TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a cutting device, and more particularly to a cutting device having one or more replaceable blades.
BACKGROUND
The pocket cutter is a basic cutting tool that may be provided in a variety of forms. As the name suggests, a typical pocket cutter is small enough to be carried in the pocket of a user. Additionally, the typical pocket cutter is a compact cutting tool with a folding or otherwise retractable blade. The typical pocket cutter involves a user unfolding a blade from a handle or extending the blade with a button or other mechanism in order to lock the blade into place before using the blade. This design feature creates an increased chance of injury, as the blade is left exposed for extended periods of time because many users find it cumbersome and time consuming to securely retract the blade when the pocket cutter is used repeatedly in a short time span.
Current pocket cutters also pose a safety concern in how a user holds the tool. The ergonomics of a standard pocket cutter require a user to wrap their hand completely around the handle of the pocket cutter. This design creates a hazard to the user as the handle can slip through the user's hand and expose the user to the blade of the pocket cutter as the pocket cutter passes through the user's hand. This shortcoming is exacerbated by the fact that the blade of the pocket cutter blade remains extended as it does not automatically retract.
Current pocket cutters also pose a challenge to some users based on whether the user is left-handed or right-handed. Current pocket cutters are typically designed for one type of user (e.g., right-handed users), which causes difficulties for use of the pocket cutter by other users (e.g., left-handed users).
The exemplary disclosed cutting device and method of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the shortcomings set forth above and/or other deficiencies in existing technology.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cutting device. The cutting device includes a first housing member and a second housing member that is removably attachable to the first housing member to form a housing. The cutting device also includes a locking member that selectively locks the first housing member to the second housing member. The cutting device further includes a carriage that is movably disposed in the housing, the carriage including a first attachment portion, which is disposed at a first portion of the carriage, and a second attachment portion, which is disposed at a second portion of the carriage that is disposed away from the first portion of the carriage. The cutting device also includes a cutting member that is removably attachable to the first attachment portion at the first portion of the carriage. The cutting member is removably attachable to the second attachment portion at the second portion of the carriage.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method includes removably attaching a first housing member to a second housing member to form a housing. The method also includes selectively locking the first housing member to the second housing member, and movably disposing a carriage in the housing. The method further includes removably attaching a cutting member to a first attachment portion disposed at a first half of the carriage, and removably attaching the cutting member to a second attachment portion disposed at a second half of the carriage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9A is a top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary cutting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cutting device 105. FIG. 2 illustrates a first side (e.g., front side) of cutting device 105 and FIG. 3 illustrates a second (e.g., reverse side) of cutting device 105. The exemplary cutting device disclosed herein may be any suitable device for cutting material such as, for example, a pocket cutter, a seam ripper, a box cutter, a utility knife, or a precision knife. For example, cutting device 105 may be a pocket cutter or similar cutting device.
Cutting device 105 may include a housing 110 and a cutting assembly 115. Cutting assembly 115 may be movably disposed in housing 110. The exemplary cutting device may be constructed from any suitable variety of durable materials. For example, some or most of the components of the exemplary cutting device may be formed from plastic or a plastic composite material. Also for example, some or most of the components of the exemplary cutting device may be formed from metal or metal alloy. Further for example, the exemplary cutting device may include ceramic material. For example, cutting device 105 may be formed from plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal alloy, and/or ceramic materials. For example, cutting device 105 may be formed from a variety of materials disclosed herein. For example, housing 110 may be formed partially or substantially entirely from plastic, plastic composite, metal, and/or metal alloy materials. For example, housing 110 may be formed from plastic or metal structural members. A magnet included in housing 110, described further below, may be formed for example from metal material or other material that may have magnetic properties. As described further below, cutting assembly 115 may include components formed from plastic, plastic composite, metal, and/or metal alloy materials and components formed from ceramic materials. Also for example, certain components of cutting device 105 may include specific materials based upon the application or function of a given component. For example, members of cutting device 105 designed to come into contact with a cutting surface and that may be subject to constant friction may include materials resistant to friction such as glass-filled nylon and/or polyamide plastic. For example, cutting device 105 may include any suitable materials for use in a cutting device such as, e.g., a pocket cutter, a seam ripper, a box cutter, a utility knife, or a precision knife.
Housing 110 may provide, for example, a handle for cutting device 105 for use by a user. For example, housing 110 may provide a pocket cutter handle, a seam ripper handle, or a handle of a box cutter, utility knife, or precision knife. For example, housing 110 may be a substantially hollow housing configured to receive and retain cutting assembly 115 as well as additional components such as the exemplary components described herein. For example, housing 110 may be an elliptical-shaped, disc-shaped, and/or cylindrical housing. For example, housing 110 may be flat and substantially oval in shape. Also for example, housing 110 may be any other suitable shape such as, for example, a substantially regular tube shape, e.g., a square, triangular, hexagonal, and/or octagonal shape.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, housing 110 may include a housing member 120, a housing member 125, and a locking assembly 127. Housing members 120 and 125 may be, for example, corresponding halves of housing 110 that may be attached together to form housing 110. For example, housing member 120 may be a front member such as, for example, a front-half body shell, and housing member 125 may be a rear member such as, for example, a rear-half body shell. Housing members 120 and 125 may be configured to house or contain (e.g., separately or working together to house or contain) other components of cutting device 105. Locking assembly 127 may serve to lock housing members 120 and 125 together.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, housing members 120 and 125 may include a plurality of engagement elements to facilitate removable attachment of housing members 120 and 125. For example, housing member 120 may include a connector element 128 and housing member 125 may include a connector element 130. Both connector elements 128 and 130 may be located at a front portion of housing 110, and may be configured to connect and align a front portion of main body housing 110 during an attachment of housing members 120 and 125. For example, connector elements 128 and 130 may be configured to connect housing member 120 (e.g., a front-half body shell) to housing member 125 (e.g., a rear-half body shell) for example, in addition to or instead of locking assembly 127. Also for example, housing member 120 may include a connector element 132 and housing member 125 may include a connector element 134. Both connector elements 132 and 134 may be located at a rear portion of housing 110, and may be configured to connect and align a rear portion of main body housing 110 during an attachment of housing members 120 and 125. For example, connector elements 132 and 134 may be configured to connect housing member 120 (e.g., a front-half body shell) to housing member 125 (e.g., a rear-half body shell), e.g., in addition to or instead of locking assembly 127. Housing members 120 and 125 may form a cavity 135 (e.g., channel) disposed within housing 110.
It is also contemplated that housing 110 may include integral portions that are not removably attachable (e.g., housing 110 may be formed by a single integral housing member having portions 120 and 125 that may be integral portions of housing 110). In this exemplary embodiment, for example, the one or more exemplary cutting members described herein may be replaced by extending the cutting member though the exemplary housing apertures described herein. Also, for example, engagement (e.g., connection and/or alignment) between the various components of housing 110 may be provided by using any type of suitable design.
Housing members 120 and 125 may include a plurality of apertures disposed at a front portion of housing 110 to receive the exemplary cutting members described herein. For example, housing member 120 may include an aperture 140 and an aperture 142, and housing member 125 may include an aperture 144 and an aperture 146. Apertures 140, 142, 144, and 146 may be located at a front portion of housing 110, and may be configured to form apertures in housing 110 to receive exemplary cutting members. For example, apertures 142 and 144 may be aligned to form an aperture 148 in housing 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Also for example, apertures 140 and 146 may be aligned to form an aperture 150 in housing 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, apertures 148 and 150 may be blade outlet slots formed in housing 110.
Housing members 120 and 125 may also include a plurality of wall portions and apertures for forming side walls of housing 110 and an attachment point to facilitate carrying and/or storage. For example, housing 120 may include portions 152 and 154 (e.g., side portions) and a portion 156 (e.g., a rear portion). Also for example, housing 125 may include portions 158 and 160 (e.g., side portions) and a portion 162 (e.g., a rear portion). When housing members 120 and 125 are attached (e.g., removably attached), portion 152 may align with portion 160 to form a first side wall portion of housing 110, and portion 154 may align with portion 158 to form a second side wall portion of housing 110. Also, for example, when housing members 120 and 125 are attached (e.g., removably attached), portions 156 and 162 may align to form an attachment portion of housing 110. For example, when housing members 120 and 125 are attached (e.g., removably attached), aperture 164 formed between portion 156 and other portions of housing member 120 such as portion 154, and aperture 166 formed between portion 162 and other portions of housing member 125 such as portion 158, may be aligned to form aperture 168 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Aperture 168 may be utilized by a user of cutting device 105 as an attachment portion for example for storing or carrying cutting device 105. For example, aperture 168 may be a lanyard attachment point.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, housing member 120 may include a recess 170 formed by a portion 171 (e.g., exterior wall portion) at an outer surface of housing member 120. For example, recess 170 may be configured to receive an exemplary portion of cutting assembly 115 disclosed herein. Recess 170 may include an aperture 172. Aperture 172 may be an elongated aperture (e.g., a groove) for receiving a portion of cutting assembly 115 that may be disposed in recess 170. Aperture 172 may extend substantially entirely through housing member 120, creating a passage from an exterior surface of housing member 120 to a cavity 135 (e.g., an interior cavity or a channel) of housing 110. For example, recess 170 may be a depression formed in an outer surface portion of housing member 120, and aperture 172 may be an opening in the outer surface portion of housing member 120 that may be substantially contained within recess 170. For example, aperture 172 may define limits of movement of cutting assembly 115 based on a length of aperture 172.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, housing member 120 may also include a plurality of portions disposed on an interior surface 175 (e.g., a surface of housing member 120 facing interior cavity 135 of cutting device 105) that may serve as a track or guide to direct a movement of cutting assembly 115 and to substantially block or stop a movement of cutting assembly 115. For example, housing member 120 may include portions 174 and 176 that may be elongated portions extending in a longitudinal direction of cutting device 105. For example, portions 174 and 176 may form a set of ribs and/or channels disposed on surface 175. For example, portions 174 and 176 and surface 175 may provide a guide assembly that interconnects with portions of cutting assembly 115 to provide a track for a movement of cutting assembly 115. For example, portions 174 and 176 may guide and/or provide a non-rotational movement or displacement of cutting assembly 115 between a retracted position and an extended position.
Also for example as illustrated in FIG. 7, housing member 120 may include one or more portions (e.g., portions 178, 180, and/or 182) that may also be disposed on interior surface 175. Housing member 120 may for example include protrusions (e.g., portion 182) that may serve to substantially block or stop a movement of cutting assembly 115, thereby defining a movement range of cutting assembly 115 within cavity 135 of housing 110. Such portions for example may be disposed at a rear portion and/or a middle rearward or middle portion (e.g., a portion disposed at a rear half of housing member 120) of housing member 120. For example, such portions may define a rear boundary of movement (e.g., a retracted position or rear position) of cutting assembly 115 within cutting device 105. Also for example, housing member 120 may include a plurality of portions 178 and 180 that may be snap-fit portions that snap-fit with corresponding portions of housing member 125 to snap-fit housing members 120 and 125 together. Portion 182 may also include an attachment portion 183. A portion of an exemplary urging member disclosed herein may be attached to attachment portion 183. Attachment portion 183 may be, for example, a hook, ring, and/or a portion having an aperture to which an exemplary urging member may be attached as described for example herein. Portion 182 including attachment portion 183 may be an integral portion of carriage 230. Alternatively for example, portion 182 including attachment portion 183 may be a separate member that is formed from similar material to housing member 120 and is attached to housing member 120.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, housing member 125 may include an interior surface 184 (e.g., a surface of housing member 125 facing interior cavity 135 of cutting device 105) that may face surface 175 of housing member 120. Surface 184 may be shaped to guide a movement of cutting assembly 115 within cavity 135. Housing member 125 may also include a plurality of portions 186 and 188 that may serve as a track or guide to direct a movement of cutting assembly 115.
Housing member 125 may also include a portion 190 that may protrude from surface 184. For example, portion 190 may be an elongated wall portion that may form a recess 192. Recess 192 may be a receptacle that may receive a magnetic component 194. Magnetic component 194 may be secured within recess 192 by any suitable technique (e.g., adhesive attachment to a surface of recess 192 and/or a mechanical attachment to portion 190 and/or a surface portion of recess 192). Magnetic component 194 may be formed from any suitable magnetic material such as, for example, magnetized material such as magnetized iron, magnetized cobalt, rare-earth alloys, magnetized nickel, naturally occurring materials with magnetic properties, and/or any suitable ferromagnetic material. Magnetic component 194 may also be formed from any suitable material that is attracted to a magnet such as, for example, cobalt, iron, nickel, and/or any other suitable material. Magnetic component 194 may be useful for any variety of tasks such as, for example, holding or securing replacement blades, securing or storing cutting device 105 on a magnetic and/or metallic surface, and/or picking up small objects such as nails, screws, or other intricate objects.
Locking assembly 127 of housing 110 may include locking member 200 and portions of housing members 120 and/or 125. Locking assembly 127 may serve to lock (e.g., selectively lock) housing members 120 and 125 together.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, locking assembly 127 may include a portion 202 that may protrude from an interior surface 204 of housing member 120. As illustrated in FIG. 8, locking assembly 127 may also include a portion 206 and a portion 208 that may protrude from an interior surface 210 of housing member 125. Locking member 200 may be removably disposable on housing member 125. For example, when housing members 120 and 125 are detached, locking member 200 may be movably attached to housing member 125. For example, when a user detaches housing members 120 and 125, locking member 200 may remain for example attached to housing member 125. For example, a portion 212 of locking member 200 may be disposed between portions 206 and 208. Portion 212 may move between a gap provided between portions 206 and 208, thereby allowing locking member 200 for example to be movably disposed on housing member 125. It is also contemplated that locking member 200 may alternatively remain attached to housing member 120 when housing members 120 and 125 are detached. It is also contemplated that in an exemplary embodiment in which housing 110 is an integral housing (e.g., when housing 110 may be formed by a single integral housing member having portions 120 and 125 that may be integral portions of housing 110), locking member 200 may remain movably attachable to both portions 120 and 125 of housing 110 (or, e.g., may be omitted).
As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, when housing members 120 and 125 are attached, locking member 200 may be movably disposed along a plurality of apertures (e.g., a track or a guide) formed between portion 202 and surface 204 of housing member 120 and portions 206 and 208 and surface 210 of housing member 125. For example, portion 202 and/or surface 204 of housing member 120 and portions 206 and/or 208 and/or surface 210 of housing member 125 may be in contact with (e.g., and interconnect with) portion 212 of locking member 200 so that a movement of locking member 200 is guided within housing 110. For example, portion 202 of housing member 120 and portions 206 and 208 of housing member 125 may define a range of movement of locking member 200 within housing 110. Locking member 200 may be moved to a locked position in which portion 212 of locking member 200 may engage (e.g., substantially entirely engage) with portion 202 of housing member 120 and/or portions 206 and/or 208 of housing member 125 to lock housing members 120 and 125 together. Locking member 200 may also be moved to an unlocked position in which portion 212 of locking member 200 may be disengaged from portion 202 of housing member 120 and/or portions 206 and/or 208 of housing member 125 to unlock housing members 120 and 125. Portion 212 of locking member 200 may thereby selectively engage with portion 202 of housing member 120 and/or portions 206 and/or 208 of housing member 125 (e.g., portions of locking member 200 may selectively engage with portions of housing 110 to selectively lock housing 110).
As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, locking member 200 of locking assembly 127 may also include a protrusion 214 disposed at an exterior surface 216 of locking member 200. Protrusion 214 may provide a point of contact for assisting a user in selectively moving locking member 200 between a locked and an unlocked position. An additional point of contact may also be located, for example, at an end portion (e.g., tail end) of locking member 200. Locking assembly 127 may also include a locking indicator 218 that may be disposed on housing member 120 and/or housing member 125 (e.g., or any other suitable portion of housing 110). Locking indicator 218 may include a locked indicator 220 and an unlocked indicator 222 that may indicate to a user whether cutting device 105 is in a locked or an unlocked state based on a position of locking member 200 (e.g., an engagement of locking member 200 with portions of housing members 120 and 125). It is contemplated that locking assembly 127 may also include any suitable assemblies for locking housing members 120 and 125 such as, for example, a twist-lock connection, a snap connection, a screw-type connection, an adhesive connection, a hook and loop connection, or any other suitable type of (e.g., mechanical) connection.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 9A, and 10, cutting assembly 115 may include a carriage 230, a member 235, one or more cutting members 240, and an urging member 250. One or more cutting members 240 may be removably disposable in carriage 230 (e.g., a blade carriage). Carriage 230 may be movably disposed within housing 110. For example, carriage 230 may be movably disposed within cavity 135, which may be configured to receive carriage 230 as described for example herein. As illustrated in FIG. 10, carriage 230 may include a plurality of wall portions (e.g., portion 252 and portion 254). Portions (e.g., portion 174 and portion 176) of housing member 120 may act as guides or ribs that contact corresponding portions (e.g., portion 252 and portion 254) of carriage 230. The interaction of corresponding portions (e.g., portions 174 and 176) of housing member 120 and portions (e.g., portions 252 and 254) of carriage 230 may allow carriage 230 to move (e.g., slide or translate in a forward or rearward direction along a length of cutting device 105) within housing 110 without rotation (e.g., the interaction of the portions of carriage 230 and housing 110 may substantially prevent a rotation of carriage 230 as it moves within housing 110, e.g., when housing members 120 and 125 are attached or integral with each other as part of housing 110). For example, carriage 230 may move within housing 110 between an extended position as illustrated in FIG. 1 and a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, carriage 230 may be moved to the retracted position, the extended position, or any position between the retracted position and the extended position.
Member 235 may be attached (e.g., removably attached or fixedly attached) to carriage 230. Member 235 may be sized to fit within recess 170 of housing member 120. For example, member 235 may have a width that is sized to fit within a width of recess 170. Member 235 may have a length that is less than a length of recess 170 so that member 235 may be moved within recess 170 (e.g., moved along a length of recess 170). Member 235 may include a portion 256 that may protrude from a surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of member 235. Portion 256 may be received in aperture 172 of housing member 120 and may pass through aperture 172. For example, portion 256 may pass through aperture 172 and be received within an aperture 258 of carriage 230. Also for example, portion 256 may include an aperture 260 that may receive a plurality of protrusions 262 disposed on a surface of aperture 258 of carriage 230. Member 235 may thereby be removably attached to carriage 230 based on portion 256 of member 235 passing through aperture 172 of housing member 120, with protrusions 262 disposed at aperture 258 being received within aperture 260 of portion 256. Accordingly for example, member 235, housing member 120, and carriage 230 may be attached, with member 235 and carriage 230 being movably disposed along housing member 120. For example, a range of movement of member 235 and carriage 230 along housing member 120 may be defined by a range of movement of portion 256 along a length of aperture 172. For example, when housing members 120 and 125 are detached, carriage 230 and member 235 of cutting assembly 115 may be movably attached to housing member 120. Alternatively for example, when a user detaches housing members 120 and 125, carriage 230 and member 235 may remain for example attached to housing member 125. It is also contemplated that cutting assembly 115 may removably attachable to other suitable portions or surface portions of housing 110.
Member 235 may include a plurality of protrusions 264 such as ridges or other suitable tactile protrusions disposed on a surface 266 of member 235. A user of cutting device 105 may interact with member 235 to move carriage 230 within housing 110. Protrusions 264 may assist a user with maintaining positive contact (e.g., non-slipping contact) with member 235 as the user pushes or pulls at member 235.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 10, carriage 230 may include one or more attachment portions (e.g., cavity 270 and cavity 275) that may be formed by a plurality of portions (e.g., portion 280 and portion 285) of carriage 230. The one or more attachment portions may be, for example, a cavity, a mechanical assembly (e.g., having a latch), a location for adhesive connection, and/or a hook and loop connection. Cavities 270 and 275 may be configured (e.g., shaped and/or sized) to receive a portion of cutting member 240. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10 that illustrates a plan view of carriage 230 that may face housing member 120, cavity 270 may include a portion 290 and cavity 275 may include a portion 295. Portions 290 and 295 may each be configured to receive an end portion 300 of cutting members 240. Carriage 230 may also include a plurality of portions (e.g., portions 297 and 298) that may be received in corresponding recesses of cutting member 240. Cavities 270 and 275 may each thereby securely retain cutting member 240 in such a manner so as to substantially prevent cutting member 240 from becoming dislodged or otherwise falling out of carriage 230. The securing of one or more cutting members 240 in cavities 270 and 275 of carriage 230 may also be for example a friction-fit attachment between cutting member 240 and portions 280, 285, 290, 295, 297, 298 and/or other portions of cavities 270 and 275 and/or carriage 230.
FIG. 9B illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of the exemplary carriage. Carriage 1230 may be generally similar to carriage 230, and may include cavities 1270 and 1275 that may each receive a cutting member 1240 that may be similar to cutting member 240. For example, a plurality of portions 1297, 1298, 1397, and 1398, which may be similar to portions 297 and 298 of carriage 230, may be disposed on opposite sides of each of cavities 1270 and 1275 (e.g., portion 1397 may be disposed in cavity 1270 substantially opposite to portion 1297, and portion 1398 may be disposed in cavity 1275 substantially opposite to portion 1298). Also for example, cutting member 1240 may have a plurality of recesses 1320 and 1420 disposed on opposite sides of cutting member 1240. For example, cutting member 1240 may be disposed in varying orientations based on flipping cutting member 1240 over to an opposite side (e.g., cutting member 1240 may have two exemplary recesses 1320 and 1420, which may receive for example portions 1297, 1298, 1397, and/or 1398 on respective sides of cavities 1270 and 1275). Accordingly, for example, a user would have increased versatility in using the exemplary cutting device by being able to configure the exemplary cutting member in a desired orientation (e.g., by flipping cutting member 1240 as desired in cavities 1270 and 1275 so that, for example, a cutting portion 1315 of cutting member 1240 may be facing a desired direction as the user works with the exemplary cutting device).
For example, carriage 230 may include a first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270), which may be disposed at a first portion of carriage 230, and a second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275), which may be disposed at a second portion of carriage 230 that may be disposed away from the first portion of carriage 230. Further for example, cutting member 240 may be removably attachable to the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) at the first portion of carriage 230, and the same cutting member 240 (e.g., or a different cutting member 240) may be removably attachable to the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) at the second portion of carriage 230. For example, the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) may be disposed at a first half of carriage 230 and the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) may be disposed at a second half of carriage 230. Also for example, housing 110 may include a first aperture (e.g., aperture 150) configured to receive cutting member 240 when attached to the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) and a second aperture (e.g., aperture 148) configured to receive cutting member 240 when attached to the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275). Further for example, the first aperture (e.g., aperture 150) and the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) may be aligned symmetrically to the second aperture (e.g., aperture 148) and the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) about a centerline of cutting device 105.
Also for example, a user may removably attach cutting member 240 to either the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) or the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) based on whether a user is right-handed or left-handed. Further for example, a user may move cutting member 240 when removably attached to the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) to the extended position so that cutting member 240 (e.g., portion 315) extends through an aperture (e.g., aperture 148 or 150) of housing 110 that is aligned with the first half of carriage 230. Additionally for example, a user may move cutting member 240 when removably attached to the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) to the extended position so that cutting member 240 extends through an aperture (e.g., aperture 148 or 150) of housing 110 that is aligned with the second half of carriage 230. Also for example, a user may removably attach cutting member 240, including removably attaching cutting member 240 to either the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) or the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275) when first housing member 120 is both unlocked from and detached from second housing member 125.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 10, carriage 230 may also include a portion 305 located at a middle or rear portion of carriage 230 relative to a front portion of carriage 230 from which one or more cutting members 240 may extend. Portion 305 may be securely attached to carriage 230 (e.g., portion 305 may extend through carriage 230 to provide a positive connection). Portion 305 may include an attachment portion 310. A portion of urging member 250 may be attached to attachment portion 310. Attachment portion 310 may be, for example, a hook, ring, or portion having an aperture to which urging member 250 may be attached as described for example herein. Portion 305 including attachment portion 310 may be an integral portion of carriage 230. Alternatively for example, portion 305 including attachment portion 310 may be a separate member that is formed from similar material to carriage 230 and is attached to carriage 230.
Cutting member 240 may be any suitable blade or cutter for cutting of a material by cutting device 105. For example, cutting member 240 may be formed from a ceramic material that is capable of withstanding extended use before becoming dull or unusable. For example, cutting member 240 may be a ceramic blade. For example, cutting member 240 may include ceramic materials such as Zirconium Oxide or any other suitable ceramic materials for use in a blade. For example, cutting member 240 may be a ceramic blade that may be a hooked blade formed from Zirconium Oxide. Alternatively for example, cutting member 240 may be a metal blade or a blade formed from any suitable material than can be used for cutting materials. Cutting member 240 may include rounded tips to reduce the chance of a user being cut unintentionally by cutting member 240.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, cutting member 240 may include a portion 315 that may be used for cutting material. Cutting member 240 may be of any suitable shape or configuration for cutting material. Portion 315 may be a relatively narrow portion (e.g., narrower relative the other portions of cutting member 240) of cutting member 240 that may serve to cut material. Cutting member 240 may also include a recess 320 (e.g., indentation, notch or other suitable type of recess) that may receive portions 297 or 298 of carriage 230 to help retain one or more cutting members 240 in carriage 230. For example, cutting member 240 may include a recess (e.g., recess 320) configured to receive a first protrusion (e.g., portion 297) of the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 270) and/or a second protrusion (e.g., portion 298) of the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 275).
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 14-16, urging member 250 may be disposed in cavity 135 of housing 110. Urging member 250 may have an end portion 322 and an end portion 324. End portion 322 may be attached to attachment portion 310 of carriage 230. End portion 324 may be attached to attachment portion 183 of housing 110. For example, end portions 322 and 324 may each be a hook or other suitable structural member for respectively attaching to attachment portions 310 and 183. Urging member 250 may accordingly be operably connected between carriage 230 and housing 110 (e.g., to housing member 120, or alternatively to housing member 125 or any other suitable portion of cutting device 105) via the attachment of end portion 322 to attachment portion 310 and the attachment of end portion 324 to attachment portion 183. Also for example, urging member 250 may urge carriage 230 in a linear motion within housing 110.
Urging member 250 may also include a plurality of intermediate portions 326 disposed between end portion 322 and end portion 324. The plurality of intermediate portions 326 may be portions that can be unstretched and stretched and/or compressed and uncompressed, which may allow urging member 250 as a whole to be unstretched and stretched and/or compressed and uncompressed. The plurality of intermediate portions 326 and end portions 322 and 324 may be integral portions of a single, integral urging member 250. Alternatively for example, the plurality of intermediate portions 326 may be attached to each other and to end portions 322 and 324 to form urging member 250.
Urging member 250 may be a potential-energy-storing member. Urging member 250 may be, for example, any suitable member that can be stretched and unstretched and/or compressed and uncompressed. Urging member 250 may be, for example, a tension member and/or a compression member. For example, urging member 250 may be a spring in which intermediate portions 326 may be spring coils. For example, urging member 250 may be any suitable type of spring such as an extension spring, a compression spring, a leaf spring, or a torsion spring. Urging member 250 may also be, for example, an elastic member or elastic band, a cable, a wire, and/or a member formed from materials having elastic or resilient properties and capable of being stretched and unstretched (e.g., or compressed and uncompressed). Urging member 250 may be formed from any suitable materials for forming a tension member or a compression member (e.g., that can be stretched and unstretched, or compressed and uncompressed) such as metallic material, plastic material, composite material, elastomeric material, natural rubber, and/or synthetic rubber. For example, urging member 250 may be a metallic, plastic, or composite spring. Also for example, urging member 250 may be a rubber band or an elastomeric cable, wire, or cord.
Urging member 250 may be urged or biased between a neutral or unbiased state (e.g., storing substantially no potential energy) and a biased state (e.g., storing potential energy). Because urging member 250 may be attached to both housing 110 and carriage 230, urging member 250 may be biased or unbiased based on a movement of cutting assembly 115 by a user. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, urging member 250 may be in a neutral or unbiased state (e.g., storing little or substantially no potential energy) when cutting assembly 115 is in a retracted position. For example, urging member 250 may be a spring at rest (e.g., an unstretched spring) or an unstretched resilient wire or cord when in a neutral or unbiased position when cutting assembly 115 is in the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, urging member 250 may be in a biased state (e.g., storing potential energy) when cutting assembly 115 is in an extended position. For example, urging member 250 may be a stretched spring or a stretched resilient wire or cord when in a biased position when cutting assembly 115 is in the extended position illustrated in FIG. 16. A user of cutting device 105 may push on member 235 of cutting assembly 115 to move urging member 250 from the unbiased or neutral state illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 (e.g., retracted position) to the biased state illustrated in FIG. 16 (e.g., extended position). If a user releases member 235 when cutting assembly 115 is in the extended position (e.g., when urging member 250 is in the biased state), the potential energy stored in urging member 250 may be released, thereby urging cutting assembly 115 back to the retracted state in which urging member 250 returns to a neutral or unbiased state (e.g., urging member 250 pulls cutting assembly 115 back to the retracted position if a user lets go of member 235). For example, urging member 250 may be a potential-energy-storing member that moves carriage 230 (e.g., or cutting assembly 115 including carriage 230 and one or more cutting members 240) from the extended position toward the retracted position when potential energy is released from urging member 250. Urging member 250 may thereby urge carriage 230 (e.g., or cutting assembly 115 including one or more cutting members 240 and carriage 230) to move from the extended position toward the retracted position. Urging member 250 may thereby operate to automatically retract cutting assembly 115 when a user is not pushing on or holding member 235 of cutting assembly 115.
The amount of bias of urging member 250 may be based on a position of cutting assembly 115. As a user moves member 235 along aperture 172 from the position illustrated in FIG. 2 (e.g., retracted) to the position illustrated in FIG. 1 (e.g., extended), an increasing amount of potential energy may be stored by urging member 250 (e.g., the more urging member 250 is stretched, the more potential energy is stored by urging member 250). A user may hold member 235 at any desired position between the positions illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Urging member 250 may be substantially fully biased (e.g., holding a desired maximum amount of potential energy corresponding to a predetermined amount of potential energy) when cutting assembly 115 is at the extended position (e.g., a fully extended position) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16.
It is also contemplated that urging member 250 may be a member that stores potential energy while in an unstretched (e.g., compressed position). For example, urging member 250 may be a spring that has an unbiased or neutral state when uncompressed, and a biased state (e.g., storing potential energy) when compressed. It is contemplated that in this embodiment, the exemplary urging member would have suitable attachment positions to housing 110 and cutting assembly 115 to allow for a suitable extended position and a suitable retracted position when urging member 250 has a neutral state corresponding to a compressed (e.g., unstretched) state. In this exemplary embodiment, urging member 250 may be, for example, a compression member.
It is contemplated that cutting assembly 115 may be locked in the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16. For example, cutting assembly 115 may be lockable in a forward position so as to cause cutting member 240 to remain extended out of aperture 148 and/or 150 of housing 110. Cutting assembly 115 may be locked in the forward position by any suitable locking device such as, for example, a friction fit locking device, a latching mechanism, and/or a ratcheting mechanism.
FIG. 11 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of the exemplary cutting device. Cutting device 405 may include a cutting assembly 415 having a carriage 430 and one or more cutting members 440, as well as other components that may be similar to cutting device 105. Carriage 430 may be generally similar to carriage 230 and cutting members 440 may be generally similar to cutting members 240. Cutting member 440 may have a recess 445. As an alternative exemplary embodiment to portions 297 and 298 of carriage 230, carriage 430 may have an assembly 435. Assembly 435 may be a movable assembly. For example, assembly 435 may include a member 450 that may be attached to carriage 430. Member 450 may be, for example, a movable member about which assembly 435 may move such as a hinge or pin or other fastener allowing rotation (e.g., and/or translation). Assembly 435 may also include a body member 455 that may have a protrusion 460 and a plurality of portions (e.g., portion 465 and portion 470). A user may move (e.g., rotate) body member 455 of assembly 435 about member 450. For example, body member 455 may be moved between a first position in which portion 465 is received in recess 445 to lock cutting member 440 in place in cavity 475 and a second position in which portion 470 is received in recess 445 to lock cutting member 440 in place in cavity 480. For example, both assembly 435 and the same cutting member 440 may be moved between cavities 475 and 480, or assembly 435 may be moved between cavities 475 and 480 to lock different cutting members 440 into place. For example, a user may use assembly 435 to remove and/or lock cutting member 440 (e.g., or one or more cutting members 440) into a desired cavity (e.g., cavities 475 and/or 480) of carriage 430. For example, cutting member 440 may include a recess (e.g., recess 445) configured to receive a protrusion (e.g., portion 465 or 470) of a movable member (e.g., body member 455) disposed on carriage 430 between the first attachment portion (e.g., cavity 475) and the second attachment portion (e.g., cavity 480).
The exemplary disclosed device and method may provide an intuitively simple and safe technique for cutting materials and/or replacing blades of a cutting device for left-handed users, right-handed users, and/or ambidextrous users. The exemplary disclosed device and method may be used in any application involving cutting materials safely. For example, the exemplary cutting device and method may be used in applications such as pocket cutters, seam rippers, box cutters, utility knives, precision knives, and any other suitable application for cutting materials.
An exemplary operation of cutting device 105 will now be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6, cutting device 105 including housing 110 and cutting assembly 115 may be provided. Cutting device 105 may for example be in a left-handed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this configuration for example, left-handed users (e.g., or ambidextrous users; and it is also contemplated that right-handed users may use this configuration if desired) may hold cutting device 105 in their left hand with a single cutting member 240 being disposed at a top of cutting device 105 (e.g., disposed in cavity 270) and member 235 having gripping protrusions 264 being on a right side of cutting device 105 (e.g., by the left thumb of users). Left-handed users (e.g., or ambidextrous users) may accordingly comfortably and easily use cutting device 105 to cut material as desired, with cutting device 105 positioned comfortably for left-handed (or ambidextrous) users to extend and retract cutting member 240 using their left thumb to push member 235.
The user may unlock cutting device 105 by moving locking assembly 127 from the exemplary locked position illustrated in FIG. 12 to the exemplary unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 13 by pushing (e.g., or pulling or toggling) protrusion 214. When cutting device 105 is unlocked, a user may detach housing member 120 from housing member 125 as illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 14-17 and as described for example above, carriage 230 may be retained (e.g., by member 235) on housing member 120 when a user detaches housing member 120 from housing member 125. Also for example, locking member 200 and magnetic component 194 may be retained on housing member 125 when a user detaches housing member 120 from housing member 125.
When housing members 120 and 125 are detached from each other, a user may either replace cutting members and/or change the configuration of cutting device 105 as desired. For example, left-handed (e.g., or ambidextrous) users may remove a cutting member 240 that has been used for a prolonged period from cavity 270 and insert a new cutting member 240 in cavity 270. A user may also place cutting members 240 in both of cavities 270 and 275 or remove cutting members 240 from both cavities 270 and 275 as illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, a user may insert cutting member 240 so that recess 320 of cutting member 240 receives portions 297 or 298 of carriage 230 (e.g. or portions 465 or 470 of assembly 435 of carriage 430). A user may also change a configuration or orientation of cutting device 105 from a left-handed device to a right-handed device (e.g., or from a right-handed device to a left-handed device). For example, a user may remove cutting member 240 from cavity 270 and either insert the same or a new cutting member 240 into cavity 275 as illustrated in FIG. 16. It is also contemplated that a user may make similar configuration changes and cutting member replacements via apertures 148 and/or 150 in the case that housing 110 is an integral housing having housing members 120 and 125 that are integrally formed portions of an integral housing 110.
For example when a single cutting member 240 is inserted in cavity 275, a user may attach housing members 120 and 125. Once housing members 120 and 125 are aligned and attached, the user may lock housing 110 by moving locking assembly 127 from the unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 13 to the locked position illustrated in FIG. 12. Cutting device 105 may now be in a right-handed configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this configuration for example, right-handed users (e.g., or ambidextrous users; and it is also contemplated that left-handed users may use this configuration if desired) may hold cutting device 105 in their right hand with a single cutting member 240 being disposed at a top of cutting device 105 (e.g., disposed in cavity 275) and member 235 having gripping protrusions 264 being on a left side of cutting device 105 (e.g., by the right thumb of users). Right-handed users (e.g., or ambidextrous users) may accordingly comfortably and easily use cutting device 105 to cut material as desired, with cutting device 105 positioned comfortably for right-handed (or ambidextrous) users to extend and retract cutting member 240 using their right thumb to push member 235.
Similar (e.g., and reversed) to the steps described above, a user may reconfigure cutting device 105 from a right-handed configuration to a left-handed configuration. For example, a user may detach housing members 120 and 125, and remove cutting member 240 from cavity 275. The user may insert the same cutting member 240 or a new cutting member 240 into cavity 270. The user may then attach housing members 120 and 125. Once housing members 120 and 125 are aligned and attached, the user may lock housing 110 by moving locking assembly 127 from the unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 13 to the locked position illustrated in FIG. 12. Cutting device 105 may now be again in the left-handed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 14.
As described above, a configuration of the same cutting device 105 may thereby be changed as desired to be in either a left-handed or right-handed configuration by either the same user or different users. Users may store or carry cutting device 105 for example by using aperture 168 as an attachment point for attaching a lanyard or for receiving other suitable carrying or storage assemblies such as a hook, a string, or a wire. Users may also use magnetic component 194 disposed in housing 110 as desired to hold or secure replacement blades, secure or store cutting device 105 on a magnetic and/or metallic surface, and/or pick up small magnetic objects such as nails, screws, or other intricate objects.
In both the left-handed and right-handed configurations (e.g., when housing 110 is in a locked state), a user of cutting device 105 may push member 235 to move cutting assembly 115 toward an extended position as illustrated for example in FIG. 1. When a user pushes cutting assembly 115 toward the extended position, urging member 250 moves from the unbiased or neutral state illustrated in FIG. 14 (retracted position) toward the biased state illustrated in FIG. 16 (extended position). As urging member 250 moves from the unbiased or neutral state illustrated in FIG. 14 toward the biased stated illustrated in FIG. 16, urging member 250 stores an increasing amount of potential energy (e.g., the more urging member 250 stretches, the more potential energy urging member 250 stores). Member 235 may be pushed by a user to a forward portion of recess 170 as illustrated in FIG. 1 when cutting assembly 115 is in the extended position.
A user may hold member 235 in the position for example illustrated in FIG. 1 as desired while for example working to cut material. It is also contemplated that a user may lock cutting device 105 in the position for example illustrated in FIG. 1. If a user releases (e.g., or unlocks) cutting device 105, cutting assembly 115 (e.g., or cutting assembly 415) will move automatically from the extended position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 2 (e.g., the exemplary cutting device may be automatically retractable from the extended position to the retracted position; and it is also contemplated that the exemplary cutting device may be automatically retractable from the retracted position to the extended position as well). For example, urging member 250 will release stored potential energy, thereby applying a biasing or urging force to cutting assembly 115 to move cutting assembly 115 from the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 14. For example, the biasing or urging force applied by urging member 250 may be large enough to overcome resistance (e.g., frictional forces, inertia, or other forces other than a user pushing on member 235) to move (e.g., automatically move) cutting assembly 115 (e.g., cutting assembly 115 either with or without cutting member 240) to the retracted position.
When housing members 120 and 125 are detached (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6), a user may remove urging member 250 from cutting device 105. If urging member 250 is removed from cutting device 105 by a user, the user will transform the cutting device from an automatically retracting cutting device (e.g., when urging member 250 is in place) to a manually retracting cutting device (e.g., when urging member 250 has been removed by a user). If the user has removed urging member 250, the user may manually move cutting assembly 115 from the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 14 by pushing member 235 (e.g., back and forth within recess 170).
Whether moved by automatic retraction or manually to the retracted position, member 235 may be disposed at a rear portion of recess 170 as illustrated in FIG. 2 when cutting assembly 115 is in the retracted position. In the retracted position, urging member 250 may be in the unbiased or neutral state (e.g., an unstretched state in which little or substantially no potential energy is stored by urging member 250).
Cutting assembly 115 may be moved from the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 14 to the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16. A user may move cutting assembly 115 by pushing member 235 of housing 110. To move cutting assembly 115 to the extended position, the user may apply a first force (e.g., user force or moving force) to cutting assembly 115 in an extending direction (e.g., a direction toward the extended position) that is greater than an urging force applied by urging member 250 in a retracting direction (e.g., direction toward the retracted position). The extending direction may be a substantially opposite direction as the retracting direction. When cutting assembly 115 is in the extended position, some or all of portion 315 of one or more cutting members 240 may extend through and out of apertures 148 and/or 150 of housing 110. In the extended position illustrated for example in FIGS. 1, 16, and 17, a user may use cutting device 105 to cut material using portion 315 of cutting member 240. It is contemplated that cutting assembly 115 may be locked in the extended position (e.g., or at any point between the extended position and the retracted position) by any suitable locking device such as, for example, as described herein.
The exemplary disclosed cutting device and method may provide an intuitively simple device and technique for using a cutting device and for safely and easily replacing blades of the cutting device for both left-handed, right-handed users, and ambidextrous users. The exemplary device may allow both left-handed and right-handed users unfamiliar with the device to easily and safely use the device and replace the blades and to reconfigure the cutting device in a left-handed or a right-handed configuration as desired. The exemplary device and method may also provide either a left-handed or right-handed user with a cutting device having a blade that may be resistant to dulling and may be used for relatively long periods of time without replacing a blade. The exemplary device and method may provide an ergonomically efficient device and method that allows a left-handed or right-handed user to avoid frustration in using a cutting device, including during replacement of the device blades. The exemplary device and method may also provide a cutting device that can be used easily by ambidextrous users.
It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed cutting device and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims.
Patent Application
20180111276
