CN101426622B

CN101426622B - Media cutting and ribbon curling device

Info

Publication number: CN101426622B
Application number: CN2007800142890A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰拉尔德·E·米勒; 乔伊·A·帕卡德; 斯科特·D·皮尔森
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2006-04-21
Filing date: 2007-04-19
Publication date: 2011-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2027-04-19
Also published as: CN101426622A; KR20080113243A; WO2007124335A3; EP2010360A2; EP2010360A4; WO2007124335A2; TW200812765A

Abstract

A media cutting and ribbon curling device has opposing first and second surfaces bound by two side edges. The device includes a head comprising a cover and a guide disposed underneath the cover, the guide having an attached end and a free end and a blade disposed therein; a head comprising a cover and a guide disposed underneath the cover, the guide having an attached end and a free end and a blade disposed therein; and an elongated handle extending from the attached end of the guide, the handle comprising a ribbon curling region having (i) first and second ends, the first end disposed proximate to the attached end of the guide and (ii) a curling edge disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the device, the ribbon curling region being tapered at its second end.

Description

Medium cutting and ribbon curling device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT

Present patent application is the part continuation application of the U.S. Patent Application Serial 11/408781 of submission on April 21st, 2006.

Technical field

The medium cutting and the ribbon curling device that the present invention relates to make up.Specifically, the present invention relates to hand-held, portable, lightweight device, it is very suitable for cutting for example medium of paper, plastics, metallic film, fabric and cardboard case, and is very suitable for curl ribbon, and it is generally used for gift wrap.

Background technology

There are a variety of devices to can be used for cutting for example media such as paper, plastic tab, aluminium foil, felted terxture and photograph.The device that these media are cut in the most frequently used being used to of possibility is a scissors.Though scissors is used always, they have some shortcomings really.For example, scissors has the cutting edge of exposure, and this potential safety hazard may occur.In some cases, for example when scissors was blunt, medium can be assembled, and the edge that the result is produced by scissors cut just may indentation and plain.This jagged edge (for example, in gift wrap) is not in some applications expected.

Commercially available envelope opener has a variety of designs.These install for being particularly useful along the broken line cutting, for example envelope opener.Yet they are not very suitable for cutting the medium that does not comprise broken line.The cutter of other type can stay mark, for example near cut the cut edge and folding line on medium.These marks are not normally expected for consumers.

The a variety of devices that can be used for curl ribbon are arranged at present.Band is generally non-woven material (for example polypropylene), and when tension force or shearing force were applied to its surface, band can curl.The consumer uses the blade of scissors to come curl ribbon always.Usually, the consumer uses finger (being generally thumb) that blade is pushed and be pulled through to band against scissor blade, thereby applies tension force and it is curling to band.

Device in conjunction with the chopping of ribbon curling and band is arranged, for example be disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,232, those of 132 people such as () Broussard and 3,883,953 people such as () Saullo, wherein curling and chopping process is combined in the step.In U.S. Patent No. 5,054, among 699 (DeJaynes), the ribbon curling process is separated with band chopping process.Except scissors, also have device in conjunction with cutting and curl ribbon, for example be disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,205, those of 007 (Goldstein) and patent disclosure WO95/35190.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of lightweight, hand-held, portable medium cutting and ribbon curling device, be used on medium cutting straight line, pattern or curve and be used for curl ribbon.Exemplary medium includes, but not limited to paper (for example gift wrap paper, paraffin paper, photo paper), plastics, such as the metallic film of aluminium foil, such as the fabric and the cardboard of felted terxture.The user of apparatus of the present invention applies minimum power and comes cutting medium on medium, this means that in use the user only need apply the required power of cutting medium.Therefore, the user does not need to apply excessive pressure on medium, just device can be pushed in the medium.Utilize this device, the user need not come cutting medium by cutting mat.Usually, when cutter sweep has the blade of exposure, use cutting mat.The use of eliminating cutting mat is particularly useful in applied by hand.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to be used for the device of cutting medium, comprising: (a) body, it comprises from the extended sidewall of body; And (b) being arranged on the device that is used for cutting medium in the body, this device comprises the cutting edge with front edge and rear edge.Sidewall covers at least a portion of cutting edge.In conjunction with cutting edge, sidewall comprises the medium contact point, and this contact point is arranged on the front edge direction away from rear edge.In one embodiment, the front edge that extends not more than cutting edge of sidewall.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to the medium cutter sweep, comprise: (a) body, it comprises shank, from the extended cover plate of shank with from the extended sidewall of cover plate, (b) guider, it generally is arranged on the cover plate below and extends out from shank, and (c) is arranged on the blade in the guider, and this blade has front edge and rear edge.Sidewall covers at least a portion of blade.In conjunction with this blade, sidewall comprises the medium contact point, and this contact point is arranged on the front edge direction away from rear edge.In one embodiment, the front edge that extends not more than blade of sidewall.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to have the medium cutter sweep of field-replaceable unit.The sidewall that should concrete device comprises the head of cover plate, extends out from cover plate and be arranged on guider below the cover plate substantially, this guider has the blade that is arranged on wherein; Shank, this shank is connected to head; And be used for from the device of shank joint and clutch head.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the method for cutting medium, may further comprise the steps: (a) be provided for the device of cutting medium, this device comprises body (it comprises from the extended sidewall of body); Be arranged on the device that is used for cutting medium in the body, this device comprises the cutting edge with front edge and rear edge, wherein sidewall covers at least a portion of cutting edge, and wherein sidewall comprises the medium contact point that is arranged on away from the front edge direction of rear edge; (b) provide medium; (c) thereby carriage is by the medium cutting medium.In cutting operation, produce local deformation near sidewall and the cutting edge medium the front edge of cutting edge.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to medium cutting and ribbon curling device, it has opposite first and the second surface that is defined by two sides.This device comprises (a) head, comprises cover plate and the guider that is arranged on the cover plate below, and this guider has link and free end and blade and is arranged on wherein; (b) elongated shank, extend out from the link of guider, this shank comprises the ribbon curling zone, this zone has: (i) first terminal and second end, the link setting of first terminal next-door neighbour's guider, (ii) crimping, this crimping is arranged on the first surface of device and at least one surface in the second surface, and the ribbon curling zone is at its second terminal convergent.In one embodiment, second end in ribbon curling zone is a convergent.In conjunction with medium cutting and an advantage of ribbon curling device be an advantage of the present invention, promptly the ribbon curling region design makes and allows user's cutting medium and allow to point (being generally thumb) comfortable placement.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the method for curling certain-length band.The method comprising the steps of: the band that certain-length (i) is provided; Previously described medium cutting and ribbon curling device (ii) are provided; (iii) place band by crimping; (iv) finger being crossed crimping on the device places and promotes band against cutting edge; And (v) spur the band of this certain-length, keep band simultaneously against crimping.

As used herein, " cutting edge " is meant in the device of cutting medium that part of of cutting medium in use.As below describing in detail, the exemplary device that is used for cutting medium is blade or wire rod.Cutting edge can be continuous, maybe can be discontinuous.In cutting process, can use the whole length of cutting edge or not use the whole length of cutting edge." front edge " is meant the position on the cutting edge that at first runs into medium when device is used for cutting medium." rear edge " is meant with front edge in height have the maximum position on cutting edge that changes.Medium has two first type surfaces, i.e. first surface and opposing second surface." the medium contact point " of sidewall is meant the general position that sidewall contacts with first first type surface of medium when second first type surface of cutting edge contact medium.

An advantage of the present invention relates to easy to use.Because the user only needs thrust unit to pass through medium, thus do not have the opening and closing operation of similar scissors, but and usually the user only use just cutting medium of less power.This advantage is very suitable for those and uses the inconvenient user of scissors possibility, and for example those may suffer from arthritic user and young especially user.

Another advantage of the present invention relates to security.Though in one embodiment, the device that is used for cutting medium is removable, and in many examples, when device was used for its expection application, cutting edge can't be exposed to the user.In one embodiment, cutting edge can rotate, and can expose the new region of cutting edge like this when existing regional rust.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is multiduty, means that it can cutting straight line and curve.This advantage means that this device all is useful, for example cuts gift wrap paper, cardboard case, fabric, box sealed strip etc. in many application.This device is easy to pack in user's pocket, wallet or the sack, and when the user took this device, because Design of device, he or she can be by accidental cuts.In addition, in certain embodiments because device has the bottom of flat, and because cutting edge with respect to flat bottom in lower place, this device is applicable to the medium that cutting is supported by desktop etc.

Description of drawings

The present invention can be further described in conjunction with following accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of exemplary embodiment of the present;

Fig. 2 is the front view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the bottom plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, for exemplary purpose, has cut the part of sidewall;

Fig. 5 is the perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the front view of the embodiment of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is the rearview of the embodiment of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is the side view of the embodiment of Fig. 5, shows the feature that is blocked with dotted line;

Fig. 9 is the perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shows the feature that is blocked with dotted line;

Figure 10 A and 10B are the side view that shows the various embodiments of the cutter sweep with field-replaceable unit;

Figure 11 is the side view that shows the embodiment of the cutter sweep with removable guider and blade.

Figure 12 is the front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is the bottom plan view of the embodiment of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is the side view that shows another embodiment of the cutter sweep with field-replaceable unit;

Figure 15 is the bottom plan view of cutting of exemplary medium and ribbon curling device;

Figure 16 is the side view of another exemplary medium cutting and ribbon curling device;

Figure 17 is the bottom perspective view of another exemplary medium cutting and ribbon curling device;

Figure 18 is the side view of cutting of exemplary medium and ribbon curling device;

Figure 19 is the perspective view in exemplary ribbon curling zone, and formation can be separated with the medium cutter sweep in the ribbon curling zone, and is connected to the medium cutter sweep subsequently; And

Figure 20 is the schematic diagram of the method for the curl ribbon of the device of use Figure 17.

These accompanying drawings are Utopian, draw in proportion, and these accompanying drawings only purport in exemplary purpose.

The specific embodiment

Referring to the embodiment among Fig. 1 and Fig. 5,

device

10,60 of the present invention comprises

body

22,62, and

sidewall

28,68 generally.Sidewall extends out from body.Although two embodiment show two sidewalls, the present invention also can utilize a sidewall to implement.Device also comprises the device that is used for cutting medium.In the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, the device that is used for cutting medium exists with the form of blade 50,70.Although it is elongated shank that body has been shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, be intended to palm grip by the user, body be other design form also within the scope of the invention.For example, body can and be smooth for ellipse or rectangular shape substantially, so that it can be grasped between user's the thumb and forefinger.As another example, body can "T"-shaped rod type exist, so that user's grasped.Provide some sizes as an example rather than restrictedly, body can have the length of about 4 to 6 inches (102 to 152mm), and is the width of about 0.25 to 0.75 inch (6 to 19mm) at its wideest some place.

Specifically referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, device 10 comprises body 22 and the blade 50 that is arranged in the optional guider 40 now.Body comprises elongated shank 24, from the extended cover plate 25 of shank and from the extended sidewall 28 of cover plate.Cover plate has exposed ends 26.Guider 40 comprises free end 42.Device illustrates with its cutting orientation, that is, the expectation orientation during with its cutting medium illustrates.In one embodiment, body, sidewall and guider form.Yet, be individually formed in these three parts each and by any suitable means for engaging together also within the scope of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, cover plate and/or guider can have reference marker, align to help the user will install with medium, help cutting accurately.When medium comprises when allowing line that the user is convenient to follow or pattern, reference marker is particularly useful.In Fig. 1,

reference marker

27 and 41 lays respectively at the centre position on cover plate and the guider, but reference marker also can be positioned at other position that comprises shank.In one embodiment, the visually oriented light indicating device form that is labeled as is for example with the light emitting diode of light beam projecting to the medium.The light indicating device can be by being buckled on the cutter sweep, and perhaps it can be the integral part of cutter sweep.Project to that light beam on the medium can be for colour, for example red or green light beam.

Body has center line, generally is denoted as line of reference " X ".The part of cover plate 25 is the plane.The plane of cover plate generally away from device and the zone that medium engages with the plane coplane of medium.Other design for cover plate also can be used for practice of the present invention.If you are using, guider is positioned at the sidewall below.Though sidewall 28 illustrates it and is roughly trapezoidal shape, it can be any various geometry, as long as it has the medium contact point that indicates with reference to 28a.Sidewall can have the medium contact point more than.Sidewall extends out to cover at least a portion of blade 50 from cover plate.In this specific embodiment, sidewall comprises the curve in the cover plate near zone.The radius of curvature of curve is point relatively, that is, minor radius is because sidewall almost is orthogonal to the plane of cover plate.As long as sidewall has the medium contact point, use also within the scope of the invention than bigger radius of curvature shown in Figure 1.When medium is in level, illustrate best as Fig. 2, even device install and still can operate, thereby device and medium needn't be each other in suitable angle when its center line rotation.Fig. 2 also illustrates when device engages with medium, a bit locates first first type surface 81 of the medium contact point 28a contact medium of sidewall, second corresponding main surfaces 82 of cutting edge 51 contact mediums of blade simultaneously in cutting process at certain.

Fig. 3 is the bottom view of device, and except other, it shows the inner surface 25a and the optional guider 40 of cover plate, and wherein the basal surface 40b of guider 40 is exposed to the reader.The free end 42 of guider extends beyond the exposed ends 26 of cover plate.Though the guider shown in Fig. 3 has the elongated neck bar on band top, also can use other to be used for the design of guider.

For example, free-ended length can not reach the exposed ends of cover plate than the weak point shown in Fig. 3.In one embodiment, near the free-ended width of measuring the exposed ends of cover plate (being commonly designated as " c ") is greater than near the width of the sidewall the identical point.In other embodiments, the width of the guider that obtains from any distance of the link of guider can be greater than or less than the Breadth Maximum of sidewall.In one embodiment, the inner surface 28b of sidewall 28 is enough little to the ultimate range between the edge 40c of guider, thus prevent the user with his or his finger insert in that zone.This design feature is intended to stop the cutting edge of user's contactor blade.In this embodiment, the free end of guider is sharp, to allow to pierce through medium.Pierce through to beginning cutting process another kind of method is provided.

Near link 44, guider is a convergent.With respect to the remainder of guider, link also can narrow down.These design features help cutting process, because zone convergent or that narrow down allows easily to pass through away from the medium of device, thereby minimizing is cut turning up of medium and/or is out of shape.In one embodiment, the basal surface 40b of guider can comprise extension, and flank (Figure 13) for example, this extension can fit in the lip-deep corresponding cooperation passage of cutting.For example, in some fabric stores, the sales force cuts a slice fabric on table top, and table top has groove or passage guiding used cutter sweep, thereby cuts out straight as far as possible line.Flank also can be connected to a side of guider, to write down it from the edge, also is in order to cut out straight as far as possible line.

As can be seen from Figure 3, sidewall is crooked in cross section.Therefore, sidewall has compound curved surface, and first surface is near the curved surface cover plate, and second curved surface is the cross section curved surface of sidewall.Sidewall can be a rigidity, thereby in use can be hard with unbending, and perhaps it can be flexible, thus when using with medium deflection.

Fig. 4 illustrates the side view of cutter sweep, for the ease of understanding, has cut the part of sidewall.Optionally guider 40 has the top surface 40a relative with flat substantially basal surface 40b, the horizontal plane coplane of basal surface 40b and medium.Guider can help picking up of medium, and as mentioned before, can play visual aid, aligns with medium with aid-device.The link 44 of guider extends out from shank.Blade 50 is arranged in the guider, makes its cutting edge 51 be exposed to medium.Cutting edge has front edge 52 and rear edge 54.In this specific embodiment, front edge 52 is positioned at next-door neighbour's top surface 40a, and rear edge 54 is positioned near the link 44.The medium contact point of sidewall is arranged on front edge 52 directions away from rear edge 54.In one embodiment, the medium contact point on the sidewall is between front edge and rear edge.In another embodiment, the front edge that extends beyond blade of the medium contact point of sidewall but do not exceed the basal surface 40b of guider.

Fig. 4 also illustrates when medium 80 contact cutting edges 51, produces an angle [alpha] between second first type surface 82 of medium and cutting edge.When angle [alpha] was arbitrary value except about 180 °, device was exercisable, and when cutting edge was parallel with the horizontal plane of medium, this angle was about 180 °.

For the purpose of reference, cartesian coordinate system has been shown among Fig. 4, wherein axis x of Jiao Chaing and z define a plane, and axis y is orthogonal to x and z axis.Initial point O has defined the joining of three axis.When initial point overlaps with front edge 52, and x-z-plane roughly with surperficial 40a copline, then rear edge 54 be positioned at positive y (+y) direction, as shown in Figure 4, in x-z-plane top.

Figure 12 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Be similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1, cutter sweep 310 comprises shank 324 and shell 326.Shell comprises cover plate 325 and sidewall 328.When device engages media, in cutting process, a bit locate first first type surface 81 of the first medium contact point 328a contact medium 80 of sidewall, second corresponding main surfaces 82 of cutting edge 351 contacts simultaneously at certain.When slipping over medium during device is cutting, medium can move along cutting edge, finally runs into the second medium contact point 329.In the various functions of the second medium contact point, it plays the effect of possibility that cutting medium not accumulates in the rear edge place of blade that minimizes, and the cutting medium rear edge place that accumulates in blade may not cause tearing of medium.In other words, along with the use of the second medium contact point, medium just is cut before being most likely at its rear edge that arrives blade.

Figure 13 is the bottom view of the device of Figure 12, shows the inner surface 323a of guider 340 and shell.Guider also comprises flank 346, and it extends to the free end 342 of guider substantially from link 344.The second medium contact point is arranged on the inner surface of shell.The second medium contact point can be from cover plate, extend out from sidewall or from their junction.Whether medium can run into the second medium contact point during cutting operation, and this depends on Several Factors, comprises but does not limit, and the speed of the weight of medium and/or thickness, cutting and cutting edge are with respect to the orientation of medium.

Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein install 60 its cutting place, orientation be illustrated.This device comprises body 62 and the blade 70 that is arranged in the body.In this specific embodiment, body exists with the form of the bottom, bottom 65 of the shank 64 of ergonomics design and general planar.Body also comprises the transition region 63 (Fig. 7) that shank is connected to the bottom, bottom.The plane bottom bottom limiting and the plane of medium be coplane substantially.Sidewall 68 extends out from bottom bottom, with at least a portion of the cutting edge that covers blade.Sidewall can be any geometry, as long as it has the medium contact point that indicates as reference 68a.In one embodiment, the bottom, bottom comprises reference marker 67, aligns to help the user will install with medium.In Fig. 5, reference marker 67 is positioned in the middle of the bottom, bottom, but reference marker also can be in other position.In one embodiment, shank, transition region and bottom form.Each parts is individually formed, then by any suitable means for engaging together also within the scope of the invention.The bottom also has first exposed ends 66, and it is an end that comprises the direct line of sight of leading to cutting edge.Device also has second exposed ends, as what seen in the rearview of Fig. 7.Body has center line, is commonly designated as line of reference " y ".

In conjunction with Fig. 6, when device engages media 80, in cutting process, a bit locate second first type surface 82 of the medium contact point 68a contact medium 80 of sidewall, relative first first type surface 81 of cutting edge 71 contacts simultaneously at certain.Fig. 7 illustrates transition region 63 and is the rearview of device convergent or that narrow down.Be similar to link convergent or that narrow down of guider among the embodiment of Fig. 1, transition region convergent or that narrow down allows easily to pass through away from the medium of device, and can reduce and be cut turning up and/or being out of shape of medium.

In conjunction with Fig. 8, blade 70 is arranged in the transition region.Blade has cutting edge 71, front edge 72 and rear edge 74.The medium contact point 68a of sidewall is arranged on front edge 72 directions away from rear edge 74.In one embodiment, the medium contact point is between front edge and rear edge.In another embodiment, the medium contact point on the sidewall extends beyond front edge.For reference purpose, cartesian coordinate system shown in Fig. 8.When cartesian coordinate system is placed to when making that initial point overlaps with front edge 72, rear edge 74 is positioned at positive y (+y) direction.

Fig. 9 illustrates and is similar to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention embodiment illustrated in fig. 4.Embodiment among Fig. 9 comprises body 82 and the blade 90 that is arranged in the body.Blade has cutting edge 91 and non-cutting part 95.Cutting edge has front edge 92 and rear edge 91, and rear edge is arranged near the inner surface 85a of cover plate.The non-cutting part of blade can help medium is risen in the cutting edge of device.

In use, common device engages media edge.When device when further slipping in the medium, cutting edge combines with sidewall (the especially medium contact point on the sidewall) and makes deformation of media, so that medium no longer is arranged in a continuous plane from the opposite side of the side auto levelizer that installs.Distortion is exposed in the zone (" exposed region ") of cutting edge at medium and takes place.In the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, exposed region is between the sidewall and the zone on cutting edge contact medium that part of.In the embodiment that only has a sidewall, exposed region be sidewall and with cutting edge that medium contacts between the zone.The size of distortion determines that by following factor for example the weight of medium, rigidity and thickness and medium contact point are with respect to the position of rear edge.Has the factor that other determines the distortion size.In one embodiment, in cutting process, medium does not contact with the inner surface (generally being represented with 65a by reference number 25a respectively in two embodiment of Fig. 3 and Fig. 8) of cover plate.In cutting process, sidewall can apply multiple frictional force on medium.Have at least a frictional force, it opposes the media from riding up on the cutting edge.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to comprise the cutter sweep of field-replaceable unit.For example, in the embodiment in figure 1, cover plate and sidewall can form, and its combination can be removable, to adapt to dissimilar media.Guider can be removable, to introduce new cutting edge.Shank can be removable.Similarly, for the embodiment among Fig. 5, bottom and sidewall can form, and its combination can be removable, to adapt to dissimilar media.Transition region can be removable, to introduce new cutting edge.

Figure 10 A and 10B illustrate the exemplary cutter sweep with field-replaceable unit.In Figure 10 A, cutter sweep 110 comprises shank 124 and shell 126, and they can use common unit 170 in the shank and the supporting auxiliary assembly (not shown) in the shell to be joined together.Shell comprises cover plate and sidewall 128a and optional guider 140.Shell can use any in the multiple mechanical device to join shank to and be disengaged from shank, and Figure 10 A illustrates and uses protuberance 160 to make the consumer easily from shank dismounting head.In Figure 10 B, cutter sweep 210 comprises shank 224 and shell 226, they can use the threaded screw 270 that is arranged on the head and on shank, be used to admit threaded screw container 260 combination and link together.Other mechanical device can be used to connect above-mentioned two parts, and for example ball and pod or keyway are so that they can be by being buckled together or separately.

Figure 11 shows another exemplary embodiment, and wherein guider is removable.Cutter sweep 310 comprises shank 324 and has the removable guider 340 of blade 350.In use, when the blade rust or when blade because cutting new medium need change the time, the user can be disengaged and install new or different guiders from shank with guider.Removable guider can be dismantled from shank at link 344 places, and shank can have corresponding device with the joint that allows guider be disengaged.

Figure 14 shows another exemplary embodiment, and wherein guider is removable.Cutter sweep 410 comprises shank 424 and has the removable guider 440 of blade 450.Removable guider also comprises the second medium contact point 423a.In case guider is connected to the cover plate place that shell 426, the second medium contact points are located in next-door neighbour's shell.

In one embodiment, shank, shell and guider form.Yet, and together also within the scope of the invention by any suitable means for engaging for the parts of independent formation.Whether no matter form, body can be made by any multiple material that comprises metal, timber, polymer, pottery and their compound.But the polymer of injection molding also is available.The polymer that is fit to includes, but are not limited to polyolefin, such as, but be not limited to polypropylene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).Body can be made by the combination of polymer.For example, in one embodiment, body can be made by two kinds of polymer, and for durometer, one of them is softer than body remainder, so that soft touch effect to be provided.Two kinds of polymer can also have different colors.

The device that is used for cutting medium can be blade or the wire rod of being made by multiple material (comprising metal, pottery and plastics).Suitable metal includes but not limited to, stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, cold rolling nickel-plated steel, copper and brass.Cutting edge can be the inclined-plane, chiseling, jagged, undulatory, fan-shaped or crooked for straight sword or its.The device that is used for cutting medium can be any a plurality of geometries, comprises (for example) triangle, rectangle or circle.The advantage of circular geometry is if the cutting edge rust, and device can be designed to rotate the cutting edge that cutting edge makes new advances with exposure.This design feature has prolonged the life-span of blade or wire rod and has not needed to replace it.Propulsive mechanism can be designed into body to allow the rotation of cutting edge.Another design can comprise the revolution blade with spherojoint and locking piece.In yet another embodiment, the device that is used for cutting medium can comprise two circular wheel that contact with each other, and when wheel rotates relative to one another, implements cutting operation.

The device that is used for cutting medium can comprise a plurality of blades or wire rod.In one embodiment, can use with isolated two blades of desired distance (for example 1/4 inch (2.54mm)) and cut out the medium strip of preset width.Device can be designed to allow passing through of bar.

Turn to the exemplary medium cutting and the combination (sometimes this paper is called " composite set ") of ribbon curling device now, Figure 15 to Figure 20 has described the many-side of various embodiments preferably.In this composite set, in general, shank comprises near the ribbon curling zone that is positioned at the head.

Figure 15 illustrates the exemplary media cutting of the shank 524 that comprises head 525 and extend out from the head and the bottom plan view of ribbon curling device 510.Shank has rear end 524a.Head comprises having from the cover plate (not marking) of its sidewall that extends out 528 and the optional guider 540 that is arranged on the cover plate below substantially.Guider has near the link 544 and the free end 542 of shank, and free end 542 extends beyond cover plate in one embodiment.Cutter sweep, for example blade is arranged in the guider.Composite set comprises opposite first (not shown) and the second surface 510b that is defined by two sides (510e and 510f).The second surface of device is positioned at guider the same side.On the shank and at least one surface of the first surface of composite set and second surface, ribbon curling zone 560 is arranged, it has the second terminal 560b of the first terminal 560a and convergent, promptly, than first end, second end has narrower size, as what see from the bottom plan view of device.First terminal next-door neighbour's head in ribbon curling zone, more particularly, the link of next-door neighbour's guider.The ribbon curling zone has crimping 562, and in this case, it is formed by the second surface of device and one joint in the side.

In certain embodiments, composite set can have the crimping more than.In one embodiment, especially as shown in Figure 15, composite set comprises two crimpings that are symmetricly set on the device, and this is especially convenient, because it allows lefthanded and dexterous use in the ribbon curling process.In addition, a plurality of crimpings have prolonged the life-span of the ribbon curling structure of device, because when an edge abrasion, another edge can use.Another prolongs crimping and/or whole ribbon curling zone method of life relates to the material that selection has the hardness and the wearability of improvement, so that after repeatedly using, the radius of curvature of crimping (will be described below) does not change basically, and in described scope.The material that is fit to that is used for crimping comprises plastics, metal and pottery.The plastics that are fit to include, but are not limited to Merlon, polystyrene, ABS and acetal.

Figure 16 is the side view of the device of Figure 15, and this view illustrates the remaining part constriction (thickness aspect) of ribbon curling zone from shank.Therefore, in this embodiment, the ribbon curling zone can be described to be positioned at the throat position of device.

Figure 17 illustrates the bottom plan view of another exemplary media cutting and ribbon curling device 610, the shank 624 that this device comprises head 625 and extends out from the head.Shank has rear end 624a.Head comprises having from the cover plate (not marking) of its sidewall that extends out 628 and be arranged on the optional guider 640 of cover plate below substantially.Guider has near the link 644 and the free end 642 of shank, and wherein free end 642 extends beyond cover plate in one embodiment.Cutter sweep, for example blade is arranged in the guider.Composite set comprises opposite first (not shown) and the second surface 610b that is defined by two sides (610e and 610f).The second surface of device is positioned at guider the same side.On the shank and at least one surface of first surface that is installing and second surface, ribbon curling zone 660 is arranged, it has the second terminal 660b of the first terminal 660a and convergent, promptly than first end, second end has narrower size, as what see from the bottom plan view of device.First terminal next-door neighbour's head in ribbon curling zone, more particularly, the link of next-door neighbour's guider.The ribbon curling zone comprises two crimpings 662 that form from guide rail, and guide rail extends out from the second surface of device.Though the side direct neighbor that guide rail is depicted as and installs, it also can be arranged in other position in ribbon curling zone.For example, guide rail can be towards the center in ribbon curling zone.In this specific embodiment, guide rail has leg-of-mutton substantially cross section, and wherein leg-of-mutton bottom is positioned on the second surface of device, and leg-of-mutton top extends out from leg-of-mutton bottom.Leg-of-mutton exposed side (that is, not being leg-of-mutton bottom) can have curved surface.Two tangent lines if draw, one of each exposed side, every is all passed leg-of-mutton top and measures angle between these two tangent lines, and this angle is less than about 90 °.In one embodiment, this angle is less than about 60 °.Should be noted that leg-of-mutton top can not be tangible sharp point, but can comprise platform on the contrary.The guide rail top is the band contact point.If measure the radius of curvature on top, then it is less than about 0.02 inch (0.51mm).In one embodiment, the radius of curvature on top is less than about 0.015 inch (0.38mm).Yet the radius of curvature of guide rail is greater than 0.001 inch (0.025mm), because under this limit, radius may be too sharp-pointed, thus wearing and tearing and cause band to damage.Radius approximately greater than above-mentioned 0.02 inch in limited time, curl to such an extent as to the too big surface area of band contact can not provide effectively.

Matrix 664 is between two crimpings.The height of the guide rail that vertical matrix is measured is less than about 0.2 inch (5.1mm).In one embodiment, rail height is less than about 0.12 inch (2.9mm).Yet rail height should be greater than about 0.01 inch (0.25mm), because it should provide the structure of band crimping.Balance, support and support user point the zone of remainder when the matrix between the guide rail provides when curl ribbon for the user, wave thereby minimize any of finger, and in use provide comfortable for the user.If rail height is too big, that is, greater than about 0.2 inch upper limit, the possibility that finger waves increases.Though the guide rail of triangular cross section substantially as herein described provides practicality as crimping, other design also can be used.For example, can use wedge-shaped design.

Figure 18 is the side view of Figure 17 composite set, and it is placed on the flat substantially surface (for example desktop), makes optional guider be close to flat surface.First plane can be restricted to contains crimping, and at ribbon curling zone and the second surface coplane that installs.First plane is schematically illustrated with two dimension, as line T ₁Shown in.The shank of device be crooked, and feasible flat when surperficial when being placed on, two support points support this device.The first support point R ₁Be positioned on the second surface and at the rear portion of shank.The second support point R ₂Also be positioned on the second surface of shank and near the ribbon curling zone.Second plane can be restricted to be contained these two support points and is expressed as line T ₂The intersection on first plane and second plane produces angle θ.In one embodiment, angle is greater than about 5 ° but less than about 80 °.In another embodiment, angle is about 10 °.

Design with shank of particular curvature makes device especially comfortable when using under cut mode or under the ribbon curling pattern.Under cut mode, the user makes shank part one side (for example side 610e) the contact thumb of device and makes opposite side (side 610f) contact its forefinger one side, and make the back of the hand towards the user usually.Under the ribbon curling pattern, can use identical grasping, yet the back of the hand of user is towards a side and her finger all in the direct line of sight at her away from her.When angle θ comfortable and when leaning in the scope of band crimping safely, this grasping is particularly useful for curl ribbon at thumb.That is to say that design angle θ makes the major part of thumb lean on the band crimping and leans on forefinger side near swivel of hand., have the ribbon curling zone at thumb away from forefinger side (for example when thumb is in " thumb makes progress " position in gesture) and do not expect, during grip device when estimating to want curl ribbon because only can apply the power of minimum to band.

In composite set, head and shank and ribbon curling zone can form, and maybe can be individually formed, and be connected to shank by any suitable device.Exemplary interconnection technique include, but not limited to mechanical means (such as, but be not limited to thermal weld, ultra-sonic welded, screw and corresponding screw thread, bearing pin and corresponding hole) and adhesive bonding method (such as, but be not limited to, liquid adhesive is such as cyanoacrylate and two coating adhesive band).

Figure 19 is the perspective view in exemplary ribbon curling zone 360, and it can be individually formed and be connected to media cutter to form composite set.The ribbon curling zone has first and second ends, is respectively 360a and 360b, and wherein second end is a convergent, that is, narrower dimensionally than first end.The ribbon curling zone also has two crimpings 362 that separated by matrix 361.Matrix has relative top and lower surface, and when being connected to media cutter, lower surface will be close to and first or second surface that perhaps can contact device.

Figure 20 is to use the curl schematic diagram of example process of band 700 of certain-length of the device of Figure 17.Band by wedge between consumer's thumb (showing) and crimping with dotted line.Be the band of curling certain-length, the consumer still also can use alternative method by arrow A indicated direction drawn polymer tapes.

If desired, composite set can be formed by first polymeric material, and second polymeric material can be used at least one surface of the first surface of device and second surface.First polymeric material and second polymeric material can be identical materials.In alternative embodiment, first polymeric material has different characteristics with second polymeric material, such as, but be not limited to different hardness or flexibility (aspect durometer), different color or the combination of this two specific character.In one embodiment, shank comprises two kinds of different polymeric materials on first surface or second surface, and first material forms the overall shape of shank substantially, and second material covers the part of first material, and second material is softer and have different colors.Like this, composite set has aesthstic attractive force when providing soft touch effect to think that the consumer provides better even better grip action.

Although showed and described specific embodiments more of the present invention, obviously these embodiment only are numerous examples of can principle according to the present invention using the possible concrete structure of design.The personnel that possess common skill in this area can design many different structures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention according to these principles.Therefore, scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structure described in the present patent application, and only should be subjected to the restriction of the structure described in the claim and its equivalent structure.

Claims

1. a medium cuts and ribbon curling device, has the opposite first and the second surface that are defined by two sides, and described device comprises:

Head comprises cover plate and is arranged on the guider of described cover plate below substantially, and described guider has link and free end and is arranged on wherein blade; With

Elongated shank, extend out from the described link of described guider, described shank comprises the ribbon curling zone, described ribbon curling zone has: (i) first terminal and second end, the described link setting of the described guider of the described first terminal next-door neighbour, (ii) crimping, described crimping is arranged on the described first surface and at least one surface in the second surface of described device, and described ribbon curling zone is at its second terminal convergent.

2. device according to claim 1, the described crimping in wherein said ribbon curling zone by one in the described side with described first surface and second surface in one engage formation.

3. device according to claim 2, wherein said joint are about 90 ° of angles.

4. device according to claim 1, wherein said crimping comprises the guide rail that extends out from the first surface of described device or second surface, described guide rail has bottom and peak, and described bottom is arranged on the described device, and described peak is away from described device.

5. device according to claim 4, wherein said crimping are close to the side setting of described device, and described ribbon curling zone also comprises the matrix of adjacent described crimping.

6. device according to claim 5, wherein said guide rail have greater than the minimum constructive height of about 0.25mm with less than the maximum height of about 5mm, and described height is perpendicular to that peak on described matrix and the described guide rail measures.

7. according to right 4 described devices, the peak of wherein said guide rail has greater than about 0.025mm with less than the radius of curvature of about 0.51mm.

8. device according to claim 4, wherein said guide rail has leg-of-mutton substantially cross section, and described leg-of-mutton substantially cross section has bottom, two exposed side on the first surface that is arranged on described device or in the second surface at least one and the top that extends out from described bottom.

9. device according to claim 8, wherein two tangent lines are to intersect less than about 90 ° angle, and each described exposed side has a tangent line, passes described top.

10. device according to claim 8, wherein two tangent lines are to intersect less than about 60 ° angle, and each described exposed side has a tangent line, passes described top.

11. device according to claim 1, wherein said crimping is formed by high-abrasive material, and described high-abrasive material is selected from the group of being made up of plastics, metal and pottery.

12. device according to claim 11, wherein said plastics are selected from the group of being made up of Merlon, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer and acetal.

13. device according to claim 1, wherein said ribbon curling zone forms with described shank.

14. device according to claim 1, wherein said ribbon curling zone and described shank portion be from formation, and use machinery and/or adhesive attachment means to be connected to described shank.

15. device according to claim 1, in wherein said head and the described shank at least one formed by first polymeric material, and the first surface of wherein said shank and at least one in the second surface comprise second polymeric material, described second polymeric material have be selected from by the hardness lower, the color different with described first polymeric material than described first polymeric material with and the feature of the group formed.

16. device according to claim 1, wherein said crimping is arranged on the second surface of described device, and wherein angle θ is on (i) first plane with (ii) form between second plane, described first plane contain described crimping and in described ribbon curling zone with the second surface of described device coplane substantially, first support point on the second surface at described device and second support point when described device is placed on the flat substantially surface are contained in described second plane, and described angle θ is greater than about 5 ° and less than about 80 °.

17. device according to claim 16, wherein said angle θ are about 10 °.

18. device according to claim 1, wherein said shank comprises curved surface, make when described device is placed on the flat substantially surface, described device leans on two support points that are positioned on its second surface, first support point is at the rear portion of described shank, and second support point is close to described ribbon curling zone.

19. the method for a curl ribbon may further comprise the steps:

The band of certain-length is provided;

Medium cutting according to claim 1 and ribbon curling device are provided;

Place described band against described crimping;

The described crimping that thumb crosses on the described device is placed, promoted described band against described crimping; And

Spur the band of described certain-length, keep described band simultaneously against described crimping.

20. a medium cuts and ribbon curling device, has the opposite first and the second surface that are defined by two sides, described device comprises:

Head comprises cover plate and is arranged on the guider of described cover plate below substantially, and wherein said guider has link and free end and is arranged on wherein blade, and the second surface of wherein said device and described guider are in the same side; And

Elongated shank extends out from the link of described guider, and described shank comprises the ribbon curling zone, and described ribbon curling zone has: (i) first terminal and second end, the described first terminal link setting that is close to described guider; (ii) two crimpings, be arranged on the second surface of described device, wherein said crimping is formed by the guide rail of triangular cross section substantially, the top that described guide rail has the bottom on the second surface that is arranged on described device and extends out from described bottom, and wherein said ribbon curling zone is at its second terminal convergent.