Patent ID: 7421788

Claim:
A cutting tool for strap comprising: a fixed element having a body, a grip extending from an end of the body and an anvil, the anvil having a first cutting edge, the fixed element body defining a pivot region between the first cutting edge and the grip; a movable element having a body, a handle and a cutting head, the cutting head defining a second cutting edge, the movable element body defining a pivot region between the second cutting edge and the handle, the movable element and the fixed element operably connected to one another at their respective pivot regions by a pivot element, the fixed element first cutting edge and the movable element second cutting edge defining a jaw; and a cutter guard having a flange disposed to overlie a portion of the fixed element anvil to provide an opening between the flange and the anvil to hold down the strap during a cutting operation, wherein the cutter guard includes a body disposed, in part, between the fixed and the movable elements, the cutter guard mounted to the pivot element between the fixed and the movable elements.