Tool assembly

A tool assembly includes a handle having a first end and a second end, a pivotal shaft mounted in the first end of the handle, at least one implement having a proximal end and a distal end, and a position-limiting mechanism mounted in the handle. The implement may pivot between an unfolded position and a folded position. When the implement is in its unfolded position, the position-limiting mechanism can lock the implement in position. The position-limiting mechanism may be lifted so as to allow the replacement of the implement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to utility tools. More specifically, the present invention is a folding tool that allows for easy and convenient replacement or change of the implement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing knives and multi-function tools generally include a handle and one or more implements attached to the handle. The implements may be fixedly attached to the handle. Alternatively, the implements may be rotatably attached to one end of the handle such that the implements may be folded into the handle for storage or unfolded for use.

However, there are some drawbacks associated with the existing tools. For example, the one or more implements are typically irreplaceable. Thus, users are unable to replace worn-out or damaged implements. If multiple tools are required for work, the users are forced to carry a large number of tools. Although there are a few tools that have a replaceable implement, it is inconvenient to replace it. Moreover, the users generally desire that the implement remains in the unfolded position when the implement is being used and that the implement remains in the folded position when it is not being used.

Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a tool assembly that overcomes the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a tool assembly includes a handle having a first end and a second end, a pivotal shaft mounted in the first end of the handle, at least one implement having a proximal end and a distal end, and a position-limiting mechanism mounted in the handle. The at least one implement comprises a pivotal hole at the proximal end. The pivotal shaft runs through the pivotal hole to attach the at least one implement such that the at least one implement is pivotable about the pivotal shaft between a first position and a second position. The handle comprises a storage compartment to receive the at least one implement in the first position. The position-limiting mechanism comprises a first position-limiting portion. The at least one implement comprises a second position-limiting portion adjacent to the proximal end of the at least one implement. The first position-limiting portion engages the second position-limiting portion to prevent the at least one implement in the second position from pivoting. The pivotal shaft is a D-shaped shaft comprising a flat surface and an arc surface. The pivotal hole is provided with a notch. A width of the notch is smaller than a diameter of the pivotal hole. The diameter of the pivotal hole is equivalent to or slightly greater than a diameter of the pivotal shaft. The width of the notch is equivalent to or slightly greater than a distance from a peak of the arc surface to the flat surface of the pivotal shaft. The position-limiting mechanism is movable to a disengaging position where the first position-limiting portion of the position-limiting mechanism disengages the second position-limiting portion of the at least one implement. The position-limiting mechanism is further movable to a replacement position after the first position-limiting portion of the position-limiting mechanism disengages the second position-limiting portion of the at least one implement, allowing the at least one implement to detach from the pivotal shaft by pivoting to a position where the flat surface of the pivot shaft is parallel with side edges of the notch.

In one embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism comprises a position-limiting body, a through hole, and a pivotal pin, and a biasing member. The position-limiting body has a first end and a second end. The through hole may be positioned closer to the second end of the position-limiting body than the first end of the position-limiting body. The pivotal pin may run through the through hole such that the position-limiting body is rotatable about the pivotal pin, the biasing member may be configured to urge the first end of the position-limiting body towards the at least one implement.

In one embodiment, the first position-limiting portion may be an elongated portion that laterally extends from the first end of the position-limiting body, while the second position-limiting portion may be a groove having a complementary shape to the elongated portion.

In one embodiment, the biasing member may be a torsion spring that is installed on the pivotal pin, with one end engaging the first end of the position-limiting body and with the other end anchored to the handle.

In one embodiment, the tool assembly further comprises a rotating member. The rotating member comprises a pushing portion which pushes the at least one implement away from the storage compartment when the rotating member rotates in a first direction. The pushing portion is further configured to push the position-limiting mechanism to the disengaging position when the rotating member rotates in a second direction and push the position-limiting mechanism to the replacement position when the rotating member rotates further in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism may further comprise a lifting portion configured to engage the pushing portion of the rotating member. The lifting portion may be located between the pivotal pin and the first end of the position-limiting body. The lifting portion may further comprise a locking protrusion configured to hold the rotating member in position when the locking protrusion engages the pushing portion of the rotating member.

In one embodiment, a surface of the pushing portion that engages the locking protrusion and a surface of the locking protrusion may be both arc surfaces.

In one embodiment, the handle may further comprise a position-limiting pin disposed between the position-limiting mechanism and the proximal end of the at least one implement. The position-limiting pin may be further disposed between the first end of the position-limiting body and the locking protrusion of the position-limiting mechanism. A profile surface of the at least one implement may be an arc surface that is concentric with the pivotal shaft.

In one embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism may further comprise an arc groove to accommodate the position-limiting pin.

In one embodiment, the handle may comprise a pair of inner handle plates and a pair of outer handle plates. The pair of inner handle plates may be connected together by a connecting plate. The storage compartment may be formed within the pair of inner handle plates. Each inner handle plate may comprise a D-shaped mounting hole for the pivotal shaft to travel therethrough. Each outer handle plate may be attached to one of the pair of inner handle plates via a screw attached to an end of the pivotal shaft.

In one embodiment, the pair of inner handle plates may further comprise a pivotal pin mounting hole to install the pivotal pin of the position-limiting mechanism.

In one embodiment, the rotating member may be disposed between the pair of inner handle plates and one of the pair of outer handle plates. The rotating member may further comprise a mounting hole through which the pivotal shaft travels. One of the pair of inner handle plates may further comprise a first slot at a location corresponding to the pushing portion of the rotating member.

In one embodiment, the rotating member may further comprise a toggle portion that extends in an opposite direction to the pushing portion of the rotating member. One of the pair of outer handle plates may further comprise a second slot at a location corresponding to the toggle portion of the rotating member.

In one embodiment, an inner diameter of the mounting hole may be greater than the diameter of the pivotal shaft, and the rotating member may further comprise a bearing installed in the mounting hole to facilitate rotation of the rotating member.

In one embodiment, the at least one implement may further comprise a third position-limiting portion at the proximal end of the at least one implement. The first position-limiting portion of the position-limiting mechanism engages the third position-limiting portion of the at least one implement when the at least one implement is in the first position.

In one embodiment, the handle may further comprise a safety mechanism that engages the position-limiting mechanism when the at least one implement is in the first position to hold the position-limiting mechanism in a position that prevents the first position-limiting portion of the position-limiting mechanism from disengaging the third position-limiting portion of the at least one implement.

In one embodiment, the safety mechanism may comprise a sliding plate and a pushing plate. The sliding plate may comprise a sliding slot. The pair of inner handle plates may be provided with a plurality of slide guiding members. The plurality of slide guiding members may be arranged in the sliding slot to allow the sliding plate to slidably coupled to the plurality of slide guiding members. The sliding plate may be movable towards and away from the first end of the handle. The sliding plate may further comprise a stopping portion configured to engage the second end of the position-limiting mechanism when the sliding plate moves towards the first end of the handle and disengage the second end of the position-limiting mechanism when the sliding plate moves away from the first end of the handle.

In one embodiment, the safety mechanism may further comprise a reset spring that provides an elastic force to urge the sliding plate to move towards the first end of the handle.

In one embodiment, the safety mechanism may further comprise a pushing plate that connects to an outer side of the sliding plate, the pushing plate comprises a pushing button. One of the pair of outer handle plates may comprise a third slot at a location corresponding to the pushing button.

In one embodiment, the stopping portion may be inwardly inclined.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. As used herein, the term “proximate” refers to positions that are situated close/near in relationship to a structure. As used in the following description, the term “distal” refers to positions that are situated away from positions.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of a utility tool, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

The present invention is a tool assembly. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a tool handle that allows multiple implements to be attached simultaneously. It is another aim of the present invention to stably attach the implements to the handle. It is yet another aim of the present invention to replace the implements easily and conveniently

Referring now to the figures of the present disclosure.FIG.1is an exploded view illustrating the components of the present invention. The cleaning apparatus of the present invention comprises a handle1, a pivotal shaft2, at least one implement3, and a position-limiting mechanism6.

As shown inFIG.2, the handle1has a first end101and a second end102. The pivotal shaft2is mounted in the first end101of the handle1. The at least one implement3has a proximal end301and a distal end302. The at least one implement3comprises a pivotal hole31at the proximal end301. The pivotal shaft2runs through the pivotal hole31to attach the at least one implement3. In this way, the at least one implement3is pivotable about the pivotal shaft2between a first position and a second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position is a folded position in which the at least one implement3is folded within the handle1. The at least one implement3may rotate about 180 degrees to the second position, which is an unfolded position for use. The handle1comprises a storage compartment14to receive the at least one implement3in the first position.

As shown inFIGS.1,3, and7-13, the position-limiting mechanism6is configured to limit the rotary movement of the at least one implement3. The position-limiting mechanism6is mounted in the handle1. The position-limiting mechanism6comprises a first position-limiting portion611, while the at least one implement3comprises a second position-limiting portion33adjacent to the proximal end301of the at least one implement3. When the at least one implement3is in the second position, the first position-limiting portion611engages the second position-limiting portion33to prevent the at least one implement3from pivoting. In other words, the at least one implement3is locked in the second position by the first position-limiting portion611engaging the second position-limiting portion33, so as to allow a user to use the at least one implement3.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one implement3further comprises a third position-limiting portion34at the proximal end301of the at least one implement3. When the at least one implement3is in the first position, the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6engages the third position-limiting portion34of the at least one implement3to prevent the at least one implement3from accidentally unfolding due to gravity or slight vibration. In the illustrated embodiment, the second position-limiting portion33is a relatively deep groove, and the third position-limiting portion34is a relatively shallow groove.

In one embodiment, as best shown inFIG.12, the position-limiting mechanism6comprises a position-limiting body61, a through hole64, and a pivotal pin62, and a biasing member63. The position-limiting body61has a first end601and a second end602. The first end601of the position-limiting body61corresponds to the proximal end301of the at least one implement3, while the second end602of the position-limiting body61corresponds to the distal end302of the at least one implement3. In a preferred embodiment, the first position-limiting portion611is an elongated portion that laterally extends from the first end601of the position-limiting body61, and the second position-limiting portion33of the at least one implement3is a groove having a complementary shape to the elongated portion. The through hole64is positioned closer to the second end602of the position-limiting body61than the first end601of the position-limiting body61. The pivotal pin62runs through the through hole64such that the position-limiting body61is rotatable about the pivotal pin62.

The biasing member63is configured to urge the first end601of the position-limiting body61towards the at least one implement3. In this way, the first position-limiting portion611has a tendency to engage the second position-limiting portion33without any external forces, so as to keep the at least one implement3in its second position, i.e., the unfolded position. The biasing member63is preferably a torsion spring that is installed on the pivotal pin62, with one end engaging the first end601of the position-limiting body61and with the other end anchored to the handle1. In one embodiment, the position-limiting body61further comprises a thickness-reduced portion614to receive the torsion spring.

The pivotal shaft2is configured to allow the at least one implement3to pivot between the first position and the second position. The pivotal shaft2is a D-shaped shaft comprising a flat surface21and an arc surface22. The pivotal hole31of the at least one implement3is provided with a notch32. The notch32is preferably formed by two parallel side edges. A width of the notch32is smaller than a diameter of the pivotal hole31. Moreover, the diameter of the pivotal hole32is equivalent to or slightly greater than a diameter221of the pivotal shaft2, and the width of the notch32is equivalent to or slightly greater than a distance211from a peak of the arc surface22to the flat surface21of the pivotal shaft2. In this configuration, only if the flat surface21is parallel with the side edges of the notch32, the at least one implement3could slide out and detach from the pivotal shaft2.

In one embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism6is movable to a disengaging position where the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6disengages the second position-limiting portion33of the at least one implement3. The position-limiting mechanism6is further movable to a replacement position after the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6disengages the second position-limiting portion33of the at least one implement3, allowing the at least one implement3to detach from the pivotal shaft2by pivoting to a position where the flat surface21of the pivot shaft2is parallel with side edges of the notch32.

The position-limiting mechanism6may be moved via any suitable means known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the tool assembly further comprises a rotating member7. The rotating member7may be operated by a user to move or rotate the position-limiting mechanism6. As shown inFIGS.6-7, the rotating member7comprises a pushing portion71which pushes the at least one implement3away from the storage compartment14when the rotating member7rotates in a first direction, i.e., a counterclockwise direction inFIG.7. This will push the at least one implement3to pivot a small angle from its first position. Then the user may pinch the at least one implement3to unfold it to the second position. As mentioned above, once the at least one implement3reaches the second position, the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6engages the second position-limiting portion33of the at least one implement3to lock the at least one implement3in position.

When the rotating member7rotates in a second direction (i.e., a clockwise direction), the pushing portion71pushes the position-limiting mechanism6to the disengaging position so that the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6disengages the second position-limiting portion33of the at least one implement3, as shown inFIGS.8-9. The pushing portion71is further configured to further push the position-limiting mechanism6to the replacement position when the rotating member7rotates further in the second direction, as shown inFIG.10. This will allow the at least one implement3to pivot to a position where the flat surface of21the pivot shaft2is parallel with the side edges of the notch32, such that the at least one implement3can detach from the pivotal shaft2, as shown inFIG.11.

In a preferred embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism6further comprises a lifting portion612configured to engage the pushing portion71of the rotating member7. The lifting portion71is located between the pivotal pin62and the first end601of the position-limiting body61. Moreover, the lifting portion612may further comprise a locking protrusion613configured to hold the rotating member7in position when the locking protrusion613engages the pushing portion71of the rotating member7, as shown inFIG.11. In this embodiment, a surface of the pushing portion71that engages the locking protrusion613and a surface of the locking protrusion613are both arc surfaces such that the locking protrusion613applies a force to the pushing portion71in a direction directed to an axis of the pivotal shaft2or to the right side of the axis of the pivotal shaft2, thereby preventing the rotating member7from rotating. In this configuration, the user can easily replace or change the at least one implement3.

In one embodiment, the handle1comprises an inner handle plate11and an outer handle plate13. Preferably, the inner handle plate comprises a pair of inner handle plates11, and the outer handle plate comprises a pair of outer handle plates13. The pair of inner handle plates11may be connected by a connecting plate12. The storage compartment14is formed within the pair of inner handle plates. Moreover, each inner handle plate11comprises a D-shaped mounting hole113for the pivotal shaft2to travel therethrough. The D-shaped mounting holes match the D-shaped pivotal shaft2to prevent the pivotal shaft2from pivoting. Each outer handle plate13is attached to one of the pair of inner handle plates via a screw4attached to an end of the pivotal shaft2, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the D-shaped mounting holes are located adjacent to the first end101of the handle1. At the second end102of the handle1, the pair of outer handle plates13may be connected to the pair of inner handle plates11by a fastener5. In a preferred embodiment, each inner handle plates11further comprises a pivotal pin mounting hole114to install the pivotal pin62of the position-limiting mechanism6.

The rotating member7may be disposed between the pair of inner handle plates11and one of the pair of outer handle plates13. The rotating member7further comprises a mounting hole73through which the pivotal shaft2travels. Moreover, one of the pair of inner handle plates11, which is closer to the rotating member7, comprises a first slot111at a location corresponding to the pushing portion71of the rotating member7, as shown inFIGS.1and6. In one embodiment, the first slot111is a curved slot. Moreover, when the position limiting mechanism6is pushed to the replacement position as shown in FIG.11, the first slot111, together with the locking protrusion613, will facilitate holding the rotating member7in position.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.2and6, the rotating member7further comprises a toggle portion72that extends in an opposite direction to the pushing portion of the rotating member. The one of the pair of outer handle plates further comprises a second slot131at a location corresponding to the toggle portion72of the rotating member7. The second slot131is a curved slot to allow the user to rotate the rotating member7. An inner diameter of the mounting hole73is greater than the diameter221of the pivotal shaft2. In this embodiment, the rotating member7further comprises a bearing41installed in the mounting hole to facilitate rotation of the rotating member7as shown inFIG.6.

In a preferred embodiment shown inFIGS.16-17, the handle1further comprises a position-limiting pin8disposed between the position-limiting mechanism6and the proximal end301of the at least one implement3. Two ends of the position-limiting pin8may be connected to the pair of inner handle plates11respectively. The position-limiting pin8is further disposed between the first end601of the position-limiting body61and the locking protrusion613of the position-limiting mechanism6. A profile surface35of the at least one implement1is preferably an arc surface that is concentric with the pivotal shaft. In this way, the distance between the profile surface35and the position-limiting pin8remains unchanged when the at leant one implement3pivots between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the position-limiting pin8cooperates with the profile surface35to prevent the at least one implement3from deviating from the pivot axis2when pivoting. In order to ensure that the at least one implement3will not deviate due to the gap between the pivotal hole31and the outer contour of the pivotal shaft2, the distance between the position-limiting pin8and the profile surface35needs to be relatively small. Preferably, the position-limiting pin8and the profile surface35almost abut against each other. In a preferred embodiment, the position-limiting mechanism6further comprises an arc groove615to accommodate the position-limiting pin8. The arc groove615may prevent the position-limiting pin8from interfering with the position-limiting mechanism6and ensure that the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6can engage the profile surface35of the at least one implement3.

The configuration of the present invention allows the user to replace or change the at least one implement3. The at least one implement3may be any type or kind of the implement, such as a blade (FIG.5), a cross bit (FIG.14), saws, files, screwdrivers, scissors, etc. As shown inFIG.15, the present invention also enables multiple implements to be attached simultaneously.

In an embodiment illustrated inFIGS.18-21, the handle further comprises a safety mechanism9that engages the position-limiting mechanism6when the at least one implement3is in the first position to hold the position-limiting mechanism6in a position that prevents the first position-limiting portion611of the position-limiting mechanism6from disengaging the third position-limiting portion34of the at least one implement. This will prevent the at least one implement3from accidentally unfolding, as shown inFIG.20. The safety mechanism9may slide to disengage the position-limiting mechanism6. Then the position-limiting mechanism6can be pushed to rotate counterclockwise, allowing the at least one implement3to unfold as mentioned above.

The safety mechanism9comprises a sliding plate91and a pushing plate92. The sliding plate comprises a sliding slot911. The pair of inner handle plates may be provided with a plurality of slide guiding members112, which are arranged in the sliding slot911to allow the sliding plate91to slidably coupled to the plurality of slide guiding members112, as shown inFIGS.18and20-21. The sliding plate91is movable towards and away from the first end101of the handle1. The sliding plate91further comprises a stopping portion912configured to engage the second end602of the position-limiting mechanism6when the sliding plate91moves towards the first end101of the handle1and disengage the second end602of the position-limiting mechanism6when the sliding plate91moves away from the first end101of the handle1. In one embodiment, the stopping portion912is inwardly inclined.

In one embodiment, the safety mechanism9further comprises a reset spring93that provides an elastic force to urge the sliding plate91to move towards the first end101of the handle1. In a preferred embodiment, the safety mechanism9further comprises a pushing plate92that connects to an outer side of the sliding plate91. The pushing plate comprises a pushing button921, and one of the pair of outer handle plates comprises a third slot132at a location corresponding to the pushing button921, allowing the user to operate the safety mechanism.