CUTTING APPARATUS

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to cutting apparatuses and more specifically, to cutting apparatuses for cigars.

BACKGROUND

Cigars are commonly cut at a cap (i.e., end) of the cigar prior to smoking to facilitate airflow through the cigar. Known cigar cutters include straight cutters, V-cutters, and hole-punch type cutters. Each type of cut not only changes the appearance of the cigar, but also affects intake airflow, commonly referred to as draw, during smoking.

Straight cuts offer a smooth draw, but can be cumbersome to implement because the cut can get clogged with saliva and leave loose pieces of tobacco that end up in the user's mouth. The V-cut offers a deeper cut into the tip of the cigar, which can help prevent tobacco from ending up in a user's mouth, while still providing a good draw of air due to the increased surface area exposed. The hole punch cut forms a small hole centered at the tip of the cigar, which can help prevent tobacco from ending up in the user's mouth, but may reduce the draw of air because of reduced surface area as compared to other cuts.

In some cases, a V-cutter has been used to make two separate perpendicular V-cuts into the end of a cigar, which has been called a crown or X-cut (shown, e.g., in FIG. 33). Using current technology, it can be difficult to create optimal crown or X-cuts (and other specialty cuts) because of the required spacing and depth of multiple cuts into the cigar.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, a cutting apparatus includes a housing and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes an actuator and a plurality of blades. The actuator is moveably coupled to the housing and accessible from an exterior of the housing. The plurality of blades is operably coupled to the actuator and to one another. Each blade is moveable radially inward from a respective retracted position to a respective cutting position upon actuation of the actuator.

In another aspect, a cutting apparatus includes a housing and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and accessible from an exterior of the housing, a drive ring rotatably coupled to the housing and operable to rotate about a central axis upon actuation of the actuator, a drive blade assembly, and a plurality of follower blade assemblies. The drive blade assembly includes a drive linkage pivotably coupled to the actuator and pivotably coupled to the drive ring and a drive blade coupled to the drive linkage. Each follower blade assembly includes a follower linkage pivotably coupled to the drive ring and a follower blade coupled to the follower linkage. Actuation of the actuator causes the drive linkage to rotate the drive ring about the central axis, and causes the drive blade and each of the follower blades to move radially inward from a respective retracted position to a respective cutting position.

In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a cutting apparatus includes providing a housing and providing a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes an actuator and a plurality of blades. The method further includes moveably coupling the actuator to the housing such that the actuator is accessible from an exterior of the housing, and operably coupling the plurality of blades to the actuator and to one another such that each blade is moveable radially inward from a respective retracted position to a respective cutting position upon actuation of the actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cutting apparatus for cutting a cigar, illustrated in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a top cover plate of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the top cover plate of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the top cover plate of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the top cover plate of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a housing main body of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the housing main body of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a bottom cover plate of the housing of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the bottom cover plate of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1, with the top cover plate removed.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 14, taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view an exemplary actuator of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view the actuator of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a coupling between the actuator and a drive blade assembly of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary connecting linkage of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first exemplary blade assembly suitable for use with the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the blade assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the blade assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of an exemplary drive ring of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the drive ring of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second exemplary blade assembly suitable for use with the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the blade assembly of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the blade assembly of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrated in a cutting configuration.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrated in the cutting configuration.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrated in the cutting configuration.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1 with the top cover plate removed, illustrated in the cutting configuration.

FIG. 32 is a top view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1 with the top cover plate removed, illustrated in the cutting configuration.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an exemplary end of a cigar with an X-cut or crown cut in the end of the cigar.

FIG. 34 is another top view of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 13, illustrating design principles of the cutting apparatus.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating overlapping blades of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 1 when the blades are in a cutting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the cutting apparatuses described herein facilitate improved cutting of cigars and improved cutting of patterns into cigars. For example, embodiments of the cutting apparatus described herein include a cutting apparatus that is operable to make specialized cuts into the end of cigars using a single cutting actuation or motion without requiring an operator to reposition the cutting apparatus. Specialized cuts may include an X-cut pattern or a crown cut pattern cut into the end of cigars that enable a buffer of material at the end of the cigar (i.e., keeping tobacco clear of a user's mouth), thereby preventing the end of the cigar from becoming clogged and providing a more enjoyable cigar for the user. Further, specialized cuts, such as the X-cut pattern or the crown cut pattern, may provide an expanded surface area of the tobacco inside the cigar that enables increased airflow or draw through the cigar as compared to other types of cuts. For example, the X-cut pattern or crown cut pattern includes eight separate surface areas, four surfaces aligned on a first V and four surfaces aligned on a second V, perpendicular to the first V, through which intake air may be drawn. The cutting apparatus and corresponding cutting assembly described herein further facilitate ease of making smooth and complete cuts into the end of cigars via a single actuation or motion, and also enhance the safety of cutting cigars.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cutting apparatus 100, illustrated in a retracted configuration. FIG. 2 is a top view of the cutting apparatus 100. The illustrated cutting apparatus 100 includes a housing 104 and a cutting assembly 106 enclosed within the housing 104, as shown and described further herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 includes a top cover plate 102.

The cutting assembly 106 includes an actuator 108 and a plurality of blades 110. The actuator 108 is pivotably coupled to the housing 104, and is moveable between a first position (shown in FIG. 2) and a second position (shown in FIG. 29). The cutting assembly 106 is operable to move the blades 110 between a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1-4, 13, and 14) and a cutting position (shown in FIGS. 28-32) as the actuator 108 is moved from the first position to the second position. That is, the cutting assembly 106 is operable to move the blades 110 between the retracted position to the cutting position via movement of the actuator 108 from the first position to the second position. The actuator 108 is illustrated in the first position in FIGS. 1-4 (with the blades 110 in the retracted position), and is illustrated in the second position in FIGS. 28-30 (with the blades 110 in the cutting position).

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 defines an opening (e.g., a central opening 138 in the top cover plate 102, further described below) sized and shaped to receive an end of a cigar therein, and the cutting assembly 106 is configured to make an X-cut pattern or crown cut pattern in an end 112 of a cigar 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 33). That is, the cutting apparatus 100 is operable to make an X-cut pattern or crown cut pattern in the end 112 of the cigar 114 when the cigar 114 is positioned within the opening in the housing 104 and the actuator 108 is actuated from the first position to the second position.

With additional reference to FIGS. 5-8, the top cover plate 102 is generally flat or planar, and has a generally rectangular shape with curved side edges. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover plate 102 extends from a first side 116 to a second side 118 and also extends from a third side 120 to a fourth side 122. The second side 118 of the top cover plate 102 includes a cutout 124 to accommodate the actuator 108. That is, the second side 118 of the top cover plate 102 includes a cutout 124 that provides clearance of the top cover plate 102 around the actuator 108 as the actuator 108 is moved from the first position to the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 124 in the second side 118 of the top cover plate 102 is defined by three generally curved edges 126, 128, 130. In other embodiments, the cutout 124 in the second side 118 of the top cover plate 102 may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover plate 102 also includes a top surface 132 and a bottom surface 134. The top cover plate 102 further includes a plurality of through holes 136 that extend from the top surface 132 through the bottom surface 134 of the top cover plate 102. The through holes 136 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners to mount or couple the top cover plate 102 to another portion of the housing 104 (e.g., the main body 166) and to other structures. The top cover plate 102 further defines a central opening 138 that is sized and shaped to receive a cigar therein. The central opening 138 is defined by a radial inner or interior surface 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 138 of the top cover plate 102 is generally circular and centered about a central axis 142, and extends from the top surface 132 of the top cover plate 102 to the bottom surface 134 of the top cover plate 102.

Additionally, the top cover plate 102 includes at least one depth-setting feature 144 extending into the central opening 138 and depending from the top cover plate 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover plate includes four depth-setting features 144, each depending from the interior surface 140 of the central opening 138 at a first end 146 and extending toward and past the bottom surface 134 of the top cover plate 102 to a second, free end 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth-setting features 144 are also generally curved so as to approach the central axis 142 of the central opening 138 as each depth-setting feature 144 extends from the first end 146 to the second end 148.

In the illustrated embodiment, the depth-setting features 144 also extend circumferentially from a first side 150 to a second side 152. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated depth-setting features 144 have a generally triangular shape when viewed from above or below. That is, the depth-setting features 144 are widest where they are coupled to the interior surface 140 of the central opening 138 and generally taper to a point at the second end 148 of the depth-setting features 144.

In use, an uncut end of a cigar is placed against the depth-setting features 144 of the top cover plate 102 prior to actuation of the cutting assembly 106. That is, the depth-setting features 144 are operable to ensure that the cigar to be cut by the cutting apparatus 100 is aligned properly relative to the cutting apparatus 100 (i.e., at the correct depth) prior to cutting. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting apparatus 100 includes four depth-setting features 144. However, in other embodiments, the cutting apparatus 100 may include any suitable number of depth-setting features 144 having any suitable configuration such that the cutting apparatus 100 may function as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top cover plate 102 also includes a plurality of blade shrouds 154 extending about the central opening 138 and depending from the bottom surface 134 at a first side 156 and extending away from the bottom surface 134 to a second side 158. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the blade shrouds 154 extend circumferentially about the central axis 142 of the central opening 138 from a first end 160 to a second end 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 160 of each blade shroud 154 is coupled to a corresponding depth-setting feature 144, and each blade shroud 154 includes a tapered portion 164 near the second end 162 the blade shroud 154 along which the blade shroud 154 tapers to a reduced width. In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered portion 164 of each blade shroud 154 is located near the second end 162 of each blade shroud 154, and the width of each blade shroud 154 decreases over the corresponding tapered portion 164 as the blade shroud 154 extends towards the second end 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the top cover plate 102 includes four blade shrouds 154 (i.e., one blade shroud 154 corresponding to each depth-setting feature 144). However, in other embodiments, the top cover plate 102 may include any suitable number of blade shrouds 154 (which may be the same as or different than the number of depth-setting features 144) having any suitable configuration that enable the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The blade shrouds 154 are operable to provide protection to a user from blades 110 when using the cutting apparatus 100, while providing clearance around the blades 110 as the blades 110 are moved from the retracted position to the cutting position. More specifically, the blade shrouds 154 protect a user from the blades 110 when the cutting apparatus 100 is in the retracted configuration, thereby increasing user safety when the cutting apparatus 100 is not in use.

With additional reference to FIGS. 9-12, the illustrated housing 104 also includes a main body 166 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) and a bottom cover plate 168 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).

The main body 166 of the housing 104 has a generally rectangular shape with curved side walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 166 of the housing 104 extends from a first side 170 to a second side 172 and also extends from a third side 174 to a fourth side 176, with a lower surface 178 joining the first side 170, the second side 172, the third side 174, and the fourth side 176. When the top cover plate 102 is coupled to the main body 166, the first side 170, the second side 172, the third side 174, and the fourth side 176 extend from the lower surface 178 to the top cover plate 102. The first side 170, the second side 172, the third side 174, the fourth side 176, and the lower surface 178 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 cooperatively define a cavity 180 of the main body 166.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 166 of the housing 104 also includes a plurality of protrusions 182, 184. In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes stepped protrusions 182 and continuous protrusions 184. Each stepped protrusion 182 extends from the lower surface 178 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 at a first end 188 and away from the lower surface 178 to a second end 192. Each continuous protrusion 184 extends from the lower surface 178 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 at a first end 190 and away from the lower surface 178 to a second end 194. The stepped protrusions 182 and the continuous protrusions 184 each have a generally cylindrical outer surface, with the stepped protrusions 182 including a stepped portion 196 cut into a top 198 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the stepped portion 196 of the stepped protrusions 182 includes a generally flat stepped surface 200 and side surfaces 202 that include curved and straight portions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous protrusions 184 do not include a stepped portion, and are of a generally constant cross section between the first end 190 and the second end 194. In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes three stepped protrusions 182 and four continuous protrusions 184. In other embodiments, the main body 166 of the housing 104 may include any suitable number of protrusions 182, 184 having any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The main body 166 of the housing 104 also defines a plurality of through holes 204, 206. Each of the through holes 204, 206 is sized and shaped to receive a suitable fastener therein to enable the main body 166 of the housing 104 to be coupled to other components of the cutting apparatus 100 (e.g., the top cover plate 102 and/or the bottom cover plate 168). In the illustrated embodiment, through holes 204 are defined in a corresponding protrusion 182, 184, and can also be referred to as protrusion through holes 204. Each protrusion through hole 204 extends from the second end 192, 194 of the corresponding protrusion 182, 184 to a bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. Through holes 206 extend through the lower surface 178 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 to the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes seven protrusions through holes 204 and four through holes 206. In other embodiments, the main body 166 of the housing 104 may include any suitable number of through holes 204, 206 having any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second side 172 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes a cutout 212, extending into the bottom side 208 (and the lower surface 178), to accommodate the actuator 108. That is, the second side 172 of the main body 166 of the housing 104, and adjacent portions of the bottom side 208 (and the lower surface 178), include the cutout 212 that provides clearance around the actuator 108 as the actuator 108 is moved from the first position to the second position. The second side 172 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes a bent or angled sidewall 214 that joins the third side 174 at an oblique angle. The angled sidewall 214 partially defines the cutout 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 212 is also defined by two generally straight edges 215, 216 along the second side 172, and one generally curved edge or surface 218 along the bottom side 208 of the main body 166. In other embodiments, the cutout 212 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The lower surface 178 (and the bottom side 208) of the main body 166 of the housing 104 also includes a central opening 222 extending from the lower surface 178 through the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. The central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 is generally circular about a central axis 224.

As shown in FIG. 10, the central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes a stepped interior surface 226. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the interior surface 226 of the central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 includes a first portion 228 and a second portion 230. The first portion 228 extends vertically (i.e., parallel to the central axis 224) from the lower surface 178 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 to a stepped surface 232 that extends radially outward from the first portion 228 to the second portion 230. The second portion 230 extends vertically from the stepped surface 232 to the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 has a constant first radius R1 over the first portion 228 and has a constant second radius R2 over the second portion 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius R1 is smaller than the second radius R2. As described further herein, the stepped interior surface 226 is adapted to rotatably support a drive ring of the cutting assembly 106 when the cutting apparatus 100 is assembled. In other embodiments, the central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 may be of any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 is generally flat, and has a generally rectangular shape with curved side edges. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom cover plate 168 extends from a first side 234 to a second side 236 and also extends from a third side 238 to a fourth side 240. The second side 236 of the bottom cover plate 168 includes a cutout 242 to accommodate the actuator 108. That is, the second side 236 of the bottom cover plate 168 includes a cutout 242 that provides clearance around the actuator 108 as the actuator 108 is moved from the first position to the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout 242 in the second side 236 of the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 is defined by two generally straight edges 244, 246 and one generally curved edge 248. In other embodiments, the cutout 242 in the second side 236 of the bottom cover plate 168 may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 also includes a top surface 250 and a bottom surface 252. The bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 further includes a plurality of through holes 255 that extend from the top surface 250 through the bottom surface 252. The through holes 255 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners to mount or couple the bottom cover plate 168 to another portion of the housing 104 (e.g., the main body 166 of the housing 104 and/or the top cover plate 102). In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 includes four through holes 255. In other embodiments, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 may include any suitable number of through holes 255 arranged in any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 also includes a central opening 254 having an interior surface 257. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 254 of the bottom cover plate 168 is generally circular about a central axis 256 and extends from the top surface 250 to the bottom surface 252.

The bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 also includes circular recesses 258 defined in the top surface 250 of the bottom cover plate 168 and extending into the bottom cover plate 168 toward the bottom surface 252, but not all the way through the bottom surface 252. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 includes four recesses 258. In other embodiments, the bottom cover plate 168 may include any suitable number of recesses 258 having in any suitable configuration and any suitable arrangement that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104 is coupled to the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. In one example method, the bottom cover plate 168 is coupled to the main body 166 by placing the top surface 250 of the bottom cover plate 168 into engagement with the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing, and aligning the through holes 255 in the bottom cover plate 168 with corresponding through holes 204 (specifically, the through holes defined in the continuous protrusions 184) in the bottom side 208 of the main body 166 of the housing 104. Suitable fasteners can then be inserted through the through holes 255 of the bottom cover plate 168 and the through holes of the main body 166 to couple the bottom cover plate 168 to the main body 166.

With additional reference to FIGS. 13-15, the illustrated cutting assembly 106 also includes a drive blade assembly 260, a drive ring 262, a plurality of follower blade assemblies 264, and a plurality of springs 268. Each of the drive blade assembly 260 and the plurality of follower blade assemblies 264 includes one of the blades 110. As described in more detail herein, each blade 110 of the plurality of blades 110 is operably coupled to the actuator 108 and to other blades 110 of the plurality of blades 110 (i.e., to one another), and is moveable radially inward from a respective retracted position to a respective cutting position upon actuation of the actuator 108.

More specifically, each blade 110 of the plurality of blades 110 is operably coupled to the actuator 108 and to other blades 110 of the plurality of blades 110 through the drive ring 262, and is moveable radially inward from a respective retracted position to a respective cutting position upon actuation of the actuator 108. In one embodiment, each blade 110 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 at a respective pivot point, and each blade 110 rotates about its respective pivot point from the retracted position to the cutting position upon actuation of the actuator 108. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of blades 110 converge at a central axis 372 (shown in FIG. 31) when the blades 110 are actuated from their respective retracted positions to their respective cutting positions. As further described below, the plurality of blades 110 includes a blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 operably coupled to the actuator 108 and a plurality of blades 312, 376 of the follower blade assemblies 264 operably coupled to the actuator 108 via the drive ring 262. Each blade 110 of the plurality of blades 110 is also operably connected to the other blades 110 of the plurality of blades 110.

The actuator 108 is moveably coupled to the housing 104 and is accessible from an exterior of the housing 104 of the cutting apparatus 100. The actuator 108 is operable to move between the first position and the second position to actuate the cutting assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 108 is a push lever and extends from a first end 270 to a second end 272, and from a first side 274 to a second side 276. With additional reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the actuator 108 further includes a top surface 278, a first bottom surface 280, and a second bottom surface 282. As shown in FIG. 17, the second bottom surface 282 of the actuator 108 is lower than the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108 with respect to a vertical direction (i.e., up and down) in FIG. 16. That is, when viewed from the bottom, the actuator 108 includes a stepped bottom surface that includes the first bottom surface 280 and the second bottom surface 282 of the actuator 108. The first bottom surface 280 generally extends over an inner portion 284 of the actuator 108, and the second bottom surface 282 generally extends over an outer portion 286 of the actuator 108. The first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108 and the second bottom surface 282 of the actuator 108 are connected via an intermediate side surface 287 that is generally vertically oriented with respect the vertical direction of FIG. 16.

The first side 274 of the actuator 108 extends from the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 to the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. The first side 274 of the actuator 108 extends from the first end 270 to the second end 272 of the actuator 108, and has a generally arcuate shape. The actuator 108 further includes a cutout portion 288 at a joining location between the first side 274 of the actuator 108 and the second end 272 of the actuator 108. The cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108 is formed between the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 and the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108 does not extend up to or through either of the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 or the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. In other embodiments, the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108 may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 108 further includes a through hole 290 near the first end 270 of the actuator 108, and a through hole 292 near the second end of the actuator 108. The through hole 290 near the first end 270 of the actuator 108 extends from the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 through the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. The through hole 292 near the second end 272 of the actuator 108 is formed at the location of, and through, the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108. That is, the through hole 292 at the second end 272 of the actuator 108 includes two parts. The first part extends from the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 to the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108, and the second part extends from the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108 through the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. The through holes 290, 292 are suitable sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins) therein to couple the actuator 108 to the cutting apparatus 100 (e.g., to the housing 104 and/or other portions of the cutting assembly 106).

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator 108 further includes an interior opening 298 extending from the top surface 278 of the actuator 108 through the first bottom surface 280 of the actuator 108. The interior opening 298 of the actuator 108 is contained between the first and second ends 270, 272 and the first and second sides 274, 276 of the actuator 108, and has an interior surface 300 that includes a combination of straight and curved edges.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 108 is a push lever and has the configuration as described above. However, in other embodiments, the actuator 108 may be of any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 can have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting apparatus 100 includes two types of blade assemblies: a first blade assembly 261, illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, and a second blade assembly 263, illustrated in FIGS. 25-27. The drive blade assembly 260 and one of the follower blade assemblies 382 are implemented in the form of the first blade assembly 261, and two of the follower blade assemblies 384 are implemented as the second type of blade assemblies 263.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the first blade assembly 261 includes a linkage 302. The linkage 302 extends from a first end 304 to a second end 306, and from a first side 308 to a second side 310. The first blade assembly 261 also includes a blade 312 coupled to the linkage 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 312 is coupled to a medial portion (i.e., a portion between the first and second ends 304 and 306 of the linkage 302) of the first side 308 of the linkage 302. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the blade 312 is coupled to the linkage 302 via a blade arm 314 that extends from the first side 308 of the linkage 302 at a first end 316 to a second end 318, with the blade 312 coupled to the blade arm 314 at the second end 318 of the blade arm 314.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the linkage 302 includes a first top surface 320, a second top surface 322, and a bottom surface 324. With reference to the vertical direction of FIG. 20 (i.e., up and down) the first top surface 320 of the linkage 302 is higher than the second top surface 322 of the linkage 302. That is, the linkage 302 includes a stepped top surface that includes the first top surface 320 and the second top surface 322 of the linkage 302. The first top surface 320 and the second top surface 322 are connected via an intermediate side surface 326 that is oriented generally vertical with respect to the vertical direction of FIG. 20. The first top surface 320 generally extends from the first end 304 of the linkage 302, along the first side 308 of the linkage 302, and to the second end 306 of the linkage 302. The second top surface 322 of the linkage 302 is bounded by and extends from the intermediate side surface 326 of the linkage 302 to the second side 310 of the linkage 302.

In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 302 includes a plurality of through holes 328, 330, and each through hole 328, 330 extends from one of the first or second top surfaces 320, 322 of the linkage 302 through the bottom surface 324 of the linkage 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the through holes 328 are formed near the first and second ends 304, 306 of the linkage 302, and extend from the first top surface 320 of the linkage 302 through the bottom surface 324 of the linkage 302. The through holes 328 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins) therein to couple the first blade assembly 261 to the drive ring 262 or to other structure, such as the housing 104, the actuator 108 or other components of the cutting assembly 106. Additionally, the through holes 330 of the linkage 302 are formed between the first end 304 of the linkage 302 and the second end 306 of the linkage 302 and extend from the second top surface 322 of the linkage 302 through the bottom surface 324 of the linkage 302. The through holes 330 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins or screws) therein to such that a spring may be attached to the fastener received in through holes 330. As shown in FIG. 20, the through holes 328 formed near the first and second ends 304, 306 of the linkage 302 have a larger diameter than the through holes 330 formed between the first and second ends 304, 306 of the linkage 302.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the blade 312 is coupled to and extends from the second end 318 of the blade arm 314 at a first side 332 to a second side 334, and also extends from a first end 336 to a second end 338. In the example embodiment, the blade 312 extends along a first sloped surface 342 from the first side 332 of the blade 312 to a top ridge 340 of the blade 312. The first sloped surface 342 is sloped generally upward with respect to the vertical direction in FIG. 20 as the blade 312 extends from the first side 332 to the top ridge 340. The blade 312 extends along a second sloped surface 344 from the top ridge 340 of the blade 312 to the second side 334 of the blade 312. The second sloped surface 344 is sloped generally downward with respect to the vertical direction in FIG. 20 as the blade 312 extends from the top ridge 340 to the second side 334 of the blade 312.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 312 further includes a blade tip 346 at the first end 336 of the blade 312. In the example embodiment, the blade tip 346 of the blade 312 is chamfered or flat.

As shown in FIG. 21, the first side 332 of the blade 312 includes a first portion 313 and a second portion 315. The first portion 313 is generally straight, and extends from the blade tip 346 of the blade 312 at a first end 317 to a second end 319. The second portion 315 of the first side 332 of the blade 312 is also generally straight, and extends from a first end 321 at the second end 319 of the first portion 313 to a second end 323 at the blade arm 314. The second side 334 of the drive blade extends from the blade tip 346 of the blade 312 at a first end 325 to a second end 327.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first portion 313 of the first side 332 of the blade 312 and the second side 334 of the blade 312 are sharpened cutting surfaces that form the blade (i.e., cutting) edges of the blade 312. Further, the exemplary embodiment, the blade 312 is sized and shaped to meet clearance requirements of the cutting apparatus 100 so that, for example, the blade 312 does not interfere with other components of the cutting apparatus 100 as the blade 312 is moved from its retracted position to its cutting position. However, in other embodiments, the blade 312, the blade arm 314, and the linkage 302 may be of any suitable configuration and may be of any suitable shape that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

The blade assembly 261 of the illustrated embodiment is formed as a unitary assembly. That is, the blade 312, linkage 302, and blade arm 314 are formed from a single, unitary (i.e., monolithic) piece. By way of example, the blade assembly 261 can be formed of metal, for example, steel or aluminum. In the example embodiment, the blade assembly 261 is made of 440C stainless steel. In other embodiments, the blade assembly 261 may be made of any suitable material that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein. In some embodiments, the blade assembly 261 may be formed from two or more components, for example, by forming the components separately and coupling them together.

The first blade assembly 261 is suitable for use as the drive blade assembly 260 and any of the follower blade assemblies 264. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive blade assembly 260 and one of the follower blade assemblies 382 are implemented with the configuration of the first blade assembly 261.

Referring again to FIG. 14, the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the actuator 108. Specifically, with additional reference to FIG. 18, the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the actuator 108 via a pin 301 inserted into the through hole 292 formed at the second end 272 of the actuator 108 and into the through hole 328 at the first end 304 of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260. As shown FIG. 18, the first end 304 of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 fits into the cutout portion 288 of the actuator 108 such that the through holes 292, 328 are aligned.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 23, and 24, the drive ring 262 extends about a central axis 352, and extends radially from an interior surface 354 to an exterior surface 356. The drive ring 262 further extends from a top surface 358 to a bottom surface 360. The drive ring 262 defines a central opening 359 that extends about the central axis 352 and from the top surface 358 to the bottom surface 360 of the drive ring 262. In the exemplary embodiment, the central opening 359 of the drive ring 262 is generally circular. However, in other embodiments, the central opening 359 of the drive ring may have any suitable shape and any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

Additionally, the drive ring 262 includes a plurality of through holes 364 that extend from the top surface 358 of the drive ring 262 through the bottom surface 360 of the drive ring 262. In the exemplary embodiment, the drive ring 262 includes four though holes 364 spaced evenly around the central axis 352. However, in other embodiments, the drive ring 262 may include any suitable number of through holes 364 in any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 is a stepped surface. That is, the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 includes multiple portions having different radii with respect to the central axis 352. The exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 includes a first portion 365 having a radius R3 with respect to the central axis 352, and a second portion 366 having a radius R4 with respect to the central axis 352. In the illustrated embodiment, R3>R4, and the first portion 365 of the exterior surface 356 extends vertically (i.e., along the central axis 352) from the bottom surface 360 of the drive ring 262 to a stepped surface 368 of the drive ring 262. Additionally, the second portion 366 of the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 extends vertically from the stepped surface 368 of the drive ring 262 to the top surface 358 of the drive ring 262. In the exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 includes two portions 365, 366 having constant radii R3, R4, respectively, with respect to the central axis 352. However, in other embodiments, the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 may have any suitable configuration including any number of portions 365, 366 having any suitable radii (including a portion with a varying radius) that enable the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the exemplary embodiment, the drive ring 262 is enclosed within the housing 104, and vertical movement (i.e., movement along the central axis 372) of the drive ring 262 is restricted via the main body 166 of the housing 104 and the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104. Specifically, the first portion 365 of the exterior surface 356 of the drive ring 262 is placed within an annular slot 370 of the housing 104 that rotatably supports the drive ring 262. In the exemplary embodiment, the annular slot 370 is formed between the stepped surface 232 of the central opening 222 of the main body 166 of the housing 104 and the top surface 250 of the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104. Even though vertical movement of the drive ring 262 is restricted, the drive ring is rotatable about the central axis 372 of the cutting assembly 106. That is, the drive ring 262 is rotatably coupled to the housing 104. As further described below, the drive ring 262 is operably coupled to the actuator 108, and the drive ring 262 rotates about the central axis 372 upon actuation of the actuator 108.

Referring again to FIG. 14, the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 at a pivot point. Specifically, the second end 306 of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 via a pivot pin 303 that is inserted into the through hole 328 near the second end 306 of the linkage 302 and into one of the through holes 364 of the drive ring 262. When the actuator 108 is moved from the first position (shown in FIG. 14) to the second position (shown in FIG. 32), the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 moves between a retracted position and a cutting position, and the drive blade assembly 260 rotates the drive ring 262 about the central axis 372 between a first, initial position (shown in FIG. 14) and a second, rotated position (shown in FIG. 32). That is, the drive ring 262 rotates from the first, initial position to the second, rotated position upon actuation of the actuator 108.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and noted above, the follower blade assembly 382 is implemented in the form of the first blade assembly 261 in the illustrated embodiment. Similar to the drive blade assembly 260, the follower blade assembly 382 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 at the second end 306 of the linkage 302 of the follower blade assembly 382 via a pivot pin 309 inserted into the through hole 328 near the second end 306 of the linkage 302 of the follower blade assembly 382 and into one through hole 364 of the drive ring 262.

With additional reference to FIGS. 25-27, the second blade assembly 263 includes a linkage 374 and a blade 376 coupled to the linkage 374 via a blade arm 378. The linkage 374 of each second blade assembly 263 extends from a first end 386 to a second end 388 and from a first side 390 to a second side 392, and the blade 376 is coupled to a medial portion (i.e., a portion between the first and second ends 386 and 388 of the linkage 374) of the first side 390 of the linkage 374. As shown in FIG. 26, the blade 376 is coupled to the linkage 374 via the blade arm 378 that extends from the first side 390 of the linkage 374 at a first end 394 to a second end 396, with the blade 376 coupled to the blade arm 378 at the second end 396 of the blade arm 378.

The linkage 374 further includes a first top surface 398, a second top surface 400, and a bottom surface 401. With reference to the vertical direction of FIG. 26 (i.e., up and down) the first top surface 398 of the linkage 374 is higher than the second top surface 400 of the linkage 374. That is, the linkage 374 includes a stepped top surface that includes the first top surface 398 and the second top surface 400 of the linkage 374. The first top surface 398 and the second top surface 400 of the linkage 374 are connected via an intermediate side surface 402 that is oriented vertically with respect to the vertical direction of FIG. 25. The first top surface 398 of the linkage 374 generally extends from the first end 386 of the linkage 374 along the first side 390 of the linkage 374 and to the second end 388 of the linkage 374. The second top surface 400 of the linkage 374 is bounded by and extends from the intermediate side surface 402 of the linkage 374 to the second side 392 of the linkage 374.

In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 374 includes a plurality of through holes 404, 406, each extending from one of the first or second top surfaces 398, 400 of the linkage 374 through the bottom surface 401 of the linkage 374. In the illustrated embodiment, the through holes 404 of the linkage 374 are formed near the first and second ends 386, 388 of the linkage 374, and extend from the first top surface 398 of the linkage 374 through the bottom surface 401 of the linkage 374. The through holes 404 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins) therein to couple the second blade assembly 263 to the drive ring 262 or to other structure, such as the housing 104, the actuator 108, or to other components of the cutting assembly 106. Additionally, the through holes 406 of the linkage 374 are formed between the first end 386 of the linkage 374 and the second end 388 of the linkage 374 and each extend from the second top surface 400 of the linkage 374 through the bottom surface 401 of the linkage 374. The through holes 406 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins or screws) therein such that a spring may be attached to the fasteners. As shown in FIG. 25, the through holes 404 formed near the first and second ends 386, 388 of the linkage 374 have a larger diameter than the through holes 406 formed between the first and second ends 386, 388 of the linkage 374.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the blade 376 extends from the second end 396 of the blade arm 378 at a first side 408 to a second side 410, and also extends from a first end 412 to a second end 414. In the example embodiment, the blade 376 is extends along a first sloped surface 418 from the first side 408 of the blade 376 to a top ridge 416 of the blade 376 The first sloped surface 418 is sloped generally upward with respect to the vertical direction in FIG. 25 as the blade 376 extends from the first side 408 to the top ridge 416. The blade 376 extends along a second sloped surface 420 from the top ridge 416 of the blade 376 to the second side 410 of the blade 376. The second sloped surface 420 is sloped generally downward with respect to the vertical direction in FIG. 25 as the blade 376 extends from the top ridge 416 to the second side 410 of the blade 376.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blade 376 further includes a blade tip 422 at the first end 412 of the blade 376. In the example embodiment, the blade tip 422 of the blade 376 is a point, rather than a chamfered or flat tip.

As shown in FIG. 26, the first side 408 of the blade 376 includes two portions 424, 426. The first portion 424 is generally straight, and extends from the blade tip 422 of the blade 376 at a first end 428 to a second end 430. The second portion 426 of the first side 408 of the blade 376 is also generally straight, and extends from a first end 432 at the second end 430 of the first portion 424 to a second end 434 at the blade arm 378. The second side 410 of the blade 376 extends from the blade tip 422 of the blade 376 at a first end 425 to a second end 427.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first portion 424 of the first side 408 of the blade 376 and the second side 410 of the blade 376 are sharpened cutting surfaces that form the blade (i.e., cutting) edges of the blade 376. Further, the exemplary embodiment, the blade 376 is sized and shaped to meet clearance requirements of the cutting apparatus 100 so that, for example, the blades 376 do not interfere with other components of the cutting apparatus 100 as the blades 376 are moved from their respective retracted positions to their respective cutting positions. However, in other embodiments, the blade 376, the blade arm 378, and the linkage 374 of the second blade assembly 263 may be of any suitable configuration and may be of any suitable shape that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

In some embodiments, the blades 312, of the first blade assembly 261, and the blades 376, of the second blade assembly 263, may generally have the same shape and size, e.g., the same angle between the first side 332, 408, and the second side 334, 410, and/or the same length of the first sides 332, 408, and the same length of the second sides 334, 410.

The second blade assembly 263 of the illustrated embodiment is formed as a unitary assembly. That is, the blade 376, linkage 374, and blade arm 378 of the second blade assembly 263 are formed from a single, unitary (i.e., monolithic) piece. By way of example, the second blade assembly 263 can be formed of metal, for example, steel or aluminum. In the example embodiment, the second blade assembly 263 is made of 440C stainless steel. In other embodiments, the second blade assembly 263 may be made of any suitable material that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein. In some embodiments, the second blade assembly 263 may be formed from two or more components, for example, by forming the components separately and coupling them together.

The second blade assembly 263 is suitable for use as the drive blade assembly 260 and any of the follower blade assemblies 264. In the illustrated embodiment, the two of the follower blade assemblies, denoted with reference number 384, are implemented with the configuration of the second blade assembly 263.

Further, the linkage 374 of each of the follower blade assemblies 384 are pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 at the second end 388 of the linkage 374 of each follower blade assembly 384 via a pivot pin 309, 311 inserted into the through hole 404 near the second end 388 of the linkage 374 of each follower blade assembly 384 and into one through hole 364 of the drive ring 262. In other embodiments, any of the follower blade assemblies 264 or the drive blade assembly 260 may be implemented in the form of the first blade assembly 261 or the second blade assembly 263.

Components of the drive blade assembly 260 may also be referred to herein as “drive” components. For example, the linkage 302 and blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 may be referred to as the “drive linkage” and the “drive blade”, respectively. Similarly, components of the follower blade assemblies 264 may be referred to herein as “follower” components. For example, the linkage 302, 374 and the blade 312, 376 of the follower blade assemblies 264 may be referred to as the “follower linkage” and the “follower blade”, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cutting assembly also includes a plurality of connecting linkages 380. With additional reference to FIG. 19, each connecting linkage 380 extends from a first end 436 to a second end 438 and from a first side 440 to a second side 442. Each connecting linkage 380 also includes a top surface 444 and a bottom surface 446. The first and second sides 440, 442 of each connecting linkage 380 are generally curved, and each include a bent portion 450. Further, the first end 436 of each connecting linkage 380 includes a cutout portion 452. The cutout portion 452 of each connecting linkage 380 is formed between the top surface 444 of the connecting linkage 380 and the bottom surface 446 of the connecting linkage 380.

In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting linkage 380 also includes a through hole 454 near each of the first and second ends 436, 438 of the connecting linkage 380 and defined from the top surface 444 to the bottom surface 446 of each connecting linkage 380. The through hole 454 near the first end 436 of each connecting linkage 380 passes through the cutout portion 452 of the connecting linkage 380 such that through hole 454 is defined through the cutout portion 452, and includes two separate portions. That is, the first portion of the through hole 454 near the first end 436 of the connecting linkage 380 extends from the top surface 444 of the connecting linkage 380 to the cutout portion 452 of the connecting linkage 380, and the second portion of the through hole 454 near the first end 436 of the connecting linkage 380 extends from the cutout portion 452 of the connecting linkage 380 to the bottom surface 446 of the connecting linkage 380. The through holes 454 are sized and shaped to receive suitable fasteners (e.g., pins) therein to couple the connecting linkage 380 to the housing 104, the follower blade assemblies 264, the drive blade assembly 260, or to other components of the cutting assembly 106.

As shown in FIG. 14, each first end 436 of each connecting linkage 380 is pivotably coupled to the first end 304, 386 of one of the linkages 302, 374 of one of the follower blade assemblies 264 (which includes follower blade assemblies 382, 384), and the second end 438 of each connecting linkage 380 is pivotably coupled to the housing 104. Each connecting linkage 380 is pivotably coupled to the housing 104 via a pin 331 inserted into the through hole 454 near the second end 438 of the connecting linkage 380 and into one of the through holes 206 formed in the main body 166 of the housing 104. Each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 is pivotably coupled to the first end 436 of the corresponding connecting linkage 380 via a pivot pin 307 inserted into the through hole 454 formed near the first end 436 of the connecting linkage 380 and into the through hole 328, 404 near the first end 304, 386 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264. Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 18, the first end 304, 386 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 fits into the cutout portion 452 at the first end 436 of the corresponding connecting linkage 380 such that the corresponding through holes 328, 404 near the first end 304, 386 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 can be aligned with the through hole 454 near the first end 436 of the corresponding connecting linkage 380.

Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, when assembled, a fastener 456 is installed into one of the through holes 330, 406 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 and also into the through holes 204 in each of the stepped protrusions 182 of the housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 456 is a screw. The through hole 330, 406 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 into which the fastener 456 is inserted is dependent upon properties of the corresponding spring 268, and the fastener 456 may be inserted into any of the through holes 330, 406 in each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastener 456 is installed in the same corresponding through hole 330, 406 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264. In other embodiments, multiple fasteners 456 may be inserted into the through holes 330, 406 of each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264. Further, in other embodiments, the fastener 456 may be inserted into any of the through holes 330, 406 in each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 so long as the cutting apparatus 100 is enabled to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the fasteners 456 are identical. In other embodiments, the fastener 456 installed in each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 and each stepped protrusion 182 may be identical or different, and may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each spring 268 is coupled to one of the fasteners 456 in one of the stepped protrusions 182 of the housing 104 at one end thereof and is also coupled to the fastener 456 in one of the linkages 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 at another end thereof. That is, each spring 268 connects each linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 to the housing 104. In the exemplary embodiment, the springs 268 are extension springs. However, the springs 268 may have any suitable configuration that enables the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, when assembled, the drive ring 262 is enclosed within the annular slot 370 formed by the main body 166 of the housing 104 and the bottom cover plate 168 of the housing 104. The drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 are installed within the cavity 180 of main body 166 of the housing 104. Once the cutting assembly 106 is installed, the top cover plate 102 is coupled to the top of the main body 166, to at least partially enclose the cavity 180 and the cutting assembly 106 within the housing 104, to complete the cutting apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

As shown in FIG. 14, each blade 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 is pivotably coupled via the respective pivot pin 303, 305, 309, 311 defined at the connection between the corresponding linkage 302, 374 of the follower blade assemblies 264 and the drive ring 262. When moving from the retracted position to the cutting position, each blade 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 rotates about the corresponding pivot pin 303, 305, 309, 311.

Actuation of the actuator 108 causes the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 to rotate the drive ring 262 about the central axis 372, and causes the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 to move radially inward from their respective retracted position to their respective cutting position. That is, moving the actuator 108 from the first position to the second position actuates the cutting assembly 106 to move the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 from the retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1-4) to the cutting position (shown in FIGS. 28-30). In the cutting position, the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 are arranged about the central axis 372, with the tips 346, 422 of each of the blades 312, 376 contacting each other.

More specifically, as the actuator 108 is moved from the first position to the second position, the actuator 108 pushes the drive blade assembly 260 about the central axis 372, which, in turn, drives the drive ring 262 to rotate about the central axis 372 (counterclockwise in the orientation shown in FIG. 14). As the drive ring 262 rotates about the central axis 372, each of the follower blade assemblies 264 are moved about the central axis 372, causing each of the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 to pivot about their respective pivot pins 303, 305, 309, 311 (i.e., connection points to the drive ring 262) and to converge towards the central axis 372 (i.e., toward the cutting position). Specifically, movement of the drive blade assembly 260 about the central axis 372 causes the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 to rotate about the pivot pin 303 and causes the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 to move radially inward toward the central axis 372. Further, movement of the follower blade assemblies 264 about the central axis 372 causes each connecting linkage 380 to rotate about its respective first end 436 (i.e., about the pivot pin 331). Rotating the connecting linkages 380 about their pin connections to the housing 104 (i.e., pivot pin 331) produces a force on the first end 304, 386 of the corresponding linkage 302, 374 of each follower blade assembly 264 (via the second end 438 of each connecting linkage 380) that rotates each linkage 302, 374 of the follower blade assemblies 264 about its respective pivot pin 305, 307, 311 which causes the blades 312, 376 of the follower blade assemblies 264 to move radially inward toward the central axis 372. In the illustrated embodiment, movement of the actuator 108 from the first position to the second position causes the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264 to move towards the central axis 372 simultaneously, such that the blade tip 346, 422 of each of the blades 312, 376 arrive at their respective cutting position at the same time.

When the actuator 108 is released from the second position, the springs 268 bias the linkages 302, 374 of the follower blade assemblies 264 (and thus the blades 312, 376 of the follower blade assemblies 264) back toward the retracted position, thereby rotating the drive ring 262 toward the initial position and the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 toward its retracted position, and causing the cutting assembly 106 and the cutting apparatus 100 to move to the retracted position. That is, the springs 268 are operably coupled to the drive ring 262 and bias the drive ring 262 towards the first, initial position.

FIGS. 28-32 illustrate the cutting apparatus 100 with the blades 110 in their cutting positions. The fasteners 456 are omitted from FIGS. 31 and 32. As shown in FIGS. 28-32, the actuator 108 is in the second position, and each of the blades 110 (i.e., the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264) have all moved toward and converged upon the central axis 372. In other words, the blades 110 are in their respective cutting positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting assembly 106 is designed such that the drive blade assembly 260 is directly driven or substantially directly driven by the actuator 108 when the actuator 108 starts to depart from the first position toward the second position. Specifically, the cutting assembly 106 is configured such that the force vector initially applied by the actuator 108 to the drive blade assembly 260 (i.e., to the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260) is aligned or substantially aligned with a straight line extending through the two connection points between linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the drive ring 262 and the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the actuator 108 (i.e., aligned with a straight line connecting the through holes 328 of the drive blade assembly 260). The alignment of the force vector applied by the actuator 108 along the connection points of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is affected by the point at which the second end 306 of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262.

As shown in FIG. 34, an angle α between an axis 460 defining the vertical direction in FIG. 34 and the point 462 at which the second end 306 of the linkage 302 of the drive blade assembly 260 is pivotably coupled to the drive ring 262 is between 0 degrees and 30 degrees in order to ensure that an adequate force vector is applied by the actuator 108 to the drive blade assembly 260 such that the cutting apparatus 100 may function as described herein (i.e., so that the blades 110 can easily be driven towards their cutting positions). In other embodiments, the angle α may be between −30 degrees and 30 degrees (with negative angles indicating a counterclockwise rotation from axis 460) in order for an adequate force vector to be applied by the actuator 108 to the drive blade assembly 260 such that the cutting apparatus 100 may function as described herein.

In some embodiments, the blades 110 (i.e., the blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264) of the cutting assembly 106 can be configured to overlap adjacent blades 312, 376 when each blade 312, 376 is in its respective cutting position. That is, as the blades 312, 376 are moved from their respective retracted positions to their respective cutting positions, the sides (e.g., the blade edges) of the adjacent blades 312, 376 move past one another, creating a scissoring effect. This scissoring effect can facilitate smooth and complete cutting of the cigar, and lowers the risk of partial, jagged, incomplete or other undesirable cuts. Adjacent blades may include blades that are immediately next to one another (i.e., to the left and right), or may include blades that are directly or indirectly across from one another.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating overlapping blades 110 (i.e., blades 312, 376 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assemblies 264) of the cutting assembly 106 when the blades 110 are in their respective cutting positions. Specifically, four blades are shown in FIG. 35—a first blade 502, a second blade 504, a third blade 506, and a fourth blade 508. The first blade 502 is bounded by sides 510, 512, and 514, and the second blade 504 is bounded by sides 516, 518, and 520. The third blade 506 is bounded by sides 522, 524, and 526, and the fourth blade 508 is bounded by sides 528, 530, and 532. In the example configuration shown in FIG. 35, the second, third, and fourth blades 504, 506, 508 may all be considered adjacent blades to the first blade 502, with the third and fourth blades 506, 508 being next to (i.e., to the left and right of) the first blade 502 and the second blade 504 being across from the first blade 502.

As shown in FIG. 35, a portion of each of the blades 502, 504, 506, and 508 overlaps at least one adjacent blade, as illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 35. For example, side 512 and side 514 of the first blade 502 are overlapped by side 532 of the fourth blade 508 and side 524 of the third blade 506, respectively. Further, side 518 and side 520 of the second blade 504 are overlapped by side 526 of the third blade 506 and side 530 of the fourth blade 508, respectively. In this example, sides 512, 514 of the first blade 502, sides 518, 520 of the second blade 504, sides 524, 526 of the third blade 506, and sides 530, 532 of the fourth blade 508 are all blade (i.e., cutting) edges of the blades 502, 504, 506, 508. Accordingly, the overlap of these blade edges of the blades 502, 504, 506, 508 when in the cutting configuration creates the above-described scissoring effect and facilitates forming a smooth and complete cut into the end of a cigar. In some embodiments, the blade edges of the first blade 502 and the second blade 504 may overlap one another, and the blade edges of the third blade 506 and the fourth blade 508 may overlap each other. That is, the blade edges of adjacent blades that are across (either directly or indirectly) from one another may overlap one another.

In the example embodiment, each of the blades 312, 376 includes two blade edges (e.g., blade edges 313, 334 of the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assembly 382, and blade edges 410, 424 of the blade 376 of the follower blade assemblies 384) that converge at a respective blade tip (e.g., blade tip 346 of the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assembly 382 and the blade tip 422 of the blade 376 of the follower blade assemblies 384), and the blade edges of the blades 312, 376 cooperatively form an X pattern when the blades 312, 376 are in their respective cutting positions. That is, the plurality of blades 110 cooperatively form an X pattern when the blades 110 are in their respective cutting positions.

Further, at least one blade edge (e.g., blade edges 313, 334 of the blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assembly 382, and blade edges 410, 424 of the blade 376 of the follower blade assemblies 384) of each of the blades 312, 376 overlaps a blade edge of the adjacent blade 312, 376 when the blades 312, 376 are in their respective cutting positions, thereby cooperatively forming an X pattern. For example, when in their respective cutting positions, the blade edges 313, 334 of the blades 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 and the follower blade assembly 382 overlap the adjacent blade edges 410, 424 of each of the blades 376 of the follower blade assemblies 384.

In an example method of using the cutting apparatus 100, a user positions the end an uncut cigar in engagement with the depth-setting features 144 of the top cover plate 102. While holding the cigar still, the user moves the actuator 108 from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the blades 312, 376 to move towards the central axis 372. As the blades 312, 376 make contact with the end of the cigar, the end of the cigar is cut. FIG. 33 illustrates the end 112 of a cut cigar 114. In the exemplary embodiment, there are four total blades 110 in the cutting assembly 106 (one blade 312 of the drive blade assembly 260 and three blades 312, 376 of the follower blade assemblies 264), and the cutting assembly 106 is operable to make a X-cut pattern or a crown cut pattern into the end 112 of the cigar 114. That is, the cutting apparatus 100 is operable to make a cut (which may include a specialty cut such as an X-cut pattern or a crown cut pattern) into the end 112 of the cigar 114, which may include a cut made using multiple blades 110, via a single actuation of the cutting apparatus 100 (i.e., actuation of the actuator 108, in the exemplary embodiment).

In other embodiments, there may be additional or fewer blades 110 included in the cutting assembly, such that different cuts may be made into the end 112 of the cigar 114. That is, the cutting apparatus 100 may include any suitable number of blade assemblies 260, 261, 263, 264, 382, 384 having any suitable number of blades 110 (which includes blades 312, 376) that enable the cutting apparatus 100 to function as described herein.

One example method of assemblies the cutting apparatus 100 includes providing the housing 104, and providing a cutting assembly 106. The cutting assembly 106 includes the actuator 108, the drive ring 262, and the plurality of blades 110. The method further includes: moveably coupling the actuator 108 to the housing 104 such that the actuator 108 is accessible from the exterior of the housing 104, rotatably coupling the drive ring 262 to the housing 104 and operably coupling the drive ring 262 to the actuator 108 such that the drive ring 262 rotates about the central axis 372 upon actuation of the actuator 108, and operably coupling the plurality of blades 110 to the drive ring 262 such that each blade 110 is moveable radially inward from the respective retracted position to the respective cutting position upon actuation of the actuator 108.

The present disclosure provides at least the following technical benefits and advantages: (i) ease, smoothness, and completeness of making cuts into the end of a cigar, (ii) fewer separate cuts required for making specific cuts (e.g., an X-cut pattern or a crown cut pattern) in cigars that enable a better draw of air through the cigar and create a clearance of material around the end of the cigar, thereby preventing clogging of the cigar and creating a more enjoyable experience for the user, (iii) reduction of user mistakes when cutting cigars, and (iv) enhanced safety of using the cutting apparatus due to increased blade protection when the cutting apparatus is not in use.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention 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 languages of the claims.

CUTTING APPARATUS

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CPC

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Description

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)