FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cutting devices generally and more particularly to devices for the harvesting of fruits. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cutting and pruning devices are well known in the art. Generally such devices which are used for harvesting require the operator to use one hand to hold the fruit while using his other hand to cut the stalks holding fruit, for example. Cutting devices which include retaining means to hold the cut portion are also known in the art. Generally, these devices have two blades or jaws actuated towards each other by handles for cutting purposes. The retaining means, which holds the cut portion within the device, commonly have some relationship with the blades and are operable to hold the severed portion against one of the blades. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,379 to Amstutz describes a rose and shrubbery trimmer which includes an externally fixed clamping element which is mounted on one of the blades for securely gripping the severed stem after cutting. A gripper device for use with hedge and shrubbery trimmers is described by Amstutz in US Pat. No. 4,464,837.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,557 to Hartley describes a cutting device having a jaw and blade and a second jaw. The jaw and blade close against each other to cut the object and the second jaw moves with the blade so as to retain the severed portion between the jaws.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,559 to Orthey et al. describes shears having an automatic gripping mechanism, which are primarily designed for pruning roses. The gripping or retaining means of above mentioned, prior art devices are not suitable for certain types of cutting and harvesting applications, such as for trimming and cutting the stalks of clusters of grapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device for harvesting of fruit which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of prior art units. A further object of the present invention is to provide a harvesting device which simplifies the cutting and picking of fruit, especially those growing on trees.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a harvesting device which includes a hand harness which enables the user to cut and pick the fruit with the same hand. There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cutting device which includes first and second lever arms pivotally connected to each other, first and second blades, each of which is attached to each of the corresponding first and second lever arms and a hand harness attached to the lever arms. The hand harness is fitted to an operator's hand and the pair of blades are actuated by the operator in cooperation with the fitted hand harness to sever an object. Each of the first and second blades includes a cutting edge and a spaced opposite back edge.

Additionally, there is provided, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cutting device which includes first and second lever arms pivotally connected to each other, a blade attached to the first lever arm, an anvil element attached to the second lever arm and a hand harness attached to the first and second lever arms. The hand harness is fitted to an operator's hand and the operator in cooperation with the fitted hand harness actuate the lever arms to actuate the blade to sever an object. Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hand harness includes a pair of straps, each of which is attached to one of the corresponding lever arms. The hand harness further includes a wrist strap connecting the first and second lever arms. The pair of straps and the wrist strap are adjustable. Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hand harness further includes connection means attached to the lever arms.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection means includes a connecting element and a pair of rings connected to each end of the connecting element.

Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hand harness includes a finger harness and a palm harness. The finger harness includes a first sleeve into which one of the lever arms is insertable and an adjustable strap for enclosing the operator's fingers. The palm harness includes a sheath configured to fit over the operator's palm and to enclose his thumb, a sleeve into which the second lever arm is insertable and a second adjustable strap for enclosing the operator's wrist.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutting device further includes pivot means for pivotally connecting each of the first and second blades to each of the corresponding first and second lever arms, respectively, thereby to angularly dispose each of the first and second blades with respect to each of the corresponding first and second lever arms, respectively.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle disposed between each of the first and second blades and each of the corresponding first and second lever arms, respectively, is fixed.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutting device further includes first and second vise grips attached to each of the pair of blades. The first vise grip is attached to the cutting edge of the one of the blades and the second vise grip is attached to the back edge of the other blade.

Additionally, in accordance with the other preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutting device further includes first and second vise grips attached to each of the pair of blades. The first vise grip is attached to the cutting edge of the one of the blades and the second vise grip is attached to the back edge of the other blade.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second vise grips have identical configurations. Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vise grips are rectangular in shape.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vise grips taper towards the tip of the blades.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blades are arched towards their tip.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutting device further includes a spring connecting the first lever arm to said second lever arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: Figs. 1A and 1B are front and side elevational views of a cutting device, constructed and operative according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a top elevational illustration of the hand harness fitted to the adjustable cutting device of Figs. 1A and 1B; Fig. 3A and 3B are side and top elevational views of the hand harness fitted to an operators hand;

Figs. 4A and 4B are side and front elevational views of a cutting device, constructed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4C is a detail of the blades of the cutting device of Fig. 4A, in an open mode;

Figs. 5A and 5B are side and front elevational views of a cutting device, constructed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5C is a detail of the blades of the cutting device of Fig. 5A, in an open mode; Figs. 6A and 6B are side and front elevational views of a cutting device, constructed according to further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6C is a detail of the blades of the cutting device of Fig. 6A, in an open mode;

Figs. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a hand harness, constructed according to further preferred embodiment of the present invention, fitted to an operators hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and 1B which illustrate a cutting device, generally referenced 10, constructed and operative according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cutting device 10 comprises a first handle 12 connected to a first lever arm 14 and a second handle 16 connected to a second lever arm 18. A pair of blades, generally designated 20, are attached to one end of each of first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively. Blades 20 are pivotally connected to each other by means of a pivot pin 22, or similar. For the purposes of example only and without being in any way limiting to the invention, blades 20 are shown as being generally similar to each other and are opposed to one another when assembled. Alternatively, each of the blades 20 may have different configurations.

Cutting device 10 further comprises a hand harness, generally designated 24, suitably attached at a plurality of attachment point. For the purposes of example only, four attachment points are indicated, referenced 28, 30, 32 and 34.

The user of cutting device 10 inserts his hand into hand harness 24 (in a manner to be described hereinafter) so that he can operate the blades 20 and hold the object being cut with the same hand. The force required to open blades 20 is provided by the operators hand within the hand harness 24. Hand harness 24 effectively replaces a compression spring or similar device spanning the distance between first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively.

Each blade 20 has a cutting edge 36 and a spaced opposite back edge 38. Blades 20 generally taper from pivot pin 22 towards the tip 40 of the blade.

Blades 20 are preferably attached to first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively, by means which allow blades 20 to be angularly disposed away from first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively. Preferably, the attachment is by means of a pivot pin 26, or similar , allowing the angle α between blades 20 and first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively to be adjusted to allow the operator ease of access to the object being cut.

Reference is now also made to Fig. 2, which is a top view of hand harness 24. Hand harness 24 comprises a connecting element 42, a pair of rings, referenced 44a and 44b, a pair of straps, referenced 46a and 46b and a third wrist strap 48.

Connecting element 42 is pivotally connected to blades 20, by means of pivot pin 22. Rings, 44a and 44b, respectively are connected to each end of connecting element 42, by attachment means which allow the rings 44 lateral and longitudinal freedom. One end of the pair of straps, 46a and 46b, are connected to each of rings, 44a and 44b, respectively. The other end of straps 46a and 46b, respectively, are connected to attachment points 30 and 32, respectively. Each end of wrist strap 48 is suitably attached to attachment points 30 and 32, respectively.

Connecting element 42 is any suitable piece of material, preferably a flat piece of metal having a hole formed within its center for receiving pivot pin 22. Pivot pin 22 is fastened in position by means of a nut 50 or similar arrangement.

Straps 46 and wrist strap 48 are adjustable so that they may fit any hand. This adjustment may be achieved by, for example, the use of stretchable material, such as elasticized rubber, or similar suitable material. Alternatively, straps 46 and wrist strap 48 may be adjusted by means of a buckle device or "Velcro" ™ type fastening or other similar device.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the configuration of hand harness 24 described hereinabove is given by way of example only. For example, hand harness 24 may be comprised of a pair of straps 46a and 46b suitably connected to a plurality of attachment points, similar to the embodiment described hereinbelow with respect to Figs. 4A - 4D.

The use of cutting device 10 is demonstrated with respect to Figs. 3A - 3B, which show front and top views, respectively, of hand harness 24 fitted to an operators hand 52. The operator inserts his hand 52 into hand harness 24, so that wrist strap 48 rests on top of his wrist 54. Assuming the operator is right-handed, the fingers are numbered f1 - f5 (from the thumb (f1) leftwards to the small finger (f5)) for the purposes of description. The operator inserts fingers f3 and f4 into rings 44a and 44b, respectively. Thumb (f1) and forefinger (f2) are placed between strap 46a and handle 12. Similarly finger f5 is placed between strap 46b and handle 16.

To cut an object, the operator, after having fitted the hand harness 24, angles the blades 20 by suitable pivoting about pivot pin 26. Then cutting blades 20 are actuated towards each other by primarily utilizing fingers f1 and f5 ( and possibly also with finger f2) to displace first and second lever arms 14 and 18, respectively, towards each other. The portion being severed can be held by a

combination of all the fingers, especially fingers f1 and f5. After being cut, the gripped severed portion can be removed.

The above-described fitting and cutting arrangement allows the operator to control the operation of cutting device 10 and simultaneously hold the cut object. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described arrangement, but that the cutting device is practicably operable when used with any other arrangement found comfortable for the individual operator.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that cutting blade 20 may comprise a single element or a combination of elements. Furthermore, the top 40 of blades 20 may comprise a single longitudinal element with the main body of the blade 20 or may be bent to enable the operator to better fit hand harness 24 to his hand.

It will also be appreciated that the open faces of blades 20 may be smooth or have serrations indented therealong.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A - 4C which illustrate an additional embodiment of a cutting device, generally designated 100. Figs. 4A - 4B are side and front elevational views, respectively of cutting device 100 in a closed mode. Fig. 4C is a detail of the blades 110 of cutting device 100 in an open mode. Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described with respect to the preferred embodiment hereinabove, are similarly designated and will not be further described.

Cutting device 100 comprises a first handle 102 connected to a first lever arm 104 and a second handle 106 connected to a second lever arm 108. A pair of blades, generally designated 110, are attached to one end of each of first and second lever arms 104 and 108, respectively. Blades 110 are pivotally connected to each other by means of a pivot pin 112, or similar. Blades 110 are substantially identical to each other and are opposed to one another when assembled.

Cutting device 100 further comprises a hand harness, generally designated 114, suitably attached at a plurality of attachment point. For the purposes of example only, four attachment points are indicated, referenced 116, 118, 120 and 122. The user of cutting device 100 inserts his hand into hand harness 112

(in a manner to be described hereinafter) so that he can operate the blades 110.

Each blade 110 has a cutting edge 124 and a spaced opposite back edge 126. Blades 110 generally narrow and taper from pivot pin 112 towards the tip 130 of the blade 110. Blades 110 illustrated are generally similar to the type of narrow blades used for inserting between vines in order to reach and cut the grape clusters off their stalks. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention is applicable to any type and shape of blade.

Cutting device 100 further comprises a first and second vise grips, designated 132a and 132b, respectively, welded, or otherwise suitable, attached to each blade, referenced 110a and 110b. First vise grip 132a is attached to the cutting edge, referenced 124a, and second vise grip 132b is attached to the back edge, referenced 126b, of blades 110a and 110b, respectively. First and second vise grips, 132a and 132b, respectively, are formed to have matching shapes, which generally extend perpendicularly from the face of blades 110. When blades 110 are closed, first and second vise grips, 132a and 132b, respectively, abut each other. First and second vise grips, 132a and 132b, respectively, do not extend to the tips 130 of blades 110 so as to allow the blades 110 to reach the grape cluster.

When a object is being cut, the severed portion is retainingly held between the first and second vise grips, 132a and 132b, respectively, thereby allowing the severed object to be removed without having to be held by the operator's other hand.

Hand harness 114 is generally similar to hand harness 24, described with respect to the embodiment of Figs. 1A and 1B, described hereinabove.

Hand harness 114 comprises a pair of straps, referenced 134a and 134b. Each end of strap 134a is suitable connected to attachment points, 116 and 118, located at each end of lever arm 102. Similarly, each end of strap 134a is suitable connected to attachment points, 120 and 122, located at each end of lever arm 104.

Optionally a wrist strap 138 may be suitably attached to attachment points 116 and 120.

Straps 134 (and wrist strap 138 where fitted) are adjustable so that they may fit any hand. This adjustment may be achieved by, for example, the use of stretchable material, such as elasticized rubber, or similar suitable material. Alternatively, straps 134 (and wrist strap 138) may be adjusted by means of a buckle device or "Velcro" ™ type fastening or other similar device.

Reference is now briefly made to Figs. 5A - 5C which illustrate an additional embodiment of a cutting device, generally designated 200. Figs. 5A -

5B are side and front elevational views, respectively of cutting device 200 in a closed mode. Fig. 5C is a detail of the blades 110 of cutting device 200 in an open mode.

Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described hereinabove, with respect to the preferred embodiment of cutting device 100, are similarly designated and will not be further described. Cutting device 200 is generally similar to cutting device 100, except for the shape of its vice grips, referenced 220a and 220b, respectively. First and second vise grips, designated 220a and 220b, respectively, welded, or otherwise suitable, attached to each blade, referenced 110a and 110b. First vise grip 220a is attached to the cutting edge, referenced 124a, and second vise grip 220b is attached to the back edge, referenced 126b, of blades 110a and 110b, respectively.

First and second vise grips, 220a and 220b, respectively, are formed to have matching shapes, which generally extend perpendicularly from the face of blades 110. As best seen with reference to the side elevational view of Fig. 5A, vise grips 220 taper towards tip 130 of blade 110. When blades 110 are closed, first and second vise grips, 220a and 220b, respectively, abut each other. First and second vise grips, 220a and 220b, respectively, do not extend to the tips 130 of blades 110 so as to allow the blades 110 to reach the grape cluster.

Reference is now briefly made to Figs. 6A - 6C which illustrate an additional embodiment of a cutting device, generally designated 300. Figs. 6A - 6B are side and front elevational views, respectively of cutting device 300 in a closed mode. Fig. 6C is a detail of the blades 310 of cutting device 300 in an open mode.

Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described hereinabove, with respect to the preferred embodiment of cutting device 100, are similarly designated and will not be further described.

Cutting device 300 is generally similar to cutting device 100, except for blades 310. As best seen in Fig. 6A, blades 310 are shaped so that their tip 312 (when viewed from the side) is arched (curves upwards).

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a further embodiment of a hand harness, generally designated 400, fitted to the operators hand 52. For the purposes of illustration, cutting device 10, described hereinabove with respect to Figs. 1A- 1 B, is shown being held by hand harness 400.

Elements of this embodiment of the invention which are similar to elements which have been previously described with respect to the preferred embodiments hereinabove, are similarly designated and will not be further described. Hand harness 400 comprises a finger harness 402 and a palm harness

404. Finger harness 402 comprises a sleeve 408, into which second handle 16 is inserted, and an adjustable strap 410. Strap 410 is shown by way of example enclosing fingers f1 , f2 and f3.

Palm harness 404 comprises a sheath 412 which is configured to fit over the palm of the operators hand and to enclose his thumb (f5) and a sleeve 414, into which first handle 12 is inserted. Palm harness 404 further comprises a second adjustable strap 406 which close around the operator's wrist 54.

Straps 406 and 410 are adjustable so that they may fit any hand. This adjustment may be achieved by, for example, the use of stretchable material, such as elasticized rubber, buckle devices or "Velcro" ™ type fastening or other similar device.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a hand harness is not limited to use with a cutting or harvesting devices but is also suitable for use with other types of hand tools including secateurs and pliers. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow: