Patent ID: 12207767

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

To overcome these problems, a portable cutting apparatus is described. In accordance with the described techniques, the portable cutting apparatus includes a cutting board having a cutting surface and a bottom surface. The cutting board is formed so that the bottom surface includes side walls which are disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface of the cutting board. In one or more implementations, the cutting board may be formed using a roto-molding technique, such that the cutting board comprises roto-molded polyethylene. By using roto-molding—rather than forming the cutting board using other techniques like blow molding—the cutting board may be more durable than cutting surfaces that are formed using those other techniques. Moreover, the roto-molded polyethylene cutting board may be injected with foam, which further increases the durability of the cutting board as compared to cutting surfaces formed using those other techniques.

The portable cutting apparatus also includes an elevation system to elevate the cutting board. By elevating the cutting surface of the cutting board, the elevation system may enable users to deploy the portable cutting apparatus in a manner that is more ergonomically friendly, sanitary, and convenient, than simply placing a cutting board on various surfaces, such as on the ground, a cooler, a user's lap while seated, or a truck tailgate, to name just a few. Another advantage of the portable cutting apparatus is that it provides a standalone, dedicated cutting surface. This allows a user to position the portable cutting apparatus away from tables or other surfaces where users may cut or prepare food, and in so doing, prevent whatever the user is handling on the cutting surface from contaminating food being prepared on those other surfaces (and vice-versa).

The portable cutting apparatus also includes first and second reinforcement plates which provide reinforcement for the elevation system when the portable cutting apparatus is in an elevated state. The reinforcement plates may be attached to the side walls at opposite ends of the bottom surface of the cutting board. In one or more implementations, the elevation system may include a plurality of legs which may be inserted into sockets (e.g., screwed into the sockets) positioned on the bottom surface of the portable cutting apparatus. The reinforcement plates may include apertures (e.g., holes), through which the ends of the ends of the legs pass, when the legs are received in the sockets. An advantage of a configuration where the legs of the elevation system screw into the sockets is that the legs may be easily deployed and removed by simply screwing them in and unscrewing them, respectively.

To facilitate secure mechanical coupling of an elevation system leg within a socket, the socket is threaded to include an alignment component and teeth and a protrusion of the leg is similarly threaded to include a corresponding alignment component and teeth configured to mesh with the socket teeth. The alignment components ensure that the leg is properly aligned with, and fully inserted into, the socket before meshing the respective leg and socket teeth. To do so, the alignment components each include a ramp surface, oriented to glide along one another and rotationally bias the leg towards alignment with the socket during insertion of the leg into the socket.

One or more of the alignment components additionally include a front mesh guard, which is configured to prevent the socket and leg teeth from meshing with one another prematurely (e.g., during insertion of the leg into the socket and prior to complete insertion of the leg into the socket). In some implementations, the socket threading is further configured to include a rear mesh guard, which restricts a point at which a leg can be screwed into a socket and prevents re-meshing of the socket and leg teeth when unscrewing the leg from the socket. In this manner, the rear mesh guard further provides tactile feedback that informs a user of the portable cutting apparatus when a leg is mechanically secured (e.g., fully meshed) with a socket as well as when the leg is aligned for removal (e.g., unscrewed) from the socket. In some configurations, instead of including apertures that pass through to sockets formed in the bottom surface of the cutting board, the sockets are formed as part of the reinforcement plates themselves.

In addition to providing reinforcement for the elevation system, the first and second reinforcement plates act in concert with the side walls to form a storage cavity for storing the elevation system (e.g., the legs) when the portable cutting apparatus is in a storage state. In other words, the elevation system may be stored in the storage cavity of the portable cutting apparatus when the elevation system is not deployed to elevate the portable cutting apparatus. Storing the elevation system within the storage cavity enables the portable cutting apparatus to be more “compact” than when the elevation system is deployed. This enables the portable cutting apparatus to be stored (e.g., in a trunk, in a truck bed, in a closet, or on a shelf) more easily than cutting apparatuses having an elevation system that remains deployed.

By storing the elevation system, the storage cavity also enables the elevation system to be stored together with the portable cutting apparatus—rather than separately from the portable cutting apparatus. This allows a user to carry or handle the portable cutting apparatus and its elevation system together. The ability to store the elevation system in the storage cavity may thus alleviate difficulties of having separate pieces, e.g., the storage may reduce how often a user needs to pick up and load his or her arms with the portable cutting apparatus and elevation system, separately, and may also reduce or eliminate the need to determine how to stuff the portable cutting apparatus and the elevation system into a separate storage container such as a bag or box.

The elevation system is further configured to include adjustable feet that enable level and secure positioning of the portable cutting apparatus when deployed across a variety of surfaces and terrains. To do so, an end of a leg of the elevation system configured to contact a surface (e.g., ground) upon which the portable cutting apparatus is deployed is threaded to receive a foot. The threading is configured to enable removal and replacement of the foot, as well as adjustment of a distance from the end of the leg at which the foot is disposed. For instance, the foot can be twisted in a first direction to extend the foot away from the end of the leg and twisted in a second direction to retract the foot towards the end of the leg. In this manner, a length of each leg of the elevation system can be individually adjusted to provide a level cutting surface even when the portable cutting apparatus is deployed on uneven terrain. In some implementations, a table foot is configured with a hollow cavity that enables a based of the table foot to articulate within a socket formed by the end of the elevation system leg, thereby enabling the foot to provide a secure contact area and prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of angles.

In the following discussion, an example a portable cutting apparatus is described by way of example as comprising reinforcement plates attached to a roto-molded cutting board to form a cavity for storing an elevation system. However, it should be readily apparent that the following discussion is not limited to a cutting board. Reinforcement plates may be attached to other roto-molded objects to form cavities for storing elevation systems that can be deployed to elevate those objects without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

Portable Cutting Apparatus

FIG.1is an illustration of an example100implementation of a portable cutting apparatus having a cutting board and reinforcement plates that form a cavity for storing an elevation system. The illustrated example100includes cutting board102and reinforcement plates104. In this example100, the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104are depicted assembled as a portable cutting apparatus in views106-108, which include bottom view106, side view108, and graphical projection view110.

In accordance with the described techniques, the cutting board102includes cutting surface112and bottom surface114. The cutting board102is formed so that the bottom surface114includes side walls116. The side walls116are disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that a channel118is formed between the side walls116, separating the side walls116.

In one or more implementations, the cutting board102may be formed using a roto-molding technique, such that the cutting board102comprises roto-molded polyethylene. Using a roto-molding technique, the cutting board102may be formed by heating plastic (e.g., polyethylene) in a mold for the cutting board102and by rotating the mold (e.g., bidirectionally) over a period of time. While the plastic is heated, such rotation causes the heated plastic to coat (e.g., substantially evenly) an inner surface of the mold, forming the cutting board102as a plastic shell. The plastic and mold are then cooled, such that the plastic shell can be removed from the mold. In one or more implementations, the shell is also filled with foam. By way of example, once the roto-molded cutting board102is removed from its mold, the cutting board102may be pressure injected with the foam, e.g., a high-density polyurethane foam.

By using roto-molding—rather than forming the cutting board102using other techniques like blow molding—the cutting board102may be more durable than cutting surfaces that are formed using those other techniques. Filling a roto-molded shell, e.g., by pressure injecting foam, can also further increase the durability of the cutting board102relative to cutting surfaces formed using those other techniques. Additionally, by filling the cutting board102with a material, such as foam, the cutting board102has a substantially “solid” construction and not a “hollow” construction. This contrasts with various conventionally configured cutting surfaces having elevation systems. Although forming the cutting board102using roto-molding and injected foam is discussed, it is to be appreciated that the cutting board102may be formed in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

As illustrated in the bottom view106and the graphical projection view110, the reinforcement plates104may each be attached to both of the side walls116in accordance with the described techniques. In particular, a first of the reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116at a first end120of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that this first reinforcement plate spans from a first of the side walls116at the first end120, across the channel118at the first end120, and to a second of the side walls116at the first end120. Further, a second of the reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116at a second end122of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that this second reinforcement plate also spans from the first of the side walls116at the second end122, across the channel118at the second end122, and to the second of the side walls116at the second end122. As depicted, the first end120and the second end122may be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102. In one or more implementations, the side walls116may be substantially parallel to an axis, e.g., a longitudinal axis of the cutting board102or an axis that runs substantially along an edge of a rectangularly-shaped cutting board. The reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116so that the reinforcement plates104are positioned substantially orthogonal (perpendicular) to such an axis and thus also the side walls116. In one or more implementations, the reinforcement plates104are formed from a different material than the cutting board102. For example, the reinforcement plates104may be metal whereas the cutting board102comprises a roto-molded object.

Regardless, attaching the reinforcement plates104to the cutting board102forms a storage cavity124of the portable cutting apparatus. Here, the storage cavity124is disposed between the side walls116(e.g., along an axis substantially parallel to a sagittal axis of the portable cutting apparatus) and between the channel118and the reinforcement plates104(e.g., along axes substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the portable cutting apparatus). The storage cavity124formed by attaching the reinforcement plates104is configured to store an elevation system (not shown) for elevating the portable cutting apparatus. For example, the elevation system may be stored in the storage cavity124of the portable cutting apparatus when the elevation system is not deployed to elevating the portable cutting apparatus. An example of an elevation system is discussed in more detail in relation toFIG.2.

By storing the elevation system, the storage cavity124enables the portable cutting apparatus to be more “compact” than when the elevation system is deployed. This enables the portable cutting apparatus to be stored (e.g., in a trunk, in a truck bed, in a closet, or on a shelf) more easily than cutting apparatuses having an elevation system that remains deployed. By storing the elevation system, the storage cavity124also enables the elevation system to be stored together with the portable cutting apparatus—rather than separately from the portable cutting apparatus. This allows a user to carry or handle the portable cutting apparatus and its elevation system together. The ability to store the legs in the storage cavity124may thus alleviate difficulties of having separate pieces, e.g., the storage may reduce how often a user needs to pick up and load his or her arms with the portable cutting apparatus and elevation system, separately, and may also reduce or eliminate the need to determine how to stuff the portable cutting apparatus and the elevation system into a separate storage container such as a bag or box.

In the illustrated example100, the reinforcement plates104are also depicted having table feet126. The table feet126may be configured to elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104a first height above a surface on which the portable cutting apparatus is disposed. In accordance with the described techniques, this first height is less than a second height that the elevation system is configured to raise the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104above the surface.

Additionally or alternatively, the table feet126may be configured to prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding across a surface, or otherwise reduce sliding, e.g., when the portable cutting apparatus is placed on the surface such that the table feet126physically contact the surface. The table feet126may be configured to prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding across a surface when the portable cutting apparatus is being used, e.g., when a user is cutting on the cutting surface112of the cutting board102. For instance, the table feet126may prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding on a tailgate of a truck, a surface of a boat, or a kitchen counter, to name just a few. In this mode, a user may use the portable cutting apparatus with the elevation system stored, which contrasts with a mode where portable cutting apparatus is used with the elevation system deployed. In one or more implementations, for example, the table feet126may be formed of a material such as rubber, which may prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding on a variety of surfaces and at a variety of angles. It is to be appreciated that the table feet126may be formed from other materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the techniques described herein, and also that in one or more implementations, the portable cutting apparatus may not include the table feet126.

Having discussed how the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104form a cavity for storing an elevation system, consider the following example in which an elevation system and its deployment are discussed.

FIG.2depicts examples200of the portable cutting apparatus in various stages of deployment of the elevation system. In particular, the illustrated example200depicts deployment of elevation system202via various views, including a bottom projection view204, a bottom view206, and a top projection view208.

In accordance with the described techniques, the elevation system202may comprise a plurality of legs. The bottom projection view204and the bottom view206, depict insertion of the legs of the elevation system202into sockets210of the portable cutting apparatus. In one or more implementations, the sockets210may include leg cups disposed in the cutting board102. The leg cups may be threaded to enable ends of the legs, having threading that corresponds to threading of the leg cups, to be received by (e.g., screwed into) the sockets210. The reinforcement plates104may include apertures (e.g., holes), through which the ends of the ends of the legs pass, when the legs are received in the leg cups. In one or more implementations, the apertures may also include threading for receiving the ends of the legs. Although the leg cups are described as being separate from the reinforcement plates104, in one or more implementations, such leg cups may be integral with the reinforcement plates104such that the leg cups are “dropped” into cup holes of the molded cutting board102when the reinforcement plates104are attached to the cutting board102.

An advantage of a configuration where the legs of the elevation system202screw into the sockets210is that the legs may be easily deployed and removed by simply screwing them in and unscrewing them, respectively. An example configuration where the legs of the elevation system202screw into the sockets210is described and illustrated in further detail below with respect toFIGS.6-11C. Nevertheless, legs of the elevation system202may be deployed and removed in different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques. Additionally or alternatively, the elevation system202may be configured in a different way from using legs without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques. By way of example, in one or more implementations the elevation system202may be configured with two or more elevation walls (e.g., which each attach to an opposite end of the cutting board102). Regardless of its particular configuration, though, the elevation system202is nevertheless configured for storage within the storage cavity124formed by attaching the reinforcement plates104to the cutting board102.

In the bottom projection view204, the elevation system202is depicted partially deployed and partially stored. In particular, the bottom projection view204depicts one leg of the elevation system202disposed in a socket210, e.g., “deployed”. The bottom projection view204also depicts one leg of the elevation system202disposed in the storage cavity124, e.g., “stored” in the storage cavity124. It is to be appreciated that in the bottom projection view204two of the legs are not depicted. Although the illustrated example200depicts an implementation where the elevation system202includes four legs and four sockets210, it is to be appreciated that leg-based configurations of the elevation system202may have different numbers of legs without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

In the bottom view206and the top projection view208, the elevation system202is depicted fully deployed. In connection with the illustrated example200, the phrase “fully deployed” refers to a state where all of the legs of the elevation system202have been inserted into the sockets210and are secured, e.g., the threaded ends of the legs have been screwed into the corresponding threading of the sockets210, as described in further detail below with respect toFIGS.6-11C.

Generally speaking, the elevation system202is configured to elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104of the portable cutting system. The elevation system202may elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104a height above a surface on which the portable cutting apparatus is deployed. As noted above, this height is higher than a height that the table feet126are configured to elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104above a surface.

In one or more implementations, the elevation system202may be configured to elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104to a height that enables a user to stand while using the cutting surface112, e.g., to prepare food or drinks, filet fish, or process game. Additionally or alternatively, the elevation system202may enable the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104to be elevated to a plurality of different heights or across a range of heights, e.g., the elevation system202may be adjustable to different the height to which it elevates the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104. By way of example, legs of the elevation system202may be telescoping or otherwise extendable and retractable to different heights. In this way a height of the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104may be adjusted for users using the apparatus having a range of different heights and/or anatomy, e.g., long or short legs. An example implementation where legs of the elevation system202are adjustable to different heights is described in further detail below with respect toFIGS.12and13. Alternatively, legs of the elevation system202may have a substantially static length (e.g., only endcaps of the legs may be adjustable to steady the table on an uneven surface), where the length is designed to elevate the cutting board102and the reinforcement plates104to a height that is generally suitable for a range of users.

By elevating the cutting surface112of the cutting board102, the elevation system202may enable users to deploy the portable cutting apparatus in a manner that is more ergonomically friendly, sanitary, and convenient, than simply placing a cutting board on various surfaces, such as on the ground, a cooler, a user's lap while seated, or a truck tailgate, to name just a few. Another advantage of the portable cutting apparatus is that it provides a standalone, dedicated cutting surface. This allows a user to position the portable cutting apparatus away from tables or other surfaces where users may cut or prepare food, and in so doing, prevent whatever the user is handling on the cutting surface112from contaminating food being prepared on those other surfaces (and vice-versa).

In one or more implementations, the reinforcement plates104provide reinforcement for the elevation system202when the elevation system202elevates the portable cutting apparatus into the elevated state. By way of example, the reinforcement plates104may be formed from a material such as metal. Due to being constructed from metal, the reinforcement plates104may structurally reinforce (by bracing the side walls116across the channel118) the portable cutting apparatus. The reinforcement plates104may also provide a more secure fit of the elevation system202(e.g., its legs) into receptacles of the portable cutting apparatus (e.g., the sockets210) than the receptacles may provide without the reinforcement plates104.

In the illustrated example200, the top projection view208shows a portion of a threshold mechanism212configured to secure the elevation system202when stored in the storage cavity124. In the context of securing the elevation system202in the storage cavity124, consider the following discussion.

FIG.3depicts an example300of a cutaway view of the portable cutting apparatus showing a threshold mechanism to secure the elevation system in the cavity.

In the illustrated example300, the cutaway view depicts the cutting board102, the reinforcement plates104, the table feet126, and the elevation system202(e.g., a leg). The illustrated example300also includes threshold bridge302, which is depicted having a latch304and a bumper306. In this example300, the threshold bridge302, the latch304, and the bottom projection view204form the threshold mechanism.

In general, the threshold mechanism is configured to removably secure the elevation system202within the storage cavity124, formed by attaching the reinforcement plates104to the cutting board102. In the scenario where the elevation system202includes legs, for example, the threshold mechanism is configured to mechanically secure the legs within the storage cavity124so that the legs cannot be easily removed without a targeted (e.g., intentional) application of force to remove the legs from the storage cavity124. In other words, the threshold mechanism is configured to mechanically secure the elevation system202so that it does not “fall out” of the storage cavity124while the portable cutting apparatus is simply being carried or otherwise moved. Nonetheless, the threshold mechanism is also configured to allow the elevation system202to be removed from the storage cavity124with a targeted application of force, such as an application of force by a user to pull the elevation system202out of the cavity through the threshold mechanism, where the application of force has a magnitude and a direction sufficient to overcome one or more securing components of the threshold mechanism.

In this example300, the latch304and the bumper306may be configured as the securing components of the threshold mechanism. As illustrated, the latch304and the bumper306may be configured to secure the elevation system202using springs. Springs of the latch304and the bumper306may have a stiffness that causes those springs to have a resting position which disposes the latch304and the bumper306in positions to secure the elevation system202, e.g., by pressing the elevation system202against a surface of the channel118within the storage cavity124. The stiffness of those springs may also be selected so that the springs compress responsive to a targeted force to remove the elevation system202from the storage cavity124. Responsive to such a targeted force, for example, the springs of the latch304and the bumper306may be configured to compress, allowing the elevation system202to pass over the latch304and the bumper306. The springs of the latch304and the bumper306may also be configured to compress when the elevation system202passes over the latch304and the bumper306during insertion into the storage cavity124. When those springs are compressed, they store mechanical energy. When there is space for the springs to advance the latch304and the bumper306away from the reinforcement plates104, though, the mechanical energy stored in the springs causes the springs to decompress (e.g., spring) back toward their resting positions.

To this end, the elevation system202may have a shape configured to enable securing components, such as the latch304, to actuate to a position that secures the elevation system202, responsive to the elevation system202being disposed substantially in a storage position. As discussed in more detail below, the portable cutting apparatus may be configured with a threshold bridge302at each end, e.g., a first threshold bridge302at the first end120and a second threshold bridge302at the second end122. In such a configuration, the pair of threshold bridges may be configured identically or substantially identically, e.g., both threshold bridges may include a similar or same set of the latches304and the bumpers306—each threshold bridge may include a latch and a bumper for each leg. In this way, the bumpers306may be configured to press against the legs at both ends, e.g., a bumper of one threshold bridge may press against a leg proximate the end of the leg (the portion inserted into the leg cups) and a bumper of the other threshold bridge may press against that leg proximate a foot of the leg (the portion contacting the ground when in the elevated state). In this way, the bumpers306may prevent one or more portions of the elevation system202from “rattling around” in the storage cavity124.

Additionally, an end of each leg of the elevation system202may have a shape that is configured to contact a portion of the threshold bridge302(e.g., a wall or lip of the bridge's surface) and the latch304when the leg is inserted into the storage cavity124and reaches the storage position. In the storage position, the end of the leg may be shaped so that a portion of the shape is secured between the latch304in the non-compressed position and the portion of the threshold bridge302(e.g., the wall or lip). The threshold bridge302may include various combinations of securing components, such as combinations having at least one latch and/or at least one bumper.

In one or more implementations, the threshold bridge302is attached to one of the reinforcement plates104, such that each reinforcement plate has a respective threshold bridge302. In such implementations, the legs can be inserted into the storage cavity124via either end of the portable cutting apparatus, e.g., there may be threshold mechanisms212at one or both ends120,122of the portable cutting apparatus. The reinforcement plates104and their respective threshold bridge302may be attached to form a threshold assembly. In this way, when the reinforcement plates104are attached to the cutting board102, the threshold bridges302are also attached as part of the portable cutting apparatus. By way of example, the threshold bridge302may be inserted between the side walls116of the cutting board102, such that the threshold bridge302contacts the side walls116. Thus, when the threshold assembly is attached to the cutting board102for operation, the threshold bridge302may contact the side walls116along the channel118, and the respective reinforcement plate104may contact the side walls116along a surface of the cutting board102that faces a surface on which the portable cutting apparatus is deployed.

Although the threshold mechanism is discussed as comprising a threshold bridge302with a plurality of the latches304and the bumpers306to mechanically secure the elevation system202(e.g., legs) while stored in the storage cavity124(e.g., based on springs), it is to be appreciated that the threshold mechanism may be configured in different ways to secure the elevation system202within the storage cavity124in the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

In the illustrated example300, the cutting board102also is depicted having drip channel308. In general, the drip channel308is configured to hold liquids (e.g., blood) that flow from the cutting surface112. By holding those liquids, the drip channel308may reduce an amount of liquid on the cutting surface112while a user is cutting. This may enable safer and easier cutting on the cutting surface112of the portable cutting apparatus. Consider the following discussion ofFIG.4, which describes one example of the drip channel308.

FIG.4depicts an example400of a cutting surface of the portable cutting apparatus along with a view of a portion of a bottom surface of the portable cutting apparatus.

The illustrated example400includes the cutting board102fromFIG.1. In particular, the illustrated example400depicts a view of the cutting surface112of the cutting board102along with a separate view402of a portion of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102. In this example400, the drip channel308is depicted bordering the cutting surface112and is further surrounded by lip404, which enables liquids to be captured and held in the drip channel308and routed to a spillway406rather than simply spill over any edge of the portable cutting apparatus.

In one or more implementations, the portable cutting apparatus also includes one or more accessory attachment mechanisms408. In the illustrated example, the accessory attachment mechanism408is depicted as a protrusion, e.g., protruding from the bottom surface114of the cutting board102. It is to be appreciated, however, that in one or more implementations, the accessory attachment mechanisms408may be configured as cavities rather than protrusions. Indeed, the accessory attachment mechanisms408may be configured in a variety of ways to enable accessories to be clipped to the portable cutting apparatus.

By way of example, the accessory attachment mechanisms408may be positioned substantially at corners of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, e.g., one mechanism at each corner. For instance, the accessory attachment mechanisms408may be positioned on or within shelves410at the corners of the bottom surface114, e.g., protrusions may be attached to the shelves410or cavities may be formed into those shelves410. Accessories may thus be removably attached to corners of the portable cutting apparatus. It is to be appreciated that the portable cutting apparatus may include accessory attachment mechanisms408at different locations, e.g., along the ends120,122, of the bottom surface114without departing from the spirit or scope of the techniques described herein.

In general, the accessory attachment mechanisms408, in concert with the drip channel308and the lip404, may enable accessories to be “clipped” onto the cutting board102. By way of example, an accessory may include a first channel having a complementary shape to the lip404and a second channel or a protrusion having a complementary shape to the accessory attachment mechanisms408. When the accessory attachment mechanisms408are configured as protrusions, an accessory configured with first and second channels may be clipped onto the cutting board102such that the lip404is disposed in the first channel of the accessory and an accessory attachment mechanism408is disposed in the second channel of the accessory. When the accessory attachment mechanisms408are configured as cavities, an accessory configured with a channel complementary to the lip404and a protrusion complementary to the mechanism may be clipped onto the cutting board102such that the lip404is disposed into the accessory's channel and such that the accessory's protrusion is disposed within the accessory attachment mechanism408. Examples of accessories may include, but are not limited to, beverage holders, knife or other utensil holders, tool holders, surface extensions, and lighting, to name just a few. It is to be appreciated that accessories may be clipped around edges of the cutting board102in different ways in the spirit or scope of the techniques described herein.

In one or more implementations, the cutting surface112with the drip channel308may be configured to interface with one or more additional cutting surfaces. By way of example, an additional cutting surface having a depth and a width substantially similar to the cutting surface may be disposed “on top” of the cutting surface112. For instance, a user may place an aesthetically pleasing (e.g., acacia, teak, or bamboo) additional cutting surface on top of the cutting surface112. Such an additional cutting surface may include protrusions having a complementary shape to the drip channel308, such that when the additional cutting surface is placed on top of the cutting surface112, those protrusions are disposed in the drip channel308. As mentioned above, the cutting surface112may be configured to have two additional cutting surfaces placed on top, such that the two additional cutting surfaces are placed side-by-side. Each of those additional cutting surfaces may have protrusions that match a respective half of the drip channel308, such that when one those additional cutting surfaces is placed on the cutting surface112its protrusions are disposed within a respective half of the drip channel308. It is to be appreciated that the portable cutting apparatus may be configured in different ways for the removable attachment of accessories without departing from the spirit or scope of the described techniques.

Having discussed exemplary details of the portable cutting apparatus, consider now some examples of procedures to illustrate additional aspects for deployment of the apparatus.

Example Portable Cutting Apparatus Procedures

This section describes examples of procedures for the portable cutting apparatus. The procedures are shown as a set of blocks that specify operations performed and are not necessarily limited to the orders shown for performing the operations by the respective blocks.

FIG.5depicts a procedure500in an example implementation in which a storage cavity of a portable cutting apparatus is formed by attaching reinforcement plates to a bottom surface of a cutting board.

A cutting board is formed to include a cutting surface and a bottom surface that includes side walls disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface (block502). By way of example, cutting board102is formed to include cutting surface112and bottom surface114. The cutting board102is formed so that the bottom surface114includes side walls116. The side walls116are disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that a channel118is formed between the side walls116, separating the side walls116.

In one or more implementations, the cutting board102may be formed using a roto-molding technique, such that the cutting board102comprises roto-molded polyethylene. By using roto-molding—rather than forming the cutting board102using other techniques like blow molding—the cutting board102may be more durable than cutting surfaces that are formed using those other techniques. Filling a roto-molded shell, e.g., by pressure injecting foam, can also further increase the durability of the cutting board102relative to cutting surfaces formed using those other techniques. Additionally, by filling the cutting board102with a material, such as foam, the cutting board102has a substantially “solid” construction and not a “hollow” construction. This contrasts with various conventionally configured cutting surfaces having elevation systems.

A storage cavity is formed for storing an elevation system for the cutting board by attaching a first reinforcement plate to the side walls at a first end of the bottom surface of the cutting board and attaching a second reinforcement plate to the side walls at a second end of the bottom surface of the cutting board (block504). By way of example, the reinforcement plates104may each be attached to both of the side walls116in order to form the storage cavity124for storing the elevation system202. A first of the reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116at a first end120of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that this first reinforcement plate spans from a first of the side walls116at the first end120, across the channel118at the first end120, and to a second of the side walls116at the first end120. Further, a second of the reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116at a second end122of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that this second reinforcement plate also spans from the first of the side walls116at the second end122, across the channel118at the second end122, and to the second of the side walls116at the second end122. As depicted, the first end120and the second end122may be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102. In one or more implementations, the side walls116may be substantially parallel to an axis, e.g., a longitudinal axis of the cutting board102or an axis that runs substantially along an edge of a rectangularly-shaped cutting board. The reinforcement plates104may be attached to the side walls116so that the reinforcement plates104are positioned substantially orthogonal (perpendicular) to such an axis and thus also the side walls116.

The elevation system for the cutting board is stored within the storage cavity (block506). By way of example, the elevation system202is stored within the storage cavity124. In one or more implementations, the elevation system202may comprise a plurality of legs, each of which may be stored within the storage cavity124.

Having discussed exemplary procedures for the portable cutting apparatus, consider now some example configurations of the portable cutting apparatus and elevation system to facilitate deployment of the apparatus.

Portable Cutting Apparatus Elevation System

FIG.6depicts an example600of an element of the elevation system configured for insertion into, and removal from, a socket of the portable cutting apparatus.

The illustrated example600includes a leg of the elevation system202and one of the sockets210fromFIG.2. In the illustrated example600, the leg of the elevation system202includes a protrusion602configured for insertion into a cavity (e.g., a leg cup) of the socket210. To enable mechanical coupling of the leg of the elevation system202within the socket210, the protrusion602is threaded to include an alignment element604.

The alignment element604includes a ramp surface606and a front mesh guard608, which are configured to ensure proper alignment of the protrusion602with the socket210for mechanically coupling the leg of the elevation system202with the socket210. To mechanically couple the leg of the elevation system202with the socket210, the protrusion602includes one or more teeth610, such as tooth610(1),610(2),610(3), and610(n), where n represents any suitable integer. For instance, in an example implementation where the protrusion602is configured with two teeth610, n is defined as two. In another example implementation where the protrusion602is configured with ten teeth610, n is defined as ten. In this manner, a number of teeth610included in the protrusion is configurable based on a size of the protrusion602and the socket210(e.g., a length of the protrusion602, a depth of the socket210, etc.), design parameters (e.g., manufacturing tolerances) for the portable cutting apparatus, and so forth, and is not limited by the example implementations described herein.

Collectively, the alignment element604and the one or more teeth610define a threading612for the protrusion. In some implementations, the protrusion602includes a plurality of threadings612, where each threading612extends around a portion of a circumference of the protrusion602. When the protrusion602is configured with multiple threadings612, each threading612may be spaced from another threading612based on a length of a counterpart threading for the socket210, as described in further detail below with respect toFIG.7. In some implementations where the protrusion602is configured with multiple threadings612, each threading612may be spaced from another threading612based on a length of the threading612. For instance, a length of the threading612may be defined based on a distance from a leading edge614of the threading612to a trailing edge616of the threading612. By way of example, the protrusion602and the threading612may be formed from a material such as metal (e.g., aluminum). Due to being constructed from metal, the protrusion602and the threading612provide structural support (by bracing the protrusion602within the socket210) for the portable cutting apparatus during deployment of the elevation system202.

In the illustrated example600, the protrusion602is configured with two threadings612and depicted from a perspective where the leading edge614is visible for a first of the two threadings612and the trailing edge616is visible for a second of the two threadings612. Each threading612is optionally configurable to include a rear mesh guard618, which is configured to prevent the threading612from re-meshing with the socket210during removal of the protrusion, as described in further detail below.

The protrusion602is fitted with a seal ring620, which is configured to create a seal between the leg of the elevation system202and the socket210when the leg of the elevation system202is fully inserted into the socket210. In this manner, the seal ring620prevents debris (e.g., dust, liquid, etc.) from entering the socket210during deployment of the elevation system202. In some implementations, full insertion of the leg of the elevation system202into the socket210occurs when a tip622of the protrusion602contacts a ceiling624of the socket (e.g., a deepest surface of a cavity defined by the socket210, relative to the bottom surface114). In such implementations, the tip622of the protrusion602contacting the ceiling624of the socket210provides a contact surface that supports the cutting board102together with the teeth610during deployment of the elevation system202. Alternatively, full insertion of the leg of the elevation system202into the socket210occurs before the tip622contacts the ceiling624of the socket, such that a gap exists between the tip622of the protrusion602and the ceiling624of the socket210during deployment of the elevation system202. In such alternative implementations, the teeth610support the cutting board102during deployment of the elevation system202.

In some implementations, the tip622of the protrusion602is configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw) to couple the protrusion602to the leg of the elevation system202, such that the protrusion602is fastened to a tip of the leg opposite a corresponding one of the table feet126. Alternatively, the protrusion602may be formed as part of the leg of the elevation system202(e.g., molded as part of the leg, extruded as part of the leg, milled from the leg, and so forth), such that a fastener is not necessary to couple the protrusion602to the leg of the elevation system202.

FIG.7depicts an example700of a cutaway view of an element of the portable cutting apparatus configured to receive and mechanically secure a protrusion of the elevation system.

In the illustrated example700, the cutaway view depicts the socket210exposed to reveal aspects of the socket210that enable mechanical coupling of the protrusion602with the socket210. The socket210is threaded to include an alignment element702, which is comprised of a ramp surface704and a front mesh guard706. The ramp surface704is configured to interface with the ramp surface606of the alignment element604by gliding along the ramp surface606to bias rotation of the protrusion602for proper alignment with the socket210during insertion of the leg of the elevation system202, as described in further detail below. The front mesh guard706is configured to prevent premature meshing of the teeth610with teeth708of the socket210during insertion of the leg of the elevation system202into the socket210.

To mechanically couple the leg of the elevation system202with the socket210, the socket is threaded with one or more teeth708, such as tooth708(1),708(2),708(3),708(4), and708(m), where m represents any suitable integer. For instance, when the socket210is configured with three teeth708, m is defined as three, when the socket210is configured with nine teeth708, m is defined as nine, and so forth. In this manner, a quantity of teeth708is generally defined based on a quantity of the teeth610of the protrusion602, such that m=n±1.

In addition to being defined based on a quantity of the teeth610, the teeth708are dimensioned to serve as counterparts for the teeth610to mechanically couple the protrusion602with the socket210. For instance, the teeth708are spaced to be meshed with the teeth610, such a gap between adjacent teeth708is configured to receive a height of a corresponding one of the teeth610(e.g., a dimension of the corresponding one of the teeth610that is generally perpendicular to an axis running from the leading edge614and the trailing edge616of the tooth). Collectively, the ramp surface704and the one or more teeth708define a threading710for the socket210.

In some implementations, the socket210includes a plurality of the threadings710, where each threading710extends around a portion of a circumference of an interior wall of the socket210. When the socket210is configured with multiple threadings710, each threading710is spaced from another threading based on a length of a corresponding threading612(e.g., a dimension spanning from a leading edge614to a trailing edge616of the threading612). Similarly, a spacing between multiple threadings612around a circumference of the protrusion602is configured based on a length of a threading710of the socket210, such as a dimension spanning from a leading edge712to a trailing edge714of the threading710.

In some configurations, the teeth708extend away from an interior wall of the socket210at varying degrees along a length of the threading710. For instance, each of the teeth708may be configured to extend away from the interior wall at a lesser “height” at the leading edge712and at a greater “height” at the trailing edge714, such that each tooth708gradually extends from an interior surface of the socket at a greater degree from the leading edge712towards the trailing edge714. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the teeth708may be dimensioned to vary in “width” (e.g., a dimension measured along a depth of the socket210) from the leading edge712to the trailing edge714, such that a gap between adjacent teeth708decreases from the leading edge712towards the trailing edge714to bring the teeth708into contact with teeth610when the protrusion602is fully inserted and screwed into the socket210.

In a configuration where the teeth708extend away from the interior surface of the socket210at a height that gradually increases from a leading edge712to a trailing edge714, the teeth708are configured to restrict meshing of the teeth610using the rear mesh guard618, as described in further detail below. For instance, when the protrusion602is fully inserted into the210, a distance between the interior surface of the socket210upon which the threading710is disposed relative to the rear mesh guard618is greater than a “height” at which the leading edge712of the teeth708extends from the interior surface of the socket210and less than a “height” at which the trailing edge714of the teeth708extends from the interior surface of the socket210.

By way of example, the interior surface of the socket210and the threading710may be formed from a material such as metal (e.g., aluminum). Due to being constructed from metal, the threading710is configured to provide structural support (by bracing the protrusion602within the socket210) for the portable cutting apparatus during deployment of the elevation system202. The threading710is configured to be formed as part of the socket210(e.g., molded or machined as part of the socket), such that the socket210and the threading710are formed from a single piece of material (e.g., a single piece of metal). In some implementations, the socket210is comprised of a plurality of different portions, which are attached to one another via fasteners716(e.g., screws) to facilitate ease in forming the threading710as part of the socket210.

FIG.8depicts an example800of an element of the elevation system during aligned insertion into a socket of the portable cutting apparatus.

The illustrated example800depicts the protrusion602of a leg of the elevation system202as partially inserted into the socket210of the portable cutting apparatus. In the illustrated example800, the front mesh guard608of the protrusion's alignment element604prevents premature meshing of the teeth610and the teeth708by preventing rotation of the protrusion602, during aligned insertion, until fully inserted into the socket210. For instance, during aligned insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210, the front mesh guard608prevents meshing by contacting a leading edge712of the alignment element702or one or more teeth708of the socket's threading710.

Similarly, the front mesh guard706of the socket's alignment element702prevents premature meshing of the teeth708and the teeth610by preventing rotation of the protrusion602, during aligned insertion, until the protrusion602is fully inserted into the socket210. For instance, during aligned insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210, the front mesh guard706prevents meshing by contacting a leading edge614of the alignment element604or one or more teeth610of the protrusion's threading612. Achieving alignment of the protrusion602relative to the socket210is described in further detail below with respect toFIGS.11A-11C.

FIG.9depicts an example900of an element of the elevation system fully inserted into a socket of the portable cutting apparatus prior to meshing with the socket.

The illustrated example900depicts the protrusion602of the leg of the elevation system202as aligned with, and fully inserted into, the socket210. The protrusion602is considered to be “fully inserted” into the socket210when the front mesh guard608clears a deepest one of the teeth708(e.g., a tooth disposed closest to the ceiling624of the socket210), such that the protrusion602is able to rotate and mesh the teeth610of the protrusion602with the teeth708of the socket210. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion602is considered to be fully inserted into the socket210when the seal ring620of the protrusion602contacts the socket210. Alternatively or additionally, the protrusion602is configured to be fully inserted into the socket210when the tip622of the socket achieves a minimum distance relative to the ceiling624of the socket210(e.g., when the tip622contacts the ceiling624).

FIG.10depicts an example1000of an element of the elevation system meshed with a socket of the portable cutting apparatus.

The illustrated example1000depicts the protrusion602of the leg of the elevation system202as fully inserted into, and meshed with, the socket210. To mesh the protrusion602with210, the leg of the elevation system202is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow1002from the configuration depicted by the illustrated example900until further rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow1002is prevented by the rear mesh guard618.

The illustrated example1000depicts an example implementation where rotation of the protrusion602in the direction of the arrow1002is configured to position the rear mesh guard618beyond a leading edge712of the alignment element702. For instance, the illustrated example1000depicts an example implementation where the teeth708of the alignment element702extend away from an interior wall of the socket210at varying degrees along a length of the threading710, such that the teeth708extend from a surface of the socket wall from a lesser “height” at the leading edge712to a greater “height” at the trailing edge714.

The respective heights, of the teeth708relative to an interior surface of the socket210, and of the rear mesh guard618relative to a surface of the protrusion602, thus define a maximum point of rotation in the direction of the arrow1002for meshing the protrusion602with the socket210. For example, in some implementations the rear mesh guard618is configured to extend from a surface of the protrusion602to a distance that exceeds a clearance between a leading edge712of the teeth708and the surface of the protrusion602when the protrusion602is fully inserted into the socket210. In such an implementation, the configuration prevents the rear mesh guard618from crossing the leading edge712of the teeth708when rotated from the orientation depicted in the illustrated example900in the direction indicated by the arrow1002.

In a similar manner, the rear mesh guard618prevents re-meshing of the threading612(e.g., meshing of the threading612with a different one of the threading s710included in socket210) during removal of the protrusion602from the socket210. For instance, when the protrusion602is rotated from the orientation depicted in the illustrated example1000in the direction indicated by arrow1004, the rear mesh guard618is configured to prevent further rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow1004by contacting the trailing edge714of the teeth708. Upon contacting the trailing edge714of the teeth708, the rear mesh guard618restricts further rotation of the protrusion602in the direction indicated by the arrow1004and achieves the orientation indicated by the illustrated example900, permitting removal of the leg of the elevation system202from the socket210.

FIG.11Adepicts an example1100of an element of the elevation system during unaligned insertion into a socket of the portable cutting apparatus.FIG.11Bdepicts an example1102of an alignment component of an element of the elevation system biasing the element towards alignment with a socket of the portable cutting apparatus during unaligned insertion into the socket of the portable cutting apparatus.FIG.11Cdepicts an example1104of an element of the elevation system aligned for insertion into a socket of the portable cutting apparatus.

The illustrated example1100depicts the protrusion602of a leg of the elevation system202during insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210(e.g., in a direction indicated by arrow1106) when the protrusion602is not aligned for full insertion into the socket210. As described herein, the protrusion602is “not aligned,” “misaligned,” or “unaligned” for full insertion into the socket210when the alignment element604contacts the alignment element702during insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210generally in the direction indicated by the arrow1106.

The illustrated example1102depicts the protrusion602as being inserted further (relative to the illustrated example1100) into the socket210. In the illustrated example1102, the protrusion602is inserted into the socket210to a point where the ramp surface704of the alignment element702contacts the ramp surface606of the alignment element604. The ramp surface704and the ramp surface606are configured to glide along one another to bias rotation of the protrusion602in the direction indicated by arrow1108.

Thus, the ramp surface704and the ramp surface606are configured to transfer force applied to the protrusion602generally in the direction indicated by the arrow1106(e.g., during insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210) to the direction indicated by the arrow1108. In this manner, the alignment elements604and702are configured to guide the protrusion602of the leg of the elevation system202into alignment with the socket210, mitigating the need for a user of the portable cutting apparatus to ensure that the leg of the elevation system202is rotationally aligned with the socket210prior to insertion of the protrusion602. The ramp surface606and the ramp surface704are configured to guide rotation of the protrusion602until proper alignment is achieved for fully inserting the protrusion602into the socket210, as depicted by the illustrated example1104.

In the illustrated example1104, the protrusion602is depicted as having been rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow1108from the orientation depicted by the illustrated example1102until a gap1110between alignment elements604of the protrusion602is positioned such that inserting the protrusion602into the socket210in the direction generally indicated by the arrow1106does not cause the ramp surface606and the ramp surface704to contact one another. In some implementations, the ramp surface606and the ramp surface704are configured to bias rotation of the protrusion602in the direction indicated by the arrow1108until the front mesh guard608contacts the front mesh guard706. In such an implementation, gliding the ramp surface606along the ramp surface704until rotation in the direction of the arrow1108until the front mesh guard608contacts the front mesh guard706provides tactile feedback to a user of the portable cutting apparatus that the protrusion602is properly aligned with the socket210for full insertion and meshing. Complete insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210can then be achieved by continuing to insert the protrusion602from the position indicated by the illustrated example1104along the direction indicated by the arrow1106until achieving the position indicated by the illustrated example900ofFIG.9. After fully inserting and meshing each of the one or more legs elevation system202into respective sockets210of the portable cutting apparatus, the cutting board102is fully deployed and configured for use in an elevated configuration.

Although described herein as being used to mechanically secure a leg of the elevation system202to the portable cutting apparatus, these examples do not exhaustively describe possible implementations for the socket210and the protrusion602. Rather, the socket210is configured to secure any component outfitted with the protrusion602to the portable cutting apparatus. Further, although the respective threadings of the protrusion602and the socket210are described as being incorporated as part of a portable cutting apparatus, the protrusion602and socket210are useable in a variety of additional applications, such as for securing furniture (e.g., chairs, stools, etc.) components, securing tent poles, and so forth.

In addition to being configured for easy deployment and removal from the sockets210of the portable cutting apparatus, the legs of the elevation system202are further configured for leveling the cutting surface112and preventing the portable cutting apparatus from sliding on a variety of surfaces when the elevation system202is deployed.

FIG.12depicts an example1200of a cutaway view of a foot for an elevation system of the portable cutting apparatus positioned in a retracted and level orientation. The illustrated example1200includes a cutaway view of a table foot126attached to a leg of the elevation system202. To attach the table foot126to the leg of the elevation system202, the leg is constructed to include an internal threading1202disposed within an exterior housing1204. In some implementations, the internal threading1202and the exterior housing1204are formed from a single piece of material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.), such that the internal threading1202is machined from the exterior housing1204.

Alternatively, the internal threading1202and the exterior housing1204may be formed from separate materials, such that the internal threading1202is inserted into and attached to the exterior housing1204of the leg of the elevation system202. In implementations where the internal threading1202and the exterior housing1204are formed from separate materials, the internal threading1202may be secured within the exterior housing1204via an endcap1206. The endcap1206may be removably secured to the leg of the elevation system202to enable removal and replacement of the internal threading1202or may be permanently affixed to the leg of the elevation system202. Alternatively or additionally, in implementations where the internal threading1202and the exterior housing1204are formed from a single piece of material, the endcap1206may similarly represent a portion of the single piece of material.

The thread of the internal threading1202is representative of a female thread configured to receive a male thread of a foot threading1208for the table foot126. As described in further detail below with respect toFIG.13, the internal threading1202and the foot threading1208are configured to enable adjustment of a distance between a base of the table foot126and the endcap1206. To enable adjustment of the distance between the based on the table foot126and the endcap1206, the table foot is configured to include an adjustment grip1210. The adjustment grip1210is configured to be gripped by a hand of a user of the portable cutting apparatus and rotated to screw or unscrew the foot threading1208relative to the internal threading1202. In some implementations, the foot threading1208is formed from a first material (e.g., plastic) and the adjustment grip1210is formed from a second material (e.g., rubber) to facilitate easy grip and adjustment of the table foot126relative to the leg of the elevation system202. Alternatively, in some implementations the foot threading1208is formed from a same material as the adjustment grip1210.

The table foot126is fabricated to include a cavity1212disposed within the foot threading1208, where the cavity is constrained by sidewalls of the foot threading1208opposite the male threads and a cavity floor1214. The cavity floor1214is configured to extend inward from an exterior toward a center of the table foot126, leaving a gap1218at the center of the table foot126. The gap1218is configured to enable movement of a foot cap1216within the cavity1212and enable adjustment of an angle at which the table foot126is oriented.

The foot cap1216is connected to a ball1220and a base1222of the table foot126via a fastener1224(e.g., a screw). In this manner, the ball1220is configured to articulate about a socket formed by a surface opposite the cavity floor1214. A range of motion by which the ball1220may articulate about the socket formed by the surface opposite the cavity floor1214is thus constrained by respective dimensions of the cavity1212, the foot cap1216, and the gap1218, and is not limited by the illustrated example1300. In accordance with one or more implementations, to enable ease of articulation about the socket formed by the surface opposite the cavity floor1214, the surface opposite the cavity floor1214and the ball1220may be formed from low-friction, long-wearing materials (e.g., nylon). The base1222of the table foot126may be formed of, for instance, a durable material (e.g., vulcanized rubber) configured to prevent the portable cutting apparatus from sliding on a surface (e.g., a tailgate of a truck, a surface of a boat, a kitchen counter, and so forth).

Although described herein in the context of various example materials, components of the elevation system202may be formed from other materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the techniques described herein.

FIG.13depicts an example1300of a cutaway view of a foot for an elevation system of the portable cutting apparatus positioned in an extended and angled orientation. The illustrated example1300includes a cutaway view of a table foot126attached to a leg of the elevation system202. Relative to the orientation depicted in the illustrated example1200, the table foot126is extended away from the endcap1206of the leg of the elevation system202by a distance1302and tilted at an angle θ. In this manner, the table foot126is configured to be adjusted such that a plane defined by the base1222can be oriented differently from a plane defined by the cutting surface112of the cutting board102, thereby enabling the portable cutting apparatus to adapt to a variety of surfaces and terrains while providing a level cutting surface.

To adjust the distance1302at which the table foot126is positioned from the endcap1206, a user of the portable cutting apparatus can twist the adjustment grip1210relative to the exterior housing1204of the leg of the elevation system202. Twisting the adjustment grip1210while the leg of the elevation system202is restricted from rotating (e.g., by mechanically securing the elevation system202within a socket of the portable cutting apparatus as described above with respect toFIGS.6-11C, by the user gripping the exterior housing1204, and so forth) causes the foot threading1208to rotate within the internal threading1202and translate the twisting force into linear movement of the table foot126relative to the endcap1206. The direction of the linear movement of the table foot126relative to the endcap1206caused by twisting of the adjustment grip1210depends on a direction of the twisting as well as a thread direction for the internal threading1202and the foot threading1208.

For instance, configuring the internal threading1202and the foot threading1208with a right-handed thread and twisting the adjustment grip1210in a first direction about the leg of the elevation system202might cause the distance1302to increase while configuring the internal threading1202and the foot threading1208with a left-handed thread and twisting the adjustment grip1210in the first direction would cause the distance1302to decrease. A thread direction as well as a thread size, a thread form, a thread angle, a thread pitch, a thread depth, and other aspects of the internal threading1202and the foot threading1208are configurable in any variety of manners, and are not limited by the illustrated examples described herein. An amount of distance1302by which the table foot126may travel relative to the endcap1206is limited only by a depth of the internal threading1202relative to, and a length of, the leg of the elevation system202. In some implementations, the internal threading1202may extend an entire length of the leg of the elevation system202.

The table foot126is configured to be tilted at an angle θ relative to the “level” orientation depicted in the illustrated example1200by articulating the foot cap1216within the cavity1212and the ball1220about the socket formed opposite the cavity floor1214. In accordance with one or more implementations, the table foot126is configured to automatically adjust (e.g., without manual user manipulation of the table foot126) to the angle θ to accommodate for a surface upon which the portable cutting apparatus is positioned based on force applied to the portable cutting apparatus (e.g., gravity, a load placed upon the cutting surface112, and so forth). Alternatively or additionally, the table foot126may be restricted from freely articulating (e.g., via friction between the ball1220and the socket formed by the surface opposite the cavity floor1214) absent a user of the portable cutting apparatus physically adjusting the angle θ (e.g., by physically gripping the ball1220and/or the base1222and tilting the table foot126) relative to the leg of the elevation system202.

In this manner, the elevation system202is configured to include a table foot126that is adjustable to achieve a different distance1302from the endcap1206of the table leg and a different angle θ, relative to a table foot126of a different leg of the elevation system202. The elevation system202thus enables orienting the portable cutting apparatus to achieve a level and stationary cutting surface112, even when deployed on uneven and slippery surfaces.

Having discussed exemplary details of the portable cutting apparatus elevation system, consider now some examples of procedures to illustrate additional aspects for deployment of the elevation system.

Example Portable Cutting Apparatus Procedures

This section describes examples of procedures for the portable cutting apparatus elevation system. The procedures are shown as a set of blocks that specify operations performed and are not necessarily limited to the orders shown for performing the operations by the respective blocks.

FIG.14depicts a procedure1400in an example implementation in which an elevation system for a portable cutting apparatus is deployed by forming a socket in the portable cutting apparatus, forming a leg of the elevation system, and meshing the leg of the elevation system with the socket.

A cutting board is formed to include a cutting surface and a bottom surface that includes side walls disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface (block1402). By way of example, cutting board102is formed to include cutting surface112and bottom surface114. The cutting board102is formed so that the bottom surface114includes side walls116. The side walls116are disposed along opposite edges of the bottom surface114of the cutting board102, such that a channel118is formed between the side walls116, separating the side walls116.

A socket is formed in the bottom surface that is configured to receive a leg of an elevation system for the cutting board by threading the socket to include an alignment element and at least one tooth (block1404). By way of example, a socket210may be formed as a cavity in the bottom surface114, and optionally as part of a reinforcement plates104for the cutting board102. The socket210is threaded to include at least one threading710, where each threading710includes an alignment element702and one or more teeth708. The alignment element702includes a ramp surface704that is configured to rotationally bias a leg of the elevation system202towards alignment for full insertion during insertion of a protrusion602of the leg into the socket210. The front mesh guard706is configured to prevent the teeth708from meshing with the teeth610prior to full insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210.

A leg of the elevation system is formed (block1406). To form the leg of the elevation system202, a protrusion of the leg is threaded with an alignment element and at least one tooth, where the alignment element of the protrusion is configured to glide along the alignment element of the socket and the at least one tooth of the protrusion is configured to mesh with the at least one tooth of the socket (block1408). By way of example, a protrusion602may be formed as part of a leg of the elevation system202. The protrusion602is threaded to include at least one threading612, where each threading612includes an alignment element604and one or more teeth610. The alignment element604includes a ramp surface606configured to glide along the ramp surface704of the socket210during insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210until the protrusion602is aligned for full insertion into the socket210. The front mesh guard608is configured to prevent the teeth610from meshing with the teeth708prior to full insertion of the protrusion602into the socket210.

In some implementations, forming the leg of the elevation system202further includes threading a cavity of the leg opposite the protrusion to receive a table foot for the elevation system (block1410). By way of example, a cavity is formed within an exterior housing1204of the leg of the elevation system202opposite the protrusion602and threaded with an internal threading1202to receive a table foot126. The internal threading1202is configured as a female threading for a counterpart male threading of the table foot126, such as the foot threading1208. The internal threading1202and the foot threading1208are configured to enable adjustment of the height of the elevation system202leg by rotating the table foot126to change a distance between a base1222of the table foot126and an endcap1206of the leg of the elevation system202.

The elevation system is deployed by meshing the at least one tooth of the leg with the at least one tooth of the socket (block1412). By way of example, the protrusion602of the leg of the elevation system202is inserted into the socket210along a direction indicated by the arrow1106until a fully inserted position is achieved, such as the fully inserted position indicated by the illustrated example900. The protrusion602is then rotated within the socket210in the direction indicated by arrow1002until a rear mesh guard618of the protrusion's threading612prevents further rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow1002, at which point the leg of the elevation system202is fully deployed. Operation of block1412is repeated for each of a plurality of legs of the elevation system202until each of the plurality of legs have been deployed, at which point the elevation system202for the portable cutting apparatus is fully deployed.

CONCLUSION

Although aspects of a portable cutting apparatus have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of a portable cutting apparatus. Further, various different examples are described, and it is to be appreciated that each described example can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described examples.