Replaceable Blade Mechanism

Abstract

The device is a tool holder capable of holding various types of tools. The device uses a cam lock mechanism designed to quickly attach and detach the tool from the tool holder. The cam lock cinches down on the shank of the tool, which virtually eliminates any play or movement during hard use. To replace the tool, the user deactivates the cam lock by pressing upward on the cam lever. In turn, the cam lobe rotates and slides out of a recessed portion of the shank. This unlocks the shank and allows the user to freely slide the tool out of the tool holder. To prevent the cam lock from accidentally unlocking during normal use, the device also incorporates a safety lock mechanism. The safety lock requires the user to first press and hold down a button next to the cam lock before disengaging the cam lock mechanism.

Claims

1. A tool holder assembly comprising: a main body; a tool; the main body comprising a top side, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one raised section; the at least one raised section extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end towards the distal end; the at least one raised section comprising a first raised section; the first raised section being positioned offset from the top side by a predefined length; the tool comprising a shank and a head; the shank further comprising a cantilever and at least one slot; a first slot of the at least one slot being disposed adjacent to the cantilever; the first slot being slidably engaged with the first raised section; and the cantilever being detachably connected to the main body.

2. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a cam lock; the cantilever being operably connected to the cam lock; the cam lock further comprising a cam pivot, a cam lever, and a cam lobe; the cam lobe being terminally connected to the cam lever; the cam lobe being oriented orthogonal to the cam lever; the cam lever being terminally connected to the cam pivot; the cam pivot being pivotally connected to the main body; and the cam lock capable of detachably connecting the shank to the main body.

3. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 2 comprising: a cam lobe recess being disposed on an upper surface of the cantilever; and the cam lobe being operably coupled to the cam lobe recess.

4. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 2 comprising: a cam lobe recess being disposed on an upper surface of the cantilever; the cam lobe being operably coupled to the cam lobe recess; the first raised section further comprising a raised lobe; a raised lobe recess being disposed on a lower surface of the cantilever; and the raised lobe being operably coupled to the raised lobe recess.

5. The tool holder as claimed in claim 2 comprising: a safety lock; the safety lock comprising a button, an engagement arm, and a spring; the engagement arm being terminally connected to the button; the button being positioned on the main body, adjacent to the cam lock; a first recess being disposed on the main body; the button and the engagement arm positioned within the first recess; a second recess being disposed on the bottom of the cam lever; the engagement arm extending into the second recess; a third recess being disposed on a bottom surface of the button; the spring being positioned within the third recess; and the safety lock capable of securing the cam lever in a locked position.

6. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the at least one raised section further comprising a second raised section; the at least one slot further comprising a second slot; the second raised section being parallel with the first raised section; and the second slot being slidably engaged with the second raised section.

7. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 6 comprising: a clevis joint; the clevis joint being terminally connected to the proximal end of the main body; the clevis joint positioned opposite of the at least one raised section; and the clevis joint capable of being pivotally connected to a folding handle.

8. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 7 comprising: a cover; and the cover being detachably mounted to the main body.

9. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 7 comprising: a thumb stud; the thumb stud being terminally connected to the main body; and the thumb stud being positioned opposite of the cam lever.

10. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head of the tool is selected from the group consisting of: a knife, a saw, a fork, and scraper.

11. A tool holder assembly comprising: a main body; a tool; a cam lock; the main body comprising a top side, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one raised section; the at least one raised section extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end towards the distal end; the at least one raised section comprising a first raised section; the first raised section being positioned offset from the top side by a predefined length; the tool comprising a shank and a head; the shank further comprising a cantilever and at least one slot; a first slot of the at least one slot being disposed adjacent to the cantilever; the first slot being slidably engaged with the first raised section; the cantilever being operably connected to the cam lock; the cam lock being pivotally connected to the main body; the cam lock further comprising a cam pivot, a cam lever, and a cam lobe; the cam lobe being terminally connected to the cam lever; the cam lobe being oriented orthogonal to the cam lever; the cam lever being terminally connected to the cam pivot; the cam pivot being pivotally connected to the main body; and the cam lock capable of detachably connecting the shank to the main body.

12. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 11 comprising: a cam lobe recess being disposed on an upper surface of the cantilever; and the cam lobe being operably coupled to the cam lobe recess.

13. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 11 comprising: a cam lobe recess being disposed on an upper surface of the cantilever; the cam lobe being operably coupled to the cam lobe recess; the first raised section further comprising a raised lobe; a raised lobe recess being disposed on a lower surface of the cantilever; and the raised lobe being operably coupled to the raised lobe recess.

14. The tool holder as claimed in claim 11 comprising: a safety lock; the safety lock comprising a button, an engagement arm, and a spring; the engagement arm being terminally connected to the button; the button being positioned on the main body, adjacent to the cam lock; a first recess being disposed on the main body; the button and the engagement arm positioned within the first recess; a second recess being disposed on the bottom of the cam lever; the engagement arm extending into the second recess; a third recess being disposed on a bottom surface of the button; the spring being positioned within the third recess; and the safety lock capable of securing the cam lever in a locked position.

15. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 11 comprising: a clevis joint; a cover; a thumb stud; the at least one raised section further comprising a second raised section; the at least one slot further comprising a second slot; the second raised section being parallel with the first raised section; the second slot being slidably engaged with the second raised section; the clevis joint being terminally connected to the proximal end of the main body; the clevis joint positioned opposite of the at least one raised section; the clevis joint capable of being pivotally connected to a folding handle; the cover being detachably mounted to the main body; the thumb stud being terminally connected to the main body; and the thumb stud being positioned opposite of the cam lever.

16. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the head of the tool is selected from the group consisting of: a knife, a saw, a fork, and scraper.

17. A tool holder assembly comprising: a main body; a tool; a cam lock; the main body comprising a top side, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one raised section; the at least one raised section extending longitudinally outward from the proximal end towards the distal end; the at least one raised section comprising a first raised section; the first raised section being positioned offset from the top side by a predefined length; the tool comprising a shank and a head; the shank further comprising a cantilever and at least one slot; a first slot of the at least one slot being disposed adjacent to the cantilever; the first slot being slidably engaged with the first raised section; the cantilever being operably connected to the cam lock; the cam lock being pivotally connected to the main body; the cam lock further comprising a cam pivot, a cam lever, and a cam lobe; the cam lobe being terminally connected to the cam lever; the cam lobe being oriented orthogonal to the cam lever; the cam lever being terminally connected to the cam pivot; the cam pivot being pivotally connected to the main body; a cam lobe recess being disposed on an upper surface of the cantilever; the cam lobe being operably coupled to the cam lobe recess; the first raised section further comprising a raised lobe; a raised lobe recess being disposed on a lower surface of the cantilever; the raised lobe being operably coupled to the raised lobe recess; and the cam lock capable of detachably connecting the shank to the main body.

18. The tool holder as claimed in claim 17 comprising: a safety lock; the safety lock comprising a button, an engagement arm, and a spring; the engagement arm being terminally connected to the button; the button being positioned on the main body, adjacent to the cam lock; a first recess being disposed on the main body; the button and the engagement arm positioned within the first recess; a second recess being disposed on the bottom of the cam lever; the engagement arm extending into the second recess; a third recess being disposed on a bottom surface of the button; the spring being positioned within the third recess; and the safety lock capable of securing the cam lever in a locked position.

19. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 17 comprising: a clevis joint; a cover; a thumb stud; the at least one raised section further comprising a second raised section; the at least one slot further comprising a second slot; the second raised section being parallel with the first raised section; the second slot being slidably engaged with the second raised section; the clevis joint being terminally connected to the proximal end of the main body; the clevis joint positioned opposite of the at least one raised section; the clevis joint capable of being pivotally connected to a folding handle; the cover being detachably mounted to the main body; the thumb stud being terminally connected to the main body; and the thumb stud being positioned opposite of the cam lever.

20. The tool holder assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the head of the tool is selected from the group consisting of: a knife, a saw, a fork, and scraper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective exploded view of the present invention, shown in a folding knife configuration.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention, shown in a locked position with the tool folded.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention, shown in a locked position with the tool unfolded.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention, shown in an unlocked position with the tool removed.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top-front-left perspective exploded view of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom-front-left perspective exploded view of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the present invention, shown without the cover.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a magnified view taken from FIG. 8, showing the cam lock feature.

[0018] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 in FIG. 8, showing the safety lock feature.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Hereinafter, the terms tool holder and tool holder assembly are used interchangeably without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, a tool holder refers to a tool holder assembly without the tool attached. Likewise, a tool holder assembly refers to a tool holder with the tool attached.

[0021] In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the present invention is a quick-release, tool free, tool holder capable of holding various types of tools. More specifically, the present invention is a tool holder assembly 1 that allows the user to easily replace one tool for another without having to use a separate tool during tool replacement. The present invention incorporates a unique cam lock mechanism that cinches down on the shank 42 of the tool 4. This virtually eliminates any play or movement during hard use of the tool 4. The tool holder assembly 1 can be adapted to fit on various types of handles, including but not limited to a folding knife 9 as seen in FIGS. 1-4. In this embodiment, the tool holder assembly 1 contains a clevis joint 29 that attaches to an existing pivot pin 92 located on the handle 91 of the folding knife 9. As can be seen in FIGS. 2-3, the user can operate the folding knife 9 in the same manner as a traditional folding knife. Specifically, the user can either unfold the tool holder assembly 1 outward into an open position or fold the tool holder assembly 1 in a closed position. As seen in FIG. 4, the user can quickly remove the tool 4 by engaging the cam lock mechanism.

[0022] To remove the tool 4 from the tool holder 1, the user must first disengage the cam lock 3. This is performed by pressing upward on the cam lever 31 until the cam lever 31 is in the vertical upright position, as seen in FIG. 4. The upright position indicates the tool 4 is unlocked, which allows the user to slide the tool 4 freely out of the tool holder 1. To attach a new tool 4 to the tool holder, the user simply follows the same steps above in reverse order. Specifically, the user first verifies that the cam lever 31 is in the upright vertical position. The upright position indicates the tool holder is unlocked and configured to receive a new tool 4. Next, the user slides the tool 4 into the tool holder until the tool 4 is firmly seated in place. Lastly, the user engages the cam lock 3 by pressing down on the cam lever 31 until the cam lever 31 is in the horizontal position (i.e., parallel with the tool), as seen in FIG. 3. The horizontal position indicates the tool 4 is secured to the tool holder and locked in place. Once locked, the user can now use the new tool 4 as intended.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a safety lock 5. The safety lock 5 secures the cam lever 31 in the horizontal and locked position until the safety lock 5 is disengaged by the user. The purpose of the safety lock 5 is to prevent the cam lock 3 from inadvertently unlocking itself. This can happen when the user accidently presses or bumps the cam lock lever 31 out of the locked position. The unique design of the safety lock 5 eliminates any chance for the cam lever 31 to slip out of place during hard use of the tool 4, thereby avoiding serious injury to the user. When ready to replace the tool, the user first holds down the button 51 to deactivate the safety lock 5. While the safety lock 5 is deactivated, the user can now unlock the tool 4 by rotating the cam lock 3 into the vertical upright position, as seen in FIG. 4. Once unlocked, the user can safely remove the tool from the tool holder.

[0024] In order to perform the functions described above, the tool holder assembly 1 comprises a main body 2, a cam lock 3, and a tool 4. As best seen in FIG. 5, the main body 2 functions as the primary structural component of the present invention, as the remaining components of the present invention are configured upon the main body 2. The main body 2 is preferably made from a durable, high-strength material including but not limited to stainless steel. Moreover, the main body 2 can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements.

[0025] The main body 2 further comprises a top side 20, a bottom side 21, a proximal end 22, a distal end 23, and at least one raised section 24. As best seen in FIG. 8, the at least one raised section 24 extends longitudinally outward from the proximal end 22 towards the distal end 23 of the main body 2. A first raised section 25 of the at least one raised section 24 is oriented parallel with the top side 20, offset by a predefined length L1. The cam lock 3 is pivotally connected to the main body 2, positioned along the top side 20. For maximum engagement, the cam lock 3 is preferably positioned closest to the proximal end 22 of the main body 2. The arrangement between the cam lock 3 and the first raised section 25 provides proper clearance to receive and attach the tool 4 to the main body 2.

[0026] The tool 4 further comprises a head 41 and a shank 42. Both the head 41 and the shank 42 each extend longitudinally outward, opposite of each other. As best seen in FIG. 5, the shank 42 is shaped to slidably engage with the main body 2. In particular, the shank 42 further comprises a cantilever 43 and at least one slot 46. A first slot 47 of the at least one slot 46 is disposed adjacent to the cantilever 43. The first slot 47 is contoured to slidably engage with the first raised section 25 of the main body 2. As best seen in FIG. 9, the cantilever 43 is positioned in between the cam lock 3 and the first raised section 25, such that the cantilever 43 is operably connected to the cam lock 3. In this arrangement, the cam lock 3 is capable of detachably connecting the shank 42 to the main body 2. More specifically, the shank 42 is secured to the main body 2 when the cantilever 43 is fully inserted and the cam lock 3 is in the locked position. The shank 42 is detached from the main body 2 when the cam lock 3 is moved to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the user can then slide the tool 4 out and away from the main body 2.

[0027] In reference to FIG. 9, the cam lock 3 further comprises a cam pivot 32, a cam lever 31, and a cam lobe 33. The cam lobe 33 is terminally connected to the cam lever 31, and the cam lever 31 is terminally connected to the cam pivot 32. The cam pivot 32 is pivotally connected to the main body 2. Both the cam lever 31 and the cam lobe 33 each extend outward, perpendicular to the rotational axis 34 of the cam pivot 32. In the preferred embodiment, the cam lobe 33 is oriented orthogonal to the cam lever 31. However, in other embodiments, the cam lobe 33 may form an acute or obtuse angle with the cam lever 31.

[0028] In order to lock and unlock the tool 4 from the main body 2, the cam lobe 33 is operably connected to the cantilever 43. More specifically, a cam lobe recess 44a is disposed on the upper surface 44 of the cantilever 43. The cam lobe 33 is operably coupled to the cam lobe recess 44a, such that when the cam lock 3 is in the locked position, the cam lobe 33 is positioned within the cam lobe recess 44a. This arrangement prevents the cantilever 43 from sliding out of the locked position. When the cam lock 3 is moved into the unlocked position, the cam lobe 33 is forced out of the cam lobe recess 44a which in turn, releases the engagement on the cantilever 43. This allows the user to freely slide the shank 42 out of the main body 2.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment, both the cam lock 3 and the first raised section 25 are operably connected to the cantilever 43. In this embodiment, the first raised section 25 further comprises a raised lobe 27. The raised lobe 27 is positioned on a distal end 26 of the first raised section 25, extending upward in the direction of the cantilever 43. A corresponding raised lobe recess 45a is disposed on the lower surface 45 of the cantilever 43. The raised lobe 27 is operably coupled to the raised lobe recess 45a, such that when the cam lock 3 is in the locked position, the raised lobe 27 is positioned within the raised lobe recess 45a. This arrangement increases the locking capability of the cam lock 3 due to the additional resistive force applied on the lower surface 45 of the cantilever 43 by the raised lobe 27.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the tool holder assembly 1 further comprises a safety lock 5. As previously mentioned, the safety lock 5 ensures that the cam lock 3 does not inadvertently disengage during hard use of the tool 4. A disengagement during hard use can cause serious injury to the user. In reference to FIG. 10, the safety lock 5 further comprises a button 51, an engagement arm 52, and a spring 53. The spring 53 is preferably a coil spring. However, other types of springs may be employed, including but not limited to a conical spring and a compression spring. The engagement arm 52 is terminally connected to the button 51, extending planarly outward from a bottom surface 57 of the button 51. The button 51 is positioned on the main body 2, adjacent to the cam lock 3. Both the button 51 and the engagement arm 52 are positioned within a first recess 54 disposed on the main body 2. The engagement arm 52 extends into a second recess 55 disposed at the bottom of the cam lever 31. The spring 53 is positioned within a third recess 56 disposed at the bottom surface 57 of the button 51. The safety lock 5 automatically activates when the cam lock 3 is in the locked position and no force is applied on the button 51. More specifically, the spring force applies upward pressure on the button 51. This causes the engagement arm 52 to slide into the second recess 55 of the cam lever 31, which in turn, prevents rotational movement of the cam lever 31. To deactivate the safety lock 5, the user simply presses and holds down on the button 51. This causes the top of the engagement arm 52 to move downward, below the second recess 55 of the cam lever 31 and into the first recess 54 of the main body 2. While the safety lock 5 is deactivated, the user can freely move the cam lever 31 into an unlocked position.

[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the present invention further employs a second raised section. The use of two raised sections provides increased rigidity and further minimizes any play or movement between the shank 42 and the main body 2. In particular, the at least one raised section 24 of the main body 2 further comprises a second raised section 28. As best seen in FIG. 8, the second raised section extends longitudinally outward from the proximal end 22, parallel with the first raised section 25. Moreover, the second raised section 28 is positioned in between the first raised section 25 and the bottom side 21 of the main body 2. On the shank end of the tool 4, the at least one slot 46 further comprises a second slot 48. The second slot 48 is contoured to slidably engage with the second raised section 28 of the main body 2.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a clevis joint 29. As best seen in FIG. 8, the clevis joint 29 is terminally connected to the proximal end 22 of the main body 2, positioned opposite of the at least one raised section 24. In this embodiment, the clevis joint 29 is adapted to receive a pivot pin 92. As best seen in FIG. 1, the entire tool holder assembly 1 can be pivotally connected to a folding handle 91 or any other type of handle that employs a pivot pin.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a cover 6. As best seen in FIG. 5, the cover 6 is preferably in the form of a metal plate and is detachably mounted to the main body 2 via a plurality of fasteners. However, the means of securing the cover 6 to the main body 2 is not limited to fasteners. The cover 6 can be secured by any suitable means including but not limited to adhesive bonding and tab fittings. In this embodiment, the cover 6 secures the shank 42 of the tool 4 to the main body 2. More specifically, the cam lock 3 prevents movement of shank 42 in the longitudinal direction, whereas the cover 6 prevents movement of the shank 42 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the cover 6 can be adapted to secure the button 51 and the spring 53 in place.

[0034] In another embodiment, the present invention further comprises a thumb stud 7. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thumb stud 7 is terminally connected to the main body 2, positioned opposite of the cam lever 31. Preferably, the thumb stud 7 is identical in shape and size to the cam lever 31. This arrangement not only enhances the overall appearance of the present invention, but also improves the ergonomic handling when used as a folding knife 9.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the head 41 of the tool 4 is not limited in shape and can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and/or manufacturing requirements. In another embodiment, the head 41 of the tool 4 is selected from the group consisting of: a knife, a saw, a fork, and a scraper. Stated another way, the head 41 can take the form of a knife, a saw, a fork, or a scraper.

[0036] In other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the use of a cam lock 3. More specifically, the cantilever 43 of the shank 42 can be detachably connected to the main body 2 by any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The means of attachment may include but are not limited to an elbow latch and a sloping surface (i.e., ramp). By way of example, the sloping surface can be integrated into the first raised section 25. When the cantilever 43 is fully inserted, the sliding engagement between the cantilever 43 and the sloping surface creates a bending force on the cantilever 43. The bending force on the cantilever 43 secures the shank 42 to the main body 2.

[0037] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.