CA2360413C - Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife - Google Patents

Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2360413C
CA2360413C CA002360413A CA2360413A CA2360413C CA 2360413 C CA2360413 C CA 2360413C CA 002360413 A CA002360413 A CA 002360413A CA 2360413 A CA2360413 A CA 2360413A CA 2360413 C CA2360413 C CA 2360413C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
blade
blades
housing
longitudinal axis
blade carrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002360413A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2360413A1 (en
Inventor
Gregory L. Beyers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GLB TOOL Inc
Original Assignee
GLB TOOL Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GLB TOOL Inc filed Critical GLB TOOL Inc
Publication of CA2360413A1 publication Critical patent/CA2360413A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2360413C publication Critical patent/CA2360413C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26BHAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B5/00Hand knives with one or more detachable blades
    • B26B5/001Hand knives with one or more detachable blades with blades being slid out of handle immediately prior to use

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Knives (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A double-ended dual mechanism retractable blade utility knife (10). The knif e (10) includes two separately actuable mechanisms (382, 386) which allow extension and retraction of one or both blades (28, 3 4) independently of one another. The cutting surfaces (30, 31) of the respective blades (28, 34) are oriented towards opposite sides of the knife (10), thereby facilitating rotation of the knife (10) within the user's hand in order to change which blade (28, 34) is currently being used. The independent nature of the dual mechanisms allows both of the blades (28, 34) to be held in the extended position. A storage area (72) is further provided behind each of the mechanisms for the storage of spare blades (29).

Description

DOUBLE-ENDED DUAL-MECHANISM
RETRACTABLE BLADE UTILITY KNIFE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to utility knives and, more particularly, to a double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility knives which incorporate a retractable, replaceable razor blade have been popular in many applications for years. There are deficiencies, however, in the prior art designs which limit their usefulness in certain applications. For example, in the roofing trade it is generally necessary for the roofer to carry two such utility knives.
One knife is equipped with a straight razor blade for cutting felt paper and the like, while the other knife is equipped with a hooked blade for cutting shingles and the like which have a granulated surface. Neither of these knives are well adapted for cutting the other type of material, therefore it is necessary for the roofer to carry both types of knives.

Carrying two knives, however, is inconvenient, especially when working on a roof. Whenever it is necessary to switch knives, the user must retract the first blade and stow the first knife, take out the second knife and extend the second blade. This is extremely inconvenient during applications where use of both knives in alternating succession is routinely required.

There have been attempts in the prior art to solve this problem. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,093,994 to Karas discloses a double-ended utility knife.
This knife, however, still exhibits most of the problems encountered with using two separate knives. To switch blades, the knife must be turned around, the first blade must be retracted and the second blade must be extended. Turning the knife around is generally a two-handed operation.
There is therefore a need in the prior art for a utility knife that allows use of two different blades without requiring the cumbersome manipulations required by prior art knives during blade changes. The present invention is directed toward meeting this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife. The knife includes two separately actuable mechanisms which allow extension and retraction of one or both blades independently of one another.
The cutting surfaces of the respective blades are oriented towards opposite sides of the knife, thereby facilitating rotation of the knife within the user's hand in order to change which blade is currently being used. The independent nature of the dual mechanisms allows both of the blades to be held in the extended position. A storage area is further provided behind each of the mechanisms for the storage of spare blades.
In one form of the invention, a double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife is disclosed, comprising a housing; a first blade carrier operative to carry a first blade and to slide along a longitudinal axis of the housing; and a second blade carrier operative to carry a second blade and to slide along the longitudinal axis of the housing; wherein the first and second blade carriers may be slid along the longitudinal axis of the housing independently of one another.
In another form of the invention, a double-sided dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife is disclosed, comprising a housing; a first blade carrier operative to carry a first blade and to slide along a longitudinal axis of the housing; a first space formed in the housing adjacent the first blade carrier, the first space sized to allow storage of first spare blades; a second blade carrier operative to carry a second blade and to slide along the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a second space formed in the housing adjacent the second blade carrier, the second space sized to allow storage of second spare blades; wherein the first and second blade carriers may be slid along the longitudinal axis of the housing independently of one another; and wherein a first cutting surface of the first blade is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis; and wherein a second cutting surface of the second blade is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exterior of the utility knife of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of an interior of one half of the knife of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of an interior of a second half of the knife of FIG. 1, illustrating the actuation mechanisms.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a blade carrier of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the blade carrier of FIG. 3 with a straight razor blade mounted thereon.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the utility knife of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, 5 reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a first embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally at 10.
The two ends of the utility knife 10 are identical, with one end being inverted about the longitudinal knife axis with respect to the other end. Therefore, identical reference numbers are used herein to denote identical parts, with the suffix "a" or "b"
added to denote on which end of the knife 10 the part is located.
With reference to FIGS. 2A-B, the utility knife 10 includes two mating housing halves 12 and 14 which are held together by a transverse threaded fastener 16 which passes through the hole 18 and threadably engages the hole 20 which is formed as a portion of the housing half 14. The two housing halves 12, 14 form a first open channe122a in which is located a first actuating lever 24a. Movement of the first actuating lever 24a to the left in FIG. 2B causes a first blade (illustrated in phantom at 28) to be extended from a slot formed in the first end 26 of the utility knife 10. The first blade 28 includes a first cutting surface 30 facing downward in FIG. 2b.
Conversely, movement of the first actuating lever 24a to the right in FIG. 2B
causes the first blade 28 to be retracted completely within the housing 10.
Similarly, a second open channel 22b is formed by the mating housing halves 12, 14 transversely and longitudinally opposite from the open channel 22a. A second actuating lever 24b is disposed within the second open channel 22b and is operative to extend a second blade (illustrated in phantom at 34) from an open slot in a second end 36 of the utility knife when the second actuating lever 24b is moved to the right in FIG. 2B. The second blade 34 includes a second cutting surface 31 facing upward in FIG. 2b.
Movement of the second actuating lever 24b to the left in FIG. 2B operates to retract the second blade 34 completely within the utility knife 10.
5 Each of the actuating levers 24a and 24b is attached to respective first and second blade carriers 38a and 38b, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Because the configuration of first blade carrier 38a is identical to the configuration of second blade carrier 38b, such configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 without the use of "a" and "b"
suffixes.
For example, reference to blade carrier 38 in FIGS. 3 and 4 should be understood to 10 apply to both first blade carrier 38a and second blade carrier 38b. An analogous numbering scheme is used to refer to the elements in FIG. 5 that are common to both the first and second sides of the knife 10. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the blade carrier 38 is preferably formed from metal and includes raised transverse surfaces 40, 42 and 44 which operate to limit movement in three directions of a blade 28.mounted thereon (see FIG. 4). Movement of the blade 28 is further prevented by a tab 46 which fits into a notch 48 formed into the blade 28. The blade 28 has two such notches 48 which allow for reversing of the blade 28 within the blade carrier 38 for extended blade life. The blade 28 is of the type standardly used in this art.
Referring once again to FIGS. 2A-B, the first blade carrier 38a is maintained in a retracted position by engagement of a first tab formed on the first end 50a of the first blade carrier 38a with a first indentation 52a formed in the housing halves 12, 14.
Similarly, the first blade carrier 38a is maintained in an extended position by interaction between the first tab formed on the first end 50a and a second indentation 54a notch 54 formed in the housing halves 12, 14. The first tab formed on the first end 50a of the first blade carrier 38a is moved from first indentation 52a to second indentation 54a (and vice versa) by depressing the first actuating lever 24a, which causes the first arm 51 a to flex, thereby disengaging the first tab formed on the first end 50a from the first and second indentations 52a, 54a. Engagement of the first tab formed on the first end 50a with the first and second indentations 52a and 54a therefore operates to securely maintain the first blade carrier 38a (and hence the first blade 28) in either the retracted or extended position.
The second blade carrier 38b is maintained in a retracted position by engagement of a second tab formed on the second end 50b of the second blade carrier 38b with a third indentation 52b formed in the housing halves 12, 14. Similarly, the second blade carrier 38b is maintained in an extended position by interaction between the second tab formed on the second end 50b and a fourth indentation 54b formed in the housing halves 12, 14. The second tab formed on the second end 50b of the second blade carrier 38b is moved from third indentation 52b to fourth indentation 54b (and vice versa) by depressing the second actuating lever 24b, which causes the arm second 51b to flex, thereby disengaging the second tab formed on the second end 50b from the third and fourth indentations 52b, 54b. Engagement of the second tab formed on the second end 50b with the third and fourth indentations 52b and 54b therefore operates to securely maintain the second blade carrier 38b (and hence the second blade 34) in either the retracted or extended position.
Referring now to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that when the housing halves 12, 14 are coupled together, the blade carrier 38 is maintained within a longitudinal sliding track formed by protrusions 56, 58, 60 and 62 formed integrally with the housing half 12 and by protrusions 64, 66, 68 and 70 formed in the housing half 14. These protrusions from the housing halves 12, 14 form top and bottom C-channel tracks in which the blade carrier 38 runs. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact configuration of such tracks is not critical to the present invention, merely that some means for limiting the motion of the blade carrier 38 be provided within the housing halves 12, 14.
As best illustrated in FIG. 5, an indentation 72 is formed in the housing half behind the blade carrier 38 in order to provide a space for storage of spare blades 29.
The spare blades 29 may be first blades 28 and/or second blades 34, both of which will fit in this storage space. T'he spare blades 29 are stored in an inverted position as compared to the blade in the blade carrier 38.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the utility knife 10 of the present invention exhibits several advantages over prior art utility knives.
First, the utility knife 10 allows independent extension and retraction of two blades.
This is a particularly desirable feature when two different blades, such as a straight blade and a hooked blade, need to be used repeatedly during the same project. A further advantage of the dual-mechanism of the utility knife 10 is that it allows the cutting surfaces 30, 31 of the two blades 28,34 to be oriented in opposite directions. Such an orientation of the cutting surfaces 30, 31 facilitates single-handed reorientation of the utility knife 10 in the user's hand in order to position the other blade for use. Such reorientation simply involves rotating the knife in the user's hand about an axis extending through the fastener 16. Such a flipping motion is easily accomplished with one hand.
When both blades 28, 34 are left in the extended position, the user may easily switch between blades 28,34 by simply rotating the utility knife 10 with a single hand.
By comparison, the prior art double-ended utility knives required that one blade be retracted and the other blade be extended whenever the user desired to switch to the other blade. Furthenmore, the cutting surfaces on the prior art double-ended utility knives face in the same direction, thereby making it extremely difficult to reorient the knife for use with the other end without employing both of the user's hands.
Another useful feature of the utility knife 10 of the present invention is the provision of a somewhat wider handle than is customary in such knives, with the inclusion of the cavity 72 behind each blade carrying mechanism which allows for the storage of spare blades 29 on both sides of the knife 10. Not only does this increase the number of spare blades 29 which may be carried in the knife 10, it also facilitates carrying spare blades 29 for both types of blades (e.g. a straight blade 28 and a hooked blade 34).
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims (7)

What is claimed is:
1. A double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife, comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis;
a first blade having a first cutting surface;
a second blade having a second cutting surface;
first blade carrier means for carrying the first blade and for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the housing; and second blade carrier means for carrying the second blade and for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the housing;
wherein the first and second blade carriers slide along the longitudinal axis of the housing independently of one another such that the first and second blades may be extended in opposite directions;
wherein the first cutting surface of the first blade is positioned on a first side of a longitudinal plane which is perpendicular to a side surface of the blades; and wherein the second cutting surface of the second blade is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal plane which is perpendicular to a side surface of the blades.
2, The utility knife of claim 1, further comprising:
a first space formed in the housing adjacent the first blade carrier means, the first space sized to allow storage of first spare blades; and a second space formed in the housing adjacent the second blade carrier means, the second space sized to allow storage of second spare blades.
3. The utility knife of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second blade carrier means comprise:
a first portion shaped to engage a blade and to prevent relative movement between the first portion and the blade along the longitudinal axis.
4. The utility knife of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second blade carrier means further comprise:
a flexible arm coupled to the first portion; and a tab formed on a distal end of the flexible arm;
wherein the tab engages indentations in the housing which limit travel of the blade carrier along the longitudinal axis.
5. A double-sided dual mechanism retractable blade utility knife, comprising:
a housing having a longitudinal axis;
a first blade having a first cutting surface;
a second blade having a second cutting surface;
first blade carrier means for carrying the first blade and for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the housing;
a first space formed in the housing adjacent the first blade carrier, the first space sized to allow storage of first spare blades;
second blade carrier means for carrying the second bIade and for sliding along the longitudinal axis of the housing; and a second space formed in the housing adjacent the second blade carrier, the second space sized to allow storage of second spare blades;
wherein the first and second blade carriers slide along the longitudinal axis of the housing independently of one another such that the first and second blades may be extended in opposite directions; and wherein the first cutting surface of the first blade is positioned on a first side of a longitudinal plane which is perpendicular to a side surface of the blades; and wherein the second cutting surface of the second blade is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal plane which is perpendicular to a side surface of the blades.
6. The utility knife of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second blade carrier means comprise:
a first portion shaped to engage the blade and to prevent relative movement between the first portion and the blade along the longitudinal axis.
7. The utility knife of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second blade carrier means further comprise:
a flexible arm coupled to the first portion; and a tab formed on a distal end of the flexible arm;
wherein the tab engages indentations in the housing which limit travel of the blade carrier along the longitudinal axis.
CA002360413A 1999-01-13 1999-01-13 Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife Expired - Fee Related CA2360413C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/000149 WO2000041856A1 (en) 1999-01-13 1999-01-13 Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2360413A1 CA2360413A1 (en) 2000-07-20
CA2360413C true CA2360413C (en) 2008-05-13

Family

ID=22271938

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002360413A Expired - Fee Related CA2360413C (en) 1999-01-13 1999-01-13 Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1150809B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE257060T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2104599A (en)
CA (1) CA2360413C (en)
DE (1) DE69913991T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000041856A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102189558B (en) * 2011-04-28 2013-04-03 杭州巨星科技股份有限公司 Bidirectional utility knife

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1493620A (en) * 1923-01-24 1924-05-13 William A Evers Razor-blade holder
US2736960A (en) * 1954-01-29 1956-03-06 James A Armstrong Razor blade knife
US3660896A (en) * 1970-04-10 1972-05-09 Russell Harrington Cutlery Inc Utility knife
US3708881A (en) * 1971-03-22 1973-01-09 R Bennett Multi position adjustable roofing knife
US4578865A (en) * 1984-05-01 1986-04-01 Jeffrey Keller Tile cutting device having parallel blades
US4586256A (en) * 1985-01-07 1986-05-06 The Stanley Works Knife handle
US5023996A (en) * 1990-03-09 1991-06-18 Sonin, Inc. Multiple blade handsaw
US5093994A (en) * 1990-09-20 1992-03-10 Christine Bringman Double ended-retractable knife
US5230152A (en) * 1991-12-04 1993-07-27 Kennedy Michael J Dual blade utility knife
US5386632A (en) * 1993-01-12 1995-02-07 Pacific Handy Cutter, Inc. Ergonomic utility knife/box cutter and method of making
US5337481A (en) * 1993-03-29 1994-08-16 Mears Michael G Dual blade utility knife
US5644843A (en) * 1995-10-30 1997-07-08 Young; Monte Easily loaded utility knife

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69913991T2 (en) 2004-10-28
EP1150809A1 (en) 2001-11-07
CA2360413A1 (en) 2000-07-20
DE69913991D1 (en) 2004-02-05
EP1150809B1 (en) 2004-01-02
EP1150809A4 (en) 2002-08-14
ATE257060T1 (en) 2004-01-15
WO2000041856A1 (en) 2000-07-20
AU2104599A (en) 2000-08-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5960544A (en) Double-ended dual mechanism retractable blade utility knife
US7100286B2 (en) Hair trimmer with trim length adjustment mechanism
US8424425B2 (en) Discrete multitool locking method and apparatus
US8955226B2 (en) Utility knife
US5720105A (en) Utility knife with multi-purpose blade
US20060150423A1 (en) Adjustable blade utility knife
US20060260138A1 (en) Folding knife or tool
CA2393166A1 (en) Razor blade technology
WO2002002283A3 (en) Shaving razor
US6796033B2 (en) Utility knife
CA2204796A1 (en) Rotary blade actuator
CA2102350A1 (en) Rotary Blade Actuator for a Hand Held Cutter
US6334254B1 (en) Wide blade scraper
US20130255002A1 (en) Utility knife multi-tool
CA2213881A1 (en) Heavy-duty box opener
CA3071844C (en) Single-action convertible utility knife and scraper
EP2644336B1 (en) Utility knife multi-tool
US5459647A (en) Trimming knives
CA2360413C (en) Double-ended dual-mechanism retractable blade utility knife
US20040123467A1 (en) Razor
AU2024695A (en) Rotary cutters
IE920905A1 (en) Hand-held tool
US6550143B1 (en) Unique double bladed utility knife
JP3042580U (en) Cap that can be opened and closed with one touch while being attached to the holding shaft
JPS5812702Y2 (en) Refillable blade knife

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20130114