Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
  • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B26B1/00—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives
  • B26B1/10—Handles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
  • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B26B1/00—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives
  • B26B1/02—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade
  • B26B1/04—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade lockable in adjusted position
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
  • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B26B1/00—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives
  • B26B1/02—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade
  • B26B1/04—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade lockable in adjusted position
  • B26B1/044—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade lockable in adjusted position by a spring tongue snapping behind or into the tang of the blade from a side part of the handle
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
  • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B26B1/00—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives
  • B26B1/02—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade
  • B26B1/04—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade lockable in adjusted position
  • B26B1/046—Hand knives with adjustable blade; Pocket knives with pivoted blade lockable in adjusted position with a locking member acting in axial direction parallel to the pivot axis of the blade
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
  • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B26B29/00—Guards or sheaths or guides for hand cutting tools; Arrangements for guiding hand cutting tools
  • B26B29/02—Guards or sheaths for knives
  • B26B29/025—Knife sheaths or scabbards

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to a low profile tool, and in one embodiment, a low profile pocket knife.
• the invention disclosed herein overcomes some of the shortcomings of the prior art by being of a relatively small thickness as well as providing for the removal and replacement of implements without having to use a tool.
• the profile of the tool is kept to a minimum by virtue of using only a single backing plate as well as avoiding the use of pins, rivets, screws, and similar fasteners.
• the removability feature is accomplished by providing a tabbing mechanism on the backing plate that interlocks with a track feature on the implement to form a rotational orbital track.
• a cutout in the track allows the tab to pass through the plane of the track and for the implement to be removed from the backing plate.
• the multiple interlocking tabs and the track portions of the backing plate and implement, respectively, are spaced so that they also add stability against torques applied to the implement when it is in rotation or in an open position.
• a low profile pocket tool comprising: a backing plate further comprising a first tab, a leaf spring and at least one implement guard; wherein the leaf spring further comprises an implement catch portion; and an implement further comprising a first cutout located within an orbital track and a second cutout configured to couple to the implement catch portion when the implement is in a closed position, an open position, or both, wherein the orbital track is configured to interlock with the backing plate to allow constrained rotational movement of the implement.
• An alternate embodiment provides that the implement is chosen from the group consisting of a knife blade, a screwdriver, a saw, a wrench, an alien key, a box opener, a letter opener, a lock pick, a fruit peeler, a ruler, a hair comb, a seat belt cutter, a glass shattering tool, a bottle opener, a can opener, scissors, a chisel, and a wire cutter.
• the implement is chosen from the group consisting of a knife blade, a screwdriver, a saw, a wrench, an alien key, a box opener, a letter opener, a lock pick, a fruit peeler, a ruler, a hair comb, a seat belt cutter, a glass shattering tool, a bottle opener, a can opener, scissors, a chisel, and a wire cutter.
• the implement is removable.
• the thickness of the backing plate is nearly identical to a thickness of the implement.
• a combined thickness of the backing plate and the implement is less than or equal to 4 millimeters.
• the combined thickness of the backing plate and the implement is approximately 2 millimeters.
• At least one implement guard is integral to the backing plate.
• at least one implement guard is tapered such that it is thicker on an edge proximal to the backing plate. In alternate embodiments, the tapering is inversely proportional to a thickness of a front portion of the implement as it tapers to a back portion of the implement when the implement is in the closed position.
• the low profile pocket tool could further comprise: a second tab wherein a length of the first tab is different than a length of the second tab; and a first cutout and a second cutout surrounding the first tab and the second tab when the implement is an insertion position, wherein the orbital track is configured to interlock with the first tab and the second tab to allow rotational movement of the implement.
• Additional embodiments could comprise a third tab; and a third cutout surrounding the third tab when the implement is in an insertion position, wherein the orbital track is configured to interlock with the third tab to allow rotational movement of the implement.
• the second and third tabs could be ordered by decreasing length in the direction of rotation where these tabs are designed to have the first widest arc length tab be shorter radially so that it rides on the second track and the second and third tabs are designed to have longer radial lengths so that they can ride on the outer first track.
• the low profile pocket tool be designed such that the first tab is shorter than the second tab further comprising: the first tab is wider along an outer arc edge than an outer arc edge of the second tab; the first cutout is sized in relation to the width of the first tab and the second cutout is sized in relation to the width of the second tab, thereby creating an inner orbital track and an outer orbital track; the inner and outer orbital tracks are concentric; the inner track is broken by the first cutout and the second cutout; and the outer track is broken by the second cutout.
• the low profile pocket tool could be designed such that it further comprises: a third tab; and a third cutout surrounding the third tab when the implement is in an insertion position, wherein the orbital track is configured to interlock with the third tab to allow rotational movement of the implement.
• the first tab, the second tab, and the third tab have varying lengths further comprising: the first tab is wider along an outer arc edge than an outer arc edge of the second tab; the second tab is wider along an outer arc edge than an outer arc edge of the third tab; the first cutout is sized in relation to the width of the first tab; the second cutout is sized in relation to the width of the second tab; the third cutout is sized in relation to the width of the third tab; the first cutout, second cutout, and third cutout formed so as to create an inner orbital track, a middle orbital track and an outer orbital track; the inner, middle, and outer orbital tracks are concentric; the inner track is broken by the first cutout, the second cutout, and the third cutout; the middle track is broken by the second cutout and the third cutout; and the outer track is broken by the third cutout.
• the leaf spring further comprises an implement retention boss. Additional embodiments include tabs that are curvilinear. [0020] In alternate embodiments, the backing plate further comprises an implement catch portion that is integral to the backing plate.
• the backing plate further comprises a blade pivot boss.
• the tracks could optionally be integral to the implement.
• a low profile pocket tool comprising: a backing plate further comprising a first cutout located within an orbital track and a portion of the implement configured to couple to the implement catch portion when the implement is in a closed position, wherein the orbital track is configured to interlock with the backing plate to allow constrained rotational movement of the implement; and an implement further comprising a first tab, a leaf spring and at least one implement guard; wherein the leaf spring further comprises an implement catch portion.
• Alternate embodiments disclosed herein describe a mechanical interlocking system comprising a first track and a second track wherein the diameter of the first track is less than the diameter of the second track; the first track and the second track concentrically arranged about a circular surface so as to create an orbital track; and the first track and the second track configured to rotationally interlock with a first tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab and the second tab have differing arc lengths and radial lengths.
• Alternative embodiments further comprise a third tab configured to rotationally interlock with the first and second tracks, wherein the third tab has a different arc length and radial length than the first tab or the second tab.
• FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the pocket tool is a pocket knife and it is shown in the closed position.
• FIG. IB is a front view of a pocket knife embodiment in the open position.
• FIG. 2 is a front view of an implement, namely a knife blade, that could be used with a pocket knife embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a front view of a blacking plate used in a pocket knife embodiment.
• FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a backing plate that can be used in embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a rear view of the alternate embodiment of a backing plate and a clip that can be used in embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 6A is a front view of a third embodiment of a backing plate that can be used in the pocket tools described herein.
• FIG. 6B is a profile view of the third embodiment of the backing plate.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the backing plate and an embodiment of a knife blade that could be used in this embodiment to create a low profile utility tool.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the pocket tool is a pocket knife and it is shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 9 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a backing plate that can be used in the pocket tools described herein.
• FIG. 10 is a front view of a knife blade that could be used with the fourth embodiment of the backing plate to create a low profile utility tool.
• FIG. 11 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the pocket tool is a pocket knife and it is shown in the open position.
• FIG. 12 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the pocket tool is a pocket knife and it is shown in a position that allows the knife blade to be removed upon further rotation of the knife blade.
• FIG. 13 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the low profile pocket tool is a pocket knife shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 14 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a backing plate that can be used in the pocket tools described herein.
• FIG. 15 is a front view of a knife blade that could be used with the fifth embodiment of the backing plate to create a low profile utility tool.
• FIG. 16 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the low profile pocket tool.
• the low profile pocket tool is a pocket knife shown in the open position.
• FIG. 1A and FIG. IB show a low profile pocket tool 10 having a backing plate 12 and an attached implement 14, which in one embodiment could be a knife blade.
• the attached implement 14 is depicted in the closed position.
• the low profile pocket tool 10 embodiments can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, carbon fiber, ceramic, or similar material.
• the backing plate 12 and the implement 14 could be made of the same material or different materials.
• the profile of an average credit card is 0.8 millimeters. It is desirable, although not necessary, in embodiments described herein to limit the overall profile of the pocket tool 10 to be 4 millimeters or less. In alternate embodiments, the thickness of the pocket tool could be less than 4 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness could be less than three times the thickness of a credit card. [0048] In some embodiments, the thickness of the implement 14 could be the same or nearly identical to the thickness of the backing plate 12. In one embodiment, the thickness of the implement 14 could be within 10%, 20% or 30% of the thickness of the backing plate 12.
• the protrusions of each part of the implement 14 and the backing plate 12 when looking at the overall profile of the pocket tool 10, would not extend significantly beyond the overall thickness of the pocket tool 10. In one such embodiment, the protrusions of each part of the implement 14 and the backing plate 12 would not extend more that 30% of the overall thickness of the pocket tool 10.
• the embodiments disclosed herein are an advancement over many prior art pocket tools because they use only one backing plate 12 as opposed to two, which is much more common in prior art pocket tools.
• the use of just a single backing plate 12 substantially reduces the overall thickness and the weight of the pocket tool 10.
• embodiments disclosed herein have the advantage of having no pins, rivets, screws, bolts or similar fastening mechanisms used to attach implements, guard tabs, buckles, and similar accessories to the pocket tool. By eliminating these fastening means, the present embodiments have the advantage of being lighter and less susceptible to breakage or loss of an accessory due to a loose fastener.
• the implement is removable. While removable implements in pocket tools are evidenced in the prior art, those implements were attached using one of the above-delineated fastening means.
• the implement 14 is held securely in place via a tabbing mechanism that will be described in further detail below. This means of securing an implement 14 to the backing plate 12 has the advantage that the implement 14 can be removed without the use of tools.
• the tabbing mechanisms disclosed herein are superior to requiring the use of a tool to remove an implement 14 because the owner of the pocket tool 10 will have the freedom to remove or replace implements 14 without having to also have a tool designed for removal in his or her possession.
• This convenience makes the disclosed embodiments attractive to consumers because if, for example, they were at an airport security check point and removing the implement 14 required a tool that the owner left at home, he or she would still be able to remove the prohibited implement 14, e.g., a knife blade, without having to leave the entire pocket tool 10 at the airport.
• the figures depict a knife blade as the preferred implement 14 to be used in the low profile pocket tool.
• implements 14 of this invention could include a screwdriver, a saw blade, a wrench, an alien key, a box opener, a letter opener, a lock pick, a fruit peeler, a ruler, a hair comb, a seat belt cutter, a glass shattering tool, a bottle opener, a can opener, scissors, a chisel, and a wire cutter.
• FIG. 2 shows illustrates the features of an implement 14, wherein the implement is a knife blade.
• the terms knife blade and implement 14 will be used interchangeably with reference to the description of the figures with the understanding that those of skill in the art will readily recognize that the implement 14 could be numerous tools and not just a knife blade.
• the design features of the knife blade 14 shown in FIG. 2 and subsequent figures in this application could be replicated in additional implements, e.g., a saw, a screwdriver and so on.
• the knife blade 14 is depicted with two types of cutting edges - a smoothly sharpened edge 28 and a serrated edge 26.
• the knife blade 14 could have only a sharpened edge 28 or only a serrated 26 edge.
• the edge of the knife blade 14 is depicted as being curved. In alternate embodiments, the edge could be a straight edge as well. Irrespective of any of these combinations of edge type, the thickness of the edge of the knife blade 14 could be tapered to enhance its functionality.
• the knife blade 14 could be its thinnest along the outer perimeter of smoothly sharpened edge 28 and serrated edge 26.
• the implement blade 14 also contains an orbital track comprised of a cutout portion 21 and an recessed portion 22.
• the orbital track is configured to interlock with a tab 31, shown in FIG.3, on the backing plate 12 to constrain rotational movement of the implement 14 in the same plane as the backing plate 12.
• the bottom surface of the tab 31 slides along the upper surface of the recessed portion 22.
• the implement 14 further contains a first cutout 24 located within the orbital track. This first cutout 24 creates an axis of rotation for the implement 14 when the first cutout 24 is coupled to the backing plate 12, e.g., by coupling to an implement pivot boss 37.
• the orbital track could be formed on the backing plate 12, and the first tab 31 could be formed on the implement 14. This reversal of locations for the orbital track, in all of its various permutations, and the first tab 31 or plurality of tabs, in all of their various permutations described herein could be accomplished for all embodiments.
• the implement pivot boss 37 could be integral to the backing plate 12 if, for example, it was stamped into the backing plate 12. Additionally, the implement pivot boss 37 could be welded onto the backing plate 12 or it could be a screwed into the backing plate 12. In some embodiments, the coupling between the first cutout 24 and the implement pivot boss 37 could be a direct coupling, e.g., an interlocking. In alternate embodiments, there could be a washer, gasket, or similar device positioned between the first cutout 24 and the implement pivot boss 37, which would still facilitate an interlocking with the backing plate 12.
• the implement catch coupling 23 is configured to connect with an implement catch portion 33 on the backing plate 12.
• the implement catch portion 33 could be a raised button pressed into the backing plate 12 as well as a catch mechanism or a raised portion along the leaf spring 32. Irrespective of which of these types of mechanisms is employed, the function of the implement catch portion 33 is to secure the implement when it is in a closed position.
• the implement catch portion 33 which is located on a leaf spring 32 exerts an upward force on the implement 14 when the implement catch portion 33 is positioned inside a portion of the implement configured to couple to the implement catch portion, implement catch coupling 23.
• the implement catch portion 23 could be a cutout.
• the implement catch portion 23 could be a thinned portion of the implement 14, or an opening of varying shape.
• the implement catch coupling 23 is pictured as substantially circular, those of skill in the art will recognize that the shape of the implement catch coupling 23 could be square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other geometric shape that would exert an upward force on the implement 14 thereby securing it when the implement 14 is in a closed position.
• the orbital track comprised of a cutout portion 21 and a recessed portion 22, is configured to allow rotation of the implement. In addition, because the orbital track has a gap, it can, in some embodiments, allow the implement 14 to be removed.
• the implement 14 When the implement 14 is rotated in such a way so to allow the first tab 31 on the backing plate 12 is positioned within the gap of the orbital track, the implement 14 can be removed.
• the orbital track could form a continuous circle or other configuration thereby creating a permanently affixed implement.
• the first tab 31 of the backing plate 12 is configured to slide along the cutout portion 21.
• the recessed portion 22 keeps the implement 14 rotating in a single plane without allowing it any more degrees of freedom to accidentally fall off of the orbital track. Allowing the implement 14 to rotate allows it to go from a closed position to an open position. Rotation can also allow the implement 14, in some embodiments, to be removed.
• implement retention boss 35 is high enough to provide a positive force when the implement 14 is slightly rotated forward on the cutout flat 27, while being low enough to allow the implement 14 to slide up and over it when a user pushes down on leaf spring 32 and rotates the implement 14 from a closed position to an open position.
• the flat portion of the implement 25 serves to secure the implement 14 in an open position by virtue of the positive contact applied to implement flat 25 by the side edge of leaf spring 32 when the leaf spring 32 springs up and rises above the flat portion 25.
• FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a backing plate 12.
• the backing plate 12 contains two implement guards 34.
• the implement guard 34 could be tapered to accommodate the thickness of the implement 14.
• the knife blade would likely be the thinnest at its outer edge.
• the implement guard 34 could be integral to the backing plate 12.
• the implement guard 34 could be press formed into the backing plate 12.
• the backing plate 12 includes a leaf spring 32.
• a leaf spring 32 is created with a natural bend therein that exerts an upward force.
• the functionality of a leaf spring could likewise be accomplished by having a slight angle in the backing plate 12 that applied a stabilizing force when the implement 14 was opened or closed. Accordingly, the term "leaf spring" is to be given its broadest construction in accordance with its function.
• the leaf spring 32 in the backing plate 12 is integral to the backing plate 12 and could be formed with a press or similar machine.
• the leaf spring 32 which also contains an implement catch portion 33, exerts an upward force on the implement 14 thereby securing the implement when it is in a closed position.
• a mechanical detent or boss formed into the backing plate 12 could also serve to provide an upward force on the implement 14, in effect making the backing plate 12 elastically deform like a leaf spring 32.
• a first tab 31 on the backing plate is constructed so as to fit within the cutout portion 21 and a recessed portion 22 of the orbital track.
• the upper portion of the first tab 31 rides in the recessed portion 22 of the orbital track.
• FIG. IB shows how the first tab 31 attaches to the cutout portion 21 and the recessed portion 22 of the orbital track when the implement 14 is in the open position. Moving from the open position to the closed position, the first tab 31 continues to remain in contact with the cutout portion 21 and the recessed portion 22 of the orbital track so as to create rotational stability for the implement.
• the first tab 31 can be made integral to the backing plate 12 by stamping, pressing, welding, or the like it into the backing plate 12.
• the backing plate 12 could also contain an additional implement retention boss 36 that would apply an additional force to the implement such that the implement would be constrained during rotation about its axis of rotation.
• the retention boss 36 serves to accommodate any manufacturing tolerance gap that would otherwise allow small, out-of-lane movements of implement 14 from backing plate 12.
• a "boss” provides a contact surface around an opening or hole.
• the contact surface could be created by any formed feature, e.g., a bent edge. Therefore, the term “boss” as used throughout is intended to be construed in its broadest sense.
• the additional retention boss 36 contacts the opposite side of the implement 14, opposite from recessed portion 22 in order to take up any tolerance and keep the implement 14 from moving out of plane with the respect to the backing plate 12.
• embodiments of the backing plate 12 could include a bottle opener 39.
• the bottle opener could be a fanciful shape, e.g., a wolf's head, in some embodiments.
• FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the backing plate 40.
• the features of the backing plate 40 are similar as to those described with respect to backing plate 12.
• FIG. 5 adds a clip 52 to the embodiment shown in FIG 4.
• the clip 52 could be integral to the backing plate 40.
• the clip 52 could be attached to the backing plate 40 via screws, bolts, rivets, fasteners, and the like.
• This embodiment also includes a bottle opener 59, which could be numerous shapes, but in this embodiment is depicted as a wolf s head.
• FIG. 6A shows an alternate embodiment of a backing plate 612 of the present invention.
• the implement guard 634 of this embodiment functions and can include the same variations as previously described.
• the implement pivot boss 637 is similar to the implement pivot boss 37 previously described.
• the implement catch portion 633 is similar as previously described with respect to implement catch portion 33, as is the implement retention boss 635 when compared with implement retention boss 35.
• the leaf spring 632 functions similarly and has similar attributes as those described with respect to leaf spring 32.
• the backing plate 612 could be constructed to accommodate embodiments where the implement 614 is removable or permanently fixed.
• Implement retention boss 636 functions similarly as described earlier with respect to implement retention boss 36.
• the implement 614 of FIG. 7 is similar to embodiments discussed previously. Specifically, the cutout portion 621 and the recessed portion 622 of the orbital track are designed and perform similarly with respect to cutout portion 21 and recessed portion 22. Cutouts 623 and 624 are designed and perform similarly to cutouts 23 and 24. The flat portion of the cutout 627 is designed and performs similarly to the flat portion of cutout 27.
• the size and shape of the first tab 631 located on the backing plate 612 have been changed from previous embodiments.
• the first tab 631 is larger and is a curved trapezoidal shape.
• This alteration in the size and shape of the first tab 631 provides a significant increase to the cross-sectional moment of inertia and enhances the bending strength against forces exerted on the implement 614 during rotation and use.
• the enhanced strength results in greater rotational stability as well as greater rigidity when the implement is in use.
• the first tab 631 is integral to the backing plate 612 and could be formed by pressing, stamping, welding, and the like. In additional embodiments, all tabs disclosed herein could be curvilinear to enhance bending strength.
• first tab 631 In terms of the size of first tab 631, its size could be small enough to allow implement 614 to be removed by rotating the gap between the cutout portion 621 and the recessed portion 622 of the orbital track so that the first tab 631 is positioned within the gap.
• the first tab 631 should be large enough to provide a stabilizing force to the implement 614 when it is rotating about the orbital track or when the implement 14 is in use.
• FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 An additional element of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 is a leaf spring stopping tab 666 and a leaf spring edge 664.
• the ;positive contact between leaf spring edge 664 and the flat portion 625 of the implement 614 constrains the implement 614 from rotating during use when it is in the open position.
• notch 628 When notch 628 is cut into the underside of the implement 614 it catches leaf spring stopping tab 666 and prevents the leaf spring 632 from springing past the position of positive contact.
• the backing plate 612 could include a multipurpose tool 662.
• An additional embodiment includes protrusions on the circular first cutout 624 that require less force to deflect out radially than would be required for the same radial deflection of the entire circumference of a round version of first cutout 24 shown in FIG 2. This provides a reduction in insertion force, and thus aids the user in assembling the pocket tool, when the manufacturing tolerances create a condition of interference between first cutout 624 and pivot boss 637.
• the thickness of the flat portion of the backing plate 636 could be approximately equal to the height of the protrusions above the top surface of the backing plate 632 created by the implement pivot boss 637, the first tab 631, the leaf spring 632, the implement retention boss 635, and the implement guard 634.
• the combined thickness of the flat portion of the backing plate 636 and protrusions 637, 631, 632, 635, and 634 could be less than or equal to 4 millimeters, for example 4 millimeters, 3 millimeters, or 2 millimeters.
• FIG. 8 depicts pocket tool 810 embodiments wherein additional tabs have been added to the backing plate.
• One of the many benefits of adding additional tabs is increased implement or blade stability during rotation and in the open position. This increased implement or blade stability reduces the occurrence of tab deformation that may transpire over time.
• the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 includes a first tab 820, a second tab 822, and a third tab 824. In an alternate embodiment, there could be only a first tab 820 and a second tab 822.
• These tabs 820, 822, and 824 can be of varying arc lengths or varying radial widths.
• Tabs 820, 822, and 824 are designed to allow rotation of the implement 814 about an orbital track while simultaneously constraining the implement 814 in a plane perpendicular or mostly perpendicular and proximal to the backing plate 812.
• the implement 814 is removable.
• the first backing plate cutout 860, the second backing plate cutout 862 and the third backing plate cutout 864 are sized so as to allow relief for tabs 820, 822, and 824 to be formed upward with arced outer edges.
• implement 814 can rotate in such a way as to allow a first implement track 832, a second implement track segment 834, a third implement track segment 836, and a fourth implement track segment 830 to arrive at a position such that first implement track segment 832, second implement track segment 834, third implement track segment 836, and fourth implement track segment 830 are able to slip through first backing plate cutout 860, second backing plate cutout 862 and third backing plate cutout 864.
• the second, third and fourth implement track segments 834, 936, and 830 can be of similar diameter. As such, they can be considered as and referred to as a second track, or a second implement track.
• This second track may have cutouts, as depicted in the figures, but it nonetheless comprises a second track with respect to the orbital track and to rotation.
• third implement track segment 836 is narrower than first implement track 832, second implement track segment 834, and fourth implement track segment 830. This allows for the first tab 820 with a longer arc length to always maintain positive contact with the tracks comprising the orbital track as it rotates between second track segment 834 and fourth track segment 830 as well as between fourth track segment 830 and first track segment 832. Additionally, in these embodiments, first implement track 832, second implement track segment 834, third implement track segment 836, and fourth implement track segment 830 can be integral to implement 814.
• FIG. 12 depicts the initial phase of removing an implement 814 from being attached to backing plate 812.
• implement 814 is removed by bending the implement upward relative to the backing plate 812 such that the implement elastically deforms and raises above the surface of the backing plane with sufficient clearance to no longer interfere or be retained by the implement blade guard.
• the user must also push down on implement catch portion 846. This user applied force reduces exerted forces applied to the implement 814 by leaf spring 872 and implement catch portion 846, which thereby allows implement 814 to rotate freely and to be rotated up and over implement guard
• implement 816 In order to remove implement 814, a user can rotate implement 814
• first implement track 832, second implement track segment 834, third implement track segment 836, and fourth implement track segment 830 are able to slip through first backing plate cutout 860, second backing plate cutout 862 and third backing plate cutout 864.
• the pocket tool 810 could be comprised of a backing plate having only a first tab and a second tab. In this embodiment, there would be at least two backing plate cutouts as well as three blade track segments. In this embodiment, one of the tabs could have a narrower arc length than the other tab while also having a longer radial length. In this embodiment, the implement could be removable or securely attached to the backing plate. [0088] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, in embodiments there could be a leaf spring 872 having an implement release portion 846 and an implement retention boss 870. The implement retention boss 870 can be sized to securely fit within a third implement cutout 842 thereby adding stability when the implement 814 is in a closed position.
• Second cutout 844 can be configured to allow access to an implement release portion 846 on leaf spring 872 so that the user can press the implement release portion 846 and enable the implement 814 to be freely rotated open.
• Notch 840 is sized so as to interlock with implement retention boss 870 so as to provide additional stability when the implement 814 is in the open position.
• Implement stop portion 848 could be a tab or boss pressed, stamped, or bent into backing plate 812.
• Implement stop portion 848 provides implement or blade stability when the implement or blade is in an open position by providing a downward force on a top portion of the implement 814 as the user applies downward force with the implement 814.
• Embodiments may optionally include a multi-purpose tool 850 or at least one implement guard 816.
• FIG. 13 An alternate embodiment of the pocket tool 910 is shown in FIG. 13.
• the pocket tool 910 also has a backing plate 912 having two or three tabs 920, 922, and 924; a leaf spring 930, at least one implement guard, a notch 950, first implement track 942, second implement track segment 944, third implement track segment 946, and optionally a fourth implement track segment 940.
• first implement track 932, a second implement track segment 934, a third implement track segment 936, and a fourth implement track segment 930 can be integral to implement 914.
• implement stop portion 936 can be configured to prevent over rotation of the implement 914 and add stability of the implement 914 in the open position.
• implement catch tab 932 could replace implement retention boss 870, which would result in added stability for the implement 914 both in an open and a closed position.
• Implement catch tab 932 can be configured to interlock with implement catch cutouts 952 and 950 thereby increasing the stability of the implement when it is in the closed position and open position, respectively.
• backing plate 912 could include a fourth backing plate cutout 934, which by way of example, could be a fanciful design such as the profile of a wolf s body shown in FIG. 14.
• the backing place 912 could include a cutout that functions as a bottle opener, such cutout could be shaped such as to resemble a wolf's head.
• An additional teaching of the embodiments disclosed herein is the mechanical interlocking system described by the various track and tab embodiments discussed previously.
• the advantage of these interlocking mechanical systems is they provide stability and removability for the various implement embodiments.
• By designing the tabs and the respective tracks in the ways described a user is able to easily remove an implement from his or her low profile pocket tool. This interlocking is achieved without pins or fasteners, which is an advancement over the prior art.
• the interlocking as described herein allows for rotational stability when the implement is in use or is being rotated about the orbital track embodiments disclosed herein.
• the invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.
• the invention also includes embodiments in which more than one or the entire group of members is present in, employed in or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.
• the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim (or, as relevant, any other claim) unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise.

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• 2015
  • 2015-02-02 CA CA2938397A patent/CA2938397A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2015-02-02 KR KR1020167023859A patent/KR20160114698A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2015-02-02 EP EP15743347.5A patent/EP3102372A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2015-02-02 AU AU2015210682A patent/AU2015210682A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2015-02-02 JP JP2016567467A patent/JP6564790B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2015-02-02 CN CN201580006442.XA patent/CN106061692B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2015-02-02 WO PCT/US2015/014144 patent/WO2015117101A1/en active Application Filing

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