Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for containing one or more blades. In a preferred for, the device is a knife block for containing a plurality of knives. The device includes a housing having a plurality of openings, each opening for containing a respective blade therein. The device also includes a blade restraining mechanism including a restraining member having active and inactive conditions in that when a blade is inserted within one of the openings such that substantially an entire cutting edge of the blade is within the opening, in the active condition the restraining member prevents withdrawal of the blade from the opening and in the inactive condition the restraining member allows withdrawal of the blade from the opening. In a preferred form, the device is configured to contain a plurality of blades that each include opposite substantially parallel sides which meet at a cutting edge, an opening within the blade extending between and transversely to the substantially parallel sides of the blade and enclosed within the blade, wherein the opening is engaged by the restraining member when in the active position to prevent withdrawal of the blade from the opening and which is disengaged by the restraining member when in the inactive position to allow withdrawal of the blade from the opening. The present invention also relates to a combination of the device and one or more of the blades.

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First Claim