WO2014062958A2

WO2014062958A2 - A combined trimming and scoring tool

Info

Publication number: WO2014062958A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/065508
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wendi KNUTSEN; Angie WHITE; Eric Hales; Markus Long
Original assignee: Stampin' Up! Inc.
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2013-10-17
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Also published as: WO2014062958A3

Abstract

A combined trimming and scoring device. The device includes a base having a groove and a track having a slot substantially corresponding to the groove. In the slot are one or more cutter components and one or more scorer components. The slot includes an enlargement through which cutter and scorer components can be removed from or inserted into the slot. An extension arm is movably coupled to the base that allows for the capacity of the base to be expanded for larger articles that are to be cut and/or scored.

Description

A COMBINED TRIMMING AND SCORING TOOL

TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS:

Eric Hales, a citizen of the United States, whose post office address is 9217 North Mt. Airey Drive, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005; Markus Long, a citizen of the United States, whose post office address is 3003 Sioux Street, Eagle Mountain, Utah 84005; Wendi Knutsen a citizen of the United States, whose post office address is 1694 North 575 West, Centerville, Utah 84014; and Angie White a citizen of the United States, whose post office address is 9391 S Wild Clover Lane, West Jordan, Utah 84081, pray that letters patent be granted to them as inventors of A COMBINED TRIMMING AND SCORING TOOL as set forth in the following specification.

Priority

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application number 61/715279 filed October 17, 2012, and hereby incorporates the content of the same by reference.

Background

[0002] In scrapbooking, home decoration and other related arts and crafts, it is often necessary to score or cut the materials being used to create decorative and functional features. For example, scoring tools can be used to make decorative and functional features in paper crafting; gift wrapping; scrapbooking; card making; etc. A typical scoring tool cuts partway through a flat object creating a groove. The flat object can then be folded or broken along the groove creating two sections with clean edges.

[0003] The present invention in its various embodiments is a tool that can be utilized in both scoring and cutting. It is suitable for use with a wide variety of art and craft materials including but not limited to paper, cardboard, cardstock, plastic and vinyl. Aside from its ability to both score and cut an article, the present invention in its various embodiments also includes replaceable scoring and cutting components that allow a user to replace or interchange such parts without having to replace the entire device. Additionally, the present invention can include an extension arm that allows the tool to accommodate a wide variety of article sizes. These and other advantages over the prior art are realized in the present invention in its various embodiments.

Summary

[0004] A combined trimming and scoring device includes a base having a groove and a track having a slot substantially corresponding to the groove. In the slot, one or more cutter components and one or more scorer components are slidably secured. These components can be removed and inserted through an enlargement in the slot and are thereby replaceable. An extension arm is movably coupled to the base that allows for the capacity of the base to be expanded for larger articles that are to be cut and/or scored. In some embodiments, the base groove can include a protective groove piece. This groove piece can be removable. Thus, it protects the base from the scoring and cutting components and it can be replaced when worn or damaged or unusable. In certain embodiments, the extension arm features a raising mechanism. In one embodiment, this raising mechanism includes a base piece having one or more sloped ridges that correspond to one or more tabs on the arm. In other embodiments, the track is hingedly connected to the base making replacement of the component parts— e.g. the cutter and scorer components or the protective groove piece— easier.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a top view of a combined trimming and scoring tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cutter component and scoring component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cutter component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a scoring component according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool base and track according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool raising mechanism in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a combined trimming and scoring tool raising mechanism in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of an extension arm raising mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of an extension arm raising mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of an extension arm raising mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of an extension arm raising mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. Description of Illustrated Embodiments

[0020] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0021] Referring now to Figures 1-3, a combined trimming and scoring tool 100 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tool 100 includes a base 102, a track piece 104 and an extension arm 106.

[0022] The base 102 includes one or more guides 108, 109 that can be used to direct the item being cut in the proper orientation and grid lines 110 by which measurements can be made. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the extension arm 106 is shown in an open configuration. In Figure 2, the extension arm 106 is shown in a closed configuration.

[0023] The extension arm 106 shown in Figure 1 includes a guide extension 107 that corresponds to guides 108. The extension 107 allows a user to effectively expand the tool's 100 capacity to accommodate larger articles. For example, if a user is cutting or scoring a piece of paper that is longer than the length of the base 102, the paper's left-side edge could be held against guides 108 and 107 to ensure it is properly aligned. In this embodiment, guides 108, 109 include ruler marks 111 as a reference for measuring cutting/scoring positions. Extension arm 106 can also include ruler marks 113.

[0024] Base 102 can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, rubber, glass, wood and combinations thereof. Similarly, extension arm 106 can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, rubber, glass, wood and combinations thereof.

[0025] The combined trimming and scoring tool 100 can include one or more cutter component pieces 124 and one or more scorer component pieces 126 in the track 104. In this embodiment, the cutter 124 is inserted into the slot 122 through enlargement 115. As is better illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, as the cutter 124 is slid along the slot 122, the edges of the slot 122 engage grooves 128 in the cutter 124 thereby providing a slidable but snug fit. The cutter 124 includes a cutting protrusion 130 (which in this embodiment is a blade) that comes into contact with the article (e.g. cardstock; etc.) and cuts it as the cutter 124 is slid along the track 104 through slot 122.

[0026] If scoring is desired rather than cutting, a similar method of operation takes place. As depicted in Figure 6, scorer 126 is inserted into the slot 122 through enlargement 115. As the scorer 126 is slid along the slot 122, the edges of the slot 122 engage similar grooves 129 as are found in the cutter 124 providing a slidable but snug fit. Scorer 126 includes one or more small scoring protrusions 133 which similarly come into contact with the article as the scorer 126 is slid along the track 104 through slot 122 thereby scoring the article. In this embodiment, the scoring protrusion 133 is metal; but could be made of numerous other materials including but not limited to plastic, wood, glass, graphite, stone and combinations thereof. The cutters 124 and scorers 126 themselves can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, rubber, glass, wood and combinations thereof.

[0027] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, cutter 124 and scorer 126 also can include a connection mechanism 132 whereby they are more securely seated into slot 122. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism is a plastic snap tab that engages the top edge 117 of track 104.

Cutter 124 and scorer 126 can also include pointers 135 that allow a user to more precisely align the cuts/scores to be made with grid lines 110 and thereby measure the length of the cut or score. It is noted that in some embodiments, ruler or other measurement marks may be on the track 104 itself. Pointers 135 may similarly be aligned with them.

[0028] In one embodiment, the track 104 is made of a substantially clear hard plastic. Having a see through track 104 is advantageous in that it allows a user to assess the cut or score as the cutter 124 or scorer 126 moves along the article. However, in other embodiments, the track 104 may be opaque or substantially opaque or combinations of clear and opaque. Track 104 can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to plastic, rubber, glass, wood and combinations thereof.

[0029] The removability of the cutter 124 and scorer 126 is one advantage of the present invention in its various embodiments. In particular, should the blade 130 or scoring protrusion 133 become dull, broken or otherwise inoperable (e.g. through ongoing use or damage), the cutter 124 and/or scorer 126 can simply be removed and replaced with a new one. In some embodiments, different types, styles and/or sizes of blades or scoring protrusions may be desirable. In such circumstances, the present invention allows for these different types, styles and sizes of cutters and scorers to be easily interchangeable.

[0030] Referring to Figure 7, the track piece 104 can be attached to base 102 with a connection mechanism 125 such as a hinge. Base 102 can also include one or more locking mechanisms 120 which in this embodiment is a switch that engages a latch (not shown) with a hook 127 on track piece 104 when in a closed position (such that hook fits into opening 123). This allows a user to reorient the cutting tool 100 for transport, storage, etc. without the track piece 104 flapping around increasing its propensity to break.

[0031] With track 104 hingedly attached to base 102, a user can raise the track (as shown in Figure 7) to check cutting/scoring status. A hinged connection also allows for easy cutter 124 and scorer 126 removal as needed. Of course, it is noted that in some embodiments, instead of a hinge 125, it may be desirable to have the track 104 affixed to the base 102 with snap fit or similar mechanical or friction based connections that allow for removal of the track 104 as needed. Numerous mechanical and friction based connections suitable for use with the present invention would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0032] It is noted that the base 102 can also include a protective groove piece 103 that is substantially aligned with the cutting protrusion 130 and scoring protrusion 133 thus preventing permanent damage to the base 102 when the cutter 124 and/or scorer 126 are used. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the groove piece 103 is removable and corresponds to a larger channel in the base 102. This allows the groove piece to be replaced when worn. The groove piece 103 can be made from numerous materials including but not limited to plastic, rubber, hardened foam and combinations thereof.

[0033] Referring to Figures 8-9, the underside of base can include a storage compartment 112. In this embodiment, the storage compartment 112 is accessed through door 114 which could be coupled to the compartment 112 with hinges or other door connection mechanisms as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. The door 114 can be secured over the storage space with a locking mechanism 120 which in the illustrated embodiment is one or more locking tabs. The storage space can have a variety of partitions depending on need and desire. The base 102 can also include one or more feet 121 which in this case include non- skid pads.

[0034] As is best seen in Figures 8 and 9, base 102 can include a latching mechanism 154 for the extension arm 106. Arm 106 can also include a support leg 152 to further stabilize it while extended. Figure 8 shows the arm in a latched position. Figure 9 shows the arm in an unlatched position.

[0035] One advantage of the present invention in its various embodiments is that the top surface of the extension arm 106 is able to, in an open position, be substantially flush with the top surface of the base 102. Then, when in a closed position, the extension arm 106 is able to be secured underneath the top surface of the base 102. Figures 10-15 illustrates a raising mechanism 144 by which this accomplished according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The raising mechanism 144 includes a base piece 145 (Figure 12) with one or more sloped ridges 146 that correspond to tabs 148 on arm 106 (Figure 13). As the arm 106 swings around, the tabs 148 engage ridges 146 directing the arm 106 in an upward or downward direction depending on whether the arm 106 is being swung out or back in toward base 102. Arm 106 can be held in place by cap 150 (Figure 15); which can be further secured with a screw or similar fastening mechanism 156.

[0037] As best illustrated in Figure 10, when the extension arm 106 is in a closed position, the raising mechanism 144 sits deeper inside of it— meaning the extension arm 106 sits lower relative to the top surface of base 102 and can thus be secured on the underside of base 102. When the extension arm 106 is moved to an open configuration (Figure 11), the raising mechanism 144 lifts it the extension arm 106 until its top surface 160 is substantially flush with the top surface 162 of base 102 (as illustrated in Figure 1).

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A combined trimming and scoring device comprising

a) a base having a groove;

b) a track having a slot substantially corresponding to the groove and having an enlargement in the slot;

c) one or more cutter components in slidable communication with the slot and wherein the cutter component is removable and replaceable through the enlargement in the slot;

d) one or more scorer components in slidable communication with the slot and wherein the scorer component is removable and replaceable through the enlargement in the slot; and

e) an extension arm.

2) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 1 , further comprising a protective groove piece.

3) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 2, wherein the protective groove piece is removable.

4) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the cutter components include a blade.

5) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the scorer components include a protrusion.

6) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the extension arm further comprises a raising mechanism.

7) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 6, wherein the raising mechanism includes a base piece having one or more sloped ridges. 8) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 7, wherein the one or more sloped ridges correspond to one or more tabs on the arm. 9) The combined trimming and scoring device of claim 1 , wherein the track is hingedly connected to the base.