A multi tool and accessories therefor

Abstract

A multi tool including: a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a folding frame; wherein the folding frame includes one or more hinges to facilitate the frame and / or one or more of the tools adopting a stowed position in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside at least a portion of the frame and a deployed position in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener; wherein a fulcrum socket is disposed on the frame, the fulcrum socket being coaxial with one of the one or more hinges to provide driving leverage for a socket drive bit. The multi tool includes a snap fit reconfigurable torch for illuminating workpieces while being worked on by the multitool.

Description

A MULTI TOOL AND ACCESSORIES THEREFORTechnical Field

[0001] The present technology relates generally to multi tools.Background Art

[0002] Multi tools abound; they stow a plurality of tools in their handles, and use hinges to move tools between stowed and deployed configurations. Usually the stowed configuration involves a tool being disposed within the handle, and the deployed configuration involves a tool being disposed outside the handle for operation on a workpiece or fastener.

[0003] Moving between those configurations is either overly fiddly and difficult, or insecure.

[0004] Oftentimes a multi tool is not seen as a serious tool for serious work because they don’t provide much leverage or strength.

[0005] Sometimes the workpiece or fastener or work area cannot be seen because the user is in darkness, working under a house or in a roof cavity, for example.

[0006] The known multi tools are also often heavy and inflexible in the number and configuration of tools.

[0007] A frequent criticism of multi-tools is that there are too many structures and elements that have only one use. In a tool that should by definition have multiple tools, there are not enough tools for the volume envelope and mass limit.

[0008] The present inventors have sought to ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages or at least provide a useful and novel alternative to known solutions.Summary of Invention

[0009] Broadly the present invention is a multi-tool with one or more detachable tools.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi tool including: a tool plate including a plurality of tools; a plurality of drivers; or a plurality of mounts for tools or bits or drivers.

[0011] In one embodiment the tool plate is configured to adopt a deployed position and a stowed position on the multi-tool frame.

[0012] In one embodiment the tool plate is removable.

[0013] In one embodiment the tool plate is configured to mount on a handle of the multi tool.

[0014] In one embodiment the tool plate is configured to mount at an end of the handle of the multi-tool so that it may be used to fasten or operate on a cooperating fastener or workpiece.

[0015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi tool including: a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a folding frame; wherein the folding frame is configured to adopt a stowed position in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside the frame and a deployed position in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener; wherein one of the tools is a torch that cooperates with another one or more of the tools to provide light on the workpiece or cooperating fastener to facilitate tool operation on the workpiece or fastener.

[0016] In one embodiment the torch includes one or more lamps disposed on an end face, and to one side or other of that face, to shine a light past the cooperating tool to the workpiece or cooperating fastener.

[0017] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi tool including: a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a frame; wherein one of the tools is a torch that cooperates with another one or more of the tools to provide light on the workpiece or cooperating fastener to facilitate tool operation on the workpiece or fastener.

[0018] In one embodiment the torch includes one or more lamps disposed on an end face, and to one side or other of that face, to shine a light past the cooperating tool to the workpiece or cooperating fastener.

[0019] In one embodiment the handle includes a blade guard for receiving the knife.

[0020] In one embodiment the torch is configured to shine a light past the tool onto the workpiece or cooperating fastener when the multi-tool is in the stowed position or the deployed position.

[0021] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi tool including: a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a folding frame; wherein the folding frame includes one or more hinges to facilitate the frame adopting a stowed position in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside the frame and a deployed position in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener; wherein one of the tools is a socket for a driver tool, the arrangement being such that a plurality of socket mounts are disposed on the folding frame, a stowed socket mount being on an inside portion of the frame, and a fulcrum socket mount being coaxial with one of the one or more hinges to provide driving leverage for a driving bit.

[0022] There may be also provided a longitudinal driving mount for a second deployed mounting position for the socket. This position is on the tool plate. This position has the advantage in some embodiments of being able to be lit by the torch. The position also has the advantage of a “normal” screwdriving position for driving. Leverage may be provided if required by folding out a handle arm.

[0023] In some embodiments the handle arm includes a pry bar to dig out and work out nails and staples and imperfections and unwanted things of different kinds.

[0024] In some embodiments the detachable tool is a torch.

[0025] In some embodiments the lamps are spaced apart on either side of a centrally-disposed tool to allow the beam to emit light from a location inside the tool.

[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the present technology there is provided a multi tool which includes a torch detachably mounted on a handle.

[0027] In some embodiments the handle is in the form of a frame.

[0028] In one embodiment the handle frame includes a pair of spaced apart rails for receiving snap or sleeve or clamp fit fasteners.

[0029] In one embodiment the detachable tool includes snap or sleeve or clamp fit fasteners for detachably fastening to one or more of the rails.

[0030] In one embodiment one or both of the pair of spaced apart rails includes a hexagonal cross section at one end and / or substantially along their length. The hexagonal cross section is to increase grip for the detachable tool fasteners and for use as a hex key for fastening cooperating hexagonal head fasteners.

[0031] In some embodiments the torch is mounted such that a lamp is disposed inside the body of the handle for protection.

[0032] In some embodiments the lamp is disposed on a side of the torch, and a centrally- disposed tool is mounted so that the light from the lamp can pass from the inside of the torch to the outside without being blocked by the centrally disposed tool.

[0033] In some embodiments the torch is detachable from the handle.

[0034] In some embodiments the tool includes a plurality of driver bits.

[0035] In some embodiments there is provided a socket to receive the driver bits.

[0036] In some embodiments the multi tool includes a knife.

[0037] In some embodiments the knife is pivotally mounted on the handle.

[0038] In some embodiments there are provided pliers.

[0039] A multi tool including:a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a folding frame; wherein the folding frame includes one or more hinges to facilitate the frame and / or one or more of the tools adopting a stowed position in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside at least a portion of the frame and a deployed position in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener; wherein a fulcrum socket is disposed on the frame, the fulcrum socket being coaxial with one of the one or more hinges to provide driving leverage for a socket drive bit.

[0040] In some embodiments a second socket is disposed on an end position on the frame, disposed to mount a socket drive bit longitudinally on the frame.

[0041] In some embodiments a torch is provided, configured to mount on or which includes at least one snap mount for removable snap mounting on a portion of the frame.

[0042] In some embodiments the frame includes two hinged handles for protecting the plurality of tools when in the stowed position and for gripping to operate the one or more tools.

[0043] In some embodiments the torch includes a beam generator at one end, disposed when installed on the handles to shine a light along the longitudinal axis of the handles.

[0044] In some embodiments at least one of the handles includes a pair of spaced apart rails.

[0045] In some embodiments one of the handles is a blade guard with a recess for a blade.

[0046] In some embodiments the blade guard is disposed parallel with a plane formed by the two rails, to increase the space between the handles for more tool and torch capacity.

[0047] In some embodiments the blade folds out to a deployed position by folding along a plane perpendicular to a plane extending between the two handles.

[0048] In some embodiments the torch includes a plurality of snap fit jaws to cooperate with the rails.

[0049] In some embodiments the torch includes a magnet for mounting on a ferrous object to shine on a workpiece.

[0050] In some embodiments the second socket includes a central hex bore and a pair of legs, each one mounted to one of the rails at an end of each.

[0051] In some embodiments a plurality of socket drive bits are removably mounted in a space between the rails.

[0052] In some embodiments a crown seal opener is provided on the frame.

[0053] In some embodiments a socket adaptor is mounted on a handle in a snap clip.

[0054] In some embodiments the blade guard includes a pry bar in use to dig out and work out nails and staples and imperfections and unwanted things of different kinds.

[0055] In some embodiments the battery includes a port for facilitating charging of a mobile device.Brief Description of Drawings

[0056] To enable a clearer understanding, an embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the figures, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of multi tool in a stowed position, shown from underneath;

[0058] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9 shown from on top, in the stowed position;

[0059] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the first embodiment, in the deployed position;

[0060] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the first embodiment, with a socket in a fulcrum position for maximum leverage;

[0061] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the first embodiment with knife deployed, socket in a longitudinal driving position, and tool frame in a substantially stowed position;

[0062] Figure 6 is a second embodiment shown in the stowed position, showing a C-clip for mounting a socket adaptor, and a socket drive at a rear face instead of a plate;

[0063] Figure 7 shows the second embodiment in the stowed position from a slightly different angle, showing a clearer view of the end socket driver and a socket in the knife hinge;

[0064] Figure 8 shows the second embodiment in the stowed position from the other side, showing snap mounts on the torch holding onto the rail handles and socket bits stored between the rail handles;

[0065] Figure 9 shows a clearer view of the socket bits stored between the rail handles; and

[0066] Figure 10 shows a view of the torch on switch, with the tool in the stowed position.Description of Embodiments

[0067] Referring to the drawings there is shown a multi tool generally indicated at 10. Shown is the multi -tool 10 with one or more detachable tools 20.

[0068] We turn to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5. The multi tool 10 includes a folding frame 40 which is configured to adopt a stowed position (Figure 1, 2) in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside the frame, and a deployed position (Figure 3, 4, 5) in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener.

[0069] The folding frame 40 has folding handles 41, 42, and there are folding tools disposed thereon, such as a knife blade 43, which can adopt a stowed position inside one of the handles 42, and a deployed position shown in Figure 5, in which the knife blade 43 is folded out from a blade guard 44. The folding frame 40 includes two hinges 48 to fold the handles 41, 42. There is also a separate hinge 55 for folding out the knife 43. The folding handle 41 includes two folding spaced apart rails, 45, 46, both of which could be round, or square, but in the embodiment shown, are hex in section. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 the rails are circular in section.

[0070] It can be seen that the knife blade 43 is deployable by folding from the blade guard 44, but the opening for the blade guard 44 is perpendicular to the plier handling plane. This facilitates a degree of compactness and allows the torch to fit neatly inside the stowed handles 41, 42, since the blade guard handle 44 is flat against the torch 50.

[0071] There is room in between the handles 41, 42 for a c clip 89 for storing a socket adaptor 90.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a crown seal remover 99. The removing in use is principally done by a plier cover / retention element 98 / 99 which prises the crown seal from a bottle (not shown).

[0073] Figure 9 shows a plurality of socket drive bits 95 mounted in between the rails 41, 42.

[0074] There is a pocket clip 85 shown in Figure 9.

[0075] There is a cooperating snap / sleeve fastener 46, 47 to fasten a torch 50 thereto. The cooperating fasteners 46 allow reversing of the torch 50 by unsnapping or sliding the torch off the ends of the rails 45, 46 so that the light is then reversible. This allows lighting of either end. The torch 50 also includes a magnet at one end so it can be mounted on a ferrous item for handsfree multitool operation.

[0076] The torch 50 is reconfigurable and repositionable in other ways. The torch 50 can be inverted on the handle so that it can be mounted on the outside or the inside. This changes the ergonomics of the plier handles so that the torch can cooperate with the inside of the palm for better and stronger grip and closing force. The on switch for the torch is shown at 51.

[0077] The torch 50 in use projects light through and around the socket driver 26 disposed at the end. In the Figures 6 to 10 the socket driver 26 has two legs connected to rails to allow the light from the torch freer projection.

[0078] The multi tool 10 includes a tool plate 30 (figures 1 to 5 only). The tool plate 30 is configured to adopt a deployed position disposed on the multi-tool frame 40, and a stowed position, which is either on the frame or detached from the frame 40. The tool plate 30 includes a plurality of tool drivers 31 and mounts, and through apertures 32 for directing light therethrough. Some apertures 32 double in function as tool drivers and mounts.

[0079] The light directed through the apertures is generated by the torch 50. The torch 50 includes a battery and one or more lamps, at one end, the lamps being able to cooperate with one or more of the apertures 32 and / or tools 20 to provide light on the workpiece or relevant cooperating fastener to facilitate tool operation on the workpiece or fastener. The torch 50 includes one or more lamps disposed on an end face, and to one side or other of that face, to shine a light past the cooperating tool to the workpiece or cooperating fastener. The torch 50 may shine light either side of the pliers 80 when the folding frame is in the open position, or through the apertures 32 in the tool plate 30 by reversing the torch, as described above. There may be one lamp or two or three or more.

[0080] The tool plate 30 as shown is removable, since it has hex mounts 6mm and 4mm, to cooperate with 6mm and 4mm hex key drivers machined into the ends of the handle 41. It fits on with a push fit and can thus be readily removed by pulling.

[0081] Figure 3 shows the fully open deployed position, and the torch could be mounted in reverse to light a workpiece adjacent the pliers 80. The handles 41, 42 operate the pliers 80 in the normal way.

[0082] One of the tools 20 is a socket adaptor 21 for a driver tool, the arrangement being such that a plurality of socket mounts 22 are disposed on the folding frame 40. For example, there is a stowed socket mount 23 being on an inside portion of the frame 40, adjacent the hinge 48, and a fulcrum socket mount 24 being coaxial with the knife hinge 55 to provide driving leverage for a driving bit 25. There is also provided a longitudinal driving mount 26 for a second deployed mounting position for the socket 21. This position is on the tool plate 30. This position has the advantage in some embodiments of being able to be lit by the torch 50. The position also has the advantage of a “normal” screwdriving position for driving. Leverage for driving in this position may be provided if required by folding out a handle arm such as the blade guard 44.

[0083] In the second embodiment at Figures 6 to 10 the socket adaptor plug 90 is in a different place, as mentioned above, and the socket drive bits 25 are also stowed between the rails as discussed above.

[0084] It can be seen that also in the second embodiment there is a socket driver bore 24 disposed coaxial with the hinge point 55 of the knife 43. This can assist in providing greater mechanical advantage than the longitudinal method of driver 26, even though it is slower. This also includes a ratchet.

[0085] The handle arm 44 includes a pry bar 49 to dig out and work out nails and staples and imperfections and unwanted things of different kinds.

[0086] Advantageously, the handle 44 performs multiple functions. There is a blade guard for receiving knife 43, plier handles for operating the pliers 80 and prybar 49 and stabiliser for tool plate 30. To be clearer, the handle 44 abuts the tool bar 30, and when the tool plate 30 is being used as a socket drive, the tool plate 30 is fixed relative to the handles 41, 42 and 44 so that itrotates at the same rate as the entire body of the multi tool. The handle 44 allows additional torque to be applied to the tool plate 30. strap or lock or fastener (not shown) may be wrapped around the handles to hold the handles 41, 42, 44 all together in a stowed position to provide increased stability for the tool plate 30 when driving a socket with the tool plate.

[0087] Further advantageously, in a similar way, the handles 41, 42 have a plurality of functions, including hex arms / torch mount / stabiliser for base plate / handle.

[0088] Advantageously, the torch is reversible as discussed above, since it is arranged on sliding snap brackets so that a user can unsnap or slide it off the frame arms 41 and 42, flip 180 deg & reattach) so that the user can illuminate whatever they are doing with the tool plate 30, which is usually fastening with the socket or hex sockets.

[0089] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0090] It is to be understood that any prior art publication referred to herein does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0091] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multi tool including: a plurality of tools operatively mounted on a folding frame; wherein the folding frame includes one or more hinges to facilitate the frame and / or one or more of the tools adopting a stowed position in which the plurality of the tools is substantially disposed inside at least a portion of the frame and a deployed position in which at least one of the tools is disposed outside the frame to operate on a workpiece or cooperating fastener; wherein a fulcrum socket is disposed on the frame, the fulcrum socket being coaxial with one of the one or more hinges to provide driving leverage for a socket drive bit.

2. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein a second socket is disposed on an end position on the frame, disposed to mount a socket drive bit longitudinally on the frame.

3. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein a torch is provided, configured to mount on or which includes at least one snap mount for removable snap mounting on a portion of the frame.

4. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the frame includes two hinged handles for protecting the plurality of tools when in the stowed position and for gripping to operate the one or more tools.

5. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the torch includes a beam generator at one end, disposed when installed on the handles to shine a light along the longitudinal axis of the handles.

6. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein at least one of the handles includes a pair of spaced apart rails.

7. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein one of the handles is a blade guard with a recess for a blade.

8. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the blade guard is disposed parallel with a plane formed by the two rails, to increase the space between the handles for more tool and torch capacity.

9. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the blade folds out to a deployed position by folding along a plane perpendicular to a plane extending between the two handles.

10. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the torch includes a plurality of snap fit jaws to cooperate with the rails.

11. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the torch includes a magnet for mounting on a ferrous object to shine on a workpiece.

12. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the second socket includes a central hex bore and a pair of legs, each one mounted to one of the rails at an end of each.

13. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein a plurality of socket drive bits are removably mounted in a space between the rails.

14. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein a crown seal opener is provided on the frame.

15. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein a socket adaptor is mounted on a handle in a snap clip.

16. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the blade guard includes a pry bar in use to dig out and work out nails and staples and imperfections and unwanted things of different kinds.

17. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the battery includes a port for facilitating charging of a mobile device.

18. The multi tool in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein one of the tools is pliers.

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