1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fire fighting tools and, more particularly, to a fireman's axe. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved combination fire tool performing the functions of a plurality of fire fighting tools previously required heretofore.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fire fighters are frequently confronted with unpredictable situations wherein a number of different types of tools might be required. Fire fighters commonly faced the problem of making quick entries into buildings or quick exits through walls or doors in emergency situations. Gaining entry into buildings often requires a prying action to dislodge members from doorways and windows. A hammering action is also required for breaking out windows and doors to gain entry. It is also frequently required to pull down ceilings of drywall or lathe and plaster in order to investigate or gain access to fire location in a building.
As a result of the above, most fire fighters find they may need considerably more than just one particular tool but must make a choice of carrying only one or two. Heretofore, several fire fighters needed to coordinate with each other to bring into the fire area an axe, a sledgehammer, a pry bar and/or a pike pole in order to accomplish any of the aforementioned tasks. Consequently, several fire fighters have needed to carry in a plurality of different tools in order to have the proper number and types of tools available. Unfortunately, tools that are not being used at a particular time must be set down and are frequently lost due to their being forgotten or covered by falling debris. As a result, numerous tools needed on site are lost during the course of fighting a fire.
Combination firefighter tools have evolved-over the years in order to attempt to alleviate some of the duplication of separate tools discussed above. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,219,316, 3,599,255, 3,604,028, 4,287,623, 4,597,123, 5,044,033, and Des. No. D120,609 and No. D233,405 all disclose various fireman combination tools. Unfortunately, such combination tools have generally been limited in their multiple purposes and have generally been in the size and form of hand axes. While the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,623 has a plurality of different purposes, its complexity of parts and operation defeats the purpose of having one sturdy tool at a fire site.
Other utility patents disclosing combination tools, generally in the form of hand axes, includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 89,013, 292,168, 637,253, 790,973, 1,596,602 and 4,030,150 as well as Des. Nos. D35,154, D45,761, 48,231, D67,749, D163,911 D299,414. These remaining patents, both design and utility, illustrate a variety of combination tools which also attempt to serve a multiplicity of purposes. However, none of the aforementioned references disclose a combination fire tool which serves multiple purposes so as to avoid the requirement of separate axes, sledgehammers and pike poles as well as other tools. Therefore, there remains a need for a combination fire tool which is sturdy and simple in design and function.