Sheath for a blade, including a locking element

Abstract

This description concerns a sheath comprising: - a housing (1) in which a cavity (11) is formed, - an arm (3) arranged to be moved by the blade (110) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), - a return device connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3), designed to exert a return force on the arm (3) to engage a locking element of the housing with a complementary locking element of the blade (110) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), the housing (1) including a release button (6) arranged so that pressing the release button (6) opposes the return force so as to disengage the locking element from the complementary locking element. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Sheath for a blade, comprising a locking element. Technical field

[0001] The present exposition relates to the general technical field of sheaths intended to receive cutting tool blades, for example knife blades, and also relates to a method of extracting a blade from a cutting tool intended to be received in the sheath. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Among the storage systems for cutting tools, knife cases or storage covers are known. In addition, knife blocks can be placed on a work surface and allow one or more blades to be inserted into the block for storage. Some storage sheaths incorporate abrasive elements fixed in a housing, which guide the blade for sharpening. Such a sharpening sheath is described, for example, in French document 2 576 537 A1 and in US document 3 696 961 A1.

[0003] However, blade storage units generally do not have a locking system for the blade in the sheath. The blade is therefore liable to be pulled out of the storage unit on its own, for example, when the unit is moved or dropped, which creates a risk for the user. Furthermore, removing the blade from the storage unit may require the user to apply too little or, conversely, too much force, increasing the risk of accidental cuts. Finally, even when the storage unit includes a locking system for the inserted blade, operating the locking system to remove the blade is often awkward and / or poses a risk of injury to the user and / or results in the blade being accidentally unlocked. GENERAL STATEMENT

[0004] One aim of the present presentation is to propose a sheath which allows a blade inserted in the sheath to be locked and the blade to be unlocked for extraction in a way that is safe and ergonomic for the user.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present application relates to a sheath designed to receive a blade, comprising: - a housing in which a cavity is provided for receiving a blade, a proximal end of the cavity forming an access opening to the cavity, the housing comprising a locking element intended to be positioned opposite an element of a corresponding additional locking mechanism located on the blade when the blade is inserted into the cavity, - an arm arranged to be moved by the blade when the blade is inserted into the cavity between the locking element of the housing and the arm, - a return device linking the housing to the arm, the return device being designed to exert a return force on the arm directed towards the locking element, so as to engage the locking element with the complementary locking element when the blade is inserted into the cavity, thus blocking a longitudinal translation of the blade so as to prevent extraction of the blade through the access opening to the cavity.

[0006] The housing further includes a through opening leading into the cavity and a release button adapted to be disposed through the through opening, the release button being arranged so that when the blade is inserted into the cavity, a press on the release button opposes the return force exerted by the return device so as to disengage the locking element from the complementary locking element, thus permitting a longitudinal translation of the blade so as to permit extraction of the blade through the access opening to the cavity.

[0007] The sheath described above allows for mechanical locking of the blade inside the housing cavity, due to the interaction between the locking element and the complementary locking element, which are engaged by the return force exerted by the return mechanism. The sheath is thus secured, preventing the blade from being accidentally extracted. Furthermore, such a mechanical locking system is simple to implement, robust, and compact.

[0008] Furthermore, the blade can only be extracted from the housing cavity by a two-step process. The user must press the release button with one hand to allow the blade to be extracted, and with the other hand pull on the handle of the cutting tool to extract the blade from the sheath. The release and extraction actions are separate. This provides an additional safety feature compared to a system where the blade could be extracted with only one hand. Moreover, the procedure for unlocking and extracting the blade is ergonomic for the user.

[0009] The locking element may be a safety stop and the additional locking element may be a notch, the return device being provided to position the safety stop in the notch when the blade is inserted into the cavity, and pressing the release button allowing the safety stop to be released from the notch.

[0010] The locking element may be a notch and the complementary locking element may be a lug, the return device being provided to position the lug in the notch when the blade is inserted into the cavity, and pressing the unlock button allowing the lug to be released from the notch.

[0011] Such locking element and complementary locking element are particularly simple to implement and allow effective locking of the blade and ergonomic unlocking.

[0012] The release button can be provided to be in contact with the blade when the blade is inserted into the cavity, so that a movement of the release button due to pressure applied to the release button causes a movement of the complementary locking element of the blade.

[0013] Such an arrangement of the unlock button makes it possible to translate the movement of the unlock button by the user into a movement of the complementary locking element of the blade, and thus to effectively unlock the blade for its extraction.

[0014] The locking element can be located at a proximal end of the housing. Thus, the additional locking element can be located on the blade near the handle and not interfere with the use of the blade or its insertion into the housing cavity. Furthermore, in this configuration, movement of the locking button by the user is likely to result in a greater movement of the additional locking element, thereby securing the blade and facilitating its unlocking.

[0015] The housing may include an envelope defining a part of the cavity and a frame defining another part of the cavity.

[0016] The envelope may include a curved apex connecting two vertical side walls located on either side of the apex.

[0017] The safety stop may protrude inside a volume of the envelope.

[0018] Such a case allows the blade to be stored inside its casing, so that the blade is not accessible from outside the housing. The safety stop protruding inside a volume of the casing allows the locking element to be integrated within the housing, without being visible to the user.

[0019] The safety stop may protrude vertically from the top of the casing.

[0020] The through opening may be provided in the top of the casing.

[0021] Thus, the release button is located through the top of the casing, and an action on the release button, in particular downward pressure exerted on the release button, allows the blade notch to be moved downwards and thus releases the notch from the safety stop. Furthermore, a This downward pressure is intuitive for the user and does not risk causing the sheath to move from the work surface on which it would be placed.

[0022] Alternatively, the through opening can be provided in a vertical side wall of the envelope.

[0023] The frame can form the access opening to the cavity.

[0024] The frame may include a perforated post defining the access opening, and the locking element may be carried by the perforated post.

[0025] The through opening can be formed closer to the proximal end of the cavity than to a distal end of the cavity opposite the proximal end.

[0026] Such an arrangement for the through opening allows for more ergonomic handling by the user of the unlocking button located through the through opening.

[0027] The access opening can be arranged on one side of the housing rising relative to a bearing surface of the housing.

[0028] The release button may have a thickness equal to or greater than the depth of the through opening, so that the release button is flush with or protrudes out of the housing.

[0029] Thus, the unlock button is visible and easily accessible to the user, who can push it ergonomically.

[0030] The housing may include a guide piece extending in a longitudinal direction, the guide piece including the release button and a guide rail for the back of the blade, the guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] Such a guide rail allows the blade to be better guided during its insertion and extraction from the cavity of the housing frame and ensures that the blade remains well centered during its insertion and extraction.

[0032] The release button can be carried by the guide piece. The release button can be located at a proximal end of the guide piece.

[0033] The return device may be a return spring interposed between the housing and the arm.

[0034] Such a return spring is a simple, reliable, and durable mechanical device. Characteristics of the return spring, such as its stiffness, can be chosen to allow for secure locking and ergonomic unlocking; that is, chosen according to the pressure force that the user must apply to counteract the return force in order to unlock the blade.

[0035] The sheath may further include a sharpening device, the return device being designed to exert a return force on the arm which tends to press a wire of the blade inserted in the cavity against the sharpening device.

[0036] The sharpening device, through the action of the return mechanism, automatically sharpens the blade simply by inserting or removing it from the housing. Sharpening is thus simplified and its efficiency improved, while also reducing the time required for sharpening.

[0037] Furthermore, the return force exerted by the return device is substantially independent of the shape and size of the blade. The sharpening device therefore ensures good sharpening quality on cutting tools of varying shapes and sizes.

[0038] The sharpening device can be positioned adjacent to the access opening.

[0039] Thus, the blade is sharpened uniformly substantially along its entire length, that is to say from its tip to its heel.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the present application relates to a cutting assembly comprising a sheath according to the first aspect and a cutting tool, the cutting tool comprising a blade and a handle, in which the additional locking element is located on the blade and is arranged to be positioned opposite the locking element when the blade is inserted into the cavity.

[0041] Such a cutting assembly has similar advantages to those described for the sheath, in particular it allows secure locking of the blade inserted in the housing and ergonomic unlocking and extraction of the blade for the user.

[0042] The cutting tool can be a knife or a pair of scissors.

[0043] According to a third aspect, the present application relates to a method for extracting a blade from a cutting tool using a sheath according to the first aspect, comprising the following two simultaneous steps: - pressing the sheath housing release button, the pressure being exerted in a vertical direction and opposing the return force exerted by the return device so as to disengage the housing locking element from the corresponding complementary locking element located on the cutting tool blade, the complementary locking element being arranged to be positioned opposite the locking element when the blade is inserted into the cavity; and - pulling on a handle of the cutting tool, the pull being exerted in a longitudinal direction so as to extract the blade out of the sheath housing cavity by a longitudinal translation of the blade.

[0044] Such a blade extraction method has advantages similar to those described for the sheath, in particular it allows secure locking of the blade inserted in the case and ergonomic unlocking and extraction of the blade for the user.

[0045] When the sheath includes a sharpening device arranged adjacent to the access opening, the return device being provided to exert on the arm a return force which tends to press a wire of the blade inserted in the cavity against the sharpening device, the method of extracting the blade also allows for sharpening of the blade. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] Fig. 1 represents a schematic side-section view of a sheath according to a first embodiment, comprising a knife blade being inserted or extracted into the sheath, the blade having a first intermediate position.

[0047] Fig. 2 represents a schematic side-section view of the sheath of Fig. 1, the blade showing a second intermediate position.

[0048] Fig. 3 represents a schematic side-section view of the sheath of Fig. 1, the blade showing a third intermediate position.

[0049] Fig. 4 represents a schematic side-section view of the sheath of Fig. 1, with the blade fully inserted and locked in place in the sheath.

[0050] Fig. 5 represents a schematic side-section view of the sheath of Fig. 1, with the blade fully inserted into the sheath and pressure being exerted on the release button to allow extraction of the blade.

[0051] Fig. 6 represents a schematic perspective view of a sheath housing according to one embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 7 represents a schematic perspective view of an arm and a sheath sharpening device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Sheath

[0054] A sheath designed to receive a blade 110, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], comprises: - a housing in which a cavity 11 is provided for receiving a blade 110, a proximal end of the cavity 11 forming an access opening 12 to the cavity 11, the housing comprising a locking element intended to be positioned opposite a corresponding complementary locking element located on the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, - an arm 3 arranged to be moved by the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 between the locking element of the housing 1 and the arm 3, - a return device 4 connecting the housing to the arm 3, the return device 4 being designed to exert a return force on the arm 3 directed towards the locking element, so as to engage the locking element with the element additional locking when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, thus blocking longitudinal translation of the blade 110 so as to prevent extraction of the blade 110 through the access opening 12 to the cavity 11.

[0055] The housing 1 further includes a through opening 17 leading into the cavity 11 and a release button 6 adapted to be disposed through the through opening 17, the release button 6 being arranged so that when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, a press on the release button 6 opposes the return force exerted by the return device 4 so as to disengage the locking element from the complementary locking element, thus permitting a longitudinal translation of the blade 110 so as to permit extraction of the blade 110 through the access opening 12 into the cavity 11.

[0056] The sheath described above allows for mechanical locking of the blade 110 inside the cavity 11 of the housing 1, due to the interaction between the locking element and the complementary locking element, which are engaged by the return force exerted by the return device 4. The sheath is thus secured, preventing the blade 110 from being accidentally extracted from the sheath, for example, during transport or if the sheath is dropped. Furthermore, such a mechanical locking system is simple to implement, robust, and compact.

[0057] Furthermore, the blade 110 can only be extracted from the cavity 11 of the housing 1 by a two-step process. The user must use one hand to press the release button 6 to allow the blade 110 to be extracted, and with the other hand pull on the handle 120 of the cutting tool 100 to extract the blade 110 from the sheath. The unlocking and extraction actions are separate. This provides an additional safety feature compared to a system where the blade 110 could be extracted with one hand. Moreover, the procedure for unlocking and extracting the blade 110 is ergonomic for the user. Definitions

[0058] A cutting tool 100 comprises a blade 110 and a handle 120. The cutting tool 100 can be, for example, a knife or a pair of scissors. The knife comprises a single blade 110 fixed to the handle 120. The pair of scissors comprises two blades, each fixed to the handle 120, the two blades being hinged to each other via a hinge point on the handle 120.

[0059] A blade 110 comprises a wire 112 and a back 111 opposite the wire 112. The wire 112 of the blade 110 corresponds to the cutting edge of the blade 110, used for cutting. The back 111 of the blade 110 is generally thicker and not cutting. The blade 110 further comprises a point and a heel. The point corresponds to a front end of the blade 110 and can be used, for example, for piercing. The heel corresponds to an end rear of the blade 110 opposite the tip. The heel of the blade 110 can be connected to the handle 120 of the cutting tool 100.

[0060] In the remainder of the application, the term "length" refers to a longitudinal direction of insertion and extraction of the blade 110, which corresponds to a principal direction of the housing 1. The term "height" refers to a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to a distance measured directly between the wire 112 and the back 111 of a blade 110 inserted into the housing 1. The term "width" refers to a lateral direction, perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions. Housing, casing, frame

[0061] The housing 1 may include an envelope 14 defining a part of the cavity 11 and a frame 13 defining another part of the cavity 11.

[0062] The envelope 14 may include a curved vertex 18 connecting two vertical side walls located on either side of the vertex 18. The envelope 14 then has a cross-section in the shape of an inverted U.

[0063] The frame 13 can form the access opening 12 to the cavity 11. More particularly, the access opening 12 to the cavity 11 can be formed in the proximal wall of the frame 13. Thus, the access opening 12 to the cavity 11 is particularly solid.

[0064] The access opening 12 to the cavity 11 and the cavity 11 itself may have sufficient height, length, and width to accommodate blades of varying heights, lengths, and widths. The access opening 12 to the cavity 11 may be in the form of a vertical slot with a height and width adapted to guide blades of varying heights and widths during their insertion into or removal from the cavity 11. Thus, the sheath is capable of accommodating numerous blades of varying shapes and dimensions.

[0065] The housing 1 may include a support surface adapted to rest flat on a horizontal support such as a work surface or a table.

[0066] The frame 13 may include a perforated post defining the access opening 12. According to an embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the locking element may be carried by the perforated post.

[0067] The access opening 12 can be arranged on one side of the housing rising relative to the bearing surface of the housing 1.

[0068] The frame 13 and / or the casing 14 can be made of plastic material.

[0069] The frame 13 may include a lower wall forming the support surface for the housing 1. The frame 13 may further include two vertical walls extending upwards from the lower wall on either side of it. The vertical walls define a receiving space for the arm 3.

[0070] Locking element and additional locking element

[0071] The locking element and the complementary locking element can take any conceivable shape to prevent the blade 110 from being extracted from the cavity 11 when they are engaged with each other and to allow the blade 110 to be extracted from the cavity 11 when they are disengaged from each other. The complementary locking element can have a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to the shape and dimensions of the locking element, for effective cooperation between them.

[0072] The locking element and the complementary locking element can be arranged so as to engage with each other under the effect of the restoring force when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11, and so as not to engage with each other when the blade 110 is only partially inserted into the cavity 11.

[0073] The locking element can be located at a proximal end of the housing 1. Thus, the additional locking element can be located on the blade 110 near the handle 120, for example at the heel of the blade 110. Therefore, the presence of the additional locking element cannot hinder the use of the blade 110 for cutting, nor the insertion of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. Furthermore, in this configuration, movement of the locking button by the user is likely to result in a greater movement of the additional locking element, which makes it possible to secure the locking of the blade 110 and facilitate its unlocking.

[0074] The locking element can extend from the top 18 of the casing 14 and the additional locking element can extend from the back 111 of the blade 110. Thus, locking the blade 110 is not likely to affect the cutting by the blade 110. The return device 4 then returns the blade 110 upwards and the user presses down on the release button 6 to release the blade 110.

[0075] In a first embodiment, the locking element is a safety stop 7 and the additional locking element is a notch 130, the return device 4 being provided to position the safety stop 7 in the notch 130 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, and pressing the release button 6 allowing the safety stop 7 to be released from the notch 130. A locking element in the form of a stop and an additional locking element in the form of a notch 130 are particularly simple to implement and allow effective locking of the blade 110 and ergonomic unlocking.

[0076] The safety stop 7 can protrude within a portion of the housing 14. Thus, the blade 110 can be stored inside the housing 14, so that the blade 110 is not accessible from outside the housing 1. The safety stop 7 protruding within a portion of the housing 14 allows the locking element to be integrated within the housing 1, without being visible to the user. In other words, the safety stop 7 can be a protruding element inside the housing 1 towards the blade 110 inserted into the cavity 11.

[0077] The safety stop can protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of insertion of the blade 110. Thus, the engagement of the safety stop 7 in the notch 130 blocks a longitudinal translation of the blade 110 and thus prevents its extraction.

[0078] The safety stop 7 can protrude vertically from the top 18 of the casing 14. The safety stop 7 therefore extends towards the back 111 of the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11.

[0079] The safety stop 7 can have any shape adapted to be received in the notch 130, for example, be a cylindrical, conical, etc. safety stop 7. The safety stop 7 can project towards a back 111 of the blade 110 and the back 111 of the blade 110 can include the notch 130.

[0080] The notch 130 may have a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to a shape and dimensions of the safety stop 7. The notch 130 is formed in the blade 110, in a position on the blade 110 which allows it to be positioned opposite the safety stop 7 when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The notch 130 may have any shape suitable to receive the safety stop 7, for example a V-shape, a U-shape, a semi-circular shape, a rectangular shape, etc.

[0081] In a second embodiment, the locking element is a notch and the complementary locking element is a lug, the return device 4 being provided to position the lug in the notch when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, and pressing the release button 6 allowing the lug to be released from the notch.

[0082] The lug can substantially correspond to an element projecting from the blade 110, in a position on the blade 110 that allows it to be positioned opposite the notch when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The lug can have any shape adapted to be received in the notch of the housing 1, for example, be a cylindrical, conical pin, etc. The lug can extend projecting from the back 111 of the blade 110.

[0083] The lug can protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of insertion of the blade 110. Thus, the engagement of the lug in the notch blocks a longitudinal translation of the blade 110 and thus prevents its extraction.

[0084] The notch is formed in the housing 1 and may have a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to a shape and dimensions of the lug. The notch may have any shape suitable for receiving the lug, for example a V-shape, a U-shape, a semi-circular shape, a rectangular shape, etc.

[0085] A locking element in the form of a notch and a complementary locking element in the form of a lug are also particularly simple to implement and allow effective locking of the blade 110 and ergonomic unlocking. Through opening

[0086] The through opening 17 can be provided in the envelope 14. Alternatively, the through opening can be provided in the frame 13 or between the frame 13 and the envelope 14.

[0087] The through opening 17 can, in particular, be provided in the apex 18 of the sleeve 14. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the locking element extends downwards from the apex 18 of the sleeve 14 and the complementary locking element is formed in the back 111 of the blade 110. Thus, the release button 6 is located through the apex 18 of the sleeve 14, and an action on the release button 6, in particular a downward pressure exerted on the release button 6, allows the blade 110 to move downwards and thus release the locking element formed in the apex 18 of the sleeve 14 from the complementary locking element formed in the back 111 of the blade 110. Furthermore, such downward pressure is intuitive for the user and does not risk causing the sleeve to move relative to the work surface on which it would be laid.

[0088] Alternatively, the through opening 17 can be provided in a vertical side wall of the enclosure 14. The release button 6 is then arranged so that pressure on the side of the user can release the locking element from the complementary locking element.

[0089] The through-opening 17 can be formed closer to the proximal end of the cavity 11 than to a distal end of the cavity 11 opposite the proximal end. Such an arrangement for the through-opening 17 allows for particularly ergonomic handling by the user of the release button 6 located through the through-opening 17. Indeed, the user can easily press the release button 6 with one hand and hold the handle 120 with the other hand in order to extract the blade 110.

[0090] The locking element can be located closer to the proximal end of the cavity 11 than the through opening 17. Thus, a displacement of the unlocking button 6 located in the through opening 17 results in a greater displacement of the locking element, which makes it possible to effectively release the blade 110.

[0091] The through opening 17 can have any shape and dimensions suitable for housing the release button 6; in particular, it can be substantially round, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The through opening 17 can have a shape and dimensions substantially complementary to a shape and dimensions of the release button 6. Release button

[0092] The release button 6 can have any shape and dimensions suitable for being moved by pressure, in particular by pressure exerted by a user's finger. The release button 6 can be substantially round, square, rectangular, oval, etc.

[0093] The release button 6 can be provided to be positioned in contact with the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, so that a movement of the release button 6 due to pressure applied to the release button 6 causes a movement of the complementary locking element of the blade 110. Such an arrangement of the release button 6 makes it possible to translate the movement of the release button 6 by the user into a movement of the complementary locking element carried by the blade 110, and thus to effectively unlock the blade 110 for its extraction.

[0094] The release button 6 may have a thickness equal to or greater than a depth of the through opening 17, so that the release button 6 is flush with or protrudes out of the housing 1. Thus, the release button 6 is visible and easily accessible to the user, who can push it ergonomically.

[0095] Alternatively, the release button 6 can be recessed, i.e. be positioned slightly inset in the through opening 17. Guide piece

[0096] The housing 1 may include a guide piece 5 extending in a longitudinal direction, the guide piece 5 comprising the release button 6 and a guide rail 51 for the back 111 of the blade 110, the guide rail 51 extending in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6]. Such a guide rail 51 allows for better guidance of the blade 110 during its insertion and extraction from the cavity 11 of the frame 13 of the housing 1 and ensures that the blade 110 remains properly centered during its insertion and extraction.

[0097] The unlocking button 6 can be carried by the guide piece 5. The unlocking button 6 can be located at a proximal end of the guide piece 5.

[0098] The guide rail 51 is provided so that the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 between the arm 3 and the guide rail 51. The guide rail 51 can extend from the protruding guide piece 5 downwards and into the housing 1, and the release button 6 can extend from the guide piece 5 upwards through the through opening 17.

[0099] The guide piece 5 can be fixed to the frame 13, in particular at the upper ends of the vertical walls of the frame 13, so as to extend above the frame 13 inside the casing 14 of the housing 1, for example under the apex 18 of the casing 14, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6]. The guide piece 5 can extend in the immediate vicinity of, or even in direct contact with, the apex 18 of the casing 14, and substantially conform to the shape of the apex 18 of the casing 14, in the absence of pressure exerted on the release button 6. Arm

[0100] The arm 3 comprises a proximal end disposed on the side of the access opening 12 to the cavity 11, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The arm 3 can be disposed inside the casing 14, in particular inside the frame 13.

[0101] The arm 3 may include two substantially vertical side walls delimiting between them a central space intended to receive the blade 110, and a bottom wall connecting the two side walls.

[0102] The blade 110 can be inserted between the housing 1 and the arm 3, more specifically between the arm 3 and the casing 14. However, the height of the blade 110 increases from tip to heel. Consequently, inserting the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the housing 1 causes a rotational movement of the arm 3 within the housing 1 to accommodate the blade 110. This rotational movement increases the restoring force generated by the restoring device 4 as the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. Restraining device

[0103] The return device 4 may be a return spring interposed between the housing 1 and the arm 3, in particular a helical spring. Such a return spring is a simple mechanical device to implement, reliable and durable.

[0104] Characteristics of the return spring, such as its stiffness, can be chosen to allow secure locking and ergonomic unlocking, i.e., chosen according to the pressure force that the user must apply to counteract the return force in order to unlock the blade 110. The stiffness and arrangement of the spring are thus chosen so that the return force is sufficient to lock the locking element into the locking element. complementary without risking unintentional extraction of the blade 110 for example in case of handling of the housing 1, but to allow the user to easily unlock the blade 110 by pressing the unlock button 6.

[0105] The release button 6 is arranged so that pressing the release button 6 causes a displacement of the return spring, for example via a displacement of the blade 110 and the arm 3, which tends to increase the elongation of the return spring.

[0106] The return spring may have a first end mounted on a first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 and a second end mounted on a second attachment point 42 to the arm 3.

[0107] The elongation of the return spring increases with an insertion distance of the blade 110 in the cavity IL

[0108] The return device 4 can exert a non-zero return force on the arm 3 even when the blade 110 is not inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1, so as to maintain the arm 3 in a folded position against the housing 1 in the absence of the blade 110 and to exert a return force on the blade 110 from the beginning of the insertion.

[0109] The first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be located above the cavity 11, for example on the guide piece 5 or on an upper end of a vertical wall of the frame 13. The return spring can be mounted in an oblique, substantially longitudinal, or substantially vertical direction. Thus, when the through opening 17 is formed in the top 18 of the housing 14, downward pressure on the release button 6 causes a downward movement of the blade 110 and therefore of the arm 3, thereby increasing the distance between the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 and the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 of the return spring, i.e., increasing the extension of the return spring.

[0110] Alternatively, the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be located at one end of the cavity 11 opposite the access opening 12, the return spring being located behind the arm 3 and behind the blade 110 inserted in the sheath and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction.

[0111] The sheath may include two return devices, in particular two return springs, provided to extend on either side of the blade 110. Thus, the return force is applied homogeneously and symmetrically on the blade 110, and the engagement of the locking element and the complementary locking element is even more secure. Sharpening device

[0112] The sheath may further include a sharpening device 2, the return device 4 being designed to exert a return force on the arm 3 which tends to press a thread 112 of the blade 110 inserted in the cavity 11 against the sharpening device 2. An example of a sharpening device 2 is illustrated by way of non-limiting in [Fig.7].

[0113] The sharpening device 2 thus allows, by the action of the return device 4, the blade 110 to be automatically sharpened by its simple insertion or extraction into the housing 1. Sharpening is thus simplified and its efficiency is improved, while reducing the time required for sharpening.

[0114] In addition, the return force is exerted by the return device 4 substantially independently of the shape and size of the blade 110. The sharpening device 2 therefore ensures good sharpening quality on cutting tools with various shapes and dimensions.

[0115] The return device 4 thus makes it possible both to ensure the safety of the sheath by engaging the locking element and the complementary locking element, and also to ensure quality sharpening of the blade 110 inserted in the cavity 11.

[0116] The sharpening device 2 can be arranged adjacent to the access opening 12. Thus, the blade 110 is sharpened homogeneously substantially over its entire length, i.e. from its tip to its heel.

[0117] When the housing 1 includes a guide rail 51, the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 between the sharpening device 2 and the guide rail 51. Such a guide rail 51 thus improves the sharpening accuracy and ensures symmetrical sharpening due to the centering of the blade 110.

[0118] The sharpening device 2 can be an abrasive device, in order to ensure effective sharpening when it is brought into contact with the wire 112 of the blade 110.

[0119] The sharpening device 2 can be positioned on either side of the edge 112 of the blade 110 when inserting or removing the blade 110 from the cavity 11. Thus, the sharpening device 2 helps to center the blade 110 during its insertion or removal and the sharpening angle remains symmetrical and constant throughout the path of the blade 110 in the sheath, without the user needing to manually orient the blade 110.

[0120] The sharpening device 2 may comprise a U-shaped body supporting two sharpening elements 21, for example abrasive elements, arranged to form a V in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the two sharpening elements 21 being offset in the longitudinal direction. The two sharpening elements 21 may consist of two cylinders made of ceramic material.

[0121] The sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the arm 3, or on the lower wall of the frame 13 of the housing 1. Sliding pivot joint

[0122] In a first embodiment, the housing 1 may include a pivot joint in which the arm 3 is mounted to move in translation and rotation relative to to the housing 1. The arm 3 is arranged so that an insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 results in a pure rotation of the arm 3 via the pivot joint.

[0123] In a second embodiment, the housing 1 may include a sliding pivot joint 15 in which the arm 3 is mounted to move in translation and rotation relative to the housing 1. The arm 3 is arranged so that an insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 causes a rotation and a translation of the arm 3 via the sliding pivot joint 15. The return device 4 is arranged so that during the insertion of the blade 110, the rotation of the arm 3 tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device 4 while the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force, and so that during the extraction of the blade 110, the rotation of the arm 3 tends to decrease the return force exerted by the return device 4 while the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the return force.

[0124] Thus, the further the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, the greater the pressure force exerted by the return device 4, and therefore the more firmly the edge 112 of the blade 110 is pressed against the sharpening device 2. The sliding pivot joint 15, by allowing both rotation and translation that partially opposes the rotation, makes it possible to limit the variations in pressure exerted between the sharpening device 2 and the edge 112 of the blade 110 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Thus, the sheath comprising such a sharpening device 2 and such a housing 1 with a sliding pivot joint makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the sharpening significantly over the entire length of the blade 110. The cutting edge of the sharpened blade 110 is therefore more uniform, which increases the service life of the blade 110.

[0125] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be a slot provided in the housing 1. Said slot can extend mainly in a longitudinal direction corresponding to an insertion direction of the blade 110 in the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The position, shape, direction and dimensions of the slot in the sliding pivot joint 15 can be adapted according to the desired compensation of variations in the restoring force during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

[0126] The arm 3 may include a pin 31 adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the light of the sliding pivot joint 15. Such a pin 31 allows efficient translation and rotation of the arm 3 in the sliding pivot joint 15.

[0127] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be provided so that an insertion or extraction of the blade 110 can cause a rotation of the arm 3 alone for certain positions of the blade 110, and cause a simultaneous rotation and translation of the arm 3 for other positions of the blade 110.

[0128] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be formed in a vertical wall of the housing 1, in particular in a vertical wall of the frame 13. The sleeve can comprise two sliding pivot joints 15 having substantially identical shapes and dimensions, each being formed in a respective vertical wall of the frame 13, the two sliding pivot joints 15 extending opposite each other. The arm 3 comprises two substantially identical pins 31, located on either side of the arm 3, such that each pin 31 is inserted into a slot in a respective sliding pivot joint 15.

[0129] The housing 1 may include an additional sliding pivot joint 16. A rotation axis of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may be parallel to a rotation axis of the sliding pivot joint 15. The rotation axis of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may, for example, be directed laterally. Such an additional sliding pivot joint 16 ensures smooth simultaneous translation and rotation of the arm 3 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

[0130] The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be an additional light provided in the housing 1. Said additional light can extend mainly in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light of the sliding pivot joint 15. Such an additional light is easy to implement and allows lowering or raising of the arm 3 when inserting or removing the blade 110.

[0131] The position, shape, direction and dimensions of the additional light of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be adapted according to the desired compensation of variations in the restoring force during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

[0132] The additional sliding pivot link 16 can be disposed at the proximal end of the arm 3. The additional sliding pivot link 16 can be disposed adjacent to, or near, the proximal end of the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The sharpening device 2 being located at the additional sliding pivot link 16, such a positioning of the additional sliding pivot link 16 makes it possible to perform the sharpening substantially over the entire length of the blade 110 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.Furthermore, when the sliding pivot joint 15 is disposed at the distal end of the arm 3, the sliding pivot joint 15 and the additional sliding pivot joint 16 are separated by a distance corresponding substantially to a length of the arm 3, which allows optimal compensation of the rotation of the arm 3 by the translation of the arm 3 in the sliding pivot joint 15 and in the additional sliding pivot joint 16.

[0133] The arm 3 or the sharpening device 2 may include an additional pin 32 adapted to be mounted movably in translation and rotation in the pivot joint additional sliding pin 16. Such an additional pin 32 allows efficient translation and rotation in the additional sliding pivot joint 16.

[0134] The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be formed in a vertical wall of the housing 1, in particular in a vertical wall of the frame 13. The sheath can include two additional sliding pivot joints 16 having substantially identical shapes and dimensions, each being formed in a respective vertical wall of the frame 13, the two additional sliding pivot joints 16 extending opposite each other. The arm 3 or the sharpening device 2 includes two substantially identical additional pins 32, located on either side of the arm 3 or the sharpening device 2, such that each additional pin 32 is inserted into an additional slot in a respective additional sliding pivot joint 16. Cutting set

[0135] A cutting set includes a sheath as described above and a cutting tool 100 as described above. In particular, the cutting tool 100 includes a blade 110 and a handle 120, in which the additional locking element is located on the blade 110 and is arranged to be positioned opposite the locking element when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11.

[0136] Such a cutting assembly has similar advantages to those described for the sheath, in particular it allows secure locking of the blade 110 inserted in the housing 1 and ergonomic unlocking and extraction of the blade 110 for the user.

[0137] The cutting tool 100 can be a knife or a pair of scissors.

[0138] The handle 120 of the cutting tool 100 protrudes from the sheath, including when the 110 blade is fully inserted into the sheath.

[0139] When the sheath includes a sharpening device 2, the wire 112 of the blade 110 is intended to be applied to the sharpening device 2 during insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the sheath housing 1. Blade extraction method

[0140] A method for extracting a blade 110 from a cutting tool 100 by means of a sheath as described above comprises the following two simultaneous steps: - pressing the release button 6 on the sheath housing 1, the pressure being exerted in a vertical direction and opposing the return force exerted by the return device 4 so as to disengage the locking element of the housing 1 from the corresponding complementary locking element located on the blade 110 of the cutting tool 100; and - traction on a handle 120 of the cutting tool 100, the traction being exerted in a longitudinal direction so as to extract the blade 110 out of the cavity 11 of the housing 1 of the sheath by a longitudinal translation of the blade 110.

[0141] Such a method for extracting the blade 110 offers advantages similar to those described for the sheath, in particular allowing secure locking of the blade 110 inserted in the housing 1 and ergonomic unlocking and extraction of the blade 110 for the user. Indeed, extracting the blade 110 requires a double action by the user, which prevents accidental extraction of the blade 110, for example, during transport or if the sheath is dropped. To extract the blade 110, the user must, with one hand, apply pressure to the release button 6, for example, by pushing it downwards, to release the locking element and the supplementary locking element, and must also, with the other hand, pull the handle 120 in the longitudinal direction to extract the blade 110.

[0142] When the sheath includes a sharpening device 2 arranged adjacent to the access opening 12, the return device 4 being provided to exert on the arm 3 a return force which tends to press a wire 112 of the blade 110 inserted in the cavity 11 against the sharpening device 2, the method of extracting the blade 110 also allows automatic, simple and homogeneous sharpening of the blade 110 at each insertion and extraction of the blade 110, regardless of the dimensions and shape of the blade 110.

[0143] Figure 1 illustrates the blade 110 in a first intermediate position. The first intermediate position corresponds to a position at the beginning of insertion or the end of extraction of the blade 110. The tip of the blade 110 is positioned near the proximal end of the access opening 12. The user can then continue the introduction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 or the extraction of the blade 110 out of the cavity 11 by a substantially longitudinal movement. In the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 1], the locking element is a safety stop 7 extending downwards from a peak 18 of the casing 14, substantially at the level of the proximal end of the access opening 12. The complementary locking element is a notch 130 formed in a back 111 of the blade 110, at the level of the heel of the blade 110. In addition, the pin 31 of the arm 3 is located against a proximal end of the sliding pivot joint 15.The additional pin 32 is located against an upper end of the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The return device 4 exerts a return force on the arm 3 which maintains it in the upper position.

[0144] Figure 2 illustrates a blade 110 in a second intermediate position. The return device 4 exerts pressure on the edge 112 of the blade 110, which presses it against the sharpening device 2. Inserting or removing the blade 110 causes A combined rotational and translational movement of the arm 3 in the sliding pivot joint 15 partially compensates for the variation in the restoring force exerted by the restoring device 4 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. The safety stop 7 is in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. More specifically, in the second intermediate position illustrated in [Fig. 2], the pin 31 of the arm 3 is located between a proximal and a distal end of the lumen of the sliding pivot joint 15. As the blade 110 is inserted into the second intermediate position, the arm 3 lowers following a combined translational and rotational movement in the sliding pivot joint 15 and the additional sliding pivot joint 16.In particular, the pin 31 is subjected to a translation in the sliding pivot joint 15 which brings it closer to the distal end of the housing 1, which has the effect of limiting the distance between the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 of the return spring and the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring, therefore limiting the increase in the elongation of the return spring, and thus the return force exerted by the return spring, due to the rotation of the arm 3.

[0145] Fig. 3 illustrates a blade 110 in a third intermediate position. During the insertion or extraction of the blade 110, the edge 112 of the blade 110 is centered by the sharpening device 2 and the guide rail 51. The return device 4 exerts pressure on the edge 112 of the blade 110, which presses it against the sharpening device 2. The safety stop 7 is in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110, but is not engaged in the notch 130 of the blade 110 until the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11. More specifically, in the third intermediate position illustrated in [Fig. 3], the pin 31 of the arm 3 is located against the distal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. The additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is located against against a lower end of the additional light of the additional sliding pivot joint 16.Inserting or removing the blade 110 results in a purely rotational movement of the arm 3.

[0146] Figure 4 illustrates a blade 110 in a fully inserted and locked position. The safety stop 7 is automatically housed in the notch 130 of the blade 110 by the return force exerted by the return spring, thus blocking longitudinal movement of the blade 110 and preventing its removal. The release button 6 extends through the through opening 17 when not operated by the user. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located against the distal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. The additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is located against a lower end of the opening additional sliding pivot joint 16. The return device 4 exerts a maximum return force on the arm 3.

[0147] Figure 5 illustrates a blade 110 in a fully inserted and unlocked position. The release button 6 is pressed by the user with one hand to move it downwards, counteracting the return force exerted by the return spring. Pressing the release button 6 consequently moves the blade 110 downwards and thus out of the notch 130, which releases the safety stop 7 from the notch 130 of the blade 110, allowing the blade 110 to move longitudinally. The user can then, with their other hand, grasp the handle 120 of the blade 110 for extraction.

[0148] The user can release the pressure on the release button 6 as soon as they have begun to extract the blade 110, that is, as soon as they have moved the blade 110 longitudinally, the safety stop 7 then being no longer positioned opposite the notch 130, which prevents the blade 110 from locking into position. This is the case, for example, when the blade 110 is positioned in the second intermediate position illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0149] Although the present exposition has been made with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from their general scope. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments.

Claims

Demands

1. Sheath for receiving a blade (110), comprising: - a housing (1) in which a cavity (11) is provided for receiving a blade (110), a proximal end of the cavity (11) forming an access opening (12) to the cavity (11), the housing (1) comprising a locking element provided for being positioned opposite a corresponding complementary locking element located on the blade (110) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (H), - an arm (3) arranged to be moved by the blade (110) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11) between the locking element of the housing (1) and the arm (3), - a return device (4) connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3), the return device (4) being provided for exerting on the arm (3) a return force directed towards the locking element,so as to engage the locking element with the complementary locking element when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), thereby blocking longitudinal translation of the blade (110) so as to prevent extraction of the blade (110) through the access opening (12) to the cavity (11), the sheath being characterized in that the housing (1) comprises a through opening (17) opening into the cavity (11) and a release button (6) adapted to be disposed through the through opening (17), the release button (6) being arranged such that when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), pressing the release button (6) opposes the return force exerted by the return device (4) so ​​as to disengage the locking element from the complementary locking element,allowing a longitudinal translation of the blade (110) so as to permit extraction of the blade (110) through the access opening (12) to the cavity (11).

2. Sheath according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is a safety stop (7) and the complementary locking element is a notch (130), wherein the return device (4) is provided to position the safety stop (7) in the notch (130) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), and in which pressing the release button (6) allows the safety stop (7) to be released from the notch (130).

3. Sheath according to claim 1, wherein the locking element is a notch and the complementary locking element is a lug, wherein the return device (4) is provided to position the lug in the notch when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), and wherein pressing the unlock button (6) releases the lug from the notch.

4. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unlocking button (6) is provided to be disposed in contact with the blade (110) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11), such that a displacement of the unlocking button (6) due to pressure applied to the unlocking button (6) results in a displacement of the complementary locking element of the blade (110).

5. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking element is located at a proximal end of the housing (1).

6. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing (1) comprises an envelope (14) defining a part of the cavity (11) and a frame (13) defining another part of the cavity (11).

7. Sheath according to claim 6, in which the casing (14) comprises a curved apex (18) connecting two vertical side walls located on either side of the apex (18).

8. Sheath according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the safety stop (7) protrudes inside a volume of the envelope (14).

9. Sheath according to claim 7 taken in combination with claim 8, wherein the safety stop (7) projects vertically from the top (18) of the casing (14).

10. Sheath according to claim 7 or claim 9, wherein the through opening (17) is provided in the top (18) of the cover (14).

11. Sheath according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the frame (13) forms the access opening (12) to the cavity (11).

12. Sheath according to claim 11, wherein the frame (13) includes a perforated upright defining the access opening (12), and wherein the locking element is carried by the perforated upright.

13. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the through opening (17) is formed closer to the proximal end of the cavity (11) than to a distal end of the cavity (11) opposite the proximal end.

14. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the access opening (12) is arranged on a side of the housing (1) rising relative to a bearing surface of the housing (1).

15. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the release button (6) has a thickness equal to or greater than a depth of the through opening (17), so that the release button (6) is flush with or protrudes out of the housing (1).

16. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the housing (1) comprises a guide piece (5) extending in a longitudinal direction, the guide piece (5) comprising the release button (6) and a guide rail (51) of the back (111) of the blade (110), the guide rail (51) extending in the longitudinal direction.

17. Sheath according to claim 16, wherein the unlocking button (6) is carried by the guide piece (5) and is located at a proximal end of the guide piece (5).

18. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the return device (4) is a return spring interposed between the housing (1) and the arm (3).

19. Sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a sharpening device (2) disposed adjacent to the access opening (12), the return device (4) being provided to exert on the arm (3) a return force which tends to press a wire (112) of the blade (110) inserted in the cavity (11) against the sharpening device (2).

20. A cutting assembly comprising a sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and a cutting tool (100), the cutting tool (100) comprising a blade (110) and a handle (120), wherein the additional locking element is located on the blade (110) and is arranged to be positioned opposite the locking element (7) when the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11).

21. A method for extracting a blade from a cutting tool (100) by means of a sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the following two simultaneous steps: - pressing the release button (6) of the sheath housing (1), the pressure being exerted in a vertical direction and opposing the return force exerted by the return device (4) so ​​as to disengage the locking element of the housing (1) from the corresponding complementary locking element located on the blade (110) of the cutting tool (100); and - pulling on a handle (120) of the cutting tool (100), the pull being exerted in a longitudinal direction so as to extract the blade (110) from the cavity (11) of the sheath housing (1) by a longitudinal translation of the blade (110).

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