TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cutting tools such as loppers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a lopper with an additional cutting edge which leads to a convenient implementation of the lopper.

BACKGROUND

Cutting tools such as loppers are used for performing cutting action where substantial heights are involved. Put simply, such tools provide increased reach to a common user to conveniently perform operations such as with branches at quite an elevation. Cutting blades are typically provided in various relative configurations. One of such configurations is a bypass type of configuration. In a bypass configuration, two cutting blades are provided such that cutting blades are in adjacent parallel planes. The cutting blades, therefore, bypass each other while performing a cutting action and do not intersect each other. This arrangement however, requires the cutting blades to be pre-tensioned so that the cutting blades do not cut an object placed between the cutting blades unintentionally. Further, the object to be cut may also, sometimes, slip from between the bypass type of cutting blades.

Another such configuration is a trapping bypass type of configuration. Trapping bypass type of configuration is defined as having a combination of two cutting blades which bypass each other, and additionally define boundaries of a space between which the cutting blades accept a material to be cut. The cutting blades may have curved shape of any other such shape which allows defining of boundaries of the cutting space, and provides trapping bypass. Trapping bypass arrangement allows better grip of object to be cut, and does not allow the object to slip from between the cutting blades. However, there is a need for a very large cutting angle, even in case of smaller branches in such a configuration, making it less appealing for users.

Moreover, there may be instances where working with the cutting tools require presence of multiple cutting edges corresponding to and capable of engaging with branches of different dimensions. From implementation benefits, there needs to be smaller cutting angles for cutting smaller branches which is not fully addressed by conventional cutting tools.

An example of a cutting tool is provided by U.S. Patent 1,520,529 (hereinafter referred to as’529 reference). The’529 reference provides a pruning shears which includes a pair of pivoted blades, one being a cutting blade and the other a holding blade. The cutting blade includes straight cutting edges positioned in offset relation to each other, and the holding blade includes inwardly curved gripping edges positioned in opposed relation. The pruning shears have a combination of a trapping bypass configuration and a bypass configuration. However, cutting blades in front are provided as having bypass type of configuration, making it necessary to provide pre-tensioning to the cutting blades.

Thus, there is a need of an improved cutting tool which allows ease of operation such as cutting by a small cutting angle depending upon size of the branch.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a first lever having a first end and a second end. The first lever defines a first handle portion towards the first end of the first lever. The cutting tool includes a second lever having a first end and a second end. The second lever defines a second handle portion towards the first end of the second lever. The second lever is pivotally coupled to the first lever at a pivot point. The cutting tool includes a first cutting edge defined by the first lever between the pivot point and the second end of the first lever. The cutting edge has an end point. The cutting tool includes a first support surface defined by the second lever between the pivot point and the second end of the second lever. The first cutting edge and the first support surface define a first gap which accepts a material to be cut between the first cutting edge and the first support surface by moving the first lever and the second lever by a first angle. The first cutting edge and the first support surface are designed such that the first gap starts to close from the end point. The cutting tool includes a second cutting edge defined by the first lever between the end point and a front end of the cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a second support surface defined by the second lever. The second cutting edge and the second support surface define a second gap which accepts a material to be cut between the second cutting edge and the second support surface by moving the first lever and the second lever by a second angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. The cutting tool is characterized in that the second support surface is an anvil shear type surface. The anvil shear type second support surface provides support for a material to be cut between the second cutting edge and the second support surface. Further, due to the presence of second set of surfaces, small branches or twigs etc. may be cut easily without fully opening the first lever and the second lever. The second set of surfaces also mark boundaries of a trapping bypass between the first set of surfaces. Conventional bypassing blades generally require certain amount of pre-tensioning to provide reliable cutting action. Notably, the cutting tool of the present disclosure with the anvil shear type surface allows ease of cutting compared to the conventional bypassing blades. This can be further supported by comparison between the second angle (i.e. smaller) and the first angle. This leads to multiple benefits such as, but not limited to, low maintenance, ease and economy of manufacture and assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second support surface is removably coupled to the second lever. The removable coupling allows any lopper to have an additional cutting edge leading to more efficient use of the lopper.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second support surface is an integral part of the second lever. Cutting tools which have a provision of multiple cutting edges along with the second support surface allow cutting of smaller branches with lesser effort due to a small cutting angle for the second support surface. Further, this allows cutting of multiple branches using the multiple cutting edges of the cutting tools.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cutting tool can be a lopper. Loppers are used for outdoor applications such as pruning, cutting and the like, particularly while working under conditions requiring extended reach. Further, loppers provide ease of working while ensuring safety for an operator.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle and the second handle each has hand grips. Presence of the hand grips not only provides safety of operation but also improves the grip of the cutting tool for the operator.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand grips can be made of one or more of a material selected from soft polymers, plastics and rubbers. The material for the hand grips can lead to increased life of the cutting tool while protecting the operator from any damage while working.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first lever and the second lever can be made of a metal material such as aluminum, iron etc. The first lever and the second lever may also be made of steel. In such a case when the first and second levers are made of a metal material, the first and second levers may be produced by a die casting process. The preference for aluminum would keep the cutting tool lightweight and strong such that it remains relevant for a wide range of applications.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first lever and the second lever can be made of a polymer material such as plastics etc. In such a case when the first and second lever are made of a polymer material, the first and second lever may be produced by an injection molding process, Injection molding process allows for ease of manufacturing in high volumes as well as provides cost effectiveness as well.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool with a branch engaged with a first support surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cutting tool with a branch engaged with a second support surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting tool 100 (in a closed configuration. The cutting tool 100 is illustrated as a lopper in the present disclosure, however, it can be any other tool (say shears, pruners, cutters, pliers, scissors etc.), particularly garden tool, as known or used in the art. Further, the present disclosure presents the cutting tool 100 with fixed-length handles, however, in practical application the cutting tool 100 may have extendable handles since the present disclosure is not limited by length of the handle, or the type of the cutting tool 100 itself, in any manner.

The cutting tool 100 includes a first lever 110 having a first end 112 and a second end 114. The first lever 110 defines a first handle portion 116 towards the first end 112 of the first lever 110. The cutting tool 100 includes a second lever 120 having a first end 122 and a second end 124. The second lever 120 defines a second handle portion 126 towards the first end 122 of the second lever 120. The second lever 120 is pivotally coupled to the first lever 110 at a pivot point 130. The first lever 110 and the second lever 120 may be pivotally coupled to each other at the pivot point 130 by any suitable joining mechanism as applicable with various aspects of the present disclosure.

The first lever 110 and the second lever 120 are illustrated as having a solid rod-like structure. However, actual implementation of the cutting tool 100 may have hollow sections for any of the first lever 110 and the second lever 120, or any part of the cutting tool 100 itself, from considerations such as weight, portability, storage among others. In some embodiments, first lever 110 and the second lever 120 may be made of aluminum which provides strength while being lightweight in nature. Although any other material may also be used as per the requirements of the application for which the cutting tool 100 is being used. Moreover, the shape, type, orientation, or length of the first lever 110 and the second lever 120 as illustrated in the present disclosure is for representative purposes only and a person having ordinary knowledge in the art will appreciate that there would be ergonomic features such as grips, covers, cushioning, thermoplastic attachments and the like, depending upon the type of application, and the present disclosure is not to be limited by any such features in any manner.

In an embodiment, the first handle portion 116 and the second handle portion 126 each has hand grips (not shown). The role of the hand grips is to provides safety of operation while improving the grip of the cutting tool 100 for the operator. As evident, the hand grips may be made of one or more of a material selected from soft polymers, plastics and rubbers. The choice of material for the hand grips shall take into account the type of application such as heavy or light among other factors of the cutting tool 100 as discussed in the present disclosure and as known to a person having ordinary knowledge in the art. Further, there will be provision to replace the hand grips as would be expected due to wear, tear etc. during working life of the cutting tool 100.

The first lever 110 and the second lever 120 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum, iron etc. The first lever 110 and the second lever 120 may also be made of steel. In such a case when the first and second levers 110, 120 are made of a metal material, the first and second levers 110, 120 may be produced by a die casting process. The preference for aluminum would keep the cutting tool 100 lightweight and strong such that it remains relevant for a wide range of applications.

The first lever 110 and the second lever 120 may also be made of a polymer material such as plastics etc. In such a case when the first and second levers 110, 120 are made of a polymer material, the first and second levers 110, 120 may be produced by an injection molding process, Injection molding process allows for ease of manufacturing in high volumes as well as provides cost effectiveness as well.

During working of the cutting tool 100, the first lever 110 and the second lever 120 are moved by a certain angle to cut an object by the cutting tool 100. The angle for the cut generally depends upon the type, size, number of the object to be cut. Further, the angle for the cut may also vary depending upon experience level, physical capability of an operator, or user, among other common factors. The cutting tool 100 includes a support surface 150 around a front end 140 of the cutting tool 100. The support surface 150 may be removably coupled to the second lever 120. The removable coupling may allow any cutting tool to be used in implementation of the benefits of the present disclosure. Further, this allows use of the support surface 150 with different cutting tools at disposal of the operator/user.

In some embodiments, the anvil type support surface 150 can be an integral part of the second lever 120. In case of the cutting tools 100 which are expected to have regular use, heavy-duty operation, or any other demanding need it would be beneficial to have the anvil type support surface 150 as the integral part of the second lever 120 for desired strength and life. Moreover, there may be different means to integrate the anvil type support surface 150 with the cutting tool 100 such as welding, bolting, riveting etc. or any other means as used or known in the pertinent art.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cutting tool 100 in an open configuration. The cutting tool 100 includes a first cutting edge 202 defined by the first lever 110 between the pivot point 130 and the second end 114 of the first lever 110. The cutting edge has an end point 204. The first cutting edge 202 and a third cutting edge 208 are designed such that a first gap starts to close from the end point 204. The cutting tool 100 includes a second cutting edge 206 defined by the first lever 110 between the end point 204 and the front end 140 of the cutting tool 100. The cutting tool 100 includes the third cutting edge 208 defined by the second lever 120 between the pivot point 130 and the second end of the second lever 120.

The first gap between the first cutting edge 202 and the third cutting edge 208 shall generally be employed, only as a preference and not as a restriction, to engage branches of larger dimension since a large cutting angle and/or a large cutting force would be expected to execute cutting through this arrangement of the cutting tool 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cutting tool 100 with a branch 302 engaged with the third cutting edge208. The first cutting edge 202 and the third cutting edge 208 define the first gap which can accept a material to be cut between the first cutting edge 202 and the third cutting edge 208 by moving the first lever 110 and the second lever 120 by a first angle a. The first angle a may depend on the dimensions, type, or number of the branch 302 to be cut between the first cutting edge 202 and the third cutting edge 208. In some instances, there can be simultaneous cutting by the first cutting edge 202 and the second cutting edge 206. Alternatively, the first cutting edge 202 may be used as“bypass” with a branch engaged with the third cutting edge 208 while cutting is performed by the second cutting edge 206.

In some embodiments, the first cutting edge 202 and/or the second cutting edge 206 may be provided with a compound action mechanism which increases the ease of operation by providing more leverage to provide a more powerful force to any cutting edge of the cutting tool 100, particularly for more demanding cutting operations or for inexperienced, or disadvantaged operators/users. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be any other mechanism such as ratchet gear, or any other mechanism as used in the art for the working of the cutting tool 100 as per the type of application.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cutting tool 100 with the branch 302 engaged with the support surface 150. The cutting tool 100 includes the support surface 150 defined by the second lever 120 such that the second cutting edge 206 and the support surface 150 define a second gap which can accept a material (i.e. the branch 302) to be cut between the second cutting edge 206 and the support surface 150 by moving the first lever 110 and the second lever 120 by a second angle b. The second angle b is smaller than the first angle a. This reduces the effort for cutting with the support surface 150 and the second cutting edge 206 as compared to the first cutting edge 202 as employed by conventional cutting tools. The support surface 150 is an anvil shear type surface.

Conventional bypassing blades generally require certain amount of pre tensioning in order to provide reliable cutting action. Notably, the cutting tool 100 of the present disclosure with the anvil shear type surface allows ease of cutting compared to the conventional bypassing blades. This can be further supported by comparison between the second angle b (i.e. smaller) and the first angle a. This leads to multiple benefits such as, but not limited to, low maintenance, ease and economy of manufacture and assembly.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Cutting Tool

110 First Lever

112 First End

114 Second End

116 First Handle Portion

120 Second Lever

122 First End

124 Second End

126 Second Handle Portion

130 Pivot Point

140 Front End

150 Support Surface

202 First Cutting Edge

204 End Point

206 Second Cutting Edge

208 Third cutting edge

302 Branch

a First Angle b Second Angle