The present invention refers to multiple-use scissors.

Description of the prior art Conventional scissors comprise two blades having two cutting edges having corresponding characteristics, that are hinged together. The ends of the blades are formed as, or are fixed to handles with finger receiving holes.

Scissors of this general type are designed to produce a predetermined type of cut depending on the configuration of the cutting edges of the two blades.

Consequently, the most usual scissors have smooth cutting edges suitable, for example, for cutting paper in straight lines. Other scissors, for example, have wavy cutting edges to make zig-zag cuts and are used by seamstresses for some given applications.

Although conventional scissors are generally satisfactory for the uses for which they are designed, they are limited to the single type of cut determined by the specific cutting edges of their blades.

Object of the present invention One object of the present invention is to provide a single pair of scissors that is capable of effecting more than one type of cut.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pair of scissors that effects more than one type of cut by means of a simple adjustment of the scissors without necessity the need to disassemble it.

General description of the present invention According to the present invention, a pair of scissors comprising first and second blades, each having a cutting edge, a handle at one end of each of the first and second blades, and a hinge between the blades to permit a conventional scissors function, is characterised by further comprising a third blade mounted between the first and second blades, fixing means associated with each of the first and second blades to permit assembly of the third blade, in fixed relationship, on one of the sides of either one of the first and second blades, sandwiched therebetween, wherein: the cutting edge of the first blade has a first cutting configuration; the cutting edge of the second blade has a second cutting configuration;

the third blade has two cutting edges, on opposite sides thereof, the said two cutting edges of the third blade having cutting configurations, respectively, that correspond to said first and second cutting configurations of the first and second blades.

Preferably, the hinge comprises a pin that passes through the first, second and third blades, with the third blade between the other two, whereby, when the third blade is assembled by the fixing means onto the first blade, one of the cutting edges of the third blade co-operates with the cutting edge of the second blade. Similarly, when the third blade is assembled by the fixing means onto the second blade, the other cutting edge of the third blade co-operates, in use, with the cutting edge of the first blade.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the first cutting configuration is a smooth edge and the second cutting configuration is a wavy cutting edge.

Brief description of the drawings The present invention will now be described in greater detail, but only by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pair of scissors that represents the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scissors being in an open position and with a first cutting configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the same pair of scissors in the open position, but in a second cutting configuration; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pair of scissors before assembly; and Figure 4 shows a detail of the system for fixing the central blade of the scissors.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention Referring now to the drawings, a pair of scissors 1, representing the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises two cutting blades 2 and 3, which are hinged together by means of a pin or bolt 4, and two plastic handles 5 and 6 mounted on corresponding ends of blades 2 and 3.

As is conventional, each of blades 2 and 3 has a cutting edge.

Different, however, from known scissors, the cutting edges 2 and 3 are of different types, the cutting edge 7 of blade 2 being smooth and the cutting edge 8 of blade 3 being wavy (in zigzag).

Also different from conventional scissors, cutting edge 7 of first blade 2 does not co-operate with cutting edge 8 of the second blade 3. This is due to the presence of a third cutting blade 9 that may be fixed either against the internal surface of blade 2 (see Figure 1) or against the internal surface of blade 3 (see Figure 3). This third blade 9 has two cutting edges 10 and 11, the first being wavy (in zigzag) and exposed for use when blade 9 is fixed against blade 2 (Figure 1) and the other smooth and exposed for use when blade 9 is fixed against blade 3 (Figure 2).

As can be seen from Figure 1, when the third blade 9 is fixed against blade 2, the two wavy cutting edges 8 (of blade 3) and 10 (of blade 9) co- operate to effect wavy cuts (in zigzag). Similarly, as can be seen from Figure 2, when the third blade 9 is fixed against blade 3, the two smooth cutting edges 7 (of blade 2) and 11 (of blade 9) co-operate to make straight cuts.

Figure 3 shows the pair of scissors dismounted and in all its details.

Thus, the three blades 2,3 and 9 can be seen with their respective cutting edges 7, 8 and 9/10. The outer or main blades 2 and 3 have ends 12 and 13 ready for assembly by insertion into openings in respective handles 5 and 6.

Blades 2,3 and 9 have respective orifices 14,15 and 16 for defining the hinge axis of the scissors and they receive hinge screw 4. Since the wavy cutting edges 8 and 11 face upwardly and downwardly, respectively (as seen in Figure 3), a thick washer 17 is also provided, with an orifice for screw 4, for maintaining pressure between the blades when the screw is tightened against a nut 18.

Each of handles 5 and 6 is formed with a guide rail 19 that receives a lock 20. Guide rail 19 is substantially aligned with the respective blade 2 or 3.

Each lock can be slid along its respective guide rail, backwards and forwards.

Each lock 20 has a slit 21, dimensioned to receive end the 22 of the central blade 9. When the pair of scissors is assembled, blade 9 can be swung in the plane of the scissors so as that its end 22 may be aligned with the slot 21 in lock 20 of one of the handles 5 and 6, when the catch lock is in a withdrawn position. The lock is then pushed forward, end 22 of blade 9 enters slot 21 and blade 9 is thus fixed in relation to the blade 2 or 3 that is associated with that handle. The two mounting options are clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2 whereas the fixing system is shown in detail in Figure 4.

It will be understood that the pair of scissors illustrated in the drawings is only one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the system for fixing the third (central) blade could be modified without altering the concept of the invention. The important point is that the third blade should be mountable on either one of the outer blades, with one or other of its cutting edges being available for cooperation with one or other of the outer blades.

Although it is highly desirable that fixing of the third blade be accomplished by the simple manipulation of locks on the handles, as shown, other systems could be used, for example, a screw in each handle could be pressed through an orifice in end 22 of blade 9.

It is also obvious that various different types of cutting edge could be used without any alteration in the concept of the invention. For example, both the outer blades could have wavy or zigzag cutting edges (of different shapes) and the central blade would then also have two two corresponding cutting edges. In such circumstances, it would be advisable to use two wahers similar to washer 17 (Figure 3), one on each side of the central blade.

These and other modifications should be considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which should be determined by interpretation of the following claims.