Patent Application
20060196018
The present invention relates to a cutting and clamping device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a unified cutting and clamping device adapted for cutting an opening in a bag-like receptacle and for selectively clamping the opening.
Many items are packaged in large bag-like receptacles that operate as both retail packaging and as a storage receptacle for in home use. For example, dog food is often packaged in twenty to fifty pound bags and displayed for purchase in retail outlets as such. Consumers purchase the large bags and transport them home, where the bag is used as a source of dog food for a period of time until the food is fully consumed. Before initial use, a portion of the bag is cut open with a conventional knife so as to expose the food contents therein. Subsequently, an initial quantity of food is withdrawn for delivery to a dog. Once the desired quantity has been withdrawn, the opening of the bag is temporarily closed so as to prevent accidental release of the dog food from the bag, the accidental introduction of unwanted items (e.g., water, contaminants, pests, mice, etc.) into the bag, and generally to prevent spoilage. The bag is conventionally closed by manually rolling a portion of the bag, applying a rubber band-like device around the bag, or other conventional approach. However, this is an efficient process for a consumer as the device for cutting the bag open and the device for temporarily closing the bag are separate devices, and thereby require a consumer to have access to multiple implements to effectively utilize the dog food bag. The above limitations are equally encountered with other packaged items, such as cat food, cat litter, bird seed, general animal and livestock feed, environmental grade ice-melting salt, potato chips, general snack food, etc.
Thus, what is needed is a device that simplifies the process of opening a bag and subsequently temporarily closing the bag. Especially needed is a device for opening and closing a bag that incorporates the cutting and closing elements in a generally unitary design.
In accordance with one example aspect, the present invention provides a cutting and clamping device adapted for cutting open a portion of a receptacle and for clamping shut the opened portion. The device generally includes a clamping member comprising a first receptacle engaging member and a second receptacle engaging member, wherein the first receptacle engaging member is communicably associated with the first receptacle engaging member, and wherein the first receptacle engaging member and the second receptacle engaging member are adapted to receive and secure a portion of a receptacle therebetween; and a cutting member, associated with the clamping member, comprising a blade adapted for cutting a portion of the receptacle to expose a contents thereof.
In accordance with another example aspect, the present invention provides a cutting and clamping device adapted for cutting open a portion of a receptacle and for clamping shut the opened portion. The device generally includes a clamping member comprising a first receptacle engaging member and a second receptacle engaging member, wherein the first receptacle engaging member is communicably associated with the first receptacle engaging member, and wherein the first receptacle engaging member and the second receptacle engaging member are adapted to receive and secure a portion of a receptacle therebetween; and a cutting member, associated with the clamping member, comprising a blade adapted for cutting a portion of the receptacle to expose a contents thereof; and a blade guarding means, associated with the clamping member and the cutting member, adapted for selectably preventing contact with the blade.
In accordance with yet another example aspect, the present invention provides a cutting and clamping device adapted for cutting open a portion of a receptacle and for clamping shut the opened portion. The device generally includes a clamping member comprising a first receptacle engaging member and a second receptacle engaging member, wherein the first receptacle engaging member is communicably associated with the first receptacle engaging member, and wherein the first receptacle engaging member and the second receptacle engaging member are adapted to receive and secure a portion of a receptacle therebetween; and a cutting member, comprising a blade, associated with a bottom surface thereof, adapted for cutting a portion of the receptacle. The device suitably also includes a pivoting means, pivotally associated with the clamping member and associated with an end of the cutting member, for pivoting the cutting member between an open position, in which a second end of the cutting member is maintained in spaced apart relationship to the clamping member, and a closed position, in which the second end of the blade supporting member is maintained in proximity to the receptacle engaging portion.
These and other features and a more thorough understanding of the invention may be achieved by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Disclosed according to the present invention is a device adapted for both cutting and clamping a receptacle that overcomes the limitations of conventional devices by centralizing both cutting and clamping capabilities within a single device. Example receptacles manipulable by the present invention include, but are not limited to, dog food bags, cat food bags, cat litter bags, bird seed bags, livestock feed bags, environmental salt bags, potato chip bags, candy bags, general food bags, liquid (e.g., milk, water, etc.) containing bags, and the like. The device is employable with, for example, plastic bags, paper bags, canvas bags, and any other bag constructed from a material amenable to manipulation by the present device. In general, the device is usable for quickly and efficiently cutting open a bag and subsequently clamping the bag closed to prevent the accidental release of items therefrom. Such applications are particularly suitable for use in connection with, for example, dog food bags, according to which a user cuts the dog food bag open with the device, removes a desired quantity of dog food from the bag, and subsequently clamps the bag closed with the device so that the bag may be stored as needed.
With reference to
With continued reference to
Each body member 102, 104 is preferably a unitary member generally defined by grasping portions 108, 110, receptacle engaging portions 116, 118, a pivot assembly 106 and related portions. The components of each body member 102, 104 are preferably disposed relative to each other in an overall letter T-like configuration, with the grasping portions 108, 110 and pivot assembly 106 defining the vertical component of the T shape and the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 defining the transverse horizontal portion.
The grasping portions 108, 110 are preferably elongate portions substantially flat along their upper surface so as to accommodate grasping and manipulation by a user's hand during use. The grasping portions 108, 110 preferably define portions of the device 100 configured distal to the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 and are communicably associated with the pivot assembly 106 through connecting portions 112, 114. The connecting portions 112, 114 are preferably angularly offset relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, which angularly offset nature suitably disposes the grasping portions 108, 110 in spaced apart, generally parallel, relationship to the longitudinal axis, when the device 100 is in a resting position. As will be more fully described below, the spaced apart resting configuration of the grasping portions 108, 110 suitably enable a user to apply pressure to the grasping portions 108, 110 and thereby spread open the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 so as to receive a receptacle therebetween.
The receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 suitably define portions of the device 100 adapted for engaging a receptacle and clamping the same therebetween. The receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 generally receive a receptacle between the portions 116, 118 and clamp the receptacle due to the biasing of the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 toward each other, as will be more fully described hereinafter.
The receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 are preferably elongate portions disposed transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the device 100 and are generally defined by upper surfaces 170, 172 that terminate in engaging surfaces 128, 130. The engaging surfaces 128, 130 preferably extend along the transverse length of the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 and define edge surfaces that interface with a receptacle when maintained between the engaging portions 116, 118, and may suitably include thereon a rubber strip thereon for increasing the frictional engagement between the receptacle and the device 100.
The receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 are preferably communicably associated with the pivot assembly 106 through connecting portions 120, 122. The connecting portions 120, 122 are suitably disposed relative to the longitudinal axis in an arced manner, so as to preferentially position the engaging surfaces 128, 130 in abutting relationship, when the device 100 is in a resting state.
The clamping and cutting device 100 suitably also includes the pivot assembly 106 for enabling the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 to be opened and closed through application of force to the grasping portions 108, 110. With reference to
The pivot assembly 106 preferably also includes a biasing means 140 for biasing the bodies 102, 104 into a predetermined position, such as in a closed position. The biasing means 140 is any means suitable for biasing the bodies 102, 104, such as, preferably, a spring member disposed concentrically around the pivot pin 146. In a preferred embodiment, opposite ends of the spring extend from the spring member and operate as finger-like levers applying pressure on bottom surfaces of the bodies 102, 104, thereby tending the bodies 102, 104 to rest in a closed state. Accordingly, application of pressure, typically in the form of a user grasping the grasping portions 108, 110, overcomes the biasing means and opens the device I 00.
Despite the foregoing disclosure of the clamping device as a member having the first and second body members 102, 104 pivotally associated together with a biasing means for biasing the device into a closed state, it is to be appreciated that the clamping device may suitably be provided as any member capable of maintaining a portion of an open receptacle in a closed state. For example, the clamping member may suitably be provided as two generally elongate and rectangular members having a living hinge, or similar member, associated with an end of each rectangular member, which living hinge suitably enables the rectangular members to pivot open into a generally letter V-like configuration and to pivot closed for clamping a receptacle. The example clamping member may suitably also include a locking member, preferably provided as a snap lock feature, for selectably maintaining the device in a closed state. It is to be appreciated that any other suitable device may be employed with the cutting member 124 of the present invention for accomplishing the aims hereof.
The clamping and cutting device 100 preferably also includes the cutting member 124 associated therewith for use in cutting a receptacle. With reference to
With continued reference to
The blade supporting portion 202 bottom surface 208 is oriented in opposition to the top surface 206 and generally provides a situs for association of the blade member 212 (
The cutting member 124 also includes the pivot providing portion 204 that operates as both a base for attachment of the blade supporting portion 202 and a rotatable member for enabling pivoting of the cutting member 124. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot providing portion 204 is provided as a generally right cylindrical member adapted to rotate in a cavity, as will be more fully described hereinafter.
With continued reference to
The clamping member, preferably one of the body members 102, 104, includes structure for associating the cutting member 124 therewith. In a preferred embodiment and as illustrated in
In more detail, the cavity 200 is preferably provided as a substantially arcuate cavity adapted to securably receive therein the pivot providing portion 204 of the cutting member 124. More preferably, the cavity 200 is provided in dimensions slightly larger than the dimensions of the pivot providing portion 204 so as to permit the free pivoting of the cutting member 124 therein. With reference to
In a preferred embodiment, the cavity 200 is disposed coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle engaging portion 116. Accordingly, the blade supporting portion 202 of the cutting member 124 pivots along an axis that is generally perpendicular to the engaging surfaces 128, 130. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in connection with the device's 100 dual cutting and clamping functions. Particularly, when cutting a receptacle, a user grasps the grasping portions 108, 110 as a handle and pulls the cutting member 124 along a receptacle, thereby cutting open the same. However, it is to be appreciated that the cavity 200 may suitably be disposed transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle engaging portion 116, or in any other appropriate configuration.
With continued reference to
Turning to
With reference to
Despite the disclosure of the cutting member 124 as a member pivotally disposed relative to the clamping device, it is to be appreciated that the cutting member 124 may be provided in any appropriate manner. In connection with an example embodiment, the cutting member 124 may be provided as an integral member unitary with the clamping member and secured in a fixed, nonmovable configuration. Further to this example embodiment, the device 100 may suitably include a cap-like cover adapted to be secured to the cutting member 124 when not in use. Any other appropriate configuration may be employed with the present invention.
Turning now to an example method for employing the device 100 of the present invention, a user begins with identifying a receptacle to be cut open and clamped shut by the device 100. Once so identified, the user pivots the cutting member 124 away from the device 100 into a position that exposes the blade 212 for cutting. Thereafter, the user grasps the device 100 and draws the blade 212 across a portion of the receptacle identified for cutting. As the blade 212 is drawn thereacross, the receptacle is cut open and access to its inner contents is provided. With access provided, the user stores the blade 212 by pivoting the cutting member 124 downward into association with the recessed cavity 200. The user then accesses the receptacle contents as desired. Once complete, the user clamps the receptacle closed by pivoting the device 100 receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 apart, positioning the exposed portion of the receptacle therebetween, and subsequently releasing the device 100, which releasing causes the biasing means 140 to bias the receptacle engaging portions 116, 118 toward each other, and thereby firmly engage the receptacle in a closed manner.
Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims.
