Patent Publication Number: US-11376724-B2

Title: Multi-purpose tool system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application represents the United States National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2017/060090, filed Nov. 6, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/434,585, entitled “Multi-Purpose Tool System,” filed Dec. 15, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a multi-purpose tool system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, plastic fastener removal tools axe sold as single tools or multiples sets. As can be appreciated, the multiple tools are susceptible to being misplaced or lost. Further, the various tools of different shapes and sizes may be cumbersome to transport between different locations. Some tool sets include a specialized case that is used to organize the various tools. The case itself may be relatively large, bulky, and also cumbersome to transport between different locations. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,505,111, 7,735,806, and United States Published Application No. 2008/0127473 disclose tools. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for an efficient tool system that organizes and contains a plurality of tools within a single housing. A need exists for a versatile tool system that is compact and easy to transport. 
     With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-purpose tool system that includes a first tool that is configured to perform a first function, a second tool that is configured to perform a second function, a third tool that is configured to perform a third function, and a fourth tool that is configured to perform a fourth function. The tools couple together to form a single, unitary handheld housing. Further, tools are configured to separate from the housing for individual use. 
     In at least one embodiment, the first tool provides a base of the housing. The second tool removably secures to the second tool to provide a cover of the housing. An internal retaining chamber is formed in the first tool. One or both of the third tool and the fourth tool is configured to be retained within the retaining chamber. 
     One of tools may include a grip tool (for example, a prying tool). The grip tool may include ramped prongs separated by a central groove. The ramped prongs taper down to thin edges towards a distal end. 
     One of the tools may include a claw tool. The claw tool may include two arcuate pry claws separated by a gap. 
     One of the tools may include a magnifying tool. The magnifying tool may include a magnifying lens integrally connected to a support beam. In at least one embodiment, the support beam includes a plurality of gradations that are configured to be used for measurements. 
     One of the tools may include a pick tool. The pick tool may include an expanded end connected to a tip at an opposite end through inwardly angled or curved lateral walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. 
     One of the second tool, the third tool, or the fourth tool may be configured to be retained within a reciprocal socket formed in a retaining chamber of the first tool. 
     In at least one embodiment, a first pair of two of the first tool, the second tool, the third tool, and the fourth tool removably couple together to form a first tool subassembly. A second pair of the other two of the first tool, the second tool, the third tool, and the fourth tool removably couple together to form a second tool subassembly. The first tool subassembly removably couples to the second tool subassembly. 
     At least one of the first tool, the second tool, the third tool, and the fourth tool may include a plurality of holes that are configured to measure diameters of components (such as diametrical bosses or protruding cylinders). 
     In at least one embodiment, at least two of the first tool, the second tool, the third tool, and the fourth tool are configured to separate from the housing and couple together to form a fifth tool that is configured to perform a fifth function. In at least one embodiment, the fifth tool provides a support stand. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective top view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a lateral view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective top exploded view of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective top view of a fourth tool separated from a first tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective top view of a fourth tool being inserted into a socket of a retaining chamber of a first tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective top view of a fourth tool secured within a socket of a retaining chamber of a first tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of a fourth tool secured within a socket of a retaining chamber of a first tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth tool secured within a socket of a retaining chamber of a first tool through line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth tool secured within a socket of a retaining chamber of a first tool through line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a third tool separated from a second tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a third tool being inserted into a central beam opening of a second tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective bottom view of a third tool secured within a retaining cavity of a second tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view of a third tool secured within a retaining cavity of a second tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third tool secured within a retaining cavity of a second tool through line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third tool secured within a retaining cavity of a second tool through line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a protuberance securely coupling to a peripheral portion of a third tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective top view of a first tool subassembly separated from a second tool subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective top view of a second tool subassembly being inserted over a retaining chamber of a first tool of the first tool subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective top view of a second tool subassembly secured to the first tool subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of a second tool subassembly secured to the first tool subassembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second tool subassembly secured over a retaining chamber of a first tool of a first tool subassembly through line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second tool subassembly secured over a retaining chamber of a first tool of a first tool subassembly through line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 23 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a lateral view of a first tool removing a fastener from a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of a second tool removing a fastener from a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a third tool being inserted into a hole of a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a front view of a third tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a lateral view of a third tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnifying lens of a third tool through line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a second tool positioned on a component panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective top view of a second tool subassembly separated from a first tool subassembly before forming a fifth tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective top view of a second tool subassembly secured to a first tool subassembly to form a fifth tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective top view of a fifth tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective top view of a fifth tool supporting a device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a distal end of a multi-purpose tool system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-purpose tool system that includes a self-contained tool set. In at least one embodiment, the tool system includes multiple separate and distinct tools that are configured to couple to one another to provide a single, self-contained package. Each tool in the set is configured to provide separate functionality, and when coupled together, easily fit into a pocket of a bag or clothing for easy and simple transport. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fastener removal tools and more specifically to tool kits and tool sets that allow for removal of various trim fasteners, moldings and door trim panels with various types of fastening schemes, shapes and created with multiple materials, such as those found in motor vehicles. 
     In at least one embodiment, a first tool includes a magnifying lens with integrated hole measuring device. The first tool allows for quick measuring of a range of common hole sizes and a magnifying lens at the opposite end for viewing features on small fasteners or components. 
     In at least one embodiment, a second tool includes a claw tool with integrated common measuring device. The second tool is configured to provide maximum leverage for trim or fastener removal along with quick measuring of common stud sizes. 
     In at least one embodiment, a third tool includes a grip tool that allows for removal of fasteners without causing damage to mating trim panels and at the same time designed to contain the other tools within it without affecting functionality. The grip tool and the claw tool may be assembled together to provide another tool that is configured to support items such as a cell phone or picture frame. 
     All of the tools may couple together (such as through snap connections) to form a single pocket sized tool kit. Each tool within the kit performs specific functions. 
     To the extent used in the present application, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. For example, the first tool may be a second tool, or vice versa. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective top view of a multi-purpose tool system  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the multi-purpose tool system  100 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the multi-purpose tool system  100 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of the multi-purpose tool system  100 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a lateral view of the multi-purpose tool system  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the multi-purpose tool system  100  includes a compact housing  102  formed by a first tool  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) that provides a base  105  of the housing  102 , and a second tool  106  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that provides a cover  107  of the housing  102 . The second tool  106  removably secures to the first tool  104 , such as through a snapable connection. When the second tool  106  is coupled to the first tool  104 , the second tool  106  provides the cover  107  over an internal chamber that retains additional tools, as described herein. 
     The first tool  104  is a grip tool (such as a prying tool) that includes a proximal end wall  108  connected to lateral walls  110  and a bottom wall  112  having a plurality of tactile features, such as gripping peaks  114  and valleys  116 . An internal retaining chamber  118  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is recessed into a top wall  120  of the first tool  104 . The second tool  106  securely fits within the retaining chamber  118  when the second tool  106  is securely coupled to the first tool  104 . A handle  122  for the first tool  104  is formed by the proximal end wall  108 , the lateral walls  110 , the bottom wall  112 , and the top wall  120 , whether or not the second tool  106  is secured within the retaining chamber  118 . 
     The first tool  104  also includes an operative member  124  at a distal end  126  that is opposite from the proximal end wall  108 . The operative member  124  includes mirrored ramped prongs  128  separated by a central groove  130 . The ramped prongs  128  taper down to thin edges  132  towards the distal end  126 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective top exploded view of the multi-purpose tool system  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-purpose tool system  100  includes the first tool  104  (such as a grip tool), the second tool  106  (such as claw tool), a third tool  140  (such as a magnifying tool), and a fourth tool  142  (such as a pick tool). As shown, the retaining chamber  118  is recessed into the top wall  120  of the first tool  118 . The second tool  106  is configured to secure over the retaining chamber  118  in a secured connecting position. 
     The second tool  106  includes a main body  144  having a proximal end  146  connected to an operative distal end  148 , The proximal end  146  includes a tab  150  that is configured to fit into a slot  152  formed in the proximal end wall  108  of the first tool  104 . Optionally, the second tool  106  may include the slot  152 , while the first tool  104  includes the tab  150 . 
     The operative distal end  148  includes two arcuate claws  154  separated by a gap  156 . The claws  154  include tips  158  that downwardly curve toward the first tool  104  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). The claws  154  are configured to be retained within reciprocal channels  160  formed in the first tool  104 . In order to secure the second tool  106  to the first tool  104 , the claws  154  may be urged into the channels  160 , and the distal end  148  of the second tool  106  may be pivoted hack about the interfaces between the claws  154  and the channels  160  and secured within the slot  152  formed in the proximal end  108  of the first tool  104 . In order to remove the second tool  106  from the first tool  104  (and thereby expose the retaining chamber  118 ), an individual may grasp the tab  150 , and upwardly urge the second tool  106  away from the first tool  104 . 
     As shown, the second tool  106  may also include a passage  162  formed through the main body  144  proximate to the operative distal end  148 , The round passage  162  is configured to expose a magnifying lens  164  of the third tool  140  when the third tool  140  is retained within the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  and covered by the second tool  106 . Optionally, the second tool  106  may not include the round passage  162 . 
     The third tool  140  includes the magnifying lens  164  (such as formed of transparent glass or plastic) integrally connected to a support beam  166 . The third tool  140  is configured to be retained within the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  and covered by the second tool  106 . 
     The fourth tool  142  includes an expanded end  168  connected to a tip  170  at an opposite end  172  through inwardly angled or curved lateral walls  174 , a top wall  176 , and a bottom wall  178 , thereby forming a pick. The fourth tool  142  is configured to nest within a reciprocal socket  178  formed in the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104 . 
     As described herein, the first tool  104 , the second tool  106 , the third tool  140 , and the fourth tool  142  coupled together to form the single, unitary, handheld housing  102  that may be easily transported. For example, the single, unitary, handheld housing  102  may fit into a pants pocket. The first tool  104 , the second tool  106 , the third tool  140 , and the fourth tool  142  are configured to separate from the housing  102  and/or one another for individual use. Further, in at least one embodiment, at least two of the first tool  104 , the second tool  106 , the third tool  140 , and the fourth tool  142  may be coupled together to form a fifth tool. 
     The first tool  104  is configured to perform a first function (such as gripping, prying, and/or pulling), the second tool  106  is configured to perform a second function (such as clawing, prying, and/or pulling) the third tool  140  is configured to perform a third function (such as magnifying and/or measuring), and the fourth tool  142  is configured to perform a fourth function (such as picking and prying). Each of the first, second, third, and fourth functions may differ from one another. 
     It is to be understood that the terms first, second, third, and fourth in relation to the tools are merely to indicate a number of tools within the multi-purpose tool system  100 . The first tool may optionally be the second, third, or fourth tool. The second tool may optionally be the first, third, or fourth tool. The third tool may optionally be the first, second, or fourth tool. The fourth tool may optionally be the first, second, or third tool. Moreover, the tools may be different than a grip tool, a claw tool, a magnifying tool, and a pick tool. For example, one of the tools may be a wrench tool, a hammer tool, a clip tool, a screwdriver tool, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective top view of the fourth tool  142  separated from the first tool  104 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective top view of the fourth tool  142  being inserted into the socket  178  of the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective top view of the fourth tool  142  secured within the socket  178  of the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of the fourth tool  142  secured within the socket  178  of the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fourth tool  142  secured within the socket  178  of the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  through line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fourth tool  142  secured within the socket  178  of the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  through line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-12 , in order to assemble the multi-purpose tool system  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ), the fourth tool  142  may first be secured to the first tool  104 . For example, the fourth tool  142  (such as a pick tool) may first be angularly inserted into the socket  178  of first tool  104  (such as a grip tool), as shown in  FIG. 7 , and then pushed down into the socket  178  until protuberances  180  (such as resilient clasps, ledges, barbs, ramps, and/or the like) snapably engage outer peripheral portions of the fourth tool  142 . In order to remove the fourth tool  142  from the first tool  104 , an individual gasps a portion of the fourth tool  142 , and pivots or otherwise urges the fourth tool  142  out of the socket  178  to overcome the retaining three of the protuberances  180 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the third tool  140  separated from the second tool  106 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the third tool  140  being inserted into a central beam opening  182  of the second tool  106 .  FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the third tool  140  secured within a retaining cavity  184  of the second tool  106 .  FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view of the third tool  140  secured within the retaining cavity  184  of the second tool  106 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the third tool  140  secured within the retaining cavity  184  of the second tool  106  through line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 18  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the third tool  140  secured within the retaining cavity  184  of the second tool  106  through line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-18 , the support beam  166  of the third tool  140  (such as a magnifying tool) is inserted angularly into the central beam opening  182  of the second tool  106 . The magnifying lens  164  is then pivoted back so that the third tool  140   166  is retained within the retaining cavity  184  (such that at least a portion of the support beam  166  is exposed through the top of the second tool  106 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example). The second tool  106  may include protuberances  186  (such as resilient clasps, ledges, barbs, ramps, and/or the like) that snapably engage peripheral portions of the third tool  140 , in order to securely couple the third tool  140  to the second tool  106 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a protuberance  186  securely coupled to a peripheral portion of the third tool  140  (such as an end of the support beam  166 ), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-18 , after the fourth tool  142  is securely coupled to the first tool  104 , and the third tool  140  is securely coupled to the second tool  106 , a first tool subassembly  200  (shown in  FIGS. 7-12 ) including a first pair of tools coupled together (such as the first tool  104  and the fourth tool  142 ) may be secured to a second tool subassembly  202  (shown in  FIGS. 13-18 ) including a second pair of tool coupled together (such as the second tool  106  and the third tool  140 ) to form a single, unitary, compact multi-purpose tool system  100 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a perspective top view of the first tool subassembly  200  separated from the second tool subassembly  202 .  FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective top view of the second tool subassembly  202  being inserted over the retaining chamber  118  (in which the fourth tool  142  is already secured) of the first tool  104  of the first tool subassembly  200 .  FIG. 22  illustrates a perspective top view of the second tool subassembly  202  secured to the first tool subassembly  200 .  FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of the second tool subassembly  202  secured to the first tool subassembly  200 .  FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second tool subassembly  202  secured over the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  of the first tool subassembly  200  through line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 25  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second tool subassembly  202  secured over the retaining chamber  118  of the first tool  104  of the first tool subassembly  200  through line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 23 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-25 , the second tool subassembly  202  is inserted angularly into the first tool subassembly  200 , and then pushed downwardly into the first tool subassembly  200  until protuberances  204  (such as resilient clasps, ledges, barbs, ramps, and/or the like) of the first tool subassembly  200  snapably secure to peripheral portions of the second tool subassembly  202 . As shown and described, the first tool subassembly  200  securely couples to the second tool subassembly  202  to provide a single, compact, convenient housing that securely couples a plurality of tools (such as the first tool  104 , the second tool  106 , the third tool  140 , and the fourth tool  142 ) together, thereby forming the unitary multi-purpose tool system  100 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a lateral view of the first tool  104  removing a fastener  300  from a panel  302 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As noted, the first tool  104  may be a grip tool that may be used for fastener removal. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of the second tool  106  removing the fastener  300  from the panel  302 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second tool subassembly  202  may be removed from the first tool subassembly  200  in order for the second tool  106  to be utilized. When higher forces or leverage are needed, the second tool  106 , such as a claw tool may be used. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates the third tool  140  being inserted into a hole  310  of a panel  312 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In order to utilize the third tool  140 , the second tool subassembly  202  (shown in  FIGS. 13-17 ) is removed from the first tool subassembly  200  (shown in  FIGS. 7-12 ), and the third tool  140  is then removed from the second tool  106  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). The third tool  140  may provide a magnifying tool including the magnifying lens  164  and the support beam  166 . The support beam  166  may be used as a handle, or it may be inserted into the hole  310  to provide a stable connection for the magnifying lens  164  in relation to the panel  312 , and may conveniently be used for measurement purposes. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a front view of the third tool  140 .  FIG. 30  illustrates a lateral view of the third tool  140 .  FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnifying lens  164  of the third tool  140  through line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 . Referring to  FIGS. 29-31 , a protective ring  165  may surround the magnifying lens  164 , which protects the magnifying lens  164 , such as when disconnected from the second tool subassembly  202  (shown in  FIGS. 13-18 ). The protective ring  165  provides a barrier that prevents objects from contacting the magnifying lens  164 , thereby reducing a possibility of scratches thereto. The support beam  166  may include a plurality of gradations  167  that are configured to be used for measurements, for example. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates the second tool  106  positioned on a component panel  320 . The second tool  106  may also include a plurality of holes, such as holes  107  and  109 , formed through a portion thereof. The holes  107  and  109  allow for measuring of component diameters (such as diametrical studs, bosses, or other such protruding cylinders). For example, the holes  107  and  109  may have different diameters and may be configured to fit around various studs, such as stud  322 , to determine diameters of the studs. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective top view of the second tool subassembly  202  separated from the first tool subassembly  200  before forming a fifth tool  350 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective top view of the second tool subassembly  202  secured to the first tool subassembly  200  to form the fifth tool  350 .  FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective top view of the fifth tool  350 .  FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective top view of the fifth tool  350  supporting a device (such as a smart phone, tablet, or the like), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33-36 , the first tool assembly  200  and the second tool assembly  202  may be connected together to form the fifth tool  350 , such as a support stand. In order to form the fifth tool  350 , the first tool assembly  200  and the second tool assembly  202  are disconnected from the compact, retaining housing state as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , for example. Then, the first tool  200  is laid on a surface such that the retaining chamber  118  (shown in  FIG. 6 , for example) is face down on the surface and the gripping peaks  114  and valleys  116  are exposed in an upright position. 
     The claws  154  of the second tool  106  are then inserted into the channels  160  of the first tool  104  from an opposite side than as shown in  FIG. 6 . The curved nature of the claws  154  allows the second tool subassembly  202  to recline back with respect to the first tool subassembly  200  into the supporting position shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 . The peaks  114  provide different supporting positions for a lower edge  353  of the device  352 , thereby allowing the device  352  to be supported between the first tool subassembly  200  and the second tool subassembly  202  at different angular positions. 
       FIG. 37  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a distal end of the multi-purpose tool system  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first tool subassembly  200  including the first tool  104  removably secures to the second tool subassembly  202  including the second tool  106  at the distal end through a securing interface  400 . The securing interface  400  at the distal end may be the only securing interface within the multi-purpose tool system. 
     The second tool  106  may include a resilient latch  402  or other such feature that snapably, latchably or otherwise removably secures to a reciprocal retainer  404  of the first tool  104 . When a force is applied to the second tool  106  in the direction of arrow  410 , the latch  402  moves past the retainer  404  in response to a resilient beam  408  connected to the latch  402  moving in the direction of arc  412 , thereby allowing the first tool subassembly  200  to be separated from the second tool subassembly  202 . 
     As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a multi-purpose tool system  100  that includes a plurality of separate and distinct tools (such as the tools  104 ,  106 ,  140 ,  142 , and  350 ) that couple together to provide a single, unitary, and compact assembly that may be easily transported between locations. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an efficient tool system that organizes and contains a plurality of tools within a single housing. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a versatile tool system that is compact and easy to transport. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
     To the extent used in the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, to the extent used in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.