GB2502826A - Cutting tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A cutting tool 1 comprises a handle 2 and a number of cutting blades wherein holding the handle in a vertical or horizontal position presents a different cutting blade for cutting, slicing or chopping. The cutting tool may comprise two primary blades 3, 4 on either side of the handle and a secondary blade 5 at the end or tip opposite the handle, and preferably has a looped triangular shape with a blade on three sides and a handle at one end. Preferably holding the handle vertically presents one of the primary blades in a cutting position and holding the handle horizontally presents the secondary blade in a cutting position.

Description

"A cutting tool"

Introduction

The invention i-elates to an improved type of cutting tool.

There are many types of kitchen knives available on the market, Knives with different types of blade are marketed for the various different cutting and slicing functions.

There is a need for an improved cutting tool.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a cutting tool comprising a handle and a plurality of cutting blades wherein holding the handle in a substantially vertical or horizontal position presents a different cutting blade for cutting, slicing or chopping.

In one embodiment of the invention the cutting tool comprises two primary blades on either side of the handle and a secondary blade at the end or tip opposite the handle.

In one embodiment of the invention the cutting tool comprises a looped substantially triangular shape with a blade on three sides and a handle at one end.

In one embodiment of the invention the angle between the non-cutting edge of the two primary blades and the handle is less than 90.

In one embodiment of the invention holding the handle in a substantially vertical position presents one of the primary blades in a cutting position. Holding the handle in a substantially horizontal position presents the secondary blade in a cutting position.

In one embodiment of the invention the cutting tool comprises three cutting blades simultaneously available for use. Preferably the blade comprises a serrated cutting edge straight cutting edge andlor curved cutting edge.

In one embodiment of the invention the edges of the tool where the handle meets the blades are rounded or angular in shape.

In another embodiment of the invention the shape of the secondary blade is substantially rounded or angular in shape.

Brief Description of the Invention

The invention will be more cleary understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Fig. 1 is a front side perspective view of a cutting tool of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side perspective view of a cutting tool of the invention in use using a first cutting blade; Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of a cutting tool of the invention with the handle in a substantially vertical position; Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of a cutting tool of the invention in use using a second cutting blade; Fig. 5 is a side perspective view' of a cutting tool of the invention in use using a third cutting blade; and Fig. 6 is side view of a cutting tool of the invention;

Detailed description

For many people with mobility issues such as arthritis or any other type of disability which affects hand movement and co-ordination the simple task of cutting and slicing during food preparation can be difficult.

Studies have indicated that many people with conditions such as arthritis are forced to eat pre-packaged convenience food on a regular basis due to the difficulty they have in carrying out simple tasks involving a knife during food preparation.

The present invention relates to a cutting tool which is designed to transfer the power exerted by the user from the handle to the blade more efficiently and in a more ergonomically sound way. In doing this it makes activities such as cutting and slicing dunng food preparation easier especially for people with mobility issues.

Initial testing showed that applying force directly over the blade as opposed to behind it as is common with many household knives delivers the force to the blade more efficiently. It is widely known that a vertical grip or what is known as a power grip', such as that on handheld saws reduces stress on the joints and allows more force to be appUed. The present invention was tested by people with varying degrees of mobility in the hands with very positive results.

The cutting tool of the invention is a multi-purpose cutting tool. The same tool may be used to slice, cut and/or chop.

The cutting tool of the invention provides convenience for the user as it can facilitate a variety of blades that are optimised for different jobs on the one tool. For any person preparing food the tool of the present thvention provides a single tool which can cut and slice food in different ways. There is no need to keep searching for a different knife for different tasks. the cutting tool of the invention has all the blades required in one simple tool. In some instances a person may not be able to easily move about the kitchen in search of another knife to do the next task so having several cutting blades available in a single tool would be veiy usefuL When the handle is in a substantially horizontal position the user can use two hands to press down on the handle to chop, slice or cut food. For some people with mobility issues they need to be able to use both hands. The design of the cutting tool of the present invention allows a person with limited mobility to be able to easily and safely carry out tasks they would not be able to do with a conventional kitchen knife.

The cutting tool i of the invention comprises a looped substantially triangular shape with a blade on three sides and a handle 2 at one end. There are two primary blades 3 and 4 on each side and one secondary blade 5 at the end or tip opposite the handle 2, A variety of different edges, such as serrated or smooth sharp or curved, can be applied to the different parts of the blade optimising it for various functions. In some instances the two primary blades may have the same type of cutting blade.

The smooth sharp edge is perfect for chopping and dicing. The selTated edge makes cutting and slicing easy. The secondary blade at the tip may be used as a rocking "mezzaluna" type knife in the hollow of a chopping board.

The handle 2 allows the cutting tool 1 to be operated with the hand in a variety of vertical positions (Figs. 3 and 5) when using the two primary blades 3, 4 and in a horizontal position (Fig. 2) when using the secondary blade 2. The tool can simply be turned around to use the opposing blade.

Where the handle meets the two primary blades may comprise a smooth rounded edge as shown in Figs. I to 6, Alternatively the edges may be more angular in shape.

A similar cutting tool may incorporate a pointed tip at the end of the two longer sides.

The blades of the cutting tool may be made of any suitable material commonly used in the manufacture of knives such as steel, stainless steeL ceramic. The handle may be of any suitable material such as wood or plastic. The handle may be manufactured in a variety of colours.

An example of the convenience and simplicity of the cutting tool of the present invention having several different cutting blades would be using the serrated edge of the tool to slice bread turn the tool around to use an opposing straight edge to slice a tomato or piece of cheese to go on top of the slide of bread. The tool is very convenient for both the able bodied person as well as the less well able.

The cutting tool of the invention would also be helpful for young chefs, Sometimes with children who are old enough to safely use knives the conventional knife shape is cumbersome and difficult to use. The looped shape of the cutting tool of the present invention would present a more manageable knife for smaller hands, The cutting tool of the invention would also provide a left handed user to have better grip and control.

The cutting tool of the invention may be stored by mounting on the wall and or using a no-slip wall-mounted magnet so that it is conveniently placed at arms reach.

The cutting tool of the invention may also comprise a covering sleeve or pocket to protect the tool when not in use. The cover helps keep the tool clean and in optimum condition protecting it from prolonged exposure to oils, dirt, dust etc typically present in a working kitchen area.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein before described which may be varied in detail.

Claims (11)

1. Claims 1. A cutting tool comprising a handle and a plurality of cutting blades wherein holding the handle in a substantiafly vertical or horizontal position presents a different cutting blade for cutting, slicing or chopping.
2. 2. A cutting tool as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two primary blades on either side of the handle and a secondary blade at the end or tip opposite the handle.
3. 3. A cutting tool as claimed in claim i or 2 wherein the tool comprises a looped substantially triangular shape with a blade on three sides and a handle at one end.
4. 4. A cutting tool as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the angle between the non-cutting edge of the two primary blades and the handle is less than 90°.
5. 5. A cutting tool as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein holding the handle in a substantially vertical position presents one of the primary blades in a cutting position.
6. 6. A cutting tool as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein holding the handle in a substantially horizontal position presents the secondary blade in a cutting position.
7. 7. A cutting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tool comprises three cutting blades simultaneously available for use.
8. 8. A cutting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cutting blades comprise a senated cutting edge, straight cutting edge and/or a curved cutting edge.
9. 9, A cutting tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the edges of the tool where the handle meets the blades are rounded or angular in shape.
10. 10. Acuftingtoolasclaimedinanyofclaims2 to 9whereintheshapeofthe secondary blade is substantially rounded or angular in shape.
11. 11. A cutting tool substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.