Abstract:
The present invention provides a multi-use firefighting tool. The tool may be used as a stand-alone tool or as a supplement to existing tools. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a multi-use tool configured to enable, among other things, forcible entry and valve opening/closing. Further, the tool may be used to supplement a firefighting Halligan tool.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. Design patent application No. 29/460,172, filed Jul. 9, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a multi-use firefighting tool, and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for forcible entry as a stand-alone tool or as a supplement to existing tools. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Firefighters are routinely confronted with unpredictable situations requiring the assistance of tools. For example, a locked door may be encountered preventing inspection of a particular room, or an electrical panel may be rusted shut. In such situations, firefighting tools may facilitate or enable forcible entry or access by wedging, prying or breaking. Other tools may function to open or close a fire hydrant or a gas meter, and rip into walls to search for fire sources. Frequently, firefighters carry multiple tools to serve a variety of needs, in the hope that the tools will adapt to the immediate need and not require the added time and risk of returning to a staging area to retrieve an additional tool. A common default set of tools, or “set of irons,” for a firefighter to carry are a halligan tool and a flat-head axe. 
         [0004]    Traditional multi-use firefighting tools have been developed to combine common tool capabilities. In practice, while some multi-use tools have beneficial uses, they are not widely used, because, for example, they do not align or engage with the common set of irons carried by firefighters or are cumbersome to use. 
         [0005]    Some efforts have been made to improve the tools for firefighting application. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,623 to Williams (“Williams”) discloses a firefighting tool having a flat blade with a pointed leading end for piercing through structural panels, stop teeth for engaging a structural panel that has been pierced, and rip teeth for sawing through structural panels when the tool is reciprocated along its longitudinal axis. The stop teeth are positioned at an angle relative to the rip teeth. The tool may be maintained in an overhead configuration when used to remove ceiling panels because the angle of the stop teeth provide a hooking action enabling the ceiling to support the tool weight. Because the stop teeth defeat inadvertent withdrawal of the blade, the firefighter need not make multiple penetrations of ceiling panels or other structural members being removed by the tool. However, Williams fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Williams is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,713 to Oleksia (“Oleksia”) discloses a multi-use tool having a generally J-shaped hook structure with a top portion, a middle shank portion and a curved bottom portion. The top portion has a loop to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface. However, Oleksia fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Oleksia is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,430 to Ziaylek, Jr. (“Ziaylek”) discloses a forcible entry tool having a shank portion, a tail portion and a head portion. The head consists of a spike extending normal to the axis of the shank and wedge and wrench portions extending mutually opposite from each other along a line extending generally normal to both the extension of the shaft and that of the spike. The wedge and wrench portions consist of approximately equal masses so that when an impact is applied to an object by the spike portion. Any lateral turning moment about the spike is minimized. The wrench is formed as an extension of the wedge portion and presents an arcuate upper surface extending between the two so that when the wedge is used, a greater fulcrum distance is provided. Furthermore, in using the wrench portion, both the shank portion and the wedge may be utilized as a dual handle system for applying additional torque to a hose coupling and the like. The shank may be formed to bend away from the side presenting the wrench to facilitate the application of torque to a hose coupling when using the wrench. However, Ziaylek fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Ziaylek is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0008]    Some efforts have been made to provide firefighting tools that feature multiple uses. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,254 to Lionel (“Lionel”) discloses a firefighter pocket tool combining the functional features of several traditional tools (slip groove pliers of the curved jaw type, 6 in 1 screwdriver, spanner wrench, gas shut-off tool and a striking tool) onto a shared single structure. The tool comprises a pair of slip groove pliers each having a jaw portion, a joint portion and a handle portion, a pivotal bolt, nut and spring member. A protrusion on the upper rear portion of the pliers&#39; upper jaw&#39;s head forms a striking surface and a hook and claw which can be used as a spanner for rocker lug type and similar fire hose couplings. A gas shut off loop can be used as a finger guard when the tool is being used as a striking implement. However, Lionel fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Lionel is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,127,387 to Tygh (“Tygh”) discloses a manually held firefighting tool with an elongated staff section comprising working members at each end. The first working member has a claw element and a spike element, each extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the staff section and protruding from the staff section in opposite directions. The second working member extends from the second end of the staff section and has a U-shaped yoke element supporting an arcuate cross bar element positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staff section. The second working member has its own claw element at one end and a spike element at the other end. A flat bar element is affixed perpendicularly to the cross bar element between its two ends. However, Tygh fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Tygh is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0010]    U.S Patent Application Publication No. US 2004/0261188 to Mathis (“Mathis”) discloses a combination tool for use in fighting fires, search and rescue, forcible entry, auto extrications, and salvage and overhaul. An axe/hammer head member is attached to an elongated handle pry bar of various sizes. The handle pry bar forms itself on either side of the axe/hammer head acting as a chop stop for both axe/hammer member. The pry bar member provides a water/gas shut off tool as well as a pry tool. The axe underside is a 3-in-1 tool providing a hydrant wrench, windshield and dry wall cutter. The cutters are used when the axe is supplanted past the dry wall or windshield and pulled. The hammer underside provides a spanner wrench for hoses and the common stortz coupling on fire trucks. However, Mathis fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Mathis is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0011]    Finally, some efforts have been made to provide firefighting tools that engage other firefighting tools. U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,107 to Corsini (“Corsini”) discloses a striking tool for interlocking with a bar-like tool having a fork end and/or a pike end. The striking tool uses two retaining features for retaining a bar-like tool. The pike can be replaced by or supplemented with an adz, or any other type of extrusion. The bar-like tool may be a halligan tool. The striking tool is preferably an axe having a handle and a striking head anchored to the handle. One of the bar-like-tool retaining features is located on the striking head and the other retaining feature is located on the handle. The two tools are detachably interlocked for storage or carrying purposes. However, Corsini fails to teach several novel features of the present invention, including a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. Corsini is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0012]    What is needed is a multi-use tool configured to enable forcible entry and valve opening/closing, and adapted to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a multi-use firefighting tool. The tool may be used as a stand-alone tool or as a supplement to existing tools. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a multi-use tool configured to enable, among other things, forcible entry and valve opening/closing. Further, the tool may be used to supplement a firefighting halligan tool. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment of the invention, a fighting tool is disclosed, the tool comprising: a body having an upper surface, a second surface, a pair of lateral surfaces, a vertical aperture and a lateral cavity, the vertical aperture extending through the body between the upper and second surfaces, the lateral cavity extending through the body between the pair of lateral surfaces; and a wedge interconnected with the body comprising at least a pair of edges defining a slot. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the invention, a hallagan tool and firefighting tool assembly is disclosed, the assembly comprising: a body having an upper surface, a second surface, a pair of lateral surfaces, a vertical aperture and a lateral cavity, the lateral cavity extending through the body between the pair of lateral surfaces, the vertical aperture adapted to engage a pick of a hallagan tool and the lateral cavity adapted to engage an adz of the hallagan tool, the pick and the adz at a distal end of the hallagan tool; and a firefighting tool interconnected to the body, the firefighting tool including a wedge portion comprising at least a pair of edges defining a slot; wherein the firefighting tool extends from the distal end of the halligan when the firefighting tool is engaged with one of the pick and the adz of the halligan tool. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment of the invention a method of using a hallagan tool and firefighting tool assembly is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a firefighting tool, the tool comprising: a body having an upper surface, a second surface, a pair of lateral surfaces, a vertical aperture and a lateral cavity, the lateral cavity extending through the body between the pair of lateral surfaces, the vertical aperture adapted to engage a pick of a hallagan tool and the lateral cavity adapted to engage an adz of the hallagan tool, the pick and the adz at a distal end of the hallagan tool; and a wedge portion comprising at least a pair of edges defining a slot; providing a halligan tool; interconnecting the halligan tool with the firefighting tool by one of: 1) the pick of the halligan tool with the tool vertical aperture and 2) the adz of the halligan tool with the tool lateral cavity; and engaging an external surface with the hallagan tool and firefighting tool assembly to at least one of force-entry, pry, wedge, strike, hammer, twist and destructively transfer energy. 
         [0017]    The term “halligan tool”, “halligan bar” or variations thereof refer to a multi-purpose firefighting tool consisting of a claw at one end, and a pick and adz at the other end. 
         [0018]    The term “claw” and “fork” or variations thereof refer to a multi-prong element with an enclosed recess area. 
         [0019]    The term “adz”, “wedge” and “blade” or variations thereof refer to a generally tapered wedge-like element of rectangular cross-section. 
         [0020]    This Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
         [0021]    The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below. However, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the drawing figures, and the exemplary claim set forth herein, taken in conjunction with this Summary of the Invention, define the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principals of this invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of the multi-use firefighting tool according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  depicts a front elevation view of the multi-use firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  depicts a top plan view of the multi-use firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2C  depicts a left elevation view of the multi-use firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2D  depicts a cross-sectional view of Section  2 D- 2 D of  FIG. 2C ; 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Example A1 illustrates a top plan view of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the multi-use firefighting tool—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in inches; 
         [0029]    Example A2 illustrates a left elevation view of an example construction of a particular embodiment of the multi-use firefighting tool of Example A1—the drawing is to scale with dimensions in inches; 
         [0030]    Example A3 illustrates a detailed view of Section A of Example A2—the drawing is to scale; and 
         [0031]    Example A4 illustrates a detailed view of Section B of Example A2—the drawing is to scale. 
         [0032]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view and  FIGS. 2A-D  depict respective front, top, left side and cross-sectional views of the multi-use Firefighting Tool  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS.  1  and  2 A-D, the elements of the Firefighting Tool  100  are provided. Firefighting Tool  100  generally comprises Firefighting Tool Body  130  interconnected to a Firefighting Tool Wedge  110 . The Firefighting Tool Body  130  comprises Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132 , Firefighting Tool Body Horizontal Cavity  134 , Firefighting Tool Body First Surface  136 , Firefighting Tool Body Second Surface  138 , Firefighting Tool Body Lateral Surface  140 , Firefighting Tool Body Edges  142  and Firefighting Tool Body Face  150 . Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  comprises two Firefighting Tool Wedge Prongs  112 , each comprising Firefighting Tool Wedge Prong Edge  113 . Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  comprises Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot Distal End  115 , Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116  and Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface  118 . Firefighting Tool Wedge/Body Transition  122  is disposed between Firefighting Tool Body First Surface  136  and Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116 . Firefighting Tool Groove  120  is disposed between Firefighting Tool Body Second Surface  138  and Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface  118 . 
         [0034]    Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116  and Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface  118  are generally of a curved profile shape, as shown in  FIG. 2C , and form two adjacent and symmetrical Firefighting Tool Wedge Prongs  112 . The two Firefighting Tool Wedge Prongs  112  form a Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  therebetween. The two Firefighting Tool Wedge Prongs  112  forming a Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  may be used, for example, to engage and operate a valve, such as a gas meter valve or a fire hydrant valve. The opposing curved surfaces forming the two Firefighting Tool Wedge Prongs  112 , i.e. Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116  and Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface  118 , may be used as a wedge tool. For example, the Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  portion may be inserted under a door to wedge it open or fix its position by placing the either the Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface  118  or the Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116  facing the ground and inserting the Firefighting Tool Wedge Prong Edges  113  under the door. In a preferred use, the Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface  116  is positioned facing the ground when used as a door stop; in such a configuration, the bottom of a door may lodge into the Firefighting Tool Groove  120  for a positive stop. The Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  portion may also be used for other wedging operations or functions, such as an over-the-hinge door wedge in which the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  of the Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  portion is placed over the door hinge. 
         [0035]    Once the Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  portion is engaged in, for example, one of the above scenarios, the Firefighting Tool  100  may be further advanced or forced into or beyond its position solely by hand or through use of the Firefighting Tool Body Face  150 . That is, the Firefighting Tool  100  may be struck at its Firefighting Tool Body Face  150  by, for example, a hammer, the flat-end of an axe, or a halligan tool. Similarly, additional or alternative leverage may be imparted to the Firefighting Tool  100  when positioned to function as a wedge by inserting a tool, such as a hallagan tool, into the Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132  or the Firefighting Tool Body Horizontal Cavity  134 . More specifically, the pick or spike end of a standard hallagan tool may be inserted into the Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132  to increase leveraged wedging force of the Firefighting Tool  100  within the cavity in which it is inserted. Also, if the pick or spike end of a standard hallagan tool is inserted into the Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132  and urged at an angle other than parallel to the Firefighting Tool Wedge  110  portion, a twisting force or tongue will be transferred to the Firefighting Tool Wedge  110 . Such a twisting force is frequently useful in prying open entry ways. 
         [0036]    Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132  is configured to engage a standard pick or spike end of a hallagan tool. In some embodiments, one or both edges of Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture  132 , at one or both of Firefighting Tool Body First Surface  136  and Firefighting Tool Body Second Surface  138 , is tapered or rounded. 
         [0037]    Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  is configured to engage a standard adze end of a hallagan tool. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A-D , a standard adze end of a hallagan tool would engage the Firefighting Tool  100  at Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  until reaching slightly less than the center point of the Firefighting Tool  100  because of the two interior protrusions within Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114 . In another embodiment, the afore-mentioned two interior protrusions are absent and the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  passes entirely through the interior of the Firefighting Tool  100 , forming a uniform cavity. In one embodiment, Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  is shaped with an upper and lower flat or planar portion, in which each terminus forms a semicircular portion to connect the upper and lower portions. In another embodiment, the profile of the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  is rectangularly shaped. In another embodiment, the termini of the upper and lower portion of the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  angle toward one another to form a sideways V shape. In one embodiment, the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  extends towards the wedged-shaped end of the Firefighting Tool  100  past one or more of the transition points between the body and wedge portions of the Firefighting Tool  100 , that is past one or both of Firefighting Tool Groove  120  and Firefighting Tool Wedge/Body Transition  122 . In another embodiment, the Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot  114  does not extend into the wedged-shaped end of the Firefighting Tool  100  past either one or more of the transition points between the body and wedge portions of the Firefighting Tool  100 . 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, one or more edges of the Firefighting Tool  100  are rounded, such as Firefighting Tool Body Edge  142  and Firefighting Tool Wedge Prong Edge  113 . In one embodiment, Firefighting Tool Groove  120  is of notch shape and traverses the entire width of Firefighting Tool  100 . In one embodiment, the Firefighting Tool  100  may be manufactured using computer-numeric control (CNC) machining techniques. In one embodiment, the Firefighting Tool  100  is one of cast, forged and molded from metals or composites. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, Firefighting Tool  100  weighs between 14 ounces and 3 pounds. In a preferred embodiment, Firefighting Tool  100  weighs between 15 ounces and 2 pounds 9 ounces. In a most preferred embodiment, Firefighting Tool  100  weighs approximately 1 pound. 
         [0040]    One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed of materials known to provide, or predictably manufactured to provide, the various aspects of the present disclosure. These materials may include, for example, high strength steel, case-hardened steel, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, chromium alloy, and other metals or metal alloys capable of being used without failure repeated use as a firefighting tool. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, one or more surfaces of the Firefighting Tool  100  are roughed. For example, one or both surface of Firefighting Tool Groove  120  are roughened or textured. 
         [0042]    One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure as provided in  FIGS. 1A-D  may be used in applications other than firefighting. For example, in any application or situation in which destructive movement or opening is required, such as breaching of glass, removal of a vehicle&#39;s trim, and creating purchase points (i.e. opening points) for rescue tools such as hydraulic tools. The tool may be used, for example and without intending to limit the use, for prying, battering, penetrating, pulling, pushing, lifting, cutting, breaking, striking, dragging, door stop, hinge blocking, gas meter shut-off or turn-on, vehicle trim removal, glass breaching, door forcing, peel and peak operations, fire hydrant opening and closing and supporting firefighting and rescue operations. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the tool is configured to fit within the front or rear pocket of a firefighter&#39;s pants. In one embodiment, the tool is configured to fit in a pocket of a firefighter&#39;s jacket. In one embodiment, the tool is of one-piece construction. In one embodiment, no dimension of the tool exceeds 8 inches. In one embodiment, the total weight of the tool does not exceed 2 pounds. 
       Example 
       [0044]    Without intending to limit the scope of the invention, Example A1-4 depicts one example construction of one embodiment of the invention in drawings each to scale. Dimensions are in inches. 
         [0045]    As will be appreciated, it would be possible to provide for some features of the inventions without providing others. 
         [0046]    To provide further clarity to the Detailed Description provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are provided as follows:
       # Component     100  Firefighting Tool     110  Firefighting Tool Wedge     112  Firefighting Tool Wedge Prong     113  Firefighting Tool Wedge Prong Edge     114  Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot     115  Firefighting Tool Wedge Slot Distal Edge     116  Firefighting Tool Wedge First Surface     118  Firefighting Tool Wedge Second Surface     120  Firefighting Tool Groove     122  Firefighting Tool Wedge/Body Transition     130  Firefighting Tool Body     132  Firefighting Tool Body Vertical Aperture     134  Firefighting Tool Body Horizontal Cavity     136  Firefighting Tool Body First Surface     138  Firefighting Tool Body Second Surface     140  Firefighting Tool Body Lateral Surface     142  Firefighting Tool Body Edge     150  Firefighting Tool Body Face       
 
         [0066]    While various embodiment of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. 
         [0067]    The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.