Patent ID: 8375588
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: B26B

Abstract:
1. An improved carton cutter for cutting cartons with a retractable utility blade having an edge, the carton cutter comprising: a first frame member having a cam profile; a second frame member attached to said first frame member to form a housing; and a blade receptacle slidably engaged to said first frame member, said blade receptacle having (a) a blade carrier, (b) a biasing member for urging said receptacle rearward, (c) a latch for moving said blade receptacle forward, and (d) a follower with a plurality of surfaces having a configuration adapted to communicate with said cam profile (i) to maintain said blade receptacle in an extended position without force being applied to said latch, (ii) to enable said blade receptacle to move forwardly by frictional force against the force of the biasing member, as the blade cuts a carton, and (iii) enabling release of said blade receptacle upon termination of cutting, thereby enabling automatic retraction of said blade receptacle substantially into the housing instantly after cutting is complete; wherein said follower has a plurality of surfaces, one pair of parallel surfaces, and two v-shaped surfaces located between said parallel surfaces; and wherein said parallel surfaces are parallel to said edge of said blade when said utility knife is in a retracted position and when said blade is mounted in said blade receptacle.