TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool, and more particularly to a structural aspect of the cutting tool.

BACKGROUND

Generally, handheld machine tools, such as a pruning tool, may include a pruning head having one or more blades coupled to a handle. The handle may be used to hold the pruning tool during a pruning operation. In many situations, the pruning tool may be used in difficult to access or hard to reach locations, such as deep within bushes, raised locations above ground, and the like. In such a situation, it may be difficult to complete the pruning operation with required precision and quality.

Therefore, the pruning head may be pivotally coupled to the handle in order to provide rotational movement to the pruning head and, in turn, providing an improved operability range. However, in many situations, a structural design of the pruning head may limit a range of rotational movement thereof. Hence, there is need for an improved tool with improved range of movement for such applications.

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, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cutting tool includes a longitudinal lever having a first end and a second end. The longitudinal lever defines a longitudinal axis extending between each of the first end and the second end. The cutting tool includes a handle portion defined towards the first end of the longitudinal lever. The cutting tool includes a pivot housing coupled to the second end of the longitudinal lever. The pivot housing is adapted to rotate about a pivot axis. The cutting tool also includes a pair of cutting blades coupled to the pivot housing such that the pair of cutting blades rotate about the pivot axis along with the pivot housing. The cutting tool further includes a coupling member adapted to couple the pivot housing with the second end of the longitudinal lever such that the pivot axis is disposed at an offset to the longitudinal axis. The offset between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis allows the pair of cutting blades to be rotated to a position adjacent to the longitudinal lever. As such, the rotation of the pair of cutting blades adjacent to the longitudinal lever provides a substantially greater range of motion to the cutting tool, in turn, providing access to difficult to reach location, improved operational accuracy, ease of operation, reduced operator fatigue, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of cutting blades include a support blade and a movable blade. As such, the pair of cutting blades provides a substantially scissor like cutting action for ease of cutting operation. Also, a single movable blade provides reduced constructional and/or manufacturing complexity, in turn, providing reduced product cost.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cutting tool includes a cord and pulley mechanism provided in association with each of the longitudinal lever, the handle portion, the pivot housing, the pair of cutting blades, and the coupling member. The cord and pulley mechanism is adapted to provide a cutting action to the pair of cutting blades. As such, the cord and pulley mechanism allows operation of the pair of cutting blades from a distant location on the cutting tool, such as the handle portion provided on the longitudinal lever, in turn, provide ease of operation and usability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis. The perpendicular orientation of the pivot axis with respect to the longitudinal axis allows rotation of the pivot housing with respect to the longitudinal member, in turn, providing an improved range of operability and ease of usability.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cutting tool includes an angular range of rotation of the pair of cutting blades about the pivot axis greater than 200°. As such, the cutting tool provides an improved range of operability and ease of usability.

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 partial perspective view of a cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a partial top view of the cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show partially exploded perspective views of the cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows another partially exploded perspective view of the cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show yet another partially exploded perspective views of the cutting tool, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show yet another partially exploded perspective views of the cutting tool, in accordance with another 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”,“tr ansverse”,“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”, “parallel”, “inclined”, “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.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a portion of a cutting tool 100 is illustrated. More specifically, the cutting tool 100 is a pruning tool or a lopper. The cutting tool 100 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the“tool 100”. The tool 100 includes a longitudinal lever 102. The longitudinal lever 102 includes a first end 104 and a second end 106. The second end 106 is disposed opposite to the first end 104. It should be noted that, in the illustrated figures, only a portion of the longitudinal lever 102 is shown for the purpose of clarity and explanation.

The longitudinal lever 102 defines a longitudinal axis X-X’ thereof extending between each of the first end 104 and the second end 106. The longitudinal lever 102 may include any configuration, such as cylindrical, elliptical, and the like based on application requirements. Also, the longitudinal lever 102 may be made of any material, such as, wood, metal, alloy, polymer, and the like. The tool 100 may also include a handle portion (not shown) provided on the first end 104 of the longitudinal lever 102. The handle portion may be adapted to enable an operator to hold the tool 100 during a work operation.

The tool 100 includes a pivot housing 108 coupled to the longitudinal lever 102. More specifically, the pivot housing 108 is coupled to the second end 106 of the longitudinal lever 102. The pivot housing 108 defines a pivot axis Y-Y’ thereof. Accordingly, the pivot housing 108 is adapted to rotate about the pivot axis Y-Y’. The pivot housing 108 is disposed on the second end 106 of the longitudinal lever 102 such that the pivot axis Y-Y’ is disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’. Also, the pivot axis Y- Y’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to a plane (not shown) associated with the longitudinal axis X-X’.

The pivot housing 108 is coupled to the second end 106 of the longitudinal lever 102 via a coupling member 110. Accordingly, the pivot housing 108 is adapted to pivot about the pivot axis Y-Y’ and the coupling member 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 110 includes a substantially angled configuration. As such, one end of the coupling member 110 is coupled to the second end 106 of the longitudinal lever 102, and another end of the coupling member 110 is coupled to the pivot housing 108. Accordingly, the coupling member 110 is adapted to dispose the pivot axis Y-Y’ at an offset“O” with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’.

The tool 100 also includes a pair of cutting blades 112 coupled to the longitudinal lever 102. More specifically, the pair of cutting blades 112 is coupled to the second end 106 of the longitudinal lever 102 via the pivot housing 108 and the coupling member 110. Accordingly, the pair of cutting blades 112 is adapted to rotate about the pivot axis Y-Y’ along with the pivot housing 108. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, partial perspective views of the tool 100 in different operating positions is illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the tool 100 is shown in a fully open position“FOP”. In the fully open position“FOP”, the pair of cutting blades 112 is adapted to rotate at a first angle“Al” away with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’ in a direction “Dl”. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle“Al” measures approximately 25°. Referring to FIG. 2B, the tool 100 is shown in a fully closed position“FCP”. In the fully closed position“FCP”, the pair of cutting blades 112 is adapted to rotate at a second angle“A2” away with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’ in a direction“D2”.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second angle“A2” measures more than 180°. Accordingly, the pair of cutting blades 112 may be rotated in a range of greater than 200° between the fully open position“FOP” and the fully closed position“FCP”. In one embodiment, the second angle“A2” is more than 180° in particular 210° to 230°. It should be noted that the angular values of rotation of the pair of cutting blades 112 related to the first angle“Al” and the second angle“A2” described herein are merely exemplary and may vary based on application requirements.

As such, the offset“O” between the pivot axis Y-Y’ and the longitudinal axis X-X’ allows the pair of cutting blades 112 to be rotated to a position adjacent to the longitudinal lever 102 in the fully closed position“FCP”. It should be noted that the pair of cutting blades 112 may be rotated and/or operated at any intermediate position between the fully open position“FOP” and the fully closed position“FCP”. For example, in one situation, the pair of cutting blades 112 may be oriented and operated at a normal position (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) such that the pair of cutting blades 112 may be aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pair of cutting blades 112 include two blades, such as a support blade 114 and a movable blade 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the support blade 114 is fixedly coupled to the pivot housing 108. The movable blade 116 is provided in association with and is pivotably coupled to the support blade 114. Accordingly, movement of the movable blade 116 with respect to the support blade 114 provides a cutting action of the pair of cutting blades 112. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, a position and/or an orientation of the support blade 114 and the movable blade 116 may be interchanged, or in some embodiments, each of the support blade 114 and the movable blade 116 may be movable with respect to one another.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, different partially exploded perspective views of the tool 100 are illustrated. The tool 100 further includes a cord and pulley mechanism 302. The cord and pulley mechanism 302 will be herein after interchangeably referred to as the“mechanism 302”. The mechanism 302 is provided in association with each of the longitudinal lever 102, the handle portion, the pivot housing 108, the pair of cutting blades 112, and the coupling member 110. The mechanism 302 is adapted to provide the cutting action to the movable blade 116 of the pair of cutting blades 112.

The mechanism 302 includes a first pulley 304 defining a first axis F-F’ thereof. The first pulley 304 is disposed within the coupling member 110. The first pulley 304 is disposed in a manner such that the first axis F-F’ is substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’. Also, the first axis F-F’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to the plane associated with the longitudinal axis X-X’. The first pulley 304 is adapted to rotate about the first axis F-F’.

The mechanism 302 includes a second pulley 306 defining a second axis S- S’ thereof. The second pulley 306 is disposed adjacent to the first pulley 304 and within the coupling member 110. The second pulley 306 is disposed in a manner such that the second axis S-S’ is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first axis F-F’, and substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X’. Also, the second axis S-S’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to the plane associated with each of the first axis F-F’ and the longitudinal axis X- X’. The second pulley 306 is adapted to rotate about the second axis S-S’.

The mechanism 302 includes a third pulley 308 defining a third axis T-T’ thereof. The third pulley 308 is disposed adjacent to the second pulley 306 and within the pivot housing 108. The third pulley 308 is disposed in a manner such that the third axis T-T’ is substantially perpendicular with respect to each of the first axis F-F’ and the second axis S-S’. Also, the third axis T-T’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to the plane associated with each of the first axis F-F’ and the second axis S-S’. The third pulley 308 is adapted to rotate about the third axis T-T’.

The mechanism 302 also includes a coil pulley 310 defining a coil axis C- C’ thereof. The coil pulley 310 is disposed adjacent to the third pulley 308 and within the pivot housing 108. The coil pulley 310 is disposed in a manner such that the coil axis C-C’ is substantially parallel with respect to the third axis T-T’. Also, the coil axis C-C’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to the plane associated with the third axis T-T’. The coil pulley 310 is adapted to rotate about the coil axis C-C’.

The mechanism 302 further includes a fourth pulley 402 defining a fourth axis Z-Z’ thereof. The fourth pulley 402 is disposed adjacent to the coil pulley 310 and within the pivot housing 108. The fourth pulley 402 is disposed in a manner such that the fourth axis Z-Z’ is substantially perpendicular with respect to the coil axis C-C’, and substantially parallel with respect to the first axis F-F’. Also, the fourth axis Z-Z’ is disposed in a plane (not shown) different with respect to the plane associated with each of the coil axis C-C’ and the first axis F-F’. The fourth pulley 402 is adapted to rotate about the fourth axis Z-Z’.

The mechanism 302 also includes a chain member 312. The chain member 312 is coupled to the coil pulley 310 and a linkage portion 314 associated with the movable blade 116. The mechanism 302 further includes a cord 316. The cord 316 is routed through the longitudinal lever 102 and is, at least partially, routed around each of the first pulley 304, the second pulley 306, and the third pulley 308. The cord 316 is then routed along a first side 318 of the coil pulley 310 forming a first loop 320. The cord 316 is then routed, at least partially, around the fourth pulley 402. The cord 316 is further routed along a second side 322 of the coil pulley 310 forming a second loop 324.

The cord 316 is also coupled to a handle lever (not shown) provided on the handle portion. Accordingly, based on an actuation of the handle lever, the cord 316 may be pulled, in turn, providing rotation of each of the first pulley 304, the second pulley 306, the third pulley 308, the coil pulley 310, and the fourth pulley 402. Based on the rotation of the coil pulley 310, the chain member 312 may translate, and actuate the linkage portion 314 and the movable blade 116. As such, the rotation of the coil pulley 310 may be translated to the pivotal movement of the movable blade 116 in a direction“M” using the chain member 312 and the linkage portion 314.

As illustrated, when the cord 316 passes from first pulley 304 to the second pulley 306, the cord 316 defines an axis W-W’. The axis W-W’ is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X-X’. The axes X-X’ and W-W’ may lie in different planes, such that the two axes are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the cord 316 passes from the first pulley 304 to the second pulley 306 at an angle of 90°. This allows the cord 316 to allow cutting action of the tool 100 without requiring any change in length of the cord 316.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, different partially exploded perspective views of the tool 100 are illustrated. A segment“SI” of the cord 316 routed between the second pulley 306 and the third pulley 308 coincides with the pivot axis Y-Y’. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5A, based on the rotation of the pair of cutting blades 112 toward the fully open position“FOP”, the segment“SI” of the cord 316 rotates along the pivot axis Y-Y’ to allow the rotation of each of the third pulley 308, the coil pulley 310, and the fourth pulley 402 along with the pivot housing 108. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5B, based on the rotation of the pair of cutting blades 112 toward the fully closed position“FCP”, the segment“SI” of the cord 316 rotates along the pivot axis Y-Y’ to allow the rotation of each of the third pulley 308, the coil pulley 310, and the fourth pulley 402 along with the pivot housing 108.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show another embodiment of the present disclosure. Position of the two blades 114, 116 comprising the pair of blades 112 may be interchangeable. As compared to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the movable blade 116 and the support blade 114 are shown in interchanged positions. The movable blade 116 is shown adjacent to the longitudinal lever 102. This provides a safer configuration of the tool 100 for a user, as the movable blade 116 is positioned towards the longitudinal lever 102, and potentially away from getting in contact with a user.

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 / Tool

102 Longitudinal Lever

104 First End

106 Second End

108 Pivot Housing

110 Coupling Member

112 Pair of Cutting Blades

114 Support Blade

116 Movable Blade

302 Cord and Pulley Mechanism / Mechanism

304 First Pulley

306 Second Pulley

308 Third Pulley

310 Coil Pulley

312 Chain Member

314 Linkage Portion

316 Cord

318 First Side

320 First Loop

322 Second Side 324 Second Loop

402 Fourth Pulley

F-F’ First Axis

S-S’ Second Axis

T-T’ Third Axis

C-C’ Coil Axis

Z-Z’ Fourth Axis

X-X’ Longitudinal Axis W-W’ Axis

Y-Y’ Pivot Axis

FOP Fully Open Position FCP Fully Closed Position A1 First Angle

A2 Second Angle

D1 Direction

D2 Direction

O Offset

M Direction

SI Segment