Cutlery – Holders for detachable blades
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-14
2001-04-17
Rachuba, M. (Department: 3724)
Cutlery
Holders for detachable blades
C030S332000, C081S438000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216348
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tool handle, and, more particularly, to a tool handle for receiving a blade member in a manner permitting continuous maintenance of overall tool length irrespective of blade wear.
Engraving tools are well known in the art, and consist generally of a spike-shaped blade member which extends from a handle suitably configured for reception in the palm of the hand. Tools of this type are used for a variety of purposes in addition to engraving. For example, engraving tools are use by stone setters to mount diamonds and other stones in a setting. The process is carried out by fitting the stone in a receiving hole formed in the metal support to which the stone is to be mountably secured, and compressing the metal at points along a periphery of the receiving hole to form a series of beads protruding inwardly above, and in contact peripherally with, the stone, thus captively holding the stone in the setting. To maintain precise control while performing this operation, the tool is held in the hand with the handle supported at its base on the heel of the palm, and with the blade supported proximate a terminal end thereof by a suitable extended finger of the same hand in supportive contact therewith.
Repeated use of the engraving tool in performance of such tasks results in blade wear, requiring regrinding and a resultant shortening of the blade. This blade shortening adversely affects proper handling of the tool, since the distance that the blade extends forward of the handle is preferably of a constant length selected for ideal comfort and control, predetermined based upon the characteristics of the individual user's hand.
To address this need, a variety of handles are currently available, each permitting the base of a blade to be inserted to different preset depth. Selection of a suitable handle thereby allows incremental control over the overall length of the tool when a blade is inserted therein. In this manner, as a blade is worn, and its length is diminished, a handle permitting a shallower degree of blade insertion is selected to compensate for the decrease in blade length. Although somewhat effective, such solution requires purchase and storage of a plurality of handles, and does not permit continuous blade reception depth adjustment.
A tool handle permitting simple and reliable adjustment of an overall tool length when a blade is received therein, and which advantageously permits continuous adjustment of a permitted degree of blade insertion into the handle, would therefore be highly desirable.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a tool handle which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a tool handle which permits a user thereof to selectively control a permitted depth of insertion of a blade received therein such that the degree of extension of the blade can be adjusted as needed, for example, to maintain constant tool length irrespective of blade wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, there is provided a tool handle for fixed support of a blade member which permits adjustment of a blade reception depth. Such feature allows the degree of blade extension to be user-determined based upon individual need, and permits such selected amount that the blade member extends from the tool handle to be maintained at a constant length irrespective of overall shortening of the blade member due to wear.
Briefly stated, the tool handle includes a central bore suited to reception of a blade through a front opening thereof, and an adjustable stop receivable in the bore, the position of which can be selectively fixed along a longitudinal central axis of the tool handle. So positioned, the stop blocks insertion of the blade beyond a fixed point along the bore selected by the user. As the blade is worn and reground, the stop is moved to a position closer to the front opening of the bore, shortening the degree of blade insertion permitted, and thus allowing a constant distance of blade extension to be maintained. Advantageously, although not necessarily, the stop is continuously, rather than incrementally, adjustable. Means for securing the blade to the handle are also provided.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a tool handle in which a central bore extends the entire length thereof, the bore having an opening in both a front and a back face of the tool handle. The central bore is internally threaded for threadably receiving therein a threaded stop member. Means are provided, at a side of the stop facing rearward of the tool handle, for turning the stop to thereby permit adjustment of a longitudinal position thereof along the bore, conveniently in the form of a slot or other configuration adapted to use with an appropriately sized screw-driver insertable into the bore from the back of the tool handle. The side of the stop facing forward of the tool handle advantageously includes centering means for maintaining a fixed position of the inserted end of the blade, conveniently provided as a centrally-formed cylindrical countersunk bore. Securement means are carried on the handle at a location proximal to blade insertion for securing the blade thereto, conveniently provided in the form of a chuck which compressively engages the blade when tightened.
In an alternative embodiment in accordance with the invention, a tool handle permits user adjustment of blade insertion depth without the need for secondary adjustment tools. Like the above embodiment, a threaded stop is threadably received in a threaded bore in the handle, however the means provided on threaded stop for selectively moving same in a direction along a longitudinal tool axis are provided in the form of longitudinal slots which slidably receive arms of an advancement member rotatably mounted to the handle. Terminal ends of the arms are retained for rotation of the advancement member about a fixed axis. A locking nut is provided which threadably engages a threaded portion of the advancement member, and which, when tightened against the forward end of the handle, prevents rotation of the advancement member relative handle
31
. When the threaded stop is to be relocated along the longitudinal tool axis, use of a secondary adjustment tool is thereby obviated. To effect adjustment, the user simply loosens the locking nut, which then permits rotation of the advancement member, and which in turn rotates the threaded stop. When a desired longitudinal stop position is reached, the locking nut is tightened against the handle, prohibiting continued undesirable rotation during use of the engraving tool.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 784289 (1905-03-01), Weston
patent: 1409311 (1922-03-01), Olson
patent: 2619724 (1952-12-01), Manthey et al.
patent: 3338278 (1967-08-01), Reuterfors
patent: 3349487 (1967-10-01), Robins
patent: 5657541 (1997-08-01), Hickok et al.
patent: 1522454 (1978-08-01), None
Jordan and Hamburg LLP
Rachuba M.
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