Multi-use tool device, tool therefor and method of using the same

Abstract

A multi-use tool device has an actuator moveable to turn a tool relative to change its angle of attack to the work or to change to a different work surface. The tool device is releasably connected to the tool without the use of threaded fasteners or wrenches. The tool may be removed from the tool device without the user touching a dirty or spent tool. The tool may be attached by a pushing of the tool device. The illustrated tool has an upstanding post and a turning portion which may be angularly spaced teeth cooperating with the tool device to turn the tool through predetermined increments. The preferred tool is made inexpensively and in one piece. The tool device may be lightweight and made of inexpensive parts.

1 . A tool for use with a tool device for an automatic turning through predetermined increments to present a new working edge and for automatic attachment and detachment from the tool device, the tool comprising: 
 a tool body having a central axis about which the tool turns and having working surfaces located at different angular positions about the central axis;    an upstanding post on the tool body projecting upwardly for insertion into the tool device for automatic attachment when the tool device is pushed down over the post;    an enlarged head on the upstanding post;    a narrow neck portion on the post below the enlarged head for cooperating with the tool device to attach the tool to the tool device;    a camming surface on the tool body for being engaged by the tool device to push the tool body from the tool device for automatic detachment from the tool device; and    spaced turning portions on the tool body spaced at predetermined angular locations about the central axis for engagement by the tool device for turning the tool automatically through predetermined angular increments about the central axis.    
   
   
       2 . A tool in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the tool body comprises: 
 an integral one piece body being made of a molded plastic material.    
   
   
       3 . A tool in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the tool body comprises: 
 an integral one-piece body made of stamped metal.    
   
   
       4 . A tool in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the spaced turning portions comprise: 
 a plurality of upstanding index teeth spaced by openings therebetween; and    vertical side wall surfaces on the teeth engageable with a turning cam on the tool device to turn the tool body through the predetermined increment.    
   
   
       5 . A tool in accordance with  claim 1  comprising: 
 inclined camming surfaces on the enlarged head of the post for camming the tool device as the tool device is pushed down over the enlarged head to snap under the head and against the narrow neck portion on the post.    
   
   
       6 . A tool in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the tool body comprises: 
 a flat planar body;    the turning portions projecting upwardly from the flat planar body at the central axis; and    the upstanding standing post projecting upwardly above the turning portions.