CLEARING DEVICE

Abstract

Described herein are embodiments of a clearing device. In one embodiment, the clearing device comprises a first side arm, a second side arm, and a top arm connecting the first and second side arms. The clearing device further comprises a slit defined by the first side arm, second side arm, and top arm. The slit is configured to receive a blade of a knife such that the clearing device gets placed over the top side of a blade, leaving the cutting edge exposed. The user of the knife may slide the clearing device along the blade of the knife, pushing food particles off the blade of the knife. The clearing device further comprises ribs on the inner surfaces that abut the side surfaces of the blade so that the clearing device may slide down the blade more effectively.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to kitchen utensils and, more particularly, relates to a device for clearing food from a knife after cutting.

BACKGROUND

Kitchen knives are frequently used during meal preparation to cut various types of ingredients. Cutting food such as vegetables, fruits, and meats provide a proper cut size that can be cooked more efficiently and ingested easier. Different kitchen knives can be used according to ingredient shape, size, and hardness. Many kitchen knives, such as a chef's knife, have blades with a large surface areas. During food preparation, certain chopped foods, such as vegetables and fruits, can adhere to these large surfaces of the knife. Traditionally, food that adheres to the blade is cleared from the blade with one's fingers, which is both dangerous and can lead to contamination of the knife. Alternatively, food can be cleared by running the blade along a cutting board edge or similar surface. Running a blade along a cutting board edge or similar surface which may dull the cutting edge of the knife and/or cause messes from food landing off the cutting board. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device which can clear chopped food from a knife which is safe, sanitary, and does not dull the cutting edge of the knife.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a knife clearing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view, in cross-section, of the knife clearing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another example of a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 7 in an extended configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 7 in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of another example of a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of another example of a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of another example a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of the knife clearing device of FIG. 16, with the side arms in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 18A illustrates a front view, in cross-section, of another example of a knife clearing device, according to the present invention, with the side arms in a neutral position.

FIG. 18B illustrates a front view, in cross-section, of another example of the knife clearing device of FIG. 18A, with the side arm in a collapsed position.

FIG. 18C illustrates a front view, in cross-section, of the knife clearing device of FIG. 18A with the side arms in a neutral position.

FIG. 18D illustrates a front view, in cross-section, of the knife clearing device of FIG. 18A, with the side arms in a collapsed position.

FIG. 19A illustrates a knife with food particles adhering to the blade surface and a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 19B illustrates a knife with food particles cleared from the blade surface and a knife clearing device, according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a knife clearing device that is pivotably coupled to a cutting board, according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an example of a cutting board with a retainer, according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the cutting board and retainer of FIG. 21.

DEFINITIONS

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or embodiment and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are various embodiments of a knife clearing, swiping, pinching, and horseshoe shaped device (hereafter ‘clearing device’) for removing food particles from the sides of the knife without dulling the knife's cutting edge, contaminating the food particles, or risking injury to the user. In most embodiments, the clearing device is configured to be secured around the knife blade and some distance above the cutting edge of the knife blade such that the clearing device may sit on the blade of knife during use without impeding food cutting. As food particles accumulate on the sides of the blade, the user may quickly pinch the sides of the clearing device and slide it along the length of the blade to clear the blade. During the sliding motion, the clearing device mechanically engages and pushes food particles along the blade surfaces until they are ejected from either the front end (point end) of the knife or the cutting edge. The clearing device includes two arms and two rib like structures, which create a slit feature that enable the clearing device to clear food from the blade. The slit of the clearing device is configured to receive the blade. Once the blade is received within the slit, the two ribs abut each side of the blade surface, securing the clearing device to the blade, allowing fingers to comfortably pinch the ribs against the blade but still allowing the clearing device to slide along the knife. The ribs of the clearing device allow for smooth sliding along the blade as well as efficient clearing of the food particles from the blade. As such, the clearing device allows the user to safely remove food particles from the blade without contaminating the food or dulling the knife's cutting edge.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the clearing device does not sit on the blade, but instead is attached to a cutting board or a scooping board. In this embodiment, the clearing device has a slit for the knife to slide through. Each side of the slit contacts a side of the blade, thereby pushing and removing the food off the blade, and depositing the food onto the cutting board or scooping board. The various embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail below.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a first example of a clearing device 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the clearing device 100 comprises a top end 102 and a bottom end 104 opposite the top end 102. The clearing device 100 further comprises a first side arm 106 and a second side arm 108. The first side arm 106 and the second side arm 108 are connected by a top wall 110 located on the top end 102 of the clearing device 100, thereby to give the clearing device a narrow and elongated, upside-down U-shape appearance, or a narrow horseshoe shape. The first side arm 106 and second side arm 108 extend approximately parallel to each other when in a relaxed, or uncompressed, state. The first side arm 106, second side arm 108, and top wall 110 define a blade-receiving slit 112. The first side arm 106 comprises a first flange 120, extending away from the slit 112 and approximately perpendicular to the first side arm 106. Similarly, the second side arm 108 comprises a second flange 122, extending away from the slit 112 and approximately perpendicular to the second side arm 108. The first flange 120 and second flange 122 improve ergonomics and handling by providing stops that prevent the users' fingers from slipping down and off the clearing device. Further, the first and second flanges provide surfaces against which a downward force can be applied. Additionally, the first flange 120 and second flange 122 provide a stable base for the clearing device 100 so that the clearing device 100 can rest in an upright position when not in use.

As mentioned above, an interior surface of the first side arm 106 and an interior surface of the second side arm 108 comprise a first rib 114 and a second rib 116, respectively. The first rib 114 and the second rib 116 partially define the blade-receiving slit 112. The first rib 114 and second rib 116 are configured to abut the flat side surfaces of the blade of the knife. The ribs extend along the inner surface of each arm between the top end 102 and the bottom end 104 of the clearing device 100. The ribs 114, 116 may comprise various cross sectional-shapes, such as a half circle, triangle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, or any other similar or well-known shape. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ribs 114, 116 can comprise an approximately triangular cross section. The ribs 114, 116 of the clearing device 100 improve the slide-ability of the clearing device over the blade of the knife. The ribs 114, 116 reduce the surface area contacting the blade surface when compared to a traditional flat surface, due to the pointed protrusions of the triangular cross section. Less surface area in contact with the blade surface decreases friction forces to promote easier sliding of the clearing device 100.

In some embodiments, the clearing device 100 can further comprise grips 126 located on the exterior surfaces of the first side arm 106 and second side arm 108. In many embodiments, the grips 126 can be one or more recesses, ribs, notches, indentations, projections, protrusions, grooves, or other similar features. Additionally, the grips can be arranged in an ergonomic fashion such that the grips, collectively, form a comfortable surface upon which one can rest their fingers when using the clearing device 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the grips 126 are protrusions. The protrusions can be any desired shape or size, such as circular, triangular, oval, rectangular, or other well-known shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the grips 126 are pill-shaped. In some embodiments, there can be one, two, three, four, or five or more grips 126. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three pill shaped grips 126. The grips 126 provide texture and ridges so that the user may easier grasp the clearing device during use.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the clearing device 100 comprises a top aperture 118, that adapts the clearing device 100 for use with blades of varying thickness, and that promotes a hinge movement of the side arms to better place the ribs into contact with the surfaces of the blade. The top aperture 118 is located at the topmost end of the slit 112, adjacent the top wall 110. In this embodiment, the top aperture 118 is approximately circular in shape. In other embodiments, the top aperture 118 can have a triangular shape, square shape, rectangular shape, trapezoidal shape, pentagonal shape, or any other shape as to provide the proper bending properties of the clearing device 100 so that the clearing device 100 may be placed over different sized blades.

The clearing device 100 comprises a length 140, measured from the topmost portion to the bottommost portion of the clearing device. In many embodiments, the length 140 of the clearing device 100 can range from approximately 0.75 inch to 3.25 inches. For example, the clearing device 100 can have a length ranging from 0.75 inch to 1 inch, 1 inch to 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches to 2.0 inches, 2.0 inches to 2.25 inches, 2.25 inches to 2.5 inches, 2.5 inches to 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches to 3.0 inches, or 3.0 inches to 3.25 inches. In other embodiments, the clearing device 100 can have a length of approximately 0.75 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, or 3.25 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the length 140 is approximately 2.35 inches. The length of the clearing device can be selected according to the size of the blade. A clearing device 100 length 140 of approximately 1 inch would be suitable for smaller blades like a pairing or carving knife while a larger length 140, like a length of 3 inches, would be suitable for a chef knife, cleaver, or santoku knife.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clearing device 100 is made from a single material. In this embodiment, the clearing device is preferably made from FDA food-grade materials to prevent contamination of the food and/or the clearing device itself. The clearing device 100 can be made from, but not limited to, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), High Density Polyethelene (HDPE), Polyetherketone (PEEK), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polypropylene (PP), or other well-known materials used in the industry.

In other embodiments, the clearing device 100 can be made from multiple materials. In these embodiments, the ribs 114, 116 and other portions of the clearing device that come in contact with the food are preferably made from FDA food-grade material. Other portions of the clearing device, such as the exterior surface or grips that the user may contact can be made from other materials that are not FDA food-grade materials. For example, the clearing device can be made from Acrylic (PMMA), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon (polyamide, PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE) polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or any combination of the aforementioned materials. In one embodiment, the ribs 114, 116 can be made from a softer FDA food-grade material while the exterior portion and grips are made from a harder and more rigid plastic that is not FDA food-grade material.

In some embodiments, the ribs 114, 116 extend continuously along the interior surface of the arms. The ribs 114, 116 extend between the bottom end and the top end and taper at each end. In other embodiments, the ribs 114, 116 may have discontinuities along the length such that the ribs are divided into a plurality of ribs. For example, in one embodiment, there can be two, three, four, or five or more sections of ribs along one interior surface of the arm.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a clearing device 200 having an adjustable length. The clearing device 200 is similar to the clearing device 100 described above in that it comprises many similar features, such as a top end 202, a bottom end 204, a top wall 210, and a slit 212. The clearing device 200 is different from the clearing device 100 in that the clearing device 200 can be adjusted to different lengths through the use of telescoping side arms. The side arms of the clearing device 200 comprise an inner portion 228 and an outer portion 230. The inner portion 228 slides within the outer portion 230 so that the inner portion 228 can be placed at different positions relative to the outer portion 230, thereby adjusting the overall length of the clearing device 200. The adjustable length of the clearing device allows the clearing device to be used effectively on varying sizes and types of blades.

As mentioned above, the inner portion 228 slides within the outer portion 230 to adjust the overall length of the clearing device 200. The outer portion 230 comprises a hollowed out bore, which is configured to receive the inner portion 228. In some embodiments, interlocking geometries are provided on the inner portion 228 and/or outer portion 230 to lock the clearing device 200 in distinct positions. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates the clearing device 200 in an extended position while FIG. 10 illustrates the clearing device 200 in a retracted position. The extended position of the clearing device 200 can be used with blades with a greater height so that the clearing device 200 may extend over the full height of the blade. Similarly, the retracted position of the clearing device 200 can be used with blades with smaller heights so that the clearing device 200 doesn't extend beyond the cutting edge of the blade and interrupt the cutting motion during use of the knife.

The length of the clearing device 200 can be adjusted from approximately 0.7 inch to 3 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the clearing device 200 can be adjusted from 0.7 inch to 1.4 inches, from 0.9 inch to 1.7 inches, from 1.0 inch to 2.0 inches, from 1.25 inches to 2.25 inches, or from 1.75 inches to 3 inches.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrates a clearing device 300 which attaches to a board, such as a cutting board or scooping board. The scooping board 336 has a scooping board handle which the user uses to hold the scooping board similar to those known in the art. In this embodiment, the clearing device 300 comprises complimentary geometry to the scooping board 336 so that the clearing device 300 is configured to fit over a side edge of the scooping board 336. The clearing device 300 comprises a slit 312 with a first rib 314 and second rib 316 similar to those described above. The ribs of the clearing device 300 can be made of FDA food-grade silicone or other food-grade material. The scooping board 336 can be made of a metal, wood, or other materials such as those known in the art. This embodiment allows for food particles cleared from the knife to be directly transferred to the scooping board which can then be used to transport the food particles for cooking or serving, thus further reducing risk of the food particles being contaminated. Additionally, this embodiment makes it so that the user does not need to place their fingers near the knife blade, further reducing the risk of injury to the user.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a clearing device 400 with ergonomic grips and side wall slits that allow the ribs to better conform to the blade surfaces. The clearing device 400 is similar in many ways to the clearing device 100 above in that the clearing device 400 comprises a first side arm 406, a second side arm 408, and a top wall 410 which together define a knife-receiving slit 412. The clearing device 400 is different from the clearing device 100 in that the clearing device 400 comprises different ergonomics features and side arms slits 442. The side arm slits help permit a tapered angle of the ribs to match a taper angle of the blade. When the tapered angle of the ribs matches the taper angle of the blade, the entire lengths of the ribs will lay flush with the entire blade surfaces of the knife.

As mentioned above, the first and second side arms 406, 408 each comprise a side arm slit 442 that allows central portions of the side arms 406, 408 to deflect relative to surrounding portions of the side arms. The side arm slit 442 has an upside down U-shape appearance such that the slit extends into the top portion of each side arm and around the ribs 414, 416. The discontinuity from the slit 442 creates a cantilever portion 444 in each of the first and second side arms 406, 408. Each cantilever portions 444 has a supported end proximate the bottom end 404 and an unsupported end proximate the top end 402. The cantilever portion 444 facilitates movement of the ribs 414, 416 independent from the side arms 406, 408. The cantilever portions 444 allows the user to push the top portion of each rib together to achieve a proper taper angle of the ribs to match the taper angles of the blade, thereby to increase the contact surface area of the ribs on the side of the blade.

The taper angles of the ribs changes as the user applies pressure to the side arms. In the illustrated embodiment, each taper angle is approximately 0 degrees when there is no pressure applied. When the user applies a gripping pressure, the bottom end 404 of each side arm will translate more than the top end 402 because the top ends of the side arms are fixed to the top wall, and thus does not allow translation. The taper angle may vary from 0.1 degree to 10 degrees when the user applies pressure. The variability of the taper angle may be adjusted from various geometries such as the slit width 450.

The slit width 450, as illustrated in FIG. 14, is the distance between each rib, in a static state without an applied gripping pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, the slit width 450 is approximately constant along the entire length of the slit 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the slit width 450 is approximately 0.05 inch. In other embodiments, the slit width can range from approximately 0.01 inch to 0.2 inch. For example, the slit width 450 can range from 0.01 inch to 0.05 inch, 0.05 inch to 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch to 0.15 inch, or 0.15 inch to 0.20 inch. In other embodiments, the slit width can be approximately 0.01 inch, 0.02 inch, 0.03 inch, 0.04 inch, 0.05 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.07 inch, 0.08 inch, 0.09 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.11 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.13 inch, 0.14 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.16 inch, 0.17 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.19 inch, or 0.20 inch. The slit width 450 decreases as the user applies pressure.

The user may apply pressure sufficient to cause bottom ends of the ribs to touch each other, reducing the slit width 450 to 0 inches. However, due to the bending nature of the side arms, the slit width 450 at the top end of the slit will remain approximately the same without a user applied force. The side arm slit 442 allows the user to press the top end of the ribs together that otherwise would not be able to touch without the side arm slit 442. Adjusting both the top ends and bottom ends of the ribs allows the user to ensure a proper fit of the clearing device on the blade of the knife.

The side arm slits 442 comprise a length 452, as illustrates in FIG. 15. The length 452 of the side arm slits is measured from the topmost portion to the bottommost portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the length 452 is approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the length 452 can range from approximately 0.25 inch to 2.5 inch. For example, the length 452 can range from 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch, 0.75 inch to 1 inch, 1 inch to 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches to 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches to 2 inches, or 2 inches to 2.5 inches. Adjusting the length 452 of the side arm slit 442 will alter the ability of the user to press the top portion of the ribs together. A shorter length 452 will allow less deflection of the top portion compared to a longer length 452.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-15, the clearing device 400 further comprises an enlarged, rounded grip portion 448. The rounded grip portion 448 is configured to receive the users' fingers to provide improved ergonomics and handling for the clearing device 400. The rounded grip portion 448 includes localized portions of the side arms having widths greater than the rest of the side arms, thereby to increase the surface area for the user to grab and improving handling. The increased surface area is achieved through the use of grips and a recessed portion. The rounded grip portion 448 has a width 454 of approximately 0.75 inch. The rounded grip portion 448 has an area of about 0.44 in².

The rounded grip portion is illustrated as being located in the approximate center region of the side arm, in a top to bottom direction. In other embodiments, the rounded grip portion can be placed towards the bottom portion or the top portion of the side arms to adjust the usability and ergonomics as desired. Furthermore, the rounded grip portion can comprise the side arm slits 442. When the rounded grip portion comprises the side arm slits 442, the user may adjust the taper angle of the ribs without removing their fingers from the gripping portion. By applying force to the gripping portion, the user will also adjust the taper angle and the width of the main slit because the gripping portion has the side arm slits 442.

The rounded grip portion 448 further comprises a plurality of grips. The grips are rounded protrusions. The rounded protrusions increase the texture of the gripping surface thereby improving the user's ability to hold onto the clearing device 400. In other embodiments, the grips can have various shapes and sizes to provide surface textures and improve handling.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are meant to illustrate the change in taper angle of the ribs that are caused by deflection of the arms and cantilevered portions. Specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates the clearing device in an unloaded state, or with no forces applied to the clearing device. FIG. 17 illustrates the clearing device in a loaded state with forces applied by a user. The clearing device with cantilevered portions enables greater deflection of the top portion of the ribs.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the clearing device has a first arm and second arm that comprise a first rib and a second rib, respectively. The first arm comprises points P1, P2, and P3. P1 is located at the top end of the first rib, P2 is located at the bottom end of the cantilever portion, and P3 is located at the bottom end of the rib. The second arm comprises points P4, P5, and P6. P4 is located at the top end of the second rib, P5 is located at the bottom end of the cantilever portion, and P6 is located at the bottom end of the rib. The first arm comprises a first angle α₁ which is defined as the angle between the lines formed from P1 to P2 and P2 to P3. The second arm comprises a second angle α₂ which is defined as the angle between the lines formed from P4 to P5 and P5 to P6.

The clearing device comprising cantilevered portions facilitates bending of the first and second ribs to adjust the first and second angles α₁ and α₂. Specifically, the cantilever portions enable complimentary bending of the ribs so that the top of the ribs may translate in a similar manner to the bottom of the ribs. The top of the ribs can abut or contact each other at points P1 and P4 due to the deflection of each of the cantilever portions. Similarly, bending of the first arm and second arm, at the bottom, allows for the ribs to touch or contact at points P3 and P6.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate an embodiment of knife clearing device with cantilevered portions having exaggerated geometries to better illustrate the first and second angles α₁ and α₂. FIG. 18A illustrates a first arm and first rib of the clearing device in a static configuration. In the static configuration, the first angle α₁ is approximately 180 degrees. FIG. 18B illustrates the first arm and first rib of the clearing device in a deflected configuration. In the deflected configuration, the first angle α₁ is less than 180 degrees. In the deflected configuration, the points P1 and P3 translate to reduce the first angle α₁. The unsupported end of the cantilever portion facilitates translation of point P1. The unsupported end of the first arm (the bottom end of the first arm) facilitates translation of point P3. The simultaneous translation of points p1 and p3 allows for the rib to contact more surface area of the knife and to match the taper angle of various knives.

Similarly, FIG. 18C illustrates a knife clearing device with a first arm and second arm in a static configuration. Both α₁ and α₂ are approximately equal to 180 degrees in the static configuration. FIG. 18D illustrates a first arm and second arm in an exaggerated deflected configuration. Both α₁ and α₂ are less than 180 degrees.

In other embodiments, the knife clearing device can have a static configuration where both α₁ and α₂ are less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees. In these embodiments, placing of the knife clearing device on the knife will deflect the arms and ribs and create a deflected configuration. The force of the knife on the arms and ribs will create friction that aids in retaining the knife clearing device on the blade and to prevent the clearing device from falling off the blade. In these embodiments, the static configuration of α₁ and α₂ can be adjusted to provide sufficient force on the blade of the knife for frictional retention.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate how a clearing device 500 removes particles from the blade of a knife on a cutting board. The clearing device 500 is similar to the clearing device 400 described above. FIG. 19A illustrate food particles 560 remaining on the side of a knife during food preparation. The amount and size of the food particles 560 may vary depending on the food. As illustrated in FIG. 19A, the clearing device is resting over the blade of the knife, adjacent to the handle. The blade of the knife is located between the first arm and second arm. The food particles 560 remain on the blade of the knife. FIG. 19B illustrates the result of using the knife clearing device 500. In FIG. 19B, the user has pushed the clearing device 500 to the tip or point of the knife. As the clearing device 500 slides or swipes over the blade, the ribs push off food particles 560 from the blade and onto the cutting board. As such, the clearing device 500 creates a safe and quick method of removing food particles from the side of the knife.

FIG. 20 illustrates a knife clearing device 600 that is integrated with a cutting board 610. The knife clearing device 600 comprises many of the features described above, such as side arms, ribs, a knife-receiving slit, and grips. The knife clearing device differs from the clearing devices described above in that the clearing device 600 is inverted relative to the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, and is rotatably coupled to the cutting board. The clearing device 600 has a base portion 602 (previously a top portion 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 or top wall 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) that is configured to be received in a recess 615 and pivotably coupled to the cutting board 610. The clearing device 600 further comprises a free end 604 (previously bottom portion 104, 204, 304, 404, 504). The base portion 602 is rotatably coupled to the recess 615 to move the clearing device between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration.

In a deployed configuration, the clearing device 600 protrudes upwards relative to the cutting surface. In the deployed configuration, the clearing device 600 may receive a blade of a knife in the knife-receiving slit. In this embodiment, rather than sliding the clearing device 600 along the length of the blade, the clearing device 600 remains in a fixed position and the blade of the knife is pulled through the clearing device. The clearing device 600 that is rotatably coupled to the cutting board improves usability of the knife by removing the need for the clearing device to lay over the top of the knife, which could limit ergonomics and usability of the knife during cutting. In other embodiments, the clearing device 600 can be coupled to the cutting board via press fitting or a snap fit connection.

In the stored configuration, the clearing device 600 is partially or fully harbored within the recesses 615. In the illustrated example, the clearing device 600 lays entirely below the surface of the cutting board. In some embodiments, the recess comprises a removable cap that seals off the recess to prevent liquids or foods from entering the recess when the clearing device is in the stored configuration, thereby improving cleanliness and sanitation of the clearing device.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate a cutting board 710 comprising a retainer 780 that is configured to receive a clearing device. The retainer 780 includes a retainer wall 782 that protrudes from the surface of the cutting board 710 and has a shape that is complementary to the shape of a periphery of the clearing device. The retainer 780 prevents the clearing device from sliding off of the cutting board 710 when harbored in the retainer 780. The retainer 780 can be located at any point along the perimeter of the cutting board 710. In some embodiments, there can be one, two, three or more retainer 780 located on the cutting board 710. When the cutting board 710 comprises two or more retainers 780, each retainer 780 may have a different size to receive different sized clearing devices. As described above, different sized clearing devices are used according to the size of the knife. The cutting board 710 comprising two or more different sized retainer 780 allows for easier and organized access to the two or more different sized clearing devices.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A knife clearing device comprising: a first arm, a second arm, and a top wall;wherein:the top wall connects the first arm to the second arm at a top end;the first arm comprises a first rib on a first interior surface, the second arm comprises a second rib on a second interior surface;the first rib and the second rib extend in a top to bottom direction.

2. The knife clearing device of claim 1, wherein: the first arm further comprises a first slit which extends through an exterior surface to the interior surface;the second arm further comprises a second slit which extends through an exterior surface to the interior surface;the first slit defines a first cantilever portion;the second slit defines a second cantilever portion.

3. The knife clearing device of claim 2, wherein: the first arm comprises a first indentation on the first exterior surface that is circular in shape;the second arm comprises a second indentation on the second exterior surface that is circular in shape.

4. The knife clearing device of claim 3, wherein: the first indentation is at least partially located on the first cantilever portion;the second indentation is at least partially located on the second cantilever portion.

5. The knife clearing device of claim 4, wherein: the first indentation and the second indentation comprise a plurality of circular protrusions.

6. The knife clearing device of claim 2, wherein: the knife clearing device comprises a notch located on a top wall interior surface proximate a top end of the first rib and second rib.

7. The knife clearing device of claim 6, wherein: the first arm comprises a first flange and the second arm comprises an second flange; andthe first flange extends approximately perpendicular to the first arm away from the first interior surface; andthe second flange extends approximately perpendicular to the second arm away from the second interior surface.

8. The knife clearing device of claim 7, wherein: a length of the knife clearing device, measured in a top to bottom direction from the top most portion to a bottom most portion, ranges from 1 inch to 3 inches.

9. The knife clearing device of claim 8, wherein: a width of the knife clearing device, measured in a front to back direction, ranges from approximately 0.25 inch to 0.5 inches.

10. A knife clearing device comprising: a first arm, a second arm, and a top wall connecting the first arm and the second arm at a top end;wherein:the first arm comprises a first rib on a first interior surface, and the second arm comprises a second rib on a second interior surface;the first rib extends in a top to bottom direction along a length of the first arm, and the second rib extends in a top to bottom direction along a length of the second arm;a knife-receiving slit is defined between the first rib and the second rib;the first arm comprises a first inner portion and a first outer portion and the second arm comprises a second inner portion and a second outer portion;the first outer portion comprises a first bore that received the first inner portion and the second outer portion comprises a second bore that receives the second inner portion;the first inner portion comprises a first inner portion bottom end, and the second inner portion comprises a second inner portion bottom end; andthe first outer portion comprises a first outer portion bottom end, and the second outer portion comprises a second outer portion bottom end.

11. The knife clearing device of claim 10, wherein: the first inner portion is slidably coupled to the first outer portion and the second inner portion is slidably coupled to the second outer portion.

12. The knife clearing device of claim 11, wherein: the first and second inner portions have initial positions and extended positions relative to the first and second outer portions, respectively;the initial positions are defined by the first inner portion bottom end being positioned adjacent to the first outer portion bottom end and the second inner portion bottom end being positioned adjacent the second outer portion bottom end; andthe extended configurations are defined by the first inner portion bottom end being located approximately 1 to 2 inches from the first outer portion bottom end and the second inner portion bottom end being located approximately 1 to 2 inches from the second outer portion bottom end.

13. A knife clearing device comprising: a first arm, a second arm, and a top wall connecting the first arm and the second arm at a top end;wherein: the first arm comprises points P1, P2, P3P1 is located at the top end of the first ribP2 is located on the first rib proximate the bottom end of the slit/cantilever portion;P3 is located at the bottom end of the ribThe second arm comprises points P4, P5, P6P4 is located at the top end of the second rib;P5 is located on the second rib proximate the bottom end of the slit/cantilever portion;P6 is located at the bottom end of the rib;alpha 1 is defined as the angle between the lines formed from P1 to P2 and P2 to P3;alpha 2 is defined as the angle between the lines formed from P4 to P5 and P5 to P6;the notch, first slit, and second slit allow the knife clearing device to be adjusted between a static configuration and a deflected configuration; the static configuration is defined by α1 or α2 being approximately 180 degrees;the deflected configuration is defined by α1 or α2 being less than 180 degrees.