Abstract:
A single body multi-tool device having a plurality of compartments in a housing thereof. Mounted in these compartments are various hand tools such as a hatchet, a digging tool, a flashlight, a knife and a saw, each being separately usable without interfering with the operation and/or use of another of the tools. This multi-tool device is generally concerned with the field of hand tools, and is specifically concerned with hand tools used in the outdoors, such as while camping.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]    This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. Sec. 119 from my provisional application SINGLE BODY MULTI-TOOL DEVICE filed with the United States Patent Office on Mar. 3, 2003 and thereby duly assigned Serial No. 60/451,544. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This application generally relates to a multiplicity of tools contained in a single body. This invention is generally in the field of hand tools, and is specifically concerned with hand tools used in the outdoors, such as while camping.  
           [0004]    2. Related Art  
           [0005]    Multipurpose tools configured by or into a single body tool utilizing a plurality of tool elements are generally known in the art as described by:  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,221 to Russell O. Cadman for a MULTIPURPOSE TOOLKITAND FOLDING HANDLE THEREFOR which describes a tool kit  20  including a plurality of pockets holding various tool components including a pick head, a shovel, a saw and an ax/hammer head;  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,420 to John Belanger for a MULTI-PURPOSE CAMPING TOOL which describes a tool to be combinable, in various configurations, to form a pole ladder, an ax, a spade, a hoe, a grapple hook, a saw, a hammer, etc;  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,520 to William L. Mazzo for a MULTI-PURPOSE HAND TOOL which describes a single body tool having various foldable elements useful as a hammer, pick, probe, ruler, knife, saw, spade, trowel and bottle opener; and  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,067 to Nathanael Whalen Jones for a MULTIPURPOSE SNOW/ICE TOOL FOR BACKCOUNTRY TRA VEL which describes a single body tool including a saw, shovel, ax, adze and pick. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    A more complete appreciation of the present invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will become readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a front side view of the device;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a rear side, view of the device;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a top view of the device showing the digging tool;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a cutaway front side view showing the digging tool and hatchet;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the press pins for locking the digging tool;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a end view of the structural frame;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a back view of the structural frame;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the hatchet release button and locking plunger;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9A is a top view of the hatchet and storage compartment;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 9B and 9C are alternative embodiments of a cap for the storage compartment of FIG. 9A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the hatchet;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the digging tool and hatched in the fully open position;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 is an end view of the body cut away to receive the flashlight head;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of the saw in the closed position;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 14 is a side view of the saw in the open position;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 is a cut away side view of the pocket knife with one blade open; and FIG. 16 is a front view of the bottom of the device;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 16A is an end view of the curvature of the body;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 17 is a side view of the device as placed in the ground;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 18 is a top view of the hammer head;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the knife and saw within the structural support;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 20 is a side view of the beveled plunger button;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternate embodiment to the invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 22 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the device having an additional compartment and an additional brace;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 23 illustrates an additional embodiment having a protector proximate the end of the digging tool;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 24 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the hatchet having rubber bumpers;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 25 is a top view of an alternate embodiment having a pulley system within the body;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 25;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 27 is a back view a carrying case for use with the disclosed device;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 28 is a front view of the carrying case of FIG. 27 open with the flashlight exposed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]    The disclosed device provides an method of carrying a number of tools or devices required for a particular purpose in a single body. The device illustrated hereinafter addresses many of the needs of someone hiking or camping. Other examples of alternate tools are noted hereinafter and it will be evident to those skilled in the art on which tools and accessories would be applicable for a specified end use.  
         [0041]    A body  12  of the multi-tool device  10  is illustrated in the non-use, closed, position in FIGS. 1 and 2. The body  12  has an arced end  16  and a flat end  14  in the illustrated embodiments herein, however, it should be noted that that although the drawings illustrate one end arced and the other flat; both ends can be either arced or flat.  
         [0042]    In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device  10  is designed for use as a camping tool, although as disclosed hereinafter, other uses can be incorporated. A portion of a digging tool  30  can be seen extending beyond the periphery of the body  12 . The digging tool  30  is partially recessed within the body  12  at the arced end  16 .  
         [0043]    Also extending beyond the periphery of the body  12  is a hammerhead  72  which is part of a hatchet ( 70  in FIG. 4) and described further below.  
         [0044]    At the flat end  14  of the body  12 , opposing the digging tool  30 , is a flashlight  50  having a rotatable head  54 . A power source  52  is recessed into the body  12  of the device  10  with the rotatable head  54  extending beyond the periphery of the body  12 . The flashlight  50  can be recessed into any portion of the body  12  convenient for manufacture, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 12, as long as the head  54  is free to rotate and there is no interference between the flashlight  50  and any other tool. Also shown, and described below, are a saw locking button  112 , pins (rivets)  20 , pin end  44 , rotational pin  74  and locking buttons  76  and  78 .  
         [0045]    The flashlight  50  should be recessed from the edge of the tool to prevent the lens from accidentally breaking from impact to the end of the device. Additionally, it is preferred that the lens be a hardened plastic and the bulb one or more LEDs. Duel LEDs, such as one red and one white, can provide some advantages in some end uses as known in the art. In embodiments used for camping or hiking, it is preferable that at least one LED will flash. In some embodiments, the flashlight and LED can having blinking, or flashing, capabilities to enable the flashlight to act as a location strobe or signal a SOS, or rotating lenses to change the color of the light. A bulb/lens combination provides the strength and long life that would be most beneficial to the user. The lens of the flashlight is preferably removable, including the bulb, for easy replacement. A whistle (not shown) can be incorporated into the back of the flashlight or recessed into another area of the device.  
         [0046]    The preferred placement of the flashlight is at the opposing end of the body  12  to the digging tool  30 . In this way, the digging tool  30  avoids conflict with any of the other tools and can be fully extended and stuck into the ground, thereby permitting the flashlight head  54  to be rotated to focus upon a desired area. The digging tool  30  can also be used as a defense against animals, to cook food, spear fish, or other similar uses.  
         [0047]    In this embodiment., a compass  218  is provided along one of the sides, although the preferred placement for structural integrity, especially when also providing a recessed area, is along the back or front. Ideally, the compass  218 , when relying on outside illumination, is placed slightly spaced from the light, thereby enabling the light from the flashlight  50  to be reflected down to view the compass. The compass  218 , either glow in the dark, standard, or with its own battery powered light, can be surrounded by an etchable plate for personalizing the device if desired. Also, the compass  218  can be hinged to permit the inclusion of another device, such as a mirror, atmosphere gauge, etc., to be recessed under the compass  218 . Further, compass  218  can be a removable lid covering a storage compartment, thereby permitting the compass to used separate from the tool.  
         [0048]    Other items can also be incorporated either on the surface, or recessed within the body, such as a thermometer, flint and striking bar, pressure gauge, fluorescent light, digital clock with alarm, etc. It should be noted that When the device incorporates magnetic materials, the compass will be affected and must therefore be removable from the body for accurate reading.  
         [0049]    For example, instead of a compass  218 , a clock can be used here. Additionally, such a clock can be incorporated in the same manner as the above described compass  218 , either on the same side as compass  218  or on any other side of the tool.  
         [0050]    Because the disclosed device will be used to create an action, such as to dig, saw, or chop, the exterior of the body must be comfortable to grip. One easy-to-hold embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 16A wherein the periphery of the body  12  is rounded. To keep the, weight at a minimum, plastic is one of the preferred materials for manufacture. Other materials would be a hard rubber, wood, composites, and various lightweight metals. Additionally, the body  12  can be coated with a gripping material to prevent slippage during use. For some uses, it can be preferable to use a material that permits color variety.  
         [0051]    As can be seen in FIG. 3, the digging tool  30  is centered and partially recessed within the depth D of the body  12 . The digging tool  30  and the hatchet  70  are secured to a structural frame  18  (see FIG. 6) which is generally made of metal or other material of equivalent strength and rigidity. The structural frame  18  slides within, and is secured to, the body  12  through use of rivets, pins  20 , button releases, such as illustrated in FIG. 8, or any other equivalent securing method. In this design the rivets and pivots maintaining the digging tool  30  and hatchet  70  in place within the structural frame  18  can be only through the structural frame  18  and not show on the outside of the body  12 , or they can extend through the opposing sides of the body  12 . It should be noted that in some embodiments the structural frame  18  is removable to permit the user to change tools. In these embodiments, the pins  20  would be replaced with screws. Also seen in this figure are a saw blade  110 , a pocketknife  190 , a digger blade  32  and flashlight  50 .  
         [0052]    The blade  32  of the digging tool  30 , as seen in FIG. 4, rotates to the open position around a pivot pin  34 , which bisects the digging tool body  42 , and is secured to either side of the body  12  by pin ends  44 , one of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. The back of the blade  32  is curved to fit around the hammer  72  as well as provide clearance for a cap  73  for a compartment  75 . Compartment  75  can be a holder for matches or other items, such as a lighter (butane) removably mounted therein. When the holder for matches or other items is not incorporated or an alternate hammer head is used, the arc of the back of the digger blade  32  can be made shallower. Also seen in this figure are a blade  71  of hatchet  70  and a plunger  84  (described below). The blade  71 , is arced to prevent the hatchet  70 , when in the closed position, from conflicting with the holding pins  20  used to maintain the structural frame  18  within the body  12 .  
         [0053]    The digging tool  30  is prevented from over rotation by either the hammerhead  72  or the body of hatchet  70 , depending the curve placed in the blade  32 . When the digging tool  30  is to rest on the hammerhead  72 , the blade  32  is cut similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3. However, when the hatchet  70  is used for the stop, the blade  32  can be cut much shallower. Whichever design is adopted, it is critical that, if the hammerhead is being used, the cut out be sufficient to permit the hammerhead  72  to clear the digging tool  30 .  
         [0054]    The digging tool  30  is maintained in either the open or the closed position with bearings  36  and  38 , which are illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 5 as described hereafter.  
         [0055]    The bearings  36  and  38  are recessed within a channel  46  in the hatchet  70  in a manner to permit the bearings  36  and  38  to extend beyond the periphery of the body of the hatchet  70 . The open ends of the channel  46  have a diameter less than the diameter of the bearings  36  and  38  in order to prevent the bearings  36  and  38  from falling out of the channel  46 . The bearings  36  and  38  are separated by a spring  40  which forces the bearings  36  and  38  apart, maintaining a portion of the bearings  36  and  38  extend beyond the body of the hatchet  70 . Receiving recesses  43  are placed within the digging tool body  42  to receive the bearings  36  and  38 , thereby enabling the digging tool  30  to be locked in either a 90-degree angle from the body  12  or the closed position, parallel with the body  12 . The strength required to move the digging tool  30  will be dependent upon the force applied by spring  40  and therefore the amount of pressure required to press the bearings  36  and  38  into the recesses  43 .  
         [0056]    As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the digging tool  30  blade  32  is slightly greater than that of the hatchet  70  to enable the digging tool  30  to serve as a means for rotating the hatchet  70  from it&#39;s recessed position within the body  12 . If, for some reason, the blade  32  is shorter than, or equal to, the hatchet  70 , other means for opening the hatchet  70  must be provided. Because of the interaction between the digging tool body  42  and the hatchet  70 , the digging tool blade  32  can only be rotated 90 degrees from parallel to the body  12  without the hatchet  70  being released, enabling rotation around the rotational pin  74 . Since, to avoid inadvertealt rotation in either the closed or the open position, the hatchet  70  has locking buttons  76  and  78 , the appropriate locking button  76  or  78  must be released prior to any movement.  
         [0057]    The locking button  76  maintains the hatchet  70  in the closed position and any movement of the hatchet  70  is reliant upon release of the locking button  76 . Upon rotation of the digging tool  30 , the locking button  78  must be released to permit continued rotation of the digging tool  30  and opening of the hatchet  70  to 90 degrees. Once the hatchet  70  reaches the point of 90 degrees from the body  12 , the locking button  78  is activated, locking the hatchet  70  in the 90 degree rotated position. The greater the distance between the locking buttons  76  and  78 , the more impact that can be received by the device  12  without wear.  
         [0058]    To prevent the hatchet  70 , as well as any other tools disclosed herein, from having side-to-side movement, the dimensioning between parts is critical. To provide some allowances, rubber, or other semi-rigid material, can be used between the moving parts. The easiest method of accomplishing this is through the use of washers, however other methods can be used, such as rubber coatings on the tool.  
         [0059]    Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 24, rubber bumpers  402  and  404  are added to the hatchet/digging tool  400 . In this embodiment bumper  402  is affixed to the underside of the body  406  and would contact the structural frame when the hatchet  400  is closed. The back bumper  404  is placed directly below the hammerhead  408  and contacts the structural frame when the hatchet/digging tool  400  is in the open position. Additional bumpers, of any material having the same qualities as rubber, can be placed in other locations on the hatchet body  406 , or any other moving tool as described herein, which will be evident to those skilled in the art.  
         [0060]    Also, as shown in FIG. 24, the body of the hatchet has a plurality of serrated teeth  407  disposed in a curved section  401  of the body of the hatchet, and a hook  405  formed at the junction of the curved section  401  and cutting edge  409 . It should be quite apparent that each embodiment of the hatchet can include these teeth and this hook. The teeth and hook allow the tool to grapple a tree limb, for example, to hang the tool from the limb and use a pulley (described below with respect to FIGS. 25 and 26) to hoist items off the ground, for example.  
         [0061]    The locking buttons  76  and  78 , as illustrated herein in detail in FIG. 8, consist of two parts; the plunger  84  and the plunger head  90 . A channel  80  is drilled into at least one side of the hatchet  70  slightly less than one half of the depth. A spring  82  is placed into channel  80  with the locking pin body, plunger  84 , placed next. Preferably, the spring  82  is a cone spring, or other spring that will compress tightly while providing sufficient resistance to the plunger  84 .  
         [0062]    The plunger  84  has a groove  86  cut into the surface that is dimensioned to permit a retaining pin  88  to slide freely within the groove  86 . The retaining pin  88  is placed through a drilled hole from the top of the hatchet  70  to a depth that interacts with the groove  86 . The retaining pin  88  is rigidly retained within the hatchet  70  and extending into channel  80 , thereby permitting the plunger  84  to move only a regulated distance within the channel  80  and preventing inadvertent removal. An exposed end  85  of the plunger  84  has a rounded tip, as does an opposing end  91  of a locking pin body  94 .  
         [0063]    The plunger head  90  fits through a predrilled receiving hole  93  in the body  12  dimensioned to permit the button head  96  to be pressed inward to contact end  91  with end  85  of the plunger  84 . The plunger head  90  is prevented from falling through the receiving hole  93  by a retaining pin  92  which bisects the locking pin body  94  and is placed on the opposing side of the body  12 . The end  91  of the locking pin body  94  is rounded, corresponding to the rounded end  85  of the plunger  84 .  
         [0064]    The rounded end  85  of plunger  84  extends into structural frame  18  to prevent the hatchet  70  from rotating. To prevent the locking pin body  94  from entering the channel  80 , thereby preventing rotation, the channel  80  is dimensioned to permit only the plunger  84  to be recessed.  
         [0065]    To open the hatchet  70 , locking button  76  is activated by pressing plunger head  90  inward forcing plunger  84  to compress the spring  82 , causing the rounded end  85  of plunger  84  to back out of locking hole  95 . At this point, the hatchet  70  is free to rotate until the compressed locking pin body  84  is brought into proximity with another locking hole  95  in support frame  18  corresponding to and aligned with locking button  78 .  
         [0066]    When hatchet  70  is rotated 90 degrees, compressed locking pin body  84  is brought into proximity with another locking hole  95  in support frame  18  corresponding to and aligned with locking button  78 . At this time, spring  82  forces compressed locking pin body  84  into the locking hole  95  in support frame  18  aligned with locking button  78 , locking the hatchet  70  in the 90 degree rotated position as shown in FIG. 11.  
         [0067]    Correspondingly, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the digging tool  30  is rotated about 180 degrees. Here, it is shown that this enables the digging tool  30  to be sunk into the ground, allowing the tool to stand upright for easy access.  
         [0068]    In FIG. 7, the arced end  16  of the body  12  is cutaway to expose the structural frame  18  which has an curved section  21 , and in this embodiment, a cut out in the curved section to form a nail remover  22 .  
         [0069]    Alternatively, the opening  21  and nail remover  22  can be removed from the structural frame  18 , leaving the structural frame rectangular, or other uses can be substituted, such as a receiving head for sockets. When the rectangular frame is used, it replaces the hammerhead described heretofore.  
         [0070]    As shown in FIG. 16, the bottom of the body  12  includes markings such as a ruler  14 , although other indicators can be used depending upon the end use.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIGS. 9A and 10, the top and bottom of the hatchet  70  are respectively illustrated to show the shape of the hatchet  70  as well as match cap  73  and hammer stops  178 . The match cap  73  is preferably a waterproof material, such as plastic, that covers compartment  75 , seen in FIG. 4, drilled into the hatchet body  74  to hold matches, a lighter, or other small items that should be kept dry. Match cap  73  can be threaded (see FIGS. 9B and 9C) to interact with matching threads in the compartment  75 , with a opening notch as known in the art, or it can be a snap on/off cap that is either attached lose or attached to either the hatchet or part of a slip in vial dimensioned to fit within the hole. Other designs of caps and the attached thereof will be evident to those skilled in the art.  
         [0072]    To prevent the hatchet  70  from over rotating, stops  178  are provided on either side of the hammerhead  72  which interact with the structural support frame  18 . As seen in FIG. 18, the stops  178  have a width greater than the width of the structural frame  18  opening  21 . Thus, once rotated, in addition to the locking button  78  disclosed heretofore, the stops  178  serve to prevent over rotation. In order to prevent movement of the hatchet  70 , the locking button  78  should be positioned to lock as the stops  178  come in contact with the structural support frame  18 .  
         [0073]    The hatchet  70  has an arced blade  71  extending from one side of the hatchet body  74  and a hammerhead  72  at the opposing side. The blade  71 , as seen in FIG. 4, is arced to prevent the hatchet  70 , when in the closed position, from conflicting with the holding pins  20  used to maintain the structural frame  18  within the body  12 .  
         [0074]    The device  10  also includes a pocketknife  190 , illustrated in FIG. 15, that is recessed in the flat end  14 . The pocketknife can be a standard multi-blade knife or any specialized knife, including a specifically designed removable knife for use with the disclosed invention. In some embodiments to eliminate the bulk of the normal, or custom, pocketknife body, the knife  190  is part of the body  12  construction. In these embodiments, the body  12  would be designed with a channel in which the blade(s) would be retained, the knife blade  192  would then rotate around pivot pin  194 , which would extend through the body  12 . In order to avoid conflict with other devices, the knife  10  is recessed within the body  12  on the opposite corner edge from the flashlight  50 , as shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0075]    The locking mechanism for the knife blade in any of the embodiments can be a standard spring arm mechanism as known in the art. Other locking mechanisms used for knives, such as release buttons on the bottom, spring releases., etc. can be used as will be evident to those skilled in the art. The use of a removable knife, whether it is a custom designed exterior specifically for use with the disclosed invention, or a standard pocket knife, provides the advantage of providing the user with the ability to change the type of knives being carried. In embodiments where a customized knife body is incorporated, various collections of related knives can be sold together as a unit design for a particular purpose, such as hunting, fishing, diving, etc.  
         [0076]    The body  12  further contains a hand saw  110 , illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, that is recessed with the body on the opposing wall from flashlight  50 , adjacent to the knife  190 . In embodiments where the knife  190  rotates within the body  12 , the same bolt can be used to secure both the saw  110  and the knife  190 . The positioning of the saw  110  within the body  12  can be clearly seen in FIG. 3.  
         [0077]    The body  12  contains a pivot recess  118  that provides an open channel for the saw  110  end to rotate. The saw  110  rotates around a pivot pin  114  and locks in position through use of locking button  112  and locking holes  116  and  120 .  
         [0078]    When in the closed or recessed position, as seen in FIG. 13, locking hole  120  is engaged with the locking button  112 . Once rotated to the open position, as seen in FIG. 14, the locking hole  116  is engaged with the locking button  112 .  
         [0079]    The locking holes  120  and  116  have an entrance port  218  which is only a portion of the circumference of the locking interior  216 . The locking button  112  preferably locks the saw  110  in place through the use of spring loaded release buttons, although friction fit, a flat steel spring or other alternative designs can be incorporated.  
         [0080]    As shown in FIG. 20, the locking button  112  has a body  202  that extends through the device body  12  (not shown) a sufficient amount to allow for the needed movement of the locking button  112 . The neck  204  of the locking button  112  is dimensioned to pass through the entrance port  218 , thereby enabling the locking holes  120  and  116  to rotate on to and off of the neck  204 .  
         [0081]    The locking button  112  further has an angled edge  206  which leads to the spring contact  209 . The spring  208  and the spring contact  209  are retained within a recess within either the body or the structural unit of the device  10 . At rest, the pressure from the spring  208  forces the angled edge  206  to contact and apply pressure to the locking interior  216 , thereby preventing movement. When the body  202  is pressed, the locking button  112  moves to place the neck  204  in proximity to the entrance port  218 , enabling the locking hole  120  or  116  to rotate off the neck  204 .  
         [0082]    The locking pin  112  is one method of maintaining the saw blade  110  in place and other methods, such as friction fit or the plunger as disclosed heretofore, can also be incorporated and will be evident to those skilled in the art.  
         [0083]    The saw blade  110 , illustrated in FIG. 13, extends beyond the flat end of the body  12  to provide a hanger  122  and opening handle, however this can be eliminated and the blade shortened. In some embodiments, where a smaller saw is used, the external slot for the pivot recess  118  can be eliminated and the pivoting accomplished within the body. Additionally, when the blade is shortened, alternative means must be provided to open the blade, such as a notch  113  in body  12  and a corresponding groove  115  in blade  110 .  
         [0084]    As the saw and the knife are proximate to one another, a single, either stationary or removable, unit can be designed to hold both the saw and the knife. This is illustrated in FIG. 19, wherein a W shaped metal frame  222  is used to retain a saw  210  and a knife  224 . The metal frame  222  is maintained within the body  12  through the use of pins  226  which are designed to not interfere with the knife  224  and saw  210 . The saw  210  rotates on pivot  228  and the knife rotates on pivot  230 , both of which are secured to the metal frame  222 . In one embodiment, the pins  226  are permanently secured to the body  220 , while in another embodiment the pins  226  are replaced with screws or other securing device or method, such as the plunger disclosed heretofore, to enable the unit to be removed. This enables the user to have various units that can be interchangeably placed into the same body.  
         [0085]    In the embodiment of FIG. 21, a hole  310  has been added in a body  312 , positioned to enable a hatchet  370  to close while still being within the structural support. Although the hole can be further down on the body, placing the hole away from the structural support eliminates the advantage of having the added strength provided by the structural support. Alternatively, the structural support can be lengthen to enable the hole to be more centered.  
         [0086]    A rope  314  has been passed through the hole  310  to enable the hatched  370  to be used as a hanger, grappling hook, etc. It should be noted that although a rope  314  is illustrated herein, a wire, rod, etc., can also be placed through the hole. In the preferred embodiment, the hole  310  has caps  320  (only one shown) which can hold additional items, such as light lenses, or other small items. The head of the cap can be a watch face, compass, barometer, mirror, etc.  
         [0087]    In FIG. 22 an alternate device  4000  is disclosed which provides an additional compartment  4080  along the back of the device  4000 . In this embodiment, the compartment  4080  is covered by a slide lid  4060  which slides either completely off or to a predetermined point. The means for sliding lids are well known in the art and any applicable method can be incorporated herein. The lid can also be hinged, snapped in, rotate, or any other applicable method. In this embodiment, a ruler  4100  has been applied to the back of the device  4000 . When other indicators are used on the back of the device, the lids and compartments can be any configuration applicable to the end use. The compartment  4080  is convenient for carrying small tools, such as a leatherman, cash, jewelry or other small items.  
         [0088]    The device  4000  also has a brace bar  4020  as part of structural frame support  4120 . The brace bar  4020  serves as an ideal hanger as well as providing additional structural support for the device. The brace bar  4020  further enables the user to slide his/her belt through opening  4140  to carry the device, thereby eliminating the need for a carrying case. It is critical that the interior of opening  4140  be dimensioned to receive the head of the hammer without binding.  
         [0089]    In FIG. 23, a device  450  uses a protective shield  454  that is placed at the end of digging tool  452 . The protective shield  454  serves to keep the user&#39;s hand from hitting the end of the digging tool  452 .  
         [0090]    [0090]FIGS. 25 and 26 a pulley  451  has been placed within body  458  of device  450 . The pulley  451  is placed so that at least the center is within structural frame support  456  to enable holding pin/axle  453  to be attached to, or pass through, the structural frame support  456 . This provides the greatest strength for pulley  451 . Openings  460  and  462  are positioned within the body  458  and structural frame  456  to permit a rope  470  to be passed through the opening  460 , around the pulley  451  and out the opening  462 . The holding pin/axle  453  can extend all the way through the body  458 , or can be only secured to the structural support  456 . The positioning of the pulley  451  within the body  458  must be such that it does not interfere with the other devices, such as a compartment  472 . Also shown are caps  461 ,  463  and  473  for openings  460 ,  462  and compartment  472 , respectively.  
         [0091]    When the removable units are incorporated, replacement units can be provided to replace the hatchet/digging tool unit or saw/knife unit. These can include a fish filet blade, a vise grip, scissors, a file, a lug nut wrench, an adjustable wrench, a sharpening stone, a socket set, a hack saw blade, a can/bottle opener, a magnifying glass, a signal mirror, a thermometer, utensils for cooking over a fire, a screw driver, a hex adapter, multiple knife or saw blades, etc.  
         [0092]    Additionally, a shovel can be placed within a structural support and the device can be used to form the shovel handle. When the end use dictates the addition of matches, the striker can be located any convenient place on the body, since there is no substantial “depth” required by the striker, there is no concern about weakening the body. Although reference is made heretofore to a compass, it should be noted that other appropriately sized devices can be substituted, such as an alarm watch, radio or other battery powered electronic device, barometer, depth gauge, etc., and that these devices can be placed in locations other than indicated as long as they do not jeopardize the structural integrity or functioning of the device. For battery powered items, placement can be proximate the flashlight batteries to enable the two items to use the same battery source. To compensate for the drain of two devices pulling power, or to provide additional power to a single device, rechargeable batteries can be used and a solar panel incorporated on the exterior of the body.  
         [0093]    Preferably, a case is provided for the device  10  which, in addition to the pocket for the abovedisclosed device, has additional storage for items like a leatherman, etc. As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, a case  500 , which practical for hiking, camping, etc., includes an elongated body  502  preferably having one or more compartments (pockets)  504  to hold smaller tools, money, etc. The compartments  504  can either be open, or secured through any means known in the art such as zipper, Velcro®, snaps, button, etc.  
         [0094]    Although FIG. 27 illustrates the placement of compartments  504  on one side (back) of body  502 , the compartments  504  can be placed on one or more surfaces of body  502 .  
         [0095]    In FIG. 28, the front of the case  500  is illustrated wherein the bottom of the body  502  has a closure flap  508  which opens to expose the flashlight  50 . The flap  508  has securing elements  510  which interact with securing elements (not shown) on the case body  502  to either maintain the flap  508  open or closed.  
         [0096]    In the preferred embodiment a switch  513  is provided that automatically turns the flashlight  50  on when open and off when closed. To accomplish this, the flashlight  50  must have a pressure sensor or other device that reacts to switch  513 . Alternatively the flashlight  50 , as described heretofore, can be turned on manually prior to placement into the case body  502 .  
         [0097]    To keep the case  500  from bouncing and to ensure that the flashlight is pointed in the correct direction, eyelets  512  are provided to enable the case  500  to be tied around the user&#39;s leg, or to a tree or other structure. When being carried by a user, a belt loop  514  is used, although this is only one method of maintaining the device on the users belt. Other methods, such as the snap locks, popular for cell phones, can also be used. The snap lock can be either on the case or alternatively directly mounted on the multi tool device. Preferably the case body  502  has a closure  516  that prevents the device  10  from sliding out of the case  500 . This closure can be a flap, secured by any means known in the art, such as a snap, zipper, etc.  
         [0098]    The invention has been described with particular embodiments thereof, however, indicated by the foregoing, various changes and modifications can be made therein without departure from the scope of the appended claims.