With Guard And/or Guide Patents (Class 30/286)
  • Patent number: 7485126
    Abstract: A scalpel shield system for a scalpel that has a handle and a blade with a sharp cutting edge. The system is mountable on the scalpel and provided with a blade guard member having a pivot component engagable with a pivot component on the blade or the handle. The blade guard member is manually pivotable relative to the scalpel between a guard position for preventing injury by the sharp cutting edge and a retracted position for exposing the sharp cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Mark Adelman, Robert Landis, Craig Hidalgo
  • Publication number: 20090013541
    Abstract: A protective cover of a hand-held cut-off machine has a bracket that is secured on the exterior side of the protective cover. The bracket is locked in at least one locked position with at least one locking projection in at least one receptacle of the protective cover. The bracket is releasable from the locked position by a movement of the bracket in the release direction. A simple release of the bracket can be achieved in that the protective cover has means that move the locking projection upon movement of the bracket in the release direction at least partially out of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Helmar Amend, Joachim Hoffmann, Ernst Buck
  • Publication number: 20080289194
    Abstract: A shield is provided for a cutting member of a grass trimmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: M Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin
  • Publication number: 20080289193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective hood for a portable tool with a rotary tool, having an axial wall for covering regions of the rotary tool. It is proposed that the axial wall (3) have wall regions (4) which are axially offset from one another and are connected to one another, in particular in one piece. Furthermore, a portable tool is proposed which has such a protective hood (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Justus Lamprecht, Joachim Schadow, Sinisa Andrasic, Cornelius Boeck
  • Publication number: 20080282551
    Abstract: Hand-held cutting devices including a body having a handle portion and a cutting portion, and one or more rotatable cutting blades arranged on the cutting portion. The cutting portion is movable into different positions relative to the handle portion, or vice versa. When two cutting blades are provided, they may be arranged on opposite sides of a mounting wall and axially offset from one another. To prevent the user from being cut by one cutting blade when the other cutting blade is being used, yet still enable both cutting blades to be used when desired, a blade guard is movably connected to the cutting portion and movable between two positions in which it is alongside all of one cutting blade (the one not being used) but not all of the other cutting blade (the one being used), and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Publication number: 20080189958
    Abstract: A shield with a cutting disk having minimum weight with respect to a boom holding angle, the cutting disk dampened at a shield protective by a wind tunnel, the wind tunnel forming a high-pressure cylinder having a reciprocal fluid flow inlet and outlet with a small trough capable of removing a significant amount of debris, the wind tunnel allowing a portion of the cutting disk to pass through the cylinder to stabilize the cutting disk transverse flow, the wind tunnel having one or more oval or straight blades separating a portion of the cutting disk from the shield to stabilize the cutting disk tangential flow and can be placed downwind of prevailing breezes and the cutting disk stabilized by turf grass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Edward P. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7406771
    Abstract: A protective shield (2) is provided for a free-cutting tool (1). The free-cutting tool has a cutterhead (4) rotatable about a rotational axis (3) and carries a cutting filament (5). For a rotating cutterhead (4), the cutting filament (5) rotates in a rotational direction (10), aligns itself approximately radially to the rotational axis (3) and defines a cutting circle (6) having a constructively pregiven nominal radius (R). The cutting radius (6) is at least partially covered by the protective shield (2). A cut-to-length knife (7) having a cutting edge (8) for cutting the cutting filament (5) to length is mounted on the protective shield (2) in the peripheral region thereof. The cut-to-length knife (7) is mounted on the protective shield (2) to be moveable back and forth between a cutting position (11) and a rest position (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Zimmermann, Roland Schierling, Johannes Menzel, Kai-Ulrich Machens
  • Publication number: 20080168665
    Abstract: The swab cutter has a body and a blade assembly. The body has an upper surface, a rear section, a front section, a cutting slot, a blade assembly slot and at least one detent. The cutting slot is formed in the front section. The blade assembly slot is formed vertically in the front section from the upper surface through the cutting slot and has two inside surfaces. The detent is formed in one of the inside surface. The blade assembly is mounted detachably in the blade assembly slot and has two sides, at least one resilient finger, a cutting slot and a blade. The resilient finger is formed respectively on one of the side of the blade assembly, and the finger has a boss corresponding to and selectively engaging the detent. The cutting slot corresponds to the cutting slot in the body. The blade is mounted in the cutting slot in the blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Pang-Ching Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080163497
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely covering the sharp blade of a pole saw while tree climbing is provided by combining a pole saw scabbard and a lanyard. The lanyard slides thru hardware mounted along the back, outside curve of the scabbard. A loop of the lanyard extends down from the lowest mounting hardware where the blade enters the scabbard, just far enough to be placed around the hook of a pole saw. The other end of the lanyard extends up from the highest mounting hardware at the tip of the scabbard, to be attached to the climbers belt or saddle. This safely suspends the now covered pole saw while climbing aloft in a tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas Norman Hartz
  • Publication number: 20080113367
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for useful sampling of seed, wherein viability is maintained, are disclosed. Seed from one generation in a plant advancement experiment is individually sampled by removal and collection of tissue from the seed using a hand-held and manually operated tool having one or more cutting edges. The tissue is then processed to derive one or more biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic characteristic of the seed before a decision is made whether to utilize that seed further in a plant advancement experiment or other plant research and development. In some embodiments of the method, the sampling is controlled to remove a useful amount of tissue for analytical purposes without significant effect on viability potential of the sampled seed. In some embodiments, the sampling is controlled to deter contamination of the sample. In some embodiments, the seed is held in pre-determined orientation to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. BECKER, JASON COPE
  • Publication number: 20080104849
    Abstract: A heavy duty utility knife structure with rear gyre for balanced stabile cutting using excess force while cutting heavy and thick material. In turn this design becomes safer, easier and is a precision cutting knife to be used in all construction trade including home and hobby as well. With a blade storage and easy hinge opener it is a complete tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Kristopher Joseph Mueller
  • Patent number: 7356928
    Abstract: A utility knife has a protective guard that moves from a locked position to an unlocked position. Preferred mechanisms utilize a pawl that cooperates with a stop to reduce movement of the guard while the guard is in a locked position, and a simple latching mechanism that allows the pawl to bypass the stop. The pawl is disposed with respect to other elements of the mechanism such that the blade guard can only pulled back to a retracted position after operation of a trigger or other actuator, and then only for a single use. Both the stop and the catch can advantageously be carried in a fixed special relation to one another by operation of a trigger or other actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Earl J. & Kimberly Votolato Trustees of the Votolato Living Trust
    Inventor: Earl J. Votolato
  • Publication number: 20070277383
    Abstract: A cable tie removal tool for cutting a cable tie off of an underlying structure with which the cable tie is engaged. The tool has an opposed pair of cutting members each having a cutting edge, the cutting members movable between an open position in which the cutting edges are spaced from one another and a cutting position in which the cutting edges are close together or touching. The tool also has a mechanical structure that holds at least one cutting member off of the underlying structure as the cutting members are moved from the open to the cutting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth Tomasetti, David A. Hewes
  • Publication number: 20070251102
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removable shield attachment for hand-held digging tools which is mounted on the tool handle below the tool head so as to not interfere with gripping along the length of the handle. The shield generally comprises a mounting portion adapted to be mounted on the handle below the tool head, a shield portion extending laterally outwardly and upwardly from the mounting portion, and a slot positioned between the mounting portion and the shield portion adapted for passing a blade of the tool head therethrough. In use, the shield portion is positioned above the blade, thereby intercepting debris flying from the blade and towards the worker. The shield is particularly designed for digging tools having a slidably fit tool head that engages an outwardly tapered working end of the handle, with the shield being attached to the handle in the same manner as the tool head itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Phillip Dekort, Matthew Dekort, Henry Dekort
  • Patent number: 7287329
    Abstract: A device for cutting a sheet rock panel. A base plate has a through slot that receives a blade of a conventional utility knife and a free end right angle metal end clip of conventional tape ruler and a blind slot that receives the conventional tape ruler. A clamping plate is displaceably attached to the base plate and clamps the conventional tape ruler between itself and the base plate. The clamping plate has a center portion that is circular-shaped and a portion that has a concave upper surface and a convex lower surface that clamps the conventional tape ruler in the concave blind slot in the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Cornacchio
  • Patent number: 7284331
    Abstract: An improved trimmer guard (15), for use with a trimmer (16) having a motor (18), a head (19) and a shaft (20), comprising a mounting assembly (23) configured to mount to a trimmer shaft, a frame (24) supported by the mounting assembly and a foldable skirt (25) supported by the frame. The frame and the skirt may be configured and arranged to move from a first folded position (26) to a second expanded position (28). The skirt may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene film, woven polypropylene, woven nylon, canvas and neoprene. The support frame may comprise a first arm (29) extending from a mounting assembly and a second arm (30) extending from the mounting assembly and the first and second arms may be pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. The first and second arms may pivot from a folded position that is substantially parallel to the shaft outwardly to an expanded position that is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Paddock-Phinney, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Paddock
  • Patent number: 7140112
    Abstract: A head cover trimming system for trimming around a ground level head cover includes a head cap and a grass trimmer assembly. The head cap is provided on the head cover and includes a centering member. The grass trimmer assembly includes a head member having a peripheral edge portion along which is mounted a cutting element. The grass trimmer assembly is driven through a drive shaft connected to a rotary tool at one end. Arranged within the head member is a retractable centering shaft. When the head member is placed over the head cover, the centering shaft is received by the centering member to center the grass trimmer about the head cover. The centering shaft retracts into the head member to allow the rotating cutting element to trim the area around the head cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: JEG, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward McNulty
  • Patent number: 7111404
    Abstract: A shield apparatus for use with a powered vegetation trimmer of the type including a trimmer head assembly having an output shaft and a cutting mechanism rotatable with the output shaft. The shield apparatus is mounted coaxially about the output shaft between the cutting mechanism and a head portion of the head assembly. The shield includes first and second outer walls coaxially disposed about the axis of rotation of the output shaft. The first outer wall circumscribes at least a portion of the cutting element to define a distal annular gap. The second outer wall circumscribes at least a portion of the head portion of the head assembly to define a proximal annular gap. The shield isolates the output shaft from the area surrounding the cutting mechanism so as to prevent vegetative matter from contacting the output shaft, or at least minimize such contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam Hanes, Kevin King
  • Patent number: 7051443
    Abstract: A heavy duty utility knife with ergonomic finger and thumb positions in relation to an internal stabilizer pivot structure which includes a wheel for safer, stronger, smoother and more efficient cutting. The knife also provides the user with an easy access, blade change and storage feature. This feature allows for proficiency of task, as well as, creating a safe knife with a skid plate to prevent injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Kristopher Joseph Mueller
  • Patent number: 7024773
    Abstract: A safety cutter with a retracting guard. The safety cutter has a blade permanently held to the blade handle. The blade has a point which extends beyond the handle and is surrounded by a retracting guard. When enabled, the guard retracts into the handle when the guard is pressed against an object to be cut, thereby exposing the point of the blade. The safety cutter is made so that it may be operated either by a right handed person or a left handed person. A button override is also provided on each side of the handle so that the guard can be retracted by pressing only one of the buttons. Preferably, a portion of the override can be removed so that the guard can only be released by pushing the push button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Dale E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7024772
    Abstract: A case knife (1, 101), generally consists of a pair of substantially symmetrical handle shells (13, 112). A single edge razor blade B is removably supported in one end of the handle formed by these handle shells. Each handle shell includes two moving parts—a guard (10, 110) and a thumb or finger operable button (5, 105). Each such guard, when paired with a substantially identical guard of the other handle half shell, flanks the otherwise protruding sharp edge of the razor blade. Each guard can move independently to expose a protruding corner of the razor blade. The operable button is mounted on an axle or lug (14, 103) that passes from the inside of a handle shell, through to its outside surface. This axle is in turn fixed to a cam follower (20, 120) mounted on the inside of each shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Specmaster Inc.
    Inventors: Billy J. Shaver, Randy R. Busby, James S. Carter
  • Patent number: 7017271
    Abstract: A cutting device having a head member having a movable cutting blade positioned therein, first and second legs pivotally mounted on said head member, a connector connecting the first leg, the cutting blade, and the second blade, wherein the connector and cutting blade are movable within a slot in the head member to bring the cutting blade into cutting engagement with a shield connected to said head member when the legs are moved into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, James Boda
  • Patent number: 6983541
    Abstract: A utility knife has a handle and a replaceable blade fixed to the handle. The blade has a cutting edge extending from the handle along an axis for a distance. The utility knife includes a movement mechanism, which may be at least partially enclosed by the handle. The movement mechanism is adapted to provide reversible motion along relative to the blade. A shield is connected to the movement mechanism and disposed adjacent to the blade, whereby the shield is movable between an extended position covering the cutting edge and a retracted position exposing the cutting edge. When in a retracted position, the shield may be inside or closely adjacent to the handle, so as to not interfere with handling of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Orcon Corporation
    Inventor: Damian Kaczorowski
  • Patent number: 6964100
    Abstract: A knife guard (100) selectively guards a tip (202) of a blade (206) of a knife (200) while exposing at least a portion of a cutting edge (208) of the blade, the knife including a handle (204) coupled to the blade. The knife guard includes a handle portion (106) for supporting the handle of the knife. The knife guard further includes a blade portion (104) coupled to the handle portion for partially receiving the blade such that at least a portion of the cutting edge is exposed. The knife guard also includes a nose portion (102) coupled to the blade portion for covering the tip of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Peter K. Musland
  • Patent number: 6941664
    Abstract: A shingle cutting tool for trimming shingles includes a vertical panel having a front edge, a back edge, a bottom edge and a top edge. A horizontal slot for receiving shingles extends into the front edge and extends toward the back edge. A front handle is attached to the vertical panel and is positioned nearer the front edge than the back edge. A plurality of cutting members is attached to the vertical panel and each extends into a plane of the slot. The cutting members include a cutting edge directed generally toward the front edge. A horizontal panel is attached to and extends away from either side of the vertical panel. The shingles are inserted into the slot and the front edge pulled forward such that the cutting members cut the shingles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Tony Engle, Michael D. Engle
  • Patent number: 6918183
    Abstract: A knife is provided with a sliding blade cover that protects the knife blade when not in use. The knife comprises a knife body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a midsection between the top, bottom, proximal and distal edges. A slot extends at least a part of the way through the midsection along the length of the knife body. A knife blade extends from the bottom edge of the knife body. A blade cover is slidably mounted in the slot. The blade cover has at least one top portion that extends into the slot and two downwardly extending side portions attached to the at least one top portion. The blade cover is moveable within the slot between a first position where the two downwardly extending side portions cover the left and right sides of the blade and a second position where the two downwardly extending side portions do not cover the sides of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alfi International, Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Alfi
  • Patent number: 6918205
    Abstract: A method of cutting a stem to be whip grafted, comprising: securing the stem in a bore of a hand-held grafting tool that includes an angled end, with a portion of the stem extending out from the angled end; drawing a knife across a face of the angled end to thereby cut the stem; and removing the cut stem from the grafting tool. In one respect the hand-held grafting tool comprises a housing having a bore and at least one angled end, a holding member, and moveable connectors attached to the holding member, wherein the moveable connectors protrude through and bisect the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Sowinski
  • Patent number: 6892461
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an article and method for an improved weed trimmer cover that prevents unwanted projectile and debris distributions. A preferred embodiment of the weed trimmer comprises a domed guard structure that encompasses the effective cutting range of a prior art weed trimmer. Alternative embodiments may comprise elements that protect only portions of front, side and rear cutting areas. Embodiments of the invention also allow a user to lift up a cover element to allow close work among obstructions. Embodiments of the present invention also improve the performance of prior art weed trimmers by increasing cutting performance and preventing flexible materials from wrapping about the cutting elements and shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Fred J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6884240
    Abstract: A protection system for surgical instruments having a body with an instrument at one end. A movable guard is provided that moves between locked open and locked closed positions. The guard includes a grip and an opening to provide access for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald Dykes
  • Patent number: 6861903
    Abstract: Signal coupling systems are provided which enhance signal isolation and dynamic range with structures that increase bias voltages in upstream signal amplifiers to guard against transistor saturation that would otherwise increase current drain, reduce response time and possibly cause lock-up of an associated gain-control system. Dynamic range is thus enhanced because these systems can operate over an extended range of source signals. The increased bias voltages also decrease parasitic junction capacitances which increases input impedances and thereby enhances signal isolation and reduces signal distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kevin Behel, Frank Murden
  • Patent number: 6854186
    Abstract: This invention is a knife block for storing cutlery that can be locked to prevent the removal of the knives. An adjustable cap piece rests in one of two positions. In the unlocked position, the cap fits snugly over the base and the knives project up through holes in the cap. In the locked position, the cap is raised and rotated so the knives are inside the cap and inaccessible. The locking mechanism requires adult understanding and hand size to operate, greatly enhancing kitchen safety. In addition, this locking knife block requires no alteration of the knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Nicholas Bernard Basden, Stephen Boyd Ratchye
  • Patent number: 6842985
    Abstract: A string trimmer comprising an elongate shaft; a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the elongate shaft; at least one cutting member which extends from the cutting head and a barrier which is capable of being used by an operator to move vegetation away from a path swept out by the cutting member when it rotate characterized in that the barrier is pivotally mounted about a single pivot axis on the string trimmer and, when the cutting head is rotating in a flat position is capable of pivoting from a position above the path swept out by the cutting member to a position below the path swept out by the cutting member without passing through the path swept out by the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Richardson, Michael Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040250429
    Abstract: An ear area comb attachment for attachment to a hair clipper having a bladeset with a moving blade laterally reciprocating relative to a stationary blade includes a base configured for attachment to the clipper and a guard formation associated with the base for blocking access to a central portion of the bladeset and defining a cutting area at at least one end portion. At least one hair feed guide is associated with the base for guiding hair strands toward the cutting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: WAHL CLIPPER CORPORATION
    Inventors: James E. McCambridge, Scott A. Melton
  • Patent number: 6826838
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an alignment device for aligning a punch tool to punch a design into a sheet media comprised of a clip, where the clip is comprised of first and second resilient arms meeting at a connection point. A first guide edge is disposed angularly from the first resilient arm, such that when the punch tool is secured in the clip between the first and second resilient arms and the sheet media is placed along the first guide edge, the punch tool is positioned to punch a design into the sheet media. Additionally, a second guide edge may be disposed angularly from the second resilient arm, such that when the punch tool is secured in the clip between the first and second resilient arms and the sheet media is placed along the first and second guide edges, the punch tool is positioned to punch a design into the sheet media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Craftek Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Arnold
  • Publication number: 20040216309
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Heavy Duty Utility knife with ergonomic finger and thumb positions in relation to an internal stabilizer pivot structure which includes a wheel for safer, stronger, smoother for more efficient cutting. The said invention also provides the user with an easy access, blade change and storage feature. This feature allows for proficiency of task, as well as, creating a safe knife with skid plate to prevent injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Kristopher J. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040194322
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding implement that can be used for self-feeding by a child, such as a toddler, or an individual having a disability. The feeding implement consists of a handle and a transport portion which is shaped and suitable for dipping into solid foods, such as purees and infant cereal. The transport portion has on its surface multiple protrusions and/or grooves to increase its surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Hoke V. Bullard, Daniel Lantz, Charles Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040194319
    Abstract: The seam gauge and table guard attachment attaches to a pair of conventional scissors. The protective guard includes a rigid, unitary U-shaped frame with a rectangular base portion and an inclined cover portion. The inclined cover portion has a plurality of fastener holes for receiving a fastener. A fastener is provided for engaging the fastener holes to secure the protective guard to the conventional scissors. The inclined cover portion is positioned over the stationary blade and the protective guard is secured to the scissors by the fastener. The rectangular base portion is disposed below the cutting blade to prevent the scissors from cutting beyond a specific point. The protective guard allows a user to clip the seam allowance on a rag quilt without cutting through and damaging the seam of a rag quilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Frank M. Cook, Dayle M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20040177514
    Abstract: A utility knife has a handle and a replaceable blade fixed to the handle. The blade has a cutting edge extending from the handle along an axis for a distance. The utility knife includes a movement mechanism, which may be at least partially enclosed by the handle. The movement mechanism is adapted to provide reversible motion along relative to the blade. A shield is connected to the movement mechanism and disposed adjacent to the blade, whereby the shield is movable between an extended position covering the cutting edge and a retracted position exposing the cutting edge. When in a retracted position, the shield may be inside or closely adjacent to the handle, so as to not interfere with handling of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: ORCON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Damian Kaczorowski
  • Publication number: 20040128841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing protection in connection with the cutting edge of a blade of a generally Y-shaped conventional kitchen peeler or cutter comprising a guard pivotally attached to the extension arms extending from the handle of the peeler, whereby the guard is pivotal between a guarding position immediately adjacent the cutting edge of the peeler blade and a non-guarding position exposing the cutting edge of the peeler blade for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Prommel, Alec Drummond, Noah Zamansky
  • Publication number: 20040128842
    Abstract: A knife is provided with a sliding blade cover that protects the knife blade when not in use. The knife comprises a knife body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a midsection between the top, bottom, proximal and distal edges. A slot extends at least a part of the way through the midsection along the length of the knife body. A knife blade extends from the bottom edge of the knife body. A blade cover is slidably mounted in the slot. The blade cover has at least one top portion that extends into the slot and two downwardly extending side portions attached to the at least one top portion. The blade cover is moveable within the slot between a first position where the two downwardly extending side portions cover the left and right sides of the blade and a second position where the two downwardly extending side portions do not cover the sides of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Elias Alfi
  • Patent number: 6757978
    Abstract: Scissors for angularly cutting sheet stock is disclosed. The scissors comprises oblique slots in a lower handle, fasteners in the oblique slots, a rear elongate slot in a lower ridge of a board, and a pin slidably defined in the elongate slot. In a closed state, fasteners are slid to a lowest point in the oblique slot to be urged by the ridge so that the ridge is prevented from further rearward movement with energy stored in a resilient piece. In a cutting operation press the lower and the upper handles against each other for causing the board and the blade to close on the sheet stock. The ridge pivots in response to pivoting the lower handle. Pin slides along the elongate slot to move the ridge. A rear portion of the board moves upward. A pointed end of the blade closes on a forward end of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: De Lun Huang
  • Patent number: 6757980
    Abstract: A transparent plastic shield kit for hand-held weed trimmers of various designs is disclosed. The kit includes a substantially square, transparent, planar shield with a vertical U-shaped slot that divides its upper half in equal parts. Installed on a trimmer shaft by a clamp either with or without an extension arm between the clamp and the shield, the kit allows the trimmer operator to have a protected view of the trimmer cutting head in use, while giving the operator full-body protection from debris thrown by the cutting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony J. Arsenault
  • Publication number: 20040093734
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus has been produced that eliminates the common occurrence of raw razor blades contaminating everything from food and food products to garbage cans to shelves in retail stores. Furthermore, the cutting apparatus comprises a guard assembly that, when activated, opens the blade cover and allows only one cut to be made with the exposed blade before the unidirectionally-locking blade cover snaps back over the exposed blade, thus preventing laceration-related accidents. In addition, if the operator continues to activate the guard assembly (squeezing, pulling and/or depressing the trigger and/or releasing the trigger and continuing to hold it in the released position during and after the cut has been made) after one cut has been made with the exposed blade, the unidirectionally-locking blade cover will still snap back over the exposed blade, despite the position of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Earl Votolato
  • Publication number: 20040088868
    Abstract: A cutting device provides for hands free cutting of a material such as thread, string, line, filament and rope. The cutting device is generally an L-shaped device, which includes a blade contained within a housing that is connected to a back support at an angle, which provides sufficient clearance for material to be inserted into a slot within the housing and cut against a cutting edge of the blade. The back support is provided with an attachment means for attaching the back support to a fixed object thereby facilitating hands-free cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Michael C. Fazio
  • Patent number: 6718637
    Abstract: The present invention has a safety hood which is pivotally mounted to the body of the knife at the front end. The body is pivotally mounted to a spine at the back end. The blade is removably mounted on the spine such that the hood covers the blade when the knife is closed. The hood is biased closed and has a latch to hold it closed unless the latch is released. The user depresses a button, which moves the latch, releasing the hood to push up when the user presses the hood against a working surface. The hood's rotation, and therefore the about of blade exposed, is controlled by an adjustable depth assembly. The adjustable depth assembly has multiple settings, allowing the user to control the cutting depth of the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Mel Wayne Ortner, Donald R. Schwartz, Timothy A. Turley, Fred K. Kueffner
  • Publication number: 20040031157
    Abstract: A transparent plastic shield kit for hand-held weed trimmers of various designs is disclosed. The kit includes a substantially square, transparent, planar shield with a vertical U-shaped slot that divides its upper half in equal parts. Installed on a trimmer shaft by a clamp either with or without an extension arm between the clamp and the shield, the kit allows the trimmer operator to have a protected view of the trimmer cutting head in use, while giving the operator full-body protection from debris thrown by the cutting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony J. Arsenault
  • Publication number: 20040031158
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for cutting cuttable material such as vegetables, fruit, etc., with a main body. The appliance comprises a guide surface on which the cuttable material can be moved to and fro, and a blade which, for cutting, is arranged offset in relation to the guide surface so that a piece is cut off from a cuttable material moved on the guide surface in the guide direction toward the blade. The offset between the blade and the guide surface determines the cutting thickness. The appliance further comprises an exchangeable insert for modifying the cutting thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Juergen Boerner
  • Publication number: 20040020061
    Abstract: A cut guide for a portable hand-held saw that has a blade with a cutting portion that is disposed along a generally vertical axis. The cut guide includes a mounting portion, which is configured to be coupled to the saw, a guide block portion, a guide portion and an adjustment mechanism. The guide block portion, which defines a generally vertical cutting stroke axis, is pivotally coupled to the mounting portion such that the cutting stroke axis can be pivoted relative to the cutting portion of the blade. The guide portion is movably coupled to the guide block portion along the cutting stroke axis. The guide portion includes an abutment structure with at least one feature for establishing an orientation of the cutting stroke axis relative to a longitudinal axis of a workpiece. The adjustment mechanism pivots the guide block portion relative to the mounting portion to thereby adjust an angular relationship of the cutting stroke axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Michael L. O'Banion
  • Publication number: 20040010923
    Abstract: A cutting guide for a cutting device such as a pair of scissors. A body portion is adapted to be fixed adjacent to a blade portion of the cutting device. The body portion further includes a movably mounted measuring guide. The measuring guide has markings indicative of distance from the blade such that upon alignment of an edge of the guide to a point of reference, such as a dressmaker's pattern, a required seam allowance can be cut by the cutting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew Guiver, Katarina Henrics Dotter Sanderup
  • Patent number: 6665942
    Abstract: A string trimmer comprising an elongate shaft and a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the shaft. A cutting member which extends from the cutting head. An attachment is pivotally mounted on the string trimmer by at least one pivot mechanism, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises a latching mechanism about which the attachment is capable of latchably rotating relative to the string trimmer. The attachment is a barrier which is capable of being used by an operator to move vegetation away from a path swept out by the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Richardson, Michael Wilson