Crowbar Or Prybar Patents (Class 7/166)
  • Patent number: 5481950
    Abstract: A rigid head extending laterally from an adjustable handle has an elongate slot therethrough aligned with the longitudinal axis, of the handle for receiving and operating the handle of a valve. A first concave surface is formed in the upper edge of the head for pushing on the spokes of a brake wheel. The first concave surface has opposite ends of similar slope approaching ninety degrees relative to the upper edge for pushing on the spokes of a brake wheel and preventing kick-out of the tool from the brake wheel. A second concave surface is formed in the lower edge of the head for pulling on the spokes of a brake wheel. A first end of the second concave surface has a slope approaching ninety degrees relative to the lower edge. An opposite end of the second concave surface adjacent the outer edge of the head has a slope relative to the lower edge of the head which is significantly less than the slope of the first end to facilitate kick-out of the tool while the brake wheel is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
    Inventor: Don R. Browning
  • Patent number: 5459897
    Abstract: A combination tool for lifting furniture and modular office panels with adjustable leveling glides mounted on a threaded shaft and for removing glued down carpet. The tool has an elongated handle and a blade pivoted about a fulcrum spaced rearwardly of the front end of the blade. The front end of the blade has a transverse cutting edge and a longitudinal slot opening from the transverse cutting edge for straddling the threaded shaft when the tool is used to lift the furniture and panels. The handle is attached to the blade at an obtuse angle and the blade pivots about a fulcrum spaced rearwardly of the front end of the blade such that the front end of the blade is elevated from about 1/2 to 2 inches above the floor at full pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Roy A. Wurdack
  • Patent number: 5435030
    Abstract: A combination hinge adjustment and pintle removal tool which has the ability to perform three functions in a single wrench-shaped hand tool. A first end of the tool includes a punch tip mounted orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tool, which is used to initially dislodge the hinge pintle from the hinge by driving the opposite side of the tool body with a hammer. The same end of the tool also includes a cupped indentation centered colinear with the longitudinal axis of the tool. The radius of this indentation is such that it will snugly fit around the shaft of a hinge pintle beneath the head of the pintle so that it may be hammer-driven upward in order to complete removal from the hinge. The second, or opposite end of the tool includes an opening with an offset spanner tip on one of the jaws surrounding the aperture. This end of the tool is used to bend a hinge without a pintle into alignment when adjusting the door within a jam or frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Michael A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5389099
    Abstract: A pair of surgical in situ rod benders having keyhole notches to prevent slipping off the rod while in use. The in situ benders also have a 20.degree. offset angle to allow a criss-cross pushing tension during bending. A flat tapered handle helps the surgeon counter rotational torques during bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventors: Ruben Hartmeister, Walter E. Strippgen
  • Patent number: 5315724
    Abstract: A combination fire axe includes an elongated handle, a head member disposed at one end of the handle, and a pike member disposed at the opposite end of the handle. The head member includes a base portion secured to the handle and a cutting portion having a convex edge disposed on one side of the base portion. An enlarged end portion having a blunt face is disposed on the opposite side of the base portion. An elongated substantially flat top portion and a grip members are defined in the head member for operating and controlling the pike member. The pike member includes a base portion secured to the handle, a wedge-shaped pike end portion, and a hook member extending transversely outwardly from the pike member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Mark Trujillo, Robert Terry
  • Patent number: 5247715
    Abstract: An adjustable spanner wrench and combination tool for use by firefighters provided. An elongate handle has first and second ends between which a variety of firefighter's tools are defined. A first jaw portion is affixed on one end thereof to one end of the handle. The first jaw portion extends from the one end thereof as a pair of spaced apart generally parallel side walls. A first end of a second jaw portion is movably fitted between the parallel side walls of the first jaw portion. The second jaw portion is further provided with an elongate slot having a plurality of slot projections extending therefrom A hinge pin is affixed between the parallel side walls of the first jaw portion and passes through the elongate slot of the second jaw portion. In this way, the second jaw portion may be selectively positioned by allowing the hinge pin to come to rest in one of the plurality of slot projections. Also, the second jaw portion is free to rotate about the hinge pin through an angle of approximately 270.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Laurence E. Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 5211118
    Abstract: A hand held fire fighting tool which attaches to a hose, having a handle through which water passes under pressure, having a connected head part which has a sharpened hoe, designed to pierce the ground surrounding burning roots, grass roots and debris when thrust forcefully thereagainst to thereby expose burning embers in fire mop up operations. Fire mop up consists of mixing burning embers with mineral soil, the layer of earth beneath combustible ground cover. The elimination of the mixture of burning embers and combustible material results in the extinguishing of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: John G. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5207126
    Abstract: A generally "L" shaped tool of rigid construction includes a first planar leg plate orthogonally mounted to a second arcuate leg plate, wherein the first leg plate includes a first leg plate bifurcated free end defining a first leg plate notch, and wherein the second leg plate includes a convex leg plate surface oriented in confronting relationship relative to the first leg plate free end. The second leg plate includes a second leg plate free end formed with a first medial notch and respective second and third lateral notches positioned adjacent the free end relative to opposing first and second sides of the second leg plate to provide for multiple access to various nails and the like in removal of shingles and shakes without damage to underlying felt. A modification of the invention includes a support mount for the tool of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Bernard J. Schaben
  • Patent number: 5206966
    Abstract: A carpentry tool arranged for use as a fulcrum relative to a hammer in a carpentry environment includes a base plate formed with a trapezoidal housing extending partially along a top surface of the base plate, wherein the trapezoidal housing includes a top wall, a forward wall, and rear wall arranged for fulcruming surfaces. The housing includes a side wall orthogonally and coextensively oriented relative to a base plate first end as the housing side wall includes a handle pivotally mounted thereto. The handle is arranged with a longitudinal slot for longitudinal adjustment, as well as pivotal adjustment, of the handle relative to the housing. The handle may be formed with a tubular upper body portion to contain a hand lotion dispensing central cavity directed through a sponge cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: William D. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5182829
    Abstract: A hand tool comprising a lever body is disclosed for assisting in connecting and disconnecting multipiece fasteners. The lever body comprises at least one disconnecting end and at least one connecting end opposite the disconnecting end. In a preferred tool embodiment, the disconnecting end is shaped and oriented to disconnect a snap fastener. One portion of the connecting end defines a recess feature shaped and oriented for releasably retaining and capturing a snap fastener piece for connection or disconnection. In another preferred tool embodiment, the connecting end includes an elongated zipper hook and further defines a groove adapted for cooperatively pivotally mounting the hook, and for holding the hook in either an open position for use or in a closed position during nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Carroll Sears
  • Patent number: 5127122
    Abstract: A combination picture frame tool comprises a handle with a flat bottom face, a crowbar-like tool extending from the handle, and small gripping jaws at the lower front end of the handle for pulling fasteners out of picture frames. The handle is a rectangular slab with a flat bottom face and a rounded oblong opening through the middle to admit the fingers for grasping. The flat bottom face can rest upon a surface such as the backing of a picture frame. The front end of the lower face is beveled. Just above the beveled section, on the front end of the handle, are the gripper jaws. The jaws are worked through a mechanism by pushing on a thumb lever. The bevel allows the jaws to be positioned by tilting the handle, so the jaws can easily grasp wedges close to the generally plane surface of the backing. The crowbar tool, for prying staples out and cutting paper, extends from the rear end of the handle. It has a straight shank with a sharp chisel edge at the end for cutting paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Benny W. Sobotka
  • Patent number: 5070564
    Abstract: A tool suitable for breaking loose foreign material wedged between a gate box lid and a gate box and also the foreign material wedged into the recesses on the gate box lid. The tool also may be used to grab hold and lift the gate box lid for removal and replacement of the same. To achieve these functions the tool embodies a slide hammer, a drive nut and chisel and a set of jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Victor W. Fey
  • Patent number: 5046387
    Abstract: This disclosure has been directed to those parts of hand tools utilized in gripping and manipulating the tool, most frequently and generically: the handle. The handles are fabricated of water resistant materials, provided with ergonomic enhancing curves, equipped with stress resistant inserts, and made multifunctional to increase their usefulness and productive efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Rodney D. Levake
  • Patent number: 5044033
    Abstract: A forcible entry tool includes an elongate pry bar having at one end a cutting section comprising a gripping block and a cutting blade. The gripping block has a forward gripping pad which acts as a fulcrum point, about which the tool can pivot. The blade can be thrust towards the material to be cut to pierce through the material, or alternatively, the tool can be swung like an axe to cut through the material. In either event, after an opening is formed in the material, the cutting blade can be inserted into the opening with the gripping block above the material. Continued pumping of the pry bar about the pivot point transfers a cutting force to the cutting blade to shear the material. Alternate tool portions such as prying heads and saw blades can be installed at the opposite end of the bar for various other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Timothy A. Fosberg
  • Patent number: 5005243
    Abstract: A seat removal tool (20) for airplane passenger seats which consists of: (a) a tool body (38) having: an elongated handle portion (26) adapted to be gripped by a user's hand; an elongated blade portion (28) extending longitudinally forward from the handle portion (26) and having an upturned tip (76) at its distal end; and an aft portion (30) having an Allen wrench (54) extending longitudinally rearward from the handle portion (26) and an arcuate portion (58) having a tooth (56) at its distal end; and (b) a cylindrical plug (34) for positioning the blade portion (28) in the seat track (22), the cylindrical plug (34) being pivotally connected to the blade portion (28) near its distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Benjamin Yip
  • Patent number: 4998312
    Abstract: A tool primarily for pulling stakes from concrete forms includes a relatively long lever arm and a bore for encircling a metal stake, oriented generally at right angles to the lever arm. In preferred embodiments, the bore has a relatively sharp edge and gripping teeth for positive gripping engagement against the rod to enable twisting of the stake and subsequent lifting of the stake. The tool also includes, in preferred embodiments, a protruding fulcrum end to allow prying the stake up using the stationary wooden form for engagement by the fulcrum point. A further preferred feature is a chisel edge on the fulcrum end, to enable the tool to be used for form stripping. The chisel end may further include an opening configured for nail pulling. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the tool can be used for nail removal from forms, for stake twisting and pulling, for stripping of forms from concrete and also for bending of reinforcing bar to a substantially accurate, consistent bend angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Andrew H. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 4924544
    Abstract: An emergency tool is provided capable of performing four post-catastrophe functions. The tool has a handle and a head. One end of the handle forms an open-end wrench socket useful in shutting off the water supply to a residence. The handle also defines a box-end wrench socket useful in shutting off valve to allow a homeowner to shut off the gas supply to a residence. The head comprises a rubbish claw to allow the tool to be used to dig through rubble and debris, and a wedge capable of prying open doorways and other enclosure access ways which may become stuck shut during a catastrophe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Donald W. Culotta
  • Patent number: 4868943
    Abstract: A combination tool for the installation of wallboard and the application of insulation to a building. The tool comprises an elongate, rectangular, tublar rod having a kickjack at one end and an extender, which is attachable to the kickjack and is used for adjusting the length of the tool. The tool performs two functions as a wallboard installation device. First, a blade at the free end of the kickjack is used for supporting wallboard as it is being positioned and secured to a building frame, thereby freeing the construction worker's hands so that only one worker is required to hang a piece of wallboard. Second, the tool is useful as a "kickjack" or lever-fulcrum combination to install a wallboard at floor level tightly against an upper level wallboard. The combination tool also has a tined attachment, which can be fixed to the blade, for applying insulation to a building frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Allen J. Robichaud
  • Patent number: 4785488
    Abstract: An improved, versatile, lever bar which may be used as a crowbar, prybar, sledge hammer, pickaxe, wedge, etc. The lever bar has a long handle with a thick base plate chamfered at one end and secured perpendicular to the axis of the handle at one end thereof. A thick foot plate has a sharp end from which diverge edges defining an acute angle for entering under or behind boards to be pried. A massive, flat, triangular or trapezoidal anvil plate is secured to the base plate and handle. The base plate and anvil plate can serve as hammer heads while the tool is used as sledge hammer. The base plate and foot plate can serve as splitting wedges and as heads of a pickaxe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Palbar, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Schellas
  • Patent number: 4745651
    Abstract: A multi-purpose utility tool wherein an elongated straight handle is attached to a curved plate, the curvature occurring between a front edge and a back edge and being concave with respect to the top surface of the plate. The two side edges of the plate are mutually parallel and intersect the front edge at a right angle. The front edge is sharpened, the cutting edge preferably formed by bevelling between the top surface of the plate and the front edge. The handle is attached to the top surface of the curved plate, with the longitudinal axis of the handle forming an obtuse exterior angle with the curved plate at the point of attachment. A solid web, with a curved exterior edge surface, is formed between the back edge of the curved plate and the handle, the solid web extending tangentially from the back edge of the plate and curving toward the handle so as to terminate at its intersection with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: Bernard G. Schellenger
  • Patent number: 4741060
    Abstract: An articulated wrench having an elongated leg member with a slot in its shank portion and its outer end formed into a flange with a slot therein, and pivotally mounted at its inner end to the inner end portion of an arm member having a hook formed at its inner end, and having a slot in its outer end portion, and having two prongs formed at its outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Jack H. Hose
  • Patent number: 4716610
    Abstract: This invention is for a hand tool comprising a body or a shank having a first end and also a second end. The first end may be a curved end having a circular passageway. The curved end with the circular passageway can be positioned around the upper end of the valve housing so as to allow a wrench to be placed on the hexagonal cap or hexagonal nut to rotate the same. The second end is in the form of a finger and can be positioned between the valve housing and an upright pipe so as to be able to use a wrench for rotating a connecting between a pipe and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Ronald A. Kvinge
    Inventors: Albert J. Therkildsen, Ronald A. Kvinge
  • Patent number: 4685164
    Abstract: This brake adjustment tool is for adjusting air brakes of automotive vehicles, and is a dual purpose tool that enables one man to properly adjust such brakes. Primarily, it consists of an elongated handle or main body having an opening for receiving a socket that is received on the adjustment screws of slack adjusters of air brakes, and a striker block is provided opposite the socket, for being struck by a hammer to free the usually seized locking collar on the adjustment screws. A channel grip member is also provided on the opposite end of the tool for receiving the slack adjuster to apply sufficient leverage to pull the slack adjuster to move the piston rod of the brake air cylinder, so as to enable the user to measure the stroke of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Adam Sebalos
  • Patent number: 4656895
    Abstract: Emergency gas shut-off tool; comprising a three-dimensional shank, having an upper end terminating in a butt and an inverted U-shaped three-dimensional head mounted rotatably to the shank adjacent the butt so as to form a closed space therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Erik M. Arnhem
    Inventor: Johnnie L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4646378
    Abstract: A neat and simple combination tool comprising first and second tool members with hinge structure pivotally securing the first and second members together so that they may be selectively pivoted between opened and closed positions of use wherein the first tool member includes a pair of spaced-apart generally parallel extending side walls forming a sheath portion between which the second tool member may be folded or enclosed in closed position thereof, the first tool member also including a first tool portion and a first bridge portion at one end thereof and a second bridge portion adjacent the other end thereof but intermediate these ends, the first and second bridge also extending between and integrally connecting side walls, the second tool member including second and third tool portions at opposite ends thereof and an intermediate region adjacent the second tool portion with this intermediate region being disposed between the side walls and hingedly assembled adjacent the other end of the first tool member,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: David M. Borden
  • Patent number: 4644600
    Abstract: An extension device for receiving the handle of a wrench so as to assist in the rotation thereof includes a generally flat handle portion, a generally flat offset portion coupled to the handle portion and offset therefrom and first and second stirrups coupled to opposite edges of the offset portion for receiving and positioning the handle of the wrench to be rotated such that the plane of rotation of the handle portion is coplanar with the plane of rotation of the handle of the wrench. Each stirrup includes a V-shaped portion having a first leg coupled to a respective edge of the offset portion and a substantially flat third leg coupled to the second leg of the V and extending over the offset portion. The handle of the wrench is received by the stirrups and positioned by the apex of each of the V-shaped portions. The extension device may also be used as a prybar and a device for bending pipe, metal rod and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Fugate
  • Patent number: 4597123
    Abstract: The tool includes an elongate handle one end of which tapers into a wedge shape useful for prying. The other end of the elongate handle includes an arcuate portion with inwardly angled projections creating a spanner wrench for use with hose couplings. One side of the arcuate portion includes a cylindrical member with a flat face suited for a hammering operation. The other end of the arcuate portion includes claw members diverging from a narrow portion proximal the arcuate member and cooperates with the arcuate member in a prying operation. A pin member extends in a plane perpendicular to the plane formed by the elongate handle and the arcuate member and is located for use in removing hinge pins from doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: Walter T. Cobe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4336706
    Abstract: A lathekin for use in stain glass window construction and the like has a handle with a blade attached to one end. The blade has a main convex edge which is doubly beveled. Spaced along the edge are two pairs of transverse projections. The transverse projections each have a tapered leading edge and a tapered trailing edge on either side of a peak. The peak extends from the edge of the blade inwardly to at least the depth of the channel of the came used in stained glass panel construction. The blade has a trailing edge which is also doubly beveled and which extends from a substantially normal intersection with the main blade edge to form a concave curve with the handle. On the opposite side of the handle is a concave upper edge which intersects with the main blade edge to form a point. A second blade is transversely mounted on the opposite end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Inventor: Alberto A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 4287623
    Abstract: A combination tool is disclosed particularly suitable for emergency rescue applications, generally composed of two pivotally connected elongate handle members having an axe head and pick head mounted respectively thereon. The handle members may be locked together to be used as a composite structure, scissored apart to perform a variety of wire cutting and clamping functions, or alternatively separated from one another to be used independently. A plurality of head attachments are additionally disclosed which may be selectively mounted onto the axe head member to adapt the tool for use as a spade, hoe, hewing adz, basher, metal cutter, strap wrench, pipe wrench, and various other tools. The head attachments are mounted to the axe head member by a rotatable locking member which provides a quick connect and disconnect means for securing the attachments to the device. A holster, shoulder strap, and shoulder harness are utilized to carry the combination tool and head attachments upon a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventor: Phil K. Tarran
  • Patent number: 4199833
    Abstract: A carton opening device is provided for opening diverse types of cartons, for example, cartons held together by retaining straps, retaining wires and/or nails. The device comprises an L-shaped handle having a first and second leg. A crowbar claw is formed at the free end of the first handle leg while a diametric channel is formed across the free end of the handle second leg for engaging and breaking retaining wires on cartons. A substantially axial slot extends from the corner of the handle and terminates short of the free end of the handle second leg for engaging and breaking retaining straps on cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Inventors: Fred Z. Sitkins, David A. Hill
  • Patent number: 4198719
    Abstract: A tent peg mallet and extracting tool is provided which includes a variety of functional portions to perform operations on wooden, metal, or plastic tent pegs or the like. The tool includes a mallet portion having a face for pounding wooden or plastic pegs without damage, a rigid plate secured to the mallet portion for pounding metal pegs, a tab extending from the end of the mallet portion for digging or prying to loosen the pegs, and a peg removal loop secured to the mallet portion to facilitate peg pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1980
    Inventor: Gary R. Feldpausch
  • Patent number: 4112530
    Abstract: A camping tool in which an elongated metallic body carries, at one end, a curved portion having a V-shaped gap. A handle is attached to the other end of the base body. A mass metallic portion is supported by the base body in proximity where the curved portion joins the elongated body. A ring-shaped member with a projection thereon, is pivotally connected to the base body between the mass portion and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Leyan S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Lecce, Paolo Andena
  • Patent number: 4089077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination tool comprising a wrench-end portion and a jaw-end portion, said wrench-end portion and said jaw-end portion being connected by a neck, said wrench-end portion containing an aperture which is adapted for engagement with a nut and said jaw-end portion containing a tooth member and a lower lip member which cooperate to facilitate the removal of a propeller from a propeller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventor: Arthur P. Morton