Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2014/062517
PCT/US2013/064651
MARKING BLADE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to razorblades that can
be
used as marking tools, and more specifically, to the design of razorblades
that can
be used with standard utility knives for writing or drawing on various
materials.
[0002] Carpenters, builders, designers, contractors, and tradesmen in
general
regularly use carpenter pencils to draw or make legible marks on a variety of
materials. Carpenter pencils generally have a rectangular or elliptical cross-
section,
which allows thick or thin lines to be drawn by rotating the pencil. The lead
of a
carpenter pencil has to be strong enough to withstand the stress of making
marks on
rough surfaces; at the same time, the lead has to be thin on at least one side
to
make precise lines that can be followed with a saw blade or any other
cutting/sculpting tool. Wood-encased carpenter pencils also have to be
frequently
sharpened in order to make thin, accurate lines. The sharpening is typically
done
with a knife to trim the wood around the pencil lead, followed by polishing
the pencil
lead with a sandpaper to achieve a sharp edge. Sharpening can be avoided with
mechanical carpenter pencils; however, mechanical pencils generally have other
disadvantages, for example, their complex design makes it difficult to
insert/retract
the pencil leads; the jaws supporting the pencil lead causes it to break
frequently
under the stress of writing or drawing on rough surfaces; and further, the
jaws often
give way during use and cause the lead to slip into the body of the pencil.
Moreover,
carpenter pencils and other carpentry marking tools lack precision because
they
cannot be placed accurately against a straight drawing edge (e.g., a ruler or
set
squares) because of their non-round shape and bulky casing.
[0003] The present disclosure is directed towards the design of a marking
device that can be used in place of a carpenter pencil to draw legible lines
or shapes
on various material, including rough surfaces, for example, concrete, wood,
carpet,
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tiles, cardboard, drywall, stones, etc. The marking device of the present
disclosure
allows thin lines to be drawn without needing any sharpening or polishing.
This
provides a distinct advantage over wood-encased carpenter pencils, which have
to
be repeatedly sharpened, especially when writing or drawing on course surfaces
that
tend to wear out the pencil lead quickly. The marking device, on the other
hand, can
consistently provide a sharp edge, even when used on course surfaces. Further,
the
marking device provides a planar edge that can be aligned substantially
perpendicular to a working surface and it can be placed accurately against a
drawing
tool to make straight and precise lines even on course surfaces. The marking
device
can be used for drawing lines or shapes that can serve as guides in cutting or
sculpting the material. The marking device can also be used for writing
dimensions
or other instructions on a piece of working material.
[0004] The marking device of the present disclosure is designed for use
with a
support frame, which is configured to house at least a portion of the marking
device
therein. Such an arrangement protects the marking device from damage when not
in
use. The support frame also provides a handle for grasping and using the
device.
The support frame has a user-friendly design, which allows for swift and easy
mounting of the marking device on and off the frame.
[0005] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is a marking blade. The
marking blade comprises a planar razorblade having a longitudinally extending
marking edge. At least a portion of the marking edge comprises a marking
material
that makes legible marks on various surfaces.
[0006] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is another marking
blade, which comprises a thin plate configured as a razorblade. The thin plate
includes a longitudinally extending marking edge, and at least a portion of
the
marking edge comprises a pocket configured to a house a marking tip. The
marking
tip comprises a marking material that makes legible marks on various surfaces.
[0007] A third embodiment of the present disclosure is a marking device
comprising a thin planar plate configured as a razorblade, and a support frame
comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the support
frame
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comprises a handle for grasping the support frame, and the distal end
comprises a
casing having a positioning member. The thin planar plate of the marking
device
comprises a longitudinally extending marking edge, and at least a portion of
the
marking edge comprises a marking material that makes legible marks on various
surfaces. At least a portion of the thin planar plate comprises one or more
alignment
structures configured to attach to the positioning member of the casing.
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and
together with
the description, serve to explain the principles of the various aspects of the
invention.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates the front view of a marking device, in
accordance
with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a side perspective view of the marking device
illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIGS. 2A-2L. illustrate various exemplary shapes of the marking
device
depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0012] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various possible locations of marking
material on
a marking device, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various possible configurations of overlays
or
reinforcement inserts on a marking device, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate marking devices comprising one or more
pockets for mounting marking members therein, in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure;
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[0015] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate various configurations of cut-outs or
notches
that may be formed on a longitudinal edge of a marking device, in accordance
with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various configurations of cut-outs or
notches
that may be formed along two edges of a marking device, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various configurations of cut-outs or
notches
that may be formed in the center of a marking device, in accordance with
exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a marking device mounted on a utility knife, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 10A illustrates a snap-off marking blade, in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0020] FIG. 10B illustrates a snap-off marking blade mounted on a snap-
off
utility knife, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure
[0021] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and
the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are
not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Description of Exemplary Embodiments
[0022] Reference will now be made to certain embodiments consistent with
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout
the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0023] in this application, the use of the singular includes the plural
unless
specifically stated otherwise. Also, the use of "or" means "and/or" unless
stated
otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term Including'', as well as other
forms, such
as "includes" and "included," is not limiting. The section headings used
herein are for
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organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the
subject
matter described.
[0024] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary marking device 10 for use
in
writing or drawing on different materials. Marking device 10 comprises a body
12
configured as a thin plate. Body 12 comprises a first longitudinal edge 14 and
a
second longitudinal edge 16, the latter of which is referred to hereinafter as
the
"marking edge." In some exemplary embodiments, marking device 10 is shaped as
a
quadrilateral (i.e., having four sides). The quadrilateral shape of marking
device 10
can include, but is not limited to, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal
shapes. In select
embodiments, the corners of the quadrilateral-shaped marking device 10 are
rounded or beveled, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2L. In other exemplary
embodiments,
marking device 10 can have circular, oval, or semi-circular profile. In some
embodiments, the shape of marking device 10 can be a combination of a
quadrilateral on one side and an oval on the opposite side, as depicted, for
instance,
in FIG. 2G, FIG. 2J and FIG. 21...
[0025] FIGS. 2A-21.. illustrates the various exemplary shapes of marking
device 10. The shapes illustrated in FIGS. 2A-21.. are for representational
purpose
only, and are not intended to limit the various possible shapes of marking
device 10.
[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, marking device 10 is shaped as a
razorblade and is configured to fit into any standard utility knife. In such
an
embodiment, marking device 10 can be inserted into a utility knife in place of
a
regular razorblade. Such an arrangement can reversibly convert an ordinary
utility
knife into a carpenter pencil.
[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, marking device 10 has the same
thickness throughout body 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness
of
marking device 10 tapers gradually from the first longitudinal edge 14 to the
marking
edge 16. Marking edge 16 is configured to have a very small thickness in order
to
make thin, accurate lines. In exemplary embodiments, the thickness of marking
edge
16 is in the range of about 0.025" to about 0.035".
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[0028] At least a
portion of marking device 10 is made of a marking material.
The marking material comprises any substance that leaves a mark, stain, or
residue
on a given surface. The marking material can include, but is not limited to,
graphite,
chalk, clay, coloring dyes or pigments, day-glow ink, fluorescent ink, etc.
The
marking material may be a single material, or a composite of two or more
marking
materials, In exemplary embodiments, one or more marking materials are
combined
with a reinforcing material to increase the overall strength and/or rigidity
of the
marking material, In select embodiments, the marking material comprises one or
more of a whitening agent, organic coloring pigment, talc filler, thermoset
resin and
thermoplastic resin.
[0029] In select
embodiments, the entire marking device 10 is made of the
marking material. In other embodiments, only marking regions 18 of the marking
device include the marking material. For example, marking edge 16, or a
portion
thereof, may be made of the marking material, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C.
In such
embodiments, the remaining body 12 may be made of a stronger material, such
as,
metal or plastic, to increase the overall strength, rigidity, or durability of
the marking
device. Marking regions 18 may be attached to the rest of body 12 with an
adhesive
or other bonding material. In select embodiments, marking regions 18 are
formed
using an over-molding process. Prior to over-molding, marking regions 18 are
made
thinner than the rest of the marking device. Marking device 10 is then
inserted into a
mold and marking regions 18 are over-molded with the marking material.
[0030] In certain
embodiments, marking device 10 is partially draped or
encased with one or more overlays 25 to reinforce the marking device and
increase
its durability. Overlays 25 may be provided on one or both sides of the
marking
device. In addition to providing reinforcement, overlays 25 may also be used
to print
or etch a brand name onto the device. In some exemplary embodiments, a
reinforcement insert 26 is embedded within marking device 10. In such an
embodiment, the reinforcement insert may be clad or encased with the marking
material to form marking device 10. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the various
possible
configurations of overlays 25 or reinforcement insert 26 on marking device 10.
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[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
marking device 10 comprises a pocket 20 for mounting a marking member 22. In
such embodiments, body 12 of marking device 10, including pocket 20, is made
of
plastic or metal (for example, stainless steel), and the marking member 22 is
made
of a marking material described earlier in this disclosure. Pocket 20 can be
positioned anywhere along marking edge 16, or at one or more corners of
marking
device 10 In one such embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5A, pocket 20 comprises
an
extended flap 23, which helps to guide the marking member 22 into the pocket.
In
another embodiment, pocket 20 comprises a spring-loaded tab to firmly secure
marking member 22 in the pocket. FIG. 58 illustrates marking device 10 with
marking member 22 mounted into pocket 20. In such embodiments, only the
marking
member 22 has to be replaced when it wears out without having to dispose the
entire
marking device 10. In select embodiments, marking member 22 is double edged,
i.e., marking member 22 can be flipped around when one edge wears out, and
thereby, the marking member can be used longer without requiring a replacement
[0032] In illustrative embodiments, marking device 10 is configured to be
mounted on a support frame 30. In some embodiments, edge 14 of the marking
device comprises one or more cut-outs, notches, indentations, or alignment
tabs
configured to connect to corresponding structures or positioning members on
support frame 30. FIGS. 6A-60 illustrate various cut-outs/notches 25 formed on
edge 14 of the marking device to connect it to support frame 30. In certain
embodiments, cut-outs/notches 25 are formed on both edge 14 and marking edge
16, as depicted in FIGS. 7A-7C. In other embodiments, the cut-outs/notches 25
or
other alignment features are positioned in the center portion of marking
device 10, as
illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C.
[0033] In select embodiments, support frame 30 along with marking device
10
is disposable. In other embodiments, support frame 30 is reusable. In such
embodiments, when marking device 10 wears out, it can be swapped with a
replacement marking device 10.
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[0034] In
exemplary embodiments, support frame 30 comprises a proximal
end 32 and a distal end 34. Distal end 34 is configured to mount marking
device 10,
and the proximal end 32 is configured as a handle that may be gripped by an
user
while using the marking device. In one embodiment, distal end 34 comprises a
safety
casing configured to house marking device 10 when not in use. Marking device
10
can be pushed or folded out of the casing when needed to draw or write on a
surface. In such embodiments, proximal end 32 may comprise a manual switch
(for
example, a thumb slider) that triggers an activation mechanism to push or
slide
marking device 10 out of the safety casing. Alternatively, the switch/trigger
for
pushing or sliding the marking device out may be positioned anywhere on
support
frame 30. When not in use, the marking device 10 can be retracted back into
the
safety casing. For example, marking device 10 may be automatically retracted
into
the safety casing when the switch/trigger on the proximal end 32 is released.
Such
an arrangement shields marking device 10 from damage. In another embodiment,
distal end 34 is simply configured to fasten marking device 10 without
providing a
safety casing. Such an embodiment may comprise a removable cap or a guard to
shield marking device 10 when not in use.
[0035] In
illustrative embodiments, marking device 10 has the same dimensions
as that of a conventional razorblade and is adapted to fit a retractable or
folding
utility knife (for example, a STANLEY knife). In such embodiments, the utility
knife
serves as support frame 30. In select embodiments, marking device 10 is a
combination of a conventional razorblade on one side for use in
cutting/sculpting,
and a marking tool on the opposite side for drawing or writing. The
combination
blade may be used with the utility knife.
[0036] FIG. 9
illustrates marking device 10 mounted on a support frame/utility
knife 30. In exemplary embodiments, the razorblade-shaped marking device 10
has
an average thickness of about 0.025" to about 0.035", length of about 2.425"
and the
height ranges from about 0.735" to about 0.75'. In exemplary embodiments,
marking
edge 16 is razor-thin, and thus, it allows precise lines to be made on any
given
surface. In one such embodiment, the thickness of the lines made by marking
device
is about 0.025" to about 0.035".
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[0037] In select embodiments, marking device 10 is in the form of a snap-
off
razorblade configured to fit a snap-off utility knife 50. FIG. 10A illustrates
a snap-off
marking device 10, and FIG. 10B illustrates a snap-off marking device 10
mounted
on a snap-off utility knife 50. The blade sections of a snap-off marking
device 10 can
be broken to release fresh, sharp marking edge 16. The blade can be retracted
for
safe storage when not in use. In some embodiments, snap-off marking device 10
is a
solid planar blade, i.e., without the snap-off portions, and is configured to
be
mounted on a snap-off utility blade.
[0038] By configuring marking device 10 as a razorblade, a utility knife
can be
converted into a carpenter pencil as and when required. Such an arrangement
has
several advantages over standard carpenter pencils. For instance, a utility
knife is
easier to grip than a carpenter pencil, and also, utility knife is a common
tool already
used by carpenters, builders, contractors, and tradesmen in general. The
razorblade
of the utility knife can be easily swapped with marking device 10 to generate
a
carpenter pencil. Once mounted onto a utility knife, marking device 10 is
easily
protected from damage in the workplace environment, for example, when placed
in a
bag together with heavy tools.
[0039] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed
herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as
exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated
by the
following claims.
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