Abstract:
A multi-function tool apparatus and system formed from a handle and a utility blade having a structure that facilitates completion of a plurality of functions, thus, reducing the number of ancillary tools required. The handle may include a butt end with a screwdriver in releasable engagement with the handle. The screwdriver can be removed to expose a shaft and several screwdriver bits. The butt end includes a bolt that can be removed to attach and extension pole to allow the apparatus to reach remote areas. The structure of the utility blade allows functions including but not limited to: scraping; putty spreading; caulk stripping; can opening, can closing; roller wiping; cutting; torquing hex nuts on spray guns; nail pulling, nail driving and the like. In other embodiments, other heads may be substituted for the utility blade.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/940,849, filed May 30, 2007 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/898,357, filed Jan. 30, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of tools, and more particularly to a multi-function tool that provides functionality common to painters&#39; needs. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Often times, workers such as painters require supporting tools to perform their tasks. In addition to the basic equipment required by a painter, such as a paint brush and paint roller, a painter may require various additional pieces of equipment to perform functions such as scraping, various cutting tasks, spreading, cleaning rollers, scraping caulk, removing lids from paint cans, hammering nails, driving screws and the like. It is appreciated that each of these tasks requires separate tools which can burden the painter. 
         [0006]    Therefore, for the foregoing reasons, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a multi-function tool apparatus and system, wherein the present apparatus reduces the number of ancillary tools required by a painter. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a multi-function tool apparatus and system, comprising a handle and a utility blade having a structure that accommodates a plurality of functions, thus, reducing the number of ancillary tools required by a painter. 
         [0008]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a multi-function tool apparatus and system, comprising a handle having a butt end that includes a screwdriver in threaded engagement with the handle. The screwdriver can preferably be removed to expose a shaft and a plurality of screwdriver bits or varying configuration. The butt end further preferably includes a bolt in threaded engagement with the butt end. The bolt can preferably be removed to attach an extension pole to allow the apparatus to reach remote areas. The structure of the utility blade preferably accommodates functions including but not limited to: scraping; putty spreading; caulk scraping; can opening; roller wiping; cutting; torquing fasteners; nail pulling, nail driving, and the like. 
         [0009]    In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a tool apparatus, including a handle, a blade disposed on one end of the handle and a butt end disposed on another end of the handle. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the butt end comprises a sub-tool inverted to face inwards of a hollow interior of the handle. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the inverted tool is a screwdriver removably attached to the handle. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the blade includes a first utility edge. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the blade includes a second utility edge. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a third utility edge disposed between and generally perpendicular to the first and second utility edges. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a tool edge having a paint roller cleaner and a can opener disposed adjacent the paint roller cleaner. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a tool edge having a first hex nut aperture, a second hex nut aperture disposed adjacent the first hex nut aperture, a concave blade edge disposed adjacent the second hex nut aperture and a caulk scraper disposed adjacent the concave blade edge. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a tool edge disposed on one end of the blade, the tool edge including a combination scraper and putty knife, a can opener disposed on one end of the combination scraper and putty knife and a caulk scraper disposed on an end of the combination scraper and putty knife opposite the end having the can opener. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a nail-puller through-hole disposed on the blade. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the handle includes a central handle portion, a butt portion in threaded engagement with the central handle portion and a bolt end in threaded engagement with the butt portion. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the bolt end is for hammering. 
         [0021]    In still another embodiment, the central handle portion comprises a hollow interior. 
         [0022]    In yet another embodiment, the butt portion is a screwdriver handle. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a screwdriver shaft coupled to the screwdriver handle and disposed within the hollow interior of the central handle portion. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes screwdriver bits coupled to the screwdriver handle and disposed within the hollow interior of the central handle portion. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the screwdriver bits are for removeably coupling to the screwdriver shaft. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the handle is arranged about a longitudinal axis. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the blade includes three sides. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment, a first side of the three sides includes a concave curve, a second side of the three sides includes three concave curves and a third side of the three sides is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, two of the concave curves comprise a generally semi-circular profile. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, two of the concave curves include 4 side arranged in a hexagonal pattern. 
         [0031]    In another aspect, the invention features a tool system, including a tool handle, a utility blade disposed on one end of the tool handle and an extension pole for affixation to an end of the tool handle opposite the end having the utility blade. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the system further includes a screwdriver having a screwdriver handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the screwdriver handle being in threaded engagement with the tool handle, and wherein the shaft is disposed in a hollow interior of the tool handle. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, the extension pole is in threaded engagement with an end of the screwdriver handle. 
         [0034]    In another aspect, the invention features a utility tool kit, including a tool apparatus, having a handle and a blade disposed on one end of the handle, a screwdriver for disposition on the handle and an extension pole for disposition on the screwdriver. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the screwdriver comprises a butt end that is for being in threaded engagement with the handle, while a screwdriver shaft coupled to the butt end is disposed within a hollow interior of the handle. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment, the kit further includes an end bolt for being in threaded engagement with the butt end. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, the extension pole includes a threaded end for being in threaded engagement with the butt end when the end bolt is removed from the butt end. 
         [0038]    In another aspect, the invention features a painter&#39;s tool apparatus, having a handle and a utility knife disposed on the handle and means for performing a painter&#39;s function disposed on the utility knife. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a screwdriver disposed on the handle. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to clean a paint roller. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to apply putty. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to scrape. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to scrape caulk. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to cut. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to receive a bolt. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to pull nails. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to open a paint can. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used to close a paint can. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment, the handle includes a bolt end in threaded engagement with the handle and for hammering nails. 
         [0050]    In another aspect, the invention features a tool having a handle and a multi-functional blade connected to one end of the handle, another end of the handle including a threaded opening. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the blade includes a first edge having a paint roller cleaner aperture, a second edge having a concave cutter, a first hex wrench, and a second hex wrench, a third combination scraper and putty spreading edge disposed between the first and second edges having a first protrusion contiguous with the cutter for scraping caulk and a second protrusion adjacent the paint roller cleaner recess. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment, the tool includes a through-hole disposed on the multi-functional blade for pulling nails. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, the tool includes a screwdriver for inserting into a hollow interior of the handle, the screwdriver having a screwdriver handle having adjacent threads for being in threaded engagement with the threaded opening of the handle. 
         [0054]    In another embodiment, the tool further includes bolt end having a threaded shaft for being in threaded engagement with a threaded opening disposed on the screwdriver handle. 
         [0055]    In another embodiment, the tool includes an elongated extension handle having a threaded end for being in threaded engagement with the threaded opening on the screwdriver handle when the bolt end is removed from the threaded opening on the screwdriver handle. 
         [0056]    In another aspect, the invention features method for performing painter&#39;s functions, including providing a tool having a handle with a multifunctional blade having a first edge with a concave aperture, a second edge with a concave aperture and a hex profiled aperture, a third straight edge disposed between the first and second edges and having a first protrusion adjacent the first edge and a second protrusion adjacent the second edge, and a through-hole disposed on the multifunctional blade. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the method further includes inserting a paint roller within the concave aperture on the first edge and running the paint roller along an edge of the concave aperture to clean the paint roller. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment, the method further includes spreading putty with the straight edge. 
         [0059]    In another embodiment, the method further includes scraping a surface with the straight edge. 
         [0060]    In another embodiment, the method further includes scraping caulk with the second protrusion. 
         [0061]    In another embodiment, the method further includes removing a lid from a paint can with the first protrusion. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment, the method further includes removing a nail with the through-hole. 
         [0063]    One advantage of the invention is that it incorporates several ancillary tools into a single tool. 
         [0064]    Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a scraping function. 
         [0065]    Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides a spreading function. 
         [0066]    Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a lid removal/can opening function. 
         [0067]    Still another advantage of the invention is that it provides a caulk scraping function. 
         [0068]    Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a hex profile wrench function. 
         [0069]    Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides a cutting function. 
         [0070]    Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a paint roller cleaning function. 
         [0071]    Still another advantage of the invention is that it provides a hammering function. 
         [0072]    Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a screw-driving function. 
         [0073]    Yet another advantage of the invention is that it provides a nail-pulling function. 
         [0074]    These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0075]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 4  illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory for the embodiments of the multi-function apparatuses and systems of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a rubber mallet head. 
           [0080]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a flooring knife head. 
           [0081]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a hammer head. 
           [0082]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a chisel head. 
           [0083]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a hex key set head. 
           [0084]      FIG. 10  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a joint knife head. 
           [0085]      FIG. 11  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a scraper head. 
           [0086]      FIG. 12  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a putty knife head. 
           [0087]      FIG. 13  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function tool together with a chisel scraper head. 
           [0088]      FIG. 14  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function together with a wire brush. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0089]    In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14 , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Moreover, referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool  100 , to  FIG. 2  that illustrates a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool  100 , and to  FIG. 3  that illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool system  300 , generally illustrating multi-function tool  100 , screwdriver  200  and bolt end  120 , all discussed in further detail below. 
         [0090]    Now referring to  FIG. 1 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an tool  100  which preferably includes handle  105  having a forward end  106  and a rear end  107 . It is appreciated that handle  105  can preferably be formed in any number of shapes and orientations as desired for comfort and/or ease of use, or for aesthetic purposes. In a typical embodiment, handle  105  preferably has a circular cross section tapering slightly from rear end  107  to forward end  106 . Handle  105  can also be formed of one or more of a variety of materials with varying gripping characteristics and a variety of textures to aid in gripping. In a typical embodiment, handle  105  preferably includes soft durometer santoprene. Tool  100  preferably further includes blade  110  disposed on one end of handle  105 , preferably forward end  106 . It is appreciated that blade  110  is preferably attached to forward end  106  so as to provide structural support for blade  110 , such as by a tine inserted to a sufficient depth within handle  105 . Tool  100  further preferably includes butt end  115 , which is preferably in threaded engagement with handle  105 , preferably proximate rear end  107 . Butt end  115  preferably comprises part of handle  105  when in threaded engagement therewith. Tool  100  further preferably includes bolt end  120  that is preferably in threaded engagement with butt end  115  and is discussed further in the description below. Bolt end  120  preferably includes threads  121  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, bolt end  120  is formed of a hard material, such as metal, that can preferably be utilized to drive nails. Typically, a user can use butt end  115  as a hammer to nail nails, such as drywall nails. Butt-end  115  preferably includes internal threads  116 , shown in  FIG. 2 , that preferably engage with bolt end threads  121  to allow butt end  115  and bolt end  120  to be in threaded engagement. 
         [0091]    As mentioned above, tool  100  preferably includes butt end  115  that preferably includes sub-tool  200 , shown as a cross-section in  FIG. 2  and shown as sub-tool  300  in  FIG. 3 , preferably inverted to face inwards of a hollow interior  108  of handle  105 , also shown in  FIG. 2 . In a typical embodiment, sub-tool  200  preferably includes a screwdriver including handle  205  including butt end  115 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Sub-tool  200  preferably further includes shaft  210  operably coupled to handle  205 . Shaft  210  may include female aperture  215  for receiving one of a plurality of screwdriver bits  220 , which can be advantageously stored in a plurality of storage recesses  225 , preferably disposed circumferentially about, and adjacent to, shaft  210  and disposed on handle  205 . It is appreciated that screwdriver bits  220  can optionally be single or double ended as is known in the art. Screwdriver bits  220  and recess  215  preferably further include cross-sections that allow stable mating so that a torque can be applied to screwdriver bits  220  without screwdriver bits  220  rotating within recess  215 . Such a cross-section may optionally be hexagonal but may be other shapes, such as square, diamond, x-shaped, or other. In general, sub-tool  200  preferably includes threads  117  for engagement with internal threads  109  of handle  105 , both of which preferably allow butt-end  115  and handle  105  to be in threaded engagement. 
         [0092]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , blade  110  preferably includes at least three utility edges  125 ,  150 ,  175 . As further discussed in the description below, the utility edges have a series of shapes and curves that provide a plurality of functions. First utility edge  125  preferably includes at least one concave curve  130  defining an aperture in first utility edge  125 . Second utility edge  150  preferably includes at least three concave curves  155 ,  160 ,  165 , each defining an aperture. Third utility edge  175  is preferably disposed between first and second utility edges  125 ,  150  and generally perpendicular to, preferably within 15 degrees of perpendicular to, longitudinal axis  101  defined along a length of tool  100 . Third utility edge  175  preferably includes at least a portion being straight, and preferably includes two end protrusions  185 ,  190 . 
         [0093]    As described above, first utility edge  125  preferably includes concave curve  130  preferably including a circular arc segment profile defining an aperture, and blunt edge  131 . Concave curve  130  is preferably adapted to receive a typical paint roller therein for cleaning the paint roller. Concave curve  130  preferably may be used to run blunt edge  131  along a portion of the paint roller to aid in paint extraction, preferably in conjunction with water and soap or other solvents. 
         [0094]    As further described above, second utility edge  150  includes three concave curves  155 ,  160 ,  165 . Concave curve  155  preferably has a circular arc segment profile and sharp edge  156 . Concave curve  155  preferably may be used as a cutting edge for a variety of cutting needs, such as cutting natural or synthetic fibers including woven materials, paper, plastic, rubber, wires, wood, or other material. 
         [0095]    Concave curves  160 ,  165  each preferably has a plurality of blunt edges  161 ,  166  each. In a preferred embodiment, concave curves  160 ,  165  each has four respective edges  161 ,  165  that preferably form a portion of a hexagonal profile. It is appreciated that the concave curves  160 ,  165  therefore are preferably adapted to receive and engage a typical hexagonal nut or other fastener having a similar hexagonal profile, which may, for example, be found on paint sprayers or other devices or containers. Therefore, concave curves  160 ,  165  may preferably be implemented to loosen or tighten nuts or other fasteners from paint sprayers or other devices or containers. 
         [0096]    As also described above, third utility edge  175  preferably includes straight sharp edge  180 , which may preferably be used for scraping and/or to apply putty and the like, thereby functioning as a combination scraper and putty knife. First protrusion  185  preferably terminates in point  186 , which may preferably be used, for example, as a caulk scraper. In a typical embodiment, first protrusion  185  is preferably contiguous with both straight sharpen edge  180  and cutter edge  156 . Second protrusion  190  is preferably formed as a blunt end that may preferably be implemented as a can opener, the cans containing, for example, paint, spackle, stain or the like. It is understood that second protrusion  190  is preferably used to pry tops or lids off cans. The tool  100  may also include a can opener slot  195 . The can opener slot  195  may extend into the tool  100  and be positioned distal of the concave curve  130 . 
         [0097]    Tool  100  further preferably includes through-hole  195  disposed through blade  110 . Through-hole  195  may preferably have a variety of shapes and cross sections. As shown in  FIG. 1 , through-hole  195  preferably has a general tear-shaped profile for advantageously receiving nail heads and is preferably used for pulling nails. Through-hole  195  may include sharpened edges to increase the holding power of the through-hole  195 . 
         [0098]    It is therefore appreciated that the embodiments of the blade described above have several functions useful to painters including but not limited to: cleaning paint rollers; applying putty and other substances; scraping surfaces; scraping caulk; cutting; driving or loosening threaded fasteners or other devices having hexagonal, or other, patterns; pulling nails; opening cans; driving nails, or the like. 
         [0099]      FIG. 4  illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an accessory for the embodiments of the multi-function apparatuses and systems of  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , tool  100  preferably includes a rear opening  111  preferably including threads  109  to engage with threads  117  of handle  205 . Furthermore, handle  205  preferably includes opening  118  preferably including threads  116  to engage with threads  121  of nut end  120 . As is appreciated from the Figures, the three components  100 ,  200 ,  120  are preferably removable from one another and may optionally be included together as a system/kit  300 .  FIG. 4  illustrates extension pole  400  preferably having threaded end  405  for engagement with opening  118  and threads  116  when nut end  120  is removed. As such, extension pole  400  may optionally be used to connect to screwdriver  200  alone or to screwdriver  200  in threaded engagement with tool  100 . As such, extension pole  400  may preferably be used to reach remote locations where the functionality of tool  100  or screwdriver  200  is required or desired. In a typical embodiment, rod  400  may optionally be combined with other components  100 ,  200 ,  120  as a system/kit  300 . 
         [0100]    Extension pole  400  preferably includes first rod section  410  and second rod section  420  separated by locking button  430 . Both sections  410 ,  420  may preferably be telescopically arranged such that extension pole  400  may be extended and retracted along a spectrum of lengths. Locking button  430  is preferably engaged and disengaged to lock the respective orientation of rod sections  420 ,  430  into position. 
         [0101]    In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5-13 , the multi-function tool  100  may include a bolt end  120  adapted to receive different heads  500 . The bolt end  120  may include a releasable connector  502 , which may be, but is not limited to being, threads, a quick disconnect fitting, or other appropriate device. The heads  500  may include handles  504  configured to facilitate easy gripping of the handles  504 . The handles  504  may be formed from a rubber or other material. The bolt end  120  may have any appropriate configuration. As previously described, the bolt end  120  may include various screwdriver assemblies. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the head  500  may include a rubber mallet  506 . The rubber mallet  506  may be generally cylindrical and may include be attached to a shaft  508  extending from the handle  504 . The rubber mallet  506  maybe formed from any appropriate material.  FIG. 6  depicts a head  500  having a flooring knife  510  extending therefrom. The flooring knife  510  may include a curved cutting arris  512  that changes direction in greater than 90 degrees. In addition, the flooring knife  510  may include a point  514  extending generally orthogonally from a longitudinal axis  516 .  FIG. 7  depicts a head  500  having a hammer  518  extending therefrom. The hammer  518  may include a nail head  520  extending orthogonal from a longitudinal axis  516  of the head  500  and a nail removing claw  522  extending opposite to the nail head  520 . The nail removing claw  520  may be have a conventional configuration. 
         [0102]      FIG. 8  depicts a head  500  having a chisel  524  extending therefrom. The chisel  524  may include a well defined, three sided cutting arris  526 . The chisel may be formed from a material having first and second flat sides  528 ,  530 . The cutting arris  526  may be formed from the first flat side  528  and an angled surface  532  extending from the second flat side  530 .  FIG. 9  depicts a head  500  having a wrench set  534  attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the wrench set  534  may be a hex key set or other such device. The wrenches may be pivotably coupled to the head  500  enabling the wrenches to be pivoted to be used.  FIG. 10  depicts a head  500  having a joint knife  536  extending therefrom. In at least one embodiment, the joint knife  536  may have an outermost edge  538  with a width of about six inches, which may be configured for applying gypsum joint compound to joints between adjacent pieces of gypsum board.  FIG. 11  depicts a head  500  having a scraper  540  extending therefrom. The scraper  540  may have an outermost edge  38  having a width of about three inches.  FIG. 12  depicts a head  500  having a putty knife  542  extending therefrom. The putty knife  542  may have an outermost edge  38  having a width of about one and one half inches.  FIG. 13  depicts a head  500  having a chisel scraper  544 . The chisel scraper  544  may be formed from a material that is thicker than the material used to form the putty knife  542 . The chisel scraper  544  may include an outermost edge  38  having a width of about one and one half inches. While these heads  500  have been identified as having particular widths, such listed widths are exemplary and not meant to be limiting.  FIG. 14  depicts a head  500  formed from a wire brush. 
         [0103]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.