# US 10,501,218 B1 · Multi-purpose tool and method for securing a locking fastener > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,501,218 B1 - Document ID: US10501218B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 16/023,506 - Filed: 2018-06-29 - Granted: 2019-12-10 - Earliest claimed: 2014-08-06 - Applicants: Gerald B. Keaton - Inventors: Gerald B. Keaton - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10501218B1 ## CPC - B65B 13/025: {Hand-held tools} - B25B 7/22: Pliers provided with auxiliary tool elements, e.g. cutting edges, nail extractors (for removing insulation or armouring from electric cables H02G1/12) - B25B 31/00: Hand tools for applying fasteners (nailing or stapling tools B25C) - B26B 17/00: Hand cutting tools {, i.e. with the cutting action actuated by muscle power} with two jaws which come into abutting contact (nail clippers or cutters A45D29/02; joints therefor B25B7/06) - F21V 33/0084: {Hand tools; Toolboxes} - B65B: MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B1/00-B67B6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C9/00) - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING - B26B: HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (for harvesting A01D; for horticulture, for forestry A01G; for butchering or meat treatment A22; for manufactering or repairing footwear A43D; nail clippers or cutters A45D29/02; kitchen equipment A47J; {vegetable slicers, julienne cutters and similar devices and holders therefor, B26D3/28}; for surgical purposes A61B; for metal B23D; cutting by abrasive fluid jets B24C5/02; plier-like tools with cutting edges B25B7/22; pincers B25C11/02; handles for hand implements, in general B25G; guillotine-type cutters B26D; {perforating by non-mechanical means, e.g. by fluid jet, B26F1/26}; for erasing B43L19/00; for textile materials D06H) - F21V: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract Disclosed is a multi-purpose tool having two elongated handles and a head portion pivotably connected about a common pivot joint. A flexible tubular element is connected to one of the two elongated handles. A gripping element is housed within a distal end of the tubular element. The gripping element can be extended or retracted from the distal end of the tubular element. A lighting element is attached to the distal end of the tubular element to illuminate working area. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of securing a locking fastener using a multi-purpose tool and a tie fastener, wherein said multi-purpose tool including two elongated handles and a head portion pivotably connected about a common pivot joint, a flexible tubular element connected to one of the two elongated handles, and a gripping element housed within a distal end of the tubular element, said method comprising: inserting an end of a tie fastener through a first aperture disposed a first side of the locking fastener; inserting the flexible tubular element of the multi-purpose tool through a second aperture disposed on a second side of the locking fastener; extending the gripping element from the distal end of the flexible tubular element; gripping the end of the tie fastener through the second aperture; and pulling the end of the tie fastener to a desired position to form a closed loop around the locking fastener. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the locking fastener is used to secure a locking rod of a truck in a locked position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising turning on a first lighting element housed within the distal end of the tubular element. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising turning on a second lighting element rotatably attached to one of the two elongated handles of the multi-purpose tool. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising severing the closed loop to release the locking fastener via the head portion of the multi-purpose tool. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising retracting the gripping element to the distal end of the tubular element of the multi-purpose tool. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, further comprising rotating two elongated handles around the common pivot join to the same side of the head portion to fold the multi-purpose tool. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the tie fastener is a zip tie.