Patent Publication Number: US-9421680-B1

Title: Multi-function worker&#39;s tool

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/829,749, filed on May 31, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a multi-function worker&#39;s tool. In particular, this disclosure relates to a worker&#39;s tool that is configured to provide sanding, scraping, and cutting functionality. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Workers in the carpentry, painting, woodworking, and other trades use a variety of tools to shape, mold, and form various materials. Some of these tools are configured to remove large quantities of undesired material; for example, a planer can be used to remove layers of wood of varying thickness with each pass. On the other hand, various types of sandpaper exist to allow a worker to remove very small quantities of wood for the purpose of working a surface to a desired shape or smoothness. 
     Some workers enjoy the convenience of small, portable tools that help them accomplish their tasks. For example, painters use a variety of hand-held tools such as scrapers to remove old peeling paint; an electrician may carry a variety of tools in his tool belt, such as cutters, splicers, and the like. In general, it can be preferable that a tool perform multiple functions so that the number of tools a tradesman needs to carry to perform his job is minimized. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, a multi-purpose worker&#39;s tool is provided. In one exemplary aspect, the worker&#39;s tool is configured as a hand-held assembly providing at least one surface for sanding a surface, and at least one edge configured for scraping a surface, e.g., to remove peeling paint. In this exemplary aspect, the assembly further includes a quantity of sandpaper, in rolled form, that can be pulled from within the interior of the assembly and used on an exterior portion for sanding purposes. The assembly can include other tools, such as a cutter, a nail-removing device, screwdriver heads for removing or installing screws, augers, or other tools that may be beneficial to workers in various trades. 
     In one exemplary aspect, a multi-function tool is disclosed. The tool includes a body member configured to retain a length of sandpaper in a deployable configuration, wherein the body member includes at least first and second adjoined surfaces. The first surface is configured for urging the sandpaper against a working surface and the second surface is configured to retain a portion of the sandpaper. The tool further includes a blade attached to the second surface for performing work on the work surface. 
     In one exemplary aspect, a multi-function worker&#39;s tool includes a chamber body for storing a supply of sandpaper, a first surface extending from the chamber body that is configured to receive a length of the sandpaper, and a second surface extending from the first surface having a fastening member configured to secure a blade member in a selectable orientation. The fastening member and the blade member are configured to cooperatively secure a second, different portion of the sandpaper to the second surface. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to store said supply of sandpaper in rolled form. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to store said supply of sandpaper in folded form. 
     In one embodiment, the multi-function worker&#39;s tool further includes a barrel portion disposed between the chamber body and the second surface that is configured for gripping by a human hand. 
     In one embodiment, the blade member includes one or more blade working surfaces. In a related embodiment, the blade member includes a first blade working surface configured for cutting and a second, different blade working surface configured for scraping. In a related embodiment, the multi-function worker&#39;s tool further includes a third, different blade working surface configured for scraping, wherein the second working blade surface is substantially straight, and said third blade working surface is curved. 
     In one embodiment, the second surface includes one or more protrusions configured to pierce the sandpaper for holding the sandpaper in place. In a related embodiment, the blade member includes a corresponding number of apertures on each blade section corresponding to each of the blade working surfaces, wherein the apertures are configured to secure the blade member in the selectable orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber body further includes a rear wall member and a translatable abutment member configured to abut the sandpaper against an upper portion of the rear wall member to reduce the likelihood of the sandpaper shifting. In a related embodiment, the rear wall member is reversibly removable from the chamber body for accessing or replenishing the sandpaper supply. 
     In one embodiment, the translatable abutment member is configured and positioned on the tool such that when performing sanding operations, the heel of the user&#39;s hand is positioned over the abutment member that, in turn, applies an urging force against the sandpaper to reduce the likelihood of shifting. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber body includes a flexible arm member extending from a fulcrum point, wherein the abutment member is integral with the flexible arm member at a distal end. The flexible arm member is configured to flex such that an urging force can be applied to the abutment member against the sandpaper and the upper portion of the rear wall member. 
     In one embodiment, the first surface is planar and has a width dimension substantially equal to the width of the sandpaper. 
     In one embodiment, the chamber body includes an interiorly-disposed, ratcheted spindle member configured to receive a roll of said sandpaper. In a related embodiment, the spindle member is configured to reduce the likelihood of sandpaper unintentionally shifting from the chamber body. 
     In one embodiment, the multi-function worker&#39;s tool further includes a third, beveled surface juxtaposed between the first and the second surface that is configured as a support surface for utilizing a working surface of the blade member. 
     In one embodiment, the blade member is positioned above the plane of the first surface. In a related embodiment, a working surface of said blade member can engage a target surface by tilting said tool forward relative to said plane of said first surface. 
     In yet another exemplary aspect, a multi-function tool includes a body member configured to retain a length of sandpaper in a deployable configuration. The body member includes at least first and second adjoined, planar surfaces, where the first surface is configured for sanding, and the second surface is configured to retain a portion of the sandpaper. A blade having a plurality of working surfaces is disposed on the second surface for providing a selectable cutting or scraping working surface. 
     The disclosed systems and methods of using the system provide certain distinct advantages. For example, the tool can be easily used by a worker to sand wood, paint, or other materials, e.g., in preparation for further treatment such as painting. Unlike some other systems, when the usable portion of sandpaper has lost its effectiveness, the worker can pull a new section of sandpaper stored within the tool to the exterior of the tool to perform further work without needing to retrieve and install a new piece of sandpaper. One or more optional accessory tools allow a worker to use tools as needed without the need to retrieve them from a remote location, which can increase efficiency. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of any described embodiment, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. In case of conflict with terms used in the art, the present specification, including definitions, will control. 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description and claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present embodiments are illustrated by way of the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not necessarily be to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side-view of a multi-function sanding tool according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front-view of said multi-function sanding tool according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a worker&#39;s tool according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the worker&#39;s tool shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the worker&#39;s tool shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional elevation view of the worker&#39;s tool shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a side-view of a three-dimensional multi-function sanding tool  100  (hereinafter “tool”) according to one embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a front-view of said multi-function sanding tool  100 , according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the tool  100  includes a body  105  having a top curved surface  110 , a rear surface  120 , and a front surface  130  as illustrated; the body also includes left and right sides so as to form a substantially box-shaped body. In this embodiment, the top surface  110  is contoured to substantially fit into the palm area of a human hand and can be configured as desired for ergonomic comfort. The tool  100  is configured to be held with the hand on and about the top surface  110 , allowing pressure to be exerted on the tool for sanding, scraping, cutting, and other activities such as those described herein. 
     In this embodiment, the tool  100  includes a hollow chamber within the tool body  105  for storing a length of sandpaper  150 . The sandpaper  150  can be stored in rolled form as illustrated, or in any other configuration as desired. In this embodiment, a side of the body  105 , e.g., the left side  102 , can be removed or opened to expose the chamber, allowing the sandpaper to be inserted or removed as desired. In other embodiments, the chamber can be exposed by opening other sides, or a top or bottom of the body. An elongate, slot-shaped orifice (not illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) is configured between the top surface  110  and the rear surface  120  to allow the sandpaper  150  to extend from the chamber. In this embodiment, the sandpaper can be pulled out and wrapped about the rear surface  120 , bottom surface  115 , and front surface  130  as illustrated.  FIG. 1  shows the sandpaper  150  slightly enlarged for figure clarity, however, it will be understood that the sandpaper  150  can abut the rear ( 120 ), bottom ( 115 ) and front ( 130 ) surfaces when the tool is in an operational configuration. 
     In this and other embodiments, the tool  100  can be used to sand a working surface. In general, the a user can apply pressure onto the tool  100  so that a squeezing force is exerted on the sandpaper between the working surface and the bottom surface  115  of the tool, as woodworkers and other skilled artisans will appreciate. In some cases, it can be advantageous to keep the sandpaper taught, e.g., across the bottom surface  115  when a surface is being sanded. Thus, in this embodiment, the tool  100  includes a dual-purpose blade and sandpaper keeper  160  (hereinafter “blade”) for securing the sandpaper  150  to a portion of the body  105 . 
     In this embodiment, the blade  160  is configured to apply a squeezing force to the sandpaper  150  against the front surface  130  of the tool  100 . While the squeezing force may be accomplished by a variety of methods, in this embodiment, the blade is urged toward the front surface  130  by one or more retaining pins  167 . The retaining pins  167  can include a sharpened tip protruding from the front surface  130  as illustrated, so that the sandpaper  150  can be punctured by the retaining pins  167 , thereby securing the sandpaper  150  in place. In some embodiments, the retaining pins  167  can be threaded or otherwise configured to receive a nut or other fastening mechanism for securing the sandpaper  150  in place. 
     In this embodiment, the blade  160  is a plate having approximately the same length and width dimensions as the front surface  130 ; however, other alternative dimensions can be used. The blade  160  includes a sharpened edge  162  that is configured for cutting, scraping, or other purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the sharpened edge  162  is configured for scraping a surface to prepare it to be painted. 
     In this embodiment, the tool  100  includes a rotatable pin  140  onto which the sandpaper  150  can be wrapped in a circular, or wound fashion, e.g., as illustrated. In one embodiment, the pin can be operably integrated with a ratchet assembly that can be opened to allow the pin to rotate when sandpaper is being withdrawn from the chamber or locked in place when pulling sandpaper taught across the bottom surface  115 , respectively. It will be understood, however, that other methods can be used to store sandpaper within the chamber of the tool  100 . For example, in an alternative embodiment, folded sandpaper can be stored within the chamber in a configuration that allows the sandpaper to be withdrawn from the chamber and wrapped around the tool  100  in a similar fashion to that described above. In this embodiment, a grippable handle portion can extend from the body  105 , allowing a user to rotate the pin  140  when the body is in an assembled, operable configuration for sanding. 
     In this embodiment, the blade  160  can be rotated between a plurality of working orientations as illustrated by the double-headed arrow in  FIG. 2 . A pin  165  provides an axis of rotation about which the blade  160  can rotate about the x-y plane as illustrated; the blade  160  can be configured with apertures configured to receive the retaining pins  167  therethrough to fix the blade  160  in a desired orientation. In this and other embodiments, each side of the blade (e.g., each of four sides in this embodiment) can be configured with the same or different type of surface. 
     For example, each side of the blade can include an edge configured for scraping a working surface. Alternatively, a first side can be configured for scraping a working surface, and a second side can be configured with a razor-like edge that is configured for cutting materials such as wallpaper, sandpaper, or other materials; a third side can be configured with a wide, smooth surface for smoothing a portion of drywall or wallpaper, for example. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the blade  160  includes a notched portion  175  that can be sharpened, if desired, to provide a cutting or scraping surface that can be used for cutting or scraping angled working surfaces such as wood trim and the like. In this and other embodiments, the blade  160  can include any type of edge configured as necessary to provide advantages to the worker. In this and other embodiments, the blade  160  can be removable, and other blades can be offered as accessories in a packaged product, so that a user can interchange blades of different utility depending on the type of work they are performing. 
     In one embodiment, the blade  160  can be positioned such that the user can tilt the tool  100  to engage the sharpened surface  162  of the blade  160  with the working surface, while at another tilt angle the tool  100  can be used for sanding without engaging the blade  160  with the working surface. Such an arrangement can minimize the likelihood of accidentally engaging the sharpened surface  162  against an unintended surface and causing undesired damage. 
     In general, the blade  160  can be urged against the front surface  130  to hold the sandpaper  150  in place by a variety of methods. For example, one or more springs (not illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) can provide an urging force that pulls the blade  160  against the front surface  130 . Such a method can also allow the blade to be pulled away from the front surface  130  a distance necessary to rotate the blade  160  to a desired orientation, then allow the blade  160  to return to a locked, working configuration. Other methods for urging the blade toward the front surface  130  include utilization of screws, bolts and nuts, and other fastening devices that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     In one general aspect, the tool  100  can be used for sanding a working surface. In this disclosure, a “working surface” is the surface of a material that is intended to be modified, e.g., by sanding, scraping, cutting, smoothing, or otherwise altering the surface. To use the tool  100 , a user can extract a desired amount of sandpaper from the storage compartment (chamber) by pulling the sandpaper through the aforementioned slotted orifice between the top surface  110  and the rear surface  120 . The user can wrap the sandpaper around the rear ( 120 ) and bottom ( 115 ) surfaces and engage the sandpaper against the front surface  130 . In doing so, the user can press the sandpaper against the protruding retainer pins with sufficient force to pierce the sandpaper to assist in holding it in place. Next, the user can engage the blade  160  against the sandpaper using, e.g., the aforementioned springs or fastening devices. To prevent additional sandpaper from escaping the chamber, the user can lock the pin  140  in place to prevent the roll of sandpaper from further movement. Any excess sandpaper drawn out that extends beyond the front surface  130  (e.g., sandpaper that exceeds the height of the front surface) can be detached by drawing the sandpaper down on a top cutting surface of the blade  160 . The user can then sand the working surface by performing a sanding motion (e.g., back-and-forth) with the sandpaper engaged between the working surface and the bottom surface  115  of the tool  100 . Likewise, the user can use any of the cutting, sanding, smoothing, or other edges of the blade to perform additional work. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-6 , a worker&#39;s tool  200  is shown according to one embodiment. Referring first to  FIG. 3 , an isometric view of tool  200 , in this embodiment, the tool  200  includes a main body  205  having a barrel portion  206  configured for ergonomic gripping. The main body additionally includes a chamber body  207  for storing a supply of rolled sandpaper  250  as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6 . 
     In this embodiment, the tool  200  is configured to allow the sandpaper to be extended out of the chamber body  207 , around a rear wall member  220 , across a bottom plate  215 , and at least partially around a front wall member  230 . 
     In this embodiment, the sandpaper  250  is urged against the front wall member  230  by blade member  260 ; a fastener  231 , in this example, a bolt/wing-nut combination, is configured to urge the blade member  260  against the front wall member  230  with sufficient securing force to secure the sandpaper  250  in place. It should be understood that the bolt/wing-nut combination can be substituted with other, alternative fastening devices capable of providing the same or similar functionality. 
     In this embodiment, the tool  200  includes a translatable, L-shaped abutment member  208  disposed in a top wall member  217  of the main body  205 . The abutment member  208  can translate along a vertical axis and is configured to apply force to the sandpaper  250  against an upper portion  221  of the rear wall  220  to prevent sandpaper  250  from unrolling during sanding operations. In this embodiment, the main body  205  is configured to allow the barrel portion  206  to be gripped by the thumb and fingers, and the top wall member  217  and abutment member  208  are configured to receive the heel of the user&#39;s hand. Thus, when a worker performs sanding operations, the process of pressing the tool  200  against a surface can urge the abutment member  208  against upper portion  221  to substantially prevent sandpaper  250  from unrolling from the chamber body  207 . 
     In one alternative embodiment, the top wall member can extend from the main body  205  as a flexible arm member at fulcrum  218  ( FIG. 6 ) and be integral with abutment member  208 . In general, such a flexible arm member can be configured such that an abutment surface  219  of the abutment member  208  is normally forced against the upper portion  221 ; however, the flexibility of the arm member can allow sandpaper to be extracted from the chamber body  207  when desired. 
     In this embodiment, blade member  260  is substantially equivalent to blade member  160  previously described with respect to tool  100 . For example, the blade member  260  can have a plurality of blade surfaces (four, in this example) for performing cutting, scraping, and other work. The blade member  260  can be rotated into various positions to allow the worker to use a blade surface for a particular task. In this and other embodiments, the blade member  260  can include any number and type of blade surfaces desirable. For example, a first blade surface can be configured for cutting; a second blade surface can be configured for scraping a flat surface; a third blade surface can be configured for scraping a curved or coped surface; and so on. 
     In this embodiment, the rear wall member  220  can be configured to swing open, detach, or provide access to the interior of the chamber body  207  in other ways. In this example, the rear wall member  220  can be completely removed to access the interior of the chamber body  207 . The wall member  220  can then be securely reattached and held in place through the use of one or more locking slots  280  disposed on side walls of the main body, e.g., side wall  280 , in cooperation with a corresponding number of locking tabs disposed on the wall member  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  in particular, in this embodiment, the front wall member  230  includes two protrusions  261 ,  262  which are disposed at a location that allows them to pierce the sandpaper  250  on a lower portion of the front wall member  230  as illustrated. The protrusions can be similar to the pointed end of a nail, for example, and can help to secure the sandpaper  250  in place cooperatively with the blade member  250 . In this embodiment, each section of the blade that has a working surface, e.g., a blade or a scraper includes a number of apertures corresponding in size, shape, and position to the number of protrusions extending from the front wall member. For example, referring to  FIG. 4 , blade member  250  includes two apertures  263 ,  264  configured to receive protrusions  261 ,  262  as the blade is selectably oriented to use any of the four working surfaces shown which, in this example, are each ninety degrees from each other. 
     In general, a single worker&#39;s tool of the type described herein can provide a multi-function device for sanding, scraping, cutting, and other operations. In one example of use, a worker can draw a length of sandpaper  250  from within the chamber body  207 . The sandpaper can extend around the rear wall member  220 , across the bottom plate  215 , and onto the front front wall member  230 . The sandpaper can then be pulled taught and held in place by applying the removable blade member  260  onto the fastening device  231  and tightening. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-6 , the blade member can be tightened by turning the wing nut onto the bolt to a desired holding strength. When the sandpaper has lost its effectiveness, the worn section can be discarded and a new length can be extracted from the chamber body  207  as previously described. 
     In one general aspect,  FIGS. 3-6  illustrate a multi-function worker&#39;s tool that includes a body  205  that includes a chamber  207  for storing a supply of sandpaper  250 . The body includes a first planar sanding surface, e.g., bottom plate  215  disposed on a bottom portion of the body  205  and is configured to receive a portion of the sandpaper  250 . In this non-limiting embodiment, the combination of the blade member  250  and fastening device  231  provide the capability for securing the sandpaper in place against the sanding surface (e.g., bottom plate  215 ) and concurrently provide a selectable working surface for cutting or scraping. 
     A number of illustrative embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments presented herein. For example, a worker&#39;s tool, e.g., tool  100  can be sized or shaped according to preference or to address desired functionality. The body of a worker&#39;s tool, e.g., body  105  can be made of wood, metal, plastic, or any other known material that allows the tool to be used according to its intended purpose. A worker&#39;s tool, e.g., tool  100  can include written indicia, markings, grip members, or other features to enhance usability or marketability. The blade, e.g., blade  160  can be made of resilient metal, e.g., stainless steel; however, other materials can be used in alternative embodiments. The dimensions of the body, e.g., body  105 , especially the bottom surface, e.g., bottom surface  115 , can be such that they enhance the usability of the tool with respect to sanding operations. For example, the width of the bottom surface can substantially match the width of the sandpaper  150  so that users can sand up to abutting structures, e.g., wall joints and the like. In general, the blade member, e.g., blade member  160  or  260 , can be positioned slightly above the plane of the sanding surface to reduce the likelihood of accidentally scratching a work surface when performing sanding operations. Beveled surface  290  ( FIG. 5 ) provides a stabilizing surface that can be used when scraping to provide the capability of smoothly drawing the blade member  260  along a work surface. In such an embodiment, the tool  200  can be tilted slightly forward such that the beveled surface  290  and the blade contact the work surface; the tool can then be drawn across the work surface as desired. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.