Single-action convertible utility knife and scrapper

A single-action convertible tool comprising an elongate housing having a front end and rear end and an elongate internal channel defining a longitudinal axis and having an end opening at said front end and an elongate opening in a side wall of said elongate housing in communication with said channel and extending along a direction substantially parallel to said axis;

• a carriage slidably mounted for movement along said axis within said internal channel between a fully retracted position within said channel and fully extended position at least partially projecting beyond said end opening, said carriage including a first element;
• a slide mechanism within said channel coupled to said carriage for sharing movements with said carriage between said fully extended and retracted positions and being movable to a conversion position beyond said fully extended position of said carriage, said slide mechanism further includes a second element engaged with said first element;
• a blade support assembly for securing a blade, said blade support assembly being pivotally mounted on said carriage for movements between two generally orthogonal orientations, a first cutting orientation and a second scraping orientation;
• an actuator button accessible exteriorly of said housing and coupled to said slide mechanism through said elongate opening for sliding said carriage and said slide mechanism between said fully extended and retracted positions and for moving said slide mechanism to said conversion-position;
• said engagement between said first element and said second element being arranged to alternating pivot said blade support assembly and any blade mounted thereon between said two orthogonal orientations when said actuator button is successively advanced forwardly to move said slide mechanism from said fully extended to said conversion positions.