Multi-tasking utility tool

ES 2 365 752 T3

DESCRIPTION

Blade cartridge for a utility tool

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to the field of portable tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of a multi-tool comprising a replaceable blade cartridge.

Background of the invention:

Many different types of cutting tools are available in the real world of tools. One such cutting tool is a box-type cutting tool or an Exacto blade. The blade portion of the box-type cutting tool is sharp enough to easily cut through the entire material.

While box-type shear blades are very popular, the knife blade is very sharp and therefore very dangerous. Box-type shear blades comprise a blade switch at the top of the body, which slides between an extended position and a retracted position. When the blade switch is in the retracted position, the blade itself is contained within the body of the tool. However, when the user wants to use the blade, he or she presses the blade switch forward to the extended position, whereby the blade extends out of a front slot. Box-type cutting blades do not comprise a safety mechanism that automatically causes the blade to retract into the body of the cutting tool when not in use. Therefore, a user can easily cut himself if he does not pay due attention to the knife blade.

GB-A-2 349 841 discloses a cutting tool comprising a handle, a replaceable blade cartridge that can slide into a passageway provided in the handle and an elongated blade provided inside the cartridge . A carriage is mounted on one side of the cartridge that can be moved relative to the cartridge to advance and retract the sheet. The handle also comprises claws which form a ratchet to require a button on the carriage to be depressed before the blade can be withdrawn into the cartridge. The cartridge also comprises a pivoting safety latch which in turn comprises a downwardly projecting part which, when the cartridge is withdrawn from the handle, abuts against a retaining part of the carriage and prevents the blade from extending. When the cartridge is inserted into the grip, a projection on the inside of the grip acts against an upward projecting portion of the pivoting safety latch, thereby lifting the downward projecting portion and allowing the blade to spread.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a replaceable blade cartridge that is configured to be housed within a corresponding blade cartridge housing. The blade cartridge comprises a blade cartridge body having a notch groove therein and a knife blade groove that is connected to the notch groove. The cartridge comprises a knife blade that can be positioned within the notch and is configured to be slidably movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The cartridge comprises a guide unit which is coupled to the knife blade, the guide unit leading the knife blade between the extended position and the retracted position. The guide unit is arranged to engage a pretensioning means provided in the corresponding blade cartridge housing to pre-tension the guide unit to force the knife blade to go to the retracted position when the Replaceable blade cartridge is positioned inside the blade cartridge housing. The cartridge preferably comprises a blade member for engaging and disengaging the blade cartridge respectively in and out of the blade cartridge housing. The blade cartridge body may comprise a first blade element and a second blade element. The second blade element is connected to and arranged substantially parallel to the first blade element. The notch groove is provided between the first blade element and the second blade element. The blade cartridge body may have a thin film of material that is configured over the blade slot such that the blade of the blade pierces the thin film when initially moved from the closed position to the open position.

The knife blade moves between the closed position and the open position only when the blade cartridge is nested within the blade cartridge housing. The cartridge may comprise a safety spring element for exerting a first force on the guide unit when the blade cartridge is disengaged from the blade cartridge housing. When the force is exerted on the guide unit, the knife blade is prevented from moving.

The guide unit may further comprise a knife switch coupled to the knife blade.

ES 2 365 752 T3

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the following preferred and alternative embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a utility tool; Figure 2 represents an exploded view of an embodiment of a utility tool; Figure 3 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a blade compartment; Figure 4A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a utility tool;

Figure 4B depicts a side view of an embodiment of a utility tool;

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a blade compartment; Figure 6A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a utility tool; Figure 6B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a utility tool;

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a pen capsule;

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a pen capsule;

Figure 9A represents a perspective view of a blade cartridge according to the present invention;

Figure 9B depicts a sectional view of blade cartridge tabs coupled to the blade compartment; ribbing;

Figure 10A depicts a perspective view of a blade cartridge of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 10B represents a cross-sectional perspective view of the blade cartridge of the alternative embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 11 represents a cross-sectional perspective view of a compartment of the blade;

Figure 12 represents a perspective view of a compartment of the blade; Y,

Figure 13 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a blade cartridge.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

The utility tool 100, generally as depicted in FIG. 1, comprises a body 102, a blade compartment 104, a rotatable cartridge unit 106, which comprises a marker pen 110 and a nib 112. The marker pen type 110 and / or nib 112 are covered with cap 114. In addition, the utility tool 100, as depicted in Figure 2, comprises a blade 126, a pin 118, an inner cap 128, a blade switch 116 with an attached spring member 130, a platform 117, and the blade. blade 126.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the body 102 or the protective case of the tool 100 has an upper surface 102A, a lower surface 102B, a right side 102C, a left side 102D, a rear part 102E, and a rear part. front 102F (figure 2). While body 102 is made from said two pieces, it should alternatively be understood that body 102 is made from an appropriate number of pieces, including only one piece. As shown in Figures 2 and 4A, body 102 has a notch line 103 in upper surface 102A and each side is disposed midway between end 102E and front 102F of body 102. Figure 1 illustrates that the body 102 also comprises a cartridge slot 122 which is defined as the space between the end 102 and the notch line.

103. Cartridge slot 122 is also defined as the space between upper surface 102A and lower surface 102B, as discussed in greater detail below.

The blade compartment 104, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises a right side 104A and a left side 104B, with both the left side 104B and the right side 104A presenting a corresponding top surface 104C. Blade compartment 104 comprises a front face 104F that is positioned opposite end 102F of body 102. While blade compartment 104 is treated as separate from body 102, alternatively, body 102 and blade compartment 104 constitute an integral component of tool 100. Blade compartment 104 is coupled to body 102, accordingly. such that the right side 104A of the blade compartment 104 is configured to position adjacent the right side 102D of the body 102. Similarly, the left side 104B of the blade compartment 104 is configured to position adjacent the left side 102D of the body 102.

The blade compartment 104 comprises a rounded portion 134 and an opening 132 in the right side 104A and in the left side 104B of the blade compartment 104. The rounded portion 134 is configured to be disposed in the vicinity of the bottom surface 102B of the body 102. The right side 104A and the left side 104B of the blade compartment 104 are coupled to each other by a pin 118 which is inserted into the openings 132 in the rounded portion 134 of the blade compartment 104. The blade compartment

104, when coupled to body 102, forms tool 100. Rounded portion 134 of blade compartment 104 is positioned below front surface 102F of body 102 when blade compartment 104 is engaged to body 102.

ES 2 365 752 T3

The blade compartment 104 is coupled to the body 102 by friction fit, the distance between the inner walls of the blade compartment 104 being slightly less than the distance between the right side 102C and the left side 102D of the body 102. In an alternate embodiment, pin 118 maintains movement adjustment between blade compartment 104 and body 102 holding the right side 104A and left side 104B of the blade compartment together. Alternatively other means are used to hold the right side 104a and the left side 104B together. Alternatively, the blade compartment 104 is attached to the body 102 by screws, an elastic snap fit, or other means that allow the user to open the blade compartment 104 to remove or replace the knife blades 126. The blade compartment blade 104 rotates around pin 118 as it moves between the open position and the closed position.

The front face 104F of the blade compartment 104, shown in FIG. 3, extends from the top surface 104C down to the rounded portion 134. A slot in the blade extends along the front face 104F of the blade compartment. blade 104. Knife switch 116 (FIG. 1) is configured to allow knife or knife blade 126 to be retractable, such that knife 126 slides between a retracted position and an extended position. Blade 126 is within blade compartment 104 when in the retracted position, as depicted in FIG. 1. Similarly, blade 126 emerges from blade slot 108 when blade 126 is in the extended position, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

Alternatively, the upper surface 104C of the blade compartment 104 has a cut out rectangular notch line 120 to house the blade switch 116, as shown in FIG. 1. The blade switch 116 and the supported support platform 117 engage a spring element 130 that is attached to body 102, forcing spring element 130 to move the switch on blade 116 to the retracted position. Thus, blade switch 116 prevents blade 126 from being unintentionally in the extended position. In such an example, blade 126 can be easily replaced from blade compartment 104. As described above, blade compartment 104 rotates around pin 118 between the closed position and the open position. When the knife compartment 104 is in the open position, both the knife blade 126 and the knife switch 116 are exposed. As shown in FIG. 2, the knife switch 116 is coupled to a support platform 117 that engages the knife blade 126. Specifically, the support platform 117 comprises two engagement pins 117A that are configured to engage the knife blade 126, the pins 117A engaging within the notch lines of the knife blade 127. When the knife compartment 104 is in the open position and the knife switch 116 as well as the knife blade 126 are exposed, the user removes the worn knife blade 126 by disengaging the notch lines from the blade. blade 127 of the locking pins 117A. Next, the user inserts a new knife blade 126 by engaging snap pins 117A within the notch lines of knife blade 127. Alternatively, knife switch 116 with knife blade 126, attached as one unit, they can be completely removed and replaced with another unit comprising a new knife switch 116 and knife blade 126. Therefore, the blade 126 would be easily interchangeable with a minimal degree of contact with the blade 126 itself.

As described above, the body 102 has a cartridge slot 122 which is defined as the space between the upper surface 102A and the lower surface 102B of the body 102. The slot 122 is rectangular in shape and passes midway between the end 102E and notch line 103. Both inner walls 140 of body 102 comprise a track 142 for housing a button or button element 138 extending from cartridge unit 106, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Alternatively, only one of the interior walls 140 of the body 102 comprises a track 142 to house the button 138. The distance of the cartridge slot 122 from the end 102E to the notch line 103 is less than the distance between the ends 107A and 107B of the cartridge unit 106. Track 142 allows cartridge unit 106 to traverse along body 102 from a first or inner position that is depicted as the narrow portion 142A of track 142, to a second or outer position that is depicted as the wide 142B of track 142, as discussed below.

The cartridge unit 106 or case shown in Figures 1 and 2 is substantially rectangular in shape. The cartridge unit 106 has a left side 106A and a right side 106B as well as two ends, shown as 107A and 107B. Ends 107A and 107B are configured to face opposite each other, with each end 107A, 107B of cartridge unit 106 having a tool. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tool is a marking instrument, such as a pen 112 and a pen 110, with pen 112 extending from end 107A and marker pen 110 from end 107B. Therefore, the pen 112 extends from the cartridge unit 106 in a direction opposite to that of the marker 110. Alternatively, cartridge unit 106 is configured to display other instruments, such as a retractable tape gauge, flashlight, compass, level, barcode scanner, or other accessory, extending from ends 107A and 107B.

ES 2 365 752 T3

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge unit 106 also comprises a button 138 which extends perpendicularly from the center of both sides, ie the left side 106A and the right side 106B of the cartridge unit 106. Alternatively, button 138 is configured to extend from only one side of cartridge unit 106 or extend from a position other than the center of cartridge unit 106. Button 138 allows cartridge unit 106 to rotate about an axis extending through button 138.

Cartridge unit 106 is positioned within cartridge slot 122. Button 138 extending from each side of cartridge unit 106 engages track 142 integrally disposed within cartridge slot 122. Such As described above, the cartridge unit 106 can rotate around the button 138. Therefore, a user rotates the cartridge unit 106 such that the intended end of the cartridge unit 106 faces outward from the end 102E of the tool 100. When the intended end of the cartridge unit 106 is in the exposed position or is facing outward from end 102E of tool 100, the end opposite the intended end is contained within body 102. For example, if a user intends to use the end 107A featuring the pen 112, they will rotate the cartridge unit 106 such that the end 107A faces the rear 102E of the tool 100. As discussed above, the ends 107A and 107B of the cartridge unit 106 are arranged opposite each other. Thus, the end 107B of the cartridge unit 106 having the marker 110 is disposed within the body 102 of the tool 100 when the end 107A is facing outward from the rear 102E of the tool 100. The tool 100 comprises an inner cap 128 within the body 102 to provide a cap and preserve the end of the cartridge unit 106 that is not in the exposed position. Thus, in the example, marker 110 would be contained within inner cap 128.

Cartridge unit 106 is removable, such that replaceable cartridges can be used with tool 100. Alternatively, the cartridge unit 106 is removed from the body 102 by moving the button element 138 toward the wide portion 142B of the track 142. Once the button element 138 is positioned in the wide portion 142B, the user twists or slightly bends the cartridge unit 106 such that the one or more of the button elements 138 are no longer inside the the wide part 142B. Once the button element 138 is no longer within the wide portion 142B of the track 142, the user can easily remove the cartridge unit 106 from the body 102. Similarly, to insert a cartridge unit 106, the user twists or slightly bends the cartridge unit 106 until the one or more button elements 138 are positioned within the wide portion 142B. Alternatively, the cartridge unit 106 is inserted or removed from the body 102 by exerting a force on the inner walls 140 of the body 102 such that the walls 140 move slightly away from each other. Causing the walls 140 to move away from each other allows the button member 138 to have sufficient clearance to be inserted or removed from the wide portion 142B of the track 142.

To assemble the tool 100, the left side 102D and the right side 102C of the body 102 are snapped together by an elastic snap fit. Alternatively, the sides 102C and 102D of the body 102 are assembled together by other means, such as an adhesive, a screw, or other equivalent. The inner cap 128 is disposed between the sides 102C and 102D of the body 102 and is held within the body 102 when the sides engage each other. The cartridge unit 106 is coupled to the body 102, inserting the button 138 into the wide portion 142B of the track 142 disposed within the interior walls 140 of the cartridge slot 122. The blade compartment 104 is coupled to the body 102 by a resilient snap fit such that the rounded portion 134 of the blade compartment 104 is positioned substantially in the vicinity of the front end 102F of the body. Alternatively, blade compartment 104 is coupled to body 102 by other means, such as an adhesive, a screw, or other equivalent means.

The blade compartment 104 is assembled by engaging the right side 104A and the left side 104B together by a resilient snap fit. The right side 104A and the left side 104B of the blade compartment 104 are held together by the cap pin 118 that fits within the opening 132 that extends through each side of the blade compartment 104. Alternatively, the blade compartment 104 is assembled by other means, such as an adhesive, a screw, or other equivalent means. Also, the blade switch 116 is disposed within the blade compartment 104 such that the slotted portion of the blade switch 116 protrudes from the slot of the switch 120. As described above, the switch The blade 116 is coupled to a platform 117 comprising the two engagement elements 117A. Engagement elements 117A engage notch lines 127 of knife blade 126. Therefore, when the switch of the knife 116 is moved to the extended position, the blade of the knife 126 is exposed through the slot of the knife 108. On the other hand, when the switch of the knife 116 is moved towards In the retracted position, knife blade 126 is within knife compartment 104. Platform 117 engages spring member 130 which is attached to a stationary point within tool 100. Spring element 130 forces blade switch 116 to the retracted position within blade compartment 104 of tool 100 and prevents blade 126 from being unintentionally extended. .

ES 2 365 752 T3

To utilize the blade portion of the tool 100, a user simply depresses the blade switch 116 urging it toward the front end 104F of the blade compartment 104. The blade switch 116 allows the blade 126 to slide from the retracted position toward the extended position, since the blade 126 is coupled to the platform. Knife blade 120 remains in the extended position as long as the user is exerting pressure. Alternatively, a switch or locking mechanism can be used to lock blade 126 in the extended position. As noted above, blade switch 116 forces blade 126 to the retracted position to prevent blade 126 from unintentionally remaining in the extended position.

A user also uses the cartridge unit 106 in the tool 100 to mark items as desired. As indicated above, the cartridge unit 106 has two ends, 107A and 107B, each having a different tool, respectively a pen 112 and a marker-type marker 110. If the user wants to use the pen 112, he pulls of cartridge unit 106 along track 142 toward end 102E. As noted above, the length of the slot 122 is less than the distance between the ends 107A and 107B of the cartridge unit 106. Therefore, once the cartridge unit 106 is substantially in proximity or On the outside 142B of the track 142, there is a sufficient distance to allow the cartridge unit 106 to rotate. The rotatability of cartridge unit 106 allows end 107A of cartridge unit 106 to face outward from end 102E of tool 100. When end 107A of cartridge unit 106 is facing outward at the rear of tool 100, the user drives cartridge unit 106 along track 142 away from end 102E of body 102, until end 107B is contained within body 102. Therefore, the cartridge unit is locked, and the end 107B of the cartridge unit 106 comprising the marker pen 110 will be contained within the body 102 when the end 107A is facing outward at the rear. 102E of tool 100. As noted above, the tool 100 comprises an inner cap 128 within the body 102 to safeguard the end 107 of the cartridge unit 106 that is not in the exposed position. Therefore, in the alternate example, marker 110 would be contained within the interior cap 128.

Similarly, if the user chooses to use the marker pen 110, he pulls the cartridge unit 106 along the track 142 toward the end 102E such that the cartridge unit 106 has sufficient clearance within the slot. 122 to rotate. At this point, the button 138 of the cartridge unit 106 is substantially in the vicinity or on the outside 142B of the track 142. The user then rotates the cartridge unit 106 such that the end 107B having the marker 110 is facing outward from the end 102E of the tool 100. The user then drives the cartridge unit 106 along track 142 away from end 102E of body 102, until end 107A is contained within body 102. Therefore, the cartridge unit 106 is locked, and the end 107A of the cartridge unit 106 having the pen 112 will be contained within the body 102 of the tool 100 when the end 107B is facing outward at the end. rear 102E of tool 100. As noted above, the cartridge unit 106 alternatively comprises one or more or a series of tools extending from the ends 107A and 107B, such as a retractable tape gauge, a flashlight, a compass, one level or another. accessory. Furthermore, the tool 100 of the present invention can be made from a soft elastomeric molding material. Alternatively, tool 100 is made from any rigid material, such as a hard plastic, metal, stainless steel, or other equivalent.

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of the utility tool.

Typically, the utility tool 200 comprises a pen cap 202, a marker pen cap 204, a blade compartment 206, a pocket clip 208 as well as a blade cartridge 210 comprising a blade switch 212 and two blade cartridge blades 214.

Figure 6A represents a perspective view of a utility tool.

In particular, Figure 6A represents a more detailed view of the blade compartment 206 comprising the blade cartridge 210. The blade compartment 206 is generally cylindrical in shape and has two ends 220, 224, the end 220 comprising a blade slot 222 and the end 224 receives the marker pen cap 204 and / or the pen cap 202, as will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the end 220 of the blade compartment 206 is also preferably configured to receive the pen capsule 202 (not shown).

As depicted on page 6A, blade cartridge 210 comprises a blade blade 216 and is preferably removable from utility tool 200 as will be discussed below. The blade cartridge 210 is coupled to the blade compartment 206 by fitting within the blade cartridge housing 218, which is defined as the space within the blade compartment 206 that is exposed on the outer surface blade compartment (figure 12). The blades 214 on either side of the blade cartridge 210 exert pressure against the interior walls of the blade cartridge housing 218,

ES 2 365 752 T3 thereby immobilizing the blade cartridge 210 in the blade cartridge housing 218. The blade cartridge 210 also comprises a blade switch 212 coupled to the moving blade blade 216 between a first position and a second position. As shown in FIG. 6A, the knife switch 212 is in a position such that the knife blade 216 extends out of the blade slot 222. In contrast, Figure 5 depicts the knife switch 212 in a position in which the knife blade 216 does not extend out of the blade slot 222.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a capsule of the pen 202.

The pen capsule 202 comprises a pen tip 226 that can be retracted into the pen capsule 202. While in such discussion the capsule 202 is preferably referred to as a pen capsule, it is understood that the Capsule 202 may alternatively be any other appropriate type of writing implement, including, but not limited to, a marker, felt-tip pen and pencil. In addition, the pen capsule 202 comprises a coupling end 228 that mates with the marker pen cap 204, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6A-B. Also, the coupling end 228 allows the pen capsule 202 to fit into either end 220 or 224 of the blade compartment 206 (FIG. 6B). The mating end 228 of the pen cap 202 preferably provides a friction fit with either the highlighter cap 204 or ends 220, 224. Alternatively, the mating end 228 engages the highlighter cap 204. or ends 220, 224 by screwing on coupling end 228, or by other known methods.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a capsule of a marker type marker 204.

The marker type marker capsule 204 preferably has a marker type marker tip 232. While said discussion refers to the capsule 204 as a marker type marker capsule, it is understood that the capsule 204 may alternatively be any other type of tool. . For example, capsule 204 may alternatively be another writing implement, including, but not limited to, a pen or pencil. Alternatively, capsule 204 can be a measuring tool such as a retractable tape measurer, flashlight, compass, level, barcode scanner, or any other accessory. In addition, marker pen capsule 204 has a mating end 233 that fits into pen capsule 202 (FIG. 5). Also, the mating end 230 engages the marker pen cap 204 into the end 224 of a blade compartment 206. It is preferred that coupling end 230 is screwed to end 224, although any other suitable coupling means may be employed.

Figure 9A depicts a perspective view of the blade cartridge 210 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the blade cartridge 210 comprises a blade cartridge body 234 having a track groove 238 as well as a guide window 252, a blade switch 212, a blade blade 216 therein, a pair of blades 214 and a guide mechanism 250. Alternatively, the blade cartridge 210 '(FIG. 10A) comprises the aforementioned elements as well as a safety spring element 248 as will be discussed below.

The blade cartridge 210 shown in FIG. 9A comprises a blade cartridge body 234 having two sides of the body 234A, 234B. The body sides 234A, 234B are each coupled to each other to form the blade cartridge body 234, the sides 234A, 234B being arranged generally parallel to each other. The body sides 234A, 234B are formed from a molded plastic part and stamped to form the blade cartridge body 234. Alternatively, the body sides 234A, 234B are separate pieces that mate with each other to form the cartridge body of the blade 234. Each side of the body 234A, 234B has a respective top surface 242A, 242B, such that the engagement of the sides of the body 234A, 234B with each other forms a combined top surface 242.

The upper surface 242 of the blade cartridge body 234 has a track slot 238 that allows the blade switch 212 to move laterally between the first and second positions when the blade cartridge 210 is in a state. active. The blade cartridge 210 is configured to be in an active state and an inactive state, preferably for safety reasons. When the blade cartridge 210 is in the active state, the blade 216 can move laterally between the first and second positions. In contrast, the blade 216 cannot move laterally between the first and second positions when the blade cartridge 210 is in the inactive state. The upper surface 242 of the blade cartridge body 234 preferably comprises two tabs 244 disposed at each end of the blade cartridge body 234. The tabs 244 serve as barriers for the blade switch 212, such that the switch or of blade 212 does not travel past tabs 244 when blade cartridge 210 is in the active state. Details regarding the active state and the inactive state of the blade cartridge 210 will be discussed in more detail below.

Blade cartridge 210 also comprises a notch 236 which is defined as a space between body side 234A and body side 234B. The notch 236 houses the knife blade 216 and preferably runs along the entire length of the blade cartridge body 234. The blade cartridge body 234

ES 2 365 752 T3 preferably comprises a blade slot 246 disposed at each end of the blade cartridge body 234, the blade slot 246 being in communication with the notch 236. Alternatively, a blade slot 246 is provided at only one end of the blade cartridge body 234. The blade slot 246 is also in communication with the blade slot 222 (FIG. 6A). Knife blade 216 travels along notch 236 between a closed or retracted position and an open or extended position, with knife blade 216 extending through knife slot 246 and blade slot 222 ( Figure 6A) when in the extended position. Knife blade 216 is coupled to knife switch 212, as shown in FIG. 9A, in which knife switch 212 is laterally displaced along the track slot 238 between the first position and the second position, the knife blade 216 correspondingly moving between the retracted and extended positions. Alternatively, the knife switch 212 only moves laterally towards one end, with the knife blade 212 moving in said same single direction.

Furthermore, blade cartridge 210 preferably comprises two blades 214 that secure blade cartridge 210 within the blade cartridge housing 218. Alternatively, blade cartridge 210 has only one blade 214. Each blade 214 , shown in Figures 9A and 10A, is configured to provide an elastic snap fit between the blade cartridge 210 and the interior walls of the blade cartridge housing 218. As the blade cartridge 210 is inserted into the blade cartridge housing 218, each blade 214 snaps into place and locks the blade cartridge 210 in place, as shown in Figures 6A-B. The friction fit between blade 214 and its respective interior wall, as depicted in Figures 6A-B, secures blade cartridge 210 in blade cartridge housing 218. As the blade cartridge 210 is disengaged from the blade cartridge housing 218, each of the blades 214 is driven toward each other to create sufficient clearance to allow the user to pull the blade cartridge 210 away from the blade cartridge housing. blade 218. Each blade 214 is preferably made of the same material as that of the blade cartridge body 234A, 234B and has a feature similar to a spring element. It should be noted that the attachment of the blade cartridge 210 in the blade cartridge housing 218 is not limited to the above discussion and may alternatively encompass other types of assemblies.

The blade cartridge 210 is configured to be in an active state and in an inactive state. When the alternate embodiment is in the inactive state, the blade switch 212 is positioned within the stop slot, as shown in FIG. 10A, and cannot be laterally displaced in either direction. Preferably, the blade cartridge 210 is in the non-active state when the blade cartridge 210 is not nested within the blade cartridge housing 218 (FIG. 6A) of the blade compartment 206. Preferably, Once the blade cartridge 210 has been fitted within the blade cartridge housing 218 (FIG. 6A) of the blade compartment 206, the blade cartridge is brought into the active state. When the blade cartridge 210 is in the active state, the blade switch 212 can be moved along the track slot 238, preferably actuating the blade switch 212, thereby, the blade of the blade. blade 216 to travel between the retracted and extended positions.

The details of the active state and the non-active state of the blade cartridge 210 will be discussed below with the aid of Figures 9-13. The preferred embodiment of blade cartridge 210, shown in FIG. 9A, comprises two tabs 272B integrally formed within the body of blade cartridge 234B. Although not shown in FIG. 9A, it is preferred that the two tabs 272A (not shown) are also integrally formed within the blade cartridge body 234A. Specifically, one end of the tab 272A, 272B, shown in FIG. 9A as the upper end, is respectively attached to the cartridge body of the corresponding blade 234A, 234B. The other end of the tab 272A, 272B, shown in Figure 9A as the lower end, is configured such that the lower ends slope inwardly toward each other. The lower ends of the tabs 272A and 272B are configured to preferably lock together, the notch line of the tab 273 (FIG. 10B) restricting the forward motion of the blade 216. Such a locked configuration prevents the knife blade 216 from moving laterally in any direction along the blade cartridge 210 when the blade cartridge 210 is in the inactive state or is not seated within the housing. blade cartridge 218. However, the tabs 272A, 272B are configured such that the lower ends separate and rotate away from each other when the blade cartridge 210 is nested within the blade cartridge housing 218, as shown. in Figure 9B.

Figure 9B depicts a sectional view of one of the blade cartridge tabs 272 coupled to the tab spacer 278 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9B, the inner surface of the tab 272 comprises a notch line of the tab 273 projecting therefrom. Figure 9B also depicts a tab spacer 278, which is configured to be within the blade compartment 206 (not shown). It is preferred that the blade compartment of the present invention comprises a tab spacer 278 on each side to engage corresponding tabs 272A, 272B. The tab spacer 278 has a spacer slot shown in Figure 9B at 279, the notch line of the tab 273 engaging within the spacer slot 279. The spacer slot 279 engages the line of tongue groove

ES 2 365 752 T3

273 and forces the tab 272 away from the tab 272 on the other side of the blade cartridge when the blade cartridge 210 is inserted into the blade cartridge housing 218. The displacement of the tabs 272A , 272B moving away from each other puts the blade cartridge 210 in the active state, since the notch lines of the tab 273 no longer restrict the advancement of the blade of the knife 216.

The alternate embodiment of the blade cartridge body 234 comprises a stop slot 240 (FIG. 11) disposed in the upper surface 242 of the blade cartridge body 234 and disposed midway along the blade slot. track 238. Stop slot 240 (Figure 11) is large enough that blade switch 212 can fully engage inside stop slot 240 (Figure 10A) when blade cartridge 210 is in the state. inactive. Figure 10B represents a sectional perspective view of the blade cartridge of the embodiment according to the present invention. Blade cartridge 210 comprises a guide unit or mechanism 250 that places blade cartridge 210 in the active and inactive states and also actuates knife switch 212 and knife blade 216 between the retracted positions. and extended. Guide mechanism 250 is an element of the blade switch 212 itself and comprises two hub elements 250A (FIG. 10A) and 250B (FIG. 10B). Alternatively, the guide mechanism 250 is a separate piece and comprises only a hub element, with the guide mechanism 250 coupling to the blade switch 212. Any of the hub elements 250A, 250B is detected through the aperture of the sheet, which is defined as the space identified with numerical reference 254 in Figure 10. As depicted in FIG. 10A, the hub element 250A is preferably sensed through the guide window 252 of the blade cartridge 210, with the hub element 250A being capable of lateral movement in any direction along the window of the blade. guide 252 when the blade cartridge 210 is in the active state.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the safety spring element 248 within the guide window 252 operates to place the blade cartridge 210 'in the non-active state when the blade cartridge 210 is missing. coupled to blade compartment 206. Both sides 234A, 234B of blade cartridge 210 comprise a safety spring element 248. Alternatively, only one side of blade cartridge 210 comprises a safety spring element 248. In the non-active state, safety spring element 248 exerts a default downward force on hub element 250A, thereby that the guide mechanism itself 250 is likewise driven downward. This causes the blade switch 212 to be confined within the stop slot 240 (FIG. 11). In addition, the guide mechanism 250 comprises a guide bar 266 which is shown in Figure 10 disposed below the blade switch 212. In the non-active state, the guide bar 266 rests on the ledges of the stop groove 268 , shown in Figure 10 and housed between the cornices of the stop groove 268. As a result, the knife switch 212 and the knife blade 216 are prevented from moving in a lateral direction when in the non-active state. The safety spring element 248 is made from a molded plastic, which is the same as the blade cartridge 210 itself. Alternatively, the safety spring element 248 is made from any other elastic material that has characteristics analogous to a spring element.

Figure 11 represents a sectional perspective view of a compartment of the blade.

Figure 12 represents a perspective view of the blade compartment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the blade compartment 210 comprises a guide spring element 256 disposed within the blade compartment 206. The guide spring element 256 has a fixed end 258 which is clamped. permanently to an inner surface 264 of blade compartment 210 and a mating end 260 that is sensed with a side groove 262, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the side slot 262 is formed on the side of the blade compartment 206 and allows the guide spring element 256 to move laterally along the length of the side slot 262. . Guide mechanism 250 (FIG. 9) engages guide spring element 256, placing guide spring element 256 to blade cartridge 210 in the active / inactive state and also provides a smooth lateral movement of the mechanism. guide 250 along the track groove guide 270, as shown in FIG. 13. To address safety issues with tool 200, guide spring element 256 automatically biases guide mechanism 250, and therefore knife blade 216, to the first and retracted positions. Accordingly, the knife blade 216 will remain in the extended position only when the user pushes the knife switch 216 to the second position. Otherwise, the guide spring element 256 will urge the knife blade 216 to retract into the knife compartment 206 when the user is not urging the knife switch 216 to the second position. Alternatively, the knife blade 216 is not urged by the guide spring member 256 toward the retracted position.

In the alternate embodiment, guide spring member 256 places blade cartridge 210 in the active / inactive state. The mating end 260 of the guide spring element 256 has a "U" shaped receiver, the hub element 250B nesting within the "U" shaped receiver at the end of the guide spring.

ES 2 365 752 T3 engages 260, as shown in Figure 13. The guide spring element 256 is configured to be in a position where the hub element 250B automatically engages within the "" shape. U "of the mating end 260 of the guide spring member 256 when the blade cartridge 210 is inserted into the blade cartridge housing 218 (FIG. 12). Guide spring element 256 is also positioned at a predetermined height within blade compartment 210 such that guide spring element 256 exerts an upward force on guide mechanism 250. Said upward force exerts by the guide spring element 256 puts the blade cartridge 210 in the active state by overcoming the opposing downward force exerted by the safety spring element 248 to the guide mechanism 250.

Figure 13 represents a sectional perspective view of a blade cartridge.

As discussed above, the blade cartridge 210 is brought into the active state when the blade cartridge 210 is inserted into the blade cartridge housing 218 (FIG. 12) of the blade compartment 206. FIG. 13 presents the inner parts of the blade cartridge 210 in the active state. As discussed above, the blade cartridge 210 is in the non-active state due to the force exerted on the guide mechanism 250 by the safety spring element 248. As noted above, the locking element Guide spring 256 is positioned at a predetermined height within blade compartment 206 to exert an upward force on guide mechanism 250. Said upward force is sufficient to overcome the opposing downward force exerted by the safety spring element 248. As shown in figure 13, in the active state, the guide mechanism bar 266 is raised. of the cornices of the stop groove 268 and is brought into communication with the guide of the groove of the track 270. Also, the blade switch 212 is lifted from the stop slot 240 and can be moved laterally along the track slot 238. Therefore, the guide mechanism bar 266 fits inside the guide mechanism. track groove 270 and allows guide mechanism 250 to move between the first and second positions. It should be noted that while the guide mechanism 250 exerts an upward force, it is not limited to an upward force. Therefore, the guide mechanism 250 alternately exerts a downward force, which is opposed to an upward force exerted by the safety spring element 248.

It is preferred that the blade cartridge 210 of the present invention can be easily disposed of. As shown in FIG. 9A, a thin rib 274 is preferably configured within the guide window 252 of the blade cartridge 210 and is initially molded into the body of the blade cartridge 232B. As shown in FIG. 9A, the thin rib 274 is initially attached to the blade cartridge body 234B and is positioned vertically toward the "N" position which means "New". The thin rib 274 is configured to release or disengage from the blade cartridge body 234 when a guide arm 276 presses the thin rib 274 from the vertical or "N" position to the "U" position. This occurs after the knife blade 216 has been activated and pressed in the direction of the thin rib 274 for the first time. In other words, the guide arm forces the thin rib 274 towards the used position 253 after the first use of the knife blade 216. Preferably, the guide window 252 comprises a thin rib 274 at each end. Alternatively, thin rib 274 is attached to only one end of guide window 252. As noted above, the knife blade 216 is preferably laterally displaced in any direction in the blade cartridge 210, the blade of the blade 216 extending into any slot in the blade of the blade cartridge 210. Accordingly , both ends of blade cartridge 210 and knife blade 216 can be used. Once one side of the knife blade 216 has become dull or unusable, the blade cartridge 210 can be removed and reinserted such that the unused knife slot is positioned to be in communication with blade slot 222. Once the other side of the knife blade 216 has become dull or unusable, the user will know to dispose of the blade cartridge 210 as both thin ribs 274 will have moved to the used position. 253.

Alternatively, a thin film of material (not shown) covers the blade slot 246 (FIG. 9) of the blade cartridge 210, the thin film (not shown) being perforated by the blade of the blade 212 after the first use of the knife blade 212. The knife slot 246 at each end of the blade cartridge body 234 comprises the thin film of material (not shown). Alternatively, the thin film of material is disposed only in one of the blade slots 246. As noted above, the blade of the blade 216 is laterally displaced in either direction in the blade cartridge 210, the blade extending of the blade 216 into any slot of the blade cartridge blade 210. Accordingly, both ends of the blade cartridge 210 and the blade blade 216 can be used. Once one side of the knife blade 216 has become dull or no longer usable, the blade cartridge 210 can be removed and reinserted such that the unused knife slot is positioned to communicate with blade slot 222. Once the other side of the knife blade 216 has become dull or no longer usable, the user will know to dispose of the blade cartridge 210 as both thin films of material will have already been pierced.

The blade compartment 206 is assembled by mating the two sides of the blade compartment together. The cap of the marker pen 204 is then attached to the end 224 of the blade compartment 206. The cap of the pen 202, as shown in Figure 5, is attached to the cap of the pen.

2 365 752 T3 marker pen 204. The blade cartridge 210 is inserted into the blade cartridge housing 218, the blades 214 providing a resilient snap fit within the blade cartridge housing 218.

The user places a blade cartridge 210, which is in the non-active state, into the blade cartridge housing 218. Once the blade cartridge 210 has snapped into the blade cartridge housing blade 218, guide mechanism 250 fits inside U-shaped receiver 260 of guide spring element 256. In addition, the tabs 272A, 272B are forced to separate from each other by engaging the corresponding tab spacers 278, placing the blade cartridge 210 in the active state. To remove the blade cartridge 210, the user presses the blades 214 closer together, thereby allowing sufficient play to pull the blade cartridge 210 out of engagement with the blade compartment 206. As noted above, the pen cap 202 can also be attached to the end 220 of the blade compartment 206. Once attached, the user can rotate the pen cap 202 to expose the tip of the pen.

ES 2 365 752 T3

REFERENCES MENTIONED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references mentioned by the applicant is provided solely for the convenience of the reader.

It is not part of the European patent document. Although the compilation of the references has been done with the utmost care, the possibility of errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the Office

European Patent declines all responsibility in this regard.

Patent documents mentioned in the description • GB 2349841 A [0004]