Patent Publication Number: US-2022212329-A1

Title: Multi-tools

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to multi-tools, and more particularly to multi-tools configured for use in repairing or otherwise working on bicycles. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A wide variety of multi-tools are commercially available. The most widely-available multi-tools are often configured as all-purpose tools for use by as broad a range of consumers in as broad a range of applications as possible. They are therefore often equipped with a wide variety of individual tools, such as blades, screwdrivers, bottle openers, pliers, rulers, files, etc. Because many of these multi-tools are designed to maximize utility in a broad range of applications, they typically include more individual tools, and are typically larger and more expensive, than if they were more narrowly tailored for use in specific applications. While a wide variety of different multi-tools are already available, there is therefore room for improvement, especially with respect to multi-tools configured for use in specific fields or applications. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A multi-tool may be summarized as comprising: a first individual tool rotatable with respect to a main body of the multi-tool from a closed position of the first individual tool to an open position of the first individual tool; and a second individual tool rotatable with respect to the main body of the multi-tool from a closed position of the second individual tool to an open position of the second individual tool; wherein, when the first individual tool is in the closed position of the first individual tool and the second individual tool is in the closed position of the second individual tool, a distal end portion of the first individual tool is located inside a distal end portion of the second individual tool. 
     When the first individual tool is in the closed position of the first individual tool and the second individual tool is in the closed position of the second individual tool, the distal end portion of the first individual tool may be mechanically engaged with the distal end portion of the second individual tool. The first individual tool may be a tire repair tool. The tire repair tool may include a conical tip at the distal end portion of the tire repair tool and, when the first individual tool is in the closed position of the first individual tool and the second individual tool is in the closed position of the second individual tool, the conical tip may be seated within the distal end portion of the second individual tool. The tire repair tool may include a hollow tube and a plug, the plug located inside the hollow tube and securely coupled to the conical tip. The second individual tool may be a hex-head screwdriver. The multi-tool may include four hex-head screwdrivers and a hexalobular internal screwdriver. The multi-tool may include a hexalobular internal screwdriver and a distal end portion of the hexalobular internal screwdriver may be nested within a proximal end portion of the tire repair tool. The tire repair tool may be threaded onto the hexalobular internal screwdriver. 
     The hexalobular internal screwdriver may have a proximal portion directly coupled by a hinge to the main body of the multi-tool, a distal portion including a hexalobular internal screwdriver head, and an intermediate portion that couples the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the intermediate portion has an external surface including first threads; and the tire repair tool may include a hollow tube and a plug inside the hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has an internal surface including second threads complementary to the first threads. The second individual tool may have a distal end surface and a recess formed in the distal end surface; and when the first individual tool is in the closed position of the first individual tool and the second individual tool is in the closed position of the second individual tool, a distal end portion of the first individual tool may be located inside the recess. The recess may include a distal cylindrical portion and a proximal conical portion. 
     A method of using a multi-tool including a main body, a first individual tool rotatable with respect to the main body, and a second individual tool rotatable with respect to the main body, may be summarized as comprising: rotating the first individual tool to a closed position of the first individual tool and rotating the second individual tool to a closed position of the second individual tool until a distal end portion of the first individual tool is located inside a distal end portion of the second individual tool. 
     Rotating the first individual tool to a closed position of the first individual tool and rotating the second individual tool to a closed position of the second individual tool may include simultaneously rotating the first individual tool and the second individual tool. The method may further comprise rotating the first individual tool to an open position of the first individual tool and rotating the second individual tool to an open position of the second individual tool until the distal end portion of the first individual tool is not located inside the distal end portion of the second individual tool. Rotating the first individual tool to an open position of the first individual tool and rotating the second individual tool to an open position of the second individual tool may include simultaneously rotating the first individual tool and the second individual tool. The first individual tool may be a first tire repair tool, and the method may further comprise: inserting the distal end portion of the first tire repair tool into a puncture in a tire; and retracting the first tire repair tool from the tire, leaving the distal end portion of the first tire repair tool inside the tire and a first plug of the first tire repair tool inside the puncture. 
     The method may further comprise: removing a hollow tube of the first tire repair tool from the multi-tool; and coupling a second tire repair tool to the multi-tool. The method may further comprise: inserting a distal end portion of the second tire repair tool into the puncture in the tire; and retracting the second tire repair tool from the tire, leaving the distal end portion of the second tire repair tool inside the tire and a second plug of the second tire repair tool inside the puncture. The method may further comprise trimming a portion of the first plug outside the tire and a portion of the second plug outside the tire. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top perspective view of a multi-tool in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top perspective view of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top perspective view of individual tools of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in their closed configuration, or of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in its closed configuration with top and bottom plates thereof removed. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom perspective view of individual tools of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in their closed configuration, or of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1  in its closed configuration with top and bottom plates thereof removed. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a pair of nested individual tools of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a first, proximal, inner individual tool of the pair of nested tools of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a second, distal, outer individual tool of the pair of nested tools of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second, distal, outer individual tool of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of components of the second, distal, outer individual tool of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of another individual tool of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the individual tool of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top perspective view of a top plate of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top plate of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a top perspective view of a bottom plate of the multi-tool of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom plate of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with the technology have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front, left-side, and top perspective view of a multi-tool  100  in an open configuration, that is, with each of its individual tools rotated outward with respect to a main body of the multi-tool  100  and exposed therefrom, such that each of the individual tools are ready for use. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the main body of the multi-tool  100  includes a first plate  102 , which may be referred to herein as a top plate  102 , and a second plate  104 , which may be referred to herein as a bottom plate  104 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the multi-tool  100  has a central longitudinal axis  106  that extends side-to-side or left-to-right along a length of the multi-tool  100 , in a direction parallel to lengths of the top and bottom plates  102  and  104 , and in a direction perpendicular to an overall generally rectangular cross-sectional profile of the multi-tool  100  defined at least in part by outer surfaces of the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the same front, left-side, and top perspective view of the multi-tool  100  in a closed configuration, that is, with each of its individual tools rotated inward with respect to the main body of the multi-tool  100  and covered, such that none of the individual tools is ready for use.  FIG. 3  illustrates a rear, right-side, and bottom perspective view of the multi-tool  100  in the open configuration, and  FIG. 4  illustrates the same rear, right-side, and bottom perspective view of the multi-tool  100  in a closed configuration. 
     As used herein, terms of orientation or relative location such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” etc., are arbitrary labels used for the sake of convenience and clarity of the description herein. In fact, the entire multi-tool  100  can be positioned in any orientation while in storage, during transportation, or while in use, such that these labels are inherently arbitrary. In practical applications, the multi-tool  100  does not have a designated or required orientation, and can be used in different orientations such that a component labeled herein as “top” may in fact be at a bottom or a lateral side of the multi-tool  100 . Further, in practical applications, the “left” and “right” ends and the “front” and “rear” sides of the multi-tool  100  may only be defined by a perspective of a viewer, such that the components to which such labels are assigned may change as the location of the viewer changes with respect to the multi-tool  100 . 
     Nevertheless, the use of such terms is internally consistent herein. Further, in general, the multi-tool  100  is designed such that it can be positioned on a flat surface with its bottom plate  104  resting on the flat surface. Additionally, the top plate  102  has a logo, trademark, or other text  108  engraved in an upper surface thereof, which is intended to be seen by a viewer standing at the front of the multi-tool  100 , thereby establishing the “front” and “rear” sides and the “left” and “right” ends of the multi-tool  100  for purposes of this disclosure. Furthermore, “lengths” of the components referred to herein generally refer to the longest outer rectilinear dimension of such components, which for the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  is in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis  106 . Additionally, “inner” and “outer,” as used herein, are to be understood as being with respect to a center of the multi-tool  100 . The terms “proximal” and “distal,” as used herein with respect to an individual tool of the multi-tool  100 , are to be understood as being with respect to a hinge coupling the individual tool to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , such that the hinge itself is at the proximal end of the individual tool. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top, right-side, and front perspective view of the individual tools of the multi-tool  100  in their closed configuration, that is, of the multi-tool  100  in its closed configuration with the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  removed.  FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom, right-side, and front perspective view of the individual tools of the multi-tool  100  in their closed configuration, that is, of the multi-tool  100  in its closed configuration with the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  removed. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-tool  100  includes six distinct, individual tools coupled to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  by four hinges, such that each of the individual tools can rotate with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  about a respective pivot axis that extends vertically up-and-down, directly from the top plate  102  to the bottom plate  104 , and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  106  as well as to respective planes within which the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  sit. 
     In particular,  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate that the multi-tool  100  includes a first hinge  110  at a first corner of the multi-tool  100 , which is a front, left-side corner of the multi-tool  100 , a second hinge  112  at a second corner of the multi-tool  100 , which is a front, right-side corner of the multi-tool  100 , a third hinge  114  at a third corner of the multi-tool  100 , which is a rear, left-side corner of the multi-tool  100 , and a fourth hinge  116  at a fourth corner of the multi-tool  100 , which is a rear, right-side corner of the multi-tool  100 . Each of the first, second, third, and fourth hinges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  includes a respective elongate fastener such as a bolt, pin, or rod having a top end portion configured to extend through, be coupled to, and engage with a respective complementary aperture or opening in the top plate  102 , a bottom end portion configured to extend through, be coupled to, and engage with a respective complementary aperture or opening in the bottom plate  104 , and a shank or central portion configured to extend through a complementary hole, aperture, or opening in one or more of the individual tools of the multi-tool  100 . In particular, the rods of each of the hinges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116  are configured to extend vertically up-and-down, directly from the top plate  102  to the bottom plate  104 , and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  106  as well as to respective planes within which the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  sit, such that the pivot axes of the individual tools are coincident with central longitudinal axes of the rods of the hinges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 , and such that each of the individual tools can rotate with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104  about a central longitudinal axis of a rod of a respective one of the hinges  110 ,  112 ,  114 , and  116 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-tool  100  includes a first individual tool  118 , which is a first hex-head screwdriver  118 , and a second individual tool  120 , which is a second hex-head screwdriver  120  that is larger than the first hex-head screwdriver  118 . In some specific implementations, the first hex-head screwdriver  118  may be a 3 mm hex-head screwdriver and the second hex-head screwdriver  120  may be a 4 mm hex-head screwdriver. The first and second hex-head screwdrivers  118  and  120  have openings or apertures at respective proximal ends thereof through which the rod of the first hinge  110  extends. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second hex-head screwdriver  120  is positioned on top of or above the first hex-head screwdriver  118  on the rod of the first hinge  110 . The first and second individual tools  118  and  120  are each configured to rotate outwards on the first hinge  110  with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , such as clockwise when viewed from above, and such as up to 180 degrees from their closed positions, such that the hex-head screwdrivers at the distal ends thereof are exposed from the main body of the multi-tool  100  and thus available for use, such as in repairing or otherwise working on a bicycle. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-tool  100  includes a third individual tool  122 , which is a third hex-head screwdriver  122  that is larger than the first hex-head screwdriver  118  and the second hex-head screwdriver  120 . In some specific implementations, the third hex-head screwdriver  122  may be a 5 mm hex-head screwdriver. The third hex-head screwdriver  122  has an opening or aperture at its proximal end through which the rod of the second hinge  112  extends. The third individual tool  122  is configured to rotate outwards on the second hinge  112  with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , such as counter-clockwise when viewed from above, and such as up to 180 degrees from its closed position, such that the hex-head screwdriver at the distal end thereof is exposed from the main body of the multi-tool  100  and thus available for use, such as in repairing or otherwise working on a bicycle. As also illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the multi-tool  100  is in a closed configuration, that is, when the individual tools of the multi-tool are rotated inwards on the respective hinges and covered by the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , the terminal distal end of the third hex-head screwdriver  122  faces, but is spaced apart from and does not interact with, the terminal distal ends of the first and second hex-head screwdrivers  118  and  120 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-tool  100  includes a fourth individual tool  124 , which is a fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  that is larger than the first hex-head screwdriver  118 , the second hex-head screwdriver  120 , and the third hex-head screwdriver  122 . In some specific implementations, the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  may be a 6 mm hex-head screwdriver. The fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  has an opening or aperture at its proximal end through which the rod of the third hinge  114  extends. The fourth individual tool  124  is configured to rotate outwards on the third hinge  114  with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , such as counter-clockwise when viewed from above, and such as up to 180 degrees from its closed position, such that the hex-head screwdriver at the distal end thereof is exposed from the main body of the multi-tool  100  and thus available for use, such as in repairing or otherwise working on a bicycle. The fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  is illustrated further in  FIGS. 12 and 13  and described further with respect to those figures and elsewhere herein. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the multi-tool  100  includes a fifth individual tool  126 , which is a hexalobular internal (sometimes referred to as “TORX”) screwdriver  126 , and a sixth individual tool  128 , which is a tire repair tool  128 . In some specific implementations, the hexalobular screwdriver  126  may have the size of a T 25  TORX screwdriver. The hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  has an opening or aperture at a proximal end thereof through which the rod of the fourth hinge  116  extends. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a distal end portion of the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  is nested within a proximal portion of the tire repair tool  128 , such that the tire repair tool  128  is not directly coupled to the fourth hinge  116 , but is indirectly coupled to the fourth hinge  116  by the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 . Thus, the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  may be referred to as a proximal, inner individual tool of the pair of nested tools coupled to the fourth hinge  116 , and the tire repair tool  128  may be referred to as a distal, outer individual tool of the pair of nested tools coupled to the fourth hinge  116 . 
     The fifth and sixth individual tools  126  and  128  are collectively configured to rotate together, in unison, outwards on the fourth hinge  116  with respect to the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , such as clockwise when viewed from above, and such as up to 180 degrees from their closed position, such that the hexalobular internal screwdriver head and/or the tire repair tool at the distal end portions thereof are exposed from the main body of the multi-tool  100  and thus available for use, such as in repairing or otherwise working on a bicycle. The hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and the tire repair tool  128  are collectively illustrated further in  FIG. 7  and described further with respect to that figure and elsewhere herein. The hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  is illustrated further in  FIG. 8  and described further with respect to that figure and elsewhere herein. The tire repair tool  128  is illustrated further in  FIGS. 9-11  and described further with respect to those figures and elsewhere herein. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the nested hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and tire repair tool  128  separated from the rest of the multi-tool  100 , and  FIG. 8  illustrates the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  separated from the rest of the multi-tool  100 , including the tire repair tool  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  includes a proximal portion  126   a  which includes the aperture or opening  126   d  through which the rod of the fourth hinge  116  is configured to extend. As also illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  includes a distal portion  126   c  which includes the hexalobular head of the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  that is configured to nest within the proximal portion of the tire repair tool  128 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  includes an intermediate portion  126   b  located between the proximal portion  126   a  and the distal portion  126   c , and which couples the proximal portion  126   a  to the distal portion  126   c . An outer surface of the intermediate portion  126   b  may be threaded such that a proximal portion of the tire repair tool  128  including complementary threads may be threaded onto and thereby securely coupled to the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , as described further elsewhere herein with respect to the tire repair tool  128 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the tire repair tool  128  separated from the rest of the multi-tool  100 , including the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the tire repair tool  128  includes a proximal portion  128   a , which includes a hollow cylindrical tube  128   a , and a distal portion  128   b , which includes a generally conical tip  128   b  extending distally from a distal end of the tube  128   a . The conical tip  128   b  may be made of metal, rigid plastic, or other relatively rigid and strong materials. As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a proximal portion of an inner surface  128   c  of the tube  128   a  may be threaded and have threads complementary to the threads formed on the outer surface of the intermediate portion  126   b  of the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , such that a proximal end of the tire repair tool  128  including the threads may be threaded onto and thereby securely coupled to the intermediate portion  126   b  of the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , such as by the threads thereof, and such that the intermediate portion  126   b  and the distal portion  126   c  of the hexalobular internal screwdriver are positioned inside the hollow cylindrical tube  128   a . Thus, an operator can readily couple the tire repair tool  128  to the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and/or remove the tire repair tool  128  from the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 . In some embodiments, any of the other tools described herein, such as any one, two, three, or all four of the other tools, may be replaced by one or more other tools, which may be coupled to one another by complementary threads, as described herein for the tire repair tool  128  and the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tire repair tool  128 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the tire repair tool  128  further includes a plug  128   d  securely coupled to the conical tip  128   b  and positioned within a distal portion of the tube  128   a . The plug  128   d  may include an elongated rubberized cord or other rubber-impregnated plug, and may be coated in a sticky or adhesive material.  FIG. 11  illustrates the conical tip  128   b  and the plug  128   d  of the tire repair tool  128  separated from the rest of the multi-tool  100 , including the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and the tube  128   a  of the tire repair tool  128 . A method of repairing a tire using the tire repair tool  128  may include inserting the tire repair tool  128 , including its conical tip  128   b , tube  128   a , and plug  128   d , into a puncture or other aperture or failure site in a tire. For example, a user may manually push the tire repair tool  128  through a puncture in a tire. As the user does so, a distal end portion of the tube  128   a  abuts against a proximal end portion of the conical tip  128   b  and pushes the conical tip  128   b  into the tire while the plug  128   d  is protected within the tube  128   a  and behind or proximal to the conical tip  128   b.    
     The user may then pull on the multi-tool  100  to retract the tire repair tool  128  from the tire. As the user does so, the tube  128   a , which is securely coupled to the rest of the multi-tool  100  by the threads and hinge as described elsewhere herein, is pulled out of the puncture, but the conical tip  128   b  remains trapped within the tire because it is not securely fastened to the tube  128   a  or the rest of the multi-tool  100 , and so is not pulled out of the tire with the rest of the tool  128 . The plug  128   d  remains coupled to the conical tip  128   b  and therefore in position and extending through the puncture in the tire, thereby plugging or sealing the puncture. A portion of the plug remaining outside the tire may be trimmed away so that it does not interfere with operation of the repaired tire. In some embodiments, the tire repair tool may be manufactured and supplied by Dynaplug (see, e.g., http://www.dynaplug.com/). Additional information regarding such tire repair tools and their use may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,707,829. In other embodiments, however, the tire repair tool may be manufactured and/or supplied by any other manufacturer and/or supplier. In yet other embodiments, the tire repair tool may be replaced by any other suitable tool. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  separated from the rest of the multi-tool  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  includes a proximal portion  124   a  which includes the aperture or opening  124   c  through which the rod of the third hinge  114  is configured to extend. As also illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  includes a distal portion  124   b  which includes the head of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the distal portion  124   b  of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  includes a recess or a bore  124   d  formed in a terminal distal end thereof that extends longitudinally inward into the terminal distal end of the distal portion  124   b  of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124 , such as along a proximal-distal axis.  FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fourth hex head screwdriver  124 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the bore  124   d  includes a cylindrical outer, distal, or top portion, and a conical inner, proximal, or bottom portion. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , when the multi-tool  100  is in the closed configuration, that is, when the individual tools of the multi-tool  100  are rotated inwards on the respective hinges and covered by the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 , the distal end of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  and the distal end of the tire repair tool  128  face toward and mechanically engage with one another. In particular, when the multi-tool  100  is in the closed configuration, a distal portion of the conical tip  128   b  of the tire repair tool  128  is located within the recess or bore  124   d  formed in the distal end portion of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124 , such as within the cylindrical and/or the conical portion thereof. Such features allow the multi-tool  100  to have a smaller overall profile than a multi-tool without such features. Such features also inhibit or prevent inadvertent opening of the multi-tool  100  and rotation of the individual tools thereof outward from the top plate  102  and the bottom plate  104 . Such features also make opening and closing the multi-tool  100  more complex, because the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  and the tire repair tool  128  are opened and/or closed together, that is, rotated away from or toward one another simultaneously, to ensure that the distal portion of the conical tip  128   b  of the tire repair tool  128  leaves or seats within the recess or bore  124   d  formed in the distal end portion of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124 , such as within the cylindrical and/or the conical portion thereof. Such features can help to ensure that the plug  128   d  of the tire repair tool  128  is not inadvertently pulled out of the tube  128   a , such as before it is inserted into a puncture in a tire to repair the tire. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top perspective view of the top plate  102  and  FIG. 15  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the top plate  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the top plate  102  includes a first aperture  130  formed in a front, left-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the first hinge  110 , a second aperture  132  formed in a front, right-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the second hinge  112 , a third aperture  134  formed in a rear, left-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the third hinge  114 , and a fourth aperture  136  formed in a rear, right-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the fourth hinge  116 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the top plate  102  also includes a first ridge or protrusion  138  extending outward and downward from the bottom surface of the top plate  102  adjacent or proximate to the first aperture  130 . The first protrusion  138  is configured and positioned to provide a hard stop for the second hex-head screwdriver  120  that stops rotation of the second hex-head screwdriver  120  inward toward the main body of the multi-tool  100 , such as when the head or distal end portion of the second hex-head screwdriver  120  is aligned with or parallel to the axis  106 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the top plate  102  also includes a second ridge or protrusion  140  extending outward and downward from the bottom surface of the top plate  102  adjacent or proximate to the third aperture  134 . The second protrusion  140  is configured and positioned to provide a hard stop for the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  that stops rotation of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  inward toward the main body of the multi-tool  100 , such as when the head or distal end portion of the fourth hex-head screwdriver  124  is aligned with or parallel to the axis  106 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the top plate  102  also includes a third ridge or protrusion  142  extending outward and downward from the bottom surface of the top plate  102  adjacent or proximate to the fourth aperture  136 . The third protrusion  142  is configured and positioned to provide a hard stop for the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and the tire repair tool  128  that stops rotation of the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  and the tire repair tool  128  inward toward the main body of the multi-tool  100 , such as when a central longitudinal axis of the tire repair tool  128  is aligned with or parallel to the axis  106 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a top perspective view of the bottom plate  104  and  FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom plate  104 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the bottom plate  104  includes a first aperture  144  formed in a front, left-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the first hinge  110 , a second aperture  146  formed in a front, right-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the second hinge  112 , a third aperture  148  formed in a rear, left-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the third hinge  114 , and a fourth aperture  150  formed in a rear, right-side corner thereof that is configured to receive the rod of the fourth hinge  116 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the bottom plate  104  also includes a first ridge or protrusion  152  extending outward and upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate  104  adjacent or proximate to the first aperture  144 . The first protrusion  152  is configured and positioned to provide a hard stop for the first hex-head screwdriver  118  that stops rotation of the first hex-head screwdriver  118  inward toward the main body of the multi-tool  100 , such as when the head or distal end portion of the first hex-head screwdriver  118  is aligned with or parallel to the axis  106 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the bottom plate  104  also includes a second ridge or protrusion  154  extending outward and upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate  104  adjacent or proximate to the second aperture  146 . The second protrusion  154  is configured and positioned to provide a hard stop for the third hex-head screwdriver  122  that stops rotation of the third hex-head screwdriver  122  inward toward the main body of the multi-tool  100 , such as when the head or distal end portion of the third hex-head screwdriver  122  is aligned with or parallel to the axis  106 . 
     In some specific implementations, the top plate  102  and/or the bottom plate  104  may be made, e.g., forged, from any one of various suitable metal materials. Although the tire repair tool  128  is described herein in the specific context of repairing a bicycle tire, the tire repair tool  128  in other implementations may be used to repair any tire, such as a tire of a motorcycle, an automobile, a truck, or a piece of heavy-duty equipment. Although the tire repair tool  128  is described herein as being threaded onto the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , various other connections can be used to allow a user to efficiently couple the tire repair tool  128  to the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  or to remove the tire repair tool  128  therefrom, such as bayonet-style connections, detent-style connections, magnetic connections, etc. 
     In some embodiments, a multi-tool may include a first tire repair tool, such as the tire repair tool  128 , and a second tire repair tool, which may be larger or smaller than (e.g., have a different thickness or gauge than) the tire repair tool  128 . For example, a multi-tool may have a larger form factor than the multi-tool  100  and may include twice as many individual tools as the multi-tool  100 , including a first, larger tire repair tool and a second, smaller tire repair tool. 
     In some embodiments, the multi-tool  100  may be provided as a part of a kit that includes a plurality of different tire repair tools, including the tire repair tool  128 . For example, such a kit may include a plurality of tire repair tools of a wide variety of different sizes. As one other example, multiple tire repair tools similar to the tire repair tool  128  described herein may be used to plug a single large puncture in a tire. For example, a method of repairing a tire using multiple tire repair tools may include coupling a first tire repair tool onto the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include inserting the first tire repair tool into a puncture or other aperture or failure site in a tire, as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include retracting the first tire repair tool, including the outer tube thereof, from the tire, leaving the conical tip thereof trapped within the tire and the plug thereof extending through the puncture, thereby at least partially plugging, sealing, or otherwise repairing the puncture, as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include removing the components of the first tire repair tool still coupled to the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  from the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , as described further elsewhere herein. 
     The method may further include coupling a second tire repair tool onto the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include inserting the second tire repair tool into the puncture or other aperture or failure site in the tire, as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include retracting the second tire repair tool, including the outer tube thereof, from the tire, leaving the conical tip thereof trapped within the tire and the plug thereof extending through the puncture, thereby at least partially plugging, sealing, or otherwise repairing the puncture, as described further elsewhere herein. The method may further include removing the components of the second tire repair tool still coupled to the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126  from the hexalobular internal screwdriver  126 , as described further elsewhere herein. This process can be repeated as many times as needed until the puncture or other failure is completely plugged, sealed, or otherwise repaired. Portions of the plugs remaining outside the tire may then be trimmed away so that they do not interfere with operation of the repaired tire. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.