TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool.

BACKGROUND

Cutting tools such as secateurs are used for cutting, pruning, and shearing branches (say the small branches) in gardening application. Generally, the cutting tool with an anvil is used for cutting old, dry, and thick branches, while the cutting tool with a bypass blade is used to cut fresh, and thin branches. However, the cutting tool with the anvil may not accurately cut the fresh, and thinner branches. Further, the cutting tool with the bypass blade may not provide sufficient cutting force on the old, dry, and thicker branches. Hence, there is need of the single cutting tool with the fixed anvil and the adjustable bypass blade to perform the cutting operations accurately and efficiently. Moreover, there are limitations to keep, carry and maintain separate cutting tools each for the fixed anvil and the adjustable bypass blade to perform the desired cutting operations.

An example of a pruner is provided in United States Patent 3,323,209 (hereinafter referred to as ’209 reference). The ‘209 reference discloses the pruner with a pair of handles biased apart by a coil spring. One of the handles includes a unitary offset cutting blade and the other handle includes a unitary offset jaw provided with an anvil mounted in a slot and a flat surface. When the pruner is to be used, a limb, twig or the like is placed between the cutting blade and the anvil. The handles and thus the cutting blade and the anvil are moved towards each other to initiate the cutting action. The ‘209 reference discloses the pruner with provisions for only one type of cutting action and thus has limited utility.

Another example of a hand pruner is provided in European Patent application 0,696,415 (hereinafter referred to as ’415 reference). The ’415 reference discloses the hand pruner which provides a maximum force on a pair of blades when a pair of handles are closed halfway. The hand pruner includes a compound linkage mechanism which generates a much greater cutting force at the intermediate point of travel of the blades. The hand pruner also includes an anvil plate and a bypass blade. However, the ’415 reference discloses two types of different arrangements of the hand pruner. In a first arrangement, the hand pruner includes the anvil plate which is fastened to the one of the handles using mechanical fasteners. In a second arrangement, the hand pruner includes the bypass blade which is fastened to the one of the handles using mechanical fasteners. Thus, the user needs to fasten the anvil plate or the bypass blade to use the hand pruner in the first arrangement or in the second arrangement, respectively. This may involve substantial effort, and skill for common users, along with access and usage of different tools for assembly/disassembly of one or more of the anvil plate or the bypass blade with the hand pruner. Further, such changes or assembly /disassembly of the anvil plate or the bypass blade may lead to loss of productivity, and substantial downtime. This may be due to a need to switch between the first arrangement and the second arrangement to make use of the anvil plate or the bypass blade, respectively.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a new design of 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 also 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 further includes a first cutting edge defined by the first lever between the pivot point and the second end of the first lever. The cutting tool includes a support surface defined by the second lever between the pivot point and the second end of the second lever such that the first cutting edge and the support surface perform a first cutting action therebetween. The cutting tool is characterized in that an element is rotatably coupled with one or more of the first lever and the second lever such that the element removably rests on the support surface of the second lever. The first cutting edge and the element perform a second cutting action therebetween when the element rests on the support surface of the second lever. Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved design of the cutting tool with the support surface (alternatively, an anvil support) and the element for cutting, pruning, shearing, and the like. A simple and cost-effective design of the cutting tool allows a user to perform cutting operations on dry branches and fresh branches with the single cutting tool. The compact design of the cutting tool includes the rotatable element which can be secured in an element housing when using cutting tool in a first configuration for the first cutting action. Further, the element is provided with engagement features such as a pin and a hook which are ergonomically designed for ease of rotatable movement of the element.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second handle portion defines a element housing such that the element is rotatably movable to house therein. This arrangement provides a compact design and storage space for the rotatable element.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support surface is the anvil support which is an integral part of the second lever. This arrangement provides a simple and cost-effective design for the second cutting action by the cutting tool.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cutting action is a cutting action similar to one performed by the anvil secateurs, where a cutting blade and a anvil act together during the cutting action. The first cutting action is used to cut old, dry, and thick branches.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cutting action is a cutting action similar to one performed by the bypass secateurs, where one cutting blade bypasses the adjacent part on the other leaver during the cutting action. The second cutting action is used to cut fresh, and thin branches.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting tool includes a battery of a drive unit is housed within the second handle portion. The element is rotatably movable to house within the element housing by the drive unit. Further, the drive unit provides the mechanical advantage to rotatably switch the position of the element in and out of the element housing, between a first position and a second position. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the element includes one or more of engagement features such as a pin and a hook. The engagement features allow rotatable movement of the element. The ergonomically designed pin and hook allows easy, safe, and user-friendly rotatable movement of the element.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the engagement features of the element are defined around one or more of the support surface of the second blade, and the pivot point. This arrangement provides a user-friendly element arrangement which may be rotated in and out of the element housing to use the cutting tool in the first configuration or in the second configuration.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cutting tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cutting tool, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a second lever and an element of a cutting tool, the element being in a first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the second lever and the element in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the second lever and the element in a third position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cutting tool in a first configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cutting tool in a second configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the cutting tool in a third configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 A illustrates a side view of the cutting tool in the first configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the cutting tool in the second configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the cutting tool, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This disclosure 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 disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may 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 disclosure. 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.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cutting tool 100. The cutting tool 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated as a secateur, however, the present disclosure may be readily applied to any cutting tool such as, but not limited to, a lopper, shear, scissor etc. The cutting tool 100 includes a first lever 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106. The first lever 102 defines a first handle portion 108 towards the first end 104 of the first lever 102. The first handle portion 108 of the first lever 102 includes a first gripping portion 110 to firmly grip the first lever 102. The first lever also defines a first rivet hole 111 (shown in FIG. 2). The first lever 102 is generally made up of a durable material, such as a wear resistant plastic, a metal alloy, and the like. It should be noted that the material of the first lever 102 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The cutting tool 100 also includes a first cutting blade 112 fixedly coupled to the first lever 102 proximate the second end 106 of the first lever 102. In some embodiments, the first cutting blade 112 may be an integral part of the first lever 102. The first cutting blade 112 is generally manufactured using an alloy steel. The cutting tool 100 further includes a first cutting edge 114 defined by the first lever 102 between a pivot point 116 and the second end 106 of the first lever 102. The first cutting blade 112 includes a second rivet hole 118 (as shown in FIG. 2).

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 handle portion 126 of the second lever 120 includes a second gripping portion 128 to firmly grip the second lever 120. The second lever 120 is generally made up of a durable material, such as a wear resistant plastic, a metal alloy, and the like. It should be noted that the material of the second lever 120 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The second lever 120 also defines an eye portion 130 at the first end 122 of the second lever 120. The eye portion 130 may be used to tie the cutting tool 100 with a rope, a string, a chain, and the like. This arrangement of the cutting tool 100 (i.e., the eye portion 130) may allow ease of carrying the cutting tool 100 and avoid misplacement of the cutting tool 100. Further, the second handle portion 126 defines an element housing 132 such that an element 140 is rotatably movable to house therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, the cutting tool 100 also includes a second cutting blade 142 fixedly coupled to the second lever 120 proximate the second end 124 of the second lever 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cutting blade 142 may be an integral part of the second lever 120. The second cutting blade 142 is generally manufactured using an alloy steel. The second cutting blade 142 includes a third rivet hole 144. In some embodiments, the second cutting blade 142 may be coupled to the second lever 120 proximate the second end 124 of the second lever 120 by a number of mechanical fasteners (not shown). Further, the mechanical fasteners may include any type of mechanical joint, such as bolted joint, screwed joint, riveted joint, and the like. It should be noted that the type of coupling of the second cutting blade 142 with the second lever 120 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the second cutting blade 142 may include a number of first through holes (not shown) to receive a number of mechanical fastening elements (not shown).

The second cutting blade 142 defines an anvil support 150 (alternatively, a support surface 150). The anvil support 150 is generally made up of a wear resistant and durable metal alloy. In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil support 150 is an integral part of the second blade 142. In some embodiments, the anvil support 150 may include a number of second through holes (not shown) to receive the number of mechanical fastening elements. Further, the mechanical fastening elements may include any type of mechanical joint, such as bolted joint, screwed joint, riveted joint, and the like. It should be noted that the type of coupling of the anvil support 150 with the second cutting blade 142does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The second blade 142 defines a semicircular slot 152 proximate the pivot point 116.

The cutting tool 100 includes the support surface 150 defined by the second lever 120 between the pivot point 116 and the second end 124 of the second lever 120 such that the first cutting edge 114 and the support surface 150 perform a first cutting action therebetween. Further, the support surface 150 is the anvil support 150 which is an integral part of the second lever 120. The first cutting edge 114 and the support surface 150 performs the cutting of a first branch 154 (as shown in FIG. 7A). Further, the first cutting action is a cutting action similar to one performed by the anvil secateurs. The first branch 154 may generally include an old, dry, and thicker branch 154. Further, the cutting of the first branch 154 may be done in a first configuration (as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4, 7A). In the first configuration, the first cutting action is primarily performed by the first cutting edge 114 and the support surface 150, while the element 140 remains away from the support surface 150 and the element housing 132 as best shown in FIG. 7A.

The second lever 120 is pivotally coupled to the first lever 102 at the pivot point 116. In the illustrated example, the pivot point 116 includes a riveted joint. The riveted joint includes a first rivet element 156 and a second rivet element 158. In other embodiments, the pivot point 116 may include any mechanical joint, such as a bolted joint, a screwed joint, and the like. The first rivet element 156 defines a solid cylindrical body 160 and a first head portion 162. Further, the second rivet element 158 includes a hollow cylindrical body 164 and a second head portion 166, such that the hollow cylindrical body 164 of the second rivet element 158 receives the solid cylindrical body 160 of the first rivet element 156. The pivot point 116 may include a washer element (not shown) disposed between the first rivet element 156 and the second cutting blade 142.

The cutting tool 100 includes the element 140 rotatably coupled with one or more of the first lever 102 and the second lever 120 such that the element 140 removably rests on the support surface 150 of the second lever 120. The element 140 may include a bypass blade. The element 140 is generally made up of a wear resistant and durable metal alloy. The element 140 includes a first end portion 170 and a second end portion 172. The element 140 defines a protruding part 174 (alternatively, engagement features 174) proximate the first end portion 170. The protruding part 174 may be used for switching the position of the element 140 between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration of the cutting tool 100. The element 140 also defines a fourth rivet hole 176 to receive the first rivet element 156, and the second rivet element 158. The element 140 further defines a pin hole 177 proximate the fourth rivet hole 176.

The element 140 also includes one or more of engagement features 174 such as a pin 182 and a hook 184 (as shown in FIG. 8). The engagement features 174 allow rotatable movement of the element 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting tool 100 includes a knob 178 which is operatively coupled to the element 140, such that the knob 178 receives the pin 182. The knob 178 and pin 182 may be connected by a snap-fit connection, a push-fit connection, and the like. Further, the pin 182 is coupled to the element 140 through a pin member 179. In some embodiments, the engagement features 174 such as the pin 182 and the hook 184 of the element 140 are defined around one or more of a support surface 150 of the anvil support 150, and the pivot point 116. Further, the semicircular slot 152 of the second cutting blade 142 receives the pin 182 therein. The pin 182 may move along the semicircular slot 152, during movement of the element 140 between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration.

The first cutting edge 114 and the element 140 perform a second cutting action therebetween when the element 140 rests on the support surface 150 of the second lever 120. The first cutting edge 114 and the element 140 performs cutting of a second branch 180 (as shown in FIG. 7B). Further, the second cutting action is a cutting action similar to one performed by the bypass secateurs. The second branch 180 may generally be a fresh, and thinner branch. Further, the cutting of the second branches 180 may be done in the second configuration (as shown in FIGS. 3B, 5, 7B). In the second configuration, the second cutting action is primarily performed by the first cutting edge 114 and the element 140, as best shown in FIG. 7B.

FIGS.3A, 3B, 3C, illustrates various positions of the element 140. In FIG. 3A, the element 140 is in a first position. Similarly, in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, the element 140 is in a second position and a third position, respectively. Further, FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, allow to appreciate movement and position of the element 140 in the element housing 132 for the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration of the cutting tool 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates the element 140 in the first position. In the first position, the knob 178 keeps the element 140 away from the element housing 132, and the cutting tool 100 operates in the first configuration. FIG. 5, illustrated the element 140in the second position. In the second position, the knob 178 positions the element 140 with the support surface 142 and away from the element housing 132, so the cutting tool 100 operates in the second configuration. FIG. 6, illustrates the element 140 in the third position. In the third position of the element 140, the cutting tool 100 operates in the third configuration, where the element 140 remains housed in the element housing 132, and the cutting action may be performed similar to the first configuration i.e., between the first cutting edge 114 and the support surface 150. Further, rotation of the knob 178 allows switching the cutting tool 100 between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration. The knob 178 may be rotated to move the element 140 in and out from the element housing 132. In some embodiments, the cutting tool 100 may be operated without application of the knob 178. Without the knob 178, the pin 182 may be rotated to switch the cutting tool 100 between the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the element 140 is rotatably coupled to the one or more of the first lever 102 and the second lever 120. In the first configuration, the element 140 remains outside the element housing 132 of the second lever 120. Further, in the first configuration of the element 140, the cutting tool 100 is used for cutting the first branches 154 with enhanced cutting force between the first cutting edge 114 and the support surface 150. Referring to FIG. 7B, in the second configuration, the element 140 rests on the support surface 150 of the second lever 120. In the second configuration, the cutting tool 100 is used for cutting the second branches 180 with precision and accuracy, while the second cutting action is performed by the first cutting edge 114 and the element 140.

The cutting tool 100 also includes a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit may be housed in the second handle portion 126. The drive unit includes a battery (not shown). The battery of the drive unit is housed within the second handle portion 126. The drive unit also includes a motor, a gearbox, a drum, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). Further, the drive unit may be operatively coupled to one or more of the first cutting blade 112 and the second cutting blade 142. The drive unit selectively provides a supplemental motor force to assist a movement of one or more of the first cutting blade 112 and the second cutting blade 142 to perform the cutting action. Further, the element 140 is rotatably movable to house within the element housing 132 by the drive unit. Moreover, the drive unit selectively provides the supplemental motor force to assist a movement of the element 140 to switch between the first position and the second position.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the cutting tool 100 in which the element 140 defines the hook 184. The hook 184 may be an integral part of the element 140 and disposed proximate the first end portion 170 of the element 140. The hook 184 may be used to rotate the element 140 between the first position, the second position, and the third position corresponding to the first configuration, the second configuration, and the third configuration of the cutting tool 100.

The present disclosure provides an improved design of the cutting tool 100 for cutting, pruning, and shearing different branches (say the small branches) in gardening application. A simple and cost-effective design of the cutting tool 100 allows a user to perform cutting operations on the first branches 154 as well as on the second branches 180 with the single cutting tool 100. The compact design of the cutting includes the rotatable element 140 which can be secured in the element housing 132 and the cutting tool 100 may be used different configurations such as the first, and second configurations. Further, the element 140 is provided with the knob 178 and the engagement features 174 which is ergonomically designed for easy rotatable movement of the element 140. Furthermore, the drive unit provides the mechanical advantage to assist cutting action by the element 140 and to rotatably switch the position of the element 140 between the first position and the second position.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure 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 disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Cutting Tool

102 First Lever

104 First End of First Lever

106 Second End of First Lever

108 First Handle Portion

110 First Gripping Portion

111 Second Rivet Hole

112 First Cutting Blade

114 First Cutting Edge

116 Pivot Point

118 Second Rivet Hole

120 Second Lever

122 First End of Second Lever

124 Second End of Second Lever

126 Second Handle Portion

128 Second Gripping Portion

130 Eye Portion

132 Element Housing

140 Element

142 Second Cutting Blade

144 Third Rivet Hole

150 Anvil Support/Support Surface

152 Semicircular Slot

154 First Branch First Rivet Element

Second Rivet Element

Solid Cylindrical Body

First Head Portion

Hollow Cylindrical Body

Second Head Portion

First End Portion

Second End Portion

Engagement Feature/Protruding Part

Fourth Rivet Hole

Pin Hole

Knob

Pin Member Second Branch Pin

Hook