Knife Spine Sleeve Attachment Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same

The present invention relates to a knife spline sleeve attachment apparatus. More specifically, the knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus comprises a body portion comprising a first side and a second side and a channel between the first side and the second side, the channel configured to be placed on the spine and held on the blade of a knife, the body portion further comprising an upper element above the channel and connecting the first side to the second side, and extending above the spine of the knife when placed and held thereon to aid a knife user in holding and utilizing the knife to cut food product. Methods of using the same are further provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a knife spline sleeve attachment apparatus. More specifically, the knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus comprises a body portion comprising a first side and a second side and a channel between the first side and the second side, the channel configured to be placed on the spine and held on the blade of a knife, the body portion further comprising an upper element above the channel and connecting the first side to the second side, and extending above the spine of the knife when placed and held thereon to aid a knife user in holding and utilizing the knife to cut food product. Methods of using the same are further provided.

BACKGROUND

Chefs and cooks frequently utilize knives in the cutting and preparation of food products. Indeed, a typical knife10used in food preparation is shown inFIG. 1, having a blade12and a handle14. The blade comprises a cutting edge16, a spine18, a tip20and a heel22. The handle14typically comprises a pair of handle elements24held over a metal handle portion26via rivets28, and a butt30. The transition portion between the blade12and the handle14is known as the bolster32.

The proper usage of a knife in the preparation of food items typically involves a specific manner of holding the knife to ensure that the user has optimal control over the knife when cutting foods. Specifically,FIG. 2illustrates a prior art view of the proper technique to hold a knife when cutting food. Specifically, the user's hand40grips the knife and places his or her thumb42on one side of the blade and his or her forefinger44on the other side of the blade with the spine of the knife disposed in the area of the hand46between the thumb and the forefinger. The three remaining fingers48, including the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger, grasp the handle16of the knife10.

This handling technique provides a great amount of control of the knife when used in food preparation. However, over time, the user may experience discomfort in the area46between the thumb42and the foreigner44, caused by relatively sharp edges of the spine of the knife repeatedly rubbing against the user's skin. Using the knife for an extended period of time may result in irritation, redness, swelling, blisters, cramping, callouses and other like discomfort for a user, specifically from the rubbing of the spine18of the knife on the user's skin.

A need, therefore, exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that aids a user in utilizing a knife for extended periods of time, while holding the knife in the proper food cutting position. Specifically, a need exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that prevent or minimize irritation of a user's hand when in use for extended periods of time.

More specifically, a need exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that provides a relatively smooth surface on the spine of a knife that prevents or minimizes discomfort in a user. More specifically, a need exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that eliminates and covers harsh edges of a knife spine.

In addition, a need exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that is attachable and removable from the spine of a knife to aid a user in preventing or minimizing discomfort when using the knife. Moreover, a need exists for a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that provides a firm fit that remains attached to the spine of the knife when in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a knife spline sleeve attachment apparatus. More specifically, the knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus comprises a body portion comprising a first side and a second side and a channel between the first side and the second side, the channel configured to be placed on the spine and held on the blade of a knife, the body portion further comprising an upper element above the channel and connecting the first side to the second side, and extending above the spine of the knife when placed and held thereon to aid a knife user in holding and utilizing the knife to cut food product. Methods of using the same are further provided.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a knife spine attachment apparatus comprising: a body comprising a first end, a second end, a length between the first end and the second end, and a width, and a slot disposed in a bottom of the body running from the first end to the second end of the body, wherein the body is configured to be disposed on a spine of a knife blade wherein when disposed on a spine of a knife blade, the spine of the knife blade fits within the slot.

In an embodiment, the body has a rounded top.

In an embodiment, the body is torpedo-shaped.

In an embodiment, the first and second ends are rounded.

In an embodiment, the slot is sized to receive the spine of a knife blade.

In an embodiment, the knife spine attachment apparatus further comprises: a gripping material on at least one of the sides of the slot within the body.

In an embodiment, the griping material is an elastomeric material.

In an embodiment, the gripping material is disposed on opposite sides of the slot.

In an embodiment, the knife spine attachment apparatus further comprises: an aperture in a side of the body running from the side of the body to the slot; and a bolt disposed through the aperture, wherein the bolt is configured to tighten on a blade disposed within the slot.

In an embodiment, the knife spine attachment apparatus further comprises: a gripping material on an inside surface of the slot on the side having the aperture therein.

In an embodiment, the knife spine attachment apparatus further comprises: a knife, wherein the spine of the knife is positioned within the slot.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using a knife spine attachment apparatus on a knife is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a knife spine attachment apparatus comprising a body comprising a first end, a second end, a length between the first end and the second end, and a width, and a slot disposed in a bottom of the body running from the first end to the second end of the body; providing a knife having a spine and a blade; and placing the spine of the knife into the slot of the attachment apparatus.

In an embodiment, the body has a rounded top, and rounded first and second ends.

In an embodiment, the body is torpedo-shaped.

In an embodiment, the slot is sized to receive the spine of a knife blade.

In an embodiment, the attachment apparatus further comprises a gripping material on at least one of the sides of the slot within the body.

In an embodiment, the gripping material is an elastomeric material.

In an embodiment, the gripping material is disposed on opposite sides of the slot.

In an embodiment, the attachment apparatus further comprises an aperture in a side of the body running from the side of the body to the slot, and a bolt disposed through the aperture, wherein the bolt is configured to tighten on a blade disposed within the slot, and the method further comprises the step of: turning the bolt to tighten the bolt upon the blade of the knife.

In an embodiment, the attachment apparatus comprises a gripping material on an inside surface of the slot on the side having the aperture therein.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that aids a user in utilizing a knife for extended periods of time, while holding the knife in the proper food cutting position.

Specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that prevent or minimize irritation of a user's hand when in use for extended periods of time.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that provides a relatively smooth surface on the spine of a knife that prevents or minimizes discomfort in a user.

More specifically, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that eliminates and covers harsh edges of a knife spine.

In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that is attachable and removable from the spine of a knife to aid a user in preventing or minimizing discomfort when using the knife.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus and methods of using the same that provides a firm fit that remains attached to the spine of the knife when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a knife spline sleeve attachment apparatus. More specifically, the knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus comprises a body portion comprising a first side and a second side and a channel between the first side and the second side, the channel configured to be placed on the spine and held on the blade of a knife, the body portion further comprising an upper element above the channel and connecting the first side to the second side, and extending above the spine of the knife when placed and held thereon to aid a knife user in holding and utilizing the knife to cut food product. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts,FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrate a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus100in an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus100may comprise an oval shaped sleeve having a first rounded end102, a second rounded end104and a body106therebetween. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the top and/or bottom of the body106may further be rounded, providing the apparatus100with a torpedo shape. However, it should be noted that the apparatus100may be any shape, such as with squared off edges, or other shapes apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As illustrated inFIG. 3B, a cross-sectional view of the apparatus100along lines IIIB-IIIB fromFIG. 3A, a longitudinal slot108may be disposed in the apparatus100between the first end102and the second end104, having an opening110on a bottom thereof.FIG. 3Cis a bottom view of the apparatus100showing the slot108.

The apparatus100may be made from a resilient material, such as plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material useful for the present invention. Specifically, the apparatus100may preferably have a smooth outer surface that is comfortable to a user when used in accordance with the present disclosure.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the apparatus100may be placed over the spine18of knife10, whereby the spine of the blade12fits within the slot108through the opening110.nThe apparatus100may be held on the spine18of the blade12due to the size of the slot matching, generally, with the size of the width of the spine. As such, the apparatus100may be resilient but expansive to firmly hold onto the spine of18of the blade12. Thus, a user, having placed the apparatus100on the knife10may be able to utilize the knife without discomfort. Specifically,FIG. 8illustrates the apparatus100in use with a user's hand40, holding the knife in the proper food cutting position. The smooth, round surface of the apparatus100may allow the user to utilize the knife for an extended period of time without discomfort.

FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A-6C and 7illustrate alternate embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 5Aillustrates a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus120having a rubbery or elastomeric sheath, coating, film or layer130within slot128for aiding in gripping the spine18of the knife10. The gripping sheath130may be provided on opposite sides of the slot128for contacting the opposite sides of the blade12of the knife10. The gripping sheath130may aid in ensuring that the apparatus120is held firmly on the knife10.FIG. 5Billustrates a bottom view of the apparatus120, showing the gripping sheath130disposed fully across the longitudinal slot128on opposite sides thereof. It should be noted, in an alternate embodiment, that the gripping sheath130may not be a continuous layer or film that runs through the entirety of the length of the slot128, but may be placed discontinuous, or placed in one or more several locations within the slot128.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6Cillustrate a further alternate embodiment of the present invention of an apparatus140, similar to the apparatus120described above, but further having a bolt, pin or screw142disposed within a seat144that may be utilized to set the apparatus140firmly on the blade12of the knife10when in use. The apparatus140may be placed over the spine18of the blade12and the bolt, pin or screw142may be tightened so that the terminal end of the bolt, pin or screw142may be pushed against the blade12. Alternatively, the bolt, pin or screw142may push gripping sheath150into the blade12of the knife12, thereby providing a firm hold of the apparatus140on the blade12.FIG. 6Cillustrates a bottom view of the apparatus140.

FIG. 7illustrates another embodiment of the present invention of an apparatus160having bolt, pin or screw162disposed within seat164, which may allow the apparatus to be held onto the blade12of the knife10, as described above. A contact section166may be provided for contacting a user's hand when in use, as shown inFIG. 8. The contact section166may be made of a different material than the remainder168of the apparatus160. For example, the remainder168of the apparatus may be made of a hard plastic material while the contact section166may be made from a soft, elastic material that is comfortable on a user's hand. Thus, the present invention may utilize combinations of materials to impart both resiliency and toughness, and softness and comfort when used on a knife10, as described herein.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus200is illustrated inFIG. 9. The knife spine sleeve attachment apparatus200comprises an upper portion202and a lower portion204. The upper portion comprises an upper surface having an indented or saddle-shaped contour, which may more easily engage a user's hand when the apparatus200is disposed on the spine of a knife10, as illustrated inFIG. 11. The lower portion204comprises a slit206that may optionally comprise a resilient, elastomeric material208on opposite sides thereof (as illustrated inFIG. 10) to aid in holding the apparatus200on the spine of the knife10when in use.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.