NO343943B1

NO343943B1 - Hand operated cutting device

Info

Publication number: NO343943B1
Application number: NO20180605A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Christian Quarre; Anders Mellberg
Original assignee: Loop Tackle Design AB
Priority date: 2018-04-27
Filing date: 2018-04-27
Publication date: 2019-07-22
Also published as: NO20180605A1; WO2019207113A1

Description

HAND OPERATED CUTTING DEVICE

The invention relates to a hand operated cutting device.

BACKGROUND

Hand operated cutting devices are used for various cutting purposes and are hand held and hand operated devices that can be operated by one hand. In order to enable a close and clean cut, many cutting devices are constructed such that two cutter elements abut, unlike a pair of scissors where the two cutter elements contact each other, but do not abut. Such cutting devices are widely used for among others cutting lines and cables in a reliable and predictable manner.

A line nipper is one example of a hand operated cutting device where two cutter elements abut. Line nippers are widely used for cutting fishing lines e.g. after a knot has been tied to a hook, and are especially common in relation to fly fishing. A fly fishing line usually comprises backing, a fly line, leader and a tippet, where the tippet is commonly a piece of monofilament fishing line which is tied to a fly. The tippet can be made of nylon, PVDF, polyethylene or similar materials. Line nippers are widely used in the art of fly fishing to secure a close and clean cut of the end of the tippet when it has been tied to the fly. In the example of the line nipper, two abutting cutter elements enable e.g. the tippet to be cut very close to the knot.

Cutting devices can also be used e.g. when tying a fly, or in the context of other general purposes when a close cut of a line, thread or similar is required.

GB 2060462 A describes a hand-operated cutting tool for cutting articles such as plastic tubing, rubber hose, or the like, comprises a blade rotatable in increments from a retracted position in which it is enclosed within a housing to a cutoff position in which it cooperates with a stationary anvil so as to sever the article to be cut. A ratchet drive interconnects a movable handle and the blade so as to incrementally drive the blade towards its cutoff position.

However, e.g. line nippers currently on the market are in most cases not very ergonomic, and, due to their relatively small size, they are awkward to hold in a tight grip. Oftentimes, line nippers are regarded as a “use and discard” product which are easily lost and which a user typically needs to keep several units of. As such, most line nippers are a product of poor quality and with low performance. Hand operated cutting devices in general are awkward to operate and hold predictably in one hand, especially combined with other tasks involving the use of a hand such as operating a mobile phone, tying a knot, or any other such task. There is therefore a need in the art for a hand operated cutting device that is easy to hold and provides a reliable cutting action. There is also a need for a hand operated cutting device with longer lifetime, and where parts exposed to wear and tear can be easily replaced.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand operated cutting device having improved handling properties.

This object is solved with a hand operated cutting device according to the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are subject of the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand operated cutting device. The cutting device comprises a body comprising a first cutter element and an arm connected to the body. The arm comprises a second cutter element, and the arm is movable between a first position in which the first cutter element is spaced from the second cutter element and a second position in which the first cutter element is abutting the second cutter element and thereby preventing further movement of the arm. The body comprises an opening configured for leading a finger through the body such that the cutting device may rest on a finger.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the opening extends through the body in a direction parallel with a longitudinal direction of a sharp edge of at least one of the cutter elements.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the opening has a circular crosssection.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a side surface of the opening is convex.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises biasing means configured for biasing the arm away from the body.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the biasing means comprises magnets.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the arm is connected to the body by a hinge element.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a side surface of the opening comprises a hook groove.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a side surface of the opening comprises grooves in a longitudinal direction of the opening.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises a cavity comprising a spike.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a bridge spans across the cavity.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a cutout configured for supporting a finger.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cutting device is a line nipper for cutting fishing lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of embodiments, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic figures.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cutting device with an arm in a second position, viewed from a front angle.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cutting device with an arm in a second position, viewed from a rear angle.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cutting device in an exploded state, viewed from a front angle.

Figure 4 is a section view of a cutting device with an arm in a second position, viewed from the side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description may use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, ”upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “front”, “rear”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the figures and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader’s convenience only and shall not be limiting.

Referring initially to figure 1, 2 and 3, a cutting device 1 comprises a body 2 and an arm 3. The cutting device may be a line nipper for cutting fishing lines. The arm 3 is pivotably connected to the body 2 by means of a hinge element 4. The arm 3 can pivot relative to the body 2 about a longitudinal axis of the hinge element 4. The hinge element 4 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a male screw 5 and female screw 6 (shown in figure 3) tightened together to form a hinged connection 4 which secures the arm 3 to the body 2 in a through-going hole. The hinge element 4 could also be a hinge pin, a snap connection in which the arm 3 snaps into place in the body 2, a locking pin, or other means known in the art. Alternatively, the hinge element 4 could simply be a flexible or elastic material, such that no actual hinged connection is necessary, and the pivoting movement of the arm 3 could be due to elastic properties of a material in a separate part, or in the arm 3 and/or the body 2. The movement of the arm 3 may, alternatively, be a back-and-forth motion or another type of motion different from a pivot. In an embodiment, the body 2 and arm 3 could be cast or made in one piece, where elastic properties of the material allows a movement of the arm 3 relative to the body 2. The body 2 and arm 3 could, for example, be made of a metal, such as aluminium or titanium, or a plastic material. The body 2 and arm 3 could be made of the same or different materials, depending on how the cutting device 1 is manufactured.

A first cutter element 7 is fixed to the body 2 by means of body fixing means 8. The body fixing means 8 is in the illustrated embodiment a screw, but the first cutter element 7 could also be fixed by means of a snap connection, glue or similar fixing means known in the art. The first cutter element 7 may also be an integrated part of the body 2, either made of the same or a different material. In this embodiment, one or more screws secure a firm connection between the first cutter element 7 and the body, and also allow the first cutter element 7 to be easily interchanged if it is worn, as tightening a screw can easily be done by a user. The cutting device 1 could therefore last a very long time, as parts exposed to wear and tear can be replaced.

When the cutting device 1 is not in use, the arm 3 may be in a first position where the first cutter element 7 is spaced away from a second cutter element 9. When the arm 3 is pressed towards the body 2 by a user, the arm 3 pivots about the hinge element 4 and a second cutter element 9 abuts the first cutter element 7 in a second position. A line, such as the tippet of a fly fishing line, positioned between the two cutter elements 7,9 can thus be cut. As described in the background section, the cutting device can be applied to multiple cutting purposes in order to obtain a clean and precise cut. In figure 1, 2 and 4, the arm 3 is illustrated in the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cutter element 9 is blunt, and the first cutter element 7 has a sharp edge. Alternatively, the first cutter element 7 could be blunt and the second cutter element could be made with a sharp edge, or both cutter elements 7,9 could have a sharp edge.

The second cutter element 9 is fixed to the arm 3 by means of arm fixing means 10. The arm fixing means 10 is in the illustrated embodiment two screws, but the second cutter element 9 could also be fixed to the arm 3 by means of a snap connection, glue or similar fixing means, and also be an integrated part of the arm 3, equivalently as described with reference to the first cutter element 7. The first and second cutter elements 7,9 are preferably made from tungsten, but could also be made from hardened steel or any other suitable material.

The arm 3 may comprise friction grooves or similar surface treatment on a portion of the top surface of the arm 3, in an area adjacent the cutter element 9. The friction grooves increase friction between the finger of a user and the arm 3. The friction grooves also make it possible for a user to feel where the preferred pressure-area on the arm 3 is located, in order to reduce the required force applied to the arm 3. Applying pressure to the arm 3 close to where the arm 3 is pivotably connected to the body 2 in the illustrated embodiment is not preferred due to the need for increased pressure force.

A cavity 11 (shown in figure 4), is formed between the arm 3 and the body 2, allowing an end of the line to be cut to easily enter between the cutter elements 7,9 in the first position and into the cavity 11 formed between the arm 3 and body 2 of the cutting device 1. The cavity 11 can also be provided with side openings so that the line can exit from the sides of the cutting device 1, in the openings on the sides of the cavity 11.

The body 2 comprises an opening 12. The opening 12 extends through the body 2, and is in the illustrated embodiment oriented such that when the cutting device 1 is viewed from the side (as in figure 4), the opening extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the viewing plane. In the illustrated embodiment, this direction is generally parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cutter elements 7,9. The direction of the cutter elements 7,9 is in the illustrated embodiment equivalent to the direction of the sharp edge of the cutting element 7.

The opening 12 is large enough to allow a finger to enter through it, and preferably even while wearing a glove. The opening 12 forms a bore through the cutting device 1 where a finger of a user can enter on one side of the cutting device 1 and exit on the other side. The opening 12 is configured for leading a finger through it, and the cutting device 1 can thus be put on a finger and worn similarly to a ring. When entered on e.g. the index finger of a user, the cutting device 1 comfortably rests on the index finger while the arm 3 can be easily pressed by the thumb. The cutting device is thus easy to operate, and the cutting action takes place below the tip of the thumb. The middle finger can be used as an additional support. Even if a user’s grip of the cutting device 1 is lost due to a mishap or distraction, the cutting device 1 remains in the hand of the user, because it rests on a finger. The cutting device 1 can rest on a finger while the hand is performing another operation, such as tying a knot on a fish hook, and then be easily accessible when e.g. a fishing line should be cut.

In the illustrated embodiment, a cross section of the opening 12 is substantially circular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the opening 12, as illustrated in the cross section of figure 4. Both ends of the opening 12 in the illustrated embodiment are funnel-shaped, such that a cross section as illustrated in figure 4 through a middle portion of the opening 12 has a smaller dimension than a cross section a distance away from the middle portion. The side surface 13 of the opening 12 in the illustrated embodiment can thus be described as being convex. Such a convex or similarly curved side surface 13 provides for a comfortable grip as a finger through the opening 12 is bent and pressed against the side surface 13. The side surface 13 could even be covered with or made of a different material than that of the body 2, e.g. a material which is softer or has better friction properties against skin. Such a material could be silicone, rubber, etc.

The diameter of a middle portion of the opening 12 may be between 20 and 30 millimetre, preferably between 22 and 26 millimetre, and more preferably 24 millimetre. The cross section of the opening 12 could alternatively be elliptical, oval or of any other shape, but a circular shape is preferred, as the cutting device 1 will act predictably and not depend on how it is oriented and rests on a finger. The opening 12 may be between 10 and 20 millimetre deep, i.e. the width of the cutting device 1 is approximately the same. The width of the cutting device 1 should be such that it is easy to hold and secure with one finger. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the cutting device 1 is 16 or about 16 millimetre.

Grooves 14 may extend on the side surface 13. The grooves 14 may extend along the length of the side surface 13 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the opening 12. The grooves 14 can extend from one side of the cutting device 1 to the other, or only a part of that distance. Such grooves 14 ensure that the cutting device 1 is kept in the right position on the finger of a user, i.e. the grooves increases friction and prevent rotation of the cutting device 1 about the finger. Instead of grooves, a texture or pattern could also be applied to at least the side of the side surface 13 intended to be engaged by a finger. This side is generally the right hand side of the opening 12 in the figures.

The opening 12 can be a circular hole with a side surface that extends around the circumference, i.e. the side surface is closed. Alternatively, the opening 12 could have a side surface that does not encompass the whole circumference of the opening, i.e. the side surface could be open. The side surface should cover a sufficient part of the circumference or periphery of the opening 12 such that the cutting device 1 easily finds support on a finger. An advantage of a closed side surface 13, i.e. a side surface which encompasses the whole circumference of an opening 12, is that it provides for a stronger structure which is more rigid.

To further accommodate a comfortable and steady grip, a cutout 15 may be present on the lower part of the cutting device 1. Spacing any of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger or little finger too far away from each other is generally perceived as uncomfortable. If the cutting device 1 has a thickness (in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis X) which is perceived as too thick for a comfortable grip, a cutout 15 could reduce this thickness at the location of the cutout 15. I.e. if the cutting device 1 is put on an index finger, the middle finger will not be positioned in an awkward angle relative to the index finger. The cutout 15 could as such be of any shape which reduces the thickness, but is in the illustrated embodiment concave, such that the middle finger is naturally centered in the middle of the cutout 15. The cutout 15 further secures a steady grip and prevents involuntarily rotation of the cutting device 1 while secured between two fingers of a user.

The cutting device 1 may further comprise a hook groove 16. The hook groove 16 could also be an indentation or similar on the side surface 13. The bend of a fish hook can be positioned into the hook groove 16. When tightening a knot on a fish hook, large fly or similar, it can be awkward, and not without risk, to hold the fish hook or fly with a bare hand, while tightening a knot to the fish hook with the other hand. The hook groove 16 thus renders this operation much more easy and safe, as the cutting device 1 is firmly held in one hand, while the bend of a fish hook is positioned in the hook groove 16. The hook groove 16 is adapted to be used with fish hooks having a gap which is larger than the length of the hook groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the length from one end of the hook groove 16 to the other end corresponds to the width of the cutting device 1. In another embodiment, the hook groove could continue along the side of the cutting device 1 such that hooks with a smaller gap that the width of the cutting device could be positioned in the hook groove. The hook groove 16 is positioned on the forward portion of the cutting device 1 (i.e. on the left side in the figures) such that the cutting device 1 does not need to be re-positioned in the hand when utilizing the knot-tightening function as compared to utilizing the cutting function.

The cutting device 1 may comprise a spike 17, also known as an eyelet cleaner. An eyelet cleaner is a needle-like spike that is used for cleaning out head cement, lacquer or other unwanted material from the eyelet of a hook or a fly, in order to ease the entering of a fishing line or tippet through the eyelet. The spike 17 is commonly made of a metal, and more preferably stainless steel. The spike 17 is pointed, and may be positioned within a cavity 18 as in the illustrated embodiment. The spike 17 is in the illustrated embodiment thus accessible from generally one direction; the front of the cutting device 1. The cavity 18 reduces the likelihood of the spike 17 from involuntarily coming into contact with the skin of the user, clothing, etc. As the spike 17 is enveloped by the cavity 18 it is also to a large extent protected from coming into contact with hard objects, which could blunt the point. The spike 17 extends in an upwards direction inside the cavity 18, making it easy for the user to view the operation of cleaning an eyelet. The positioning and direction of the spike 17 also allows for easy manoeuvring of the cutting device 1 and spike 17 in an upwards stabbing manner (e.g. for cleaning an eyelet), while the cutting device 1 rests in a hand of a user.

Across the cavity 18, a bridge 19 may span. The bridge 19 is adapted to be positioned inside the bend of a small or medium sized fish hook to ease holding the hook while tightening a knot. The bridge 19 thus has a similar function as the hook groove 19 described above, but adapted to be used with fish hooks and flies of smaller sizes that have smaller gaps. The bridge 19 can be positioned outside the hook groove 16 in a radial direction, such that a centre of the opening 12, the hook groove 16 and bridge 19 are in a side view positioned on a line or in a plane, as indicated with a dotted line Y in figure 4. This provides for predictable behaviour as the cutting device 1 is used to tighten knots on flies of different sizes.

The cutting device 1 may comprises a lanyard attachment 20. The lanyard attachment 20 is in the illustrated embodiment an opening or a hole through the arm 3 at the rear of the cutting device 1. The lanyard attachment 20 is arranged for connecting the cutting device 1 to a string, belt, key chain, carbine hook or similar means. The lanyard attachment could be positioned anywhere on the cutting device 1.

Referring now to figure 4, the cutting device 1 may comprise biasing means for biasing the arm 3 towards the first position where the second cutter element 9 is spaced apart from the first cutter element 7. The biasing means can comprise a body magnet 21 and an arm magnet 22 (also indicated in figure 3). The body magnet 21 is a first permanent magnet positioned and fixed to the body 2. The arm magnet 22 is a second permanent magnet positioned and fixed to the arm 3. The magnets 21,22 are positioned such that they are adjacent to one another, and having poles of the same orientation facing each other. I.e. both magnets have the south end pole or the north end pole facing the other magnet, such that a magnetic moment is created that forces the two magnets apart. This magnetic moment biases the arm 3, causing it to rotate about the hinge element 4, thus separating the second cutter element 9 from the first cutter element 7. The cutting device 1 has thus an open jaw, i.e. the second cutter element 9 is forced apart from the first cutter element 7 into the first position when the cutting device 1 is not in use or not operated by a user. The magnetic moment is strong enough to rotate the arm 3, but it is still easy for a user of the cutting device 1 to press the arm 3 towards the body 2 with e.g. the thumb, in order to facilitate cutting action with the cutter elements 7,9.

The magnets 21,22 provides for a hassle-free operation with no loose parts when the hinge element 4 is disassembled and the arm 3 is removed, e.g. upon replacing the cutter elements 7,9. Alternatively, a spring could be provided instead of magnets, and also an elastic pad could be provided, or flexible properties of the arm or body material could provide such spring action.

An abutment surface 23 on the arm 3 (also indicated in figure 3) may abut a stopping surface 24 on the body 2. This abutment thus prevents infinite rotating of the arm 3, and the abutment surface 23 and stopping surface 24 are forced together when the cutting device 1 is in an inactive position, i.e. when a user is not pressing the arm 3 towards the body 2. The distance between the abutment surface 23 and the stopping surface 24 is such that when the two surfaces are adjacent, the distance between the first cutter element 7 and the second cutter element 9 is large enough to allow a line to be easily entered in between. This distance (the jaw opening) could e.g. be between 1 and 10 millimetre, preferably between 2 and 6 millimetre, and more preferably between 4 and 5 millimetre.

While the invention has been described with reference to the embodiment(s) mentioned above, it is to be understood that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. Hand operated cutting device (1), comprising:

a body (2) comprising a first cutter element (7),

an arm (3) connected to the body (2), the arm (3) comprising a second cutter element (9),

where the arm (3) is movable between a first position in which the first cutter element (7) is spaced from the second cutter element (9) and a second position in which the first cutter element (7) is abutting the second cutter element (9) and thereby preventing further movement of the arm (3),

characterized in that the body (2) comprising an opening (12) configured for leading a finger through the body (2) such that the cutting device (1) may rest on a finger.

2. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to claim 1, where the opening (12) extends through the body (2) in a direction parallel with a longitudinal direction of a sharp edge of at least one of the cutter elements (7,9).

3. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, where the opening (12) has a substantially circular cross-section.

4. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where a side surface (13) of the opening (12) is convex.

5. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising biasing means (21,22) configured for biasing the arm (3) towards the first position.

6. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to claim 5, where the biasing means (21,22) comprises magnets.

7. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the arm (3) is connected to the body (2) by a hinge element (4).

8. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where a side surface (13) of the opening (12) comprises a hook groove (16).

9. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where a side surface (13) of the opening (12) comprises grooves (14) or a textured surface.

10. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where a side surface (13) of the bore (12) comprises grooves (14) arranged substantially in a longitudinal direction of the bore (12).

11. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cavity (18) comprising a spike (17).

12. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to claim 11, comprising a bridge (19) spanning across the cavity (18).

13. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the body (2) comprises a cutout (15) configured for supporting a finger.

14. Hand operated cutting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the cutting device (1) is a line nipper for cutting fishing lines.