Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A cutting/scraping tool is disclosed, comprising a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a transverse chamber, and a blade chase adjacent a forward end of the housing. A cartridge is releasably retained within the chamber by detent lugs extending laterally from an outer surface of the cartridge in frictional engagement with a plurality of complementary detent recesses positioned on the housing. A blade within the cartridge is in aligned registry with the blade chase. A deflector is positioned beneath the blade. A transport mechanism is slidably mounted on the housing for substantially longitudinal movement between forward, intermediate and rearmost positions. An actuator projects from this housing to effect the sliding movement of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism has a flexible, resilient tongue portion. A tab is formed on the tongue portion within the housing adjacent a forward end of the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is rearwardly removed from the cartridge at the rearmost position. Sliding movement of the transport mechanism from the rearmost position to the intermediate position causes the tab to enter the cartridge beneath the blade, and be deflected upwardly by the deflector, to carryingly engage a socket positioned on an underside of the blade. Sliding movement of the transport mechanism from the intermediate position to the forward position causes the tab to carry the blade from the cartridge to project in an operative position from the blade chase, so as to present a sharpened edge of the blade for use.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim