WO2000064645A1

WO2000064645A1 - Apparatus and method for perforating package coverings

Info

Publication number: WO2000064645A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/029495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl J. Evens; Lynda B. Rothschild; Lawrence S. Schimel
Original assignee: Mci Worldcom, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-04-27
Filing date: 1999-12-13
Publication date: 2000-11-02

Abstract

A packaging cutter (100) for the safe and effective perforation of packaging materials on package or other containers comprises a body (102) and a cutting mechanism (112) housed within the body (102). The body (102) comprises two side walls (106, 108) and a top wall (110) defining an interior volume (104) in which the packaged container is positioned during the cutting process. The cutting mechanism (112) is mounted in or to the top wall (110). The packaging cutter (100) also comprises a depth setting mechanism (320) to prevent cutting of the package or container itself.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORATING PACKAGE COVERINGS

The present invention relates to hand held cutters for opening containers and more particularly to hand held label/packaging cutters for perforating labels, adhesives, coverings and the like affixed to containers such as compact disk containers.

Currently, many consumer goods are packaged in specially molded containers. The containers are generally tightly wrapped in a clear, highlighted wrapping such as cellophane and the like. In addition, a security, advertisement and/or other identification tab or label is usually attached to the package or wrapper with a powerful adhesive in order to prevent the tab or label from being inappropriately or inadvertently removed. An unfortunate by-product of modern packaging is the difficulty encountered by the consumer or bearer of the package in removing the packaging, tab and/or label. In order to remove such coverings, a person must somehow perforate the particular covering thereby allowing the person to tear through the covering so as to facilitate complete removal from the package.

A variety of techniques are employed for perforating package coverings. Such techniques include using a sharp object, such as a knife blade, a finger nail, and the like, to pierce the covering. These techniques have some obvious drawbacks including the dangers of using a knife, the possibility of hurting or breaking a fingernail and/or the unavailability of a suitability strong and sharp implement. Likewise, one should be ever cautious about not hurting oneself or damaging the package (and/or its contents) with the sharp implement when perforating the coverings.

One common culprit of tight, difficult to remove packaging is the modern compact disk or CD. CDs have become a chief source of music for millions of people worldwide. CDs my be purchased from a variety of sources ranging from the traditional music or specialty store to large department stores to catalog or on-line services. CDs come neatly packaged in a prefabricated plastic container molded to snugly hold a CD therein. The container is tightly wrapped in clear plastic, cellophane, or the like. The CD package further includes a security tab or label snugly affixed to either the package or the cellophane/plastic covering so as to prevent inappropriate or inadvertent removal . Advertising and other identifying tabs or labels may also be directly affixed to the CD package. As is known in the art, the security tag causes an alarm to sound if the tag is not deactivated prior to departure from predefined premises (such as a music store) . While the security- tags (and other labels) are an effective deterrent to shoplifters, the tags present a formidable obstacle to opening the CD package, even to the lawful owner. Likewise, the clear plastic and/or cellophane covering can be equally challenging in its removal. Therein, not only would one want to remove the coverings, one would want to perform the removal without damaging the package or hurting oneself. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a safe, easy to use, convenient and easily portable package opener that easily removes packaging including cellophane, security tabs and other affixed labels without damaging the package or hurting the user.

The packaging cutter of the present invention provides a means for avoiding the difficulties discussed above .

In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is directed to a packaging cutter. The packaging cutter comprises a body and a cutting device housed within the body. The body defines an interior volume in which a packaged container is positioned. The cutting device perforates and cuts the packaging material of the packaged container. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a packaging cutter. The packing cutter comprises a body, a cutting device housed within the body, and a depth setting mechanism. The body defines an interior volume in which a packaged container is positioned. The cutting device perforates and cuts the packaging material of the packaged container. The depth setting mechanism is mounted to the body for setting the depth of cut for the cutting device.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for cutting through the packaging material on a container. The method comprises positioning a packaging cutter having a cutting device proximate to the packaging material of a container, perforating the packaging material by applying a substantially downward force on the packaging cutter, and moving the packaging cutter across the packaging material of the container to cut through the packaging material .

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for perforating package coverings . The present invention brings a cutting implement, such as a metal or plastic blade, close to an adhesive label or other packaging. The blade is designed to perforate the label or other packaging by corresponding application of force on the apparatus. Once the label is perforated, the present invention is manually moved so as to complete a lengthwise perforation of the label or other packaging. By this operation, the user need not bother with other less effective manual techniques for breaking or otherwise removing a label or other packaging, as briefly described above.

The packaging cutter of the present invention provides a safe and effective means for removing the packaging material from a variety of containers. The packaging cutter is easy to utilize, lightweight and compact, it is easy to carry and may be utilized as a key chain or the like. The packaging cutter is also inexpensive.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left most digit of a reference number indicates the drawing in which the reference number first appears . Figure 1 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure 1A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure IB is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure 1C is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure ID is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure IE is an end view of another exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter of the present invention .

Figure 2 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter having a removable cutting device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a depth setting mechanism of the packaging cutter of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the packaging cutter with a package in accordance with the present invention.

The packaging cutter of the present invention may be utilized to safely and efficiently remove packaging material from a variety of containers. The packaging cutter comprises a uniquely simple design. The packaging cutter comprises a body and a cutting mechanism. The body defines an interior volume in which the container is positioned and is designed for safe and easy use, and the cutting mechanism, which is housed within the body, is designed to cut only the packaging material and not the container or user.

Figure 1 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging cutter 100 of the present invention. As illustrated, the packaging cutter 100 comprises a substantially U-shaped body 102 defining an interior volume 104 in which the packaged container is positioned during the cutter process. The substantially U-shaped body 102 includes first and second side walls 106, 108 and a top wall 110. The first and second side walls 106, 108 are substantially parallel and extend substantially perpendicular from the top wall 110. The packaging cutter 100 also comprises a cutting device 112 mounted in or to the top wall 110. Although the first and second side walls 106, 108 are shown and described as substantially parallel, other configurations are possible. For example, the side walls may be tapered to provide a snug fit around the container. In yet another alternate embodiment, the side walls may be slightly concave. A more detailed description is given subsequently. Other configurations may be utilized and will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. The substantially U-shaped body 102 is preferably formed as a unitary structure. In other words, the substantially U- shaped body 102 is a preferably one piece structure. The substantially U-shaped body 102 may be formed from any suitably rigid and strong material able to withstand the forces applied thereto when utilizing the cutter 100 as described in detail subsequently. For example, the substantially U-shaped body 102 may be formed from various strong and lightweight materials such as aluminum, fiberglass or various plastics. In the preferred embodiment, the substantially U-shaped body 102 is formed from a substantially rigid plastic having a smooth finish to facilitate movement of the cutter 100 over the package and which promotes a favorable tactile response from the user. While the packaging cutter 100 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a substantially U- shaped body, it is important to note that the body may comprise any shape or configuration. The cutting device 112 may comprise any suitable instrument for cutting packaging materials such as plastic wrap and paper. The cutting device 112 preferably comprises a razor sharp blade formed from a material which maintains its edge after repeated use, such as steel. The overall size of the substantially U-shaped body 102 is preferably sufficient for providing stability during the cutting process and sufficient area for the user to obtain a firm grip. In addition, the size of the U-shaped body 102 may be varied to change the interior volume 104 defined thereby to accommodate different size containers.

The first and second side walls 106, 108 may be spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate various sized packages in the interior volume 104 defined thereby. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side wails 106, 108 are spaced apart a distance sufficient to provide a snug fit for the container positioned therebetween. Accordingly, cutters designed to open the packaging material on different size containers would have walls spaced to accommodate the various containers. It is important to note, however, that the walls do give somewhat and slightly larger containers may fit therein. The width of the side walls 106, 108 i.e. the distance the first and second side walls 106, 108 is preferably sufficient to prevent an adult or child from extending any part of his/her anatomy into the interior volume 104 and making contact with the cutting device 112. In addition, the distance is preferably sufficient to provide support for the packaging cutter 100 during the cutting process. The length of the side walls 106, 108 may be any suitable length to provide support during the cutting process and to provide sufficient area for the user to obtain a firm grip. The thickness of the side walls 106, 108 depends on the materials utilized to form the substantially U- shaped body 102 of the packaging cutter 100. The side walls 106, 108 are preferably thick enough to provide support during the cutting process. The side walls 106, 108 may comprise any shape, for example, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the side walls 106, 108 may comprise a substantially rectangular shape, or as illustrated in Figure IB, the side walls 106, 108 may comprise a substantially oval shape.

As discussed above, the side walls 106, 108 are substantially parallel to one another; however, other configurations are possible. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1C and ID the side walls 106, 108 may be slightly tapered. In Figure 1C, the side walls 106, 108 are spaced apart from one another less proximate the top wall 110 and further apart at their distal ends. In Figure ID, the side walls 106, 108 are tapered in the opposite direction as is illustrated in Figure 1C. In yet another alternate configuration, the side walls 106, 108 may be slightly concave as illustrated in Figure IE. Other configurations which are possible will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan.

Regardless of the spacing between or the shape of the side walls 106, 108, the distal ends of the side walls 106, 108 are preferably configured to allow easy insertion of the container into the interior volume 104 defined thereby. In the preferred embodiment, the distal ends of the side walls 106, 108 comprise a slightly tapered lip 114 to allow easy insertion of a container as illustrated in Figure 1.

The top wall 110 of the packaging cutter 100 preferably has a thickness to provide sufficient structural support to withstand the forces generated during use. In addition, the top wall 110 preferably has a thickness to accommodate the secure mounting of the cutting device 112 thereto. The top wall 110 may comprise any suitable shape. For example, the top wall 110 may comprise a semi - circular cross - section or an oval cross - section . In the exemplary embodiment, the top wall 110 comprises a substantially rectangular cross - section.

The top wall 110 may also comprise a hole 116 therethrough. The hole 116 may be positioned anywhere in the top wall 110 which does not interfere with the operation of the packaging cutter 100. The hole 116 may be utilized for any number of purposes. For example, the hole 116 may be utilized to position a string, chain or other suitable means for connecting the packaging cutter 100 to keys or the like. The hole 116 may be lined with a protective material to protect the top wall 110 from abrasions due to movement of the chain or string.

As stated above, the cutting device 112 may comprise any cutting instrument capable of cutting various packaging materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutting device 112 comprises a razor blade mounted in the top wall 110. The razor blade 112 may be mounted to the top wall 110 in any number of ways. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the razor blade 112 may be removably mounted to the top wall 110 so that it may be replaced when and if the cutting edge dulls. The length of the razor 112 is preferably less than the length of the top wall 110 and more preferably much shorter then the length of the top wall 110 so as to prevent an individual from making contact therewith. The razor blade 112 may be positioned at various locations on the top wall 110. In the preferred embodiment, the razor blade 112 is centrally positioned on the top wall 110.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the razor blade 112 is permanently mounted in the top wall 110. Any number of manufacturing techniques may be utilized to mount and securely hold the razor blade 112 in the top wall 110. As stated above, in an alternate embodiment, the razor blade 112 may be removably mounted to the top wall 110 to facilitate replacement. The razor blade may be removably mounted in any number of ways. As illustrated in Figure 2, the razor blade 212 may comprise a mounting flange 218 which is preferably secured to the top wall 210 via fastening devices. Preferably, the fastening devices are removable, for example, screws or the like.

Regardless of whether the razor blade is permanently or removably mounted to the top wall, the cutting surface of the razor blade preferably only extends from the surface of the top a distance sufficient to cut only the packaging material and not the container or package. Accordingly, different types of packaging materials may require different depths of cuts. In the case where the razor blade is permanently mounted, the depth of cut is set by the depth at which the razor blade is mounted in the top wall. As stated above, any number of manufacturing techniques may be utilized to permanently mount the razor blade 112 to the top 110. For example, the razor blade 112 may be inserted directly into the material forming the top wall 110 when the material is in a liquid or molten state. Alternately, the razor blade 112 may be mounted in a deformable material such as rubber or the like, which in turn would be mounted to the top wall 110. The deformable material may be mounted to the top wall 110 utilizing an adhesive or the like. Since the material is deformable, the razor blade 112 would give slightly during use. In the case when the razor blade is removably mounted, the depth may be adjusted by various means, including the use of spacers .

In yet another alternate embodiment, the packaging cutter of the present invention may comprise a depth setting mechanism. Figure 3 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a depth setting mechanism 320. The depth setting mechanism 320 comprises a cantilevered arm 322. The cantilevered arm 322 is connected to the top wall 310 and extends from the top wall 310 to a point such that its distal end 324 is even with or extends slightly past the razor blade 312. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end 324 extends slightly past the cutting surface of the razor blade 312 thereby providing extra protection for the user and preventing accidental or premature cutting of the packaging material . The cantilevered arm 322 may be formed from a flexible material such that when a downward pressure is applied during the use, the package or container forces the cantilevered arm 322 towards the top wall 310 thereby exposing the cutting surface of the razor blade 312 to the packaging material. The amount of force applied by the user determines how much of the cutting surface of the razor blade 312 is exposed which in turn determines the depth of the cut. The top wall 310 may comprise a recess 326 into which the cantilevered arm 322 may travel. The cantilevered arm 322 may be formed from any suitably flexible material which exhibits spring-like qualities and returns to its normally extended position when the downward force is removed. The cantilevered arm 322 may be attached to the top wall 312 in any number of ways depending on the materials utilized and the manner in which the packaging cutter is manufactured. The distal end 324 may comprise a lip 328 which allows the packaging cutter to be used in only a single direction. In this case, a directional arrow or some other indication of direction of use may be placed on one or more locations on the packaging cutter. The lip 328 may also be designed to allow the packaging cutter to be used in any direction.

In an alternate embodiment, the depth setting mechanism may comprise two cantilevered arms, one on each side of the razor blade to provide additional stability. In addition, the depth setting mechanism may be a modular unit which may be easily removed from the top wall. In yet another alternate embodiment, the depth setting mechanism and the cutting device together may be a modular unit which may be easily removed from the top wall .

As stated above, the packaging cutter of the present invention may be formed from any of a number of suitable materials. The type of materials selected may determine how the packaging cutter is fabricated. The packaging cutter may be fabricated in any number of ways including machining and injection moulding. The materials utilized and the method of fabrication will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant art.

The operation of the packaging cutter will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The intention, when using the present invention, is to bring the cutting device 412 proximate to the packaging material on the particular container 432, in this example a CD, and then cause the cutting device 412 to pierce or perforate the packaging. The perforating action may be assisted by a downward force manually applied to the packaging cutter 400 as indicated by .arrow 430. The cutting device 412 is caused to perforate the packaging and stop at the surface of the package 432. The cutting device 412 is not intended, nor should sufficient manual force be applied thereto, to perforate the package 432 itself or otherwise cause damage thereto.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the breaking point of the cutting device 412 may be limited to less than that of the package or container 432. In this embodiment, should the user apply excessive force, the cutting device 412 would give way prior to damaging the package 432. Other embodiments for setting the depth of the cut have been discussed above. After the cutting device 412 has perforated the packaging, the packaging cutter 400 is moved in a lateral direction, to the package 432, so as .to cut a line through the top of the packaging. The package 432 is thereafter removed from the interior with the packaging now sufficiently perforated so as to facilitate easy manual removal. It should be understood that the above steps may be modified, without departing from the intentions thereof which is to bring the cutting device 412 to the portion of the package 432 to be perforated and manually cause the cutting device to perforate that portion.

Although shown and described is what is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is apparent that departures from specific designs and methods described and shown will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is not restricted to the particular constructions described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cohere with all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A packaging cutter comprising: a body defining an interior volume in which a packaged container is positioned; and a cutting device housed within the body for perforating and cutting the packaging material of the packaged container.

2. The packaging cutter according to Claim 1, wherein the body comprises a top wall and first and second side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the top wall, the body formed as a unitary structure.

3. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2 , wherein the first and second side walls comprise tapered lips to facilitate insertion of the packaged container.

4. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2, wherein the first and second side walls are substantially parallel .

5. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2 , wherein the first and second side walls are tapered.

6. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2 , wherein the first and second side walls are concave.

7. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2 , wherein the body is formed from a plastic material.

8. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2, wherein the cutting device is permanently mounted in the top wall of the body.

9. The packaging cutter according to Claim 2, wherein the cutting device is removably mounted to the top wall of the body.

10. The packaging cutter according to Claim 8, wherein the cutting device is razor blade.

11. The packaging cutter according to Claim 9, wherein the cutting device comprises a razor blade and a flange for attachment to the top wall.

12. The packaging cutter according to Claim 1, further comprising a depth setting mechanism for setting the depth of cut for the cutting device.

13. A packaging cutter comprising: a body defining an interior volume in which a packaged container is positioned; a cutting device housed within the body for perforating and cutting the packaging material of the packaged container; and a depth setting mechanism mounted to the body for setting the depth of cut for the cutting device.

14. The packaging cutter according to Claim 13, wherein the body comprises a top wall and first and second side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the top wall, the body being formed as a unitary structure .

15. The packaging cutter according to Claim 14, wherein the cutting device is permanently mounted in the top wall of the body.

16. The packaging cutting according to Claim

14, wherein the cutting device is removably mounted to the top wall of the body.

17. The packaging cutter according to Claim

15, wherein the cutting device is a razor blade.

18. The packaging cutter according to Claim

16, wherein the cutting device comprises a razor blade and a flange for attachment to the top wall.

1 . The packaging cutter according to Claim 14, wherein the depth setting mechanism comprises a cantilevered arm having a proximate end operatively associated with the top wall and a distal end, the cantilevered arm extending from the top wall such that its distal end extends to a position at least equal to the position of the cutting device.

20. A method for cutting through the packaging material on a container, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a packaging cutter having a cutting device proximate to the packaging material of a container; perforating the packing material by applying a substantially downward force on the packaging cutter; and moving the packaging cutter across the packaging material of the container to cut through the packing material .