Folding utility knife

A folding utility knife has a handle and a blade holder pivotally mounted on he handle. The blade holder is movable between (i) a closed position with the blade holder pivoted inwardly toward the handle, (ii) a cutting position with the blade holder pivoted outwardly relative to the handle, and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position. A blade release actuator is located on the blade holder and is movable between (i) a first position preventing release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder, and (ii) a second position permitting release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder. A locking member is movable between (i) a blade locking position with the blade holder located in the cutting position that prevents movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position, and (ii) a blade release position with the blade holder located in the blade release position that permits movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position to, in turn, release a utility knife blade from the blade holder.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to utility knives, and more particularly, to folding utility knives.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Folding utility knives typically include a handle and a blade holder pivotally mounted to the handle. The blade holder holds a utility knife blade, such as a trapezoidal utility knife blade. Part of the utility knife blade is enclosed within the blade holder, and another part of the blade extends outwardly of the blade holder with the cutting edge exposed for use. The blade holder typically includes a mechanism for securing the blade to the blade holder, such as a fastener or other type of blade securing and releasing mechanism. The blade holder is movable between a closed position pivoted inwardly toward the handle with the exposed cutting edge of the blade received within the handle, and an open position pivoted outwardly away from the handle with the cutting edge of the blade exposed for use. The blade is removed and either flipped to expose a fresh cutting edge portion of the blade for use, or is replaced with another blade, when the blade holder is in the open or operational position. One drawback of such prior art utility knives is that the blade is allowed to be removed from the blade holder when in the operational position, and as a result, the blade can become accidentally removed or dislodged during use. Another drawback of some prior art folding utility knives is that the blade release mechanisms require tools, or otherwise are not convenient to use.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding utility knife comprising a handle and a blade holder pivotally mounted on the handle. The blade holder is movable between (i) a closed position with the blade holder pivoted inwardly toward the handle, (ii) a cutting position with the blade holder pivoted outwardly relative to the handle, and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position. The folding utility knife further comprises a blade release actuator located on the blade holder and movable between (i) a first position preventing release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder, and (ii) a second position permitting release of a utility knife blade located on the blade holder. A locking member of the utility knife is movable between (i) a blade locking position with the blade holder located in the cutting position that prevents movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position, and (ii) a blade release position with the blade holder located in the blade release position that permits movement of the blade release actuator from the first position to the second position to, in turn, release a utility knife blade from the blade holder.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade holder includes a blade support surface for receiving thereon a utility knife blade, and the blade release actuator includes a blade engaging portion movable with the blade release actuator between the first and second positions. The blade engaging portion engages the utility knife blade in the first position to prevent release of the utility knife blade from the blade holder, and disengages the utility knife blade in the second position to release the utility knife blade from the blade holder. Preferably, the folding utility knife further comprises a first biasing member biasing the blade release actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first biasing member is a spring, such as a coil spring. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade release actuator includes a manually engageable portion, and the blade engaging portion extends laterally outwardly relative to the manually engageable portion. In one such embodiment, the manually engageable portion is defined by a button located on an upper side portion of the blade holder.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding utility knife further comprises a stop surface that contacts the locking member with the blade holder located in the cutting position, and stops movement of the locking member in a direction from the blade locking position to the blade release position. In one such embodiment, the stop surface is curvilinear. In one such embodiment, the stop surface defines a recess for receiving therein the locking member with the blade holder located in the blade release position to, in turn, permit the locking member to move from the blade locking position to the blade release position, and thereby release a utility knife blade located on the blade holder. The folding utility knife preferably further comprises a second biasing member that biases the locking member in a direction from the blade locking position toward the blade release position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second biasing member is a spring, such as a coil spring.

Preferably, the utility knife blade defines a cutting edge including a first portion enclosed within the blade holder, and second portion extending outwardly of the blade holder and providing an exposed cutting edge for use. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade holder defines a recess aligned with the cutting edge of the blade and exposing within the recess a segment of the first portion of the cutting edge of the blade for cutting objects, such as wires or like work pieces. In one such embodiment, the recess is inclined toward a free end of the blade holder.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade holder defines an upper surface, and a flat extending laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the blade holder relative to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding utility knife comprises a release prevention device located on the blade holder that exerts a force against the utility knife blade to prevent the utility knife blade from slipping out of the blade holder when the blade engaging portion of the blade release actuator is moved to the second position. The release prevention device may be a magnet that exerts a magnetic force on the utility knife blade, or a biasing member that exerts a frictional force on the utility knife blade.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding utility knife comprises a protrusion located proximate to the manually engageable portion and extending from the blade holder to prevent the manually engageable portion from being inadvertently engaged by a user. In yet another embodiment, the folding utility knife comprises a tool pivotally mounted on the handle and located on an opposite end of the handle relative to the blade holder.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding utility knife comprising a handle and a blade holder pivotally mounted on the handle. The handle includes a front end having the blade holder pivotally mounted thereto, a back end located on an opposite end of the handle relative to the front end, and an upper surface extending between the back and front ends of the handle. The upper surface includes a first upper surface portion extending between the back end and an intermediate portion of the handle, and a second upper surface portion extending between the intermediate portion and the front end of the handle. The second upper surface portion is inclined downwardly at an acute angle relative to the first upper surface portion. In one embodiment, the first upper surface portion is longer than the second upper surface portion. In addition, the second upper surface portion is substantially co-planar with the upper surface of the blade holder when located in the cutting position. In another embodiment, the acute angle is within the range of about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the acute angle is about 25 degrees. In a further embodiment, the handle defines a lower surface located on an approximately opposite side of the handle relative to the upper surface, and the lower surface defines a finger recess located on an opposite side of the handle relative to the second upper surface portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding utility knife comprises a manually engageable lever movable between a (i) first position engaging the blade holder to releasably retain the blade holder in the closed position, the cutting position, and/or the blade release position, and (ii) a second position disengaged from the blade holder to move the blade holder from one or more of such positions to another. The lever extends along, and defines at least in part both the first and second upper surface portions of the handle.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a folding utility knife comprising a handle including a manually engageable portion for gripping the handle. The folding utility knife further comprises first means for holding a utility knife blade and for pivotal movement between (i) a closed position with the first means pivoted inwardly toward the handle, (ii) a cutting position with the first means pivoted outwardly relative to the handle, and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position. The folding utility knife further comprises second means located on the first means and movable between (i) a first position for preventing release of a utility knife blade located on the first means, and (ii) a second position for permitting release of a utility knife blade located on the first means. The folding utility knife further comprises third means movable between (i) a blade locking position with the first means located in the cutting position for preventing movement of the second means from the first position to the second position, and (ii) a blade release position with the first means located in the blade release position for permitting movement of the second means from the first position to the second position to, in turn, release a utility knife blade from the first means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first means is a blade holder, the second means is a blade release actuator, and the third means is a locking member.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method comprising the following steps:(i) providing a folding utility knife including a handle, a blade holder pivotally mounted on the handle, and a utility knife blade supported on the blade holder;(ii) pivotally moving the blade holder between (i) a closed position wherein the blade holder is pivoted inwardly toward the handle, (ii) a cutting position wherein the blade holder is pivoted outwardly relative to the handle, and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position;(iii) preventing release of the utility knife blade from the blade holder when the blade holder is located in the cutting position; and(iv) permitting release of the utility knife blade from the blade holder only when the blade holder is located in the blade release position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of:(i) providing a blade release actuator on the blade holder that is movable between a first position preventing release of the utility knife blade located on the blade holder, and a second position permitting release of the utility knife blade located on the blade holder;(ii) locking the blade release actuator in the first position when the blade holder is located in the cutting position; and(iii) unlocking the blade release actuator when the blade holder is located in the blade release position, and thereby permitting the blade release actuator to move from the first position to the second position to release the utility knife blade from the blade holder.

One advantage of the present invention is that the blade holder or like means is moved to a blade release position located between the open cutting position and the closed or folded position in order to release the utility knife blade from the blade holder. Another advantage of the present invention is that the utility knife blade is prevented from being accidentally or otherwise dislodged or removed when the blade holder or like means is located in the cutting position.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

InFIG. 1a folding utility knife embodying the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral10. The folding utility knife10comprises a handle12and a blade holder14pivotally mounted on the handle. The blade holder14is movable between (i) a closed position with the blade holder pivoted inwardly toward the handle (FIG. 4), (ii) a cutting position with the blade holder pivoted outwardly relative to the handle (FIG. 2), and (iii) a blade release position located between the closed position and the cutting position for releasing a utility knife blade from the blade holder (FIG. 3). The folding utility knife10further comprises a blade release actuator16located on the blade holder14. As indicated by the arrow inFIG. 8, the blade release actuator16is movable between (i) a first position with the blade release actuator16extending outwardly of the blade holder14and preventing release of a utility knife blade18located on the blade holder (FIG. 8), and (ii) a second position (not shown) with the blade release actuator16depressed into the blade holder and permitting release of the utility knife blade18located on the blade holder. As shown inFIGS. 5-7, a locking member20is movable between (i) a blade locking position (FIG. 7) with the blade holder14located in the cutting position that prevents movement of the blade release actuator16from the first or engaged position to the second or disengaged position, and (ii) a blade release position (FIG. 5) with the blade holder14located in the blade release position (FIG. 3) that permits movement of the blade release actuator16from the first or engaged position to the second or disengaged position to, in turn, release the utility knife blade18from the blade holder14.

As shown inFIGS. 5-8, the blade holder14defines a blade receiving recess22, a first lateral blade support surface24extending about the periphery of the recess22that engages one side of the utility knife blade18, and a cutting edge support surface26extending along the base of the blade holder for supporting the cutting edge portion of a utility knife blade18received within the blade holder. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 8, the blade holder14further includes a side plate28fixedly secured to the blade holder over the recess22by a plurality of fasteners30and forming a second lateral blade support surface32on the inner side thereof. The fasteners30may take the form of any of numerous different fasteners that are currently known or that later become known, such as threaded fasteners or rivets. Alternatively, the side plate28may be fixedly secured to the blade holder by any of numerous other fastening mechanisms that are currently known, or that later become known, such as by adhesive, welding, etc. As shown inFIG. 8, the sides of the utility knife blade18are slidably received between, and supported by the lateral support surfaces24,32, and the cutting edge portion of the blade located within the blade holder14is supported by the cutting edge support surface26.

As shown inFIG. 8, the blade release actuator16includes a manually engageable portion in the shape of a button34, a blade engaging portion36extending laterally outwardly from the button34, and a spring recess38located on the underside of the button for receiving a spring40therein. The blade engaging portion36includes an approximately D-shaped protrusion42that is received within an approximately D-shaped slot44formed in the utility knife blade18to fixedly secure the utility knife blade18to the blade holder14. As can be seen, the blade engaging portion36engages the utility knife blade18in the first position to prevent release of the utility knife blade from the blade holder (i.e., the D-protrusion42of the blade engaging portion36is received within the D-slot44of the blade and thereby prevents the blade from moving axially within the blade holder14). The coil spring40normally biases the blade release actuator16into the first or engaged position to thereby retain the D-protrusion42within the D-slot44of the blade. In order to disengage the blade release actuator16, a user manually depresses the button34as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 8. This, in turn, moves the blade engaging portion36and D-protrusion42thereof into a receiving space46located to one side of the blade to thereby release the D-protrusion42from the D-slot44of the blade and allow the blade to be removed through an aperture48formed in the distal end of the blade holder. One advantage of the blade release actuator of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention is that it permits release of the utility knife blade from the blade holder by simply depressing a button or like manually engageable feature when the blade holder is located in the blade release position. Accordingly, the drawbacks associated with prior art folding utility knives that require screw drivers or other tools to release the blades are obviated.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the spring40may take any of numerous different configurations of springs or other biasing members that are currently known, or that later become known, such as different types of metal springs, such as leaf springs, or different types of plastic springs, including for example a spring that is molded integral with the blade release actuator. In addition, the utility knife blade18may take the form of any of numerous different types of utility knife blades that are currently known, or that later become known, such as trapezoidal utility knife blades, hooked utility knife blades, rectangular utility knife blades, snap-off utility knife blades (i.e., blades with one or more segments that can be snapped off or otherwise removed from the blade to expose a fresh cutting edge segment for use), and blades with any of numerous different configurations of cutting edges, including straight cutting edges or serrated cutting edges. In addition, the utility knife blades can include any of numerous different aperture configurations or other features for releasably retaining the utility knife blades within the blade holder, including, for example, more than one D-slot, and/or additional apertures or alternative aperture configurations located within the body of the blade. The utility knife blades likewise can be made of any of numerous different materials or material combinations, or may otherwise define any of numerous different configurations, including coating configurations, that are currently known or that later become known. Similarly, the blade release actuator may take any of numerous different configurations as needed to accommodate the many different types of utility knife blades that can be used with the folding utility knives of the present invention.

As shown typically inFIG. 9, the handle12includes opposing housing portions49that are laterally spaced relative to each other for receiving between the front ends thereof the pivotally mounted blade holder14. The blade holder14defines a pivot aperture50therethrough, and a pivot spacer52is received within pivot aperture50. Two fasteners54are threadedly received within opposing ends of the pivot spacer52to fixedly secure the blade holder14to the handle12. As can be seen, the blade holder14is permitted to pivot about an external bearing surface56of the pivot spacer52to allow the blade holder to move relative to the handle between the cutting position, blade release position, and closed position. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the fasteners54may take the form of any of numerous different fasteners, and the blade holder may be pivotally mounted to the handle in any of numerous different ways, that are currently known, or that later become known.

As shown inFIG. 6, the pivot spacer52defines a peripheral stop surface58that engages the inner end60of the locking member20. As shown inFIG. 7, the stop surface58contacts the inner end60of the locking member20when the blade holder14is located in the cutting position to thereby stop further movement of the locking member in a direction from the blade locking position toward the blade release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface58defines a circular peripheral contour such that the inner end60of the locking member20slides along the stop surface when the blade holder is pivoted between the closed, blade-release and cutting positions. As shown inFIG. 6, the stop surface58defines a stop recess62for receiving therein the inner end60of the locking member20when the blade holder14is located in the blade release position to, in turn, permit the locking member20to move from the blade locking position to the blade release position, and thereby release a utility knife blade18located on the blade holder14. As shown inFIG. 7, a spring64is received within a recess66of the blade holder14, and is connected to a depending flange68of the locking member20to normally bias the locking member in a direction from the blade locking position toward the blade release position. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring64is a coil spring; however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the spring may take the form of any of numerous different springs, biasing members or features that are currently known, or that later become known.

In the blade locking position, and as shown typically inFIG. 7, the outer end70of the blade locking member20is received within the receiving space46(FIG. 8) located to one side of the blade engaging portion36of the blade release actuator16to thereby prevent the blade release actuator16from being moved from the first or engaged position to the second or disengaged position. Accordingly, in the blade locking position, the blade locking member20prevents the blade release actuator16from being depressed, and thus prevents removal a utility knife blade18from the blade holder14. As shown typically inFIGS. 5 and 6, when the blade holder14is moved to the intermediate or blade release position, the inner end60of the blade locking member20is biased inwardly by the spring64into the stop recess62of the stop surface58. As shown typically inFIG. 5, this, in turn, causes the outer end70of the locking member20to move out of the receiving space46located behind the blade engaging portion36of the blade release actuator16, and thus permit actuation of the blade release actuator. Accordingly, in the blade release position (FIGS. 5 and 6) a user is permitted to manually depress the blade release actuator16against the bias of the spring40(FIG. 8) to release the utility knife blade18to remove the blade from the blade holder. When the user manually releases the blade release actuator16, the spring40normally biases the blade release actuator from the second or disengaged position to the first or engaged position. The user then may flip the blade to present a fresh cutting edge for use and reinstall the blade, may install a fresh blade, or may elect to leave the blade holder empty. When installing a blade, the user depresses the blade release actuator16into the second position. Then, when the blade is received within the blade holder, the user releases the blade release actuator16and the spring40biases the blade release actuator to the first or engaged position to prevent removal of the blade from the blade holder. A user then may pivot the blade holder to the cutting position (FIG. 7) or to the closed position (FIG. 4). In each case, the inner end60of the blade locking member20engages the stop surface58when the blade holder14is moved out of the blade release position which, in turn, moves the outer end70of the blade locking member20into the receiving space46(FIG. 8) to thereby prevent movement of the blade release actuator16when the blade holder is not located in the blade release position.

As shown typically inFIGS. 2-4, the utility knife blade18defines a cutting edge72including a first portion enclosed within the blade holder14, and a second portion extending outwardly of the blade holder14and providing an exposed cutting edge for use. The blade holder14defines a recess74aligned with the cutting edge72of the utility knife blade18and exposing within the recess a segment76of the first portion of the cutting edge of the blade for cutting objects, such as wires or like work pieces. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess74is open at the base of the blade holder, terminates in an arcuate portion, and is inclined toward a free end of the blade holder.

As shown best inFIGS. 5 and 6, the handle12includes a front end78having the blade holder14pivotally mounted thereto, a back end80located on an opposite end of the handle relative to the front end78, and an upper surface82extending between the back and front ends of the handle. The upper surface82includes a first upper surface portion84extending between the back end80and an intermediate portion86of the handle, and a second upper surface portion88extending between the intermediate portion86and the front end78of the handle12. The second upper surface portion88is inclined downwardly at an acute angle “A” relative to the first upper surface portion84. Preferably, the angle “A” is within the range of about 15° to about 35°, and is preferably about 25°; however, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, these angles are only exemplary and may be changed as desired or otherwise required. As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the first upper surface portion84is longer than the second upper surface portion88. In addition, as shown typically inFIG. 1, the second upper surface portion88is substantially co-planar with the upper surface90of the blade holder14when located in the cutting position. The handle12defines a lower surface92located on an approximately opposite side of the handle relative to the upper surface82. The lower surface92defines an axially elongated finger recess94located on an opposite side of the handle12relative to the second upper surface portion88, and a curvilinear portion96located on an opposite side of the handle relative to the first upper surface portion84. One advantage of the illustrated handle configuration is that it facilitates gripping the handle during use by, for example, placing an index finger in the finger recess94and a thumb on the second upper surface portion88, to thereby comfortably grip and safely manipulate the knife during use. The blade holder14further defines in its upper surface90a laterally expanded flat98located between the blade release actuator16and the front end78of the handle and extending laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the blade holder relative to each other. The expanded flat98can operate as a finger rest, such as for a thumb or index finger, during cutting operations.

As shown best inFIGS. 5 and 6, the folding utility knife10comprises a manually engageable lever100that is pivotable between a (i) first position engaging the blade holder14to releasably retain the blade holder in the closed position (FIG. 4), the cutting position (FIG. 7), and the blade release position (FIGS. 5 and 6), and (ii) a second position disengaged from the blade holder to move the blade holder from any one of such positions to another. The lever100is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin102to the intermediate portion86of the handle and extends along, and defines at least in part both the first and second upper surface portions84and88, respectively, of the handle12. The lever100includes a manually engageable end104located on the back end80of the handle12, and a blade holder engaging end106located on the front end78of the handle. The blade holder engaging end106includes a depending flange108defining a curvilinear tip that is slidably received within corresponding recesses of the blade holder14to releasably retain the blade holder in each of the cutting, blade release and closed positions. With reference toFIG. 7, the blade holder14includes on the inner or pivot end thereof a cutting recess110for receiving therein the depending flange108of the lever100when located in the cutting position to releasably retain the blade holder in the cutting position. The blade holder also defines a stop surface112at an upper edge of the cutting recess110to engage the front end of the lever and prevent further outward pivotal movement of the blade holder14relative to the handle12. With reference toFIG. 5, the blade holder14defines a blade release recess114angularly spaced relative to the cutting recess110for receiving therein the depending flange108of the lever100when the blade holder is located in the blade release position to releasably retain the blade holder in the blade release position. With reference toFIG. 4, the blade holder14further defines a storage or closed position recess116angularly spaced relative to the blade release recess114for receiving therein the depending flange108of the lever100when located in the closed position to releasably retain the blade holder in the closed position. A spring118is mounted between the manually engageable end104of the lever100and an internal surface of the handle12, and normally biases the blade holder engaging end106of the lever downwardly or into the first or blade holder engaging positions. In order to pivot the blade holder14between the cutting, blade release and closed positions, a user manually depresses the manually engageable end104of the lever which, in turn, releases the depending flange108of the lever from one of the recesses of the blade holder14and allows the blade holder to be freely pivoted from one position to another. When the user manually releases the manually engageable end104of the lever100, the spring118biases the blade holder engaging end106downwardly or into the first position to releasably retain the blade holder in any of the cutting, blade release and closed positions.

Another embodiment of folding utility knife10is shown inFIG. 10, which includes a device or mechanism incorporated into blade holder14to prevent a blade from falling or slipping out of blade holder14when blade release actuator16is engaged. An exemplary device, shown inFIG. 10, is magnet120. Magnet120is incorporated into a side wall of blade holder14, and exerts a magnetic force on the blade when the blade is disposed in blade holder14. When blade release actuator16is depressed into blade holder14, the blade is retained in blade holder14by magnet120until the user actively pulls the blade from blade holder14. Magnet120also prevents the blade from being released should a user inadvertently engage or depress blade release actuator16, particularly while the user is switching between the open, closed and blade release positions.

In the present embodiment, magnet120is shown as the device for preventing release of the blade, although other devices or mechanisms for preventing blade release may be utilized, such as a spring which biases the blade against blade holder14or side plate28and utilizes frictional forces to prevent the blade from dropping or sliding out of blade holder14. For example, a leaf spring may be provided in place of magnet120.

Magnet120may be positioned in a recess124in the side wall of blade holder14, as shown inFIG. 10, so that an outer surface of magnet120is located flush with a surface of the side wall, or is located on or near the same plane formed by the side wall. Alternatively, the outer surface of magnet120may extend laterally from the side wall. In addition, magnet120may be located at any desired location, such as on blade receiving recess22, first lateral blade support surface24, cutting edge support surface26, and side plate28.

Yet another embodiment of folding utility knife10is shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, and includes a device or mechanism incorporated into blade holder14to prevent blade release actuator16from being inadvertently depressed or engaged. This device or mechanism serves to prevent accidental release of a blade due to an inadvertent depression of blade release actuator16, which can be a significant risk when switching blade holder14between open, closed, and blade release positions. In this embodiment, a protrusion122, such as a brow or a ledge, extends laterally from the side of blade holder14and is located on the same side of blade holder14as release actuator16. Should a user accidentally contact actuator16while holding utility knife10or while switching between positions, the user's thumb, finger or hand would press against protrusion122, thereby reducing or avoiding pressure on release actuator16and preventing release actuator16from being depressed to a degree sufficient to release the blade.

Protrusion122preferably extends a lateral distance from blade holder14that is generally equal to or greater than the distance that actuator16extends from blade holder14. Protrusion122may extend any suitable distance, as long as such length is sufficient to prevent actuator16from being inadvertently fully depressed and releasing the blade. In addition, although protrusion122is shown as being disposed along a lower portion of actuator16, protrusion122may be positioned at any desired position proximate to actuator16. Protrusion122may be a plurality of protrusions placed at desired locations around actuator16, or may completely or partially surround actuator16.

As shown inFIG. 12, protrusion122extends laterally from blade holder14. Side plate28may include an aperture sufficient to allow both actuator16and protrusion122to extend a desired distance from side plate28. Alternatively, protrusion122may extend directly from side plate28, and may be attached to side plate28or formed integrally with side plate28.

Other embodiments of folding utility knife10, shown inFIGS. 13-20, include various tools incorporated into handle12on the opposite end of utility knife10relative to blade holder14.FIG. 13shows a tool130pivotally affixed to handle12in an open position, andFIG. 14shows tool130in a closed position. Tool130is affixed to handle12via a pivoting hinge132or other connection device that allows tool130to be manually rotated from the open position to the closed position. A resilient member136is disposed within handle12and has an end that rests flush against an interior edge of tool130to bias tool130in either the open or closed position. If sufficient force is applied to tool130by the user, resilient member136deforms to allow tool130to be rotated. An example of resilient member136is a leaf spring, although any suitable biasing device may be utilized.

In one embodiment, tool130includes a groove134such as a nail mark, to allow a user to grasp tool130with a thumb or finger nail to open and close tool130. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, tool130includes a screwdriver138and a bottle opener139. However, tool130may take the form of any number of tools or devices including, but not limited to, the additional exemplary tools discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 15-20.

Additional examples of tools that may be included in handle12are shown inFIGS. 15-20.FIG. 15shows a multi-tool140that includes a screwdriver142, a reamer144, and a bottle opener146.FIG. 16shows a file150.FIG. 17shows a nut driver or socket wrench160.FIG. 18shows a screwdriver bit holder170, holding a screwdriver bit172.FIG. 19shows a scribe, reamer, punch or awl180.FIG. 20shows an additional blade190. Although blade190is shown as having a serrated edge, blade190may also have a smooth edge. Additional tools may be incorporated into handle12, such as can openers, various pocket knife blades, a corkscrew, pliers, and flat head and phillips head screwdrivers.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the components of the folding utility knife may be made of any of numerous different materials, or may take any of numerous different shapes and configurations that are currently known, or that later become known. For example, the blade release actuator may take any of numerous different shapes and/or configurations, the mechanism for pivotally mounting the blade holder to the handle may take any of numerous different configurations, the blade holder may take any of numerous different configurations, and the mechanism for releasably retaining the blade holder in the various positions and/or releasing the blade holder from one position for movement to another, may take any of numerous different configurations, that are currently known, or that later become known. In addition, the blade holder may define more than one cutting position and/or more than one blade release position. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative as opposed to a limiting sense.