Abstract:
A multiple function combination tool combines a plurality of implements in a single compact and reduced configuration for many diverse needs. An overmold is provided over at least a portion of at least one of the scales (gripping sides) of the tool. The overmold imparts to such scale different properties from those provided by the scale, such as enhanced tactile comfort, a softer feel, higher coefficient of friction (anti-slip), and/or greater aesthetic appeal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of multiple function compound tools, and in particular to a tool adapted for use in conjunction with a briefcase and like business travel accessories.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    On occasion, travellers have a need for various tools and other implements to address diverse situations. For example, business travellers typically use timepieces and writing implements in order to conduct business, for example, in meetings and conferences. Further, business travellers may need eyeglass repair implements in the event that one must repair one&#39;s eyeglasses in order to conduct business.  
           [0005]    While such implements may typically be small in size for ease of carrying and of use, it is cumbersome to carry multiple individual implements in one&#39;s attire and/or carrying cases. Furthermore, the small size of such implements may also cause such tools to be difficult to locate in a carrying case or in one&#39;s attire, including one&#39;s pockets. Moreover, implements of such small size are relatively easy to lose in such attire or carrying cases. Alternatively, multiple implements such as nail clippers may be connected together by chains or string to nail files, keychains, etc. However, such connected combinations of individual and disparate implements may be unwieldy to manipulate and store in one&#39;s attire or carrying cases.  
           [0006]    In addition, such individual implements are readily obtainable from stores and shops, especially such shops, for example, in airports and railroad terminals which cater to travellers such as business people. However, business travellers may lack the time and/or the money to purchase necessary implements for the various uses described above.  
           [0007]    Compound, multiple function tools having foldable and/or retractable tools are known in the art. Such tools may be pivoted into and out of a predetermined channel within at least one handle of the combination tool for selective use. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,862 to Leatherman describes a pocket multiple tool having an initially folded compact shape which folds out to produce a pair of pliers as well as a nail file, miniature scissors, a permanently magnetized Phillips-type screwdriver, a bottle opener, and small and medium screwdriver bits. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,045 to Schaub describes a modular pocketknife having electronic components such as a display and entry keyboards as well as a radio receiver. U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,376 to McIntosh has a multipurpose knife with an attachable flashlight. Also, “SWISS ARMY” knives are available, for example, through catalog sales such as “NORM THOMPSON” which have a combination of golf tools, knife, bottle opener, screwdriver, and removable tweezers and toothpick.  
           [0008]    However, although combination tools may provide a variety of different implements, the user is generally limited by the tools that are available from a given combination tool for a primary purpose of the tool. For instance, many of such compound, multiple function tools are general purpose tools, primarily adapted for non-business travel, such as camping and hiking. For example, cutting implements and eating implements are typically provided such as knives and can openers.  
           [0009]    Heretofore, many combination tools do not have the appropriate tools for use by business travellers, and in particular to address the specific needs which may occur to the everyday business person.  
           [0010]    Further, a business traveller may require such business-oriented implements, but may not have the space on one&#39;s person to carry many of such implements. Miniature versions of individual business-oriented implements have the deficiencies described above; that is, such miniature versions may be easy to misplace or lose, and combinations of individual implements may be unwieldy.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, such business-oriented tools must be of sufficiently compact and reduced size to fit into a briefcase and/or other business travel accessories, such as a purse, a travelbag, a pocket, a glove compartment of a vehicle, a pouch worn about one&#39;s waist or other portions of the body, etc.  
           [0012]    Heretofore, combination tools have not provided such combinations of business-oriented tools in a compact form for carrying within such business travel accessories.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    It is recognized herein that, for many diverse business-oriented travel needs, a multiple function combination tool may be implemented which provides the versatility of use for business travel purposes, and which has a compact and reduced size to fit within a briefcase and/or other business travel accessories.  
           [0014]    A multiple function combination business travel tool is disclosed which combines a plurality of individual business-oriented implements in a single compact and reduced configuration. The business travel tool (hereinafter referenced as a “briefcase tool” for the sake of simplicity but not for purposes of limitation) of the present invention preferably includes a flashlight, a pen, a slot for storing the pen, and a plurality of deployable implements. Each of the deployable implements is disposed in an implement channel and mounted on a respective implement axle for deployment by rotation about the respective implement axle to a selectable angular orientation relative to the implement channel. The plurality of deployable implements includes, but is not limited to, a cutting blade, a cap lifter, a Phillips-type screwdriver, and a nail file. The briefcase tool also preferably includes a pair of scissors and a flashlight. The flashlight preferably is provided in the scale of the tool (the wide side forming the protective housing of the tool) to permit the provision of a reflector and lens larger than those capable of being provided along the narrow sides or ends of the tool. Additionally, a clock may be provided. Preferably, the clock is a digital alarm clock which may be programmed by the user, such as for use on overnight business travel. A plurality of removable implements capable of being completely removed from an additional implement channel may also be provided. Such removable implements include, but are not limited to, a set of tweezers and a toothpick.  
           [0015]    In one embodiment, the scissors are arranged and formed such that the tool unit itself forms the scissors handles. More particularly, the tool includes a first handle having a first implement channel and a first scissor channel, and a second handle having a second implement channel and a second scissor channel. First and second scissor blades are mounted to the first and second handles, respectively, by first and second axles, respectively. A scissor fulcrum axle rotatably mounts the first scissor blade to the second scissor blade. The first and second scissor blades are deployably disposed within the first and second scissor channels, respectively, in an undeployed configuration. The deployment of the first and second scissor blades by rotation thereof about the first and second axles, respectively, forms scissors with the first and second handles being handles thereof. Deployable implements preferably are disposed in the first implement channel of the first handle and are mounted on a respective implement axle for deployment by rotation about the respective implement axle to a selectable angular orientation relative to the first implement channel. Removable deployable instruments and a clock preferably are provided on the second handle. A flashlight preferably is provided in a widened portion of the scale of the first handle. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The features and advantages of the disclosed multiple function combination business travel tool are readily apparent and are to be understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing a first side of the tool of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the tool of FIG. 1;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a second side elevational view showing a second side, opposite first side, of the tool of FIG. 1;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V of FIG. 2 or  4  with individual implements of the tool in a deployed configuration;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of along lines VI-VI of FIG. 2 or  4  with a pair of scissors in a folded configuration;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 6 but with the scissors thereof in a deployed configuration;  
         [0024]    FIGS.  8 - 11  are an alternative embodiment of a tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the tool of FIGS.  8 - 11  with the scissors thereof in a deployed configuration;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective of another alternative embodiment of a tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the tool of FIG. 13;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 13;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electrical connections for the flashlight of the tool of FIG. 13; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 13 with the clock housing pivoted open to access the battery housings of the clock and the flashlight. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    Referring in specific detail to the drawings, with common reference numbers identifying similar or identical elements, steps, and features, the present invention relates to a multiple function combination business travel tool which, in an initial self-contained configuration is readily carryable in business travel accessories, such as a briefcase, a purse, a travelbag, a pocket, a glove compartment of a vehicle, a pouch worn about one&#39;s waist or other portions of the body, etc. The business travel tool of the present invention, hereinafter referenced as a briefcase tool for the sake of simplicity, but not for the purposes of limitation, includes such tools as would be desired by an average business person, particularly during travel. For instance, the briefcase tool of the present invention includes a variety of implements such as a blade, screwdrivers (both Phillips head and flathead), a cap lifter/bottle opener, scissors, a nail file, tweezers, a toothpick, and a pen. Additionally, a flashlight is provided. Preferably, the flashlight is designed and arranged to provide maximum illumination. A clock device, most preferably an alarm clock, may also be provided. Such elements may be arranged in a variety of manners in accordance with the principles of the present invention, illustrative but non-limiting examples being described herein.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  1 - 4  illustrate briefcase tool  10  of the present invention in front, first side, rear, and second side views, respectively. Tool  10  includes a first portion  12  having a generally elongated shape for accommodating a flashlight, a pen, a knife, a cap lifter (bottle opener)/slot screwdriver (on the free end of the cap lifter), a Phillips screwdriver/eyeglass repair combination implement, and a nail file/flathead screwdriver (on the free end of the nail file) combination implement. A second portion  14  has a generally blunt shape which accommodates a clock, a removable toothpick, and a pair of tweezers. A pair of scissors are disposed within tool  10  with each scissor blade being mounted on a respective one of portions  12 ,  14 .  
         [0033]    As shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , flashlight  16  and an associated flashlight actuator  18  are mounted in an upper section of first portion  12 . Flashlight actuator  18  may be a pushbutton, a toggle switch, or other activation means for turning flashlight  16  on or off or with a variable brightness. Actuator  18  may automatically return to an off position upon release of pressure against actuator  18 , or may remain in an on position once actuated, until pressure is once again applied thereto to cause actuator  18  to return to an off position. Flashlight actuator  18  may also be an indented button which is disposed in a groove extending partially into the interior of a flashlight housing  24 , such that the tip of a finger, which is defined herein to include a thumb, may be inserted into the groove to actuate flashlight actuator  18 . Alternatively, flashlight actuator  18  may be a planar, touch-sensitive surface such as those used on mouses for computer laptops. By using an indented button or a touch-sensitive surface, flashlight actuator  18  may present no side profile extending from flashlight housing  24 , and so there is a lower probability of accidental activation of flashlight  16  due to normal holding by the user or due to frictional contact with other elements such as books and surfaces in a briefcase or other carrying cases. Flashlight actuator  18  may be positioned on the side of tool  10 , as shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , such that a user may hold tool  10  with a thumb positioned on flashlight actuator  18  for activation and deactivation. Alternatively, actuator  18  may be positioned at the end  19  of tool  10  adjacent flashlight  16 . Instead of using a finger, the user may utilize a toothpick, such as described herein, or another blunt pointed implement to actuate flashlight actuator  18 .  
         [0034]    Flashlight  16  may have a lens  20 ; that is, a generally planar plate or sheet of substantially transparent material which extends through an aperture of a front scale (housing plate)  22  of tool  10 . If desired, the focal length of lens  20  may be adjustable to adjust the focus of the light emitted from flashlight  16 . Flashlight housing  24  is mounted between front scale  22  and a first intermediate plate  26 , with flashlight actuator  18  extending through an aperture in one side of flashlight housing  24 , as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0035]    A battery hatch  28 , shown in FIG. 5, is provided to permit replacement of a battery  30  for powering flashlight  16 . Tool  10  and flashlight housing  24  have an interior space therein for accommodating battery  30 , and battery hatch  28  is of sufficient width to permit replacement of battery  30 . For example, battery  30  may be an N size battery providing about 1.5 V DC to power flashlight  16 , or alternatively may be multiple energy cells such as a No.357 type battery cell. Accordingly, appropriate instructions accompanying tool  10  and/or indicia etched or labeled on tool  10 , such as on battery hatch  28 , may indicate requisite battery sizes, types, voltages, and/or insertion orientation.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 5, the remaining components of flashlight  16  such as replaceable battery  30 , bulb  32  positioned in a reflector  34 , a bezel  36  for mounting the reflector  34  in front scale  22 , and electrical connections  38  are disposed within flashlight housing  24 . As will be appreciated with reference to FIG. 5, flashlight  16  is positioned in front scale  22  and electrical connections  38  are configured such that longitudinal axis  31  of battery  30  is perpendicular to longitudinal axis  33  of bulb  32 . Such orientation of flashlight  16  permits a larger lens  22 , bulb  32 , and reflector  34  to be used than would be possible if flashlight  16  were positioned along end  19  of tool  10 . Moreover, such orientation of electrical connections  38  permit battery  30  to occupy as little space as possible along the length of tool  10  to permit maximum space for implements to be housed therein as described below.  
         [0037]    Battery hatch  28  may include a conductive plate for contacting electrical connections  38  when battery hatch  28  is coupled to flashlight housing  24 , such that the ends of battery  30  contact the conductive plate and electrical connections  38 . Accordingly, the components of flashlight  16  create a circuit in order to respond to actuation of flashlight actuator  18  to provide or to remove electrical contact and circuit pathways between battery  30  and bulb  32 .  
         [0038]    First portion  12  preferably also includes a writing implement disposed in an upper section of first portion  12 , as shown in FIG. 6. In an illustrative embodiment, the writing implement may be a ballpoint pen  40  having an ink cartridge  42  removably stored in a slot  44  at end  19  of tool  10 , and with an end  46  of the ink cartridge  42  extending slightly beyond end  19  of first portion  12  to allow the user to grasp and remove pen  40 . In one embodiment, pen  40  may be used separately and independently from tool  10 ; that is, the user may grasp and write with pen  40  only, and tool  10  may then be set side and unused. Alternatively, end  46  may also include means for attaching end  46  to slot  44  after ink cartridge  42  is turned 180° to have the writing end of pen  40  extend away from tool  10  during writing. For example, end  46  and slot  44  may have screw threads for permitting end  46  to be screwed into and secured within slot  44  such that the user may holds tool  10  with en  40  extending therefrom during writing. Tool  10  thus functions as an extension of the gripping portion of the writing instrument. The attaching means may also be a frictional engagement, such that end  46  may be squeezed in, popped in, or locked in a corresponding surface of slot  44  in a removably secured configuration during writing.  
         [0039]    In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, pen  40  is shown with the writing tip oriented inward toward the interior of tool  10 . In alternative embodiments, the writing tip may be oriented outward, such that pen  40  and the writing tip may be extended from tool  10 , with an end  46  having a detent or other anchoring engagements to prevent the pen  40  from being totally removed from tool  10 , and so that pen  40  may be retracted back into tool  10  during non-use. In another alternative embodiment, pen  40  and ink cartridge  42  may be hinged by, for example, an axle within the upper section of first portion  12 , such that rotation of pen  40  about the hinge deploys pen  40  for use, and re-inserts pen  40  back into first portion  12  during non-use.  
         [0040]    It is understood that the writing implement of tool  10  may be or may also include a pencil, a marker, a rod of chalk, or other writing devices. Alternatively, the writing implement of tool  10  may be replaced with or be incorporated with other useful business-related implements; for example, a pointer which may be telescopically extendable for use during business presentations; a laser pointer for business presentations which may be powered by the battery of flashlight  16 ; an eraser such as an extendable rubber-like rod for use with a writing implement; a tube of glue/paste; a tube of liquid correction fluid; and even a dispenser for correction tape.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIGS.  4 - 5 , a lower section of first portion  12  includes a plurality of deployable, pull-out implements, which may include, but are not limited to, a Phillips head screwdriver  48 , a nail file  50 , a blade  52 , and a cap lifter  54 . Such components of the disclosed tool  10  are, in a preferred embodiment, not magnetized, and further may be composed of non-magnetic materials such as hardened ceramics in order to be carried in briefcases and other carrying accessories which may include magnetically sensitive materials such as computer disks, cassette tapes, dictaphone tapes, and credit cards which business travellers typically carry. The proximity of the disclosed tool  10  to such magnetically sensitive materials typically requires that the disclosed tool  10  not have any magnetizing and/or demagnetizing influence on surrounding items in a briefcase or other carrying accessories.  
         [0042]    Each of implements  48 - 54  is mounted on at least one axle in the first portion  12  so as to be rotated thereabout to any angular orientation between, for example, 0° and 180°. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.  4 - 5 , implements  48 - 54  share a common axle  56  extending through aligned apertures of implements  48 - 54 .  
         [0043]    Each of implements  48 - 54  is associated with a respective spring, such as spring  58 , which is mounted in first portion  12 , and which has a generally curved recess forming an implement channel for accommodating the respective implements in any angular orientation, and which may also generally match the shape of each of implements  48 - 54 . The elongated portion of spring  58  has an end  60 , and spring  58  flexes during rotation of each of a respective one of the implements. Preferably, when a selected implement is rotated to a predetermined deployed position, such as the 180° position of cap lifter  54  shown in FIG. 5, the respective end  60  of spring  58  engages a corresponding detent  62  of the implement to removably lock the implement into the deployed position.  
         [0044]    To reposition each respective implement, for example, to rotate the implement back into the fully retracted position as shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , the user rotates the implement and provides a sufficient force to flex spring  58  and to disengage end  60  from the respective detent  62 .  
         [0045]    As with other combination tools, each of implements  48 - 54  may include a recess  64  to allow the user to select and at least initially rotate the implement out from the fully retracted position, such as shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 . Implements  48 - 54  have associated widths and positions of each respective recess  64  such that implements  48 - 54 , or alternatively respective recesses  64 , are generally staggered to allow ease of access to a selected implement, such that the remaining implements do not block the user from grasping and deploying the selected implement.  
         [0046]    Each of implements  48 - 54  may have multiple functions and features. For example, Phillips head screwdriver  48  may be a micro-Phillips head screwdriver dimensioned for use in repairing watches, such as watchbands which may come loose; as well as eyeglass frames, which typically use screw engagements between portions of the frames. Nail file  50  and/or blade  52  may include a tip  66  shaped and dimensioned to act as a small flathead screwdriver, which may also be used in watch and eyeglass repair. Cap lifter  54  may also include a relatively large tip  68  configured to function as a slot and/or flathead screwdriver. Thus, by including a plurality of screwdriver sizes and shapes, implements  48 - 54  provide greater versatility in use for diverse applications, including such tasks typically associated with business travel, such as eyeglass repair, grooming with nail file  50 , and opening beverage bottles with cap lifter  54 .  
         [0047]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 2 , second portion  14  of tool  10  includes tweezers  70  and a toothpick  72  removably disposed within respective slots in second portion  14 . Tweezers  70  and toothpick  72  may be secured by a frictional fitting of the sides and ends thereof with the walls of the respective slots˜Ends  74 ,  76  of the tweezers  70  and toothpick  72 , respectively, may extend slightly beyond the surface of second portion  14  to allow a user to grasp and remove the selected implement, for example, for grooming purposes during business travel.  
         [0048]    Second portion  14  preferably also includes a clock device  78 , such as the digital clock in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2. Clock device  78  preferably is provided along a side of tool  10 , as shown in FIG. 2, so that tool  10  is stable when rested on a surface, such as a bedside night table, to view clock device  78 . However, clock device  78  maybe located along a scale of tool  10  instead. A battery powered clock  78 , as shown in exemplary tool  10 , is self-contained by including a clock battery therein, and so, in a preferred embodiment, is not connected to battery  30  of flashlight  16  or outside power sources. Thus, continuous power to clock  78  is provided to maintain the correct time without power instabilities, such as power fluctuations and drains from flashlight  16 , and interruptions during battery replacement procedures. Typically, clocks  78  may use power cells which may last over three years without replacement. To facilitate battery replacement when necessary, second portion  14  may include an opening, such as a clock battery hatch  80 , to permit such replacement as needed.  
         [0049]    As shown in FIG. 2, clock  78  includes a digital clock face  82 , which may be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), or alternatively a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other alternative embodiments, the clock device may have an analog face; that is, hour and minute hands, but may be battery-powered.  
         [0050]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , clock  78  preferably also includes a plurality of clock actuators  84 - 86  for implementing time setting functions, mode setting functions, alarms, etc. For example, clock  78  may also be an alarm clock, and so includes a speaker for generating an alarm tone. In an illustrative embodiment, the speaker may be associated with a speaker aperture  88  for permitting the alarm audio signals to be broadcast with sufficient volume. Additional buttons may be provided, as desired, for additional settings.  
         [0051]    As described above for flashlight actuator  18 , clock actuators  84 - 86  may include a pushbutton, a toggle switch, or other activation means, such as an indented button or groove, as well as planar, touch-sensitive surfaces to minimize accidental modifications of the time settings of clock  78 . A toothpick, as described herein, or other blunt pointed implement may also or alternatively be used to actuate clock actuators  84 - 86 .  
         [0052]    As shown in FIGS.  6 - 7 , tool  10  also includes scissors  90  which may be reconfigured from a folded position, as shown in FIG. 6, to a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 7. Scissors  90  include a pair of blades  92 ,  94  which are disposed between a second intermediate plate  96  and a third intermediate plate  98  (shown in FIG. 2) which divide second portion  14  of tool  10  into a front section, in which tweezers  70  and toothpick  72  are disposed; a rear section, which includes clock  78 ; and an intermediate section for storing lades  92 ,  94  in a scissor channel formed by the intermediate plates  96 ,  98 .  
         [0053]    Each blade  92 ,  94  is mounted on a respective blade axle  100 ,  102  to first portion  12  and second portion  14 , respectively. When scissors  90  are deployed, as shown in FIG. 7, portions  12 ,  14  of tool  10  function as the handles of scissors  90 . The scissor fulcrum axle  104  couples blades  92 ,  94  together, and also effectively connects portions  12  and  14  together.  
         [0054]    Each of blades  92 ,  94  is associated with a respective spring  106 ,  108  of portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, with each spring  106 ,  108  shaped and dimensioned to accommodate blades  92 ,  94 , as shown in FIG. 6. Each spring  106 ,  108  includes spring ends  110 ,  112 , respectively, for engaging surfaces  114 - 120  of blades  92 ,  94 . In particular, the outer surfaces  114 ,  116  of blades  92 ,  94  are generally planar for resting against the generally planar spring ends  110 ,  112 . The restorative force of springs  106 ,  108  causes spring ends  110 ,  112  to secure outer surfaces  114 ,  116  from moving, that is, rotating when tool  10  is in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0055]    During deployment, the user rotates portions  12 ,  14  about respective blade axles  100 ,  102  so as to overcome the restorative force of springs  106 ,  108  to disengage spring ends  110 ,  112  from outer surfaces  114 ,  116 . When portions  12 ,  14  are sufficiently rotated to the position shown in FIG. 7, spring ends  110 ,  112  engage inner surfaces  118 ,  120  of blades  92 ,  94 . The restorative force of springs  106 ,  108  then secures inner surfaces  118 ,  120  from moving, that is, rotating, when tool  10  is in the deployed open configuration shown in FIG. 7.  
         [0056]    Similarly, to return tool  10  to the closed position of FIG. 6, the user rotates portions  12 ,  14  about blade axles  100 ,  102  with sufficient force to overcome the restorative forces of springs  106 ,  108 , and so to disengage spring ends  110 ,  112  from inner surfaces  118 ,  120  and to engage outer surfaces  114 ,  116 .  
         [0057]    The disclosed tool  10  may also include a bias spring  122  mounted in corresponding spring mounting channels in each of blades  92 ,  94 , for biasing blades  92 ,  94  apart when scissors  90  are deployed. By biasing blades  92 ,  94 , scissors  90  are deployed with portions  12 ,  14  having an angular orientation attaining a maximum rest angle to have blades  92 ,  94  open for use. As shown in FIG. 7, the maximum rest angle may be about 15°. During use, the user overcomes the restorative force of bias spring  122  to bring portions  12  and  14  together and thus blades  92  and  94  together. In alternative embodiments, bias spring  122  may be omitted.  
         [0058]    As shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , first portion  12  includes a front scale  22  as well as a back scale  124 , for example, for enclosing the components therebetween. Similarly, second portion  14  includes a front scale  126  and a back scale  128 . For the surfaces of scales  22  and  124 - 128  which face outward, each of such outward surfaces may have a smooth finish. Alternatively, the surfaces may have a granular finish for providing friction with the hands of the user holding and using tool  10 . In addition, indicia such as a trademark, a logo, patent marking information, and other product indicators may be placed on such outward surfaces. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS.  13 - 17 , and as described in further detail below, a soft material with a preferably high coefficient of friction may be overmolded over scales  22 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  to improve grip of tool  10  and to increase friction so that tool  10  does not slip when placed on a surface, such as for viewing of clock  78 .  
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS.  8 - 11 , the disclosed tool  210  includes a first portion  212  and a second portion  214 . First portion  212  includes a flashlight  216  with a corresponding flashlight actuator  218  disposed in a flashlight housing  224 , such as described above. A battery hatch  228  is provided in flashlight housing  224  to permit replacement of a battery for operating flashlight  216 .  
         [0060]    Tool  210  further includes a pen actuator such as a sliding button  236  capable of sliding within a pen actuator slot  238  to deploy or to retract a pen  240  disposed in first portion  212  and connected to sliding button  236 . Pen  240  includes a cartridge  242  which is slidably disposed within a slot  244  in first portion  212 , such that the writing end or tip  246  of pen  240  may be fully extended out of or fully retracted into first portion  212 .  
         [0061]    First portion  212  also includes deployable implements such as a Phillips screwdriver  248 , a nail file  250 , a cutting blade implement  252 , and a cap lifter  254 , which may be selectively deployed and selectively oriented through use of various springs and detents, as described above with reference to FIGS.  1 - 7 .  
         [0062]    Tweezers  270  and toothpick  272  of tool  210  are removably disposed in respective slots  274 ,  276 , in first portion  212 . Accordingly, except for a pair of scissors  290 , shown in FIG. 12, which are mounted to both of portions  212 ,  214 , second portion  214  includes only clock  278  having clock face  282  and actuators  284 ,  286  along a side, while all of the deployable and removable implements are provided in first portion  212 .  
         [0063]    As shown in FIG. 12, tool  210  may be reconfigured in a fully deployed configuration  288  with a pair of scissors  290  having portions  212 ,  214  functioning as scissors handles. Scissors  290  includes blades  292 ,  294  mounted on axles  300 ,  302 , respectively, of portions  212 ,  214 , respectively. Blades  292 ,  294  are pivotally mounted to each other via fulcrum axle  304 . The reconfiguration of tool  210  is performed by rotating first portion  212  about axle  300  as well as rotating second portion  214  about axle  302  such that second portion  214  rotates a predetermined angular arc, such as about 340°, in the direction of arrow  310  in a relative motion about the fulcrum axle  304 . Alternatively, both portions  212 ,  214  may be moved and rotated accordingly to provide relative rotation of second portion  214  away from first portion  212  to attain the deployed configuration  288 .  
         [0064]    A simplified tool  410 , illustrated in FIGS.  13 - 17 , does not include a scissors which utilizes the portions of the tool as handles as in the embodiments of FIGS.  1 - 12 . Instead, tool  410  is similar to standard pocket tools and has only one front plate  422  and only one back scale  524 , as may be appreciated with reference to FIGS.  13 - 15 . However, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, like tool  10 , tool  410  also includes a flashlight  416  in front scale  422 , a clock  478  along a side of the tool, and a plurality of implements stored in a side opposite clock  478 . It will be appreciated that elements of tool  410  similar to elements of tool  10  have the same reference elements increased by  400 .  
         [0065]    Like flashlight  16  of tool  10 , a flashlight actuator  418  preferably is provided in end  419  of tool  410  and may be in any desired form as described above with reference to actuator  18 . Also like flashlight  16 , flashlight  416  also includes a lens  420 , a flashlight housing  424 , a bulb  432 , a reflector  434 , a bezel  436 , and electrical connections  438  for coupling actuator  418  to a battery  430  to actuate flashlight  416  (shown, assembled, in FIG. 16), as may be appreciated with reference to the exploded view of FIG. 15. It will be appreciated that, as described above, such orientation of flashlight  416  permits a wider diffusion of light than would be permitted if flashlight  416  were provided in end  419 .  
         [0066]    An exemplary arrangement of elements of electrical connections  438  is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Electrical connections  438  preferably includes a first lead  540  positioned for movement with movement of flashlight actuator  418 . Movement of first lead  540  causes reciprocation of second lead  542  via block  544  so that battery contact end  546  of second lead  542  is pushed into contact with a first end of battery  430  (such as the positive end, as shown in FIG. 16). The opposite end of second lead  542  forms a bulb contact end  548  coupled to a first electrical contact (such as contact wires, as shown in FIG. 15) of bulb  432  to provide a first electrical connection thereto. The second end of battery  430  (the negative end in the embodiment of FIG. 16) and a second electrical contact of bulb  432  are electrically coupled via first lead  540  and third lead  550 . In particular, a battery contact end  552  of third lead  550  is preferably in constant contact with the other end of battery  430 . An electrical connection end  554  of third lead  550  is in electrical contact with an electrical connection end  556  of first lead  540 , and a bulb contact end  558  of first lead  540  contacts the second electrical contact of bulb  432  to electrically couple the second end of battery  430  to a second electrical contact of bulb  432 .  
         [0067]    Such arrangement of flashlight  416  and electrical connections  438  permits longitudinal axis  433  of bulb  432  to be perpendicular to longitudinal axis  431  of battery  430 , thereby permitting flashlight  416  to be housed in one of scales  422 ,  524  of tool  410 . Accordingly, a larger flashlight then previously provided in prior art pocket tools may be provided in tool  410 . It will be appreciated that various modifications to the electrical connections shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be made within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0068]    As may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 17, battery  430  of flashlight  416  preferably is accessible for replacement by pivoting clock housing  560  about pivot axle  562 . Thus, the arrangement of battery  430  with battery longitudinal axis  431  substantially parallel to longitudinal axis  411  of tool  410  permits relatively easy replacement of battery  430 . Such pivotability of clock housing  560  also permits easy replacement of clock batteries  564  positioned between clock battery leads  566   a  and  566   b  and within battery housing  568 .  
         [0069]    As may be appreciated with further reference to FIG. 17, clock  478  includes a clock face or mechanism  482  positioned between first and second portions  560   a  and  560   b  of clock housing  560 . Front clock housing portion  560   a  preferably has an aperture through which clock face  482  may be viewed, as well as apertures for clock actuator buttons  484 . As many actuator buttons  484  as needed, in the form described above with reference to actuator buttons  84 , may be provided. For example, an actuator button may be provided for each of the following functions: time set, alarm set, alarm on/off.  
         [0070]    Moreover, such orientation of battery  430  as described above provides the greatest amount of room for implements to be contained along the side of tool  410  opposite clock  478 . Such implements may include the same deployable implements as provided in tool  10 , such as a Phillips screwdriver (preferably a micro-Phillips screwdriver)  448 , a nail file  450  with a tip  466  formed as a flathead screwdriver or other implement, a cutting blade implement  452  (which alternatively may have a tip formed as a flathead screwdriver or other implement), a cap lifter  454  with a relatively large tip  468  configured to function as a slot and/or flathead screwdriver (or other implement), each pivotably coupled to tool  410  about pivot axle  456 . Each implement preferably has a respective spring  458  for biasing the implement into a desired position, as described in further detail above with respect to the implements of tool  10 . A scissors  490  may also be pivotably coupled to tool  410 , preferably via pivot axle  456 . As discussed above, the scissors  490  provided in tool  410  has handles extending from the back ends of respective blades  492 ,  494  and thus independent of the housing or scales of tool  410 . A variety of additional implements as described above with respect to tool  10  may provided on tool  410  as well.  
         [0071]    Like tool  10 , tool  410  preferably includes removable implements, such as a writing implement  440 , tweezers  470 , and a toothpick  472 , each provided in a respective slot preferably provided in one of scales  422 ,  524 . As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, writing implement  440  preferably is held in a writing implement holder  535  which is slidably positioned in a writing implement actuator slot. A sliding writing implement actuator  536  extends from writing implement holder  535  through one of scales  422 ,  524  (in FIG. 14, scale  524 ) for access by a user. Sliding of writing implement actuator  536  causes writing implement  440  to be extended from tool  410  for use or retracted within the writing implement actuator slot for storage. It will be appreciated that other forms of writing implements, such as those described above with respect to tool  10 , may be used instead.  
         [0072]    As shown in FIGS. 13, 14,  15  and  17 , an overmold  570  may be provided over at least a portion of one or both of scales  422 ,  524 . In a preferred embodiment, scales  422  and  524  are formed from a substantially rigid, durable material, such as a plastics material, suitable for forming a protective shell or housing such as provided by scales  422 ,  524 . Preferably, the material is chemically resistant and water resistant. One such material is acetyl, such as DELRIN®, manufactured by Dupont Company, Polymers of Wilmington, Del. In order to enhance tactile comfort, overmold  570  is preferably formed from a material which is softer than the material of scales  422 ,  524 . Moreover, the material of overmold  570  preferably has a higher coefficient of friction to provide a non-slip surface to tool  410 . Thus, when tool  410  is placed on a support surface, slippage of tool  410  is inhibited if not prevented. Such anti-slip property is particularly useful when tool  410  is placed on a surface, such a bedside night table, for viewing clock  478  and, if desired, using the optional alarm feature of clock  478 . Preferably, overmold  570  is formed from an elastomeric or rubber material, such as SANTOPRENE®, manufactured by Monsanto, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo. If desired, ridges  572  may be formed along the surface of overmold  570  for additional friction or simply for aesthetic appeal. If only an aesthetic effect from overmold  570  is desired, although the material of overmold  570  should at least have as much durability and chemical and weather resistance as the material of scales  422 ,  524 , any desired material may be used.  
         [0073]    It will be appreciated that additional implements may be provided on any of the above-described tools. For instance, a lanyard or keychain may be provided for attachment of keys or other objects thereto. Additionally, a miniature recording device may be provided in any of the above-described tools for recording memos. The length of the memo will vary depending on the memory capacity of the voice chip or other recording device provided to store the memo or message. Other devices deemed to be useful to a business person may be provided as well. For example, other business-oriented features may be incorporated such as a miniature staple, a paper clip storage section and/or a paper clip feeder, a personalized name and address stamp, etc.  
         [0074]    While the disclosed multiple function combination business travel tool is particularly shown and described herein with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For instance, the ends of the writing implement, tweezers, and toothpick, and the actuators of the flashlight and the clock may extend into shallow recesses in the surfaces of the tool instead of extending out of and beyond the surfaces of the tool as described herein. Moreover, the flashlight may be provided in the back scale instead of the front scale, as described herein, and a different bezel as shown may be provided. Accordingly, modifications such as any examples suggested herein, but not limited thereto, are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.