Method and apparatus for lubricating a shredding device

Abstract

A lubricant carrier is thin and sheet-like and comprises a body with at least one associated lubricant containing container. In one embodiment the body is defined by a pair of sheets and a the container is located between the sheets. The container extends across a width of the body from side-to-side. In use, the carrier is fed into a cutting element of a shredding device. The container is cut, releasing lubricant into direct contact with the cutting element. The remaining portion of the body when fed through the cutting element absorbs excess lubricant.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to shredding devices and, more particularly, methods of lubricating the cutting element of such a device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Paper shredders have long been used in business and government offices to shred documents to maintain the security of information. These shredders are often large industrial type shredders capable of shredding thousands of pages of documents per hour. [0003] In recent years, identity theft has become a significant problem, and small shredders have been developed and become popular for personal use. These shredders are generally portable and relatively inexpensive. [0004] Regardless of their application, paper shredders are generally of two types: strip cut and cross-cut. Both types of shredders employ a cutting element. Paper or other material is fed into the cutting element. Strip cut shredders cut the paper into long, thin strips, such as ¼″ or ⅛″ wide strips. Cross-cut shredders cut...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire width of the cutting element of a shredding device is lubricated by shredding of the lubricant carrier of the invention, greatly simplifying the task of lubricating the shredder.

Problems solved by technology

In recent years, identity theft has become a significant problem, and small shredders have been developed and become popular for personal use.

Unfortunately, this is an undesirable task and one which is often avoided or forgotten.

Most individuals find it an unpleasant task to have to take the time to find a bottle of lubricant and manually lubricate their shredder by carefully directing the correct amount of lubricant through the paper slot to the cutting head.

As a result, shredders are often inadequately lubricated, leading to their accelerated wear and breakdown.

Unfortunately, these and similar systems are relatively expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars, thus being as or more expensive than the actual shredder itself.

Thus, these systems are not particularly cost-effective for home use and not commonly used with personal shredders, thus not solving the lubrication problem for the average individual or office shredder user.

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