Patent ID: 6205667
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: B26B

Abstract:
A cutting instrument with a retractable blade which travels in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said cutting instrument, comprising:a) a handle having a first scale operably opposed and interconnected to a second scale;b) a retractable blade having a substantially arcuate shaped cutting edge which extends substantially between a first end and a second end of said retractable blade;c) a cavity positioned between said first scale and said second scale for receiving said retractable blade;d) a blade engagement means operably positioned on said retractable blade to permit a user of said retractable blade to operably move said retractable blade with a thumb between a first extended position of use and a second retracted position wherein said cutting edge is positioned within said cavity;e) a handle aperture operatively positioned in one of said scales which is operably sized to provide access to said blade engagement means by a user's thumb; andf) a blade retraction means having a first end operably interconnected to at least one of said scales and a second end operably engaged to said retractable blade, wherein said retractable blade can reversibly travel between said first extended position of use and said second retracted position.