Patents by Inventor Benjamin C. Rivera

Benjamin C. Rivera has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020108182
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20020083530
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6408522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6389625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20020004987
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6293018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6289768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig J. Anderson, Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20010018779
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: 6282996
    Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Reinhard Srajer
  • Publication number: 20010015114
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20010010100
    Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., an Oregon Corporation
    Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Reinhard Srajer
  • Patent number: 6220127
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard G. Berg, Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D445009
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D446708
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D446709
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D447039
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D447041
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D447401
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D461933
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Rivera
  • Patent number: D462514
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Rivera, Nathan E. Knight