EP1163981A1 - Multi-purpose hand tool - Google Patents

Abstract

At least one group of tools (5,6) is stowed away in the handle (2,3) and joined by means of a detachable coupling. The handle has two ends possessing lockable couplings. Two handles are joined by an articulated connector (4) in the form of a single tool, especially a head of tongs. The group of tools and single tools can be designated by a particular color.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a multi-function tool with at least one group tool, whose elements can be stowed away in a handle. The invention further relates to a group tool for such a multi-function tool.

State of the art

Multi-function tools are a well-known tool for general and some specific applications. The so-called "Swiss Army Knives" are widespread, which are available in a wide variety of embodiments. It acts group tools that are stowed away in the handle. Under the term Group tools become several individual tool elements that are grouped together (e.g. screwdriver, tenon driver, knife, can opener, scissors etc.) understood which are held rotatable about a common axis. The single ones Tool elements can be completely stowed away in the handle. To improve the The individual tool elements can be gripped so that there is no risk of injury exists for a user. In some embodiments are under control or the housing further individual tool elements (e.g. toothpicks, tweezers, etc.) housed. For example, the company offers for certain users (e.g. anglers) Victorinox, Switzerland, a standard knife "Angler", which in addition to various in such Pocket knives usual tools, for example, also a scaler and hook release includes.

Versions are known from WO 98/18599 A (Victorinox) and US Pat. No. 5,978,993 A, which have two hinged handles. This articulated connection can be pliers tools or scissors. To the functionality of this embodiment To increase, for example, is the subject of the US 5,978,993 A (Leatherman) an adapter available, in which mainly socket wrench can be used.

US 5,916,277 (Dallas) discloses a multi-function tool which at one end of the handle a replaceable single tool and at the other end with the handle has permanently connected group tool. The group tool includes several individually foldable tool elements that can be stowed away in the handle. The interchangeable Single tool can be pliers.

All of these embodiments are equipped with general tool elements. Specific and individual user requests cannot be taken into account. In leisure time active users want to go fishing one day and the next Take a bike tour during the day. They must do the same for any emergencies Take standard tool with you. Also within the branches - e.g. B. requires one River fishermen do not necessarily have the same tool elements as a sea fisherman needs - With the known designs, the different needs are insufficient considered.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a multi-function tool of the type mentioned create the most diverse needs of one in several areas of a profession and in particular can be adapted to the active user's leisure time.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the Invention, the multifunction tool has a group tool, which with the Handle is connected by a releasable coupling.

The user can do the group tools necessary for him in a multi-function tool put together individually as required. He no longer has to be different Applications buy various multi-function tools, but can group tools corresponding to the handle, which can be equated to a basic module arrange. An angler provides his pluggable multifunction tool with a group tool, which, for example, a hook release, scaler etc. includes. A hunter, on the other hand, supplements the basic module with a group tool, which is equipped, for example, with a large knife, a saw, etc. Plays the same user, for example golf, provides his pluggable multifunction tool with the appropriate group tool, which the needed for him Includes tool elements.

The cross-sectional shape of the handle can be designed as desired. With it also longer tool elements are stowable in the handle, a U-shaped cross-sectional shape is preferred. in the In principle, it is sufficient if there are two side walls, between which the tool element can be snapped into place. Very short tool elements can sometimes can be stowed in the group tool itself, so that there is no corresponding handle Storage space must be provided. It is conceivable to use the handle of the multi-function tool to form an interchangeable handle that is designed for certain tool elements (e.g. long knife or the like) is aligned.

The handle preferably has coupling means on both ends, on which group tools can be detachably attached. Special handles, for example with a T-shaped one, can also be used Handle can be used, which only at one end the possibility of arrangement offer a coupling agent. This coupling agent is preferably such trained that the group tool snaps into place when inserted. By pressing one Unlocking button can remove the group tool and, for example, by a other group tool to be replaced.

The basically U-shaped handle can be used to hold the coupling means in the area the coupling means a closed cross-sectional shape, for. B. the shape of a hollow Rectangle.

The coupling piece can be designed such that the tool element on it is movably or fixedly attached. In certain applications, it is a requirement for proper use of the tool that is intended for use Tool is kept immovable (e.g. a screwdriver). The clutch under control can therefore be configured such that an inserted tool element locks can be avoided and thus undesirable movements of the tool element become.

In addition to group tools, a single tool (e.g. a filleting knife, as anglers use it). Depending on your needs, you can use a handle an actual grab handle can be attached to increase ease of use.

A preferred embodiment of a multifunction tool according to the invention has two handles which are connected to one another via an articulated connecting part are. The articulated connecting part is connected to the handles via the detachable couplings and has a bolt on each of the two coupling parts, around which the Handles are rotatable. This makes it possible to fold the multifunction tool in such a way that the handles are parallel and spaced close to each other. In a Such a transport position can be used, for example, in a case housed and worn on a belt. A user wants the multi-function tool from the transport position to the working position, he must move the Turn the handles back around the bolts of the coupling parts of the connecting part.

In a preferred embodiment, the articulated connecting part is an individual tool educated. This individual tool can, for example, depending on the area of application a pair of pliers heads, scissors, side cutters or something similar.

In addition to arranging group and individual tools on the handles, it is also conceivable, two handles in the sense of an extension on a common axis with each other to connect directly or by means of an intermediate piece. Such an intermediate piece is preferably designed according to the coupling means, which the arrangement which enables group and individual tools. This can make work difficult to access for example within a niche with limited space and more power or momentum can also be transmitted.

The length of the handles can be different and depends essentially on the offered tool elements. With regard to the modular structure of the Multi-function tools are preferably only offered one or two types of handle lengths. Since these handles can preferably be connected to one another, any one is possible user-specific lengths can be plugged together. All elements of the multifunction tool should be combined with one another, largely independently of one another can.

The group tool attached to at least one handle comprises several on one common axis rotatable tool elements. The entire group tool is preferably stowed in the handle. The individual tool elements are preferably in place in the stowed condition from the storage space in a suitable manner so that they can be captured and expanded by the user. depending on your needs Tool element of the group tool unfolded individually. It can be a Securing mechanism are provided, which the unintentional folding of a prevented in the working position tool element.

In a preferred embodiment, a bolt, which is the axis of the group tool forms, so that the group tool is removed by each user self-dismantled and according to individual needs with as little as possible Handles can be assembled. This enables the user create his multifunctional tool tailored to his personal needs (e.g. fishing today, cycling tomorrow). It is also possible for him to individual defects To replace tool elements largely yourself and inexpensively. So you can specific needs within an area of application are also taken into account.

Thanks to the modular structure of the multi-function tool as a whole and in addition of the individual group tools can be supplemented as desired after purchasing a basic kit become. This can lead to an actual tool collection, for example is housed in a tool case. Someone wants a gift to the user make, he can give him one or more tool elements that he integrated in the multi-function tool according to its needs.

The individual elements of the multi-function tool are preferably all together can be combined, but can have different lengths. Because of these requirements it is conceivable that two group tools are arranged on one handle, which individual tool elements with a length, which longer than half the handle length is. If these tool elements are to be stowed in the handle, bump these together. So that the user a help regarding the meaningful combinations is given, the individual elements of the multi-function tool with identifiers Mistake. The attached identifier can be a stamp or an engraving.

It is preferably a color code which, for example, relates to a Coating, an ion implantation, a chrome plating or nickel plating of the individual Elements based. For example, the multi-function tool includes a variant a short handle with which, for example, a small pocket knife can be created can and a long handle, which for example twice the length of the short handle having. An identifier (e.g. black) is attached to the ends of the short handle. The group tools that can be attached to this handle point an identifier (e.g. yellow), which can be combined with this handle. The big handle in turn is with a different identifier (e.g. white) and which can be stowed in this handle Provide tool elements with another identifier (e.g. blue and red). The user For example, the instruction manual indicates that black can be combined with yellow, but not with blue. Accordingly, white with red can can also be combined with blue.

Since the coating or refinement of the tool elements only after the punching process takes place due to the usability of steel of lower quality and thus associated lower tool wear during production a more cost-effective Production guaranteed. Furthermore, the longevity of the individual elements can be increased since these refinements or coatings act as wear protection. But it can also be refined steel for the production of all or only individual Tool elements are used.

The color code creates help with the combination options also other optical effects, such as the optical enhancement of the product. A camouflage or a deception effect can be created, as it is for the use of a such multi-function tool is desired by the army or by anglers.

From the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims there are further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Eine schematische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemässen zusammensteckbaren Multifunktionswerkzeugs,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht von beispielhaften Kombinationen mit verschiedenen Gruppen- und Einzelwerkzeugen, und

Fig. 3a, b

ein schematisches Beispiel eines Kupplungsmechanismus im verriegelten und entriegelten Zustand.

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic view of a plug-in multifunction tool according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a schematic view of exemplary combinations with different group and individual tools, and

3a, b

a schematic example of a clutch mechanism in the locked and unlocked state.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a pluggable according to the invention Multi-function tool 1. This multi-function tool 1 has two handles 2 and 3, which are movably connected to one another via a pliers head 4. This pliers head 4 is detachably coupled with one end of handles 2 and 3. At the other ends of the Handles 2 and 3, the group tools 5 and 6, like the pliers head 4, are detachably arranged. By pressing the release button 7 and pulling on the corresponding parts the illustrated group tools 5 and 6 and the pliers head 4 from the handles 2 or 3 can be removed.

The group tool 5 has several tool elements, such as a large one Knife blade 8, a wooden file 9, an awl 10, a Phillips screwdriver 11 and one Can opener 12 on. The group tool 6 comprises one in the present example Metal file 13, a sawtooth blade 14, a small knife blade 15, a small one Flat screwdriver 16 and a large flat screwdriver 17. The Phillips screwdriver 11 of group tool 5 can also be designed such that it is constructed like a socket set and thus the function of the Flat screwdriver 16 and 17 can take over. So could with the group tool 6 these tool elements are dispensed with in favor of other tool elements. The arrangement of the tool elements of the group tools 5 and 6 is exemplary and can be adapted to individual needs as required. All Tool elements are attached to a group tool holder 19 by means of a bolt 18 held such that they are rotatable on a common axis and in the handle 2 or 3 are stowable. Each of the group tool holder 19 preferably has one Safety lever 20, which is an unintentional folding one for use unfolded tool element prevented.

If the bolt 18 of the group tool 6 is removed, for example, this can be inserted into the individual tool elements and the group tool holder 19 are disassembled. After the tool elements have been replaced or replaced by the user are, these are reinstalled in the group tool holder 19 and by means of Bolt 18 connected to a group tool. It is therefore not absolutely necessary to have several Group tools to cover different areas of application can. Also only the replacement of individual and also individual defective tool elements possible.

The pliers head 4 has bolts 36 on both of its coupling pieces. To these bolts 36, the corresponding handles 2 and 3 can be rotated such that the multi-function tool 1 can be folded. The handles 2 and 3 are in this transport position spaced parallel and close to each other. The transport position results in a compactness, which allows the multi-function tool 1 conveniently, for example, in an am Take a belt-fastened case with you. Grips 2 and 3 again around bolts 36 the multifunction tool is turned back in the working position. The handles 2 and 3 then enclose an angle in the range of approximately 20 °.

A schematic view of exemplary combinations with different group and individual tools is shown in Figure 2, the assembled components of the multi-function tool 1 correspond to those which in connection with the Figure 1 are described. In the sense of a variant, the pliers head 4 can by a fishing head 21, as required for example by anglers, replaced become. The same applies to the group tool 5, which is indicated here can be replaced by the group tool 22. To look at an application example of the multi-function tool 1 for anglers includes that shown here Group tool 22 a saw 23, a scaler 24, a small knife blade 15, one Phillips screwdriver 11 and a large flat screwdriver 17.

In the further comments on FIG. 2, a variant of the multi-function tool is shown 1 shown, in the case of an articulated or other connection of the handles 2 and 3 is waived. On the handle 3, the pliers head 4 is removed and a group tool, which corresponds, for example, to group tool 22. That is now available Standing multifunction tool 1 is similar to a pocket knife that is already known. In contrast, the group tools 6 and 22 are detachable on the handle 3 coupled. Instead of the group tool 22, a handle 25 can also be arranged be, which may be particularly desirable in tight spaces, for example to loosen or fasten a screw in a niche. In other variants is a filleting knife 26, a magnet 27 or a instead of the group tool 6 Lamp 28 attached to the handle 3. All of the combinations shown are exemplary and all variations can in principle be combined in any form.

To better understand the system of the identifiers of the individual components of the multi-function tool 1, exemplary dimensions are introduced. The handles 2 and 3 each have a length of 12 cm and are both coated in white. The longest tool element of the group tool with a length of 6 cm is, for example, the metal file 13. In the group tool 22, the longest tool element is, for example, the saw 23, which has a length of 6 cm. Both group tools 5 and 22 are coated in blue. The group tool 5 has the longest tool element, the wooden file 4, which is 8 cm long and the group tool 5 is coated in red. A group tool, not shown, has a 4 cm long awl as the longest tool element and is coated in yellow. If a shorter handle than the one described (e.g. 8 cm long) is used, it has, for example, a black coating. Individual tools that cannot be stowed in the handle can be provided with a yellow coating, for example. The following table shows possible combinations according to the color coating: Handle 1st element 2nd element White blue blue White blue yellow White red yellow White yellow yellow black yellow yellow

Since in a preferred embodiment the individual tool elements of the group tools are interchangeable, they can be marked separately according to their length become. All tool elements in one small handle - with black coating - Can be stowed with the appropriate identifier - in this Example of a yellow coating - provided. Preferably in such an embodiment the different colors have a corresponding importance. Know a compiled group tool, for example tool elements with a yellow and blue identifier, this is the blue identifier for assessing the combinability authoritative.

Figure 3a shows a schematic example of a clutch mechanism 29 in the locked Status. The release button 7 is in a first opening 33 of the housing 35, for example of the handle 2 arranged and the element used - a single or group tool - is in the engaged state. On the housing 35 is within this a spring element 30 arranged. The latch 31, which to the used Element belongs, is designed such that it the release button 7 and the spring element 30 at least partially includes. Furthermore, the bolt 31 has a bolt projection 32 on which the inserted element in a second opening 34 of the Housing 35 secures. If, for example, an element is inserted into the handle 2, this takes place the element engages in the grip when the locking projection 32 has the second opening 34 has reached.

If an element is now to be removed from the handle 2, for example, as in FIG 3b shown, pressure is exerted on the unlocking button 7. Through the constructive Structure of the mechanism, this release button 7 in turn exerts pressure on the Spring element 30 in such a way that it lifts the bolt 31. The bolt 31 is so far raised that the locking projection 32 is located within the housing 35. That is, the locking projection 32 is raised by more than the wall thickness of the housing 35. Dragging the element to be removed removes it.

Of course, the invention is not limited to those shown in the figures Embodiments. A variant of the illustrated design of the clutch mechanism is a simple connector. The elements are created directly or by means of of an intermediate piece put together without these being locked. For improvement the coupling properties of such a connector can be the coupling agent be surrounded with an elastically deformable material (e.g. rubber) which the friction on the elements to be connected increases.

If only one end of the handle is used to attach one element, the other can be used End a cover cap are arranged, which can be removed if necessary can. The design of a handle, which is basically only at one end Attachment option is conceivable.

In one variant, the handle can be constructed in two parts. This in such a way that it is telescopic can be pushed together and thus a shortening of the original Length allowed. These parts of the handle are held, for example, by means of friction or a grid. At the ends, which are not pushed into each other, are arranged as in the above-described coupling means.

Since all elements of the multi-function tool 1 can be exchanged as desired different qualities of each element can be used. This enables several Cover price segments in the market. A user needs or wants one better quality of a knife blade, for example, he acquires it and replaces it the corresponding group tool.

The interchangeability of the elements of the group tools can also be achieved by that several tool bases ("holder stub") on a common axis are rotatably mounted on which the individual tools e.g. be plugged on can.

In summary, it can be stated that the multifunction tool 1 is a tool was created that all user-specific wishes, which in different Application areas may arise, may take into account. It no longer has to be for everyone A separate tool can be obtained. Changes a user his hobby, the investment made is at least partially preserved because he uses his multi-function tool 1 can adapt to the new circumstances and wishes.

Claims (10)

Composable multifunction tool with at least one group tool (5 or 6), the elements of which can be stowed in a handle (2 or 3), characterized in that the group tool (5 or 6) and handle (2 or 3) by a releasable coupling are connected. Multifunction tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (2 or 3) has two ends formed with coupling means. Multi-function tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling can be locked. Multi-function tool according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it additionally comprises a single tool (25, 26, 27 or 28) which can be exchangeably attached to the handle (2 or 3). Multifunctional tool in particular according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has two handles (2 and 3) with couplings and that these can be connected to one another via an articulated connecting part (4 or 21) in such a way that they come from a non-parallel working position can be brought into a parallel transport position. Multi-function tool according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting part (4 or 21) is a single tool, in particular a pliers head (4). Multifunction tool according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two handles (2 and 3) can be rigidly connected to one another in the sense of an extension on a common axis. Multifunction tool according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the group tool (5, 6 or 22) comprises a plurality of tool elements rotatably mounted on a common axis. Multi-function tool according to claim 8, characterized in that the tool elements of a group tool (5, 6 or 22) are designed to be dismantled or reassembled. Multi-function tool according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the group tools (5, 6 or 22) and the individual tools (25, 26, 27 or 28) are provided with an identifier, in particular an identifier of a colored type.

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