GB2614616A

GB2614616A - Knife storage unit

Info

Publication number: GB2614616A
Application number: GB2218663.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brough Ewan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-12-12
Filing date: 2022-12-12
Publication date: 2023-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2042-12-12
Also published as: GB202218663D0; GB2614616B

Abstract

A knife storage unit comprising a storage assembly for storing a knife, comprising a channel 108 for accommodating the knife, a contact element 118 for contacting the knife within the channel; a resilient bias arranged to exert a force on the contact element 118, and a latch mechanism 116; The channel is arranged to accommodate the knife at a storage position and an access position; The contact element 118 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position; The latching mechanism 116 comprises an unlatched configuration in which the resilient bias can move the contact element 118 from the retracted position to the extended position, and a latched configuration in which the resilient bias is prevented from moving the contact element 118 from the retracted position to the extended position; The latch mechanism 116 is configurable from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration, by pushing the contact element against the resilient bias.

Description

Knife Storage Unit

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns storage for knives, for example kitchen knives.

More particularly, the present invention concerns a knife storage unit in which a knife can be retractably stored.

Background of the Invention

Traditional knife blocks typically consist of a solid block of material with a number of slots into which knife blades can be inserted. When knives are stored in a traditional knife block, the knife handles extend from the top of the knife block so that they can be easily grasped and the knives removed from the knife block.

While the knives are easy to access with a traditional knife block, this has the disadvantage that the knives are in full view and can be seen and easily removed by anyone who can reach them, including young children who could potentially hurt themselves on the knife blades. Additionally, traditional knife blocks can be considered unsightly and take up space on a kitchen countertop.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved knife storage unit.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a knife storage unit comprising a storage assembly for storing a knife. The knife may be a kitchen knife. The knife will comprise a handle and a blade. The storage assembly comprises: a channel for accommodating the knife, the channel comprising an open end into which the knife is received; a contact element for contacting the knife when the knife is received within the channel; a resilient bias arranged to exert a force on the contact element; and a latch mechanism.

The channel is arranged to accommodate the knife at a storage position and an access position, wherein at the storage position the knife is located deeper within the channel than when the knife is at the access position.

The contact element is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the knife is, in use, held at the access position by the contact element. It may be that, in the extended position, the contact element is closer to the open end of the channel (in comparison to the retracted positon). In the retracted position, the knife can, in use, occupy the storage position. It may be that, in the retracted position, the contact element is further from the open end of the channel (in comparison to the extended positon).

The latching mechanism comprises an unlatched configuration in which the resilient bias can move the contact element from the retracted position to the extended position such that, in use, the knife can move from the storage position to the access position under the action of the resilient bias.

The latching mechanism also comprises a latched configuration in which the resilient bias is prevented from moving the contact element from the retracted position to the extended position such that, in use, the knife can remain in the storage position.

The latch mechanism is configurable from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration by moving (e.g. by pushing) the contact element against the resilient bias, for example by pushing the knife into the channel.

The knife storage unit of the present invention allows the knife to adopt two positions. In the access position, more of the knife is exposed and therefore it can be more easily and/or conveniently accessed. In the storage position, less of the knife extends from the open end of the channel. Therefore, as compared to the access position, the knife is less accessible. This may improve safety, as it may be more difficult for young children, for example, to remove the knife from the knife storage unit while a knife is being stored therein.

The resilient bias and the latching mechanism may together take the form of a 'push latch', which may also be referred to as a 'push to open latch'. Push latches per se are well known and come in a variety of forms. They may be used, for example, in kitchen cabinets as an opening mechanism for the cabinet door, in retractable ballpoint pens, in retractable trays and cup holders in motor vehicles, etc. In an example of a push latch, the push latch comprises a first part provided with a cam path and a second part provided with a biased follower which moves within the cam path. The first and second parts being resiliently biased away from each other. When the two parts are pushed towards each other against the resilient bias, the follower travels along the cam path to a position at which, when the force holding the two parts together is released, the follower is retained. This prevents the two parts from moving away from each other. When the two parts are pushed towards each other for a second time against the resilient bias, the follower again follows the cam path to another position at which, when the two parts are released, the follower is no longer retained and the parts can move away from each other under the action of the resilient bias.

The storage assembly may be arranged such that, when the knife is in the storage position, the handle of the knife is at least partly received within the channel. That is to say, when the knife is in the storage position, the handle may be at least partly inward of the open end of the channel. It may be that, when the knife is in the storage position, the majority of the handle is received within the channel. It may be that, when the knife is in the storage position, the entire handle is received within the channel. That is to say, when the knife is in the storage position, the handle of the knife does not protrude beyond the open end of the channel. This may help reduce how accessible the knife is when the knife is stored within the knife storage unit, and may thereby improve the safety of the knife storage unit. By the handle not protruding beyond the open end, it may make it difficult or impossible to grab hold of the handle (e.g, with a hand) while the knife is being stored. The knife storage unit may furthermore provide a storage solution for a knife that keeps the knife out of sight when stored, but still allows easy access to the knife when it is required to be used.

The knife storage unit may comprise a body in which the channel is provided. The body may comprise an outer face which defines the open end of the channel. In the storage position, a free end of the handle may be flush with the outer face.

The storage assembly may be arranged such that, when the knife is in the access position, a portion of the handle of the knife protrudes beyond the open end of the channel. In the access position, a sufficient portion of the handle is protruding to allow the handle to be held and removed by hand. It may be that, when the knife is in the access position, the blade is fully received within the channel. That is to say, when -4 -the knife is in the access position, the blade does not protrude beyond the open end of the channel.

The knife storage unit may comprise a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism may have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The lock mechanism may be mechanical, such that the lock mechanism moves between the locked configuration and unlocked configuration by being actuated by hand. The lock mechanism may be electronic. The lock mechanism may comprise an electromechanical actuator, for example an electric motor, to move the lock mechanism between the locked and unlocked configurations.

The lock mechanism may comprise a biometric sensor, for example a fingerprint reader. The lock mechanism may be configurable to only unlock when the biometric sensor senses biometric information which matches that held within a database, for example matching the biometric information of a known adult, rather than a child.

The lock mechanism may be arranged to, when locked, prevent the latching mechanism from moving from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration. The lock mechanism may be arranged to, when unlocked, allow the latching mechanism to move from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration.

The lock mechanism may, for example, comprise a locking member arranged to, when the lock mechanism is locked, prevent the contact element from moving in a direction which causes the latching mechanism to move from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration. The locking member may be arranged to, when the lock mechanism is unlocked, allow the contact element to move in a direction which causes the latching mechanism to move to the unlatched configuration.

Alternatively or additionally, the lock mechanism may be arranged to, when the lock mechanism is locked, prevent the knife from moving from the storage position to the access position. The lock mechanism may be arranged to, when the lock mechanism is unlocked, allow the knife to move from the storage position to the access position.

The lock mechanism may, for example, comprise a locking member arranged to, when the lock mechanism is locked, close the open end of the channel such that a -5 -knife retained within the channel cannot exit the channel. The locking member may be arranged to, when the lock mechanism is unlocked, open the open end of the channel such that a knife retained within the channel can exit the channel.

In use, the resilient bias acts on the knife, and vice versa, via the contact element. For example, the contact element, under the influence of the resilient bias, is used to hold the knife at the access position. Similarly, the knife is moved to the storage position by pushing the knife against the contact element and against the resilient bias to the point where the latching mechanism latches. The contact element may be arranged to contact (i.e. abut) any suitable part of the knife when the knife is inserted within the channel, provided that by such contact the knife can be used to push the contact element against the resilient bias to the retracted position.

The contact element may be arranged to contact the blade of the knife. For example, the contact element may be arranged to be contacted by the tip of the knife blade. A part of the push latch may act as the contact element.

The contact element may be arranged to contact a handle of the knife, for example an end of the handle from which the blade extends. The knife may comprise a lip formed by a transition in thickness between the blade and the handle. The contact element may be configured to contact said lip. It may be that the contact element is arranged such that the blade of the knife is able to pass the contact element (and thus travel deeper into the channel unimpeded by the contact element), but the handle of the knife is unable to pass the contact element.

The contact element may form an opening. The opening may be configured such that the blade of the knife may pass through the opening, but the handle is unable to pass through the opening. The handle may thereby make contact with the contact element. In embodiments, the contact element may comprise a sleeve which moves within the channel. The sleeve may have the opening which allows the blade of the knife to pass through, but not the handle.

The storage assembly may comprise a blocking element between the open end of the channel and the latch mechanism. The blocking element may be for blocking debris entering the open end of the channel from reaching the latch mechanism. The blocking element may extend across substantially the entire cross-section of the channel. The blocking element may be fixedly connected to, and move with, the knife contacting element. The blocking element may form part of the sleeve. -6 -

The knife storage unit may comprise a plurality of the storage assemblies, for example, four, five or six storage assemblies. Each storage assembly comprises a respective channel, contact element, resilient bias, and latch mechanism arranged as described above. The knife storage unit may comprise a locking mechanism which serves each storage assembly of the plurality of storage assemblies. The knife storage unit may comprise a plurality of locking mechanism which individually serve a respective storage assembly.

Each storage assembly may be arranged to accommodate a knife having a blade of a different size. For example, a first of the storage assemblies may be arranged to accommodate a bread knife, and a second of the storage assemblies may be configured to accommodate a paring knife.

The knife storage unit may be in the form of a knife block. The knife bock may be free standing. In alternative embodiments, the knife storage unit may be retained within, or integrally formed with, a worktop (i.e. work surface). The worktop may be a kitchen worktop. The outer face of the knife storage unit may be substantially flush with an upper surface of the worktop.

The present invention provides, according to a second aspect, a kit of parts comprising: a knife storage unit according to the first aspect, and a knife configured to be stored within the storage assembly. The knife storage unit may comprise a plurality of the storage assemblies. The kit may comprise a corresponding plurality of knives.

The present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a kitchen comprising: a knife storage unit according to the first aspect, or a kit of parts according to the second aspect.

The disclosure also provides a knife storage unit comprising: a channel for receiving a knife, and a push latch comprising a resilient bias and a latch mechanism; wherein the channel is arranged to accommodate the knife at a storage position and an access position, wherein at the storage position the knife is located deeper within the channel than when the knife is at the access position, and wherein at the access position a portion of the knife protrudes from an open end of the channel; wherein the latch mechanism comprises an unlatched configuration in which the resilient bias can exert a force on the knife which, in use, can move the knife from the storage position to the access position; wherein when the latch mechanism comprises a latched configuration in which the resilient bias is prevented from exerting the force on the -7 -knife such that, in use, the knife can remain in the storage position; wherein the latch mechanism is configurable from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration, by pushing the knife into the channel against the resilient bias.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a knife storage unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the knife storage unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a-b show side cross-sectional views of a storage assembly of the knife storage unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figures 4a-c show side cross-sectional views of a push latch of the knife storage unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 shows side cross-sectional views of a storage assembly of a knife storage unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 and 2 show a knife storage unit 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The knife storage unit 100 is in the form of a knife block. The knife block comprises a body 102 with five storage assemblies 104 for accommodating five kitchen knives 106, each storage assembly 104 being configured to accommodate one knife 106.

Each storage assembly 104 comprises a channel 108 defined in the body 102. The channel 108 is arranged to receive a knife 106 therein and comprises an open end 110 into which the knife 106 can be inserted. Each open end 110 is defined in an outer -8 -face 112 of the body 102. The five channels 108 extend parallel to each other through the body 102 from the open end 110.

The channels 108 are arranged with different lengths and widths from each other, to accommodate a set of five knives 106 having blades of different sizes. Below each channel is a well 114 which is arranged to accommodate a push latch 116 (not shown in Figure 2).

Figures 3a and 3b show one of the storage assemblies 104 accommodating a knife 106. The storage assembly 104 is configured to accommodate the knife in two positions: a storage position shown in Figure 3a, and an access position shown in Figure 3b. In the storage position, the whole knife 106 is received with the channel 108 and the handle 124 of the knife 106 does not protrude beyond the open end 110; the end of the handle 124 sits flush with the outer face 112 of the body 102. In the access position, a portion of the handle 124 protrudes beyond the open end 110 such that the handle 124 can be grasped by a user.

A contact element in the form of a sleeve 118 is provided within the channel 108 between the open end 110 and the push latch 116. The sleeve 118 comprises an opening 120 which is sized to allow the blade 122 of the knife 106 to pass through. The opening 120 is, however, narrower than the handle 124 of the knife 106. Therefore, when the knife 106 is inserted into the channel 108, the blade 122 passes through the opening 120 and into the sleeve 118. The sleeve 118 is long enough to accommodate the entire blade 122. When the handle 124 reaches the opening 120, it is too wide to fit through. The handle 124 therefore makes contact with the sleeve 118 and abuts against it.

The end of the sleeve Hg opposite the opening 120 is closed. The closed end forms a blocking element 142. The blocking element 142 extends across substantially the entire cross-section of the channel 108. The blocking element 142 blocks debris entering the open end 110 of the channel 108 from reaching the push latch 116. It will be appreciated that the blocking element may not be capable of completely blocking all such debris, but in normal use it is anticipated that a majority of debris can be blocked.

The push latch 116 comprises a wider first part 126 and a narrower second part 128 which are telescopically arranged. The wider first part 126 has a shape which corresponds to the shape of the well 114 and is retained within the well 114. The -9 -narrower second part U8 projects into the channel 108. A distal end of the second part 128 abuts the closed end of the sleeve 118 which forms the blocking element 142. The second part 128 of the push latch has a retracted position as shown in Figure 3a and an extended position as shown in Figure 3b. The sleeve 118 is movable within the channel 108 under the influence of the push latch 116. The sleeve 118 has an extended position and a retracted position which correspond to those of the second part 128 of the push latch 116. In the retracted position, the sleeve 118 is further from the open end 110 of the channel 108 such that the knife 106 can occupy the storage position as show in Figure 3a. In the extended position, the sleeve 118 is closer to the open end of the channel 108 and the knife 106 is held in the access position as shown in Figure 3b.

Figures 4a-c show the push latch 116 in more detail. Figure 4a shows the second part 128 in the extended position, Figure 4b shows the second part 128 in an intermediate position, and Figure 4c shows the second part 128 in the retracted position. The push latch 116 comprises a resilient bias in the form of a spring which is arranged to urge the first part 126 and the second part 128 apart. The spring thus urges the second part 128 towards the extended position. In Figures 4a-c, the resilient bias is indicated by arrow 130.

The push latch 116 further comprises a latch mechanism 132. The latch mechanism 132 has a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. In the unlatched configuration, the resilient bias is able to move the second part 128 to the extended position. In the latched configuration, the resilient bias is prevented from moving the second part 128 from the retracted position to the extended position. The latch mechanism 132 is configurable from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration, by pushing the second part 128 against the resilient bias.

The latch mechanism 132 comprises a cam follower 134 mounted on the first part 126 and a cam path 136 provided on the second part 128, the cam follower 134 being provided within the cam path 136. The cam follower 134 is biased in the direction shown by arrow 138 in Figure 4b.

When the second part 128 moves relative to the first part 126, the cam follower 134 travels within the cam path 136. Starting from the intermediate position shown in Figure 4b, as the second part 128 is pushed against the resilient bias -10 -towards, and slightly beyond, the retracted position, the cam follower 134 follows the lower part On the orientation shown) of the cam path 136 until it reaches the point labelled A. When the force pushing the second part 128 is released, the cam follower 134 settles at the point labelled B and the second part 128 is held in the retracted position by the cam follower 134. When the second part 128 is pushed again against the resilient bias, the cam follower 134 reaches the point labelled C. When the force pushing the second part 128 is released, the cam follower 134 follows the upper part (in the orientation shown) of the cam path 136 until it reaches the point labelled D and the second part 128 reaches the extended position. A step 140 prevents the cam follower 134 from returning to the upper part of the cam path 136 when the second part 128 is again pushed against the resilient bias.

In alternative embodiments, other push latch mechanisms may be used. Various push latch mechanisms are known in the art, and the present invention is not limited to the particular type of mechanism shown.

When no knife 106 is stored within the storage assembly 104 the sleeve 118 and the second part 128 of the push latch 116 will normally be in their respective extended positions. When a knife 106 is placed into the open end 110 of the channel 108 and no pressure is applied to the handle 124 of the knife 106, the sleeve 118 will contact the handle 124 and hold the knife 106 in the access position in which the knife 106 can be accessed by grasping the portion of the handle 124 protruding from the open end 110 of the channel 108.

To store the knife 106, the knife 106 is pushed further into the channel 108, against the action of the resilient bias, until the sleeve 118 and the second part 128 of the push latch 116 travel past their respective retracted positions. The pressure on the knife 106 is then released. The latching mechanism 132 thereby is configured in the latched configuration and the knife 106 can occupy the storage position.

To remove the knife from the storage assembly 104, the end of the handle 124 is again pushed into the channel 108 against the resilient bias. This unlatches the latching mechanism 132. By releasing pressure on the knife 106, the resilient bias pushes the second part 128 of the push latch 116 and the sleeve 118 to their respective extended positions and the knife 106 to the access position where the handle can be grasped and the knife removed.

It will be appreciated that the five storage assemblies 104 of the knife storage unit 100 comprise the same components, but as mentioned above, they have different dimensions so as to receive differently sized knives 106.

Figure 5 shows a storage assembly 204 for a knife storage unit according to a second embodiment of the invention. The storage assembly 204 is similar to the storage assembly 104 of the first embodiment of the invention, except that the storage assembly 204 further comprises a locking mechanism.

A first part of the locking mechanism comprises a first locking member 244 arranged to move laterally into and out of the channel 208. The locking member 244 has an unlocked position in which the locking member 244 is not disposed in the channel 208 and does not interfere with the movement of the sleeve 218. The locking member 244 can be pushed into the channel 208 to a locked position. In the locked position, the locking member 244 prevents the sleeve 218 from moving into the channel 208 any further than its retracted position. Therefore, when the sleeve 218 is in the retracted position and the latching mechanism is latched, the sleeve 218 cannot carry out the further movement required to unlatch the latch mechanism of the push latch 216. The knife 206 thereby cannot be released to the access position in the usual way. To unlock the first part of the locking mechanism, the locking member 244 is retracted from the channel 208.

A second part of the locking mechanism comprises a second locking member 246 atTanged to move laterally across the open end 210 of the channel 208. The locking member 246 has an unlocked position in which the locking member 246 does not cover the open end 210 of the channel 208, and therefore the handle 224 of the knife 206 is exposed and the knife 206 can be removed. When the knife 206 is in the storage position (or there is no knife 206 in the channel 208) the locking member 246 can be pushed over the open end 210 of the channel 208 to a locked position. The locking member 246 thereby prevents the knife 206 from moving from the storage position to the access position. To unlock the second part of the locking mechanism, the locking member 246 is retracted to the unlocked position.

In alternative embodiments, the knife storage unit comprises either the first or the second part of the locking mechanism, but not both. In embodiments, the locking members 244, 246 are moved by hand. In other embodiments, the locking members 244, 246 are moved by an electromechanical actuator.

-12 -Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve is omitted, and the second part of the push latch acts as the contact element. In this embodiments, the blade of the knife pushes directly against the second part of the push latch.

In an alternative embodiment, the knife storage unit is received within a kitchen worktop, the outer face of the kitchen storage unit being flush with an upper surface of the worktop.

It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A knife storage unit comprising a storage assembly for storing a knife, the storage assembly comprising: a channel for accommodating the knife, the channel comprising an open end into which the knife is received; a contact element for contacting the knife when the knife is received within the channel; a resilient bias arranged to exert a force on the contact element and a latch mechanism; wherein the channel is arranged to accommodate the knife at a storage position and an access position, wherein at the storage position the knife is located deeper within the channel than when the knife is at the access position; wherein the contact element is movable between: (i) an extended position in which, in use, the knife is held at the access position by the contact element, and (ii) a retracted position in which, in use, the knife can occupy the storage position; wherein the latching mechanism comprises an unlatched configuration in which the resilient bias can move the contact element from the retracted position to the extended position such that, in use, the knife can move from the storage position to the access position under the action of the resilient bias; wherein the latching mechanism comprises a latched configuration in which the resilient bias is prevented from moving the contact element from the retracted position to the extended position such that, in use, the knife can remain in the storage position; and wherein the latch mechanism is configurable from the unlatched configuration to the latched configuration, and from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration, by moving the contact element against the resilient bias.
2. A knife storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage assembly is arranged such that when the knife is in the storage position the handle of the knife does not protrude beyond the open end of the channel -14 -
3. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage assembly is arranged such that when the knife is in the access position a portion of the handle of the knife, but not the blade of the knife, protrudes beyond the open end of the channel.
4 A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lock mechanism arranged to, when locked, prevent the latching mechanism from moving from the latched configuration to the unlatched configuration.
5. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact element is arranged to contact a handle of the knife
6. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage assembly comprises a blocking element between the open end of the channel and the latch mechanism for blocking debris entering the open end of the channel from reaching the latch mechanism.
7. A knife storage unit according to claim 6, wherein the blocking element extends across substantially the entire cross-section of the channel.
8. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact element comprises a sleeve having an opening which allows the blade of the knife to pass through, but not the handle.
9. A knife storage unit to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of the storage assemblies.
A knife storage unit to claim 9, wherein each storage assembly is arranged to accommodate a knife having a blade of a different size.
11. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the knife storage unit is in the form of a knife block
12. A knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the knife storage unit is retained within, or integrally formed with, a w-orktop
13. A kit of parts comprising: a knife storage unit according to any preceding claim, and a knife configured to be stored within the storage assembly.
14. A kitchen comprising: a knife storage unit according to any of claims I to 12, or a kit of parts according to claim 13.