Abstract: A folding assembly having first and second members that are pivotally attached to one another. A locking pin is disposed through the first member and second member and selectively actuatable to unlock the pivoting and opening or closing of the first and second members relative to one another. A spring-assist mechanism includes a primary spring element and a secondary spring element which act in conjunction to successively apply an opening force to the first or second member as it is opened. The assembly also includes a close-assist mechanism for partially closing the first and second members relative to one another.

Abstract: A knife sheath assembly that secures and protects a knife when subjected to harsh or rigorous conditions. The knife sheath assembly includes shims which add durability to the sheath assembly. The components of the sheath assembly are connected in such a way so as to allow broken or damaged parts to be replaced.

Abstract: A folding assembly includes a tool pivotally connected to a handle and movable between a closed position in which the tool extends along the handle and an open position in which a free end of the tool extends away from the handle. A manually actuated locking mechanism includes a locking pin extending axially through an elongated slot of the tool and into a track of the handle. A spring is disposed within the elongated slot of the tool that biases the locking pin away from the free end of the tool. A portion of the locking pin travels a length of the track as the tool is moved between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: Two-stage force multiplier tin snips are provided which have a pair of cutting blades and associated tangs, both being pivotable about a cutting axis. Each respective tang is coupled to a pair of handles by a pair of respective tang pins. The handles are pivotably attached to one another about a handle axis. The tin snips provide a mechanism for changing a force multiplier of the cutting blades by selectively adjusting relative longitudinal positioning of the cutting blade axis, the handle axis or the tang pins, relative to another of the cutting blade axis, the handle pins or the tang pins.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a jack stand. The stand may include one or more of: a housing, elongated support, engagement element, engagement element receiver, and a modulator. The housing may be adapted for receiving the elongated support. The elongated support may be configured for being associated with the housing, and may include one or more, e.g., a plurality of engagement element receivers. The plurality of receivers may be positioned sequentially along a length of the support and may be configured for receiving a portion an engagement element. The engagement element, therefore, may be adapted for removably engaging the engagement element receivers in sequential fashion, wherein the sequential engagement of the engagement element receivers by the engagement element causes the elongated support to move. The modulator may be associated to the engagement element and configured for modulating the engagement of the engagement element with the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle and a pivotably connected blade retainer for retaining a blade. An external, symmetrically toothed gear is fixed relative to one of the handle or the blade retainer, and a locking mechanism is associated with the other. The locking mechanism cooperates with the gear to lock the blade retainer in one of a plurality of fixed positions and includes pawls located in channels having converging ends. A manually actuable release mechanism is associated with the locking mechanism for unlocking the blade retainer to permit pivotal movement. Furthermore, a manually actuable blade release mechanism is associated with a blade locking mechanism contained in the blade retainer, for locking and releasing the blade when exchanging a dull blade for a replacement blade.

Abstract: A quick release vise includes a first and second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, and a threaded shaft rotatably fixed to the second jaw. A shaft receiver is fixed relative to the first jaw and includes a boss and a boss cover that is moveable relative to the boss. The boss and the boss cover have channels which cooperatively define an at least partially threaded shaft-receiving bore. The boss cover is moveable between a first position wherein the threads of the shaft engage threads within the shaft-receiving bore, and a second position wherein the threads of the shaft are disengaged from the threads within the shaft-receiving bore.

Abstract: A quick change tool and the method for using it are disclosed. The tool is configured to enable a user to select between multiple head types within the same tool without the need to physically remove the head from the hand tool. The tool may comprise a work member having more than one head configuration thereon, which is rotatably coupled to a shaft, and a sleeve that is axially movable relative to the shaft. As the sleeve is moved axially relative to the shaft, a biasing member on the sleeve engages the work member causing it to be rotated upon the shaft to alternatively position one or the other of at least two functional heads of the work member to be placed into a working position of the tool.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a tool. The tool may include a working portion, e.g. a blade, and a holding portion, e.g., a blade holder, wherein the blade and the blade holder are coupled in such a manner that the blade may be positioned in a plurality of configurations with respect to the blade holder. The blade and blade holder may include one or more of an engagement element and/or engagement element receiver that are configured for being coupled together in such a manner that the blade is substantially prevented from moving relative to the blade holder. The blade and/or blade holder may include a plurality of engagement elements and corresponding engagement element receivers such that the blade is capable of being moved incrementally with respect to the blade holder. Also provided are methods of using the tool as well as specialized packaging for offering the tool for sale.

Abstract: A self-loading utility knife including an elongate handle having an internal chamber defining an axis and at one end is flat aperture for the passage of an active blade. The flat aperture defines a cutting plane extending through said handle along the axis. A blade-holder is slidably mounted in the chamber for movements in directions along the axis and is adapted to secure a single active blade for movement through the aperture when the blade holder is in the extended position. A blade-holder release button is coupled to the blade holder and is slidingly movable relative to the handle to move blade holder between retracted and extended positions. The handle has a blade compartment which is open to the chamber and can receive a stack of spare blades when a cover to the compartment is opened and blades can be shifted transversely relative to the axis into the chamber.

Abstract: A quick release vise includes a first and second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, and a threaded shaft rotatably fixed to the second jaw. A shaft receiver is fixed relative to the first jaw and includes a boss and a boss cover that is moveable relative to the boss. The boss and the boss cover have channels which cooperatively define an at least partially threaded shaft-receiving bore. The boss cover is moveable between a first position wherein the threads of the shaft engage threads within the shaft-receiving bore, and a second position wherein the threads of the shaft are disengaged from the threads within the shaft-receiving bore.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle and a pivotably connected blade retainer for retaining a blade. An external, symmetrically toothed gear is fixed relative to one of the handle or the blade retainer, and a locking mechanism is associated with the other. The locking mechanism cooperates with the gear to lock the blade retainer in one of a plurality of fixed positions and includes pawls located in channels having converging ends. A manually actuable release mechanism is associated with the locking mechanism for unlocking the blade retainer to permit pivotal movement. Furthermore, a manually actuable blade release mechanism is associated with a blade locking mechanism contained in the blade retainer, for locking and releasing the blade when exchanging a dull blade for a replacement blade.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a tool. The tool may include a working portion, e.g. a blade, and a holding portion, e.g., a blade holder, wherein the blade and the blade holder are coupled in such a manner that the blade may be positioned in a plurality of configurations with respect to the blade holder. The blade and blade holder may include one or more of an engagement element and/or engagement element receiver that are configured for being coupled together in such a manner that the blade is substantially prevented from moving relative to the blade holder. The blade and/or blade holder may include a plurality of engagement elements and corresponding engagement element receivers such that the blade is capable of being moved incrementally with respect to the blade holder. Also provided are methods of using the tool as well as specialized packaging for offering the tool for sale.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a jack stand. The stand may include one or more of: a housing, elongated support, engagement element, engagement element receiver, and a modulator. The housing may be adapted for receiving the elongated support. The elongated support may be configured for being associated with the housing, and may include one or more, e.g., a plurality of engagement element receivers. The plurality of receivers may be positioned sequentially along a length of the support and may be configured for receiving a portion an engagement element. The engagement element, therefore, may be adapted for removably engaging the engagement element receivers in sequential fashion, wherein the sequential engagement of the engagement element receivers by the engagement element causes the elongated support to move. The modulator may be associated to the engagement element and configured for modulating the engagement of the engagement element with the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: The utility knife includes a handle and a replaceable blade having a lock retention notch. A blade lock mechanism includes a blade lock associated with the handle which automatically engages the lock retention notch on insertion of the blade into the handle. The blade lock mechanism further includes a means for manually disengaging the blade lock from the lock retention notch in order to remove the blade from the handle.

Abstract: A multiblade knife unit includes a first blade pivotally moveable between a folded position within a side edge of the handle, and an extended position projecting from one end of the handle. A second blade is supported by a carriage for sliding displacement between a contracted position stored within the handle, and an extended position projecting out from one end of the handle. The first and second blades being independently deployable out a common end of the handle. The knife unit includes a third blade slidably mounted to the handle housing, opposite the first and second blades, for sliding displacement between a retracted position within the handle and an extended position projecting generally out from a second end of the handle. The knife unit may further include a belt clip mounted to a housing for encasing a can opener.