Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DUAL HEAD AND GUARD KNIFE
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The field of the invention is tools and tool cartridges.
Background
[0003] The background description includes information that may be useful
in understanding
the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information
provided herein is prior
art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication
specifically or
implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0004] Tools, including cutters, are used in various industries for various
purposes (e.g., to
open packaging, make repairs, fasten items together, make cuts, handle
inventory, etc.). For
example, many in food service and other industries use utility knives or other
bladed tools to
access packaged items. Regardless of how carefully people operate these tools;
there remains a
significant risk of injury, especially for employees who use the tools
multiple times throughout
their work day.
[0005] There have been a large number of injuries and expenses associated
with these
replaceable tool components caused by, among other things, (a) loose blades,
screws or other
small or sharp objects contaminating food and requiring an entire batch to be
thrown out, (b)
loose blades, screws or other small or sharp objects contaminating food served
to a customer and
potentially even causing injury to customers, (c) unauthorized use by
customers who have access
to tools being stored in shelves or lying around a store, and (d) user
injuries that occur when
grabbing and replacing the blades, screws or other sharp components.
[0006] The risk of injury may increase when tools that include multiple
components are used
(e.g.. a cutter and a screwdriver). One reason is that sharp surfaces on one
tool component often
face the user or other people when the other tool component of the tool is in
use. Additionally,
where the sharp objects are replaceable, there is an even greater risk of the
sharp objects coming
loose and contaminating supplies or causing injuries.
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[0007] Some have contemplated a guard or shield that covers a blade or
sharp surface. For
example, Votolato (U.S. Pat. No. 7,475,480) discloses a knife having a blade
and blade shield.
In another example, Kempker (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0263219) and Jacobs (U.S.
Pat. Pub. No.
2013/0298409) disclose a tool having a blade shield that overhangs over an
edge of a blade to
cover the blade edge. Other known efforts generally require users to manually
unlock and move
a guard, which increases the risk of injuries from (a) ergonomic issues and
(b) tampering with, or
removal of the safety features.
[0008] Although some efforts have been made in an attempt to address safety
concerns,
known efforts fail to provide an effective solution where multiple tool
components are included
in a single tool. Thus, there is still a need for improved tools and tool
cartridges.
[0009] Where a definition or use of a term in a reference is inconsistent
or contrary to the
definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided
herein applies and the
definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Summary of the Invention
[0010] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and
methods in which a
tool comprises a blade holder coupled to a movable cover that alternatively
exposes a first
cutting edge and a second cutting edge. A contemplated tool comprises a blade
holder that
mounts a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge. A movable cover is
coupled to the blade
holder, such that the movable cover is configured to rotate relative to the
blade holder to
alternatively expose the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge. It
should be appreciated
that the movable cover can effectively prevent access to a cutting edge that
is not in-use (i.e., not
being used to cut) to thereby reduce the risk of injury to users.
[0011] In some aspects of the inventive subject matter, the movable cover
is biased, such that
the movable cover rotates to a position that covers at least one of the first
cutting edge and the
second cutting edge. In such embodiments, the tool can comprise a biasing
member to bias the
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movable cover to a default position (e.g., a position where at least one
cutting edge is covered).
For example, the biasing member can be a spiral spring, which is a flexible
material (e.g., a
flexible plastic or metal) having the shape of a spiral that temporarily
deforms when a load is
applied (e.g., user presses tool against working surface to rotate movable
cover and expose first
or second cutting edge), and returns to its original shape when the load is
removed (e.g., user lifts
tool from working surface to cover first or second cutting edge). Other
springs or biasing
mechanisms are also contemplated.
[0012] It may be useful to restrict the movement of the moveable cover in some
instances (e.g.,
when the tool is not used). In such instances, movable cover can be adjustable
between (a) a
locked configuration in which the movable cover is restrained from uncovering
both the first
cutting edge and the second cutting edge, and (b) an unlocked configuration in
which the
movable cover can uncover at least one of the first and second cutting edges.
A movable cover
can automatically or manually transition into the locked configuration after a
cut is completed by
a user. It is contemplated that the tool can further comprise a detent that
restricts the movable
cover from rotating relative to the blade holder.
[0013] Blade holder can comprise a stem having a flexible arm with a locking
member. The
stem could removably couple with a handle having a slot sized and dimensioned
to receive the
locking member. Thus, it is contemplated that the blade holder is removable
from a handle (e.g.,
a cartridge having a blade holder and movable cover that removably couples a
handle portion).
However, in other embodiments, the blade holder is integral with (not
removable from without
damage) the handle.
[0014] In another aspect, a tool comprising a holder and a movable cover is
contemplated. The
holder mounts a first tool component and a second tool component. The movable
cover is
configured to move relative to the holder to simultaneously (i) allow access
to the first tool
component and (ii) restrict access to the second tool component. The movable
cover is typically
sized and dimensioned, such that the movable cover can rotate to a position
that covers both the
first and second tool components (e.g., any one of cutting edges, scrapers,
screwdrivers, etc.).
Contemplated first and second tool components can be any type of powered or
unpowered tool.
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including screwdrivers, blades, scrapers, scissors, hammers, nail removers,
piercer, or any
combination thereof.
[0014a] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool,
comprising:
a blade holder mounting a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, the
first and
second cutting edges separated by a distance; and
a movable cover coupled to the blade holder, such that the movable cover is
configured to rotate relative to the blade holder to alternatively expose the
first cutting edge and
the second cutting edge.
[0014b] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
tool, comprising:
a holder mounting (1) a first cutting edge and (2) one or more of a second
cutting
edge and a scraper; and
a movable cover coupled to the holder, such that the movable cover is
configured to
(1) rotate relative to the holder when the holder mounts the second cutting
edge to thereby
simultaneously (i) allow access to the second cutting edge and (ii) restrict
access to the first
cutting edge, and (2) slide relative to the holder when the holder mounts the
scraper to thereby
simultaneously (i) allow access to the scraper and (ii) restrict access to the
first cutting edge.
[0015] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will
become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments, along
with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like
components.
Brief Description of the Drawings
100161 Figures 1A-1C show front views an embodiment of a tool having a
movable cover.
100171 Figures 2A-2B show front views of an embodiment of a cartridge with
and without a
movable cover.
[00181 Figure 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of a handle configured
to releasably
couple with the tool cartridge shown in Figs. 2A-2B.
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100191 Figure 4A shows a front view of an embodiment of a tool having the
cartridge of
Figs. 2A-2B coupled with the handle of Fig. 3.
[0020] Figures 4B-4G show front perspective views of the movable cover
exposing first and
second cutting edges of the tool of Fig. 4A.
[0021] Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a tool
having a
movable cover and three tool components.
[0022] Figure 6 shows an enlarged front view of an embodiment of a tool
having a detent to
restrict movement of the movable cover.
[0023] Figure 7 shows a front view of an embodiment of a tool having first
and second
cartridges.
Detailed Description
[0024] The following discussion provides example embodiments of the
inventive subject
matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive
elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of
the disclosed
elements. Thus
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if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment
comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to
include other remaining
combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of
"a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Also,
as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on"
unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used herein, and unless the context
dictates otherwise, the
term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two
elements that are
coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at
least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled
to" and "coupled
with" are used synonymously.
[0026] The inventive subject matter provides tools including two or more tool
components (e.g.,
powered or unpowered screwdrivers, blades, scrapers, scissors, hammers, nail
removers, piercer,
or any combination thereof), and at least one movable cover including a guard
portion
configured to move from a covered position to a working position that exposes
at least one tool
component that was previously covered. For example, it is contemplated that a
movable cover is
configured to rotate relative to a holder to alternatively expose a first tool
component and a
second tool component. In some embodiments, the movable cover could be spring
loaded, and a
locking mechanism (e.g., detent) could be provided to restrict movement of the
movable cover.
[0027] It should be appreciated that movable covers of the inventive subject
matter reduce the
number of injuries to users by shielding against sharp tool components (e.g.,
cutting edges of
blades, scrapers, screwdrivers). For example, where a movable cover is
provided as part of a
removable cartridge, a user need not touch the sharp tool components to
replace the cartridge.
Instead, the user could simply use the movable cover (covering some or all
tool components) to
remove and replace the cartridge from the handle. In the rare instance that a
cartridge of the
inventive subject matter detaches from the handle inadvertently (e.g., where a
user grabs or
operates the tool incorrectly), the cartridge as a whole could easily be seen
and removed to
prevent user injury, whereas a replaceable blade or other sharp object could
easily be lost and
only found after it causes an injury.
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[0028] Figures 1A-1C illustrate a single unitary designed tool 100 in which
some or all of the
tool head components are an integral part of the handle. More specifically,
tool 100 includes a
handle portion 110 that is integral with (not removable from without damage)
several tool head
components. The tool head components include tool holder portion 120, a first
tool component
140, a first overhanging shield 130, a second tool component 160, a second
overhanging shield
150, a biasing member 190, and a movable cover 170 having a guard portion 180.
Movable
cover 170 could be rotatable or otherwise movable such that it moves between
positions (e.g., a
position covering first tool component 140, a position covering a second tool
component 160, a
position not covering any tool component).
[0029] Tool 100's tool components (140, 160) are first and second cutting
edges that form hook
knives in combination with overhanging shields 130 and 150. The first hook
knife (130, 140)
has a first channel 131 suitable for thinner objects (e.g., paper, shrink
wrap, string, tape, fabric),
while the second hook knife (140, 160) has a second channel 161 suitable for
wider objects (e.g.,
rope, cardboard, bubble wrap). Tool holder portion 120 can be a blade holder
mounting a single
blade having the first and second cutting edges, or alternatively, mounting a
first blade having
the first cutting edge and a second blade having a second cutting edge.
[0030] Knives or tools having hook-type cutters can advantageously protect
users from
inadvertent cuts, as the blade's edge is recessed. Tool holder portion 120 (or
blade holder) is
sized and dimensioned to cover ends of each of the first and second cutting
edges. As shown in
Figs. 1A-1C, overhand shields 130 and 150 of tool holder portion 120 cover the
outer ends of the
first and second cutting edges and a center portion of tool holder portion 120
covers the inner
ends of the first and second cutting edges.
[0031] First channel 131 and second channel 161 are formed by covering both
ends of each end
of the first and second cutting edges. In this manner, tool holder portion 120
acts as a barrier or
blocks the first and second cutting edges from objects that are larger than
first channel 131 or
second channel 161. As described above, first channel 131 is typically
narrower than second
channel 161. It is contemplated that first channel 131 and second channel 161
can be any
suitable width, including between I-20mm, between 1-15mm, between 1-10mm, or
between 5-
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15mm, between 5-10mm, or between 10-15mm. In another example, first channel
131 and
second channel 161 can be less than 20mm, less than 15mm, less than lOmm, or
less than 5mm.
[0032] Such hook-type cutters have been found to be especially useful in
cutting shrink wrap,
bubble wrap, straps, bands, cardboard, and other items that are thin and can
readily fit within at
least one of first channel 131 and second channel 161. It is contemplated that
a hook type cutter
could be used to cut larger or thicker items, depending on the width of first
channel 131 and
second channel 161 leading to the first and second cutting edges.
Additionally, it is
contemplated that the end of at least one of overhand shields 130 and 150
could include a piercer
such that an object can be pierced and cut open with a single swipe or other
movement.
[0033] It may seem counterintuitive to at least some skilled in the art to
include a movable cover
over a tool component specifically designed to avoid injuries. However,
Applicant surprisingly
discovered that even hook knives, especially hook knives having wider angled
channels, could
pose a significant risk of injury. It was discovered that including a movable
cover could help
reduce or even eliminate such risks, and it does not require significant added
costs.
[0034] Although the figures herein generally illustrate tools and tool
cartridges including two
hook knife or recessed cutting edges, it should be appreciated that
contemplated tools and tool
cartridges could include any suitable tool components of any suitable sizes
(e.g., screwdrivers,
blades, scrapers, nail removers, piercer, or any combination thereof).
[0035] In the embodiment shown, tool holder portion 120 is a blade holder that
mounts first and
second tool components 140 and 160. First and second tool components 140 and
160 can be first
and second cutting edges, respectively. Tool holder portion 120 can further
include a biasing
member 190 that biases movable cover 170 to a default position. Biasing member
190 can be a
spiral spring, which is a flexible material (e.g., a flexible plastic or
metal) having the shape of a
spiral that temporarily deforms when a load is applied (e.g., user presses
tool against working
surface to rotate movable cover and expose first or second cutting edge), and
returns to its
original shape when the load is removed (e.g., user lifts tool from working
surface to cover first
or second cutting edge). As shown, biasing member 190 includes a series of
spiraled apertures
or grooves. Movable cover 170 could include one or more pins or protrusions
that are inserted
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into a cavity or recess 195 of biasing member 190 to thereby transfer
rotational force from
movable cover 170 to biasing member 190.
[0036] To operate tool 100 and make a cut using second tool component 160, a
user could press
tool 100 against a work surface to temporarily move movable cover 170, such
that guard portion
180 rotates in direction B and exposes second tool component 160 via second
channel 161. It is
contemplated that the spiraled apertures of grooves of biasing member 190 are
temporarily
deformed while movable cover 170 is moved from its default position (covering
second tool
component 160 as shown in Fig. 1A). Upon completing the cut or lifting tool
100 from the work
surface, movable cover 170 could automatically move in direction A, such that
guard portion 180
covers second tool component 160 for storage or until further use. Thus,
movable cover 170 is
configured to rotate relative to tool holder portion 120 to alternatively
expose first tool
component 140 (in Fig. 1A) and second tool component 160 (in Fig. 1B).
[0037] It should be appreciated that guard portion 180 of movable cover 170 is
configured to
move relative to the tool holder portion 120 and to simultaneously (i) act as
a physical barrier
and restrict access to first tool component 140 via first channel 141 and (ii)
allow access to
second tool component 160 via second channel 161 for cutting (Fig. 1B), or
vice versa (Fig. IA).
Although movable cover 170 is biased to cover second tool component 160 in the
example
above, it is contemplated that movable cover 170 can be biased to cover first
tool component
140. In such embodiment, a user can press tool 100 against a work surface to
temporarily move
movable cover 170 in direction A to expose first tool component 140, and
movable cover 170
would move in direction B upon completing the cut or lifting tool 100 from the
work surface.
Regardless of the biasing direction, biasing member 190 can be any type of
spring that provides
a directional bias to a default position, and requires a force (e.g., from a
cutting surface or a user)
to move movable cover 170 away from the default position. The spring force
could be exerted
by any material with elastic properties, could be integrally built into the
tool as a unitary design,
or could be a separate component that is assembled into the tool.
[0038] It is contemplated that the movable cover 170 could be manually
retracted (pushed away
from a tool component) and contracted (pushed over the tool component) without
any biasing
direction. Additionally or alternatively, movable cover 170 could manually
retract but
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automatically be contracted by a spring, elastic or other force. Additionally
or alternatively,
movable cover 170 could manually contract but automatically be retracted by a
spring, elastic or
other force. It is also contemplated that a detent can be used to restrict
movement of movable
cover 170. For example, a detent can be used to (i) prevent movement of
movable cover 170
when tool 100 is not used, and (ii) allow movement of movable cover 170 when
tool 100 is
pressed against a work surface (i.e., allow movement only when a pre-
determined force is
applied to the movable cover).
[0039] In some embodiments, handle portion 110 and tool holder portion 120 are
made from a
single piece (e.g., an injection molded piece of plastic). In some
embodiments, the handle
portion 110, the tool holder portion 120, and the first and second overhanging
shields 130 and
150 are made from a single piece. The biasing member 190 could be coupled
with, affixed to, or
form a part of tool holder portion 120, although it is also contemplated that
biasing member 190
could be positioned on any portion of tool 100 that allows it to cover at
least a portion of at least
one of the tool components. It should be appreciated a single unitary designed
tool (as shown in
Fig. IA) can have a second tool holder portion that mounts third and/or fourth
tool components.
The second tool holder portion can be disposed on the same end of a handle or
on opposite ends
of the handle. Additionally, or alternatively, the first and second tool
holder portions can have
the same or different combinations of tool components.
[0040] In Figure 2A, a multi-tool removable cartridge 200 is shown without a
movable cover.
Tool cartridge 200 includes a tool holder portion 220, which is sized and
dimensioned to hold
one or more tool components (e.g., blade(s) with cutting edges) in place. Tool
holder portion
220 includes a shield having overhanging shields 230 and 250, and an aperture
240 which allows
dust and other debris trapped in tool cartridge 200 to escape. Tool holder
portion 220 also
includes a biasing member 290, which can be any type of spring that provides a
directional bias
to a default position, and requires a force (e.g., from a cutting surface or a
user) to move a
movable cover away from the default position as described above.
[0041] Tool holder portion 220 can also include a stem 295 having a first
flexible spring arm
210A and a second flexible spring arm 210B. First flexible spring arm 210A
includes a first
locking member 215A, and second flexible spring arm 210B includes a second
locking member
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215B. First locking member 215A and second locking member 215B extend
outwardly, and are
sized and dimensioned to be received and locked in place by a slot of a
handle. As shown in Fig.
2A, first flexible spring arm 210A and second flexible spring arm 210B have
different lengths,
with second flexible spring arm 210B being between 5-20% longer than first
flexible spring arm
210A. However, it should be appreciated that each of the first and second arms
could have any
suitable lengths, including the same length.
[0042] In Figure 2B, movable cover 260 is coupled with tool holder portion
220, and includes a
first guard portion 270 that is configured to be positioned over a first tool
component, and a
second guard portion 280 that is configured to be positioned over a second
tool component.
Movable cover 260 is biased towards a default position wherein each of cover
portions 270 and
280 are positioned over a tool component (see Figs. 4D and 4G). A user or a
working surface
could cause movable cover 260 to move from the default position in a direction
that exposes the
first tool component or the second tool component. In other embodiments,
movable cover 260
can be coupled to tool holder portion 220 without any directional bias.
[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a tool handle 300, which tool cartridge 200 or any
other suitable tool
cartridge described herein could releasably couple with. Tool handle 300
includes a gripping
portion 310 and a tool cartridge receiving portion 320. Tool cartridge
receiving portion 320
comprises a cavity sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of stem
295, and includes
slots 335 and 345, which are sized and dimensioned to receive first locking
member 215A and
second locking member 215B of first and second spring arms 210A and 210B. It
is
contemplated that first and second locking members 215A and 215B extend
through slots 335
and 345 at positions below protrusions 330 and 340.
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a multi-tool 400, which is a combination of tool
cartridge 200 and
tool handle 300. As illustrated, tool cartridge 200 is coupled with tool
handle 300 via tool
receiving portion 320, slots 335 and 345, and locking members 215A and 215B of
spring arms
210A and 210B. Movable cover 260 of tool cartridge 200 is partially seated
within tool
receiving portion 320 of tool handle 300. Preferably, movable cover 260 and
tool receiving
portion 320 are coupled to one another in a manner that allows guide portions
270 and 280 to
move relative to the tool components (e.g., blades, screwdrivers, scrapers).
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[0045] Tool handle 300 includes a first slot 335 sized and dimensioned to
receive first locking
member 215A of spring arm 210A, and a second slot 340 sized and dimensioned to
receive
second locking member 215B of spring arm 210B. When stem 295 of tool cartridge
200 is
inserted into tool receiving portion 320 of tool handle 300, flexible arms
210A and 210B of tool
cartridge 200 can flex towards each other (away from their resting positions)
and snap into their
resting position when locking members 215A and 215B extend through slots 335
and 345,
respectively. From another perspective, flexible arms 210A and 210B of
cartridge 200 could be
configured such that, in a relaxed position, locking members 215A and 215B
rest snugly and
securely within slots 335 and 345 between gripping portion 310 and protrusions
330 and 340.
[0046] To remove tool cartridge 200 from tool handle 300, a user can squeeze
locking members
215A and 215B and pull on tool cartridge 200. Additionally or alternatively,
slots 335 and 345
that receive locking members 215A and 215B could be disposed on a top portion
of tool handle
300 (above gripping portion 310), such that unintentional release of tool
cartridge 200 from tool
handle 300 during use can be avoided by a user holding gripping portion 310.
[0047] Figures 4B-4G illustrate a multi-tool 400 as movable guard 260 is bi-
directionally
moved relative to one or more tool components. In Figs. 4B-4C, movable guard
260 is moved
such that second guard portion 280 rotates from a default position (see Fig.
4A) to expose second
tool component 485 (e.g., a second cutting edge). First guard portion 270 also
rotates such that a
portion of first tool component 475 (e.g., a first cutting edge) is exposed.
However, first guard
portion 270 continues to act as a barrier to the channel that leads to first
tool component 475 to
thereby prevent a user from being injured by first tool component 475.
Preferably, the rotational
range of movable cover 260 is limited such that first guard portion 270 does
not rotate beyond a
first edge 460 (see Fig. 4G) of the tool cartridge 200 when second tool
component 485 is
exposed. Once the user releases movable cover 260, first and second guard
portions 270 and 280
automatically return to cover first and second tool components 475 and 485
simultaneously, as
shown in Fig. 4D.
[0048] In Figs. 4E-4F, movable guard 260 is moved such that first guard
portion 270 rotates
from a default position (see Fig. 4A) to expose first tool component 475
(e.g., a first cutting
edge). Second guard portion 280 also rotates such that a portion of second
tool component 485
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is exposed. However, second guard portion 280 continues to act as a barrier to
the channel that
leads to second tool component 485 to thereby prevent a user from being
injured by second tool
component 485. Preferably, the rotational range of movable cover 260 is
limited such that
second guard portion 280 does not rotate beyond a second edge 465 (see Fig.
4G) of the tool
cartridge 200 when first tool component 475 is exposed. Once the user releases
movable cover
260, first and second guard portions 270 and 280 automatically return to cover
first and second
tool components 475 and 485 simultaneously, as shown in Fig. 4G.
[0049] Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-tool 500 including
three tool
components and cover portions. Tool cartridge 535 comprises locking members
515 and 520
coupled with tool handle 510 via slots as described in the above embodiments.
Tool cartridge
535's locking members 515 and 520 are disposed between a gripping portion 585
and
protrusions 590 and 595 of tool handle 510. Tool cartridge 535 includes three
tool components,
and a movable cover 550 that is configured to move in four different
directions (A, B, C, and D
directions).
[0050] Movable cover 550 could be moved in Direction A from a default position
(as shown in
Fig. 5) in order to move first guard portion 545A and expose a first tool
component 540A.
Additionally, movable cover 550 could be moved in Direction B from default
position (as shown
in Fig. 5) in order to move second guard portion 545C and expose a second tool
component
540C. Movable cover 550 can be coupled to a biasing member or a spring that
allows movable
cover 550 to rotate in Directions A and B.
[0051] Movable cover 550 could also be moved in Direction D from a default
position (as shown
in Fig. 5) to move third guard portion 545B and expose a third tool component
540B (e.g., a
scraper). It is contemplated that movable cover 550 could be moved in
Direction C manually or
automatically (via a spring force) once tool 500 is lifted from working
surface or a user force
applied to movable cover 550 is removed to thereby cover third tool component
540B using third
guard portion 545B.
[0052] Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a tool 600 having a movable cover
610 and a tool
holder portion 620. Movable cover 610 and tool holder portion 620 can include
any of the
elements (guard portions, tool components, biasing member, stem, locking
members, etc.)
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described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is contemplated that tool
600 can further
comprise a detent to restrict movement of movable cover 610 with respect to
tool holder portion
620. For example, tool holder portion 620 can comprise a protrusion 630 that
extends from a top
end of tool holder portion 620, and movable cover 610 can comprise a recess
640 sized and
dimensioned to receive protrusion 630 to restrict movement. In such example,
movable cover
610 would be prevented from rotating when tool 600 is not being used. However,
it is
contemplated that a pre-determined force applied to movable cover 610 (e.g.,
pressing the tool
onto a working surface or manually rotating the movable cover) can remove
protrusion 630 from
recess 640 to expose a tool component (e.g., a cutting edge, scraper, etc.).
100531 Once the pre-determined force is removed, movable cover 610 can
automatically rotate
(via a spring force) to a default position where protrusion 630 rotates into
recess 640 or an
additional manual force may be applied to rotate protrusion 630 into recess
640. In other
embodiments, a protrusion is disposed on movable cover 610 and a recess is
disposed on tool
holder portion 610. It is contemplated that such detent systems can be applied
to tools described
in the various other embodiments (e.g., tools 100, 400, 500).
[0054] Viewed from another perspective, it is contemplated that the movable
cover is adjustable
between (a) a locked configuration in which the movable cover is restrained
from uncovering
both a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge, and (b) an unlocked
configuration in which
the movable cover can uncover at least one of the first and second cutting
edges. The transition
between the locked and unlocked configuration can be accomplished by use of a
pre-determined
amount of force (e.g., pushing tool against a work surface or manually
rotating the movable
cover). Alternatively, the transition between locked and unlocked can require
manual override
(e.g., a button/trigger/actuator that triggers a locking/unlocking mechanism).
When the movable
cover is moved back to cover the tool components, the locking mechanism could
reset to lock the
movable cover in place until the user manually causes the lock to release
again.
100551 For example, a user could press a tool against a work surface (e.g., a
surface to be cut) or
manually rotate the movable cover to expose a tool component (e.g., a cutting
edge) whereby the
force applied by the surface or manual rotation transitions the movable cover
from a locked to an
unlocked configuration. Once the desired action (e.g., a cut through the work
surface, screwing a
13
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screw through work surface, etc.) is completed, the movable cover could
automatically (i) move
to cover the tool component, and (ii) transition from the unlocked
configuration to the locked
configuration once the tool component is covered. It is contemplated that the
steps of covering
the tool component and/or transitioning from the unlocked configuration to the
locked
configuration can be manual (i.e., require user input). In other embodiments,
the tool can be
designed to require a user to manually unlock (via button, lever, handle,
compression on an area
of tool, etc.) movable cover in order to move movable cover and expose the
first tool component.
In such embodiment, movable cover would not move regardless if pressed against
a work surface
unless it was manually unlocked by the user.
[0056] It should also be appreciated that the tool can be designed to lock
movable cover in a
position that exposes a first tool component (e.g., cutting edge), such that a
user is required to
manually unlock movable cover so that movable cover rotates to cover the first
tool component.
For example, a user can press the tool against a work surface (e.g., a surface
to be cut) or
manually rotate the movable cover to expose a tool component (e.g., a cutting
edge) whereby the
force applied by the surface or manual rotation moves the movable cover to (i)
expose the first
tool component, and (ii) transition the movable cover into a locked
configuration. Once the
desired action (e.g., a cut through the work surface, screwing a screw through
work surface, etc.)
is completed, a user can manually unlock (via button, lever, handle,
compression on an area of
tool, etc.) movable cover in order to (i) automatically or manually move
movable cover to cover
the first tool component, and (ii) transition movable cover from the locked
configuration to the
unlocked configuration.
100571 Although many of the embodiments describe a tool handle that receives
one cartridge, it
is contemplated that a tool handle can receive more than one cartridge. For
example, Figure 7
shows a tool 700 having a tool handle 710 that receives a first cartridge 720
and a second
cartridge 730. First cartridge 720 includes a tool holder portion 740 and a
movable cover 750. It
is contemplated that first cartridge 720 can have the same configuration as
the cartridges
described above (e.g., cartridges 200 and 535). First cartridge 720 includes a
biasing member
that biases movable cover 750 to cover a first and second tool component
(e.g., first and second
cutting edges). However, a user or a working surface can temporarily rotate
movable cover 750
to alternatively expose the first tool component and the second tool
component.
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[0058] As shown in Fig. 7, first cartridge 720 can be inserted into tool
handle 710 through a first
receiving portion 760 using the same method described above (see, e.g., tool
cartridge 200
inserted/removed from tool handle 300). First receiving portion 760 is
disposed on a first end of
tool handle 710. A second cartridge 730 can be inserted in a second receiving
portion 795 on a
second end of tool handle 710. Second cartridge 730 includes a tool holder
portion 780 and a
movable cover 790. It is contemplated that second cartridge 730 can have the
same
configuration as the cartridges described above (e.g., cartridges 200 and
535). Second cartridge
730 can be inserted into tool handle 710 through second receiving portion 795
using the same
method described above (see, e.g., tool cartridge 200 inserted/removed from
tool handle 300).
[0059] First cartridge 720 could be the same as second cartridge 730 as shown
in Fig. 7. In other
words, first cartridge 720 and second cartridge 730 can have the same elements
(e.g., tool holder
portion, movable cover, biasing member, first and second tool components,
etc.) in the same
configuration. However, in other embodiments, first cartridge 720 could be
different from
second cartridge 730. For example, first cartridge 720 and second cartridge
730 could have at
least one of different tool components, different types of movable covers
(e.g., a rotatable vs.
slidable), different number of tool components (e.g., two components vs. three
components),
different types of tool components (e.g., blades vs. scraper) and different
elements (e.g., with
movable cover vs. without movable cover).
[0060] As shown in Fig. 7, tool handle 710 can receive two cartridges on
opposite ends of the
handle. It is contemplated that a handle can include additional receiving
portions to receive more
cartridges along the body of the handle. In other embodiments, a tool can have
two receiving
portions on the same end of a handle (e.g., adjacent to one another) that each
receives a cartridge.
In another embodiment, a tool can have a first receiving portion on first end
of a handle and a
second receiving portion on an area of the handle between the first end and a
second end of the
handle.
[0061] Although many of the embodiments described rotational movement to
expose a first or
second tool component, it is contemplated that a movable cover can pivot,
slide, swivel, turn,
bend or flex to uncover a first or second tool component. Additionally, or
alternatively, it is
contemplated that a movable cover can be slid or rotated to uncover both first
and second tool
CA 3000175 2018-04-03
components (e.g., first and second cutting edges). Additionally, or
alternatively, it is
contemplated that first and second guard portions that cover first and second
tool components
can move independently from one another (e.g., guard portions are disposed on
different
movable covers).
[0062] Methods of making tools as described are also contemplated. A cartridge
having first and
second cutting edges can be assembled by fixing a blade (having two cutting
edges) or two
blades (each having one cutting edge) to the cartridge. The blade can be made
of metal, plastic,
ceramic, wood, bone, keratin, enamel, carbon, stone, obsidian, glass, diamond,
or any other
material suitable for cutting or applying directed pressure. Further, the
blade may be straight,
curved, round, angled, serrated, sharpened, dulled, or otherwise configured as
appropriate for the
desired use. The cartridge and tool handle may be a single piece or the
composite of several
pieces. The cartridge and tool handle could be of the same material (e.g.,
injection molded
plastic) or of a range of materials.
[0063] The movable cover can be an integral part of the blade holder and can
be made of the
same material as the blade holder. For example, the movable cover and blade
holder can be
made of a single piece of flexible rubber or rigid plastic. Further, the
movable cover and blade
holder can be made primarily of the same material as an integral piece, while
the blade holder is
further comprised of other components or materials. The movable cover and the
blade holder
can also be separate components, and can be made of different materials or the
same material.
The movable cover can be fixed to the blade holder by means that permit the
blade cover to
rotate (partially or fully), pivot, slide, swivel, turn, bend, flex or
otherwise move in relation to the
blade.
[0064] The movable cover and the blade holder can be attached at a junction.
The junction can
be further configured such that a part of the junction prevents or allows the
movable cover to
move in relation to the blade holder, while another part of the junction
provides the avenue or
means for the movable cover to move in relation to the blade holder. The means
of preventing or
allowing movement, and restricting the direction of movement, of the movable
cover in relation
to the blade holder can be an integral part of the junction between the blade
movable and the
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blade holder, or can be a separate component. Further, the components can be
made of the same
or different materials.
[0065] A cartridge having a blade holder (or tool holder portion) as described
above can further
be made by fixing flexible spring arms to the blade holder. The flexible arms
can be a separate
component from the blade holder or can be an integral aspect of the blade
holder. The flexible
arms and blade holder can be made of the same material or of different
materials. The flexible
arms can be configured such that they flex inwardly from a rest position while
being inserted into
a tool handle, and then return to the rest position once completely inserted
into the tool handle.
[0066] Moreover, and unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set
forth herein should
be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges
should be interpreted
to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values
should be considered
as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
[0067] It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from the
inventive concepts
herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted
except in the spirit of the
disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be
interpreted in the
broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms
"comprises" and
"comprising" should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components,
or steps in a non-
exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps can be present,
or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are
not expressly
referenced.
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