Patent Application
20250018588
This application relates generally to tool for breaking down boxes. In particular, this application relates to a tool with safety features to prevent a user from accidental injuries.
Box cutters, also known as utility knives, have become essential tools in numerous industries due to their ability to efficiently open packages, cut through various materials, and perform other tasks. Traditional box cutters typically consist of a handle and a retractable razor blade. While these tools have proved indispensable in enhancing productivity, they also present significant risks to user safety and wellbeing.
Accidental injuries resulting from the use of box cutters are unfortunately all too common. The sharpness and retractable nature of the blade, combined with the ease of handling and operation, make them potentially hazardous if not used with utmost caution. Incidents involving box cutters can range from minor cuts and lacerations to more severe injuries, including deep wounds, tendon damage, and even accidental amputations.
Although safety improvements have been made over time, traditional box cutters and utility knives remain prone to accidental injuries due to several inherent limitations. Existing safety mechanisms, such as manually retractable blades or built-in blade guards, often require precise user manipulation and may be prone to human error or misuse. In some cases, the mechanisms themselves can fail or become unreliable with frequent use, compromising user safety.
Additionally, existing safety features typically focus on the operational use of box cutters, neglecting potential hazards during storage or when not in use. The lack of effective safety measures to prevent unauthorized access, accidental blade deployment, or unintended contact with the blade exacerbates the risks associated with box cutter usage.
A hand tool for opening and breaking down containers is disclosed. In certain examples, the hand tool includes an elongated handle having an end and defining a longitudinal axis. The hand tool also includes a first arm coupled to the handle and extending away from the end along the longitudinal axis. The hand tool also includes a second arm coupled to the handle and extending away from the end along the longitudinal axis, where the first arm and the second arm form a jaw.
In certain examples, the first arm further comprises a pair of opposing side surfaces that converge to a pointed end. An angle formed by the pair of opposing side surfaces is in the range of between about 5 and 35 degrees.
In certain examples, the second arm comprises a squared end disposed between a pair of opposing side surfaces. The squared end and the pair of opposing side surfaces may be beveled and have serrated portions. In certain examples, an angle formed by the first end and the second end is in the range of between about 15 and 25 degrees.
A method of manufacturing the breakdown tool is also disclosed.
In order that the advantages of the embodiments of the subject disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “and/or” indicates embodiments of one or more of the listed elements, with “A and/or B” indicating embodiments of element A alone, element B alone, or elements A and B taken together.
The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only an exemplary logical flow of the depicted embodiment.
The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.
The breakdown tool 100, in certain examples, includes an elongated handle 102 that is configured for gripping by a hand of a user. The handle 102, in the depicted example, is formed with a generally rectangular cross-section (i.e., rounded rectangle). However, other cross-section geometries are contemplated. In other words, any suitable cross-section geometry that is usable for gripping may be implemented.
A pair of opening arms 104, 106 extend outward from the handle 102 in a generally longitudinal direction. Stated differently, the opening arms 104, 106 extend outward from the handle generally along a longitudinal axis that is formed by the handle, such as is depicted by the dotted line 108 (see
The second opening arm 106 (hereinafter “second arm 106”) is configured to form a substantially squared end 112. In other words, the squared end 112 is an end that includes a substantially linear edge 114 disposed between a pair of corners 116. The substantially linear edge 114 may be formed with a bevel, as depicted. In certain examples, the squared end 112 of the second arm 106 includes serrated portions 118 disposed along longitudinal sides (i.e., sides that extend longitudinally away from the handle) of the second arm 106.
The first arm 104 and the second arm 106 extend away from each other at an angle (see
The breakdown tool 100, in certain examples, has an elongated body with a length that is selected to optimize a leverage action that is useful in opening containers. The body may be one-piece, integral, and formed from a thermoplastic or fiber reinforced thermoplastic which is capable of transmitting a torque from a user to the container.
In certain examples, the first arm 104 is formed with opposing sides 304 that extend from the handle 102 and converge, or taper, to form a substantially pointed end 110. The second arm 106 is formed with opposing sides 306 that extend from the handle 102 to the squared end 112. The opposing sides 306 may, in a central region for example, diverge before converging towards the squared end 112. In certain examples, the squared end 112 is disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis 108, in in some examples is disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis.
The beveled surface 308 of the squared end 112 may, in certain examples, be directed upwards or towards the longitudinal axis 108 (i.e., towards the jaw 302 area). In other examples, the beveled surface 308 is facing away from the longitudinal axis 108. The beveled surface 308 of the squared end 112 may continue along the opposing sides 306 of the second arm 106 towards the handle 102. Serrated portions 118 disposed along the opposing sides 306 aid in cutting through tape or other fastening devices used to close a container. The serrated portions 118 may be formed in the rigid polymer that forms the breakdown tool 100. Alternatively, the serrated portions 118 may be, for example, metal inserts that are attached (or co-molded into) to the second arm 106.
A height 408 of the jaw opening is selected to best allow for usability of either the first arm 104 or the second arm 106. Stated differently, the height 408 is selected to allow the user to effectively use one of the arms 104,106 without impeding the usability of the selected arm. For example, if the jaw opening was too narrow, a user may find it difficult to slide the first arm 104 in-between surfaces of a container. In certain examples, the height 408 of the jaw opening is in the range of between about 30 and 60 mm. In other examples, the height 408 of the jaw opening is in the range of between about 40 and 50 mm.
An angle 410 formed by the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 corresponds with the height 408, and is selected for the same reasons. In other words, the angle 410 is selected to allow the effective use of either arm, maximize leverage of the tool when used to pry, and maximize comfort in the hand of a user. In certain examples, the angle 410 is in the range of between about 15 and 25 degrees. In other examples, the angle 410 is in the range of between about 19 and 23 degrees.
A width 412 of the squared end 112 is in the range of between about 23 and 43 mm. In other examples, the width 412 of the squared end 112 is in the range of between about 30 and 36 mm. The width is selected to maximize comfort and usability. A wide handle grip helps with comfort by spreading out the force load on the hand. The more surface area that the handle can contact the hand the more comfortable it will be when applying a force.
Callout 414 depicts an enlargement of the pointed end 110. As used herein, the term “pointed” signifies that an angle 416 between side surfaces 418, 420 is less than 90 degrees. In certain examples, the angle 416 is in the range of between about 5 and 35 degrees. Although the depicted examples of the disclosure describe an arm with a pointed end 110 and an arm with a squared end 112, it is contemplated that both arms may include a squared end 112, or in the alternative, a pointed end 110.
A user may lift, or pry open, as depicted in
This description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
