EP0782903B1 - Multipurpose tool for receiving removable tools - Google Patents

Abstract

The tool (1) has side plates (2,3) with parallel inner faces which act as a handle. One or more implements (3-7) are able to pivot or slide in a plane parallel to the inner surfaces of the side plates. At least one of the side plates has a hole (10) in it to receive bits (20) which can be inserted into it. The hole is shaped so that the bit turns when the handle is rotated. The hole is positioned so that it does not impede the operation of any other implements. It can be equipped with a reversible ratchet mechanism between the two plates. A detachable adapter (23) can also be fitted to another of the implements (7) to receive bits.

Description

The present invention relates to a multifunctional tool according to the preamble of claim 1, 2 and 3, respectively and preferably a multi-functional pocket tool. By multifunctional pocket tool in the present is meant request for example multifunction pocket knives, knife type Swiss army knife, versatile knife, or closing knife. The invention also applies to sliding blade knives, such as locking knives, or pliers knives or versatile pocket clips.

A multifunctional tool of the type defined in the preamble of each of these three claims independent is known from the prior art, for example, from document US-A-5320004.

In classic multifunctional pocket knives, such as Swiss knives, screwdrivers are generally not removable. It is therefore necessary to provide a large number of different screwdrivers on the knife. However, it is not possible to provide as many screwdrivers as longed for. In addition, large Phillips screwdrivers can hardly be integrated into the knife, due to their large thickness which takes the place of several conventional tools.

We also know knives and / or multifunctional pliers comprising, among other utensils, a specially swiveling end cap suitable for inserting standard bits, such as a screwdriver or wrench socket for example. These tips are standardized and can according to their type also be used for example in ratchet boxes or in combination with screwdrivers or with screwdrivers. It is thus possible use several types of screwdrivers or removable wrenches with a single knife. In these knives, a bit head is specifically provided for inserting the tips. This utensil occupies a significant thickness in the knife and does not perform other functions.

In the devices of the prior art, the screwdrivers are deployed or are inserted in the longitudinal extension of the knife or the pliers, and occupy thus a place which could be used to place other utensils there. The force that can be deployed by placing the screwdriver in this way is more generally insufficient, and handling the screwdriver by taking the knife vertically in the hand is awkward. It is also the case for multifunctional tools described in patent documents DE-A-4301764 (Kim et al.) And US-A-4995128 (Montgomery).

In addition, in many devices of the prior art, the screwdriver or the tip head may fold back inside the knife and injuring the user, unless additional devices are added the price of the knife, are not provided.

Patent document CH-A-654514 (Victorinox) describes a knife multifunctional in which a removable screwdriver can be inserted and held by the turns of the corkscrew. This solution is relatively expensive to put and is only suitable for small screwdrivers.

An object of the invention is therefore to propose a multifunctional pocket tool not having the disadvantages mentioned of the tools of the art prior.

In particular, an object of the invention is to propose a pocket tool multifunctional which can be fitted with bits, for example a screwdriver, removable and preferably standardized.

Another goal is to offer a multifunctional pocket tool that can be fitted with removable bits, for example removable screwdrivers, and leaving a maximum of space available for other utensils.

Another object of the invention is to propose a multifunctional pocket tool into which removable tips can be inserted which do not do not fall back and injure the user.

Another object of the invention is to propose a multifunctional pocket tool in which removable screwdriver bits can be inserted and held securely, so that moments can be applied important with a screwdriver.

These aims are achieved according to the invention, by a tool as defined in the content of claim 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

In particular, these goals are achieved by providing the side faces of the pocket tool of fixing means allowing to fix bits therein removable extending perpendicular to said side faces.

The side faces of pocket tools are often unoccupied, if not by a badge or an advertisement. In this way, the fasteners do not occupy a location that could be used for another utensil.

In addition, this arrangement allows the body of the tool to be used. pocket as a handle for the screwing tool perpendicular to the axis of tightening, and therefore to apply significant tightening moments with a increased maneuverability.

According to a first aspect, the screwing utensil can be introduced by an opening in one of the side faces of the tool, said opening having a shape preventing pivoting of the screwing tool and ensuring lateral support utensil.

Said opening is provided in a place where it does not prevent normal pivoting or sliding of the other (s) pocket tool utensils.

According to a second aspect, the fixing means are integrated in a pawl. According to a third aspect, the fixing means consist of a male lug and a housing female at the end of a removable tip.

Other features are described in dependent claims 4 to 8.

• la figure 1 une vue d'ensemble d'un couteau-pince selon l'invention dans un premier mode de réalisation,
• la figure 2 une vue de détail d'un couteau-pince dans un deuxième mode de réalisation, comprenant une fonction de cliquet,
• la figure 3 une vue de détail d'un couteau-pince dans un troisième mode de réalisation, comprenant une fonction de cliquet actionnable par la poignée de la pince.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description of the embodiments given by way of example and illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 3 which show:

• FIG. 1 an overall view of a pliers knife according to the invention in a first embodiment,
• FIG. 2 a detailed view of a pliers knife in a second embodiment, comprising a ratchet function,
• Figure 3 a detailed view of a knife-pliers in a third embodiment, comprising a pawl function operable by the handle of the pliers.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first variant of the invention applied to a pliers knife 1. The pliers knife comprises a universal pliers 4 of which one of the jaws is fixed and the other can be actuated by a handle forceps 5 housed between the two ribs 2, 3 of the forceps knife. Other utensils, for example a large knife blade 6 and a small screwdriver 7 are also lodged between the ribs of the knife and can be removed by making them rotate, as in ordinary folding pocket knives. Ribs 2, 3 of the knife are preferably made of metal, possibly covered with synthetic material molded or injected. They can however also be in any other material, for example horn, wood, etc., depending on the aesthetic appearance that we want to give to the knife. In general, the two ribs 2, 3 have parallel internal faces, between which the multiples utensils are stored parallel, and ergonomically adapted external faces in the hand of the user, for example symmetrical.

Alternatively, one or more utensils can be removed by sliding them between the two internal faces of ribs 2 and 3, as in knives with known detent stops. The invention however applies to any type of multi-purpose tool with one or more utensils retractable. In particular, the invention also applies to folding pliers having jaws which can be folded into hollow handles, as described for example in patent document US-A-4888869. The faces of the hollow handles of this type of pliers are analogous and equivalent on the sides of folding penknives.

Rib 2 of the pliers knife has a hexagonal opening 10 in which a standardized tip 20 can be introduced and maintained. The end 21 of the end piece opposite the head 22 comes to bear against the face internal of the rib 3. Thus, the rib 2 which is provided with the opening 10 ensures the lateral and rotational holding of the end piece 20 while the opposite rib 3 ensures its axial retention.

The tip 20 can be of any known type, for example socket wrench, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, etc. It is also possible to use other types of bits than actual screwing tools; for example, a corkscrew or a punch could also be adapted. The end 21 of the endpiece is preferably standardized and corresponds to the opening 10, so that the nozzle can be introduced without effort in the knife but is still tightly held.

Rib 2 can be reinforced if necessary near the opening 10 so as to withstand the important moments that can be given with the end piece 20. Alternatively, a not shown baluster can be welded between the opening 10 and the fulcrum of the end 21 on the internal face of the side 3, the end piece then being threaded inside the baluster.

The location of the opening 10 is provided so the tip 20 can be inserted without preventing actuation other utensils 6, 7 or the tongs 4, 5. In a variant not shown, the pliers knife 1 may include a male lug in place of the opening 10. This lug extends perpendicular to the rib 2, so as to what a modified tip, comprising instead of the end 21 a housing female corresponding to said lug, can be introduced. A spring ball may in known manner be provided on the sides of the lug to maintain the mouthpiece. This variant allows the volume between the two to be completely freed sides 2, 3 for additional utensils, but risk depending on the type of tool to which it is applied to interfere with aesthetics and maneuverability. other ways can of course still be imagined to temporarily fix a tip 20 perpendicular to the lateral faces 2, 3 of the pliers knife 1.

The different tips 20 can for example be transported in a leather or canvas case not shown for the pliers knife. A central pocket of the case accommodates the knife-clamp 1 while one or more several auxiliary pockets make it possible to transport a set of tips 20 of different types. If the invention is applied to a tool with a large internal volume, for example a foldable tool of the type described in the patent US-A-4888869 comprising hollow handle extensions, a set of bits can also be transported in one or more compartments inside the tool.

Preferably, the bit set also includes an adapter 23 for adapting a tip 20 on an existing utensil 7, for example on the small screwdriver. This adapter can be used when the end piece 20 is called to be less heavily used. In this way, we can fix a tip 20 standard on virtually any existing knife 1.

Figure 2 shows a more expensive variant of the invention in which the pliers knife 1 comprises a pawl 11 in which a tip Any one can be put on in the same manner as above. The ratchet 11, represented symbolically, has a hexagonal opening 10 preferably crossing the entire knife-knife, from one face to the other. Reinforcements 12 welded or riveted to the ribs 2, 3 are provided if the thickness of these ribs is not enough to withstand the important moment that can be applied with the ratchet.

In the illustrated variant, the pawl is not provided with means for reverse the direction of rotation. The user has however the possibility of using it to screw or unscrew according to the face 2, 3 from which the end piece 20 is threaded. The end piece 20 is held axially inside the opening 10 by any means not shown, for example by a peripheral groove or by replacing the through hole with two blind holes from each side. In the same way as indicated above, the opening 10 can also be replaced by a male lug in which female end pieces can fit. It is also possible to provide an invertible ratchet by means a latch on the other side.

FIG. 3 represents a third variant of the invention in which the pawl 11 can be actuated by the handle 5 of the clamp 4. For this, the barrel of the pawl 11 is provided on at least part of its periphery of teeth 13 meshed with teeth 14 on the handle 5. The actuation of the handle 5, when pressed against the knife 1, simultaneously causes closing the clamp 4 and rotating the barrel 11. When the handle 5 is released, any spring means bring it back into position, the barrel 13 remaining at this stationary moment. This variant provides the greatest comfort in use.

Claims (8)

1. Multifunctional tool (1) comprising:

   lateral sides (2, 3) serving as a handle for the tool, the inner faces of said lateral sides being substantially parallel,

   at least one implement (4, 5, 6, 7) able to pivot or slide in a plane parallel to said inner faces of the lateral sides (2, 3),

   at least one of said lateral sides (2) being equipped with fixing means (10) intended to fix to a tool (1) removable attachments (20) extending perpendicularly to said inner faces, this tool being

      characterised in that

   the said fixing means consist of an aperture (10) in one of the lateral sides (2) in which the end (21) of an attachment (20) is able to be inserted,

   the said aperture (10) has a shape impeding the pivoting of the removable attachment (20),

   the said aperture (10) is provided at a place where the end of an attachment fixed to the tool does not impede the normal pivoting or the sliding of said other implement or implements (4, 5, 6, 7).
2. Multifunctional tool (1) comprising:

   lateral sides (2, 3) serving as a handle for the tool, the inner faces of said lateral sides being substantially parallel,

   at least one implement (4, 5, 6, 7) able to pivot or slide in a plane parallel to said inner faces of the lateral sides (2, 3),

   at least one of said lateral sides (2) being equipped with fixing means (10) intended to fix to a tool (1) removable attachments (20) extending perpendicularly to said inner faces, this tool being

      characterised in that

   the said fixing means (10) are provided at a place where the end of an attachment fixed to the tool does not impede the normal pivoting or the sliding of said other implement or implements (4, 5, 6, 7)

   the said fixing means (10) are integrated into a ratchet (11).
3. Multifunctional tool (1) comprising:

   lateral sides (2, 3) serving as a handle for the tool, the inner faces of said lateral sides being substantially parallel,

   at least one implement (4, 5, 6, 7) able to pivot or slide in a plane parallel to said inner faces of the lateral sides (2, 3),

   at least one of said lateral sides (2) being equipped with fixing means (10) intended to fix to a tool (1) removable attachments (20) extending perpendicularly to said inner faces, this tool being

      characterised in that

   the said fixing means (10) are provided at a place where they do not impede the normal pivoting or the sliding of said other implement or implements (4, 5, 6, 7)

   the said fixing means consist of a male piece extending perpendicularly to said lateral sides (2, 3) and of a female accommodation at the end of a removable attachment fixed to the tool.
4. Multifunctional tool according to claim 1, characterised in that the removable attachment (20) is able to be introduced through the said aperture (10) through one of the lateral sides (2) ensuring the lateral hold of the implement in such a way that its end (21) rests against the inner face of the other lateral side (3), ensuring the axial hold of the removable attachment (20).
5. Multifunctional tool according to claim 2, characterised in that the said ratchet (11) is reversible.
6. Multifunctional tool according to claim 2, characterised in that the said ratchet (11) is not reversible and in that the removable attachment (20) is able to be fixed to said ratchet from any one of said lateral sides (2, 3).
7. Multifunctional tool according to one of the claims 2, 5 or 6, characterised in that the barrel of said ratchet (11) is able to be operated by means of a handle (5) allowing at the same time operation of another implement (4).
8. Multifunctional tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a removable adapter (23) intended to be inserted on one of said implements (7) and at the end of which removable attachments (20) are able to be fixed.

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