Abstract:
A multipurpose combination-tool (for recyclers) which performs the functions of removing staples, scraping, identifying steel from other metallic recyclables like aluminum, cutting cardboard into dimensions appropriate for baling, removing plastic or metal cap retainer rings, stripping non-glued labels, cutting baling cord and various carton types, and removing pre-softened glue labels from bottles. The tool includes a scraper, a retractable hooked-shaped blade, a straight blade, a magnet, a passage way in the scraper, a housing with a comfortable grip and one set of extra blades stored in the housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field Of The Invention 
     The invention relates to multipurpose combination-tools and, in particular, to those multipurpose combination-tools which are for use in recycling activities and for other personal and commercial purposes. 
     2. Description Of Related Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,826 (Vaughn) discloses a multipurpose combination-tool which includes a scraping tool having a magnetic disc, a blade member/hammer, a handle and an aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,252 (Cantales) discloses a multipurpose combination tool which includes a spackling knife having a flat blade member, a chisel point which may be employed as a screw driver, picture hanger removers, a nail puller and a nail aperture. U.S. Pat. No. 699,207 (Moe) discloses a multipurpose combination-tool which includes a blade of a putty knife or other tool, a pair of projecting claws, a notched lock tumbler or eccentric and a screw driver or similar instrument. U.S. Pat. No. 1,561,993 (Nielsen) discloses a multipurpose combination-tool which includes a pair of pliers, a handle adapted to hold several different types of tools, a knife blade, a spring to hold blades or other tools in the extended or retracted position, lugs, a saw blade, a (chisel) blade, a pin, wire cutting shoulders, a chisel and a washer. 
     See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,779,923 (Rodgers), 825,063 (Lawbaugh), 1,277,290 (Campbell) and 1,277,767 (Stafford). 
     BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of prior art recycling and other purpose tools. Another object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose recycling tool which has an efficient design, is simple to use and is economical to manufacture. Other objects and advantages of the invention are set out herein or are obvious herefrom to one skilled in the art. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by the recycler&#39;s tool of the invention. 
     The invention involves a multi-functional, hand held and operated tool designed to fulfill several functions required to efficiently prepare household recyclables for curbside or depot recycling. The invention tool can also be used in warehouses and other private and commercial uses as multipurpose tools, e.g., whereever depacking is done. 
     Currently over 20 percent of all municipal solid waste is recycled. Commonly recycled materials include cardboard boxes, newspapers, glass and plastic bottles, steel and aluminum cans. The vast majority of these items are domestically generated. Recycling activity is prevalent where there exist high levels of popular environmental concern and awareness, for example, Vermont, and/or where there exist shortfalls of solid waste landfills and incinerator capacity, for example, New Jersey. As a general rule, the nation&#39;s highest levels of recycling activity are found in its most densely populated areas. 
     The separation, cleaning and pre-pickup or deposit preparation of recyclables are chores which are, to some extent, common to all households and businesses subject to mandated or voluntary recycling. These activities include: segregation of glass, plastics, aluminum and steel containers; cleaning of container residue, labels, retainer rings, tape, glue and contaminants; and pre-shipment preparation per numerous instructions issued by commercial recyclers, such as, bundling, baling, bagging and boxing. The recycler&#39;s tool of the invention helps the recycler meet many of these requirements. 
     The invention tool is convenient and has a functional focus, for example, as a household recycling multipurpose tool. 
     The invention involves a multipurpose recycler&#39;s tool, which includes, in combination: (a) a handle; (b) means for scraping and removing staples; (c) means for identifying steel and other ferrous materials from other recyclables; (d) means for cutting cardboard and other cuttable material into dimensions appropriate for baling or otherwise assembling; (e) means for removing, for example, plastic and metal cap retainer rings, stripping non-glued labels, cutting baling cord and various carton types, and removing pre-softened glue labels from bottles; and (f) means for hanging up said recycler&#39;s tool. 
     The invention involves a multipurpose recycler&#39;s tool, in more detail, includes a lower portion having a bottom surface, a lip, an area between the lip and the bottom surface, and an internal supporting ring. The internal supporting ring has a passage way in its middle. There is an upper portion having a bottom surface, an upper lip, an area between the lip and the bottom surface, an end which extends beyond the lower portion to form a scraper and an internal supporting ring. The internal supporting ring has a passage way in its middle and the upper portion fitting onto the lower portion. At least one screw is used to hold the lower portion and the upper portion together. There is a metal piece having a first hooked-shaped blade, a second hooked-shaped blade diametrically opposed to said first hooked-shaped blade. The metal piece has a hole in its center and two gaps. The first hooked-shaped blade has a cutting surface and a back side opposite to the cutting surface and the second hooked-shaped blade has a cutting surface and a back side opposite to the cutting surface. There is also a straight blade having a hole in the center of its base and having a cutting surface. A first base which is flat and almost circular with one flat edge. The first base has a protruding member onto which the hole in the straight blade is placed. There are two locking knobs almost diametrically opposed to one another and a hollow post. The hollow post has a lower half which fits into and rotates in the passage way in the middle of the internal supporting ring in the lower portion and has an upper half which fits into and rotates in the passage way in the middle of the internal supporting ring in the upper portion. There is a vertical locking member having two pins into which one of the locking knobs of the first base is positioned when the straight blade is in its open or in its storage position. There is further a second base upon which the metal piece is positioned and which may be slid back and fourth so that the cutting surface of the first hooked-shaped blade is either within the lower and the upper portions or extends beyond the lip of the lower and and the upper portions. The second base has a top side and a bottom side. There are outlines of a hooked-shaped blade and a straight blade in the bottom surface of the lower portion. A magnet is embedded in the tool. 
     The invention also involves a kit from which the multipurpose recycler&#39;s tool can be assembled. The kit includes: (a) a handle; (b) means for scraping and removing staples; (c) means for identifying steel and other ferrous materials from other recyclables; (d) means for cutting cardboard and other cuttable material into dimensions appropriate for baling or otherwise assembling; (d) means for removing, for example, plastic and metal cap retainer rings, stripping non-glued labels, cutting baling cord and various carton types, and removing pre-softened glue labels from bottles; and (f) means for hanging up said recycler&#39;s tool. 
     The kit can include a container for packaging for items (a) to (b). 
     The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing. 
     The small device (preferably about 7 inches) employs two retractable, replaceable blades, a scraping surface which functions also as a stable remover, and a small magnet to identify steel from other metallic recyclables, like aluminum. The first of two blades is a straight inch knife blade (preferably about 21/2 inches) designed to cut cardboard into dimensions appropriate for baling. The second of these blades preferably has two short diametrically opposed hooked-shape blades. It handily removes plastic or metal cap retainer rings, and also serves as a non-glued label stripper. Both of these blade types can be employed in cutting baling cord and various carton tapes. The scraper, which can be toothed, functions to remove pre-softened glue labels from bottles. The scraper also functions as a staple remover which is designed to dislodge large brass staples used to assemble corrugated shipping containers. 
     The tool is preferably designed in a two-half cross sectioned configuration. One half preferably houses the two functioning blades and two spare blades, while the other half serves as a detachable cover which provides access to the blades. This latter half also preferably includes the scraper appendage. The blades are standard stainless steel models (e.g., manufactured by Stanley and sold in hardware stores everywhere). The tool itself is preferably molded entirely of high grade, glass reinforced, recycled, nylon plastic. It has an in-molded textured grip and a magnetized steel disc permanently imbedded in the grip. A small hole through the scraper appendage serves as a hanging convenience. 
     Modifications and changes made to this recycler&#39;s tool can be effected without departing from the scope or the spirit of the present invention. For example, the length or shape of the tool can be altered without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Also, the embodiments of this recycler&#39;s tool which are illustrated as follows have been shown only by way of example and should not be taken to limit the scope of the following claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a top elevational view of the recycler&#39;s tool showing where the two blades are stored when not in use; 
     FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the recycler&#39;s tool with each of the two blades in its extended position; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the recycler&#39;s tool with each of the two blades in its non-extended (retracted) position and with the hooked-shaped blade in its extended position; 
     FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the recycler&#39;s tool with each of the two blades in its non-extended (retracted) position; 
     FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the lower portion of the recycler&#39;s tool; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line 6--6 in FIG. 5 of the recycler&#39;s tool; 
     FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the upper portion of the recycler&#39;s tool; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view along line 8--8 in FIG. 7 of the recycler&#39;s tool; 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pieces on which the straight blade of the recycler&#39;s tool pivots; 
     FIG. 10 is a top elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the straight blade attaches; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the straight blade attaches; 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the straight blade attaches; 
     FIG. 13 is a top elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the hooked-shaped blade attaches; 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the hooked-shaped blade attaches; 
     FIG. 15 is a bottom elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the hooked-shaped blade attaches; and 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the piece of the recycler&#39;s tool to which the hooked-shaped blade attaches and the immediately surrounding areas. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A list of the names/short identification of the parts of the invention tool in the figures is set out at the end of the specification. 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1 through 16, the recycler&#39;s tool of the present invention generally comprises two portions, an upper portion (154) and a lower portion (153) which fit together. Two screws (2 and 3) hold the two portions together. Both portions are molded entirely of high grade, glass reinforced, recycled, nylon plastic, as are all of the parts in the recycler&#39;s tool except for the metal pieces having two diametrically opposed hooked-shaped blades and the straight blades (22 and 21). One end of the upper portion extends beyond the lower portion to form a scraper having a scraping surface (5), an upper surface which is recessed in its middle section (6) and extends (13 and 14) to outer ridges (8 and 9), side panels (10 to 12) and a bottom surface (7 and 18). There is a passage way --small hole--in the center of the scraper appendage (4) which can be used, for example, to hang up the recycler&#39;s tool on, for example, a nail. One end of the lower portion curves upward (16, 19 and 88) from its bottom surface to the area from which the scraper extends in the upper portion. 
     The tool is angled so that there is an area which is easy to grip (1) on the side of the tool oppose of the scraper (5 to 14). 
     Embedded in the outer surface of the lower portion is a small, circular magnet (28). The magnet can be used to distinguish between steel and other metallic recyclables like aluminum. 
     The interior side of the lower portion has a bottom surface (15, 16, 88, 128 to 139 and 152), an inner wall (17 and 108) and a lip (102 and 109). A number of internal supporting ribs (100 to 101, 104 to 107, 112 to 117, 119 to 127 and 155) and posts (103, 118) for structural strength. An outline of each of the two blade types (24 and 25) is present on the bottom surface (130 to 134) of the lower portion. On top of these outlines, on top of several internal supporting ribs (100, 101, 113,125 to 127), an extra straight blade (21) and an extra metal piece having two diametrically opposed hooked-shaped blades (22) are stored. Supporting ribs (100, 101, 112, 113, 125 to 127) in the lower portion benath the blades are recessed, so that the blades fit between the two portions. 
     The supporting ribs (104,115 to 122) in the area over which the straight blade (not the extra one) is stored are also recessed so that the straight blade is able to be moved from a storage position in the knife through a passage way (29) to an open position 180 degrees therefrom. Likewise, the lip of the lower portion (110) through which the straight blade is moved is recessed relative to the lip of the rest of the lower portion (102). A pillar (38) is present against which the cutting surface of the straight blade rests while it is in its storage position. 
     A hole in the back of the straight blade (21) fits onto a base (30) through a protruding member (41). The base is flat (31) and almost circular, with one flat edge (31). It has two locking knobs (34 and 35) almost diametrically opposed to one another. A hollow post (32, 33 and 37) runs through the base. The lower half of the hollow post fits into and rotates in the passage way (92) in the middle of the internal supporting ring (93 and 111) in the interior of the lower portion. A vertical locking member (97) having two pins (98 and 99) offers some resistance when the straight blade is moved from either its storage or its open position. The upper half of the hollow post (32, 33 and 37) fits into and rotates in the passage way (71) in the middle of the internal supporting ring (72) in the interior of the upper portion. 
     The interior side of the upper portion has a bottom surface (75, 140 to 151), an upper lip (79), an area between the upper lip and the bottom surface of the upper portion (76), and a number of internal supporting ribs (66, 73, 74, 78, 80 to 82, 84, 87 and 157 to 160), a pillar (77) and a post (83) for structural strength. The internal supporting ribs (80 to 82 and 159) in the upper portion above the outlines of each of the blade types (24 and 25) in the lower portion are recessed so that the extra blades can be stored there. Sponge-like material (39 and 40) is present in two cavities between two internal supporting ribs (80 and 159) above where the extra blades are stored. The sponge-like material prevents the blades from moving around while the recycler&#39;s tool is in use. 
     The lip (102 and 109) of the lower portion is recessed (28) where the metal piece having two diametrically opposed hooked-shaped blades may be projected from the lower portion. The metal piece is placed on a base (48) which slides over internal supporting ribs (105, 117, 119, 121, 123 and 155). These internal supporting ribs are recessed to form an internal slide area. The post (51) on the bottom side of the base (57) fits through the hole of the metal piece. A circular protrusion (50) on the base fits into the cutting surface (23) of the second hooked-shaped blade, that is, not on the side of the blade which may be projected from the lower portion. The protrusions (52 and 53) on the base fit securely into two gaps on the blade. The back side of the second hooked-shaped blade lays alongside a ledge (49) protruding from the base. The post on the bottom side of the base has a circumference slightly less than the distance between the two internal supporting ribs (105 and 119) through which it slides. When the first hooked-shaped blade is projected from the tool, two circular protrusions (55 and 56) extend from the ledge on the base, each running along an opposite side of the internal supporting rib (117). 
     A cantilevered member (44) projects from the side of the base (48) opposite to the side from which the post (51) projects. There are two stiffening ribs for the cantilevered member (45 and 46). On the end of the cantilevered member opposite to where it projects from the base is a protruding member (41) with a rough upper surface (54). The rough upper surface of the protruding member extends up through the passage way (26) in the upper portion. A track (47) runs along each side of the cantilevered member from must beyond where it projects from the base to its diametrically opposed end. On diametrically opposite sides of the protruding member (41), perpendicular to the cantilevered member, are ledges (42) with protruding members (43). A ledge (85 and 86) runs along beside the inside of each of the two supporting ribs (84 and 87) bordering the passage way (26). There are two notches (58 to 61) on each of these two ledges. When the rough upper surface (54) of the protruding member (41) is pushed to one end of the passage way (26) or the other (causing the hooked-shaped blade to be in either its extended position or its storage position), each of the protruding members (43) fits into one of the notches. The notches provide resistance for these knife positions. 
     On opposite sides of both the lower portion and the upper portion are supporting rings (62, 63, 67, 70, 90, 95 and 156) in which the two screws (2 and 3) are placed to hold the two portions together. The supporting rings in the upper portion have protruding lips (64 and 69) which fit into the protruding lips (89 and 96) of the supporting rings in the lower portion. The screws are placed through the passage ways (65 and 68) in the center of the supporting rings in the upper portion into the internally threaded holes (91 and 94) of the lower portion a slight gap (27) exists between the recess lip (110) of the lower portion and the upper lip (79) of the upper portion. 
     By way of partial summary, the invention tool (e.g., useful as a recycling tool includes two retractable, replaceable blades (one hooked), a scraping surface which may also function as a staple remover, and a small magnet to identify steel and ferrous materials from other metallic recyclables, such as, aluminum. 
     More specifically, the invention involves a small, hand held device/tool, for example, useful as a recycler&#39;s tool, which employs two retractable, replaceable blades, a scraping surface which functions also as a staple remover, and a small magnet to identify steel from other metallic recyclables, such as aluminum. The first of the two blades is a straight (preferably about 21/2 inches) knife blade. The second of these blades has a short hooked shape. The tool is designed in a two-half cross sectional configuration. One half houses the two functioning blades and two spare blades, while the other half serves as a detachable cover which provides access to the blades. This half also includes the scraper appendage. The blades are typically standard stainless steel. The tool itself is preferably molded entirely of high grade, glass reinforced, recycled, nylon plastic. It has an in-molded textured grip and a magnetized steel disc permanently embedded in the grip. A small hole through the scraper appendage serves as a hanging convenience. 
     LIST OF PARTS NUMBERS 
     In connection with the figures, the following list of the names of the parts of the instant invention are noted: 
     
         ______________________________________ 1   grip 2   screw 3   screw 4   passage way 5   scraping surface 6   recessed surface of scraper (upper surface) 7   bottom surface of scraper 8   ridge on upper surface of scraper 9   ridge on upper surface of scraper10   side panel of scraper11   side panel of scraper12   side panel of scraper13   surface extending from recessed surface of scraper toridge on upper surface of scraper (9)14   surface extending from recessed surface of scraper toupper surface of scraper15   cross-section of lower portion16   interior of angled section of lower portion17   inner wall of lower portion18   bottom surface of scraper19   exterior of angled surface of lower portion20   magnet21   straight blade22   metal piece having two diametrically opposed hooked-shaped blades23   cutting surface of hooked-shaped blade24   ridge outline where extra straight blade is stored25   outline where extra metal piece is stored26   passage way27   gap28   passage way through which the hooked-shaped bladeslides29   passage way through which the straight blade slides30   base31   flat edge of base32   upper lip of post33   hole34   locking knob35   locking knob36   protruding member37   sides of post38   pillar39   sponge-like material40   sponge-like material41   protruding member42   ledge43   protruding member44   cantilevered member45   stiffening rib for cantilevered member46   stiffening rib for cantilevered member47   track48   base49   ledge50   circular protrusion51   post52   protrusion53   protrusion54   rough upper surface of protruding member55   circular protrusion56   circular protrusion57   bottom of base58   notch in ledge59   notch in ledge60   notch in ledge61   notch in ledge62   internal supporting ring63   internal supporting ring64   protruding lip of internal supporting ring65   passage way66   internal supporting rib67   internal supporting ring68   passage way69   protruding lip of internal supporting ring70   internal supporting ring71   passage way72   internal supporting ring73   internal supporting rib74   internal supporting rib75   bottom surface of the interior of the upper portion76   area between lip and bottom surface of upper portion77   pillar78   internal supporting rib79   upper lip80   internal supporting rib81   internal supporting rib82   internal supporting rib83   post84   internal supporting rib85   ledge86   ledge87   internal supporting rib88   angled bottom surface of lower portion89   protruding supporting lip90   internal supporting ring91   internally threaded hole92   passage way93   top lip of internal supporting ring94   internally threaded hole95   internal supporting ring96   protruding supporting lip97   locking member98   pin on locking member99   pin on locking member100  internal supporting rib101  internal supporting rib102  lip of lower portion103  post104  internal supporting rib105  internal supporting rib106  internal supporting rib107  internal supporting rib108  area between lip and bottom surface of lower portion109  lip of lower portion110  recessed lip of lower portion111  internal supporting ring112  internal supporting rib113  internal supporting rib114  internal supporting rib115  internal supporting rib116  internal supporting rib117  internal supporting rib118  post119  internal supporting rib120  internal supporting rib121  internal supporting rib122  internal supporting rib123  internal supporting rib124  internal supporting rib125  internal supporting rib126  internal supporting rib127  internal supporting rib128  bottom surface of lower portion129  bottom surface of lower portion130  bottom surface of lower portion131  bottom surface of lower portion132  bottom surface of lower portion133  bottom surface of lower portion134  bottom surface of lower portion135  bottom surface of lower portion136  bottom surface of lower portion137  bottom surface of lower portion138  bottom surface of lower portion139  bottom surface of lower portion140  bottom surface of upper portion141  bottom surface of upper portion142  bottom surface of upper portion143  bottom surface of upper portion144  bottom surface of upper portion145  bottom surface of upper portion146  bottom surface of upper portion147  bottom surface of upper portion148  bottom surface of upper portion149  bottom surface of upper portion150  bottom surface of upper portion151  bottom surface of upper portion152  bottom surface of lower portion153  lower portion154  upper portion155  internal supporting rib156  walls of chamber in which screw is placed157  internal supporting rib158  internal supporting rib159  internal supporting rib160  internal supporting rib.______________________________________