Year: 1897

page_text: I, GUSTAVE BAY, of 16 Cour des Petites Ecuries, Paris, in the Republic of
France, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to a knife having a number of connected blades which
enables meat or other substances to be readily and efficiently cut into small pieces.
The said blades are of equal length and are arranged parallelly, as to their cutting
portions, but in such a manner that the cutting edges of the inner blades project
beyond those of the outer blades when at rest, and that the said inner blades are
capable of giving way gradually when the knife is used to the extent of permitting,
all the blades to come into operation.
The knife can readily be taken to pieces, and the blades separated from each
other, whereby the cleaning and the sharpening of the same are rendered easy.
The knife so constructed can, according to the dimensions given to the blades,
be used either as a table knife for cutting up meat or the like into very small
pieces for the purpose of rendering it more easy to masticate; or as a kitchen
chopping knife in order to chop raw or cooked meat for culinary purposes.
I can also make, on the same principle, a pocket-knife, having connected blades.
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown the general features and details
of four forms of table knife made according to my invention and having four.
connected blades; the general features of an analogous knife of greater dimen-
sions to be used as a kitchen chopping-knife; and an example of a pocket knife
having three connected blades.
Figures 1 to 6, of the said drawings, relate to the first method of making a
table knife;
Figure 1 is a front view and a cross-section of the knife showing four
connected blades ;
Figure 2 is a side view of the knife shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side view of one of the outer blades;
Figure 4 is a side view of one of the inner blades;
Figure 5 represents the four blades separated and in back view in the order
in which thy are connected together;
Figure 6 represents the frame in elevation and side view;
Figures to 9 relate to a second method of construction of the table knife;
Figure 7 is a front view;
Figure 8 is an inside view of the frame
Figure 9 is a side view of the knife with the blades partially disconnected.or
separated;
Figures 10 and 11 relate to a third modified construction of table knife;
Figure 10 is a front view of the knife;
Price d

page_text: or separated;
Figures 12 to 17 show details of a fourth construction of table knife;
Figure 12 is a front view on the edge side;
Figure 13 is a section on the line 1-2 of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a
ide view;
Figure 15 is a back view;
Figure 16 is a section on the line 3-4 of Figure 12;
Figure 17 is a front view on the edge side, the two inner blades being removed;
Figures 18 to 21 represent a pocket-knife having three connected blades;
Figure 18 is a side view of the opened knife;
Figure 19 is a front view on the knife edge side;
Figure 20 is a section on the line 5-6 of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a side view of the pocket-knife closed; and
Figure 22 is a view showing my improved knife with connected blades as used
as a kitchen chopping knife.
By referring to Figures 1 to 6, it will be seen that my table knife comprises
essentially four or more blades of the same length a b c d, which are connected
together in a metal frame f.
C,
The four blades a b c d have their cutting portions parallel to each other, but
at the part where the shank or handle begins the two outer blades a and d are
bent inwards so as to bear on the outer faces of the two inner blades b
which are
in their turn kept a proper distance apart by being bent inwards near their rear
ends. The metal frame or mounting † is provided at its ends with lugs g g, hh,
which just clasp the blades.
Each of the four blades has a recess at its heel or rear end, to receive the pin
or spindle i, which is riveted between the lower lugs h h.
The frame or mounting f is provided, at the inside of its upper lugs 9 g, with
studs jj, which take into holes k k made in the outer blades a d, and hold the
said blades in an absolutely fixed position when the knife is put together. These
outer blades a and d are provided at their backs with recesses, in which engage
the studs m-m, carried by the inner blades b and c. By locking the blades a and d
by means of the studs jj, the four blades are simultaneously connected to te
frame or mounting f, and by releasing the same blades a and d, all the four blades
are released.
To allow of inserting the studs jj into the holes kk, small. slides nn are pro-
vided on the faces of the blades a and d, these slides extending up to the holes k.
The inner blades be spring sideways and act by lateral pressure on the outer
blades a d, the latter being moved towards each other sufficiently far to be
able to get the studs ; either into or out of the holes k.
When the keife is taken to pieces, all the blades are free to turn on, and to be
disconnected from, the spindle i, said blades separating both from the frame or
mounting and from each other, thus permitting them to be readily cleaned or
sharpened.
The frame or mounting f is of the same width as the assembled blades and on
its inner face is fixed a forked spring the two branches r r of which act on the
backs of the inner blades b and c, and force the studs m of the said blades home in
the recesses of the blades a d, whereby the cutting edges of the said blades b
and c are caused to project beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades a d, for
the purpose of bringing, in all cases, the four blades into operation simultaneously.
The width of the branches r of the said spring is such as to make each branch
press at the same time the backs of two adjacent blades, the one being an outer
and the other an inner blade; bus the form of the inner blades is such as to cause
their cutting edges to project beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades when
the backs of the four blades are in the same plane at the spring.
The inner blades b and c are the first to press upon the food that is to be cut up,

page_text: and they give way gradually until the outer blades a and d come into operation,
hence, the said blades bc, acted upon by the branches of the spring r, are always
operating, however tough the food may be at different parts, whilst the contrary
would be more often the case if all the blades were fixed with their cutting edges
in the same plane.
In order to be able to place them without any hesitation in the proper order
when they are required to be set up in the frame or mounting, the said blades are
provided, near their heels, with file-marks 7, the number of which corresponds
to the place they occupy counting from the left; thus, the outer blade on the left
has one file-mark, the following blade two file marks, and so on.
In the construction of a table knife such as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the system
of setting up the blades in the handle or frame is nearly the same as that above
described. The upper lugs g g of the frame or handle f are also provided with
studs jj, which take into the holes kk of the outer blades a d, and the studs m m
on the inner blades b c also engage in the recesses of the outer blades; but the four
blades, instead of being engaged, by means of recesses in the heel or rear end of
the handle or shank on the pin or spindle i carried by the lower lugs h h of the frame
or handle f, have the said spindle passed through them and cannot be detached
therefrom. When the knife is taken to pieces, all the blades are free to turn on
the said spindle i, as shown in Figure 9. The proper distance to be kept between
the inner blades bc is obtained, not by their being bent inwards towards their
lower ends but by a stud 9 on one of the said inner blades, the length of the said
stud being equal to the required distance between the blades b c. A washer q',
made of wood or any other suitable material, and mounted on the pin or spindle i
between the blades b and c preserves the distance to be kept between the same at
their lower ends or heels.
The inner blades act sideways as springs on the outer blades, and said inner
blades may be brought sufficiently together to get the studs jj either into or out
of the holes k. k.
The forked spring r operates in the same way as hereinbefore described.
The Figures 10 and 11 relate to a third construction of table knife.
The four blades a, b, c, d turn freely on the pin or spindle i secured in the heel
of the frame or handle f, and they are fixed in position at the opposite end of the
said frame or handle on a second pin or spindle s which can be moved parallelly
to itself in the slots s¹s of the lugs g.
For the purpose of so moving the spindle s, each of the four blades is provided
with a bent or right-angle slot having two directions 1-2. When the spindle s
is brought into its upper position in the slots s¹s the four knives can be simultan-
eously engaged on the said spindle by part 1 of their own slots, part 2 of the latter
being then at right angles to the said spindle, which, if brought down the slots sl
becomes engaged in the vertical part 2 of the slots in the blades. Hence, this
arrangement forms in effect a bayonet mounting for the blades on the handle or
frame of the knife.
T
A spring having three branches r r r is fixed on the inner face of the frame or
handle and acts with its outer branches rr on the backs of the inner blades bc,
so as to cause the cutting edges of the said blades bc to project beyond the cutting
edges of the outer blades, this being made possible by the disposition of the
vertical part 2, of the slots in the blades, which is broader in the blades b c than in
the blades a d, as clearly shewn in Figure 11. The said spring also acts, but in
an opposite direction, by its middle branch r¹ on the spindle s, which it tends to
hold at the bottom of the slots s¹.
To take the knife to pieces, one has only to press on the spindle s sufficiently to
overcome the resistance of the spring r, and then to move the said spindle,
parallelly to itself, in the slots s¹ until it registers with the horizontal part of the
slots of the blades, when the latter can drop out by turning on the spindle i.
The proper distance between the inner blades b c is preserved by the upper pro-

page_text: jection t, formed integral with the frame or handle f, and by the washer q¹
mounted on the spindle i, between the said blades.
Figures 12 to 17 illustrate a fourth construction of my table knife having
connected blades.
The two inner blades bc, only, have a bayonet connection on the upper pin or
spindle s, by means of their slots being bent, or having two directions 1-2,
The outer blades a d remain fixed to the frame or handle f, said blades being
mounted on the lower spindle and the upper spindle s passing through slots s³,
provided therein which slots are similar to the slots s, provided in the upper
lugs g of the frame or handle f.
The two blades be are fixed in place in the frame or handle f by bringing the
pin or spindle s into its upper-most position in the slots s¹ s2, then by engaging
the said spindle in the horizontal part 1 of the slots of the blades, and lastly by
bringing said spindle into its lower most position, whereby it is caused to enter
into the vertical part 2 of the slots of the blades. The width of the vertical slots 2
being greater than the diameter of the spindle s, and the cutting edges of the
blades be, projecting beyond the cutting edges of the blades ad when the parts
are at rest, the blades be can slightly turn on the lower spindle when in operation.
The spring operates in the same way as the spring described with refer-
ence to the previous construction.
The proper fixed distance between the inner blades bc is preserved by the pro-
jections on the ends of the frame or handle f, and which projections are placed
between the two blades.
In Figures 18 to 21 I have shown a pocket-knife having connected blades and
made on the same principle as my table knife.
The frame, handle or mounting comprises four parallel plates fl fl f³ f³,.
between which are arranged three steel strips or plates uu u forming springs for
the blades of the knife. The inner plates f f are preferably made of aluminium
or other light material, and they are attached to the outer and wider plates f¹ f¹
by three rivets vv 2. The two lower rivets 2 only pass through the strips or
springs, whilst the upper rivet v passes through the roots or heels of the three
cutting blades a al y, and serves as a pivot for the said blades.
When the knife is open, the middle blade y presents its cutting edge in advance
of the cutting edges of the outer blades al but its heel y' which has a sloping
slot, does not rest on the end of the corresponding spring, as do the other two
blades, so that this middle blade y, which is the first to press upon the food to be
cut up, can gradually give way by turning backwards until its heel rests on the
corresponding spring, which occurs when all the cutting edges are in the same
plane.
The blades of the knife open successively and are each provided with a nick z.
for the finger or thumbnail.
My improved knife, having connected blades, and mainly in the_construction
given it as a table knife, may serve as a kitchen chopping-knife, and its applica-
tion as such is illustrated in Figure 22.
The frame and the part forming the handle are exactly the same as the
corresponding parts of the table knife.
The cutting part only of the blades is of greater length and of more regular
form. The number of blades may be more than four.
On the board w is fixed a vertical grating to which serves as an abutment for
the meat or the like; between the bars of the grating the blades of the knife are
guided. In this way, and with a small number of strokes of the knife, chopped
meat may be produced for culinary or other purposes.
Obviously in any of the constructions of my improved knife, I may cover or
furnish the handle of the same with any kind of appropriate or suitable material
such as wood, horn, ivory, bone, and the like, so as to make the knives as orna-
mental or expensive as may be desired. Moreover the frame or mounting may be

page_text: made of copper, steel, aluminium, silver, or any other metal, and even of wood or
composition.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A knife having connected blades with waich meat or the like can be readily
and efficiently cut up into very small pieces, and which comprises essentially a
certain number of blades of equal length put together in a frame or mounting at
a suitable distance from each other, and having their cutting portions parallel
but arranged in such a manner that. the cutting edges of the inner blades project
beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades when in the normal position or
position of rest, and that the said inner blades can gradually give way when the
knife is being used until all the blades are in operation, substantially as described.
2. A table knife having connected blades, as specified in the 1st Claim, for
cutting up meat or the like into very small pieces, and comprising the independent.
blades a b c d of equal length, parallel as to their cutting portions, having each
a suitable recess in their heels or rear portions forming a shank or handle for
the knife, said blades being put together in a metal frame or mounting f, pro-
vided for that purpose with lugs g g, h h, a transverse pin or spindle i carried by
the lugs h and which takes into the recesses o, two studs j j, carried by the lugs g,
and which take into holes k k in the outer blades, and a forked spring having two
branches rr, which cause the cutting edges of the inner blades, when the latter
are at rest, to project beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades, the assembling
or setting up of all the said blades in their frame or mounting being effected with-
out the use of any tool, the blades being disconnected in the same way and being
entirely separated from the frame or mounting and from each other, substantially
as described and for the purpose specified.
3. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
combination of four blades of equal length a b c d, parallel as to their cutting
portions and the outer blades a d being bent inwards laterally so as to bear on the
outer faces of the two inner blades 6 c, which in their turn are held the proper
distance apart from each other by being bent. inwards near their rear ends, the said
four blades having recesses in their heels at o, the outer blades a being provided
at their backs with recesses and being pierced by holes k, and the inner
blades be having on their outer faces studs m m, which engage in the recesses ¹¹
of the outer blades, substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
4. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
arrangement of the two inner blades of the same length bc, which are bent inwards
at their rear portions and touch each other for a short distance so as to permit of
bringing their cutting portions, which have sufficient elasticity, nearer together
by pressing on the outer faces of the said blades, substantially as described and
for the purpose specified.
5. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
combination with four blades of equal length a b c d, parallel as to the cutting
portions and in contact with each other at their rear portion, the inner blades b c
touching each other for a short distance only and engaging their lateral studs m m
in the recess of the outer blades; of a metal frame or mounting f.provided
at its opposite ends with parallel lugs gg, h h, which just clasp the rear potrions of
the blades forming a shank or handle, the lugs h h carrying a pin or spindle i,
which is simultaneously received in the recesses o of the heels of the blades, and
the lugs gg having on their inner faces studs jj, which engage in the holes kk
of the outer blades when the latter are brought sufficiently near by pressing the
inner blades together so that the said inner blades spring back sideways after the
said studs enter into the said holes and hold the blades securely together, sub-
stantially as described and for the purpose specified.
6. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the

page_text: combination with four blades of equal length a bed, of a frame or mounting
having lugs 9 g, h, h, and a forked spring having two branches rr, which bear
respectively on the backs of the blades a b and c d and hold the backs of the said
blades, when at rest, in the same plane and consequently cause the cutting edges of
the inner blades to project beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades, the said
springs giving way when pressure is put on the cutting edges of the inner blades,
the studs m m of the said blades moving at the same time in the recesses.
of the outer blades, substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
7. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
combination with four blades of equal length a bed, parallel as to their cutting
portion and in contact with each other at their rear portions, the inner blades b c
being kept the proper distance apart by a stud q carried by one of them and by a
washer interposed between the said blades, the lateral studs m m of the said
inner blades engaging in the recesses of the outer blades; of a metal frame or
mounting provided at its opposite ends with parallel lugs g g and h h, which just
clasp the rear portions of the blades forming a shank or handle, the lugs 9 g
having on their inner faces studs jj, which engage in the holes kk of the outer
blades, whilst the lugs h h carry a fixed pin or spindle i, which passes through all
the blades and forms a pivot on which the said blades can turn when the knife is
disconnected, substantially as described and shown in Figures 1 to 9.
8. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
combination of four blades of the same length a b c d, parallel as to their cutting
portions, and of a frame or mounting f carrying a lower pin or spindle i which
passes through all the blades and on which the latter can turn, and a pin or
spindle s, movable in the slots s¹ of the lugs 9 of the frame or mounting, and on
which spindle s the blades are secured in a bayonet connection; with a forked
spring having three branches r 1 r, which spring, by its two outer branches r r.
causes the cutting edges of the inner blades when at rest to project beyond the
cutting-edges of the outer blades, and, by its branch, holds the spindle s in its
lowermost position, substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
9. In a table knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, the
combination of four blades of equal length a b c d parallel as to their cutting
portions, ad of a frame or mounting f, carrying a fixed lower pin or spindle i,
which passes through all the blades and on which the latter can turn, and a move-
able pin or spindle s, which passes through slots in the two outer blades a d, and
the upper lugs of the frame or mounting, and on which spindle s are held by a
bayonet connection the two inner blades b and c, the only ones which are movable;
with a forked spring having three branches which spring by its outer
branches rr, causes the cutting edges of the inner blades o c, when at rest, to
project beyond the cutting edges of the outer blades ad, and, by its branch ¹,
holds the spindles in its lowermost position, substantially as described and for the
purpose specified.
10. A. pocket-knife having connected blades as specified in the 1st Claim, and
comprising three or more parallel blades a a¹y and a frame or mounting formed
by four small parallel plates f¹ f¹, f2 f², between which are arranged three steel
strips or plates uu u forming springs for the blades of the knife, the said blades
resting on the ends of their springs, save in the case of the middle blade y, the
heel of which has a slanting slot, and the cutting edge of which projects beyond
the cutting edges of the outer blades when at rest, substantially as described and
for the purpose specified.
Doted this th
100%
T
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.