WO2001081049A1

WO2001081049A1 - Utility knife having a magnet for retaining a blade

Info

Publication number: WO2001081049A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/011592
Authority: WO
Inventors: David L. French
Original assignee: General Housewares Corporation
Priority date: 2000-04-19
Filing date: 2001-04-10
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Also published as: AU2001251492A1

Abstract

A non-retractable utility knife handle having a magnet (26) in the blade receiving portion of the utility knife handle for retaining a blade and thereby preventing the blade from falling out during blade replacement or when the utility knife handle is opened. Similarly, a magnet can be placed in a retractable utility knife. In a retractable utility knife, a magnet in a blade carriage mechanism retains the blade. The blade carriage (122) is configured to securely hold a blade and allows the blade to be slidably disposed within the utility knife and adjustable to a plurality of distinct locked positions. The blade carriage is biased towards a locked position, however, the utility knife includes an actuator (82) which allows a user to position the blade in one or more desired positions with respect to the utility knife handle. In addition, the above described utility knifes can include a second magnet (36, 102) for retaining one or more blades in a blade storage area. The second magnet operates in a similar manner as the other magnet, thereby preventing the one or more stored blades from falling out during blade replacement or when the utility knife handle is opened.

Description

UTILITY KNIFE HAVING A MAGNET FOR RETAINING A BLADE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a utility knife, and in particular, to a utility knife having a magnet for retaining a blade, thereby preventing the blade from falling out during blade replacement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The primary purpose of a utility knife is for cutting various materials, such as sheet rock. After time, the blade becomes dull and eventually needs to be replaced. However, replacing a blade can cause personal injury or property damage if the blade falls out of the utility knife. When replacing the blade, the user opens the utility knife thereby exposing the full blade. When the utility knife is opened in such a manner, the blade can easily fall out of the utility knife. A personal injury can occur when a person attempts to catch the falling blade or when the blade cuts the person when falling. Property damage can occur when the blade lands on a surface, such as a wooden or vinyl floor, thereby cutting the surface. If the person changing the blade is on a scaffold or ladder, then the severity of the injury or damage can rise as well. Without a blade retention system, the blade can fall out when the utility knife is opened upside down or once opened, the utility knife is turned upside down. Accordingly, there is a need for novel utility knives that address the above and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a utility knife that allows for easy replacement of the blade in a safe manner. The present invention in the simplest embodiment, includes a magnet in a non-retractable utility knife for retaining a blade in the utility knife. In yet another embodiment, a magnet in a sliding carriage retains a blade in the sliding carriage. In such a utility knife, the blade carriage is slidably disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and adjustable to a plurality of distinct locked positions. The blade carriage includes the magnet for retaining the blade and prevents the blade from falling out of the blade carriage handle during blade replacement. In other embodiments, the utility knife includes another magnet for retaining at least one blade in a blade storage area of the utility knife.

The present invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows, or may be learned from practicing or using the present invention. Attendant advantages may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly recited in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not to be viewed as being restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly appreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are denoted by like reference numerals.

Figure 1 is a left side view of an exemplary embodiment of a non-retractable utility knife handle having a magnet for retaining a blade.

Figure 2 is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle having a magnet in a blade carriage for retaining a blade.

Figure 3A is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with the handle in the open position revealing a portion of a blade storage area and a portion of a blade carriage mechanism.

Figure 3B is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with the handle in the open position with a blade depicted in phantom lines in the blade storage area and in the blade carriage mechanism.

Figure 4A is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention with the handle in the open position revealing the locking mechanism partially in phantom lines.

Figure 4B is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention with the handle in a closed position revealing the locking mechanism in phantom lines.

Figure 5A is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with a portion cut away revealing the locking mechanism in an engaged position. Figure 5B is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with a portion cut away revealing the locking mechanism in a disengaged position.

Figure 6A is a right side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with a portion cut away revealing the blade carriage mechanism having a magnet in a fully retracted position.

Figure 6B is a right side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle with a portion cut away revealing the blade carriage mechanism having a magnet in a fully extended position.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a top right perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 9 is a bottom left perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a left side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a right side view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 12 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 13 is a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 14 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of a utility knife handle according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1 , an exemplary non-retractable utility knife handle is illustrated. The non-retractable utility knife handle 10 includes a housing 12 having a first housing portion 14 and a second housing portion 16. The first housing portion 14 is preferably connected to the second housing portion 16 by a pivotal connector 18. The exemplary embodiment of the housing 12 is generally formed of a hollow shell having various internal structural ribs 20 therein that provide added strength to the housing 12. The housing 12 of the exemplary embodiment is made of a rigid plastic material, although alternatively other rigid materials can be used.

The first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 16 each preferably provide a half of the housing 12 and are configured to provide complimentary shapes that form a generally symmetrical exterior shape a long a plane of a blade 22. The first housing portion 14 includes a blade receiving portion 24 for receiving the blade 22. The blade receiving portion 24 further includes a magnet 26 for retaining the blade 22 in the housing 12. The magnet 26 prevents the blade 22 from falling out when the utility knife handle 10 is opened.

As illustrated, the first housing portion 14 includes an interior surface 32 which further includes a blade storage area 28 which is defined by a plurality of walls 34 configured to conform generally to an outer perimeter of the one or more blades 30. The blade storage area 28 is configured to receive one or more blades 30 within the housing 12. The plurality of walls 34 in the exemplary embodiment are configured to hold a blade 30 that has a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the plurality of walls 34 can be configured to hold other shaped blades in alternative embodiments of the present invention as is readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The blade storage area 28 also includes an interior surface (not shown) of the second housing portion 16, which helps to define the blade storage area 28 and helps hold the one or more blades 30 in position therein when the utility knife handle 10 is in a closed position. The blade storage area 28 has a magnet 36 mounted therein to the first housing portion 14 that holds the one or more blades 30 within the blade storage area 28. Note that the magnet 36 is recessed compared to the plurality of walls 34, thereby providing a recessed portion for storing the one or more blades 30. The magnet 36 is selected such that it can provide sufficient magnetic forces to hold one or more blades 30 securely within the blade storage area 28. In an alternate embodiment, the blade storage area 28 and magnet 36 are in the second housing portion 16.

Referring to Figures 2-15, an exemplary utility knife handle having a magnet for retaining a blade in a moveable blade carriage are illustrated. The exemplary embodiment of the utility knife handle 40 has a housing 42 that includes a first housing portion 44 connected to a second housing portion 46. The first housing portion 44 is preferably connected to the second housing portion 46 by a pivotal connector 52 that allows the first and second housing portions, 44 and 46, to freely pivot with respect to one another. The exemplary embodiment of the housing 42 is generally formed of a hollow shell having various internal structural ribs 54 therein that provide added strength to the housing 42. The first housing portion 44 has an interior surface 56 and the second housing portion 46 has an interior surface 108. The interior surfaces 56 and 108 define an interior cavity within the housing 42 that provides a space to house a blade carriage mechanism 1 12. In preferred embodiments, the housing 42 further provides space for a locking mechanism 64, as well as a blade storage area 100. The housing 42 of the exemplary embodiment is made of a rigid plastic material, although alternatively other rigid materials may be used.

The first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46 each generally provide a half of the housing 42, and are configured to provide complementary shapes that form a generally symmetrical exterior shape along a plane of the blade 86. Several exceptions to these general rules are clearly evident in the exemplary embodiment. For example, an actuator 82 is position in an asymmetrical manner by offsetting the actuator 82 to one side of the top of the housing 42 in order to provide an ergonomicaliy efficient configuration by placing the actuator 82 in a position where the user's thumb would naturally tend to be located when the user is comfortably grasping the housing 42. Therefore, the actuator 82 and its various associated components are not symmetrically positioned along the axis of the housing 42.

The first housing portion 44 has an outer coating 48 and the second housing portion 28 has an outer coating 50. The outer coatings 48 and 50 are preferably made of an elastomehc material that is pliant, such as, without limitation, SANTOPRENE™, which is overmolded onto the outer surface of the first and second housing portions, 44 and 46, respectively. The housing 42 is configured to provide an ergonomicaliy efficient contour including terminal ends 90 and 94 that have cross-sectional areas that are smaller than the cross-sectional area of a center "belly" portion 92. This ergonomicaliy efficient shape allows the user to comfortably place the palm of their hand on the belly portion 92 of the housing 42 and wrap their fingers about the belly portion 92. The rounded shape of terminal end 94 will prevent the user's hand from feeling discomfort if the user's hand is positioned over the terminal end 94 during use of the handle 40.

The first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46 have blade opening regions, 58 and 60, respectively, that form the blade opening for the handle 40. The upper side of the housing 42 has a tactile region 62 on the terminal end 90 thereof adjacent the blade opening that provides the user with a tactile indication of the end of the handle in order to prevent the user from accidentally contacting the blade 86. The tactile region 62 is located on both the first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46.

Referring to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 6A, 6B, and 7, the internal cavity of the handle 40 further houses the blade carriage mechanism 112 having a magnet for retaining a blade 86. The blade carriage mechanism 112 includes a blade carriage 122 movably mounted to the interior surface 108 of the second housing portion 46. The blade carriage 122 has a channel 116 extending longitudinally thereon and includes a recessed blade seat or blade receiving portion 88 that is configured, in the exemplary embodiment, to hold a blade 86 that has a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the blade seat 88 can be configured to hold other shaped blades in alternative embodiments of the present invention as is readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The blade seat 88 of the exemplary embodiment further includes two bumps 124 that mate with notches 146 on the blade 86 that further prevent the blade 86 from sliding on the blade carriage 122, and a lip 126 that defines a slot that holds the edge of the blade 86. The interior surface 108 of the second housing portion 46 includes at least one projection 118 extending therefrom. The projection 118 is slidably received within the channel 116 on the blade carriage 122 and works in conjunction with a track 128 on the interior surface 108 of the second housing portion 46 to allow the blade carriage 122 to slide within the handle 40. The blade carriage 122 is configured to slide between a retracted position, depicted in Figure 6A, and an extended position, depicted in Figure 6B. Therefore, the blade carriage 122 has an extended position whereby a blade 86 seated within the blade seat 88 extends through the blade opening, 58 and 60, and a retracted position whereby the blade 86 is positioned within the interior cavity of the housing 42. Preferably, the blade carriage 122 is mounted to the housing 42 such that the blade carriage 122 is linearly adjustable. The blade carriage mechanism 112 further includes an actuator 82 mounted to the blade carriage 122 by a shaft 150 that is slidably received by the blade carriage 122 such that the shaft 150 can slide in a direction along an axis of the shaft 150. The shaft 150 extends through a slot 152 at the top of the second housing portion 46 with the actuator 82 being attached to the terminal end of the shaft 150. The actuator 82 is positioned within a recessed portion 136 on the exterior surface of the second housing portion 46, which extends around the slot 152. The actuator 82 preferably has an outer coating 84 that is preferably made of an elastomeric material that is pliant, such as, without limitation, SANTOPRENE™, which is overmolded thereon. Note that the actuator 82 is offset to one side of the top of the housing 42 in order to provide an ergonomicaliy efficient configuration by placing the actuator 82 in a position where the user's thumb would naturally tend to be located when the user is comfortably grasping the housing 42. Note that the configuration of the handle 40 can be constructed as a mirror image of the exemplary embodiment in order to produce a handle 40 and actuator 82 that are configured for ergonomicaliy efficient use with the left hand.

The shaft 150 of the actuator 82 includes an engagement portion 132 that is fixed in a position along the shaft 150. A compression spring 134 is positioned about the bottom of the shaft 150 between the engagement portion 132 and the blade carriage 122 such that the spring 134 forces the engagement portion 132, and consequently the shaft 150 and the actuator 82, upwards. The second housing portion 46 includes a plurality of recesses 138 defined by a series of protrusions 140 that are oriented adjacent and in parallel to the top portion of the track 128. The plurality of recesses 138 are each adapted to receive the engagement portion 132 of the actuator 82, thereby preventing the blade carriage 122 from sliding along the track 128 due to the interference between the engagement portion 132 and the protrusions 140. The spring 134 biases the engagement portion 132 upwards and within one of the plurality of recesses 138, thereby mechanically biasing the actuator 82 towards a locked position. The user can push down on the actuator 82 in order to overcome the force of the spring 134 and disengage the engagement portion 132 from the plurality of recesses 138, thereby placing the actuator 82 in an unlocked position and allowing the blade carriage 122 to freely slide along the track 128. When the actuator 82 is depressed and the engagement portion 132 is disengaged from the plurality of recesses 138, the user can push the actuator 82 forward along the slot 152 until the blade 86 is extended by a distance desired by the user and then the actuator 82 can be released, thereby allowing the spring 134 to force the engagement member 132 within the corresponding recess 138, thereby locking the blade carriage 122 in position, as depicted in Figure 6B. Preferably, the second housing portion 46 includes a series of recesses 138 in order to provide the blade carriage 122 and actuator 82 with a plurality of extended and locked positions.

Referring to Figures 2, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 7, the utility knife handle 40 preferably includes a locking mechanism 64 that is generally housed within the interior cavity defined by the housing 42 and includes portions on both the first housing portion 44 and the second housing portion 46. The locking mechanism 64 includes a biased locking member 66 movably disposed on the first housing portion 44. The locking member 66 includes an elongated body 68 having a channel 70 extending longitudinally thereon. The first housing portion 44 includes at least one projection extending rigidly therefrom, with the exemplary embodiment having two projections 78. The projections 78 being movably connected to the channel 70 of the elongated body 68 such that the body 68 can slide in relation to the projections 78. The body 68 has an end 76 that is configured to slide through an opening 80 in the first housing portion 44. The end 76 has an actuator portion 106 that in the exemplary embodiment is adapted to sit flush with and adjacent to the outer surface of the coating 48 on the first housing portion 44 when the handle 40 is in a closed position. The actuator portion 62 includes an indented surface 104 that is configured to allow a user to insert a finger against the indented surface 104 and force the locking member 66 rearward such that the end 76 protrudes through opening 80 into an open position.

The locking member 66 further includes an inclined surface 74 on an end opposite end 76, and a recessed surface 72 adjacent the inclined surface 74. The locking mechanism 64 is in an engaged position and the handle 40 is in the closed position when the recessed surface 72 is engaged to an engagement member 96 rigidly mounted on the second housing portion 46, as depicted in Figure 5A. The locking mechanism 64 is in a disengaged position when the locking member 66 is slide rearward such that the recessed surface 72 is disengaged to the engagement member 96, as depicted in Figure 5B. The locking member 66 is generally movable in a linear direction. The locking mechanism 64 further includes a tension spring 148 that has one end attached to the body 68 of the locking member 66 at point 154 and one end attached to the interior surface 28 of the first housing portion 44 at point 156. The spring 148 biases the locking member 66 into the position depicted in Figure 4A where the locking member 66 is in a forward position and the recessed surface 72 is engaged to the engagement member 96. In order to disengage the engagement member 96 from the recessed surface 72 and thereby allow the handle 40 to be rotated about pivotal connection member 48, the user must insert a finger against the indented surface 104 and force the locking member 66 rearward such that the end protrudes through opening into an open position. Once the locking member 66 is slid rearward, the user can rotate the second housing portion 46 to a position as depicted in Figure 4A. To close the handle 40, the use simply rotates the second housing portion 46 in a direction as indicated by an arrow in Figure 4A towards the closed position, depicted in Figure 4B. As the second housing portion 46 rotates towards the closed position a rounded contact surface 98 of the engagement member 96 contacts the inclined surface 74 of the locking member 66, whereby the locking member 66 is forced rearward by the contact surface 98 until the engagement member 96 passes the inclined surface 74 and comes to rest in the recessed surface 72, as depicted in Figure 4B.

Note that the first housing portion 44 includes a groove that receives a lip 120 on the second housing portion 46 when the handle 40 is in the closed position in order to prevent the first and second housing portions, 44 and 46, from rotating beyond the closed position.

Referring to Figures 3A, 3B, 6A, 6B, and 7, the internal cavity of the handle 40 further houses a blade storage area 100 that is configured to receive one or more blades 142 within the housing 42. The interior surface 108 of the second housing portion 46 includes a blade storage portion is defined by a plurality of walls 110 configured to conform generally to an outer perimeter of the one or more stored blades 142. The plurality of walls 110 in the exemplary embodiment are configured to hold one or more blades 142 that has a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the plurality of walls 110 can be configured to hold other shaped blades in alternative embodiments of the present invention as is readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The blade storage area 100 also includes the interior surface 28 of the first housing portion 44, which helps to defined the blade storage are a 100 and helps hold the one or more blades 142 in position therein when the handle 40 is in the closed position. The blade storage area 100 includes a magnet 102 mounted therein to the second housing portion 46 that holds the one or more blades 142 within the blade storage area 100. Note that the magnet 102 is recessed compared to the plurality of walls 110, thereby providing a recessed portion for storing the blades 142. The magnet 102 is selected such that it can provide sufficient magnetic forces to hold one or more blades 142 securely within the blade storage area 100.

In the exemplary embodiment the handle is generally made of, without limitation, rigid plastic material with the projections 78, spring 148, blade carriage 122, projection 118, spring 134, and shaft 150 being made of, without limitation, metal. As discussed above, the outer coatings 48 and 50 and coating 84 are preferably made of an elastomeric material that is pliant, such as, without limitation, SANTOPRENE™. Other materials may be used in the construction of the handle 40 as is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Note that various alternative configurations of the features of the handle 40 are well within the scope of the claims recited below and that the exemplary embodiment discussed above is not intended to limit the scope of the claims recited herein. One alternative embodiment includes, for example, the locking member positioned on the second housing portion 46 and the engagement member positioned on the first housing portion, and similarly the blade storage area positioned on the first housing portion 44. Additionally, the blade carriage mechanism can be alternatively located on the first housing portion 44.

In the previous descriptions, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific materials, structures, processes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, as one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the present invention can be practiced without resorting to the details specifically set forth. In other instances, well known processing structures have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A blade receiving portion for a non-retractable utility knife handle comprising a magnet for retaining a blade.

2. A non-retractable utility knife handle comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, each housing portion having an opening at one end and the first housing portion having a blade receiving portion for receiving a blade, the blade receiving portion further comprising a first magnet for retaining a blade.

3. The non-retractable utility knife handle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the housing portions further contains a storage area for storing at least one blade and a second magnet for retaining at least one blade in the storage area.

4. The utility knife handle according to claim 3, wherein the blade storage area is defined by a plurality of walls configured to conform to an outer perimeter of the at least one blade.

5. The utility knife handle according to claim 3, wherein the blade storage area includes a recessed portion having the magnet positioned therein.

6. A utility knife handle having a magnet in a blade carriage for retaining a blade, the utility knife handle comprising: a first housing portion; and a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion by a connector, the second housing further comprising the blade carriage movably mounted to the second housing portion, the blade carriage having a channel extending longitudinally thereon, the second housing portion further comprising at least one projection extending therefrom, the at least one projection being movably connected to the channel of the blade carriage, the blade carriage comprising the magnet for retaining the blade and a blade receiving portion, the blade carriage including an actuator mounted to the blade carriage and having a locked position whereby the actuator is engaged to the second housing portion thereby preventing the blade carriage from moving with respect to the second housing portion and an unlocked position whereby the actuator is disengaged to the second housing portion thereby allowing the blade carriage to move with respect to the second housing portion.

7. The utility knife handle of claim 6, wherein the connector pivotally connects the first housing portion with the second housing portion.

8. The utility knife handle of claim 6, wherein the first housing portion further comprises a biased locking member movably disposed thereon, the locking member including an elongated body having a channel extending longitudinally thereon, the first housing portion including at least one projection extending therefrom, the at least one projection being movably connected to the channel of the elongated body.

9. The utility knife handle of claim 8, wherein the second portion further comprises an engagement member, wherein the utility knife handle is in an open position when the locking member and the engagement member are disengaged and a closed position when the locking member and the engagement member are engaged.

10. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the locking member is located within a cavity defined by an interior surface of the first housing portion and an interior surface of the second housing portion.

11. The utility knife handle according to claim 10, wherein the locking member includes a recess for engaging the engagement member when the utility knife handle is in the closed position and an inclined surface configured to contact the engagement member and guide the engagement member to the recess when the utility knife handle is moved from the open position to the closed position.

12. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the locking member has an actuator portion that is exterior to the first housing portion and is located adjacent an exterior surface of the utility knife handle.

13. The utility knife handle according to claim 12, wherein the actuator portion includes an indented surface.

14. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the locking member is movable in a linear direction and the engagement member is rigidly fixed to the second housing portion.

15. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the locking member is further connected to the first housing portion by a spring.

16. The utility knife handle according to claim 15, wherein the spring biases the locking member into engagement with the engagement member.

17. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion have ergonomic exterior surfaces configured to provide a central portion of the utility knife handle with a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of terminal end portions of the utility knife.

18. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion each have an outer coating made of an elastomeric material.

19. The utility knife handle according to claim 9, wherein the first housing portion further comprises a blade storage portion configured to receive at least one blade, the blade storage area having a magnet therein for retaining the at least one blade within the blade storage portion.

20. The utility knife handle according to claim 19, wherein the blade storage area is defined by a plurality of walls configured to conform to an outer perimeter of the at least one blade.

21. The utility knife handle according to claim 19, wherein the blade storage area includes a recessed portion having the magnet positioned therein.

22. A utility knife handle having a magnet in a blade carriage for retaining a blade, the utility knife handle comprising: a housing having an interior surface defining an interior cavity and a blade opening; and a blade carriage movably mounted to the housing within the interior cavity, the blade carriage having a channel extending longitudinally thereon, the interior surface of the housing including at least one projection extending therefrom, the at least one projection being movably connected to the channel of the blade carriage, the blade carriage comprising the magnet for retaining a blade and a blade receiving portion, the blade carriage having an extended position whereby the blade seated within the blade receiving portion extends through the blade opening and a retracted position whereby the blade is positioned within the interior cavity, the blade carriage including an actuator mounted to the blade carriage and having a locked position whereby the actuator is engaged to the housing thereby preventing the blade carriage from moving with respect to the housing and an unlocked position whereby the actuator is disengaged to the housing thereby allowing the blade carriage to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

23. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the actuator is mechanically biased towards the locked position by a spring.

24. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the actuator includes a protruding member and the housing includes a recesses on the interior surface, the protruding member being seated within the recess when the actuator is in the locked position and the protruding member being disengaged from the recess when the actuator is in the unlocked position.

25. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the housing includes a plurality of recesses that are each adapted to receive the actuator in a locked position to provide the blade carriage with a plurality of extended positions.

26. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the actuator is positioned offset from a central axis of the utility knife handle.

27. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the actuator has a button attached to a terminal end thereof, the button being positioned exterior of the housing.

28. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the blade carriage is mounted to the housing such that the blade carriage is linearly adjustable.

29. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the housing has an exterior surface having an indentation proximate to the blade opening for providing a tactile cue to a user of the blade opening.

30. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the housing has an outer coating made of an elastomeric material and wherein the actuator has a portion having an outer coating made of an elastomeric material.

31. The utility knife handle according to claim 22, wherein the housing further comprises a blade storage portion configured to receive at least one blade, the blade storage area having a magnet therein for retaining the at least one blade within the blade storage portion.

32. The utility knife handle according to claim 31 , wherein the blade storage area is defined by a plurality of walls configured to conform to an outer perimeter of the at least one blade.

33. The utility knife handle according to claim 31 , wherein the blade storage area includes a recessed portion having the magnet positioned therein.