Solid state tool system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10478958-B2
Application number	US-201715814702-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 16, 2017
Priority date	Jul 11, 2014
Publication date	Nov 19, 2019
Grant date	Nov 19, 2019

Abstract

Systems and apparatuses include a first tool defining a first aperture, a second tool defining a second aperture, and a connecting mechanism formed of a resilient material and including a first coupling portion sized to engage the first aperture and a second coupling portion sized to engage the second aperture. The connecting mechanism passes through the first tool and the second tool, and engages the first aperture and the second aperture in a storage configuration. The first tool provides a first mode of operation when used independently, the second tool provides a second mode of operation when used independently, and the tool system provides a third mode of operation when arranged in the storage configuration.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A tool system comprising:
a first tool defining a first aperture;
a second tool defining a second aperture; and
a connection mechanism formed of a resilient material and including a first coupling portion sized to engage the first aperture and a second coupling portion sized to engage the second aperture,
wherein the connecting mechanism passes through the first tool and the second tool, and engages the first aperture and the second aperture in a storage configuration,
wherein the first tool provides a first mode of operation when used independently,
wherein the second tool provides a second mode of operation when used independently, and
wherein the tool system provides a third mode of operation when arranged in the storage configuration.

2. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are open hex wrenches.

3. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture is sized differently than the second aperture.

4. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion define different profiles.

5. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the connecting mechanism includes a flange shaped to overhang the first aperture and engage an outer surface of the first tool.

6. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the connecting mechanism includes a body shaped to overhang the second aperture and engage an outer surface of the second tool.

7. The tool system of claim 1 , wherein the first tool includes a rigid protrusion and the second tool defines a recess sized to receive the rigid protrusion when arranged in the storage configuration.

8. The tool system of claim 7 , wherein the rigid protrusion includes a sight post wrench.

9. A solid state tool system, comprising:
a first solid state tool;
a second solid state tool comprising a plurality of tool structures; and
a third solid state tool comprising a plurality of tool structures,
wherein, in a first mode of operation, the first solid state tool, the second solid state tool, and the third solid state tool are coupled to one another in a storage configuration,
wherein, in a second mode of operation, the first solid state tool is used as a tool by itself,
wherein in a third mode of operation, the second solid state tool is used as a tool by itself,
wherein, in a fourth mode of operation, the third solid state tool is used as a tool by itself,
wherein, in a fifth mode of operation, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a first combination tool, and
wherein, in a sixth mode of operation, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a second combination tool.

10. The solid state tool system of claim 9 , wherein the first solid state tool comprises a plurality of tool structures.

11. A solid state tool system, comprising:
a first solid state tool comprising a first tool structure and a first closed hex wrench;
a second solid state tool comprising a second tool structure and a second closed hex wrench; and
a third solid state tool comprising a third tool structure and a male hex wrench,
wherein, in a first mode of operation, the first solid state tool, the second solid state tool, and the third solid state tool are coupled to one another in a storage configuration by inserting the male hex wrench through the second closed hex wrench and the first closed hex wrench so that the second solid state tool is positioned between the first solid state tool and the third solid state tool,
wherein, in a second mode of operation, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool by inserting the male hex wrench through the first closed hex wrench; and
wherein, in a third mode of operation, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool by inserting the male hex wrench through the second closed hex wrench.

12. The solid state tool system of claim 11 , wherein, in a fourth mode of operation, the first tool structure of the first solid state tool is used as a tool by itself;
wherein, in a fifth mode of operation, the second tool structure of the second solid state tool is used as a tool by itself; and
wherein, in a sixth mode of operation, the third tool structure of the third solid state tool is used as a tool by itself.

13. The solid state tool system of claim 11 , wherein in the second mode of operation, the first solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a first combination tool.

14. The solid state tool system of claim 11 , wherein in the third mode of operation, the second solid state tool is coupled to the third solid state tool and used as a second combination tool.

Assignees

• Fiskars Brands Inc

Inventors

• Neubauer Mark
• Hardinge Hal

Classifications

• B25B15/005

  with cross- or star-shaped cross-section · CPC title

• B25B15/008

  Allen-type keys · CPC title

• B25F1/02 Primary

  with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements · CPC title

• B25B15/02

  operated by rotating the handle · CPC title

• B25F1/04 Primary

  wherein the elements are brought into working positions by a pivoting or sliding movement · CPC title