Description:Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention relates to culinary tool (a knife) and more specifically to a cutting implement designed to maintain elevated temperatures. The knife incorporates an internal heating mechanism, through a nichrome wire, a high-temperature ceramic core, an insulator and structural support.

Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In the domain of cutting implements utilized for both culinary and technical tasks, the integration of a self-sustaining heat source within the tool has been identified as a beneficial attribute. Historically, such implements have depended on external sources to impart the necessary heat to the blade, limiting their utility and posing additional operational burdens. The concept of a cutting implement with an inherent ability to generate heat independently has been an ongoing interest, facilitating the ease of slicing or manipulation of heat-softened materials.
Existing cutting tools with heating capabilities have not been without their limitations. Previous attempts have seen the application of separate heating elements or chemical agents to induce blade temperature elevation. These approaches tend to be unwieldy and pose potential safety concerns, including the risk of injury or inadvertent combustion of volatile substances. Additionally, the challenge of achieving uniform temperature distribution across the cutting surface has been a persistent issue, often resulting in inefficient thermal application.
The use of ceramic material within the blade structure has been recognized for its thermal resilience and the maintenance of blade form under temperature-induced stress. However, the optimal assimilation of a ceramic core with an internal heat-generating component has been less than satisfactory in prior tools. Additionally, the imperative to localize heat primarily at the cutting edge, while mitigating thermal transfer to the handle, thus ensuring user safety, has been an intricate problem.
Despite technological strides in this area, the creation of a heated cutting tool that ensures consistent blade temperature, directs the heat effectively, and secures user comfort and safety remains an unresolved challenge. The marketplace has yet to offer a fully integrated, ergonomically favorable cutting tool that surmounts the deficiencies noted in extant technologies, thereby enhancing the practicality, safety, and overall experience for the user.
All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Summary

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a heated cutting tool comprising: a blade, said blade having a recess extending longitudinally therealong; a ceramic core positioned within said recess of said blade, wherein said ceramic core is adapted to withstand high temperatures and provide structural support to said blade; a nichrome wire heating element wound around said ceramic core, wherein said nichrome wire is configured to generate heat when electrified and is positioned to extend primarily towards a tip of said blade to concentrate heat in said region; a plurality of layers of thermal insulation material encapsulating said nichrome wire and said ceramic core within said recess, wherein said blade, said ceramic core, said nichrome wire heating element, and said thermal insulation material are configured to cooperatively provide a heated cutting surface at said tip of said blade.
In an embodiment, an activation means comprising an on/off button is positioned on the underside of a handle of said tool, said on/off button being configured to initiate the electrification of said nichrome wire heating element.
In an embodiment, further comprising an LED indicator light, which is activated concurrently with said nichrome wire heating element to display the operational status of said heating mechanism.
In an embodiment, further comprising a power source, wherein said power source includes a lithium-ion battery pack integrated within the base of said handle.
In an embodiment, wherein said battery pack is rechargeable and configured to supply electrical energy to said nichrome wire heating element.
In an embodiment, wherein a safety feature is incorporated, comprising an automated cutoff mechanism configured to deactivate said nichrome wire heating element after a predetermined time of continuous operation.
In an embodiment, wherein said predetermined time is set, as monitored by a timer circuit integrated into the electronic controls of said tool.
In an embodiment, wherein said thermal insulation material is composed of layers designed to prevent heat transfer from said blade to said handle.
In an embodiment, wherein said thermal insulation material allows the tip of said blade to reach a high temperature while maintaining the handle at a safe temperature for handling.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Field of the Invention

Fig. 1 illustrates a flowchart outlining the operational sequence of a heated cutting tool, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates views exhibit various configuration and components, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
In accordance with the present disclosure, a heated cutting tool includes a blade which is characterized by a recess that extends longitudinally along the blade. Within this recess, a ceramic core is situated, which is capable of withstanding high temperatures and serves to offer structural support to the blade. A nichrome wire heating element is wrapped around the ceramic core and is specially designed to produce heat upon being electrified. This heating element is strategically positioned to extend predominantly towards the tip of the blade where the concentration of heat is most needed for efficient cutting.
The ceramic core and nichrome wire heating element enables the tip of the blade to reach elevated temperatures, thereby facilitating the cutting of various materials, including, but not limited to, foods that may require melting or softening for slicing, such as cheeses or butters. This is achieved without the need for external heat sources, thereby increasing the tool's utility and convenience.
Surrounding the nichrome wire and the ceramic core are multiple layers of thermal insulation material, which serve the critical function of encapsulating the generated heat within the recess of the blade. The design of the thermal insulation material is such that it contains the heat effectively, ensuring that the blade, especially at its tip, is the primary heated surface during operation. This arrangement prevents the heat from dissipating undesirably or conducting towards the handle, thus maintaining the handle at a safe and comfortable temperature for the user.
For operational control, an activation mechanism is incorporated, consisting of an on/off button that is strategically located on the underside of the handle of the cutting tool. This on/off button is engineered to trigger the electrification of the nichrome wire heating element. Thus, a user is afforded the convenience of initiating the heating function with a simple press, making the operation of the heated cutting tool intuitive and user-friendly.
Further enhancing the functionality of the heated cutting tool is the inclusion of an LED indicator light. This light is actuated simultaneously with the nichrome wire heating element and serves as a visual indication of the operational status of the heating mechanism. When the LED indicator light is illuminated, the user is informed that the heating element is active, thereby increasing the safety and informational utility of the cutting tool.
The integration of the nichrome wire heating element and the ceramic core within the recess of the blade provides a localized and efficient heating system. The ceramic core serves a dual purpose, offering robust structural support and acting as a high-temperature insulator, thereby ensuring that the heat is focused towards the blade's tip where it is most needed for cutting operations.
The electrified nichrome wire generates heat, which is then contained within the blade by the multiple layers of thermal insulation material. This material is meticulously designed to insulate the blade and retain the heat effectively. The result is a blade that heats up rapidly and remains hot at the tip, enhancing cutting performance, particularly through materials that benefit from heat, such as cheeses or food with melt-requiring properties.
In addition to the heating efficiency, the tool provides significant safety and convenience features. The handle remains cool to the touch due to the thermal insulation, and the on/off button allows for quick activation or deactivation of the heat, offering immediate user control. The LED indicator light serves as a visual confirmation that the heating element is engaged, preventing accidental burns or overheating. This innovative combination translates to a cutting tool that offers precise thermal application, user safety, energy conservation, and operational ease, culminating in a technologically advanced tool that enhances the efficiency of cutting tasks.
Enveloping the ceramic core and nichrome wire, and filling the remainder of the recess, is a meticulously engineered configuration of thermal insulation material. The unique assembly of multiple insulation layers is purposed to contain the generated heat within the blade itself. This feature is crucial in concentrating the thermal energy at the cutting surface, which is desirable for the intended application of the tool, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the heat is not transmitted to the handle.
A power source is integrally formed within the base of the handle, comprising a lithium-ion battery pack. This power source is a key component of the heated cutting tool as it provides the necessary electrical energy to the nichrome wire heating element. This battery pack is rechargeable, promoting the convenience of sustained use over time without the need for constant replacement of batteries.
An embodiment of the invention features a safety mechanism in the form of an automated cutoff mechanism. This mechanism is designed to deactivate the nichrome wire heating element after a predetermined time of continuous operation. This time is monitored and controlled by a timer circuit that is integrated within the electronic controls of the tool. Such an automated cutoff mechanism is essential for preventing overheating and conserving battery power, thereby ensuring both the safety of the user and the longevity of the tool.
The predetermined time for the automated cutoff is pre-set, allowing for the operational duration of the heating element to be regulated without manual intervention. In a particular embodiment, this duration may be set to five minutes, striking a balance between adequate operational time for cutting tasks and safety considerations. Such automatic deactivation after a defined interval provides an additional layer of protection against potential hazards that may arise from prolonged heat application.
The thermal insulation material layers are designed with the specific intention of preventing the transfer of heat from the blade to the handle. By doing so, the tool maintains the blade tip at a high temperature optimal for cutting while simultaneously ensuring that the handle remains at a temperature that is safe and comfortable for the user to hold.
Fig. 1 illustrates a flowchart outlining the operational sequence of a heated cutting tool, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Initiation of the process is signified by a "Start" symbol, from which the user engages the heating function via an On/Off button. Upon activation, the battery, being a lithium-ion pack integrated within the base of the handle, provides electrical power to the nichrome wire heating element.
As power is supplied, the heat generated by the nichrome wire is confined within the blade by the insulated blade cavity, which is composed of multiple layers of thermal insulation material designed to retain heat and prevent its transfer to the handle. The flowchart indicates a subsequent checkpoint: whether the blade tip has reached a high temperature, which is the desired outcome for the operational efficiency of the tool.
Once the blade tip attains the high temperature, an automated cutoff mechanism is engaged after a duration of 5 minutes. This safety feature, monitored by a timer circuit within the tool's electronic controls, is designed to deactivate the heating element automatically to prevent overheating and conserve battery life.
Further, a decision point asking if there is a need to continue using the heated knife. If the response is affirmative, the process presumably loops back to the user activating the heating function again. If the response is negative, the process ends. This flowchart is illustrative of the user interface aspect of the heated cutting tool and highlights its safety features, user control mechanisms, and energy-efficient design.
Fig. 2 illustrates views exhibit various configuration and components, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
The first view in Fig. 2 illustrates a top-down perspective of the handle base, showcasing an integrated on/off button, which serves as the activation means for the tool's heating function. Following this, a side elevation view is presented, showing the tool in its entirety, with the handle and blade in a unified state, demonstrating the sleek design. A subsequent view mirrors the previous one, with the blade obscured, emphasizing the handle and its ergonomic features, including the activation button.
A longitudinal cross-sectional view is featured, revealing the internal composition of the tool. Visible is the recess within the blade where the nichrome wire and ceramic core are positioned, surrounded by the thermal insulation layers. These elements are not visible from the exterior, highlighting the seamless integration of the heating mechanism within the blade.
The penultimate view displays the tool from a bottom-up perspective, where the base of the handle is visible, indicating the location for the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Finally, a top-down cross-sectional view is presented, offering a clear visualization of the blade's internal cavity and the precise placement of the nichrome wire heating element and the ceramic core within.
The assembly of views in Fig. 2 delivers a comprehensive depiction of the heated cutting tool, providing detailed visual information that supports the technical descriptions within the patent application. This figure complements the detailed description and the embodiment examples previously articulated, offering an illustrative guide to the inventive heated cutting tool.
The cutting tool presented comprises a heat-generating blade fabricated from high-carbon stainless steel, featuring a drop-point design for precision tasks and robust cutting actions. The blade, extending approximately 4-5 inches with an overall length of 8-9 inches, ensures a balance between maneuverability and functional cutting power, suitable for diverse applications. Full-tang construction ensures continuity of the metal blade through the handle, enhancing the structural integrity and durability of the tool.
The handle, designed to fit comfortably in the user's hand, incorporates a slight palm swell and is composed of a polymer composite material capable of resisting high temperatures. Such material ensures a secure grip and sustained control, even when the blade is subject to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the handle is devised to accommodate a small LED work light near the base of the blade, providing necessary illumination independently of the heating function, thereby facilitating operation in suboptimal lighting conditions. This cutting tool is crafted to be waterproof, with a sealing against environmental elements to enable its use in diverse environments.
Technical specifications of the cutting tool include a blade thickness ranging from 3/32 to 1/8 inch, and a heating element composed of nichrome wire. The included battery, a lithium-ion pack, has a capacity ranging from 2000 to 2500 mAh, facilitating a heating duration of 30 to 45 minutes of continuous use. The device is equipped with an automated cutoff that deactivates the heating element after 5 minutes of uninterrupted operation, serving as a safeguard against overheating and battery depletion.
The construction of the blade involves precision machining and a heat-treatment process to obtain the requisite hardness and edge retention. The heating element assembly consists of a nichrome wire ensconced within the blade's cavity, accompanied by layered thermal insulation. This subassembly is enclosed within the knife's tang and handle via the application of high-temperature epoxy adhesives and mechanical fasteners.
Further integration includes the lithium-ion battery pack and electronic controls within the handle, employing similar adhesives and mechanical assembly methodologies. Waterproof integrity is accomplished using silicone sealants and o-rings. Final production stages encompass testing for heating efficiency, temperature safety, and durability under simulated usage conditions, with only compliant products advancing to final packaging and distribution.
The tool is characterized by a precise heating control facilitated by the nichrome wire and sophisticated insulation, which affords the user accurate temperature modulation for various cutting tasks. The design's dual functionality – encompassing cutting and sealing – grants enhanced utility, especially pertinent for culinary and packaging operations. The waterproof and durable design of the knife, inclusive of a full-tang construction and sealed handle, ensures its applicability across a wide range of environmental conditions, augmenting its utility and lifespan. Energy efficiency is optimized through an automated cutoff mechanism and a sealing function, promoting efficient battery usage and extending operation time between charges. Additionally, the inclusion of an LED work light bolsters precision and control, proving advantageous in low-light situations.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

CLAIMS

We Claim:
A heated cutting tool comprising:
a blade, said blade having a recess extending longitudinally therealong;
a ceramic core positioned within said recess of said blade, wherein said ceramic core is adapted to withstand high temperatures and provide structural support to said blade;
a nichrome wire heating element wound around said ceramic core, wherein said nichrome wire is configured to generate heat when electrified and is positioned to extend primarily towards a tip of said blade to concentrate heat in said region;
a plurality of layers of thermal insulation material encapsulating said nichrome wire and said ceramic core within said recess, wherein said blade, said ceramic core, said nichrome wire heating element, and said thermal insulation material are configured to cooperatively provide a heated cutting surface at said tip of said blade.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein an activation means comprising an on/off button is positioned on the underside of a handle of said tool, said on/off button being configured to initiate the electrification of said nichrome wire heating element.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 2, further comprising an LED indicator light, which is activated concurrently with said nichrome wire heating element to display the operational status of said heating mechanism.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, further comprising a power source, wherein said power source includes a lithium-ion battery pack integrated within the base of said handle.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 4, wherein said battery pack is rechargeable and configured to supply electrical energy to said nichrome wire heating element.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein a safety feature is incorporated, comprising an automated cutoff mechanism configured to deactivate said nichrome wire heating element after a predetermined time of continuous operation.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 6, wherein said predetermined time is set, as monitored by a timer circuit integrated into the electronic controls of said tool.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein said thermal insulation material is composed of layers designed to prevent heat transfer from said blade to said handle.
The heated cutting tool of Claim 8, wherein said thermal insulation material allows the tip of said blade to reach a high temperature while maintaining the handle at a safe temperature for handling.

ELECTRICALLY HEATED KNIFE

ABSTRACT

A cutting tool is disclosed with a heat-generating blade that incorporates a ceramic core within a longitudinally extending recess. The ceramic core is designed to endure high temperatures while providing structural support. A nichrome wire, which generates heat when powered, is wound tightly around the ceramic core. This wire is placed mainly towards the blade's tip to focus heat in this specific region. A series of thermal insulation layers encapsulate both the nichrome wire and the ceramic core within the recess, enabling the creation of a heated cutting edge at the blade's tip. The handle of the tool houses an on/off button on its underside, initiating the electrification of the nichrome wire. Additionally, the tool comprises a lithium-ion battery pack, integrated within the handle's base, which serves as the power source for the heating element. This battery pack facilitates cordless operation, thereby enhancing the tool's versatility and portability. The cutting tool focuses on providing a safe, heated blade for various applications while ensuring the handle remains at a comfortable temperature for user interaction.

Fig. 1

Figures

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

I/We Claims

, Claims:I/We Claims
CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A heated cutting tool comprising:
a blade, said blade having a recess extending longitudinally therealong;
a ceramic core positioned within said recess of said blade, wherein said ceramic core
is adapted to withstand high temperatures and provide structural support to said blade;
a nichrome wire heating element wound around said ceramic core, wherein said
nichrome wire is configured to generate heat when electrified and is positioned to
extend primarily towards a tip of said blade to concentrate heat in said region;
a plurality of layers of thermal insulation material encapsulating said nichrome wire
and said ceramic core within said recess, wherein said blade, said ceramic core, said
nichrome wire heating element, and said thermal insulation material are configured to
cooperatively provide a heated cutting surface at said tip of said blade.
2. The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein an activation means comprising an
on/off button is positioned on the underside of a handle of said tool, said on/off
button being configured to initiate the electrification of said nichrome wire
heating element.
3. The heated cutting tool of Claim 2, further comprising an LED indicator light,
which is activated concurrently with said nichrome wire heating element to
display the operational status of said heating mechanism.
16
4. The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, further comprising a power source, wherein
said power source includes a lithium-ion battery pack integrated within the base of
said handle.
5. The heated cutting tool of Claim 4, wherein said battery pack is rechargeable and
configured to supply electrical energy to said nichrome wire heating element.
6. The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein a safety feature is incorporated,
comprising an automated cutoff mechanism configured to deactivate said
nichrome wire heating element after a predetermined time of continuous
operation.
7. The heated cutting tool of Claim 6, wherein said predetermined time is set, as
monitored by a timer circuit integrated into the electronic controls of said tool.
8. The heated cutting tool of Claim 1, wherein said thermal insulation material is
composed of layers designed to prevent heat transfer from said blade to said
handle.
9. The heated cutting tool of Claim 8, wherein said thermal insulation material
allows the tip of said blade to reach a high temperature while maintaining the
handle at a safe temperature for handling.