Utility knife with Anti-pushdown accidental quick blade release

Abstract

A utility knife is provided that includes a housing defining a guide path having a release notch and a sliding blade holder configured to receive a knife blade and that is movable along the guide path between a retracted position, an extended position, and a release position. A slider button of the blade holder is movable within the guide path to move the sliding blade holder between the retracted, extended, and release positions. The blade holder is transitioned to the release position when the slider button is moved laterally into the release notch, with the knife blade then being removable from the blade holder. An anti-pushdown rib is formed on the housing and is configured to engage a portion of the slider button when a forward-directed or downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)UTILITY KNIFE WITH ANTI-PUSHDOWN ACCIDENTAL QUICK BLADE RELEASECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No.63 / 751,558 entitled “Utility Knife with Anti-Pushdown Accidental Quick Blade Release” filed January 30, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hand tools and, more particularly, to utility knives that provide for a controlled release of a replaceable blade, so as to prevent an accidental release of the blade during use.Description of Related Art

[0003] Utility knives are often configured to house a replaceable blade, which can selectively retract into or extend out of the handle of the utility knife. Conventionally, utility knife blades are trapezoidal, and are configured so that one side of the blade may be used, while the other side of the blade is held within the housing, fixing the blade relative to the housing. When it is desirable to replace the blade, the blade may be rotated in the blade carriage, so that the side of the trapezoid previously used (and presumably dulled through use) is held within the housing, while the side of the trapezoid previously retained within the housing may be selectively exposed for use. Alternatively, the utility knife blade may be removed entirely (e.g., when both sides of the trapezoidal blade have been thoroughly used) so that the used trapezoidal blade may be replaced by a new blade.

[0004] Among other things, the present application relates to an improved slider assembly and blade holder for extending the utility knife blade, so that the utility knife blade may be released and easily rotated for utilization of the other side of the blade, or the utility knife blade may be replaced in its entirety. The slider assembly and blade holder of the utility knife provide for releasing of the blade when it is desired to rotate or replace the blade, while preventing accidental release of the blade during use of the utility knife.Page 1 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Provided herein is a utility knife that includes a housing defining a guide path extending in a longitudinal direction between a rear path portion and a forward path portion, the forward path portion including a release notch that extends out laterally from a remainder of the guide path, with an anti-pushdown rib of the housing protruding into the release notch. The utility knife also includes a sliding blade holder configured to slidably move along the guide path between a retracted position, an extended position, and a release position. The sliding blade holder is configured to selectively receive a removable knife blade, such that the knife blade is stored within the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the retracted position, a portion of the knife blade extends outwardly from the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the extended position, and the knife blade is removable from the sliding blade holder when the sliding blade holder is in the release position. The sliding blade holder includes a slider button engageable by a user and movable within the guide path to move the sliding blade holder between the retracted position, the extended position, and the release position, with the sliding blade holder being in the retracted position when the slider button is positioned in the rear path portion, the sliding blade holder moving from the retracted position to the extended position when the slider button is advanced in the longitudinal direction from the rear path portion to the forward path portion, and the sliding blade holder transitioning to the release position when the slider button is moved laterally from the forward path portion into the release notch. The anti-pushdown rib is configured to engage a portion of the slider button when the slider button is positioned in the forward path portion and a forward-directed or downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

[0006] In some embodiments, the utility knife further includes a slide rail provided on an inner surface of the housing, the slide rail including a slot formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction, with the slot generally aligned longitudinally with the guide path, wherein the sliding blade holder is movably engaged with the slide rail via the slot to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sliding blade holder comprises a slider housing configured to retain the knife blade thereon, the slider housing movable engaged with the slide rail via a slider screw, and a hinge plate interfit with the slider housing and movable relative thereto responsive to lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, the hinge plate including a front arm having fingers formed thereon configured to engage mounting notches on the knife blade, to lock the knife blade in-place on the slider housing, wherein the slider Page 2 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)button of the sliding blade holder comprises an engagement portion and a button stem, the engagement portion positioned outside of the housing to be engageable by the user and the button stem extending down through the guide path to be received within a cavity of the hinge plate, with a slider button spring positioned about the button stem within the cavity, the slider button spring applying a biasing force to the slider button to bias the slider button to a default position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the button stem comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, with a shoulder formed between the upper portion and lower portion, the slider button spring retained within the cavity of the hinge plate by the shoulder.

[0009] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the button stem comprises a flange formed thereon, the flange selectively engageable with a track formed on the housing to permit or inhibit movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, wherein with the slider button in the default position, the flange is vertically aligned with the track to prevent movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, and wherein upon a depression of the slider button by the user, the flange is vertically misaligned with the tract to enable movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, such that the sliding blade holder may be moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the slider housing comprises a lower blade engaging surface, an upper blade engaging surface, and a side blade engaging surface extending between the lower and upper blade engaging surfaces, with the upper blade engaging surface including a protrusion extending downward therefrom and the side blade engaging surface including a cutout formed therein about the protrusion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hinge plate is positioned on an opposite side of the slider housing from the knife blade, with the hinge plate aligned with the slider housing such that the fingers extend through cut-out and are positioned on opposing sides of the protrusion, and such that the fingers engage the mounting notches on the knife blade.

[0012] In some embodiments, lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch causes the hinge plate to move laterally away from the slider housing, such that the fingers move laterally out of engagement with the mounting notches on the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder.

[0013] In some embodiments, the utility knife further includes a hinge plate spring coupled to each of the slider housing and the hinge plate, to control relative movement between the hinge plate and the slider housing during lateral movement of the slider button into the releasePage 3 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)notch, with the hinge plate spring maintaining contact between the slider housing and the hinge plate in order to retain alignment between the hinge plate and the slider housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hinge plate spring applies a biasing force against the hinge plate that retains a cavity wall of the hinge plate within the receptacle of the slider housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the slider housing comprises a first spring holder and a second spring holder each extending out from a rearward end thereof, with a coiled portion of the hinge plate spring retained on the first spring holder and a lower extension of the hinge plate spring retained on the second spring holder, and the hinge plate comprises a rear arm configured to retain an upper extension of the hinge plate spring thereon.

[0016] In some embodiments, the utility knife further includes a slider magnet retained in the slider housing, with the slider magnet holding the knife blade onto the slider housing when the sliding blade holder is transitioned to the release position, with a magnetic attraction between the slider magnet and the knife blade allowing for removal of the knife blade by the user.

[0017] In some embodiments, the slider button comprises a bump-out formed on the upper portion of the button stem, the bump-out being vertically aligned with and abutting the antipushdown rib when the downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button and depresses the slider button, so as to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

[0018] In some embodiments, a portion of the button stem is longitudinally aligned with and abuts the anti-pushdown rib when the forward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

[0019] Also provided herein is a utility knife that includes a housing defining a guide path extending in a longitudinal direction between a rear path portion and a forward path portion, the forward path portion including a release notch that extends out laterally from a remainder of the guide path. The utility knife also includes a sliding blade holder configured to slidably move along the guide path between a retracted position, an extended position, and a release position, the sliding blade holder configured to selectively receive a removable knife blade, such that the knife blade is stored within the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the retracted position, a portion of the knife blade extends outwardly from the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the extended position, and the knife blade is removable from the sliding blade holder when the sliding blade holder is in the release position. The sliding blade holder comprises a slider button engageable by a user to move the sliding blade holder between the retracted position, the extended position, and the release position, the slider button movable Page 4 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)longitudinally along the guide path between the rear path portion and the forward path portion and movable laterally into the release notch, a slider housing configured to retain the knife blade thereon, and a hinge plate interfit with the slider housing and movable relative thereto responsive to lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, the hinge plate including a front arm having fingers formed thereon configured to engage mounting notches on the knife blade, to lock the knife blade in-place on the slider housing, wherein lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch disengages the fingers from the mounting notches on the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder and enabling removal of the knife blade from the utility knife.

[0020] In some embodiments, the utility knife further includes a slide rail provided on an inner surface of the housing, the slide rail including a slot formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction, with the slot generally aligned longitudinally with the guide path, wherein the sliding blade holder comprises a slider screw engaged with the slot to movably couple the sliding blade holder with the slide rail, to enable movement of the sliding blade holder between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the slider button comprises an engagement portion and a button stem, the engagement portion positioned outside of the housing to be engageable by the user and the button stem extending down through the guide path to be received within a cavity of the hinge plate, wherein an upper portion of the button stem comprises a flange formed thereon that is selectively engageable with a track formed on the housing to permit or inhibit movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, wherein with the slider button in the a position, the flange is vertically aligned with the track to prevent movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, and wherein upon a depression of the slider button by the user, the flange is vertically misaligned with the tract to enable movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, such that the sliding blade holder may be moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the hinge plate is positioned on an opposite side of the slider housing from the knife blade, with the hinge plate aligned with the slider housing such that the fingers extend through a cut-out formed in the slider housing and engage the mounting notches on the knife blade, and wherein lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch causes the hinge plate to move laterally away from the slider housing, such that the fingers move laterally out of engagement with the mounting notches on the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder.Page 5 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)

[0023] In some embodiments, the utility knife further includes a hinge plate spring coupled to each of the slider housing and the hinge plate, to control relative movement between the hinge plate and the slider housing during lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, with the hinge plate spring maintaining contact between the slider housing and the hinge plate in order to retain alignment between the hinge plate and the slider housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing comprises an anti-pushdown rib formed thereon that protrudes into the release notch, the anti-pushdown rib configured to engage a portion of the slider button while a forward-directed or downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility knife, according to a non-limiting embodiment described herein;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of the utility knife of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the utility knife of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the utility knife of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the utility knife of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a slider assembly included in the utility knife of FIG.1, according to a non-limiting embodiment described herein;

[0031] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the slider assembly of FIG. 5;

[0032] FIG. 7A is a top view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with a sliding blade holder and blade in a retracted position;

[0033] FIG. 7B is a side view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with a cover portion removed, and with the sliding blade holder and blade in the retracted position;

[0034] FIG. 8 A is a top view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with the sliding blade holder and blade being partially advanced from the retracted position toward the extended position;

[0035] FIG. 8B is a side view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with a cover portion removed, and with the sliding blade holder and blade being partially advanced from the retracted position toward the extended position;

[0036] FIG. 9A is a top view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with the sliding blade holder and blade in an extended position;

[0037] FIG. 9B is a side view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with a cover portion removed, and with the sliding blade holder and blade in the extended position;Page 6 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)

[0038] FIG. 10A is a top view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with the sliding blade holder and blade in a blade release position;

[0039] FIG. 10B is a side view of the utility knife of FIG. 1, with the sliding blade holder in the blade release position; and

[0040] FIG. 10C is a top view of the sliding blade holder, with the sliding blade holder in the blade release position.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0042] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, shown is a non-limiting embodiment of a utility knife 10 according to an aspect of the disclosure. The utility knife 10 includes a housing 20 and a slider assembly 200, with the slider assembly 200 including a sliding blade holder 210 movable relative to the housing 20 and configured to receive a knife blade 600 therein. As discussed in greater detail below, the sliding blade holder 210 is operable to allow the knife blade 600 to be selectively retracted into or extended out from the housing 20 and to release the blade 600, so as to facilitate removing and replacing of the blade 600.

[0044] According to aspects of the disclosure, the housing 20 may include a first housing portion 30 and a second housing portion 40, which may be separately formed, but assembled and secured together. In the illustrated embodiment, separation of the first housing portion 30 and second housing portion 40 may be facilitated via a housing release tab 50 that extends out through the first housing portion 30. Actuation of the housing release tab 50 may release a spring 60 housed internally within the housing 20, with the spring 60 extending responsive to Page 7 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)actuation of the housing release tab 50, to force the first housing portion 30 out of engagement from the second housing portion 40. According to embodiments of the disclosure, additional features may be incorporated onto the housing 20 to further enhance useability of the utility knife 10. In some embodiments, a grip 70 may be included on the housing 20 that is formed of a resilient material that provides a comfortable or molded grip for a user of the utility knife 10. In other embodiments, a blade storage space (not shown) may be provided within an interior volume of the housing 20, at the rear end of the utility knife 10, that is configured to store spare blades therein.

[0045] As described in greater detail below, a guide path 80 for the sliding blade holder 210 may be formed in the housing 20 (e.g., by the assembly of the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 40) that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) along the housing 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the guide path 80 may extend linearly from a rear path portion 90 to a forward path portion 100. It may be appreciated that movement of the sliding blade holder 210 from the rear path portion 90 to the forward path portion 100 may facilitate sliding of the knife blade 600 (and blade holder 210) from a retracted position to an extended position, where the blade 600 may be used for cutting operations. The forward path portion 100 may also include a release notch 110 at the far forward end thereof, with the release notch 110 jutting out laterally (i.e., orthogonally) from a remainder of the guide path 80. The release notch 110 of guide path 80 may enable a lateral movement of a portion of the sliding blade holder 210 when the blade 600 (and blade holder 210) is in the extended position, to provide for removal of the blade 600 from the blade holder 210, as explained in further detail below.

[0046] At least one of the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 40 of the housing 20 also includes a track 120 formed thereon that interacts with the sliding blade holder 210 to selectively provide for movement of the blade holder 210 and blade 600 from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the track 120 is formed adjacent to the guide path 80 and extends along a length thereof. The track 120 comprises a plurality of protrusions 130 on an inner surface 140 of housing 20, on a top portion of the housing 20 and on opposing sides of the guide path 80.

[0047] According to aspects of the disclosure, at the location of release notch 110, the housing 20 (i.e., second housing portion 140) includes an anti-pushdown rib 150 formed thereon. As explained in detail below, the anti-pushdown rib 150 protrudes into the release notch 110 and prevents lateral movement of the blade holder 210 into the release notch 110 when a button of the blade holder 210 is being depressed and / or advanced forward.Page 8 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)Accordingly, an accidental releasing of the knife blade 600 from blade holder 210 is prevented during actuation of the knife blade 600 to the extended position.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the slider assembly 200 is composed of the sliding blade holder 210 and a slide rail 220. In some embodiments, the slide rail 220 is secured to the inner surface 140 of the second housing portion 40, such as via a pair of fasteners at opposing ends thereof. The slide rail 220 includes a slot 230 formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction of the utility knife 10, with the slot 230 generally aligned longitudinally with the guide path 80. The sliding blade holder 210 is movably engaged with the slide rail 220 via the slot 230, such that the blade holder 210 (and knife blade 600) is movable relative to the slide rail 220 (and housing 20) along a length of the slot 230.

[0049] The sliding blade holder 210 includes a slider housing 240, a slider magnet 250, a hinge plate 260, a slider button 270, a slider button spring 275, a hinge plate spring 280, and a slider screw 290. Assembly and interaction of these components of the sliding blade holder 210 are now explained in further detail.

[0050] The slider housing 240 is configured to receive the knife blade 600. As shown in FIG. 6, is some embodiments, the blade 600 has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid and includes a lower, linear cutting edge 610, an upper linear edge 620 that is parallel to the lower cutting edge 610, mounting notches 630 formed in the upper edge 620, planar side surfaces 640, and linear rear and front surfaces 650.

[0051] The slider housing 240 is configured to receive the blade 600 by positioning the blade holder 210 in its extended position and sliding / inserting the blade 600 through a front aperture 160 in the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 5, rearward blade engaging bump outs 300 of the slider housing 240 limit the extent to which the blade 600 may be slid rearwardly relative to the slider housing 240. A lower blade engaging surface 310 of the slider housing 240 is planar and is configured to engage the linear cutting edge 610 of the blade 600 to limit the extent to which the blade 600 may move downwardly relative to the slider housing 240. The planar side surfaces 640 of the blade 600 are sandwiched between a side blade engaging surface 320 of the slider housing 240 and a plate 170 of the first housing portion 30 to limit the extent to which the blade 600 may move laterally relative to the slider housing 240. An upper blade engaging surface 330 of the blade holder 210 is generally planar and is configured to engage the upper linear edge 620 of the blade 600 to limit the extent to which the blade 600 may move upwardly relative to the slider housing 240. The upper blade engaging surface 330 may also include a protrusion 340 formed thereon that extends down from the upper blade engaging surface 330 and laterally out from the side blade engaging surface 320 of the blade holder 210, with the Page 9 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)protrusion 340 functioning to align and retain the hinge plate 260 with the slider housing 240, as explained in further detail below. Additionally, a cut-out 350 is formed in / through the side blade engaging surface 320 of slider housing 240 in an area thereof surrounding the protrusion, to accommodate features of the hinge plate 260.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the slider housing 240 further includes retention features formed at a rearward end thereof that provide for engagement / retention of the hinge plate 260 and hinge plate spring 280 therewith. First, a receptacle 360 is formed in the slider housing 240 that accommodates a portion of the hinge plate 260 therein, with the receptacle 360 and the protrusion 340 on the upper blade engaging surface 330 functioning to align and retain the hinge plate 260 relative to the slider housing 240. Second, a pair of spring holders 370, 380 are formed on the slider housing 240 that extend out rearward from the slider housing 240. A first spring holder 370 is cylindrical in shape and is configured to fit within a central coiled portion 390 of the hinge plate spring 280, such that the hinge plate spring 280 may be mounted / retained on the slider housing 240. A second spring holder 380 may comprise a hookshaped extension formed at a bottom end of the slider housing 240, with the second spring holder 380 configured to engage a lower extension 400 of the hinge plate spring 280.

[0053] Finally, the slider housing 240 includes a fastener hole 410 formed therein configured to receive the slider screw 290 therein. The slider screw 290 movably engages the slider housing 240 with the slide rail 220, with the slider screw 290 positioned in the slot 230 of slide rail 220 and secured to slider housing 240. The slider screw 290 is secured to slider housing 240 in a manner that allows for longitudinal movement of the slider screw 290 within the slot 230, such that an entirety of the sliding blade holder 210 may be moved longitudinally within the slot 230, thereby enable movement of the sliding blade holder 210 and knife blade 600 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the slider magnet 250 may be provided in / on the slider housing 240, with the slider magnet 250 functioning to temporarily hold the knife blade 600 onto the slider housing 240 when it is desired to remove / replace the knife blade 600. It may be appreciated that the magnet 250 may be formed of any appropriate material, including but not limited to rare earth magnets or any other appropriate magnet known in the art. The slider housing 240 includes a magnet holder 420 formed therein that is configured to retain the slider magnet 250. In some embodiments, the magnet holder 420 may comprise an opening or receptacle formed in / through the side blade engaging surface 320 of the slider housing 240, within which the magnet 250 may be secured. The slider magnet 250 is configured to aid in holding the knife blade 600 to the slider housing 240 through magnetic attraction between the Page 10 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)magnet 250 and the metal of the knife blade 600. In particular, the slider magnet 250 may function to hold the knife blade 600 in place on the slider housing 240 after the sliding blade holder 210 has been moved into the release notch 110 of the guide path 80 - with the magnet 250 applying a magnetic force to the knife blade 600 that holds the blade 600 in place on slider housing 240, but allows for removal of the blade 600 when a pulling force is applied to the blade 600 by a user of the utility knife 10.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the hinge plate 260 is configured as an integrally formed, elongated member that may be characterized as including a forward arm 430, a rear arm 440, and a slider button cavity 450 positioned between the forward arm 430 and the rear arm 440, with the slider button cavity 450 defined by a cavity wall 460. The hinge plate 260 is positioned alongside the slider housing 240, on a side surface 465 of the slider housing 240 opposite from side blade engaging surface 320.

[0056] The cavity wall 460 that defines the cavity 450 of hinge plate 260 protrudes out laterally from the forward arm 430 and rear arm 440, with a portion of the cavity wall 460 configured to interfit with the receptacle 360 of slider housing 240, in order to position the hinge plate 260 relative to the slider housing 240. The cavity 450 is sized to receive a portion of the slider button 270 therein (i.e., a button stem 470 of slider button 270), as well as the slider button spring 275, with a bottom surface of the cavity 450 being a partially closed bottom surface configured to retain the slider button spring 275 within the cavity 450, but that allows for a bottom end of the button stem 470 to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, a slider e-ring 480 may be affixed to a bottom end of the button stem 470, and outside and underneath of cavity 450, with the e-ring 480 functioning to retain the button stem 470 in place within the cavity 450.

[0057] The forward arm 430 of hinge plate 260 extends forwardly from cavity 450 and alongside the side 465 of the slider housing 240 opposite from side blade engaging surface 320, i.e., on a side of the slider housing 240 opposite from the knife blade 600. At a far forward end of the forward arm 430, a pair of fingers 490 extend laterally outward from the forward arm 430. The pair of fingers 490 is positioned and configured to extend through the cut-out 350 formed in / through the surfaces 320, 465 of slider housing 240, with the protrusion 340 on the upper blade engaging surface 330 of slider housing 240 being positioned between the pair of fingers 490. The pair of fingers 490 is also positioned and configured to engage with the mounting notches 630 formed in the upper edge 620 of knife blade 600, in order to secure the knife blade 600 onto sliding blade holder 210 and prevent release thereof. As explained in further detail below, the fingers 490 of hinge plate 260 may be deflected / moved laterally out Page 11 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)from the mounting notches 630 of knife blade 600 upon actuation of the blade holder 210 by a user into the release notch 110, in order to enable release of the knife blade 600 from the blade holder 210.

[0058] The rear arm 440 of hinge plate 260 extends out rearward from cavity 450 and is positioned so as to be generally aligned (laterally and longitudinally) with the second spring holder 380 of slider housing 240. The rear arm 440 may comprise a hook-shaped extension configured to engage an upper extension 500 of the hinge plate spring 280. In this manner, the hinge plate spring 280 is thus retained on the blade holder 210 and in engagement with each of the slider housing 240 and hinge plate 260, with the hinge plate spring 280 applying forces to the slider housing 240 and hinge plate 260 upon there being relative movement between the slider housing 240 and hinge plate 260, as explained in further detail below.

[0059] The slider button 270 may be characterized as including an engagement portion 510 and the button stem 470 extending downward from the engagement portion 510.

[0060] The engagement portion 510 is positioned outside of housing 20, so as to be accessible by a user for operation of the utility knife 10. The engagement portion 510 may be configured as a thumb grip configured for engagement by the thumb (or other finger) of a user, so as to enable depression of the slider button 270 and longitudinal movement of the slider button 270.

[0061] The button stem 470 extends downward from the engagement portion 510, with the button stem 470 positioned within and extending through the guide path 80 and into the interior of housing 20. The button stem 470 may be considered as including an upper portion 520 and a bottom portion 530. The upper portion 520 of the button stem 470 may have a rectangular configuration, while the bottom portion 530 of the button stem 470 may have a cylindrical configuration, with a shoulder 540 formed between the upper portion 520 and bottom portion 530. With the upper portion 520 having a rectangular configuration, a pair of opposing flat sides of the button stem 470 may be configured to allow for longitudinal movement of the slider button 270 along the guide path 80. With the bottom portion 530 of button stem 470 having a cylindrical configuration, the bottom portion 530 may be configured to receive the slider button spring 275 thereon, with the slider button spring 275 retained in place on the bottom portion 530 between the shoulder 540 and the bottom surface of the cavity 450 of hinge plate 260.

[0062] Included on the upper portion 520 of the button stem 470 is a flange 550 that extends radially outward from each of opposing sides of the button stem 470. The flange 550 on button stem 470 is configured to selectively engage with the track 120 formed on housing to Page 12 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)selectively provide for movement of the sliding blade holder 210 (and knife blade 600) from the retracted position to the extended position. That is, the flange 550 may retain / lock the sliding blade holder 210 in place relative to the housing 20 when the slider button 270 is in an at-rest or default position and not being depressed by a user - as the flange 550 is vertically aligned with track 120 (i.e., between a pair of protrusions 130 of the track 120) to prevent longitudinal movement of the slider button 270. When the slider button 270 is depressed downward by the user, the flange 550 is moved vertically down and out of alignment with the track 120, to enable the user to advance the slider button 270 longitudinally within the guide path 80 (from the rear path portion 90 toward the forward path portion 100), so as to advance the sliding blade holder 210 and knife blade 600 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0063] Also included on the upper portion 520 of the button stem 470 is a bump-out 560 that extends forward from a remainder of the button stem 470. The bump-out 560 is positioned on slider button 270 such that it may selectively be brought into and out of vertical alignment with the anti-pushdown rib 150 on housing 20, depending on the positioning of the slider button 270. That is, if the slider button 270 is depressed downward by a user, the bump-out 560 is then vertically aligned with and abuts the anti -pushdown rib 150, with this vertical alignment of the bump-out 560 and anti-pushdown rib 150 preventing lateral movement of the slider button 270 into the release notch 110 due to interference between the bump-out 560 and antipushdown rib 150.

[0064] As indicated above, the slider button spring 275 is positioned on and about the bottom portion 530 of button stem 470 and within the cavity 450 of hinge plate 260. The slider button spring 275 biases the slider button 270 into its at-rest or default position, with the flange 550 of button stem 470 thus vertically aligned with the track 120 of housing 20 and preventing longitudinal movement of the sliding blade holder 210 and knife blade 600. The slider button spring 275 may be compressed upon application of a downward directed pushing force to the engagement portion 510 of slider button 270, allowing for a downward movement of the engagement portion 510 and the flange 550 on button stem 470, such that the flange 550 may be moved vertically down and out of alignment with the track 120 to enable movement of the slider button 270 longitudinally within the guide path 80 (from the rear path portion 90 toward the forward path portion 100), so as to advance the sliding blade holder 210 and knife blade 600 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, operation of the utility knife 10 is discussed in further detail.Page 13 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)

[0066] FIGS. 7 A and 7B and illustrate the sliding blade holder 210 (and knife blade 600) in the retracted position and in the rear path portion 90 of guide path 80. As shown, slider button 270 is in its at-rest or default position, with the flange 550 of button stem 470 vertically aligned with the track 120 of housing 20 and retaining between a pair of adjacent protrusions 130 of the track 120. Accordingly, the sliding blade holder 210 is locked in place relative to the housing 20, in the retracted position.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B, the slider button 270 is depressed downward by a user and the sliding blade holder 210 (and knife blade 600) is in the process of being advanced along the guide path 80 from the retracted position to the extended position. With the slider button 270 depressed, the flange 550 of button stem 470 is moved out of vertical alignment with the track 120 of housing 20, thereby allowing for advancement of the sliding blade holder 210 toward the extended position - with sliding blade holder 210 moving longitudinally within the slot 230 of slide rail 220.

[0068] FIGS. 9 A and 9B show the sliding blade holder 210 (and knife blade 600) in the extended position and in the forward path portion 100 of guide path 80, with the user no longer applying pressure to the slider button 270, such that the slider button 270 returns to its at-rest or default position and locks the sliding blade holder 210 in place at the extended position (i.e., flange 550 of button stem 470 engages track 120). With the sliding blade holder 210 in the extended position, the knife blade 600 extends out through the front aperture 160 in the housing 20, with the lower cutting edge 610 exposed so that the user may perform a desired cutting operation via the knife blade 600, with the blade 600 locked in position to enable such cutting.

[0069] As previously described, in moving the sliding blade holder 210 and knife blade 600 to the extended position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the slider button 270 is depressed downward by the user and pushed / advanced forward to the forward path portion 100 of guide path 80. It is recognized that while such a downward-directed and forward-directed force is being applied to the slider button 270 by the user, the sliding blade holder 210 is prevented from accidentally moving laterally into the release notch 110, so as to release the knife blade 600 from the sliding blade holder 210. That is, while a downward-directed force is being applied to the slider button 270, interaction between the bump-out 560 of slider button 270 and the anti-pushdown rib 150 of housing 20 prevents a lateral movement of the sliding blade holder 210 into the release notch 110. When the slider button 270 is depressed downward by the user (such as is the case when the sliding blade holder 210 is being advanced to the extended position), the bump-out 560 is vertically aligned with the anti-pushdown rib 150, such that the bump-out 560 abuts the anti-pushdown rib 150 and prevents lateral movement of the slider Page 14 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)button 210 into the release notch 110. Similarly, while a forward-directed force is being applied to the slider button 270, the upper portion 520 of the button stem 470 is longitudinally aligned with and abuts the anti-pushdown rib 150, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch. Accordingly, by preventing lateral movement of the sliding blade holder 210 into the release notch 110 during application of a downward-directed and / or forward-directed force to the slider button 270, an accidental releasing of the knife blade 600 can be prevented.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the sliding blade holder 210 may be actuated to a release position, to enable the user to remove the knife blade 600 from the sliding blade holder 210, such that an orientation of the knife blade 600 may be changed (i.e., the knife blade 600 may be reversed) to expose a different portion of lower cutting edge 610 or such that a different knife blade 600 may be provided for the utility knife 10. In order to actuate the sliding blade holder 210 to the release position and facilitate removal of the knife blade 600, the user ceases any application of a downward-directed and / or forward-directed force to the slider button 270, and the user then applies a sideways or laterally directed force to the engagement portion 510 of slider button 270. Application of such a sideways or laterally directed force to the engagement portion 510 causes the slider button 270 to move into the release notch 110 of guide path 80. This lateral movement of the slider button 270 into the release notch 110 causes a corresponding lateral movement of the forward arm 430 of hinge plate 260 away from the slider housing 240. With the forward arm 430 of hinge plate 260 moving laterally away from the slider housing 240, the fingers 490 on forward arm 430 are moved out of engagement with the mounting notches 630 formed in the upper edge 620 of knife blade 600, thereby releasing the knife blade 600 from hinge plate 260 and allowing for removal of the knife blade 600 from the slider housing 240.

[0071] As the forward arm 430 of hinge plate 260 moves laterally away from the slider housing 240, the hinge plate spring 280 interacts with the rear arm 440 of hinge plate 260 in order to maintain partial contact between the hinge plate 260 and the slider housing 240, in order to maintain alignment between the hinge plate 260 and the slider housing 240. That is, as a laterally-directed force is applied to the slider button 270 by the user, the upper and lower extensions 500, 400 of hinge plate spring 280 maintain contact with the hinge plate 260 and slider housing 240, respectively, with the hinge plate spring 280 applying a biasing force against the hinge plate 260 to maintain partial contact between the hinge plate 260 and the slider housing 240. As a laterally-directed force is applied to the slider button 270 to cause the forward arm 430 to move laterally away from the slider housing 240 (and fingers 490 out of Page 15 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)engagement with knife blade 600), the hinge plate spring 280 applies a biasing force against the rear arm 440 in a direction opposite to the laterally-directed force applied by the user, with this biasing force preventing complete disengagement of the hinge plate 260 from the slider housing 240 - i.e., the cavity wall 460 of hinge plate 260 (defining cavity 450) is partially retained within the receptacle 360 of the slider housing 240. In effect, the hinge plate spring 280 causes the hinge plate 260 to pivot relative to the slider housing 240, with a pivot axis roughly aligning with the slider button 270 and the rear arm 440 rotating in a direction opposite from the forward arm 430.

[0072] Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus are directed to a utility knife that includes a sliding blade holder that may be actuated to move a knife blade between a retracted position and an extended position. The sliding blade holder may also be actuated to configure the utility knife in a release position, where the knife blade is released from the blade holder, to allow the knife blade to be easily rotated for utilization of the other side of the blade or the knife blade to be replaced in its entirety. The sliding blade holder is configured such that a lateral movement thereof is required to facilitate release of the knife blade. Additional features on the housing of the utility knife also prevent lateral movement of the blade holder to the release position while a downward-directed or forward-directed force is being applied to a slider button of the blade holder, to prevent accidental release of the knife blade during use of the utility knife.

[0073] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.Page 16 of 236AH9945.DOCX

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS1. A utility knife comprising:a housing defining a guide path extending in a longitudinal direction between a rear path portion and a forward path portion, the forward path portion including a release notch that extends out laterally from a remainder of the guide path, with an anti-pushdown rib of the housing protruding into the release notch ; anda sliding blade holder configured to slidably move along the guide path between a retracted position, an extended position, and a release position, the sliding blade holder configured to selectively receive a removable knife blade, such that the knife blade is stored within the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the retracted position, a portion of the knife blade extends outwardly from the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the extended position, and the knife blade is removable from the sliding blade holder when the sliding blade holder is in the release position;wherein the sliding blade holder includes a slider button engageable by a user and movable within the guide path to move the sliding blade holder between the retracted position, the extended position, and the release position, with the sliding blade holder being in the retracted position when the slider button is positioned in the rear path portion, the sliding blade holder moving from the retracted position to the extended position when the slider button is advanced in the longitudinal direction from the rear path portion to the forward path portion, and the sliding blade holder transitioning to the release position when the slider button is moved laterally from the forward path portion into the release notch; andwherein the anti-pushdown rib is configured to engage a portion of the slider button when the slider button is positioned in the forward path portion and a forward-directed or downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, so as to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

2. The utility knife of claim 1, comprising a slide rail provided on an inner surface of the housing, the slide rail including a slot formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction, with the slot generally aligned longitudinally with the guide path, wherein the sliding blade holder is movably engaged with the slide rail via the slot to move between the retracted position and the extended position.Page 17 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)3. The utility knife of claim 2, wherein the sliding blade holder comprises: a slider housing configured to retain the knife blade thereon, the slider housing movable engaged with the slide rail via a slider screw; anda hinge plate interfit with the slider housing and movable relative thereto responsive to lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, the hinge plate including a front arm having fingers formed thereon configured to engage mounting notches on the knife blade, to lock the knife blade in-place on the slider housing;wherein the slider button of the sliding blade holder comprises an engagement portion and a button stem, the engagement portion positioned outside of the housing to be engageable by the user and the button stem extending down through the guide path to be received within a cavity of the hinge plate, with a slider button spring positioned about the button stem within the cavity, the slider button spring applying a biasing force to the slider button to bias the slider button to a default position.

4. The utility knife of claim 3, wherein the button stem comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, with a shoulder formed between the upper portion and lower portion, the slider button spring retained within the cavity of the hinge plate by the shoulder.

5. The utility knife of claim 4, wherein the upper portion of the button stem comprises a flange formed thereon, the flange selectively engageable with a track formed on the housing to permit or inhibit movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path;wherein with the slider button in the default position, the flange is vertically aligned with the track to prevent movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path; andwherein upon a depression of the slider button by the user, the flange is vertically misaligned with the tract to enable movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, such that the sliding blade holder may be moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

6. The utility knife of claim 5, wherein the slider housing comprises a lower blade engaging surface, an upper blade engaging surface, and a side blade engaging surface extending between the lower and upper blade engaging surfaces, with the upper blade engaging surface including a protrusion extending downward therefrom and the side blade engaging surface including a cut-out formed therein about the protrusion.Page 18 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)7. The utility knife of claim 6, wherein the hinge plate is positioned on an opposite side of the slider housing from the knife blade, with the hinge plate aligned with the slider housing such that the fingers extend through cut-out and are positioned on opposing sides of the protrusion, and such that the fingers engage the mounting notches on the knife blade.

8. The utility knife of claim 7, wherein lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch causes the hinge plate to move laterally away from the slider housing, such that the fingers move laterally out of engagement with the mounting notches on the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder.

9. The utility knife of claim 3, further comprising a hinge plate spring coupled to each of the slider housing and the hinge plate, to control relative movement between the hinge plate and the slider housing during lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, with the hinge plate spring maintaining contact between the slider housing and the hinge plate in order to retain alignment between the hinge plate and the slider housing.

10. The utility knife of claim 9, wherein the hinge plate spring applies a biasing force against the hinge plate that retains a cavity wall of the hinge plate within the receptacle of the slider housing.

11. The utility knife of claim 9, wherein the slider housing comprises a first spring holder and a second spring holder each extending out from a rearward end thereof, with a coiled portion of the hinge plate spring retained on the first spring holder and a lower extension of the hinge plate spring retained on the second spring holder; andwherein the hinge plate comprises a rear arm configured to retain an upper extension of the hinge plate spring thereon.

12. The utility knife of claim 3, further comprising a slider magnet retained in the slider housing, with the slider magnet holding the knife blade onto the slider housing when the sliding blade holder is transitioned to the release position, with a magnetic attraction between the slider magnet and the knife blade allowing for removal of the knife blade by the user.Page 19 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)13. The utility knife of claim 3, wherein the slider button comprises a bumpout formed on the upper portion of the button stem, the bump-out being vertically aligned with and abutting the anti-pushdown rib when the downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button and depresses the slider button, so as to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

14. The utility knife of claim 13, wherein a portion of the button stem is longitudinally aligned with and abuts the anti-pushdown rib when the forward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.

15. A utility knife comprising:a housing defining a guide path extending in a longitudinal direction between a rear path portion and a forward path portion, the forward path portion including a release notch that extends out laterally from a remainder of the guide path; anda sliding blade holder configured to slidably move along the guide path between a retracted position, an extended position, and a release position, the sliding blade holder configured to selectively receive a removable knife blade, such that the knife blade is stored within the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the retracted position, a portion of the knife blade extends outwardly from the housing when the sliding blade holder is in the extended position, and the knife blade is removable from the sliding blade holder when the sliding blade holder is in the release position;wherein the sliding blade holder comprises:a slider button engageable by a user to move the sliding blade holder between the retracted position, the extended position, and the release position, the slider button movable longitudinally along the guide path between the rear path portion and the forward path portion and movable laterally into the release notch;a slider housing configured to retain the knife blade thereon; and a hinge plate interfit with the slider housing and movable relative thereto responsive to lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, the hinge plate including a front arm having fingers formed thereon configured to engage mounting notches on the knife blade, to lock the knife blade in-place on the slider housing;Page 20 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)wherein lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch disengages the fingers from the mounting notches on the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder and enabling removal of the knife blade from the utility knife.

16. The utility knife of claim 16, further comprising a slide rail provided on an inner surface of the housing, the slide rail including a slot formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction, with the slot generally aligned longitudinally with the guide path, whereinthe sliding blade holder comprises a slider screw engaged with the slot to movably couple the sliding blade holder with the slide rail, to enable movement of the sliding blade holder between the retracted position and the extended position.

17. The utility knife of claim 15, wherein the slider button comprises an engagement portion and a button stem, the engagement portion positioned outside of the housing to be engageable by the user and the button stem extending down through the guide path to be received within a cavity of the hinge plate, and wherein an upper portion of the button stem comprises a flange formed thereon that is selectively engageable with a track formed on the housing to permit or inhibit movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path;wherein with the slider button in the a position, the flange is vertically aligned with the track to prevent movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path; and wherein upon a depression of the slider button by the user, the flange is vertically misaligned with the tract to enable movement of the sliding blade holder within the guide path, such that the sliding blade holder may be moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

18. The utility knife of claim 15, wherein the hinge plate is positioned on an opposite side of the slider housing from the knife blade, with the hinge plate aligned with the slider housing such that the fingers extend through a cut-out formed in the slider housing and engage the mounting notches on the knife blade, and wherein lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch causes the hinge plate to move laterally away from the slider housing, such that the fingers move laterally out of engagement with the mounting notches onPage 21 of 236AH9945.DOCXAttorney Docket No. 10638-2506029 (2024-5474-WO)the knife blade, thereby releasing the knife blade from engagement with the sliding blade holder.

19. The utility knife of claim 15, further comprising a hinge plate spring coupled to each of the slider housing and the hinge plate, to control relative movement between the hinge plate and the slider housing during lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch, with the hinge plate spring maintaining contact between the slider housing and the hinge plate in order to retain alignment between the hinge plate and the slider housing.

20. The utility knife of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises an antipushdown rib formed thereon that protrudes into the release notch, the anti-pushdown rib configured to engage a portion of the slider button while a forward-directed or downward-directed pressure is applied to the slider button by the user, to prevent lateral movement of the slider button into the release notch.Page 22 of 236AH9945.DOCX

Images