EP3450070A1

EP3450070A1 - Handheld pipe cutter comprising a securer and a method of cutting a pipe

Info

Publication number: EP3450070A1
Application number: EP18191126.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark Fardon; Rebecca Mogg
Original assignee: Wavin BV
Current assignee: Wavin BV
Priority date: 2017-08-31
Filing date: 2018-08-28
Publication date: 2019-03-06
Also published as: NL1042524B1

Abstract

A handheld pipe cutter, comprising: a body comprising two opposing arms, the two arms defining a volume therebetween for receiving a portion of a pipe; a blade protruding into the volume for cutting the pipe; and a securer configured to connect a distal section of each of the two arms together, such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a handheld pipe cutter, and particularly to a handheld pipe cutter having a securer. The present disclosure also relates to a method of cutting a pipe.

Background

Typically, a handheld pipe cutter has a slot defined in its body so as to receive a portion of a pipe. A blade protrudes into the slot such that upon relative rotation of the pipe and the handheld pipe cutter, the circumference of the pipe is cut.
However, with such a handheld pipe cutter, the user is required to manually maintain the pipe within the slot of the pipe cutter, while the pipe cutter is rotated relative to the pipe. Therefore, to effectively use such a handheld pipe cutter, the user must both hold the pipe within the slot of the pipe cutter and rotate the pipe relative to the pipe cutter.
Accordingly, such known handheld pipe cutters are difficult and inconvenient to use.
In view of the above, there is a need for an improved handheld pipe cutter which allows for an easier and more convenient cutting of a pipe. There is also a need for an improved method of cutting a pipe.

Summary

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved handheld pipe cutter which allows for an easier and more convenient cutting of a pipe.
It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved method of cutting a pipe.
At least one of these objectives are achieved with a handheld pipe cutter with the technical features of claim 1 and with the method of claim 14.
Preferred examples are recited in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a handheld pipe cutter. The handheld pipe cutter comprises a body comprising two opposing arms. The two arms define a volume therebetween for receiving a portion of a pipe. The handheld pipe cutter comprises a blade protruding into the volume for cutting the pipe. The handheld pipe cutter comprises a securer configured to connect a distal section of each of the two arms together, such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'handheld pipe cutter' is to be interpreted as a pipe cutter of a size, shape and mass such that it may be held and manipulated in one or both hands while it is in use to cut a pipe. In particular, a handheld pipe cutter does not require any additional support structures connecting it to other apparatuses, such as a table, so as to support or manipulate it whilst in use.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'a portion of a pipe' refers to a longitudinal section of a pipe.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'connect' refers to a direct or indirect attaching of two elements.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'distal section of the arm of the body' refers to a section of the arm which is away from the point of attachment of the arm to the rest of the body. In some examples, a 'distal section of the arm of the body' may refer to a distal end of the arm or the distal-most section of the arm.
While the securer is not connecting the two arms together, the user may insert a portion of the pipe into the volume defined between the two opposing arms. The pipe is located in the volume such that the portion of the pipe to be cut is in contact with the blade. When the pipe has been inserted, the user may then connect the distal section of each of the two arms together with the securer such that the two arms are urged towards each other.
By urging the two arms towards each other, the securer causes the arms of the pipe cutter to exert a pressure on the pipe. This pressure results in a gripping effect which securely holds the pipe in the volume without any effort on behalf of the user. Accordingly, the user may simply rotate the handheld pipe cutter relative to the pipe to cut the pipe without having to hold the pipe in the volume.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide an improved handheld pipe cutter which allows for an easier and more convenient cutting of a pipe.
In one example, the securer is pivotally connected to a distal section of one of the two arms.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'pivotally connected' refers to a connection between two elements where the two elements may be rotated relative to each other about a pivot point. As such, the relative angular positions of the elements can be varied.
With such a configuration, the securer can be conveniently moved about its pivot point by the user to connect the distal section of each of the two arms together with the securer.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a further improved handheld pipe cutter which allows for a more convenient securing of the pipe.
In one example, the securer is configured to snap-fit with the distal section of at least one of the two arms of the handheld pipe cutter.
Throughout this disclosure, the term 'snap-fit' refers to an assembly or attachment technique in which elements are connected to each other by pushing resilient interlocking components of the elements together. Snap-fit connections are multiple-use, that is, the resulting connection is not permanent and elements can be connected and disconnected multiple times without damaging the elements.
With such a configuration, the securer connects the distal section of each of the two arms together when the user presses the securer against the distal section of at least one of the two arms of the handheld pipe cutter. Accordingly, a simple operation of pressing the securer against a distal section of an arm may allow for an convenient connection of the securer to the distal section of an arm.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide an improved handheld pipe cutter for which the user can easily and quickly connect and disconnect the securer and the distal section of the at least one of the two arms.
In one example, the securer comprises a first snap-fit element and the distal section of one of the two arms comprises a second snap-fit element. The first snap-fit element is configured to snap-fit with the second snap-fit element.
In one example, the securer comprises a hook configured to snap-fit with a pin of the distal section of the at least one of the two arms. Alternatively, in one example, the distal section of the at least one of the two arms comprises a hook configured to snap-fit with a pin of the securer.
With such configurations, the user may connect the distal section of each of the two arms using the securer by pushing the pin and hook together so that the hook and pin interlock, providing a snap-fit connection between the securer and the at least one of the two arms. Typically, the hook and pin are configured to offer minimal resistance to being pushed together but to offer significantly higher resistance to being pulling apart. Typically, the hook and pin are disconnected by manipulation of at least one of the hook or the pin by the user.
Hence, with such configurations, it is possible to provide a handheld pipe cutter that allows for a strong and secure connection when the securer connects the distal section of each of the two arms, while requiring minimal effort on behalf of the user to secure the elements together.
In one example, the securer comprises two hooks each configured to snap-fit with one of two pins of the distal section of the at least one of the two arms. Alternatively, in one example, the distal section of the at least one of the two arms comprises two hooks each configured to snap-fit with one of two pins of the securer.
In one example, the securer is pivotally connected to a distal section of one of the two arms, and the securer is configured to snap-fit with the distal section of the other of the two arms of the handheld pipe cutter.
With such a configuration, the securer can be pivotally rotated about one of the arms and connected to the other of the two arms by pressing the securer against the distal section of the other of the two arms. Accordingly, the securer can be connected to the distal sections of the two arms by using only a single hand, which is useful when using the other hand to align the pipe within the pipe cutter.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide an improved handheld pipe cutter in which the pipe may be more conveniently and accurately secured by the user.
In one example, the opposing arms are configured such that as the two arms are urged together, the pipe is forced towards the blade.
In this example, the user is not required to manually force the portion of the pipe towards the blade while rotating the pipe relative to the handheld pipe cutter. Force applied manually by a user can be variable or insufficient, resulting in unreliable cutting of the pipe.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a handheld pipe cutter with which the user may rotate the handheld pipe cutter relative to the pipe to cut the pipe more conveniently and reliably.
In one example, at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a curved portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other.
Typically, the portion of the pipe to be cut has a curved surface. By providing a curved portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, the area of contact between the pipe and the arms of the handheld pipe cutter may be increased, thereby increasing the area over which the arms of the handheld pipe cutter exert a pressure on the pipe. Accordingly, the gripping effect of the arms of the handheld pipe cutter on the portion of the pipe is increased.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a further improved handheld pipe cutter which holds the portion of the pipe in the volume more securely.
In one example, the curved portion is further configured such that as the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other, the curved portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
The curved portion allows for a uniform application of force towards the blade.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a handheld pipe cutter which allows for the cutting of the pipe in a more uniform and reliable manner.
In one example, at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a slanted portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, and configured such that as the two arms are urged towards each other the slanted portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
In this example, the user is not required to manually force the portion of the pipe towards the blade while rotating the pipe relative to the handheld pipe cutter owing to the configuration of the slanted section. Force applied manually by a user can be variable or insufficient, resulting in unreliable cutting of the pipe.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a handheld pipe cutter which allows for the cutting of the pipe in a more reliable manner.
In one example, the slanted portion is a planar surface on at least one of the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter.
In one example, the slanted portion is arranged to be orientated at an angle of θ₁ to the cutting edge of the blade when the securer is not connecting the distal sections of the two arms and orientated at an angle of θ₂ to the cutting edge of the blade when the securer is connecting the distal sections of the two arms, wherein 0° < θ₁ < 90° and θ₂ has a value less than θ₁. Preferably, 30° < θ₁ < 90°.
In one example, at least one portion of the body is configured to elastically deform as the arms of the handheld pipe cutter are urged together. Preferably, at least one of the two opposing arms is configured to elastically deform as the arms of the handheld pipe cutter are urged together.
With such a configuration, the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter can be urged together when the distal section of each of the two arms are connected by the securer without permanently deforming the body of the handheld pipe cutter. Upon disconnecting the securer, the body may relax to its relaxed state allowing for another pipe to be inserted into the volume.
In one example, the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises at least one cut-out portion. Preferably, one or both of the two opposing arms comprises at least one cut out portion.
In one example, the cut-out portion may be a recessed portion in the body of the handheld pipe cutter or a hole in the body of the handheld pipe cutter or a hollow portion of the handheld pipe cutter.
In this example, the cut-out portion functions to reduce a cross-sectional area of the pipe cutter such that the force required to deform the body of the pipe cutter so that the arms of the pipe cutter are urged together when the distal section of each of the two arms are connected by the securer is reduced.
Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a further improved handheld pipe cutter in which the pipe may be more easily and conveniently secured by the user.
In one example, the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises at least one portion which is made of an elastically deformable plastic. Preferably, the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises at least one portion which is made of ABS plastic.
With such a configuration, the two opposable arms of the handheld pipe cutter can be urged together when the distal section of each of the two arms are connected by the securer without permanently deforming the body of the handheld pipe cutter.
In one example, the body of the handheld pipe cutter is made of an elastically deformable material. Preferably, the handheld pipe cutter is made of an elastically deformable plastic. Preferably, the body of the handheld pipe cutter is made of one of ABS plastic, Polyamide, or Polypropylene.
In one example, the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises one portion which is pivotally connected to the rest of the body. Preferably, at least one of the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter is pivotally connected to the rest of the body. More preferably, the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter are pivotally connected to the rest of the body.
With such a configuration, the two opposable arms of the handheld pipe cutter can be easily urged together when the distal section of each of the two arms is connected by the securer.
In one example, the handheld pipe cutter comprises two opposing pairs of arms, and the volume for receiving a portion of the pipe being defined between the opposing pairs of arms.
In one example, the two opposing arms define an opening therebetween for inserting the pipe into the volume by translating the pipe in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
In one example, the two opposing arms define an opening therebetween for inserting the pipe into the volume by translating the pipe in a direction coincident with its longitudinal axis.
In one example, the distal ends of the two opposing arms define an opening therebetween for inserting the pipe into the volume.
In one example, the two opposing arms of the body extend away from the rest of the body. In one example, the two arms are parallel.
In one example, the two opposing arms are configured such that as the two arms are urged towards each other, the distance between the two arms is reduced.
In one example, one or both of the two arms are integral with the rest of the body.
In one example, the securer has an open configuration in which the securer does not connect the distal sections of the two opposing arms and a closed configuration in which the securer connects the distal sections of the two opposing arms.
In one example, the securer is configured to connect the distal section of each arm together such that the two arms are pulled towards each other.
In one example, the securer is configured to secure the pipe within the volume whilst the body is rotated relative to the pipe in a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction.
In one example, the securer comprises a clip and/or a hook and/or a latch.
In one example, the securer is configured to be detachable from one of the two arms. In one example, the securer is permanently connected to the other of the two arms.
In one example, the securer is configured to be entirely detachable from both of the two arms.
In one example, when in use, the longitudinal axis of the pipe is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the volume.
In one example, the cutting edge of the blade is orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe when the pipe is received in the volume.
In one example, the cutting edge of the blade is orientated parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe when the pipe is received in the volume.
In one example, the cutting edge of the blade is oriented to cut the pipe along a circumferential direction of the pipe upon relative rotation of the pipe and the handheld pipe cutter.
In one example, the cutting edge of the blade is oriented to cut the pipe along a longitudinal direction of the pipe upon relative movement of the pipe and the handheld pipe cutter. In one example, the handheld pipe cutter is a handheld pipe cutter with a largest dimension that is less than 95mm and a mass that is less than 100g. Preferably, the handheld pipe cutter is a handheld pipe cutter with a largest dimension that is less than 70mm and a mass that is less than 60g. More preferably, the handheld pipe cutter is a handheld pipe cutter with a largest dimension of 66mm and a mass of 52g.
In one example, the handheld pipe cutter has a largest dimension that is less than 95mm. Preferably, the handheld pipe cutter has a largest dimension that is less than 70mm. More preferably, the handheld pipe cutter has a largest dimension of 66mm.
In one example, the handheld pipe cutter has a mass that is less than 0.5kg. Preferably, the handheld pipe cutter has a mass that is less than 100g. More preferably, the handheld pipe cutter has a mass that is less than 60g. More preferably still, the handheld pipe cutter has a mass of 52g.
In one example, the handheld pipe cutter is configured to cut pipes with a diameter of 22mm and/or 15mm.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of cutting a pipe. The method comprises receiving a portion of a pipe in a volume defined between two opposing arms of a body of a handheld pipe cutter. The method comprises connecting a distal section of each of the two arms together with a securer, such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume. The method comprises cutting the pipe with the handheld pipe cutter.
In one implementation, the step of connecting a distal section of each of the two arms together with a securer comprises the step of moving the securer, which is pivotally connected to the distal section of one of the two arms, about its pivot point.
In one implementation, the step of connecting a distal section of each of the two arms together with a securer comprises the step of snap-fitting the securer with a distal section of at least one of the two arms.
In one implementation, the step of connecting a distal section of each of the two arms together with a securer comprises the step of snap-fitting a hook of the securer with a pin of the distal section of the at least one of the two arms, or the step of snap-fitting a hook of the distal section of the at least one of the two arms with a pin of the securer.
In one implementation, the opposing arms are configured such that as the two arms are urged together, the pipe is forced towards the blade.
In one implementation, at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a curved portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other.
In one implementation, the curved portion is further configured such that as the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other, the curved portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
In one implementation, at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a slanted portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, and configured such that as the two arms are urged towards each other the slanted portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
In one implementation, the handheld pipe cutter is any of the handheld pipe cutters described herein.
The above-noted examples may be used individually, all together, or in any combination of two or more, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
Further features and effects of the handheld pipe cutter and the method of cutting a pipe according to the present disclosure will be evident from the following description of certain examples. In the description of these examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a handheld pipe cutter according to the present disclosure, in which the securer is in an open configuration;
Figure 2 shows a front view of a handheld pipe cutter according to the present disclosure, in which the securer is in a closed configuration to secure a pipe; and
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a handheld pipe cutter according to the present disclosure, in which the securer is in a closed configuration to secure a pipe.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a front view of a handheld pipe cutter 10 according to the present disclosure, in which the securer 14 is in an open configuration.
The handheld pipe cutter 10 comprises a body 11. The body 11 defines two opposing arms 11a, 11b. Each of the two opposing arms 11a, 11b extends from the rest of the body 11. Each of the two opposing arms 11a, 11b has a distal section 11a', 11b' which is distally located from the point of attachment of the arm 11a, 11b to the rest of the body 11. Each of the two opposing arms 11a, 11b define a cut-out portion 16a, 16b.
The two opposing arms 11a, 11b are spaced apart so as to define a volume 12 therebetween for receiving a portion of a pipe P (shown in Figure 2).
Each arm 11a, 11b of the handheld pipe cutter 10 comprises a curved portion 15a, 15b. The volume 12 is partially defined by curved portions 15a, 15b.
The distal sections 11a', 11b' define an opening O therebetween for inserting the pipe P into the volume 12. The pipe P may be inserted into the volume 12 by translating the pipe P in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
The handheld pipe cutter 10 further comprises a blade 13 which protrudes into the volume 12. The blade 13 is suitable for cutting the portion of the pipe P when the pipe P is received in volume 12. The blade 13 is fixedly mounted to the body 11 such that it extends past the body 11 into the volume 12.
The blade 13 is located in the body 11 such that it extends between the two opposing arms 11a, 11b.
The handheld pipe cutter 10 further comprises a securer 14. A first end of the securer 14 is pivotally connected to the distal section 11a' of the arm 11a by a pivot 14a.
A second, opposite end of the securer 14 comprises a hook 14b. The hook 14b is configured to snap-fit with a corresponding pin 11b" disposed on the distal section 11b' of the arm 11b.
As shown in Figure 1, the securer 14 has an open configuration in which the securer 14 does not connect the distal sections 11a', 11b' of the two opposing arms 11a, 11b. As shown in Figure 2, the securer 14 has a closed configuration in which the securer 14 connects the distal sections 11a', 11b' of the two opposing arms 11a, 11b.
In order to transition the securer 14 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the user may rotate the securer 14 about the pivot 14a so as to push the hook 14b into mating engagement with the corresponding pin 11b". The hook 14b and pin 11b'' are snap-fit elements such that the hook 14b resiliently deforms in order to matingly engage with the pin 11b".
To facilitate easy transitioning of the securer 14 between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the securer 14 further comprises a tab 14c disposed on the second end of the securer 14. The tab 14c may manipulated by a finger or thumb of the user of the handheld pipe cutter 10.
Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows a front view of the handheld pipe cutter 10 in which the securer 14 is in a closed configuration to secure a pipe P. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a handheld pipe cutter 10 according to the present disclosure, in which the securer 14 is in a closed configuration to secure a pipe P.
Figure 2 shows a front view of a handheld pipe cutter 10, in which a pipe P has been inserted in the volume 12 of the handheld pipe cutter 10 and the securer 14 is in a closed configuration to secure the pipe P.
When the securer 14 is in the closed configuration, the securer 14 connects the distal section 11a', 11b' of each arm 11a, 11b together such that the two arms 11a, 11b are urged towards each other.
The two opposing arms 11a, 11b of the handheld pipe cutter 10 elastically deform as they are urged together by the securer 14. The cut-out portions 16a, 16b defined by the two opposing arms 11a, 11b allow the two arms 11a, 11b to deform more easily.
The securer thus functions to pull the two arms 11a, 11b together so that the distance between the two arms 11a, 11b is reduced.
As the arms 11a, 11b are pulled together, the radius of curvature of the curved portions 15a, 15b decreases so that the curved portions 15a, 15b abut the pipe P and exert a pressure on the pipe P. This pressure results in a gripping effect which secures the pipe P in the volume 12.
As the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases, the curved portions 15a, 15b force the pipe P towards the blade 13 with sufficient force that the blade 13 cuts the portion of the pipe P where the pipe P contacts the blade 13.
The cutting edge of the blade 13 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe P.
As shown in Figure 3, the pipe P may extend in a longitudinal direction on one or both sides of the handheld pipe cutter 10. As such, the user may grasp a portion of the pipe P other than the portion of the pipe P received within the volume 12 and rotate the handheld pipe cutter 10 relative to the pipe P in order to cut the pipe P.
As the user rotates the handheld pipe cutter 10 relative to the pipe P, the blade 13 (shown in Figure 2) cuts along a circumferential direction of the pipe P.
Once the entire circumference of the pipe P has been cut, the user may transition the securer 14 from the closed configuration to the open configuration in order to remove the pipe P from the volume 12.
Although the above explanation is considered to fully clarify how the present disclosure may straightforwardly be put into effect by those skilled in the art, it is to be regarded as purely exemplary.
In particular, there are a number of variations which are possible, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
For example, in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the blade 13 is fixedly mounted to the body 11 of the handheld pipe cutter 10 such that it extends past the body 11 into the volume 12.
However, in an alternative example, the blade may be in the form of a circular element and may be rotatably mounted in the body of the handheld pipe cutter such that the blade rotates freely when the handheld pipe cutter is rotated relative to the pipe. Furthermore, the blade may be springloaded such that it extends past the body into the volume defined by the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter. In another example, in the example shown in Figure 1, 2 and 3, the blade 13 is located in the body 11 such that it extends between the two opposing arms 11a, 11b.
However, in an alternative example, the blade may be located in one of the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter, or in the securer of the pipe cutter, or alternatively located so long as the blade may cut a pipe received in the volume.
Furthermore, in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the cutting edge of the blade 13 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe P such that the blade 13 cuts along a circumferential direction of the pipe P as the handheld pipe cutter 10 is rotated relative to the pipe P.
In an alternative example, the blade may be orientated so as to cut the portion of the pipe received in the volume other than in a circumferential direction. The blade may be located and orientated in any way such that the blade is suitable for cutting the pipe. For example, the blade may be orientated such that the cutting edge of the blade is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe such that the blade cuts along a longitudinal direction of the pipe.
In a further alternative example, the handheld pipe cutter may comprise two or more blades suitable for cutting a pipe received in the volume.
In a further example, in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, a first end of the securer 14 is pivotally connected to the distal section 11a' of the arm 11a by a pivot 14a and a second, opposite end of the securer 14 comprises a hook 14b, which is configured to snap-fit with a corresponding pin 11b" disposed on the distal section 11b' of the arm 11b.
In an alternative example, the securer may be detachable from both of the distal sections of the two arms. The securer may be entirely detachable from both of the two arms.
In a further alternative example, the securer may comprise a clip and/or a hook and/or a latch.
In a further example, in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the securer 14 is a single element.
In an alternative example, the securer may comprise two or more elements, each of which may be fixedly connected to the distal section of at least one of the two opposing arms, entirely detachable from the body of the pipe cutter or otherwise. The securer may comprise two elements, each element pivotally connected at a first end to the distal section of one of the two opposing arms and each configured to snap fit with the other element at a second end.
By way of further example, in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the distal section 11a', 11b' of each of the opposing arms 11a, 11b is the distal-most section of each arm 11a, 11b.
In an alternative example, the distal sections may be any section of the opposing arms suitable to be connected by the securer such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume.
In the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the pipe P has a circular cross section.
In an alternative example, the pipe may have a square cross section, an ellipsoidal cross section, or any other cross section.
All of the above are fully within the scope of the present disclosure, and are considered to form the basis for alternative examples in which one or more combinations of the above-described features are applied, without limitation to the specific combinations disclosed above.
In light of this, there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit its own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure, while retaining some or all technical effects of the same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of his common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptations fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A handheld pipe cutter, comprising:
a body comprising two opposing arms, the two arms defining a volume therebetween for receiving a portion of a pipe;

a blade protruding into the volume for cutting the pipe; and

a securer configured to connect a distal section of each of the two arms together, such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 1, wherein the securer is pivotally connected to the distal section of one of the two arms.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 1 or 2, wherein the securer is configured to snap-fit with the distal section of at least one of the two arms.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 3, wherein the securer comprises a hook configured to snap-fit with a pin of the distal section of the at least one of the two arms, or wherein the distal section of the at least one of the two arms comprises a hook configured to snap-fit with a pin of the securer.
The handheld pipe cutter of any preceding claim, wherein the opposing arms are configured such that as the two arms are urged together, the pipe is forced towards the blade.
The handheld pipe cutter of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a curved portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 6, wherein the curved portion is further configured such that as the radius of curvature of the curved portion decreases as the two arms are urged towards each other, the curved portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
The handheld pipe cutter of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two opposing arms comprises a slanted portion configured to abut the portion of the pipe, and configured such that as the two arms are urged towards each other the slanted portion forces the pipe towards the blade.
The handheld pipe cutter of any preceding claim, wherein at least one portion of the body is configured to elastically deform as the arms of the handheld pipe cutter are urged together.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 9, wherein at least one of the two opposing arms is configured to elastically deform as the arms of the handheld pipe cutter are urged together.
The handheld pipe cutter of claims 9 or 10, wherein the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises at least one cut-out portion.
The handheld pipe cutter of any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the body of the handheld pipe cutter comprises one section which is pivotally connected to the rest of the body.
The handheld pipe cutter of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two opposing arms of the handheld pipe cutter is pivotally connected to the rest of the body.
A method of cutting a pipe, comprising:
receiving a portion of a pipe in a volume defined between two opposing arms of a body of a handheld pipe cutter;

connecting a distal section of each of the two arms together with a securer, such that the two arms are urged towards each other thereby to secure the pipe within the volume; and

cutting the pipe with the handheld pipe cutter.
The method of claim 14, wherein the handheld pipe cutter is the handheld pipe cutter of any one of claims 1 to 13.