Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to utility knives. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a blade holding device for a utility knife. <CIT> represents the closest prior art and discusses a utility knife. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT> provide further relevant information.

In one independent aspect, a utility knife includes a handle having a body and a receiving aperture, a collet at least partially receivable in the receiving aperture, and a sleeve engageable with and surrounding the collet. The collet has a first end and a second end. The first end of the collet includes a first slot and a second slot formed therein. The first slot has a first dimension and the second slot has a second dimension different than the first dimension. The collet is configured to alternately receive one of a portion of a blade of a first type in the first slot and a portion of a blade of a second type in the second slot. The sleeve and the collet are co-rotatable relative the handle to move the collet to a secured position in which one of the blade of the first type and the blade of the second type are secured to the collet. A cross-section of a portion of the collet is elliptical.

Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrate a utility knife <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The utility knife <NUM> includes a handle <NUM>, a blade <NUM>, and a blade holding mechanism or chuck <NUM>. Shown particularly in <FIG>, the handle <NUM>, which is graspable by a user, has a body <NUM> elongated along an axis A1 that defines an internal storage space <NUM> therein. The handle <NUM> further supports an end cover or cap <NUM> that is removably coupled to an end of the body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap <NUM> is a threaded end cap <NUM> that is threadable onto or into the body <NUM>, and at least a portion of the cap <NUM> is hollow such that, when the cap <NUM> is attached to the body <NUM>, the void <NUM> extends into the cap <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap <NUM> is disposed at one end (e.g., a rear end) of the utility knife <NUM>, opposite an end on which the chuck <NUM> is supported (e.g., a front end of the knife <NUM>). Although a threadable cap <NUM> is shown in the illustrated embodiment, non-threaded caps are also contemplated.

The chuck <NUM> is capable of selectively supporting any one of multiple different types of blades (e.g., differently sized blades, differently dimensioned blades, blades having different blade shapes or geometries, and/or the like) and retains each blade <NUM> in a manner suitable for using the knife <NUM> in a cutting operation. The illustrated utility knife <NUM> is configured to alternately receive any one of the variety of blades in the chuck <NUM> depending on a desired cutting application/operation. The illustrated utility knife <NUM> is further configured to store the variety of blades in the storage space <NUM> when not in use.

Portions of the chuck <NUM> may be caused to rotate to secure the blade <NUM> against movement relative to the chuck <NUM> to perform a cutting operation. As shown in <FIG>, the chuck <NUM> includes a collet <NUM> and a spindle or sleeve <NUM> that cooperate to selectively secure the blade <NUM> to the chuck <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> includes a gripping surface or texture(e.g., on an outer surface) and may include or be formed from a gripping material. Additionally, the sleeve <NUM> may have a polygonal shape; for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> is generally triangular; in other embodiments, the sleeve may be hexagonal, heptagonal, etc..

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the collet <NUM> is positioned within a channel <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. A first end 28a of the collet <NUM> may engage and supports the blade <NUM>, and a second end 28b of the collet <NUM> may engage the handle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end includes a threaded shank or stem <NUM> having threads 36a that are configured to engage corresponding threads 36b on an inner surface of the handle <NUM> (e.g., within a receiving aperture <NUM> of the handle <NUM>).

The first end 28a of the collet <NUM> includes a plurality of slots such as a first slot <NUM> having a first dimension (e.g., a first length L1 and/or a first width W1), and a second slot <NUM> having a second dimension (e.g., a second length L2 and/or a second width W2) that is different from the first dimension. As described in greater detail below, the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> may have different dimension(s) and/or be configured to alternately accommodate blades that have different sizes and/or shapes, such as at least a first blade 18a and a second blade 18b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> may intersect one another. Non-intersecting slots (e.g., parallel slots and/or the like) are also contemplated.

When the sleeve <NUM> is actuated (e.g., rotated, twisted, and/or the like), the collet <NUM> may rotate along with the sleeve <NUM> due to a generally non-circular (e.g., elliptical) geometry <NUM> (<FIG>) shared by the collet <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>. As the sleeve <NUM> is rotated in a first direction R1, the threads 36a of the collet <NUM> may engage the threads 36b in the receiving aperture <NUM> of the handle <NUM> to thereby axially move the collet <NUM> toward a first or clamped position (e.g., toward the handle <NUM>). Stated another way, the collet <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> can be rotatable relative the handle <NUM> in a first rotational direction R1 (e.g., a clockwise "CW" direction) to draw or thread the shank <NUM> further into the aperture <NUM> and the collet <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> can be rotatable relative the handle <NUM> in a second rotational direction (e.g., a counter clockwise "CCW" direction) to unthread or retract the shank <NUM> from the aperture <NUM>. In this way, the first width W1 and the second width W2 may be reduced as the collet <NUM> is drawn into and/or closer to the handle <NUM> to thereby clamp down on the blade <NUM> for holding the blade stationary during a cutting operation.

Referring to <FIG>, as the chuck <NUM> is rotated in the first direction R1, the collet <NUM> may move along the axis A1 in a first direction D1. As the chuck <NUM> is rotated in a second direction, which may be generally opposite the first direction R1, the collet <NUM> may move along the axis A1 in a second direction, which may be generally opposite the first direction D1. The non-circular geometry <NUM> inhibits relative rotational motion between the collet <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a cross-section of an outer face of the collet <NUM> and the channel <NUM> or another inner face of the sleeve <NUM> are substantially elliptical or ovular. In other embodiments, the non-circular geometry <NUM> may have a different profile. In other embodiments, the cross-section may be circular and/or the collet and/or sleeve may include one or more features to inhibit relative rotation, such as a lug, key, or the like.

Referring still to <FIG>, the collet <NUM> further includes a body <NUM> formed between the ends 28a, 28b of the collet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the body <NUM> includes the truncated stem <NUM> and has a first cross-sectional width (e.g., first circumference). A head <NUM> is formed on the collet <NUM> adjacent the first end 28a and has a second circumference that is greater than the first circumference. As best illustrated in <FIG>, the head <NUM> is "bulbed" shaped and/or tapered outwardly such that the body <NUM> transitions into the head <NUM>. The head <NUM> may be complemented by an oppositely tapered and/or flared face <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. In other words, the head <NUM> may be enlarged relative to the body <NUM>, and an outer surface of the head <NUM> engages a portion of the sleeve <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> further includes a stop surface or ring <NUM> that may bear and/or slip against the handle <NUM> such that the collet <NUM> is secured (e.g., pinned, trapped, stopped, and/or the like) by the flared face <NUM> at one end as the chuck <NUM> is rotated to draw the collet <NUM> toward the handle <NUM>. The stop ring <NUM> abuts against a stop surface <NUM> formed on, at, about, and/or proximate to an opening <NUM> of the receiving aperture <NUM> to pin the sleeve <NUM> in position between the head <NUM> and the handle <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, as the collet <NUM> moves in the first direction D1 (e.g., toward the handle <NUM> and further into the aperture <NUM>), the flared face <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> exerts a force (e.g., a compressive force) on the head <NUM> adjacent the first end 28a of the collet <NUM>, which causes the portions of the collet <NUM> to move radially inwardly, compressing the slots <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, as the collet <NUM> moves in the second direction D2, the portions of the collet <NUM> may move radially outwardly, decompressing the head <NUM> and enlarging the slots <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each slot <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to receive an offset anchor <NUM>, tang, and/or the like of a given range of blade sizes. For example, the first slot <NUM> may be shaped and/or sized to receive a first blade 18a (e.g., a number <NUM> blade or "#<NUM> blade" - <FIG> and <FIG>), and the second slot <NUM> may be shaped and/or sized to receive a second blade 18b (e.g., a number <NUM> blade or "#<NUM> blade" - <FIG>, <FIG>). Therefore, a #<NUM> blade 18a can be positioned in the first slot <NUM>, or a #<NUM> blade 18b can be positioned in the second slot <NUM> of the collet <NUM> depending on the needs of the user. In some embodiments, the collet <NUM> may receive blades of additional or alternative sizes.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the tang <NUM> of each blade 18a, 18b can include a tang length TL and a tang width TW. Although the tang width TW may be the same or similar as a width of a cutting part of the blade <NUM>, the tang width TW could also be different than the width of the cutting part of the blade <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tang length TL and tang width TW of the #<NUM> blade 18b are less than that of the #<NUM> blade 18a. Accordingly, the length and width of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized to correspond to the length and width of the different blades. For example, the first length L1 and first width W1 of the first slot <NUM> are suitable to receive the tang <NUM> of the #<NUM> blade 18a, and the second length L2 and second width W2 of the second slot <NUM> are suitable to receive the tang <NUM> of the #<NUM> blade 18b. Rotation of the chuck <NUM> relative the handle <NUM> alters the width of the slots <NUM>, <NUM> to thereby clamp the collet <NUM> down on to the tang <NUM> of whichever blade <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first length L1 of the first slot <NUM> and the second length L2 of the second slot <NUM> extend though the axis A1, which in the illustrated embodiment represents a longitudinal axis the utility knife <NUM>. The slots <NUM>, <NUM> may optionally intersect to form a cross or "X" through a middle of the collet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slot <NUM> extends along a major axis MA (e.g., long axis, major diameter, etc.) of an elliptical part of the collet <NUM> and into the stem body <NUM> through the head <NUM>. Similarly, the second slot <NUM> extends along a minor axis mA (e.g., short axis, minor diameter, etc.) of the elliptical part of the collet <NUM> and into the stem body <NUM> through the head <NUM>. Stated another way, the first length L1 is oriented parallel to the major axis MA, and the second length L2 is oriented parallel to the minor axis mA.

During installation of a desired blade (e.g., #<NUM> blade 18a, #<NUM> blade 18b, etc.), the blade <NUM> is positioned within the corresponding slot (e.g., first slot <NUM>, second slot <NUM>). The chuck <NUM> is rotated relative the handle <NUM> to cause the sleeve <NUM> to compress the head <NUM> of the collet <NUM> (e.g., radially inwardly) toward a blade holding or clamped position, which thereby reduces the width (e.g., first width W <NUM>, second width W2) of both slots <NUM>, <NUM> and secures the blade <NUM> to the knife <NUM>. Thus, the first blade 18a, second blade 18b, and other blades are selectively interchangeable and useable with the same knife <NUM> and collet <NUM>. More simply, when the chuck <NUM> is twisted in the first rotational direction R1 relative the handle <NUM>, the threads 36a, 36b engage to draw the collet <NUM> into the handle <NUM>. As the collet <NUM> is drawn into the handle <NUM>, the enlarged head <NUM> will be squeezed by the sleeve <NUM> to push the slots <NUM>, <NUM> closed (e.g., toward a clamped or secured position) around the desired blade placed therebetween.

<FIG> illustrate a utility knife <NUM> according to another embodiment. The utility knife <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the utility knife <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, and similar features are identified with similar reference numbers, plus "<NUM>. " Some similarities and differences between the knife <NUM> and the knife <NUM> are described below.

The utility knife <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> and a chuck <NUM> that removably accepts a variety of blades <NUM>. As described above, portions of the chuck <NUM> may be caused to rotate and, thus, secure the blades <NUM> within the chuck <NUM> to perform a cutting operation. The utility knife <NUM> further includes a cap <NUM> removably coupled to a body <NUM> of the handle <NUM> to store one or more blades <NUM> in a storage space <NUM> (<FIG>) of the knife <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the chuck <NUM> includes a collet <NUM> and a sleeve <NUM> that are operable to retain the blades <NUM>.

Some differences between the utility knife <NUM> and the utility knife <NUM> are now described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Specifically, with reference to <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> of the utility knife <NUM> may be polygonal and may include additional gripping edges or surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the sleeve may have an overall hexagonal cross-section. In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> has more than six sides, such as eight sides, ten sides, or twelve sides. With continued reference to <FIG>, the collet <NUM> includes at least a third slot <NUM> in addition to a first slot <NUM> and a second slot <NUM>. The third slot <NUM> is configured, just as the other slots <NUM>, <NUM>, to alternately receive a blade <NUM>. Although three slots are shown for in the illustrated embodiment, more than three slots may be provided.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the third slot <NUM> may have a third dimension (e.g., a third length and/or a third width) that is different from the length and width of the first slot <NUM> and/or the second slot <NUM>. For example, the third slot <NUM> may be configured to receive a blade <NUM> smaller than the first blade 18a, such as an extra fine or extra exact blade 18c that is smaller than the #<NUM> blade 18a and #<NUM> blade 18b. Stated another way, the third slot <NUM> allows a user to alternately secure the tang <NUM> of a third blade 18c (e.g. extra fine blade) to the knife <NUM>. The third slot <NUM> may operate in the same or similar manner to the slots described above. Either utility knife <NUM>, <NUM> could include a collet <NUM>, <NUM> having a different number of slots.

As shown in <FIG>. Similar to the tapered or bulbed head <NUM> described above, the collet <NUM> includes a tapered head <NUM> that is partially surrounded and engaged by a bushing <NUM> at one end. An opposing end of the bushing <NUM> is supported directly in a channel <NUM> formed in the sleeve <NUM>. The bushing <NUM> accommodates contact between the collet <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>.

Yet another difference between the utility knife <NUM> and the utility knife <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. Similar to the stop surface <NUM> described above, the collet <NUM> is threaded into a receiving aperture <NUM> in the handle <NUM> to abut the sleeve <NUM> against a stop bearing <NUM> supported on the handle <NUM>. Just as the stop surface <NUM> constrains the sleeve <NUM> between the head <NUM> and the handle <NUM>, the stop bearing <NUM> constrains the sleeve <NUM> between the bulbed head <NUM> and the handle <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a protective cap that is received on the knife <NUM>. For clarity, each embodiment discussed herein could include the same or a similar cap.

It should be understood that, for some embodiments discussed herein, the provision of multiple slots in a single collet provides a larger clamping force exerted on a blade received in one of the slots compared to the clamping force exerted on a blade received in a collet having a single slot.

Claim 1:
A utility knife (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle (<NUM>) having a body (<NUM>) and a receiving aperture;
a collet (<NUM>) at least partially receivable in the receiving aperture, the collet having a first end (28a) and a second end (28b), the first end of the collet including a first slot (<NUM>) and a second slot (<NUM>) formed therein, the first slot having a first dimension and the second slot having a second dimension different from the first dimension, the collet configured to alternately receive one of a portion of a blade of a first type (18a) in the first slot and a portion of a blade of a second type (18b) in the second slot; and
a sleeve (<NUM>) engageable with and surrounding the collet, the sleeve and the collet being co-rotatable relative the handle to move the collet to a secured position in which one of the blade of the first type and the blade of the second type are secured to the collet,
wherein a cross-section of a portion of the collet is elliptical.