Patent Grant
9821482
This application claims priority to DK Application No. PA 2014 70027, having a filing date of Jan. 21, 2014, and DK Application No. PA 2014 70400, having a filing date Jun. 27, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The following relates to a cutting tool with a handle and with a cutting blade that is provided in a feed slot in which material is cut when the tool is manually moved relatively to the material such that the material is passed through the feed slot. The invention also relates to a method for using the cutting tool.
The following has been made in connection with removal of nets from Christmas trees. That is the process performed when a Christmas tree is packaged in a net and has to be unpacked for transportation. This unpacking or removal of nets is made by cutting the net that holds the branches toward the tree stem by an elastic force.
So far, this has typically been done by using a pair of scissors. Alternatively, also knives, such a hobby knives, have been tried. However, there have been disadvantages in both methods. When using scissors, there is a risk that the scissors get stuck in the tree branches. Furthermore, there is a risk that the scissors damage the tree branches, because not only the net is cut but there is also a risk of cutting off the branches. When using knives, there is a risk of damaging the tree and injuring the user. Furthermore, the use of a knife can be difficult because the net is not held in tension with equal force due to an irregular geometry of the tree. This means that, in addition to the risk of damaging the tree with a knife, there is also a risk that the net is only “pushed” by a knife.
During transport of Christmas trees from the forest to a point of sale, it is common that the trees are wrapped in nets. In order to present the trees for sale, it is therefore necessary remove the nets from the Christmas trees in order for user having the possibility to see and evaluate the individual trees. After purchase, the tree will again be packed into a net for transport the user's home where the net will have to be removed as well. In both situations, there is a need for an efficient tool that overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above. In the two situations, a need can be defined for a professional tool and the need for a do-it-yourself tool.
Besides the removal of nets from Christmas trees, cutting tools are used in other forms of unpacking of packed products. Thus, there is also a need for tools for removal of bands or the like from a packaged product but where a protection is also desired against damage to the packaged product during the cutting or shearing of the band or net that is used for packaging the product.
In the prior art, various cutting tools are disclosed, wherein the material to be cut is fed into a cutting slot, in which there is provided a cutting blade. In this way, for example, fabric is cut without damaging the underlying material. Examples are disclosed in the patent documents FR2604650, GB369754, GB899488, U.S. Pat. No. 2,764,814, U.S. Pat. No. 3,100,935, U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,751, U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,645, US2009/0071012, US2011/0308093. None of the cutting tools in these publications are particularly suitable for removal of nets from Christmas trees, as, in this connection, these cutting tools do not work much better than an ordinary pair of scissors and easily catches the tree branches during the cutting.
Thus, it has been found that there is a need for an improved tool that can eliminate the risk of damaging the packaged product and at the same time ensures an efficient and easy cutting of the packaging, for example in the form of a net or band. The design must also ensure that users do not cut themselves by the knife
Also within the sector of animal slaughtering, there is a need for an improved cutting tool that, on the one hand, is efficient in cutting animal skin and, on the other hand, minimizes the risk of damage to the underlying tissue. Also, in this case, the above-described tools of the prior art do not appear advantageous.
An aspect relates to a cutting tool of the initially mentioned type which overcomes these disadvantages. The tool is simpler and has higher reliability than the tools in the prior art.
This aspect is achieved according to embodiments of the present invention with a cutting tool comprising a handle and a cutting member as described in the following.
The cutting member for cutting a material comprises a feed slot with a cutting blade such that the material inserted into the feed slot is cut by the cutting blade. For example, the feed slot is partially enclosed by the cutting blade. Alternatively, the cutting blade cooperates with a counter-cutting blade or with a counter-member opposite to the cutting blade such that the material inserted into the feed slot is pressed against the cutting blade by the counter-member. For example, two cutting blades are used for cutting in co-operation and being positioned with an acute angle between them, leading to cutting of the material from two sides when inserted into the feed slot.
In addition, the cutting member comprises a guiding member which guides the material into the feed slot during the cutting process. The guiding member is provided with two opposite convex surfaces that are provided on either side of a center plane through the guiding member. The guiding member has a discus-like shape formed by the two convex surfaces. With the term discus-like is meant a relatively flat structure, for example oval structure. For such a flat structure in which the length and width and thickness varies across the discus-like form, the greatest width and greatest length are considerably larger than the greatest thickness of the discus, such as several times larger than the maximum thickness, for example at least two or three times the maximum thickness. Such a discus-like structure is formed by two convex surfaces that are smoothly curved in the sense that they do not have steps or sharp bends in the surface. The center plane is perpendicular to the plane of the cutting blade such that a material, for example a net, during the cutting process is stretched on the convex surface, and during sliding motion on the convex surface is guided in a planar fashion into the feed slot and into the cutting blade, which is perpendicular to the material during the cutting process, where the tool is moved relative to the material in a cutting direction.
During the cutting process, where the tool is moved in a cutting direction relatively to the material, the guiding member is in front of the cutting blade. The center plane of the guiding member is typically parallel with the cutting direction, although, a small angle to the cutting direction is also possible, as the convex surface in any case provide for guiding the material into the feed slot.
The two convex surfaces can but need not be symmetrical about the center plane. The two convex surfaces that form the discus-like shape will generally not have a circular shape.
The two convex surfaces are each bounded by a curved front edge and a rear edge that is, optionally, a curved edge or a rectilinear edge. For example, the curved front edges are approximately semi-circular or semi-oval. If the rear edge is curved, it is also advantageously semi-circular or semi-oval. At least the front curved edges are joined together so as to form the discus-like surface structure.
The cutting blade is arranged on that one of the convex surfaces that leads the material to be cut into the feed slot to the cutting blade. For example, in the upper side of a first of the convex surfaces, there is provided a recess in which the at least one cutting blade is arranged in a way such that it extends from the first convex surface and is oriented with its cutting edge towards the guiding member's front end. If the tool is oriented with the cutting blade above of the guiding member, the insert thus extends above the convex surface.
The tool is further provided with a handle that extends parallel or substantially parallel with the plane that contains said at least one cutting blade. This facilitates control of the tool when manually pulling or pushing. If the tool is oriented with the cutting blade above the guiding member, the handle is advantageously positioned such that it also extends above the second convex surface.
As used herein, the terms “front” and “rear” relate to the manual movement of the tool when used for cutting of nets or other sheet material by the at least one cutting blade. This way, the front end of the guiding member would be that point which is at the lead during the cutting action. There are also used the term “above” that refers to that side where the cutting blade is provided relatively to the guiding member when the central plane is horizontal. The term “underneath” refers to that side of the guiding member which is opposite to the cutting blade and therefore also on the opposite side of the center plane.
As the handle extends above the second convex surface and does not protrude downwards and out of the second surface, it is ensured that the handle will not collide with the packaged product when the packaging is cut. It should be noted in this connection that the tool not only can be used for packaging nets of Christmas trees but also may find other uses, which include cutting of bands or ribbons, cardboard, paper, leather and textiles.
Furthermore, it is an advantage if the handle is also located at a position above the first convex surface where the cutting blade is disposed. This provides a good balance of the tool.
The handle may be located at a position in front of, next to, or behind the location of the at least one cutting blade. It has been found in certain cases advantageous that the handle is disposed at a position more or less next to the at least one cutting blade and, thus, in a position above the first convex surface.
With such a tool, the guiding member's convex surfaces will provide a protection of the product; and the sliding of the net over the convex surface provides a secure guidance and tightening of the net into the feed slot.
The tool's guiding member is inserted between the product and the packaging, for example, between a tree and a net.
The convexity of the first convex surface cause a net being stretched when conveyed across the first convex surface, which has a progressive width. The curved front edge ensures that the tool does not entangle with the meshes of the net.
The convexity of the second surface provides a protection of the packaged product. Furthermore, the convexity of the second surface also causes the tool not becoming stuck in the packaged product at the position of the cutting. This is, especially, an advantage in connection with trees from which the net is to be removed.
In the case of a tree, there is no risk for the tool getting caught by the branches because of the special curved edge, which is directed forwards during use.
When the mesh or band is conveyed over the curved front edge of the convex face there occurs a stretching. When the net or band reaches the recess, which is typically disposed in a most rear portion of the guiding member, the net or band is conveyed into the feed slot between the cutting blade and the counter-cutting blade or counter-member or between the two cooperating cutting members, as the cutting edge extends above the first convex surface, that is, extends from the convex surface. As the cutting blade is at an acute angle, the net will be cut due to the tensioning and due to the acute angle, without the risk of the net getting stuck on the cutting blade.
The first convex surface will cause stretching of the net, and the cutting member will be located at a position at the rear part of the two convex surfaces.
In some embodiments, there is a distance between the two convex surfaces at that rear part, which provides the guiding member with a certain height so that the handle can be located in a way that it is not projecting below the guiding member. This way, only the cutting blade protrudes above the first convex surface; or the handle can be mounted such that it is protruding above the first convex surface in a position behind the cutting blade. The cutting blade is oriented towards the front end of the guiding member such that a guided movement of the tool will cause a movement of the cutting edge in the plane of the cutting blade and, hence, parallel with the longitudinal extent of the cutting blade.
The tool handle is parallel with the plane of the cutting blade such that it also has an orientation parallel with the direction of conveyance.
In the case in which the tool handle is at a rear end of the convex surfaces of the tool, the net or the like will be cut at a position in front of the handle. Thus, there will also not be a risk that the net, band or the like gets stuck in the handle. The handle will advantageously be located in a position that does not extend under the second convex surface which is directed towards the tree. Thus, no part of the tool handle is at risk of interfering with branches or similar and prevent a free and unhindered movement of the tool. The tool's handle will advantageously be located near the feed slot and the cutting blades in order to create the best balance of the tool and least twisting of the wrist of the user during the cutting operation.
The height of the inlet opening of the feed slot will be determined based on safety concerns, so that no a hand or finger is put into the feed slot. Therefore, the feed slot typically has a height of less than 18 mm at the inlet opening.
The tool according to embodiments of the invention is suitable for unpacking of packed products where the packing material can be net, plastic, paper, cardboard, textiles, cord, band, ribbon, leather, etc.
The tool according to embodiments of the invention is likewise suitable for slaughtering of animals, preferably for cutting the animal's skin.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the two cutting blades are maintained at a constant angle between them. Thus, there may be used cutting blades in which the cutting action is achieved by manual movement of the tool.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the two cutting blades are placed in a holder that comprising a holder part and a handle portion that serves as the tool handle. Thus, the cutting blades can be replaced in the holder part, or alternatively, the holder part is replaced when the cutting blades are worn. Thus, it is not necessary to discard the entire tool. Alternatively, also the holder part and the handle portion form a replaceable unit. This may be an advantage, especially, in a construction in which the cutting edges are embedded by molding in an element that constitutes handle and holder part.
The holder of the cutting blades can be replaced by loosening screws if the holder part is screwed onto the handle portion. Alternatively, the holder part may also be secured in the handle portion by a so-called snap-lock. An example of a snap-lock is holding a member by a hook which engages behind an edge in which either the hook or the edge is provided flexibly displaceable laterally to the edge; typically, the edge is pushed relatively to the hook, resulting in a snap-locking action with a click sound when the edge and hook get into mutual engagement, from which the term snap-lock is derived. Thus, the holder part can be made of a plastic part with embedded cutting edge, which forms the insertion angle of the tool. This allows a holder part of the cutting blades to be produced simple and easily replaceable when the cutting blades are worn out.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the two cutting blades are movable relatively to each other. This provides greater security for the cutting of the net or band. The movement can be a mutual swing as known from scissors, or a rotation.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that one cutting blade is rotatable relatively to the second cutting blade and that the cutting blade is driven by a motor, the housing, for example, serving as the tool handle. This tool ensures an efficient cutting and restricts the conveying force that a user must apply for cutting. Therefore, this embodiment is especially suitable for professional use, for example, where it is necessary to remove nets from many Christmas trees.
Alternatively, the handle may include a handle portion that is mounted above the house of the engine, for example by two mounting pins. The location of the handle portion above the house provides a good balance in the tool. This way, a twist in the user's hand is reduced. The handle portion may be solid or hollow.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the rotary cutting blade has a polygonal shape and cooperates with a fixed straight counter-cutting blade. Hereby, cutting may be achieved by co-operation of the two straight cutting blade portions with an acute angle between the two cutting blade portions.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the convex surfaces have rounded corners between the curved front edges and the rear edges. This reduces the risk of the tool getting caught by the material to be cut, or in the surrounding material.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the two convex surfaces have a maximum width of between 20 mm and 250 mm, for example between 100 mm and 250 mm, and a maximum length of between 30 mm and 300 mm, for example between 75 og 250 mm, and a maximum height of between 10 mm and 50 mm when measure between the convex surfaces at the largest distance between the convex surfaces. It is a particularly advantageous size for the tools to be used for removal of nets from Christmas trees, if the width is more than 100 mm. If the tool is to be used for other package materials, a narrower and shorter tool is advantageous.
In certain embodiments, which are for other applications, for example in the field of slaughtering, such as for cutting animal skin during slaughtering, the convex surfaces have a width and length between 10 mm and 30 mm, for example between 10 mm and 20 mm. Thus, the guiding member is relatively small.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the handle does not extend under the second convex surface. This reduces the risk of the tool getting caught in the packaged product, as only the tool's second convex surface will be in contact with the product.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that the handle is disposed substantially or completely above the feed slot. This gives a good balance for avoiding twisting of the wrist during the cutting operation. For example, the cutting blade is provided between the guiding member and the handle.
According to a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention is peculiar in that it is provided with a further knife member, which is arranged without co-operation with said cutting member. Such a knife member could be used to cut a hole in the packaging, for example a net, after which the guiding member can be placed in a position between the product and the packaging (the net). In the case where the tool is used for slaughtering, the knife member can be used for the initial cutting of the animal, for example the abdomen, after which the cutting blade is used for further cutting of the skin without damaging the parts of the animal underneath the skin. In particular, it is important that the intestines are not damaged during the cutting of the animal skin at the abdomen.
In some embodiments, the handle is elongate, and the further knife member is an elongate knife blade in extension of said elongate handle. The knife blade is provided with a cutting knife edge and has a front end farthest away from the handle and an opposite end that is attached to the handle. The guiding member is provided at a side that is opposite the cutting knife edge, for example, at a blunt edge of the knife blade opposite the cutting knife edge. For example, the guiding member is provided on a holder part, and there is provided a cutting blade extending at an acute angle from this side in an oblique direction away from the front end of the knife blade, for example obliquely from a tip of the knife blade at its front end. For example, there is formed a feed slot between the guiding member and the handle.
If the tool has a rectilinear rear edge, a recess at the center of the rectilinear edges only extends through the first convex surface. There is only need for the cutting blade extending above the first convex surface, while the other convex surface is preferably continuous, as the risk of getting caught in the packaged product is hereby reduced.
Aspects
The following describes aspects of the tool in short form.
Aspect 1: A cutting tool, preferably for removal of nets from Christmas trees, and of the type comprising a handle and a cutting member for cutting or shearing a net or band used for packaging a product, wherein the cutting member comprises:
a feed slot enclosed by a curved cutting blade or two cutting blades which, by their cutting effect are placed with an acute angle between them, and
a guiding member with two convex surfaces, each of which is bounded by a curved edge and a substantially rectilinear edge, wherein the curved edge is approximately semi-circular or semi-oval,
wherein the curved edges are interconnected,
wherein in the middle of the rectilinear edge, there is a recess in which the cutting blades are arranged such that they extend above a first convex surface and with the cutting blades oriented substantially perpendicular to the rectilinear edges, and
wherein the tool handle extends generally perpendicular to the rectilinear edges with an orientation away from the convex surfaces.
Aspect 2: A cutting tool, preferably for removal of nets from Christmas trees, and of the type comprising a handle and a cutting member for cutting or shearing a net or band used for packaging a product, wherein the cutting member comprises:
a feed slot which is enclosed by a cutting blade that co-operates with a counter-cutting blade or a counter-member, or two cutting blades for cutting in cooperation and being positioned with an acute angle between them,
a guiding member with two convex surfaces, each of which is bounded by a curved front edge and a rear edge that is optional a curved edge or a rectilinear edge, wherein the curved edges are approximate semi-circular or semi-oval,
wherein at least the front curved edges are interconnected,
wherein a recess is provided in the upper side of a first of said convex surfaces in which the at least one cutting blade is arranged such that it extends above the first convex surface, wherein said at least one cutting blade is oriented with its cutting edge oriented towards the front end of the guiding member, and
wherein the tool handle extends generally parallel with the at least one cutting blade and extends above the other convex surface.
Aspect 3. A cutting tool according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the two cutting blades are fixed at the angle that they have between them.
Aspect 4. A cutting tool according to aspect 3, wherein the two cutting blades are placed in a holder comprising a holder part and a handle portion that serves as the tool handle.
Aspect 5. A cutting tool according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the two cutting blades are movable relatively to each other.
Aspect 6. A cutting tool according to aspect 5, wherein one cutting blade is rotatable relative to the second cutting blade, and the cutting blade is driven by a motor, the housing of which serves as the tool handle.
Aspect 7. A cutting tool according to aspect 6, wherein the rotary cutting blade has a polygonal shape and cooperates with a fixed rectilinear counter-cutting blade.
Aspect 8. A cutting tool according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the convex surfaces comprises rounded corners between the curved front edges and the rear edges.
Aspect 9. A Cutting tool according to any one of the preceding aspect, wherein the two convex surfaces have a maximum width of between 20 mm and 250 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 250 mm, and a maximum length between 30 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 75 and 250 mm, and wherein the greatest height is between 10 mm and 50 mm when measured at the largest distance between the convex surfaces.
Aspect 10. A cutting tool according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the handle is positioned substantially above the feed slot
Aspect 11. A cutting tool according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein a further knife member is provided without co-operation with the cutting member.
Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
In the different figures, identical or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals. There will, therefore, not be given a specific explanation for each element in connection with each single embodiment.
The cutting member 3 comprises two cutting blades 6,7, each having a cutting edge 6″, 7″. Thus, there is formed an feed slot 9 with an insertion angle 8 between the two cutting blades 6,7, where the net or other material is inserted for cutting by the two cutting blades 6,7. The handle 2 comprises a holder part 10 in which the cutting blades 6,7 are fastened by screws 11. These screws 11 can be arranged such that the cutting blades 6,7 are replaceable. As an alternative to the fastening by screws 11, the holder part can 10 can be mounted by elements that engage by a snap-action with other holding elements of the handle 2. Thus, a holder part into which the cutting blades 6,7 are embedded by molding can easily be replaced by using such snap action. An example of a snap-action is a restraint of an element by means of a hook that engages behind an edge, wherein either the hook or the edge is provided flexibly displaceable laterally to the edge.
The handle 2 further comprises a handle portion 12 that makes it possible for the user to hold the tool. The handle portion 12 has an orientation parallel to the arrow 13, which is in a cutting direction, which is also the orientation of the cutting blades 6,7.
The cutting member 3 further comprises a guiding member 14. The guiding member 14 comprises a first convex surface 15. Appearing more clearly from
As it more clearly appears in
In
Because of the tool's curved front edge, insertion between the net 4 and the tree 5 will occur automatically. Because of the curved shape, the guiding member 14 will ensure that the tool is not caught by the net or the branches. At the same time, the convex shape leads to a stretching of the net so as to more securely hold it tightly during the cutting by the cutting blades.
In
In the tool of
In this embodiment, the curved front edge 19 has a transition to the rear edge 34 in the form of rounded corners 33. The rear edge 34 is shown as curved in this embodiment. The rear edge 34 may alternatively be rectilinear. Further, in
In the embodiment, as shown in
The cutting edge 30 will also in this situation be directed rearwards with regard to the guided direction during the normal cutting motion. Thus there is no risk of it getting caught during normal use of the cutting member 3.
It is noted that the cutting direction of the blade 29 and the cutting blade 7 are mutually opposite.
The handle with the handle portion 12 is positioned by a holder part 36 at the rear end of the guiding member 14. The holder part 36 is positioned upwards relatively to the upper side of the first convex surface 15. The handle portion 12 extends forward so that it is in a position above and in front of the cutting blade 7. The handle portion 12 extends farther away from the cutting blade 7 than the guiding member 14, making the pulling movement during the cutting easy. Also in this embodiment, a single cutting blade 7 co-operates with a counter-holder 31, which is provided at the underside of the handle portion 12.
In this construction, the further blade 29 is positioned above the cutting member 3 and the cutting blade 30 is directed forwards in the same direction as the cutting blade 7.
This tool will be used with a “pulling” movement of the handle portion 12 in the guiding direction 13, which also corresponds to the orientation of the handle portion 12.
The orientation of the handle portion 12 will in all embodiments correspond to the orientation of the arrow 13. The arrow 13 will also indicate the direction of movement that the tool during a normal cutting motion of the cutting blade third
It is preferred that any embodiment of the tool is provided with a knife 29 that is suitable for breaking a packaging, such that there is provided an initial cut of the packaging.
As is apparent from
Such a knife 39 is advantageous in connection with slaughtering, where the blade knife 37 is used to cut a hole in an animal, especially the abdomen, and the guiding member 14 is inserted under the skin at the abdomen for raising the abdominal wall by pull in the handle 2 and simultaneously cutting it with the cutting blade 7 without risk of the intestinal wall being damaged by the cutting blade during cutting.
It is noted that the cutting knife edge 37′ of the knife blade 37 is directed opposite to the cutting direction 13 of the cutting blade 7 by pulling the handle 2. The handle 2 extends farther away from the blade 7 in the cutting direction 13 than the guiding member 14, making the pulling movement during cutting easy and provides a good control of the tool during use.
In
A typical maximum length and maximum width of the guiding member 14 is 10-30 mm, for example 10-20 mm. The greatest thickness is typically 3-5 mm. Also in this case, the width and length is larger than the thickness and advantageously larger than several times the thickness, for example at least twice the thickness.
Although the present invention has been disclosed in the form of preferred embodiments and variations thereon, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
For the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this application does not exclude a plurality, and “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 70027 | Jan 2014 | DK | national |
| 2014 70400 | Jun 2014 | DK | national |
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| 20090071012 | Shan et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20110119931 | Clearman | May 2011 | A1 |
| 20110308093 | Samples et al. | Dec 2011 | A1 |
| 20120017450 | Hetts | Jan 2012 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 20005519 | Jun 2000 | DE |
| 202010001338 | Apr 2010 | DE |
| 2604650 | Apr 1988 | FR |
| 369754 | Mar 1932 | GB |
| 899488 | Jun 1962 | GB |
| Entry |
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| European Search Report dated May 21, 2015; EP 1515 2005; 2 pgs. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150202784 A1 | Jul 2015 | US |
