WO2012154867A2

WO2012154867A2 - Utility knife with cut-out blade holder and extended blade guard

Info

Publication number: WO2012154867A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/037145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Artem Kalajyan; Michael E. Henley; Hao WEN
Original assignee: Olympia Tools International, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-05-09
Filing date: 2012-05-09
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: WO2012154867A4; WO2012154867A3

Abstract

A knife is disclosed. The knife comprises a handle and a blade holder removably holding a blade. The blade holder is moveable with respect to the handle between a closed position, in which a cutting edge of the blade is disposed within the handle, and a fully extended operative position. A blade guard is removably disposed on the blade such that the blade guard covers a tip of the blade and at least 50% of the cutting edge. The blade holder includes a cut-out portion so that at least 50% of the cutting edge of the blade is not disposed within the blade holder.

Description

UTILITY KNIFE WITH CUT-OUT BLADE HOLDER AND EXTENDED BLADE

GUARD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of United States provisional patent application serial number 61/484,132, filed May 9, 201 1 , which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to hand tools, and more specifically to a utility knife having a cut-out blade holder and extended blade guard.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] A folding utility knife is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0175267 and that patent publication is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The knife disclosed in the '267 publication includes a blade holder with a cutout ledge portion that increases the exposure of the blade.

[0004] An extending utility knife is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0271990 and that patent publication is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The knife disclosed in the '990 publication includes a telescoping blade holder with a rotating release disc which releasably locks the blade to the blade holder. A similar extending utility knife is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0043235 and that patent publication is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0005] A pivoting utility knife is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/848,725, and that patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The pivoting knife disclosed in the '725 application includes a two-piece button for locking the blade holder in multiple positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A knife is disclosed. The knife includes a handle and a blade holder removably holding a blade. The blade holder is moveable with respect to the handle between a closed position, in which a cutting edge of the blade is disposed within the handle, and a fully extended operative position. A blade guard is removably disposed on the blade such that the blade guard covers a tip of the blade and at least 50% of the cutting edge. The blade holder includes a cut-out portion so that at least 50% of the cutting edge of the blade is not disposed within the blade holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a utility knife with a blade holder in a fully extended operative position.

[0009] Figure 2 is an opposite side view of the utility knife with the blade holder in the fully extended operative position.

[0010] Figure 3 is a side view of the utility knife with the blade holder in an intermediate operative position.

[0011] Figure 4 is an opposite side view of the utility knife with the blade holder in an intermediate operative position. [0012] Figure 5 is a side view of the utility knife with the blade holder in a closed position.

[0013] Figure 6 is an opposite side view of the utility knife with the blade holder in the closed position.

[0014] Figure 7 is a partially exploded side view of the utility knife. [0015] Figure 8 is a side view of the blade holder.

[0016] Figure 9 is an opposite side view of the blade holder.

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the blade holder. [0018] Figure 1 1 a is top view of the utility knife with the blade holder in the fully extended operative position and a pivot release button in a lock position.

[0019] Figure 1 1 b is a top view of the utility knife with the blade holder and a belt clip omitted, and the pivot release button in the lock position. [0020] Figure 12a is top view of the utility knife with the blade holder in the fully extended operative position and the pivot release button in a release position.

[0021] Figure 12b is a top view of the utility knife with the blade holder and the belt clip omitted, and the pivot release button in the release position.

[0022] Figure 13 is a partially exploded side view of the utility knife. [0023] Figure 14a is a detailed side view of the blade holder with a blade guard covering a blade.

[0024] Figure 14b is a side view of the blade with the blade guard. [0025] Figure 14c is a perspective view of the blade guard.

[0026] Figure 15 is a detailed side view of the blade holder with the blade guard separate from the blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring specifically to Figure 1 , a utility knife in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 100. [0028] Figure 1 is a side view of the utility knife 100. The utility knife 100 includes a handle 105, a blade holder 1 10 and a blade 1 15. The blade 1 15 has a cutting edge 1 16. The cutting edge 1 16 may be partially serrated, as shown. Alternatively, the cutting edge 1 16 may be non-serrated, or serrated along its entire length. A pivot release button 135 is disposed on the handle 105. Fasteners 125 secure the components of the handle 105 together, as will be discussed further below. The blade holder 1 10 may include a thumb rest 1 18. The blade holder 1 10 also includes a blade lock mechanism 120. The blade lock mechanism 120 includes a moveable member which moves between a blade lock position, in which the blade 1 15 is secured to the blade holder 1 10, and a blade release position, in which the blade 1 15 may be removed from the blade holder 1 10. The blade lock mechanism 120 may be similar to the blade lock mechanism disclosed in the aforementioned '990 patent publication. The blade holder 1 10 includes a front edge 1 12 and a cut-out portion 1 14. A blade guard 200 covers the exposed portion of the cutting edge 1 16. [0029] The utility knife 100 has a total longest length L (not counting the blade guard 200). According to some embodiments, length L is equal to approximately 160 mm. The handle 105 has a handle length HL. According to some embodiments, handle length HL is equal to approximately 105 mm.

[0030] Figure 2 is a view of the utility knife 100 from the opposite side. A clip 250 is attached to the handle 105 with additional fasteners 125. A user may removably secure the knife 100 to his or her belt or pocket with the clip 250.

[0031] The blade holder 1 10 may be configured to extend the blade 1 15 a length BHL from the furthest forward point of the handle 105 along a line generally parallel to the cutting edge 1 16 of the blade 1 15. In other words, the length BHL represents how much of the cutting edge 1 16 is forward of the handle. According to an embodiment, the length BHL is equal to approximately 56 mm. In another embodiment, the length BHL is equal to approximately 54 mm. For comparison, a total length of a standard utility blade, such as may be used for blade 1 15, is equal to between approximately 60 mm to 63 mm (see Etotal, Figure 14b). The cut-out portion 1 14 exposes a length BL of the cutting edge 1 16. According to an embodiment, the length BL is equal to approximately 43 mm. The blade holder 1 10 covers a length J of the blade forward of the handle 105. The length J is relatively small. According to an embodiment, the length J is equal to approximately 12 mm. The ratio of the length BHL to the length BL is relatively small. For example, in an embodiment, the ratio of the length BHL to the length BL is equal to or less than approximately 1 .26. The ratio of the length BHL to the length BL may be equal to or less than approximately 1 .3.

[0032] The blade holder has a total height BHH from the cut-out portion 1 14 to the top of the blade holder in a direction perpendicular to the cutting edge 1 16. In an embodiment, the height BHH is equal to approximately 18 mm. For comparison, a height H of blade 1 15 (see Figure 14b) is equal to approximately 19 mm. Thus, the height BHH may be less than the height H of blade 1 15. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height BHH of the cut-out portion 1 14 of the blade holder 1 10 to the height H of the blade 1 15 is less than approximately 1 .0. In one embodiment , the ratio of the height BHH of the cut-out portion 1 14 of the blade holder 1 10 to the height H of the blade 1 15 is less than or equal to approximately 0.95.

[0033] The arrangement of the cut-out portion 1 14 of blade holder 1 10 allows a significant portion of the cutting edge 1 16 to be exposed and useful for cutting. Fifty percent or more of the cutting edge 1 16 may be exposed. The ratio of the length BL to the total length Etotal (see Figure 14b) may be equal to or greater than approximately 0.65, i.e., sixty percent or more of the cutting edge 1 16 may be exposed. [0034] The blade holder 1 10 can pivot about pivot fastener 130 relative to the handle 105 between a fully extended operative position, as shown in Figures 1 , 2, and a closed position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 3 and 4 illustrated the blade holder 1 10 in an intermediate operative position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the intermediate operative position, the blade holder 1 10 may form an obtuse angle A1 with respect to the handle 105. Additional intermediate operative positions are available. For example, in a second intermediate operative position, the blade holder 1 10 may form approximately a 90° angle with respect to the handle 105. In a third intermediate operative position, the blade holder 1 10 may form an acute angle with respect to the handle 105. In other embodiments, the blade holder 1 10 can telescopically slide (instead of pivot) relative to the handle 105.

[0035] When the blade holder 1 10 is in the closed position shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cutting edge 1 16 of the blade 1 15 is disposed entirely within the handle 105. When the blade holder 1 10 is in an operative position (fully extended, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or intermediate, as shown in Figures 3 and 4), the cutting edge 1 16 of the blade 1 15 is not disposed within the handle 105.

[0036] As can be seen in Figure 4, the handle 105 has a greatest width W (in the plane of the blade 1 15). According to some embodiments, the width W is equal to approximately 34 mm. When the blade holder 1 10 is in the intermediate operative position shown in Figure 4, the blade 1 15 extends a length IPH from the top of the handle 105, perpendicular to the handle. According to some embodiments, the length IPH is equal to approximately 85 mm. In some embodiments, the length IPH is equal to or greater than twice the width W. According to an embodiment, the ratio of the length IPH to the width W is equal to or greater than 2.5.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates components which allow the blade holder 1 10 to pivot relative to the handle 105. The blade holder 1 10 is disposed in the handle 105 so that the pivot hole 141 in the blade holder is aligned with pivot hole 142 in the handle 105. Pivoting axle 140 is disposed within pivot holes 141 , 142. Pivoting axle 140 is internally threaded on each end, and pivot fasteners 130 are threaded into secure engagement with pivoting axle 140.

[0038] As shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the blade holder 1 10 includes a partially circular portion 150. As can be seen in Figure 10, the blade holder 1 10 may be comprised of 4 layers secured together. Layer 1 10a includes an area configured to house a wheel of the blade lock mechanism 120. Layer 1 10b includes and area configured to house additional structure of the blade lock mechanism (not shown).

Layer 1 10c includes an area configured to house the blade 1 15 (not shown). Layer 1 10d includes a raised portion 151 having a diameter larger than circular portion 150.

The raised portion 151 includes grooves 150a, 150b, 150c which can be engaged by a pivot lock member 138, as will be discussed further.

[0039] Figures 1 1 a, 1 1 b, 12a and 12b illustrate a top view of the utility knife 100. The handle 105 includes left handle side 105a and right handle side 105b. In a preferred embodiment, the handle sides 105a, 105b may be disposed over handle frame sides 106a, 106b. The handle sides 105a, 105b may include textured surfaces to improve a user's grip. The handle sides 105a, 105b may include chrome surfaces. Spacers 160 are disposed between the handle frame sides 106a, 106b to provide sufficient space for the blade holder 1 10. The spacers 160 may be threaded. Fasteners 125 attach to spacers 160 and secure handle sides 105a, 105b to handle frame sides 106a, 106b, respectively. Gaskets (not shown) may be disposed between the blade holder 1 10 and each of the handle frame sides 106a, 106b to provide spacing and smooth movement.

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b, the pivot release button 135 is disposed on one side of pivot lock member 138. A shoulder 139 is also disposed on pivot lock member 138. The pivot lock member 138 is moveable between a lock position— in which shoulder 139 engages one of the grooves 150a, 150b, or 150c— and a release position, in which shoulder 139 is disposed within handle frame side 106b. The pivot lock member 138 is biased towards the lock position. The blade holder 1 10 is fixed relative to the handle 105 when the pivot lock member 138 is in the lock position due to the shoulder 139 engaging one of the grooves 150a, 150b, or 150c. The groove 150a corresponds to the closed position of the blade holder 1 10. The groove 150b corresponds to the intermediate operative position of the blade holder 1 10. The groove 150c corresponds to the fully extended operative position of the blade holder 1 10. In embodiments with multiple intermediate operative positions, as noted above, additional grooves on the raised portion 151 correspond to the additional intermediate operative position(s).

[0041] When a user desires to move the blade holder 1 10 between positions, the user presses the pivot release button 135 with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force acting on pivot lock member 138. When the biasing force is overcome, the pivot lock member is moved to the release position, and the shoulder 139 is no longer engaged with one of the grooves 150a, 150b, or 150c so that the blade holder 1 10 is free to pivot relative to the handle 105. Figures 12a and 12b show the pivot lock member 138 in the release position such that shoulder 139 is disposed within handle frame side 106b.

[0042] Figure 13 shows the components that provide the biasing force to pivot lock member 138. A biasing member 170 is disposed between recess 172 on a mounting side of clip 250 and recess 174 on an end of the pivot lock member 138. The biasing member 170 may be a spring. When clip 250 is secured in place with fasteners 125, the biasing member is compressed and provides a biasing force to the pivot lock member 138. [0043] Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 15 illustrated aspects of blade guard 200. To protect the user or a potential customer, the blade guard 200 is removably disposed on the blade 1 15. The cut-out 1 14 exposes an extended portion of cutting edge 1 16, and so blade guard 200 includes an extended guard portion 205. The blade guard 200 includes a triangular portion and a linear portion. The triangular portion and the linear portion may be integrally formed together. The blade guard 200 can cover substantially the entirety of the exposed portion of the cutting edge 1 16. The blade guard 200 may cover approximately 50% of the cutting edge 1 16. According to embodiments, the blade guard 200 may cover approximately 65% of the cutting edge 1 16.

[0044] The total length Etotal of the blade 1 15 along the cutting edge 1 16 may be approximately 63 mm. The total length Etotal may be between approximately 60mm and 63 mm. Utility blades having other dimensions may be used. The extended guard portion covers a length E1 of the cutting edge 1 16. According to an embodiment, the length E1 is equal to approximately 40 mm. Thus, the blade guard 200 covers at least 60% of the cutting edge 1 16. According to an embodiment, the blade guard 200 covers approximately 67% of the cutting edge 1 16. The uncovered portion of the cutting edge 1 16 has a length E2. According to an embodiment, the length E2 is equal to approximately 23 mm. The ratio of the covered length E1 to the uncovered length E2 is relatively large. For example, the ratio of the covered length E1 to the uncovered length E2 is equal to or greater than approximately 1 .5. In an embodiment, the ratio of the covered length E1 to the uncovered length E2 is equal to or greater than approximately 1 .74.

[0045] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A knife comprising:

a handle; and

a blade holder removably holding a blade, the blade holder being moveable with respect to the handle between a closed position, in which a cutting edge of the blade is disposed within the handle, and a fully extended operative position,

wherein the blade holder includes a cut-out portion so that at least 50% of the cutting edge of the blade is not disposed within the blade holder.

2. The knife according to claim 1 , further comprising a blade guard removably disposed on the blade such that the blade guard covers a tip of the blade and at least 50% of the cutting edge.

3. The knife according to claim 1 , wherein the cut-out portion is configured so that at least 65% of the cutting edge of the blade is not disposed within the blade holder.

4. The knife according to claim 1 , wherein the blade holder is moveable with respect to the handle to at least one intermediate operative position between the closed position and the fully extended operative position.

5. The knife according to claim 4, wherein the blade holder is pivotally moveable with respect to the handle.

6. The knife according to claim 5, wherein the handle has a greatest width Wi and a distance from a top of the handle to a top of the blade in a direction

perpendicular to the handle is W₂, such that the ratio of W₂ to is greater than 2.5.

7. The knife according to claim 4, wherein the blade holder is telescopically movable with respect to the handle.

8. The knife according to 1 , further comprising: a button movable between a lock position in which the blade holder is not moveable with respect to the handle and an unlock position in which the blade holder is moveable with respect to the handle;

a clip mounted on a side of the handle opposite the button; and

a biasing member disposed between the button and the clip, wherein the biasing member is configured to provide a biasing force to bias the button in the lock position.

9. A knife comprising:

a handle; and

a blade holder removably holding a blade in a position in which an exposed portion of a cutting edge of the blade has a length l_i , the blade holder being moveable with respect to the handle between a closed position, in which a cutting edge of the blade is disposed within the handle, and a fully extended operative position in which a portion of the cutting edge of the blade extends forward of the handle by a length L₂, wherein the ratio of L₂ to l_i is less than approximately 1 .3.

10. The knife according to claim 9, wherein the ratio of L₂ to l_i is less than approximately 1 .26.

1 1 . The knife according to claim 9, further comprising a blade guard removably disposed on the blade such that the blade guard covers a tip of the blade and at least 50% of the cutting edge.

12. The knife according to claim 9, wherein the blade holder includes a cut-out portion configured so that at least 65% of the cutting edge of the blade is not disposed within the blade holder.

13. The knife according to claim 9, wherein the blade holder is moveable with respect to the handle to at least one intermediate operative position between the closed position and the fully extended operative position.

14. The knife according to claim 13, wherein the blade holder is pivotally moveable with respect to the handle.

15. The knife according to claim 13, wherein the blade holder is telescopically moveable with respect to the handle.

16. A knife comprising:

a handle; and

wherein the blade holder includes a cut-out portion including a lower side parallel and closest to the cutting edge of the blade and an upper side parallel and opposite to the cutting edge of the blade, wherein:

a distance between the lower side and the upper side is Hi , a total height of the blade from the cutting edge to a side parallel and opposite the cutting edge is H₂, and

the ratio of Hi to H₂ is less than approximately 1 .0.

17. The knife according to claim 16, wherein the ratio of Hi to H₂ is less than approximately 0.95.

18. The knife according to claim 17, wherein the cut-out portion exposes at least 50% of the cutting edge of the blade.

19. The knife according to claim 18, further comprising a blade guard removably disposed on the blade such that the blade guard covers a tip of the blade and at least substantially all of the exposed portion of the cutting edge.

20. The knife according to claim 17, wherein the blade holder is pivotally moveable with respect to the handle.

21 . The knife according to claim 17, wherein the blade holder is telescopically moveable with respect to the handle.

22. A blade guard for a utility blade comprising

a triangular portion configured to cover at least a point and a first portion of a cutting edge of the utility blade proximate to the point; and

a extended linear portion configured to cover a second portion of the cutting edge of the utility blade,

wherein the first portion and the second portion together are configured to cover at least 60% of the cutting edge of the utility blade.

23. The blade guard according to claim 21 , wherein the extended linear portion is integrally attached to the triangular portion.

24. The blade guard according to claim 21 , wherein the first portion and the second portion together are configured cover approximately 67% of the cutting edge of the utility blade.