161

Strauss Toolmaster

Louis Strauss of New York City was granted d United States Patent Number 2,478,063

on August 2, 1949 for his

―

Utility Tool Kit.

‖

This type of folding tool kit, often referred

to as a

―

bow

‖

or

―

harp

‖

had been around since the last century. Louis' primary interest

was to furnish a knife blade in his kit that would be protected by the arrangement of the

other tool elements. The tool consists of a corkscrew, saw, awl, screwdriver, hammer,

bottle opener, knife, can opener, and augur. Each tool can be folded out individually for

use.

Strauss

wrote, ―

For the casual user of tools, it has been found to be quite expensive to

purchase and maintain a complete set of individual tools, such as a hammer, saw, screw

driver, and the like. It being also necessary to purchase or construct a tool box to contain

and safeguard such tools.

‖

Strauss' patent was produced as the

―

Toolmaster

‖

It came with a leather case which

cound be imprinted with advertising. Gadgeteers of Orange, New Jersey, offered it for

$3.95.