Illuminated Tool Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements in the field of tools, such as utility knives. The tool features a battery powered illumination element that allows the user to illuminate the working surface and working edge. This enhances working with a tool or utility knife in conditions where there is inadequate light. The user can press a button on the handle to activate or deactivate the light without deploying the blade, and the batteries that power the light may be replaced or recharged as needed.

Claims

1. A tool comprising: a working edge; a housing having a cavity sized and configured to hold the working edge; a handle positioned on the housing, wherein the handle is comprised of a grip area and an activation button; and an illumination element provided on the housing for illuminating a working area when the activation button is engaged.

2. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip area comprises a rubberized area.

3. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip area comprises a plurality of finger areas to improve holding of the tool.

4. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination element projects a wide or narrow light beam, a different colored light, or a UV light.

5. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing is comprised of an antimicrobial material.

6. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of an antimicrobial material.

7. The tool as recited in claim 1 further comprising a battery and a usage indicator.

8. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an eyelet for holding the tool.

9. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the activation button comprises a selection feature to allow changing of a light beam from the illumination element.

10. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a blade slider for moving the working edge into and out of the housing.

11. The tool as recited in claim 1, wherein the tool is a utility knife.

12. A utility knife comprising: a housing comprised of a handle and a battery compartment; a blade; a gripping area disposed of on the handle; an illumination element disposed of on the housing; a blade slider disposed of on the housing for repositioning the blade relative to the housing; and an activation button for activating the illumination element.

13. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the gripping area comprises a rubberized ribbed area.

14. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the activation button comprises a selection feature to allow changing of a light beam emanating from the illumination element.

15. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the selection feature allows for selection of at least one of a wide light beam, a narrow light beam, a colored light, or a UV light.

16. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a usage guide.

17. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the housing comprises an eyelet and an antimicrobial material.

18. The utility knife as recited in claim 12, wherein the gripping area comprises a plurality of finger areas.

19. A kit for retrofitting a tool, the kit comprising: a package; a battery housing; at least one battery; an attachment feature; and at least one illumination element.

20. The kit as recited in claim 19, wherein the illumination element projects a wide light beam, a narrow light beam, a first colored light, a second colored light and a UV light as chosen by a user via a selection feature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the illuminated tool device depicting both sides of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the illuminated tool device, depicting the illumination function of the device upon actuation of the power button in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the illuminated tool device of the present invention being used in dimly lit conditions to cut open a box with the light illuminated in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the battery replacement mechanism of one potential embodiment of the illuminated tool device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, as well as a cover being placed over the knife for protection while not in use;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the blade or working edge replacement mechanism of the illuminate tool device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a screwdriver is used to loosen and remove the screw on the side of the LED utility knife in order to remove or replace the blade; and

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates one potential embodiment of a kit for use in retrofitting a tool with an illumination element in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0026] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tool that allows users to illuminate a cutting or working surface to provide for a safer and more accurate experience. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a tool with a light source that can be illuminated without deploying the blade or working edge. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an illumination element combined with a tool that is battery operated.

[0027] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a illuminated tool device. The tool is comprised of a light source, such as but not limited to an LED light, that allows a user to illuminate the cutting or working surface and blade or working edge of the tool. This invention is generally desired in the art to make the experience of working with a versatile tool which has a working edge or utility knife safer, especially in conditions where there is inadequate lighting, or the working surface is difficult to see, such as where the surface is fabric or the surface is covered with debris, when performing the working such as cutting. While working in a dimly lit setting, the user can press a button on the handle to activate or deactivate the LED light without deploying the blade or working edge. The blade or working edge can be replaced via a fastener implemented within the handle. The blade or working edge is released and reinstalled so an individual can utilize the knife or working edge as needed. The light maximizes the accuracy and safety while working on or cutting various surfaces and materials, eliminating the need to use one hand to operate a tool, such as a utility knife, and the other hand to hold a flashlight or direct a light source to the point of the working edge.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the tool 100, depicting both sides of the housing 109. In the present embodiment, the tool 100 is an improved tool or utility knife that maximizes accuracy and safety. The tool 100 is particularly designed to allow an individual to use the tool in dimly lit conditions, eliminating the need to hold the tool in one hand and a flashlight in the other hand while cutting or performing work on a surface. More specifically, the tool 100 generally comprises a housing 109 which forms a handle 110, and at least one blade 120. The housing 109 includes a cavity in which the blade 120 or other working edge may be stored. The housing 109 and/or handle 110 may also be produced with an antimicrobial material so that if the tool is used by multiple individuals, germs and bacterial will not be transferred from individual to individual.

[0029] In one embodiment, the handle 110 has at least one power button 111, at least one blade slider 112, at least one fastener 113, at least one illumination element such as but not limited to a LED light 114, at least one battery compartment 107, and at least one battery cover 116.

[0030] In one embodiment, the power button 111 is located on a side of the handle 110 and is used to turn the illumination element 114 on or off. The power button 111 can be actuated without deploying the blade 120. The power button 111 may have a selection feature 115 to allow the user to choose between a wide beam or narrow beam in order to focus the light emitting from the illumination element.

[0031] The handle 110 may be manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymer, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, or any other material or combination thereof deemed suitable for the purpose described.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the tool 100, depicting the illumination function of the lighting element such as a LED light 114 upon actuation of the power button 111. FIG. 2 depicts the LED light utility knife 100 in both illuminated conditions with the LED light 114 deactivated, and dim conditions with the LED light 114 activated.

[0033] In one embodiment, the LED light 114 is located on the housing 109 just below the blade or working edge 120. This location allows for illumination of both the cutting surface and the blade 120 which provides a more accurate and safe experience during use.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the tool 100 being used in dimly lit conditions to cut open a box with the light 114 illuminated, and wherein the blade slider 112 in the fully actuated position having fully deployed the blade 120. The tool 100 may also have a blade in a permanently fixed position which would not require the working edge to be retracted or placed in an operating position. The blade slider 112 has a locking mechanism that allows the user to lock the blade 120 or working edge in a fully deployed or fully retracted position for an added level of safety.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of batteries being placed into the battery compartment 107, and battery cover 116 of the light 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. This figure also depicts at least one knife cover 117 being placed over the knife for extra protection while not in use. Further, at least one eyelet 121 may be used to hang the tool or knife from a hook or key chain.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the blade replacement mechanism of the tool 100 of the present invention. A screwdriver or other flat tool is used to actuate the fastener 113, loosening and removing the fastener 113 (such as but not limited to a screw) on the side of the handle 110 of the LED utility knife 100 in order to remove or replace the blade 120. FIG. 5 also shows the grip area 123 which may be a ribbed, rubberized area to help in holding the tool. The grip area may also have finger areas 127 to improve the grip on the tool 100. A usage indicator 125 also provides a counter so that the individual can count the number of times the working edge or blade has been used so as to signal time to change the working edge or blade.

[0037] FIG. 6 provides a kit 600 which includes a package 602 which is suitable for retail or online sales. The kit 600 includes a housing 610 for holding one or more batteries 612, 614. The kit further includes different illumination elements 616, 618, 620 to allow the user to select different lights that may be used with the tool or utility knife. The illumination elements may provide one of a wide or narrow light beam, different colored light, UV light so that the light may be used to highlight a line which may be traced on the material. The kit also includes an attachment feature 622 which may be an adhesive, magnet, clip, hook and loop or combinations thereof.

[0038] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “LED light utility knife”, “tool”, “tool or utility knife”, “illuminated tool or utility knife”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the LED light utility knife 100 of the present invention.

[0039] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.