MECHANICALLY ASSEMBLED FOLDING KNIFE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folding knife comprising a central body comprising at least one folding blade (12), a first side plate (14) and a second side plate (16), at least one middle (4) fixed to the first side plate (14) or the second side plate (16), said middle (4) being fixed to the first or second side plate by clipping at least one clipping element (24) passing through the middle (4) and the first side plate (14) [Fig.4]

Description

Title of the invention: FOLDING KNIFE WITH MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanically assembled folding knife.

[0002] Folding knives, also commonly referred to as "Swiss army knives", have a central body made of steel, generally stainless steel, comprising at least one folding blade. Other accessories may be provided such as a corkscrew and a screwdriver. The central body has two side plates covered over their entire surface with ribs, most often made of plastic material, giving the knife a certain aesthetic appeal.

[0003] We want to offer folding knives with a new aesthetic. Statement of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present application to offer a folding knife offering an aesthetic different from existing folding knives.

[0005] The aim stated above is achieved by a folding knife comprising a central part provided with at least one folding blade and two side plates, and a decorative element fixed on each of the side plates. At least one of the decorative elements comprises a case middle fixed on a side plate and an insert fixed to the case middle, the case middle being fixed on a side plate by clipping.

[0006] The production of the decorative elements in two parts makes it possible on the one hand to mechanically fix the decorative element to the central part without requiring adhesive via the middle and to conceal the mechanical fixing by means of the insert.

[0007] In a particularly advantageous example, the clip-on assembly is achieved by means of added elements passing through the caseband and being fixed by clipping into the side plate. Such an assembly makes it possible to produce the caseband in materials which cannot usually directly integrate the clip-on means, for example wood or ceramic materials.

[0008] The insert is for example fixed to the caseband by means of screws, by clipping or by gluing.

[0009] The implementation of an intermediate part formed by the middle part forms an interface which allows mechanical assembly, which in certain embodiments makes it possible to avoid the use of an adhesive, which is particularly interesting from an ecological point of view.

[0010] Very advantageously, the material of the insert can be chosen from metal, wood, stone, glass, plastic materials, ceramic materials.

[0011] The present invention then relates to a folding knife comprising a central body comprising at least one folding blade, a first side plate and a second side plate, at least one middle part fixed to the first side plate or to the second side plate and at least one insert fixed to the middle part, said middle part being fixed to the first side plate or to the second side plate by clipping.

[0012] In a preferred example, the knife comprises at least one clipping element passing through the case and the first side plate or the second side plate.

[0013] Preferably, the first side plate or the second side plate comprises at least one hole for mounting the clipping element, and at least one boss crossed by the hole. Advantageously, the caseband comprises, at right angles to the boss, a recess for housing the boss.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the recess is provided with a bore for mounting the clipping element.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one clipping element comprises a head and lugs, said head bearing against the middle and the lugs bearing against the first side plate or the second side plate.

[0016] The head is advantageously crossed by a passage opening between the legs, and receiving an immobilizing element, for example a headless screw.

[0017] According to an additional characteristic, the head has a truncated cone shape and the drilling of the case has a chamfer so that the head is flush with the face of the case.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one clipping element is in one piece with the case.

[0019] According to an additional characteristic, the insert is fixed to the case by at least one screw, by gluing or clipping.

[0020] Preferably, the folding knife comprises two middles each fixed to the first and second side plates by clipping.

[0021] The at least one middle part may be made of metal, plastic material, or wood.

[0022] The at least one insert may be made of metal, wood, plastic material, glass or in ceramic material.

[0023] For example, the knife body has a corkscrew on the side of the second side plate and the middle and the insert on the second side plate are shaped to accommodate the corkscrew. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The present application will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows and the attached drawings in which: - [Fig.l] is a perspective view of an example of a folding knife according to the invention, - [Fig.2] is a view of one side of the folding knife of [Fig.l] from the side of the first side plate, the insert having been removed, - [Fig.3] is a view of another side of the folding knife of [Fig.l] from the side of the second side plate, the insert having been removed, - [Fig.4] is a partially exploded view of [Fig.l], - [Fig.5] is a sectional view along plane AA of the view of [Fig.4], - [Fig.6] represents a detail of a sectional view along plane AA at the level of an assembly by clipping element of [Fig.5]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the example which will be described in detail below, the central body of the folding knife comprises at least one folding blade and a corkscrew, but it will be understood that any other composition of accessories of the central part falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] In Figures 1 to 5 we can see an example of a folding knife C1 comprising a knife body 2, a first middle 4 and a second middle 6 on either side of the body 2, and a first insert 8 mounted in the first middle 4 and a second insert, mounted in the second middle 6.

[0027] In this example, the body 2 includes in particular a folding blade 12, and a folding corkscrew 13 visible in figures 1 to 3. The body 2 is also provided with other accessories which will not be detailed.

[0028] The body 2 comprises a first side plate 14 and a second side plate 16. The second plate 16 is arranged on the corkscrew side 13, as well as the second middle and the second insert. They are then shaped to house the corkscrew. Their shapes are different from those of the first side plate 14, the first middle 4 and the first insert 8. In another example in which the body does not comprise a corkscrew, the first and second side plates may have the same shape, as well as the two middles and the two inserts.

[0029] The second plate 16 is flat and solid and the first plate 14 on the blade side has a mechanism 18 allowing the blade to be released for folding. This mechanism is controlled by a button 20 ([Fig.l]) which can be pushed in perpendicular to the side plate 14 and unlock the blade.

[0030] The first case 4 also includes a window 22 to the right of the mechanism 18, which is crossed by the button 20.

[0031] The cases are for example made of metal, plastic material such as polyamide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), POM (polyoxymethylene), or material comprising carbon fibers.

[0032] The assemblies of the two middles on their respective side plate being similar, only the assembly of the first middle 4 on the side plate 14 will be described in detail.

[0033] The first case 4 is fixed to the first side plate 14 by means of clipping elements 24, three in the example shown. The clipping elements 24 are distributed along the case 4.

[0034] Each clipping element 24 passes through the middle 4 and the side plate 14.

[0035] In [Fig.6], we can see a detailed view of the section of [Fig.5] showing the clipping element 24. In this example, the clipping element 24 has a longitudinal axis X and comprises a head 24.1 and four lugs 24.2 extending away from the axis X away from the head 24.1. Preferably, the free end of the lugs is chamfered to facilitate their insertion into the caseband and into the side plate. It will be understood that the number of lugs is not limiting.

[0036] The clipping element is made of a material offering a certain elastic deformability, in particular the legs. The clipping element is for example made of plastic material or metal, such as brass.

[0037] In this example, the head 24.1 has a through passage 24.3, opening between the legs 24.2. Its function will be described below.

[0038] In this advantageous example, the head has a truncated cone shape whose small base connects to the legs 24.2.

[0039] In a particularly advantageous manner, the side plate 14 comprises at the location of the mounting of the clipping element 24 a boss 26 oriented towards the middle 4. The boss 26 is produced for example by stamping the plate. The boss comprises a hole 28 for the insertion of the clipping element.

[0040] During stamping, the material of the side plate is cut so as to form two tabs facing each other delimiting between them the hole 28, as well as the hole 28.

[0041] It will be understood that other boss configurations may be obtained depending on the method used.

[0042] The first case 4 comprises a recess 30 housing the first insert 8 ([Fig.2]). The recess 30 is bordered in this example by a continuous rim 32. The first insert 8 also comprises a window 31 ([Fig.l]) to the right of the window 22 of the first case 4 and houses the button 20 and through which the button 20 is accessible to the user.

[0043] Very advantageously, the middle part 4 comprises on a first face intended to be in contact with the lateral face 14, recesses 34 in line with each of the bosses, so as to house the bosses 26 and limit the thickness of the assembly.

[0044] Furthermore, the middle part 4 has holes 36 opening into the recesses and allowing the clipping elements to be mounted through the middle part 4 and the side plate 14.

[0045] Preferably, the holes 36 on the side of a second face of the middle part opposite the first face are bordered by a chamfer 37, the slope of which corresponds substantially to the inclination of the head 24.1 of the clipping element 24 so that, when the clipping element 24 is in place in the hole 36, the head 24.1 is housed in the hole 36 bearing against the chamfer 37, and is flush with the second face of the middle part 4 as is particularly visible in [Fig. 6], also helping to limit the thickness of the side plate and middle part assembly.

[0046] The assembly of the middle part 4 on the side plate 14 will now be described.

[0047] The middle part 4 is positioned on the side plate 14. Each boss 26 is received in a recess 34 and each drilling 36 is aligned with a hole 28.

[0048] Each clipping element is then brought closer to the middle 4, the lugs on the side of the middle and the axis of the clipping elements substantially perpendicular to the middle and aligned with the drilling 36.

[0049] The lugs 24.3 come into contact with the chamfer 37, the chamfered ends of the lugs cooperate with the chamfer 37, causing the lugs to move towards each other by elastic deformation and allowing the lugs to pass through the middle 4 and the side plate 14. When the clipping element 24 has penetrated sufficiently into the side plate, the lugs, under the effect of an elastic restoring force, move apart from each other and are immobilized axially by cooperating with the side plate 14. The middle 4 is then kept pressed against the side plate 14.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, an immobilizing element (not shown) is introduced along the X axis via the drilling between the lugs so as to fix the spaced position of the lugs relative to each other and thus further improve the securing of the caseband to the plate. The immobilizing element is for example a slotted headless screw. The immobilizing element is introduced into the clipping element after the one in the caseband and the plate has been placed. In the case where no immobilizing element is introduced into the clipping element, the latter may not have a through passage 24.3.

[0051] The number of clipping elements is in no way limiting.

[0052] The clipping elements 24 are for example made of metal, for example brass, or plastic material. The choice of material for the clipping elements will depend in particular on the material of the case. In the case of a relatively light material such as aluminum alloys and titanium, clipping elements made of material plastic can be used. In the case of heavier material cases, it may be preferable to use metal clip elements.

[0053] The use of clipping elements to fix a plastic case also falls within the scope of the present application.

[0054] In another embodiment, the clipping elements are made in one piece with the case, for example when the latter is made of metal or plastic material.

[0055] In the case of a metal case, the clipping elements can be produced by machining during the production of the case.

[0056] In the case of a case made of plastic material, the clipping elements can be produced during the injection of the case.

[0057] The second case is attached to the second plate in a similar manner.

[0058] The first and second inserts are then mounted in the first and second respectively.

[0059] In the example shown, the inserts are fixed to the middles by means of three screws, which offers the advantage of being able to replace them easily. The number and location of the screws are in no way limiting.

[0060] In another example, the inserts are glued into the bottom of the recesses using double-sided adhesive or glue.

[0061] In another example, the inserts comprise clips, for example when the inserts are made of plastic material, which clip into the middles.

[0062] For example, the cases are made of metal, plastic, wood. They can be made of several materials.

[0063] 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 middle.

[0064] In the case of precious or semi-precious metal and / or high density, the insert is advantageously hollow.

[0065] The material of the first case and that of the second case may be identical, similar or different.

[0066] The inserts can each be in several parts.

[0067] In this example, the button 20 has an oval shape but this shape is in no way limiting.

[0068] Alternatively, the movement of the button may be parallel to the first plate. The first case and the first insert are then shaped to allow this translation.

[0069] The shape and dimensions of the first insert are such that the first insert 8 is housed in the recess of the caseband and completely fills it.

[0070] Alternatively, the insert(s) are in several parts, the parts extending along the length of the knife. It is also possible to envisage combining inserts in several parts, parts of which extend in the width and others in the length.

[0071] In another embodiment, the middle part(s) have an outer face without a recess and the insert is fixed to the outer face of the middle part.

[0072] In the example shown, the insert is bordered externally by the caseband. In another example, the caseband forms an interface between the side plate and the insert without being visible around the insert or only partially surrounding it.

[0073] In the example shown, the two side plates are provided with a case and an insert. A folding knife with only one of the plates provided with a case and an insert does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] 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 comprise a coating of such a material.

[0075] In an exemplary 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.

[0076] For example, the insert(s) are transparent and one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are placed in the insert(s). A power source is provided. In one example, one of the inserts is a photovoltaic panel and the other insert is equipped with LEDs; a rechargeable battery is advantageously also provided.

[0077] In another example, the insert can be equipped with a transmitter so that it can form an emergency car key, or even a home key. Other functions are conceivable.

[0078] The invention offers on the one hand a folding knife presenting a new aesthetic in which the dimensions comprise a middle and an insert. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, it makes it possible to do without chemical adhesive, or even plastic material.

Claims

Claims

1. Folding knife comprising a central body (2) comprising at least one folding blade (12), a first side plate (14) and a second side plate (16), at least one middle part (4) fixed on the first side plate (14) or on the second side plate (16) and at least one insert (8, 10) fixed to the middle part (4), said middle part (4) being fixed to the first side plate or to the second side plate by clipping.

2. Folding knife according to claim 1, comprising at least one clipping element (24) passing through the middle (4) and the first side plate (14) or the second side plate (16).

3. Folding knife according to claim 2, wherein the first side plate (14) or the second side plate (16) comprises at least one hole (28) for mounting the clipping element (24), and at least one boss (26) crossed by the hole (28).

4. Folding knife according to claim 3, in which the case (4) comprises, at right angles to the boss (26), a recess (34) for housing the boss (26).

5. Folding knife according to claim 4, wherein the recess (34) is provided with a bore (36) for mounting the clip element (24).

6. Folding knife according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the at least one clipping element (24) comprises a head (24.1) and lugs (24.2), said head (24.1) bearing against the middle (4) and the lugs (24.2) bearing against the first side plate or the second side plate.

7. Folding knife according to claim 6, in which the head is crossed by a passage opening between the legs, and receiving an immobilizing element, for example a headless screw.

8. Folding knife according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with claim 5, in which the head (24.1) has a frustoconical shape and in which the bore (36) of the case has a chamfer (37) so that the head (24.1) is flush with the face of the case (4).

9. A folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one clipping element is integral with the build.

10. Folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the insert (8, 10) is fixed to the middle (4, 6) by at least one screw, by gluing or clipping.

11. Folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising two middles each fixed to the first and second side plates by clipping.

12. Folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the at least one middle part is made of metal, plastic material or wood.

13. A folding knife according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one insert is made of metal, wood, plastic material, glass or ceramic material.

14. Folding knife according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central body (2) comprises a corkscrew (13) on the side of the second side plate (16) and in which the middle (6) and the insert (8) on the second side plate (16) are shaped to house the corkscrew.

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