Abstract:
A multi-function tool apparatus and system, comprising a handle and a utility blade having a structure that accommodates a plurality of functions, thus, reducing the number of ancillary tools required by a painter. The handle includes a butt end that is a screwdriver in threaded engagement with the handle. The screwdriver can be removed to expose a shaft and several screwdriver bits. The butt end includes a bolt in threaded engagement with the butt end. The bolt can be removed to attach an elongated pole to allow the apparatus to reach remote areas. The structure of the utility blade allows functions including but not limited to: scraping; putty spreading; caulk scraping; can opening, can closing; roller wiping; cutting; torquing hex nuts on spray guns; nail pulling, nail driving and the like.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Application entitled “Multi-function Tool Apparatus and System,” filed on Jan. 30, 2007, having assigned Ser. No. 60/898,357. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of tools, and more particularly to a multi-function tool that provides functionality common to painters&#39; needs. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Related Art. 
         [0005]    Often times, workers, such as painters, require supporting tools to perform their tasks. In addition to the basic equipment required by a painter, such as a paint brush and paint roller, a painter may require various additional pieces of equipment to perform necessary functions, such as scraping, various cutting tasks, spreading, cleaning rollers, scraping caulk, removing lids from paint cans, hammering nails, driving screws, and the like. It is appreciated that each of these tasks requires separate tools, the carrying and organization of which can burden the painter. 
         [0006]    Thus, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a multi-function tool apparatus and system that allows a painter, or other worker, to conveniently perform many tasks or functions using a single tool or tool system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Briefly described in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a multi-function tool apparatus and system comprising a handle and a utility blade operable to accommodate a plurality of functions, thus, reducing a number of ancillary tools required by a painter, or other worker. 
         [0008]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention, in its preferred form, is a multi-function tool apparatus and system comprising a handle having a butt end that includes a screwdriver in threaded engagement with the handle. The screwdriver may be removed to expose a shaft and a plurality of screwdriver bits of varying configuration. The butt end further preferably includes a bolt in threaded engagement therewith. The bolt may be removed to attach an elongated pole to allow performance of tasks or functions at remote areas. The structure of the utility blade preferably accommodates a plurality of functions including, but not limited to, scraping, putty spreading, caulk scraping, can opening, roller wiping, cutting; turning threaded fasteners; nail pulling, nail driving, and the like. 
         [0009]    The system may further include one or more replaceable blade or point tips for replacement of a cutting blade or scraping point of the multi-function tool, which cutting blade or scraping point may be prone to wear, and may become worn to an extent that it is no longer useful well before other features of the tool have become worn or damaged through ordinary use. The replaceable blade(s) and/or point(s) are preferably retained in engagement with the multi-function tool via a removable sleeve that captures a replaceable blade or point and secures it to the utility blade of the multi-function tool. Disengagement of the sleeve from the utility blade preferably allows a worn blade or point to be replaced with a new blade or point. 
         [0010]    In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a tool apparatus including a handle, a utility blade disposed on one end of the handle, and a butt end disposed on another end of the handle. The utility blade may include a first utility edge disposed on a first side portion thereof, a second utility edge on a second side portion thereof, and a third utility edge disposed between the first and second utility edges, generally defining a forward edge of the utility blade. Each utility edge may include one or more structures for performing associated tasks, such as a circular arc segment section for scraping a paint roller, a paint can opening level, a polygonal cutout for engaging a bolt head, a straight sharp cutting, scraping, and/or spreading edge, a curved sharp cutting and/or scraping edge, a cutting and/or scraping point and/or blade, or the like. Additionally, the utility blade may include one or more utility feature disposed on or through a broad surface of the blade, such as an aperture adapted to pull nails, or the like. 
         [0011]    The handle includes a central handle portion, a butt portion in threaded engagement with the central handle portion and a bolt end in threaded engagement with the butt portion. The butt portion may include a sub-tool inverted to face inwards of a hollow interior of the handle. The inverted sub-tool is preferably a screwdriver removably attached to the handle via threading. When the bolt end is engaged with the butt portion, the bolt may be for hammering, such as to drive nails, or the like. The screwdriver may include a plurality of removable and interchangeable driver bits whereby a plurality of different fasteners of differing types may be rotated by the screwdriver. The bits are preferably housed in receiving sockets formed in the screwdriver for convenience and to prevent loss thereof. When the bold is removed from the butt portion, a rod or other member may be engaged with the butt portion, such as in order to reach remote areas for scraping, or the like. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention features method for performing painter&#39;s functions including providing a tool having a handle with a multifunctional blade having a first edge with a concave aperture, a second edge with a concave aperture and a hex profiled aperture, a third straight edge disposed between the first and second edges and having a first protrusion adjacent the first edge and a second protrusion adjacent the second edge, and a through-hole disposed on the multifunctional blade. The method further includes the steps of inserting a paint roller within the concave aperture on the first edge and running the paint roller along an edge of the concave aperture to clean the paint roller, spreading putty with the straight edge, scraping a surface with the straight edge, scraping caulk with the second protrusion, removing a lid from a paint can with the first protrusion, and/or removing a nail with the through-hole. The method may further include the steps of hammering an object with a bolt engaged with butt portion of the handle, removing the butt portion of the handle and rotating a fastener with a screwdriver of the butt portion, and/or removing a bolt from engagement with the butt portion and engaging an extension pole with the butt portion. The method may further include the steps of engaging a removable point or blade with a protrusion of the utility blade and securing the removable point or blade to the utility blade via a covering sleeve. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, one feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a single tool apparatus capable of performing a plurality of tasks or functions associated with painting or other work, whereby the number of tools required by a painter or other workman may be reduced. 
         [0014]    Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a removable screwdriver operable with a handle carrying a utility blade, whereby the screwdriver and a plurality of bits associated therewith may be stored and protected when not in use and may be conveniently carried by the handle and utility blade when not in use. 
         [0015]    Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide replaceable cutting blades and/or points, whereby replacement of the entire tool due to premature wear and/or damage to one portion thereof may be avoided. 
         [0016]    These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-function tool apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an exploded rear perspective view of the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of an extension accessory operable with the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top exploded view of a cutting blade or point accessory operable with the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of a bolt end of the multi-function tool apparatus according to an alternate embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a partially-exploded view of the cutting blade or point accessory of  FIG. 5  illustrating engagement thereof with the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the cutting blade or point accessory of  FIG. 5  engaged with the multi-function tool apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is detail perspective view of replaceable cutting blade of the accessory of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a retaining sleeve of the accessory of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the retaining sleeve of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
       [0029]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    To the fullest extent permitted by law, the present Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Application entitled “Multi-function Tool Apparatus and System,” filed on Jan. 30, 2007, having assigned Ser. No. 60/898,357. 
         [0031]    In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0032]    In that form of the present invention chosen for the purpose of illustration,  FIGS. 1-11  show multi-function tool apparatus  100  comprising handle  105 , utility blade  110 , and bolt end  120 , sub-tool  200 , bolt end  120 , elongated rod  400 , and replacement blade or point accessory  500  comprising replaceable blade or point  510  and sleeve  520 . 
         [0033]    Now referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated multi-function tool apparatus  100  which preferably includes handle  105  having forward end  106  and rear end  107 . It should be appreciated that handle  105  may be formed in a variety of shapes, configurations, dimensions, and orientations, as desired, for, aesthetics, comfort, and/or ease of use. In a typical implementation, handle  105  preferably has a generally circular cross-section tapering slightly from rear end  107  to forward end  106 . It should also be appreciated that handle  105  may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials with varying gripping characteristics and a variety of textures to aid in gripping. In a typical implementation, handle  105  preferably includes soft synthetic rubber, such as Santoprene. 
         [0034]    Apparatus  100  preferably further includes utility blade  110  disposed on forward end  106  of handle  105 . It should be appreciated that utility blade  110  is preferably attached to forward end  106  so as to provide structural support for utility blade  110 , such as by a tine inserted to a sufficient depth within handle  105 , whereby forces may be applied to utility blade  110  and or a surface in contact therewith, via handle  105 . Utility blade  105  preferably includes a plurality of structures configured for use as tools, such as those described in greater detail below. 
         [0035]    Apparatus  100  preferably further includes butt end  115 , which is preferably operable with rear end  107  of handle  105 , such as via threads  117  and  109 . Butt end  115  preferably comprises a portion of handle  105  which may be gripped by a user when in threaded engagement with rear end  107 . Apparatus  100  may further include bolt end  120  operable with butt end  115 , such as via threads  121  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, bolt end  120  is formed of a substantially rigid or hard material, such as metal, that is suitable for driving nails, sealing paint can lids, or other hammering tasks. Butt-end  115  preferably includes internal threads  116 , shown in  FIG. 2 , that engage threads  121  of bolt end  120  to allow butt end  115  and bolt end  120  to be engaged. 
         [0036]    As mentioned above, butt end  115  preferably includes sub-tool  200 , shown in cross-section in  FIG. 2  and shown in perspective in  FIG. 3 . Sub-tool  200  may be inserted into hollow interior  108  of handle  105 , also shown in  FIG. 2 . In a typical embodiment, sub-tool  200  preferably comprises a screwdriver wherein butt end  115  functions as handle  205  of sub-tool  200  when removed from engagement with rear end  117 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Sub-tool  200  preferably further includes shaft  210  operable with handle  205 . Shaft  210  preferably includes female aperture  215  for receiving one of a plurality of driving bits  220  of various configurations. Driving bits  220  may preferably be stored in a respective plurality of storage recesses  225 , preferably disposed in handle  205  generally circumferentially about and proximate shaft  210 . It should be appreciated that driver bits  220  may optionally be single or double ended as is known in the art. Driver bits  220  and female aperture  215  preferably further include complimentary cross-sections that allow stable mating, such that a torque may be applied to driver bits  220  without rotation thereof within female aperture  215 . Such a cross-section may optionally be hexagonal, although alternative shapes, such as square, diamond, cross-shaped, or other shapes may be employed. As mentioned above, sub-tool  200  preferably includes threads  117  for engagement with internal threads  109  of handle  105 , both of which preferably allow butt end  115  and handle  105  to be threadably engaged and disengaged. 
         [0037]    Now referring more particularly to blade  110 , a plurality of utility edges, such as first utility edge  125 , second utility edge  150 , and third utility edge  175 , may be provided. As further discussed in the description below, utility edges  125 ,  150 , and  175  include one or more shape(s), curve(s), contour(s), cut-out(s), and or projection(s) that enable performance of a plurality of tasks. First utility edge  125  preferably includes at least one concave curve  130  defining a well in first utility edge  125 . Concave curve  130  preferably defines a circular arc segment profile defining the well, and preferably includes blunt edge  131 . Concave curve  130  is preferably configured and adapted to receive a typical paint roller therein for cleaning the paint roller by scraping, wherein apparatus  100  may be used to run blunt edge  131  along a portion of the paint roller surface to aid in paint extraction, preferably in conjunction with water and soap or other solvent. 
         [0038]    Second utility edge  150  preferably includes at least three concave structures  155 ,  160 , and  165 , each defining a well in second utility edge  150 . Concave curve  155  preferably defines a circular arc segment profile and includes sharp edge  156 . Concave curve  155  may be used as a cutting edge for cutting a variety of materials, such as for cutting natural or synthetic fibers, including woven materials, paper, plastic, rubber, wires, wood, or other material. Concave curves  160  and  165  each preferably includes a plurality of blunt edges  161  and  166 , respectively. In a preferred embodiment, concave curves  160  and  165  each includes four respective substantially straight edges  161 ,  165  that preferably define a well having a semi-hexagonal profile. It should be appreciated that concave curves  160  and  165 , therefore, may be configured adapted to receive and engage a typical hexagonal nut, bolt, or other structure having a similar hexagonal profile, which may, for example, be found on a paint sprayer or other device or container with which a user may work. Thus, concave curves  160  and  165  may preferably be utilized to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, or other fasteners of paint sprayers or other devices or containers. 
         [0039]    Third utility edge  175  is preferably disposed between first and second utility edges  125  and  150 , and generally perpendicular to, preferably within 15 degrees of perpendicular to, longitudinal axis  101  defined along a length of apparatus  100 . Third utility edge  175  is preferably generally straight and preferably includes two end protrusions  185  and  190  proximate second utility edge  150  and first utility edge  125 , respectively. Third utility edge  175  preferably includes straight sharp edge  180 , which may preferably be used for scraping, cutting, spreading, or the like, thereby functioning as a combination scraper and putty knife. First protrusion  185  preferably terminates in point  186 , which may preferably be used, for example, as a caulk scraper. In a typical embodiment, first protrusion  185  is preferably contiguous with both straight sharpen edge  180  and cutting edge  156 . Alternatively, point  186  may be replaced by a blade having an extended sharp edge between straight sharp edge  180  and cutting edge  156 . Second protrusion  190  is preferably formed as a blunt end that may preferably be implemented as level, such as to open a paint can, a spackle container, or the like. It should be understood that second protrusion  190  is preferably used to pry tops or lids off cans or containers, or for other similar prying or leveling tasks. 
         [0040]    Utility blade  110  preferably further includes through-hole  195  disposed therethrough. Through-hole  195  may preferably include any of a variety of shapes and cross-sections. As shown in  FIG. 1 , through-hole  195  is preferably has a tear-drop shape for advantageously receiving nail heads through a larger portion thereof and for gripping the nail shaft and/or head proximate a narrower portion. Thus, through-hole  195  may be used for pulling nails, or the like. 
         [0041]    Thus, apparatus  100  is preferably capable of performing several functions useful to painters, or other workers, including, but not limited to, cleaning paint rollers, applying putty and/or other substances, scraping flat surfaces, scraping joints, cracks, or crevices, cutting, rotating threaded fasteners or other devices having hexagonal, or other, patterns, pulling nails, opening cans, driving nails, or the like. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , apparatus  100  preferably includes a rear opening  111  including threads  109  adapted to engage threads  117  of handle  205 . Furthermore, handle  205  preferably includes opening  118  including threads  116  operable to engage with threads  121  of bolt end  120 . As will be appreciated from the figures, the three components  100 ,  200 , and  120  are preferably removably engageable with one another and may optionally be included together as a system or kit.  FIG. 4  illustrates elongated rod  400 , usable as an extension pole, preferably having threaded end  405  adapted to engage opening  118  via threads  116  when bolt end  120  is removed. As such, elongated rod  400  may optionally be used to connect to sub-tool  200  alone or to sub-tool  200  in threaded engagement with handle  105 , wherein elongated rod  400  may preferably be used to reach remote locations where the functionality of apparatus  100  or sub-tool  200  is required or desired. In a typical implementation, elongated rod  400  may optionally be included with other components  100 ,  200 ,  120  as a system or kit. Elongated rod  400  preferably includes first rod section  410  and second rod section  420  engageable via locking button  430 . Either or both of sections  410  and  420  may preferably include a telescoping feature, such that elongated rod  400  may be extended and/or retracted along a spectrum of lengths. Locking button  430  is preferably operable to lock the respective orientation of rod sections  420  and  430  into position. 
         [0043]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5-11 , accessory  500  comprising replaceable point or blade  510  and retaining sleeve  520  is illustrated. Replaceable point or blade  510  preferably comprises body  511  having point or blade  513  formed on a forward exterior portion and cavity  515  formed in a rearward portion thereof. Point or blade  513  is preferable adapted for use in cutting, scraping of the like, similar to point  185  of utility blade  110 . Cavity  515  is preferably adapted to seat on point  185 , whether worn or not, whereby point or blade  513  may provide a new point or blade in place of point  185 . Replaceable point or blade  510  may preferably be retained in engagement with point  185  via encapsulation of replaceable point or blade  513  and at least a portion of utility blade  110  with retaining sleeve  520 . Accordingly, retaining sleeve  520  preferably comprises body  521  generally enclosing space  523 . In use, replaceable point or blade  510  and at least a portion of utility blade  110  may be inserted into space  523  via first aperture  525 . When completely inserted, at least a portion of point or blade  513  preferably projects from second aperture  527  and is exposed for use. Retaining sleeve  520  preferably securely engages at least a portion of utility blade  110 , whereby accidental or unintentional removal of retaining sleeve  520  is substantially prevented. As mentioned above, point  185  may become dull through normal use for cutting and/or scraping before other structures of apparatus  100  wear out or break. Without accessory  500 , apparatus  100  may need to be replaced unnecessarily. Thus, accessory  500  preferably prolongs a useful life of apparatus  100 . 
         [0044]    As will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, numerous additional features and combinations of features may be included, additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, bolt end  120  may be replaced by bolt end  610  having a textured exterior surface, such as a waffle pattern, as is known in the hammer art. Likewise, bottle opener cut-out  710  may be included on first utility edge  125 . Thus, the foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention, and having thus described such exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.