Patent Publication Number: US-6341423-B1

Title: Multiple purpose automobile tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/090,351, filed Jun. 23, 1998, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to multiple purpose tools. More particularly, the invention relates to a multiple purpose tool having tools useful to have available in an automobile. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Multiple purpose (“multi-purpose”), compact tools providing a variety of other tools, such as a tool with moveable jaws as well as pivotably mounted tools which may be pivoted into and out of a channel within the handle of the tool for selective use are known in the art. However, the known multi-purpose tools typically do not contain those tools which are commonly useful to have available in an automobile, and do not contain tools specific to automobiles. Moreover, such multi-purpose tools do not include an efficient scraper tool which can be selectively retracted into a handle and extended into an appropriate orientation for effective use, such as with the scraping edge perpendicular to the longitudinal, major axes of the tool handles. While foldable tools, such as knives, can conceivably be used for scraping purposes (such as scraping ice from a windshield), the blade of these tools generally extend from the pivot point along the longitudinal, major axis of the tool handle, rather than perpendicular to the handle, as in conventional scrapers with fixed scraping blades. This orientation results in an inefficient application of scraping force to the scraping edge. Further, since the back of the scraper is supported only by the user&#39;s hand, the majority of the exerted force is applied through the pivot point, increasing the risk of tool breakage and user injury. 
     Compound, multi-purpose tools having foldable handles and at least one tool with moveable jaws, such as pliers, foldable into the handles typically have handles with a U-shaped channel into which the remaining pivotably tools may be stored. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,862, entitled “Pocket Multiple Tool”, discloses foldable pliers with each handle having a single U-shaped channel that houses the plier jaws and several other pivoting tools. The channels are arranged to face inward when the pliers are closed so that they surround the jaws. However, this arrangement prevents use of the pivoting tools when the pliers are folded. Further, access to a tool other than the pliers requires more than the single step of extending the desired tool, since the pliers must also be unfolded. 
     Reversing the direction of the channel on the handles allows the pivoting tools to be used without opening the pliers members. However, the structural integrity of the U-channel must be compromised to accommodate the plier jaws when the tool is folded. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,114, entitled “Folding Multi-Tool”, discloses folding pliers with U-channels in the handles configured to open outward when the pliers are folded. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of that patent, a hole must be cut through the bottom wall of the channel to accommodate the folded plier jaws. The hole not only makes the handle less comfortable to grasp when using the pliers, but also may reduce the structural integrity and strength of the handle. The hole further exposes the pivoting tools stored in the channel, including the cutting surface of knife blades, and thus increases the risk of injury when the pliers are used. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention a compact, foldable, multiple purpose (“multi-purpose”) tool is provided with a plurality of tools for use in or with an automobile. Preferably, the multi-purpose tool includes jaw members retractable into a first storage area of the handles and a plurality of different tools positioned in a second storage area of the foldable handles and accessible when the jaws are retracted. 
     The jaw members preferably have a jaw pivot axis and tangs extending from the jaw pivot axis away from the jaw members. Preferably, the handles are pivotable along an axis through the tangs substantially parallel to the jaw pivot axis. The jaw members are stored within first channels in the handles, the outside surfaces of the jaw members being nested within the channels. The jaw members together form a jawed tool, such as pliers or scissors. 
     A second channel is provided in each handle of the tool opposite the first channel in which the jaw members are stored. In one embodiment, the first and second channels are side by side such that the channels have an S-shaped cross-section in a region of the handles where the first and second channels are coextensive. A variety of other tools useful to have available in an automobile may be stored within the second channels in the handles. The other tools are accessible for use when the jaw members are in their retracted, stored position. Thus, the handles may be in a folded position when these other tools are used, so that the handles, together, form a single handle for these other tools. When the multi-purpose tool is unfolded to use the jawed tool, the second channels cover the other tools to provide a safe and comfortable gripping surface for the handles of the jawed tool. 
     At least some of the additional tools are pivotable along a pivot axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the jaw members and the tangs. The pivoting tools may be connected either to an end of a handle adjacent the connection point of the jaw members, on an axis separate from or combined with a pivot axis of a jaw member, or to an end of the handles opposite the connection point of the jaw members. Other tools may be fixedly mounted to a handle. 
     The multi-purpose tool of the present invention preferably include at least one of the following tools: a scraper, a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a flashlight, a cutting blade, a tire pressure gauge, and a fuse puller. Any or all of such tools may be pivotably coupled to a handle of the multi-purpose tool of the present inventions for selective retraction into the second channel of the handle for storage or extraction to a working position. Others of such tools may be fixedly coupled to one of the handles of the multi-purpose tool. 
     Preferably a scraper is pivotably mounted to one of the handles to permit the scraper to pivot out of the second channel of the handle in excess of 180° to a working position in which the scraping edge is substantially perpendicular to the major, or longitudinal axes of the handles at an end of the handles. Such orientation of the scraper with respect to the handles allows force to be applied to the scraper along the longitudinal axes of the handles, normal to the scraping edge, thus improving both efficiency and safety. 
     Preferably, a locking mechanism is associated with the pivotably mounted tools to lock the tools either into the retracted storage position or in an extended working position so that the tool does not accidentally retract into its storage channel during use. A locking mechanism may be provided for each pivotably mounted tool for either or both such locking functions. Most preferably, each tool has its own locking mechanism for at least one locking function. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, features of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as follows: 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, with certain hidden elements being illustrated in broken lines, of a first embodiment of a multi-purpose tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and in a folded configuration; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 1 shown in an unfolded position; 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a multi-purpose tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and in a folded position; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV—IV of FIG. 3 illustrating the S-channel region of the first handle; 
     FIGS. 5-7 are left, front, and right side elevational views, respectively, of the S-channel region in the first handle; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line IV—IV of in FIG. 3 illustrating the S-channel region of the second handle; 
     FIGS. 9-11 are left, front, and right side elevational views, respectively, of the S-channel region in the second handle; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII—XII of FIG. 3, of the first handle; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along lines XII—XII of FIG. 3 of the second handle; 
     FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of the tool of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the tool of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along line XVIII—XVIII of FIG. 16, showing the tools in the second channel portions of the handles; 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along line XIX—XIX of FIG. 16, showing the folded tool head and additional tools in the lower portion of the second channels; 
     FIG. 20 is a partial front elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 3 with the scraper locked in a working position; 
     FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of another multi-purpose tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with several pivotably mounted tools pivoted towards a working position; 
     FIG. 22 is a left side elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 23 is a right side elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 21 in an unfolded position; 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another multi-purpose tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with several pivotably mounted tools pivoted towards a working position; 
     FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 26 in a folded configuration; 
     FIG. 28 is a left side elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 29 is a right side elevational view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 27; 
     FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the multi-purpose tool of FIG. 26; and 
     FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the scraper of the multi-purpose tool of FIG.  26 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a multi-purpose tool  10 , formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, is illustrated. Multi-purpose tool  10  has a first handle  20  and a second handle  30  to which a variety of tools may be coupled. The specific arrangement of various tools within the handles  20 ,  22  of the multi-purpose tool  10  will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2-11. First handle  20  has a top end  22 , a bottom end  24 , a front side  26 , and a rear side  28 . First longitudinal axis  21  extends between top and bottom ends  22 ,  24  of first handle  20 . Similarly, second handle  30  has a top end  32 , bottom end  34 , a front side  36 , and a rear side  38 , with a longitudinal axis  31  extending between top and bottom ends  32 ,  34 . 
     Multi-purpose tool  10  preferably includes a tool head  40  with a pair of jaw members pivotably coupled for opposed movement, such as a set of pliers. Jaw members  42  and  44  of tool head  40  are preferably pivotably coupled along jaw pivot axis  46 . Jaw members  42 ,  44  preferably are pivotably coupled to respective first and second handles  20 ,  22  via respective tangs  48 ,  50  at tang pivot axes  52 ,  54 , respectively. Preferably, tool head  40  is coupled to top ends  22 ,  32  of handles  20 ,  30 , and tang pivot axes  52 ,  54  are substantially parallel to pivot axis  46 . In a folded configuration, illustrated in FIG. 1, tool head  40  fits into the first and second handles  20 ,  30  in a manner discussed below. In an unfolded configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2, the handles  20 ,  30  may be used to apply force to jaws  42  and  44 . 
     A scraper tool  60  preferably is also incorporated into multi-purpose tool  10 . Most preferably, scraper  60  is pivotably coupled to one of handles  20 ,  30  for pivoting between a retracted storage position and an extended working position. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, scraper  60  of tool  10  is coupled to first handle  20  for extending into a working position adjacent top end  22 . Scraper  60  has an access edge  62  and a scraping edge  64 . Scraper  60  may be retracted into a storage position within a handle, such as first handle  20  of multi-purpose tool  10 , such that access edge  62  is accessible when tool  10  is in a folded configuration, as shown in FIG.  1 . Scraper  60  can be pivoted about pivot axis  70 , preferably through an arc of greater than 180°, and most preferably substantially 270°, to a working position, as illustrated in solid lines in FIG.  1 . 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, force can be applied to scraper  60  along longitudinal axes  21 ,  31  of handles  20 ,  30  when scraper  60  is in a working position. The arrangement of scraper  60  with respect to handles  20 ,  30  as shown in FIG. 1 permits a substantial portion of the applied force to be normal to scraping edge  64 , thereby increasing the efficiency of scraper  60  in comparison with conventional folding tools which extend along the longitudinal axes of the tool handles, and thus require force to be applied through the pivot point about which the scraper is coupled to the handle. Further, because force is applied to scraper  60  of the present convention primarily through handles  20 ,  30  along access edge  62 , and not through pivot axis  70 , pivot axis  70  does not need to be designed to withstand a great deal of force. This not only increases the life of the tool, but also permits the pivot connection between scraper  60  and first handle  20  to be designed with less mechanical strength. Therefore, the pivot connection for scraper  60  may be manufactured less expensively and lighter, as compared with other pivot connections such as pivot axes  48 ,  50  for tool head  40 . 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, other tools which would be useful to have available in an automobile are also coupled to the handles  20 ,  30 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a flashlight  72  is mounted, such as pivotably, near bottom end  24  of first handle  20 . Additionally, a pressure gauge  74  may be coupled to one of handles  20 ,  30  as well. As shown in FIG. 1, pressure gauge  74  may be mounted within second handle  30 , opposite flashlight  72  in first handle  20 . Pressure gauge  74  includes a body portion  76  housed near bottom end  34  of handle  30  with a valve attachment  78  for receiving a tire valve  80 . The measured tire pressure is indicated along handle  30 . For example, a sliding gauge portion  82  may extend from body portion  76  towards top end  32  of second handle  30 . A pressure scale may be inscribed on sliding gauge portion  82  itself or on handle  30  adjacent pressure gauge  74 . Other pressure indicators, such as digital indicators, may be used instead. 
     Other tools, such as a blade  84  and a screwdriver  86 , may also be pivotably mounted within handles  20 ,  30 , as illustrated. Such tools preferably are those typically useful in association with an automobile. 
     It will be appreciated that tool storage chambers are provided in handles  20 ,  30  in any desired configuration permitting retraction of a tool therein. For example, the internal configuration of handles  20 ,  30  and the arrangement of various tools within handles  20 ,  30  of multi-purpose tool  10  may be similar to that of multi-purpose tool  100  of FIGS. 3-20, which will now be described. 
     A multi-purpose tool  110 , similar to multi-purpose tool  10 , is shown in a folded configuration in FIG.  3 . It will be appreciated that elements of multi-purpose tool  110  similar to elements of tool  10  have the same reference character increased by  100 . Tool  110  has first and second handles  120 ,  130  to which a variety of tools are pivotably coupled for pivoting between a retracted storage position and an extended working position. Thus, handles  120  and  130  are formed with channels in which tools may be positioned. The storage channels may be formed in any desired manner, such as a side-by-side configuration as shown in FIGS. 4-11. The side-by-side configuration may be appreciated with reference to the cross-sectional view of first handle  120 , along line IV—IV of FIG. 3, with the enclosed tools omitted for the sake of clarity, as shown in FIG.  4 . First handle  120  has a first channel  190  along first side  191  and a second channel  192  along second side  193 . First and second channels  190 ,  192  are coextensive near top end  122  of first handle  120  and, together with front side  126 , back side  128 , and common channel wall  127  of first handle  120 , impart first handle  120  with an S-shaped cross-section, as illustrated in FIG.  4 . Left, front, and right side elevational views of the S-channel region of first handle  120 , e.g., the region where the first and second channels  190 ,  192  are coextensive, are shown in FIGS. 5-7, respectively. 
     A cross-sectional view of second handle  122 , along line IV—IV of FIG. 3, with the enclosed tools omitted for the sake clarity, is shown in FIG.  8 . Similar to first handle  120 , second handle  122  has a first channel  194  defined in first side  195  and a second channel  196  defined in second side  197 . Channels  194 ,  196  are bounded by front side  136 , rear side  138  and common channel wall  137  of second handle  122  to impart second handle  122  with an S-shaped cross-section, as illustrated in FIG.  8 . Left, front, and right side elevational views of the S-channel region in second handle  122 , e.g., the region where the first and second channels  194 ,  196  are coextensive, are shown in FIGS. 9-11, respectively. 
     Handles  120 ,  130  may be configured to have an S-shaped configuration along substantially their entire length between respective top ends  122 ,  132  and bottom ends  124 ,  134 . However, in a preferred embodiment, first channels  190 ,  194  only extend part way from top end  122 ,  132  toward bottom ends  124 ,  134  of handles  120 ,  130 , respectively, up to a predetermined termination point T 1 , T 2 . Beyond termination points, only one channel, such as second channels  192 ,  196 , is defined. It will be appreciated that the termination point for channels  190 ,  192  in first handle  120  need not directly align with the termination point for channels  194 ,  196  in second handle  130 . First and second handles  120 ,  130  in the “non-coextensive” region between termination point T 1 , T 2  and bottom ends  124 ,  134  of respective handles  120 ,  130  preferably have a “U” shaped cross-section as may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, illustrating cross-sectional views of first and second handles  120 ,  130 , respectively, along line XII—XII of FIG.  3 . The enclosed tools are omitted from FIGS. 12 and 13 for the sake of clarity. 
     When multi-purpose tool  110  is in a folded configuration, such as in FIG. 3, first channels  190 ,  194  face each other and second channels  192 ,  196  face away from each other. Thus tools within second channels  192 ,  196  are accessible. Preferably, a tool head  140  with pivotably coupled jaw members, such as pliers, is stored in first channels  190 ,  194 . Tang  148  of tool head  140  is mounted on pivot axis  152  in first channel  190  of first handle  120  as may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 19, described in further detail below. Similarly, tang  150  is mounted on pivot axis  154  in first channel  194  of second handle  130 , as may also be appreciated with reference to FIG.  19 . Tool head  140  is therefore mounted so that when the multi-purpose tool  110  is folded into a storage configuration, tool head  140  is nested in first channels  192 ,  194  and substantially hidden from view, as shown in phantom in FIG.  3 . 
     When first and second handles  120 ,  130  are pivoted about tang pivot axes  152 ,  154 , to open multi-purpose tool  110 , tool head  140  is extended from its retracted position into a usable position, similar to the open configuration of multi-purpose tool  10  as shown in FIG.  2 . Sides  191 ,  195  are thereby exposed to face outwardly, away from each other, and sides  193 ,  197  are thereby positioned at the inside of multi-purpose the tool  110 , facing each other in this configuration for use of tool head  140 . It will be appreciated that when multi-purpose tool  110  is opened, channels  192 ,  196  of handles  120 ,  130 , respectively, face each other. Thus, any tools within channels  192 ,  196  will be safely covered when multi-purpose tool  110  is open and tool head  140  is in a working position and configuration. 
     A variety of different pivoting and non-pivoting tools can be arranged within second channels  192 ,  196  adjacent top ends  122 ,  132  of handles  120 ,  130 , respectively, or adjacent bottom ends  124 ,  134  of handles  120 ,  130 , respectively. Referring now to FIGS. 14-20, multi-purpose tool  110  may include such tools as a scraper  160 , flashlight  172 , and a pressure gauge  174 , as well as several tools conventionally provided in multi-purpose tools, such as a blade  184  and screwdriver  186 . 
     The right and left sides of multi-purpose tool  110  are shown respectively in FIGS. 14 and 15, incorporating each of the above-mentioned tools. Top and bottom views of multi-purpose tool  110  are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively. The position of tools in second channel portions  192 ,  196  of handles  120 ,  130 , respectively, maybe appreciated with reference to cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 18 of multi-purpose tool  110  along line XVIII—XVIII of FIG.  16 . The position of tool head  140  stored within first channel portions  190 ,  194  in the coextensive “S-channel” region (between top ends  122 ,  132  and termination points T 1  and T 2 ) as well as tools in the second channel portions  192 ,  196  in the non-coextensive region of handles  120 ,  130  (between termination points T 1  and T 2  and bottom ends  124 ,  134 ) may be appreciated with reference to the cross-sectional view of multi-purpose tool  110  along line XIX—XIX of FIG. 16, as illustrated in FIG.  19 . 
     As shown in FIG. 18, scraper  160  is preferably mounted at top end  122  of first handle  120 , preferably via pivot axis  170 , of multi-purpose tool  110 , and stored in second channel  192  in first handle  120 . Pivot axis  170  is positioned near the corner formed by top end  122  of first handle  120  and second side  193 . Placing pivot axis  170  near the corner permits scraper  160  to pivot to a working position in excess of 180° and preferably up to 270°, as discussed above. A variety of different blade composition for scraper  160  may be used. For example, scraper  160  may have a steel body  161  with a plastic scraping blade  164  fitted thereto. Alternatively, scraper  160  may be formed in its entirety from a material with sufficient strength for the desired scraping function, such as glass-filled nylon. 
     In addition, scraper  160  preferably has a finger portion  163  that extends outwardly from access edge  162 . Finger portion  163  facilitates grasping of scraper  160  for deployment. In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, when scraper  160  is in a working position, finger portion  163  extends into second channel  196  in second handle  130  top end  132 . A locking mechanism  166  preferably is provided within the top portion of second channel  196  to interact with finger portion  163  to lock scraper  160  in the working position shown in FIG.  20 . Locking mechanism  166  may be in any desired form, such as a spring, a magnetic clasp or a frictional interface. As shown in FIG. 20, locking mechanism  163  may be a locking pin located in second channel  196  of second handle  130  to engage notch  165  in finger portion  163  when scraper  160  is in the working position shown in FIG.  20  and handles  120 ,  120  are held together. Most preferably, such a locking pin is coextensive with tang pivot axis  152 . 
     A retention mechanism  168  may also be provided to retain scraper  160  in its storage position when not in use. Preferably, retention mechanism  168  is in the form of a flexible retention finger  200  formed along front side  126  of first handle  120 , as shown in FIG. 6, or along common channel wall  127 . Retention finger  200  has an extension or protrusion  201 , such as a solder bead or a rivet, extending into second channel  192 , as shown in FIG. 5. A corresponding hole or depression  202  is formed in scraper  160  and positioned so that extension  201  will engage hole  202  when scraper  160  is in a storage position. Scraper  160  must be pulled with sufficient force to flex retention finger  200  and force extension  201  out of hole  202  in order to withdraw scraper  160  from channel  192 . 
     A flashlight  172  is provided in channel  192  of multi-purpose tool  110 , as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In a preferred embodiment, flashlight  172  encompasses the entire second channel  192  of first handle  120  below the termination point T 1 , as may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 15,  18  and  19 . This configuration provides sufficient width for flashlight  172  to use batteries which provide sufficient power to provide a useful degree of illumination, such as size AA or N-type batteries. Flashlight  172  preferably includes conventional elements such as a bulb  171  and a reflector  173  as shown in FIG. 17, and a switch  175 , as shown in FIG.  15 . Flashlight  172  may be pivotably mounted to handle  120 , such as about a substantially centrally located pivot axis  177 , as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, or may be fixedly positioned within channel  192 . 
     Preferably, multi-purpose tool  110  also includes a pressure gauge  174 . Pressure gauge  174  includes body portion  176  and valve attachment  178 , as discussed above with reference to pressure gauge  74  of multi-purpose tool  10 . Pressure gauge  174  is housed in the lower portion of second channel  196  in second handle  130 , as shown in FIG.  18 . Pressure gauge  174  may be a mechanical gauge with a sliding gauge portion  182  extending past termination point T i , and into the portion of second channel  196  coextensive with first channel  194 . A pressure scale  179  may be inscribed along sliding gauge portion  182 , or on handle  130  near sliding gauge portion  182 , for indicating the measured pressure. Alternatively, a battery operated pressure gauge may be provided with a digital (or analog) readout. 
     Preferably, pressure gauge  176  occupies only a portion of second channel  196  below termination point T 2  of first channel  194 , as may be appreciated with reference to FIG.  14 . The remaining area in second channel  196  preferably houses additional pivoting tools, such as blade  184  and screwdriver  186  (flat head, as shown, or Phillips head), preferably sharing a common pivot axis  185 , as shown in FIGS. 14 and 19. Other tools, such as various blades, scissors, cap lifters, etc. may also be provided. The pivotably mounted tools are preferably maintained in a working and/or storage position using a spring mechanism  187 , as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. If desired, a locking mechanism configured to lock a desired tool into a desired position, such as a working position, may also be provided. 
     Yet another embodiment of a multi-purpose tool  210  formed in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIGS. 21-25. It will be appreciated that elements of multi-purpose tool  210  similar to elements of multi-purpose tool  110  described above have the same reference character increased by  100 . 
     Multi-purpose tool  210  includes a scraper  260  similar to scraper  160  described above but without a finger portion  163 . As shown in FIG. 22 when scraper  260  is in a working position, access edge  262  preferably engages a blocking mechanism  266 , such as a pin, to prevent scraper  260  from rotating beyond substantially 270° from its storage position. 
     Multi-purpose tool  210  preferably includes a variety of pivotably mounted tools. As shown in FIGS. 21-24, the pivotably mounted tools include a blade  284  (optionally serrated, as shown), a screwdriver  286  (Phillips head, as shown, or flat head), a cap lifter  288 , and a crate opener  289 . The tools are preferably maintained in a working and/or storage position using a spring mechanism  287 , as will be readily understood those skilled in the art. If desired, a locking mechanism having a sliding lock release switch  204 , as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/874,959, filed Jun. 13, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,582 which application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     As shown in FIG.  25  and as discussed above with respect to multi-purpose tools  10  and  110 , handles  220  and  230  are pivotably mounted at tang pivot axes  252 ,  254  such that the multi-purpose tool  210  may be unfolded to expose tool head  240  for use. Also shown in FIG. 25, access edge  262  of scraper  260  may protrude somewhat from side  295  of handle  220 . 
     It will be appreciated that the tools coupled to the multi-purpose tools described thus far may be modified in a variety of manners without departing from the scope and principles of the present invention. Variations may include changes to the materials or sizes of individual tools described above. For example, the scraper may be formed from the same material, selected to provide the strength required for applying scraping forces, such as glass-filled nylon. If desired, the size and configuration of the flashlight may be altered to provide a larger reflector. Changes to the configuration of the tools, themselves, may be made as well. For example, the pressure gauge may be formed as a digital pressure gauge, and the handles need not have the S-shaped cross-section described above. Moreover, the manner in which the tools are coupled to the multi-purpose tool housing may be varied as desired. For instance, the pressure gauge may be pivotably mounted, instead of in a fixed position as described above, whereas the flashlight may be fixedly mounted without the pivotability described above. It will be appreciated that the scraper tool need not be mounted as described above, but may instead be mounted in any desired manner. Most preferably the scraper tool is mounted such that its scraping edge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the multi-purpose tool handles to impart the greatest amount of force to the scraping edge in the most efficient manner, as described above. 
     The above and other modifications may be understood with reference to multi-purpose tool  310  of FIGS. 26-32. As may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 26, like above-described multi-purpose tools  10 ,  110 , and  210 , multi-purpose tool  310  has first and second handles  320 ,  330  to which a tool head  340  with jaw members  342 ,  344  are pivotably coupled and to which a variety of additional tools are coupled. It will be appreciated that elements of multi-purpose tool  310  which are similar to elements of multi-purpose tool  110  are referenced with the same reference characters increased by  200 . As with the above-described multi-purpose tools, handles  320 ,  330  of multi-purpose tool  310  may be reoriented from the position shown in FIG. 26 to place multi-purpose tool  310  into a folded configuration as shown in FIG.  27 . 
     Multi-purpose tool  310  includes first channels  390 ,  394 , partially defined by U-channels  406 ,  408  (FIG.  26 ), along first sides  391 ,  395 . When multi-purpose tool  310  is reoriented into the folded configuration of FIG. 27, jaws  342 ,  344  are moved into first channels  390 ,  394  for storage, as may be appreciated with reference to the phantom illustration of tool head  340  in FIG.  27 . Tool head  340  is similar to the above-described tool heads  40 ,  140 , and  240 , and therefore will not again be described in further detail, reference being made to the above descriptions of similar tool heads and corresponding coupling to the handles of a multi-purpose tool. 
     Multi-purpose tool  310  also includes second channels  392 ,  396  along second sides  393 ,  397  of handles  320 ,  330 , respectively, in which a variety of tools may be positioned, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. If such tools are pivotably coupled to handles  320 ,  330 , then such pivotable tools may be extracted from second channels  392 ,  396  into a working position and later retracted into second channels  392 ,  396  for storage. It will be appreciated that second channels  392 ,  396  are readily accessible when multi-purpose tool  310  is in the folded configuration of FIG. 27 but are not readily accessible when multi-purpose tool  310  is in the position shown in FIG.  26 . Accordingly, such tools generally are not intended to be extracted when multi-purpose tool  310  is in the position shown in FIG. 26, extraction of the pivotably mounted tools being shown in FIG. 26 simply for the sake of illustration. 
     Reference will now be made to the exploded view of FIG. 30 for further discussion of the tools coupled to multi-purpose tool  310  as well as the overall configuration and orientation of the elements forming multi-purpose tool  310 . First and second handles  320 ,  330  may be formed in any desired manner. As shown in FIG. 30, first handle  320  may be formed from a single piece, such as a metal plate, formed (e.g., bent) into a U-shape to form a side wall  391 , a front wall  326 , and a rear wall  328 . Second handle  330  may be formed from a single piece as well. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, second handle  330  is formed from first and second pieces  330   a,    330   b  coupled together to form a U-shaped handle  330 . As shown, first handle piece  330   a  forms front wall  336  of handle  330  and second handle piece  330   b  is an L-shaped piece forming rear wall  338  and side wall  395 . It will be appreciated that first handle  320  may similarly be formed from more than one piece, and that the pieces forming either handle may include greater than two pieces or may have configurations other than the illustrated configurations. Preferably, a U-shaped channel  406  is positioned between front and rear side walls  326 ,  328  of second handle  320  such that the base  407  forms a portion of second side  393  of first handle  320 . Similarly, a U-shaped channel  408  is positioned between front and rear side walls  336 ,  338  of second handle  320  such that the base  409  forms a portion of second side  397  of second handle  330 . 
     Jaw member  342  is pivotably coupled to first handle  320  via pivot pin  352  and jaw member  344  is pivotably coupled to second handle  330  via pivot pin  354 . Upon pivoting jaw member  342  about pivot pin  352  into the storage position of FIG. 27, at least tang  348  of jaw member  342  may be stored within U-shaped channel  406 . Likewise, upon pivoting jaw member  344  about pivot pin  354  into the storage position, at least tang  350  of jaw member  344  may be stored within U-shaped channel  408 . Preferably, jaw members  342 ,  344  function not only as pliers but also include surfaces useful for wire cutting, electrical crimping, wire stripping, and wire bending. 
     A variety of additional tools, preferably tools useful to have available in an automobile, may be coupled to handles  320 ,  330  of multi-purpose tool  310 , as may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 26 and 30. Such tools may either be fixedly coupled to one of handles  320 ,  330  or pivotably mounted about a pivot axis. 
     As in the previously described multi-purpose tools, multi-purpose tool  310  preferably includes a scraper  360  which preferably is formed from a single piece of material, sufficiently strong for application of the desired scraping forces, formed into the desired shape. As may be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 26 and 30, scraper  360  is pivotably coupled to first handle  320  via pivot  370 . However, multi-purpose tool  310  may be configured such that scraper  360  is coupled to second handle  330  instead. A scraper retention mechanism  368  preferably is provided to retain scraper  360  in a storage position within handle  320 . Scraper retention mechanism  368  may be in any desired configuration, such as a retention finger  400  with an extension or protrusion  401  shaped to fit into a corresponding hole or depression  402  in scraper  360 , as shown in FIG.  31 . Release of such retention mechanism  368  is accomplished by pulling on access edge  362  of scraper  360  with sufficient force to overcome the friction fit between protrusion  401  and hole  402 . 
     Preferably, scraper  360  is configured to be extracted from its storage position within channel  392  and pivoted approximately 270° into a working position substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axes  321 ,  331  of handles  320 ,  330 , respectively. As may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 31, scraper  360  preferably includes a slot  410  by which scraper  360  is pivotably coupled to handle  320 . Once scraper  360  is withdrawn and pivoted approximately 180° from its storage position, scraper  360  is moved along its longitudinal axis  411  so that pivot  370  slides from first end  412  of slot  410  to second end  414  of slot  410 . Scraper  360  is ready to be further pivoted about pivot  370  until scraper  360  is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axes  321 ,  331  of handles  320 ,  330 , respectively, in a working position. 
     Preferably, a locking mechanism  366  is provided to lock scraper  360  into the working position. As may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 30, locking mechanism  366  of multi-purpose  310  may be in the form of a scraper line lock spring  416  having a locking finger  418  extending away from the plane of the line lock spring body  417  and locking finger extension  420 . Upon mounting to handle  320 , scraper  360  and scraper lock spring  416  are positioned such that locking finger  418  will engage access edge  362  and locking finger extension  420  will insert into scraper notch  422  (FIG. 31) when scraper  360  is in the working position, thereby locking scraper  360  into the working position. It will be appreciated that the relative positions of scraper  360  and scraper line lock spring  416  shown in FIG. 30 are reversed upon mounting, such that scraper  360  is positioned on the side on which locking finger  418  extends beyond the remaining portions of scraper line lock spring  416 . 
     Above-described scraper retention mechanism  368  is preferably formed in scraper line lock spring  416 . It will further be appreciated with reference to FIG. 28 that scraper line lock spring  416  forms a separating wall in storage channel  392 , dividing channel  392  into a first channel section  392   a  and a second channel section  392   b.  The tools stored in first and second channel sections  392   a  and  392   b  may be divided, for example, based on the material (e.g., metal or a synthetic) from which the tool is formed. 
     Scraper line lock spring  416  may be in the form of a conventional line lock spring which substantially aligns with the tool to be locked, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, locking finger  418  is formed by providing a serpentine cut  424  along scraper line lock spring  416 , such as shown with reference to pressure gauge line lock spring  426  described below. Serpentine cut  424  has been found to provide a configuration for line lock springs, generally, which prevents the line lock springs from interlocking with each other, such as when transported or further processed (e.g., polished) in bulk. 
     As will be appreciated, movement of scraper locking finger  418  into alignment with the remainder of scraper line lock spring  416  will disengage locking finger  418  from notch  422  of scraper  360  and from against access edge  362  to permit pivoting of scraper  360  back to the storage position. It will be appreciated that other manners of extracting scraper  360  from its storage position and reorienting scraper  360  into its working position are within the scope of the present invention. 
     An additional tool may be provided in channel section  392   a  with scraper  360 . As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, a fuse puller  430  may be pivotably coupled to bottom end  324  of handle  320  for storage within channel section  392   a.  Fuse puller  430  preferably is a conventional fuse puller formed from an insulating, non-conductive material and may be removably coupled to handle  320  via pivot  385 . If desired, fuse puller  430  may be mounted to pivot  385  via a bushing  432 . 
     A variety of pivotably mounted tools, preferably tools which are convenient to have available in an automobile, may be provided in channel section  392   b.  For example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 30, pivotably mounted tools may include a blade  384  (serrated or straight), a cap lifter  388 , a screwdriver  386  (Phillips head or flathead), and a can opener  434 . It will be appreciated that a free end of either or both blade  384  and cap lifter  388  (or any additional tool) may shaped to function as flathead screwdrivers. 
     The pivotably mounted tools preferably are maintained in a working and/or storage position using a spring mechanism  387 , as will be readily understood those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, spring mechanism  387  is in the form of a plurality of leaf springs  438 , preferably formed from a common leaf spring plate  440 , such that each pivotably mounted tool may be engaged by a separate leaf spring  438 , as may be appreciated with reference to FIG.  30 . Additionally, a locking mechanism  442  may be provided to lock each tool in its working position such that the tool does not accidentally retract into the storage position during use. As shown in FIG. 30, locking mechanism  442  may be in the form of a sliding lock release switch having a locking plate  444  biased by a spring  446  into engagement with a notch in one of the pivotably mounted tools to prevent retraction of the tool into the storage position. An actuator  448  preferably is provided to move locking plate  444  away from the locked tool to permit retraction of the tool when desired. Such a locking mechanism is described in above-incorporated copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/874,959. 
     A flashlight  372  preferably is provided in second handle  330 . Flashlight  372  preferably includes conventional elements such as a bulb  371 , a reflector  373 , and a switch  375 , as shown in FIG.  29 . Flashlight  372  is fixedly positioned within channel  396  with bulb  371  positioned to shine light outwardly from side  397  of multi-purpose tool  310  rather than from an end thereof, as common in commercially available pocket knifes. Preferably, flashlight  372  is configured to accept a standard replaceable battery, such as an N-type battery or size AA or AAA battery, providing sufficient power to provide the desired degree of illumination for potential uses of multi-purpose tool  310 . 
     A pressure gauge  374  preferably is also provided in second handle  330 . Pressure gauge  374  includes body portion  376  which is preferably pivotably mounted to second handle  330  to extract valve attachment  378  from channel  396  and into a convenient use position. The inwardly positioned face  450  of pressure gauge  374  may be shaped to provide a receiving channel for jaw member  342  upon folding multi-purpose tool  310  into the folded configuration of FIG.  27 . Preferably, pressure gauge  374  is a battery powered pressure gauge powered by a long-lasting battery, such as a lithium battery. The battery preferably should at least last for ten years providing at least fifty operational cycles per month. A preferably digital display  452  is provided to indicate the measured pressure. It will be appreciated that other types of displays, such as analog displays, and/or other types of pressure gauges may be used instead of the pressure gauge shown in the figures. 
     While a multi-purpose tool formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is particularly shown and described herein with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention may be used with many additions, substitutions, or modifications of form, structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, various other tools or other implements, such as an Allen wrench, a compass, or a clock device, may be provided. Moreover, although certain of the tools coupled to the above-described multi-purpose tools are shown protruding somewhat from the multi-purpose tool, it will be appreciated that such tools may instead be flush with the sides of multi-purpose tool. Conversely, other tools which are shown as being flush with the multi-purpose tool may somewhat protrude therefrom, instead. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.