Multi-component knife capable of being assembled, reconfigured, and / or otherwise adapted to a user, associated components thereof and / or other related features

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and knives are disclosed involving a reconfigurable knife including a blade with tang portion, a pinch guard, and a handle. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing more efficient reconfiguration of such knives, such as to replace dull blades with sharp blades. In some examples, the knife system disclosed herein may include various magnet(s) that securely hold various components together, and which may be embedded into the pinch guard and handle structures. Moreover, certain implementations may include multiple other components such as a handle containing mechanical latch, spring, button, and / or other similar quick-release structure(s) that are dishwasher safe, operated via a particular button and latch / release components.

Description

[0001] MULTI-COMPONENT KNIFE CAPABLE OF BEING ASSEMBLED, RECONFIGURED, AND / OR OTHERWISE ADAPTED TO A USER, ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS THEREOF AND / OR OTHER RELATED FEATURES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) DATA [1] This applicaƟon claims benefit / priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), and other provisions of the Patent CooperaƟon Treaty, of U.S. Provisional ApplicaƟon No.63 / 654,925,filed May 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their enƟrety. BACKGROUND Field: [2] The present invenƟons relate to thefield of knives and more parƟcularly to mulƟ-component knives, such as chef knives constructed of several parts.Descrip on of Related Informa on:[3] The recommended grip for a chef’s knife involves uƟlizing the pinch technique higher on the blade. However, for some, such as those with peƟte hands, this technique can cause wrist strain, forearm pain, and inconvenient snagging of the blade on a user’s sleeve. A standard tool is the 8-inch Chef Knife. It's important to note that measuring from the Ɵp to the buƩ of the knife, these “8-inch” blades are actually 12-inch-long knives. While smaller 6-inch blade opƟons exist, their handles are oŌen the same size as those on the 8-inch knives, failing to accommodate diversity in hand sizes. Merely shortening a knife's blade does not inherently enhance its accessibility for women or others with smaller hands. While a simple adjustment to a shorter blade length may give the appearance of inclusivity, it fails to genuinely improve crucial aspects of the knife’s effecƟveness and / or otherwise impact important features of use and user experience. [4] For these and other reasons, there is a need for knives that overcome such drawbacks and / or otherwise solve various other problems with current knife designs. OVERVIEW OF SOME ASPECTS [5] The knife system described herein is designed to be a modular, integrated system that reduces user faƟgue and improves ergonomics. The knife was designed to avoid common frustraƟons: lugging an overloaded knife kit across the subway, hand-sharpening dull blades late into the night, and adapƟng to tools that were never made for cooks who aren’t average-sized men. [6] Informed by research tracing chef knife design back to 1669 France, this knife challenges the one-size-fits-all legacy of the chef’s knife. Its modular system, including one universal handle, and mulƟple interchangeable blades, reduces bulk, weight, and risk, while supporƟng a wide range of grips and cuƫng styles. The size and shape of the knife may reduce hand and forearm strain for users with smaller hands than average. The ergonomic design naturally guides users into the pinch grip, improving safety and reducing faƟgue. Sharper blades are safer blades, and the design described herein stays sharp longer. [7] AŌer hundreds of prototypes and real-world tesƟng with chefs and home cooks, every detail — from magneƟc blade, shields, to balanced weight distribuƟon — was refined to deliver one thing: a knife thatfits the user, not the other way around. The knife system described herein was designed with a focus on the overlooked details, such as how the fourth finger sits, how the blade stores, and how the grip actually teaches. [8] Various features and aƩributes of the knife system disclosed herein may contribute to ergonomics, efficiency, and / or hygiene. In some examples, the knife system disclosed herein may include a magnet that holds various components together, for example embedded into plasƟc or resin interchangeable components of the grip. An edge-first securement mechanism may enable the knife to “click” into place intuiƟvely and safely. Features of the design such as the grade and placement may offer funcƟonal advantages in a kitchen environment, especially in a composite, overmolded knife body. In some embodiments, the molded form may contribute to the overall look and seamlessness of the knife or block. [9] As will be described in greater detail below, by using interchangeable components that come together into a knife with an adjustable blade length and ergonomic group, the knife system described herein may improve user comfort and safety. Systems, apparatuses and knives are disclosed involving a reconfigurable knife including a blade with tang porƟon, a pinch guard and a handle. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing more efficient reconfiguraƟon of such knives, such as to replace dull blades with sharp blades. In various exemplary implementaƟons, there is provided a knife system described designed to have various reconfigurable, modular and / or integrated components that operate to reduce user faƟgue and improve ergonomics, especially for users with smaller hands. Various features and aƩributes of the knife system disclosed herein may contribute to ergonomics, efficiency, and / or hygiene. In some examples, the knife system disclosed herein may include various magnet(s) that securely hold various components together, and which may be embedded into the pinch guard and handle structures, e.g., the plasƟc, resin, etc. thereof, to greatly facilitate the interchangeability of components of the knife while maintaining an extremely rigid and secure knife structure. Moreover, certain implementaƟons may include mulƟple other components such as a handle containing latch, spring, buƩon and / or other similar quick-release structure(s) that are dishwasher safe, operated via a parƟcular buƩon and latch / release components. Other exemplary implementaƟons may include or involve methods of servicing such reconfigurable knives, enabling a knife to be dismantled in a novel, more ready manner to expose the dull blade and replace it with a sharpened blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specificaƟon. Together with the following descripƟon, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the instant disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front top right side perspecƟve view of afirst exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG.2 is a side view of another illustraƟve knife with a blade cover according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[0013] FIG.3 is a side view of the illustraƟve knife of the second embodiment without the blade cover according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of a knife handle according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an addiƟonal cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of a knife handle according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0016] FIG.6 is a chart of an exemplary magneƟc measurements relevant to one or more disclosed embodiments according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustraƟon of an exemplary knife grip according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a Front top right side exploded perspecƟve view of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0019] FIG.9 is a Front Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0020] FIG.10 is a Rear Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0021] FIG.11 is a LeŌ Side Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0022] FIG.12 is a Right Side Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0023] FIG.13 is a Top Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0024] FIG.14 is a BoƩom Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0025] FIG.15 is a Right Side Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0026] FIG.16 is a Right Side Exploded View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0027] FIG. 17A is a Top Exploded Cross SecƟon View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0028] FIG.17B is a Top Cross SecƟon View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0029] FIG.18A is a Handle Right Side View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0030] FIG.18B is a Handle Right Side View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0031] FIG.18C is a Handle Right Side View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0032] FIG.18D is a Handle Right Side View of an exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0033] FIG.19 is a Front Top Right Side PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0034] FIG.20 is a Front View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a Rear View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0036] FIG.22 is a LeŌ Side View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0037] FIG.23 is a Right Side View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0038] FIG.24 is a Top View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0039] FIG.25 is a BoƩom View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0040] FIG. 26 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 27 is a Front Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0042] FIG. 28 is a Rear Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0043] FIG.29 is a LeŌ Side Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0044] FIG.30 is a Right Side Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0045] FIG. 31 is a Top Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0046] FIG. 32 is a BoƩom Exploded View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0047] FIG. 33A is a Top Exploded Cross SecƟon View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0048] FIG.33B is a Top Cross SecƟon View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0049] FIG. 34 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0050] FIG. 35 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0051] FIG. 36 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0052] FIG. 37 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosed technology.

[0053] Throughout the drawings, idenƟcal reference characters and descripƟons indicate similar, but not necessarily idenƟcal, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are suscepƟble to various modificaƟons and alternaƟve forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the parƟcular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modificaƟons, equivalents, and alternaƟves falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0054] Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combinaƟon with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed descripƟon in conjuncƟon with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0055] The present disclosure is generally directed to a mulƟ-component or mulƟ-part reconfigurable knife that is capable of being assembled, reconfigured, adapted and / or tailored to a parƟcular user’s hand(s) as well as features, funcƟonality, systems and methods related thereto. Among other benefits and soluƟons achieved via the innovaƟons herein, knives consistent with the disclosed technology may be tailored to smaller or peƟte hands, such as women’s hands, a segment oŌen overlooked by tradiƟonal knife manufacturers. In addiƟon, the disclosed ergonomic design promotes proper technique, reduces faƟgue, and enhances safety, allowing users to focus on their culinary creaƟons with confidence and ease. With detachable / interchangeable components that are Ɵghtly interconnected, extremely secure and provide highest cuƫng precision, the disclosed knive and associated elements and innovaƟons also improve storage, hygiene, and longevity, in addiƟon to the various benefits of efficiency, reconfigurable and / or ease-of-use improvements herein.

[0056] As noted above, the recommended grip for a chef’s knife involves uƟlizing the pinch technique higher on the blade. However, for some, such as especially those with peƟte hands, this technique can cause wrist strain, forearm pain, and inconvenient snagging of the blade on a user’s sleeve. A standard tool is the 8-inch Chef Knife. However, it's important to note that measuring from the Ɵp to the buƩ of the knife, these “8-inch” blades are actually 12-inch long knives. While smaller 6-inch blade opƟons exist, their handles are oŌen the same size as those on the 8-inch knives, failing to accommodate diversity in hand sizes. Merely shortening a knife's blade does not inherently enhance its accessibility for women or others with smaller hands. While this adjustment may give the appearance of inclusivity, it fails to genuinely improve the uƟlity, cuƫng outcomes / results and / or user experience. By contrast, the disclosed knives and related technically improved construcƟons and designs implement various different, innovaƟve approaches, such as by designing knives tailored to accommodate various hand sizes and ensuring the substanƟality and security akin to that of a tradiƟonal (e.g., unitary, etc.) chef's knife. According to embodiments herein, the disclosed technology / knives may include interchangeable handles and a range of blade opƟons, as well as color customizaƟon opƟons for easy idenƟficaƟon of different knives in a crowded kitchen.

[0057] As shown and described in connecƟon with the various embodiments of the disclosed technology set forth herein, various configuraƟons and arrangements of innovaƟve knives disclosed include a handle that mimics the natural posiƟon of the user’s hands to encourage them to hold the knife correctly and intuiƟvely. The curves on top of the handle have a forward direcƟon that leads the user to the pinch guard area while they guide the user through where to put theirfingers. In creaƟng the disclosed invenƟve knives, including the shape and design of the handle and numerous other components, the innovaƟons herein increase the comfort to a larger variety of people. Further, due to its unconvenƟonal design, implementaƟons herein add a new level of confidence to using the disclosed knives, parƟcularly for a beginner. Aspects herein uƟlize a different approach by uƟlizing knife construcƟon, arrangements, components and / or designs tailored to accommodate various hand sizes and ensuring security akin to that of a tradiƟonal chef's knife. In addiƟon, the overall or whole knife produced consistent with the disclosed technology enables movement which would be expected from a tradiƟonal (e.g., unitary, etc.) chef’s knife and all curves contribute to provide an extremely agile and responsive knife and cuƫng experience. Further, embodiments may uƟlize various pinch guard innovaƟons that encourage consumers to use the proper knife technique, the ‘pinch technique.’ Not only is the pinch technique safer but it is also quicker and more efficient. Aspects of implementaƟons herein also hold the blade in place and ensure safety, such as via various inner mechanism(s) and connecƟons to the handle and features which securely keep the knife rigidly together. Further, embodiments herein may be constructed with an extended V-shape and / or be merged with the handle, inter alia, so the user’sfingers do not come in contact with the blade itself. The disclosed technology ensures that customized comfort remains at the forefront of excepƟonal cuƫng / kitchen experiences, and customizable components, arrangements, construcƟons and / or designs adapt to each user’s unique preferences and requirements. With interchangeable handles and a range of blade opƟons, each user can create a knife that feels like a natural extension of their hand. Whether the user is a passionate home cook or a seasoned professional, the disclosed knife invenƟons herein empower users of all hand sizes to tackle any culinary challenge with confidence and precision. And with our color customizaƟon opƟons, you can quickly change and securely fasten different handles and / or other components to express your personal style while creaƟng culinary masterpieces.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG.1, afirst embodiment of an innovaƟve knife 100 herein may have a molded handle 105 coupled to a custom pinch guard 110. In some examples, the knife may be placed into a case 115 for storage. Case 115 may be used as a safety cover when storing the knife (e.g., in a drawer or butcher block). In some examples, case 115 may protect a user’s hands from the blade while the knife is being assembled, disassembled, and / or cleaned by the user. In some embodiments, the blade of knife 100 may have an acute angle (e.g., a 17 degree angle), a shorter blade length compared to tradiƟonal knives, and / or a wider horizontal width compared to tradiƟonal knives. In one embodiment, the blade of knife 100 may be made of 420 stainless steel. Other blade angles, lengths and materials may be uƟlized.

[0059] In some embodiments, the exemplary compact pinch guard 110 may enable and encourage users to use the proper knife technique, the pinch technique. Not only is the pinch technique safer but it is also quicker and more efficient. Compact pinch guard 110 may be designed with an extended V-shape and merge with the handle so that the user’sfingers do not come in contact with the blade itself. In some embodiments, compact pinch guard 110 may have an indentaƟon on both sides for the thumb to be placed for comfort that also makes the knife handle suitable for use with the leŌ or right hand. Similarly, extended pinch guard 112, disclosed in the second major embodiments shown starƟng with FIG. 19 may also include such indentaƟons.

[0060] FIGs 2 is a side view of another illustraƟve knife with a blade cover 206 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosed technology. A front view of the knife cover is shown, depicƟng an open seam along the blade of the knife that allows water that may end up in the cover to dry more quickly and prevents rust and other related issues of having water in prolonged contact with a knife blade. In one embodiment, pinch guard 204 may lock into place against cover 206 while handle 202 may be free of cover 206.

[0061] FIG.3 is a side view of the illustraƟve knife of the second embodiment without the blade cover according to the disclosed technology. As illustrated in FIG.3, a knife may have a blade 308 with one sharp edge and one unsharpened edge.

[0062] FIG.4 is an addiƟonal view of a handle for an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed knife. In some embodiments, afirst magnet 410 isfiƩed into the upper back porƟon of the handle and directly above a second magnet 416fiƩed into the lower back porƟon of the handle which allow for the back porƟon of the handle to securely connect to the front porƟon of the handle. In one embodiment, plasƟc 412 that is injected into the mold around the magnet as a wall is used to provide reinforcement. In an addiƟonal embodiment, a male-female coupling pair may be uƟlized between the pinch guard and the handle to maintain a more secure coupling between the handle, the pinch and the blade. For example, the handle may contain a female indentaƟon 402 located at the front end of the knife handle allowing for a male connector 416 extending from the rear of the pinch guard tofit into the female indentaƟon 402. A buƩon 414 is located at the buƩ of the molded handle and adjacent to a whole located in the center of the handle that acƟvates a spring mechanism 404 and mechanical latch 408 that allows for an easy release of the handle from the blade.

[0063] FIG.5 is an addiƟonal view of a handle for an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed knife. In some embodiments, magnet 410 isfiƩed into the upper back porƟon of the handle that secures to a third magnet of opposite polarity 502 which is secured into the upper front porƟon of the handle. The plurality of magnets, such as magnets 410 and 502, may comprise one or more pairs of neodymium magnets. Further, in some embodiments, afirst magnet of a first pair of the magnets is embedded or posiƟoned in or on an end of the pinch guard facing the handle and a second magnet of thefirst pair is posiƟoned in an end of the handle facing the pinch guard and abuƫng thefirst magnet when the knife is assembled. Further according to other aspects consistent with the disclosed technology, at least one pair of the one or more pairs of the magnets comprises neodymium magnet materials characterized as being between about grade (e.g., maximum energy product, magneƟcflux output per unit volume, magneƟc strength, etc. as used in trade) N40 and about N55, or between about N40 and about N52, or between about N40 and about N50, or between about N42 and about N54, or between about N42 and N52, or between about N44 and N52, or between about N42 and about N50, or about N40, or about N42, or about N44, or about N50, or about N52. Additionally, in some examplary implementations, at least one pair of the one or more pairs of magnetics are of a substantially cube shape or are of a substantially cylindrical shape. Here, for example, in one example embodiment, at least one pair of the one or more pairs of magnetics comprise a substantially cube-shape structure having dimensions of about 5mm by about 5mm by about 5mm, or are of another shape and material that yields a value / measure (e.g., flux density, intensity of magnetic field, maximum energy product, pull force, etc.) comparable to that of said substantially cube-shape structure. Neodymium rare earth magnets (NdFeB) are manufactured in a variety of geometries, each with specific magnetization vector orientations depending on the application requirements. All NdFeB magnets exhibit a magnetic dipole, with distinct north and south poles, typically represented by red (north) and gray (south) in standard magnetic diagrams. The magnetic field strength is maximized when one of the magnet’s poles is in direct contact with a ferromagnetic or oppositely polarized surface. In the case of axially magnetized disc or ring magnets, optimal magnetic performance is achieved when one of the planar (flat) pole surfaces is flush against a corresponding surface of opposite polarity. While lateral (side) surfaces do exhibit magnetic field lines, the flux density is significantly lower compared to the pole faces, resulting in reduced holding or attractive force when used in that orientation.

[0064] The grade of sintered neodymium magnets is determined by two key properties: remanence (Br) and coercivity (Hc). For example, in the grade designation N42UH, "N" denotes neodymium, "42" refers to the remanent magnetic flux density, and "UH" indicates the level of intrinsic coercivity, or the magnet’s resistance to demagnetization. Magnet grades typically range from N27 to N55 in terms of remanence, and from N (standard) up to TH (very high-temperature resistance) in terms of coercivity. There is an inherent trade-off between remanence (Br) and coercivity (Hc) in neodymium magnet design. Generally, as Br increases, Hc may decrease, making higher-Br magnets more prone to demagnetization. For example, while N54 magnets exhibit very high remanence, they are theoretically more vulnerable to external demagnetizing influences. To achieve a higher Br while maintaining adequate coercivity, the manufacturing process for grades like N55 differs from standard methods. Instead of using a praseodymium-neodymium (PrNd) alloy, pure neodymium (Nd) metal is used in the production of the NdFeB alloy. This is because neodymium has a greater impact on enhancing remanent magnetization compared to praseodymium. This broad range of available grades allows for tailored magnet selection based on specific application requirements—particularly field strength and operating temperature conditions. In many applications, especially sensing, magnetic field specifications are tightly defined. For instance, a sensor may require a specific field intensity at a defined distance, often detailed in its datasheet. In such cases, a lower-energy product such as a Samarium Cobalt grade 24 may be ideal. Substituting it with a higher-strength neodymium magnet, like an N52, can result in signal saturation or incorrect sensor behavior. Similarly, in electric motors, an N48 grade may function within thermal limits, whereas an N55 could cause excessive heating in the windings. In contrast, holding or clamping applications may demand higher-strength materials if sufficient retention force cannot be achieved with lower grades. Ultimately, appropriate magnet selection should consider field strength at operational distances, thermal performance, and the magnetic saturation thresholds of surrounding components.

[0065] Economic factors frequently influence magnet selecƟon. As a general principle, higher magneƟc grades are associated with higher costs. This extends not only to the grade number (e.g., N35 to N55), but also to the thermal raƟng suffixes. For instance, an N48H will typically be more expensive than a standard N48, and an N48SH will cost more than an N48H. InteresƟngly, certain lower-grade materials with enhanced thermal raƟngs (e.g., N35SH) may exceed the price of higher-grade materials like N38 or N40, due to the addiƟonal processing required to achieve high coercivity and thermal resistance.

[0066] Beyond magneƟc grade and coercivity, the physical size and geometry of a magnet can greatly affect its thermal and magneƟc behavior. For example, an N45H magnet may be rated for 120^°C operaƟon, but if it is excepƟonally thin or small, its coercivity may be insufficient under demagneƟzing condiƟons. In such cases, a higher-grade thermal material (e.g., N45SH) may be more appropriate. Dimensional constraints should be evaluated carefully, and in some instances, it may be necessary to incorporate non-magneƟc support structures or shielding to maintain desired performance.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates the importance of balancing magnet strength (N value), magnet size, wall thickness between magnet and interface, and resulƟngflux density in designing a secure coupling mechanism for modular knife components. While a higher N value magnet can increase holding force, its effecƟveness is diminished if the wall of material (typically molded plasƟc) between the magnet and the maƟng metal surface is too thick or made of low- permeability material, which reducesflux transfer. Wall thickness must be minimized within structural limits to allow opƟmal magneƟcflux density at the interface. At the same Ɵme, the magnet’s physical size must be sufficient to provide surface area for stable engagement, but not so large that it interferes with part geometry, tooling, or ergonomic constraints. An effecƟve design ensures that the magnet generates enoughflux density to withstand torque, vibraƟon, and lateral force during use, without compromising modularity, safety, or user accessibility.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least one pair of the one or more pairs of the magnets comprises neodymium magnet materials comprise a material having a remanence and / or residual magneƟcflux of between about 9,000 and about 14,500 Gauss, or between about 10,000 and about 14,000 Gauss, or between about 11,000 and about 13,750 Gauss, or between about 11,500 and about 13,500, or between about 12,800 and about 13,200, or about 12,900 and about 13,100, or about 12,000 to about 13,000 Gauss, opƟonally also depending on size, volume and / or shape of the magnets.

[0069] FIG.7 is an addiƟonal view of a handle for an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed knife. In some embodiments, afirst magnet isfiƩed into afirst socket 602 located in the upper front porƟon of the pinch guard. An addiƟonal embodiment includes a second socket housing a second magnet 704 located in the lower front porƟon of the pinch. This allows for the back porƟon of the handle to securely connect to the pinch guard. Thefirst and second magnet are uƟlized between the pinch guard and the handle to maintain a more secure coupling between the handle, the pinch guard and the blade.

[0070] FIG.8 illustrates an exploded perspecƟve view of an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG.8, a rear or tang porƟon of the blade 120 may be designed to slide into a component of pinch guard 110 while pinch guard 110 affixes securely to molded handle 105. In one embodiment, a pin 125 may provide a mechanical connecƟon to hold blade 120, pinch guard 110, and molded handle 105 securely in place. In some embodiments, the end of pin 125 may slot into an opening at the rear porƟon of blade 120 while mounted within pinch guard 110.

[0071] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front and rear exploded view of an exemplary embodiment, respecƟvely. FIGS.13 and 14 are a top and boƩom exploded view of an exemplary embodiment, respecƟvely. FIGS.15 and 16 provide addiƟonal exploded views of an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 17A and 17B show a top view with components exploded and assembled, respecƟvely.

[0072] FIGS. 18A-D show views of an exemplary molded handle such as molded handle 105 illustrated in FIG.1.

[0073] FIGs.19-37 illustrate an addiƟonal ‘second’ exemplary embodiment. According to this embodiment, an exemplary knife may have an extended pinch guard 112 affixed to the end of a molded handle 106 that may slot into a blade guard 115. FIGS.20-25 illustrate addiƟonal views of this embodiment.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG.26, an exemplary handle 106 may encompass three parts: the extended pinch guard 112 aƩached to a tang-shaped component, a right handle piece 106A and a leŌ handle piece 106B. In this embodiment, tang 122 of the knife may slot into extended pinch guard 112 andfit within the tang component and be held in place by a magnet 188. FIGS. 27-33B illustrate addiƟonal views of this embodiment. In some embodiments, magnet 118 may be affixed to and / or hold in place right handle piece 106A and / or leŌ handle piece 106B. For example, as illustrated in FIG.37, magnet 188 may be seated in a cavity 189 in right handle piece 106A and / or leŌ handle piece 106B. In one embodiment, magnet 188 may be a neodynmium magnet.

[0075] In some embodiments, neodymium may be used for its excellent balance of magneƟc force vs briƩleness. In addiƟon, neodymium is heat and cold tolerant and thus can be used in a dishwasher, is shock resistant and less likely to crack, and may also be embedded in the molded material of the knife to further protect the magnet from cracking. The knife may experience a pull force of about 42, about 50, or about 52 Newtons when being drawn from a knife cover affixed via an appropriately sized neodymium magnet. This design may balance the size of the magnets vs the strength of the magnets to achieve an efficient and usable cover that is easy to remove but unlikely to fall off by accident. In some embodiments, one or both of handle pieces 106A and / or 106B may include a bar magnet in place of or in addiƟon to magnet 188.

[0076] FIGS.27 and 28 are exploded front and rear view of thefirst embodiment.

[0077] FIGS.29 and 30 is an exploded side view of thefirst embodiment.

[0078] FIGS. 31, 32, 33A and 33B are exploded top and boƩom view of thefirst embodiment.

[0079] AddiƟonally, or alternaƟvely, a knife may have mulƟple handle components held in place by a peg. For example, as illustrated in FIG.34, the right side of the knife handle may have a peg 190 that slots into a hole 192 on the blade of the knife and into a matching hole (not shown) on the leŌ handle piece at the pinch guard, holding the handle and knife blade together. While these slots and pegs are shown as square shaped in the drawings, other shapes may be uƟlized in other implementaƟons. AlternaƟvely, as illustrated in FIG.35, the right handle piece may have a half-peg 194A that meets a half-peg 194B on the leŌ handle piece at hole 192 in the blade. AlternaƟvely, as illustrated in FIG.36, the leŌ side of the knife handle may have a square peg 196 that slots into a hole 192 on the blade of the knife and into a matching hole (not shown) on the right handle piece.

[0080] FIG. 37 is a Front Top Right Side Exploded PerspecƟve View of an addiƟonal exemplary embodiment.

[0081] In some embodiments, the innovaƟve knife assemblies herein may be constructed and arranged such that a same blade may be compaƟble with mulƟple sizes and / or colors of handle components to enable users to switch between different handle lengths and / or colors. For example, a user may switch between a shorter red handle (e.g., a red leŌ handle piece and a red right handle piece as discussed above) and a longer blue handle in order to perform a different task and / or visually disƟnguish their knife from another user’s knife. A user may also switch handles and handle sizes to perform different cuƫng tasks needed. In some instances, the case may be uƟlized to hold the blade of the knife safely in place while a user switches between handles.

[0082] The preceding descripƟon has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best uƟlize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary descripƟon is not intended to be exhausƟve or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modificaƟons and variaƟons are possible without deparƟng from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects illustraƟve and not restricƟve. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivaƟves), as used in the specificaƟon and claims, are to be construed as permiƫng both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connecƟon. In addiƟon, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specificaƟon and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivaƟves), as used in the specificaƟon and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”

Claims

Claims:

1. A reconfigurable knife comprising: a knife blade include a tang at one end of the blade; a handle having a slot into which the tang is inserted; and a pinch guard having a slot that is shaped tofit the tang, wherein the pinch guard slides over the tang to a locaƟon over a base region of the blade near the handle at a point where a user’s thumb may be posiƟoned when the user’s hand grips the handle.

2. The knife of claim 1, wherein the pinch guard has an indentaƟon for the user’s thumb.

3. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the handle includes a buƩon, depression of which causes the blade and / or the tang to be released from mechanical and / or magneƟc engagement with the handle.

4. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the tang includes a first structure or mechanism, such as a notch, hole, magnet or other physical structure, into or onto which a second structure or mechanism of or within the handle mechanically and / or magneƟcally engages the tang.

5. The knife of claim 3 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the handle includes a buƩon, depression of which causes thefirst structure or mechanism to disengage with the second structure or mechanism such that the blade and the tang are disengaged from the handle.

6. The knife of claim 3 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the second structure or mechanism includes one or more of a spring and / or a mechanical latch (408).

7. The knife of claim 5 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the second structure or mechanism includes a mechanical latch and, opƟonally, at least one spring.

8. The knife of claim 6 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein thefirst structure or mechanism of the tang includes a notch, into which the mechanical latch is inserted to engage the handle to the tang.

9. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the pinch guard and the handle each contain one part of a male-female coupling structure that engage each other that help secure the handle to the pinch guard and blade and provide stability for use of the knife when engaged.

10. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the knife further comprises a blade cover that has a slit or crack to atmosphere / air running along a porƟon of the blade cover that touches the balde’s sharpened edge.

11. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the plurality of magnets include one or more pairs of neodymium magnets.

12. The knife of claim 10 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein afirst magnet of afirst pair of the magnets is embedded or posiƟoned in or on an end of the pinch guard facing the handle and a second magnet of thefirst pair is posiƟoned in an end of the handle facing the pinch guard and abuƫng thefirst magnet when the knife is assembled.

13. The knife of claim 10 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein at least one pair of the one or more pairs of the magnets comprises neodymium magnet materials characterized as being between about grade (e.g., maximum energy product, magneƟcflux output per unit volume, magneƟc strength, etc. as used in trade) N40 and about N55, or between about N40 and about N52, or between about N40 and about N50, or between about N42 and about N54, or between about N42 and N52, or between about N44 and N52, or between about N42 and about N50, or about N40, or about N42, or about N44, or about N50, or about N52.

14. The knife of claim 10 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein at least one pair of the one or more pairs of magneƟcs are of a substanƟally cube shape or are of a substanƟally cylindrical shape.

15. The knife of claim 10 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein at least one pair of the one or more pairs of magneƟcs comprise a substanƟally cube-shape structure having dimensions of about 5mm by about 5mm by about 5mm, or are of another shape and material that yields a value / measure (e.g.,flux density, intensity of magneƟcfield, maximum energy product, pull force, etc.) comparable to that of said substanƟally cube- shape structure.

16. The knife of claim 10 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the at least one pair of the one or more pairs of the magnets comprises neodymium magnet materials comprise a material having a remanence and / or residual magneƟcflux of between about 9,000 and about 14,500 Gauss, or between about 10,000 and about 14,000 Gauss, or between about 11,000 and about 13,750 Gauss, or between about 11,500 and about 13,500, or between about 12,800 and about 13,200, or about 12,900 and about 13,100, or about 12,000 to about 13,000 Gauss, opƟonally also depending on size, volume and / or shape of the magnets.

17. The knife of claim 1 or the invenƟon of any claim herein, wherein the blade is made of a magneƟc steel or of a metal, such as copper, covered or coated with a magneƟc coaƟng.

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