RECONFIGURABLE FOLDING KNIFE WITH EXTERNAL SHIELD

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding knife (C1) comprising a knife body (2) including at least one folding blade, a first side plate (14) and a second side plate (16), a first handle (4) fixed to the first plate (14) and a first insert (8) mounted in the first handle (4) by means of screws (26), and a second handle (6) fixed to the second side plate (16) and a second insert fixed in the second handle (6) by means of screws (26). [Fig. 3A]

Description

Title of the invention: RECONFIGURABLE FOLDING KNIFE WITH EXTERNAL CLOTH TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding knife with a reconfigurable outer covering.

[0002] Folding knives, also commonly known as "Swiss Army knives," consist of a steel body, generally stainless steel, comprising at least one folding blade. Other accessories may be included, such as a corkscrew and a screwdriver. The knife body has two side plates covered with elements, most often made of plastic, giving the knife a certain aesthetic appeal.

[0003] These elements are fixed to the side plates, for example by means of double-sided adhesive.

[0004] Folding knives, in addition to being very practical objects, often have sentimental value, as they were given as gifts on special occasions. Their owners therefore wish to keep them for as long as possible. However, it may be desirable to either modernize them or repair them if one of the decorative elements is damaged.

[0005] Furthermore, in order to further personalize the knife, it is desirable that the user be able to configure the external appearance

[0006] But this is not possible with prior art folding knives. Description of the invention

[0007] It is therefore one of the aims of the present application to offer a knife offering new possibilities regarding its external design.

[0008] The stated objective is achieved by a folding knife comprising a knife body with at least one folding blade and two side plates, and a decorative element fixed to each of the side plates. At least one of the decorative elements comprises a frame fixed to a side plate and an insert mounted in a recess in the frame, the insert being secured to the frame by means of at least one screw.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the insert can be easily replaced, either to install an insert with a different appearance, or because the old insert is damaged and needs to be replaced with a new one, or to personalize the knife.

[0010] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, it is possible to mount inserts made of different materials, for example wood, metal, stone, glass...

[0011] Preferably, the two decorative elements comprise a frame and an insert.

[0012] Advantageously, the casing is made of metal or injected plastic, wood, and other materials. This provides high robustness and protects the edge of the insert.

[0013] The present invention then relates to a folding knife comprising a knife body including at least one folding blade, a first side plate and a second side plate, at least one frame fixed on the first side plate or the second side plate and at least one insert fixed to the frame by at least one screw.

[0014] In a preferred example, the case has on its outer face a recess in which the insert is mounted.

[0015] The recess advantageously comprises at least one overthickness provided with a thread cooperating with at least one screw.

[0016] In a preferred example, the insert is fixed to the case by means of three screws distributed along the length of the insert.

[0017] Preferably, at least one elastomer element is pinched between the insert and the case, preferably several elastomer elements are pinched between the insert and the case.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insert is in several parts, each fixed by screws to the case, advantageously the parts partially overlapping.

[0019] The folding knife may have two frames and at least two inserts, each insert being fixed to a frame.

[0020] In a preferred example, the first side plate includes a mechanism to allow folding the blade, the frame and the insert mounted on the first side plate, each having a window opposite the mechanism for mounting a button to operate the mechanism.

[0021] The at least one insert may be at least partly made of metal, stone, wood, glass, ceramic or comprising a part made of photoluminescent material.

[0022] In one embodiment, the insert is hollow so as to house means fulfilling an additional function.

[0023] According to an additional feature, the hollow insert is made of transparent material and lighting means are housed in the insert.

[0024] For example, the body of the knife has a corkscrew on the side of the second side plate and the carcass and the insert on the second side plate are shaped to house the corkscrew. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] This application will be better understood with the aid of the following description and the attached drawings, in which: - [Fig. 1] is a front view of an example of a folding knife according to the invention, - [Fig. 2] is a front view of the folding knife of [Fig. 1], - [Fig. 3A] is a perspective view of the knife of Figures 1 and 2, - [[Fig. 3B]] is a partially exploded view of the knife of [Fig. 3A], - [Fig. 4] is a front view of another example of a folding knife according to the invention, - [Fig.5] is a partially exploded view of the knife from [Fig.4], - [Fig.6] is a partially exploded view of a knife according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0026] In the example which will be described in detail below, the body of the folding knife includes at least a folding blade and a corkscrew, but it will be understood that any other combination of accessories of the body of the knife falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3B show an example of a folding knife Cl comprising a knife body 2, a first frame 4 and a second frame 6 on either side of the knife body, and a first insert 8 mounted in the first frame 4 and a second insert 10, mounted in the second frame 6.

[0028] In this example, the body of the knife 2 includes, in particular, a folding blade 12 and a folding corkscrew 13 visible in [Fig. 2]. The body of the knife 2 is also equipped with other accessories which will not be detailed.

[0029] The knife body 2 comprises a first side plate 14 and a second side plate 16. The second plate 16 is located on the corkscrew side 13, as are the second shoulder 6 and the second insert 10. They are thus shaped to accommodate the corkscrew. Their shapes are different from those of the first side plate 14, the first shoulder 4, and the first insert 8. In another example where the knife body does not include a corkscrew, the two side plates 14 and 16 may have the same shape, as well as the two shoulders and the two inserts.

[0030] The second plate 16 is flat and solid, and the first plate 14, on the blade side, has a mechanism 18 for releasing the blade so that it can be folded. This mechanism is controlled by a button 20 which can be pushed in perpendicularly to the side plate 14 and unlock the blade.

[0031] The first case 4 also has a window 22 opposite the mechanism 18 and through which the button 20 passes.

[0032] The first case 4 is fixed to the first side plate 14 for example with clips or with an adhesive, for example a double-sided adhesive.

[0033] The first case 4 has a recess 24 housing the first insert 8 (Figure 3). In this example, the recess is bordered by a continuous rim 25. The first insert 8 also includes a window 24 to the right of the window 22 of the first frame 4, housing the button 20 and through which the button is accessible to the user.

[0034] In this example, button 20 has an oval shape but this shape is in no way limiting.

[0035] Alternatively, the button movement can be parallel to the first plate. The first case and the first insert are then shaped to allow this translation.

[0036] The shape and dimensions of the first insert are such that the first insert 8 fits into the first recess 24 and fills it entirely.

[0037] In this example, the first insert 8 is secured to the first case 4 by three screws 26 distributed along the length of the insert. The first insert 8 has three through holes 28 and the first case 4 has three tapped holes 30 in the bottom of the recess, into each of which a screw 26 is screwed.

[0038] Preferably, the first case 14 has cylindrical raised sections 38, forming bosses, in which the threads are made, thus increasing the thread length and improving screw fastening. The end of each hole 28, on the bottom side of the recess, has a diameter sufficient to accommodate a cylindrical raised section. The end of each hole 28, on the screw head side, also has a diameter sufficient to accommodate the screw head and for it to be flush with the outer face of the first insert 8.

[0039] Any type of screw can be used, for example Phillips head screws and slotted head screws. Advantageously, the screws have a head with a specific recess designed by the knife manufacturer, limiting the possibilities of disassembling the inserts.

[0040] It will be understood that the number of screws is in no way limiting, nor are their location or shape. A folding knife with at least one screw securing the insert to the handle does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Furthermore, an insert that only partially fills the recess in the case does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous manner, elements made of elastic material 40 are interposed between the bottom of the first recess and the first insert. In the example shown, these are annular elements made of elastomeric material, of the O-ring type.

[0043] These elements 40 are intended to be compressed between the insert and the bottom of the recess. They allow, on the one hand, to compensate for manufacturing clearances and, on the other hand, to limit the loosening of the screws due to the force exerted by the deformation of the elements 40 between the case and the insert.

[0044] Very advantageously, a threadlocker, for example from the Eposint® brand, is applied to the screws.

[0045] The implementation of these elastomeric elements is all the more advantageous in the case of inserts in materials whose working can be complex and shaping to given dimensions can prove laborious, for example in the case of stone inserts.

[0046] Preferably, the bottom of the first recess has recessed housings 42 to accommodate the elements 40 and hold them in position during assembly, thus facilitating the installation of the first insert 8 in the recess. In this example, eight elastomeric elements are used between the first insert and the first recess. The depth of the recessed housings is less than the thickness of the elements 40.

[0047] An elastomer element bordering the inner contour of the recess will also be acceptable; it simultaneously ensures a certain seal between the case and the insert.

[0048] The button material may be the same as that of the first insert or a different material.

[0049] In this example, the side plate includes a protruding hook-shaped element 46. The face of the first insert opposite the bottom of the recess is shaped to accommodate the element 46. A knife whose side plate does not include a hook does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The description of the second case and the second insert is similar to that of the first case and the first insert. As explained above, the second insert 10 and the second case 6 are shaped to house the corkscrew 13. The second insert 10 is mounted in the second case 6 by means of three screws 26 and five elastomer elements 42. This number is not limiting. As explained above, a second case and a second insert with an external shape identical to those of the first case and the first insert are not outside the scope of the present invention.

[0051] The case is for example made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy or titanium, of injected plastic material, for example polyamide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), POM (polyoxymethylene), of material containing carbon fibers, of wood and other materials.

[0052] For example the inserts are made of wood, metal, for example set with precious or semi-precious stones, stone, glass, ceramic, opaque or transparent plastic material, and any other material that can be mounted in a case.

[0053] In a particularly advantageous example, the insert(s) are made of photoluminescent material, of the phosphorescent type such as, for example, Super-LumiNova ® or fluorescent or have a coating of such a material.

[0054] In another embodiment, the insert is transparent and the coating is made of a photoluminescent material, of the phosphorescent type such as, for example, Super- LumiNova ® or fluorescent deposited on the bottom of the case or on the face of the insert in contact with the bottom of the case, is visible through the insert.

[0055] Such a knife can then be easily spotted in the dark.

[0056] In the case of precious or semi-precious metal and / or high density the insert is advantageously hollow.

[0057] The material of the first case and that of the second case may be identical, similar or different.

[0058] In the example shown, each of the side plates is provided with a body and an insert. A folding knife with only one of the plates provided with a body and an insert does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.

[0059] The insert(s) may be made of two materials joined together.

[0060] Figure 4 shows another example of a C2 folding knife comprising a first insert in two parts.

[0061] The first insert 108 is made in two parts juxtaposed in the recess 24 of the first case 4, it comprises a first part 108.1 and a second part 108.2. Part 108.1 has a window for the passage of the button and part 108.2 is solid.

[0062] Part 108.1 is traversed by a screw in the case and part 108.2 is traversed by two screws in the case.

[0063] The first part 108.1 and the second part 108.2 each have an end 108.1', 108.2' facing each other. In the example shown, and advantageously, the ends 108.1', 108.2' are shaped to overlap and thus provide an improved visual finish.

[0064] In the example shown, and advantageously, the first part cooperates with the hook 46 so as to require only one screw to hold the first part 108.1 on the case.

[0065] The first part 108.1 has, at its end 108.1', a notch 110 with a recess (not visible) for housing the hook 46, and the end 108.2 has a projecting element (not visible) that fits into the notch 110. The first part 108.1 and the second part 108.2 are mounted on the case as follows. The end 108.1' is brought close to the hook 46 until the hook 46 fits into the recess. The first part 108.1 is then folded down onto the case, and a screw 26 is screwed into the case through the first part 108.1. The second part 108.2 is then placed on the case. This is placed on the case, with end 108.2 covering end 108.1 and screws 26 are screwed into the case through the second part.

[0066] An embodiment in more than two parts is conceivable. Furthermore, the second insert can also be made in several parts.

[0067] Having multi-part inserts increases the aesthetic choices available to users, who can create their own combinations of colors and materials. This is made even easier by the fact that the inserts are removable.

[0068] For example, one can consider a combination of wood and metal, of stone and metal, such as titanium.

[0069] Furthermore, manufacturing the insert with the window in two parts simplifies its production, particularly when the material is fragile. A long insert is more likely to break than a shorter insert section.

[0070] The button can be made of the same material as part 108.1 or of a different material.

[0071] Figure 6 shows another example of a C3 folding knife with a second insert 210 in two overlapping elements 210.1, 210.2. Element 210.1 is against the second frame, and element 210.2 is visible. This design is advantageous when the visible element 210.2 forms a veneer and is therefore quite thin, for example, when it is made of stone or precious wood. Element 210.2 can be glued to element 210.1 or attached simultaneously by means of screws.

[0072] In this example, the first insert is in two juxtaposed parts as in the example in [Fig. 4], part 208.2 also comprises two superimposed parts 208.21 and 280.22

[0073] In another embodiment, the first insert and / or the second insert is / are hollow in order to be able to equip the insert(s) with an additional function.

[0074] For example, the insert(s) are transparent and one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are placed in the insert(s). A power supply is provided. In one example, one of the inserts is a photovoltaic panel and the other insert is equipped with LEDs; advantageously, a rechargeable battery is also provided.

[0075] In another example, the insert can be equipped with a transmitter so as to be able to generate a spare car key, or even a house key. Other functions are conceivable.

[0076] In another example, the case(s) and the insert(s) are such that they allow the integration of a lighter function.

[0077] Alternatively, the insert(s) are in several parts, the parts extending along the length of the knife. It is also possible to combine inserts in several parts, some of which extend in width and others in length.

[0078] In another embodiment, the case(s) have an outer face without a recess and the insert is fixed by screwing onto the case.

[0079] The invention provides, on the one hand, a folding knife with great aesthetic and customization possibilities. Furthermore, it offers a degree of repairability, which makes the folding knife even more durable.

Claims

Demands

1. Folding knife comprising a knife body (2) including at least one folding blade (12), a first side plate (14) and a second side plate (16), at least one frame (4, 6) fixed to the first side plate (14) or the second side plate (16) and at least one insert (8, 10) fixed to the frame (4, 6) by at least one screw (26).

2. Folding knife according to claim 1, in which the body (4, 6) has on its outer face a recess (24) in which the insert (8, 10) is mounted.

3. Folding knife according to claim 2, in which the recess (24) has at least one raised section (38) provided with a thread (30) cooperating with at least one screw (26).

4. Folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert (8, 10) is fixed to the frame (4, 6) by means of three screws (26) distributed along the length of the insert (8, 10).

5. Folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one elastomer element (40) is pinched between the insert (8, 10) and the body (4, 6), preferably several elastomer elements (40) are pinched between the insert (8, 10) and the body (4, 6).

6. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is in several parts, each fixed by screws to the frame, advantageously the parts partially overlapping.

7. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two carbides and at least two inserts, each insert being fixed to a carbide.

8. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side plate (14) has a mechanism (18) for folding the blade (12), the frame (4) and the insert (8) mounted on the first side plate (14), each having a window opposite the mechanism (18) for mounting a button (20) to actuate the mechanism.

9. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one insert is at least partly made of metal, stone, wood, glass, ceramic or comprising a part made of photoluminescent material.

10. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is hollow so as to house means fulfilling an additional function.

11. Folding knife according to claim 9, wherein the hollow insert is made of transparent material and lighting means are housed in the insert.

12. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the knife (2) has a corkscrew (13) on the side of the second side plate (16) and wherein the carbide body (6) and the insert (8) on the second side plate (16) are shaped to house the corkscrew.

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