The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 30, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 02, 2003
George Smeja, McHenry, IL (US);
Michael V. Smeja, McHenry, IL (US);
Troy Livingston, Northbrook, IL (US);
George Smeja, McHenry, IL (US);
Michael V. Smeja, McHenry, IL (US);
Troy Livingston, Northbrook, IL (US);
Master Products, Inc., McHenry, IL (US);
Abstract
A multi-use tool device is provided with an actuator that is moveable to turn a tool relative to the tool device to change the angle of attack of the tool to the work or to change to a different work surface on the fool. Further, the tool device is releasably connected to the tool without the use of threaded fasteners or wrenches. An actuator on the tool is moved to release the tool and preferably to push the tool from the tool device so that the user need not touch a dirty or spent tool that may be coated with an adhesive, mastic or the like. Conversely, the tool may be attached by pushing the tool relative to the tool device. Also, the preferred tool is made in one piece with a connecting portion and a turning portion thereon. The illustrated tool has an upstanding post and angularly spaced teeth that cooperate with the tool device to allow the connected tool to be turned relative to the tool body. In the preferred method of use of the tool, a common actuator in the form of a push button is pushed with a light force to turn the tool relative to the tool device and is pushed with a greater force to eject the tool from the tool device. The preferred tool is made inexpensively and in one piece. The tool device is lightweight and made mostly of inexpensive plastic parts. The tool device may have a body shaped to fit a person's hand or have a handle projecting therefrom for gripping by the user or to receive an extension pole.