HK1071712B - Utility knife - Google Patents

Description

Multifunctional knife

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to an application entitled "multipurpose KNIFE BLADE holder (UTILITY KNIFE BLADE) filed on 7.2.2003, U.S. serial No.10/360,243.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to utility knives and, more particularly, to utility knives using cutting inserts having a trapezoidal shape. The present invention also relates to a system and method for securing a blade in the present utility knife.

Background

Conventional utility knives are well known and typically comprise an elongated shank about 6 inches long, with the blade being generally trapezoidal in shape and mounted on the shank. When a new blade is attached to the handle, the blade is typically pushed along a groove formed in the front of the handle, or the entire handle is detached with various tools to access the blade retention mechanism. In standard operation, the blade is typically moved between a first storage position within the handle and a second use position with the blade portion outside the handle. To allow the blade to be moved to an operative position, a knob on the handle (e.g., on the side or top of the knife) is slidably moveable along a slot in the handle. When the knob is pushed to one end of the slot, the trapezoidal blade is in the first storage position. When the knob is pushed to the other end of the slot, the trapezoidal blade assumes a second position of use in which the blade of the utility knife can be used to cut the desired object.

One disadvantage of conventional utility knives is that after a period of use, the knob may become loose and the blade may inadvertently slide from the first storage position to its second use position. This is quite dangerous when the user wishes to keep the blade in a fixed position, especially when a utility knife is placed in a pocket or within reach of a child. Another disadvantage of conventional utility knives is that the handle is too long to be carried in a pocket of clothing. A third disadvantage is that the entire handle is usually disassembled when a new blade is inserted into the utility knife.

It would therefore be highly desirable to provide an improved utility knife and a method of safely carrying and using such a knife. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for using a utility knife that includes a trapezoidal blade. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for attaching and detaching a trapezoidal blade to and from a utility knife. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for using a utility knife that significantly reduces the risk of the utility knife blade inadvertently sliding freely and nicking the user. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a utility knife having an improved system and method for securing a blade within a blade holder.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a multifunctional knife, comprising:

(a) a handle having a first end and a second end;

(b) a neck having a distal end and a proximal end;

(c) a blade mounted on said tip, said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part, a first side wall and a second side wall,

(ii) an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base,

(iii) a cutting edge extending along said bottom portion, an

(d) A mount pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end to enable the neck to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, said cutting edge being stored adjacent said handle, an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first operative position, a portion of the locking mechanism securing the blade in the neck, an

(ii) A second operative position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade to be removed from said neck, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises a knob to retain said locking mechanism in said first operative position.

The invention also provides a multifunctional knife, comprising:

(a) a handle having a first end and a second end;

(b) a neck having a distal end and a proximal end;

(c) a blade mounted on said tip, said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part, a first side wall and a second side wall,

(ii) an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base,

(iii) a cutting edge extending along said bottom portion, an

(d) A mount pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end to enable the neck to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, said cutting edge being stored adjacent said handle, an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first operative position, a portion of the locking mechanism securing the blade in the neck, an

(ii) A second operative position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade to be removed from said neck, wherein said locking mechanism further comprises a lever arm having a pivoting end and a distal end, said distal end of said lever arm including a spring, said spring exerting a force against said distal end of said lever arm.

The invention also provides a multifunctional knife, comprising:

(a) a handle having a first end and a second end;

(b) a neck having a distal end and a proximal end;

(c) a blade mounted on said tip, said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part, a first side wall and a second side wall,

(ii) an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base,

(iii) a cutting edge extending along said bottom portion, an

(d) A mount pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end to enable the neck to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, said cutting edge being stored adjacent said handle, an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first operative position, a portion of the locking mechanism securing the blade in the neck, an

(ii) A second operative position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade to be removed from said neck,

wherein the locking mechanism includes a protrusion extending into a securing hole in the blade, the protrusion limiting disengagement of the blade from the neck.

The invention also provides a multifunctional knife, comprising:

(a) a handle having a first end and a second end;

(b) a neck having a distal end and a proximal end;

(c) a blade mounted on said tip, said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part, a first side wall and a second side wall,

(ii) an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base,

(iii) a cutting edge extending along said base, and said insert further comprising a securing aperture formed through said insert, a portion of said cutting edge extending into said end of said neck, a portion of said cutting edge extending outwardly from said end of said neck,

(d) a mount pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end to enable the neck to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, said cutting edge being stored adjacent said handle, an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operative positions when the neck is in the open deployed position,

(i) a first operative position, a portion of the locking mechanism securing the blade in the neck, an

(ii) A second working position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade to be removed from said converging portion.

Brief Description of Drawings

The above and other further and more specific objects and advantages of the present invention will be made by the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

The detailed description will be more apparent, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary utility knife constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 1, showing the knife after the neck has been pivoted from the open position of FIG. 1 to the closed position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 2 showing further construction details thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 1, showing the knife after it has been rotated about the X-axis by about 180;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 4 showing additional structural details;

FIG. 6 is a reproduction of a view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 2, with dashed lines to further illustrate structural details of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a reproduction of a view of the exemplary utility knife of FIG. 3, with dashed lines to further illustrate structural details of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of another exemplary trapezoidal blade for use with the utility knife of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another exemplary trapezoidal blade for use with the utility knife of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary insertion of a trapezoidal shaped blade having a fresh cutting edge into the present invention utility knife;

FIG. 11 is a front view showing an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the example utility knife of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a utility knife showing an exemplary neck constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view showing further exemplary structural details of the knife of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing an exemplary set screw for securing a blade to the neck of the pocket knife of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the knife neck of FIGS. 13 and 14, illustrating an exemplary manner of operation thereof;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the knife neck portion of FIG. 15 showing further exemplary structural details thereof;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the knife neck of FIGS. 13 and 14, illustrating a further exemplary manner of operation thereof;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the knife neck portion of FIG. 17, illustrating an exemplary manner of operation thereof;

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary utility knife neck constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the neck of the exemplary pocket knife of FIG. 19, illustrating its manner of operation;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an exemplary utility knife neck constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the exemplary utility knife neck of FIG. 21, illustrating its manner of operation;

FIG. 23 is a side view of an exemplary utility knife neck constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 24 is a side view of the exemplary pop knife neck of FIG. 23, illustrating an exemplary manner of operation thereof.

Detailed Description

Generally, a utility knife includes a handle having a first end, a second end, and an elongated recess; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted at the distal end. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the bottom; a cutting edge extending along the base; and a fixing hole formed through the blade. About half of the cutting edges extend into the end of the neck and about the other half extend outwardly from the end of the neck. The utility knife also includes a handle for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two operative positions, a first open, extended position wherein the cutting edge is exposed for cutting objects, and a second closed, folded position wherein the cutting edge is disposed in the recess. The utility knife further includes means passing through the neck and the securing holes to secure the blade in the neck.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a utility knife is provided. It comprises a handle having a first end, a second end, and an elongated recess; a neck having a distal end, a proximal end, and an aperture; a slit formed at the distal end of the neck portion; and a trapezoidal blade slidably inserted into the slit. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; a cutting edge extending along the base; and a fixing hole formed through the blade. The blade is movable relative to the slot between a first operative position in which the blade is slidably removable from the slot and a second operative position in which the blade is slidably insertable into the slot and aligns the securing aperture with the aperture in the neck. The utility knife further includes means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two operative positions, wherein in a first open, extended position the cutting edge is exposed for cutting objects and in a second closed, folded position the cutting edge is disposed in the recess. The utility knife also includes means extending through the aperture of the neck and securing apertures for securing the blade in the neck when the blade is in the second insertion position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided. It comprises a knife handle with a first end, a second end and a slender groove; a neck having a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot formed in the distal end; and a trapezoidal blade slidably inserted into the slot, the blade including a base, an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base, a cutting edge extending along the base, and a securing aperture formed through the blade. The blade is movable between two operative positions relative to the slot, a first operative position in which the blade is slidably removable from the slot, and a second operative position in which the blade is slidably insertable into the slot. The utility knife further comprises means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two operative positions: in the first open, unfolded position, the exposed cutting edge is available for cutting objects, and in the second, closed, folded position, the cutting edge is located in the recess. The utility knife further comprises means extending through the securing aperture for securing the blade to the neck when the blade is in the second, inserted, operative position. The utility knife also includes a slot formed in the neck for removing the blade from the slit.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a utility knife is provided comprising a handle having a first end, a second end, and an elongated recess; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the distal end, the blade including a base, an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base, a cutting edge extending along the base, and a securing aperture formed through the blade. The utility knife also includes means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two operative positions. In the first open, unfolded position, the exposed cutting edge is available for cutting objects, and in the second, closed, folded position, the cutting edge is located in the recess. The utility knife further comprises a fastening means passing through the neck and the fastening hole to fasten the blade to the neck. The blade, neck and securing means are shaped and dimensioned such that the securing means are within the handle when the neck is in either the first or second operative position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved method of using a utility knife is provided. The utility model provides a multifunctional knife, which comprises a handle, a neck and a trapezoidal blade arranged in the handle. The improved process comprises the steps of: pivotally connecting the neck to the handle such that the neck is foldable between an open position and a closed position; pivoting the neck to a closed position; carrying the multifunctional knife to a working place; and pivoting the neck to an open position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided. The knife includes a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the bottom; and a cutting edge extending along at least a portion of the base. One portion of the blade extends into the distal end and another portion extends outwardly from the distal end of the neck. The utility knife also includes means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two positions, a first open, extended position exposing the cutting edge for cutting an object, and a second closed, folded position, the cutting edge being adjacent the handle. The knife also includes a securing device for releasably securing the blade in the neck.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided comprising a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a slit formed at the distal end of the neck portion; and a trapezoidal blade slidably inserted into the slit. The insert includes a base, an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base, and at least one cutting edge on at least a portion of the base. The blade can move between two positions relative to the gap; in the first position, the blade is slidably removable from the slot; in the second insertion position, a portion of the blade is slidably inserted into the slot with the blade substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The knife further comprises means for attaching the proximal end to the first end; and means for releasably securing the blade in the slot in the second position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided comprising a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end, a proximal end, a top portion and a bottom portion; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the bottom; and at least one cutting edge extending along at least a portion of the base. A portion of the blade extends into the distal end of the neck and another portion of the blade extends outwardly from the distal end of the neck. The utility knife also includes means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two positions, a first open, extended position exposing the cutting edge for cutting objects, and a second closed, folded position, the cutting edge being adjacent the handle. The utility knife further comprises a securing means for releasably securing the blade in the neck; and a finger stop on the base adjacent the blade.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided comprising a handle having a first end, a second end, and a clip; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; and at least one cutting edge extending along at least a portion of the base. One portion of the blade extends into the distal end of the neck and the other portion extends outwardly therefrom. The utility knife further includes means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two positions; a first open deployed position exposing the cutting edge for cutting the article; and a second closed folded position with the cutting edge adjacent the handle. The utility knife also includes a securing device for releasably securing the blade to the neck.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved method of cutting an article is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a utility knife comprising a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The knife includes a bottom; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; a cutting edge extending along at least a portion of the base; and means for pivotally connecting the proximal end of the neck to the first end of the handle such that the neck is movable between two positions, a first open, extended position, exposing the cutting edge for cutting an object; and a second closed folded position with the cutting edge adjacent the handle. The neck is in the second position. The knife also includes means for releasably securing the blade to the neck. The method further comprises moving the neck to a first open deployed position; and a step of cutting the material with the cutting edge of the trapezoidal blade.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved method for obtaining a fresh edge for a cutting object is provided. The method includes the step of providing a utility knife. The utility model comprises a handle with a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a slit formed at the distal end of the neck; and a trapezoidal blade slidably inserted into the slit. The blade includes a base; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; and at least one used cutting edge on the base. The blade is movable relative to the slot between a first position in which the blade is slidably removable from the slot in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second insertion position in which a portion of the blade is slidably insertable into the slot in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis with the blade substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The utility knife further includes means for connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two positions, a first open, extended position in which the cutting edge is exposed for cutting an object, and a second closed, folded position in which the cutting edge is adjacent the handle; and a securing device for movably securing the blade in the slot in a second position, the securing device being external to the handle when the neck is in the second position. The method further comprises the step of operating the securing means to release the blade to allow the blade to slidably move out of the slot during the second closed folded position of the neck; sliding the blade out of the slot in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; and the step of slidably inserting a blade having a fresh cutting edge into the slot in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided. It comprises a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on one end. The blade includes a base, an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; and at least one cutting edge extending along at least a portion of the base. A portion of the blade extends into the tip and another portion of the blade extends outwardly from the distal end of the neck. The utility knife further comprises means for pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two operative positions; a first open position exposing the cutting edge for cutting objects; and a second closed folded position with the cutting edge in the recess. The utility knife further comprises securing means for releasably securing the blade in the neck; and a spring movably supported against a portion of the neck when the neck is in the first open position to maintain the neck in the first open position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an improved utility knife is provided comprising a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite and spaced from the base; a cutting edge extending along the base; and a fixing hole formed through the blade. A portion of the cutting edge extends into the tip and a portion extends outwardly from the neck tip. The knife further includes a securing member pivotally connecting the proximal end to the first end such that the neck is movable between two positions, a first open, extended position exposing the cutting edge for cutting objects, and a second closed, folded position in which the cutting edge is stored; and a locking mechanism movable between at least two operative positions, a first operative position in which a portion of the locking mechanism extends into the securing aperture to secure the blade to the neck, and a second operative position in which the locking mechanism is disengaged from the securing aperture to enable the blade to be removed from the neck.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an improved utility knife comprising a handle having a first end and a second end; a neck having a distal end and a proximal end, and a cutting edge between the proximal end and the distal end; and a trapezoidal blade mounted on the tip. The blade comprises a bottom part; an upper edge opposite to and spaced from the bottom; a cutting edge extending along the base; and a fixing hole formed through the blade. A portion of the cutting edge extends into the tip and a portion extends outwardly from the neck tip. The knife further includes a securing member pivotally coupling the proximal end to the first end, thereby allowing the neck to move between two positions; a first open deployed position exposing the cutting edge for cutting the article; and a second closed folded position, the cutting edge being stored; and a locking mechanism for securing the blade to the neck.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent corresponding elements throughout the several views, there are depicted several embodiments of the present invention, which are presently exemplary, for the purpose of illustrating the practice of the invention, and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention. Fig. 1 to 7 show a utility knife comprising a handle 10 and a neck 11. The tool shank 10 includes a first end 50, a second end 51, and a recess 54. Neck 11 includes a distal end 52, a proximal end 53, a pointed or forward edge 38, and an upper edge 29. A hole 15 passes through the neck 11. Two spaced and opposing slits 14 (fig. 1) and 30 (fig. 5) may be used to assist in moving the blade 12 out of the neck 11 in the direction of movement of arrow Z. Blade 12 includes a front edge 28 and a rear edge 62. Neck 11 has a slot 39 shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive trapezoidal blade 12 such that a securing hole 31 formed in blade 12 can be moved into alignment with hole 15. When the holes 15 and 31 are aligned, the bolt/nut 18 passes through the holes 15 and 31 to removably secure the blade 12 in the slot 39 and thus also in the neck 11. The slit 39 is delimited on one side by an edge 40 (fig. 1) and on the other side by an edge 41 (fig. 5). A pin or other desired fastening device may be substituted for the bolt/nut 18. By way of example and not limitation, if the blade 12 is about 0.038 inches wide, the width of the slot 39 is typically from 0.039 to 0.048 inches.

The trapezoidal blade 12 includes a base 27 (fig. 5), an upper edge 19 (fig. 5), and a securing hole 31. The shape and dimensions of upper edge 19 may be varied as desired. The cutting edge 13 extends along the bottom 27. When the insert 12 is mounted in the neck 11 in the manner shown in fig. 1-7, about half of the cutting edge 13 (i.e., 40% to 60% of the length of the edge 13) extends outward from the gap 39 and neck 11 and can be used to cut objects. The other half of the blade 13 is housed in a slot 39 in the neck 11, thereby rendering that half of the blade 13 unusable for cutting. The proportion of the portion of the blade 12 that is housed in the neck 11 and is not available for cutting can be varied as desired.

The proximal end 53 of the neck 11 may be pivotally connected to the first end 50 of the handle 10 by a pin arrangement 16, or may be connected by any other desired fastening means, as long as the neck 11 is allowed to pivot relative to the handle 10. A vertically oriented axis extends through the pin arrangement 16.

The shank 10 includes sides 20 and 21, side 20 including an upper edge 35, and side 21 including an upper edge 36. The clip 17 (fig. 2 and 3) is attached to the side 21. The clip 17 allows the utility knife of the present invention to be secured to a shirt pocket, belt, etc. The sides 20 and 21 are secured together by a plurality of bolts, each bolt passing through a hole in the side 20 or 21 and threaded into a hollow bar tapped with internal threads. In fig. 1 to 3, for example, an externally threaded bolt 26 is screwed into a hollow, internally threaded brace 25.

In use, the neck 11 is pivotally connected to the shank 10 with the pin arrangement 16, removing the bolt/nut 18 from the bore 15. The trapezoidal blade 12 is slidably inserted into the slot 39 in the direction of movement of arrow Y in fig. 1 until the aperture 15 is aligned with the aperture 31. The shape and size of the slot 39 and the blade 12 are preferably, but not necessarily, such that the aperture 15 is aligned with the aperture 31 when the blade 12 is positioned in the slot 39. The bolt/nut 18 is inserted through the aligned holes 15 and 31 to removably secure the blade 12 in the slot 39 and neck 11. The neck 11 is pivoted in the direction of movement of arrow a to the folded position shown in figures 2, 3, 6 and 7. In the folded position, the blade 13 is received in the groove 54. The groove 54 extends between the sides 20 and 21 of the shank 10. The spring 60 functions as a spring in a conventional pocket knife to hold the neck 11 in the folded position shown in fig. 2 and 3 or the open or use position shown in fig. 1, 4 and 5.

After the utility knife is in the folded position of fig. 2, it is carried to a desired place where that part of the neck 11 which extends outwardly from the handle 10 in fig. 3 is grasped by the fingers of the hand and pulled outwardly in the direction of movement of arrow B and to the open position shown in fig. 1. The handle 10 is then grasped to manipulate the utility knife, and the blade 13 is used to cut the desired object. To remove the blade 12, the bolt/nut assembly 18 is removed and the tip of a screwdriver or other object is inserted into the slots 14 and 30 and against the edge 62 of the blade 12 (FIG. 5). The front end of the screwdriver is pushed or pulled along the slits 14 and 30 in the direction of movement of arrow C to eject the blade 12 out of the slot 39. A new blade 12 is then inserted into the slot 39 in the manner described earlier; alternatively, the old blade is turned 180 ° to expose the unused portion of edge 13 and reinserted into slot 39. The assembly 18 may be disposed within or outside the slot 54 when the neck 11 is in the closed position of fig. 3.

Fig. 8 shows another trapezoidal blade 12A useful in the practice of the present invention, which includes a base 27A and cutting edges 13A and 67. The hooked cutting edge 67 extends along a portion of the base 27A and the straight cutting edge 13A extends along a portion of the base 27A.

Fig. 9 shows yet another trapezoidal blade 12B that may be used in the practice of the present invention, which includes a base 27B and cutting edges 68 and 69. A hook-shaped cutting edge 68 extends along a portion of the base 27B and a hook-shaped cutting edge 69 extends along a portion of the base 27B. It should be understood that the trapezoidal shape of the blades 12, 12A, 12B may be varied as desired, so long as the blades provide at least one cutting edge that can be used in the manner shown in fig. 1-10. For example, if the triangular portion of the blade 12A to the right of the dotted line 70 in FIG. 8 is cut away, the remainder of the blade 12A remains trapezoidal. Alternatively, if the triangular portion of blade 12A to the right of dashed line 71 in FIG. 8 is cut away, the remainder of blade 12 is still considered trapezoidal.

Fig. 10 shows how the blade 12 is removed from and inserted into the present pocket knife. When the utility knife is in the orientation of fig. 3, the bolt 18 can be removed with a square hole wrench, a vice, or the user's finger. This is particularly advantageous because the bolt 18 is located outside the shank 10 and thus can be removed without having to move the neck 11 to an open position in which the cutting edge 13 is exposed. The bolt 18 passes through the holes 15 and 15A in the neck 11 and through the hole 31 in the blade 12 (fig. 5). Once the bolt 18 is removed, the blade 12 is grasped and pulled outwardly in the direction of movement indicated by arrow F, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the neck 11 (fig. 4, 5). When the blade 12 is damaged or the cutting edge 13 becomes dull, the blade 12 is usually removed.

Before the blade can be removed, the neck 11 is opened slightly in the manner shown in fig. 10, so as to leave room for the blade 12 to be pulled freely out of the neck 11 without the blade 12 touching the handle 10. The neck 11 is slightly opened by pivoting the neck 11 from the closed position shown in figures 2, 3, 6 and 7 through an angle of less than 90.

Replacement inserts with fresh cutting edges are commercially available. To obtain a fresh cutting edge, a fresh insert can be purchased or, in the case where only half of the cutting edge 13 of the insert 12 is used, the insert 12 is rotated 180 ° so that the unused portion of the edge 13 accommodated in the neck 11 is exposed when the exposed portion of the edge 13 of the insert 12 is used.

Once a replacement blade having a fresh cutting edge 13 is obtained, it can be slid into the slot 39 in the direction of movement indicated by arrow G until the position occupied by the blade 12 before the blade 12 is removed. The direction of movement indicated by arrow G is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the neck 11. If the angle between the axis L and the direction of movement is 10 ° or less, the direction of movement can be said to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

For this example, assume that the shape and size of the replacement piece is equal to that of the blade 12. However, the replacement blade may also be some other trapezoidal blade, such as the blade in fig. 8 and 9.

When the replacement blade is slidably inserted into the neck 11 to the position shown in fig. 10, the bolt 18 is installed through the holes 15, 15A and through the hole 31 of the replacement blade to releasably secure the replacement blade to the neck 11.

The procedure described above for replacing the blade 12 in the neck 11 is particularly safe, since the cutting edge 13 is either housed in the handle 10 or closed into the handle 10 (as shown in fig. 10) during the time the blade 12 is released and slidably pulled out of the neck 11.

In fig. 1 to 7 and 10, when the blade 12 is mounted on the neck 11, the portion of the blade 12 in the gap 39 is completely enclosed on both sides by the neck 11. However, if desired, the blade 12 may also be mounted on the neck 11 such that the blade 12 is not completely enclosed on both sides by the neck 11. For example, in fig. 11 and 12, the neck 11A is arranged such that the blade 12 is enclosed by the neck 11A on only one side. An opening or slit 73 is formed in the neck 11A to completely expose one side or face 74 of the blade 12. Opening 73 includes edges 72, 70 and 71 which surround and contact the portion of blade 12 mounted on neck 11A. Although the blade 12 may be slid into the opening 73, it is also possible to align one end of the blade 12 with the opening 73 and then simply lower or push that end of the blade 12 into the opening 73, after which the blade 12 is releasably secured to the neck 11A by a bolt or other means, thereby mounting the blade 12 on the neck 11A.

A finger stop 66 is formed at the bottom of the neck 11 adjacent the cutting edge 13 and blade 12 to help prevent the user's index finger from sliding along the bottom of the neck 11 and onto the cutting edge 13.

The present invention also includes a system and method for removably or permanently securing the blade 12 in the neck with minimal or no tools. Such systems and methods for securing the blades may include any suitable arrangement of features to limit movement of the blades 12 out of the neck. One embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 13-18 and includes a neck 11A and a shank 10A. The blade 12 is slid into and out of the neck 11A in the same manner as the blade 12 is slid into and out of the neck 11 as described above. The neck 11A includes a slot similar to the slot 39 in the neck 11 and is shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive the trapezoidal shaped blade 12. Fig. 13 to 18 show the position of the blade 12 in the neck 11A after insertion.

The lower portion of the neck portion 11A is provided with a serrated cutting edge 78. Instead of the serrated cutting edge 78, a straight cutting edge or any other desired shape and size cutting edge may be formed at the lower portion of the neck portion 11A. The edge 78 may be used alone or in combination with the edge 13 of the blade 12A inserted in the neck 11A.

Blade 12 is secured in neck 11A by lever arm 84. In fig. 14, 17, 18, the arms 84 are in the closed position and the projections 86 extend into the securing apertures 31 to prevent the blade from sliding out of the neck 11A in the direction of arrow N (fig. 16). The arms 84 are held in the closed position of fig. 14, 17, 18 by the cylindrical knob 80. The knob 80 is rotatable on the fixing pin 81 in the direction indicated by the arrow H in fig. 15. A slot 89 is formed through the knob 80, the slot 89 being shaped and dimensioned to allow the distal end of the arm 84 to pass through the slot 89, as will be described below. The arm 84 is pivotally secured to the neck 11A by a pin 85. The spring member 87 is adapted to push against the top edge 19 of the blade 12 and to generate a force to move the arm 84 upwardly along arrow J. To move the arm 84 to the open position shown in fig. 15 and 16, the knob 80 can be rotated from the position shown in fig. 14, 17, and 18 to the position shown in fig. 15 and 16. In fig. 15 and 16, slot 89 has been moved into alignment with end 88 of arm 84 so that spring member 87 moves end 88 of arm 84 upwardly through slot 89 to the position shown in fig. 15 and 16. When the arm 84 is in the position shown in fig. 15 and 16, the protrusion 86 moves to a position outside of the notch 31 so that the protrusion 86 no longer secures the blade 12 in the neck 11A. If desired, the blade 12 can be slid out of the neck 11A in the direction of arrow N.

A small protrusion or handle 139 (fig. 16) may be attached to the arm 84 and the user may grasp the handle 139 and pull upward in the direction of arrow J to pull the arm 84 out of the neck 11A in the direction of arrow J. Similarly, a U-shaped opening 82 (FIG. 14) may also be formed through the neck 11A so that a user grasps a portion of the arm 84 and lifts the arm 84 upward in the direction of arrow J as if grasping a portion of the top of the pocket knife blade and pulling it outward to open the pocket knife.

In fig. 16, the arm 84 is pushed downwardly in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrow J to return to the position shown in fig. 13, 14, 17 and 18. When the arm 84 is depressed to the position shown in fig. 13, 14, 17, 18, the arm 84 is held in that position by rotating the knob 80 in the direction of arrow H to misalign the slot 89 with the tip 88 so that the tip 88 is pressed up against the bottom of the knob 80 and cannot move in the direction of arrow J.

The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in fig. 13-18 utilizes a pivot arm 84 that is movable between a first locked operative position (fig. 14) and a second released operative position (fig. 16). While other embodiments of the present invention, as shown in figures 19 through 24 and as will be described, also employ lock-and-release mechanisms that are movable between a first locked operative position and a second released operative position. A pin 151 (fig. 23) may also be used that simply slides (rather than pivots) in an opening 150 formed in the neck 11A between (1) a first locked position, in which a portion of the sliding arm engages the notch 31A or another portion of the blade 12 to lock the blade 12 in position in the neck 11A, and (2) a second released position; and in (2) the second release position, the arm does not engage the notch 31A without locking the blade 12 in place.

The embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 19 and 20 includes movable arms 90 and 95 and a spring 92. The arm 90 pivots on a fixed pin 93, the pin 93 being fixedly connected to the neck 11. The end 97 of the arm 95 pivots about a fixed pin 98. The pin 98 extends into the slot 94. The slot 94 extends through the arm 95. Fig. 19 shows arms 90 and 95 in the closed, locked position. In fig. 19, arm 95 is pulled in the direction of arrow R so that enlarged nose 96 wedges against ramp 99 and top edge 19 of blade 12. When end 96 wedges against ramp 99 and top edge 19, end 96 prevents blade 12 from moving. The spring 92 supports the stopper 100 to assist in maintaining the arm 90 in the position shown in fig. 19.

Fig. 20 shows arms 90 and 95 after movement of arm 90 in the direction of arrow K, respectively, of arms 90 and 95 from the closed, locked position to the open, released position. When the end 91 of the arm 90 is moved in the direction of arrow K (fig. 19) to pivot the arm 90 about the pin 93, the arm 95 moves in the direction of arrow N, releasing the blade 12 so that the blade 12 can be removed from the neck 11A in the direction of arrow N as needed. When the arms 90 are in the closed position shown in fig. 19, the arms 90 are positioned in the slots 106.

The embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 21 and 22 includes a movable arm 102. The raised proximal end 105 of the arm 102 is pivotable about the pin 103, the pin 103 being fixedly mounted in the neck 11A. The arm 102 is located in the slot 104. Fig. 21 shows the arm 102 in a closed, locked position, in fig. 21, with the raised end 105 extending into the notch 31 to prevent movement of the blade 12.

Fig. 22 shows the arm 102 after moving upward in the direction of arrow P. In fig. 22, the raised end 105 has been removed from the notch 31, and the blade 12 can be slidably removed from the neck 11A in the direction of arrow N.

The embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 23 and 24 includes movable arms 133 and 134 and a spring 137. The end of the arm 133 is fixedly connected to a pin 142, and the pin 142 is slidable and pivotable in a slot 136 formed through the arm 134. The proximal end of arm 133 is fixedly attached to a pin 132, and pin 132 slides and pivots in notch 31 and slot 141. A slot 141 is formed in the neck 11A and when the blade 12 is inserted into the neck 11A to the position shown in fig. 23 and 24, the slot 141 is aligned with the notch 31. The arm 134 pivots on a pin 138, the pin 138 being fixedly attached to the end 11A.

When arms 133 and 134 are in the closed, locked position shown in fig. 23, pin 132 engages notch 31, preventing blade 12 from sliding out of neck 11A in the direction of arrow N. When the arm 134 is in the closed position shown in fig. 23, the spring 137 presses against the finger 135 of the arm 134 and creates a force that moves the arm 134 in the direction of arrow Q. The force generated by the spring 137 is insufficient to move the arm 134 away from the position of the arm 134 in fig. 23. However, the spring 134 facilitates manual movement of the arm 134 in the direction of arrow Q.

Moving the arm 134 in the direction of arrow Q moves the arms 133 and 134 from the closed, locked position of fig. 23 to the open, released position of fig. 24. In fig. 24, pin 132 has moved upwardly out of notch 31 into slot 141, arms 133 and 134 have pivoted and moved in the direction of arrow Q, and blade 12 can be slidably moved out of neck 11A in the direction of arrow N. The arms 133 and 134 and the spring 137 are mounted in a recess 140 formed in the neck 11A.

In fig. 13-24, arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 each move in a plane parallel to the side or flank 74 of blade 12 in neck 11A. Arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 each preferably move in a plane that is parallel to side 74 or inclined at an angle of 45 or less, preferably 20 or less, and most preferably 10 or less to side 74.

The arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 may each mate with or facilitate a notch 31, 31A formed in the top of the blade 12. A notch engaged by the arm may be formed in a portion of the blade 12 if desired.

The arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 are each mounted in the neck 11A. An arm-link system may also be used in which a portion of the system is contained within the tool shank 10A, but such a system is now not practical and would not be worth generalizing. Arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 are now preferably, but not necessarily, disposed substantially above blade 12, at the top or upper portion of neck 11A, to facilitate the operation of the arms to lock and release blade 12.

In fig. 13-24, the arms 84, 90, 95, 102, 133, 134, 151 are located substantially in the neck 11A above the blade 12. These arms and other components of the locking mechanism for securing the blade 12 in the neck 11A may also be positioned in the neck 11A near any desired location of the blade 12, including the sides, back or bottom of the blade 12, if desired.

In fig. 13, a hole 160 with an internal thread is formed through one side of the neck portion 11A, and an opening 14A is formed through one side of the neck portion 11A in the same manner. Set screw 161 (fig. 14) is threaded into hole 160. The inner end 162 of set screw 161 abuts against side 74A of blade 12 to retain blade 12 in neck 11A. Once set screw 161 is loosened so that end 162 no longer abuts side 74A, blade 12 can then be slidably removed from neck 11A.

The configuration of the neck 11A may vary as desired so long as the blade 12 can be mounted thereon and the neck 11A can be folded relative to the handle 10A between the open and closed positions.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. Advantages, other benefits, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. Elements described herein are not essential to the practice of the invention unless specifically stated to be "essential" or "critical".

Claims (8)

1. A utility knife, comprising:

(a) a handle (10) having a first end (50) and a second end (51);

(b) a neck (11) having a distal end (52) and a proximal end (53);

(c) a blade (12) mounted on said tip (52), said blade (12) comprising:

(i) a bottom part (27) of the container,

(ii) an upper edge (19) opposite and spaced from said bottom (27),

(iii) a cutting edge (13) extending along the bottom (27), and

(d) a mount (16) pivotally connecting said proximal end (53) to said first end (50) to enable said neck (11) to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge (13) is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, the cutting edge (13) being stored adjacent the handle (10), an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first working position, a part of said locking mechanism securing said blade (12) in said neck (11), and

(ii) a second operative position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade (12) to be removed from said neck (11), wherein said locking mechanism further comprises a knob (80) to retain said locking mechanism in said first operative position.

2. A pocket knife according to claim 1, characterised in that the knob (80) is rotatable to release the locking mechanism into the second working position.

3. The utility knife of claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism further comprises a lever arm (84), the knob includes a slot (89), and the slot is configured to enable the lever arm to be released to place the locking mechanism in the second operating position.

4. The utility knife of claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism further includes a lever arm (84), the knob includes a slot (89), the knob is configured to be rotated to move the slot into and out of alignment with the lever arm to enable the locking mechanism to be moved between the at least two operating positions.

5. A pocket knife according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking mechanism further comprises a lever arm having a projection which extends into a fixing hole in the blade (12), the button being adapted to release the lever arm and remove the projection from the fixing hole in the blade (12).

6. A utility knife, comprising:

(a) a handle (10) having a first end (50) and a second end (51);

(b) a neck (11) having a distal end (52) and a proximal end (53);

(c) a blade (12) mounted on said tip (52), said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part (27) of the container,

(ii) an upper edge (19) opposite and spaced from said bottom (27),

(iii) a cutting edge (13) extending along the bottom (27), and

(d) a mount (16) pivotally connecting said proximal end (53) to said first end (50) to enable said neck (11) to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge (13) is exposed for cutting the object, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, the cutting edge (13) being stored adjacent the handle (10), an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first working position, a part of said locking mechanism securing said blade (12) in said neck (11), and

(ii) a second operative position, said locking mechanism being released to allow said blade (12) to move out of said neck (11), wherein said locking mechanism further comprises a lever arm having a pivoting end and a distal end, said distal end of said lever arm including a spring, said spring exerting a force against said distal end of said lever arm.

7. A utility knife, comprising:

(a) a handle (10) having a first end (50) and a second end (51);

(b) a neck (11) having a distal end (52) and a proximal end (53);

(c) a blade (12) mounted on said tip (52), said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part (27) of the container,

(ii) an upper edge (19) opposite and spaced from said bottom (27),

(iii) a cutting edge (13) extending along the bottom (27), and

(d) a mount (16) pivotally connecting said proximal end (53) to said first end (50) to enable said neck (11) to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge (13) is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, the cutting edge (13) being stored adjacent the handle (10), an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operating positions,

(i) a first working position, a part of said locking mechanism securing said blade (12) in said neck (11), and

(ii) a second working position, the locking mechanism being released to allow the blade (12) to be removed from the neck (11),

wherein the locking mechanism comprises a protrusion extending into a fixing hole in the blade (12), the protrusion limiting the blade (12) from disengaging from the neck (11).

8. A utility knife, comprising:

(a) a handle (10) having a first end (50) and a second end (51);

(b) a neck (11) having a distal end (52) and a proximal end (53);

(c) a blade (12) mounted on said tip (52), said blade comprising:

(i) a bottom part (27) of the container,

(ii) an upper edge (19) opposite and spaced from said bottom (27),

(iii) a cutting edge (13) extending along said base (27), and said insert (12) further comprising a securing hole formed therethrough, a portion of said cutting edge (13) extending into said end (52) of said neck (11), a portion of said cutting edge (13) extending outwardly from said end (52) of said neck (11),

(d) a mount (16) pivotally connecting said proximal end (53) to said first end (50) to enable said neck (11) to move between two positions,

(i) a first open deployed position in which the cutting edge (13) is exposed for cutting the article, an

(ii) A second closed folded position, the cutting edge (13) being stored adjacent the handle (10), an

(e) A locking mechanism movable between at least two operative positions when the neck (11) is in the open deployed position,

(i) a first working position, a part of said locking mechanism securing said blade (12) in said neck (11), and

(ii) a second working position, the locking mechanism being released to allow the blade (12) to be removed from the neck.