Multi-purpose utility tool
View Patent ↗A multi-purpose utility tool which may include an elongated body member configured to slidably house a tool bit mounting device inside of the body member. The body member may be operable to receive the tool bit from within the body member and to expose the tool bit for use outside of the body member. The tool may also include a support device slidably cooperating within the body member. The support device may cooperate with the mounting device for rotatably holding the mounting device within the body member. In addition, the tool may include a locking device which also slidably cooperates within the body member. The locking device may also slidably mate with the support device and lock the support device within the body member at a desired location within the body member.
1. A utility knife comprising:
a blade mount component configured to accept a blade, said blade mount component comprising a square boss having rounded corners and a first width; and
a guide track component comprising a rectilinear slot having parallel sides, said rectilinear slot comprising three portions: a first portion having a second width, a second portion having a third width, and a third portion having a fourth width, said second portion being located between said first and third portions,
wherein said square boss is operable to slide within said rectilinear slot and thereby allow said blade mount component to be slidably attached to said utility knife,
wherein said second width is sufficiently larger than said first width to allow for linear movement of said square boss within said first portion and said second width is sufficiently small to prevent rotation of said square boss within said first portion,
wherein said third width is sufficiently larger than said first width to allow for rotation of said square boss within said second portion and to allow for linear movement of said square boss between said first portion and said third portion, and said third width is sufficiently small to limit movement of said square boss between said first portion and said third portion to an essentially linear movement,
wherein said fourth width is sufficiently larger than said first width to allow for linear movement of said square boss within said third portion and said fourth width is sufficiently small to prevent rotation of said square boss within said third portion, and
wherein rotation of said square boss corresponds to rotation of said blade mount component, thereby permitting rotation of a blade affixed to said blade mount component.
2. A utility knife as in claim 1 , wherein a blade affixed to said blade mount component is in a fully extended position in said utility knife when said square boss is located at a first end of said rectilinear slot and within said third portion, thereby preventing rotation of said square boss within said rectilinear slot.
3. A utility knife as in claim 1 , wherein a blade affixed to said blade mount is in a fully retracted position in said utility knife when said square boss is located at a second end of said rectilinear slot and within said first portion, thereby preventing rotation of said square boss within said rectilinear slot.
4. A utility knife as in claim 1 , wherein said square boss is operable to be rotated 360°, corresponding to 360° rotation of said blade mount component, thereby permitting a 360° rotation of a blade affixed to said blade mount component.