DE20300274U1 - tool scabbard - Google Patents

Description

Tool sheath

The present invention relates to a sheath for the safe storage and transport of tools, in particular a knife sheath for safe insertion into pockets arranged on the side of trousers or similar insertion devices, which provides a high level of insertion security of the tool and protects the tool as well as its wearer from adverse influences.

It is known that, for example, trousers, especially leather trousers,

&iacgr;&ogr; have pockets that are suitable for storing, transporting or quickly having to hand various tools. Such trousers are traditionally part of the predominantly male clothing.
If these are leather trousers with side pockets intended for carrying survival tools, such as knives, they are worn primarily by the Bavarian population. However, such trousers are also widely used outside of Bavaria, particularly in the so-called Alpine countries, but also as an export item in other European and non-European countries.

Such long or short legged trousers have pockets on the outside of the legs on the left or right side at the level of the thigh region, which are intended for holding tools or sheaths, such as knives or, preferably, knife sheaths. These pockets are usually made of the same material as the trousers and are used to carry the tool, such as a knife, in its sheath close to the body and to have it ready and quickly to hand when resting, walking or during quick movements.

Such tools are usually used for working with different materials, as survival knives, adventure knives, knives for working with softer materials (e.g. wood) or as sports instruments. In general, it can be assumed that the use of these tools usually takes place outside the home environment, outdoors.

These tools, especially more valuable tools such as knives, must therefore be protected from mechanical or electrical damage.
be protected from physical and chemical influences, in particular from falling out, scratching, dulling, rusting or other chemical reactions.

In order to design a sheath in such a way that such tools can be easily inserted into the sheath and just as easily removed from it again, they are usually made of malleable materials, usually leather. These sheaths are also known to be provided with a metal ring at their open end in order to give them a certain stability at this point and to mechanically protect the sheath material at the insertion edge, for example against premature wear or against cuts when inserting the knife.

With such a sheath, there is no guarantee that the material is free of chemical substances, such as tanning agents, especially chlorine or acids. Furthermore, the sheath material, which is usually made of leather, is soft and flexible and it has not yet been possible to use non-deformable or difficult-to-deform

This circumstance leads to the leather being
Inserting the tool, especially if it is sharp
Tools such as knives, is deformed and
accordingly easily scratched by sharp or pointed parts or even
This can result in more or less serious

Injuries may occur.

The edge of the metal mouthpiece, which is intended to protect the opening of the scrotum from mechanical influences, is usually sharply defined, so that the
Tool parts, such as a knife blade, can be damaged;
In particular, the tool part can become blunt or scratched.

To secure a knife in a sheath against the
It has already been suggested that straps be attached to the sheath, which can be wrapped around the knife handle and then secured with a

fastening device, for example a snap fastener. However, this safety device has the disadvantage that a laborious operation must be carried out with both hands, which can therefore be dispensed with altogether, so that in these cases the knife is not secured.

In another known device, the blade of the knife is provided with a projection in the area adjacent to the handle, which engages in a catch arranged inside the sheath. However, the disadvantage here is that the pulling force required to pull out the knife is so great that

&iacgr;&ogr; that the sheath is pulled out together with the knife. It is not possible to readjust or re-adjust this device, so that the force required to pull the knife out of the sheath decreases over time and protection against falling out is no longer guaranteed. DE 1103184 A describes a protection against a knife falling out of the sheath, in which a tongue made of flexible metal is attached to the outside of the sheath, the free end of which is bent so that it grips behind the crossbar when the knife is in the sheath. The aforementioned disadvantages also apply here. In addition, such a device would make it considerably more difficult to put the knife sheath into the trouser pocket and to carry it there.

In addition, according to US 2,527,711, it was proposed to provide a locking element inside the knife sheath, with a spring wire arranged and shaped in such a way that the knife can only be pulled out of the sheath after the extension protruding from the sheath has been pivoted. The locking element is secured in the sheath by an additional insert part arranged in the sheath and connected to it. This device is not only very complex but also has the disadvantage that the locking element is bent too much when the knife is drawn.

DE 3621665 A1 describes a knife sheath which consists essentially of a dimensionally stable material, for example of a one-piece plastic body, wherein the knife sheath has a

Contains a device for holding and/or firing signal ammunition. Apart from the fact that such a sheath is unsuitable for being put in one of the trouser pockets due to its bulky design, it has the particular disadvantage that a knife cannot be held in it and is not secured against falling out.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of avoiding the above disadvantages and of providing a sheath for a tool of the type mentioned above, which protects the tool in question against

&iacgr;&ogr; protects against adverse mechanical, physical and/or chemical influences as far as possible, is as resistant as possible to wear or damage that can be caused by the user or the tool, and which additionally ensures that the tool is held securely in the sheath while at the same time allowing the tool to be removed easily, quickly and without hindrance.

This object is achieved according to claim 1 and the detailed embodiments according to the further claims.

Specifically, the invention relates to a sheath for receiving an elongated tool provided with a handle, preferably a knife, for securing the tool arranged in the sheath against unwanted movements, in particular falling out, which is equipped with an annular metal mouthpiece at the upper end intended for inserting the tool and a device for securing the tool inserted in the sheath, wherein the sheath is made of a dimensionally stable material and the device for securing the tool consists of at least one flap or lid-like tongue, which is placed in such a way that it is completely or predominantly covered by the annular metal mouthpiece and is arranged inside the sheath on one or both of the wide, flat side walls and is designed by a slit or punched out portion so that it can carry out a directed folding movement in such a way that it can be pressed against the part of the tool inserted in the sheath by mechanical pressure on the annular metal mouthpiece.

· ■

In a more specific embodiment, the sheath consists of a dimensionally stable material, preferably of a plastic, which can be covered with a deformable material, in particular a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic material, for example of a fabric, a braid or of a leather, wherein the sheath additionally has an annular metal mouthpiece on the outside at its upper open end intended for the insertion of the tool and contains at least one flap- or lid-like tongue which can be moved towards the inside and which is preferably U- or L-shaped.

&iacgr;&ogr; can be designed in a horseshoe shape. This tongue is arranged on the wide, flat inner wall of the sheath in such a way that it is completely or mainly covered by the ring-shaped metal mouthpiece and by applying mechanical pressure to the metal mouthpiece the flap- or lid-like tongue, analogous to a flap attached with a hinge band, can be pressed in the predetermined direction and can thus execute a folding movement towards the interior of the sheath. An essential aspect of the present invention is therefore that after the ring-shaped metal mouthpiece has been pressed in, the flap- or lid-like tongue can be pressed into the inside of the sheath and then protrudes there in such a way that it narrows or constricts the space between the two wide, flat inner sides of the sheath at this point.

This flap or lid-like tongue can be present individually or in multiples on the wide, flat inner side of the sheath according to the invention. Preferably, it or they are arranged on each of the opposing flat inner walls of the sheath according to the invention, whereby several can also be arranged one below the other or next to each other. It is crucial that this flap or lid-like tongue is always arranged completely or predominantly under the metal mouthpiece so that after pressure is exerted on the metal mouthpiece, it can be pressed into the cavity of the sheath like a flap and remains in this position.

The flap or lid-like tongue can be designed by punching, notching, sawing or slitting a U-shape or a horseshoe shape, a V-shape or a W-shape into the broad, flat side of the sheath, or by using a special mold, whereby the tongue remains connected to one side of the dimensionally stable material of the sheath, which can preferably be a plastic, and performs a hinge function there. At this point, it is expedient to provide reinforcement of the material in order to protect the hinge function and/or to increase the rigidity or bending force of this tongue if necessary, for example by thickening the

&iacgr;&ogr; plastic or a plastic bead.

The design of the tongue can be any as long as its function, namely pressing against the tool in the sheath and thereby securing the tool in the sheath against unwanted movement, in particular falling out, is guaranteed. In this respect, square or rectangular shapes, shapes similar to a square bracket, round shapes similar to a U or a horseshoe, V-shaped, W-shaped or multi-pronged shapes, designs in the form of single or multiple knobs, single or multiple tooth-shaped shapes are possible. A flap or lid-like tongue that is U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped is preferred.

The dimensions of the flap- or lid-like tongue depend on the size of the sheath and the tool, preferably a knife. Its incised edges can be square or rectangular, similar to a square bracket, round like a U or a horseshoe, V-shaped, W-shaped or multi-pronged, as a single or multiple knob, single or multiple tooth-shaped. In general, it can be assumed that the side edges or width or diameter of the tongue can be between 1.0 mm and 30.0 mm, in particular between 3.0 mm and 20.0 mm, and, in particular when it comes to square or rectangular, U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped tongues, very particularly between 15.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

•&agr;• · ·

The surface of the flap- or lid-like tongue facing the interior of the sheath can not only be flat but can also have unevenness or elevations, for example roughenings, corrugations, knobs or teeth, which can provide additional security for a tool inserted into the said sheath.

Likewise, the flap- or lid-like tongues can have one or more additional anti-slip layers on the surface facing the interior of the sheath, for example made of a synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural polymer, rubber, felt or leather, which counteracts a slipping effect between the tool and the flap- or lid-like tongue. This can further hold the tool in the sheath.

A greater thickness of the dimensionally stable material, preferably a plastic, than the rest of the sheath can also be considered as a further design of the flap- or lid-like tongue. This can increase the stability of this tongue and have a positive effect on the stability of the tool, for example a knife, in the sheath.

A particularly striking advantage of the flap- or lid-like tongue according to the invention, including all specifically described and equivalent embodiments, is that the tool finds a secure hold in the sheath regardless of its thickness.

This advantage is particularly evident when the tool is a knife, which is the preferred subject of the present invention.

In this case, the knife finds a secure hold in the sheath regardless of the thickness of its blade.

8 &idigr;&iacgr;&iacgr; · j : ;*:· *·

Accordingly, the sheath opening can have a width of between 1.0 and 10.0 mm on the side facing the knife back, preferably between 2.0 and 7.0 mm, very preferably between 3.0 and 6.0 mm, based on tool shapes commonly used for this purpose, for example knife blade shapes, paperweights, chisels or flat-shaped gouges.

For example, if a particular embodiment of the sheath according to the invention is a knife sheath and the sheath opening on the side facing the knife back has a thickness of 5.0 mm, then a knife whose average thickness is less than 5.0 mm will, despite this

&iacgr;&ogr; smaller blade thickness will experience the same hold in this knife sheath as a knife with the selected thickness of, for example, 5.0 mm. This is achieved by further compressing the metal mouthpiece so that the flap- or lid-like tongue is pressed more firmly onto the knife blade.

This device combines two important advantages that can be easily illustrated using the example of a knife. Firstly, different tools, such as knives, with different thicknesses or blade strengths can be put into one and the same sheath. Secondly, a knife blade that has been reduced in its original thickness by repeated grinding can still be held in one and the same sheath.

In this respect, the tongue according to the invention solves the problem of a too loose hold of tools, preferably knives, with a thickness that is too small in relation to the sheath.

A sheath according to the invention can be manufactured by methods known per se, for example by casting suitable molds with a suitable plastic, for example a thermoplastic, which can contain units of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, phenol-formaldehyde resins, melamine and urea-formaldehyde resins, polyamides, polypropylenes.

The person skilled in the art knows how to produce dimensionally stable plastics and how to give them a certain mechanical property, for example by using nucleating agents.

All known processes for producing hollow bodies, such as pressing, casting, injection molding, extrusion and drawing, are suitable as manufacturing processes.

The dimensionally stable plastic body of the vagina can then be covered with a layer of natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic fabric.

The sheathing of the dimensionally stable plastic material of the sheath with a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic fabric can be carried out using methods known per se, such as sewing, simple coating or spraying. Examples of the material that can be used for this purpose are leather, PVC, acrylic, methacrylic or vinyl esters, polyamides, copolymers, natural fibers, natural silks and artificial silks such as copper or acetate silks. The preferred material is leather.

The metal mouthpiece surrounding the upper, open edge of the sheath according to the invention can be between 1.0 mm and 50.0 mm wide, preferably between 3.0 and 30.0 mm, in particular between 5.0 and 20.0 mm, very preferably between 10.0 mm and 15.0 mm.

The thickness of the metal mouthpiece in question can be between 0.01 and 2.0 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 1.0 mm, most preferably between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

The metal mouthpiece can preferably be arranged 0.1 to 5.0 mm, in particular 0.5 to 3.0 mm, most preferably 1.0 to 2.0 mm below the upper edge surrounding the open side of the sheath.

The choice of thickness or strength of the metal mouthpiece depends in particular on the material from which the metal mouthpiece is made. The softer or more flexible the material, the thicker the metal mouthpiece can be made. In any case, the expert will select the thickness of the metal mouthpiece primarily according to the criterion of allowing relatively easy and simple pressing in in order to press in or push out the flap- or lid-like tongue described above in a constant and lasting manner.

♦ ··

&iacgr;&ogr;

to be able to press against the tool in the sheath, for example a knife blade.

The metal mouthpiece can be made of all possible metals and metal alloys known to the person skilled in the art for this purpose. For example, aluminum, iron, lead, tin, zinc, copper, silver, gold, platinum, steel, brass, and mixtures and alloys of these metals, but also hybrid materials, such as plastic metals, can be considered.

However, a metal that retains its shape for as long as possible after mechanical deformation or pressing is preferred. Examples of suitable metals are aluminum, tin, zinc, silver, copper or gold or mixtures of these metals.
The metal mouthpiece can be manufactured using conventional metalworking methods, such as rolling, drawing, pressing, soldering, welding or forging.

The surface of the metal mouthpiece can be either polished or matte. It can be smooth and even or it can be decorated with ornaments, engravings, lines, patterns, pictures, inlays, lettering, symbols, pictorial elevations and depressions or, as an advertising space, with advertising information, which can also be colored.

The lower end of the sheath can be conical in shape, for example if it is a knife sheath, and it can be closed or open. It is preferably protected by a metal band, which is preferably made of the same material and has comparable dimensions to the metal mouthpiece.

The preferred subject matter of the invention is a knife sheath which consists of a dimensionally stable plastic, preferably coated with a leather material, is equipped with a metal mouthpiece which is between 15.0 and 10.0 mm wide and has a thickness between, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5 mm

• * * »ft·

and at least one flap- or lid-shaped tongue, which protrudes from the two broad, flat sides into the interior of the sheath in the manner described and offers the knife a firm hold in the sheath.

A sheath, in particular a knife sheath according to the present invention including all the proposed solutions and the equivalent embodiments, has a whole series of advantages. No risk of roasting, no risk of getting damp, no risk of injury due to damage to the sheath by the tool, for example a knife, no sharp edge of the metal mouthpiece, easy, convenient and quick removal of the tool from the sheath while maintaining a secure hold of the tool, regardless of the thickness of the tool, for example a knife blade.

In the drawing, the invention is illustrated schematically in more detail using an embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows in schematic form a sheath (1) for receiving an elongated tool provided with a handle, with an annular metal mouthpiece (4) at the upper end intended for insertion of the tool and a device for securing the tool inserted in the sheath, wherein the sheath (1) is made of a dimensionally stable material (2) and that the device for securing the tool consists of at least one flap or lid-like tongue (6) which is placed in such a way that it is completely or predominantly covered by the annular metal mouthpiece (4) and is arranged inside the sheath (1) on one or both of the wide, flat side walls and is designed by a slit or punched-out section (7) in such a way that it can carry out a directed folding movement in such a way that it can be pressed against the part of the tool inserted in the sheath by mechanical pressure on the annular metal mouthpiece (4).

♦ ·

19 ♦♦· ·;:· ·

In its more specific design, Fig.1 shows a knife sheath (1) which consists of a dimensionally stable material, preferably of a plastic body (2) made from one piece. The plastic body (2) is surrounded by a cover or casing (3) and is provided with a mouthpiece (4) which also encloses the casing (3). A preferably rounded plastic edge (5) closes the knife sheath at the upper end, where the knife is inserted into the sheath. This ensures that on the one hand there is no sharp edge which represents a risk of injury, and on the other hand the edge is adequately protected against mechanical stress. The flap or

The lid-like U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped tongue (6) is arranged in such a way that it lies below the metal mouthpiece (4) and is thus moved inwards by pressure on the metal mouthpiece, the direction of movement being determined by the slit or punch (7). In this way, the knife is secured in the knife sheath against unwanted movements.

The knife sheath is stabilized at its conical end by a tip (8), which is preferably made of the same material as the mouthpiece (4). The tip (8) can be closed or open at its end.

Claims (8)

1. Sheath for receiving an elongated tool provided with a handle, in particular for securing a knife arranged in a sheath against unwanted movements, in particular falling out, with an annular metal mouthpiece at the upper end intended for inserting the tool and a device for securing the tool inserted in the sheath, characterized in that the sheath ( 1 ) is made of a dimensionally stable material ( 2 ) and that the device for securing the tool consists of at least one flap or lid-like tongue ( 6 ) which is placed in such a way that it is completely or predominantly covered by the annular metal mouthpiece ( 4 ) and is arranged inside the sheath ( 1 ) on one or both of the wide, flat side walls and is designed by a slit or punched out area ( 7 ) in such a way that it can carry out a directed folding movement in such a way that it can be pressed against the part of the tool inserted in the sheath by mechanical pressure on the annular metal mouthpiece ( 4 ). 2. Sheath according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the sheath ( 1 ) consisting of a dimensionally stable material ( 2 ) is sheathed or coated with a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic material ( 3 ). 3. Sheath according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flap- or lid-like tongue ( 6 ) can be arranged individually or multiple times on the flat, wide inner side of the sheath ( 1 ) and is designed as a square or rectangular shape, as a shape analogous to a square bracket, as a round shape similar to a U or a horseshoe, as a V-shaped, W-shaped or multiple-pronged shape, in the form of single or multiple knobs, as single or multiple tooth-shaped shapes. 4. Sheath according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface of the flap- or lid-like tongue ( 6 ) facing the interior of the sheath is flat or has unevenness or elevations, roughening, corrugations, knobs or teeth 5. Sheath according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the surface of the flap- or lid-like tongue ( 6 ) facing the interior of the sheath additionally has one or more anti-slip layers, for example made of a synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural polymer, a rubber, felt or leather. 6. Sheath according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flap- or lid-like tongue ( 6 ) has an increased thickness of the dimensionally stable material ( 2 ) compared to the rest of the sheath. 7. Sheath according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower end is surrounded by a metal band ( 8 ), whereby the end can be closed or open. 8. Sheath according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sheath ( 1 ) is a knife sheath and the tool is designed as a knife.