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US 6,625,832 B2Granted
Multi-function tool with cartridge
AssigneeAlterra Holdings Corporation
InventorsPhillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Bradford Parrish, Peter Whitlock, Paul W. Poehlmann, Charlie Alfaro, John Nason
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-function tool includes a head, a pair of handles, and a plurality of ancillary tools. The head and tools are stored within the handles in a folded configuration. The ancillary tools are coupled to an interchangeable cartridge that resides within one or both of the handles. A wedge lock prevents a fully opened ancillary tool from closing unless the wedge lock is manually disengaged.
Claims25
A multi-function tool, comprising:
- a head having a first jaw and a second jaw joined at an axis;
- the first jaw having a working portion and a tang;
- the second jaw having a working portion and a tang;
- a first handle coupled to the first jaw, the first handle having a first channel with a handle side having a recess of a recess depth and a recess shape;
- a second handle coupled to the second jaw, the second handle having a second channel;
- a first tool cartridge captured in the first channel, the first tool cartridge having a cartridge side, a first cartridge axle and a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to the first cartridge axle, wherein the cartridge side has a shape matching the recess shape and a thickness substantially similar to the recess depth wherein the cartridge side is nested in the recess;
- and
- a wedge lock releasable locking one or more of the ancillary tools into an open position.
5 more elements
A tool cartridge for a multi-function tool, comprising:
- a first side having a first slot;
- a second side having a second slot;
- a bottom connecting the first and second sides;
- a cartridge axle disposed between the first and second sides;
- a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally connected to the cartridge axle;
- and
- a wedge lock releasably locking one or more of the ancillary tools into an open position, the wedge lock having a pair of wings extending from a wedge plate, the wings extending though the first and second slots.
4 more elements
A multi-function tool, comprising:
- a head having a first jaw and a second jaw joined at an axis;
- a handle coupled to one of the first jaw and the second jaw, the handle having a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled thereto;
- a first handle side having a first interior surface, the first handle side having a tongue;
- a second handle side having a second interior surface, the second handle side having a groove configured to receive the tongue;
- wherein the first handle side is coupled to the second handle side such that the first interior surface faces the second interior surface;
- and
- at least one recess disposed in each interior surface, shaped to receive and hold captive an additional component.
4 more elements
A multi-function tool, comprising:
- a head having a first jaw and a second jaw joined at an axis;
- the first jaw having a working portion and a tang;
- the second jaw having a working portion and a tang;
- a first handle coupled to the first jaw, the first handle having a first channel with a handle side having a recess of a recess depth and a recess shape;
- a second handle coupled to the second jaw;
- a first tool cartridge captured in the first channel, the first tool cartridge having a cartridge side, a first cartridge axle, and a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally coupled to the first cartridge axle, wherein the cartridge side has a shape matching the recess shape and a thickness substantially similar to the recess depth wherein the cartridge side is nested in the recess;
- and
- a wedge lock coupled to one of the handles, wherein the wedge lock is configured to selectively lock a plurality of the ancillary tools into a fully opened position or bias a plurality of the ancillary tools into a fully folded position.
5 more elements
A tool cartridge far a multi-function tool, the multi-function tool having a pair of jaws coupled to a pair of handles, comprising:
- a first side having a first keyed aperture defined therein;
- a second side having a second aperture defined therein;
- a bottom connecting the first and second sides;
- a retaining finger extending at an angle from the bottom, the retaining finger configured to retain one of the jaws in position when the handles are in a closed configuration;
- a cartridge axle having a keyed head disposed between the first and second sides;
- and
- a plurality of ancillary tools pivotally connected to the cartridge axle
- wherein the keyed head is configured to travel through the first keyed aperture to clamp the plurality of ancillary tools together.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.