Handheld cutter tool with lock assembly

Abstract

A handheld cutter tool may include a blade assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, and may include a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, and may include a first handle and a second handle, a ratchet assembly which may operably couple the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly may close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle, and a lock assembly which may be operably coupled to the handle assembly. The lock assembly may define an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

Description

[0001] AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0002] HANDHELD CUTTER TOOL WITH LOCK ASSEMBLY

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Example embodiments generally relate to hand tools, and more particularly, relate to a handheld cutter tool having a lock assembly.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Handheld cutter tools may be used in numerous settings to cut material for varying purposes. Scissors, snips, bolt cutters, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe cutters, yard trimmers, loppers, shears, pruners, ratcheting cutters, etc. are all commonly used variations of handheld cutter tools that may each be suited / designed for their own unique cutting tasks. Many handheld cutter tools are larger and may require the operator to use both hands to operate the tool, but some other forms of handheld cutter tools may be designed to be operated by a single hand of the operator. Single handed handheld cutter tools may include various features that may enable the tool to be operated with greater ease, such as smaller handles or more complex pivot mechanisms to reduce the amount of force needed to operate the tool. In some cases, it may be helpful to lock the handheld cutter tool in various orientations and positions, especially when operating the handheld cutter tool with a single hand. As such, it may be desirable to design a handheld cutter tool with an improved lock assembly that may be capable of locking the handheld cutter tool into various different orientations, which may increase the efficiency of the handheld cutter tool.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0008] Some example embodiments may provide for a handheld cutter tool. The handheld cutter tool may include a blade assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly may include a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade may be pivotable about a first pivot axis, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly may include a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle may be pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a ratchet assembly which may operably couple the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly may be configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 handle about the second pivot axis, and a lock assembly which may be operably coupled to the handle assembly. The lock assembly may define an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

[0009] Some example embodiments may provide for a lock assembly for a handheld cutter tool. The handheld cutter tool may include a blade assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly may include a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade may be pivotable about a first pivot axis, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly may include a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle may be pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and a ratchet assembly which may operably couple the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly may be configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle about the second pivot axis. The lock assembly may include a base plate, and the base plate may define an engagement profile, and a locking tab which may be slidably operably coupled to the first handle and configured to engage with the base plate at the engagement profile. The lock assembly may define an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a handheld cutter tool according to an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the handheld cutter tool in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the handheld cutter tool according to an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a close up front view of a blade assembly of the handheld cutter tool according to an example embodiment; AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in a closed position of the locked state according to an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in the unlocked state according to an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in a range limiting position of the locked state according to an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in the range limiting position of the locked state according to an example embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a close up front view of a lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in the range limiting position of the locked state according to an example embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in the unlocked state according to an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a close up front view of the lock assembly of the handheld cutter tool in an open position of the locked state according to an example embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a close up perspective view of the handheld cutter tool with the locking tab moved for visibility according to an example embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a close up perspective view of the handheld cutter tool according to an example embodiment; and

[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the first handle of the handheld cutter tool according to an example embodiment.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0028] Additionally, as used herein, terminology such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” when used to refer to variability of parameters, should be understood to be AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 definite approximations that account for variations in measurements that cannot be, or as one of skill in the art would appreciate, normally are not, measured precisely. Thus, for example, a parameter that is “about,” “approximately” or “substantially” a given value or a given characteristic should be understood to be sufficiently close to the given value or given characteristic such that performance of the object or product to which the parameter applies, from the perspective of one with ordinary skill in the art, is the same as though the object or product had precisely the given value or characteristic.

[0029] Some example embodiments may therefore provide a handheld cutter tool that may include a lock assembly. The lock assembly may positively lock the handheld cutter tool into various different positions. The lock assembly may be disposed at a handle assembly of the handheld cutter tool proximate to where the operator’s hand may be disposed during use, which may enable one handed operation of the lock assembly and the handheld cutting tool. In some cases, the lock assembly may be transitioned between an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly. In this regard, the locked state may include positions where movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely inhibited (i.e. no movement of the handle assembly may be allowed) and some other positions where movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may only be partially inhibited (i.e. some limited movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be allowed).

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a handheld cutter tool 100 may be shown in perspective view, front view and left side view, respectively, in accordance with an example embodiment. In the example embodiment depicted herein, the handheld cutter tool 100 may be a ratcheting type cutter tool. In this regard, the handheld cutter tool 100 may include a blade assembly 110, a handle assembly 120, a ratchet assembly 130, and a lock assembly 140. The blade assembly 110 may be disposed at a first end 102 of the tool 100, which may be at an opposite end of the tool 100 from the handle assembly 120 which may be disposed at a second end 104 of the tool 100. In some cases, the blade assembly 110 may include a first blade 112 and a second blade 114. The first blade 112 may be pivotably operably coupled to the second blade 114, and the second blade 114 may be pivotable / rotatable about a first pivot axis 150 and relative to the first blade 112 to perform a cutting action on an object disposed between the first and second blades (112, 114) in the cutting orifice 116. AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0031] In the example embodiment depicted herein in which the handheld cutter tool 100 is a ratcheting cutter tool, the second blade 114 may ratchet closed in small increments towards the first blade 112 via the ratchet assembly 130 which may be driven by actuation of the handle assembly 120. Therefore, the cutting orifice 116 may decrease in size as the second blade 114 may ratchet towards the first blade 112 until the second blade 114 reaches the object disposed within the cutting orifice 116. At this point, the second blade 114 may begin to cut through the object disposed within the cutting orifice 116 as the second blade 114 continues to ratchet towards the first blade 112. Responsive to the second blade 114 ratcheting entirely through the object, the cutting orifice 116 may be closed since the second blade 114 may have ratcheted past the first blade 112. As such, the handheld cutter tool 100 may reduce the amount of force needed to be applied to the handle assembly 120 to operate the blade assembly 110. Accordingly, the handheld cutter tool 100 of some cases may be used to cut heavy gauge wires or cables to produce a clean cut through the cable without requiring the operator to apply excessively large amounts of force.

[0032] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the first pivot axis 150 may be disposed at the first end 102 of the tool 100, and therefore, the second blade 114 may be operably coupled to the first blade 112 at the first end 102 as well. This may enable the ratchet assembly 130 to be disposed between the handle assembly 120 and the blade assembly 110, and may thus enable the ratchet assembly 130 to drive the second blade 114 in the direction of arrow 118 (see FIG. 2) about the first pivot axis 150. In the embodiment described herein, the first pivot axis 150 may be disposed on an opposite side of the cutting orifice 116 from the handle assembly 120, but this may not be the case in every example embodiment. In this regard, a perimeter of the cutting orifice 116 may be completely bordered by the first and second blades (112, 114), but in some other cases the cutting orifice 116 may not be enclosed on all sides.

[0033] In some cases, the handle assembly 120 may be disposed at the second end 104 of the handheld cutter tool 100. The handle assembly 120 may include a first handle 122 and a second handle 124, and the first handle 122 may be pivotable about a second pivot axis 160 relative to the second handle 124, which may remain fixed in some cases. In an example embodiment, the second pivot axis 160 may be disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis 150. The second pivot axis 160, however, may be disposed on an opposite side of the blade assembly 110, and the cutting orifice 116, from the first pivot axis 150. In an example embodiment, the first handle 122 may be operably coupled to the second blade 114 via the ratchet assembly 130 and the second handle 124 may be fixedly operably coupled to the first blade 112. In this regard, movement of the first handle 122 relative to the second AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 handle 124 about the second pivot axis 160 may induce movement of the second blade 114 relative to the first blade 112 about the first pivot axis 150 via the ratchet assembly 130. The ratchet assembly 130 will be described in greater detail below in reference to FIG. 4.

[0034] The lock assembly 140 may be operably coupled to the handle assembly 120. The lock assembly 140 may define, and be transitionable between, an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle 120 may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly 140, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle 120 may at least be partially uninhibited by the lock assembly 140. The lock assembly 140 may include a base plate 142, and a locking tab 144. In an example embodiment, the base plate 142 may be fixedly operably coupled to the second handle 124 and the first blade 112. In this regard, the base plate 142 may not move relative to the second handle 124 or the first blade 112. On the other hand, the locking tab 144 may be slidably operably coupled to the first handle 122, and may slide into engagement with the base plate 142 in various positions in the locked state. The locking tab 144 may slide out of engagement with the base plate 142 into the unlocked state, which may enable the handle assembly 120 to be moved without restriction. In some cases, the locking tab 144 may include a push portion 146 which may be actuated by an operator of the handheld cutter tool 100 to transition the lock assembly 140 between the locked state and the unlocked state. The push portion 146 may have a first width (Wl) that may exceed a second width (W2) of the blade assembly 110, which may enable one handed operation of the lock assembly 140. In this regard, the push portion 146 of the locking tab 144 may be accessible with the operator’s thumb while the tool 100 may be in use. Since the first width (Wl) may be greater than the second width (W2), the push portion 146 of the locking tab 144 may be accessible by the operator regardless of whether or not the operator is right or left handed. This may be because the push portion 146 may extend out beyond the blade assembly 110 on both sides of the tool 100. As such, no matter which side of the blade assembly 110 the operator’s thumb may be disposed at, the push portion 146 may be accessible by the operator to transition the tool 100 between the locked and unlocked states. The lock assembly will be described in greater detail below in reference to FIGS. 5-14.

[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a close up front view of the tool 100 with the base plate 142 removed for visibility of the ratchet assembly 130 in accordance with an example embodiment. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the ratchet assembly 130 may include a gear member 132, a pawl 134 and a plurality of teeth 136. The plurality of teeth 136 may be disposed at the second blade 114 along an outer arcuate edge of the second blade 114. In this AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 regard, in some cases the plurality of teeth 136 may be machined into the second blade 114 itself so that the plurality of teeth 136 are formed integrally with the material of the second blade 114. In some cases, the plurality of teeth 136 may be cut into the second blade 114 at an angle, which may enable the ratchet assembly 130 to move the second blade 114 about the first pivot axis 150 in the direction of arrow 118. In this regard, the gear member 132 may engage the plurality of teeth 136 of the second blade 114 while simultaneously being pivotably operably coupled to the first handle 122. As the first handle 122 may move towards the second handle 124 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 121), the first handle 122 may rotate about the second pivot axis 160. The gear member 132, which may engage the plurality of teeth 136 at an opposite side of the second pivot axis 160 from the extension portion of the first handle 122, may be carried along by the first handle 122 and may thus move in an opposite direction from the extension portion of the first handle 122 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 131). While the gear member 132 may be carried by the first handle 122, the gear member 132 may remain engaged with the plurality of teeth 136 of the second blade 114. Thus, the gear member 132 may push the second blade 114 in the direction of arrow 118, about the first pivot axis 150, responsive to the first handle 122 moving towards the second handle 124 in the direction of arrow 121.

[0036] Once the first handle 122 reaches a second end of its range of motion, proximate to the second handle 124, the first handle 122 may be moved back towards a first end of its range of motion (i.e. in the direction of arrow 123), away from the second handle 124. As the first handle 122 moves towards the first end of its range of motion, the gear member 132 may move back towards the pawl 134 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 133) and may come out of engagement with the plurality of teeth 136 while doing so. Instead, the pawl 134 may engage the plurality of teeth 136 to hold the second blade 114 in place while the first handle 122 is moved back toward the first end of its range of motion. In this regard, the pawl 134 may not let the second blade 114 lose any of its progress made towards closing the cutting orifice 116. In other words, the pawl 134 may hold tension from the second blade 114 on the object being cut while the first handle 122 may be reset to the first end of its range of motion. The process of actuating the first handle 122 back and forth may then be repeated to ratchet the second blade 114 closer and closer to the first blade 112 until the object may be cut through and the cutting orifice 116 may be closed. The pawl 134 may accordingly permit rotation of the second blade 114 in the direction of arrow 118 while the first handle 122 moves in the direction of arrow 121, but the pawl 134 may prohibit movement of the second blade 114 in the opposite direction of arrow 118 while the first handle 122 moves in the direction of arrow AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0037] 123. As such, the ratchet assembly 130 may incrementally close the blade assembly 110 to cut through objects disposed in the cutting orifice 116.

[0038] In some cases, the ratchet assembly 130 may also be disengaged from the second blade 114 to enable the second blade 114 to freely spin about the first pivot axis 150 in the direction of arrow 118. In this regard, responsive to the first handle 122 being moved beyond the first end of its range of motion in the direction of arrow 123, the first handle 122 may pull the gear member 132 out of engagement with the teeth 136, and the gear member 132 may also pull the pawl 134 out of engagement with the plurality of teeth 136 as well. As such, as long as the first handle 122 remains in the position where the gear member 132 may be engaged with the pawl 134 and out of engagement with the teeth 136, the second blade 114 may move in the direction of arrow 118 freely without having to move the first handle 122 back and forth to ratchet the second blade 114 towards the first blade 112.

[0039] FIGS. 5-11 depict the lock assembly 140 in the unlocked state (FIGS. 6 and 10) and the locked state (FIGS. 5, 7-9 and 11) in accordance with an example embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 5-11, the locked state of the lock assembly 140 may include a plurality of locked positions. In other words, the lock assembly 140 may transition to the locked state in more than one physical location. In this regard, the plurality of locked positions may include a closed position, an open position, and a range limiting position. In the closed position of the locked state, the handle assembly 120 may be fully closed and the second blade 114 may be engaged with the ratchet assembly 130. In this case, “fully closed” may imply that the handle assembly 120 may be in the position where the first handle 122 is disposed at the second end of its range of motion, proximate to the second handle 124, as is shown in FIG. 5. In the open position of the locked state, the handle assembly 120 may be fully open and the second blade 114 may be disengaged from the ratchet assembly 130. In this case, “fully open” may imply that the first handle 122 may be as far from the second handle 124 as the first handle 122 is capable of moving. This may be the same position described above in which the first handle 122 may pull the gear member 132 and the pawl 134 out of engagement with the plurality of teeth 136, which may enable the second blade 114 to rotate freely. The open position of the locked state is shown in FIG. 11. In the range limiting position of the locked state, the handle assembly 120 may be operable in a limited range of motion to move the second blade 114 via the ratchet assembly 130. In this regard, the first handle 122 may be restricted from reaching the open position while the lock assembly is in the range limiting position. The range limiting position of the locked state is depicted in FIGS. 7-9. AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5-11, the base plate 142 may include an engagement profile 148. The engagement profile 148 may be the portion of the base plate 142 that the locking tab 144 may engage with while in the locked state. In this regard, the engagement profile 148 may be disposed at an edge of the base plate 142 proximate to the locking tab 144. The engagement profile 148 may include several structural features to which the locking tab 144 may operably couple in the plurality of locked positions that define the locked state. For instance, FIG. 5 depicts the lock assembly 140 in the locked state. In the locked state depicted in FIG. 5, the lock assembly 140 may be depicted in the closed position in particular. In this regard, the engagement profile 148 may include a first retention notch 170 formed in the base plate 142 proximate to the second handle 124. The first retention notch 170 may be formed to substantially match the size and shape of the locking tab 144. In some cases, the first retention notch 170 may be slightly larger than the locking tab 144 to accommodate the locking tab 144 therein with ease. Responsive to the locking tab 144 sliding into engagement with the first retention notch 170, the lock assembly 140 may transition to the closed position of the locked state. In the closed position of the locked state, the handle assembly 120 and the blade assembly 110 may be positively locked, and movement of the first handle relative to the second handle 120 may be completely inhibited (i.e. entirely prohibited). In some cases, the closed position may be helpful for storing the handheld cutter tool 100 after its use has been completed. The handle assembly 120, and thus the blade assembly 110, may be moved again by first transitioning the lock assembly 140 to the unlocked state by sliding the locking tab 144 out of engagement with the first retention notch 170.

[0041] FIG. 6 depicts the lock assembly 140 in the unlocked state, and FIGS. 7-9 depict the lock assembly 140 in the locked state. In the locked state depicted in FIGS. 7-9, the lock assembly 140 may be depicted in the range limiting position in particular. In this regard, the engagement profile 148 may include a recessed portion 180 formed in the base plate 142 proximate to the first retention notch 170. Unlike the first retention notch 170, the recessed portion 180 may not be formed to substantially match the size and shape of the locking tab 144. Instead, the recessed portion 180 may include an elongated surface 182 and a stop face 184. The elongated surface 182 may extend away from the first retention notch 170 to the stop face 184. In this regard, the stop face 184 may extend substantially perpendicularly away from the elongated surface 182 at an opposite end of the elongated surface 182 from the first retention notch 170. In some other cases, the stop face 184 may extend away from the elongated surface 182 at an acute angle, which may improve the operable coupling of the locking tab 144 to the recessed portion 180 in the range limiting position. Responsive to the AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 locking tab 144 sliding into engagement with the recessed portion 180, the lock assembly 140 may transition to the range limiting position of the locked state. In the range limiting position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle 120 may be partially uninhibited. In other words, the handle assembly 120 may be permitted to move in a limited range of motion. In this regard, in the range limiting position of the locked state, the first handle 122 may be permitted to rotate about the second pivot axis 160, but the distance that the first handle 122 may move may be limited by the distance between the stop face 184 and the first retention notch 170.

[0042] While in the range limiting position of the locked state, the range of motion of the locking tab 144 may be defined as being between the stop face 184 at one end of the recessed portion 180, and the first retention notch 170 at an opposite end of the recessed portion 180. In an example embodiment, in the range limiting position, while the first handle 122 rotates about the second pivot axis 160, the first handle 122 may carry the locking tab 144 along the recessed portion 180. As such, the recessed portion 180 may permit the locking tab 144 to slide back and forth along the elongated surface 182 from the stop face 184 to the first retention notch 170 while the handle assembly 120 may be operated in the range limiting position of the locked state. In some cases, such as the one depicted herein, the locking tab 144 may extend beyond the end of the elongated surface 182 and over the top of the first notch 170 in the range limiting position of the locked state. In this regard, the locking tab 144 may slide out of contact with the elongated surface 182 briefly while the first handle 122 moves toward the second handle 124, but the locking tab 144 may slide right back into contact with the elongated surface 182 as the first handle 122 moves back away from the second handle 124. In an example embodiment, in the range limiting position of the locked state, the first handle 122 may be incapable of moving to the open position of the locked state due to coming into contact with the stop face 184. In some cases, the range limiting position may be helpful for operating the handheld cutter tool 100 using only a single hand of the operator. In this regard, the range limiting position may reduce hand strain of the operator by reducing the range of motion of the handle assembly 120, which may also reduce the amount of energy expended by the operator. Responsive to transitioning the lock assembly 140 to the unlocked state (depicted in FIG. 6) by sliding the locking tab 144 out of engagement with the recessed portion 180, the full range of motion of the first handle 122 may become accessible once again.

[0043] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict the lock assembly 140 in the unlocked and locked states, respectively. In the locked state depicted in FIG. 11, the lock assembly 140 may be depicted AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 in the open position in particular. In this regard, the engagement profile 148 may include a second retention notch 190 formed in the base plate 142 on an opposite side of the recessed portion 180 from the first retention notch 170. The second retention notch 190 may be formed to substantially match the size and shape of the locking tab 144. In some cases, the second retention notch 190 may be slightly larger than the locking tab 144 to accommodate the locking tab 144 therein with ease. Responsive to the locking tab 144 sliding into engagement with the second retention notch 190, the lock assembly 140 may transition to the open position of the locked state. In the open position of the locked state, the handle assembly 120 may be positively locked, but the blade assembly 110 may not be and the second blade 114 may instead be free to rotate about the first pivot axis 150. In this regard, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle 120 may be completely inhibited (i.e. entirely prohibited), but motion of the blade assembly 110 may not be completely inhibited. In some cases, the open position may be helpful for inserting or removing objects from the cutting orifice 116 prior to, or after, being cut. In this regard, the handle assembly 120 may be moved again to re-engage the ratchet assembly 130 by first transitioning the lock assembly 140 to the unlocked state (depicted in FIG. 10) by sliding the locking tab 144 out of engagement with the second retention notch 190.

[0044] FIGS. 12-14 depict various views of the lock assembly 140 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a close up perspective view of the handheld cutter tool 100 in accordance with an example embodiment, FIG. 13 depicts another close up perspective view of the handheld cutter tool 100, and FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the first handle 122 and locking tab 144 in accordance with an example embodiment. In FIG. 12, the locking tab 144 has been removed from the first handle 122 for visibility. In this regard, the locking tab 144 may operably couple to the first handle 122 via a pin 200 and a slot 210. The slot 210 may be disposed at the first handle 122 and may extend substantially radially towards the second pivot axis 160. The locking tab 144 may be operably coupled to the first handle 122 such that a portion of the locking tab 144 that may include a pin orifice 145 may align with the slot 210. In this regard, the locking tab 144 may be slidably operably coupled to the first handle 122 by the pin 200 extending through both the pin orifice 145 of the locking tab 144 and the slot 210 of the first handle 122. Accordingly, the length of the slot 210 may define the distance that the pin 200, and thus the locking tab 144, may slide. In some cases, the slot 210 may be long enough to enable the locking tab 144 to slide into engagement with the first and second retention notches (170, 190) and the recessed portion 180 to transition the lock assembly 140 to the locked state, as well as enable the locking tab 144 to AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 slide entirely out of engagement with the engagement profile 148 to transition the lock assembly 140 to the unlocked state.

[0045] As seen in FIG. 13, in some cases the pin 200 may be a rivet. In some example embodiments, the locking tab 144 may be held in place by a friction force on the pin 200. In this regard, the pin 200 may be biased axially along a longitudinal axis of the pin 200 by a spring washer 220. The spring washer 220 may apply a biasing force onto the pin 200 (i.e. in the direction of arrow 222) to bias the pin 200 towards one side of the first handle 122 with adequate friction on the pin 200 to hold the locking tab 144 in place at a desired position along the slot 210. The magnitude of the biasing force may be adequate to hold the locking tab 144 in place along the slot 210, but simultaneously may be small enough to enable the locking tab 144 to slide along the slot 210 responsive to the operator applying a force to the push portion 146. In another example embodiment, the locking tab 144 may be held in place at any desired position along the slot 210 via a ball and detent type of operable coupling instead of the pin 200 and slot 210. In some other cases, other suitable operable couplings capable of holding the locking tab 144 in place along the slot 210 may be used. FIG. 14 depicts the locking tab 144, the first handle 122, the pin 200 and the spring washer 220 in an exploded view. The locking tab 144 of some example embodiments may include a protrusion 147 which may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the slot 210. The protrusion 147 may be the portion of the locking tab 144 that may be configured to engage the engagement profile 148 in the locked state. In the example embodiment shown and described herein, the locking tab 144 may only include the protrusion 147 on one side of the first handle 122 because the protrusion 147 may lie in the same plane as the base plate 142.

[0046] The handheld cutter tool 100 shown and described herein may be of the ratcheting cutter tool variety. It should be noted, however, that the handheld cutter tool 100 of some other example embodiments may be any other form of handheld cutter tool 100 such as scissors, snips, bolt cutters, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe cutters, yard trimmers, loppers, shears, pruners, or the like. The lock assembly 140 described herein may be employed on various other types of handheld cutter tools 100, and the handheld cutter tool 100 should not be limited to the ratcheting type shown and described herein.

[0047] Some example embodiments may provide for a handheld cutter tool. The handheld cutter tool may include a blade assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly may include a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade may be pivotable about a first pivot axis, a handle AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly may include a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle may be pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, a ratchet assembly which may operably couple the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly may be configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle about the second pivot axis, and a lock assembly which may be operably coupled to the handle assembly. The lock assembly may define an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

[0048] The handheld cutter tool of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the handheld cutter tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the locked state may further include a plurality of locked positions. In some cases, the plurality of locked positions may include a closed position in which the handle assembly may be fully closed and the second blade may be engaged with the ratchet assembly, an open position in which the handle assembly may be fully open and the second blade may be disengaged from the ratchet assembly, and a range limiting position in which the handle assembly may be operable in a limited range of motion to move the second blade via the ratchet assembly. In an example embodiment, the lock assembly may include a base plate, the base plate may define an engagement profile, and a locking tab which may be slidably operably coupled to the first handle and may be configured to engage with the base plate at the engagement profile. In some cases, the engagement profile may include a first retention notch which may be formed in the base plate proximate to the second handle. In an example embodiment, responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the first retention notch, the lock assembly may transition to the closed position of the locked state. In some cases, in the closed position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely inhibited. In an example embodiment, the engagement profile may further include a recessed portion formed in the base plate proximate to the first retention notch. In some cases, responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the recessed portion, the lock assembly may transition to the range limiting position of the locked state. In an AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 example embodiment, in the range limiting position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be partially uninhibited. In some cases, in the range limiting position of the locked state, the first handle may be incapable of moving to the open position. In an example embodiment, the recessed portion may extend from the first retention notch to a stop face disposed at an opposite end of the recessed portion from the first retention notch. In some cases, the locking tab may be configured to slide back and forth along the recessed portion from the first retention notch to the stop face while the handle assembly operates in the range limiting position of the locked state. In an example embodiment, the engagement profile may further include a second retention notch formed in the base plate on an opposite side of the recessed portion from the first retention notch. In some cases, responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the second retention notch, the lock assembly may transition to the open position of the locked state. In an example embodiment, in the open position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely inhibited. In some cases, the locking tab may include a push portion configured to be actuated by an operator of the handheld cutter tool to transition the lock assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state. In an example embodiment, the push portion may include a first width that may exceed a second width of the blade assembly which may enable one handed operation of the lock assembly.

[0049] Some example embodiments may provide for a lock assembly for a handheld cutter tool. The handheld cutter tool may include a blade assembly which may be disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly may include a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade may be pivotable about a first pivot axis, a handle assembly which may be disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly may include a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle may be pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and a ratchet assembly which may operably couple the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly may be configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle about the second pivot axis. The lock assembly may include a base plate, and the base plate may define an engagement profile, and a locking tab which may be slidably operably coupled to the first handle and configured to engage with the base plate at the engagement profile. The lock assembly may define an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle may be at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly. AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01

[0050] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A handheld cutter tool, the handheld cutter tool comprising: a blade assembly disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly comprising a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade being pivotable about a first pivot axis; a handle assembly disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly comprising a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle being pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis; a ratchet assembly operably coupling the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly being configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle about the second pivot axis; and a lock assembly operably coupled to the handle assembly, wherein the lock assembly defines an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

2. The handheld cutter tool of claim 1, wherein the locked state further comprises a plurality of locked positions, the plurality of locked positions comprising: a closed position in which the handle assembly is fully closed and the second blade is engaged with the ratchet assembly; an open position in which the handle assembly is fully open and the second blade is disengaged from the ratchet assembly; and a range limiting position in which the handle assembly is operable in a limited range of motion to move the second blade via the ratchet assembly.

3. The handheld cutter tool of claim 2, wherein the lock assembly comprises: a base plate, the base plate defining an engagement profile; and a locking tab slidably operably coupled to the first handle and configured to engage with the base plate at the engagement profile.

4. The handheld cutter tool of claim 3, wherein the engagement profile comprises a first retention notch formed in the base plate proximate to the second handle, andAttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the first retention notch, the lock assembly transitions to the closed position of the locked state.

5. The handheld cutter tool of claim 2, wherein in the closed position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is inhibited.

6. The handheld cutter tool of claim 4, wherein the engagement profile further comprises a recessed portion formed in the base plate proximate to the first retention notch, and wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the recessed portion, the lock assembly transitions to the range limiting position of the locked state.

7. The handheld cutter tool of claim 2, wherein in the range limiting position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is partially uninhibited, and wherein in the range limiting position of the locked state, the first handle is incapable of moving to the open position.

8. The handheld cutter tool of claim 6, wherein the recessed portion extends from the first retention notch to a stop face disposed at an opposite end of the recessed portion from the first retention notch, and wherein the locking tab is configured to slide back and forth along the recessed portion from the first retention notch to the stop face while the handle assembly is operated in the range limiting position of the locked state.

9. The handheld cutter tool of claim 6, wherein the engagement profile further comprises a second retention notch formed in the base plate on an opposite side of the recessed portion from the first retention notch, and wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the second retention notch, the lock assembly transitions to the open position of the locked state.

10. The handheld cutter tool of claim 2, wherein in the open position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is inhibited.AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT0111. The handheld cutter tool of claim 3, wherein the locking tab comprises a push portion configured to be actuated by an operator of the handheld cutter tool to transition the lock assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state, and wherein the push portion comprises a first width that exceeds a second width of the blade assembly enabling one handed operation of the lock assembly.

12. A lock assembly for a handheld cutter tool comprising a blade assembly disposed at a first end of the handheld cutter tool, the blade assembly comprising a first blade pivotably operably coupled to a second blade, and the second blade being pivotable about a first pivot axis, a handle assembly disposed at a second end of the handheld cutter tool, the handle assembly comprising a first handle and a second handle, and the first handle being pivotable about a second pivot axis disposed substantially parallel to the first pivot axis, and a ratchet assembly operably coupling the first handle to the second blade, the ratchet assembly being configured to close the blade assembly responsive to moving the first handle about the second pivot axis, the lock assembly comprising: a base plate, the base plate defining an engagement profile; and a locking tab operably coupled to the first handle and configured to engage with the base plate at the engagement profile, wherein the lock assembly defines an unlocked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is completely uninhibited by the lock assembly, and a locked state in which movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is at least partially uninhibited by the lock assembly.

13. The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the locked state further comprises a plurality of locked positions, the plurality of locked positions comprising: a closed position in which the handle assembly is fully closed and the second blade is engaged with the ratchet assembly; an open position in which the handle assembly is fully open and the second blade is disengaged from the ratchet assembly; and a range limiting position in which the handle assembly is operable in a limited range of motion to move the second blade via the ratchet assembly.

14. The lock assembly of claim 13, wherein the engagement profile comprises a first retention notch formed in the base plate proximate to the second handle, andAttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT01 wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the first retention notch, the lock assembly transitions to the closed position of the locked state.

15. The lock assembly of claim 13, wherein in the closed position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is inhibited.

16. The lock assembly of claim 14, wherein the engagement profile further comprises a recessed portion formed in the base plate proximate to the first retention notch, and wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the recessed portion, the lock assembly transitions to the range limiting position of the locked state.

17. The lock assembly of claim 13, wherein in the range limiting position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is partially uninhibited, and wherein in the range limiting position of the locked state, the first handle is incapable of moving to the open position.

18. The lock assembly of claim 16, wherein the recessed portion extends from the first retention notch to a stop face disposed at an opposite end of the recessed portion from the first retention notch, and wherein the locking tab is configured to slide back and forth along the recessed portion from the first retention notch to the stop face while the handle assembly is operated in the range limiting position of the locked state.

19. The lock assembly of claim 16, wherein the engagement profile further comprises a second retention notch formed in the base plate on an opposite side of the recessed portion from the first retention notch, wherein responsive to the locking tab sliding into engagement with the second retention notch, the lock assembly transitions to the open position of the locked state, and wherein in the open position of the locked state, movement of the first handle relative to the second handle is inhibited.AttyDktNo: 717745-01046-P4262PCT0120. The lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the locking tab comprises a push portion configured to be actuated by an operator of the handheld cutter tool to transition the lock assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state, and wherein the push portion comprises a first width that exceeds a second width of the blade assembly enabling one handed operation of the lock assembly.

Images