(19) &    

(11) EP 1 412 140 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: B26B 5/00 (2006.01) 17.02.2010 Bulletin 2010/07 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 02748005.2 PCT/US2002/020558

(22) Date of filing: 27.06.2002 (87) International publication number: WO 2003/009975 (06.02.2003 Gazette 2003/06)

(54) UTILITY KNIFE MEHRZWECKMESSER COUTEAU A USAGE GENERAL

(84) Designated Contracting States: (73) Proprietor: Repetto, LLC. AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU Scituate, MA 02066 (US) MC NL PT SE TR (72) Inventor: FOSSELLA, Gregory (30) Priority: 23.07.2001 US 307285 P Scituate, MA 02066 (US) 15.04.2002 US 122787 (74) Representative: HOFFMANN EITLE (43) Date of publication of application: Patent- und Rechtsanwälte 28.04.2004 Bulletin 2004/18 Arabellastrasse 4 81925 München (DE) (60) Divisional application: 08004851.5 (56) References cited: US-A- 4 277 888 US-A- 4 761 882 US-A- 5 727 320 US-A- 5 890 294

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 412 140 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 1 412 140 B1 2

Description exposed, and when not in use the blade may be fully withdrawn into the case. An actuator mounted on the FIELD OF THE INVENTION case controls a carrier that engages the blades in the cartridge one at a time and slides them to the operative [0001] This invention relates to a blade cartridge for 5 position wherein one end of the blade extends from the utility knives, a utility knife comprising such a cartridge, case as well as to a number of retracted positions within and a method of presenting utility blades as well as a use the case. of such a cartridge. The invention more particularly in- [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present cludes a utility knife with an automatic blade loading sys- invention, the cartridge has two compartments, one of tem thatenables the user to change bladeswithout touch- 10 which when the cartridge is initially loaded, contains all ing them so as to achieve maximum safety, speed and of the blades, and the other compartment is empty. After convenience in the operation of the device. one end of each blade has been used and is to be re- placed, the used blade is moved into the second com- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION partment and thereafter, the next blade in the first com- 15 partment is moved into position for continued use of the [0002] Utility knives are widely used for a number of knife. This sequence is followed for each of the blades different purposes and are a very popular and handy tool. in the first compartment until one end of each blade is Conventionally, utility knives use a thin double-ended used and all are deposited in the second compartment. blade that in use extends out one end of the knife case. Thereafter, the cartridge is repositioned in the case so When the cutting end becomes dull or otherwise unsuited 20 that the second compartment is close to the operative for continued use, the blade is reversed so that its other end of the case and all of the blades may be withdrawn end extends out of the case. In most utility knives, re- in sequence from the second compartment. When the versal of the blade requires handling of it, and because cartridge is repositioned in the case, the blades in the the blades are very sharp, thin, and not particularly easy second compartment are positioned so that the unused to handle, accidents frequently occur. It is also difficult 25 ends of the blades are moved one at a time into the op- to properly mount the blade within the components in the erative position. In sequence, each of the blades in the case. second compartment is extended to the operative posi- [0003] A number of utility knives have been developed tion exposing the unused end and when the second end that employ cartridges that hold a plurality of blades. In is worn, the blade is deposited in the first compartment US-A-5,727,320 a utility knife is disclosed, having a man- 30 now at the rear of the case. When both ends of all the ually holdable housing with a front end and a rear end, blades are used, the cartridge is discarded and a new and comprising a blade magazine. The blade magazine one inserted in the case. has a series of radially and longitudinally extending cir- [0007] In accordance with another aspect of the cumferentially spaced slots for separately receiving thin present invention, the carrier which moves through the blades. The preamble of claim 1 below is based on this 35 cartridge and case to position the blades one at a time document. Some of the utility knives which have been inthe operative position and alternate retracted positions, developed enable the user to change the blade with a is operated by an actuator that remains locked in position reduced risk of cutting ones self, but none have proved until the actuator lock is released to allow the actuator to to be entirely satisfactory. Some require a very large case move longitudinally in the case. As the actuator is at- to receive the cartridge, which detracts from the comfort 40 tached to the carrier, the carrier cannot move without of using the tool. And none of the prior art tools known movement of the actuator, and only the actuator is ac- to applicant provide total protection against accidental cessible to move the carrier and the blades. injury when reversing or changing the blade. Many of [0008] The various aspects of the present invention those knives have non-traditional shapes so as to limit will be better understood and appreciated from the fol- their appeal to those who frequently use them. 45 lowing detailed description of one embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0004] Aspects of the invention are defined in claims 1, 16 and 24. The dependent claims are directed to op- 50 [0009] tional and preferred features. [0005] In accordance with the present invention, the FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a utility knife in accordance utility knife has a multi-blade cartridge that may contain with one embodiment of the invention; as many as 20 or more blades fully enclosed in it and FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the utility knife that may be mounted in the case without the user coming 55 shown in FIG. 1; into contact with any of the blades. The blades may be FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the knife extended from the cartridge and the case, one at a time taken along section line 3-3 in FIG. 1; to an operative position wherein one end of the blade is FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the knife

2 3 EP 1 412 140 B1 4 taken along section line 4-4 in FIG. 2; carrier moved rearwardly in the case toward the rear FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the compartment to deposit a used blade in it; knife taken along the corresponding section lines in FIG.31 is a view similar to FIG. 30 showing the carrier FIG. 2, respectively; moved further back with the used blade toward the FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a spring that in ac- 5 rear compartment; cordance with an embodiment of the invention FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 31 showing the used serves as a latch for the door in the case through blade yet further back in the rear compartment about which the cartridges are inserted and removed from to deposit the used blade in it; the case; FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32 and showing the FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one half of the blade 10 empty carrier approaching a new blade in the front cartridge, the full cartridge being made up of two compartment; identical halves, in accordance with another aspect FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIGS. 29-33 and showing of this invention; the carrier empty and moving rearwardly in the case FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled car- to pick up the first blade in the front compartment tridge made up of two identical halves, one shown 15 after a new cartridge has been inserted in the case in FIG. 9; or the cartridge has been reversed; FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of one half of a car- FIGS. 35 and 36 are enlarged, fragmentary horizon- tridge showing blades disposed in each of the com- tal cross-sectional views of an alternative knife con- partments; struction showing the carrier moving a used blade FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cartridge similar 20 into the rear (used blade) compartment beside pre- to FIG. 10 and showing the carrier and actuator su- viously stored blades in that compartment; bassembly mounted on it; FIG. 37 is a vertical side elevation view of a cartridge FIG. 13 is side elevation view of one embodiment of half and having a blade restrictor in the front com- a blade constructed in accordance with one aspect partment for preventing new blades from inadvert- of the invention and which may be packaged with 25 ently moving rearwardly into the passageway be- other identical blades in the cartridge; tween the compartments toward the used blade FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of another blade that compartment but permits the blade to move to the may be packaged with other like blades in the car- slot in the front of the knife; tridge and used in the knife of this invention; FIG. 38 is a fragmentary elevation view partly in sec- FIG. 15 is an end perspective view of a blade, carrier 30 tion showing a gate that controls the movement of and actuator assembly; blades through the passageway from the front to the FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the assembly rear compartment; shown in FIG. 15; FIGS. 39-41 are fragmentary cross-sectional views FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the actuator but of the gate guarding the passageway between the viewed from the side opposite that of FIG. 16; 35 compartments and respectively showing the gate FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the carrier showing closed, in the process of being opened, and fully the face thereof hidden by the blade in FIG. 16 and opened allowing a blade into the rear compartment. opposite the side shown in FIG. 17; FIGS. 19 and 20 are detailed horizontal cross-sec- DETAILED DESCRIPTION tional views respectively showing the support form- 40 ing part of the carrier and engaging a blade as in [0010] The utility knife of the present invention includes FIG. 16 and retracted and not engaging a blade; a case 40, a blade cartridge 42 containing a number of FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of the actu- blades 44, a carrier 46 movable within the case 40 and ator in its unlocked and locked positions, respective- through the cartridge 42, and an actuator 48 connected ly; 45 to the carrier and accessibly mounted on the case 40. FIG. 23 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the As is described in detail below, the cartridge contains a knife case and actuator taken along section line pair of compartments and is initially filled with all of the 23-23 in FIG. 2 and showing the locking arrangement new blades in the same compartment, while the other for the actuator and carrier; compartment is empty. The blades are withdrawn from FIGS. 24-28 are vertical cross-sectional views sim- 50 the new blade compartment one at a time so that one ilar to FIG. 3 on a reduced scale and illustrating the end of each blade may be sequentially used, and after carrier, actuator and blades in various positions in each blade requires replacement, it is deposited in the the knife case; other compartment. When all of the blades have been FIG. 29 is an enlarged, fragmentary, horizontal, transferred to the other compartment, the cartridge is re- cross-sectional view of the front end of the knife55 versed in the case and the unused edges of the blades showing the carrier and a blade advanced to the op- are sequentially used and then deposited in what be- erative position; comes the used blade compartment when the cartridge FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 and showing the is reversed. In this manner, one edge of each blade is

3 5 EP 1 412 140 B1 6 used as the active cutting implement in the utility knife, 100. The door as one alternative may be hinged to the and when all the blades have one used edge, the car- case, and any form of latch may be used in combination tridge is reversed so as to place the unused edges in with the hinge for releasably holding the door closed. position to be used in sequence. These various compo- Many other arrangements for holding the door in place nents are described separately below along with their 5 may be used as well. interaction with the other components in the assembly. [0013] A slot 90 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the top 92 of the case and extends longitudinally a substantial por- Case 40 tion of the case length and serves as a slide track for the actuator 48. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the slot 90 opens [0011] The case 40 is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 10 into a chamber 93 below which is a channel 94 that re- 1-8. The case in the illustrated embodiment typically is a ceives the shoulders 96 of the carrier 46. metal casting such as die casting of aluminum or zinc [0014] The case 40 and more particularly its shells 60 and is composed of two halves or shells 60 and 62 that and 62 define the large chamber 100 that receives the may be secured together by any one or more of a variety cartridge 42 and carrier 46. The shell 62 is provided with of different fasteners such as screws, hook-like fingers, 15 shoulders 102 on its inner surface (see FIGS. 6 and 7) snaps, etc. to form an elongated housing for the utility that conform to the shape of the cartridge 42 so as to knife components as well as a handle for operating the provide a firm seat for it. The bottom 74 of the door also knife. In FIGS. 1 and 5-7, parting lines 64 along the top has a shoulder 106 that provides further support for the andbottom are suggested representing the mating edges cartridge 42 when the cartridge is in place in the chamber of the two halves 60 and 62 of the case. In this description 20 100. the end 66 of the case will sometimes be identified as the front end while the other end 68 will sometimes be Cartridge 42 identified as the back end of the case. The parting line 64 of the case runs longitudinally from end-to-end, and [0015] The cartridge 42 is shown in FIGS. 9-12. The in the usual orientation of the case illustrated, is in a ver- 25 cartridge 42 in accordance with this embodiment is made tical plane. The front end of the case 66 has a blade slot up of two identical halves 120 that may be injection mold- 70 (see FIG. 4) through which individual blades may be ed of a plastic material such as nylon or be made of any extended to an operative position by the carrier 46 and other suitable material. Each half has a bottom wall 122, through which the blade may be withdrawn into the case top wall 124, side or outside wall 125 and upwardly con- and into the cartridge 42 when not in use. It should be 30 verging end walls 126 and 127. The cartridge is assem- understood that while the case in the illustrated embod- bled by joining the edges of the top, bottom and end walls iment is composed of two half shells split longitudinally and with the side walls generally parallel to one another. along the approximate center line of the case, the case The cartridge 42 includes a pair of compartments 128 may be made up of a different number of parts and the and 130 that are sometimes called front and rear com- various components may be assembled in a variety of 35 partments and/or new and used blades compartments. different ways. The two compartments are identical as they are used [0012] As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, the case shell 60 interchangeably depending upon the orientation of the includes a door 72 through which access is gained to its cartridge 42 in the case 40. As has been stated above, interior chamber 100. The door may be mounted on the the cartridge is initially filled with new blades in one com- case shell 60 by many different ways. For example, the 40 partment and the other compartment is empty but re- bottom 74 of the door may be provided with prongs 73 ceives each blade after it’s outside edge is worn. In this that are received in recesses 77 in the bottom of the shell description, the edges of the blades 44 that are extended 60 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to secure the bottom of out of the compartments are sometimes called the out- the door in place. The top of the door may be held in side edges as they lie close to the adjacent end walls place by a latch 76 at the top of the door that releasably 45 126 and 127 of the compartments. Furthermore, when engages the edge of the door opening in the shell 60. all of the new blades in front compartment 128 are used One embodiment of a latch is suggested in FIGS. 6 and and deposited in the rear compartment 130, the cartridge 8. The latch 76 is shown in the form of a spring mounted is reversed in the case so that the unused edge of each on a post 78 on the inside of the door 72, and having a of the used blades may be utilized. free arm 80 that engages the edge 82 of the door opening 50 [0016] The two halves 120 that make up the cartridge in shell 60. Many other and different types of closures may be connected together edge-to-edge by flexible in- may be employed, but they should not interfere with the terengageable hook-like tabs 132 and flanges 134 grasping of the case as a handle when the knife is being formed as integral parts of the case halves. The tabs and used and should not accidentally or inadvertently open flanges are clearly shown in FIG. 9. When the identical particularly during use. The door may be removable or 55 halves 120 are placed edge-to-edge, the barbed tabs not, but must at least open sufficiently wide so as to en- 132 engage the flanges 134 to hold the halves 120 to- able the cartridge 42 to be conveniently and easily in- gether. Tabs and flanges 132 and 134 are provided along serted into and removed from the case interior chamber the edges of the bottom and top walls 122 and 124 and

4 7 EP 1 412 140 B1 8 the end walls 126 and 127 to hold the cartridge in its have straight cutting edges as conventional utility blades assembled form. The tabs and flanges 132 and 134 are or may have "hook" style cutting edges that is also fairly typical of a variety of different types of fasteners that may well known in the utility knife industry as illustrated in FIG. be employed to retain the two halves of the cartridge 14. The blade in FIG. 13 includes a long cutting edge together. As it is intended that the cartridge be disposable 5 170, upwardly converging side edges 172 and an upper under ordinary circumstances, and there is no need to edge 174 while the blade 44a in FIG. 14 has two hooks open it after it is initially filled with blades, the tabs and 170a, one at each end of its long edge, and upwardly flanges or whatever other means may be employed to converging side edges 172a and top edge 174a. Specif- assemble the cartridge halves together need not be re- ically referencing the blade 44 of FIG. 13, a notch 176 is leasable. Rather, once a cartridge is filled with blades by 10 provided in the center of the upper edge 174 sized to the manufacturer, there is no need ever to reopen the receive the restrictor 152 formed in the upper wall 124 cartridge. of the compartments 128 and 130 of the cartridge. The [0017] To assure proper alignment of the two halves restrictor limits certain motions of the blade as is de- 120 of the cartridge 42 when it is assembled, offsets 136 scribed more fully below. Slots 178 in the side edges 172 and recesses 138 are provided along the edge of the 15 are engaged by the carrier so as to selectively lift the bottom wall 122, and end walls 126 and 127. The offsets blade when moving in either direction and pushes the and recesses in the bottom wall of the cartridge and in blades in the operative direction toward the case front each of the compartments create an irregular longitudinal 66. Opening 180 at the approximate center of the blade mating edge where the two halves 120 meet. This ar- body is engaged by a support in the carrier when the rangement prevents the sharp bottom edges of the20 blade is moved in the cartridge and case between oper- blades described below from getting caught in what oth- ative and inoperative or stored positions. Specifically, the erwise would be a straight parting line in the cartridge support lifts the blade when moving either toward the floor. The tabs 136 and recesses 138 also serve to main- operative or retracted positions but pushes the blade tain the planar configuration of the floor formed by the while moving the blade away from the operative position. edge-to-edge bottom walls 122. The two compartments 25 As in conventional utility blades, the corners 182 of the 128 and 130 are separated and defined in part by a V- cutting edge 170 are the principal portions of the blade shaped wall 150 that may include additional tabs 132 and that are utilized during conventional cutting operations. flanges 134 or other structure to facilitate the connection One corner 182 (the outside corner) of each blade is used of the two halves. One side of each V-shaped wall 150 as each is extended from the front compartment 128 of converges upwardly with the adjacent end wall 126 or 30 the cartridge 42 out the blade slot 70 in the case, while 127 so as to configure the compartments 128 and 130 the other cutting corner 182 remains protected in the car- to complement the shape of the blades 44. This is shown tridge. After the one corner 182 of each blade from the particularly in FIG. 11. front compartment is worn and each blade is moved to [0018] It should be noted that end wall 126 of each the rear compartment, the cartridge 42 is reversed in the cartridge half 120 includes a slot 154 adjacent the side 35 case so that the unused corners 182 of the blades in the wall 125 and through which the operative blade is ex- bladecompartment 130 may then be utilized. Theunused tended while the other end wall 127 does not have such inside corners of the blades in the front compartment a slot (see FIG. 10). Therefore, when the two halves 120 become the outside corners when the blades are moved are assembled, the slots at each end of the cartridge are to the rear compartment. on opposite sides adjacent different side walls 125, that 40 [0021] It will be noted in FIG. 11 that the corner 186 of is, they are not longitudinally aligned with one another the compartment 130 is enlarged to provide additional but each is aligned with the slot 70 in the case when protection for the corner 182 of the blades when each is placed at the operative end of the case. contained within a compartment of the cartridge. Both [0019] A restrictor 152 is shown in FIG. 11 provided in corners in each compartment of the cartridge are prefer- the top wall 124 of compartment 130 for preventing cer- 45 ably enlarged in that fashion so as to provide further pro- tain movements of the blades. Specifically, the restrictor tection for the blade 44 and eliminate binding of the blade 152 prevents the blades in that compartment from mov- corners in the light corners of the compartments. ing into the center passageway of the cartridge that joins [0022] It will be appreciated that the "hook" blade of the two compartments or into the slot 154. This function FIG. 14 will function just as the utility blade 44 of FIG. 13 is described in more detail in connection with the move- 50 within the cartridge and move in it from one compartment ment of the blades 44 in the cartridge 42. to the other as the outside hooks are used.

Blades 44 Carrier 46

[0020] The blades 44 (two embodiments shown in55 [0023] The carrier 46 shown in FIGS.6, 7, 12 and 15-20 FIGS. 13 and 14) may take many different forms but in transports the blades 44 one at a time to the various outline generally conform to the shape of conventional stored and operative positions in the case 40 and car- utility blades that are so widely used. The blades 44 may tridge 42. The actuator 48 is shown in the FIGS. 12, 15

5 9 EP 1 412 140 B1 10 and 16 to be attached to the carrier 48, and the two move [0026] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, the panel 193 together as the blade 44 moves from one position to an- carries a lifter and pusher combination 270 that engages other. The carrier includes the upper panel 96 shown the end edge 172 and slot 178 of the blade 44. The sur- disposed in a horizontal plane within the channel 94 in face 272 of the pusher/ lifter is positioned at the rear edge the case (see FIGS. 5-7) and has a depending body 190 5 of the blade to push the blade in a forward direction (to that actually engages the blades. The body 190 has an the right as viewed in FIG. 16) as the carrier moves in offset portion 192 that defines with panel 193 an upper that direction. Similarly, the flange portion 274 of the channel 194 that receives an upper rail 196 (see FIGS. pusher/lifter combination also is positioned to push the 6 and 7) forming part of the cartridge 42. The body 190 blade in that direction as it bears against the inner end of the carrier also includes a second offset portion 198 10 of slot 178 in the blade, and it also lifts the blade by en- that defines a second lower channel 200 that receives a gaging the top of the slot 178. The support 226 urged lower rail 212 in the side of the cartridge 42. The inter- into position by the spring 222 also serves to lift the blade locking relationship of the rails 196 and 212 with the car- when positioned in the blade central hole 180 and the rier channels 194 and 200 assures that the carrier pre- edge 276 of the support bears against the rear edge of cisely engages the blades and moves each from one end 15 the hole so as to push the blade rearwardly with respect of the case to the other and out the case through the slot to the case and cartridge as the carrier moves in that 70 at the front end of the case during its transitions in direction. use. An enlarged longitudinal slot 210 formed on the side wall 125 of the cartridge receives the panel 193 of the Actuator 48 body 190 so as to provide further support and guidance 20 for the carrier as it moves longitudinally in the case. Note [0027] The actuator 48 is shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and that the rails 196 and 212, channels 194 and 200, and 21-23 mounted on the panel 96 of the carrier. In FIGS. slot 210 are duplicated on both sides of the assembled 15 and 16 the actuator lock is shown in its unlocked and cartridge 42. locked condition, respectively. The actuator includes a [0024] The outside surface 220 of the central portion 25 rocker 250 supported by an axle 252 mounted in cavities 202 of the carrier body 190 (the surface facing away from 254 on the opposed walls 255 of arms 256 that are part the cartridge) carries a flat metal spring 222 (see FIGS. of the frame of the actuator. The rocker 250 includes a 17, 19 and 20) supported on the surface by an anchor stop 258 that when moved to the lower position shown pin 224. The spring 222 bears against a support 226 piv- in FIG. 22 is disposed between the ends 262 of spring otally mounted on a hinge 228 provided on the carrier 30 arms 260 and prevents the arms from flexing toward one 46. The hinge 228 includes a pivot post 229 supported another. The ends 262 of the arms register with the racks by bosses 231 in turn mounted on the panel 192 and 264 formed along the sides of the slot 90 in the case as offset portion 198. In FIGS. 19 and 20 the two positions shown in FIG. 23. When the rocker is moved to the po- of the support 226 are shown. In FIG. 20 the support is sition shown in FIG. 21 so that the stop 258 is out from shown seated on the edge 349 of the opening 350 in the 35 between the ends 262 of the spring arms 260, the ends panel 193 with its side portion 232 disposed in the hole 262 are free to move toward one another and essentially 180 of the blade. In FIG. 19, the support is moved away run over the teeth of the ratchet sections 264 in the slot from the blade 44 (the side portion is withdrawn from the 90 and allow the actuator 48 to move along the top of the hole 180) against the bias of the spring 222. As described case and carry the carrier 46 with it. However, when the more fully below, the squared edge 276 of the support 40 rocker 250 is in the position of FIG. 22, the actuator 48 engages the side of the hole 180 in the blade to move cannot move, and the carrier is also locked. the blade rearwardly in the case to either of its retracted [0028] In FIG. 23 the ratchet sections 264 are shown positions. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 the side portion to have several locking stations 266, 268 and 270. In 232 of the support 226 away from the squared edge 276 addition, a fourth locking station 272 is established by is rounded so that the support can be deflected against 45 the barbs 274 spaced from the rear end 275 of slot 90. the bias of the spring 222 and ride over the blade surface When the ends 262 of the springs 260 are disposed in until it snapes into the hole 180 as the support moves any of the stations 266, 268, 270, or 272 and the stop forwardly from the rear to the front compartment as it is 258 of the rocker is lowered to a position between the picking up the next blade. ends 262 as shown in FIG. 22, the actuator is locked in [0025] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the configuration of the car- 50 that position and cannot move, and the carrier and blade tridge is shown to be the same on both sides so that when are locked as well. Thus, in order to move the carrier 46 the cartridge is reversed in the case with the other outside so as to move a blade, the actuator rocker must be placed wall 125 facing the carrier, the carrier can move into the in the position shown in FIG. 21. cartridge and engage the blades one at a time and move [0029] Preferably the rocker is biased to the locking them through the cartridge and case between the rear 55 position of FIG. 22 and for that purpose, the rocker carries compartment and the very front of the case with the blade an extension 273 that bears against the spring arm com- extending out of the case 40 through slot 70 in its oper- ponent 260 and acts as a spring to urge the rocker to ative position. pivot counterclockwise on its axle 252 as viewed in FIGS.

6 11 EP 1 412 140 B1 12

21 and 22 and move the stop between the spring arms blade 44 and particularly its leading edge 182L is fully 262. contained within the case so as not to be exposed and cause accidental injury. When the utility knife is to be Movement of Carrier in Operation of Utility Knife used again, the carrier may again be moved in a forward 5 direction by unlocking the actuator, so as to expose the [0030] In FIGS. 24-28 the various positions of the car- working end 182L of the blade as shown in FIG. 27. When rier are shown that allow the cartridge to be replaced and the utility blade forward cutting edge 182L is no longer that sequentially move new blades from the front com- suitable for performing its intended cutting function, the partment to the operative position, retracted position and blade is moved to the rear compartment by sliding the finally to the rear compartment when each worn blade 10 actuator 48 and carrier 46 to the position shown in FIG. requires replacement. In FIG. 24 the cartridge 42 is 28. In that manner, the blade is deposited in the rear used shown with all of the blades 44 in the rear or used blade blade compartment, and the carrier may then be moved compartment R - no blades are in the front new blade forward to the position shown in FIG. 25 to pick up the compartment F. In this situation, the cartridge 42 must next blade in order in the front or new blade compartment. either be replaced as required when both corners 182 of 15 The carrier may be locked in any one of the positions each blade 44 have been used, or reversed with the com- illustrated in FIGS. 24-28 by the ratchet-like mechanism partment R at the front of the case when just one corner provided in the actuator and slot 90 in the top of the case of each blade is worn. To reverse or replace the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 23, all as described in detail below. the carrier 46 must be moved to the front of the case 40 fully detached from and out of the cartridge 42 as shown 20 Interaction of Cartridge 42, blade 44 and carrier 46A in FIG. 24. If the cartridge 42 of FIG. 5A is reversed, chamber R would be disposed at the front end of the case [0033] The interaction of the cartridge 42, carrier 46, and chamber F would be disposed at the rear. As a result, and blade 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 29-41 enables the all of the blades 44 in compartment R would be disposed utility knife to function in the manner shown in FIGS. 24 at the front end of the case 40 with the unused ends 182R 25 through 28. In FIG. 6 the support 226 is shown with its of the blades at the front end of the case, and the com- outer portion 232 disposed in the hole 180 of the blade partment F at the rear would again be empty. The same, 44, and the blade extends out of the opening 70 in the of course, would be true if the cartridge 42 were replaced front end 66 of the case. The carrier moves the blade to with a new one. that position by virtue of the connection between the [0031] In FIG. 25 the carrier 46 is shown in position to 30 pusher/lifter 270 on the carrier and the slot 178 in the engage the first blade 44 in the front compartment by blade shown in FIG. 16. The rear end of the blade is means of the support 226 and the pusher/ lifter 270 of the shown disposed in the slot 154 in the cartridge, which is carrier as described above in connection with FIGS. wide enough to allow only one blade at a time to pass 16-20. The pusher/lifter 270 engages the rear slot 178 in through it. Thus, only one blade at a time can be moved the rear side edge 172 of the blade. When the blade is 35 from the front compartment of the cartridge to the oper- engaged in that fashion, the carrier may be moved to- ative position shown in FIG. 29. The rear corner 182 of wards the front end 66 of the case and that motion carries the blade remains in the front compartment of the car- the blade with it toward the slot 70 in the case 40. In FIG. tridge to prevent the next blade in the stack of blades in 26 the blade 44 is shown partially removed from the front the front compartment from moving into a position that compartment of the cartridge, but is contained fully within 40 would block the blade path (slot 154) when the carrier the case, and in FIG. 27 the blade is shown in its operative retracts the operative blade into the cartridge either in position extending almost entirely out of the cartridge and the position suggested in FIGS. 26 or rearwardly thereof its leading cutting edge 182L is fully exposed beyond the anywhere back to the position shown in FIG. 28. The slot 70 in the case. The carrier as it moves toward the blade 44 carried by the carrier is held in position by the back end 68 of the case pushes the blade with it by virtue 45 blade guides 314 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 25 and 27. The of the engagement of the squared edge 276 of the sup- guides which form part of the case hold the active blade port 226 with the rear edge of the hole 180 in the blade. against the carrier when the carrier is outside the car- It should be noted that to move the blade from one posi- tridge. tion to another, the rocker 250 of the actuator 48 must [0034] In FIGS. 30 and 31 the carrier is shown moving be in the unlocked position. However, when the blade is 50 the blade 44 through center passageway 316 that con- not to move such as when it is in use, the rocker 250 is nects the front and rear compartments F and R in the placed under the influence of spring 273 in the locking cartridge. The edge 276 of the support 226 is shown bear- position of FIG. 22 so as to prevent the carrier 46 from ing against the rear edge 318 of the hole 180 so as to moving. move the blade in the rearward direction. The center pas- [0032] If the forward cutting edge 182L of the blade 44 55 sageway 316 is also wide enough to receive only one is not worn and the knife is not to be used for a period of blade at a time. The center passageway 316 is shown in time, the carrier 46 may be returned to the position shown FIG. 26 between the side wall 125 of the cartridge 42 and in FIG. 26 and the actuator should be locked so that the a wall 150a that joins the ends of the cartridge V- shaped

7 13 EP 1 412 140 B1 14 wall 150. 30-34) and continuously yieldably pushes both stacks [0035] The used blades in the rear compartment are toward the carrier 46 to insure proper engagement. The held out of the way of incoming blade 44 by means of spring is mounted on a post 342 on the rear shell 62 of springs 320. The springs 320 may be formed as an inte- case 40 and retained in place by lock washer 344. gral part of the cartridge. In FIG. 31, the blade 44 engaged 5 [0041] In FIGS. 35 and 36, an alternative construction by the carrier 46 is shown entering the rear compartment is shown to displace the blades in the rear compartment of the cartridge. As the blade enters the compartment it out of the path of the incoming used blade and to free temporarily displaces the first spring 320 out of the way the incoming blade from the carrier 46 and the edge 276 so as to enable the blade on the carrier to enter. The of support 226. For this purpose, a ramp 370 and support rearmost spring 320 assists in displacing the other blades 10 surface 372 are provided in the side wall 125 and replace in the rear compartment. the springs 320 shown in FIGS. 30-32. In FIG. 35 the [0036] In FIG. 32 the blade 44 is shown carried by the rear ends of the carrier 46 and blade 44 are shown ap- carrier further back in the rear compartment, pushed proaching ramp 370, and the blades already in the com- along by the edge 276 of support 226 bearing against partment are displaced away from the path of the blade the rear edge 318 of the blade hole 180. When the carrier 15 by the surface 372. Continued rearward travel of the car- and blade 44 are completely through the passage 316 rier and its blade causes the blade to assume the orien- and therefore free of the frictional binding effect of the tation of the surface 372 and allows the carrier to move center blade passageway 316 on the end of the blade, freely in the opposite or forward direction. There is noth- the springs 320 eject the blade 44 off the carrier and ing on the forward curved surface of the support 226 to particularly off the support 226. The springs 320 are re- 20 engage the blade and to interfere with the forward move- turned to their biased position to hold the used blades in ment and the support 226 will not drag the blade with it. the rear compartment out of the path of the next blade [0042] When the cartridge 42 with the blades 44 in the to be deposited in that compartment as in FIG. 30. The rear compartment is out of the case, the spring 340 which carrier 46 is then free of the blade deposited in the rear remains in the case is not available to urge the blades compartment and can move forward toward the new25 into the position shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, and the front blade compartment to engage the next blade in the stack. most blade in the stack may lodge in the center passage- If there are no more blades in the new compartment, the way 316. To prevent that from occurring, a restrictor 374 carrier may be moved to the forwardmost position as formed as an integral part of the top wall 125 of the car- shown in FIG. 24 so that the cartridge may be replaced tridge (see FIG. 37) engages the notch 176 in the top or reversed. 30 edge of the blade. The restrictor 374 acts as a flexible [0037] In FIG. 33 the carrier 46 is shown moving in the finger to allow a blade to enter the compartment through direction of the new blade compartment to engage the the center passageway 316 but not to leave the compart- next blade in order. The hinge mounted support 226 is ment through it. displaced against the bias of spring 222 as it encounters [0043] Another embodiment of the invention is shown the next blade 44 in the new blade compartment F. The 35 in FIGS. 38-41. In accordance therewith a gate system support 226 remains displaced as shown in FIG. 10 until is employed to further insure that an additional blade is it is aligned with the hole 180 in the next blade and is not drawn into the center passageway 316 between walls forced into the hole by the bias of the spring 222. At the 150a and 125 when a blade is being moved through the same time, the pusher/lifter 270 at the rear end of the front compartment toward that passageway on the way carrier 46 engages the slot 178 in the blade (see FIG. 40 to the used blade compartment. The gate system in- 16) so that the carrier may move the blade out of the front cludes a gate 400 formed as an integral part of each compartment to the operative position when it is to be cartridge half 120. The gate is carried on a live hinge 402 used. that positions the free end 404 of the gate in the center [0038] When the blade 44 is to be withdrawn fully into passageway 316 (see FIG. 39) but allows it to move in- the cartridge 42, no interference can be encountered45 ward out of the passageway at the urging of the wedge from the other blades in the front compartment because 334 on the rear end of the carrier (see FIG. 40). A front the rear corner 182R has not been withdrawn from it (see elevation of the gate 400 and hinge 402 is shown in FIG. FIG. 27) and therefore it maintains the displacement of 31. In FIG. 34 the gate 400 is fully open allowing the blade those blades in the compartment. 44 and carrier 46 to pass through the passageway 316 [0039] If the carrier is positioned as shown in FIG. 5A 50 on its way to the rear compartment. and does not carry a blade, (the cartridge has either been [0044] In the foregoing description the invention has reversed or replaced), the wedge 334 on the rear of the been directed to a utility knife using traditional sized carrier displaces the blades in the front compartment F blades customarily approximately 635 Pm (.025 inches) to allow the carrier to enter and engage the first blade in in thickness. In such an application of this invention the the stack. This action is shown in FIG. 34. The wedge 55 passageways 154 and 316 may be approximately 939.8 334 is also shown in FIGS. 16, 19 and 20. Pm (.037 inches), less than the thickness of two blades [0040] A pressure spring 340 bears against the rear of 1270 Pm (.050 inches) and nevertheless providing the stack of blades in each compartment (see FIGS. enough clearance to allow one blade at a time to com-

8 15 EP 1 412 140 B1 16 fortably pass through them. It should be appreciated that and a pair of blade passageways in the housing join- the invention has wider application than simply with utility ing the two compartments, one aligned with each knives and the invention is not to be limited to that specific opening for enabling blades in one compartment to use. be transferred directly from one compartment to the [0045] In the foregoing description many components 5 other. have been described as being integrally formed together with other components in the knife. For example, certain 5. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 4, wherein springs, ramps, gates, etc. have been described as being means are provided in each of the compartments for integral with the main parts 120 of the cartridge 46. How- moving the blades out of alignment with the opening ever, it is important to recognize that these and other10 in the adjacent end wall. components may be fabricated as separate parts and subsequently be assembled together to form the car- 6. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 4 or 5, where- tridge. The same applies to the various parts of the case in rails are provided in the side walls for guiding a 40, carrier 46 and actuator 48. While parts may have carrier for moving blades in the cartridge. been characterized in the description as being integral 15 with one another, the present invention is not confined 7. The blade cartridge as claimed in any of claims 4 to to that specific form as it is within the scope of the inven- 6, wherein a restrictor is provided in one of the walls tion to separately fabricate the parts and subsequently in each compartment for limiting the ability of blades assemble them together. in the compartments from moving into the passage- 20 ways not aligned with the compartment’s opening.

Claims 8. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 7, wherein gates are provided in the cartridge for impeding 1. Ablade cartridge for a utility knife comprising an elon- blades from moving from each compartment into the gated cartridge body being made up of two halves 25 passageway aligned with the opening in that com- (120), partment. a blade compartment and a plurality of blades coextensive with one anoth- 9. A utility knife comprising er stored in the blade compartment, each of said a case (40) having front (66) and back (68) ends, and blades having a cutting facility at each end and mov- 30 the blade cartridge (42) of any of the preceding able translationally from said compartment whereby claims in the case. the orientation of the cutting facilities of each blade can be reversed by turning the cartridge end to end, 10. The utility knife as claimed in claim 9, wherein characterized by a slot (70) is disposed in the front end of the case a pair of blade compartments (128, 130) disposed 35 through which the blades (44) are extended to the in the cartridge, one near each end of the body, operative position. and by the plurality of blades being stored in parallel planes in one of the pair of blade compartments. 11. The utility knife as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the cartridge is fabricated as a separate part from 2. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein 40 the case. a carrier is disposed adjacent the cartridge for mov- ing the blades from one compartment to the other. 12. The utility knife as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, as dependent on claim 2, wherein 3. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, where- an actuator (48) is mounted externally on the case in a passage is provided in each end of the cartridge 45 for moving the carrier. for moving blades from either compartment to an op- erative position extending out of the cartridge. 13. The utility knife as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein 4. The blade cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein new blades are disposed in face- to-face relationship said elongated body has top (124), bottom (122), 50 in one blade compartment and used blades are to side (125) and end walls (126, 127) is defining a pair be deposited in face- to-face relationship in the other of blade compartments, one adjacent each end wall, blade compartment. and further comprising a blade opening (154) in each end wall (126) for en- 14. The utility knife as claimed in claim 9, wherein abling blades to be extended from each compart- 55 said case is an elongated case having a chamber ment through its adjacent end wall, one of the open- (100) and an operative end with an opening (72) at ings being disposed adjacent each of the side walls that end communicating with the chamber, said (125), opening for permitting an end of a utility blade to

9 17 EP 1 412 140 B1 18

extend from the chamber to an operative position, 19. The utility knife as claimed in claim 18, wherein a and plurality of blades is initially contained in the com- said blade cartridge is disposed in the chamber ex- partment nearer the operative end and moved one tending in a direction generally parallel to the direc- at a time to the other compartment after each is worn tion of elongation of the case, said pair of blade com- 5 at the end extended out the case. partments being longitudinally aligned with one an- other and with the longitudinal direction of the car- 20. The utility knife as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tridge, and further comprising chamber enables the cartridge to be reversed for a stack of utility blades (44) disposed in face-to- face moving the compartment with the blades worn at one relationship in the compartment positioned nearer 10 end nearer the slot. the operative end of the case with each blade having cutting edges at opposite ends, 21. A method of presenting utility blades one at a time a passage (316) in the cartridge extending adjacent to the operational end of a utility knife comprising the to and open to the compartments and aligned with steps of the opening in the operative end of the case for en- 15 providing an elongated cartridge having a pair of abling one blade at a time to move from the com- blade compartments one at each end thereof, partment nearer to the operative end to an operating providing unused utility blades in one compartment position extending out the opening and from that po- with each blade having a cutting edge at opposite sition back toward the other compartment, ends thereof and enclosed in said compartment with- a spring (340) engaging the stack of blades in the 20 out the cutting edges being exposed, compartment near the operative end of the case and placing the cartridge in a case of a utility knife with urging the first blade in the stack into the passage, said one compartment adjacent the operative end of an actuator movable longitudinally on the case and the knife, and the other compartment at a location attached to the carrier for moving it along the path, remote from the operative end, and wherein 25 moving the blades one at a time from the one com- said carrier is movable longitudinally in the cartridge partment so that one cutting edge extends out of the along the passage and includes a pusher (270) for case in the operative position and thereafter moving engaging the first blade in the stack for moving it the used blade into the other compartment, from the compartment to the operative position and reversing the cartridge in the case so that said other back to the other compartment. 30 compartment is adjacent the operative end of the case when the one cutting edge of each of the blades 15. The utility knife as claimed in claim 14, wherein the of said one compartment are used so that the unused cartridge (46) is fabricated as a separate part from cutting edge of each blade is disposed adjacent the the case (40). operative end of the case, 35 and moving the blades one at a time from the other 16. The utility knife as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein compartment to the operative position to expose the a latch is operatively connected to the actuator for other cutting edge of each blade. holding the carrier with its blade in selected operative and inoperative positions. 22. Use of a blade (44) in a blade cartridge as defined 40 in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blade com- 17. The utility knife as claimed in any one of claims 14 prises a cutting bottom edge (170), a top edge (174) to 16, wherein a spring is disposed in the cartridge and upwardly converging side edges (172), for biasing blades in said other compartment toward slots (178) extending inwardly from the side edges the passage, for enabling lifting and pushing forces to be applied and a second spring member in the other compart- 45 to the blade for moving the blade in a housing, ment for pushing the blades out of the passage to and an opening (180) in the blade at the approximate enable the carrier to deliver a blade from the one center thereof and having edges for pushing the compartment to the other. blade in one direction.

18. The utility knife as claimed in claim 15 or claim 15 50 23. Use of a blade as claimed in claim 22, wherein cutting and any one of claims 16 and 17, further comprising facilities are provided at the ends of the bottom edge. mounting guides in the case enabling the cartridge to be selectively positioned in the chamber with ei- 24. Use of a blade as claimed in claim 22, wherein the ther compartment adjacent the operative end, cutting facilities are hook- like (170a) each for cutting and an actuator means for engaging blades one at 55 action when the blade is pulled away from the re- a time in the compartment adjacent the operative spective ends of the hook. end extending them out the case at the operative end. 25. Use of a blade as claimed in claim 22, wherein the

10 19 EP 1 412 140 B1 20

cutting facilities comprise a straight edge extending und ein Klingendurchgangs- Paar in der die zwei across the bottom edge of the blade. Fächer verbindenden Umhausung, wobei eine mit jeder Öffnung ausgerichtet ist, um Klingen 26. Use of a blade as claimed in claim 23, wherein a in einem Fach direkt von einem Fach zum an- notch (176) is provided in the top edge for engage- 5 deren übertragen zu können. ment by a retention member to restrain inadvertent translational movement of the blade. 5. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 4, bei dem Mittel in jedem der Fächer vorgesehen sind, um die Klin- 27. Use of a blade as claimed in claim 22, wherein the gen aus der Ausrichtung mit der Öffnung in der be- slots in side edges of the blade have top and bottom 10 nachbarten Endwand heraus zu bewegen. margins that are parallel to the bottom edge of the blade. 6. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 4 oder 5, bei dem Schienen in den Seitenwänden vorgesehen sind, um eine Halterung zum Bewegen der Klingen im Behäl- Patentansprüche 15 ter zu führen.

1. Ein Klingenbehälter für ein Nutzmesser, umfassend 7. Klingenbehälter gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis einen aus zwei Hälften (120) hergestellten, längli- 6, bei dem eine Blende in einer der Wände in jedem chen Behälterkörper, Fach vorgesehen ist, um die Möglichkeit der Klingen ein Klingenfach, 20 in den Fächern zu begrenzen, sich in die nicht mit und eine Vielzahl von miteinander flächendeckend der Fachöffnung ausgerichteten Durchgänge zu be- im Klingenfach aufgenommenen Klingen, wobei je- wegen. de der Klingen eine Schneideinrichtung an jedem Ende aufweist und translatorisch vom Fach beweg- 8. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 7, bei dem lich ist, wodurch die Ausrichtung der Schneideinrich- 25 Schranken im Behälter vorgesehen sind, um Klingen tungen jeder Klinge umgekehrt werden kann, indem daran zu hindern, sich von jedem Fach in den mit der Behälter herumgedreht wird, der Öffnung in diesem Fach ausgerichteten Durch- gekennzeichnet durch gang zu bewegen. ein Klingenfächer-Paar (128, 130), das im Behälter angeordnet ist, wobei eines nahe jedem Ende des 30 9. Nutzmesser umfassend: Körpers ist, und durch die Vielzahl der in einem des Klingenfächer- ein Gehäuse (40) mit Vorder-(66) und Hin- Paars in parallelen Ebenen aufgenommenen Klin- ter-(68) Enden, und gen. dem Klingenbehälter (42) gemäß einem der vor- 35 angegangenen Ansprüche im Gehäuse. 2. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem eine Halterung benachbart zum Behälter angeordnet ist, 10. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 9, bei dem um die Klingen von einem Fach zum anderen zu ein Schlitz (70) im Vorderende des Gehäuses ange- bewegen. ordnet ist, durch den die Klingen (44) in eine Be- 40 triebsposition erstreckt werden. 3. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem ein Durchgang in jedem Ende des Behälters vorge- 11. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 9 oder 10, bei dem sehen ist, um Klingen von einem Fach zu einer sich der Behälter als ein vom Gehäuse separates Teil aus dem Behälter erstreckenden Betriebsposition zu hergestellt ist. bewegen. 45 12. Nutzmesser gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, 4. Klingenbehälter gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem der wenn abhängig von Anspruch 2, bei dem längliche Körper ein Oberteil (124), ein Unterteil ein Betätiger (48) extern am Gehäuse befestigt ist, (122), Seiten (125) und Endwände (126, 127) auf- um die Halterung zu bewegen. weist, ein 50 Klingenfächer-Paar definiert, wobei eines benach- 13. Nutzmesser gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, bart zu jeder Endwand ist, und weiter umfasst: bei dem neue Klingen in einer gegenüberliegenden Bezie- eine Klingenöffnung (154) in jeder Endwand hung in einem Klingenfach angeordnet sind, und ver- (126), um Klingen von jedem Fach durch seine 55 brauchte Klingen in einer gegenüberliegenden Be- benachbarte Endwand erstrecken lassen zu ziehung im anderen Klingenfach abzulegen sind. können, wobei eine der Öffnungen benachbart zu jeder Seitenwand (125) angeordnet ist, 14. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 9, bei dem

11 21 EP 1 412 140 B1 22

das Gehäuse ein längliches Gehäuse ist, das eine die Klingen aus dem Durchgang zu drücken, damit Kammer (100) und ein Betriebsende mit einer Öff- die Halterung eine Klinge von dem einen Fach zum nung (72) an dem mit der Kammer kommunizieren- anderen liefern kann. den Ende aufweist, wobei sich durch die Öffnung ein Ende der Nutzklinge von der Kammer zu einer Be- 5 18. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 15 oder Anspruch 15 triebsposition erstrekken lässt, und der Klingenbe- und einem der Ansprüche 16 und 17, weiter umfas- hälter in der sich in einer Richtung im Wesentlichen send: parallel zur Längsrichtung des Gehäuses erstrek- kenden Kammer angeordnet ist, das Klingenfächer- Befestigungsführungen im Gehäuse, mit denen Paar längs miteinander und mit der Längsrichtung 10 der Behälter wahlweise mit einem Fach benach- des Behälters ausgerichtet ist, und weiter umfas- bart zum Betriebsende in der Kammer positio- send: niert werden kann, und ein Betätigungsmittel, um zu einer Zeit an einen Nutzklingenstapel (44), die in einer ge- Klingen im Fach benachbart zum Betriebsende genüberliegenden Beziehung in dem näher zum 15 anzugreifen, um sie am Betriebsende aus dem Betriebsende des Gehäuses positionierten Gehäuse heraus zu erstrecken. Fach angeordnet sind, wobei jede Klinge Schnittkanten an gegenüberliegenden Enden 19. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 18, bei dem eine Viel- aufweist, zahl von Klingen zuerst in dem näher dem Be- einen Durchgang (316) im Behälter, der sich be- 20 triebsende gelegenen Fach aufgenommen ist und nachbart zu den Fächern erstreckt und öffnet, eines zu einer Zeit zum anderen Fach bewegt wird, und mit der Öffnung im Betriebsende des Ge- nachdem jedes an dem sich aus dem Gehäuse er- häuses ausgerichtet ist, um es einer Klinge zu streckenden Ende abgenutzt wurde. einer Zeit zu gestatten, sich von dem näher zum Betriebsende gelegenen Fach in eine sich aus 25 20. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 19, bei dem es die der Öffnung heraus erstrekkenden Betriebspo- Kammer dem Behälter gestattet, zum Bewegen des sition zu bewegen, und von dieser Position zu- Fachs mit den an einem Ende näher dem Schlitz rück in das andere Fach, abgenutzten Klingen umgekehrt zu werden. eine Feder (340), die am Klingenstapel im nahe dem Betriebsende des Gehäuses gelegenen 30 21. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen von Nutzklingen, eines Fach angreift und die erste Klinge im Stapel in zu einer Zeit, am Betriebsende eines Nutzmessers, den Durchgang drängt, umfassend die Schritte: einen Betätiger, der längs am Gehäuse beweg- lich ist und an der Halterung angebracht ist, um Bereitstellen eines länglichen Behälters mit ei- ihn entlang des Pfades zu bewegen, und bei 35 nem Klingenfächer-Paar, eines an jedem Ende dem hiervon, die Halterung längs im Behälter entlang des Bereitstellen unbenutzter Nutzklingen in einem Durchgangs beweglich ist und einen Drücker Fach, wobei jede Klinge eine Schneidkante an (270) aufweist, um an der ersten Klinge im Sta- gegenüberliegenden Enden hiervon aufweist pel anzugreifen, um sie vom Fach in die Be-40 und im Fach eingeschlossen ist, ohne die triebsposition zu bewegen und zurück zum an- Schneidkanten offenzulegen, deren Fach. Platzieren des Behälters in einem Gehäuse ei- nes Nutzmessers mit dem einen Fach benach- 15. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 14, bei dem der Be- bart zum Betriebsende des Messers, und dem hälter (46) als ein vom Gehäuse (40) separates Teil 45 anderen Fach an einem vom Betriebsende ent- hergestellt ist. fernt gelegenen Ort, Bewegen der Klingen, eine zu einer Zeit, von 16. Nutzmesser gemäß Anspruch 14 oder 15, bei dem dem einen Fach, so dass sich eine Schneidkan- ein Schnapper betriebsmäßig mit dem Betätiger ver- te in der Betriebsposition aus dem Gehäuse er- bunden ist, um die Halterung mit ihrer in Betriebs- 50 streckt, und hiernach Bewegen der benutzten oder Nicht-Betriebsposition ausgewählten Klinge zu Klinge in das andere Fach, halten. Umkehren des Behälters im Gehäuse, so dass sich das andere Fach benachbart zum Be- 17. Nutzmesser gemäß einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 16, triebsende des Gehäuses befindet, wenn die ei- bei dem eine Feder im Behälter angeordnet ist, um 55 ne Schneidkante von jeder der Klingen des ei- Klingen im anderen Fach in Richtung des Durch- nen Faches derart verwendet werden, dass die gangs vorzuspannen, unbenutzte Schneidkante jeder Klinge benach- und ein zweites Federelement im anderen Fach, um bart zum Betriebsende des Gehäuses angeord-

12 23 EP 1 412 140 B1 24

net ist, que lame peut être inversée en pivotant la cartouche und Bewegen der Klingen, eine zu einer Zeit, de bout en bout, caractérisée par le fait que von dem anderen Fach zum Betriebsende, um une paire de compartiments (128, 130) à lames dis- die andere Schneidkante jeder Klinge offenzu- posée dans la cartouche, dont un compartiment est legen. 5 proche de chaque extrémité du corps, et par le fait que la pluralité de lames sont stockées 22. Verwendung einer Klinge (44) in einem Klingenbe- dans des plans parallèles dans l’un de la paire de hälter gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei compartiments à lames. die Klinge eine Schneidunterkante 8170), eine Ober- kante (174) und nach oben sich annähernde Seiten- 10 2. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 1, dans kanten (172) umfasst, laquelle Schlitze (178) umfasst, die sich von den Seitenkan- un support est disposé adjacent à la cartouche pour ten nach innen erstrecken, um Hebe- und Drückkräf- déplacer les lames depuis un compartiment vers te an der Klinge anlegen zu können, um die Klinge l’autre. in einer Umhausung zu bewegen, 15 und eine Öffnung (180) in der Klinge an der unge- 3. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 1 ou 2, fähren Mitte hiervon und Kanten umfasst, um die dans laquelle un passage est pourvu dans chaque Klinge in eine Richtung zu drücken. extrémité de la cartouche afin de déplacer des lames depuis chaque compartiment vers une position opé- 23. Verwendung einer Klinge gemäß Anspruch 22, bei 20 rationnelle faisant saillie de la cartouche. der Schneideinrichtungen an den Enden der Unter- kante vorgesehen sind. 4. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle 24. Verwendung einer Klinge gemäß Anspruch 22, bei ledit corps allongé ayant des parois supérieures der die Schneideinrichtungen jeweils für eine25 (124), des parois inférieures (122), des parois laté- Schneidtätigkeit hakenförmig (170a) sind, wenn die rales (125) et des parois d’extrémité (126, 127), dé- Klinge aus den entsprechenden Enden des Hakens finit une paire de compartiments à lames, dont un weggezogen wird. compartiment est adjacent à chaque paroi d’extré- mité, et comprenant en plus 25. Verwendung einer Klinge gemäß Anspruch 22, bei 30 une ouverture (154) de lames dans chaque paroi der die Schneideinrichtungen eine sich quer zur Un- d’extrémité (126) pour permettre à des lames d’être terkante der Klinge erstreckende gerade Kante um- étendues depuis chaque compartiment à travers sa fassen. paroi d’extrémité adjacente, l’une des ouvertures étant disposée adjacente à chacune des parois la- 26. Verwendung einer Klinge gemäß Anspruch 23, bei 35 térales (125), der eine Kerbe (176) in der Oberkante zum Eingriff et une paire de passages de lames dans le logement durch ein Rückhalteelement vorgesehen ist, um eine reliant les deux compartiments, l’un des comparti- versehentliche Querbewegung der Klinge zu be- ments est aligné avec chaque ouverture pour per- grenzen. mettre à des lames dans un compartiment d’être 40 transférées directement depuis un compartiment 27. Verwendung einer Klinge gemäß Anspruch 22, bei vers l’autre. der die Schlitze in Seitenkanten der Klinge Ober- und Unterränder aufweisen, die parallel zur Unter- 5. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 4, dans kante der Klinge sind. laquelle 45 des moyens sont pourvus dans chacun des compar- timents pour déplacer les lames hors d’alignement Revendications avec l’ouverture dans la paroi d’extrémité adjacente.

1. Cartouche de lames pour un couteau utilitaire com- 6. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 4 ou 5, prenant un corps de cartouche allongé qui est com- 50 dans laquelle des rails sont pourvus dans les parois posé de deux moitiés (120), latérales pour guider un support afin de déplacer des un compartiment à lames lames dans la cartouche. et un pluralité de lames coextensives entre elles stockées dans le compartiment à lames, chacune 7. Cartouche de lames selon l’une des revendications desdites lames ayant un équipement de coupe à 55 4 à 6, dans laquelle un limitateur est pourvu dans chaque extrémité et mobile de manière translatio- l’une des parois dans chaque compartiment afin de nelle par rapport audit compartiment moyen par le- limiter la capacité des lames dans les compartiments quel l’orientation des équipements de coupe de cha- de se déplacer dans les passages qui ne sont pas

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alignés avec l’ouverture du compartiment. sées, un passage (316) dans la cartouche s’étendant de 8. Cartouche de lames selon la revendication 7, dans manière à être adjacent aux compartiments et ouvert laquelle par rapport aux compartiments et aligné avec des grilles sont pourvues dans la cartouche pour em- 5 l’ouverture dans l’extrémité opérationnelle du boîtier pêcher des lames de se déplacer depuis chaque afin de permettre à une lame à la fois pour se dépla- compartiment dans le passage aligné avec l’ouver- cer depuis le compartiment qui est plus proche à ture dans ce compartiment. l’extrémité opérationnelle vers une position de fonc- tionnement faisant saillie de l’ouverture et à partir de 9. Couteau utilitaire comprenant 10 cette position de retour vers l’autre compartiment, un boîtier (40) ayant des extrémités avant (66) et un ressort (340) engageant l’empilage de lames arrière (68), et dans le compartiment proche de l’extrémité opéra- la cartouche (42) de lame de l’une des revendica- tionnelle du boîtier et poussant la première lame tions précédentes dans le boîtier. dans l’empilage vers le passage, 15 un actionneur mobile longitudinalement sur le boîtier 10. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 9, dans le- et fixé au support pour le déplacer le long du chemin, quel et où une fente (70) est disposée dans l’extrémité avant ledit support est mobile dans le sens longitudinal du boîtier à travers laquelle les lames (44) s’étendent dans la cartouche le long du passage et inclut un vers la position opérationnelle. 20 poussoir (270) pour engager la première lame dans l’empilage afin de la déplacer depuis le comparti- 11. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 9 ou 10, ment vers la position opérationnelle et la ramener dans lequel la cartouche est fabriquée comme partie vers l’autre compartiment. séparée du boîtier. 25 15. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 14, dans le- 12. Couteau utilitaire selon l’une des revendications 9 à quel 11, dépendant de la revendication 2, dans lequel la cartouche (46) est fabriquée en tant que partie un actionneur (48) est monté extérieurement sur le séparée du boîtier (40). boîtier pour déplacer le support. 30 16. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 14 ou 15, 13. Couteau utilitaire selon l’un des revendications 9 à dans lequel 12, dans lequel dans lequel un verrouillage est reliée de manière de nouvelles lames sont disposées selon une rela- opérationnelle à l’actionneur afin de maintenir le sup- tion en vis-à-vis dans un compartiment à lames et port avecsa lame dans despositions opérationnelles les lames usées doivent être placées selon une re- 35 et non opérationnelles sélectionnées. lation en vis-à-vis dans l’autre compartiment à la- mes. 17. Couteau utilitaire selon l’une quelconque des reven- dications 14 à 16, dans lequel un ressort est disposé 14. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 9, dans le- dans lacartouche pour maintenirles lames dans ledit quel 40 autre compartiment vers le passage, ledit boîtier est un boîtier allongé ayant une chambre et un deuxième élément ressort dans l’autre com- (100) et une extrémité opérationnelle avec une partiment pour pousser les lames en dehors du pas- ouverture (72) au niveau de cette extrémité se met- sage afin de permettre au support de distribuer une tant en communication avec la chambre, ladite lame depuis un compartiment vers l’autre. ouverture pour permettre à une extrémité d’une lame 45 utilitaire de s’étendre depuis la chambre vers une 18. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 15 ou la re- position opérationnelle, et vendication 15 et l’une quelconque des revendica- ladite cartouche de lames est disposée dans la tions 16 et 17, comprenant en plus chambre s’étendant dans une direction globalement des guides de montage dans le boîtier permettant à parallèle à la direction d’allongement du boîtier, la- 50 la cartouche d’être positionnée sélectivement dans dite paire de compartiments à lames étant en aligne- la chambre avec chaque compartiment positionné ment longitudinal mutuel et avec la direction longi- adjacent à l’extrémité opérationnelle, tudinale de la cartouche, et comprenant en plus et un moyen actionneur pour engager les lames une un empilage de lames utilitaires (44) disposés selon par une dans le compartiment adjacent à l’extrémité une relation en vis-à-vis dans le compartiment posi- 55 opérationnelle en les étendant hors du boîtier au ni- tionné de manière à être plus proche de l’extrémité veau de l’extrémité opérationnelle. opérationnelle du boîtier avec chaque lame ayant des bords de coupe au niveau d’extrémités oppo- 19. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 18, dans le-

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quel une pluralité de lames est contenue initialement 23. Utilisation d’une lame selon la revendication 22, dans le compartiment qui est plus proche de l’extré- dans laquelle des équipements de coupe sont pour- mité opérationnelle et sont déplacées une par une vus au niveau d’extrémités du bord inférieur. vers l’autre compartiment après que chacune est usée au niveau l’extrémité faisant saillie du boîtier. 5 24. Utilisation d’une lame selon la revendication 22, dans laquelle les équipements de coupe sont en for- 20. Couteau utilitaire selon la revendication 19, dans le- me d’un crochet (170a) chacun pour une action de quel la chambre permet à la cartouche d’être inver- coupe lorsque la lame est écartée des extrémités sée pour déplacer le compartiment avec les lames respectives du crochet. usées au niveau d’une extrémité plus proche de la 10 fente. 25. Utilisation d’une lame selon la revendication 22, dans laquelle les équipements de coupe compren- 21. Procédé pour présenter des lames utilitaires une par nent un bord droit s’étendant à travers le bord infé- une à l’extrémité opérationnelle d’un couteau utilitai- rieur de la lame. re comprenant les étapes consistant à 15 fournir une cartouche allongée ayant une paire de 26. Utilisation d’une lame selon la revendication 23, compartiments à lames dont l’un des compartiments dans laquelle une encoche (176) est pourvue dans au niveau de chaque extrémité correspondante, le bord supérieur pour un engagement par un organe fournir des lames utilitaires non utilisées dans un de rétention afin de restreindre un mouvement de compartiment avec chaque lame ayant un bord de 20 translation involontaire de la lame. coupe au niveau d’extrémités opposées correspon- dantes et renfermées dans ledit compartiment sans 27. Utilisation d’une lame selon la revendication 22, que les bords de coupe ne soient exposés, dans laquelle les fentes dans les bords latéraux de placer la cartouche dans un boîtier d’un couteau uti- la lame ont des marges supérieure et inférieure qui litaire avec ledit un compartiment adjacent à l’extré- 25 sont parallèles au bord inférieur de la lame. mité opérationnelle du couteau, et l’autre comparti- ment à un emplacement distant de l’extrémité opé- rationnelle, déplacer les lames une par une depuis l’un des com- partiments de sorte qu’un bord de coupe fasse saillie 30 du boîtier dans la position opérationnelle et déplacer par la suite la lame utilisée dans l’autre comparti- ment, renverser la cartouche dans le boîtier de sorte que ledit autre compartiment soit adjacent à l’extrémité 35 opérationnelle du boîtier lorsque l’un des bords de coupe de chacune des lames dudit un compartiment est utilisé de sorte que le bord de coupe non utilisé de chaque lame soit disposé adjacent à l’extrémité opérationnelle du boîtier, 40 etdéplacer leslames une par une depuisl’autre com- partiment vers la position opérationnelle afin d’ex- poser l’autre bord de coupe de chaque lame.

22. Utilisation d’une lame (44) dans une cartouche de 45 lames telle que définie dans l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, où la lame comprend un bord inférieur (170) de coupe, un bord supérieur (174) de coupe et des bords latéraux (172) convergeant vers le haut, 50 des fentes (178) s’étendant vers l’intérieur depuis les bords latéraux pour permettre à des forces de soulèvement et de poussée d’être appliquées à la lame afin de déplacer la lame dans un logement, et une ouverture (180) dans la lame au centre ap- 55 proximatif correspondant et ayant des bords pour pousser la lame dans une direction.

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 5727320 A [0003]

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