Demolition utility tool

#This application includes subject matter related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/391,230, filed Mar. 29, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to a multi-functional demolition utility tool and methods for the manufacture thereof.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a demolition tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

#The invention provides a demolition utility tool for demolishing construction material, building material, or other material and for performing other functions. FIG. 1 illustrates a demolition tool 100 according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, demolition tool 100 comprises a handle 101 with a head 103 at a first end of handle 101. In some embodiments, handle 101 may be an elongate handle. In one embodiment, head 103 has a longitudinal central plane (plane 131 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) that bisects head 103. In one embodiment, head 103 includes a strike contact face 105. Strike contact face 105 includes a generally flat surface that can be struck by a hammer or other striking tool or that can be used to strike building or other material for demolition purposes or for other purposes. In one embodiment, the plane 106 or surface of strike contact face 105 is parallel with the main axis 121 of handle 101, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

#In one embodiment, head 103 includes grasping jaws 107. In one embodiment, grasping jaws 107 comprise an upper jaw 109 and a lower jaw 111. In some embodiments, grasping jaws 107 may be utilized to grasp, manipulate, and/or otherwise demolish building materials such as, for example, lumber or other building materials. Grasping jaws 107 include one or more steps on one or both of upper jaw 109 or lower jaw 111. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of demolition tool 100 wherein upper jaw 109 includes a single step 113. As shown, step 113 has teeth 117. Grasping jaws 107 having one or more steps may form multiple gaps of different length within grasping jaws 107. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of demolition tool 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein grasping jaws 107 include multiple gaps 115a and 115b. The multiple gaps within grasping jaws 107 may accommodate materials having different thicknesses. For instance, in one embodiment, gap 115a between step 113 and lower jaw 111 is approximately ¾ inches wide (or perhaps a bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is ¾ inches thick, while gap 115b between upper jaw 109 and lower jaw 111, is approximately 1¼ inches wide (or perhaps a bit narrower) so that it may accommodate lumber or other material that is 1¼ inches thick. Other gaps having other sizes may exist.

#In one embodiment, the surface on upper jaw 109 carrying or defining teeth 117 is generally parallel to the surface on lower jaw 109 carrying or defining teeth 117. Similarly, the teeth 117 on step 113 extend along a line that is generally parallel to the teeth 117 on lower jaw 111. Otherwise stated, the points of the teeth 117 on the lower jaw 111 are parallel to the points (or lines extending through the points) on the upper jaw 109 and step 113. In another embodiment, some of the steps included within grasping jaws 107 do not have teeth 117. In one embodiment, the opening formed by grasping jaws 107 is perpendicular to the main axis of handle 101. FIG. 3 illustrates opening 119, which is perpendicular to the main axis 121 of handle 101. In one embodiment, the opening formed by grasping jaws 107 extends generally along the longitudinal central plane (i.e., plane 131) of head 103.