Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to firefighting tools, including multi-purpose firefighting tools that may incorporate the capabilities of axes, Halligan bars, K-tools, spike poles, flashlights, etc. The multi-purpose tool may include a removably securable inner shaft and an outer shaft configured to slidably receive the inner shaft. The tool may also include a housing and a locking mechanism. The inner and outer shafts may include various implements. The housing may be disposed on one of the ends of the outer shaft and may include a recess.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/719,588 filed Sep. 23, 2005. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to firefighting tools, including multi-purpose firefighting tools that may incorporate the capabilities of axes, Halligan bars, K-tools, pike poles, flashlights, etc. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many firefighting tools are task specific and are not designed to meet the variety of needs firefighters may have inside a burning building or at the scene of an emergency. As a result, fire departments often select several firefighting tools and gather them into a multi-purpose tool set. Often, these sets are awkward to carry, heavy, and generally fall short of providing firefighters with the comprehensive equipment capabilities they need. Firefighters often realize they need a different tool or piece of equipment once already inside a burning building. Firefighting crews then have to either return to their fire engine for more equipment or have another team of firefighters bring in additional tools. 
         [0004]    Currently, many fire departments are choosing to use a tool set called “the irons.” The set of irons includes an axe, a prying tool known as the Halligan bar, and a lock removal device called the K-Tool. These tools are typically made of steel, collectively weigh about 30 pounds, and are bound together using either a standard belt, Velcro strap, or band of rubber. 
         [0005]    Although quite popular in the fire service, the irons have drawbacks. For example, separation of the tools is necessary prior to use. With gloved hands and smoke, firefighters often lack the necessary visibility or dexterity to quickly undo the binding strap. This can result in time delays and/or cause firefighters to temporarily remove a glove to undo the binding, thus, putting an exposed hand at risk for burns and/or other injuries. Moreover, once separated, individual tools in the set or the binding strap itself may be easily lost in the dark. In addition, before the set can be moved to another location, the tools need to be strapped back together again. Another drawback is that the set is heavy. The weight of the set may therefore strain firefighters already wearing a heavy suit and carrying an oxygen tank on their back. These problems, among others, may cause firefighters to lose valuable time at the scene of an emergency. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to tools, including multi-purpose firefighting tools that may incorporate the capabilities of axes, Halligan bars, K-tools, pike poles, flashlights, etc. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-purpose tool is provided. This multi-purpose tool may include a inner shaft which can be removably secured to an outer shaft configured to slidably receive the inner shaft. The inner and outer shafts may include various implements. A housing may be disposed on one of the ends of the outer shaft. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-purpose tool is provided. This multi-purpose tool may include an inner shaft, an outer shaft configured to slidably receive the inner shaft, and a locking mechanism. The inner and outer shafts may include an pry fork, spike tip, and adz head, respectively. A housing may be disposed on one of the ends of the outer shaft and may include a recess. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-purpose tool is provided. This multi-purpose tool may include an inner shaft, an outer shaft configured to slidably receive the inner shaft, a housing, a locking mechanism, and a light. The inner and outer shafts may include an pry fork, a pivotable spike tip, and adz head, respectively. The housing may be disposed on one of the ends of the outer shaft and may include a recess. The locking mechanism and light may be mounted on the housing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Referring to the drawings, which form a part of this disclosure: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-purpose firefighting tool that may be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates an outer shaft of the tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a inner shaft of the multi-purpose tool of  FIG. 1  in hinged and straight positions, respectively, and  FIG. 3C  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the inner shaft of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C show a light housing that may be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an adz head that may be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a friction lock that may be employed in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of a puncture nozzle spike in accord with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a multi-purpose firefighting tool that incorporates capabilities of an axe, Halligan bar, K-tool, short pike pole, cellar nozzle, puncturing nozzle, flashlight, and Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device into one versatile, easy-to-use tool. 
         [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, a multi-purpose firefighting tool comprising a main shaft with adz head, a light, and a removable inner shaft that can be secured within the main shaft. The tool may be configured to meet a user&#39;s specific need by selecting an appropriate inner shaft. For example, an inner-shaft may include a Halligan-type tool, a cutting edge, or a global positioning system (GPS) device. The multi-purpose firefighting tool may be used as both as a single unit with a removable inner shaft secured, and/or as separate tools by removing the inner shaft. A retractable strap and/or ergonomic handgrips may also be included to allow for easy carrying and correct hand-positioning. 
         [0019]    The multi-purpose firefighting tool may be suitable for purposes other than firefighting. For example, embodiments of the device may also be suitable for organizations such as rescue squads and emergency medical services, the Unites States Forest Service, the United States Military, civil defense groups, national security agencies, CIA, FBI, and police and SWAT teams. Any part of the tool may configured for addressing the specific needs of a user. For example, in military applications, the removable inner shaft component may have special cutting components, firing components, ammunition carrying components, electronic position tracking components, and/or medical monitoring components. 
         [0020]    Also, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, while some users may choose to use fixed configurations of the present invention, teams (e.g., SWAT) may carry a full line of different removable components in their response vehicles. Possible components may include tear gas launchers, battering rams, electronic recording devices, or high-powered directional lights. Consequently, while in route to an emergency or during an on-scene mission briefing, an equipment technician might complete on-the-spot reconfigurations of embodiments of the present invention to address the team&#39;s needs. 
         [0021]    Still further, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, some teams may want to integrate a particular weapon, tool, or device into the outer shaft of embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that the outer shaft may be modified to achieve this, for example, such as by mounting a cutting edge or gun along the longitudinal-axis of the outer shaft handle or integrating electronic devices such as a video camera into the light housing. 
         [0022]    The present invention may also have an integrated locater beacon similar to those used by the United States Coast Guard or backcountry skiers. This locator beacon may be used to find distressed personnel or simply keep track of teams at the scene of an emergency. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  in this embodiment comprises an outer shaft  1002  and an inner shaft  1004 . The multi-purpose tool may be constructed of any suitable size, shape and material. For example, the tool may be approximately the same size as a standard firefighting axe (e.g., handle length of about 36 to 48 inches). The dimensions of the present invention may also be changed to accommodate people of different heights and weights. 
         [0024]    The multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  may also include a personal escape rope attachment point (not shown). For example, in some instances, firefights may hammer the invention into the floor of a burning building, attach a rope, and repel out of a window. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may include loops, hooks, or other devices for firefighters to secure a rope and take a similar course of action. 
         [0025]    Embodiments of the outer shaft  1002  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 . The outer shaft  1002  comprises a outer shaft handle  12 , a lower outer shaft handgrip  18 L, an upper outer shaft handgrip  18 U, an adz head  36 , and a light housing  32  including a friction lock system  24 . In this embodiment, the inner shaft  1004  includes a spike tip  82 . The outer shaft handle  12  extends the length of the outer shaft  1002  and may have round, oval, or ergonomically shaped cross-sections disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal-axis of the outer shaft handle  12 . The outer shaft handle  12  is straight in the illustrated embodiment, but may also have a slight bend for improved performance in alternate embodiments. The lower outer shaft handgrip  18 L and upper outer shaft handgrip  18 U wrap around the outer shaft handle  12  and are intended to help firefighters correctly grip the multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000 . 
         [0026]    Suitable materials for the outer shaft handgrips  18  may include fire-resistant rubber, cloth, textured metal, or a similar material. 
         [0027]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , a hollow interior section along the longitudinal-axis of the outer shaft handle  12  may open at both ends of the outer shaft handle  12  to expose shaft bays  20 U,  20 L for securing the removable inner shaft  1004 . These shaft bays  20 U,  20 L may be shaped so as to secure a multitude of removable components. 
         [0028]    Also as seen in  FIG. 2 , the removable inner shaft  1004  may be secured in the outer shaft  1002  using a locking device, for example, a friction locking system  24 . In the embodiment illustrated, the light housing  32  and the friction lock system  24  may be integrated. 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  5 , the outer shaft  1002  may have an adz head  36  mounted near the top of the outer shaft  12 . In  FIG. 5 , it may be seen that the outer shaft handle  12  extends through the adz head  36  to the adz head top  40 . The adz head cutting edge  38  may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal-axis of the outer shaft handle  12 , but can also have a parallel or user-adjusted orientation. The adz head back  42  may form a slightly textured hammering surface and the adz head top  40  may have an adz head cut-out  44  large enough to fit a cylindrical door lock. A narrowing channel incorporated into the adz head cut-out  44  can have two sharp lock removing blades  45  for prying off door locks. 
         [0030]    Embodiments of the adz head  36  may also have differently configured adz head cut-outs  44  or provide an attachment point for attaching additional tools. The adz head  36  may be orientated differently (e.g., possibly an axe-like orientation or user-adjusted orientation) or located elsewhere on the multiple-purpose firefighting tool  1000 . The adz head  36  may also have a different shape or look so that users will recognize it as either a cutting or prying tool. Embodiments of the present invention may also not include an adz head  36 . 
         [0031]    Turning to  FIGS. 4A-C , the light housing  32  may be configured for mounting to the outer shaft  12  and receiving inner shaft  1004  in any suitable manner via recess  20 H (which is communication with shaft bay  20 L), including, but not limited to, by adhesives, friction, fasteners, etc. The light housing  32  may comprise a light  30 , a light switch  31 , and a friction locking system  24  with a cam lever or friction axle  26 . The light housing  32  cross-section of  FIGS. 4A-C  is substantially round, however, any suitable shapes may be used. A light-emitting diode ring  34  is also shown. The light-emitting diode ring  34  includes diodes  33  and may be oriented to shine light away from the outer shaft  1002  along the longitudinal-axis of the outer shaft handle  12 , but may also be configured to shine in multiple directions or illuminate component-specific target areas. The light  30  may also be mounted in different locations on the outer shaft  1002 , possibly inside the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L or as part the lower outer shaft handgrip  18 L. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may have a removable light secured within the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L. Any suitable light source may be used including, but not limited to, lasers, chemicals, reflective tape, strobe lights, phosphorescent stickers, phosphorescent paint, and/or light bulbs. 
         [0032]    The light  30  may also shine different colors or be user-adjustable. The light  30  can be used to signal other firefighters inside a building or pointed at a window to signal an outside command post. For example, a red light may signal the need for additional help, while a green light may let others know that a fire has been extinguished. Multiple integrated lights may be positioned on the multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  to illuminate component-specific target areas while firefighters work. The lights may be user-adjustable to accommodate different components. The lights may be located on the main shaft or on the removable components being used. Lights located on removable components may automatically turn on once the component is removed from the main shaft  1002 . 
         [0033]    As seen in  FIG. 6 , the friction lock system  24  may comprise a friction ring  27 , a friction lever  25 , a friction bolt  29 , and a friction axle  26 . This friction lock system  24  may work much like a bicycle seat post clamp or camera tripod clamps, wherein the friction lever  26  can be used to activate or de-activate friction ring  27 . Locking devices may be used on either end of the outer shaft  1002  and multiple locking devices may be used to secure the inner shaft  1004 . Alternate embodiments of the present invention may use modified friction locking systems or any other suitable locking device, such as twist locks or push-pin locks to secure the inner shaft  1004 . 
         [0034]    The embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 3A-B  show an inner shaft  1004  comprising a spike tip  82  and pry fork  62  for securing or secure in the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L. As discussed herein, alternate embodiments of the present invention may have removable cutting edges, hammering tools, electronic lights, GPS units, and/or health monitors. As seen in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the inner shaft  1004  may also comprise an inner shaft handle  52 , and a spike tip nozzle  84 . The inner shaft handle  52  may connect the spike tip  82  on one end to a pry fork  62  on the other end. The pry fork  62  may attach to the pry tool handle  52  so that two claw forks point away from the inner shaft  1004  along the longitudinal-axis of the inner shaft handle  52 . Alternative embodiments of the pry fork  62  may have a cutting claw or a tip. In addition, the inner shaft may comprise any suitable tool, for example,  FIG. 3C  shows a spike tip  82  and a locator beacon  61 . 
         [0035]    Instead of an inner shaft  1004  that can only be removed from one end of the outer shaft  1002 , the embodiments of the present invention may have an inner shaft that can be removed from either side of the outer shaft  1002 . It may also be desirable to have two separate inner shafts each being removable from their respective side of the outer shaft  1002 . 
         [0036]    The inner shaft may also have a locking hinged joint comprising a spike lock sleeve  94 , spike lock sleeve spring (not shown), and a spike pin  96  incorporated into the inner shaft handle  52 . The locking hinged joint may work in a similar fashion to a locking carabineers used for rock climbing. 
         [0037]    To secure the inner shaft  1004  in the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L of the outer shaft  1002 , the user may insert the inner shaft  1004  into the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L and use the friction lever  25  to activate the friction lock  24 . To remove the inner shaft  1004 , a user may use the cam lever or friction lever  25  to deactivate the cam lock or friction lock  24  and pull on the pry fork  62 . 
         [0038]    The inner shaft  1004  may have integrated nozzles for streaming fluid into hard-to-reach spaces. For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the inner shaft  1004  may have a single spike tip nozzle  84 , a inner shaft conduit  88 , and an inner shaft fluid source connection point  90 . This configuration can provide one directed stream of fluid. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the inner shaft  1004  may have a multi-nozzle spike tip mounted on a rotational bearing. In this configuration, fluid pressure may spin the multi-nozzle spike tip to create several rotating streams of fluid. The nozzles in both embodiments may be connected to a fluid source by an inner shaft conduit  88  running through the inner shaft handle to the inner shaft fluid source connection point  90 . A fire hose may then be connected to the inner shaft fluid source connection point  90  using a thread coupling, commonly-known as a Stortz coupling, or similar connection method. In accord with embodiments of the present invention, other adapters may also be used to reduce and connect standard fire hoses. 
       OPERATION 
       [0039]    As discussed herein, the multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  may be used as either a single unit or as separate components. To reduce equipment-related time delays, the embodiments of the present invention may function with or without removing the inner shaft  1004 . For example, inner shaft  1004  removal may not be needed for firefighters to chop through walls with the adz head  36  or to search for victims with the light  32 . If the inner shaft  1004  is configured with a spike tip  82  and pry fork  62 , the tool can also be used to immediately pry doors or pull down ceilings. 
         [0040]    The multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  may be used to quickly pull down ceilings to inspect for hidden fire. For instance, the spike tip  82  can be punched through a ceiling to create a hole large enough for the adz head  36 . Users can then repeatedly position the adz head  36  over adjacent, undamaged portions of ceiling and apply downward force by pulling on the outer shaft handle  12 . With each repetition, a portion of ceiling may be removed and the space above exposed for inspection. 
         [0041]    A user may then use the light  30  to check the crawl space above for charred wood or other signs of fire. Users may extend the light  30  attached to the outer shaft  1002  through the ceiling hole to immediately light the area. Moreover, it may be possible to add a mirror to embodiments of the present invention so that firefighters can visually inspect a variety of non-visible angles without having to climb up into the hole. The light  30  could also be used to inspect other types of hard-to-reach areas or to search for victims in a burning building, Users can hold the outer shaft  1002  near the adz head  36  and sweep the light  30  along the floor. A strong light used close to the floor may significantly increase visibility. A strobe light may also be used so that distressed firefighters can visually signal for help. The strobe light could also be integrated into the light-emitting diode ring  34 , attached to the adz head  36 , or may be secured to an entirely different location. 
         [0042]    To perform certain tasks, firefighters may need to temporarily remove a component from our multiple-purpose firefighting tool  1000 . This may be necessary when firefighters want to, for instance, use the adz head  36  to hammer the inner shaft  1004 . Firefighters may use the flat adz head back  42  to hammer open a padlock with the spike tip  82  or wedge the pry fork  62  into the crack of a car door. To remove the inner shaft  1004 , firefighters may need to disengage the friction lock  24  by flipping back the friction lever  25 . 
         [0043]    In some cases the spike tip  82  may need to retract completely into the outer shaft  1002 . In order to use the adz head  36  as a lever, nothing can protrude from the shaft bays  20 U,  20 L. Consequently, the multi-purpose firefighting tool  1000  may be designed so that the spike tip  82  can be either extended or retracted. If firefighters want to use the adz head  36  as a lever, but have the spike tip  82  in the extended position, they can disengage the friction lock  24 , partially remove the inner shaft  1004 , and reengage the friction lock  24  so that the spike tip  82  is retracted within the outer shaft  1002 . The reverse procedure may be used to then again extend the spike tip  82 . 
         [0044]    An embodiment of the inner shaft  1004  has integrated nozzles that can flow fluid into hard-to-reach areas when attached to a pressurized fluid supply. Firefighters may use the spike tip nozzle  84  as a puncture nozzle to extinguish automotive engine fires. Firefighters may also use the flat adz head back  42  to first hammer the spike tip  82  and spike tip nozzle  84  into a car hood. Then, after attaching a fluid source to the inner shaft fluid source connection point  90 , fluid can flow through the inner shaft  1004  to extinguish the underlying engine fire. An alternate embodiment with a spinning multi-nozzle spike tip can be used as a commonly-known cellar nozzle to fight basement fires. Rather than sending firefighters down the stairs using a traditional hose, the spike tip  82  could be hammered through the floor above and connected to a pressurized fluid supply. The multi-nozzle spike tip would rotate and direct fluid in many different directions, eventually extinguishing the basement fire. 
         [0045]    The examples described herein are merely illustrative, as numerous other embodiments may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, while certain features of the invention may be shown on only certain embodiments or configurations, these features may be exchanged, added, and removed from and between the various embodiments or configurations while remaining within the scope of the invention. Likewise, methods described and disclosed may also be performed in various sequences, with some or all of the disclosed steps being performed in a different order than described while still remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.