Multi-function pliers

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11904450-B2
Application number	US-202217860967-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 8, 2022
Priority date	Jun 22, 2016
Publication date	Feb 20, 2024
Grant date	Feb 20, 2024

Abstract

A multi-function tool includes a first handle, a second handle, a first cutting insert, and a second cutting insert. The first handle is pivotally coupled to the second handle at a pivoting axis. The first handle and the second handle move between an open position and a closed position relative to each other. A first insert surface is formed on the first handle, and a second insert surface is formed on the second handle. The first cutting insert includes a front side, a rear side configured to interface with the first insert surface, a left side including a flat anvil surface, and a right side including a cutting edge. A second cutting insert includes a front side, a rear side configured to interface with the second insert surface, a left side including a flat anvil surface, and a right side including a cutting edge.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-function tool, comprising:
a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle is pivotally coupled to the second handle at a pivoting axis, wherein the first handle and the second handle move between an open position and a closed position relative to each other;
a first insert surface formed on the first handle proximate the pivoting axis;
a first cutting insert comprising:
a first front side;
a first rear side configured to interface with the first insert surface when attached to the first handle;
a first left side including a first flat anvil surface;
a first right side including a first cutting edge;

a second insert surface formed on the second handle proximate the pivoting axis; and
a second cutting insert comprising:
a second front side;
a second rear side configured to interface with the second insert surface when attached to the second handle;
a second left side including a second flat anvil surface; and
a second right side including a second cutting edge,

wherein, when the first handle and the second handle are in the closed position, at least one of the first cutting edge closes against the second flat anvil surface or the second cutting edge closes against the first flat anvil surface.

2. The multi-function tool of claim 1 , wherein the first cutting insert and the second cutting insert are configured to be interchangeable with each other.

3. The multi-function tool of claim 2 , wherein in a first configuration, the first cutting insert is removably attached to the first handle and the second cutting insert is removably attached to the second handle, wherein the first cutting edge interfaces with the second flat anvil surface in the closed position.

4. The multi-function tool of claim 3 , wherein in a second configuration, the second cutting insert is removably attached to the first handle and the first cutting insert is removably attached to the second handle, wherein the second cutting edge interfaces with the first flat anvil surface in the closed position.

5. The multi-function tool of claim 4 , wherein the first cutting insert and the second cutting insert are removably attached to the first handle and the second handle by a fastener.

6. The multi-function tool of claim 5 , wherein the fastener comprises a threaded fastener.

7. The multi-function tool of claim 5 , wherein the fastener comprises a snap-type fastener.

8. The multi-function tool of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the first handle and the second handle in the closed position.

9. The multi-function tool of claim 8 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
a lock button movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lock button includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a shoulder, wherein the shoulder is positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion;
a lock plate configured to hold the lock button within an aperture on the second handle;
a biasing member configured to bias the lock button toward the unlocked position, wherein the biasing member is positioned on the bottom portion of the lock button between the lock plate and the shoulder; and
a pocket including a pocket wall formed in the first handle, wherein when in the locked position, the bottom portion of the lock button is slidably engaged with the pocket wall.

10. The multi-function tool of claim 9 , further comprising a lock ring including a body and a protrusion extending outward from the body, wherein when the lock ring is engaged with the lock button, the protrusion covers the lock button in the locked position.

11. The multi-function tool of claim 8 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
a lock button movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lock button includes a top portion and a bottom portion;
a pocket including a pocket wall formed in the first handle, wherein when in the locked position, the bottom portion of the lock button is slidably engaged with the pocket wall; and
a lock ring including a body and a protrusion extending outward from the body, wherein when engaged, the protrusion covers the lock button in the locked position, and wherein when in the locked position, the bottom portion of the lock button is slidably engaged with the pocket wall.

12. A multi-function tool, comprising:
a first handle including a pocket having a pocket wall;
a second handle pivotally coupled to the first handle and wherein the first handle and the second handle move between an open position and a closed position relative to each other, the second handle including a second handle aperture;
a lock button movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the lock button includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a shoulder positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion;
a biasing member configured to bias the lock button toward the unlocked position; and
a lock ring, wherein the lock ring covers the lock button in the locked position while the lock ring is in an engaged position and a portion of the second handle engages the shoulder of the lock button to secure the bottom portion of the locking button in second handle aperture when the lock button is in the unlocked position;
wherein when in the locked position, the bottom portion of the lock button is slidably engaged with the pocket wall to lock the first handle and the second handle in the closed position.

13. The multi-function tool of claim 12 , wherein the lock ring is pivotally coupled to the first handle, and wherein the lock ring rotates to become engaged with the lock button.

14. The multi-function tool of claim 13 , wherein the lock ring includes a body and a protrusion extending outward from the body, wherein when engaged, the protrusion covers the lock button in the locked position with the lock button.

15. The multi-function tool of claim 14 , wherein the protrusion and the top portion of the lock button have corresponding chamfered surfaces, and wherein the lock button moves to the locked position when the lock ring rotates to become engaged with the lock button.

16. The multi-function tool of claim 14 , further comprising a second biasing member configured to bias the first handle and the second handle toward the open position, wherein when the lock ring is not engaged and the bottom portion is in contact with the pocket wall, the lock button remains in the locked position.

17. The multi-function tool of claim 13 , wherein the lock ring covers the lock button in the locked position when the lock ring is engaged.

18. The multi-function tool of claim 12 , further comprising a lock plate, wherein the lock ring is removably coupled to the first handle such that the lock button is at least partially held within the second handle aperture when the lock ring is removed.

19. The multi-function tool of claim 18 , wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the lock button away from the first handle.

20. The multi-function tool of claim 18 , wherein the shoulder that is larger than an opening in the lock plate.

Assignees

• Fiskars Brands Inc

Inventors

• Wiwatowski Jeffrey Robert
• Jaramus Seth Patrick

Classifications

• B25F1/02 Primary

  with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements · CPC title

• B25B7/08

  with fixed fulcrum · CPC title

• B25B7/14 Primary

  Locking means {(B25B7/123 takes precedence)} · CPC title

• B25B7/22

  Pliers provided with auxiliary tool elements, e.g. cutting edges, nail extractors (for removing insulation or armouring from electric cables H02G1/12) · CPC title

• B26B1/04

  lockable in adjusted position · CPC title