Scissors with case

Abstract

To provide scissors with a case which do not require an operation to open the scissors when used. [Solution] The disclosed scissors with case include a pair of scissors blades that can be opened and closed by being pivotally connected to a pivot shaft, and a case. Each of the pair of scissors blades has a blade on one side of the pivot shaft and a handle on the other side, with the handle having a main body extending on an extension of the one side. The case has a pair of case members that can be opened and closed by being pivotally connected at one end by a connecting member, and is attached to the pair of scissors blades with the connecting member facing the blade tips. Each of the pair of case members is guided by the main body of the corresponding scissors blade, so that the case can move between a position advanced toward the blades to accommodate the pair of scissors blades and prevent the blades from opening, and a position retracted toward the handle so that the connecting member overlaps the pivot shaft and opens and closes together with the pair of scissors blades. The case also includes an elastic member that biases the pair of case members in the direction of opening.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to scissors with a case that stores the blades when not in use. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, scissors of this type are known from the patent documents 1 and 2. The scissors described in patent document 1 protect the blades by attaching a tubular case with an open end to the scissors in a detachable manner. When attached, the tubular case houses the blades and restrains them from opening or closing. However, when the scissors are used, the case is removed from the scissors and is not always attached to the scissors. This has led to the problem that the case may not be near the scissors when needed, making it inconvenient to use.

[0003] In contrast, in the scissors described in Patent Document 2, a case is slidably attached to one of a pair of scissors pieces, and the blade can be stored by advancing the case toward the blade. When the case advances, it engages with a locking groove in the overlapping portion of the other scissors piece, thereby preventing the scissors pieces from opening. Conversely, by retracting the case toward the gripping portion, the blade can be exposed and the engagement with the locking groove is released, allowing the scissors pieces to be opened and closed. In this way, the scissors disclosed in Patent Document 2 are expected to eliminate the inconvenience of the case protecting the blades being always attached to the scissors, thereby eliminating the case and scissors becoming separated.

[0004] However, with the scissors described in Patent Document 2, if a user accidentally applies gripping force to the gripping section while the case is still slightly advanced from the gripping section toward the blades in an attempt to close the pair of open scissors, the case and the overlapping section come into contact, and a large force, amplified by the principle of leverage, is concentrated at the contact point, resulting in damage to the contact point. The invention described in Patent Document 3, developed by the same inventor as the present inventor, aims to solve this problem by providing scissors with a case that allows the case housing the blades to remain attached to the scissors even when the scissors are in use, and that will not be damaged by gripping force applied to close the scissors (see paragraph 0006 of the specification of Patent Document 3). The present inventor wondered whether it would be possible to realize scissors with a case that, as an improvement based on the invention described in Patent Document 3 without losing its advantages, does not require the user to open the scissors when using them, and that is easy to use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 03-10864 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-319339 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6085732 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To provide scissors with a case that can store blades and can be attached to the scissors even when the scissors are in use, and that does not incur damage to the case due to the gripping force used to close the scissors, and that does not require the operation of opening the scissors when using the scissors, making scissors easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems and achieve the above objects, a first aspect of the present invention provides scissors with a case, comprising a pair of scissors blades that can be opened and closed by being pivotally connected to a pivot shaft, and a case. Each of the pair of scissors blades has a blade on one side of the pivot shaft and a handle on the other side, and the handle has a main body extending on an extension of the one side. The case has a pair of case members that can be opened and closed by being pivotally connected at one end by a connecting member, and is attached to the pair of scissors blades with the connecting member facing the blade tips. Each of the pair of case members is guided by the main body of the corresponding one of the pair of scissors blades, so that the case can move between a position advanced toward the blades so as to house the blades of the pair of scissors and prevent the blades from opening, and a position retracted toward the handle so that the connecting member overlaps the pivot shaft and opens and closes together with the pair of scissors blades. The case further includes an elastic member that biases the pair of case members in a direction to open them.

[0008] With this configuration, each of the pair of case members can move along the trunk of the corresponding one of the pair of scissors pieces while being guided by the trunk. When the scissors are not in use, the case can be advanced toward the blades to house the blades and prevent them from opening. When the scissors are in use, the case can be retracted toward the grip, allowing the pair of scissors pieces to be opened and closed. In this way, the case that houses the blades can remain attached to the scissors even when the scissors are in use. Furthermore, even if the case is shifted forward from its retracted predetermined position, it may prevent the pair of scissors pieces from opening, but it does not prevent them from closing. Therefore, the case will not be damaged by the gripping force used to close the scissors.

[0009] Furthermore, because the pair of case members are biased in an opening direction by an elastic member, when the case is retracted toward the grip portion to use the scissors, the pair of scissors pieces open together with the pair of case members. This eliminates the need to open the scissors when using them, making operation of the scissors easier. Note that the phrase "encloses" the blades in the case includes, but is not limited to, completely covering the blades. For example, the case may have gaps or holes, as long as it is able to substantially enclose the blades so that the sharp portions of the blades are not exposed to external contact with the hands.

[0010] The second aspect of the present invention is a pair of scissors with a case according to the first aspect, further comprising a first anti-slip mechanism that, when the case is in the position advanced toward the blade, is engaged with at least one of the pair of scissors pieces, thereby preventing the case from advancing further from the position advanced toward the blade and coming out of the blade.

[0011] This configuration prevents the case from slipping off the blade.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is a pair of scissors with a case according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a second anti-slip mechanism that, when the case is in the position retracted toward the gripping portion, is engaged with at least one of the pair of scissors pieces, thereby preventing the case from retracting further from the position retracted toward the gripping portion and coming out of the gripping portion.

[0013] This configuration can prevent the case from slipping out of the grip.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the scissors with case according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises a beam-shaped spring provided in the trunk portion of at least one of the pair of scissors pieces in the form of an elastically bending cantilever beam, the beam-shaped spring locking the case so that it does not retract toward the grip portion from the position advanced toward the blade side. The base end of the beam-shaped spring is fixed to the corresponding trunk portion so as to follow the outer surface of the corresponding trunk portion and so that the tip faces the pivot shaft side. When the case is in the position advanced toward the blade side, the beam-shaped spring springs up due to elastic restoring force so that the tip faces the end face of the case on the grip portion side. When the user presses the beam-shaped spring with his or her fingers, the beam-shaped spring collapses and fits into the gap between the case and the corresponding trunk portion while remaining collapsed, allowing the case to move toward the grip portion side.

[0015] With this configuration, the case, which is in a position advanced toward the blade, is locked by the beam-shaped spring so that it does not retract toward the grip. This prevents the blade housed in the case from being unintentionally exposed. Furthermore, when retracting the case toward the grip, the locking by the beam-shaped spring can be released by pressing the beam-shaped spring with a finger.

[0016] The fifth aspect of the present invention is a pair of scissors with a case according to the fourth aspect, wherein the case has a spring retaining portion on the end face of the handle side that faces the tip of the beam-shaped spring, which retains the tip so as to prevent the tip from coming off the end face of the case and bouncing up further.

[0017] This configuration prevents the beam spring from coming off the end face of the case, thereby preventing the blade housed in the case from being unintentionally exposed.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a pair of scissors with a case according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the trunk of at least one of the pair of scissors pieces has a recess for accommodating the collapsed beam-shaped spring.

[0019] According to this configuration, the recess ensures a gap between the case and the scissors pieces in which the collapsed beam-shaped spring can be accommodated.

[0020] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a pair of scissors with a case according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the case has a retaining member on one of the pair of case members that holds down the other to prevent the pair of case members from twisting relative to each other due to the pressing force of the beam-shaped spring.

[0021] This configuration prevents the pair of case members from twisting relative to one another due to the pressing force of the beam-shaped spring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, the case for storing the blades can be attached to the scissors even when the scissors are in use, and the case will not be damaged by the gripping force used to close the scissors.In addition, there is no need to open the scissors when using them, and scissors with a case are realized that are easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of scissors with a case according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the case in an advanced position in which the blades are housed. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of scissors, which are the main body of the scissors with case shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the structure of the case of the scissors with case in FIG. 1, in which (a) is an external perspective view of the case, (b) is a partial AA cross-sectional view, and (c) is a partial BB cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the structure of the scissors with case in FIG. 1 when the case is in the forward position, where (a) is a plan view including a partial cross-section, and (b) is a partial CC cross-section. [Figure 5]2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the scissors with case of FIG. 1, showing the state when the case is in a retracted position retracted to the gripping part side. FIG. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the structure of the scissors with case in FIG. 1 when the case is in the retracted position, where (a) is a plan view including a partial cross-section, and (b) is a partial DD cross-section. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the structure of scissors with a case according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is an external perspective view and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a case included in scissors with a case according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of scissors with a case according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the outline of the case in an advanced position in which the blades are housed. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the structure of the case of the scissors with case in FIG. 9, where (a) is an external perspective view of the case, (b) is a partial EE cross-sectional view, (c) is a partial FF cross-sectional view, and (d) is a partial GG cross-sectional view. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first retaining mechanism of the scissors with case of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a photographic perspective view of a prototype of the scissors with case of FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] [Embodiment without elastic member] First, embodiments of the invention described in Patent Document 3 on which the present invention is based, i.e., embodiments without an elastic member, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Since it is possible to incorporate an elastic member into these embodiments, these embodiments will also be described as "embodiments of the present invention." FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of scissors with a case according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the case in an advanced position in which the blades are housed. This scissors with a case 101 includes scissors 1, which form the main body, and a case 3 attached to the scissors 1. As will be described in detail later, the case 3 is slidable back and forth along the scissors 1. The case 3 is, for example, cylindrical with an open tip (see FIG. 4, described later), and functions as a case for housing the blades when it is in an advanced position toward the blades of the scissors 1, as shown in FIG. 1. In this state, the blades of the scissors 1 are restrained by the case 3 so as not to open. When the scissors 1 are not in use, the blades can be housed in the case 3, as shown in FIG. 1, to keep the scissors 1 safe.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of scissors 1. Scissors 1 have a pair of scissors pieces 13, 15 that can be opened and closed by being pivotally connected to pivot shaft 11. Scissor pieces 13, 15 have blades 17, 19 on one side 16 of pivot shaft 11 and grips 21, 23 on the other side 20. On the other side (i.e., the grip side) 20, scissors pieces 13, 15 have trunk parts 25, 27 that extend on an extension of one side (i.e., the blade side) 16, and finger hooks 29, 31 that are connected to trunk parts 25, 27. In the example shown in FIG. 2, finger hooks 29, 31 protrude from the rear ends of trunk parts 25, 27 in the direction in which trunk parts 25, 27 open, and are close to trunk parts 25, 27 at a location near pivot shaft 11 with gaps 33, 35 between them. The finger hooks 29, 31 have claws 37, 39 at locations close to the main bodies 25, 27, and these claws 37, 39 face the main bodies 25, 27 with gaps 33, 35 between them. As an example of the materials of each component, the blades 17, 19 are made of metal such as stainless steel, the main bodies 25, 27 are made of plastic with the bases of the blades 17, 19 embedded inside, and the finger hooks 29, 31 are made of plastic and molded integrally with the plastic parts of the main bodies 25, 27.

[0026] The trunk portion 25 is further provided with a leaf spring 41. The leaf spring 41 is embedded and fixed in the trunk portion 25 so that its base end is aligned along the outer surface of the trunk portion 25 and its tip faces the pivot shaft 11. The leaf spring 41 is a spring provided in the trunk portion 25 in the form of a cantilever beam that elastically bends and deforms, and corresponds to a specific example of a beam-shaped spring of the present invention. The leaf spring 41 functions as a locking member that locks the case 3 in the forward position, with its tip facing the rear end face of the case 3. In its natural state, the leaf spring 41 stands slightly upright from the surface of the trunk portion 25, allowing it to be easily collapsed by finger pressure. A groove-like recess 43 is formed on the surface of the trunk portion 25 to accommodate the collapsed leaf spring 41. Furthermore, a recess 44 with an arc-shaped cross section that can accommodate a finger is formed on the surface of the trunk portions 25, 27 to more easily collapse the leaf spring 41 with a finger. The leaf spring 41 is made of metal, for example.

[0027] FIG. 3(a) is an external perspective view of case 3, FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of case 3 taken along section line AA, and FIG. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of case 3 taken along section line BB. Case 3 includes a pair of case members 7 and 9, which are pivotally connected at one end by a connector 5, allowing them to be opened and closed. As illustrated in FIG. 3(b), the pair of case members 7 and 9 are elongated frames with a generally U-shaped cross section, each having an open top surface facing each other and a bottom wall and side walls connected to both ends of the bottom wall. When closed, they form a rectangular cylindrical shape that can accommodate blades 17 and 19 in a closed state. For example, the connector 5 includes a pair of members arranged on both side walls of the ends of the pair of case members 7 and 9. Each of these members includes a plate-like member 50 and a pin 51 protruding from one main surface of the plate-like member 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3(c). The plate-like body 50 is connected to one of the pair of case members 7, 9, for example, an end portion of the case member 7, and a pin 51 is loosely inserted into a through-hole 53 formed in the end portion of the other case member 9, thereby rotatably connecting the pair of case members 7, 9. These connecting members are made of plastic, for example, and the plate-like body 50 is fixed to the end portion of the case member 7 by, for example, adhesive.

[0028] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the structure of scissors with case 101 when case 3 is in the forward position, with (a) being a plan view of scissors with case 101 including a cross-section of case 3, and (b) being a cross-section of a portion of scissors with case 101 taken along cutting line CC. Case 3 is attached to scissors 1 so that blades 17, 19 pass through it and with connecting portion 5 facing the blade tip. Handle side 20 of pair of scissors pieces 13, 15 has trunk portions 25, 27 extending on an extension of blade side 16. Furthermore, gaps 33, 35 are formed between trunk portions 25, 27 and finger hooks 29, 31. Therefore, case 3 can slide back and forth along blades 17, 19 and trunk portions 25, 27 while being sandwiched and guided by gaps 33, 35.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, when case 3 is in a position advanced toward blade side 16 and blades 17, 19 are housed, the cutting edges are recessed inward from the tip of case 3 but are located near connecting portion 5. Therefore, even if fingers are placed on finger hooks 29, 31 and force is applied to open pair of scissors pieces 13, 15, the cutting edges abut against the inner wall surface of case 3 near connecting portion 5, and no large moment is generated to open case 3. Because the rear end portion, which is the end that opens and closes of case 3, is held down by claw portions 37, 39 of finger hooks 29, 31, case 3 cannot be opened even if an opening force is applied to case 3 by the cutting edges. In other words, when case 3 is in the advanced position, it houses blades 17, 19 and functions to prevent them from opening.

[0030] Projections 55, 57 are formed near the rear end of the case 3 to engage with the claws 37, 39 to prevent the case 3 from advancing further toward the cutting edge and slipping off the blades 17, 19. The projections 55, 57 correspond to a specific example of the first engagement portion of the present invention and are formed on the outer surfaces of the bottom walls of the case members 7, 9. To prevent the claws 37, 39 from escaping from the projections 55, 57, the surfaces where the projections abut against each other, i.e., the rear end surfaces of the claws 37, 39 and the front end surfaces of the projections 55, 57, are both formed perpendicular to the sliding direction of the case 3. Conversely, when attaching the case 3 to the scissors 1, the projections 55, 57 easily push the claws 37, 39 open (i.e., the gaps 33, 35 become larger), making it easier to attach the case 3. To this end, the front end surfaces of the claws 37, 39 and the rear end surfaces of the projections 55, 57 are, for example, inclined relative to the sliding direction of the case 3 or have an arc-shaped cross section. The finger hooks 29, 31, which protrude from the main bodies 25, 27 and have a sort of cantilever structure, are capable of a certain degree of elastic deformation, so that the claws 37, 39 can be pushed open by the protrusions 55, 57, which move from the blade side 16 to the handle side 20. Furthermore, if the fingers of both hands are placed on the finger hooks 29, 31 instead of just one hand, and a force far greater than the normal force used when using the scissors 1 is applied in the opening direction, the gaps 33, 35 between the claws 37, 39 and the main bodies 25, 27 open, releasing the engagement of the claws 37, 39 and allowing the attached case 3 to be removed from the scissors 1. In this way, the case 3 can also be removed from the scissors 1 by performing a special operation.

[0031] Conversely, to prevent the case 3 from unintentionally retracting from the forward position of the blade side 16, the leaf spring 41 is provided on the trunk portion 25, as described above. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(b), the tip of the leaf spring 41 faces the rear end face of the case 3, thereby locking the case 3 in the forward position. To ensure a wide surface for receiving the tip of the leaf spring 41, the rear ends of the pair of case members 7 and 9 are formed with protrusions 63, 65, 67, and 69 that stand upright from the side walls (see FIG. 3). The four protrusions 63, 65, 67, and 69 are provided so that the case 3 can be attached to the scissors 1 in any orientation and to ensure symmetry for design reasons. Furthermore, the leaf springs 41 can be provided in multiple locations.

[0032] Additional protrusions 59, 61 that engage with the claws 37, 39 are formed near the rear end of the case 3. The protrusions 59, 61 correspond to a specific example of a second locking portion of the present invention and are formed on the outer surfaces of the bottom walls of the case members 7, 9. The surfaces of the protrusions 59, 61 are curved, for example, with an arc-shaped cross section. Therefore, by pinching the case 3 between fingers and pushing it rearward with a certain amount of force, the claws 37, 39 can be pushed open, releasing the locking by the claws 37, 39. In this way, the protrusions 59, 61 allow the case 3 to maintain its forward position even without the leaf spring 41. In contrast, the leaf spring 41 prevents the case 3 from moving backward even when a force stronger than the force required to release the locking state between the protrusions 59, 61 and the claws 37, 39 acts on the case 3. The protrusions 59, 61 also function to push the claws 37, 39 apart when the case 3 is moved forward from the backward position to the forward position. When case 3 reaches the forward position, claws 37, 39 return to their original state. Accordingly, the finger operating to move case 3 forward feels the resistance of claws 37, 39 and the sensation that the resistance is released when the forward position is reached. This allows the user to recognize that case 3 has correctly reached the forward position.

[0033] FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the scissors with case 101 when the case 3 is in a position retracted toward the grip side 20 of the scissors 1. FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the scissors with case 101 when the case 3 is in the retracted position. (a) is a plan view of the scissors with case 101 including a cross-sectional view of the case 3, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the scissors with case 101 taken along the DD section line. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the case 3 is in the retracted position, the connecting portion 5 of the case 3 overlaps with the pivot shaft 11 of the scissors 1. This allows the pair of case members 7 and 9 to open and close together with the pair of scissors pieces 13 and 15. Slit-like notches 111 and 112 are formed at the tip of the case 3 to prevent the opening blades 17 and 19 from interfering with the case 3 (see also FIG. 4). The notches 111 and 112 are formed in the bottom walls of the pair of case members 7 and 9, extending from the tip to a certain depth.

[0034] When the case 3 is in the retracted position, the pair of case members 7, 9 cover the trunk portions 25, 27, so the user can open and close the scissors 1 by inserting their fingers into the cavities 71, 73 formed by the case members 7, 9 and the finger rests 29, 31. When the case 3 is in the retracted position, the case members 7, 9 directly bear the force of the user's fingers, instead of the trunk portions 25, 27. In other words, the case 3 forms part of the grips 21, 23 when in the retracted position. Even if the case 3 is shifted forward from the retracted position, the case 3 is free to move in the closing direction, and there is nothing to obstruct its movement. Therefore, unlike the prior art described in Patent Document 2, the case 3 will not be damaged by the gripping force exerted when trying to close the scissors 1.

[0035] 5 and 6, plate-like protrusions 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, and 89 are formed on the case members 7 and 9 to sandwich the finger hooks 29 and 31 so that the contours of the cavities 71 and 73 form a curve that smoothly connects the case members 7 and 9 to the finger hooks 29 and 31. This makes the contours of the cavities 71 and 73 easy to fit around the fingers of the user. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 6, the plate-like protrusions 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, and 89 are formed as extensions of the side walls of the case members 7 and 9.

[0036] 6(b), when the case 3 is in the retracted position, the leaf spring 41 is collapsed and housed in a groove-like recess 43 formed in the surface of the trunk portion 25. In this way, a gap that accommodates the collapsed leaf spring 41 is formed between the case 3 and the trunk portion 25 to which the leaf spring 41 is attached, so that the leaf spring 41 can be collapsed to slide the case 3 from the forward position to the retracted position.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of scissors with a case according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an external perspective view and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view. In this pair of scissors with a case 102, a recess 91 capable of accommodating the tip of the leaf spring 41 is formed on the rear end surface of the case 3, which faces the leaf spring 41. As a result, even if excessive compressive force is applied to the leaf spring 41, the tip of the leaf spring 41 remains within the recess 91, preventing it from coming off the rear end surface of the case 3 and bouncing up. In the example of FIG. 7, the ceiling of the recess 91 corresponds to a specific example of a spring retainer of the present invention that prevents the tip of the leaf spring 41 from bouncing up. Instead of forming the recess 91, a protrusion that prevents the tip of the leaf spring 41 from bouncing up may be formed on the rear end surface of the case 3. In this case, this protrusion corresponds to a spring retainer of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a case included in a pair of scissors with a case according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Case 93 according to this embodiment has a retaining member 95 formed on one side wall of a pair of case members 97, 99 to prevent the other side wall from lifting up. In the example shown in FIG. 8, retaining member 95 is plate-shaped. As shown in FIG. 6, when case 3 is in the retracted position, leaf spring 41 exerts a pressing force that pushes up one case member 7. As a result, a step may occur between the side walls of the pair of case members 7, 9. In other words, a type of twist may occur between case members 7, 9. Retaining member 95 shown in FIG. 8 prevents case member 97 from lifting up relative to case member 99 and functions to align the side walls flush with each other.

[0039] 4 and 6 may have only one of the protrusions 55 and 57. Similarly, only one of the protrusions 59 and 61 may be provided. The beam-shaped spring of the present invention may take various forms, such as not only the leaf spring 41 shown as an example, but also a metal wire such as a piano wire, or a plastic rod-shaped body formed integrally with the trunk portion 25.

[0040] [Embodiment with elastic member] An embodiment of the invention based on the invention described in Patent Document 3, i.e., an embodiment with an elastic member, will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Details of matters that can be inferred from what has been described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 will not be described in detail. Figure 9 is an external perspective view of scissors with a case according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the case in an extended position for storing the blades. Scissors 201 of this case-attached scissors 103 are configured by removing finger restraints 29, 31 from grips 21, 23 of scissors 1 (see Figure 2), while leaving main bodies 25, 27. Guided by main bodies 25, 27, case 203 can move between a position advanced toward blade side 16 to prevent blades 17, 19 from opening, and a position retracted toward grip side 20 to open and close together with pair of scissors pieces 13, 15. Engagement grooves 211, 213 that engage with case 203 are formed in main bodies 25, 27 along the direction of extension of main bodies 25, 27.

[0041] The trunk portion 27 is further provided with a leaf spring 241. The leaf spring 241 is embedded and fixed in the trunk portion 27 so that its base end is along the outer surface of the trunk portion 27 and its tip faces away from the pivot shaft 11, i.e., faces in the opposite direction from the leaf spring 41. The leaf spring 241 is a spring provided in the trunk portion 27 in the form of a cantilever beam that elastically bends and deforms. In its natural state, the leaf spring 241 stands slightly upright from the surface of the trunk portion 27 and collapses when a force is applied from above. A groove-shaped recess 243 is formed in the surface of the trunk portion 27 to accommodate the collapsed leaf spring 241. The leaf spring 241 is made of metal, for example. The leaf spring 241 and the recess 243 correspond to a specific example of the components of the first retaining mechanism of the present invention, which prevents the case 203 from moving further forward and coming off the blades 17, 19 when the case 203 is in a position advanced toward the blade side 16 as shown in the illustration. The functions of the leaf spring 241 and the recess 243 will be described later.

[0042] In the example shown in Fig. 9, the gripping parts 21, 23 have, in addition to the trunk parts 25, 27, protrusions 229, 231 that protrude from the rear end of the trunk parts 25, 27 in the direction in which the trunk parts 25, 27 open. When the case 203 is in a position retracted toward the gripping part side 20 of the scissors 1, the protrusions 229, 231 abut against the rear end 204 of the case 203, thereby preventing the case 203 from further retracting and coming out of the gripping parts 21, 23. In other words, the protrusions 229, 231 correspond to a specific example of the second retaining mechanism of the present invention. The trunk parts 25, 27 and the protrusions 229, 231 are, for example, made of plastic and integrally molded.

[0043] 10 illustrates the structure of the case 203 of the case-equipped scissors 103, with (a) being an external perspective view of the case 203, (b) being a partial EE cross-sectional view, (c) being a partial FF cross-sectional view, and (d) being a partial GG cross-sectional view. The case 203 has a pair of case members 207, 209, which are pivotally connected at one end (front end 206) by a connecting portion 5, allowing them to be opened and closed. The case 203 also has an elastic member 220 that biases the pair of case members 207, 209 in a direction to open them. An elastic member housing chamber 221 that houses the elastic member 220 is provided near the front end 206 of each of the pair of case members 207, 209.

[0044] It is also possible to make it so that when the case 203 is in a position retracted toward the gripping portion side 20 of the scissors 1, the front end 206 of the case 203 abuts against the front ends of the trunk portions 25, 27 (see FIG. 9), thereby preventing the case 203 from further retracting and coming out of the gripping portions 21, 23. In this case, the abutting front end 206 of the case 203 and the front ends of the trunk portions 25, 27 correspond to a specific example of the second retaining mechanism of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the pair of case members 207, 209 are elongated frames with a generally U-shaped cross section, each having an open top surface facing each other and a bottom wall and side walls connected to both ends of the bottom wall. When closed, the case members 207, 209 form a rectangular cylindrical cross section that can accommodate the blades 17, 19 in the closed state. The blade storage chamber 223 stores the blades 17, 19 when the case 203 advances toward the blade side 16, and stores the trunk portions 25, 27 when the case 203 retreats toward the handle side 20. Near the front end 206, the case members 207, 209 have an elastic member storage chamber 221 in addition to the blade storage chamber 223. FIG. 10(b) particularly illustrates the cross-sectional structure of the case members 207, 209 (e.g., case member 207) near the front end 206.

[0046] Returning to Figure 10(a), the pair of case members 207, 209 have protrusions 251, 253 at their rear end 204. The protrusions 251, 253 protrude from one open end of the blade storage chamber 223 toward the other open end across the opening so as to engage with engagement grooves 211, 213 (see Figure 9) provided in the trunk parts 25, 27 of the scissors 201. As a result, the pair of case members 207, 209 are restrained by the pair of trunk parts 25, 27 in both the opening and closing directions, and are guided by the pair of trunk parts 25, 27 along their extending directions.

[0047] An engagement hole 261 is provided near the rear end 204 of the case member 209. The engagement hole 261 is formed as a hole that penetrates the side wall of the blade storage chamber 223. The engagement hole 261 engages with a leaf spring 241 (see FIG. 9) provided on the main body 27, thereby preventing the case 203 from moving forward excessively and coming off the blades 17, 19.

[0048] As an example, the connecting portion 5 has a pair of members arranged on both side walls of the front end portion 206 of the pair of case members 207, 209, and each of these members has a plate-like body 50 and a pin 51 protruding from one main surface of the plate-like body 50, as illustrated in FIG. 10( c). The plate-like body 50 is connected to one of the pair of case members 207, 209, for example, the front end portion 206 of the case member 207, and the pin 51 is loosely inserted into a through-hole 53 formed in the front end portion 206 of the other case member 209, thereby rotatably connecting the pair of case members 207, 209. These connecting members are made of plastic, for example, and the plate-like body 50 is fixed to the case member 207 by, for example, adhesive.

[0049] 10(c) and 10(d), an elastic member 220 is housed in each of the elastic member housing chambers 221 so as to bias the pair of case members 207, 209 in an opening direction. In the illustrated example, the elastic member 220 is a torsion spring, and is arranged so that the ends of both arms are located at the corners of the elastic member housing chamber 221. This prevents the elastic member 220 from falling out of the elastic member housing chamber 221. When the case 203 is retracted toward the grip side 20, the pair of scissor pieces 13, 15 and the pair of case members 207, 209 become openable and closable. At this time, the movement of the case members 207, 209 in the opening direction biased by the elastic member 220 is transmitted to the scissor pieces 13, 15 through the mutually engaging projections 251, 253 and engaging grooves 211, 213, and the scissor pieces 13, 15 open together with the case members 207, 209. FIG. 12, which will be described later, illustrates this situation. It is also possible to limit the maximum angle at which the case members 207 and 209 can open. To achieve this, for example, the case members 207 and 209 can be easily configured to limit the angle at which they can open relative to each other. Alternatively, this can be achieved by selecting an elastic member 220 that opens to a desired angle in its natural state.

[0050] 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first retaining mechanism of the case-attached scissors 103. As illustrated in FIG. 11(a), when the case 203 is in a position advanced toward the blade side 16 (see FIG. 9), the engagement hole 261 provided in the case member 209 is located above the leaf spring 241. At this time, the leaf spring 241 springs up due to its elastic restoring force and enters the engagement hole 261. As a result, even if an attempt is made to advance the case 203 further toward the blade side 16, the tip of the leaf spring 241 abuts against the side wall surface of the engagement hole 261 in the retreating direction, preventing the case 203 from advancing. In other words, the engagement of the leaf spring 241 with the engagement hole 261 prevents the case 203 from advancing and coming off the blades 17, 19. In the illustrated example, similar to FIG. 7, a recess 291 capable of accommodating the tip of the leaf spring 241 is formed on the side wall surface in the retracting direction of the engagement hole 261 with which the tip of the leaf spring 241 abuts.

[0051] When removing case 203 from scissors 201 for repair or the like, leaf spring 241 can be collapsed by inserting a wire or the like into engagement hole 261 and pressing leaf spring 241. This releases the engagement between leaf spring 241 and engagement hole 261, allowing case 203 to be moved forward and removed from scissors 201.

[0052] When the case 203 is retracted toward the grip portion side 20, the leaf spring 241 is pressed by the edge of the engagement hole 261 of the case member 209 in the forward direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the leaf spring 241 falls down and fits into the recess 243. In this way, the leaf spring 241 does not prevent the case 203 from retracting. Note that although a mechanism using the leaf spring 241 has been shown as an example of the first retaining mechanism, other mechanisms such as a general ratchet mechanism can also be used.

[0053] Figure 12 is a photographic perspective view of a prototype of scissors with case 103. When case 203 is retracted toward gripper side 20 of scissors 201, scissors 201 automatically open due to the action of elastic member 220, as shown in the example shown. Since there is no need to open scissors 201 when cutting an object, scissors operation is simple. Furthermore, since finger hooks 29, 31 (see Figure 2) are not required, the structure of gripper parts 21, 23 can be simplified, as shown in the example shown.

[0054] It is possible to incorporate the elastic member 220 not only in the scissors with case 103 but also in the scissors with case 101, 102. For example, this can be achieved by providing an elastic member accommodating chamber 221 similar to that of case 203 in the case 3 of scissors with case 101, 102, and accommodating the elastic member 220 in the elastic member accommodating chamber 221. This achieves scissors with case 101, 102 that are easy to operate and do not require the operation of opening scissors 1 when cutting an object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 scissors, 3 case, 5 connecting portion, 7, 9 case member, 11 pivot shaft, 13, 15 scissors piece, 16 one side (blade side), 17, 19 blade, 20 other side (handle side), 21, 23 handle, 25, 27 trunk, 29, 31 finger hook portion, 33, 35 gap, 37, 39 claw portion, 41 leaf spring (beam-shaped spring), 43, 44 recess, 50 plate-shaped body, 51 pin, 53 through hole, 55, 57 protrusion (first locking portion), 59, 61 protrusion (second locking portion), 63, 65, 67, 69 protrusion, 71, 73 cavity, 75,77,79,81, 83,85,87,89 Protrusion (plate-shaped protrusion), 91 Recess, 93 Case, 95 Retaining member, 97,99 Case member, 101,102,103 Scissors with case, 111,112 Notch, 201 Scissors, 203 Case, 204 Rear end, 206 Front end, 207,209 Case member, 211,213 Engagement groove, 220 Elastic member, 221 Elastic member accommodating chamber, 223 Blade accommodating chamber, 229,231 Protrusion, 241 Plate spring, 243 Recess, 251,253 Protrusion, 261 Engagement hole.

Claims

1. The scissors are provided with a pair of scissors pieces that can be opened and closed by being rotatably connected to a rotating shaft, and a case; Each of the pair of scissors pieces has a blade on one side of the pivot shaft and a grip part on the other side, and the grip part has a trunk part extending on an extension line of the one side, The case has a pair of case members that can be opened and closed by pivotally connecting one end of the case member with a connecting portion, and is attached to the pair of scissors pieces with the connecting portion facing the cutting edges, The case is movable between a position where each of the pair of case members is advanced toward the blades so as to house the blades of the pair of scissors pieces and prevent the blades from opening by being guided by the body portion of the corresponding one of the pair of scissors pieces, and a position where the connecting portion overlaps with the pivot shaft so as to retract toward the grip portion so as to open and close together with the pair of scissors pieces, The scissors with case, wherein the case further includes an elastic member that biases the pair of case members in a direction in which they open.

2. The scissors with case are The scissors with case according to claim 1, further comprising a first anti-slip mechanism that, when the case is in the position advanced toward the blade, engages with at least one of the pair of scissors pieces, thereby preventing the case from moving further forward from the position advanced toward the blade and coming out of the blade.

3. The scissors with case are The scissors with case described in claim 1 further comprises a second anti-slip mechanism that, when the case is in the position retracted toward the gripping portion, engages with at least one of the pair of scissors pieces, thereby preventing the case from further retracting from the position retracted toward the gripping portion and coming out of the gripping portion.

4. The scissors further include a beam-shaped spring provided in the trunk of at least one of the pair of scissors pieces in the form of a cantilever beam that is elastically bent and deformed, and the beam-shaped spring locks the case so that it does not move back toward the gripping portion from the position where it has advanced toward the blades, The scissors with case described in claim 1, wherein the base end of the beam-shaped spring is fixed to the corresponding trunk portion so that it follows the outer surface of the corresponding trunk portion and the tip faces the pivot axis, and when the case is in the position advanced toward the blade, the beam-shaped spring bounces up due to elastic restoring force so that the tip faces the end face of the case on the handle side, and when the user presses the beam-shaped spring with their fingers, the beam-shaped spring collapses and fits into the gap between the case and the corresponding trunk portion while remaining collapsed, thereby allowing the case to move toward the handle side.

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