication number: 20030140424Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool includes removable tweezers. The tweezers have a pair of opposed legs that are hooked over a pin extending through a tool storage pocket in a handle of the tool. The tweezers can pivot about said pin between a folded position within said pocket and an extended position outside of said pocket. One of the legs is thicker than the other and unable to pass through a passageway between the pin and the floor of the tool pocket. When the tweezers are in the extended position one of the legs may be slid into the pocket, disengaging the tweezers from the pin and enables the tweezer to be lifted out of the pocket. A generic implement with a hooked shaped base may be removed from a tool pocket in a similar manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6588040Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20030110571Abstract: A foldable tool having a pair of jaws pivoted to each other on a pivot pin, each jaw having a head and a shank, a spring mounted between the shanks of the jaws, a hollow handle pivotally mounted at one end to each of the shanks and foldable relative to the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Patent number: 6578221Abstract: A foldable multi-tool having a pair of jaws pivotally mounted to each other with each jaw having a head and a shank. A handle is pivotally mounted at one end to each of the shanks and foldable relative to the jaws along a first pivot pin. The handle has a hollow area comprising side walls, a bottom wall and an open top. The interior of the hollow area has a space to receive the jaws when the handles are folded relative to the jaws. The hollow area has a seat on which the jaws are seated when the jaws are in their folded position. The jaws have outer surfaces and the seats have an area which is contoured in a manner similar to the contour of the outer surfaces of the jaws.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Patent number: 6578222Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Craig Anderson, Howard G. Berg
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Publication number: 20030074739Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 6523203Abstract: A multifunction or combination tool having a set of retractable replaceable pliers contained within U-shaped handles when not in use and extend from the handles when is use. Ancillary blade-like devices are pivotally attached to the ends of the handles opposite to the pliers and stored within their respective handles when not in use. The ancillary tools may be chosen to meet specific needs of a user. The blades are held in place by individual springs which allow one ancillary tool at a time to be chosen and used whenever the pliers head associated with the opposite end of the handle is extended. The replaceable pliers may be changed by the end-user to meet particular needs and the pliers may take the form of square jaws, needle noise jaws, tin snips, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventor: Dan W. Harrison
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Publication number: 20030019045Abstract: A multi hand tool comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws having convex outer surfaces. The first and second handles comprising a pair of spaced upstanding side walls and a base connecting the side wall together. The unattached edges of the side walls are in alignment and coextensive with each other. The rear ends of the jaws are attached to the handles. The second hollow handle is pivotally mounted to the second jaw. Locking mechanism includes a linkage connecting the second hollow handle with the first hollow handle and a slidable block pivotally connected to one end of the linkage with control mechanism adjacent the slidable block.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Patent number: 6510767Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool incorporating a latch release mechanism including a lever, a cam, and a rocker-shaped grip body to easily effect release of a catch for holding knife or screwdriver blades extended spring and cams are arranged to hold a pair of handles either extended or folded with respect to the tangs of a pair of pliers jaws or the like. The handles include inwardly directed comfortable rounded rims. Portions of folding blades interlock with other folding blades on an opposite handle when the tool is folded, to stabilize the handles while using a knife or screwdriver. Blades of folding scissors include edges that are serrated only near their tips. A container opener includes a hook defining a recessed throat.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Leatherman Tool Goup, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20020194679Abstract: A folding multi-tool has a pair of channel-shaped handles, each of which is generally “C”-shaped in cross-section. A plier half pivots into and out of each of the handles, forming a plier which has a large pivot pin acting as a pivot axle to the plier halves. A number of tools are also pivotable into and out of the handles, especially including a bicycle spoke wrench and a bicycle chain tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Eric H. Hawkins
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Patent number: 6487740Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
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Patent number: 6487941Abstract: A hand tool having a pair of jaw assemblies pivotally mounted to each other and movable from a closed to an open position. Each jaw assembly comprising a head portion and a tail extending from the head portion. A hang space formed between said jaw assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Patent number: 6481034Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.Inventors: Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X. Rohrer, Franco Giarritta
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Patent number: 6470522Abstract: A folding combination tool includes a jaw mechanism with a first jaw piece having a first lug attachment, a second jaw piece having a second lug attachment, and a jaw pivot that joins the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece so that the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece may pivot with respect to each other in a pivot plane. A first handle is pivotably attached to the first lug attachment by a first handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the first handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A second handle is pivotably attached to the second lug attachment by a second handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the second handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A first lug attachment spacing of the first lug attachment from the jaw pivot is greater than a second lug attachment spacing of the second lug attachment from the jaw pivot, so that the handles asymmetrically fold around the jaw mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Jason D. Veltz, Thomas A. Gaboury, Stephen J. Hull
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Patent number: 6460433Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose hand device especially comprising utensils. A lift and/or release mechanism (88, 89) is assigned to said utensils (81), enabling them to be placed in a slightly raised position so that they can be grasped easily or locked in a swing-out position.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: C-Tech AGInventors: Peter Ackeret, Pierre-Alain Jeandupeux, Yves Wira, Rolf Nussbaumer, Claude Kottelat
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Publication number: 20020138913Abstract: A foldable multi-tool having a pair of jaws pivotally mounted to each other with each jaw having a head and a shank. A handle is pivotally mounted at one end to each of the shanks and foldable relative to the jaws along a first pivot pin. The handle has a hollow area comprising side walls, a bottom wall and an open top. The interior of the hollow area has a space to receive the jaws when the handles are folded relative to the jaws. The hollow area has a seat on which the jaws are seated when the jaws are in their folded position. The jaws have outer surfaces and the seats have an area which is contoured in a manner similar to the contour of the outer surfaces of the jaws.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
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Patent number: 6450071Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. A pair of tweezers of sheet metal includes a pair of parallel arms each perpendicular to a base portion of the tweezers. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multi-purpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20020124322Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. The handles can be releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement and a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly can extend transversely through openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The interchangeable implement can be pivotally attached to the axle. Alternatively, the implement can be releasably coupled to the handles by a latch. The latch can include a plate with a pair of wings and an engagement mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Phillip A. Montague
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Publication number: 20020108182Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool incorporating a latch release mechanism including a lever, a cam, and a rocker-shaped grip body to easily effect release of a catch for holding knife or screwdriver blades extended. A spring and cams are arranged to hold each of a pair of handles either extended or folded with respect to the tangs of a pair of pliers jaws or the like. The handles include inwardly directed comfortable rounded rims. Portions of folding blades interlock with other folding blades on an opposite handle when the tool is folded, to stabilize the handles while using a knife or screwdriver. Blades of folding scissors include edges that are serrated only near their tips. A container opener includes a hook defining a recessed throat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20020088060Abstract: A folding combination tool includes a jaw mechanism with a first jaw piece having a first lug attachment, a second jaw piece having a second lug attachment, and a jaw pivot that joins the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece so that the first jaw piece and the second jaw piece may pivot with respect to each other in a pivot plane. A first handle is pivotably attached to the first lug attachment by a first handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the first handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A second handle is pivotably attached to the second lug attachment by a second handle pivot lying perpendicular to the pivot plane, so that the second handle is pivotable about the jaw mechanism in the pivot plane. A first lug attachment spacing of the first lug attachment from the jaw pivot is greater than a second lug attachment spacing of the second lug attachment from the jaw pivot, so that the handles asymmetrically fold around the jaw mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Jason D. Veltz, Thomas A. Gaboury, Stephen J. Hull
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Publication number: 20020083530Abstract: A folding multipurpose hand tool including folding pliers or scissors and other tool blades and bits. A pair of handles each has a pivot axle at each end. A base of each pliers jaw or scissors blade is mounted on the pivot axle at one end of a handle, allowing the handles to fold around the jaws to blades to a compact folded configuration of the tool. Each handle has frame side members with attached flanges. Elongate springs lie between the handle frame side members and fit around the flanges, rather than being riveted to the handle frame side members. The springs press against the base of each pliers jaw or other tool blade, to keep each in a folded position or support it in a deployed position. One end of a spring may be hooked around a spring retainer at one end of the handle. The pivot axles interconnect the handle frame side members and the jaws, blades, or tool bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6412130Abstract: A multi-tool with a handle formed to have a cross section that is S-shaped so that a foldable tool stored in the handle may be opened and closed independently of other selected operations for the multi-tool. The foldable tool is stored in a first pocket, facing away from an opposing handle, and an adjustment mechanism is stored in a second pocket, facing toward the opposing handle. A leaf spring is cut from an opposing wall of the first pocket, and biased so that the leaf spring moves to a blocking position at least partially within the first pocket when the foldable tool is in an open position. A post is mounted on the foldable tool and is exposed for engagement by a human hand to facilitate deployment of the foldable tool from its closed position to its open position. The S-shaped construction of the handle allows a flange to be incorporated as part of the handle without interfering with the foldability of the foldable tool stored in the first pocket of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Kai U.S.A. Ltd.Inventors: Peter G. Kershaw, Douglas B. Flagg, Craig Green, Katsumi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6408522Abstract: A multipurpose folding tool (30, 280) including a pair of folding scissors (32), in which scissors blades (80, 82) are movable about pivot shafts (78), between a stowed position and a deployed position in the handles (34, 36). A rocker (94, 96) is moved by a spring (106) in the tool handle and in turn urges a scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment four springs (104, 106) hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multipurpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear. A handle (34 or 36) may be constructed as a sheet metal channel or a handle (282, 284, 382, 384) in two pieces at least one of which includes a perpendicular flange taking the place of a channel bottom portion so that each blade or tool bit may be accompanied by a separate spring (318, 418, 420).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Leatherman Tool GroupInventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6405395Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. At least one of the first plates has a periphery with a notch formed therein. At least one of the second side walls has a post extending therefrom. Each handle is releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement including a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly extends transversely through the openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The spring is disposed between each of the buttons to bias the buttons into engagement with the end members.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague
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Publication number: 20020062527Abstract: A set of ancillary tools within a replaceable cartridge for use in multifunction hand tools. The ancillary tools would include knives, screwdrivers, can openers, and the like. The actual choice of tools would be set by the needs of the ultimate user and would allow the multifunction hand tool to be specifically tailored to the needs of the end user.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: Dan W. Harrison
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Patent number: 6389626Abstract: A Tool structure including a tool assembly and two grips. The tool assembly is formed by a first, a second, a third and a fourth arms which are pivotally connected with each other to form a mechanism as a four-link mechanism. The first and second arms and the third and fourth arms respectively form two kinds of tools. Two ends of the grips are respectively pivotally connected with the pivot sections of the first and third connecting sections and the pivot sections of the second and fourth connecting sections. Therefore, when the grips are held and closed to make the tools formed by the first and second arms and the third and fourth arms get close to each other and close, the two grips are not coaxially pivotally rotatable with the first and second arms and the third and fourth arms. Accordingly, the maximum opening extent of the two grips can be reduced for easy holding.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Kun Chih Hung
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Patent number: 6389625Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool incorporating a latch release mechanism including a lever, a cam, and a rocker-shaped grip body to easily effect release of a catch for holding knife or screwdriver blades extended. A spring and cams are arranged to hold each of a pair of handles either extended or folded with respect to the tangs of a pair of pliers jaws or the like. The handles include inwardly directed comfortable rounded rims. Portions of folding blades interlock with other folding blades on an opposite handle when the tool is folded, to stabilize the handles while using a knife or screwdriver. Blades of folding scissors include edges that are serrated only near their tips. A container opener includes a hook defining a recessed throat.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Publication number: 20020046425Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. The handles can be releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement and a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly can extend transversely through openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The interchangeable implement can be pivotally attached to the axle. Alternatively, the implement can be releasably coupled to the handles by a latch. The latch can include a rocker with a locking tab that is biased into locking engagement with the implement by a spring plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: Edgar A. Dallas, Phillip A. Montague
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Patent number: 6357068Abstract: A combination tool includes a tool head having a jaw mechanism with two jaws lying in a tool head plane. A first handle is pivotably attached to the jaw mechanism and rotatable in a first direction about a first pivot axle lying in the tool head plane, between a nested position wherein the first handle lies coplanar with and adjacent to the jaw mechanism and a deployed position wherein the first handle is coplanar with and remote from the jaw mechanism. A second handle is pivotably attached to the jaw mechanism and rotatable in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, about a second pivot axle lying in the tool head plane, between a nested position wherein the second handle lies coplanar with and adjacent to the jaw mechanism and a deployed position wherein the second handle is coplanar with and remote from the jaw mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Harold J. Carson, Harold J. Carson, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin, William P. Debley, Jr., Robson L. Splane, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020029426Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Gregory F. Rubin
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Publication number: 20020023302Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a head, a pair of handles, and a plurality of ancillary tools. The head and tools are stored within the handles in a folded configuration. The ancillary tools are coupled to an interchangeable cartridge that resides within one or both of the handles. A wedge lock prevents a fully opened ancillary tool from closing unless the wedge lock is manually disengaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Bradford Parrish, Peter Whitlock, Paul W. Poehlmann, Charlie Alfaro, John Nason
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Publication number: 20020020023Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Craig Anderson, Howard G. Berg
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Patent number: 6341423Abstract: A multi-purpose tool including a plurality of tools useful to have available in an automobile, such as a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, a scraper, and a fuse puller. The scraper preferably is pivotably mounted to a handle of the multi-purpose tool in a manner which permits the scraper to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the tool handles to permit scraping force to be applied to the scraper in an efficient manner. The multi-purpose tool preferably also includes a tool with pivotable jaws, such as a pair of foldable pliers, as well as a variety of pivotably mounted tools such as a cutting blade, a screwdriver, and a cap lifter. The tool preferably has two handles, each handle having storage channels for the tools coupled thereto. The tool jaws are pivotably mounted to the handles for selective movement between a storage position in the handles and a working position in which the jaws work together.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Merrick Taggart, A. Jeffrey Turner, Edward S. Richardson, Daniel J. Nelson, Stephen E. Lanc, Marc S. Harrison, Michael C. Pereira, Aldan J. Petrie
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Patent number: 6314600Abstract: Multifunctional knife/cutting pliers comprising two lateral sides serving as a handle for the tool and surrounding an interior space. At least one other implement is disposed in this interior space so as to pivot about a transverse axis connecting the two lateral sides. The knife/cutting pliers further comprises a plurality of removable implements to which the user can have access by lifting up a magazine lid over at least one portion of this interior space. The implements are held in the lid by a plurality of corresponding accommodations.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Wenger SAInventor: Maurice Cachot
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Patent number: 6305041Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Alterra Holdings CorporationInventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Paul W. Poehlmann
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Patent number: 6293018Abstract: A multipurpose folding tool (30, 280) including a pair of folding scissors (32), in which scissors blades (80, 82) are movable about pivot shafts (78), between a stowed position and a deployed position in the handles (34, 36). A rocker (94, 96) is moved by a spring (106) in the tool handle and in turn urges a scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment four springs (104, 106) hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. When the scissors and other tools are folded into their stowed positions in the handle of the multipurpose tool of the invention the tool has a smooth outside configuration allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket without causing undue wear. A handle (34 or 36) may be constructed as a sheet metal channel or a handle (282, 284, 382, 384) in two pieces at least one of which includes a perpendicular flange taking the place of a channel bottom portion so that each blade or tool bit may be accompanied by a separate spring (318, 418, 420).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6289768Abstract: A multipurpose folding tool, for use by picnickers and travelers, including a corkscrew, a crown cap remover, and a can opener, as well as a small fork and a small butter knife. Both the corkscrew and a brace for use together with it fit close to the handles of the tool when the tool is in a compact, folded configuration. A spring in one handle keeps the corkscrew safely folded when not in use, and a spring on the brace keeps it in a desired position relative to the handles. The tool also includes folding pliers and may include folding screwdrivers, knife blades, and scissors.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Craig J. Anderson, Benjamin C. Rivera
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Patent number: 6289541Abstract: An adaptor to mate with a hand tool such as a folding multipurpose tool to make use of the multipurpose tool as a handle to turn tool bits of various sizes, such as screwdrivers or small socket wrenches. The adaptor includes a drive plate which mates with the hand tool, and a tool bit-engaging member attached to the drive plate and movable angularly between various positions, with a latch to keep the tool bit-engaging member in a selected position. A pair of arms of the drive plate engage the sides of the jaws of one type of multipurpose tool to locate the adaptor as required with respect to the multipurpose tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Craig Anderson, Howard G. Berg
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Publication number: 20010018779Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera