GB2259472A - Safety scissors - Google Patents

Abstract

Safety scissors comprise two blades (1, 2) extending from handles (3, 4) and pivoted together about a pivot point (5). An extension plate (6) also projects from the handle (4) and defines a slot (7) with the cutting edge of the blade (2). During cutting and at other times the pointed end (8) of the blade (1) is always masked by the extension plate (6). A stop (9) on the edge of the extension plate (6) ensures that the tip (8) of the blade (1) cannot project beyond the edge of the extension plate (6). The extension plate is smoothly rounded and aligned with the end of the blade 2 so that the tip (10) of that blade is also masked to some extent. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements relating to Safety Scissors" Scissors can be quite dangerous items, particularly when the blades are opened to expose the point ends of each blade. Great care has to be taken, for example, with children, to ensure that they know the correct and safe manner to use and carry scissors so that accidental injury to others or themselves does not occur. Another problem is that conventional scissors can be used for cutting items for which they are not intended, such as upholstery, by children wishing to experiment.

It is an object of this invention to improve upon the design of scissors to reduce their capability for injuring the user or others and for being used for unauthorised purposes.

Accordingly, this invention provides safety scissors incorporating a pair of cutting blades linked to one another about a pivot point, a first one of the blades incorporating an extension plate extending the full length of the operating edge of that blade and parallel thereto to define a slot for receipt of material to be cut, the extension plate also extending over the region swept by the second blade as the second blade is pivoted away from the first blade.

The provision of the extension plate masks the point of the second blade and also protects the edge and point of the first blade. As a result, there are no obvious projecting points which could cause injury. Furthermore, access to the region between the blades is restricted to the slot between the first blade and the extension plate, so that only free sheet material can be introduced into the slot for cutting.

In order to be able to reduce the size of the extension plate it is preferred that a stop member should be provided on the extension plate to limit the degree of movement of the second blade away from the first blade. This stop member can comprise an upturned edge of the extension plate which lies parallel to the outer edge of the second blade at the limit of movement thereof. Advantageously, the upturned edge can be concavely formed to receive the outer edge of the second blade.

Ideally, the outer edge of the extension plate beyond the arc swept by the tip of the second blade defines a smoothly shaped and preferably curved edge.

The materials used for the scissors can be any of those used conventionally such as stainless steel, plastics materials or combinations thereof.

The invention may be performed in various ways and one specific embodiment will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of a pair of scissors constructed in accordance with this invention shown in an opened condition; Figure 2 shows the scissors of Figure 1 in a closed condition; and Figure 3 is an underneath plan of the scissors shown in Figure 1.

The pair of scissors shown in the Drawings incorporates two blades 1,2 leading from respective handle portions 3,4.

The blades are pivoted together about a pivot point 5. An extension plate 6 also projects from the handle 4 and has an edge which runs parallel with the cutting edge of the blade 2 so as to define a slot 7. Materials to be cut are inserted into the slot 7 and then the normal cutting action can be performed so that the material is cut by the edges of the blades 1 and 2. However, the pointed end 8 of blade 1 is always masked by the extension plate 6. A stop 9 on the edge of the extension plate 6 limits the degree of opening of the blades and thus ensures that the tip 8 of the blade 1 cannot project beyond the edge of the extension plate 6.

It will be noted also that the extension plate is smoothly rounded and aligned with the end of the blade 2 so that the tip 10 of that blade is masked to some extent.

As shown, the handles 3 and 4 are covered in a protective plastics material to provide a comfortable grip for the user. The operating parts of the scissors are formed from stainless steel. As a modification to the design shown, the stop member 9 could be replaced by an upturned edge of the extension plate 6.

Claims (6)

1. Safety scissors incorporating a pair of cutting blades linked to one another about a pivot point, a first one of the blades incorporating an extension plate extending the full length of. the operating edge of that blade and parallel thereto to define a slot for receipt of material to be cut, the extension plate also extending over the region swept by the second blade as the second blade is pivoted away from the first blade.

2. Safety scissors according to Claim 1, wherein a stop member on the extension plate limits the degree of movement of the second blade away from the first blade.

3. Safety scissors according to Claim 2, wherein the stop member comprises an upturned edge of the extension plate which lies parallel to the outer edge of the second blade at the limit of movement thereof.

4. Safety scissors according to Claim 3, wherein the upturned edge is concavely formed to receive the outer edge of the second blade

5. Safety scissors according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer edge of the extension plate beyond the arc swept by the tip of the second blade defines a smoothly shaped and preferably curved edge.

6. Safety scissors substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.