Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of multi-function tools. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to folding multi-function tools including pliers. Multi-function tools typically include a pair of handles and an implement such as a wrench, pair of scissors, or pliers, along with a number of ancillary tools used to perform any number of tasks. Plier assemblies of multi-function tools typically include a pair of jaws, each of which are cast and/or machined and pinned relative to one another at a fixed point. These jaws can be costly to manufacture, and the plier assemblies are limited to manipulating items within a certain size range.

<CIT> shows the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Other examples are known from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>.

Claim <NUM> contains all features of claim <NUM> and relates to a multi-purpose tool. The multi-purpose tool includes a first handle, a second handle, and a laminated plier jaw assembly coupled to the first handle and the second handle. The laminated plier jaw assembly includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, an inner layer, and a pin. The first outer layer defines a first aperture. The second outer layer defines a second aperture. The inner layer is positioned between and is coupled to the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The inner layer defines a slot having a narrow portion positioned between a first wide portion and a second wide portion. The pin extends at least partially through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the slot. The first outer layer, second outer layer, and the inner layer cooperate to define a pair of jaws that rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation. The jaws are selectively reconfigurable between a small jaw spacing configuration where the pin extends through the first wide portion of the slot and a large jaw spacing configuration where the pin extends through the second wide portion of the slot.

At least one embodiment relates to a laminated plier jaw assembly. The laminated plier jaw assembly includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a pin. The first jaw includes a first jaw plate and a second jaw plate fixedly coupled to one another. The second jaw includes a third jaw plate and a fourth jaw plate fixedly coupled to one another. The third jaw plate and the fourth jaw plate each define a slot. The pin is fixedly coupled to the first jaw plate and extends through the slots to pivotally couple the jaws to one another. The third jaw plate is positioned between the first jaw plate and the second jaw plate, and the second jaw plate is positioned between the third jaw plate and the fourth jaw plate.

Claim <NUM> relates to a laminated plier jaw assembly. The laminated plier assembly includes a first laminated jaw and a second jaw. The first laminated jaw includes a first plate defining a gripping profile and a second plate fixedly coupled to the first plate. The second plate includes a flange at least partially overhanging the first plate. The second jaw is pivotally coupled to the first laminated jaw. The first laminated jaw and the second jaw are selectively repositionable relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein the first plate is an inner plate, the flange is a first flange, and the second plate is a first outer plate, wherein the first laminated jaw further comprises a second outer plate fixedly coupled to the first outer plate, wherein the inner plate is positioned between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, and wherein the second outer plate includes a second flange extending toward the first flange , and wherein the first laminated jaw is slidably and rotatably coupled to the second jaw, and wherein the first laminated jaw is configured such that the first laminated jaw can slide relative to the second jaw only when the first laminated jaw is oriented within a threshold range of angular positions relative to the second jaw, the threshold range of angular positions being less than <NUM> degrees.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, a multi-tool includes a first handle and a second handle pivotally coupled to a plier assembly. The plier assembly includes a first jaw pivotally coupled to the second jaw. The jaws are formed with a laminated layered construction. The laminated layer construction adds rigidity and jaw torque strength beyond conventional pliers or multi-tools and also improves the crush force transmission capabilities. Specifically, the plier assembly includes a first outer layer, a first inner layer, a second inner layer, and a second outer layer. Each layer includes a series of plates that are fixedly coupled to one another using rivets to form the jaws. Each of the layers defines an aperture configured to receive a pin or rivet that pivotally couples the jaws to one another.

The first outer layer defines a chamfered slot that is configured to interface with a correspondingly shaped chamfered section of the pin. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the chamfered slot and translate along the length of the chamfered slot. The first inner layer defines an aperture that is correspondingly shaped to a flattened section of the pin. The flattened section is substantially circular except for a pair of parallel flats. The flats engage a flat portion of the aperture of the first inner layer, preventing rotation of the first inner layer relative to the pin. The second inner layer defines an hourglass slot that receives the flattened section of the pin. The hourglass slot has two wide portions with a narrow portion therebetween. The narrow portion is sized to permit passage of the pin between the wide portions when the flats of the flattened section are aligned with the narrow portion. However, the narrow portion is too narrow to permit the pin to pass through in any other orientation. When the pin is positioned in the first wide portion, the jaws are arranged in a small jaw spacing configuration. When the pin is positioned in the second wide portion, the jaws are arranged in a large jaw spacing configuration. The second outer layer defines a rivet aperture configured to receive a fixed section of the pin. The fixed section and the rivet aperture are correspondingly shaped and each define a flat surface. The flat surfaces engage one another, preventing rotation of the pin relative to the rivet aperture. Each of the outer layers define flanges that at least partially overhang the adjacent inner layers, improving the strength of the plier assembly.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a multi-functional tool or foldable tool, shown as multi-tool <NUM>, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The multi-tool <NUM> includes a first handle assembly, shown as handle <NUM>, a second handle assembly, shown as handle <NUM>, and a plier assembly, plier jaw assembly, primary implement, or primary tool, shown as pliers <NUM>. The pliers <NUM> include a first jaw assembly, shown as jaw <NUM>, and a second jaw assembly, shown as jaw <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the jaw <NUM> by a pin member <NUM> (e.g., a bolt, a pin, an axle, etc.), and the handle <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the jaw <NUM> by another pin member <NUM>. The jaw <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the jaw <NUM> by a rivet <NUM> (e.g., a bolt, a pin, an axle, a rivet, etc.). Accordingly, the handle <NUM> is pivotable relative to the jaw <NUM> about an axis of rotation, shown as axis <NUM>, extending through the center of the pin member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is pivotable relative to the jaw <NUM> about an axis of rotation, shown as axis <NUM>, extending through the center of the other pin member <NUM>. As such, the handles <NUM> and <NUM> are pivotally coupled to the pliers <NUM> in a butterfly-style arrangement. The jaw <NUM> is pivotable relative to the jaw <NUM> about an axis of rotation, shown as axis <NUM>, extending through the center of the rivet <NUM>. The jaw <NUM> and the jaw <NUM> are selectively repositionable relative to one another between a fully closed position (e.g., shown in <FIG>) and a fully open position.

The multi-tool <NUM> is selectively reconfigurable between an open, use, or working configuration, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a closed or storage configuration, shown in <FIG>. In the working configuration, the handles <NUM> and <NUM> may be operated by a user to open and close the pliers <NUM> (e.g., to hold an object, to release an object, to cut a wire, etc.). In the storage configuration, the pliers <NUM> are folded into a pair of recesses <NUM> defined by the handles <NUM> and <NUM>, reducing the overall size of the multi-tool <NUM>.

The multi-tool <NUM> includes a series of secondary tools that can selectively be accessed (e.g., rotated from a storage position to a working or use position) when the multi-tool <NUM> is in the storage configuration. Referring to <FIG>, the handle <NUM> and the handle <NUM> each include a main body or frame, shown as handle body <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes a first long secondary tool, shown as saw <NUM>, and a second long secondary tool, shown as knife <NUM>. The saw <NUM> and the knife <NUM> each rotate about the axis <NUM> and are coupled to the handle body <NUM> by the pin member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> further includes a short secondary tool, shown as screwdriver <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes a first long secondary tool, shown as knife <NUM>, and a second long secondary tool, shown as screwdriver <NUM>. The knife <NUM> and the screwdriver <NUM> each rotate about the axis <NUM> and are coupled to the handle body <NUM> by the pin member <NUM>. The handle <NUM> further includes a short secondary tool, shown as screwdriver <NUM>. The screwdriver <NUM>, the screwdriver <NUM>, and/or the screwdriver <NUM> may have interchangeable bits. Accordingly, the screwdrivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be able to accommodate screwdriver bits of different types and sizes. Each screwdriver <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include a magnet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate a releasable coupling between the screwdriver bits and the screwdrivers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the handles <NUM> and <NUM> are slidably coupled to the pliers <NUM> in a sliding arrangement. Specifically, the jaw <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the handle <NUM> (e.g., translatable along a length of the handle <NUM>) such that the jaw <NUM> is at least partially received within the handle <NUM> when the multi-tool <NUM> is in the stored configuration. The jaw <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the handle <NUM> (e.g., translatable along a length of the handle <NUM>) such that the jaw <NUM> is at least partially received within the handle <NUM> when the multi-tool <NUM> is in the stored configuration. In such embodiments, the secondary tools (e.g., the knife <NUM>, the screwdriver <NUM>, the screwdriver <NUM>, etc.) may be used regardless of whether the multi-tool <NUM> is in the storage configuration or the working configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the pliers <NUM> have a laminated construction formed from multiple plates coupled (e.g., fixedly) to one another by a series of fasteners (e.g., pins, rivets, bolts, etc.), shown as rivets <NUM>. Specifically, the pliers <NUM> include a first outer layer <NUM>, a first inner layer <NUM>, a second inner layer <NUM>, and a second outer layer <NUM>, each stacked on top of one another in sequence. In some embodiments, each of the plates (i.e., the layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are substantially the same thickness. In other embodiments, the inner plates <NUM>, <NUM> each have a first thickness, and the outer plates <NUM>, <NUM> each have a second thickness, where the first and second thicknesses are different. The first outer layer <NUM> includes a main jaw plate <NUM>, a secondary jaw plate <NUM>, and a secondary handle plate <NUM>. The first inner layer <NUM> includes a main jaw plate <NUM>, a secondary jaw plate <NUM>, and a secondary handle plate <NUM>. The second inner layer <NUM> includes a main jaw plate <NUM>, a secondary jaw plate <NUM>, and a secondary handle plate <NUM>. The second outer layer <NUM> includes a main jaw plate <NUM>, a secondary jaw plate <NUM>, and a secondary handle plate <NUM>. Together, the secondary jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary handle plate <NUM>, the main jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary handle plate <NUM>, the main jaw plate <NUM>, and the corresponding rivets <NUM> form the jaw <NUM>. Together, the main jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary handle plate <NUM>, the main jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary jaw plate <NUM>, the secondary handle plate <NUM>, and the corresponding rivets <NUM> form the jaw <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the pliers <NUM> include more layers and/or plates. By way of example, the pliers <NUM> may include one or more additional layers outside of the first outer layer <NUM> or the second outer layer <NUM> or between any of the layers. By way of another example, one or more of the plates described herein may be split into multiple plates. Additional plates may be coupled to the plates shown in <FIG> using rivets <NUM>, adhesive, fasteners, or another type of coupling.

Referring to <FIG>, the main jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The main jaw plate <NUM> includes a base plate, shown as plate <NUM>, from which the main jaw plate <NUM> is formed. The plate <NUM> defines a series of apertures, shown as structural rivet apertures <NUM>. Each structural rivet aperture <NUM> is configured to receive one of the rivets <NUM> to facilitate assembly of the pliers <NUM>. Because the main jaw plate <NUM> is part of an outside layer, the structural rivet apertures <NUM> may be countersunk to facilitate the rivets sitting flush or near-flush with the surface of the plate <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> defines a first jaw profile section or gripping profile, shown as large tooth section <NUM>, and a second jaw profile section or gripping profile, shown as small tooth section <NUM>. The large tooth section <NUM> and the small tooth section <NUM> each define a series of teeth arranged in an arcuate pattern. The teeth may facilitate grabbing and holding one or more items with the pliers <NUM>. The arc about which the teeth of the large tooth section <NUM> are arranged is larger (e.g., has a larger radius) than the arc about which the teeth of the small tooth section <NUM> are arranged. This may facilitate holding items of a variety of different sizes within the pliers <NUM>. The main jaw plate <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> extending substantially perpendicular to the plate <NUM>. The flange <NUM> extends along an edge of the plate <NUM> and may be formed from a bent portion of the plate <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> defines an aperture, shown as handle pin aperture <NUM>. The handle pin aperture <NUM> is configured to receive the pin member <NUM> to pivotally couple the plate <NUM> to the corresponding handle (e.g., the handle <NUM>). An edge of the plate <NUM> defines a surface, shown as stop surface <NUM>. The stop surface <NUM> is positioned to engage the handle body <NUM> of the corresponding handle to limit or prevent travel of the handle beyond the working configuration. Arranged around the handle pin aperture <NUM> at approximately the same radius from the central axis of the handle pin aperture <NUM> (e.g., the axis <NUM>) are a pair of substantially flat surfaces, shown as working spring surface <NUM> and storage spring surface <NUM>. The working spring surface <NUM> and the storage spring surface <NUM> are configured to engage a spring (e.g., the paddle springs <NUM>, shown in <FIG>) to hold the corresponding handle (e.g., the handle <NUM>) in the working configuration and the storage configuration, respectively.

The plate <NUM> defines a slot, aperture, or pivot pin aperture, shown as chamfered slot <NUM>. The chamfered slot <NUM> is configured to receive the rivet <NUM>. The chamfered slot <NUM> has a length Li and a width W<NUM> measured perpendicular to the length L<NUM>, both of which are measured perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The length Li is greater than the width W<NUM>. The plate <NUM> further includes a pair of markings, shown as alignment indicators <NUM>. The alignment indicators are arranged on opposite ends of the chamfered slot <NUM> and substantially aligned with the lengthwise center (e.g., positioned along the longitudinal axis) of the chamfered slot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the secondary jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The secondary jaw plate <NUM> and the secondary jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially identical. Except as otherwise specified, the secondary jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The secondary jaw plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a pair of structural rivet apertures <NUM>. The structural rivet apertures <NUM> may be chamfered. The plate <NUM> further defines a large tooth section <NUM> and a small tooth section <NUM>. A flange <NUM> is coupled to and extends from the plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the secondary handle plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The secondary handle plate <NUM> and the secondary handle plate <NUM> may be substantially identical. Except as otherwise specified, the secondary handle plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The secondary handle plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a structural rivet aperture <NUM>. The structural rivet aperture <NUM> may be chamfered. The plate <NUM> further defines a handle pin aperture <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a working spring surface <NUM>, and a storage spring surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the main jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except as otherwise specified, the main jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The main jaw plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a series of structural rivet apertures <NUM>. The structural rivet apertures <NUM> may not be chamfered. The plate <NUM> defines a large tooth section <NUM> and a small tooth section <NUM>. The plate <NUM> further defines a gripping profile, shown as flat tooth section <NUM>. The flat tooth section <NUM> includes a series of teeth that extend along a substantially straight line. In some embodiments, the flat tooth section <NUM> engages a flat tooth section of another plate of the pliers <NUM> when the pliers <NUM> are fully closed. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the portion of the plate <NUM> that defines the flat tooth section <NUM> extends beyond the first and second outer layers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> defines a handle pin aperture <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a working spring surface <NUM>, and a storage spring surface <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> configured to receive the rivet <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> has two substantially flat portions, shown as flats <NUM>. The flats <NUM> extend substantially parallel to one another. The flats <NUM> are offset from one another by a width W<NUM>. The remainder of the aperture <NUM> is substantially circular and has a diameter D<NUM>. An edge of the plate <NUM> opposite the tooth sections is sharpened to define a blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> cooperates with a blade of another plate to form a cutter.

Referring to <FIG>, the secondary jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except as otherwise specified, the secondary jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The secondary jaw plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a pair of structural rivet apertures <NUM>. The structural rivet apertures <NUM> may not be chamfered. The plate <NUM> further defines a large tooth section <NUM>, a small tooth section <NUM>, and a flat tooth section <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the secondary handle plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The secondary handle plate <NUM> and the secondary handle plate <NUM> may be substantially identical. Except as otherwise specified, the secondary handle plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The secondary handle plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a structural rivet aperture <NUM>. The structural rivet aperture <NUM> may not be chamfered. The plate <NUM> further defines a handle pin aperture <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a working spring surface <NUM>, and a storage spring surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the main jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except as otherwise specified, the main jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The main jaw plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a series of structural rivet apertures <NUM>. The structural rivet apertures <NUM> may not be chamfered. The plate <NUM> defines a large tooth section <NUM>, a small tooth section <NUM>, and a flat tooth section <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a handle pin aperture <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a working spring surface <NUM>, and a storage spring surface <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> defines an aperture or slot, shown as hourglass slot <NUM>, having an hourglass or figure-eight profile. The hourglass slot <NUM> is configured to receive the rivet <NUM>. The hourglass slot <NUM> has two wide portions <NUM>. The wide portions <NUM> are positioned on opposite sides of a neck portion or section, shown as narrow portion <NUM>. The wide portions <NUM> are substantially circular and each have a diameter D<NUM>. The narrow portion <NUM> has a width W<NUM> at its narrowest point. The hourglass slot <NUM> has a length L<NUM>. In some embodiments, the length L<NUM> is approximately equal to the length Li of the chamfered slot <NUM>. The plate <NUM> further defines a blade <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the main jaw plate <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except as otherwise specified, the main jaw plate <NUM> may be substantially similar to the main jaw plate <NUM>. The main jaw plate <NUM> includes a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a series of structural rivet apertures <NUM>. The structural rivet apertures <NUM> may be chamfered. The plate <NUM> defines a large tooth section <NUM> and a small tooth section <NUM>. A flange <NUM> is coupled to and extends from the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a handle pin aperture <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a working spring surface <NUM>, and a storage spring surface <NUM>. The plate <NUM> defines a rivet fixing aperture or fixed connection aperture, shown as chamfered aperture <NUM>, configured to receive the rivet <NUM>. The chamfered aperture <NUM> has two substantially flat portions, shown as flats <NUM>. The flats <NUM> extend substantially parallel to one another. The flats <NUM> are offset from one another by a width W<NUM>. The remainder of the chamfered aperture <NUM> is substantially circular and has a diameter of D<NUM>. In some embodiments, the width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> are smaller than the width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> of the aperture <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, the multi-tool <NUM> is shown in the working configuration. A pair of cantilevered biasing members, shown as paddle springs <NUM>, are coupled to the handle bodies <NUM>. Specifically, a first end of each paddle spring <NUM> is coupled to the handle body <NUM> by a fastener, shown as rivet <NUM>. A second end of each paddle spring <NUM> opposite the first end is biased to engage the corresponding jaw. When the handle is in the working configuration, the paddle spring <NUM> engages the working spring surfaces of the corresponding plates. Because the paddle spring <NUM> and the working spring surfaces are both flat, the biasing force of the paddle spring <NUM> opposes motion of the handle toward the storage configuration. If the biasing force is overcome, the paddle spring <NUM> then engages a circular surface extending between the working spring surfaces and the storage spring surfaces. Once the handle reaches the storage configuration, the paddle spring <NUM> engages the storage spring surface, and the biasing force opposes movement out of the storage configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the rivet <NUM> includes multiple different sections, each configured to interact with a different one of the main jaw plates. A first section, shown as base chamfer section <NUM>, is configured to be received within the chamfered slot <NUM>. The chamfer of the base chamfer section <NUM> matches the chamfer of the chamfered slot <NUM> such that the rivet <NUM> can translate freely along the length Li of the chamfered slot <NUM> and rotate freely about the axis <NUM> relative to the main jaw plate <NUM>.

A second section, shown as flattened section <NUM>, is configured to be received within the aperture <NUM> and within the hourglass slot <NUM>. The flattened section <NUM> has two substantially flat surfaces, shown as flats <NUM>. The flats <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another and offset from one another by a width W<NUM>. The remainder of the flattened section <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter D<NUM>. The width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> of the flattened section <NUM> are substantially equal to the width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. Accordingly, due to interference between the flats <NUM> and the flats <NUM>, rotation of the main jaw plate <NUM> relative to the rivet <NUM> is prevented. As described with respect to <FIG>, the geometry of the flattened section <NUM> also interacts with the hourglass slot <NUM> to permit selective translation of the jaw <NUM> relative to the rivet <NUM>.

A third section of the rivet <NUM>, shown as fixed section, closure section, or rivet section <NUM>, is configured to be received within the chamfered aperture <NUM>. The rivet section <NUM> has two substantially flat surfaces, shown as flats <NUM>. The flats <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another and offset from one another by a width W<NUM>. The remainder of the rivet section <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter D<NUM>. The width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> of the rivet section <NUM> are substantially equal to the width W<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> of the chamfered aperture <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, due to interference between the flats <NUM> and the flats <NUM>, rotation of the main jaw plate <NUM> relative to the rivet <NUM> is limited (e.g., prevented).

<FIG> illustrate the rivet <NUM> in an uninstalled configuration. <FIG> illustrate the rivet <NUM> in an installed configuration. To install the rivet <NUM>, the rivet <NUM> is inserted through the chamfered slot <NUM>, the aperture <NUM>, the hourglass slot <NUM>, and the chamfered aperture <NUM>. The rivet <NUM> is then compressed such that the rivet section <NUM> deforms to match the chamfer of the chamfered aperture <NUM>. The opposing chamfers of the base chamfer section <NUM> and the rivet section <NUM> prevent the rivet <NUM> from being removed from the pliers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the pliers <NUM> are selectively reconfigurable between a small jaw spacing configuration, shown in <FIG>, and a large jaw spacing configuration, shown in <FIG>. In the small jaw spacing configuration, the flat tooth sections of the jaws engage one another when the pliers <NUM> are closed. In the large jaw spacing configuration, the flat tooth sections of the jaws are offset from one another when the pliers <NUM> are closed. Accordingly, the small jaw spacing configuration may be useful for grasping small items, whereas the large jaw spacing configuration may be useful for grasping large items.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pliers <NUM> are selectively reconfigurable between the small jaw spacing configuration and the large jaw spacing configuration depending upon the position and orientation of the flattened section <NUM> of the rivet <NUM> relative to the hourglass slot <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM>. The pliers <NUM> are in the small jaw spacing configuration when the rivet <NUM> is centered within one of the wide portions <NUM> of the hourglass slot <NUM> (e.g., the top wide portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). The pliers <NUM> are in the large jaw spacing configuration when the rivet <NUM> is centered within the other wide portion <NUM> of the hourglass slot <NUM> (e.g., the bottom wide portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>).

The diameter D<NUM> of the flattened section <NUM> is slightly smaller than the diameter D<NUM> of the wide portions <NUM> of the hourglass slot <NUM>. Accordingly, the main jaw plate <NUM> (and thus the jaw <NUM>) is free to rotate relative to the rivet <NUM> (e.g., about the axis <NUM>) when the flattened section <NUM> is centered within either of the wide portions <NUM>. The diameter D<NUM> and the diameter D<NUM> may be similarly sized to limit slop (e.g., translation of the jaws <NUM> and <NUM> perpendicular to the axis <NUM>) in these configurations. The width W<NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM> is smaller than the diameter D<NUM> of the flattened section <NUM>. This prevents the flattened section <NUM> from moving away from the center of each wide portion <NUM>. To move the flattened section <NUM> between the wide portions <NUM>, the main jaw plate <NUM> can be rotated relative to the rivet <NUM> until the flats <NUM> align with the narrow portion <NUM>. The width W<NUM> between the flats <NUM> is less than the width W<NUM> of the narrow portion <NUM>, permitting free translation of the rivet <NUM> along the length L<NUM> of the hourglass slot <NUM> when the flats <NUM> are parallel to the length L<NUM>.

The flats <NUM> and the hourglass slot <NUM> may be oriented relative to one another such that the flats <NUM> align with the narrow portion <NUM> when the pliers <NUM> are outside of a normal range of motion (e.g., are in a fully open position, are in a wide open position, etc.). This may minimize the potential for unintentionally reconfiguring the pliers <NUM> between the small and large jaw spacing configurations during normal operation (e.g., one handed operation) of the pliers <NUM>. To facilitate determining when the flats <NUM> are aligned with the narrow portion <NUM>, the rivet <NUM> defines a pair of markings (e.g., indentations, bosses, printed indicators, etc.) shown as alignment indicators <NUM>. In other embodiments, the rivet <NUM> defines more or fewer alignment indicators <NUM>. The alignment indicators <NUM> are oriented such that the flats <NUM> are aligned with the narrow portion <NUM> when the alignment indicators <NUM> are aligned with the alignment indicators <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the alignment indicators <NUM> and the alignment indicators <NUM> facilitate fast, visual determination of the orientation of the flats <NUM>, which would otherwise be obscured from view.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the blade <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> and the blade <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> cooperate to form a cutter (e.g., a scissor, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, etc.), shown as wire cutter <NUM>. With the pliers <NUM> in the small jaw spacing configuration and in a fully closed position, the blade <NUM> overlaps and is positioned adjacent to the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> and the blade <NUM> are formed from adjacent inner layers of the laminated construction, minimizing a spacing between the blade <NUM> and the blade <NUM> (e.g., as measured parallel to the axis <NUM>). Accordingly, when the pliers <NUM> are moved toward the fully closed position, the sharpened edges of the blade <NUM> and the blade <NUM> perform a cleaving motion, cutting anything present within the path of the wire cutter <NUM>. A distance from the handles <NUM> and <NUM> to the axis <NUM> is greater than a distance from the wire cutters <NUM> to the axis <NUM>. This provides an increased mechanical advantage to the user, facilitating cutting of thick or hard items with the wire cutter <NUM>. In other embodiments, the wire cutters <NUM> have a different profile (e.g., a circular profile) to facilitate different cutting tasks (e.g., stripping wires).

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> increase the strength of the pliers <NUM> (e.g., the resistance to torque induced when grabbing an object). The flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend substantially perpendicular to the corresponding plates (e.g., parallel to the axis <NUM>). The flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> all extend toward a central plane of the pliers <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> and the flange <NUM> of the secondary jaw plate <NUM> extend toward one another. The flange <NUM> of the secondary jaw plate <NUM> and the flange <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> extend toward one another. The flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> all at least partially overhang (e.g., extend directly over, etc.) the closest inner layer. The flange <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> overhangs the secondary jaw plate <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the secondary jaw plate <NUM> overhangs the main jaw plate <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the secondary jaw plate <NUM> overhangs the main jaw plate <NUM>. The flange <NUM> of the main jaw plate <NUM> overhangs the secondary jaw plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the outer layers are made from a different material than the inner layers. In some embodiments, the outer layers are easier to bend (e.g., thinner, made from a softer material, etc.) than the inner layers. This may facilitate forming the flanges. In some embodiments, the inner layers are harder than the outer layers. This may facilitate maintaining a sharp edge on the blade <NUM> and the blade <NUM>.

Using the foregoing design and structural features, multi-tools <NUM> can be created with a reinforced pliers <NUM> that are both stronger and easier to manufacture than traditional pliers. Forming the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> from a series of plates (e.g., layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) rather than molded or cast parts improves the manufacturability of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> and pliers <NUM>, and allows for tighter tolerances and more consistent production. The layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed of plate steel, for example, which is readily laser cut or otherwise formed into the jaws <NUM>, <NUM>. By creating the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> in this manner, other types of finishing processes (e.g., deburring, polishing, etc.) are unnecessary, and can be eliminated from the multi-tool production process. By avoiding time-consuming finishing processes, the multi-tool <NUM> can be produced faster and cheaper than other conventional multi-tools. The sandwich-style plate design of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> greatly improves jaw torque strength and rigidity while also improving the crush force strength that can be transmitted through the multi-tool <NUM>.

As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A plier jaw assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a first laminated jaw (<NUM>), comprising:
a first plate (<NUM>) defining a gripping profile (<NUM>); and
a second plate (<NUM>) fixedly coupled to the first plate (<NUM>), the second plate (<NUM>) including a flange (<NUM>) at least partially overhanging the first plate (<NUM>); and
a second jaw (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the first laminated jaw (<NUM>), wherein the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) and the second jaw (<NUM>) are selectively repositionable relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position,
characterized in that
the first plate (<NUM>) is an inner plate, the flange (<NUM>) is a first flange (<NUM>), and the second plate (<NUM>) is a first outer plate (<NUM>), wherein the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) further comprises a second outer plate (<NUM>) fixedly coupled to the first outer plate (<NUM>), wherein the inner plate is positioned between the first outer plate (<NUM>) and the second outer plate (<NUM>), and wherein the second outer plate (<NUM>) includes a second flange (<NUM>) extending toward the first flange (<NUM>), and
wherein the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) is slidably and rotatably coupled to the second jaw (<NUM>), and wherein the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) is configured such that the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) can slide relative to the second jaw (<NUM>) only when the first laminated jaw (<NUM>) is oriented within a threshold range of angular positions relative to the second jaw (<NUM>), the threshold range of angular positions being less than <NUM> degrees.