Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-side shelter that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration. In particular, the present invention is directed to a truss that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration, and that may be used in the shelter.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering ovals of adjustable sizes and ellipticity upon various materials. An oval cutter comprises a clickerplate for adjusting the ellipticity of ovals in a single movement. The clickerplate can be rotated about a base using a knob mounted on the clickerplate. One embodiment of this invention comprises a storage compartment in the knob which can hold, for example, extra blades. A further embodiment of this invention comprises an arm that translates through the clickerplate and a swivel plate used for setting the overall size of the oval by locking the arm at a set length. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, ovals can be rendered in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and an arrow can indicate the direction in which the apparatus is set to render ovals.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus having opposed jaws remotely located at a distance from actuator for the jaws. In particular, the apparatus has opposed jaws supported rotatably with respect to the actuator for the jaws. More particularly, the apparatus is a cutting device having opposed jaws located remotely and rotatably with respect to the jaw actuator for lopping limbs.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A portable power system for a hand tool employs a high-voltage transmission of power from a battery pack over a cord to a DC to DC converter, which steps the transmission voltage down to rated tool voltage. The system uses a switching transistor to transmit power according to a duty cycle which varies automatically according to tool current draw and voltage. The DC to DC converter employs synchronous rectification with an inductor-capacitor network to transform a duty cycle square wave into DC power. The startup voltage sense feature permits powering up the converter circuitry only when needed. The converter will shut down if no current has been drawn by the tool for a predetermined period of time or if the converter unit is in danger of overheating, as determined by a stored algorithm. The portable power system has safeguards to prevent fouling or shorting in wet environments, is adaptable to left or right handed users, and is physically configurable into a variety of carrying modes.

Abstract: A pivoted hand tool, such as a scissors, includes a pair of blades having non-rectilinear cutting edges to form various cutting patterns on a sheet of paper. The scissors also include at least one guide to control the angular presentation of the paper to the blades and limit the amount of paper presented to the blades. The guide may also include a pair of ridges spaced apart from a pair of abutting surfaces, thereby providing a way to further limit the amount of paper presented to the blades. The scissors preferably have identically-shaped handles and oppositely facing guides to enable a user to create several complementary patterns on the sheet of paper simply by reversing the position in which the scissors are held.

Abstract: A paper cutter or trimming device comprises a cutting board including measuring indicia, a rail assembly, and a carriage assembly including a circular blade. The indicia are calibrated in a scale measured from a predetermined cut line. The rail assembly is mounted in a perpendicular relation to the measuring indicia for pivotal movement between operative and inoperative positions with respect to the cutting board. The carriage assembly is mounted for sliding movement on the rail assembly. The cutting board may include a positive stop, and the rail assembly may be biased against the at least one stop when the rail assembly moves to the operative position.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a spring biased implement which can be stored within the handle of the multi-function tool when not in use. The implement includes first and second members pivotally attached at a pivot. The implement further includes a spring rotatably attached to an axle extending across a channel-shaped handle of the multi-function tool. The spring includes a first end attached to the first member of the implement and an arm which biases the second member away from the first member to an open working position.