# US 5,344,201 A · Multi-function tool for truck operators

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- Number: US 5,344,201 A
- Document ID: US5344201A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/090,889
- Filed: 1993-07-12
- Granted: 1994-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 1993-07-12
- Inventors: A. Dean Offin
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5344201A

## CPC

- B25F 1/00: Combination or multi-purpose hand tools (associations of tools for different working operations with one portable power-drive means B25F3/00; {combined stapling and punching tools B25C5/0214})
- B25F: COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR {(machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass B23P23/00 and subgroups)}

## Abstract

A tool for allowing an operator of a tractor/trailer vehicle to perform routine non-driving duties associated with the operation of such tractor/trailer vehicles. The tool comprises an elongate central portion, a handle portion, a hook portion, and a prying portion. The hook portion is used to displace a fifth wheel pin of the tractor/trailer vehicle to disconnect the tractor from the trailer. The prying portion is used to loosen sticky hydraulic landing gear of such vehicles. The central portion may be tapped against the tires of the tractor/trailer vehicle to check the air pressure thereof. Reflective material may be formed on the tool.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of performing routine non-driving duties associated with tractor/trailer vehicles, comprising the steps of:
a. providing a tool having
i. an elongate central portion,
ii. a handle portion projecting from a first end of the elongate central portion, and
iii. a hook portion attached adjacent to a second end of the elongate central portion, the hook portion being adapted to engage a grasping projection of a fifth wheel pin of the tractor of the tractor/trailer vehicle, where a length of the central portion between the handle portion and the hook portion being such that, when the hook portion engages the grasping projection, the handle portion may be easily grasped and pulled by the operator;
b. grasping the handle portion of the tool;
c. arranging the tool such that the hook portion is adjacent to the grasping projection;
d. pulling the tool such that the hook portion engages and displaces the grasping projection in a manner that causes the fifth wheel pin to move from an engaged position into a released position.
e. providing the tool such that the tool has a prying portion formed on the second end of the central portion; and
f. prying landing gear of a trailer portion of the tractor/trailer vehicle to loosen the landing gear.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of tapping on tires of the tractor/trailer vehicle to check air pressure thereof.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
a. providing the tool such that the tool has an engaging edge formed thereon; and
b. arranging the hook portion adjacent to the grasping projection by placing the engaging edge on a surface of the trailer of the tractor/trailer vehicle.