WO2010047836A1

WO2010047836A1 - Knife sheath

Info

Publication number: WO2010047836A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/005799
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael D. Janich; Eric M. Yeates
Original assignee: Janich Michael D; Yeates Eric M
Priority date: 2008-10-24
Filing date: 2009-10-26
Publication date: 2010-04-29

Abstract

A knife sheath having a base member and a cover member, wherein the base member and the cover member are attached, coupled, or formed together to define a cavity for receiving and holding at least a portion of a knife; and a locking lever extending from a portion of the base member for maintaining the knife in a substantially fixed position within the cavity, wherein the locking lever extends from the base member to form a finger engagement portion and the finger engagement portion extends to form a knife engagement portion having a locking surface, and wherein the locking lever is capable of being flexed from a naturally biased lock position for securing at least a portion of a knife within the cavity of the sheath to a release position for removal of at least the portion of the knife from the cavity.

Description

KNIFE SHEATH

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001 ] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/197,179, filed 24 October 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[00021 This invention relates generally to knife sheaths. In particular, the present invention relates to knife sheaths having a knife retention system.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Many users of knifes, particularly military and law enforcement personnel, carry a knife in a sheath designed to protect the knife and hold it securely. Sheaths can be worn in a number of ways and orientations, such as on a belt in a vertical manner with the handle up, on a belt in a horizontal manner with the handle substantially parallel to the belt, under an arm in a vertical manner with the handle down, or attached to various pieces of gear in any number of possible orientations. [0004] In certain instances, the user must be able to quickly and easily remove the knife from its sheath regardless of the position or orientation of the sheath. Additionally, the user needs to be assured that, when not in use, the knife will remain safely in the sheath.

[0005] Some sheaths rely solely on friction to secure the knife in place. This combination might not be suitable for situations where the knife/sheath is subject to a great deal of movement because such movement could cause the knife to lose frictional engagement with the sheath.

[0006] Certain other sheaths include a variety of strap or flap arrangements that prevent the removal of the knife from the sheath while the strap or flap is in place. With designs that rely on this method to retain a knife, a user must first unfasten the strap/flap before the knife can be withdrawn. Then, to re-secure the knife in the sheath once the knife has been re-sheathed, the user must physically refasten and/or rotate the strap/flap before the knife is securely retained within the sheath. Some users might not prefer these designs because of the time required to release and/or re-secure the knife.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates generally to knife sheaths. In particular, the present invention relates to a sheath for a device, such as a knife, having an automatic retention system for securing the knife such that when the knife is appropriately placed in the sheath, the knife retention system automatically engages to retain or lock the knife in the sheath. The knife may then be easily removed from the sheath by manipulating the knife retention system to release the knife.

(0008| In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the knife sheath comprises a knife sheath having a retention system. The retention system comprises a biased locking lever having an knife engagement portion and a finger engagement portion, the knife engagement portion includes a locking portion for releasably engaging a portion of the quillon of the knife handle and, thereby, retaining the knife in the sheath.

|0009] The locking lever is positioned on the sheath such that, when a user sufficiently depresses the finger engagement portion of the locking lever, the knife can be withdrawn from the sheath.

[0010] Thus, the present invention comprises a knife sheath that automatically locks the knife in place in the sheath with a releasable mechanism that is easily operated by a wearer of the sheath. However, the present mechanism is not easily accidentally disengaged.

[00111 Accordingly, this invention provides a knife sheath, having a retention system.

[0012] This invention separately provides a safe and reliable quick-release knife sheath.

[0013) This invention separately provides a knife sheath having a retention system, which is capable of retaining a knife securely in the sheath while permitting a quick release of the knife when the user requires. [0014] This invention separately provides a knife sheath having a retention system, which is simple to operate.

[0015] This invention separately provides a knife sheath having a retention system, which automatically secures the knife in the sheath upon proper seating of the knife in the sheath, without requiring any additional operation by the user.

[0016] This invention separately provides a knife sheath, which is capable of being manufactured using injection molding production techniques.

[0017] These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

|0019] Fig. 1 shows a front elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a knife sheath having a retention system according to this invention, wherein an exemplary knife is present within the sheath;

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a front elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a knife sheath having a retention system according to this invention;

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a rear elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a knife sheath having a retention system according to this invention;

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a left side elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a knife sheath having a retention system according to this invention;

[0023] Fig. 5 A shows a front cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the knife sheath of Fig. 4, illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the retention system according to this invention in greater detail;

[0024] Fig. 5B shows a front cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the knife sheath of Fig. 4, wherein an exemplary knife is present within the sheath;

[0025] Fig. 6A shows a left side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the knife sheath of Fig. 2, illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the retention system according to this invention in greater detail;

[0026] Fig. 6B shows a left side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the knife sheath of Fig. 2, wherein an exemplary knife is partially seated within the sheath; and

|0027| Fig. 6C shows a left side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the knife sheath of Fig. 2, wherein an exemplary knife is fully seated within the sheath. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0028] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the knife sheath according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a knife sheath according to this invention. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the knife sheath is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the knife sheath of this invention.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to an exemplary knife being secured or seated within the present sheath. However, it should be appreciated that the operating principles of the knife sheath of this invention may also be employed to construct sheaths or holders for a variety of knives or other edged weapons as well as less than lethal products (i.e., tasers, pepper spray, mace canisters, or batons), so long as these items have an appropriate ledge or void that may be engaged or retained by a locking portion of the exemplary sheath. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the present sheath may be employed as a pouch for tactical accessories, such as ammunition magazines and/or flashlights, as well as for everyday items such as cell phones or personal digital assistants.

|0030| It should also be appreciated that the terms "knife", "knife sheath", and "sheath" are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the terms "knife", "knife sheath", and "sheath" are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.

[0031 J Figs. 1 -6C show various views of a first, illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a knife sheath 100 according to this invention. It should be appreciated that the sheath 100, as illustrated herein, is adapted to retain a fixed blade knife 102. The fixed blade knife 102 generally includes a hilt portion 104 and a blade portion 106. It should be appreciated that the hilt portion 104 comprises the entire handle including the pommel, the butt cap, and the guard. The knife guard portion, cross-guard, or quillon 105, is positioned between the blade and handle and extends beyond the handle to prevent a user's fingers from accidental contact with the blade portion 106 and may comprise a separate piece of metal or be integrally formed as part of the knife, as illustrated by the exemplary, full length tang knife

102.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 1-6C, the sheath 100 includes a body defining a cavity

1 15 for receiving and holding at least a portion of the knife 102. The body comprises a base member 1 10 and a cover member 120. The base member 1 10 and the cover member 120 are attached, coupled, or formed together to define the cavity

1 15.

[0033] However, it should be appreciated that the cavity 1 15 may be formed from any number or combination of sheath members, including, for example, a single, continuous base and cover member or multiple coupled or joined walls.

Alternatively, the cavity 1 15 may be formed by a material being shaped or bent in a substantial "U" shape. Thus, the cavity 1 15 may be formed by any cavity, space, or platform that is capable of retaining a knife.

[0034] It should be noted that the base member 1 10 and the cover member 120 may generally be planar. Alternatively, the base member 1 10 and the cover member

120 may be contoured or shaped to better accommodate a specific type or model of knife to be retained within the sheath 100.

|0035| In various exemplary embodiments, the base member 1 10 is generally formed by a planar portion of material with an upper portion of the base member

1 10 being offset from a lower portion of the base member 1 10. This offset allows the sheath 100 to maintain a relatively low profile while being appropriately sized to accommodate a portion of the knife 102. It should be appreciated that the inclusion of such an offset is a design choice based upon the desired appearance and/or functionality of the sheath 100.

[0036] The cover member 120 is shaped generally to match the contours of at least a portion of the outer surface of the knife 102.

[0037] The cavity 1 15 is formed so as to accept at least a portion of the inserted knife 102 and limit how far the knife 102 can be inserted into the sheath 100. The construction of the sheath 100 further facilitates alignment of the quillon 105 with the locking surface 156 by limiting lateral movement of the knife 102 with respect to the locking lever 150 and the locking surface 156 without preventing a user from easily withdrawing the knife 102 from the sheath 100.

[0038] In various exemplary embodiments, the sheath 100 is substantially rigid and is formed of a polymeric material such as a polymeric composite. Alternate materials of construction may include one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset sheet materials, or the like, and/or various combinations of the foregoing.

[0039] In various exemplary embodiments, at least certain components of the sheath 100 may be formed of any known or later developed, substantially flexible material(s) such as a polymeric material, leather, foam, foam laminates, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabrics, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabric laminates, moldable honeycomb materials, or the like, and/or various combinations of the foregoing. [0040] Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the sheath 100 and/or various components of the sheath 100 is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the sheath 100. {0041 J In various exemplary embodiments, the sheath 100 includes various coupling/attachment points 130 and/or 130', which provide means for fastening the sheath to a sheath-holding device. Alternatively, the means for fastening the sheath may comprise a clip or hook adapted to be clipped over, for example, a belt. In further exemplary embodiments, means for fastening the sheath may comprise one or more quick-disconnect or other couplings may be provided on or adjacent the sheath base member 1 10, which may be permanently or removably coupled to corresponding and cooperating coupling(s) provided on a belt or other carrier or platform. In still other exemplary embodiments, the sheath 100 may comprise an integral belt, or may comprise one or more slots or other connection devices for attachment to a chest, ankle, leg, shoulder, or other harness or band, a belt, or for otherwise securing the sheath to a user or the user's apparel. [0042] In various exemplary embodiments, at least some of the coupling/attachment points 130 may be used to couple the base member 1 10 to the cover member 120.

[0043] Although not shown in the present figures, the inner surface of the cavity 1 1 5 may optionally include one or more raised or textured areas 1 17, which provide additional frictional engagement between the cavity 1 15 and certain portions of the knife 102.

[0044] As further shown in Figs. 1-6C, the sheath 100 further comprises a retention means that is capable of retaining a knife 102 securely in the sheath 100 by restricting withdrawal of the knife 102 from the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100 while permitting a quick release of the knife 102 when the user requires. The retention means comprises the combination of the base member 1 10, the cover member 120, and a locking lever 150. While the base member 1 10 and the cover member 120 provide a cavity 1 15 within which the knife 102 may be maintained, the locking lever 150 provides a means of maintaining the knife 102 in a substantially fixed position within the cavity 1 15.

[0045] In various exemplary embodiments, the base member 1 10 includes a slot 1 12, which defines the locking lever 150. The locking lever 150 comprises at least some of a finger engagement portion 152 and a knife engagement portion 155. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking lever 150 extends from the base member 1 10 to form a finger engagement portion 152. The finger engagement portion 152 extends to form a knife engagement portion 155. In various exemplary embodiments, the locking lever 150 is formed substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the sheath 100.

[0046] The locking lever 150 is capable of being flexed from a naturally biased lock position for securing the knife 102 within the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100, as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6C, to a release position for removal of the knife 102 from the cavity 1 15 (as illustrated in Fig. 6B). It should be appreciated that the degree of flexibility and/or rigidity of the locking lever 150 is dictated primarily by the type and thickness of material used to form the base member 1 10 of the sheath 100 and the overall size and shape of the slot 1 12 that defines the locking lever 150. [0047] The knife engagement portion 155 of the locking lever 150 includes a locking portion having a locking surface 156 and a stop surface 158. In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the finger engagement portion 152 and/or the knife engagement portion 155 includes a ramp surface 157 and is shaped to slope toward a terminating point of the locking surface 156. The ramp surface 157 is included to aid in a relatively smooth flexing the locking lever 150 from the naturally biased lock position to the release position as the knife 102 is seated within the cavity 1 15. Thus, the locking lever 150 is automatically flexed to the release position as the outer surface of the knife's quillon 105 contacts the ramp surface 157 and is subsequently engaged when an appropriate portion of the quillon 105 has passed the ramp surface 157.

[0048] However, if the quillon 105 of the knife 102 that is to be carried within the sheath 100 is itself appropriately radiused or ramped, the ramp surface 157 may not be necessary and, therefore, not included.

|0049| The locking surface 156 is generally shaped so as to correspond to the shape of a rear portion of the quillon 105 (or another appropriate portion of the knife guard portion or the knife handle). When the locking lever 150 is in the lock position, the locking surface 156 protrudes from the stop surface 158 a sufficient distance, such that when the knife 102 is appropriately seated within the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100, the locking surface 156 is able to contact at least a portion of the quillon 105 (or another appropriate portion of the knife guard portion or the knife handle), so as to maintain the knife 102 within the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100. [0050] The stop surface 158 is formed so as to contact at least portion of the knife 102 when the knife 102 is fully seated within the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100. The stop surface 158 is able to limit the travel of the lever 150 over the quillon 105 (or another appropriate portion of the knife guard portion or the knife handle) when the knife 102 is fully seated within the cavity 1 15.

[0051] In various exemplary embodiments, the locking surface 156 protrudes from the stop surface 158 for a distance that is less than a width of the quillon 105. Alternatively, the locking surface 156 may protrude from the stop surface 158 for a distance that is equal to or greater than the width of the quillon 105. [0052] In addition, when the locking lever 150 is in the lock position and is retaining a knife 102 in place, the clearance between the locking surface 156 and the quillon 105 should be such that there is room for the slight arc or plunger-type movement of the locking surface 156 when the finger engagement portion 152 is depressed. (0053| It should also be appreciated that the locking surface 156 may be formed so as to engage a corresponding aperture, intention, protrusion, or other surface preparation of the knife 102.

[0054] The first side of the finger engagement portion 152 may optionally include a textured portion. In this manner, the finger engagement portion 152 may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the locking lever 150 or the sheath 100.

[0055] In various exemplary embodiments, a locking lever 150' (not illustrated) may be formed of a separate material that is attached or coupled to the base member 1 10 and biased to a lock position by a biasing means. In the exemplary embodiments, any suitable biasing means, element, or mechanism may be used to form the biasing means. For example, in various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of this invention, the biasing means may comprise a portion of spring steel, a helical spring, a compression coil spring, a cylindrical coil spring, a conical coil spring, a tension coil spring, a leaf spring, a V-spring, a cantilever spring, a spring washer, a flexible extension of the locking lever 150' or the base member 1 10, a stretched or tensioned material, such as, for example, a rubber band, or any other element, material, or mechanism usable to bias the locking lever 150'. [0056| During use of the sheath 100, as a user begins to insert the knife 102 into the sheath 100, the knife 102 is inserted into the cavity 1 15 of the sheath, blade first, and is guided into position by at least some of the base member 1 10 and the cover member 120.

[0057[ As illustrated in Fig. 6B, as the knife 102 is inserted further into the cavity 1 15, the outer surface of the quillon 105 (or another appropriate portion of the knife guard portion or the knife handle) will contact the ramp surface 157 of the locking surface 156. The shape of the ramp surface 157 allows the surface of the quillon 105 to ride along the locking surface 156 and displace the locking lever 150. As the quillon 105 rides along the surface of the ramp surface 157, the bias of the locking lever 150 is overcome and the locking lever 150 is flexed towards the release position and the knife 102 is permitted to be seated in the cavity 1 15 of the sheath. The quillon 105 is prevented from moving in a direction transverse to the locking lever 150 by the shape and position of the cavity 1 15. (00581 As the knife 102 is further seated into the sheath, the quillon 105 continues to displace the locking lever 150 and the locking lever 150 continues to flex toward the release position until the quillon 105 passes a point of contact with a farthest extent of the ramp surface 157 and clears the ramp surface 157. When the quillon 105 passes the ramp surface 157, the locking lever 150 is biased to flex back toward the lock position until the stop surface 158 contacts a surface of the knife 102.

[0059] Thus, the knife 102 is secured in the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100 by operation of the locking surface 156 blocking removal of the knife 102, via a surface of the quillon 105. While the knife 102 is fully seated in the cavity 1 15 of the sheath 100 with the locking lever 150 biased to the lock position, removal of the knife 102 is not permitted, as the locking surface 156 does not allow the quillon 105 to pass by. When the knife 102 is secured in place, removal force applied to the knife 102 will not remove the knife 102 from the sheath 100 unless the finger engagement portion 152 is flexed a sufficient amount such that the locking surface 156 is brought out of the way of the surface of the quillon 105.

[00601 Jn order to release and un-sheath the knife 102, the user depresses the finger engagement portion 152 of the locking lever 150, flexing the locking lever 150 towards the release position. At some point, provided a sufficient forces applied to the finger engagement portion 152, the locking surface 156 of the knife engagement portion 155 is flexed a sufficient amount such that the locking surface 156 no longer blocks movement of the quillon 105.

[00611 When the finger engagement portion 152 has been depressed sufficiently, such that the locking surface 156 is sufficiently withdrawn from the sheath cavity 1 15, such that the quillon 105 is no longer blocked by the locking surface 156, the knife 102 can be withdrawn from the sheath 100.

(0062] It should be appreciated that while the locking lever 150 is shown and described as being located on the left side of the knife 102 (when viewed from the front), the locking lever 150 may, alternatively, be located on the right side of the knife 102. Thus, the locking lever 150 may optionally be oriented so as to more readily be contacted by the user's thumb or the user's index finger. [0063] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes, modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A knife sheath adapted to retain at least a portion of a knife, comprising: a base member; a cover member, wherein said base member and said cover member are attached, coupled, or formed together to define a cavity for receiving and holding at least a portion of a knife; and a locking lever extending from a portion of said base member for maintaining said knife in a substantially fixed position within said cavity, wherein said locking lever extends from said base member to form a finger engagement portion and said finger engagement portion extends to form a knife engagement portion having a locking surface, and wherein said locking lever is capable of being flexed from a naturally biased lock position for securing at least a portion of a knife within said cavity of said sheath to a release position for removal of at least said portion of said knife from said cavity.

2. The sheath of claim 1, wherein said base member and said cover member comprise a single, continuous member.

3. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said base member and said cover member comprise multiple coupled or joined walls.

4. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said base member and said cover member are shaped to accommodate a specific type or model of knife.

5. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said base member is formed by a planar portion of material with an upper portion of said base member being offset from a lower portion of said base member.

6. The sheath of claim 1, wherein said base member is formed by a planar portion of material and said cover member is shaped to generally match certian contours of at least a portion of an outer surface of said knife to be received and held within said cavity.

7. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said cavity is formed so as to accept at least a portion of a blade of said inserted knife and limit how far said blade can be inserted into said sheath.

8. The sheath of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said sheath is formed of a substantially rigid material.

9. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said sheath is formed of a substantially flexible material.

10. The sheath of claim 1, wherein said sheath includes coupling/attachment points for fastening said sheath to a belt or sheath-holding device.

1 1. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said sheath includes one or more slots for attachment to a band or belt.

12. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of said cavity includes one or more raised or textured areas, which provide additional frictional engagement between said cavity and certain portions of said knife.

13. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said locking lever is formed substantially parallel to a vertical axis of said sheath.

14. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said locking lever is automatically flexed to said release position as an outer surface of said knife contacts a ramp surface of said finger engagement portion and is subsequently engaged when an appropriate portion of said knife has passed said ramp surface.

15. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said locking lever is formed of a separate portion of material that is attached or coupled to said base member and biased to a lock position by a biasing means.

16. The sheath of claim 1, wherein said locking surface is formed so as to engage a corresponding aperture, intention, protrusion, or other surface preparation of said knife.

17. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said locking surface is shaped so as to generally correspond to a shape of a portion of said knife.

18. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein said knife engagement portion of said locking lever includes a stop surface, wherein said stop surface is able to limit travel of said lever over said portion of said knife when said knife is seated within said cavity.

19. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein when said locking lever is in said lock position, said locking surface protrudes from said stop surface a sufficient distance, such that when said portion of said knife is appropriately seated within said cavity of said sheath, said locking surface contacts at least a portion of said knife so as to maintain said knife within said cavity of said sheath.

20. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein when said locking lever is in said lock position, said locking surface protrudes from said stop surface a sufficient distance, such that when said portion of said knife is appropriately seated within said cavity of said sheath, said locking surface is able to contact at least a portion of a knife guard portion or said knife handle of said knife so as to maintain said knife within said cavity of said sheath.