A pocket-tool, pocket-knife or similarly retractable tools

Description

[0001] The invention is concerned with a folding pocket tool including a set comprised of one or more tool elements, such as knife blades, said set being enclosed between two parallel cover-plates defining a handle of said pocket tool shaped to provide a firm grip for a user's hand, each tool element being individually pivotable relative to said handle about a pivot cylinder, whereby each tool element has a pivot end fully encircling a bore for close-fitting location around said pivot cylinder,

such a pocket tool is further provided with locking means for each tool element relative to the handle, comprising a latch maintainable in engagement respectively with a notch and/or a depression in the pivot end of the tool element by resilient means for locking the tool element in an extended position and for retaining it in a folded position, whereby

separating plates are preferably interposed between the tool elements of said set, and interconnected, together with said cover plates and the fixed part of said locking means, to comprise said handle, by fastening means located in bores so positioned as not to obstruct folding of said tool elements.

[0002] A pocket tool of this type is known from the U.S. Patent Specification 4,124,939. However, in order to provide a safe, reliable and sturdy foldable pocket tool, both the tool elements and their pivot structure and locking arrangement should be of substantially equal strength to resist the prevailing different loadings exertable with the tool elements which may be fitted to the pocket tool. The pivot structure according to said U.S. Patent Specification is weak compared to the size of the tool and to the size of the grip. However, a sturdy latch and notch combination to lock the tool in the extended working position is present. It is surprising that even the sturdiest foldable pocket tools known from the prior art are weak with regard to the pivot structure and many of them also with regard to weak and/or unsafe latching mechanisms. Many do not even have a reliable locking mechanism for the working position of the tool but must rely on a spring-loaded retaining arrangement. Especially bending forces acting in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the tool pivots will give rise to distortion and damage of the pivot structure due to the forces, to which the pivot structure can be subjected. Usually the tool itself can withstand considerable higher bending forces than the pivot structure.

[0003] The invention aims to provide a sturdy and reliable foldable pocket tool in which all parts are of substantially the same resistance to the maximum load exertable by a user's hand through the grip on each type of tool which is fitted or fittable to the tool. According to the invention the above- described foldable pocket tool is characterised in that

- the outer extent of the pivot end of each tool element is defined substantially by a circular arc centered on the bore in said pivot end which locates around the pivot cylinder, said circular arc being of substantially the same diameter for each tool element,

- the pivot cylinder has at each end radially outwardly extending flange-like members abutting a flat outer surface of the respective cover plates and having an outer diameter substantially equal to the mean outer diameter of the pivot ends of the tool elements,

- whereby the pivot cylinder with its flange-like members offers resistance to stress developed during use of a tool element at least equivalent to the resistance offered by the pivot end of the tool element along its operational plane of weakness,

which resistance is determined by the resistance of the tool element of said folding pocket tool at its zone of application to the load exerted by a user's hand when gripping said handle.

[0004] Compared to all known foldable pocket tools the sturdy pivot cylinder with its flanges provides a greatly increased width at the pivot end. When the pocket tool is of a larger type, according to a preferred embodiment, the pivot cylinder may have a concentric bore sized to allow insertion of a finger for improved grip of the pocket tool.

[0005] Since the highest loads on the pocket tool are concentrated near the pivot region, the overall width of the pocket tool may be substantially larger at its pivot end than over the central part of the pocket tool which serves as handle for the user. This provides for a still safer grip of the tool by the user's hand.

[0006] In itself a pocket tool with a hollow cylindrical pivot arrangement is known from the U.S. Patent Specification 2,798,290. It even has small flanges at its end. However, it is clear that the cylinder and its flanges in this case are of very modest size and strength.

[0007] In the description of the accompanying figures below structural details of preferred embodiments of the pivot structure are revealed. One preferred embodiment wherein the pivot cylinder consists of two cylinders closely fitting one into the other, mutually fastened together by screw threads, is such that each cylinder carries one of said flanges, whereby the outer cylinder extends from the flange at one end to its other end over a distance which, when assembled, corresponds substantially to the combined width of the set of tool elements, of any separating plates present and of both cover plates. In doing so, certain tool elements may easily be replaced by others or interchanged for other types. Without complicating the pocket tool by adding devices, it has become more effective since it can be adapted to all kinds of operations.

[0008] Since the pocket tool mentioned above as having a reliable strong and resistant pivot structure to withstand an operational load from virtually any type of tool element is foldable, it can only be reliable if the locking mechanism is as reliable and strong as the tool elements and the pivot structure. Therefore a foldable pocket tool with one or more tool elements is preferably further characterised in that there is only one single latch extending over the combined width of the tool element, such as to be engageable with the notches of every tool element and/or retaining the hold positions at the end of the depression of every tool element, said latch extending parallel to the axis of the pivot cylinder, having a width at least equal to the width of the packaged set consisting of all tool elements and of any separating plates present. Since the position of the latch and cooperating notches is at the outer circumference of the pivot end of the pocket tool, greatly increased forces can be resisted, compared to all known structures where the latch-notch combination is located much nearer to the centerline of the pivot.

[0009] Further preferred embodiments of the latch-and notch arrangement will be discussed below in connection with the figures.

[0010] It will be evident to the skilled man that sizes and dimensions of the locking mechanism and the pivot structure will depend on the field of application for which the pocket tool is designed.

[0011] The invention is further detailed below in the description of the figures illustrating preferred embodiments.

[0012] The figures 1, 2 and 3 show a pocket-tool in closed position comprising essentially a tool element, a cylinder 2 around which the tool element 1 can rotate, a springloaded locking device 3 securing the tool element 1, coverplates 4, separating plates 5 and lifting handles 6, 7 and 8.

[0013] In accordance with the invention, the tool-element 1 is firmly placed with flat surfaces between flat mating surfaces of separating plates 5 or coverplates 4. Likewise the inner surfaces of the flanges 19 of cylinder 2 rest firmly and with flat surfaces against mating surfaces of the cover- plates 4.

[0014] The springloaded locking device 3 keeps the tool-element 1 locked when latch 9 falls in recess or notch 10, which can be achieved by rotating tool-element 1 around cylinder 2.

[0015] Lifting the locking device 3 can be accomplished in various ways, in figure 1 for instance a recess 12 is provided which can have various shapes and can also be a gap. By pulling disengagement of latch 9 is achieved. Latch 9 moves into depression 13 where tool-element 1 is nearing its rest position as is shown in figure 1 and 2. This retains the tool-element 1 in its folded or rest position.

[0016] In figure 2 lifting levers 6 and 7 are shown as variations for lifting the spring-loaded locking device 3 when more force is required than can be reasonably expected from a thumbnail. Lever 6 pivots around pin 15 which runs through the separating plates 5 and coverplates 4. Separating plates 5 each have a recess 16 to accommodate lever 6. On lever 6 a stud 17 is provided resting with one side against the springloaded arm of locking device 3. When lifting and rotating lever 6, stud 17 rotates and lifts locking device 3 whereby face 18 becomes engaged.

[0017] Lever 7 is pivotable around pin 15 in the same chamber that gives accommodation to the tool-element 1 thereby lifting locking device 3.

[0018] A cross-section of the cylinder 2 is given in section B-B of figure 2 showing an alternative solution to the locking of the tool-elements 1 and plates 4 and 5; instead for instance of direct riveting, a ring 20 is slipped over the unfinished end of the cylinder till it meets a stepwise increase in the diameter at the location of end plate 4 so that ring 20 is locked in the right position when the cylinder extension is rolled into a flange. The advantage of this variation is that the contact force of ring 20 onto coverplate 4 by which the tool-elements 1 are locked can be well controlled. Ring 20 can have a circular shape or any other shape to improve its strength.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a locking device whereby latch 9 extends over all tool-elements 1, serving all tool-elements 1 simultaneously. For lifting the locking device 3 any lifting device can be used. Shown is a handle 8 rotating around cylinder 2. Rim 21 in contact with latch 9 is curved such that a larger radius lifts the locking device 3 when handle 8 is rotated. For passing handle 8, locking device 3 is provided with a window 22. The fixed end of locking device 3 for instance has recesses 23 for accommodating separating plates 5. Holes 24 for instance indicate a fastening means for cover- plates 4, separating plates 5 and the locking device(s) 3.

[0020] Two more possible means of constructing the cylinder 2 are illustrated. In detail A a double cylinder consisting of an inner cylinder 25 and an outer cylinder 26 are screwed in each other with matching thread so that the tool-elements 1, separating plates 5 and coverplates 4 are locked together as tight as required between the surfaces 27 and 28. The position of the two cylinders 25 and 26 can be secured for instance with a spring 29 provided in one of the coverplates with a butt 30 that fits into a recess in the flange of one of the cylinders 25 and 26 while the other cylinder flange is secured for instance with a fixed pin. This construction allows replacement of tool-elements 1 and cleaning.

[0021] Another method of securing the two cylinders together is by rolling the inner cylinder end into a flange 31 fitting a recess in the flange of the outer cylinder 26 for instance as shown in detail B.

Claims

1. A folding pocket tool including a set comprised of one or more tool elements (1), such as knife blades, said set being enclosed between two parallel cover-plates (4) defining a handle of said pocket tool shaped to provide a firm grip for a user's hand, each tool element being individually pivotable relative to said handle about a pivot cylinder (2), whereby each tool element has a pivot end fully encircling a bore for close-fitting location around said pivot cylinder (2),

-the pocket tool being provided with locking means (3, 9,10,13) for each tool element relative to the handle, comprising a latch (9) maintainable in engagement respectively with a notch (10) and/ or a depression (13) in the pivot end of the tool element (1) by resilient means (3) for locking the tool element in an extended position and for retaining it in a folded position,

- separating plates (5) being preferably interposed between the tool elements (1) of said set, and interconnected, together with said cover plates (4) and the fixed part of said locking means, to comprise said handle, by fastening means located in bores (24) so positioned as not to obstruct folding of said tool elements (1), characterised in that

- the outer extent of the pivot end of each tool element (1) is defined substantially by a circular arc centred on the bore in said pivot end which locates around the pivot cylinder (2), said circular arc being of substantially the same diameter for each tool element,

- the pivot cylinder (2) has at each end radially outwardly extending flange-like members (19; 27, 28; 31) abutting a flat outer surface of the respective cover plates (4) and having an outer diameter substantially equal to the mean outer diameter of the pivot ends of the tool elements (1),

-whereby the pivot cylinder (2; 25, 26, 31) with its flange-like members (19) offers resistance to stress developed during use of a tool element at least equivalent to the resistance offered by the pivot end of the tool element (1) along its operational plane of weakness,

which resistance is determined by the resistance of the tool element of said folding pocket tool at its zone of application to the load exerted by a user's hand when gripping said handle.

2. Pocket tool according to claim 1, characterised in that
the pivot cylinder (2) has a concentric bore sized to allow insertion of a finger for improved grip of the pocket tool.

3. Pocket tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that
the overall width of the pocket tool at its pivot end perpendicular to the pivot centerline is substantially larger than the width of the central part of the pocket tool which serves as handle for the user.

4. Pocket tool according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that
the pivot cylinder has an integral flange (19) at one end whereas at the other end a concentric cylindrical portion of reduced outer diameter forms a shoulder with stepwise change in diameter, the distance between said shoulder and the integral flange being substantially equal to the combined width of the set of tool elements (1), of any separating plates (5) present and of both coverplates (4), whereby a closing ring (20) abuts against said shoulder when located around the portion of reduced outer diameter, said closing ring (20) having an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the flange (19), and in which the part of the pivot cylinder (2) extending past the closing ring is rolled out by plastic deformation to lock the closing ring firmly to the pivot cylinder.

5. Pocket tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pivot cylinder (2) consists of two cylinders (25, 26) closely fitting one into the other, mutually fastened together, by screw-threads or by plastic deformation such as resulting from rolling, characterised in that
each cylinder carries one of said flanges (27; 28), whereby the outer cylinder (26) extends from the flange at one end to its other end over a distance which, when assembled, corresponds substantially to the combined width of the set of tool elements (1), of any separating plates (5) present and of both cover-plates (4).

6. Pocket tool according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pocket tool has one or more tool elements, characterised in that
the latch (9) extends over the combined width of the tool elements (1), so as to be engageable with the notches (10) of every tool element, and/ or retains the hold-position at the end of the depression (13) of every tool element, said latch (9) extending parallel to the axis of the pivot cylinder (2), having a width at least equal to the width of the packaged set consisting of all tool elements (1) and of any separating plates (5) present.

7. Pocket tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
when the tool elements are in the 16cked position the free end of the resilient means (3) of the latch (9) is spaced from the central grip nearest the pivot end to form at least on one side a gap (12) permitting insertion of a finger nail preferably through a small recess in the cover-plate(s) (4) and/or in the latch carrier (3), to directly unlock the locking means (Fig. 1).

8. Pocket tool according to any one of the preceding claims, in which there is a hand-operable lever (6, 7, 8) pivoted in the handle (4), having a protruding part (17, 21) positioned close to the resilient means (3) of the latch (9) so that pivoting of the lever to a position outside the handle (4) moves the protruding part (17, 21) to engage and displace the resilient means (3) to a position in which the latch (9) releases the tool elements.

Ansprüche

1. Zusammenklappbares Taschenwerkzeug mit einem ein oder mehrere Werkzeuge (1), z.B. Messerklingen, umfassenden Satz, der zwischen zwei parallelen Deckplatten (4) eingeschlossen ist, die für das Taschenwerkzeug einen Griff bilden, dessen Form einen festen Halt für die Hand des Benutzers gewährleistet, wobei jedes Werkzeug einzeln gegenüber dem genannten Griff um eine Verschwenkbuchse (2) verschwenkbar ist und mit seinem Verschwenkende vollständig eine Bohrung umschließt für eine enge Anlage um die Verschwenkbuchse (2),

- das Taschenwerkzeug weist für jedes Werkzeug eine Verriegelung (3, 9, 10, 13) gegenüber dem Griff auf mit einer Sperrzunge (9), die von einem federelastischen Element (3) wahlweise im Eingriff gehalten wird mit einer im Verschwenkende des Werkzeuges (1) vorgesehenen Nut (10) und/oder einer Mulde (13), um das Werkzeug in ausgeklappter sowie eingeklappter Stellung festzuhalten,

- zwischen den Werkzeugen (1) des Satzes sind vorzugsweise Trennbleche (5) angeordnet, die zur Bildung des Griffes untereinander, mit den genannten Deckplatten (4) sowie dem feststehenden Teil der genannten Verriegelung durch Befestigungsmittel verbunden sind, die in Bohrungen (24) vorgesehen sind, die ihrerseits so angeordnet sind, daß sie das Verschwenken der genannten Werkzeuge (1) nicht behindern, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Merkmale:

- Der äußere Bereich des Verschwenkendes jedes Werkzeuges (1) wird angenähert durch einen Kreisbogen gebildet, der konzentrisch zur Bohrung in dem die Verschwenkbuchse (2) umgreifenden Verschwenkende liegt und für jedes Werkzeug den angenähert gleichen Durchmesser aufweist,

- die Verschwenkbuchse (2) weist an jedem Ende sich radial nach außen erstreckende flanschähnliche Abschnitte (19; 27, 28; 31) auf, die gegen eine flache Außenfläche der zugeordneten Deckplatte (4) anliegen und einen Außendurchmesser aufweisen, der etwa dem mittleren Außendurchmesser der Verschwenkenden der Werkzeuge (1) entspricht,

- die Verschwenkbuchse (2; 25, 26, 31) mit ihren flanschähnlichen Abschnitten (19) weist gegenüber der bei der Benutzung eines Werkzeiges auftretenden Belastung eine Festigkeit auf, die zumindest der Festigkeit entspricht, die das Verschwenkende des Werkzeuges (1) entlang seiner Arbeitsschwächungsfläche aufweist, wobei die Festigkeit bestimmt wird durch die Festigkeit des Werkzeuges des zusammenklappbaren Taschenwerkzeuges in seiner Angriffszone für die Belastung, die von der den genannten Griff umgreifenden Hand des Benutzers ausgeübt wird.

2. Taschenwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verschwenkbuchse (2) eine konzentrische Bohrung aufweist, die das Einstecken eines Fingers zur Verbesserung des Ergreifens des Taschenwerkzeuges ermöglicht.

3. Taschenwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gesamtdicke des Taschenwerkzeuges an seinem Verschwenkende senkrecht zur Verschwenkmittelachse wesentlich größer ist als die Dicke des als Griff für den Benutzer dienenden mittleren Teils des Taschenwerkzeuges.

4. Taschenwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

daß die Verschwenkbuchse an ihrem einen Ende einen integralen Flansch (19) aufweist, während an ihrem anderen Ende ein konzentrischer zylindrischer Abschnitt mit verringertem Aussendurchmesser eine Schulter mit stufenweiser Durchmesseränderung bildet, wobei der Abstand zwischen Schulter und integralem Flansch etwa der Summe der Dicken des Werkzeugsatzes (1), etwaiger Trennbleche (5) sowie beider Deckplatten (4) entspricht,

daß ein den genannten Abschnitt mit verringertem Außendurchmesser umgreifender Schließring (20) gegen die genannte Schulter anliegt und einen Außendurchmesser aufweist, der etwa dem des Flansches (19) entspricht, und

daß der den Schließring überragende Teil der Verschwenkbuchse (2) durch plastische Deformation so abgewinkelt ist, daß der Schließring fest mit der Verschwenkbuchse verbunden ist.

5. Taschenwerkzeug nach Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die Verschwenkbuchse (2) aus zwei ineinandergesteckten und eng aneinander anliegenden Zylindern (25, 26) besteht, die gegenseitig verbunden sind durch Schraubgewinde oder durch plastische Deformation z.B. als Ergebnis eines Walzvorganges, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jeder Zylinder einen der genannten Flansche (27; 28) trägt, wobei sich der äußere Zylinder (26) von dem an seinem einen Ende sitzenden Flansch zu seinem anderen Ende über eine Länge erstreckt, die in eingebauter Lage etwa der Summe der Dicken des Werkzeugsatzes (1), etwaiger Trennbleche (5) sowie beider Deckplatten (4) entspricht.

6. Taschenwerkzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Taschenwerkzeug ein oder mehrere Werkzeuge aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich die Sperrzunge (9) über die Gesamtdicke der Werkzeuge (1) erstreckt und dadurch in die Nuten (10) jedes Werkzeuges eingreifen und/oder die Arretierstellung am Ende der Mulde (13) jedes Werkzeugs beibehalten kann, wobei sich die Sperrzunge (9) parallel zur Achse der Verschwenkbuchse (2) erstreckt und eine Breite aufweist, die zumindest der des alle Werkzeuge (1) und etwaige Trennbleche (5) umfassenden Paketsatzes entspricht.

7. Taschenwerkzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in Arretierstellung der Werkzeuge das freie Ende des federelastischen Elementes (3) der Sperrzunge (9) direkt neben dem Verschwenkende einen lichten Abstand vom mittigen Griff aufweist, um zumindest auf einer Seite einen Spalt (12) zu bilden, der das Einschieben eines Fingernagels vorzugsweise durch eine kleine Ausnehmung in der oder den Abdeckplatten (4) und/ oder in dem Sperrzungenträger (3) ermöglicht, um die Verriegelung unmittelbar zu lösen (Figur 1

8. Taschenwerkzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, mit einem von Hand zu betätigenden Hebel (6, 7, 8), der im Griff (4) verschwenkbar ist und dicht neben dem federelastischen Element (3) der Sperrzunge (9) eine vorstehende Nase (17, 21) aufweist, so daß ein Verschwenken des Hebels in eine Stellung außerhalb des Griffes (4) zu einer Beaufschlagung und Verschiebung des federelastischen Elementes (3) durch die Nase (17, 21) in eine Stellung führt, in der die Sperrzunge (9) die Werkzeuge freigibt.

Revendications

1. Outil de poche pliant comprenant un ensemble constitué par un ou plusieurs outils élémentaires (1), tels que des lames de couteau, ledit ensemble étant enfermé entre deux plaques de recouvrement parallèles (4) définissant une poignée dudit outil de poche, conformée pour fournir une bonne prise à la main de l'utilisateur, chaque outil élémentaire pouvant pivoter individuellement par rapport à ladite poignée autour d'un cylindre de pivotement (2), chaque outil élémentaire comprenant une extrémité de pivotement entourant totalement un alésage en vue de réaliser un positionnement étroit autour dudit cylindre de pivotement (2),

- l'outil de poche étant muni de moyens de blocage (3, 9, 10, 13) pour chaque outil élémentaire par rapport à la poignée, comprenant un verrou (9) pouvant être maintenu en engagement respectivement avec une encoche (10) et/ou une cavité (13) à l'extrémité de pivotement de l'outil élémentaire (1) par des moyens élastiques (3) pour bloquer l'outil élémentaire en position déployée et pour le retenir en position repliée,

- des plaques séparatrices (5) étant de préférence interposées entre les outils élémentaires (1) de chaque ensemble et interconnectées, avec lesdites plaques de recouvrement (4) et avec la partie fixe desdits moyens de blocage, de manière à comprendre ladite poignée, par des moyens de fixation introduits dans des alésages (24) disposés de manière à ne pas gêner le repliement desdits outils élémentaires (1),

caractérisé en ce que:

- la dimension externe de l'extrémité de pivotement de chaque outil élémentaire (1) est définie essentiellement par un arc de cercle centré sur l'alésage de ladite extrémité de pivotement qui se dispose autour du cylindre de pivotement (2), ledit arc de cercle étant sensiblement de même diamètre pour chaque outil élémentaire,

- le cylindre de pivotement (2) comprend à chaque extrémité des éléments en forme de flasques (19; 27, 28; 31) s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur et venant buter contre une surface externe plane des plaques de recouvrement respectives (4) et présentant un diamètre externe sensiblement égal au diamètre externe moyen des extrémités de pivotement des outils élémentaires (1),

- le cylindre de pivotement (2; 25, 26, 31) offrant avec ses éléments en forme de flasques (19) une résistance aux contraintes développées pendant l'utilisation d'un outil élémentaire qui est au moins équivalente à la résistance offerte par l'extrémité de pivotement de l'outil élémentaire (1) le long de son plan opérationnel de faiblesse,

ladite résistance étant déterminée par la résistance de l'outil élémentaire dudit outil de poche pliant dans sa zone d'application à la charge exercée par la main d'un utilisateur quand il saisit ladite poignée.

2. Outil de poche selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le cylindre de pivotement (2) comprend un alésage concentrique dimensionné pour permettre l'insertion d'un doigt et améliorer la prise de l'outil de poche.

3. Outil de poche selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la largeur d'ensemble de l'outil de poche à son extrémité de pivotement qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement est sensiblement plus importance que la largeur de la partie centrale de l'outil de poche qui sert de poignée pour l'utilisateur.

4. Outil de poche selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le cylindre de pivotement comprend un flasque d'un seul tenant (19) à une extrémité, alors que l'autre extrémité qui présente une portion cylindrique et concentrique de diamètre externe réduit forme un épaulement dont le diamètre se modifie par étapes, la distance entre ledit épaulement et ledit flasque d'un seul tenant étant sensiblement égale à la largeur combinée du jeu d'outils élémentaires (1), de toutes les plaques de séparation (5) éventuellement présentes et des deux plaques de recouvrement (4), un anneau de fermeture (20) venant buter contre ledit épaulement lorsqu'il est appliqué autour de la partie de diamètre externe réduit, ledit anneau de fermeture (20) présentant un diamètre externe sensiblement égal au diamètre du flasque (19), et dans lequel la partie du cylindre de pivotement (2) qui s'étend au-delà de l'anneau de fermeture est roulée par déformation plastique pour bloquer fermement l'anneau de fermeture sur le cylindre de pivotement.

5. Outil de poche selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le cylindre de pivotement (2) consiste en deux cylindres (25, 26) s'emboîtant étroitement l'un dans l'autre, mutuellement fixés l'un à l'autre par des filetages ou par déformation plastique provenant par exemple d'un laminage,
caractérisé en ce que
chaque cylindre supporte l'un desdits flasques (27; 28), le cylindre externe (26) s'étendant du flasque à une extrémité vers son autre extrémité sur une distance qui, à l'état assemblé, correspond sensiblement à la largeur combinée du jeu d'outils élémentaires (1), des plaques de séparation (5) éventuellement présentes et des deux plaques de recouvrement (4).

6. Outil de poche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans- lequel l'outil de poche comprend un ou plusieurs outils élémentaires, caractérisé en ce que
le verrou (9) s'étend sur la largeur combinée des outils élémentaires (1) de manière à pouvoir venir coopérer avec les encoches (10) de chaque outil élémentaire, et/ou conserve la position de retenue à la fin de la cavité (13) de chaque outil élémentaire, ledit verrou (9) s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe du cylindre de pivotement (2), présentant une largeur au moins égale à la largeur du jeu combiné comprenant tous les outils élémentaires (1) et les plaques de séparation (5) éventuellement présentes.

7. Outil de poche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que
lorsque les outils élémentaires sont dans la position bloquée, l'extrémité libre des moyens élastiques (3) du verrou (9) est espacée de la poignée centrale qui est la plus proche de l'extrémité de pivotement pour former au moins sur un côté un interstice (12) permettant l'insertion d'un ongle, de préférence par un petit évidement de la ou des plaques de recouvrement (4) et/ou dans le support de verrou (3), pour débloquer directement les moyens de blocage (figure 1).

8. Outil de poche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant un levier à main (6, 7, 8) monté de façon pivotante dans la poignée (4), et présentant une partie en saillie (17, 21) qui est proche des moyens élastiques (3) du verrou (9) de manière que le pivotement du levier vers une position à l'extérieur de la poignée (4) déplace la partie en saillie (17, 21) pour qu'elle vienne en engagement avec et déplace les moyens élastiques (3) vers une position dans laquelle le verrou (9) dégage les outils élémentaires.

Drawing