Abstract: An opener is disclosed for accessing contents of a dispensing tube having a monolithic dispensing tip that requires cutting to allow dispensing of material from the tube. The opener includes a housing with first and second elongated passageways intersecting therein at an angle. The first passageway has a span selected to receive and stabilize a length of the dispensing tip at a cutting location, and a cutting utility is movably mounted in the other passageway with a cutting end thereof located adjacent to the intersection with the first passageway and a user contactable portion thereof extending from the housing. A locating collar (or collars) receivable at the first passageway is configured to accommodate different user selected cutting locations along the length of the dispensing tip without loss of stability. A return mechanism is maintained in the housing for returning the cutting utility to a position with the cutting end substantially withdrawn from the first passageway after a cut is made.

Abstract: A compact dispensing tube opener for accessing contents of a dispensing tube having a dispensing tip and an inner seal. The opener includes a housing with first and second passageways therein meeting at an angle at an intersection. A blade carriage is movable in the second passageway and across the intersection at one end thereof, a manually accessible portion at an opposite end thereof extending from the housing. A cooperative guide structure at the housing and the blade carriage maintains carriage slidability within the housing during use without binding. Return springs are maintained in the housing for returning the carriage after use. A dispenser tube tip locator is slidably maintained at the housing adjacent to an opening to the first passageway and has plurality of angled passages therethrough each with a different diameter. A lance is mounted at the housing for puncturing the seal, and is pivotable into and out of a channel defined crosswise in the housing.

Abstract: A combination tool for measuring and cutting materials such as drywall is disclosed. The tool includes a mount formed by first and second housing portions, the first and second housing portions defining a path terminating at an opening at one end of the mount. A tape measure blade receiving slot opens into the mount adjacent to the path and is located and oriented so that the slot and the path are substantially coplanar. A knife blade shuttle is movable along the path and a saw blade is pivotably connected in the mount. An exterior surface of one of the housing portions includes a plurality of rasp teeth formed thereon for filing cut material.