Abstract: A measuring instrument comprising a frame and a plurality of measurement indicia. A power source is positioned inside a portion of the frame with a light source operatively connected to the power source. When a user presses down upon the frame, the light source is actuated, sending light throughout the frame and illuminating the measurement indicia, providing improved visibility for a user.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a head and a pair of handles. The head has a first jaw and a second jaw, each having a working portion and a tang. The handles have a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. A spring in the head biases the working portions apart from one another such that the handles are biased in an open position when the handles are in the unfolded configuration and the handles are biased in a closed position when the handles are in the folded configuration.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cutting device is operable with one hand for cutting a circle or an elliptical shape in a sheet of material. In a first embodiment for cutting elliptical shapes, the cutting device includes a first member for placement on the sheet material and a second member for simultaneous pivotal and translatable movement with respect to the base plate. The first member has a first pivot point that is movable along a first axis, while the second member has a second pivot point that is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second members are operably connected to each other at the first and second pivot points. A knob is connected to one of the pivot points and is sized to be grasped by one hand and rotated. Rotation of the knob about the one pivot point causes the second member to rotate and slide in an elliptical pattern with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A hand held rotary cutter comprising a first handle including a head at one end thereof for receiving a blade and a second handle pivotally connected to the first handle. The second handle includes a rotating member at one end thereof. The rotating member rotates into and out of alignment with the head of the first handle to guard the blade. A spring biases the first and second handles to an open position, and a latch is mounted on one of the first and second handles and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The latch is engageable with a member on the other of the first and second handles. When the latch is in the unlocked position, the first handle and the second handle are fixed in position relative to each other.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A land mine probe includes a handle and a first shaft extending from the handle and terminating at a tip. In one embodiment, the probe includes a second shaft extending from the handle and terminating at a second tip. In another embodiment, the shaft includes a plurality of segments releasably attached to one another and releasably attached to the handle. In yet another embodiment, the probe includes a sound amplification device. In still another embodiment, the probe includes a device for emitting light in a direction towards the tip.

Abstract: A material trimmer comprising a base having a support surface and a cutting region having a channel. A plate is movably attached to the base and includes oppositely facing upper and lower surfaces, an elongated slot therethrough, an elevated portion proximate each side of the slot, and a distal second end with the elevated portion leading to an arcuate surface. A carrier includes a top flange having a pair of oppositely extending sides and a foot extending from the top flange. The foot is slidably received within the slot, and a portion of the pair of oppositely extending sides are arcuate in shape and slidably received within the arcuate surface of the elevated portion. A blade is attached to the carrier, a portion of which extends below the lower surface of the plate within the channel when the plate is disposed over the cutting region.

Abstract: A removable storage compartment assembly for a material cutter comprising a compartment placement region and a removable storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a compartment lower portion removably engaged to the compartment placement region and a compartment upper portion removably and mateably engaged to the compartment lower portion. A biasing member is operatively connected to the compartment lower portion. When the compartment lower portion is disengaged from the compartment placement region, the biasing member biases the compartment lower portion away from the compartment placement region.

Abstract: A spade includes a shank, a handle coupled to the shank, and a blade coupled to the shank. A cutting tool such as a saw is coupled to the handle, which has an internal channel sized to receive the cutting tool.

Abstract: A protractor comprising a frame and a lever arm coupled thereto. The frame includes a first substantially straight edge and an elongate track adjacent to the first edge. The lever arm includes a second substantially straight edge and a channel which mateably engages the track of the frame. The channel/track combination couples the lever arm to the frame and permits the lever arm to rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal to the first and second edges. The first and second edges intersect at a point allowing a user to describe an angle between the two edges.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cutting device is operable with one hand for cutting a circle or an elliptical shape in a sheet of material. In a first embodiment for cutting elliptical shapes, the cutting device includes a first member for placement on the sheet material and a second member for simultaneous pivotal and translatable movement with respect to the base plate. The first member has a first pivot point that is movable along a first axis, while the second member has a second pivot point that is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second members are operably connected to each other at the first and second pivot points. A knob is connected to one of the pivot points and is sized to be grasped by one hand and rotated. Rotation of the knob about the one pivot point causes the second member to rotate and slide in an elliptical pattern with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for removably coupling a saw, including a tang portion having an aperture formed therein, to a tool. The adapter includes a base member and a clip pivotally coupled to the base member. The base member has first and second ends, and first and second surfaces extending between therebetween. An opening is formed in the first and second surfaces of the base member, proximate the first end. The opening is adapted to receive an axle of the tool. The base member further includes a slot formed in the first surface and a projection extending in to the slot. The slot is adapted to receive the tang portion of the saw, and a projection is adapted to be received in the aperture to align the saw with the base member. The pivotally coupled clip is movable between a closed position, in which the saw is retained in and secured to the base member, and an open position, in which the saw is removable from the base member.

Abstract: A cutting device is operable with one hand for cutting a circle or an elliptical shape in a sheet of material. In a first embodiment for cutting elliptical shapes, the cutting device includes a first member for placement on the sheet material and a second member for simultaneous pivotal and translatable movement with respect to the base plate. The first member has a first pivot point that is movable along a first axis, while the second member has a second pivot point that is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second members are operably connected to each other at the first and second pivot points. A knob is connected to one of the pivot points and is sized to be grasped by one hand and rotated. Rotation of the knob about the one pivot point causes the second member to rotate and slide in an elliptical pattern with respect to the base plate.