Patent ID: 7673391
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: B26B

Abstract:
1. A removable blade cartridge configured to fit within a corresponding blade cartridge bay, the blade cartridge comprising: a. a removable blade cartridge body having a recess slot within and a knife slot in communication with the recess slot, the removable blade cartridge body further comprising an engaging mechanism which is engaged when the blade cartridge body is positioned within the blade cartridge bay and disengaged when the blade cartridge body is outside of the blade cartridge bay, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a plurality of restricting tabs which are moved from each other to clear the knife slot when the engaging mechanism is engaged and the blade cartridge body is positioned within the blade cartridge bay; b. a knife blade positionable within the recess slot and configured to slidably move between an open position and a closed position, wherein the restricting tabs are configured to block the knife slot and to restrict movement of the knife blade when the engaging mechanism is disengaged and the blade cartridge body is outside of the blade cartridge bay; c. a guide assembly coupled with the knife blade, wherein the guide assembly drives the knife blade between the closed position and the open position, wherein the knife blade is restricted from moving to the open position when the engaging mechanism is disengaged and further, wherein the guide assembly is biased towards a retracted position when the blade cartridge body is positioned within the blade cartridge bay; and d. a leaf member for engaging and disengaging the blade cartridge to the blade cartridge bay.