Patents Assigned to Irwin Industrial Tool Company
  • Laser reference device
    Patent number: 7497019
    Abstract: A chassis can be electro-mechanically rotated about an axis. The chassis contains a laser module and an inclination sensor. A laser beam and/or a laser line or plane can be emitted from chassis using a lens or reflector to focus the light in the desired beam or plane shape. The inclinometer/accelerometer senses the spatial orientation of the chassis and a microprocessor drives a motor through a motor control to adjust the angular orientation of the chassis. Preset angular orientations may be programmed into microprocessor that define predetermined angular orientations of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Derek J. Nash, John Smith
  • Laser line projected on an edge of a surface
    Patent number: 7487596
    Abstract: A laser reference device includes at least one planar or flat surface and an internal laser light source for generating a laser light beam. A lens inside the device may convert the laser light into a fan-shaped beam, and project the beam adjacent the planar or flat surface of the housing. The fan-shaped beam thus projects along that surface of the housing. If the laser leveling device is placed with the flat surface on a table or floor, for example, the fan-shaped beam will be in a level plane. This allows a user to place the laser leveling device on a surface and generate a laser light to align surfaces or objects, such as objects on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Derek J. Nash
  • Locking pliers
    Patent number: 7472632
    Abstract: The locking pliers comprises a first handle connected to a first jaw. A second handle and second jaw are pivotably connected to the first handle and first jaw such that movement of the first handle relative to the second handle causes the jaws to open and close. A mechanism is provided to lock the jaws relative to one another and apply a clamping or gripping force on a workpiece positioned between the jaws. A release mechanism is provided to unlock the pliers that is independent of the locking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David P. Engvall, Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Spade bit
    Patent number: 7473056
    Abstract: The drill bit comprises a cutting blade formed at one end of a shank. The cutting blade has a pair of cutting shoulders that extend inwardly from the outer sides of the blade toward the bit axis. A tip having converging sides that create a point extends from the shoulders. The cutting edge of each shoulder is beveled with respect to the plane of the face of the blade. A flute is provided on the leading portion of each blade face adjacent the cutting edges. Each flute is a smooth curve that creates a substantially uninterrupted recess on each face of the blade that facilitates chip removal, increases the drill rate and lowers the power required to drill a hole. A non-stick coating may be applied to the blade to further facilitate chip removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Laverne Durfee
  • Intersecting laser line generating device
    Patent number: 7469481
    Abstract: A line generating device generates two fan-shaped beams of light at an angle to each other, and projects the beams onto an adjacent surface, where the beams are visible as lines on the surface. A user has access to the intersection of the lines, so that the intersection can be marked or otherwise used in combination with the lines, such as in aligning objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Derek J. Nash, John C. Smith, Jeffrey L. Spanski, Michael Williams
  • LASER REFERENCE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20080282561
    Abstract: The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: James Michael Burry, Derek J. Nash, John C. Smith, Douglas G. Johnson
  • SPADE BIT
    Publication number: 20080279647
    Abstract: The drill bit comprises a cutting blade formed at one end of a shank. The cutting blade has a pair of cutting shoulders that extend inwardly from the outer sides of the blade toward the bit axis. A tip having converging sides that create a point extends from the shoulders. The cutting edge of each shoulder is beveled with respect to the plane of the face of the blade. A flute is provided on the leading portion of each blade face adjacent the cutting edges. Each flute is a smooth curve that creates a substantially uninterrupted recess on each face of the blade that facilitates chip removal, increases the drill rate and lowers the power required to drill a hole. A non-stick coating may be applied to the blade to further facilitate chip removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Laverne R. Durfee
  • SLIDE ASSEMBLY DEVICE FOR A SNAP-OFF BLADE UTILITY KNIFE
    Publication number: 20080256808
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a body having a groove adapted to receive a blade. The groove has a plurality of tabs defined on at least a first side. The utility knife also includes a slide assembly device positioned in the body for sliding movement with respect to the body. The slide assembly device includes a housing with a first engaging member having a first protrusion and a second engaging member having a second protrusion releasably engaged with the tabs. The slide assembly device also includes a rocker attached to the housing that is operatively connected to at least one of the engaging members. The rocker is operable for disengaging the first protrusion or second protrusion with respect to the tabs. Disengaging one of the first and second protrusions by the rocker allows sliding movement of the slide assembly device with respect to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven R. Levine, Gordon Anderson, Norman Leblanc
  • Transport system for tanks
    Patent number: 7438084
    Abstract: A tank transport system consisting of a wheeled cart having compartments for holding tanks includes a hose compartment that stores the hoses for the tanks and other associated equipment. The hose compartment includes a flip down door that, in its open position, is disposed substantially horizontally and contains a number of storage slots for holding equipment. A hose storage rack is provided interior of the hose storage compartment for storing the hoses in a wound state. A number of storage areas are also included within the compartment including a bin formed within the hose rack. A pivotable handle is provided that is used to roll the cart on the wheels. Other storage compartments may also be provided external to the hose compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David J. Trettin, Jon Aaron Schlosser, Mark Allen Catron
  • Slide assembly device for a snap-off blade utility knife
    Patent number: 7434317
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a body having a groove adapted to receive a blade. The groove has a plurality of tabs defined on at least a first side. The utility knife also includes a slide assembly device positioned in the body for sliding movement with respect to the body. The slide assembly device includes a housing with a first engaging member having a first protrusion and a second engaging member having a second protrusion releasably engaged with the tabs. The slide assembly device also includes a rocker attached to the housing that is operatively connected to at least one of the engaging members. The rocker is operable for disengaging the first protrusion or second protrusion with respect to the tabs. Disengaging one of the first and second protrusions by the rocker allows sliding movement of the slide assembly device with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Levine, Gordon Anderson, Norman Leblanc
  • Storage system and protective device for tanks
    Patent number: 7415988
    Abstract: A tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David J. Trettin, Jon Aaron Schlosser, Mark Allen Catron
  • Wood boring bit with increased speed, efficiency and ease of use
    Patent number: 7416371
    Abstract: A wood boring bit for boring holes in wood and other similar work surfaces having a central longitudinal axis, a main body, a pilot screw tip and a partial flute with a cutting edge and a cutting spur. The flute portion may be defined by a partial helical section having a distal end joined to the main body and a lead edge disposed toward said screw tip. The distal end and the lead edge preferably do not overlap along the central axis and are equal to or less than 360° from one another around the axis. The partial flute provides improved waste removal and allows the user to access the cutting edge of the flute for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Gary F. Scott, David Jackson Trettin
  • Magnet assembly
    Patent number: 7406773
    Abstract: A magnet assembly is provided including a housing having a first end and a second end. A magnet is placed within a recess formed in the first end of the housing and a spring is positioned in at least a portion of the second end of the housing. A method of mounting a magnet assembly in a tool is provided. The method includes providing a magnet assembly including a housing having a recess formed in a first end of the housing and a spring positioned in a second end of the housing. The method further includes placing the magnet assembly into an opening defined in a tool and placing a magnet into the recess, and pressing the magnet against the spring to position the magnet within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Eric John Helda
  • Clamping and/or Bracing Tool Comprising a Connecting or Tie Rod
    Publication number: 20080179801
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping and/or bracing tool comprising a connecting or tie rod (7) to which a mobile jaw (13) is fixed, a fixed jaw (5), a transmission mechanism which can be used to move the mobile jaw (13) towards or away from the fixed jaw (5) by moving the connecting or tie rod (7) in a clamping or bracing direction (5), and to apply clamping and/or bracing forces between the jaws (5,13), and a blocking element which is used to block a movement of the connecting or tie rod (7) in an opening direction (O) opposing the clamping or bracing direction (5), in order to maintain clamping and/or bracing forces produced between the jaws (5,13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Geier, Ralf Strauss
  • Laser reference device
    Patent number: 7377045
    Abstract: The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: James Michael Burry, Derek J. Nash, John C. Smith, Douglas G. Johnson
  • Tape measure
    Patent number: 7377050
    Abstract: A tape measure housing is comprised of two asymmetrical housing portions. The first housing portion comprises a receptacle in which the tape measure components are located. The second housing portion comprises a cover that encloses the first portion along a seam that is asymmetrically disposed on the assembled housing. The housing portions are weighted such that the center of gravity of the housing is oriented so that the housing will assume a predetermined orientation when dropped from a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Matthew Shute, Steven R. Levine
  • Storage system and protective device for tanks
    Patent number: 7373947
    Abstract: A tank jacket fits over the outside of a storage tank. The jacket includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools. A gauge protector fits over the regulator assembly and includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. A handle is formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank. The gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: David J. Trettin, Jon Aaron Schlosser, Mark Allen Catron
  • Level
    Patent number: 7360316
    Abstract: The level of the invention consists of a solid, thin central web that is connected to an upper box and a lower box. The central web supports level vials. The upper box and lower box have a hollow generally polygonal shape and define an upper surface and lower surface. A surface of either or both of the upper and lower boxes are calibrated with respect to the level vials to create leveling surfaces. The level vials are enclosed in housings that secure the level vials to the web. End caps are secured to the ends of the web and the upper and lower boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Brandon C. Hoover, Daniel R. Seymour, Eric John Helda
  • Tool kit box
    Patent number: D563669
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Michael Bosak, Matthew Christopher Green, Lisa Fryer, Peter Weremchuk
  • Colored hacksaw blade
    Patent number: D588884
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: William A. Burke, III