Patent Application
20190329430
This disclosure relates generally to knives, and more particularly, to a utility knife having a blade guide to allow a user to conveniently detach removable segments of a multi-point utility blade to expose a fresh cutting/marking edge.
Utility knives are used in a variety of applications, such as carpentry, floor covering installations, hobby work, mechanical work, and electrical work, just to name a few. One common type of utility knife is of relatively simple construction, having a hollow handle serving as a housing for an internally-housed retractable blade or a fixed-blade that remains with cutting edge exposed. Another type of utility knife is a foldable utility knife which may resemble folding pocket knives, also known as jackknives. Over time blades dull or otherwise become unsuitable for use. Replacement of a damaged or worn-out blade generally includes removing the blade from the utility knife and discarding the blade. Although replacement blades are relatively inexpensive, a number of spare blades are needed in order to continue using the utility knife to cut or mark work material.
Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments consistent therewith, which description should be considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
These and other features of the present embodiments will be understood better by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the figures herein described. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.
In an embodiment, a utility knife is disclosed that includes a blade segment separation guide or guide for separating removable blade segments from a multi-point utility blade. The guide can be disposed along an elongated handle member of the utility knife and include an opening configured to receive a distal-most removable blade segment of a multi-point utility blade. The opening of the guide can include a width that is slightly greater, e.g., about 1%-5% greater, than a thickness of the multi-point utility blade, with the opening being defined by a two or more sidewalls with surfaces that extend to a distance D1 to form a blade segment channel or channel. The channel may extend along a first axis, with the first axis being substantially perpendicular to that of a longitudinal axis of the handle member of the utility knife. An end of the channel opposite the opening can form a stop, with the stop allowing a user to insert a distal-most removable blade segment of a multi-point utility blade and to “bottom out” the same against the end of the channel The distance D1 of the channel ensures that a substantial portion of a distal-most removable blade segment is within the channel and that a weakened point of the multi-point blade (e.g., a thinned portion of the multi-point blade such as a score line) designed to “snap off” based on a user supplied pressure is positioned slightly outside or about flush with a surface that defines the opening of the guide. Thus a user can insert a distal-most removable blade segment of a multi-point utility blade into the channel and can supply a user-supplied torque or rotational force to a portion of the multi-point utility blade in a direction that is transverse to the axis of the channel The channel resists such force and provides a counter force which holds the distal-most removable blade segment substantially in place. At about the same time, a weakened section of the multi-point blade most proximal to the opening of the guide is overcome by the user-supplied force and “snaps off” to separate the current distal-most removable blade segment that is held in place within the channel from an adjacent blade segment. Accordingly, the blade segment adjacent to the now-detached removable blade segment becomes the current distal-most removable blade segment. So, a user of the utility knife can “snap off” blade segments using the blade separation guide in the event a current distal-most removable blade segment becomes dull or otherwise unsuitable for cutting/marking purposes.
In an embodiment, the utility knife comprises a foldable utility knife having a first handle member rotatably attached to a portion of a second handle member. The first handle member may rotate relative to the second handle member in order to transition the utility knife from a folded to an unfolded orientation. The first handle member can include a cavity designed to at least partially receive the second handle member in the folded orientation. The second handle member can include a blade segment separation guide disposed at a location that is unobstructed when the utility knife is in either the folded or unfolded orientation. Thus, and in accordance with an embodiment, a user can access the guide to detach removable blade segments when the utility knife is in the folded or unfolded orientation.
In an embodiment, a multi-point utility blade is disclosed and includes removable segments that may be separated from the multi-point utility blade for the purposes of exposing a fresh cutting/marking edge. The multi-point utility blade can include a substantially planar body portion that defines a cutting edge opposite a top edge and two side edges located on opposite sides of the multi-point utility blade. The intersection of a first side edge and the cutting edge can form a first cutting point, and the intersection of the second side edge and the cutting edge can form a second cutting point. The multi-point utility blade can include a plurality of score lines, with each score line being spaced relatively evenly from each other to define at least two removable blade segments. The intersection between each score line and the cutting edge can provide additional cutting points which are exposed as each removable blade segment is separated from the multi-point utility blade.
In one specific example embodiment, the multi-point utility blade includes at least three removable segments, and consequently, at least five cutting points defined by the intersection of the first edge and the cutting edge of the blade, an intersection between each of the three score lines and the cutting edge, and the intersection between the second side edge of the multi-point blade and the cutting edge.
As previously discussed, utility blades become dull or otherwise wear out over time and become unsuitable for cutting/marking purposes. Some utility blades include cutting edges on opposite sides of a blade, which can allow a user to “flip” a blade over and use a fresh cutting edge. Other approaches to utility knives include a blade storage area within, for example, a hollow handle region that can store a number of replacement blades. Unfortunately, access to the spare blades can require disassembling the utility blade and re-assembling the utility blade after acquiring a spare blade from the blade storage area. In any event, present approaches to utility knives require that a number of spare blades be kept at the ready in order to ensure a utility knife remains sharp enough for cutting/marking purposes.
Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a multi-point utility blade is disclosed that includes a number of detachable (or removable) blade segments that allow a user to “snap off” dull or otherwise damaged cutting edges to expose a new, sharp cutting edge. The multi-point utility blade can be suitable for use in both fixed blade and retractable blade utility knives. The multi-point utility blade may include a substantially trapezoidal shape, although other shapes and configurations are within the scope of this disclosure. The multi-point blade can include a cutting edge opposite to a top edge, and two side edges on opposite sides of the multi-point utility blade that extend from the top edge to the cutting edge. An intersection of each side edge and the cutting edge can form a primary cutting point and secondary cutting point, respectively. The multi-point blade can include a plurality of score lines that define two or more removable segments. Each score line can intersect with the cutting edge at an acute angle. The multi-point blade may include score lines that extend up to the top edge of the multi-point blade and down an opposite side such that the score lines are mirrored on either side. However, other embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the multi-point blade may include score lines on only one side. In any event, the score lines may be configured to weaken/thin the multi-point blade only to the extent necessary to allow user-force to “snap off” removable blade segments. In one specific example embodiment, the multi-point blade is configured with a so-called “five-point” blade configuration, and thus, may be accurately referred to as a five-point snap-off utility blade.
In another embodiment, a utility knife is disclosed that includes a blade segment separation guide configured to receive at least a portion of a multi-point blade and allow a user to “snap off” removable segments by torquing the multi-point blade against the blade segment separation guide. In more detail, the blade segment separation guide can be a slot or channel formed on a handle member of the utility knife. In some cases, a utility knife can include multiple blade segment separation guides depending on a desired configuration. For instance, some utility knives include multiple handle members and can be configured to foldup similar to a jackknife or multi-tool. Thus each handle member may include one or more blade segment separation guides for the convenience of the user. The utility knife may further include additional openings configured for multi-purpose cutting, such as stripping and/or cutting wires, rope and twine. These multi-purpose openings of the utility knife may be configured to receive and cut a large variety of materials and material thicknesses. Thus the multi-purpose openings can be provided in addition to blade segment separation guides in order to provide a user with a plurality of features. However, as should be appreciated, the blade segment separation guide can be configured with a width W that is specifically sized to closely fit the thickness of a multi-point blade and securely hold the same within a channel of the blade segment separation guide. Consider that if the width W is too wide, a user cannot easily and reliably separate removable blade segments from the multi-point blade. Thus the width W of the blade separation guide can be configured to be just slightly greater, e.g., about 1 to 5% greater, than a thickness of the multi-point blade in order to allow a user to easily slide the blade into a channel of the blade separation guide yet securely hold the multi-point blade in place as a user-supplied force is applied to separate a removable blade segment.
Now referring to the figures,
As shown, the first handle member 102 includes a plurality of sidewalls including at least a first sidewall 118-1, a second sidewall 118-2, and a third sidewall 118-3. The plurality of sidewalls 118-1 to 118-3 may extend along a first major axis 101 or longitudinal axis from a first end 132 to a second end 133. The first and second sidewalls 118-1 and 118-2 may be disposed substantially opposite one another and may define a cavity 131 there between. The cavity 131 may extend along at least a portion of the first handle member 102. The first handle member 102 may further include a button 112 or release member configured to allow the second handle member 104 to rotate relative to the first handle member 102 to a folded or unfolded orientation. For example, the second handle member 104 may be configured to rotate about the fastening member 110 relative to the first handle member 102 from an unfolded orientation (as shown) to a folded orientation generally along path 60 (
As further shown, the second handle member 104 includes a plurality of sidewalls including at least a first sidewall 136-1 and a second sidewall 136-2, the second sidewall 136-2 being disposed substantially opposite the first sidewall 136-1. The first and second sidewalls 136-1 and 136-2 may also extend along longitudinal axis 101 from a first end 135 to a second end 134. The first and second sidewalls 136-1 and 136-2 may be disposed substantially opposite one another and may define an opening 129 that transitions into a cavity 130 (
The second handle member 104 may further include a blade 106 at least partially disposed within the cavity 130. The blade 106 may comprise a standard utility knife blade or other blade types including so-called “pencil” blades configured to mark or score surfaces. In some cases, the blade 106 may comprise a multi-point blade with removable/detachable segments, as discussed further below with regard to
In an embodiment, the second handle member 104 also includes a slot or opening 138 that exposes a portion of a cutting edge of the blade 106 even when the blade is not fully-extended or otherwise exposed via the opening 129. The opening 138 may comprise a channel that allows a user to align a material with the exposed portion of the cutting edge of the blade 106. For example, an insulated wire may be inserted into opening 138 for the purposes of cutting or stripping the insulated wire.
As further shown, the second handle member 104 includes a blade segment separation guide 140 or guide configured to receive a detachable segment of a multi-point blade for the purposes of “snapping off” the detachable segment of the multi-point blade, as discussed in greater detail below with reference to
In some cases, the first and second handle members 102 and 104 may each be formed as a single layer of material such as, for example, metal, plastic, stone, or any other suitably rigid material. Thus the foldable utility knife 100 may comprise a so-called “all-metal” or “all-plastic/composite” construction. In other cases, the first and second handle members 102 and 104 may be formed from multiple segments and/or layers of a same or different suitably rigid material, depending on a desired configuration. For instance, a grip surface layer 117 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first sidewall 118-1, as illustrated in
Turning to
In an embodiment, an opening of the second sidewall 136-2 defines at least a portion of the blade segment separation guide 140 or guide, with the guide 140 having a width W2. In some cases, the width W2 is slightly greater than a 0.019 to 0.025-inch-thick standard utility blade, e.g., about 1-20% greater, or more. For example, and in one specific example embodiment, the width W2 may measure about 0.06 inches. However, and as should be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the width W2 of the guide 140 can vary to accommodate both standard and proprietary blade thicknesses. As discussed further below with regard to
In an embodiment, the guide 140 is angled relative to a surface of the sidewall 136-2. In this embodiment, the guide 140 defines a channel defined by sidewalls 151 and 152 that extend from end 150 and intersect with the sidewall 136-2. A center line drawn from end 150 to the opening at generally 140, e.g., the line generally depicted as D1, thus may intersect a line drawn along the surface of the sidewall 136-2 at an acute angle θ, with angle θ being less than 90 degrees. As should be appreciated, the acute angle θ of the guide 140 may allow a user to assert a relatively larger amount of force when applying torque to detach a portion of the blade 106 than if the angle θ was 90 degrees as the acute angle allows a user to position their wrist in a natural position prior to applying torque to separate a detachable segment. However, and in other embodiments, the guide 140 can have an angle θ of about 90 degrees, depending on a desired configuration. Thus, the geometries of the guide 140 advantageously hold the blade 106 securely in place and ensure that only one detachable segment of the blade 106 gets detached as a result of a user applying force.
Turning to
While the position of the guide 140 illustrated in
Turning to
Turning to
The intersection of the first side edge 410 and cutting edge 406 forms a first cutting point 412-1 that can be used for puncturing and cutting materials, for example.
As discussed in greater detail below, the detachable segment 300-1 may be separated from adjacent detachable segment 300-2 along the score line 402-1, e.g., using guide 140 in combination with a user-supplied force, to cause the detachable segment 300-2 to become the current distal-most detachable segment. To this end, the intersection of the edge along score line 402-1 and the cutting edge 406 forms a secondary cutting point 412-2. Additional cutting points 412-3 and 412-4 can be formed by removal of, for instance, detachable blade segments 300-2 and 300-3, respectively. As also shown, the intersection of the second side edge 409 and the cutting edge 406 defines a cutting point 412-5. In an embodiment, the second side edge 410 and each score line 402-1 to 402-3 intersect the cutting edge 406 at an acute angle β in the range of about 40° to 55°, and in one specific embodiment, the angle β is approximately 52°.
Continuing with
As further shown, the blade 106 defines a first score line 402-1, a second score line 402-2, and a third score line 402-3, wherein each score line is proximate to the first side edge 410. The score lines 402-1 to 402-3 can be configured such that they extend from cutting edge 406 of the blade 106 to the opposite edge 411 of the blade. The score lines may be repeated in a mirror image fashion such that score lines are on both planar sides of the body portion 401, or a single side depending on desired configuration. In some cases, the score lines run substantially parallel to the first side edge 410, but in other cases may be offset between 1 and 90° degrees relative to the first side edge 410. The score lines may include V-score configuration whereby a V shaped ravine is etched into the body portion 401 to form each score line.
Based on the score lines, the blade 106 defines at least one detachable segment, e.g., detachable segments 300-1 to 300-3, with each detachable segment being defined by an area between adjacent score lines, or between the first side surface 410 and a proximal score line. Thus when the distal-most detachable blade segment, e.g., blade segment 300-1, becomes dull or otherwise damaged, the dull or otherwise damaged segment can be manually snapped off at a respective score line, subsequently exposing a new cutting point, such as cutting point 412-2. Each of the cutting points 412-2 to 412-4 is defined at least by the point of intersection between each score line, e.g., score lines 402-1 to 402-3, and the cutting edge 406. Each score line may be spaced an equal distance from each other, thus each cutting point 412-1 to 412-4 may be generally equally spaced, e.g., based on width W4. Thus the blade 106 can provide five cutting points, cutting points 412-1 to 412-5, as opposed to other blades that may only offer two. It should be noted that although the embodiment illustrated in
To engage a blade carrier, such as the blade carrier 120, the blade 106 can include one or more u-shaped notches 408 spaced laterally relative to one another. In one specific example embodiment, the blade 106 includes four u-shaped notches 408. Each u-shaped notch comprises a concave, semi-circle profile and is adapted to be engaged by , for example, a protrusion or detent to hold the blade 106.
The blade 106 may comprise example, carbon steel, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy. Further, the blade 106 may include a coating such as a water-proof coating. Accordingly, and as should be appreciated in light of this disclosure, numerous modifications of the blade 106 should be apparent without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the blade 106 may have different shapes and/or configurations, and the notches and score lines may be different depending on a desired configuration. Likewise, the cutting edge 406 may comprise a serrated cutting edge, for example, or another blade-type.
In accordance with one aspect, a utility knife is disclosed. The utility knife comprising a handle including a plurality of sidewalls that extend longitudinally along a first axis from a first end to a second end, the first end having an opening that extends into a cavity defined by surfaces of the plurality of sidewalls, and a blade segment separation guide disposed on the handle and configured to receive a distal-most detachable blade segment of a multi-point blade and provide a counterforce opposite to that of a user-supplied force in order to separate the distal-most detachable blade segment from the multi-point blade and cause a previously adjacent blade segment to become a new distal-most blade segment.
Another aspect of the present disclosure discloses a foldable utility knife. The foldable utility knife comprising a first handle member including a plurality of sidewalls that extend longitudinally along a first axis from a first end to a second end, the first end having an opening that extends into a cavity defined by a surface of the plurality of sidewalls, a blade carrier disposed within the cavity, the blade carrier configured to couple to a blade and travel longitudinally to extend an edge of the blade from the opening, and a blade segment separation guide disposed on the first handle member and configured to receive a distal-most detachable blade segment of a multi-point blade and provide a counterforce opposite to that of a user-supplied force in order to separate the distal-most detachable blade segment from the multi-point blade and cause a previously adjacent blade segment to become a new distal-most blade segment.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one. The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.
This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/030076, filed Apr. 29, 2016, designating the U.S., the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2016/030076 | Apr 2016 | US |
| Child | 16173468 | US |
