Patent Publication Number: US-2022228738-A1

Title: Cubical wood sharpener and multi-tool

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates, in general, to camping and survival gear and, more particularly, to a wood sharpener and multi-tool and method for making the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Spending time outdoors is a favorite pastime of many people. Hiking and camping, in particular, are very popular activities around the world. Even the most leisurely of hikes or camping trips, however, has the potential to become dangerous. A wrong turn on a trail, or a failure to heed warning signs, can result in a hiker or camper finding themselves off the beaten path and lost in the wilderness. Without the proper tools, campers and hikers may be unprepared to survive in such precarious circumstances. Thus, prudent hikers or campers often go to great lengths to ensure that they have the proper equipment with them before embarking on an outdoor adventure. 
     Different types of camping and survival gear have been created in an attempt to outfit outdoor enthusiasts with the equipment needed to be ready to handle any situation that may be encountered. While these products offer some utility, they suffer from certain disadvantages. For instance, a thin blade on a pocket knife or other multi-tool may be capable of shaving a small piece of bark from a branch, but is not well-suited for generating the large quantity of wood shavings needed to, for example, serve as tinder for emergency fire starting. The blade may also be prone to dulling quickly, which diminishes its utility (especially in prolonged survival situations). And, if the surface of the wood is wet, such a small, potentially dull knife may not be suitable for cutting away wet wood to expose dry wood that may be used as tinder. Moreover, these types of tools may pose a danger to the user, as inexperienced users may be more likely to cut themselves (especially under the stresses that accompany a survival situation). Beyond these concerns, even the most versatile tool cannot address all the needs that a person might have in the wilderness. For example, a blade may be suitable for cutting, but not for grinding. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved camping and survival gear that addresses these and other deficiencies. 
     SUMMARY 
     To address the foregoing problems, disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus comprises an integrally formed housing, the housing having a substantially cubical shape. The housing comprises a top portion, the top portion comprising an opening for receiving an object to be sharpened or shredded. The housing comprises a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, the bottom portion comprising a plurality of discharge openings arranged around a center piece of the bottom portion and a central discharge opening in the center piece. The housing comprises a plurality of support members disposed in an interior of the housing, each of the plurality of support members extending from an edge of the top portion proximate to the opening to the center piece of the bottom portion. The housing comprises a plurality of blade receptacles, each of the plurality of blade receptacles having a first section disposed in the top portion and a second section extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members. The housing comprises first, second, third, and fourth side portions. The first side portion comprises a first cavity. The second side portion comprises a second cavity. The third side portion comprises a third cavity and a fourth cavity. The fourth side portion comprises a fifth cavity. A sixth cavity is disposed at a juncture between the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The apparatus comprises a plurality of blades, each of the plurality of blades disposed in a respective one of the plurality of blade receptacles of the housing. The apparatus comprises a mirror removably coupled to the housing in the first cavity. The apparatus comprises a compass removably coupled to the housing in the third cavity. The apparatus comprises a blade sharpener removably coupled to the housing in the fourth cavity. The apparatus comprises a flint piece removably coupled to the housing in the sixth cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a cap removably coupled to the housing. The cap may comprise a plurality of projections arranged around a cap opening. The cap opening may substantially correspond in shape and size to the opening of the top portion. Each of the plurality of projections may contact a respective one of the plurality of blades when the cap is coupled to the housing. In certain embodiments, the cap may cover an opening of the second cavity and an opening of the fifth cavity when the cap is coupled to the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. 
     In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of each of the plurality of support members may be abrasive. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blades may comprise a serrated edge. 
     Also disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing. The housing comprises a top portion, the top portion comprising an opening for receiving an object. The housing comprises a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, the bottom portion comprising a plurality of discharge openings arranged around a center piece of the bottom portion. The housing comprises a plurality of support members disposed in an interior of the housing, each of the plurality of support members extending from an edge of the top portion proximate to the opening to the center piece of the bottom portion. The housing comprises a plurality of blade receptacles, each of the plurality of blade receptacles having a first section disposed in the top portion and a second section extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members. The housing comprises first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of blades, each of the plurality of blades disposed in a respective one of the plurality of blade receptacles of the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a cap removably coupled to the housing. The cap may comprise a plurality of projections arranged around a cap opening. The cap opening may substantially correspond in shape and size to the opening of the top portion. Each of the plurality of projections may contact a respective one of the plurality of blades when the cap is coupled to the housing. In certain embodiments, the cap may cover one or more cavity openings when the cap is coupled to the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing may be integrally formed. In certain embodiments, the housing may have a substantially cubical shape. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a mirror removably coupled to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a compass removably coupled to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a blade sharpener removably coupled to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a flint piece removably coupled to the housing in a cavity formed at a juncture between two of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of each of the plurality of support members may be abrasive. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blades may comprise a serrated edge. 
     Also disclosed is a method. The method comprises integrally forming a housing. The housing comprises a top portion, the top portion comprising an opening for receiving an object. The housing comprises a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, the bottom portion comprising a plurality of discharge openings arranged around a center piece of the bottom portion and a central discharge opening in the center piece. The housing comprises a plurality of support members disposed in an interior of the housing, each of the plurality of support members extending from an edge of the top portion proximate to the opening to the center piece of the bottom portion. The housing comprises a plurality of blade receptacles, each of the plurality of blade receptacles having a first section disposed in the top portion and a second section extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members. The housing comprises first, second, third, and fourth side portions. The method comprises removably coupling a plurality of blades to the housing, each of the plurality of blades disposed in a respective one of the plurality of blade receptacles of the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, integrally forming the housing may comprise one of: 3-D printing the housing using one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polylactic acid; filling a mold of the housing with acrylic; and integrally forming the housing using plastic injection molding. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. As one example, the apparatus disclosed herein may advantageously be used for shredding sticks or branches to, for example, efficiently create wood shavings that can be used as tinder for emergency fire starting as well as a variety of other purposes. The plurality of blades and their arrangement within the housing may advantageously increase the quantity of wood shavings produced as well as decrease the amount of time required to generate a sufficient amount of wood shavings. As another example, the apparatus disclosed herein may advantageously be used to quickly and safely create a sharp-pointed spear for use in hunting and/or fishing in a survival situation. As still another example, the design of the housing may advantageously make the shaving and/or sharpening process more efficient and safer for the user. As yet another example, the shape of the housing may advantageously enable the apparatus to be used for grinding an assortment of materials. Exposed surfaces of the support members may be abrasive in order to provide more effective and efficient grinding of materials. As another example, the plurality of discharge openings in the bottom portion may facilitate easy access to and collection of shavings or grounds created using the apparatus. As still another example, the apparatus may provide a number of removably coupled tools to facilitate a user&#39;s survival in the outdoors. For instance, a removably coupled mirror may enable emergency signaling. A magnifying glass may facilitate fire starting (e.g., using wood shavings generated using the apparatus). A removably coupled compass may facilitate a user finding his or her way to safety or other points of interest. A removably coupled blade sharpener may advantageously allow a user to sharpen the plurality of blades as needed (e.g., in the event that one or more of the plurality of blades begins to dull). A removably coupled flint piece may facilitate fire starting (e.g., using wood shavings generated using the apparatus). Other advantages may be readily apparent to one having skill in the art. Certain embodiments may have none, some, or all of the recited advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an angled top-view of an exemplary housing of an apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an angled bottom-view of the exemplary housing of the apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic drawing of the exemplary housing of the apparatus with a plurality of blades inserted, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary cap for the housing, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate example blades, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary apparatus with a number of accessory tools incorporated with the housing, in accordance with certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a hand tool that may be used with the exemplary apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method, in accordance with certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Different types of camping and survival gear have been created in an attempt to outfit outdoor enthusiasts with the equipment needed to be ready to handle any situation that may arise. As described above, however, existing tools and equipment suffer from a variety of deficiencies. As a result of the above-described deficiencies, existing tools may have limited utility and even pose a danger to a user. 
     The present disclosure contemplates various embodiments that may address these and other deficiencies. In certain embodiments, this is achieved by a cubical wood sharpener housing a plurality of blades that are removably coupled to the housing. The cubical wood sharpener is engineered for outdoor wood sharpening (e.g., sharpening tree branches) and grinding (e.g., grinding bark, leaves, coffee, etc.) and a variety of other purposes. For example, the cubical wood sharpener can be used to make tinder for emergency fire starting (even when the environment is moist, as it allows for easy access to the dry wood at the interior of a dead tree branch) or to fabricate a spear for hunting wild game and spear fishing. The cubical shape of the wood sharpener may provide an ergonomic grip for the user to allow for more comfortable sharpening, sawing, and grinding. Use of the cubical wood sharpener may be enhanced using an ergonomically designed hand tool such as the one described herein. 
     Several embodiments are elaborated in this disclosure. According to one example embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an integrally formed housing having a substantially cubical shape. The housing comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a plurality of support members, a plurality of blade receptacles, and first, second, third, and fourth side portions. The top portion comprises an opening for receiving an object (e.g., an object, such as a stick, to be sharpened or shredded). The bottom portion is disposed opposite the top portion and comprises a plurality of discharge openings arranged around a center piece of the bottom portion and a central discharge opening in the center piece. The support members are disposed in an interior of the housing. Each of the plurality of support members extends from an edge of the top portion proximate to the opening to the center piece of the bottom portion. Each of the plurality of blade receptacles has a first section disposed in the top portion of the housing and a second section extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members. The first side portion comprises a first cavity. The second side portion comprises a second cavity. The third side portion comprises a third cavity and a fourth cavity. The fourth side portion comprises a fifth cavity. A sixth cavity is disposed at a juncture between the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The apparatus comprises a plurality of blades, each of the plurality of blades disposed in a respective one of the plurality of blade receptacles of the housing. The apparatus comprises a mirror removably coupled to the housing in the first cavity. The apparatus comprises a compass removably coupled to the housing in the third cavity. The apparatus comprises a blade sharpener removably coupled to the housing in the fourth cavity. The apparatus comprises a flint piece removably coupled to the housing in the sixth cavity. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. As one example, the apparatus disclosed herein may advantageously be used for shredding sticks or branches to, for example, efficiently create wood shavings that can be used as tinder for emergency fire starting as well as a variety of other purposes. The plurality of blades and their arrangement within the housing may advantageously increase the quantity of wood shavings produced as well as decrease the amount of time required to generate a sufficient amount of wood shavings. As another example, the apparatus disclosed herein may advantageously be used to quickly and safely create a sharp-pointed spear for use in hunting and/or fishing in a survival situation. As still another example, the design of the housing may advantageously make the shaving and/or sharpening process more efficient and safer for the user. As yet another example, the shape of the housing may advantageously enable the apparatus to be used for grinding an assortment of materials. Exposed surfaces of the support members may be abrasive in order to provide more effective and efficient grinding of materials. As another example, the plurality of discharge openings in the bottom portion may facilitate easy access to and collection of shavings or grounds created using the apparatus. As still another example, the apparatus may provide a number of removably coupled accessory tools to facilitate a user&#39;s survival in the outdoors. For instance, a removably coupled mirror may enable emergency signaling. A magnifying glass may facilitate fire starting (e.g., using wood shavings generated using the apparatus). A removably coupled compass may facilitate a user finding his or her way to safety or other points of interest. A removably coupled blade sharpener may advantageously allow a user to sharpen the plurality of blades as needed (e.g., in the event that one or more of the plurality of blades begins to dull). A removably coupled flint piece may facilitate fire starting (e.g., using wood shavings generated using the apparatus). Other advantages may be readily apparent to one having skill in the art. Certain embodiments may have none, some, or all of the recited advantages. 
     Some of the embodiments contemplated by the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments, however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first angled top-view of an exemplary housing of an apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 1  illustrates a housing  100 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , housing  100  has a substantially cubical shape. In certain embodiments, housing  100  may be integrally formed. Housing  100  may be integrally formed in a variety of ways (e.g., using 3-D printing, plastic injection molding, etc.) and using a variety of materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (a type of plastic that may be used with 3-D printers), acrylic, and polylactic acid (an environmentally-friendly plastic made from cornstarch), or another suitable material. In an alternative embodiment, housing  100  may be formed by assembling one or more separate components to form housing  100 . 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , housing  100  comprises a top portion  102 , a bottom portion  104 , a plurality of support members  106 , a plurality of blade receptables  108 , a first side portion  110 , a second side portion  112 , a third side portion  114 , and a fourth side portion  116 . Top portion  102  of housing  100  comprises an opening  118  (e.g., a circular opening in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1  or another suitable shape). Opening  118  may have a size and shape adapted to receive an object to be shaved or sharpened (e.g., a stick, branch, etc.) or ground (e.g., leaves, bark, coffee beans, etc.). The dimensions of opening  118  may vary in different implementations. In one example embodiment, however, opening  118  may be circular and have a diameter of approximately 1 inch. 
     Bottom portion  104  of housing  100  (only partially visible in  FIG. 1 ) is disposed opposite top portion  102 . As described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 2 , bottom portion  104  comprises a plurality of discharge openings  120  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 1 ) arranged around a center piece  122  of bottom portion  104  and a central discharge opening  123  in center piece  122 . 
     Housing  100  also includes a plurality of support members  106 . More particularly, in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1  housing  100  includes four support members  106   a,    106   b,    106   c,  and  106   d  disposed in the interior of housing  100 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , each of support members  106   a,    106   b,    106   c,  and  106   d  extends from an edge  124  of top portion  102  (proximate to opening  118 ) to center piece  122  of bottom portion  104 . Each support member  106  is spaced apart from other support members in order to allow shavings or grounds to pass through the interior of housing  100  towards bottom portion  104  and out of discharge openings  120 ,  123 . In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of support members  106  may be abrasive, which may facilitate grinding. The abrasive surface may be attained as part of the integral forming process. Alternatively, in certain embodiments a metal plate having a grating surface may be affixed to exposed surfaces of support members  106 . 
     Housing  100  also includes a plurality of blade receptacles  108 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , housing  100  includes blade receptacles  108   a,    108   b,    108   c,  and  108   d.  Each of blade receptacles  108   a - d  has a size and shape adapted to fit a respective one of a plurality of blades. Each of blade receptacles  108   a,    108   b,    108   c,  and  108   d  has a first section  126  disposed in top portion  102  and a second section  128  extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members  106  toward center piece  122  of bottom portion  104 . More particularly, blade receptacle  108   a  comprises a first section  126   a  in top portion  102  and a second section  128   a  extending along an edge of support member  106   a.  Blade receptacle  108   b  comprises a first section  126   b  in top portion  102  and a second section  128   b  extending along an edge of support member  106   b.  Blade receptacle  108   c  comprises a first section  126   c  in top portion  102  and a second section  128   c  extending along an edge of support member  106   c.  Blade receptacle  108   d  comprises a first section  126   d  in top portion  102  and a second section  128   d  extending along an edge of support member  106   d.  A blade may be inserted in each of blade receptacles  108   a - d.  As described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 3 , each of the blades has a shape designed to fit blade receptacles  108 . The blades may be removably coupled to the housing (e.g., using a cap or a fastener) as described in more detail below. 
     Optionally, each of first side portion  110 , second side portion  112 , third side portion  114 , and fourth side portion  116  may have a respective aperture  130   a,    130   b,    130   c,  and  130   d.  Only aperture  130   c  in first side portion  110  is shown in  FIG. 1  for purposes of example. It should be understood, however, that in certain embodiments each of second side portion  112 , third side portion  114 , and fourth side portion  116  may comprise similar apertures, located in corresponding positions. When present, each of apertures  130   a - d  may be aligned with a respective one of first sections  126   a - d.  For example, in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1  aperture  130   c  is aligned with first section  126   c  of blade receptacle  108   c.  This alignment allows a fastener to pass through an aperture  130  and into a first section  126  to secure a blade within a blade receptacle  108 . 
     Alternatively, in certain embodiments the plurality of blades may be secured using a cap removably coupled to the housing. As described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 4 , the cap may comprise a plurality of projections arranged around a cap opening. The cap opening may substantially correspond in shape and size to opening  118 . Each of the plurality of projections may contact a respective one of the plurality of blades when the cap is coupled to the housing, securing the plurality of blades in blade receptacles  108 . 
     In certain embodiments, first side portion  110 , second side portion  112 , third side portion  114 , and fourth side portion  116  may have one or more cavities. The various cavities may be adapted to hold one or more accessory tools. In the example embodiment of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each of first side portion  110 , second side portion  112 , third side portion  114 , and fourth side portion  116  has one or more cavities. More particularly, first side portion  110  has a first cavity  132 , second side portion  112  has a second cavity  134 , third side portion  114  has a third cavity  136  and a fourth cavity  138  (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 ), and fourth side portion  116  has a fifth cavity  140 . Housing  100  also has a sixth cavity  142  disposed at a juncture between third side portion  114  and fourth side portion  116 . Those cavities expressly shown in  FIG. 1  (including first cavity  132  in first side portion  110 , second cavity  134  in second side portion  112 , fifth cavity  140  in fourth side portion  116 , and sixth cavity  142  disposed at a juncture between third side portion  114  and fourth side portion  116 ) are described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 1 . Third cavity  136  and fourth cavity  138  in third side portion  114  will be described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 2 . The various cavities and the associated accessory tools are also described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 6 . 
     In certain embodiments, first cavity  132  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a mirror. The mirror may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of first cavity  132  and the mirror may be complementary such that the mirror snaps into place, securing the mirror within first cavity  132  in first side portion  110  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in first cavity  132  such that the mirror can be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. 
     In certain embodiments, second cavity  134  may have a size and shape adapted to store one or more objects. For example, second cavity  134  may have a size and shape adapted to store a magnifying glass. Second cavity  134  in second side portion  112  may be accessible proximate top portion  102  of housing  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, fifth cavity  140  may have a size and shape adapted for storing one or more objects. In certain embodiments, fifth cavity  140  may have dimensions large enough to store a plurality of blades. For example, fifth cavity  140  may store an extra set of blades for use in the event that the plurality of blades in blade receptacles  108  are damaged. Alternatively, fifth cavity  140  may store the blades upon removal from blade receptacles  108  when not in use. In certain embodiments, fifth cavity  140  may be used to store a survival guide (e.g., a small booklet with survival tips). Similar to second cavity  134 , fifth cavity  140  in fourth side portion  116  may be accessible proximate top portion  102  of housing  100 . 
     As described above and in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments a cap may be removably coupled to housing  100 . When the cap is removably coupled to the housing, second cavity  134  and fifth cavity  140  may be covered, such that, for example, a magnifying glass stored in second cavity  134  and any items stored in fifth cavity  140  are prevented from falling out of housing  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, sixth cavity  142  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a flint piece. The flint piece may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of sixth cavity  142  and the flint piece may be complementary such that the flint piece snaps into place, securing the flint piece within sixth cavity  142  disposed between third side portion  114  and fourth side portion  116  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in cavity  142  such that the flint piece may be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. 
     Although housing  100  is shown as having a substantially cubical shape in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the substantially cubical shape and that other shapes for housing  100  are possible. For example, a substantially spherical shape could be used for housing  100 , and the first, second, third, and fourth side portions of the housing could each take the form of a quadrant of the spherical housing. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an angled bottom-view of the exemplary housing of the apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 2  is an angled bottom-view of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with like reference numerals used for like parts. Thus, only the additional portions of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2  will be described in detail. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an aperture  146  located at a juncture between first side portion  110  and second side portion  112 . Aperture  146  may be used to secure housing  100  to a backpack, beltloop, or other piece of equipment for ease of access and to prevent loss. For example, a lanyard or carabiner may be passed through aperture  146  and used to secure housing  100  to a backpack or beltloop. 
     As described above, bottom portion  104  of housing  100  comprises a plurality of discharge openings  120 . In the example embodiment of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , bottom portion  104  includes four discharge openings  120   a,    120   b,    120   c,  and  120   d.  Discharge openings  120   a,    120   b,    120   c,  and  120   d  are arranged around center piece  122  of bottom portion  104 . In the example embodiment of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , discharge openings  120  are spaced evenly around center piece  122 . It should be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the precise number or arrangement of discharge openings illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Rather, any suitable number of discharge openings  120  in any suitable arrangement may be used, and the number and arrangement of discharge openings may vary according to different implementations. For example, in certain embodiments, one, two, three, or more than four discharge openings may be used. Additionally, in the example embodiment of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , bottom portion  104  includes a central discharge opening  123  in center piece  122 . Central discharge opening  123  in center piece  122  may advantageously allow fine dust to fall away and prevent dust from accumulating on the blades (when inserted in housing  100 ). 
     In the example embodiment of housing  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , third side portion  114  includes third cavity  136  and fourth cavity  138 . In certain embodiments, third cavity  136  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a compass (e.g., a button compass). The compass may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of cavity  136  and the compass may be complementary such that the compass snaps into place, securing the compass within cavity  136  in third side portion  114  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in cavity  136  such that the compass may be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. 
     In certain embodiments, fourth cavity  138  in third side portion  114  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a blade sharpener. The blade sharpener made be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) such that the blade sharpener is securely held in place during use. Housing  100  may include a corresponding number of apertures (e.g., apertures  144   a,    144   b ) in fourth cavity  138  for receiving the one or more fasteners. The blade sharpener may be removably coupled to housing  100  so that it can be replaced should it become worn down. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic drawing of the exemplary housing with a plurality of blades inserted, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing of housing  100  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-2 , except in  FIG. 3  housing  100  is depicted with a plurality of blades  148   a - d  inserted. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , blade  148   a  is inserted into blade receptacle  108   a,  blade  148   b  is inserted in blade receptacle  108   b,  blade  148   c  is inserted into blade receptacle  108   c,  and blade  148   d  is inserted into blade receptacle  108   d  (blade receptacles  108   a - d  are described above in relation to  FIG. 1 . 
     Blades  148   a - d  may be made of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, blades  148   a - d  may be formed from stainless steel. Other possible materials that may be used for blades  148  include iron, titanium, or other suitably strong metals. In certain embodiments, the use of stainless steel to form blades  148  may be preferable in order to prevent rust. 
     Each blade  148  may be removably coupled to housing  100 . In certain embodiments, and as shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , each blade  148  may have an aperture  150 . More particularly, blade  148   a  may have aperture  150   a,  blade  148   b  may have aperture  150   b,  blade  148   c  may have aperture  150   c,  and blade  148   d  may have aperture  150   d.  In such a scenario, when blades  148   a - d  are inserted in their respective blade receptacles  108   a - d , apertures  150   a - d  are positioned in corresponding first sections  126   a - d  of blade receptacles  108   a - d . In the inserted position, each of apertures  150   a - d  aligns with a corresponding one of apertures  130   a - d  (when present). This alignment allows respective fastener  152  (e.g., a screw) to be inserted into each of apertures  130 , and through apertures  150  of blades  148 , to secure blades  148  in position in housing  100 . For example, blade  148   d  may be secured to housing  100  using a fastener  152   d  that passes through aperture  130   d  and aperture  150   d.  Removably coupling blades  148  to housing  100  advantageously allows the blades to be removed in order to replace or sharpen blades  148  when they become dull or, for example, to swap out a serrated blade for non-serrated blade. 
     Although  FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment in which blades  148  are secured to housing  100  using fasteners  150 , it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Rather, the present disclosure contemplates that blades  148  may be secured to housing  100  by other suitable means. For example, in certain embodiments blades  148  may be secured to housing  100  using a cap that fits over top portion  102  of housing  100  (such as the cap described below in relation to  FIG. 4 ) that secures blades  148  in place. 
     Additionally, although the example embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  are shown with four blade receptacles  108  and four blades  148 , it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this example embodiment. Rather, the present disclosure contemplates that any suitable number of blades could be used. For example, in certain embodiments, one, two, three, or more than four blades may be used. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that decreasing or increasing the number of blades may require corresponding changes to the number of support members  106 , blade receptacles  108 , and blades  148 . 
     In operation, the apparatus comprising housing  100  and blades  148  may be used for a variety of advantageous purposes. The apparatus may be used to create wood shavings. For instance, a user may insert an end of a stick or branch into circular opening  118  to the point that the stick or branch contacts support members  106  and blades  148 . Depending on the orientation of blades  148 , the user may rotate the stick or branch against the plurality of blades  148  in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner, causing each of the plurality of blades  148  to simultaneously shave thin slices of bark or wood from the stick or branch. Housing  100  is formed such that the generated shavings will fall between support members  106  towards bottom portion  104  and out through discharge openings  120 ,  123  where they can be collected and put to use. Advantageously, repeated turning of the stick or branch within the apparatus generates a sharp point on the stick or branch. The positioning of the blades within the interior of the housing provides an extra level of safety for the user, because it does not require the user to control any of the blades, thereby reducing the risk that a user might cut themselves. Additionally, the plurality of blades  148  and their arrangement in housing  100  may advantageously allow the apparatus to continue to function even if some of the blades  148  are damaged (e.g., cracked or dulled). 
     In addition to shaving and sharpening, the apparatus (with or without blades  148  inserted) may be used for grinding materials. For instance, bark, leaves, and other materials (e.g., coffee beans) may be inserted into the housing through circular opening  118  of top portion  102 . Using a stick or other tool (e.g., in a circular motion), the inserted materials can be pressed against support members  106  and blades  148  in order to effectively grind them. As with the wood shavings discussed above, the design of the housing allows the ground material to fall between support members  106  towards bottom portion  104  and out through discharge openings  120 ,  123  where they can be collected and put to use. As described in more detail below in relation to  FIG. 5 , serrated blades may be used to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the grinding process. 
     The wood shavings generated by the apparatus may be put to a wide variety of uses. As one example, the wood shavings may be used tinder for emergency fire starting. Even in wet climates, the apparatus facilitates obtaining sufficient wood shavings to use as tinder for fire starting by enabling a user to quickly and efficiently shave off wet wood from the exterior of a stick or branch to get to drier, more useful wood underneath. Additionally, the wood shavings or grounds can be used as an emergency source of food for survival purposes. It has been shown that branches/tree bark contain digestive starches, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Using the apparatus described herein allows the wood shavings/grounds to be produced in quantities substantial enough to provide extra nutrition until a user is able to escape the situation. In a similar vein, the apparatus may be used for natural medicine zesting, to grind tea leaves for brewing, to create a natural water filter, create an incense as a natural pest repellant, and a wide array of other applications. 
     An additional advantage of the apparatus described herein is that, because the blades  148  are removable, they could be used for self-defense, for hunting and field dressing animals, making traps, and other survival tooling needs. 
     Although the uses for the apparatus described herein have been described primarily in the context of outdoor survival, it should be readily apparent that other uses are possible. As one example, scaling up the size of housing  100  and blades  148  could advantageously enable a variety of industrial applications (e.g., creating shredded wood pulp for paper products, plywood, etc.). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary cap for the housing, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 4  illustrates cap  400  that may be removably coupled to housing  100  (e.g., at top portion  102 ). Cap  400  includes a top surface  402 . In certain embodiments, cap  400  may also comprise first side surface  404 , second side surface  406 , third side surface  408 , and fourth side surface  410 . Top surface  402  includes a cap opening  412 . Cap opening  412  may correspond in shape and size to opening  118  of top portion  102  of housing  100 . The dimensions of cap  400  may correspond to those of housing  100  such that cap  400  fits snugly over top portion  102  of housing  100  such that cap opening  412  and opening  118  in top portion  102  of housing  100  align. When cap  400  is coupled to housing  100 , each of first side surface  404 , second side surface  406 , third side surface  408 , and fourth side surface  410  may cover a respective, corresponding area of one of first side portion  110 , second side portion  112 , third side portion  114 , and fourth side portion  116  of housing  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, cap  400  includes a plurality of projections  414 . More particularly, in the example embodiment of  FIG. 4  cap  400  includes four projections  414   a,    414   b,    414   c,  and  414   d.  In certain embodiments, when cap  400  is coupled to housing  100 , each of projections  414   a,    414   b,    414   c,  and  414   d  presses down on a respective one of blades  148  in blade receptacles  108 , which advantageously secures blades  148  in place (e.g., in lieu of or in addition to using fasteners to secure blades  148  in place). 
     Additionally, when cap  400  is coupled to housing  100 , top surface  402  may advantageously provide a covering for second cavity  134  and fifth cavity  140 , such that items stored therein (e.g., a magnifying glass in second cavity  134  and/or replacement blades, etc. in fifth cavity  140 ) are prevented from falling out of housing  100 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate example blades, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 5A  illustrates an example of a non-serrated blade  148   e  that may be used with housing  100  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-4 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 5A , non-serrated blade  148   e  has an aperture  150   e  (which may, in certain embodiments, be used to secure blade  148   e  to housing  100  as described above) and an edge  154 . Non-serrated blade  148   e  may be especially well-suited for sharpening hardwood. 
       FIG. 5B , meanwhile, illustrates an example of a serrated blade  148   f  that may be used with housing  100  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-4 . Similar to non-serrated blade  148   e,  in the example embodiment of  FIG. 5B  serrated blade  148   f  has an aperture  150   f  (which may, in certain embodiments, be used to secure blade  148   f  to housing  100  as described above) and a serrated edge  156 . Serrated edge  156  comprises a plurality of cutting teeth  158 . In certain embodiments, the size and shape of cutting teeth  158  may vary (e.g., according to different implementations). For example, in certain embodiments serrated blade  148   f  may have five to ten teeth per inch. Serrated blade  148   f  may be especially well-suited for trimming fresh softwood or grinding materials such as bark, leaves, or coffee beans. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 5A and 5B  (and  FIG. 4  above), the blades are shaped such that, when inserted in blade receptacles  108  of housing  100 , the edges  154 ,  156  extend down second sections  128  of blade receptacles  108  to center piece  122  of bottom portion  104  without obscuring the discharge openings. Thus, the shape maximizes the cutting surface and allows for even sharpening. 
     Although blades  148   e  and  148   f  are shown in the example embodiments of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  as having respective apertures  150   e  and  150   f,  it should be understood that this is for purposes of example only. As described above, in certain embodiments blades  148  may be secured in housing  100  using a cap (e.g., cap  400  described above). In such a scenario, blades  148   e  and  148   f  may not include apertures  150   e  and  150   f,  respectively. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary apparatus with a number of accessory tools incorporated with the housing, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of housing  100  (described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-3 ) with various accessory tools to demonstrate how, in one example embodiment, the various accessory tools may fit together with housing  100 . 
     As described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-3 , first side portion  110  has a first cavity  132 , second side portion  112  has a second cavity  134 , third side portion  114  has a third cavity  136  and a fourth cavity  138 , and fourth side portion  116  has a fifth cavity  140 . Housing  100  also has a sixth cavity  142  disposed at a juncture between third side portion  114  and fourth side portion  116 . 
     As described above in relation to  FIG. 1 , first cavity  132  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a mirror, such as mirror  160  shown in  FIG. 6 . Mirror  160  may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of cavity  132  and mirror  160  may be complementary such that mirror  160  snaps into place, securing mirror  160  within cavity  132  in first side portion  110  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in cavity  132  such that mirror  160  can be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. In a survival situation, mirror  160  could, for example, be removed from first cavity  132  in housing  100  and used for signaling rescuers. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 6 , second side portion  112  includes second cavity  134 . In certain embodiments, second cavity  134  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a magnifying glass, such as magnifying glass  162  shown in  FIG. 6 . In a survival situation, magnifying glass  162  could be removed from second cavity  134  and used, for example, to focus sunlight so as to ignite tinder (e.g., wood shavings created using the apparatus) for emergency fire starting. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 6 , third side portion  114  includes third cavity  136  and fourth cavity  138 . In certain embodiments, third cavity  136  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a compass (e.g., a button compass), such as compass  164  shown in  FIG. 6 . Compass  164  may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of cavity  136  and compass  164  may be complementary such that the compass snaps into place, securing compass  164  within cavity  136  in third side portion  114  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in cavity  136  such that compass  164  may be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. In a survival situation, compass  164  could be removed from third cavity  136  and used to navigate to safety. Outside of emergency scenarios, compass  164  could be removed from third cavity  136  and used to navigate to various points of interest. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 6 , fourth cavity  138  in third side portion  114  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a blade sharpener, such as blade sharpener  166  shown in  FIG. 6 . Blade sharpener  166  may be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) such that blade sharpener  166  is securely held in place during use. Housing  100  may include a corresponding number of apertures (e.g., apertures  144   a,    144   b ) in fourth cavity  138  for receiving the one or more fasteners. Blade sharpener  166  may be removably coupled to housing  100  so that it can be replaced when worn down. Blade sharpener  166  can advantageously be used to sharpen one or more of the plurality of blades  148 , sharpen other knives or perhaps a stone to form an edge. 
     As described above in relation to  FIG. 1 , fifth cavity  140  may have a size and shape adapted for storing one or more objects, such as survival booklet  168  shown in  FIG. 6  or other suitable objects (e.g., an extra set of blades  148 ). 
     Sixth cavity  142  may have a size and shape adapted to receive a flint piece, such as flint piece  170  shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 6 . Flint piece  170  may be removably coupled to housing  100 . For example, the dimensions of sixth cavity  142  and flint piece  170  may be complementary such that flint piece  170  snaps into place, securing the flint piece within sixth cavity  142  disposed between third side portion  114  and fourth side portion  116  of housing  100 . Alternatively, in certain embodiments housing  100  may include one or more apertures in cavity  142  such that flint piece  170  may be secured to housing  100  using one or more fasteners. In a camping or survival situation, flint piece  170  can be removed and used to generate sparks for fire starting (e.g., using wood shavings generated by the apparatus). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a hand tool that may be used with the exemplary apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 7  illustrates hand tool  172 . Hand tool  172  comprises a body portion  174 . Body portion  174  includes a circular opening  176 , a gripping portion  178 , an aperture  180 , and a whistle  182  disposed near gripping portion  178 . Hand tool  172  further comprises a knob  184  affixed to shaft  186 . The dimensions of aperture  180  and shaft  186  are adapted to allow shaft  186  to pass through aperture  180 . 
     In operation, a stick or branch may be inserted into circular opening  176 . Shaft  186  may be inserted through aperture  180  until it contacts the stick or branch inserted in circular opening  176 . In certain embodiments, shaft  186  is threaded and pointed at an end not affixed to knob  184 . A user may turn knob  184  (clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of the threading of shaft  186 ), driving shaft  186  into the stick or branch and to secure it within hand tool  172 . A user may then insert an end of the stick or branch into circular opening  118  of housing  100  to make contact with blades  148  inserted therein. Facilitated by gripping portion  178 , a user may rotate hand tool  172  and thereby rotate the stick or branch in housing  110  to shave, sharpen, or grind materials as needed. Gripping portion  178  facilitates sharpening, shaving, or grinding materials using housing  100  and blades  148  by making it easier for a user to turn the branch and providing improved torque. In certain embodiments, gripping portion  178  has an ergonomic design that allows a user to comfortably grip hand tool  172 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method  800 , in accordance with certain embodiments. Method  800  begins at step  802 , where a housing is integrally formed. In certain embodiments, the housing may comprise: a top portion, the top portion comprising an opening for receiving an object; a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, the bottom portion comprising a plurality of discharge openings arranged around a center piece of the bottom portion and a central discharge opening in the center piece; a plurality of support members disposed in an interior of the housing, each of the plurality of support members extending from an edge of the top portion proximate to the opening to the center piece of the bottom portion; a plurality of blade receptacles, each of the plurality of blade receptacles having a first section disposed in the top portion and a second section extending along an edge of one of the plurality of support members; and first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, integrally forming the housing may comprise 3-D printing the housing using one of ABS and polylactic acid. In certain embodiments, integrally forming the housing may comprise filling a mold of the housing with, for example, acrylic. In certain embodiments, integrally forming the housing may comprise using plastic injection molding to integrally form the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, the housing may have a substantially cubical shape. 
     In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of each of the plurality of support members may be abrasive. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise affixing an abrasive plate (e.g., a metal plate) to the exposed surfaces of the support members. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions may comprise an aperture for receiving a fastener, each aperture aligned with a respective first section of one of the plurality of blade receptacles. 
     At step  804 , a plurality of blades are removably coupled to the housing, each of the plurality of blades disposed in a respective one of a plurality of blade receptacles of the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of blades may be removably coupled to the housing using a respective fastener, each respective fastener passing through an aperture for receiving a fastener in the first, second, third, or fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a cap to the housing. The cap may comprise a plurality of projections arranged around a cap opening. The cap opening may substantially correspond in shape and size to the opening of the top portion. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of projections may contact a respective one of the plurality of blades when the cap is coupled to the housing. In certain embodiments, the cap may cover one or more cavity openings when the cap is coupled to the housing. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of blades may have serrated edges. 
     In certain embodiments, one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions of the housing may comprise one or more cavities. The one or more cavities may be adapted to hold one or more accessory tools. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a mirror to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a magnifying glass to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a compass to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a blade sharpener to the housing in a cavity formed in one of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise removably coupling a flint piece to the housing in a cavity formed at a juncture between two of the first, second, third, and fourth side portions. 
     In certain embodiments, the first side portion may comprise a first cavity. The method may comprise removably coupling a mirror to the housing in the first cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, the second side portion may comprise a second cavity. The method may comprise removably coupling a magnifying glass to the housing in the second cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, the third side portion may comprise a third cavity and a fourth cavity. The method may comprise removably coupling a compass to the housing in the third cavity. The method may comprise removably coupling a blade sharpener to the housing in the fourth cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, the fourth side portion may comprise a fifth cavity. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise storing one or more items (e.g., a survival booklet and/or a plurality of replacement blades) in the fifth cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, a sixth cavity may be disposed at a juncture between the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The method may comprise removably coupling a flint piece to the housing in the sixth cavity. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. 
     Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.