Patent Publication Number: US-11639006-B1

Title: Pocket knife

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally involves a pocket knife. In particular embodiments, the pocket knife may be a manual, a single action, a double action, an out-the-front, or a folding knife design. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pocket knives generally include a folding or sliding blade that may be easily carried by a user. The blade generally has a cutting edge that can move between retracted and deployed positions with respect to a chassis. In the retracted position, the cutting edge is inside of the chassis to shield the cutting edge from inadvertent contact that might damage the blade or cause harm to personnel or objects. In the deployed position, the cutting edge is outside of the chassis to allow use of the cutting edge as desired. 
     A manually operated pocket knife design generally requires two hands to deploy and retract the blade. A single action pocket knife design typically includes a spring that assists the user to deploy the blade using a single hand, whereas a double action pocket knife design generally includes a spring that assists the user to both deploy and retract the blade using a single hand. Each design balances the convenience and speed of operation with increased risk associated with inadvertent operation. 
     Many pocket knives include a pocket clip biased against the chassis to facilitate carrying the pocket knife in a concealed or partially concealed manner. For example, the user may carry the pocket knife in a pocket with the pocket clip hooked over the outside of the pocket. In this manner, the pocket clip facilitates access to the pocket knife by securely holding the pocket knife at the top of the pocket to prevent the pocket knife from dropping to the bottom of the pocket. 
     Various designs exist to attach the pocket clip to the chassis. For example, one or more pocket clip screws may attach the pocket clip to the chassis of the pocket knife. Although pocket clip screws enable the user to easily reposition, repair, or replace the pocket clip, the pocket clip screws occasionally become loose through normal wear and usage, allowing the pocket clip to pivot, rotate, or otherwise move with respect to the chassis. Since the pocket clip is biased against the chassis, movement between the pocket clip and the chassis tends to scratch or mar the outer surface of the chassis. Therefore, the need exists for an improved pocket clip design that reduces scratching or marring of the chassis caused by movement between the pocket clip and the chassis. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     One embodiment of the present invention is a pocket knife that includes a chassis that defines a cavity and a blade having a cutting edge. The blade has a retracted position in which the cutting edge is inside of the cavity and a deployed position in which the cutting edge is outside of the cavity. A pocket clip is attached to the chassis by means for attaching the pocket clip to the chassis. 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a pocket knife that includes a chassis that defines a cavity and a blade having a cutting edge. The blade has a retracted position in which the cutting edge is inside of the cavity and a deployed position in which the cutting edge is outside of the cavity. A recess in the chassis defines a base and a sidewall at an obtuse angle to the base. A pocket clip is engaged with the sidewall of the recess. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pocket knife includes a left chassis, a right chassis opposed to the left chassis, and a cavity between the left and right chassis. A blade having a cutting edge has a retracted position in which the cutting edge is inside of the cavity and a deployed position in which the cutting edge is outside of the cavity. A recess in at least one of the left or right chassis defines a base and a sidewall at an obtuse angle to the base. A pocket clip defines a seating surface parallel to the sidewall of the recess, and the seating surface of the pocket clip is engaged with the sidewall of the recess. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a pocket knife according to one embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  1    in a deployed position; 
         FIG.  3    is a left plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  1    with the left and right scales removed and the actuator in a mid-position; 
         FIG.  4    is an axial cross-section view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  3    taken along A—A; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a partially exploded perspective view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  1    with the left and right scales removed; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom plan view of the actuator shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a left plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the left chassis and left scale removed, the blade in the retracted position, the actuator in the shut position, the slider in the rear position, and the rear lock engaged with the blade; 
         FIG.  9    is a left plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the left chassis and left scale removed, the blade in the retracted position, the actuator in the open position, the slider in the front position, and the rear lock released from the blade; 
         FIG.  10    is a left plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the left chassis and left scale removed, the blade in the deployed position, the actuator in the open position, the slider in the front position, and the front lock engaged with the blade; 
         FIG.  11    is a left plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3    with the left chassis and left scale removed, the blade in the deployed position, the actuator in the shut position, the slider in the rear position, and the front lock released from the blade; 
         FIG.  12    is a right plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a longitudinal cross-section view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  12    taken along B-B; 
         FIG.  14    is an axial cross-section view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  12    taken along C-C; 
         FIG.  15    is an axial plan view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1  and  12   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a side plan view of the pocket clip shown in  FIGS.  5  and  12   ; and 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom plan view of the pocket clip shown in  FIG.  16   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a pocket knife with a pocket clip that reduces scratching or marring of the pocket knife. Unless specifically recited in the claims, the pocket knife may be a manual, a single action, a double action, an out-the-front, or a folding knife design. For convention of reference, the term “front” shall refer to the end of the pocket knife from which a blade deploys; the term “rear” shall refer to the end of the pocket knife that is opposite from the front; the term “top” shall refer to the side of the pocket knife that houses an actuator for operating the pocket knife; the term “bottom” shall refer to the side of the pocket knife that is opposite from the top; and the terms “left” and “right” shall refer to the opposing sides of the pocket knife that are adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the top and bottom. As used herein, the term “longitudinal” shall refer to the direction between the front and rear of the pocket knife, and the term “radial” shall refer to any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 
       FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a pocket knife  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position, and  FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  1    in a deployed position. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the pocket knife  10  generally includes a chassis  12 , a blade  14 , and an actuator  16 . 
     The chassis  12  provides a frame for supporting the various components associated with the pocket knife  10  and may be molded, pressed, or machined from plastics, metals, polymers, or any material or combination of materials having the desired strength and durability. The chassis  12  may be a single piece construction or may be formed from a left chassis  18  connected to a right chassis  20  by screws  22  or other attachment means. As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the screws  22  may also attach a left scale  24  and a right scale  26  over some or all of the left and right chassis  18 ,  20 , respectively, for decoration and/or additional support for the actuator  16 . In particular embodiments, the screws  22  may be inserted through the left chassis  18  and left scale  24  (if present) to provide threaded engagement with the right chassis  20  without passing through the right chassis  20  or right scale  26  (if present), resulting in a visually clean appearance of the right side of the chassis  12 . 
       FIG.  3    provides a left plan view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  1    with the left and right scales  24 ,  26  removed and the actuator  16  in a mid-position, and  FIG.  4    provides an axial cross-section view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  3    taken along A-A. As shown most clearly in  FIG.  4   , the chassis  12  defines a left outer surface  28  opposed to a right outer surface  30 , a top outer surface  32  between the left and right outer surfaces  28 ,  30 , and a cavity  34  between the left and right outer surfaces  28 ,  30 . 
     The blade  14  generally has one or more cutting edges  36  and can move between retracted and deployed positions. In the retracted position, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  6 ,  8 , and  9   , the cutting edge  36  is inside of the cavity  34  of the chassis  12  to shield the cutting edge  36  from inadvertent contact that might damage the blade  14  or cause harm to personnel or objects. In the deployed position, as shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  10 , and  11   , the cutting edge  36  is outside of the cavity  34  of the chassis  12  to allow use of the cutting edge  36  as desired. 
     The actuator  16  controls the operation of the pocket knife  10  and has a shut or rear position, shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  8 , and  11   , that moves the blade  14  to the retracted position and an open or front position, shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  9 , and  10   , that moves the blade  14  to the deployed position. The actuator  16  is in sliding contact with the chassis  12 , and surfaces of the actuator  16  may extend beyond the left, right, and/or top outer surfaces  28 ,  30 ,  32  of the chassis  12  to enhance access to and gripping of the actuator  16 . As shown most clearly in  FIG.  4   , for example, a top side  38  of the actuator  16  may extend beyond the top outer surface  32  of the chassis  12  so that a user holding the pocket knife  10  in one hand may use a thumb of that hand to slide the actuator  16  to the open and shut positions to alternately deploy and retract the blade  14 . Alternately or in addition, a left side  40  of the actuator  16  may extend beyond the left outer surface  28  of the chassis  12 , and a right side  42  of the actuator  16  may extend beyond the right outer surface  30  of the chassis  12 . In this manner, a user may use a thumb and index finger to pinch the left and right sides  40 ,  42  of the actuator  16  to apply more force to reposition the actuator  16  to the open and shut positions. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may include any combination of the top, left, and/or right sides  38 ,  40 ,  42  of the actuator  16  as shown in  FIG.  4   , and the present invention is not limited to any particular combination unless recited in the claims. 
       FIG.  5    provides an exploded view of the pocket knife shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the rear portion of the blade  14  generally includes a tang  44 , and the tang  44  of the blade  14  may include a post  46  longitudinally separated from a rear surface  48  and a notch  50  in one or both sides. In particular embodiments, the post  46  may be simply a projection from the tang  44 , while in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the post  46  may be a separate part threaded or press-fit into the tang  44 . The purpose and operation of the post  46 , rear surface  48 , and notch  50  will be described in more detail with respect to operation of the blade  14  between the retracted and deployed positions as shown in  FIGS.  8 - 11   . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG.  5   , a spring  52 , front and rear operators  54 ,  56 , front and rear locks  58 ,  60 , and a slider  62  may be located inside the cavity  34  of the chassis  12 . The spring  52  connects the front operator  54  to the rear operator  56 . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , the spring  52  is in threaded engagement with the front and rear operators  54 ,  56  so slight variations in the modulus of elasticity of the spring  52  may be compensated by increasing or decreasing the length of the threaded engagement with one or both of the front and rear operators  54 ,  56 . As will be explained in more detail with respect to  FIGS.  8 - 11   , the front and rear operators  54 ,  56  alternately engage with the blade  14  and the slider  62  to move the blade  14  between the retracted and deployed positions. 
     The front and rear locks  58 ,  60  may be pivotally connected to the chassis  12  and biased inward in the cavity  34  by springs  64 . In this manner, with the blade  14  in the retracted position, the rear lock  60  is in biased engagement with the notch  50  in the tang  44  to lock the blade  14  inside the chassis  12 . Conversely, with the blade  14  in the deployed position, the front lock  58  is in biased engagement with the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to lock the blade  14  outside of the chassis  12 . 
     The slider  62  has a first side  66  opposed to a second side  68  and may include a front sloped surface  70  and a rear sloped surface  72  on either of the first or second sides  66 ,  68 . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , the front and rear sloped surfaces  70 ,  72  are located or defined on the first side  66  of the slider  62  to engage with the front and rear locks  58 ,  60  as the slider  62  moves longitudinally in the cavity  34 . In alternate embodiments, the front and rear sloped surfaces  70 ,  72  may be located or defined on opposite sides  66 ,  68  of the slider  62  to correspond to the positions of the associated front and rear locks  58 ,  60 , and the present invention is not limited to the specific location of the front and rear sloped surfaces  70 ,  72  unless specifically recited in the claims. 
     A tab  74  may extend from whichever side of the slider  62  is closest to the actuator  16  so that the tab  74  engages with the actuator  16  and the actuator  16  and the slider  62  move together. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , for example, the tab  74  extends from the second side  68  of the slider  62 . In this manner, forward or rearward movement of the actuator  16  moves the slider  62  the same direction and distance. 
     The slider  62  has a rear position that moves the blade  14  to the retracted position and a front position that moves the blade  14  to the deployed position. Specifically, with the slider  62  in the front position and the blade  14  locked in the deployed position, as the slider  62  moves to the rear position, the slider  62  engages with the rear operator  56  to create tension in the spring  52 . Rearward movement of the slider  62  causes the front sloped surface  70  to engage with the front lock  58  to pivot the front lock  58  outward, disengaging the front lock  58  from the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to allow the spring  52  to pull the front operator  54  against the post  46  in the tang  44  to move the blade  14  to the retracted position. Conversely, with the slider  62  in the rear position and the blade  14  locked in the retracted position, as the slider  62  moves to the front position, the slider  62  engages with the front operator  54  to create tension in the spring  52 . Forward movement of the slider  62  causes the rear sloped surface  72  to engage with the rear lock  60  to pivot the rear lock  60  outward, disengaging the rear lock  60  from the notch  50  in the tang  44  of the blade  14  to allow the spring  52  to pull the rear operator  56  against the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to move the blade  14  to the deployed position. 
       FIG.  6    provides a partially exploded perspective view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  1    with the left and right scales  24 ,  26  removed, and  FIG.  7    provides a bottom plan view of the actuator  16  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the tab  74  extends from the slider  62  in the cavity  34  above the top outer surface  32  of the chassis  12  to engage with a complimentary recess  76  in the actuator  16  so the actuator  16  and the slider  62  move together. In addition, a T-shaped boss  78  may extend from the top outer surface  32  of the chassis  12  to slidingly engage with an extended recess  80  in the actuator  16  as the actuator  16  moves between the open and shut positions. In this manner, the T-shaped boss  78  may retain the actuator  16  engaged with the top outer surface  32  of the chassis  12  as the actuator  16  slides between the open and shut positions. The extended recess  80  may include a section  82  that is wider than the T-shaped boss  78 . The wider section  82  of the extended recess  80  allows removal of the actuator  16  for repairs or replacement without requiring further disassembly of the chassis  12 . 
     Operation of the pocket knife  10  between the retracted and deployed positions will now be described with respect to  FIGS.  8 - 11   . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the actuator  16  is in the shut position, and the slider  62  is in the rear position with the blade  14  retracted inside the cavity  34 . With the blade  14  in the retracted position, the rear operator  56  is engaged with the rear surface  48  of the tang  44 , and the rear lock  60  is engaged with the notch  50  in the tang  44  to retain the blade  14  in the retracted position. 
     To deploy the blade  14 , the actuator  16  is moved forward to the open position as shown in  FIG.  9   , and the engagement between the tab  74  and the actuator  16  causes the slider  62  to move forward with the actuator  16 . As the slider  62  initially moves forward, the rear lock  60  remains engaged with the notch  50  in the tang  44  to prevent the blade  14  from moving, and the front of the slider  62  engages with the front operator  54  to move the front operator  54  forward and create tension in the spring  52  between the front and rear operators  54 ,  56 . Eventually, the rear sloped surface  72  on the first side  66  of the slider  62  disengages the rear lock  60  from the notch  50  to release the blade  14 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     When the rear lock  60  disengages from the notch  50 , the tension in the spring  52  causes the rear operator  56  to eject the blade  14  out of the cavity  34  to the deployed position, as shown in  FIG.  10   . The blade  14  moves out of the cavity  34  until the post  46  contacts the front operator  54  to prevent further travel of the blade  14  out of the cavity  34 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the actuator  16  is in the open position with the blade  14  deployed outside of the cavity  34 . In the deployed position, the front operator  54  is engaged with the post  46 , and the front lock  58  is engaged with the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to hold the blade  14  in the deployed position. 
     To retract the blade  14 , the actuator  16  is moved rearward to the shut position as shown in  FIG.  11   , and the engagement between the tab  74  and the actuator  16  causes the slider  62  to move rearward with the actuator  16 . As the slider  62  initially moves rearward, the front lock  58  remains engaged with the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to prevent the blade  14  from moving, and the rear of the slider  62  engages with the rear operator  56  to move the rear operator  56  rearward and create tension in the spring  52  between the front and rear operators  54 ,  56 . Eventually, the front sloped surface  70  on the first side  66  of the slider  62  disengages the front lock  58  from the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  to release the blade  14 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     When the front lock  58  disengages from the rear surface  48  of the tang  44 , the tension in the spring  52  causes the front operator  54  to pull the blade  14  into the cavity  34  to the retracted position, as shown in  FIG.  8   . The blade  14  moves into the cavity  34  until the rear surface  48  of the tang  44  contacts the rear operator  56 , and the rear lock  60  again engages with the notch  50  in the tang  44  to retain the blade  14  in the retracted position. 
     The embodiments described and illustrated with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 11    provide several advantages over conventional double action pocket knives. For example, the addition of the left and/or right sides  40 ,  42  of the actuator  16  that extend beyond the left and right outer surfaces  28 ,  30  of the chassis  12  enhances access to and gripping of the actuator  16 . As a result, a user may use a thumb and index finger to pinch the left and right sides  40 ,  42  of the actuator  16  to apply more force to reposition the actuator  16  to the open and shut positions. Alternately or in addition, the threaded engagement between the spring  52  and the front and/or rear operators  54 ,  56  allows for slight variations in the modulus of elasticity of the spring  52  to be compensated by increasing or decreasing the length of the threaded engagement with one or both of the front and rear operators  54 ,  56 . As a result, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved pocket knife  10  that may be comfortably operated one-handed while accommodating manufacturing tolerances in the spring  52 . 
       FIG.  12    provides a right plan view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  1   . As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  12   , the pocket knife  10  may further include a pocket clip  90  and means for attaching the pocket clip  90  to the chassis  12 . Various styles exist for pocket clips  90 , such as deep carry, milled, carabiner, and wire, and the present invention is not limited to any particular style of pocket clip  90  unless specifically recited in the claims. The pocket clip  90  may be biased against the chassis  12  to facilitate carrying the pocket knife  10  in a concealed or partially concealed manner. In particular embodiments, the pocket clip  90  may be attached to the left or right chassis  18 ,  20 . 
     The function of the means for attaching the pocket clip  90  to the chassis  12  is to attach, connect, or clamp the pocket clip  90  to the chassis  12 . The structure for performing this function is a recess  92  in the chassis  12  and a pocket clip screw  94 , rivet, bolt, or other fastener. The recess  92  in the chassis  12  defines a base  96  and a sidewall  98  at an obtuse angle  100  to the base  96 . The pocket clip screw  94 , rivet, bolt, or other fastener fits over or through the pocket clip  90  and engages with the chassis  12  to attach, connect, or clamp the pocket clip  90  to the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  in the chassis  12 . 
       FIG.  13    provides a longitudinal cross-section view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIG.  12    taken along B-B;  FIG.  14    provides an axial cross-section view of the pocket knife shown in  FIG.  12    taken along C-C, and  FIG.  15    provides an axial plan view of the pocket knife  10  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  12   . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5  and  13 - 15   , the recess  92  may be in the left and/or right chassis  18 ,  20  to allow the pocket clip  90  to be attached to either side of the chassis  12 . The obtuse angle  100  between the base  96  and the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  may be any angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In particular embodiments, the obtuse angle  100  between the base  96  and the sidewall  98  may be between 120 degrees and 150 degrees. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5  and  12   , the recess  92  further includes a first sidewall  102  substantially parallel to a second sidewall  104  with an arcuate sidewall  106  that connects the first sidewall  102  to the second sidewall  104 . In this manner, the first sidewall  102 , second sidewall  104 , and arcuate sidewall  106  surround three sides of the pocket clip  90  to enhance the attachment of the pocket clip  90  against the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  in the chassis  12 . 
       FIG.  16    provides a side plan view of the pocket clip  90  shown in  FIGS.  5  and  12   , and  FIG.  17    provides a bottom plan view of the pocket clip  90  shown in  FIG.  16   . As shown most clearly in  FIGS.  13 - 17   , the pocket clip  90  may define a seating surface  110  that is parallel to the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  so that the seating surface  110  of the pocket clip  90  engages flush with the sidewall  98  of the recess  92 . In the particular embodiment shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the seating surface  110  of the pocket clip  90  includes a first seating surface  112  substantially parallel to a second seating surface  114  with an arcuate seating surface  116  that connects the first seating surface  112  to the second seating surface  114 . In this manner, the first, second, and arcuate seating surfaces  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the pocket clip  90  may engage flush with the first, second, and arcuate sidewalls  102 ,  104 ,  106  of the recess  92  to more securely hold the pocket clip  90  in place against the chassis  12 . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  13 - 15   , the pocket clip screw  94  threadingly engages with at least one of the left or right chassis  18 ,  20  to releasably engage or clamp the first, second, and arcuate seating surfaces  112 ,  114 ,  116  of the pocket clip  90  flush against the first, second, and arcuate sidewalls  102 ,  104 ,  106  of the recess  92  to more securely hold the pocket clip  90  in place against the chassis  12 . As shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15   , the flush engagement between the seating surface  110  of the pocket clip  90  and the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  may prevent the pocket clip  90  from contacting the base  96  of the recess  92 , resulting in a space or gap  118  between the pocket clip  90  and the base  96  of the recess  92 . As a result, the pocket clip  90  is spaced from the base  96  of the recess  92  so all of the clamping force applied by the pocket clip screw  94  is applied to the flush engagement between the seating surface  110  of the pocket clip  90  and the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  to firmly hold the pocket clip  90  in place against the chassis  12 . 
     The various features of the pocket clip  90  and recess  92  shown in  FIGS.  12 - 17    provide several benefits over existing designs. Specifically, the obtuse angle  100  of the sidewall  98  of the recess  92  allows the pocket clip screw  94 , rivet, bolt, or other fastener to wedge, pinch, or clamp the pocket clip  90  against the angled sidewall  98  of the recess  92  to more securely attach the pocket clip  90  to the chassis  12 . The first, second, and arcuate sidewalls  102 ,  104 ,  106  of the recess  92 , if present, provide additional angled surfaces around the pocket clip  90  to further enhance the attachment between the pocket clip  90  and the chassis  12  to reduce relative movement between the two. Alternately or in addition, the seating surface  110  of the pocket clip  90  and/or the gap  118  between the pocket clip  90  and the base  96  of the recess  92  produce a more secure connection between the pocket clip  90  and the chassis  12  to further reduce any movement between the pocket clip  90  and the chassis  12  that might scratch or mar the surface of the chassis  12 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.