History: i-Quip
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| The Schrade i-Quip is one of the more unusual multi-purpose devices to ever be produced. It combines a number of features into one large unit that some might argue would be better served by smaller seperate devices. Conceived at a difficult time for the once-mighty Schrade Cutlery company, the i-Quip and its sister the NaviTool were not available for very long before the firm shut down. |
Housing
Construction of the i-Quip is basically made up of two seperate components. There is the electronics module, which contains all the digital features along with a battery to power them, and the main housing, which contains everything else. The two pieces connect by means of a quarter-turn twist lock mechanism.The main housing is made up of two panels of aluminum sheet, sandwiched around a rubber-and-plastic center section. (Note that the metal panels on the i-Quip are matte aluminum color, while those on the NaviTool have a black anodize finish)
Blades and Tools
blades fanned
back side
lighter compartment
battery compartments
LED
All the blades and tools lock open except for the corkscrew.
- Spear point knife blade with plain edge. Measures 2-3/4" long (65mm)
- Scissors
- Saw blade
- Combination flat phillips screwdriver/bottle opener
- Combination small flathead screwdriver/can opener
- Corkscrew
Locking Mechanism
A notch in the back of each blade is engaged by a spring tab, locking the blade open. It can be unlocked by pressing downwards on any of the neighboring blades.
Other Features
The i-Quip is integrated with a large number of "other features". The list is quite extensive.
Detachable electronics module, with the following capabilities:
- digital clock
- stop watch
- alarm clock
- altimeter
- digital compass
- barometer
- the electronics module can be removed and carried seperately. It also has a backlight function allowing it to be used after dark. Battery compartment is shown in photo at right, requires (1) CR2032 cell.
SOLAS certified whistle
- ACME Tornado brand, made in England.
LED flashlight
- Push button on top face of unit to actuate. Requires (1) CR2032 cell, see photo at right for battery location.
Signal mirror
- Protected in compartment beneath electronics module.
Lighter compartment
- Note compartment is not waterproof. Designed for standard Bic lighter. See photo at right.
Belt clip
- Large spring-loaded affair, suitable for belt or backpack straps, etc.
Sheath
None.
Dimensions
- Length = 4-1/4" (110mm)
- Width = 2-1/2" (65mm)
- Thickness = 2-1/4" (55mm)
- Weight = 8.7 oz (246g)
Variations
None.
Background
Announced by Schrade in late 2001, the i-Quip won the Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award for that year. Production ceased in 2004 when Schrade Cutlery closed their doors.
Related Tools
The Schrade NaviTool is essentially a less-expensive i-Quip with a compass in place of the electronics module.
Related Patent info
- D462,017 - Module for multi-function equipment
- D456,687 - Tool pod housing
- D461,422 - Electronic compass face
NaviTool -vs- i-Quip
History
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back side | |
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lighter compartment | |
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battery compartments | |
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LED |
- Spear point knife blade with plain edge. Measures 2-3/4" long (65mm)
- Scissors
- Saw blade
- Combination flat phillips screwdriver/bottle opener
- Combination small flathead screwdriver/can opener
- Corkscrew
Locking Mechanism
A notch in the back of each blade is engaged by a spring tab, locking the blade open. It can be unlocked by pressing downwards on any of the neighboring blades.Other Features
The i-Quip is integrated with a large number of "other features". The list is quite extensive.Detachable electronics module, with the following capabilities:
- digital clock
- stop watch
- alarm clock
- altimeter
- digital compass
- barometer
- the electronics module can be removed and carried seperately. It also has a backlight function allowing it to be used after dark. Battery compartment is shown in photo at right, requires (1) CR2032 cell.
- ACME Tornado brand, made in England.
- Push button on top face of unit to actuate. Requires (1) CR2032 cell, see photo at right for battery location.
- Protected in compartment beneath electronics module.
- Note compartment is not waterproof. Designed for standard Bic lighter. See photo at right.
- Large spring-loaded affair, suitable for belt or backpack straps, etc.
Sheath
None.Dimensions
- Length = 4-1/4" (110mm)
- Width = 2-1/2" (65mm)
- Thickness = 2-1/4" (55mm)
- Weight = 8.7 oz (246g)
Variations
None.Background
Announced by Schrade in late 2001, the i-Quip won the Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award for that year. Production ceased in 2004 when Schrade Cutlery closed their doors.Related Tools
The Schrade NaviTool is essentially a less-expensive i-Quip with a compass in place of the electronics module.Related Patent info
- D462,017 - Module for multi-function equipment
- D456,687 - Tool pod housing
- D461,422 - Electronic compass face
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| NaviTool -vs- i-Quip | |