MXPA96004691A

MXPA96004691A - Paper trimmer

Info

Publication number: MXPA96004691A
Application number: MXPA/A/1996/004691A
Authority: MX
Inventors: W Cornell Robert; Ku An Suk
Original assignee: Fiskars Inc
Priority date: 1995-10-10
Filing date: 1996-10-09
Publication date: 1998-04-01

Abstract

A paper trimmer includes a base and a plate pivotally attached to the base. A carrier is slidably attached to the plate in an elongated slot. A blade assembly includes a blade secured to a blade holder. The blade assembly is received in a cavity formed in the carrier such that a cutting edge of the blade extends below the plate and is received within a channel formed in a cutting region of the base when the plate is disposed over the cutting region. A paper is cut by translation of the carrier along the slot of the plate.

Description

PAPER CUTTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to paper cutters and very particularly to a personal paper cutter in which a carrier holding a knife is slidably traversed in a slot of a plate through the paper or the like to be cut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional paper cutters typically include an elongated blade pivotally attached to a cutting board at one end. In these "guillotine-type" cutters the elongated blade is lowered near the pivot, thus cutting the paper or material by means of shearing action. The elongated blade is often exposed, which can create a significant hazard especially when children use it. Another disadvantage of this type of cutter is the total size, which makes it difficult to transport it easily and conveniently for personal use. A more recent style of paper cutters includes a knife attached to a carrier that is mounted on a rail assembly. The rail assembly can be rotated pivotally at one end to allow loading and unloading of the material to be cut, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,069,097 entitled "PAPER-CUTTING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CUTTI G PAPER" (CUTTING MACHINE PAPER YM ALL TO CUT PAPER) issued to Mori on December 3, 1991. The rail assembly can also be rotated pivotally at both ends of the rail assembly or is described in US Pat. No. 5,322,001 assigned to the attorney hereby application and titled "PAPER CUTTER UITH CIRCULAR BLADES" (PAPER CUTTER WITH CIRCULARE BLADES) issued to Wedding on June 21, 1994. Alternatively the rail may be empty, as described in Non-Theatrical Patent No. 3,01, ll7 entitled "PAPER CUTTER" (PAPER CUTTER) issued to DE Spaulding on January 31, 1967. Attempts have also been made to combine a cutter with a rogla. For example, U.S. Patent No. 1,895,754 entitled "MEASURING STTCK" issued to Finkenwirth on January 31, 1933, discloses a fabric cutting device having two members connected with go¿.ne and deflected together by a spring. A blade secured to a slide moves over a longitudinal groove in the members. Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 4,907,912 entitled "COMBINATION RULER AND CUTTER GUIDE" (COMBINATION RULE AND CUTTER GUIDE) issued to Benavidez on January 29, 1991, discloses a cutting member that is slidably guided within a groove. with a rule. The cutting member includes a rear portion - of which a blade is fixed, which is close to the outer end of the rule. The cutters in all the US patents described above employ a spring to activate the blade. In the. Patent '754 of Finkenwirth, members of the bar to inedLr are deviated together by a spring. In the rest of the North American patents described above, the blades are forced to engage by exerting pressure on the carrier and depressing a spring. The blade is uncoupled when releasing the carrier and allowing the spring to force the blade away from the cutting board. These assemblies require a number of components to house the springs. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a paper cutter that was safe, for children to use, portable, and made of fewer components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION A paper cutting machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a base including a bearing surface and a cutting region having a channel. A plate is pivotally fixed to the base and includes a top surface, a first end, and a second end. A slot extends through the plate on a longitudinal axis of the intermediate plate of the first and second ends. further, the paper cutter comprises a carrier having a blade fixed thereto. The carrier and the blade are slidably received in the slots. A portion of the plate extends below the bottom surface of the plate in the channel. Another aspect of this invention includes a blade holder having a first portion and a second portion connected with a hinge to the first portion. The blade holder includes locator means for positively locating the blade within the first and second portions. The blade holder and blade are slidably received within a recess in the holder. In another aspect of this invention, the base includes first and second sides, each side with an opening. The plate includes a first bra "* o extending from the first end and a second arm extending from the second end. Each br-azo includes a post that is pivotally received within the opening. A further aspect of the invention includes means for securing the carrier within the slot. Additional entity, lá. The lower surface of the plate may include an inlet formed near the slot to receive a lower flange of the carrier. The lower surface may also include a pair of ribs extending from the bottom surface of the plate proximal to the entry path. Other features and main advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention, hereinafter, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate similar elements, and: Figure 1 is an isornetrical view of the paper cutter with plate in the lower position; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the paper cutter with the plate in the raised position; Figure 2a is a fragmentary exploded view of the plate and base; Figure 2b is a fragmentary cross-sectional view generally taken on line 2b-2b of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally on line 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view generally taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the blade assembly shown in the raised position; Figure 7 is an energetic view of the blade assembly shown in the lower position; Figure 8 Figure 8 is an exploded view of the carrier and blade assembly; Figure 9 is a top view of a knife assembly of an alternative embodiment; Figure 10 is another top view of a knife assembly of another alternative embodiment; and Figure 11 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the carrier and plate in the lower position taken generally on line 4-4 of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to figures 1, 2 and 6, a detailed description of an illustrative paper cutter 10 will be described. The cutter 10 includes a base 12 and an elongated plate 14 is pivotally fixed to the base 12. A blade assembly 16 is fixed to a carrier 18, which is slidably attached to the elongated plate 14. With reference to FIGS. -5 the base 12 will be described in greater detail. The base 12 includes a pair of sides 20, each side 20 including a depression 22 having an opening 24. Each depression 22 has a wall 26 close to the opening 24.

The base 12 also includes an upper surface 28 having a cutting region 30 provided with channel 32 that substantially extends along the total distance between the sides 20. The upper surface 28 also includes a bearing surface 34. A The pair of raised guides 36 are integrally formed with upper surface 28 and located close to the sides 20. Each raised guide 36 includes a guide wall 38 normal to the upper surface 28. Furthermore, each elevated guide 36 includes a first guide portion. 36a on one side of channel 32, and a second guide portion 36b on the other side of channel 32. Top surface 28 'preferably also includes a plurality of slots 40 forming a grid 42. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , there are no slots 40 next to the channel 42 in the cutting region 30. However, in an alternative embodiment, the grid 42 can be formed by printing lines instead of using slots 40. In addition, it can be formed. it is possible to eliminate the grid 42 and the slots 40 at the same time. The base 12 also includes a link edge 42 normal to the sides 20. The link edge 44 includes a plurality of openings 46 to allow linking to a linker of nor-mal rings (not shown). Additionally, an alignment edge 47 is parallel to and distant from the binding edge 46. With reference to Figures 1-4, the elongate plate 14 includes an upper surface 48, and in opposite manner a lower surface 50, a first end 52, a second end 54, and first and second edges 56a, 56b, parallel to a longitudinal axis 58 of the plate 14. In addition, the plate 14 includes a slot 60 that extends through the plate 14 about the longitudinal axis 58. The slot 60 includes a pair of slot walls 62 and extends intermediate the first end 52 and second end 54. In the preferred embodiment, the upper surface 48 has an arcuate shape terminating at the edges 56a, 56b. However, the upper surface 48 may have other shapes as well as a flat shape. In addition, a scale 64 is printed on the upper surface 48 'next to each edge 56a, 56b. Alternatively, the scale 64 is etched or otherwise integrally formed with the upper surface 48. In addition, the plate 14 includes an upper depression 66 proximate both sides of the groove 60. The inner surface 50 further includes a lower depression 68 pr. The groove 60 forms a path parallel to the groove walls 62 (see Figures 3-5 and 11). The lower surface 50 includes a pair of ribs 70 extending parallel to the longitudinal ee 58, each rib 70 being proximate the side of the lower depression 68. Each rib 70 includes a rib surface 72 raised from the bottom surface 50 and a pair of rib ends 74. The plate 14 also includes a first arm 76 fixed to the first end 52, and a second arm 78 fixed to the second end 54. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms 76, 78, are integrally formed with the first and second ends 52, 54, respectively. Each arm 76, 78 extends downward from the inner surface 50 and beyond the first edge 56a in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis 58. Each arm 76, 78 includes an inner side 80, an outer side 82, a lower edge 84 and an upper edge 06. Each arm 76, 78 further includes a post 88 extending from the inner side 80. The plate 14 is formed from an elastic material, so that the arms 76, 78 can conveniently be separated from each other. way they return to their original position when released. In this way, the arms 76, 78 can be fixed to openings 24 as will be explained in more detail below. With reference to Figures 3-5 and 11, the carrier 18 includes a foot 90 having a width smaller than that of the slot 60. The carrier 18 also includes a no-exit gap 92 formed in the foot 90 and extending from the lower part of the foot 94. The carrier 18 includes an upper flange 95 which has a width greater than that of the slot 60, but smaller than that of the upper recess 66. The carrier 18 also includes a lower flange- or lip 98 which it has a width greater than that of the slot 60, but smaller than that of the lower slot 68. In the preferred embodiment, the carrier 18 is also provided with a handle 99. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the blade assembly 15 it includes a blade 100 having a cutting edge 102, and a main portion 104 provided with an opening 106. In the preferred embodiment, the cutting edge 102 has an arcuate shape. However, other configurations 5 may be used, for example, the cutting edge 102 may be V-shaped with a vertex 108 in a first and second cutting portion 110 diverse to the apex 108 (see Figure 10). In this alternative embodiment, the angle formed by the cutting portions 110 is approximately 45 degrees. The blade assembly 16 also includes a blade holder 112, which has a first portion 114, a second portion 116, and an integrally formed hinge 117 that connects the first and second portions 114, 116. Each portion 114, 116 includes an external surface 118, a inner surface 120 and a supporting edge 119 opposite the hinge 117. Each portion 114, 116 includes a depression 122 configured to receive the blade 100. The depression 122 includes an opening 124 in the support edge 119. A post 126 that is projected from depression 122 is integrally formed with the first portion 114. Alternatively, the post 126 may be integrally formed with the second portion 116. In an alternative embodiment, a gap may be formed within the depression 122 of the second portion 116 for 'P positively receive the post 126. In another alternative embodiment (see Figures 9 and 10), a blade 100' is electrically welded by spots to a metal member 130 ', so that a portion of the cutting edge 128' extends. beyond the lower edge of the metal member 130 '. The assembly and operation of the paper cutter 10 will now be described. The plate 14 is pivotally fixed to the base 12 by moving the arms 76, 78 away, so that the posts 88 are received within the openings 24. The plate 14 is pivotally fixed to the base 12. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the base 12 has a length about the longitudinal axis 58 substantially equal to the length of the plate 14. Additionally, the base 12 has a width (normal to the longitudinal axis 58) greater than that of the plate 14, so that the support surface 34 extends beyond the edges 56a, 56b. This helps the stability and operation of the cutter. In the lowered or closed position (see figure 1) the upper surface 48 of the plate 14 is opposite the base 12. Also, the rib surface 72 of the ribs 70 is in contact with the upper surface 28 of the base 12 Additionally, in the lower position, the outer side 82 of the arms 76, 78 is substantially flush with the sides 20 of the base 12. Furthermore, the plate 14 can be rotated pivotally in free form from a lower position in the that the upper edge 86 of the arms 76, 78 is substantially flush with the upper surface 28 of the base 12 (see Figure 1), to a raised or open position in which the upper edge 86 of the arms 76, 78 they are substantially normal to the upper surface 28 (see Figure 2). In the fully elevated position, the upper side 86 of the arms 76, 78 is supported by walls 26 allowing the plate 14 to remain substantially normal to the upper surface 28. The extension of the ribs 70 from the lower surface 60 helps protect the blade 100 of a user when the plate 14 is in the raised position. The blade 100 is fixed to the blade holder 112 when placing the blade opening 106 on the post 126, so that the cutting edge of the blade 102 extends beyond the opening 124. The main portion 104 of the blade 100 positively lies within the depression 122. The second portion 116 is bent near the hinge 117, so that the inner surfaces 120 are in contact (see figures 6 and 7). The blade assembly 16 is slidably secured within the cavity 92 of the carrier 18. In the preferred embodiment, the blade holder 112 is fitted within the cavity 92, so that the support edge 119 is substantially even with the support. The lower part of the foot 94 and a portion 103 of the cutting end 102 extends beyond the opening 124. Preferably, the support edge 119 pushes no more than approximately 0.0127 centimeters from the bottom of the foot 94. However, the cutting edge 102 may also extend to approximately 0.0381 centimeters below the lower part of the foot 94 of the carrier 18. However, the cutting edge 102 may extend a greater or lesser distance under the foot 94. Adi citonally, in the preferred embodiment, the included angle of the cutting edge 102 is between 30 and 40 degrees. The carrier 18 is snapped into the slot 60 of the plate 14. The plate 14 is formed of an elastic material allowing the lower flange 98 of the carrier 18 to be placed through the 1 A slot 60. The carrier 18 is received in a deliverable manner within slot 50, so that the upper flange 96 remains in the upper cavity 66 and the lower flange 98 is received inside the lower cavity 68. In this orientation, the knife 100 is centered in the slot 60. The paper cutter 10 it can be stored on a ring linker by adding the rings to the openings 46. The paper cutter 10 can be used the moment it is attached to the ring linker or removed from the ring linker. For cutting paper or similar material by a user, the plate 14 is first rotated pivotally to the raised position as described above. The paper or similar material to be cut is then placed on the support surface 28 of the base 12, so that the region where the cut is to be made covers the channel 32. The plate 14 with the carrier 18 , located in a position proximate one of the ends 52, 54 of the plate 14, then rotated pivotally in the lower position. In the lower position the rib surface 72 of the ribs 70 is on the paper to be cut. To cut the material, the user slides the carrier 18 on a longitudinal axis 58, so that the cutting edge portion 103 travels within the channel 32 as it passes through the material. The symmetrical nature of the cutting edge 102 allows the transfer and cutting of the material in any direction on the longitudinal axis 58. The absence of grooves 40 in the cutting region 30 helps the smooth trolling of the carrier 18 over the cutting region 30 at the time to cut the material. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention, as described above and as claimed below, is intended encompass all alternatives, modifications and variations that are within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims, For example, plate 14 may be hinge connected to base 12. Alternatively, plate 14 may only be connected to one end , so that the longitudinal axis 58 is normal to the base 12 when the plate 14 is in the raised position Also, the posts 88 can be formed in the base 12, and the openings 24 can be formed in the arms 76, 78. Similarly, the spring means may include the carrier 18 having a flexible lower flange 98 and a rigid plate 14. Also, the carrier 18 may have an intermediate slot. ia of the upper and lower surfaces 48, 50 receiving a flange extending from the foot 92. In addition, the blade 100 can be found inside the support 112 by means of a combination of slots in the blade 100 and equaling projections in the support 112. These other configurations and constructions are considered within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, these and other substitutions and modifications can be made in the design and arrangement of elements described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A paper cutter for cutting paper or other similar material, the paper cutter characterized by: a base including a pair of sides, a support surface and a cutting region having a channel; a plate which is pivotally fixed to the base and which includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a groove extending through the plate on the longitudinal axis of the intermediate plate at first and second extremes; a carrier being slidably received in the slot, wherein one of the plate and carrier is formed of the elastic material to allow the carrier to be inserted into the slot by means of force application; and a blade fixed to the carrier, wherein a portion of the blade extends below the lower surface of the plate within the channel when the plate is placed on the cutting region.

2. The paper cutter according to claim 1, further characterized by a pair of ribs projecting from the lower surface by a predetermined distance proximate the elongated slot.

3. The paper cutter according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plate includes a top depression in the upper surface near the longitudinal sides of the groove, the carrier including an upper flange having a pair of sides, a portion of the pair of sides located within the upper depression.

4. The paper cutter according to claim 3, further characterized in that the upper flange has a width greater than that of the groove and a lower flange having a width greater than that of the groove.

5. The paper cutter according to claim 4, further characterized in that the carrier-includes a handle portion to facilitate sliding movement of the user por- tator.

6. The paper cutter according to claim 4, further characterized in that the lower surface includes a depression rail formed proximate the slot to receive the lower flange of the carrier. 7.- The cutter of pap > the one according to claim 1, further characterized in that the base includes a fixing edge having a plurality of openings configured to be fixed to a ring linker. 8. The paper cutter according to claim 7, further characterized in that the support surface includes a raised guide to align the paper or material to be cut. 9. The paper cutter according to claim 1, further characterized by a blade assembly that includes a blade holder having a first portion and a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion, the blade holder including a blade holder. post affixed to one of the portions, the blade including a cutting edge in a foot having an aperture made to size to receive the post, the holder including a cavity to slidably receive the blade assembly. - The paper cutting machine according to claim 10, further characterized in that the cutting edge of blade has a vertex formed in the joint of a first and second cutting portions away from each other in the same allowing the user to cut paper ? another sheet material by means of movement of the carrier in any direction along the longitudinal axis.