Abstract:
A multi-purpose hand tool has a first member having a first portion and a second portion. A second member is slidably and pivotally coupled to the second portion of the first member. A coupling assembly pivotally couples the second member to the second portion of the first member and allows the second member to slide on and pivot relative to the second portion between a first position proximate a first end of the second portion in which the multi-purpose hand tool can be used to obtain a measurement for a first marking or scribing operation, and a second position proximate a second end of the second portion opposite the first end thereof in which the multi-purpose hand tool can be used to obtain a measurement for a second marking or scribing operation different from the first marking or scribing operation, thereby providing a multi-purpose hand tool reconfigurable for a plurality of purposes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to hand tools and, more particularly, to a multi-purpose hand tool which is capable of being used for different tasks during commercial, industrial and residential construction, and to a scribing apparatus utilizing the multi-purpose hand tool.  
         [0003]     2. Background Information  
         [0004]     During the course of commercial, industrial and residential construction, various different hand tools are employed by construction workers. Generally, each hand tool is used to address one task. For example, in addition to the obvious requirement of a hammer and a saw, a carpenter/tradesman or homeowner also requires the use of a number of additional hand tools such as a combination square, a tape measure, a combination of tools to mark a piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface or to mark a door frame or a window frame for the installation of a door casing or a window casing, a compass to scribe cut lines for arcs and circles, and a utility knife or pencil sharpener to sharpen the point of pencils.  
         [0005]     Traditionally, construction workers have maintained and transported one or more large boxes containing such single purpose hand tools to their work site, from which they draw the appropriate tool, as necessary. Having to stop and retrieve the appropriate single purpose hand tool and having to stock the various hand tools, however, is generally a great inconvenience, and costs a considerable amount of time, money and energy. Although it would be desirable, a construction worker cannot possibly keep one of each of the possible requisite hand tools in his or her work apron or pouch. Thus, because of the number of different tools which must be transported to the work site, and carried by the construction worker, a single hand tool which is capable of being used to address multiple tasks has been sought.  
         [0006]     Several prior art devices are known which attempt to combine several hand tools into one device. However, applicant has no knowledge of any compact multi-purpose hand tool which is capable of being used to mark a piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface, mark door and window frames for the installation of door or window casings, and mark the cut line for arcs and circles, and which incorporates a pencil sharpener for sharpening pencils used in conjunction with the multi-purpose hand tool and a scale which may be utilized as a ruler to measure dimensions associated with the foregoing uses of the multi-purpose hand tool. Furthermore, the prior art devices are not sufficiently lightweight and compact to be easily stored in a construction worker&#39;s apron or pouch.  
         [0007]     When marking a given piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface, the construction worker has the task of doing it in one single operation, thereby leaving no room for mistakes. This is typically done using a compass, set at a chosen measurement between a compass point and a pencil point. Use of the compass is not foolproof because of movement between points and the carpenter&#39;s inability to keep a steady hand and constant angle. This task can also be done using a block of wood, however, this does not provide accuracy to corners or badly out of shape walls.  
         [0008]     When marking door and window frames for the installation of door or window casings, accuracy is of the utmost importance for appearance as well as functionality. Conventionally, a tape measure has been used to mark the window or door frame to the desired distance set back from the edge of the frame (e.g., ¼″ or ¾″). However, the tape measure is not very well designed to mark such small measurements without substantial difficulty. Other conventional methods of marking door and window frames for the installation of door or window casings involves the use of a combination square and the use of two connected pieces of square blocks. However, connecting pieces of square blocks is time consuming, and field conditions may require additional blocks of wood to be made up to accommodate different set back measurements (i.e., {fraction (1/4)} inch set back, {fraction (3/8)} inch set back, {fraction (1/2)} inch set back, etc.) which would require fabricating and connecting additional pieces of wood for marking the new set back measurement.  
         [0009]     A compass is typically used in conjunction with a tape measure to draw circles. However, restrictions and accuracy apply with respect to the size of circles the compass can draw. Furthermore, not only is the compass not durable when mixed with tools of more durable quality but is difficult to use when drawing a circle beyond a certain diameter (e.g., 7 inches). Thus, while the compass is a very resourceful construction tool used primarily by highly-skilled construction workers, it often cannot be found when needed because of its small size and it becomes damaged easily which makes it difficult to draw a circle with precision.  
         [0010]     The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages inherent in conventional multi-purpose hand tools and with the necessity of using various different hand tools during commercial, industrial and residential construction. The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention as described herein and as illustrated in the drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which can be selectively used to mark a given piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface, to mark door and window frames for the installation of door or window casings, and to mark straight lines, arcs or circles with precision and without consuming a large amount of time.  
         [0012]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which incorporates a sharpener for sharpening marking pencils and a scale for taking measurements and which are used in conjunction with the multi-purpose hand tool.  
         [0013]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which is easy to operate on the job site.  
         [0014]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which may be operated quickly with little or no risk of inaccuracy due to wavering during operation.  
         [0015]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which may be readily operated without the use of auxiliary tools or excessive manipulations.  
         [0016]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which is lightweight and compact so that it can be easily carried and stored in a worker&#39;s apron or pouch.  
         [0017]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose hand tool which is inexpensive, durable, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.  
         [0018]     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a scribing apparatus utilizing the multi-purpose hand tool of the present invention for scribing a line in or on a piece of material.  
         [0019]     The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are carried out by a multi-purpose hand tool comprising a first member having a first portion and a second portion, a second member slidably and pivotally coupled to the second portion of the first member, and a coupling assembly for pivotally coupling the second member to the second portion of the first member and allowing the second member to slide on and pivot relative to the second portion between a first position proximate a first end of the second portion in which the multi-purpose hand tool can be used to obtain a measurement for a first marking or scribing operation, and a second position proximate a second end of the second portion opposite the first end thereof in which the multi-purpose hand tool can be used to obtain a measurement for a second marking or scribing operation different from the first marking or scribing operation, to thereby provide a multi-purpose hand tool reconfigurable for a plurality of purposes.  
         [0020]     The coupling assembly preferably comprises a boss portion extending from a surface of the second member, an elongated slot disposed between the first and second ends of the second portion of the first member for receiving the boss portion, and a releasable locking mechanism cooperating with the boss portion and the elongated slot to allow the second member to slide on and pivot relative to the second portion of the first member. The releasable locking mechanism preferably comprises a knob having a female threaded joint and a fastener having a stem provided with a male threaded joint for engagement with the female threaded joint of the knob. The first member includes a cutout region in the first portion thereof. The fastener has a head portion for sliding engagement with a surface of the cutout region during relative sliding movement between the first member and the second member.  
         [0021]     According to another aspect of the present invention, the first member of the multi-purpose hand tool includes a retractable needle assembly. In one embodiment, the retractable needle assembly comprises a finger-engagement portion for undergoing rotation in first and second opposite directions over a first surface of the first portion, and a pin for undergoing rotation with the finger-engagement portion. The pin has a head portion, a stem extending from the head portion and having a needle point, and a male threaded joint disposed on the stem and between the head portion and the needle point.  
         [0022]     The first portion of the first member has a through-hole extending from the first surface of the first portion to a second surface thereof opposite the first surface. The through-hole has a female threaded joint for engagement with the male threaded joint of the pin so that upon rotation of the finger-engagement portion in the first direction, the pin is displaced in a direction along a longitudinal axis thereof to protrude the needle point of the stem from an end of the through-hole at the second surface of the first portion, and so that upon rotation of the finger-engagement portion in the second direction, the pin is displaced along the longitudinal axis to retract the needle point into the through-hole.  
         [0023]     The finger-engagement portion has a cavity for receiving the head portion of the stem so that rotation of the finger-engagement portion in each of the first and second directions rotates the pin in a respective one of the first and second directions and allows movement of the head portion of the pin within the cavity along the longitudinal axis.  
         [0024]     In another aspect, the multi-purpose hand tool further comprises means defining at least one marking pencil rest disposed at the first end of the second member. In one embodiment, the means defining at least one marking pencil rest comprises a notch portion cut in the second member at a first end thereof.  
         [0025]     In another aspect, the multi-purpose hand tool further comprises holding means disposed at a second end of the second member opposite the first end thereof for holding a marking pencil. In one embodiment, the holding means comprises a tubular insert disposed in the through-hole of the second member, and gripping means extending from an inner peripheral surface of the tubular insert for gripping the marking pencil. Preferably, the gripping means comprises a plurality of ribs.  
         [0026]     According to another aspects of the present invention, the multi-purpose hand tool has measuring scales for measuring dimensions corresponding to the use of the multi-purpose hand tool. The measuring scales are preferably color-coded to facilitate selection of the measuring scale for the particular use and to facilitate identification of the dimensional markings on the measuring scales during such use.  
         [0027]     According to yet another aspect, the multi-purpose hand tool has at least one sharpener for sharpening marking pencils.  
         [0028]     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a scribing apparatus comprised of a first member having a first surface for contacting a surface of a material to be scribed, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, and a longitudinal slot extending from the first surface to the second surface. A second member is slidably and pivotally coupled to the first surface of the first member. The second member has a first main surface, a second main surface disposed opposite the first main surface, and a through-hole extending from the first main surface to the second main surface. The through-hole is generally vertically aligned with the longitudinal slot of the first member at preselected positions of the second member relative to the first member. A coupling assembly pivotally couples the second member to the first surface of the first member and allows the second member to slide on and pivot relative to the first surface of the first member. A cutting tool has a cutting member for insertion generally vertically through the through-hole of the second member and the longitudinal slot of the first member in any of the preselected positions for contacting the surface of the material to scribe a line in the surface of the material when the first member and the second member are displaced relative to the material while the first member is maintained in contact with the surface of the material. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a rear view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 13  is a partially exploded view of the multi-purpose hand tool showing the components of the retractable needle point mechanism according to the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention disposed in a first configuration during use to mark a cut line for a circle;  
         [0044]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention disposed in a second configuration during use to mark a cut line for a circle;  
         [0045]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention during use to mark a piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface;  
         [0046]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention during use to mark a door frame or a window frame for the installation of a door casing or a window casing, respectively; and  
         [0047]      FIGS. 18A-18D  show a cutting tool for use in combination with the multi-purpose hand tool according to the present invention to score a cut line for a circle with the cutting tool, where  18 A is a perspective view of the combination, and  FIGS. 18B-18D  are a bottom view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of the cutting tool. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some forms as examples of the use of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.  
         [0049]     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not intended to be limiting. The words right, left, rear, front, top, bottom, inner, outer, clockwise and counterclockwise designate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. Such terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned and words of similar import.  
         [0050]     Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-17  an embodiment of a multi-purpose hand tool, generally designated at  2 , according to the present invention. The multi-purpose hand tool  2  has a first member  4 , a second member  6  mounted on the first member  4  for undergoing sliding and rotational movement relative thereto, and a releasable locking mechanism, generally designated at  8 , having a locked position and an unlocked position. As described below in detail, the releasable locking mechanism  8  allows variable orientation of the second member  6  with respect to the first member  4  in its unlocked position such that the second member  6  is permitted to rotate and linearly slide relative to the first member  4 .  
         [0051]     The first member  4  has a front portion terminating in a first end  4   a , a rear portion terminating in a second end  4   b , a first side  4   c , a second side  4   d , and a bottom surface  4   e . The first member  4  has a first portion  10  which has an end terminating at the second end  4   b  and a second portion  12  extending from another end of the first portion  10  to the first end  4   a . The first portion  10  has a top surface  10   a  and the second portion  12  has a top surface  12   a . The bottom surface  4   e  of the first member  4  corresponds to a bottom surface of both the first and second portions  10 ,  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the distance between the first end  4   a  and the second end  4   b  defines a length L of the first member  4  and thus the overall length of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the distance between the top surface  10   a  of the first portion  10  and the bottom surface  4   e  defines a thickness t1 of the first portion  10 . The distance between the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12  and the bottom surface  4   e  defines a thickness t2 of the second portion  12 . The distance between the first side  4   c  and the second side  4   d  defines a width W of the first member  4  and thus the overall width of the multi-purpose hand tool.  
         [0052]     The end of the first portion  10  which is opposite to the end thereof terminating at the second end  4   b  of the first member  4  has two tapered surfaces  10   b ,  10   c  converging toward the second end  4   b  and terminating in a partially circular surface  10   d . The front portion of the first member  4  has two tapered surfaces  4   f ,  4   g  converging from edges  4   h ,  4   i , respectively, toward the first end  4   a  to form a pointed edge  14  which, as further described below, serves as a guide edge during a marking operation of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . An elongated slot  12   b  is formed in the second portion  12  of the first member  4  and, as further described below, permits the second member  6  to slide and pivot relative to the first member  4 . The elongated slot  12   b  extends partially along the length L of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  and has a first end  11  disposed proximate the circular surface  10   d  and a second end  13  disposed proximate a line crossing respective points along edges  4   h ,  4   i . In the direction of the thickness t1 of the second portion  12 , the elongated slot  12   b  extends from the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12  to a surface of a cutout region  15  formed in the bottom surface  4   e  of the first member  4 .  
         [0053]     The first portion  10  of the first member  4  supports a retractable needle assembly, generally designated at  16 , which, as further described below, is used as a center to allow the multi-purpose hand tool  2  to rotate about an axis of a pin for circle marking. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the retractable needle assembly  16  comprises a pin, generally designated at  18 , and a knob  26 . The pin  18  has a stem  20  provided with a needle point  20   a , a threaded male joint  22  disposed on the stem  20 , and a head portion  24 . A knob  26  has a cavity  26   a  for receiving the head portion  24  of the pin  18 , a finger-engagement portion  26   b , and an engagement portion  26   c  spaced from the finger-engagement portion  26   b  by a reduced diameter portion  26   d . The first portion  10  of the first member  4  has a through-bore  27  extending from the top surface  10   a  to the bottom surface  4   e . The through-bore  27  has a cutout  28  for receiving the engagement portion  26   b  of the knob  26  and a threaded female joint  30  contiguous with the cutout  28 .  
         [0054]     In the described embodiment, the engagement portion  26   b  of the knob  26  is a clip which is adapted to be snapped into the cut-out  28  of the through-bore  27  and which has a diameter sufficiently smaller than the cutout  28  to allow the knob  26  to rotate relative to the first portion  10 . The relative dimensions of the cavity  26   a  of the knob  26  and the head portion  24  of the pin  18  are selected so that the knob  26  and the head portion  24  can rotate together while the head portion  24  is allowed to move along a longitudinal axis of the pin  18 , denoted by the direction of arrow  32 , relative to the knob  26 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 11  shows the retractable needle assembly  16  in the assembled condition. The pin  18  is secured to the first portion  10  of the first member  4  by screwing the threaded male joint  22  provided on the step  20  of the pin  18  into the threaded female joint  30  provided in the first portion  10 . The knob  26  can be manipulated manually (i.e., by turning in the counterclockwise directions denoted by arrows  34 ,  36 , respectively) to displace the pin  18  in the vertical directions denoted by arrows  32  in  FIG. 13  to thereby move the pin  18  from a first locking position, where the needle point  20   a  is retracted within the through-bore  27 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , to a second locking position where the needle point  20   a  is exposed from the through-bore  27  and protrudes from the bottom surface  4   e  of the first member  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 10-11 . As best shown in  FIG. 11 , in the assembled condition of the retractable needle assembly  16 , the needle point  20   a  is disposed along a central axis of the first member  4  in the longitudinal direction thereof.  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  6 ,  7  and  10 , the second member  6  has a generally plate-shaped body  7  having a front portion terminating in a first end  6   a , a rear portion terminating in a second end  6   b , a first side  6   c , a second side  6   d  disposed generally parallel first side  6   c , a top surface  6   e  and a bottom surface  6   f . The front portion of the second member  6  has two tapered surfaces  6   g ,  6   h  converging toward the first end  6   a . Each of the tapered surfaces has a notch portion  6   x ,  6   y , respectively, which, as further described below, serves as pencil rest during a marking operation of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . The rear portion of the second member  6  has two tapered surfaces  6   j ,  6   k  converging toward the second end  6   b  and terminating in a partially circular protrusion  61  having a first through-hole  6   m  extending from the top surface  6   e  to the bottom surface  6   f . A second through-hole  6   n  is disposed between the first and second ends  6   a ,  6   b  of the second member  6  and extends from the top surface  6   e  to the bottom surface  6   f  thereof. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second member  6  has a width equal to the width W of the first member  4 .  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a generally circular boss portion  6   p  extends from the plate-shaped body  7  at the bottom surface  6   f  and is contiguous with the second through-hole  6   n . The boss portion  6   p  is dimensioned to be positioned in the elongated slot  12   b  of the second portion  12  with a generally circular clearance c therebetween so that the boss portion  6   p  is permitted to rotate in the elongated slot  12   b  and to be displaced linearly along the elongated slot  12   b . By this construction, the boss portion  6   p  serves as a guide and a pivot point for the sliding and pivotal movement of the second member  6  relative to the first member  4 .  
         [0058]     The second member  6  is releasably secured to the second portion  12  of the first member  4  by the releasable locking mechanism  8 . In the locked position of the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the second member  6  is secured to the second portion  12  of the first member  4  to prevent any relative movement between the first and second members  4 ,  6 . In the unlocked position of the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the second member  6  is permitted to rotate and linearly slide relative to the first member  4  along the elongated slot  12   b . While it is contemplated that any releasable locking mechanism known to persons skilled in the art which provides rotational and sliding movement of the second member  6  relative to the first member  4  may be used, the preferred releasable locking mechanism  8 , as shown in  FIGS. 7, 10  and  12 , has a fastener  38  and a knob  40  having a threaded female joint  40   a . The fastener  38  has a threaded male joint  38   a  disposed on a stem  38   b  and a head portion  38   c.    
         [0059]     The second member  6  is secured to the second portion  12  of the first member  4  by first positioning the bottom surface  6   f  of the second member  6  on the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12  so that the boss portion  6   p  is positioned in the elongated slot  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The knob  40  is then positioned over the top surface  6   e  of the second member  6  so that the female threaded joint  40   a  is aligned with the second through-hole  6   n  of the second member  6 , and the stem  38   b  of the fastener  38  is passed through the elongated slot  12   b  of the second portion  12  and through the through-hole  6   n  of the second member  6  from the bottom surface  4   e  of the first member  4 . The threaded male joint  38   a  of the fastener  38  is then screwed into the female threaded joint  40   a  provided in the knob  40  by turning the knob  40  until the head portion  38   c  of the fastener  38  abuts the surface of the cutout region  15  of the first member  4  and the second member  6  is securely pressed between a bottom surface  40   b  of the knob  40  and the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12 .  
         [0060]     The releasable locking mechanism  8  may be placed in the unlocked position by loosening the knob  40  (i.e., unscrewing the threads  40  of the knob  40  from the threads  38  of the stem  38   b ). In its unlocked position, the releasable locking mechanism  8  provides the second member  6  with the capability of sliding linearly along the elongated slot  12   b  and rotating about the guide portion  6   p  to be adjusted to the desired, or necessary, orientation. During sliding movement of the second member  6  relative to the first member  4 , the head portion  38   c  is permitted to slide along the surface of the cutout region  15  of the first member  4 .  
         [0061]     Thus the knob  40  constitutes hand-tightening means for drawing the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12  of the first member  4  against the bottom surface  6   f  of the second member  6 . Such hand-tightening means greatly facilitates marking operations, allowing such marking operations to be carried out quickly and easily without additional tools. In this case, the knob  40  may be tightened and loosened quickly and easily by simple finger engagement. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other finger-tightening devices, such as thumb screws, wing nuts and the like, could be used as well.  
         [0062]     The second member  6  can be adjusted to a desired orientation relative to the first member  4  such that use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is customized for the specific use of the multi-purposed hand tool desired by the operator. For example, in one configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  10 , the second member  6  is positioned relative to the first member  4  so that the tapered surfaces  6   j ,  6   k  and the partially circular protrusion  61  of the second member are disposed in proximate confronting relation to the corresponding tapered surfaces  10   b ,  10   c  and partially circular surface  10   d  of the first portion  10 . More specifically, in this configuration the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  abuts the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   b . After placing the releasable locking mechanism  8  in the unlocked position, the second member  6  can be slid along the elongated slot  12   b  in a direction away from the first portion  10  and then locked in place by the locking mechanism  8  at any desired position to achieve, for example, the configuration shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0063]     As described in detail below, in the configurations shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  the operator can use the multi-purpose hand tool  2  to mark a cut line for a circle with a pencil  44 , or score a cut line for a circle with a cutting tool  100  shown in  FIGS. 18A-18D , with the diameter of the circle increasing as the second member  6  is positioned (i.e., by sliding the second member along the elongated slot  12   a  to a position where a circle  74 , for example, can be marked) farther away from the first portion  10 . From the configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  shown in  FIG. 14 , the configuration shown in  FIG. 15  is achieved by loosening the knob  40 , rotating the second member  6  by 180°, sliding the second member  6  along the slot  12   a  to a preselected position (e.g., to mark a circle  76 ), and tightening the knob  40  at the preselected position.  
         [0064]     In another configuration shown in  FIG. 16 , after placing the releasable locking mechanism  8  in the unlocked position, the second member  6  is flipped or rotated 180° degrees about the guide portion  6   p  and then locked in place relative to the first member  4  by tightening the locking mechanism  8  at any desired position along the elongated slot  12   b . As further described below, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 16  the operator can use the multi-purpose hand tool  2  to, for example, mark a piece of material  8 . 0  which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface  82 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 17  shows another configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  where the second member  6  is slid along the elongated slot  12   b  in a direction away from the first portion  10  until the first end Ga of the second member  6  extends a desired preselected amount from the first end  4   a  of the first member  4  and is then locked in place relative to the first member  4  by the locking mechanism  8 . As further described below in the configuration shown in  FIG. 17  the operator can use the multi-purpose hand tool  2  to, for example, mark a door or window frame  90  for the installation of a door or window casing.  
         [0066]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , a generally cylindrical tubular insert  42  having a plurality of longitudinal ribs  42   a  extending from an inner wall surface thereof is dimensioned to be fitted in the through-hole Gm of the second member  6 . The length and diameter of the tubular insert  42  is selected so that the tubular insert is retained in the through-hole Gm by friction-fit and top and bottom peripheral edges of the tubular insert lie generally flush with a respective one of the top and bottom surfaces  6   e ,  6   f  of the second member  6 . The tubular insert  42  functions as a grip or holder for holding a marking pencil  44  during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  in the configurations shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , for example. The ribs  42   a  prevent any twisting of the pencil  44 . In the locked position of the locking mechanism  8 , the through-hole  6   m , and thus the tubular insert  42 , are aligned with the elongated slot  12   b , as shown in  FIG. 6 , so that at least a tip  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  extends into the elongated slot and is permitted to contact a surface on which a marking operation, for example, is desired to be performed. The ribs  42   a  prevent any twisting of the marking pencil  44  relative to the second member  6  during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 .  
         [0067]     According to another aspect of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  6 ,  7  and  10 , the first portion  10  of the first member  4  includes two sharpeners, generally designated at  45  and  49 , for sharpening the marking pencil  44 . The sharpener  45  has a passage  46  formed in the first portion  10  and extending from the second end  4   b  to the second side  4   d  of the first member  4 . An open end  48  of the passage  46  at the second end  4   b  allows insertion therethrough of the tip  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  to be sharpened. The diameter of the passage  46  is preferably selected so that the marking pencil  44  is permitted to rotate therein during a sharpening operation while being retained therein without assistance from the operator during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . A cutout  50  is formed in the second side  4   d  of the first member  4  and a longitudinal slot  52  extends through the cutout  50  to communicate the passage  46  with the exterior of the first member  4 . A blade  54  is detachably mounted to the first portion  10  and extends over the slot  52  so that a cutting edge  54   a  of the blade  54  is aligned with the slot  52  and is oriented generally parallel to a sloping side  46   a  of the passage  46 . Any suitable means may be used for detachably mounting the blade  54  in the cutout  50 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the blade  54  may be mounted in the cutout  50  by passing threaded screws  56  through openings  58  of the blade  54  and screwing each of the threaded screws  56  in respective ones of threaded holes  60  formed in the cutout portion  50 . Preferably, the blade  54  has another cutting edge  54   b  in parallel relation to the cutting edge  54   a . When the cutting edge  54   a  is dulled, the cutting edge  54   b  can be used by turning the blade  54  by 180° and positioning the blade  54  in the cutout  50  so that the cutting edge  54   b  is aligned with the slot  52 . During use, the tip of the marking pencil  44  is inserted into the passage  46  through the open end  48  and rotated against the cutting edge  54   a  and is thereby sharpened. The shavings of the marking pencil are directed by the cutting edge  54   a  to the outside of the first member  4 .  
         [0068]     The sharpener  49  has a passage  51  formed in the first portion  10  and extending from the second end  4   b  to the first side  4   c  of the first member  4 . The construction of the sharpener  49  is the same as described above for the sharpener  45  except for the shape of the front end of the passages  46  and  51 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , in the sharpener  45  the front end of the passage  46  is shaped to accommodate a pencil with a short sharpening point, as denoted by pencil  44  shown in  FIG. 10 . In the sharpener  49 , however, the front end of the passage  51  is shaped to accommodate a pencil with a longer sharpening point (e.g., a typical sharpening point for a No. 2 pencil), as denoted by pencil  44  shown in  FIGS. 14-17 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that the construction of the front end of the passages  46  and  51  can be varied from the construction shown in  FIG. 6  in order to accommodate pencils having sharpened points other than those denoted by the pencils  44  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 14 - 17 .  
         [0069]     According to another aspect of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , a measuring scale, generally designated at  62 , is provided on each of the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d  of the first member  4 . The measuring scales  62  are preferably provided with dimensional markings  63  in the form of scribed thin lines to facilitate identification. The measuring scales  62  may be used as rulers, as well as scales for measuring the diameter of a circle or for measuring the distance of the line to be marked from a given surface when the multi-purpose hand tool is used by an operator, for example, in the corresponding configurations shown in  FIGS. 14-17 . The directions of the dimensional markings of the measuring scales  62  are reversed on the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d  of the first member  4  to facilitate taking measurements in any of the described uses of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . Although in the present embodiment a measuring scale is provided on each of the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d  of the first member, it is understood that the measuring scale may be provided on only one of the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d.    
         [0070]     In addition to the measuring scales  62  provided on the sides of the first member  4 , three additional measuring scales are preferably provided on surfaces of the first member  4  and the second member  6 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , two measuring scales  63 ,  65  are provided on the top surface  12   a  of the second portion  12  of the first member  4  and on opposite sides of the elongated slot  12   b . The measuring scales  63 ,  65  have dimensional markings  63   a ,  65   a , respectively. The directions of the dimensional markings of the measuring scales  63 ,  65  are reversed as shown in  FIG. 5  to facilitate taking measurements in any of the described uses of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 .  FIG. 6  shows another measuring scale  67  provided on the bottom surface  6   f  of the second member  6  and having dimensional markings  67   a . The dimensional markings of the measuring scales  64 ,  65  and  67  are preferably provided in scribed thin lines to facilitate identification. The measuring scales  63 ,  65  and  67  may also be used as rulers, as well as scales for measuring the diameter of a circle or for measuring the distance of the line to be marked from a given surface when the multi-purpose hand tool is used by an operator, for example, in the corresponding configurations shown in  FIGS. 14-17 .  
         [0071]     According to another aspect of the present invention, one or more of the measuring scales  62 ,  63 ,  65  and  67  may be color-coded to correspond to a specific function or operation, such as when the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is used by an operator in any of the corresponding configurations shown in  FIGS. 14-17 . The dimensional markings of the measuring scales  62 ,  63 ,  65  and  67  may also be color-coded for easier identification purpose. During use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  having the color-coded measuring scales, the user can readily select the measuring scale to be used for a particular operation by mere inspection of the color designated as corresponding to the operation.  
         [0072]     Various practical uses for the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention will now be illustrated in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-17 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 14  illustrates the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention used to mark a cut line for a circle. After locating the center of the circle to be marked on a piece of material  70 , the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is disposed on the piece of material  70  so that the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  of the retractable needle assembly  16  coincides with the marked center of the circle. The user then turns the knob  26  clockwise (i.e., in the direction denoted by arrow  36  in  FIG. 13 ) to thereby move the pin  18  to the second locking position where the needle point  20   a  protrudes from the bottom surface  4   e  of the first member  4  and contacts the material  70  at the marked center of the circle. In this state, the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is sufficiently held or anchored on the material  70  by the needle point  20   a  so that the multi-purpose hand tool does not slide relative thereto and the needle point  20   a  can be used as a center about which the multi-purpose hand tool is rotated to draw a circle on the material  70  as described below.  
         [0074]     In order to facilitate positioning of the needle point  20   a  at the center of the circle to be marked, center indicators in the form of markings  23  are provided on the second end  4   b , the first side  4   c , and the second side  4   d  of the first member  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ,  7 ,  9  and  13 . The marking  23  on the second end  4   b  of the first member  4  coincides with the central axis of the first member  4  in the longitudinal direction thereof and, therefore, also coincides with the needle point  20   a  which lies on the central axis as described above. The needle point  20   a  also lies on a line extending through the markings  23  on the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d  of the first member  4 . After selecting the center of the circle to be marked on the material  70 , accurate positioning of the needle point  20   a  at the center of the circle is accomplished by first drawing perpendicular lines through the selected center of the circle and then positioning the multi-purpose hand tool  2  on the material  70  so that the marking  23  on the second end  4   b  of the first member  4  coincides with one of the perpendicular lines and the markings  23  on the first and second sides  4   c ,  4   d  of the first member  4  coincide with the other perpendicular line. The needle point  20   a  is then anchored to the material  70  at the selected center of the circle as described above.  
         [0075]     After locating the center of the circle to be marked utilizing the markings  23  and positioning the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  at the center of the circle as described above, the diameter of the circle is selected by the user by sliding the second member  6  along the elongated slot  12   b  of the first member  4 . It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the combination of the length of the elongated slot  12   b  and the fixed distance between the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  and the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   b  defines the range of diameters of the circle which can be drawn by the multi-purpose hand tool  2  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 14 . Thus, the minimum diameter of the circle that can be drawn using the multi-purpose hand tool  2  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 14  is achieved by positioning the second member  6  relative to the first member  4  so that the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  is disposed at the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   b . After locking the releasable locking mechanism  8  at this position of the sliding member  6 , the marking pencil  44  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the tip  44   a  contacts the surface of the material  70 . A circle  72  is then drawn on the material  70  by rotating the multi-purpose hand tool  2  about the center defined by the needle point  20   a . In this embodiment, the diameter of the circle  72  is equal to twice the distance (i.e., radius) between the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  and the center of the first through-hole  6   m  of the second member  6 .  
         [0076]     To position the multi-purpose hand tool  2  for marking another circle, the knob  26  of the retractable needle assembly  16  is first rotated counterclockwise (i.e., in the direction denoted by arrow  34  in  FIG. 13 ) to thereby move the pin  18  to the first locking position where the needle point  20   a  is retracted within the through-bore  27 . Then, after marking the desired center of the new circle to be drawn on the piece of material  70 , the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  is moved to the second locking position so that the needle point  20   a  coincides with the marked center of the circle and can be used as a center for the circle to be drawn as described above.  
         [0077]     Thereafter, in order to draw a circle  74  on the material  70  having a larger diameter than the circle  72 , the releasable locking mechanism  8  is first placed in the unlocked position, as described above, and the second member  6  is slid along the elongated slot  12   b  in a direction toward the second end  13  until a desired diameter is selected for the circle to be drawn. When the desired diameter is selected, the releasable locking mechanism  8  is placed in the locked position as described above to prevent relative sliding movement between the first member  4  and the second member  6 . After locking the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the marking pencil  44  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the point  44   a  contacts the surface of the material  70 . The circle  74  is then drawn on the material  70  by rotating the multi-purpose hand tool  2  about the center defined by the needle point  20   a . The maximum diameter of the circle that can be drawn using the multi-purpose hand tool  2  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 14  is achieved by sliding the second member  6  relative to the, first member  4  so that the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  is disposed at the second end  13  of the elongated slot  12   b.    
         [0078]      FIG. 15  shows an alternative configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  for marking a cut line for a circle having a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the circle achieved by the configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  shown in  FIG. 14 . The configuration shown in  FIG. 15  for marking a cut line for a circle is achieved as follows. After placing the releasable locking mechanism  8  in the unlocked position as described above, the second member  6  is rotated 180° relative to the first member  4  from the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  10  so that the first end  6   a  of the second member  6  confronts the first portion  10  of the first member  4  and the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  confronts the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4 . After locating the center of the circle to be marked utilizing the markings  23  and positioning the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  at the center of the circle as described above, the diameter of the circle is selected by the user by sliding the second member  6  along the elongated slot  12   b  of the first member  4 . At this point, the releasable locking mechanism  8  is placed in the locked position as described above to prevent relative sliding movement between the first member  4  and the second member  6 . After locking the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the marking pencil  44  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the tip  44   a  contacts the surface of the material  70 . A circle  76 , for example, is then drawn on the material  70  by rotating the multi-purpose hand tool  2  about the center defined by the needle point  20   a.    
         [0079]     By the foregoing construction and method of use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention, the carpenter/tradesman or homeowner can draw circles more quickly and in a highly efficient manner as compared to conventional methods for drawing circles.  
         [0080]      FIG. 16  illustrates the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention used to mark a piece of material  80  which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface  82 . The multi-purpose hand tool  2  is disposed on a surface of the piece of material  80  with the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  confronting the uneven surface  82 . After placing the releasable locking mechanism  8  in the unlocked position as described above, the second member  6  is rotated 180° relative to the first member  4  from the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  10  so that the first end  6   a  of the second member  6  confronts the first portion  10  of the first member  4  and the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  confronts the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4 . Thereafter, the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is moved toward the uneven surface  82  until the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is brought into contact with the uneven surface  82 . After a desired distance from the uneven surface  82  where a line  84  is to be marked on the piece of material  80  is selected, the second member  6  is slid along the elongated slot  12   b  until the center of the through-hole  6   m  lies at a point on the piece of material  80  corresponding to the selected distance from the uneven surface  82 . At this point, the releasable locking mechanism  8  is placed in the locked position as described above to prevent relative sliding movement between the first member  4  and the second member  6 . After locking the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the marking pencil  44  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the point  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  contacts the surface of the piece of material  80 . The line  84  is then marked on the piece of material  80  by sliding the multi-purpose hand tool  2  along the piece of material  80  in either of the directions denoted by the double-headed arrow  86  while the point  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  is maintained in contact with the piece of material  80  and the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is maintained in contact with the uneven surface  82 .  
         [0081]     The configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  and its application as described above and shown in  FIG. 16  is typically adapted for tradesmen and homeowners with little or no experience in carpentry or general construction. An alternative configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  for the application shown in  FIG. 16  is adapted for the professional tradesman who, through experience, are capable of maintaining a steady hand during the marking operation. In the alternative configuration, if the desired distance from the uneven surface  82  where a line  84  is to be marked on the piece of material  80  is known, the user uses only the measuring scales  62  to mark the line  84  on the piece of material  80  by sliding the multi-purpose hand tool  2  along the piece of material  80  in either of the directions denoted by the double-headed arrow  86  while the point  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  is maintained in contact with the piece of material  80  and the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is maintained in contact with the uneven surface  82 .  
         [0082]     By the foregoing construction and method of use, the multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention can aid the carpenter/tradesman or homeowner to accurately mark and cut (i.e., scribe) any given piece of wood, corian, formica, sheet rock, etc., which needs to be fitted against any horizontal or vertical uneven surface (e.g., the installation of a wood countertop against an uneven vertical wall).  
         [0083]      FIG. 17  illustrates the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention used to mark a door or window frame  90  for the installation of a door or window casing. From the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  10 , the releasable locking mechanism  8  is first placed in the unlocked position as described above. The second member  6  is then slid along the elongated slot  12   b  to a full frontal position until the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  is disposed at the second end  13  of the elongated slot  12   b . The second member  6  is then slid to a preselected setting by positioning the second member  6  so that the first end  6   a  of the second member  6  extends beyond the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  by an amount corresponding to the preselected setting. The preselected setting is typically in the range of {fraction (1/16)} th  of an inch to ¾ th  of an inch (e.g., a typical installation being ¼ th  of an inch or ⅜ th  of an inch) set back from the edge  90   a  of the frame  90 . Once the preselected setting is set, the releasable locking mechanism  8  is placed in the locked position as described above. Thereafter, the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is placed against an inside intersecting corner of the frame  90  so that the tapered surfaces  4   f ,  4   g  of the first member  4  abut horizontal and vertical edges of the frame  90 . The marker pencil  44  is then placed first in the notch portion  6   x  and then in the notch portion  6   y  of the second member  6  and the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is slid horizontally and vertically, respectively, while the tapered surfaces  4   f ,  4   g  of the first member  4  abut horizontal and vertical edges of the frame  90  so that the outer edge of the 90° angle is marked all around the frame  90 . Thus the multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention will allow the carpenter/tradesman or homeowner to accurately pinpoint the exact location of the intersection of the inner edges of the 45° cuts, while also marking the selected set back position for the door or window casing.  
         [0084]     The configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  and its application as described above and shown in  FIG. 17  is typically adapted for professional tradesmen who, through experience, are capable of maintaining a steady hand as the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is slid while the marker pencil  44  is rested in the notch portions  6   x ,  6   y  of the second member  6  during the marking operation. An alternative configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  for the application shown in  FIG. 17  is adapted for the novice tradesmen and homeowners with little or no experience in carpentry or general construction. In the alternative configuration, the second member  6  is positioned relative to the first member  4  as described above for the application shown in  FIG. 16 . More specifically, after placing the releasable locking mechanism  8  in the unlocked position as described above, the second member  6  is rotated 180° relative to the first member  4  from the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  10  so that the first end  6   a  of the second member  6  confronts the first portion  10  of the first member  4  and the second end  6   b  of the second member  6  confronts the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4 . Thereafter, the second member  6  is slid to a preselected setting by positioning the second member  6  so that the second end  6   b , including the first through-hole  6   m , extends beyond the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  by an amount corresponding to the preselected setting. Once the preselected setting is set, the releasable locking mechanism  8  is placed in the locked position as described above. Thereafter, the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is placed against an inside intersecting corner of the frame  90  so that the tapered surfaces  4   f ,  4   g  of the first member  4  abut horizontal and vertical edges of the frame  90 . The marker pencil  44  is then placed in the tubular insert  42  until the point  44   a  of the marking pencil  44  contacts the surface of the frame  90  and the multi-purpose hand tool  2  is slid horizontally and vertically while the tapered surfaces  4   f ,  4   g  of the first member  4  abut horizontal and vertical edges of the frame  90  so that the outer edge of the 90° angle is marked all around the frame  90 .  
         [0085]     In the foregoing uses for the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention described with reference to  FIGS. 14-17 , all measurements are taken utilizing one or more of the measuring scales  62 ,  63 ,  65  and  67  which, as described above, may be color-coded to facilitate selection of the measuring scale for the particular use and to facilitate identification of the dimensional markings on the measuring scales during such use.  
         [0086]     It is contemplated that the length L and width W of the first member  4  may be any size desired or necessary to achieve the objectives of the user of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . However, a key feature of the present invention are various structural dimensions of various components and portions which allows the present invention to be extremely useful as a multi-purpose hand tool for carpenters/tradesmen and homeowners while achieving a compact structure and without compromising the objectives of the user. In this regard, a length L of the first member  4  is preferably in the range of 6.44 to 7.86 inches, and more preferably 7.125 inches. The width W of the first member  4  is preferably in the range of 1.42 to 1.74 inches, and more preferably 1.56 inches. The thickness t1 of the first portion  10  and the thickness t2 of the second portion  12  are preferably in the range of 0.49 to 0.69 inches, and more preferably 0.56 inches. The foregoing preferred length L of the first member  4  permits the elongated slot  12   b  to have a length (i.e., the distance between the first and second ends  11 ,  13  of the elongated slot  12   b ) preferably in the range of 4.1 to 4.9 inches, and more preferably 4.5 inches. The foregoing preferred length L of the first member  4  also allows the distance between the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  and the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   a  to be preferably in the range of 0.84 to 1.0 inches, and more preferably 0.94 inches. Both the foregoing preferred length of the elongated slot  12   b  and the foregoing preferred distance between the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  and the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   a  permit the users to draw circles ranging from approximately 2.25 inches to 10.5 inches. As described above, the range of diameters for the circles which can be drawn by the multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention is defined by the combination of the length of the elongated slot  12   a  and the fixed length defined between the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  and the first end  11  of the elongated slot  12   a.    
         [0087]     The multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein could be constructed using any number of acceptable methods using a wide variety of different materials. The materials for the components of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to the present invention are selected to preferably provide sufficient protection from the environmental elements, to provide sufficient rigidity to make the multi-purpose hand tool rugged to resist damage on the job site, and to enable the multi-purpose hand tool to be carried and stored in a worker&#39;s apron or pouch. Thus the components of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  are preferably of sturdy rigid construction and the materials are preferably selected to be lightweight and resistant to chemicals, ultraviolet rays, hot and cold temperatures and impact.  
         [0088]     For example, the first and second members  4 ,  6  are preferably manufactured by an injection moulded process using high performance plastics such as a nylon blend (e.g., CAPRON™), a polycarbonate/polyester blend (e.g., XENOY™), or a polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene blend (e.g., CYCOLAY™). The releasable locking mechanism  8  (e.g., fastener  38  and knob  40 ) and the retractable needle assembly  16  (e.g., pin  18  and knob  26 ) are preferably manufactured by an injection moulded process using high performance plastics such as a nylon blend (e.g., CAPRON™), a polycarbonate/polyester blend (e.g., XENOY™), or an acetal copolymer (e.g., CELCON™). The tubular insert  42  for gripping or holding the marking pencil  44  is preferably manufactured by an injection moulded process using thermoplastic polyurethane (e.g., ELASTOLAN™). However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other high performance plastics and a wide variety of other materials, including lower grade plastics such as polypropelene and durable and rigid materials such as aluminum and steel, would be acceptable for the first and second members  4 ,  6 , the releasable locking mechanism  8 , the retractable needle assembly  16 , and the tubular insert  42 . The blade  54  and the screws  56  are preferably made of stainless steel or other suitable metal. Despite the sturdy rigid construction of the knob  26  of the retractable needle assembly  16 , the reduced diameter portion  26   d  between the finger-engagement portion  26   b  and the engagement portion  26   c  allows the engagement portion  26   c  to flex sufficiently such that the engagement portion  26   c  can be snapped into the cutout  28  of the through-bore  27 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , during assembly of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 .  
         [0089]      FIGS. 18A-18D  show a scribing apparatus  101  according to the present invention for scoring a cut line in a piece of material. The scribing apparatus  101  comprises a multi-purpose hand tool  2  according to any one of the foregoing described embodiments and a cutting tool  100  for use in combination with the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . The cutting tool  100  has an elongated member  102 , a sleeve  104  mounted on one end of the elongated member  102 , and a pair of leg portions  106  extending from the end of the elongated member  102  and disposed in space-apart relation from each other. A pin  108  extends transversely to and connects the leg portions  106  to one another. A generally circular-shaped blade  110  is mounted on the pin  108  for undergoing rotation relative thereto. The sleeve  104  is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs  104   a  extending along an outer wall surface thereof. The longitudinal ribs  104   a  of the sleeve  104  function as a grip or holder for holding the cutting tool  100  in the tubular insert  42  fitted in the through-hole  6   m  of the second member  6  and prevent any twisting of the cutting tool  100  during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . The diameter of the sleeve  104  is therefore selected so that the sleeve  104  is retained in the tubular insert  42  while the longitudinal ribs  104   a  prevent any twisting of the cutting tool  100  relative to the second member  6  during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2 . The diameter of the blade  110  is also selected so that it is permitted to be passed through the tubular insert  42  until it contacts the surface on which a scoring operation is desired to be performed.  
         [0090]     The cutting tool  100  can be used in combination with the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention to score a a cut line for any of the uses for the multi-purpose hand tool  2  of the present invention described above with reference to  FIGS. 14-17 , except for the configuration of the multi-purpose hand tool shown in  FIG. 17  in which the pencil point rests on the notch portions  6   x ,  6   y  of the second member  6  to mark the line around the frame  90 . For example, during use of the multi-purpose hand tool  2  to score a line in a piece of material  80  which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface  82 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , the cutting tool  100  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the cutting blade  110  contacts the surface of the piece of material  80 . The line  84  is then scored in the piece of material  80  by sliding the multi-purpose hand tool  2  along the piece of material  80  in either of the directions denoted by the double-headed arrow  86  while the blade  110  of the cutting tool  100  is maintained in contact with the piece of material  80  and the pointed edge  14  of the first member  4  is maintained in contact with the uneven surface  82 .  
         [0091]     The multi-purpose hand tool  2  can also be used in combination with the cutting tool  100  to score a line for a circle, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . For example, after locating the center of the circle to be marked utilizing the markings  23  and positioning the needle point  20   a  of the pin  18  at the center of the circle as described above, the diameter of the circle is selected by the user by sliding the second member  6  along the elongated slot  12   b  of the first member  4 . After locking the releasable locking mechanism  8  at this position of the sliding member  6 , the cutting tool  100  is inserted into the tubular insert  42  until the cutting blade  110  contacts the surface of the material  70 . A circle (e.g., any one of circles  72 ,  74  and  76  shown in  FIGS. 14-15 ) is then scored in the material  70  by rotating the multi-purpose hand tool  2  about the center defined by the needle point  20   a.    
         [0092]     The unique construction of the present invention results in a highly versatile multi-purpose hand tool and scribing apparatus each having a unique design which permits the carpenter/tradesman or homeowner to selectively use the multi-purpose hand tool and scribing apparatus to mark or scribe a given piece of material which needs to be fitted against an uneven surface, to mark and scribe door and window frames for the installation of door or window casings, and to mark and scribe straight lines, arcs or circles with precision and without consuming a large amount of time. The multi-purpose hand tool and the scribing apparatus of the present invention are lightweight and compact so that they can be easily carried and stored in a worker&#39;s apron or pouch and is easy to operate on the job site. Furthermore, the inventive multi-purpose hand tool and scribing apparatus may be operated quickly by both highly-skilled and novice carpenters/tradesmen and homeowners with little or no risk of inaccuracy because of wavering during operation and may be readily operated without the use of auxiliary tools or excessive manipulations. The multi-purpose hand tool and the scribing apparatus according to the present invention will enable the not so skilled tradesman or homeowner to achieve professional results.  
         [0093]     Moreover, the multi-purpose hand tool and the scribing apparatus according to the present invention may be manufactured in any size and weight and is highly durable and resistant to structural or performance degradation.  
         [0094]     From the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention comprises an improved multi-purpose hand tool and an improved scribing apparatus. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that obvious changes can be made to the embodiments described in the foregoing description without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all obvious modifications thereof which are within the scope and the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.