GB2518175A

GB2518175A - Locking Means and culinary scissors comprising same

Info

Publication number: GB2518175A
Application number: GB1316228.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: wen hua Lv
Original assignee: Maxpat Trading and Marketing Far East Ltd
Current assignee: Maxpat Trading and Marketing Far East Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-11
Filing date: 2013-09-11
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB201316228D0

Abstract

Scissors 2 having first blade 16 and first handle 20 forming first arm 8, second blade 18 and second handle 22 forming second arm 10, first 8 and second 10 arms being pivotably connected 12. Securing means 26 keeps arms 8, 10 in a first, stowed configuration, locked against pivotable movement. Arms 8, 10 are released by squeezing first 20 and second 22 handles together. Spring means 24 might bias first 8 and second 10 arms apart. Securing means 26 may include elongate lever 28 pivotably connected to first arm 8, and lever 28 may have hook 30 at one end, for securing to lug (34a, figure 5) on second arm 10. Biasing means 32, perhaps a coil spring, may bias lever 28 away from second arm 10 to unlock securing means 26. Lug (34a, figure 5) may be a rivet (134, figure 14). Scissors 2 may be designed for culinary or kitchen purposes.

Description

LOCKING MEANS AND CULINARY SCISSORS COMPRISING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a culling tool and in particular but not limited to a pair of scissors for culinary use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are different culinary utensils for culling purpose. One such utensil is scissors for food shearing. While they can be handy and useful in preparation of food, they can cause much harm to users, especially if they have shape blades.

The present invention seeks to provide improved culinary scissors which minimize the chance of harming a user but without introducing difficulties in use, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of scissors comprising a first blade and a first handle which together forming a first arm, a second blade and a second handle which together forming a second arm, the first arm and the second arm pivotably connected at a mid-region thereof, and means for securing the first arm and the second arm in a stowed configuration, wherein the pair of scissors is adapted to assume a first configuration in which the first arm is locked against pivotable movement relative to the second arm, and a second configuration in which the first arm and the second arm are unlocked for pivotal movement relative to each other, and unlocking of the securing means is effected by squeezing or otherwise bringing the first handle and the second handle closer together in a one-hand operation.

Preferably, the scissors may comprise spring means for biasing the first and second arms apart. The securing means may include an elongate lever having a first end and a second end on opposite side thereof, the first end pivotably connected to the first arm. The second end of the lever may take the form of a hook for securing to a lug provided at the second arm, and the hook and the lug cooperate to secure the first and second arms together in the first configuration. the scissors may comprise a biasing means for biasing the lever away from the second arm or at least the lug for unlocking the securing means. The biasing means may generally in the form of a coil spring.

In one embodiment, the securing means may be arranged at proximal or rear end of the scissors. Pivotal connection of the lever and the lug may be provided at corresponding axial position of the scissors.

In an alternative embodiment, the lug may generally be in the form of a rivet with an enlarged flange and a narrower shaft, and the hook may be configured to grip around the narrower shaft for locking the first and second arms against pivotable movement. The lever may be biased to move away from the lug passing over pivotal connection of the first and second arms. The securing means or lever may be arranged adjacent a pivotal connection of the first and second arms. Pivotable connection of the lever and the rivet may be provided at corresponding axial position of the scissors.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of culinary scissors as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be explained, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a pair of shearing scissors according to the present invention in a stowed or locked configuration; Figure 2 is a top view of the scissors of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the scissors of Figure 1 but in an expanded or unlocked configuration; Figure 4 is a top view of the scissors of Figure 3, Figures 5a-5c are a series of schematic diagrams, illustrating overall construction of securing means of the scissors in Figure 1; Figures 6a-6c are schematic diagrams, further illustrating construction of the securing means of Figures 5a-5c; Figures 7a-7b generally correspond to Figures 6a-6b, demonstrating initial operation of unlocking the securing means of the scissors; Figures 8a-9b are schematic diagrams, showing subsequent operation of unlocking of the securing means of the scissors of Figures 7a-7b; Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a shearing scissors according to the present invention in a stowed or locked configuration; Figure 11 is a top view of the scissors of Figure 10; . Figure 12 is a perspective view of the scissors of Figure 10 but in an expanded or unlocked configuration; Figure 13 is a top view of the scissors in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a schematic view showing overall construction of securing means of the scissors of Figure 10; Figures 15a-15b are schematic views showing movement of relevant parts of the securing means of the scissors of Figure 12 during initial operation thereof in an unlocking exercise; Figures 16a-16c are enlarged views showing the securing means during the initial operation of the securing means; Figure 17 is a schematic view showing configuration of the scissor later in the unlocking exercise; and Figure 1 Ba-i Bc is a series of diagrams illustrating working of the securing means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with a pair of scissors, and in particular a pair of shearing scissors for culinary use.

Figures 1-9 are concerned with a first embodiment of such scissors. The scissors, designated 2, areelongate in profile generally defining a longitudinal axis X-X' with a front or distal end 4, and a rear or proximal end 6, in normal use. The front end 4 is a utility portion for cutting, e.g. food items, and the rear end 6 is configured as a handle portion that a user can hold on to and operate the scissors 2 in use. This is illustrated in at least Figures 1-2.

As shown for example in Figures 2-4, the scissors 2 include a first arm 8 and a second arm 10 pivotably connected at a pivot by a pivot pin 12 at a mid-region 14 thereof. A front end of each of the arms is in the form of a cutting blade 16, 18, and a rear end of each of the arms is in the form of a handle member 20, 22. The cutting blades 16, 18 reciprocatingly working together can shear or otherwise cut food items apart. The handle members 20, 22 are configured to fit the grip of the palm of a user.

A biasing means 24 is provided for biasing the two amis 8, 10 apart. In the embodiment, the biasing means 24 is in the form of a compression spring situated adjacent or below the pivot pin 12. More specifically, in this embodiment, the compression spring is situated between the pivot pin 12 and the handle members 20, 22. The compression spring generally defines an axis Y-Y' extending transversely across the scissors, and the Y-Y' axis is generally arranged perpendicularly to pivot axis of the pivot pin 12, as shown for example in Figure 3.

The scissors 2 are provided with a securing means 26 for securing the arms 20, 22 together in a stowed configured when not in use. Please see for example Figures 2-3.

The securing means 26 includes an elongate member in the form of a lever 28 pivotably connected with one end thereof to a rear end of the first arm 20. The other end of the lever 28 is formed in the shape of a hook 30. The lever 28 is not only pivotably connected to the first arm 8, but also biased to move away from the second arm 10 by a biasing member 32. In the embodiment, the biasing member 32 includes a coil spring, and is movable at a pivot axis Z-Z' as shown for example in Figures 3-6.

The securing means 26 also includes a lug 34a defining a recess 34b formed on the rear end of the second arm 10. The recess 34 is positioned and configured such that on bringing the first and second handle members 20, 22 together the hook 30 can engage the recess 34b such the first and second handle members 20, 22 stay close and locked together and thus the scissors 2 in a stowed configuration. Despite the biasing action of the compression spring 24 against the arms 8, 10, due to the complementary configuration of the hook 30 and the recess 34 the securing means 26 stay in a locked state by default, as shown in for example Figures 6a-6b.

The biasing member has a pair of legs, extending from opposite ends of the coil spring. One of the legs abuts the handle member 32, and the other leg abuts the lever 28. The biasing member biases the lever 28 away from the handle member 22. When disengaging, the lever 28 swings downwardly away from the handle member 22. As can been seen from Figure 5, the axis Z-Z' and pivot axis of the pivot pin 12 are generally parallel to each oth!r.

Referring to Figures 7a-7b, the lever 28 and the recess 34 are configured such that when the scissors 12 in a locked configuration are squeezed together by bringing the handle members 20, 22 further or tightly together, the hook 30 becomes disengaged from the recess 34. Due to the biasing action of the coil spring 32, the lever 28 is moved away from the recess 34, thus unlocking the securing means 26, as shown in Figures 8a-8b. Further, due to the biasing action of the compression spring 32 the arms 8, 10 continue to move apart from each other, as shown in Figures 9a-9b.

As it can be understood, the unlocking of the securing means 26 is performed by a one-hand and one-step operation, specifically by squeezing the handle members 20, 22 with one palm of a hand for disengaging the lever 28 from the recess 34 such that the arms 20. 22 are moved apart automatically.

The one-hand operation is advantageous because in a kitchen environment user would be busy with one hand holding on to another, e.g. food item, and can afford to only use the other hand, i.e: the only available hand, to operate the scissors. With scissors such as the one described the above embodiment, when the scissors with very sharp blades are not in use the securing means can conceal the blades from inflicting injuries, and when the scissors are needed they are be unlocked with one hand by a squeeze and then become operational right away.

Figures 10-18 are concerned with a second embodiment of a shearing scissors 102. Thesescissors 102 are similar to the scissors 2 shown in Figures 1-9. For reason of brevity, main differences of the first and second embodiments are explained as follows.

One main difference is that the scissors 102 are provided with a securing means 126 at a different location. The securing means 126 likewise includes a lever 128 extending from one lateral side to the other lateral side of the scissors 102. The lever 128 likewise is pivotably connected to a first arm 108 of the scissors 102 at one end thereof. However, the securing means 126 is located in a mid-region of the scissors 102 adjacent a pivot region which the first arm 108 and a second arm 110 are pivotably connected by a pivot pin 112. In this embodiment, the securing means 126 is situated adjacent and closer to the pivot means 112, but it is also situated between the pivot pin 112 and handle members 120, 122 of the scissors 102. Please see for example, Figures 10-11.

Figures 12-13 illustrates that the lever 128 is biased to move away from a locking member 134 which acts similar to the lug 34a and recess 34b in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the locking member 134 takes the form of a rivet with an enlarged flange and a narrower shaft, extending from a second arm 110 of the scissors I 02.

Figures 12-14 also illustrates that the lever 128 is biased to move away from the rivet by a coil spring.

Figures lSa-15b illustrate that in a locked configuration, blades 118. 116 (and the handle members) are stayed together. When the handle members 120. 122 are brought further together with a squeeze by the palm of one hand, the rivet 134 is * caused to move away from the lever 128, disengaging from the corresponding hook * fomied from the lever 128. Figures 16a-lBc illustrate this in greater detail. 1o*

Figure 17 illustrates that as the lever moves upwardly away from the rivet, it sweeps pass the pivot pin 112 connecting the arms of the scissors.

Figures 18a-18b illustrate a coil spring of the lever 126 in greater details. One end of the coil spring 132 is provided with a first leg abutting the lever 128 and the other end of the coil spring 132 is provided a second leg abutting the first arm 108 or otherwise the first handle member 120, for biasing the lever 128 away from the rivet on the second a!m. The coil spring coils around a post from which the lever 128 extends.

The post defines an axis which is parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot pin 112.

It should be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single * embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples.

Also, a skilled person in the art will be aware of the prior art which is not explained in * the above for brevity purpose.

Claims

Claims: 1. A pair of scissors comprising a first blade and a first handle which together forming a first arm, a second blade and a second handle which together forming a second arm, said first arm and said second arm pivotably connected at a mid-region thereof, and means for securing said first arm and said second arm in a stowed configuration; wher!in:-a) said pair of scissors is adapted to assume a first configuration in which said first arm is locked against pivotable movement relative to said second arm, and a second configuration in which said first arm and said second arm are unlocked for pivotal movement relative to each other; and b) unlocking of said securing means is effected by squeezing or otherwise bringing said first handle and said second handle closer together in a one-hand operation.
2. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 1, comprising spring means for biasing said first and second arms apart.
3. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said securing means includes an elongate lever having a first end and a second end on opposite * side thereof, said first end pivotably connected to said first arm.
4. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the second end of said lever takes the form of a hook for securing to a lug provided at said second arm, * said hook and said lug cooperate to secure the first and second arms together in the first configuration.

*
5. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 4, further comprising a biasing means for biasing said lever away from said second arm or at least said lug for unlocking said securing means.
6. A pair bf scissors as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said biasing means is in the form of a coil spring. * *
7. A pair of scissors as claimed in any one of Claims 4-6, wherein said securing means is arranged at proximal end of said scissors.
8. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 7, wherein pivotal connection of said lever and said lug are provided at corresponding axial position of rear end of said scissors.
9. A pair of scissors as claimed in any one of Claims 4-6, wherein said lug is in the form of a rivet with an enlarged flange and a narrower shaft, and said hook is configured to grip around said narrower shaft for locking said first and second arms against pivotable movement.
10. A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said lever is biased to move away from said lug passing over a pivotal connection of said first and second arms.
11.A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said securing means or lever is arranged adjacent pivotal connection of said first and second arms.
12.A pair of scissors as claimed in Claim 11, wherein pivotal connection of said lever and said rivet are provided at corresponding axial position in a mid-region of said scissors.
13. A pair of culinary scissors as claimed in any prededing claim.
14. A pair of scissors substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to accompanied drawings.