Patent Application
20070234485
The present invention relates generally to the field of cutting devices. More particularly, the present invention is related to scissors having a sheath with an eraser element.
Users face a plethora of tools at their disposal for use in craft and hobby activities. Cutting devices such as scissors are commonly used in various craft and hobby activities. Scissors can pose an increased risk of injury if not stored properly. As such, scissors are often provided with sheaths in which the blades are stowed when not in use. However, the sheath provides little functionality beyond storage of the scissors, and the scissors and sheath do not provide for any use when the blade is stowed. At the same time, users often must use several other pieces of equipment, such as pencils, pens, and erasers in conjunction with scissors.
Therefore, there is a need for a combination cutting device which provides scissors for cutting, a sheath for storing the scissors and an eraser portion.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a cutting device. The cutting device includes a pair of scissors having a first blade assembly and a second blade assembly pivotally connected to each other. A blade portion of the first blade assembly and a blade portion of the second blade assembly form the blades of the scissors, while the handle portion of the first blade assembly and the handle portion of the second blade assembly form the handles of the scissors. The cutting device further comprises a sheath for at least partially stowing the scissors. The sheath includes a housing having an opening and a hollow interior for receiving the blade of the scissors. The sheath further includes an eraser portion for use when the scissors are stowed in the sheath or for use separate from the scissors. The sheath provides an eraser for use in combination with a cutting device to reduce the overall number of tools that a user must handle.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a cutting device 10 such as scissors 12 and a corresponding sheath 14 having a eraser component 16. The sheath 14 can function as an eraser either when the scissors 12 are disposed thereon or when separate from the scissors 12 according to one embodiment.
As shown in
The first blade assembly 18 and the second blade assembly 20 are pivotally connected at a pivot joint 26. The pivot joint 26 may be of any of the various types known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the pivot joint 26 comprises a bolt and nut. In another embodiment, the blade assemblies 18, 20 include joint mechanisms engagable with the other blade assemblies joint mechanism. The pivot joint 26 can also be constructed in accordance with the principles of the U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,122, which is incorporated herein by reference.
When the first blade assembly 18 and the second blade assembly 20 are rotatably connected at the pivot point 26, they form the scissor 12. The respective cutting portions 24, 25 forming the blade 28 of the scissors 12, and the respective handle portions 22, 23 forming the handle 30 of the scissors 12.
As shown in
As shown in FIGS. 4(a)-4(g), the sheath 14 includes an eraser component or element 16. The eraser element 16 may comprise any of the materials known in the art for removing pencil markings, pen markings, or other such markings. In one embodiment, the eraser is comprised of thermoplastic resin. In one embodiment, the eraser element 16 comprises a separate portion from the housing 32 and can be attached to the housing 32 via an overmolding assembly. The eraser element 16 may also be permanently affixed to the housing 32 or may be replacably removable so as to allow a user to replace the eraser element 16 when it has become practically unusable due to wear or damage. In one embodiment, the eraser element 16 is positioned substantially opposite the opening in the sheath 14 for receiving the scissors 12.
In one exemplary embodiment, the sheath 14 has a uniform contour. In one embodiment, the housing 32 includes a non-eraser portion 17 in the upper portion of the housing (i.e., nearer the opening 38) which has a contour. The eraser element 16 forms the lower portion of the housing (i.e. that opposite the opening 38) and continues the contour of the non-eraser portion to provide for a continuous contour over the entire housing 32. In one embodiment, the housing 32, including the non-eraser portion 17 and the eraser element 16, is contoured for easy of use when held by a user.
In another exemplary embodiment shown in
In use, the sheath 14 functions as an eraser. The user can apply the eraser element 16 to a desired mark to remove the mark. A user can use the sheath 14 as an eraser regardless of whether the scissors 12 are stowed within the sheath 14 or not. In an exemplary embodiment, when the scissors 12 are stowed within the sheath 14, the handle 30 of the scissor 12 acts as a handle for the sheath 14 providing a gripping surface for the user.
The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments, and with various modifications, as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
