Abstract:
A utility knife employing a blade having multiple cutting portions, and a housing for quickly and simply swapping out one cutting portion for another. In a preferred embodiment, a six-cutting-portion featured blade is employed. Each point of the six-cutting-portion featured blade features two distinct cutting portions, for a total of six cutting portions located on a single blade. The blade can be rotated about a central axis to expose new cutting portions as old portions wear and dull. In another embodiment, a single-edged blade featuring two cutting faces is housed in a knife handle. The blade can be flipped when the first portion is dull or worn to expose a second cutting face. The handle may optionally include a storage space for storing additional blades.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/743,426 filed on Sep. 4, 2012, and is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,206, filed Aug. 23, 2011, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/402,536, filed Sep. 1, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This application relates to utility knife blades, and more particularly, to unconventional utility knife blades with six defined individual cutting portions that allow the user to have available on one blade, six individual cutting portions that will be used with special designed utility knives. 
     2. Background and Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional disposable utility blades are well known in the art. These blades, along with their knives, have many industrial as well as home uses, such as for opening boxes, cutting cord or cutting wallboard. Typical utility blades are encased in a plastic or metal handle in either a fixed or retractable position. When in use, the blade is positioned to extend outwardly from the handle, exposing the cutting edge and one of the cutting points of the blade. 
     Utility knife blades come in a variety of shapes depending upon the intended use. A conventional utility blade has a generally trapezoidal shape that includes a back edge, a cutting edge and two side edges. The trapezoidal shaped blades have two cutting portions or tips formed at the intersections between the side edges and the cutting edge. These sharp points or tips enable a user to puncture through a material which is desired to be cut, such as sealing tape or the cardboard box. Once the object has been punctured and penetrated, the user can slice open the material by dragging the knife along the surface of the material allowing the cutting edge to cut through the material. 
     Existing prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,921,568; 5,557,852; 2,542,582; 4,592,113; 3,037,342; 5,636,845; and 4,745,653. 
     Although trapezoidal-shaped utility blades are widely used, they have only two usable cutting portions. They have the disadvantage that when the two edges get dull, the blade has to be replaced. The two-edged blade, therefore, requires more frequent replacement after the two cutting edges are worn out. 
     Break-off style blades with a multitude of cutting portions are not well suited for many applications and there is a greater safety or injury risk due to potential snap-off during usage when side loads are applied. 
     There is a need for an improved utility knife blade that overcomes one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of conventional prior art utility knife blades. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a utility knife employing a blade having multiple cutting portions, and a means for quickly and simply swapping out one cutting edge portion for another. 
     In a preferred embodiment, six-cutting-portion featured blade is employed. Each point of the generally triangular-shaped, six-cutting-portion featured blade features two distinct cutting portions, for a total of six cutting portions located on a single blade. The blade can be rotated about a central axis to expose new cutting edges portions as old portions wear and dull. 
     In another embodiment, a standard, trapezoidal-shaped, single-edged blade featuring two cutting faces is housed in a knife handle. The blade can be flipped when the first edge is dull or worn to expose a second cutting face. The handle may optionally include a storage space for storing additional blades. 
     One embodiment of the present invention features a knife handle capable of holding a blade with multiple cutting portions, such that the blade can be turned or flipped to present a new cutting portion when the previous cutting portion has become dull. 
     Another embodiment features the same handle, but includes a storage space within the handle for storing additional blades. 
     Another embodiment features a hinged flap which bolts against the handle, thereby making it even simpler to install, flip, or exchange blades. 
     Another embodiment features a hinged flap and also a number of support pegs which provide additional support for the blade and may be used in situations where higher pressure is applied to the blade during the cutting process. The pegs may be removable or permanently attached to the handle. 
     Another embodiment features a pivoting arm connected to a similar such hinged flap, wherein the arm may be locked in a lowered position, thereby securing the blade to the handle, or the arm may be raised, thereby releasing the blade. 
     A knife blade storage compartment which is capable of storing new and used knife blades may optionally be included with any variant of the knife, the knife storage compartment further improving the features of the overall knife. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a knife embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a blade storage compartment embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 6A  is an alternative isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 6B  is an alternative isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 6C  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 6D  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 7A  is an isometric view of a top plate element of the blade storage compartment. 
         FIG. 7B  is an alternative isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 7C  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 7D  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a blade tray element of the blade storage compartment. 
         FIG. 8B  is an alternative isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 8C  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 8D  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 9A  is an isometric view of an optional wall mount element of the blade storage compartment. 
         FIG. 9B  is an alternative isometric view thereof. 
         FIG. 9C  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 9D  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment knife embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment knife embodying an aspect of the present invention, showing the handle in an open position without a blade. 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of thereof, showing the handle in a closed position with a blade secured. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment knife embodying an aspect of the present invention, showing the handle in an open position without a blade. 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of thereof, showing the handle in a closed position with a blade secured. 
         FIG. 15A  is a partial side elevational view thereof, showing an alternative arrangement of the elements and featuring an alternative blade. 
         FIG. 15B  is a side elevational view of the alternative blade thereof. 
         FIG. 15C  is another partial side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , showing an alternative panel and handle construction for use with an alternative blade. 
         FIG. 15D  is a partial side elevational view thereof, with the blade inserted into the handle. 
         FIG. 15E  is a side elevational view of the alternative blade thereof. 
         FIG. 16A  is a right side elevational view of an alternative embodiment knife embodying an aspect of the present invention, showing the handle in an open position without a blade. 
         FIG. 16B  is a left side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 16C  is a right side elevational view thereof, with the handle in a closed position with a blade contained therein. 
         FIG. 16D  is a left side elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 17A  is a front elevational view of thereof. 
         FIG. 17B  is a side elevational view of a panel employed in the embodiment of  FIGS. 16A-17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of another alternative embodiment knife embodying an aspect of the present invention, showing the handle in an open position without a blade. 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevational view thereof, showing the handle in a closed position with a blade secured. 
         FIG. 19A  is a side elevational view of a quarter-turn fastener element employed therein shown in relation to a blade. 
         FIG. 20A  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade. 
         FIG. 20B  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 20C  is a rear elevational view thereof, showing the blade edges located on the front face in hidden lines. 
         FIG. 20D  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration. 
         FIG. 20E  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 20F  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 20G  is a side elevational view of a three-sided blade being fitted into a simplified knife handle and blade receiver head. 
         FIG. 20H  is a second step in a series thereof. 
         FIG. 20I  is a third step in a series thereof. 
         FIG. 20J  is a top plan view thereof. 
         FIG. 20K  is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration. 
         FIG. 20L  is a front elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 20M  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
         FIG. 21A  is an elevational view of an alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21B  is an elevational view of another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21C  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21D  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21E  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21F  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21G  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21H  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21I  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21J  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21K  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21L  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21M  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
         FIG. 21N  is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
     As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, base, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
     A preferred embodiment features a knife blade body capable of allowing a knife blade to rotate or turn, thereby exposing additional cutting surfaces for use. 
     II. Preferred Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  2   
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a knife handle  9  comprising a right portion  10  and a left portion  20 , a six-cutting-portion featured knife blade  3 , and a blade mounting bolt  6  for mounting the blade  3  between the right  10  and left  20  portions of the handle  9 . The blade mounting bolt  6  is inserted through an opening  8  through the handle  9  and the blade  3  itself. A number of securing or mounting bolts  4  are used to join the handle together. 
     This embodiment includes a storage space  18  located in the base portion  14  of the handle  9  for storing additional multi-edged cutting blades  19 . A simple covering  15  keeps the extra blades  19  within the storage space  18  until they are needed. The covering  15  could simply clamp over or otherwise snap on to the base portion  14  of the handle  9 , or it may include a hinged end which allows the covering to swing away from the base, thereby exposing the extra blades. Other options could also be used, such as providing a simple cap which plugs the opening to the storage space  18  by the covering  15 . 
       FIGS. 20A-20M  provide more detail on how the three-sided blade plays a role in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 20A-C  show how the knife blade previously described presents six cutting portions, and how each portion can be presented from the knife handle by flipping or turning the blade within the blade retaining head. Each cutting portion is labeled by an edge a portion label  11 . A blade cutting portion indicator  13  distinguishes the cutting portion from the body of the blade.  FIG. 20C  shows the gap  17  located between two separate cutting portions  5 . The gap can be a flat space, a notch, or it could be a continuous cutting edge. The purpose of the gap  17  is to designate between two separate cutting portions.  FIGS. 20D-F  show an alternative arrangement of the three-sided blade which includes a secondary ring of mounting holes  21  which provides additional stability to a blade secured by those holes in addition to the blade retaining hole  7 .  FIGS. 20G-J  show how the cutting portion labeled “1” is presented initially when the blade is received by a blade receiving space  50  located within the handle  9  halves  10 ,  20 .  FIGS. 20K-M  provide even more options for how the cutting portions of the three-sided blade may be presented. 
       FIGS. 4-9D  present a blade storage compartment  22  which optionally may be mounted to a wall or otherwise stored with or near the knife apparatus  2 . The storage compartment  22  primarily comprises a storage body  26  with a pair of slots  25  adapted for inserting into a receiver  46  located on a wall mount  24  which is mounted to a wall or other structure by inserting nails, screws, or similar elements through mounting holes  44  located on the wall mount  24 . The storage body  26  also includes a number of insert receivers  40  for receiving the insert tabs  38  of an upper plate  28 . The upper plate keeps blades  3  stored safely with the confines of the storage body  26 . The upper plate also includes a thumb slot  36  which allows a user to use their thumb to grip and press against the top of a stored blade for removal or storage purposes. 
     A spacer  34  can be used to segregate new, sharp blades from old, dull blades, but both blade types may be stored within the same container  22 . A blade tray  30  with a pressure knob  42  assists a user in inserting or removing new blades  3  from the lower blade slot  32  of the storage body  26 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the blade tray slides partially out from the storage body to allow the user to refill the storage container or to remove a blade for use. The pressure knob  42  locks into place against the upper lip of the blade slot  32  until the user puts pressure against the pressure knob  42 , thereby releasing the tray  30  such that a blade may be withdrawn from the storage compartment  22 . 
     Old, dull, or otherwise used blades may be inserted into the storage container through an upper slot  33 . These blades remain separated from the new blade by the spacer  34 . A pair of flexible taps  48  prevent old blades from sliding back out through the slot  33 . Each tap has a raised catch lip, which allows a blade to be pushed into the slot past the catch, but which prevents the blade from sliding back out. 
     It should be noted that a similar configuration using a trapezoidal-shaped, standard razor blade could be supplemented for the six-cutting-edge blades shown in the figures. 
     III. Alternative Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  52   
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a knife handle  59  comprising a right portion  60  and a left portion  70 . This knife apparatus  52  is functionally identical to the previous embodiment; however, no storage department is contained within the handle for storing additional blades. 
     IV. Second Alternative Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  102   
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an alternative knife handle  109  having a right half  110  and a left half (not shown) is presented, where the handle is held together by a number of handle mounting bolts  104 . The handle  109  encloses an alternative blade  103  having multiple cutting portions  105 , and which blade contains a number of additional mounting holes  107 . The previously disclosed blade  3  may also be used in this embodiment. 
     The blade  103  is inserted into a space  112  located in the handle. A panel  114  connected to the handle by a hinge  118  is used to secure the blade in place for cutting operations. When the panel  114  is closed and the mounting bolt  106  is inserted through the panel bolt hole  116 , the blade, and the handle bolt hole  115 , the blade is securely locked in place and can be used to cut. When the user wishes to change cutting portions or entire blades, the mounting bolt  106  is removed, the panel  114  is opened, and the blade is rotated or removed. 
     V. Third Alternative Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  152   
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , and similar to the previous embodiment, an alternative knife handle  159  having a right half  160  and a left half (not shown) is presented, where the handle is held together by a number of handle mounting bolts  104 . The handle  159  encloses an alternative blade  103  having multiple cutting portions  105 , and which blade contains a number of additional mounting holes  107 . The blade  103  is inserted into a space  162  located in the handle. A panel  164  connected to the handle by a hinge  168  is used to secure the blade in place for cutting operations. 
     A pair of pegs  155  is located within the blade mounting space  162 , and these pegs are inserted into the additional mounting holes  107  of the blade. Similarly, the panel  164  includes a pair of peg receiving spaces or holes  165  for securing the pegs. The pegs  155  may be permanently affixed to the handle or may be temporary and replaceable. As in the previous embodiment, when the panel  164  is closed and the mounting bolt  156  is inserted through the panel bolt hole  166 , the blade, and the handle bolt hole (not shown), the blade is securely locked in place and can be used to cut. When the user wishes to change cutting portions or entire blades, the mounting bolt  156  is removed, the panel  164  is opened, and the blade is rotated or removed. This combination, including the supporting pegs  155 , allows a blade to be used for higher-pressure cutting scenarios. 
       FIGS. 15A-B  show an alternative blade  153  wherein the mounting holes  187  are located in between cutting portions  185 , rather than toward the points as shown in previous figures.  FIG. 15A  shows an alternative arrangement of the securing pegs  155 . This arrangement allows the mounting holes  187  to be fully concealed by the panel  164  when it is closed. 
       FIGS. 15C-E  show yet another alternative blade  203  featuring cutting portions  205  which are identified on the blade by cutting portion IDs  208 . The IDs typically are numbers indicating the order in which the cutting portions should be utilized (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). The mounting holes  207  are located above the ID. The central mounting hole  211  features a hole adapted for receiving a quarter-turn fastener or other similar mounting device. A recess  177  located in the mounting space  162  includes a locking element  178 . This locking element passes through the central mounting hole  211  of the blade and locks into a receiver  176  located in the panel  164 .  FIG. 19A , discussed below, provides an example of how such a device could work. 
     VI. Fourth Alternative Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  202   
     As shown in  FIGS. 16A-17C , a knife handle  209  having a right half  210  and a left half  220  is presented, where the handle is held together by a number of handle mounting bolts  204 . The handle  209  encloses a blade  203  having multiple cutting portions  205 . The blade  203  is inserted into a space  212  located in the handle. A panel  214  connected to the handle by a pivot point  218  is used to secure the blade in place for cutting operations. A lever  222  with a tip  223  adapted for gripping is connected to the panel  214 , and operates to pivot the panel about the pivot point  218 . An opening  240  allows the handle to pass through the body of the handle  209 . 
     The lever  222  may be pivoted into a lever recess  226  located in the left handle portion  220 . A sliding lock  230  located on rails  228  can be slid into place to engage the lever  222 , thereby locking the lever against the body of the handle  209  within the lever recess  226 . In this position the panel  214  will be in a closed position, thereby securing the blade  203  within the blade recess  212  of the handle. The blade can then be used to cut along the exposed cutting edge portion. Sliding the lock  230  back along the rails  228  allows the lever to pivot freely, thereby releasing the blade. 
     VII. Fifth Alternative Embodiment Utility Knife Apparatus  252   
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , and similar to previous embodiments, an alternative knife handle  259  having a right half  260  and a left half (not shown) is presented, where the handle is held together by a number of handle mounting bolts  254 . The handle  259  encloses a blade  103  having multiple cutting portions  105 , and which blade may optionally contain a number of additional mounting holes  107 . The blade  103  is inserted into a space  262  located in the handle. A panel  264  connected to the handle by a hinge  268  is used to secure the blade in place for cutting operations. 
     A quarter-turn fastener  256  is used to secure the blade to the handle. The fastener  256  includes a locking element  267  located within a recess  266  on the internal face of the panel  264 . A locking element receiver  265  located within the blade-mounting space  262  receives the locking element once the panel has been closed. A user would press against the fastener  256 , thereby pressing the locking element  267  out of the recess  266 , though the center hole of the blade  103 , and into the receiver  265 . The fastener  256  is then turned a quarter turn, thereby rotating the locking element 90 degrees within the receiver, locking the panel in place. 
       FIG. 19A  is a side view of such a fastener in relation to the blade as it would sit within the receiving space  262 . 
     It should be noted that many blade types could be used in this embodiment or in many of the previous embodiments.  FIGS. 21A-N  demonstrate a wide variety of blades which may be used in combination with many of the knife embodiments disclosed herein. 
     It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.