Multi-purpose equipment

Abstract

Multi-purpose equipment 10 is disclosed having a modular housing 12 , a multi-function module 14 for containing electronic or mechanical devices, a tool pod 16 having multiple tools 106 pivotally attached thereto, an accessory compartment 18 for removably containing, for example, a disposable lighter 32 . Module 14 is preferably removable and is adapted contain an electronic or mechanical device, such as a mechanical compass 172 , an electronic compass 215 , or other electronic devices. Tool pod 16 includes a plurality of pivotally attached tools 106 . A lanyard 34 may also be provided to tether module 14 to housing 12.

1 - 42 . (canceled)  
   
   
       43 . Multi-purpose equipment comprising: 
 a housing;    a tool pivotally attached to said housing;    a module removably secured to said housing, said module adapted to contain an electronic or mechanical device having a display face; and    means for covering said display face to protect said display face from damage when not in use.    
   
   
       44 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 43 , wherein said means for covering said display face comprises a module receiving cavity formed in said housing, said display face being enclosed between said module and said module receiving cavity when said module is secured to said module receiving cavity.  
   
   
       45 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 43 , wherein said means for covering said display face comprises a removable lid adapted to cover said display face.  
   
   
       46 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 45 , wherein said removable lid is pivotally attached to said housing.  
   
   
       47 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 43 , wherein said module receiving cavity includes a signal mirror formed of a reflective material.  
   
   
       48 . A module housing for multi-purpose equipment that includes a tool pod having a plurality of tools and an electronic/mechanical device, comprising: 
 a front plate;    a rear plate spaced from and parallel to said front plate;    a spacer extending between said from and rear plates; and    at least one tool pivotally attached between said front and rear plates.    
   
   
       49 . The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment of  claim 48 , further comprising a module for containing an electronic or mechanical device, and a module receiving cavity secured to said front plate, said module adapted to be removably secured to said module receiving cavity.  
   
   
       50 . The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment of  claim 49 , further comprising a tool pod, said at least one tool being pivotally attached to said tool pod, said tool pod located between said front plate and said rear plate.  
   
   
       51 . The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment of  claim 48 , wherein said front and rear plates are formed of metal.  
   
   
       52 . The modular housing for multi-purpose equipment of  claim 48 , wherein said spacer is formed of plastic.  
   
   
       53 . Multi-function equipment, comprising: 
 a housing having a first lanyard catch, said first lanyard catch comprising a first channel having two openings therein;    a module removably attached to said housing and having a second lanyard catch formed thereon, said module adapted to contain an electronic or mechanical device, said second lanyard catch comprising a second channel having two openings therein;    a lanyard comprising a retainer, a first cord having a first loop, a second cord having a second loop, said first and second cords being affixed to said retainer;    said first lanyard catch adapted to receive and removably secure said first and second cords;    said second lanyard catch adapted to receive and removably secure said first and second cords;    wherein said first loop is sufficiently large so that said module can be passed through said first hoop.    
   
   
       54 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 53 , wherein said first lanyard catch further comprises a pin.  
   
   
       55 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 54 , wherein said second lanyard catch further comprises a pin.  
   
   
       56 . The multi-purpose equipment of  claim 53 , further comprising a whistle having an aperture formed thereon, said aperture being adapted to receive said second cord therethrough.  
   
   
       57 . A multi-function electronic device, comprising: 
 an electronic display having a plurality of modes, including a time/date mode, a compass mode, an altitude mode, and a barometer mode;    a plurality of sub-modes, including time, date and alarm display, stopwatch, compass display, altitude display, and barometric pressure display;    a plurality of set/calibrate functions, including time and date set, alarm set, compass calibration, altitude set, and barometric pressure set; and    a plurality of buttons for displaying said plurality of modes, sub-modes, and set/calibrate functions;    wherein each of said plurality of modes, sub-modes, and set/calibrate functions can be displayed by pressing no more than one of said plurality of buttons at a single time.    
   
   
       58 . A method of displaying information generated by a ml electronic device, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of modes including a time/date mode, a compass mode, an altitude mode, and a barometer mode;    providing a plurality of sub-modes including time, date and alarm display, stopwatch, compass display, altitude display, and barometric pressure display;    providing a plurality of set/calibrate modes including time and date set, alarm set, compass calibration, altitude set, and barometric pressure set;    providing a plurality of buttons, including a mode button and a set/select button;    displaying each of said plurality of modes by pressing no more than one of said plurality of buttons at a single time;    displaying each of said plurality of sub-modes by pressing no more than one of said plurality of buttons at a single time; and    displaying each of said plurality of set/calibrate functions by pressing no more than one of said plurality of buttons at a single time.    
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein said step of displaying each of said plurality of modes comprises the step of pressing said mode button one or more times.  
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein said step of displaying each of said plurality of sub-modes comprises the step of pressing said set/select button one or more times.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein said step of displaying each of said plurality of set/calibrate functions comprises the step of pressing and holding said set/select button for at least 2 seconds.