US 6,219,870 B1Granted

Lock release mechanism for a folding combination tool or the like

AssigneeImperial Schrade Corp.

InventorsDavid A. Swinden, James Quinn, Robert Andersen

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A lock release mechanism for a folding combination tool having a plurality of supplemental tools (e.g., a knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc.) mounted at the free end of a generally U-shaped handle for rotation from a storage position within the handle to an extended “in use” position outside the handle. The locking mechanism is characterized by a leaf spring formed at the free end of the handle that lockingly engages the mounting end or shank of one or more of the supplemental tools when such tool is rotated from the handle to its fully extended position for use. The lock release mechanism preferably includes a bulge, formed on a different supplemental tool, that extends outside the handle so that the bulge may be depressed into the handle by a user. The mounting end of the different supplemental tool includes a leading edge portion that, when the bulge is depressed, moves the leaf spring out of engagement with the mounting end of the locked tool so that the latter is released and may be rotated by the user back into the handle.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A multi-purpose folding combination tool, comprising:

a pliers having a pair of crossed jaws, said jaws being rotatably connected to each other;
a pair of handles, at least one of said handles comprising:
(a) a secured end and a free end, said secured end being rotatably connected to at least one of said pair of crossed jaws;
(b) an open channel;
(c) a resilient leaf spring at said free end, said spring including a latch;
a plurality of supplemental tools movable between a stored position in said channel to an extended position outside said channel, each of said supplemental tools comprising:
(d) a body and a mounting end;
(e) said body being shaped as appropriate for the function of said supplemental tool;
and
(f) said mounting end being pivotally mounted to said free end;
at least one of said supplemental tools including on its said mounting end a keeper adapted to receive said latch to positively lock said at least one of said supplemental tools in said extended position;
and
a lock release mechanism comprising a bulge formed on said body of another of said supplemental tools, said mounting end of said another of said supplemental tools operatively connected to said leaf spring such that depression of said bulge while said another of said supplemental tools is in said stored position acts to release said latch of said leaf spring from said keeper of said at least one of said supplemental tools.

10 more elements

A locking mechanism, comprising:

a handle having a first end;
a resilient leaf spring having a free end portion located at said first end of said handle;
a first tool having a first mounting end connected to said handle for rotation between a closed position in said handle and an open position extending from said handle;
a first peripheral portion on said first mounting end coacting with said free end portion of said leaf spring to lock said first tool in said open position;
and
a second tool having a second mounting end connected to said handle for rotation between a closed position in said handle and an open position extending from said handle;
said second tool further including a lock release mechanism comprising a depressible portion that protrudes outside said handle when said second tool is in said closed position, said second mounting end being operatively connected to said leaf spring such that depression of said depressible portion when in said closed position causes said second mounting end to deflect said leaf spring sufficient to unlock said first tool.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/373,911Filed 13 Aug 1999 · division
Priority: 7 Oct 1996
Granted: 24 Apr 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

B25F 1/003
Combination or multi-purpose hand tools: of pliers'-, scissors'- or wrench-type with at least one movable jaw
B25F 1/04
With interchangeable or adjustable tool elements: wherein the elements are brought into working positions by a pivoting or sliding movement
B25G 1/08
Handle constructions: with provision for storing tool elements
Y10S 76/06
Metal tools and implements, making: laminated

Family

Application08/724,963Parent of this continuation · filed 7 Oct 1996
Application09/099,367Parent of this division · filed 18 Jun 1998
US 5,963,999 AParent of this division
Application09/099,367Parent of this continuation
US 5,791,002 AParent of this continuation
US 6,219,870 B1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.