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Title:
MULTIPLE TOOL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/038232
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A Multiple tool comprising a frame (2;102;202;302) supporting at least an holder (3;103;203;303) provided with a plurality of seats (4;104;204;304) for a respective plurality of implements (5;105;205;305), the holder (3;103;203;303) being selectively rotatable from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance to at least an opened position for the selection of an implement (5;105;205;305), and the frame (2;102;202;302) comprising an hexagonal recess (6;106;206;306) suitable for manually operate each of said implements (5;105;205;305).

Inventors:
WINEFORDNER CARL (US)
HERMANSEN FRANK (US)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2011/054037
Publication Date:
March 21, 2013
Filing Date:
September 15, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CRANK BROTHERS INC (US)
WINEFORDNER CARL (US)
HERMANSEN FRANK (US)
International Classes:
B25F1/02; B25B27/00; B25B27/22; B25G1/08; B25H3/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2009010170A12009-01-22
Foreign References:
US5918513A1999-07-06
DE29715023U11997-10-09
US6640675B12003-11-04
US6050409A2000-04-18
US20070251355A12007-11-01
EP0776737A11997-06-04
US20010012754A12001-08-09
US5927164A1999-07-27
US20060016706A12006-01-26
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FELTRINELLI, Secondo Andrea (Via Ca' di Cozzi 41, Verona, IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Multiple tool, characterized in that it comprises: a frame (2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 ) supporting at least an holder (3; 103; 203; 303) provided with a plurality of seats ( 4 ; 104 ; 204 ; 304 ) for a respective plurality of implements (5; 105; 205; 305) ;

said holder (3; 103; 203; 303) being selectively rotatable from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance to at least an opened position for the selection of an implement (5; 105; 205; 305) ;

said frame (2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 ) comprising driver means ( 6 ; 106 ; 206 ; 306) suitable for manually operate each of said implements (5; 105; 205; 305) .

2. Multiple tool according to claim 1, in which said frame (2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 ) comprises a first elongated member ( 7 ; 107 ; 207 ; 307 ) and a second elongated member ( 8 ; 108 ; 208 ; 308 ) , opposite to each other, between which said holder (3; 103; 203; 303) is supported in a rotatable way .

3. Multiple tool according to claim 3, comprising at least a pivot element ( 9 ; 109 ; 209 ; 309) for said holder (3; 103; 203; 303) , connecting said first elongated member ( 7 ; 107 ; 207 ; 307 ) to said second elongated member (8;108; 208; 308) .

4. Multiple tool according to claim 3, in which said holder (3; 103; 203; 303) comprises a bushing

( 12 ; 112 ; 212 ; 312 ) inserted along said pivot element ( 9 ; 109 ; 209 ; 309) , and a radially protruding portion (13; 113; 213; 313) comprising said seats ( 4 ; 104 ; 204 ; 304 ) . 5. Multiple tool according to claim 3, comprising two parallel pivot elements ( 9; 109; 209; 309) connecting said first elongated member ( 7 ; 107 ; 207 ; 307 ) to said second elongated member ( 8 ; 108 ; 208 ; 308 ) by their opposite extremities ( 10 , 11 ; 110 , 111 ; 210 , 211 ; 310 , 311 ) , and two holders (3; 103; 203; 303) respectively associated to said two pivot elements ( 9 ; 109 ; 209 ; 309) .

6. Multiple tool according to claim 1, in which each of said holders (303) comprise retention means (333) for said implements (305) .

7. Multiple tool according to claim 6, in which said retention means (333) comprises a magnet provided inside each of said pivot elements (309) .

8. Multiple tool according to claim 5, in which said driver means ( 6 ; 106 ; 206 ; 306) suitable to operate said implements (5; 105; 205; 305) are provided in said extremities ( 10 , 11 ; 110 , 111 ; 210 , 211 ; 310 , 311 ) of said first elongated member ( 7 ; 107 ; 207 ; 307 ) and/or said second elongated member ( 8 ; 108 ; 208 ; 308 ) .

9. Multiple tool according to claim 8, in which said implements (5; 105; 205; 305) are hexagonal driven standardized tool bits, and said driver means ( 6 ; 106 ; 206 ; 306) comprise, for each of said extremities ( 10 , 11 ; 110 , 111 ; 210 , 211 ; 310 , 311 ) , an hexagonal recess in which each implement (5; 105; 205; 305) may be selectively inserted.

10. Multiple tool according to claim 9, in which said driver means (6; 106; 206) are provided in a first end (15;115;215) of said pivot element (9;109;209).

11. Multiple tool according to claim 9, comprising a magnet (131) for retention of the implements (105) provided inside said hexagonal recess (106) .

12. Multiple tool according to claim 2, in which said frame (2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 ) comprise elastic retention means (18 ; 118 ; 218 ; 318) of said holders (3; 103; 203; 303) in the respective inactive position and/or opened position .

13. Multiple tool according to claim 12, in which said elastic retention means (18;118;218) comprise, for each of said holders (3; 103; 203), a bump (19; 119; 219) provided by at least a side of said radially protruding portion (13; 113; 213) , said bump (19;119;219) being suitable to fit inside a corresponding recess (20;120;220) provided in the inner face (21 ; 121 ; 221 ) of said first or second elongated member (7, 8; 107, 108; 207, 208) with said holder (3;103; 203) in said inactive position.

14. Multiple tool according to claim 13, in which said elastic retention means (18; 118) comprises, for each of said pivot elements (9; 109), a compression spring (22; 122) interposed between a first end (15; 115) of said pivot element (9; 109) and the corresponding extremity (10; 110) of said first elongated member (7; 107) .

15. Multiple tool according to claim 14, in which said compression spring (22; 122) rests between a terminal collar (23; 123) provided in each of said pivot elements (9; 109) and the bottom surface (24; 124) of a cylindrical seat (25; 125) provided in the corresponding extremity (10; 110) of said first elongated member (7; 107) .

16. Multiple tool according to claim 15, in which the second end (16; 116) of each of said pivot elements (9; 109) is rigidly connected to the corresponding extremity (11; 111) of said second elongated member ( 8 ; 108 ) .

17. Multiple tool according to claim 16, in which said second ends (16; 116) of said pivot elements (9; 109) are rigidly connected to the respective extremities (11; 111) of said second elongated member (8; 108) by means of spline profiles (17; 117), to prevent turning.

18. Multiple tool according to claim 12, in which said elastic retention means (318) comprise, for each of said holders (303), at least an O-ring (332) inserted along the respective pivot element (309) and resting between said holder (303) and the inner face (321) of said first elongated member (307) or second elongated member (308) .

19. Multiple tool according to claim 19, in which said elastic retention means (318) comprise, for each of said holders (303), two opposed O-rings (332) inserted along the respective pivot element (309), each resting between said holder (303) and the inner face (321) of said first elongated member (307) or second elongated member (308) .

20. Multiple tool according to claim 18 or 19, in which said O-ring (332) rest, with said holder (303) in said inactive position, between a bump (319) of said holder (303) and the inner face (321) of said first elongated member (307) or second elongated member (308) .

21. Multiple tool according to claim 18, in which each of said pivot elements (309) has both first and second ends (315,316) rigidly connected to the respective extremities (310,311) of said first elongated member (307) and of said second elongated member (308) .

22. Multiple tool according to claim 2, comprising a chain breaker tool (26; 126; 326) elastically held, in an inactive position of minimum encumbrance, between said first elongated member (7; 107; 307) and said second elongated member (8;108;308).

23. Multiple tool according to claim 13 and 22, in which said chain breaker tool (26; 126) is elastically held inside said recesses (20; 120) provided along the inner faces (21; 121) of said first elongated member (7; 107) and of said second elongated member (;108) .

24. Multiple tool according to claim 18 and 22, in which said chain breaker tool (326) comprises an hexagonal seat (335) for an implement (305) which may in turn be selectively inserted in one of said hexagonal recesses (306) of said first elongated member (307) or second elongated member (308), for operation of said chain breaker tool (326) .

25. Multiple tool according to claim 13, comprising, for each pivot element (9; 109; 209), a couple of holders (3;103;203), placed side by side, each having a respective bump (19; 119; 219) fitting inside the respective recess (20; 120; 220) of the inner face (21 ; 121 ; 221 ) of said first elongated member (7;107; 207) or of said second elongated member (8;108;208).

Description:
"MULTIPLE TOOL"

Designed inventor: Carl Winefordner and Frank Hermansen

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multiple tool. More specifically, this invention relates to a multiple tool for the maintenance and repair of motorcycles, cycles and the like, and their mechanical parts.

STATE OF THE ART

Multiple tools are known, particularly of the pocket type and then rather small, which allow the user to bring together in one portable object a number of implements, each one for a different use. Some examples of these implements are wrenches, alien keys, screwdrivers, and the like. Some known types of multiple tools are especially dedicated to the care, maintenance and repair of mechanical parts for cycles and motorcycles. The user can then bring with himself the multiple tool, for example, when making excursions or trips by bicycle or motorcycle, so he can work out emergency situations, such as mechanical damage to the medium, boring tire punctures, and more; alternatively, the multi-tool can be simply used to make quick adjustments on the medium itself, such as raise or lower the saddle, mount or dismount accessories, and so on . Multiple tools of known type generally comprise a pivot around which said implements, adjacent one another, are rotatable from a minimum encumbrance retracted position to an operating position: this operating position is reached by manually rotating the implement around the pivot, starting from the retracted position, by a certain angle comfortable enough to use the implement by gripping the multi-tool.

In these multiple tools each implement, when used, is retained in the minimum encumbrance retracted position simply by friction; in other types of tools a case is used for containing the implements, and for preventing the implements from accidentally moving from the retracted position.

Either one or the other solution is not without drawbacks. The first solution is unable to ensure that implements are maintained in the retracted position; rather, they tend to rotate accidentally bothering the user, who often keep the multiple tool inside a shirt pocket, or in other pockets of sports clothing.

The second solution is cumbersome and impractical, since the user must, each time, remove the case from the multiple tool to be able to use it, and then store the same at the end of use: also it forces the user to take care of the case, not to lose it. Multiple tools of known type also generally comprise implements that have an integrated loop to connect to the pivot. The loop is typically an integral part of the implement and is formed from bent or forged or investment cast steel. The loop portion of each implement adds significant weight and cost. Furthermore, because the loops vary in thickness for different tools and are usually different between different brands of tools, the user cannot easily customize the implements contained in the multiple tool without changing the length of the pivot. In other words, multiple tools of known type are essentially fixed with particular implements and without the user being able to easily customize the multiple tool to contain implements that most suit their particular needs .

Multiple tools of known type also generally comprise implements made in relatively small numbers, which makes the implements both more expensive to manufacture, and less readily available throughout the world if replacement is needed. Multiple tools that make use of hex driven standardized implements, which are of high production volume and low cost, are not designed in a way that is convenient or comfortable to carry in a pocket, either because of shape and/or being too big and/or by not maintaining minimum encumbrance in the retracted position.

PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art, developing a multiple tool with more reliable, practical and safer use than the tools of the known type, in particular as to prevent effectively the various implements to accidentally move when not used, to reduce weight, to reduce cost of the tool, and to provide easy implement customization for each user.

This aim is achieved by the multiple tool according to the attached claim 1.

The implements are hex driven standardized tool bits readily and inexpensively available throughout much of the world. The standardized tool bits are made in such high volume that they are inexpensive. These tool bits have a 1/4 inch hex drive and are used so commonly with various hand and motorized drivers that the variety of tool tips is extremely wide. For example, these tool tips are readily available in nearly all screw driver tip types and sizes, torx drives, hex drives, square drives, and many others. A driver to drive the tool bits is built into at least one of the two fasteners that hold the frame together. A magnet inside the fastener causes a tool bit to be conveniently held inside the driver recess of the fastener.

The presence of elastic retention means in the multiple tool according to the present invention allows maintaining all implements, when not used, in the respective minimum encumbrance position in a stable and secure way; furthermore, said elastic retention means permit, at the same time, to bring each implement simply and easily from the minimum encumbrance position to open positions, held in the open position by friction, for selection of an implement. A chain breaker is secured between the frames by the elastic retention means, as well. The chain breaker also has notches that act as wheel spoke wrenches. For cost and weight reasons, preferably, the holders are made of a low density and inexpensive material such as injection molded nylon, the frames out of a forged metal such as aluminum, and the fasteners out of steel.

Further advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages will be better understood by any man skilled in the art from the following description that follows and from the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of the multiple tool according to the invention;

figure 2 is a perspective view of the multiple tool with one implement holder open for selection of an implement;

figure 3 is a perspective view of the multiple tool with both implement holders open for selection of an implement;

figure 4 is a perspective view of the multiple tool with an implement holder in the process of being closed;

figure 5 is a top perspective view of the multiple tool ;

figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the multiple tool;

figure 7 is a side view of the multiple tool;

figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple tool;

figure 9 is a perspective section view of the multiple tool;

figure 10 is a perspective view of the multiple tool with one of the implements in an operating position;

figure 11 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XI - XI of figure 5; figure 12 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XII - XII of figure 5;

figure 13 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XIII - XIII of figure 5;

figure 14 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XIV - XIV of figure 5;

figure 15 is a detailed perspective view of the multiple tool with an extension implement in an operating position;

figure 16 is a detailed perspective view of the multiple tool with an implement installed into the extension implement shown in figure 15, and in an operating position;

figure 17 is a detailed perspective view of the multiple tool with one implement driving the chain breaking implement in an operating position;

figure 18 figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment the multiple tool;

figure 19 is a section of the multiple tool of figure 18;

figure 20 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the multiple tool according to the invention ; figure 21 is a perspective view of the multiple tool shown in figure 20 with one implement holder open for selection of an implement;

figure 22 is a perspective view of the multiple tool shown in figure 20 with both implement holders open for selection of an implement;

figure 23 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the multiple tool according to the present invention;

figure 24 is a perspective view of the multiple tool of figure 23 with both implement holders open for selection of an implement;

figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple tool of figure 23;

figure 26 is a top perspective view of the multiple tool of figure 23;

figure 27 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XXVII - XXVII of figure 26;

figure 28 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XXVIII - XXVIII of figure 26;

figure 29 is a section of the multiple tool according to plane XXIX - XXIX of figure 26;

figure 30 is a section of the multiple tool of figure 23;

figure 31 is a perspective view of the multiple tool of figure 23 with one of the implements in an operating position;

figure 32 is a perspective view of the multiple tool of figure 23 with one implement driving the chain breaking implement in an operating position.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the schematic representation of figure 1, a multiple tool according to the invention is wholly indicated with 1.

In the following embodiments individual characteristics, given in connection with specific embodiments, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other embodiments .

The multiple tool according to the present invention, which will be described below in its embodiments, is directed, particularly but not exclusively, to be used by bicycles and motorcycles users and the like, to perform maintenance and repairs on them. Other uses of this multiple tool can be provided without any limitation for the aims of this invention.

The multiple tool 1 according to the embodiment shown in figures 1-17 comprises a frame 2 supporting at least an holder 3 provided with a plurality of seats 4 for a respective plurality of implements 5. The holder 3 is selectively rotatable from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance, shown in figure 1, to at least an opened position for the selection of at least an implement 5, shown in figure 2.

More in detail, the multiple tool 1 comprises two holders 3, each having a plurality of seats 4 for a respective plurality of implements 5.

As shown in figure 3, each of the holders 3 is selectively rotatable, and independently from the other one, from an inactive position of minimum encumbrance to an opened position, for the selection of an implement 5.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the frame 2 of the multiple tool 1 further comprises driver means 6 suitable to manually operate each of the implements 5.

The frame 2 of the multiple tool 1 comprises a first elongated member 7 and a second elongated member 8, provided opposite to each other.

The first and second elongated members 7,8 are preferably forged or cast.

The external surface of the first and second elongated members 7,8 may be made of a soft or slightly coarse material, in order to facilitate handling and to prevent slipping out of hands during use. The holders 3 are supported between the elongated members 7,8 in a rotatable way.

To achieve this effect, the multiple tool 1 comprises two pivot elements 9 for the respective two holders 3. The two pivot elements 9 connect the first elongated member 7 to the second elongated member 8, defining a substantially rectangular support structure.

As clearly shown, for example, in figure 7, each of the first and second elongated members 7,8 has two respective extremities 10,11 having cylindrical shape.

Each of the extremities 10,11 is provided with a passing hole, as described hereafter.

Each of the holders 3, as shown for example in figure 8, comprises a bushing 12, inserted along the respective pivot element 9, and a radially protruding portion 13.

The radially protruding portion 13 comprises a surface

14 provided with the seats 4 for the implements 5.

In the embodiments described, the seats 4 have preferably an hexagonal cross section, as shown in figures 9,13,14. However, the seats 4 could have any cross section or shape that an implement 5 could fit into, without limitations, for example they could have a round cross section or similar.

Consequently, the implements 5 are hexagonal driven standardized tool bits readily and inexpensively available throughout much of the world. These tool bits have, for example, a 1/4 inch hexagonal drive and are readily available in nearly all screw driver tip types and sizes, torx drives, hex drives, square drives, and many others.

However, the implements 5 may be of any other kind available on the market or custom made, without any limitation. Consequently, the seats 4 may have any other shape fitting the kind of implements 5 used in the multiple tool 1.

Obviously, since the implements 5 are removably inserted in the seats 4, they may be replaced with other implements at user's discretion: the user is therefore free to customize its own multiple tool, in order to satisfy his personal needs.

The driver means 6 of the implements 5 stored in the holders 3 are provided by the extremities 10 of the first elongated member 7.

In other embodiments, not shown, of the present invention, the driver means 6 could be foreseen also in the second elongated member 8, without limitations.

More in detail, the driver means 6 comprise, for each of the extremities 10 of the first elongated member 7, an hexagonal recess in which each implement 5 may be selectively inserted.

Each pivot element 9 is constituted by a cylindrical hollow body, in order to save weight, having a first end 14 and a second end 15.

However, each pivot element 9, or just one of them, could be partially solid.

Each pivot element 9 is preferably made by machining and broaching.

As shown in figure 8 and also in figure 11, the hexagonal recesses 6 are provided by the first end 15 of each pivot element 9.

Each second end 16 of each pivot element 9 is rigidly connected to the corresponding extremity 11 of the second elongated member 8, as shown in figure 11.

More in particular, each second end 16 of each pivot element 9 is rigidly connected to the respective extremity 11 of the second elongated member 8 by means of spline profiles 17, to prevent turning.

Any other kind of connection suitable to prevent turning may be used between each second end 16 of each pivot element 9 and the second elongated member 8.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the frame 2 of the multiple tool 1 comprises elastic retention means, wholly indicated with 18, of each of the holders 3 in the respective inactive position, and in the opened position, as clarified hereafter.

Thanks to these elastic retention means 18, the implements 5 are safely stored in the holders 3 in the inactive position.

Furthermore, when the user needs to select the implement 5 to be used, the holder 3 is firmly retained in an opened position, making the choice easier, even using just one hand.

The elastic retention means 18 comprise, for each holder 3, a bump 19 provided by at least a side of the radially protruding portion 13 of the holder 3 itself. The elastic retention means 18 further comprise a recess 20 provided in the inner face 21 of the first and second elongated members 7,8.

When each holder 3 is its respective inactive position, the respective bump 19 fits inside the corresponding recess 20 of the first elongated member 7 or of the second elongated member 8, as shown for example in figure 13.

In this way, the holder 3 is retained in the inactive position and cannot rotate around the pivot element 9 axis .

The elastic retention means 18 further comprise, for each pivot element 9, a compression spring 22 - shown in figures 8,11 - interposed between the first end 15 of the pivot element 9 and the corresponding extremity 10 of the first elongated member 7.

More in detail, as shown in figure 11, the compression spring 22 rests between a terminal collar 23, provided in each first end 15 of each pivot element 9, and the bottom surface 24 of a cylindrical seat 25 provided in the corresponding extremity 10 of the first elongated member 7.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the multiple tool 1 comprises a chain breaker tool, wholly indicated with 26, substantially of the known kind .

The chain breaker tool 26 is elastically held, in an inactive position of minimum encumbrance, between the first elongated member 7 and the second elongated member 8.

The chain breaker tool 26 has an handle 27 to prevent the body 28 from turning while turning the screw 29 with a tool bit 5 inserted in the driver means 6, as shown in figure 17.

The chain breaker tool 26 is elastically held inside the recesses 20 of the first elongated member 7 and of said second elongated member 8.

In use, when a specific implement 5 must be selected, the user rotates the corresponding holder 3 from the inactive position - figure 1 - to the opened position, figure 2.

In doing so, the bump 19 of the holder 3, as shown in figure 4, presses against the inner face 21 of the first elongated member 7, causing its outward translation, guided by the pivot elements 9.

Such outward translation is contrasted by the compression springs 22.

When the holder 3 has reached the opened position of figure 2 or figure 3, the first elongated member 7, forced by the compression springs 22, returns in the initial position.

In this situation, the holder 3 cannot rotate back to the inactive position, since the bump 19 rests on the outer cylindrical surface of the extremity 10 of the first elongated member 7: the user can therefore chose the implement 5 even using just one hand, since the holder 3 is firmly retained in the opened position.

To rotate the holder 3 back in the inactive position, the user must exert a certain pressure in such a way that the bump 19 can force the first elongated member 7 to move outward, allowing the bump 19 itself to fit again back inside the recess 20.

To operate the selected implement 5, the user inserts it inside one of the hexagonal recesses 6, as shown in figures 15,16,17. More in detail, in figure 15 is shown a tool bit extender 30 inserted in an hexagonal recess 6; in figure 16 is shown an implement 5 inserted in the tool bit extender 30; in figure 17 is shown the chain breaker tool 26 operated by a suitable implement 5 inserted in the hexagonal recess 6.

It can be seen that the invention reaches the proposed purposes .

First of all, a great number of different implements 5 can be stored inside the seats 4 of the holder 3, in a configuration of minimum encumbrance which is ideal for transporting, for example in a pocket, in a small bag, or the like.

Furthermore, all the multiple tool is totally customizable, since the implements 5 can be chosen and/or replaced by the user, without any limitation, selecting from a wide variety.

The holders 3 are retained elastically and firmly in the inactive position, and the implements 5 cannot get out in any way. As well, the holders 3 are firmly retained in the opened position, making the choice of the implements 5 easy and quick for the user.

Once the user has selected the suitable implement 5, the latter can be operated by the frame 2 of the multiple tool 1 itself - in particular by the driver means 6 - providing a safe and comfortable grip for the user' s hand.

Another embodiment of the multiple tool 101 according to the present invention is represented in figures 18,19. In this embodiment, the parts that correspond to those of the preceding embodiment are indicated with the same reference numbers, increased by 100 unities. Figure 18 shows, an exploded view of the multiple tool 101 of the present embodiment, which is identical to the one described in the former embodiment of figure 1- 17.

In this embodiment, the multiple tool 101 comprises at least a magnet 131 for the retention of the implements

105 inside the hexagonal recess 106.

In this way, the implement 105 is prevented from accidentally get out of the hexagonal recess 106.

More in detail, the multiple tool 101 comprises two magnets 131 provided inside the hexagonal recess 106.

As shown in figure 19, each magnet 131 is inserted inside the cavity of each pivot element 109, very close to the respective hexagonal recess 106.

Another embodiment of the multiple tool 201 according to the present invention is shown in figures 20-22. In this embodiment, the parts that correspond to those of the preceding embodiment are indicated with the same reference numbers, increased by 100 unities.

This embodiment is identical to the one of figures 1- 17, except for the fact that it lacks the chain breaker tool .

Consequently, the first and second elongated members 207,208 are shorter than those of the embodiment of figures 1-17: the multiple tool 201 is then lighter, more practical and convenient to use and transport.

Still another embodiment of the multiple tool 301 according to the present invention is shown in figures 23-32. In this embodiment, the parts that correspond to those of the preceding embodiments are indicated with the same reference numbers, increased by 100 unities. This embodiment is generally less expensive than the previous ones.

This embodiment of the multiple tool 301 incorporates a different kind of elastic retention means 318, which provide several advantages in terms of costs, as it will be clarified hereafter.

In this embodiment, the first and second elongated members 307,308 are preferably stamped: stamping will generally produce a less expensive component than forging or casting.

The first and second elongated members 307,308 have their extremities 310,311 provided with respective hexagonal recesses 306, as shown for example in figures 25, 30: thanks to this feature, the multiple tool 301 can hold up to four implements 305 or tool bits simultaneously .

In figure 31 the multiple tool 301 is shown with just one implement 305 inserted. It is clear that other implements 305 can be inserted in the other three hexagonal recesses 306.

The pivot elements 309 have both their respective first and second ends 315,316 rigidly connected to the respective extremities 310,311 of the first elongated member 307 and of said second elongated member 308, as shown in figure 30.

Each pivot element 309 is constituted by a simple cylinder, which is less expensive than a machined and broached pivot element.

The elastic retention means 318 comprise, for each of the holders 303, at least an O-ring 332 inserted along the respective pivot element 309 and resting between the holder 303 and the inner face 321 of the first elongated member 307 or second elongated member 308. More in detail, the elastic retention means 318 comprise, for each of the holders 303, two opposed fi ¬ rings 332 inserted along the respective pivot element 309, resting between the holders 303 and the inner faces 321 of the first elongated member 307 and the second elongated member 308.

When each holder 303 is in its inactive position, each O-ring 332 rest between the bump 319 of the respective holder 303 and the inner face 321 of said first elongated member 307 or second elongated member 308. In this way, each O-ring 332 is axially compressed, and provides elastic retention of the respective holder 303 in the inactive position.

The presence of O-rings 332, besides providing a solution which is cheaper than that comprising compression springs, also provides a barrier against contamination .

In the multiple tool 301 according to the present embodiment, each of the holders 303 comprise retention means 333 for the implements 305.

For each holder 303, such retention means 333 are constituted by a magnet inserted inside the cavity of the respective pivot element 309.

As shown in figures 25, 30 the magnet 333 is sufficiently long to hold the implements 305 inside the respective seats 304 of the holder 303 and to hold the selected implement 305 inside the hexagonal recess 306. The chain breaker tool 326 of the present embodiment is spring loaded, in order to be retained between the first and second elongated members 307,308 which in this embodiment are not spring loaded.

To this purpose, the chain breaker tool 326 comprises an handle 327 which is screwed in the chain breaker body 328.

A loading spring 334 is inserted along the screw 329 of the handle 327, see for example figures 27,28. The handle 327 becomes spring loaded when the screw 329 is turned in far enough that the threads disengage from the threads of the body 328.

The chain breaker tool 326 comprises an hexagonal seat 335 for an implement 305 which may in turn be selectively inserted in one of the hexagonal recesses 306 of the first elongated body 307 or of the second elongated body 308, for operation of the chain breaker tool 326, as shown in figure 32.

As described, this embodiment of the multiple tool 301 provides several advantages in terms of cost, is lighter and can hold up to four implements 305 simultaneously.

In other embodiments, not shown, different kinds of elastomeric springs, or combinations of coil springs and elastomeric springs may be used, in order to achieve the best solution for the specific application. In further other embodiments, not shown, the multiple tool may comprise, for each pivot element, a couple of holders, placed side by side, each having a respective bump fitting inside the respective recess of the inner face of said first elongated member or of said second elongated member.

In this way, an even more customizable and versatile multiple tool can be obtained.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be devised without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.