US5208983A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Retracting cutter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-08-19
•
Granted: 1993-05-11
•
Expires: 2011-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A knife is disclosed having a self-retracting, adjustable blade. The handle of the knife has two pieces which when compressed expose the blade for use.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph H. Masse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3209; A61B17/3211; B; B26; B26B; B26B3/00; B26B5/00; A61B2017/32113; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S7/00; Y10S7/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
An adjustable self-retracting instrument comprising: (a) a primary functional cutting section of said instrument; (b) a first curved leg having upper and lower ends, said section being located at the lower end of said first leg; and (c) a second shorter less curved leg having upper and lower ends, wherein at least one leg is made from a resilient material, said second leg being attached to said first leg at the upper end and resting against said section, whereby when said legs are compressed together said section extends beyond said lower end of said second leg for use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
An adjustable self-retracting instrument comprising: (a) a primary functional cutting section of said instrument; (b) a first curved leg having upper and lower ends, said section being located at the lower end of said first leg; and (c) a second shorter less curved leg having upper and lower ends, wherein at least one leg is made from a resilient material, said second leg being attached to said first leg at the upper end and resting against said section, whereby when said legs are compressed together said section extends beyond said lower end of said second leg for use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The instrument of claim 1 further comprising: (d) a slot located at said lower end of said second shorter leg.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said second leg is rigid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument as recited in claim 3 wherein said legs are formed from a common material wherein said rigid leg is thicker than said resilient leg.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument as recited in claim 3 wherein said rigid leg is made from a material chosen from the group consisting of metal, plastic or ceramic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said second leg is straight.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said instrument is a utility knife.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said knife is a scalpel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The instrument as recited in claim 8 wherein said scalpel is made from stainless steel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one leg is textured.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said lower ends of said legs are angled to facilitate holding at an angle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said resilient material is chosen from the group consisting of steel, brass, aluminium and plastics.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising: (d) a means of attaching a blade.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument as recited in claim 13 wherein said means is chosen from the group consisting of cement, screws, tabs, tension holder and molding.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The instrument as recited in claim 13 wherein the segment of said first leg resting against said blade is straight.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The instrument as recited in claim 13 further comprising: (e) an aperture in said second leg, wherein said means of attaching said blade to said first leg is a screw accessible via said aperture.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein said cutting section is integral with said first leg.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The instrument as recited in claim 17 wherein said instrument is formed from one piece of material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument as recited in claim 17 wherein said first leg is made from metal and the area of said blade is heat treated.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 wherein the ratio of displacement of said first leg when compressed to resultant displacement of said cutting section is between 5:1 and 3:1.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1, further comprising: (d) a means for controlling instrument displacement by limiting displacement of said leg.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument as recited in claim 21 wherein said means of control is chosen from the group consisting of clips and screws.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 further comprising: (d) a roller located on the unattached end of said second shorter leg.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The instrument as recited in claim 1 further comprising: (d) a second instrument.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The instrument as recited in claim 24 wherein said second instrument is chosen from the group comprising card holders, paper clips, book marks, money clips and tweezers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-10 | 1996-11-09 | 1997-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-10 | 2000-11-09 | 2001-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-10 | 2004-11-09 | 2005-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |