Blade holder

Abstract

The blade holder includes a base and a locking arm. The base includes a sidewall and a guide member. The side wall and the guide member define a boundary of the receiving channel for slidably receiving and removably retaining the blade. The lock arm includes a hanging portion on a first end of the lock arm and a retainer portion on a second end of the lock arm. The overhang portion is coupled to the base and extends across the receiving channel. The retainer portion removably engages the notch of the blade. During installation of the blade, the leading edge of the blade passes through the overhang portion before contacting the retainer portion, the blade deflects the locking arm out of the receiving channel and the locking arm resiliently returns to the receiving channel, and the retainer portion engages the notch of the blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to utility knives and, more particularly, to utility knife blade slides. Background Art

[0002] A utility knife, also known as a box cutter knife, is a common tool used for a variety of purposes in a variety of industries and crafts. Utility knives may use fixed, folding, retractable, or replaceable blades and come in a variety of lengths and styles, suitable for the specific tasks they are designed to perform. For those utility knives with replaceable blades, the process of replacing or installing the blade typically requires the operator to disassemble the knife moderately (e.g., remove housing portions) or multiple movements or actions. For example, for blade installation, some utility knives require the operator to press a button when inserting the blade into the blade holder. Other utility knives require the operator to push the blade into the blade holder and then pull the blade back slightly to engage a locking feature. These complexities associated with installing the blade may be undesirable and prone to error, which may result in the blade not being secured and potential injury. Summary of the invention

[0003] The following disclosure describes non-limiting examples of some embodiments. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods may include or not include the features described herein. In addition, the disclosed advantages and benefits may only apply to certain situations of the inventive concept and should not be used to limit the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects, none of which is solely responsible for the desired attributes of the present disclosure.

[0004] Some examples of the inventive concept include a blade holder. The blade holder may include a base and a locking arm. The base may include a sidewall and one or more guide members located at opposite ends of the sidewall. The sidewall and the one or more guide members may form a boundary of a receiving channel for slidably receiving and removably holding a utility blade. The locking arm may include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The locking arm may include an overhang on the first end and a retainer portion on the second end. The overhang may be coupled to the base and may extend through (across) the receiving channel. The retainer portion may be configured to removably engage a recess of the utility blade. During installation of the utility blade into the blade holder along the receiving channel, the leading edge of the utility blade passes through the overhang before contacting the retainer portion, the utility blade deflects the locking arm out of the receiving channel, and the locking arm elastically returns to the receiving channel, and the retainer portion engages the recess of the utility blade.

[0005] Various enhancements, improvements and other modifications may be made to the blade holder in the front section. For example, the locking arm may include an elongated member extending between the overhang portion and the holder portion. The elongated member may be inclined so that the overhang portion and the holder portion have different heights relative to the receiving channel. The longitudinal axis of the elongated member may be substantially parallel to the main plane of the side wall. The elongated member may be tilted downward from the overhang portion to the holder portion. The holder portion may be positioned closer to the receiving channel than the overhang portion. The overhang portion may extend across the upper edge of the receiving channel.

[0006] Various enhancements, improvements, and other modifications may be made to the blade holder of any of the preceding paragraphs. For example, at least a portion of the locking arm may protrude into the receiving channel when not deflected by the utility blade. The presence of the retainer portion in the recess may prevent the utility blade from being removed from the blade holder. During installation, the utility blade may displace the retainer portion in a first direction. The first direction may be substantially vertical. During installation, the utility blade may displace the retainer portion in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially horizontal. During installation, the utility blade may lift the retainer portion out of the receiving channel. The overhang portion may extend substantially vertically from the major surface of the side wall.

[0007] Various enhancements, improvements and other modifications may be made to the blade holder of any of the preceding paragraphs. For example, the utility blade may have a generally flat isosceles trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, a retaining edge opposite the cutting edge, and a pair of opposite side edges. The retaining edge may define a notch. One of the side edges may include a leading edge. The locking arm may be a leaf spring. The utility blade may be mounted in the blade holder without the need to use any user actuator button to manipulate the locking arm.

[0008] Various enhancements, improvements and other modifications may be made to the blade holder in any of the preceding paragraphs. For example, the blade holder may define an entrance through which a utility blade may enter the receiving channel. The second end of the locking arm may be away from the utility blade entrance relative to the first end of the locking arm. The leading edge of the utility blade may be inclined. Translational movement of the utility blade along the receiving channel may cause the retainer portion to contact the inclined surface of the leading edge and slide along the inclined surface of the leading edge. The locking arm may be pivotally connected to the base. The first end may be a pivot end. The blade holder may include a biasing member configured to bias the retainer portion in a direction toward the receiving channel. During installation, the leading edge of the utility blade may contact the retainer portion and the locking arm may be pivoted around the pivot end in a direction away from the receiving channel.

[0009] Some examples of the inventive concepts include a blade holder. The blade holder may include a base and a locking arm. The base may include a sidewall and one or more guide members located at opposite ends of the sidewall. The sidewall and the one or more guide members may form a boundary of a receiving channel for slidably receiving and removably holding a utility blade. The locking arm may extend from the base. The locking arm may include an angled impact surface configured to removably engage a notch of the utility blade. The angled impact surface may be an outer surface of an indentation in the locking arm. During installation of the utility blade into the blade holder along the receiving channel, the leading edge of the utility blade may contact the angled impact surface and may deflect the locking arm out of the receiving channel. The locking arm may resiliently return to the receiving channel and the angled impact surface may engage the notch of the utility blade.

[0010] Various enhancements, improvements and other modifications can be made to the blade holder in any of the aforementioned paragraphs. For example, the angled impact surface can be a part of a diamond-shaped depression in the locking arm. During installation, the leading edge of the utility blade can contact the angled impact surface of the locking arm before contacting any other surface of the locking arm. The angled impact surface may not be perpendicular to the main surface of the side wall. The angled impact surface may not be parallel to the leading edge of the utility blade. The utility blade can have a generally flat isosceles trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, a retaining edge relative to the cutting edge, and a pair of relative side edges. The retaining edge can define a notch. One of the side edges can include a leading edge.

[0011] Various enhancements, improvements, and other modifications may be made to the blade holders of any of the preceding paragraphs. For example, a utility blade may be installed in the blade holder without the need to use any user actuator button to manipulate the locking arm. During installation, the utility blade may displace the locking arm in a first direction. The first direction may be substantially vertical. During installation, the utility blade may displace the locking arm in a second direction. The second direction may be substantially horizontal. In some cases, the angled impact surface is not formed along the score line during manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference numerals may be repeated throughout the drawings to indicate corresponding relationships between reference elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and not to limit its scope.

[0013] Figure 1 An example utility knife according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 2A A first example of a blade holder according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2B An example locking arm according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figures 3A-3C Shown is the installation of a utility blade into Figure 2A Example of a transfer sequence in a blade holder.

[0017] Figure 4 A second example of a blade holder according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figures 5A-5C Shown is the installation of a utility blade into Figure 4 Example of a transfer sequence in a blade holder.

[0019] Figure 5D Shows that Figure 5B A top view of the utility blade and blade holder shown in relative position.

[0020] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A third example of a blade holder according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figures 7A-7C Shown is the installation of a utility blade into Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Example of a transfer sequence in a blade holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 An example utility knife 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. In this example, a portion of a housing 104 has been removed to increase visibility of components within the housing 104. The utility knife 100 includes a housing 104, a blade holder 110, and a utility blade 102 at least partially secured within the housing 104 by the blade holder 110. In this example, the utility blade 102 is retractable within the housing 104 by a slide portion 112 interconnected with the blade holder 110. It should be understood that the inventive concepts described herein are compatible with any type of cutting instrument configured to removably receive a blade, including but not limited to fixed, retractable, or folding blades.

[0023] Figure 2A A first example of a blade holder 200 according to the present disclosure is shown. The blade holder 200 includes a base 202, a side wall 204, one or more guide members 206A, 206B (individually or collectively referred to as a plurality of guide members 206 or a guide member 206), a locking arm 214, a biasing member 216, and a slider portion 220. The blade holder 200 is Figure 1The present invention is an example of a blade holder 120 and can be compatible with the utility knife 100 or other utility knives, such as can be installed therein. It should be understood that the blade holder 200 represents an example blade holder and other examples may use fewer, additional or different components or arrangements. For example, the blade holder 200 may include Figure 4 and 6A Any one or more features of blade holder 400 or 600.

[0024] The blade holder 200 defines a receiving channel 212 for slidingly receiving a utility blade through an entrance 213 in the blade holder 200. The blade holder 200 can removably hold the utility blade in the receiving channel 212. In some cases, the boundaries of the receiving channel 212 are formed by the sidewalls 204 and one or more guide members 206. For example, the guide members 206 can include one or more overhanging, U-shaped, or T-shaped portions. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving channel 212 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the utility blade. Line 210 represents an example dimension of the receiving channel 212.

[0025] The locking arm 214 (sometimes referred to as a spring arm) includes a first end 241, a second end 243, and an elongated member 211. The first end 241 includes an overhang portion 215, and the second end 243 includes a retainer portion 208. The overhang portion 215 extends from the base 202, spanning the edge of the receiving channel 212. In some cases, the boundary of the receiving channel 212 is partially formed by the overhang portion 215. In some cases, the overhang portion 215 extends substantially perpendicularly from the main surface of the side wall 604.

[0026] The elongated member 211 extends from the overhang portion 215 to the retainer portion 208. In some cases, the elongated member is inclined so that the overhang portion 215 and the retainer portion 208 have different heights relative to the receiving channel. For example, the elongated member 211 can be inclined downward from the overhang portion 215 to the retainer portion 208. In this way, the retainer portion 208 can be positioned closer to the receiving channel 212 than the overhang portion 215.

[0027] In this example, the locking arm 214 is pivotally connected to the blade holder 200, such as to the base 202 or the guide member 206. The locking arm 214 includes a pivot portion 209 on a first end 241 and a holder portion 208 on a second end about which the locking arm 214 can pivot. The holder portion 208 can be sized to engage (e.g., fit within) a recess (e.g., Figure 3A The retainer portion 208 secures the utility blade within the blade holder 200 by engaging with the recess 330 of the utility blade 315. Figure 2AIn the example shown, the pivot portion 209 is located closer to the inlet 213 relative to the holder portion 208. In addition, the pivot portion 209 is located farther from the receiving channel (e.g., taller) than the holder portion 208. Thus, during installation of the utility blade into the blade holder 200, the leading edge (sometimes referred to as the strike edge) of the utility blade passes over (e.g., under) the pivot portion 209 before contacting the holder portion 208.

[0028] The biasing member 216 pivotally biases the retainer portion 208 in a first direction Y (i.e., a direction toward the receiving channel 212). As such, in the absence of other forces on the locking arm 214 (e.g., the absence of a utility blade), the retainer portion 208 is at least partially located within the receiving channel 212. When the utility blade is inserted into the blade holder 200, the utility blade deflects the retainer portion 208 out of the receiving channel 212 (e.g., pivots the retainer portion 208 in the second direction X). Additionally, when the notch of the utility blade is aligned with the retainer portion 208, the biasing member 216 biases the retainer portion 208 into the notch, thereby securing the utility blade within the blade holder 200.

[0029] The biasing member 216 may be implemented as a spring, such as a torsion spring. Additionally or alternatively, the biasing member 216 may be implemented as any component made of an elastic material that applies a moment that resists rotation when twisted or rotated. Figure 2A The biasing member 216 is shown separate from the locking arm 214, and in some cases, the locking arm 214 and the biasing member 216 are implemented as a single component. Figure 2B An exemplary locking arm 240 is shown as a hook-and-loop locking arm that functions as both a locking arm and a biasing member. It should be understood that the locking arm 240 represents Figure 2A For example, the locking arm 240 includes a retainer portion 242 and a pivot portion 244, which can be respectively Figure 2A An embodiment of the holder portion 208 and the pivot portion 209 .

[0030] Figures 3A-3C The utility blade 315 is shown mounted to Figure 2A An example of a transfer sequence in the blade holder 200. In particular, Figures 3A-3C Utility blade 315 is shown sequentially translating along receiving channel 212 from point A to point B to point C, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0031] The utility blade 315 has a generally flat isosceles trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge 341, a retaining edge 342 (also referred to as an upper edge 342) opposite the cutting edge 341, and a pair of opposing first and second side edges 317, 319. The retaining edge 342 defines at least one notch 330, 331 for mating with a complementary retainer portion 208 provided on the blade holder 200. The utility blade 315 can be reversible so that it can be received into the blade holder 200 from the direction of the first side edge 317 or the second side edge 319. For purposes of this disclosure, a particular side (e.g., the first side edge 317 or the second side edge 319) that is first inserted into the blade holder 200 is referred to as a leading edge or leading edge. In the example shown, the leading edge is the first side edge 317 because the first side edge 317 will contact the locking arm 214 when the utility blade 315 is installed in the blade holder 200.

[0032] like Figure 3A As shown, when the utility blade 315 is located at point A, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 contacts the retainer portion 208 of the locking arm 214. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 212 from point A to point B, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 exerts a force on the retainer portion 208 that resists the biasing force of the biasing member 216, thereby causing the locking arm 214 to pivot in the second direction X and away from the receiving channel 212. In this example, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 is skewed or inclined so that the leading edge 317 is inclined toward the locking arm 214. As a result, during the transfer of the utility blade 315 from point A to point B, the retainer portion 208 acts as a cam follower by following the inclined surface of the leading edge 317 before following the retaining edge 342 of the utility blade 315. In this example, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. However, it will be understood that the angle of the leading edge 317 may vary between embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 3B As shown, when the utility blade 315 is at point B, the retainer portion 208 of the locking arm 214 rests along the retaining edge 342 of the utility blade 315. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 212 from point B to point C, the retainer portion 208 follows the retaining edge 342 of the utility blade 315, and when the retainer portion 208 and the notch 330 of the utility blade 315 are aligned, the bias of the biasing member 216 causes the retainer portion 208 to return to the receiving channel 212 by moving (e.g., snapping down) into the notch 330 of the utility blade 315.

[0034] like Figure 3CAs shown, when the utility blade 315 is at point C, the retainer portion 208 is located within the recess 330 of the utility blade 315. The presence of the retainer portion 208 in the recess 330 prevents the utility blade 315 from being removed from the blade holder 200 and / or reduces wobble of the utility blade 315 during use.

[0035] In some cases, the manufacturing process of the utility blade and / or blade holder may involve shearing the metal sheet or breaking the hardened metal sheet along the score line. Either option will cause the edge of at least one side of the metal to become rough. When the rough edge of the blade holder faces the utility blade, and the operator inserts the utility blade with the rough edge of the utility blade as the leading edge, the two rough edges will get stuck to each other and prevent the utility blade from being smoothly inserted into the blade holder. When the rough edge of the locking arm faces the housing of the utility knife, the rough edge of the locking arm will drag on the housing, thereby causing a bad user feel when sliding the blade holder into and out of the knife housing.

[0036] To address these and other issues, a blade holder is disclosed herein that allows for smooth insertion regardless of the presence of rough edges on the utility blade and / or the blade holder. In particular, the blade holder disclosed herein includes an angled impact surface (e.g., a crease in a metal sheet) for contacting the leading edge of the utility blade. By implementing an angled impact surface that first contacts the leading edge of the utility blade, there may be no rough edges on the angled impact surface, thereby reducing the possibility of increased friction between the angled impact surface and the potential rough edge of the utility blade.

[0037] Figure 4 A second example of a blade holder 400 according to the present disclosure is shown. The blade holder 400 includes a base 402, a side wall 404, one or more guide members 406A, 406B, 406C, 406D (individually or collectively referred to as a plurality of guide members 406 or a guide member 406), a locking arm 414 having an angled impact surface 411, and a slider portion 420. The blade holder 400 is Figure 1 1 and 120 and may be compatible with, for example, utility knife 100 or other utility knives and may be installed therein. It should be understood that blade holder 400 represents an example blade holder and other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, blade holder 400 may include, respectively, Figure 2A and 6A Any one or more features of the blade holder 200 or 600 shown.

[0038] The blade holder 400 defines a receiving channel 412 for slidingly receiving a utility blade through an inlet 413 on the blade holder 400. The blade holder 400 can removably hold the utility blade in the receiving channel 412. In some cases, the boundary of the receiving channel 412 is formed by the sidewall 404 and one or more guide members 406. For example, the guide member 406 can include one or more overhanging, U-shaped or T-shaped portions. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving channel 412 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the utility blade. Line 410 represents an example dimension of the receiving channel 412. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving channel 412 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the utility blade.

[0039] The locking arm 414 can be integrally formed with the base 402. In some cases, the locking arm 414 is implemented as a deflection bearing, such as a living hinge or a leaf spring. The locking arm 414 includes a first end 409 and a second end 408 (sometimes referred to as a retainer portion 408) coupled to the base 402. The retainer portion 408 includes an angled impact surface 411 for contacting the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315. As described herein, in some cases, the angled impact surface 411 is not formed along a score line, so there is no rough edge that may introduce friction. The angled impact surface 411 can be any raised geometry, such as a fold, indentation, bend, or stamped portion on or near the retainer portion 408. In some cases, the angled impact surface 411 is the first (and in some cases, the only) surface of the locking arm 414 that is contacted by the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 during installation. In some cases, angled impact surface 411 is implemented as a diamond-shaped depression in retainer portion 408 .

[0040] The retainer portion 408 and / or the angled impact surface 411 can be sized to engage (e.g., fit within) the notch 330 of the utility blade 315. By engaging the notch 330 of the utility blade, the retainer portion 408 secures the utility blade 315 within the blade holder 400.

[0041] The locking arm 414 protrudes from the base 402 and / or the side wall 404, and / or can be considered as a part of the base 402 and / or the side wall 404. The locking arm 414 can move between a non-deflected state and a deflected state by elastic deformation. In the non-deflected state (i.e., the normal resting state), at least a portion of the retainer portion 408 (e.g., the angled impact surface 411) at least partially protrudes into the receiving channel 412. In this way, during the installation of the utility blade 315 into the blade holder 400, the utility blade 315 contacts the retainer portion 408. When the locking arm 114 is not in the non-deflected state, the locking arm 114 is in a deflected state. In this way, the deflected state can include any of a plurality of orientations of the locking arm 114. As described herein, during installation of the utility blade 315 into the blade holder 400, the utility blade 315 deflects the locking arm 414 away from the utility blade 315 until the utility blade 315 moves to a position where the notch 330 is aligned with the holder portion 408. When the notch 330 is aligned with the holder portion 408, the holder portion 408 snaps into and engages with the notch 330.

[0042] Figures 5A-5C The utility blade 315 is shown mounted to Figure 4 An example of a transfer sequence in the illustrated blade holder 400. In particular, Figures 5A-5C Utility blade 315 is shown sequentially translating along receiving channel 412 from point A to point B to point C, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0043] like Figure 5A As shown, when the utility blade 315 is located at point A, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 contacts the angled impact surface 411 of the locking arm 414. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 412 from point A to point B, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 deflects the angled impact surface 411 (and the retainer portion 408) out of the receiving channel 412 and moves the locking arm 414 to a deflected state. In this example, the angled impact surface 411 is inclined toward the inlet 413. As a result, during the transfer of the utility blade 315 from point A to point B, the retainer portion 408 acts as a cam follower by following the leading edge 317 of the utility blade before following the back of the utility blade 315.

[0044] like Figure 5B As shown, when the utility blade 315 is at point B, the retainer portion 408 of the locking arm 414 rests on the back side (not shown) of the utility blade 315. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 412 from point B to point C, the retainer portion 408 follows the back side of the utility blade 315.

[0045] Figure 5D Shows the Figure 5BA top view of the utility blade 315 and blade holder 400 in the illustrated position. As shown, in the deflected state, the holder portion 408 is pushed back away from the utility blade 315 as the holder portion 408 follows the back of the utility blade 315.

[0046] like Figure 5C As shown, the locking arm 414 returns to the non-deflected state by elastic deformation when the retainer portion 408 is aligned with the notch 330 of the utility blade 315. When returning to the non-deflected state, the retainer portion 408 moves (e.g., snaps forward toward the utility blade) into the notch 330 of the utility blade 315. The presence of the retainer portion 408 in the notch 330 prevents the utility blade 315 from being removed from the blade holder 400 and / or reduces the shaking of the utility blade 315 during use.

[0047] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A third example of a blade holder 600 according to the present disclosure is shown. The blade holder 600 includes a base 602, a side wall 604, one or more guide members 606A, 606B (individually or collectively referred to as a plurality of guide members 606 or a guide member 606), a locking arm 614, and a slider portion 620. The blade holder 600 is Figure 1 1 and 120 and may be compatible with, for example, utility knife 100 or other utility knives and may be installed therein. It should be understood that blade holder 600 represents an example blade holder and other examples may use fewer, additional, or different components or arrangements. For example, blade holder 600 may include a plurality of blade holders, each having a plurality of blade holders and a plurality of blade holders. Figure 2A and Figure 4 Any one or more features of the blade holder 200 or 400.

[0048] The blade holder 600 defines a receiving channel 612 for slidingly receiving a utility blade through an inlet 613 on the blade holder 600. The blade holder 600 can removably hold the utility blade 315 in the receiving channel 612. In some cases, the boundary of the receiving channel 612 is formed by the sidewall 604 and one or more guide members 606. For example, the guide member 606 can include one or more overhanging, U-shaped or T-shaped portions. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving channel 612 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the utility blade. Line 610 represents an example dimension of the receiving channel 612. In some cases, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving channel 612 is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the utility blade 315.

[0049] In some cases, the presence of one or more slits in the sidewall 604 can reduce the possibility of blade holder 600 warping during heat treatment or deformation, such as during shipment. Although the sidewall 604 is shown as defining two slits therein, it should be understood that the number of slits can change in an embodiment. For example, in some cases, the sidewall 604 can include a groove or more than two slits. In some cases, the configuration of the locking arm 614 (for example, extending from the front of the blade holder 600 toward the rear) can reduce the negative impact of the warping during blade holder 600 heat treatment or deformation. For this reason, in some cases, the slit may be redundant, so the slit may not be included in the sidewall 604.

[0050] The locking arm 614 can be integrally formed with the base 602 and / or the one or more guide members 606. In some cases, the locking arm 614 is implemented as a deflection bearing, such as a living hinge or a leaf spring.

[0051] The locking arm 614 includes a first end 641, a second end 643, and an elongated member 611. The first end 641 includes an overhang portion 615, and the second end 643 includes a retainer portion 608. The overhang portion 615 extends from the base 602, spanning the edge of the receiving channel 612. In some cases, the boundary of the receiving channel 612 is partially formed by the overhang portion 615. In some cases, the overhang portion 615 extends substantially perpendicularly from the main surface of the side wall 604.

[0052] The elongated member 611 extends from the overhang portion 615 to the retainer portion 608. In some cases, the elongated member is inclined so that the overhang portion 615 and the retainer portion 608 can have different heights relative to the receiving channel. For example, the elongated member 611 can be tilted downward from the overhang portion 615 to the retainer portion 608. In this way, the retainer portion 608 can be closer to the receiving channel 612 than the overhang portion 615. In some cases, the elongated member 611 is tilted downward so that during installation of the utility blade 315, the leading edge of the utility blade contacts the back side of the elongated member 611 (not shown). In some cases, the elongated member 611 is the first (and in some cases the only) surface of the locking arm 614 that is contacted by the leading edge of the utility blade during installation. In some cases, the longitudinal axis of the elongated member 611 can be substantially parallel to the major plane of the side wall 604.

[0053] The holder portion 608 includes a holder portion 619 that is sized to engage with the notch of the utility blade 315. By engaging with the notch of the utility blade, the holder portion 608 secures the utility blade 315 within the blade holder 600. It should be understood that the length, width, curvature, bend, and / or angle of the overhang portion 615, the elongated member 611, and / or the holder portion 608 may vary in embodiments. For example, in some cases, the overhang portion 337 forms an arch or bridge shape.

[0054] The locking arm 614 can be moved between a non-deflected state and a deflected state by elastic deformation. In the non-deflected state (i.e., the normal rest state), at least a portion of the elongated member 611 at least partially protrudes into the receiving channel 612. In this way, during the installation of the utility blade into the blade holder 600, the utility blade contacts the elongated member 611. When the locking arm 114 is not in the non-deflected state, the locking arm 114 is in a deflected state. In this way, the deflected state can include any of a plurality of orientations of the locking arm 114. As described herein, during the installation of the utility blade into the blade holder 600, the utility blade deflects the locking arm 614 away from (e.g., above) the utility blade until the recess of the utility blade is aligned with the holder portion 608.

[0055] Figures 7A-7C The utility blade 315 is shown mounted to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example of a transfer sequence in the blade holder 600. In particular, Figures 7A-7C Utility blade 315 is shown sequentially translating along receiving channel 612 from point A to point B to point C, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0056] like Fig. 7A As shown, when the utility blade 315 is located at point A, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 contacts the elongated member 611 of the locking arm 614. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 612 from point A to point B, the leading edge 317 of the utility blade 315 deflects the elongated member 611 (and the retainer portion 608) out of the receiving channel 612 and moves the locking arm 614 to a deflected state. In this example, the elongated member 611 is tilted away from the inlet 613. As a result, during the transition of the utility blade 315 from point A to point B, the leading edge 317 follows the elongated member 611, lifting the retainer portion 608 out of the receiving channel 612.

[0057] like Figure 7B As shown, when the utility blade 315 is at point B, the retainer portion 608 of the locking arm 614 rests along the retaining edge 342 of the utility blade 315. As the utility blade 315 translates along the receiving channel 612 from point B to point C, the retainer portion 608 follows the top surface of the utility blade 315.

[0058] like Figure 7C As shown, the locking arm 614 returns to the non-deflected state by elastomeric deformation when the retainer portion 608 is aligned with the notch 330 of the utility blade 315. When returning to the non-deflected state, the retainer portion 608 moves (e.g., snaps downward) into the notch 330 of the utility blade 315. The presence of the retainer portion 608 in the notch 330 prevents the utility blade 315 from being removed from the blade holder 600 and / or reduces the wobble of the utility blade 315 during use.

[0059] like Figures 3A-3C , 5A-5C and 7A-5C, the operator can easily install the utility blade in the blade holder designed according to the present disclosure. In particular, the operator can install the utility blade in the blade holder by inserting the utility blade into the opening of the blade holder and pushing the utility blade into the blade holder. In some cases, this sequence is referred to as a single action or a single move because it does not require the operator to perform additional other actions to fix the utility blade in the blade holder. That is, the blade holder may not require the operator to press a user actuator button (e.g., a release lever or button) to allow or complete the installation of the utility blade. In addition, the blade holder may not require the operator to "pull back" the blade to snap the locking mechanism into place. On the contrary, due to the thrust applied by the operator on the utility blade, the blade holder automatically fixes the utility blade.

[0060] In some cases, the order in which the utility blades are removed from the blade holder may differ from the order in which they were installed. For example, to remove the utility blade 315, the operator may need to activate an actuator portion (e.g., a release lever) to disengage (e.g., lift, move aside) the holder portion 208 from the notch 330 and allow the utility blade 315 to be removed from the blade holder 200 by translation.

[0061] the term

[0062] Conditional language, such as "may," "might," "might," or "could," unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context in which it is used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require features, elements, and / or steps in any way, or that one or more embodiments must include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included or will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0063] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "may include", etc. should be understood as inclusive, as opposed to exclusive or exhaustive; that is, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". As used herein, the terms "connect", "couple" or any variation thereof mean any direct or indirect connection or connection between two or more elements; the connection or connection between elements may be physical, logical or a combination thereof. In addition, when used in this application, the words "herein", "above", "below" and words of similar meaning refer to the entirety of this application, not to any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, words used in the singular or plural in the above detailed description may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" referring to a list of two or more items covers all the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Similarly, the term "and / or" refers to a list of two or more items, covering all the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0064] Depending on the embodiment, certain operations, actions, events, or functions of any routine described elsewhere herein may be performed in a different order, may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (non-limiting example: not all operations, actions, events, or functions are necessary to implement the algorithm). In addition, in some embodiments, operations, actions, functions, or events may be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially.

[0065] Based on the above detailed description, the above and other changes can be made to the inventive concept. Although the above description discloses certain examples of the inventive concept and describes the expected best mode, no matter how detailed the above appears in the text, the inventive concept can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system can vary considerably in its specific implementation while still being included in the inventive concept disclosed herein. As described above, the specific terms used when describing certain features or aspects of the inventive concept should not be understood to imply that the term is redefined here to be limited to any specific feature, characteristic or aspect of the inventive concept associated with the term. Generally, the terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the concepts of the present disclosure to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section clearly defines these terms. Therefore, the actual scope of the inventive concept includes not only the disclosed content examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the inventive concept under the claims.

[0066] Unless specifically stated otherwise, disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z" should be understood as generally used to indicate the context of an item, term, etc., which may be X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (non-limiting example: X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z each be present.

[0067] Unless expressly stated otherwise, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted as including one or more of the stated items. Thus, phrases such as "configured to" are intended to include one or more of the stated devices. The one or more stated devices may also be configured together to perform the stated statements. For example, "a processor configured to perform statements A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to perform statement A working together with a second processor configured to perform statements B and C.

[0068] Although the above detailed description shows, describes and points out novel features applied to various embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made to the form and details of the illustrated devices or algorithms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments described elsewhere herein may be implemented in a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from other features. The scope of certain embodiments disclosed herein is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the preceding description. All changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are included within the scope of the claims.

[0069] Any terms generally associated with circles, such as "radius" or "radial" or "diameter" or "circumference" or any derivative or similar type of terms, are intended to refer to any corresponding structure in any type of geometric shape, not just circular structures. For example, "radial" as applied to another geometric structure should be understood to refer to the direction or distance between the location corresponding to the general geometric center of such structure and the perimeter of such structure; "diameter" as applied to another geometric structure should be understood to refer to the cross-sectional width of such structure; and "circumference" as applied to another geometric structure should be understood to refer to the peripheral area. Nothing in this specification or the drawings should be construed to limit these terms to only circular or annular structures.

Claims

1. A blade holder, characterized in that: include: a base including a sidewall and one or more guide members at opposite ends of the sidewall, wherein the sidewall and the one or more guide members define a receiving channel for slidably receiving and removably retaining a utility blade; as well as a locking arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the locking arm including an overhang portion on the first end and a retainer portion on the second end, the overhang portion being coupled to the base and extending across the receiving channel, the retainer portion being configured to removably engage the recess of the utility blade, wherein during installation of the utility blade into the blade holder along the receiving channel: The leading edge of the utility blade passes over the overhang portion before contacting the retainer portion, The utility blade deflects the locking arm out of the receiving channel, and The locking arm resiliently returns to the receiving channel and the retainer portion engages the notch of the utility blade.

2. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking arm also includes an elongated member extending between the overhang portion and the retainer portion, wherein the elongated member is angled such that the overhang portion and the retainer portion have different heights relative to the receiving channel.

3. The blade holder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The longitudinal axis of the elongate member is substantially parallel to the major plane of the side wall.

4. The blade holder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elongated member slopes downwardly from the overhang portion to the retainer portion, and wherein the retainer portion is positioned closer to the receiving channel than the overhang portion.

5. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overhang portion extends across an upper edge of the receiving channel.

6. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: When not deflected by the utility blade, at least a portion of the locking arm projects into the receiving channel.

7. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The presence of the holder portion in the recess inhibits removal of the utility blade from the blade holder.

8. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: During installation, the utility blade displaces the holder portion in a first direction, wherein the first direction is substantially vertical.

9. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that: During installation, the utility blade displaces the holder portion in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially horizontal.

10. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that During installation, the utility blade lifts the retainer portion out of the receiving channel.

11. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The overhang extends substantially perpendicularly from the major surface of the sidewall.

12. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The utility blade has a generally flat isosceles trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, a retaining edge opposite the cutting edge, and a pair of opposing side edges, wherein the retaining edge defines the notch, and wherein one of the side edges includes the leading edge.

13. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking arm is a leaf spring.

14. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The utility blade may be installed in the blade holder without the use of any user actuator button for manipulating the locking arm.

15. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The blade holder defines an entry through which the utility blade can enter the receiving passage, and wherein the second end of the locking arm is distal from the utility blade entry relative to the first end of the locking arm.

16. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The leading edge of the utility blade is beveled, and wherein translational movement of the utility blade along the receiving channel causes the retainer portion to contact and slide along the bevel of the leading edge.

17. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking arm is pivotally connected to the base, and wherein the first end is a pivot end.

18. The blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a biasing member configured to bias the retainer portion in a direction toward the receiving channel.

19. The blade holder according to claim 17, characterized in that During installation, the leading edge of the utility blade contacts the retainer portion and pivots the locking arm about the pivot end in a direction away from the receiving passage.

20. A blade holder, characterized in that: include: a base including a sidewall and one or more guide members at opposite ends of the sidewall, wherein the sidewall and the one or more guide members define a receiving channel for slidably receiving and removably retaining a utility blade; as well as a locking arm extending from the base, the locking arm including an angled impact surface configured to removably engage the notch of the utility blade, wherein the angled impact surface is an outer surface of the indentation in the locking arm, wherein during installation of the utility blade into the blade holder along the receiving channel, the leading edge of the utility blade contacts the angled impact surface and deflects the locking arm out of the receiving channel, wherein the locking arm resiliently returns to the receiving channel and the angled impact surface engages the notch of the utility blade.

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