JP7781458B2 - Cutting machine and toilet paper holder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toilet paper cutter and toilet paper holder for cutting toilet paper attached to a toilet paper holder with one hand.

A typical toilet paper holder has a support shaft that rotatably supports the toilet paper, and a pressure plate that is placed above the toilet paper and is equipped with a cutter.

The toilet paper holder allows you to (1) pull out the appropriate amount of toilet paper with one hand, (2) hold down the pressure plate with the other hand to stop the toilet paper from rotating and prevent any more toilet paper from being pulled out, and (3) press the pulled-out portion of the toilet paper against the cutter on the pressure plate to cut the toilet paper, thereby cutting the amount of toilet paper you need.

However, as mentioned above, toilet paper holders are designed to require the use of both hands, which can make them difficult to use for people with physical disabilities, for example.

As a solution to this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet paper holder technology in which a roughly L-shaped part consisting of a cover and a cutting blade is attached to the outside of the tip of the top lid via a hinged part, allowing the toilet paper to be cut with one hand.

JP 2015-146948 A

However, since the aforementioned technology is for toilet paper holders, it cannot be used unless it is replaced with an existing toilet paper holder.

Furthermore, when using the toilet paper holder according to the aforementioned technology, it is touted that the gripping edge will be automatically formed the next time it is used (see, for example, paragraph 0022 of Patent Document 1), but due to its structure, the length of the gripping edge is fixed and measured from the opening to the tip of the cutting blade, which is too short for people with physical disabilities and makes it difficult to grip.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems with the conventional toilet paper holder. The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a toilet paper cutter that can be used without replacing an existing toilet paper holder, has an adjustable grip length, and can be used to cut toilet paper attached to a toilet paper holder with one hand.

Another object is to provide a toilet paper holder that allows toilet paper to be cut with one hand.

Means for solving the problem and effects of the invention

A cutter according to a first aspect of the present invention is a cutter for cutting toilet paper attached to a toilet paper holder, and includes a cutter unit, which is a blade that cuts the toilet paper; a trigger unit that is connected to the cutter unit and is located on a passageway through which the toilet paper passes when pulled out; a shaft unit that is an axis for rotating the cutter unit and the trigger unit so that when the trigger unit is not pressed, the cutter unit is in a first position where it does not engage with the toilet paper, and when the trigger unit is pressed against the toilet paper, the cutter unit is in a second position where it engages with the toilet paper; and a mounting unit that can be attached to a wall surface to which the toilet paper holder is attached, and can be configured to be positioned any distance from the toilet paper holder.

With this configuration, when the trigger is pressed by the toilet paper, the cutter moves to the second position and cuts the toilet paper, allowing the toilet paper attached to the toilet paper holder to be cut with one hand. Furthermore, because the cutter of the present invention is a device independent of the toilet paper holder, it can be used without replacing the existing toilet paper holder, and the grip length can be adjusted by adjusting the installation position (distance from the toilet paper holder) of the cutter of the present invention.

Furthermore, the cutter according to the second aspect of the present invention can be configured to be attached below the toilet paper holder using the attachment part. This configuration allows the cutter to be used without having to pull the toilet paper above the toilet paper holder, making it easy to use even for people who have difficulty lifting their arms high.

Furthermore, according to the cutter according to the third aspect of the present invention, the mounting part can be configured to be detachably attached to the wall surface on which the toilet paper holder is attached. This configuration makes it easier to adjust the mounting position of the cutter and the length of the grip.

Furthermore, the cutting device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can be further configured to include a cover portion that covers the cutter portion when it is moved to the first position.

Furthermore, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the cutter can be configured to include a first stopper that limits rotational movement of the trigger in the same direction as the direction from the first position to the second position, so that the trigger engages with the toilet paper at a substantially right angle in the second position. With this configuration, the angle at which the cutter engages with the toilet paper can be fixed at a substantially right angle that makes it easy to cut the toilet paper, making it easier and more reliable to cut the toilet paper with one hand.

Furthermore, a cutting device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention can be configured to include a second stopper portion that limits rotational movement of the cutter portion in the first position in the same direction as the direction from the second position toward the first position. This configuration can prevent fingers from being pinched between the cutter portion and the cover portion, thereby improving the safety of the cutting device.

Furthermore, a toilet paper holder according to a seventh aspect of the present invention can be configured to include a cutter unit, which is a blade that cuts the toilet paper; a trigger unit that is connected to the cutter unit and is arranged on a passageway through which the toilet paper passes when pulled out; and a shaft unit that is an axis for rotating the cutter unit and the trigger unit so that when the trigger unit is not pressed, the cutter unit is in a first position where it does not engage with the toilet paper, and when the trigger unit is pressed against the toilet paper, the cutter unit is in a second position where it engages with the toilet paper.

1 is a front view of a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the cutting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotating portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps until the rotating section cuts the sheet section according to the present invention. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating steps until the rotating part cuts the sheet part according to the present invention. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating steps until the rotating part cuts the sheet part according to the present invention. 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating steps until the rotating part cuts the sheet part according to the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, this specification does not in any way specify the components set forth in the claims as components of the embodiments. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and are merely illustrative unless otherwise specified. The size and relative positions of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols indicate identical or similar components, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured with the same component, so that multiple elements are served by a single component, or conversely, the function of a single component may be shared by multiple components. Furthermore, the functions or processing of each element constituting the present invention may be realized, to the extent possible, by artificial intelligence (AI).
[Cutter 1]

A cutting tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

The cutter 1 is a device for cutting toilet paper attached to a toilet paper holder TH, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is primarily composed of a rotating part 11, a base part 12 (which corresponds to an example of the "mounting part" in the claims), and a cover part 13. Each part is explained below.

In the following description, the roll-shaped portion of the toilet paper TP is referred to as the roll portion TP1, and the sheet-shaped portion pulled out from the roll portion TP1 is referred to as the sheet portion TP2. The path along which the sheet portion TP2 passes when pulled out is referred to as the passing path TK.
[Rotating part 11]
<Configuration of Rotating Unit 11>

As shown in Figure 4, the rotating part 11 is a member composed of a cutter part 111, a trigger part 112, a shaft part 113, and a stopper part 114 (which correspond to examples of a "first stopper part" and a "second stopper part" in the claims), and the cutter part 111, the shaft part 113, and the stopper part 114 are connected to the trigger part 112. As a result, the entire rotating part 11 rotates based on the shaft part 113.

With this configuration, when the trigger portion 112 is pressed, the rotating portion 11 rotates based on the shaft portion 113, and the cutter portion 111 cuts the sheet portion TP2.
<Steps until the rotating part 11 cuts the sheet part TP2>

5, the rotating unit 11 cuts the sheet part TP2 mainly through steps ST101 during normal operation, ST102 during cutting, and ST103 immediately after cutting. Each step will be described below.
《Normal ST101》

Normal state ST101 is a step that occurs when a certain amount of time has passed since external force is no longer being applied to the rotating part 11, that is, when a certain amount of time has passed since immediately after disconnection ST103.

In this step, the rotating unit 11 is stationary in a position (first position) where the cutter unit 111 does not engage with the sheet unit TP2, as shown in Figure 6.

As a result, the cutter section 111 is covered by the cover section 13 , preventing a person from accidentally touching the cutter section 111 and getting injured, thereby improving the safety of the cutter 1.

Furthermore, when attempting to rotate the rotating unit 11 clockwise in the figure in normal operation ST101, the stopper 114 engages with the base 12, restricting the rotational movement of the rotating unit 11. If the cutting device 1 were not equipped with the stopper 114, suppose someone touched the cutter unit 111 in normal operation ST101 with their finger and pushed it in so that it rotated clockwise in the figure. In this case, an accident could occur in which the finger is pinched between the cutter unit 111 and the cover 13 , and when an attempt is made to pull the finger out, the cutter unit 111 further bites into the finger. The stopper 114 prevents such accidents and enhances the safety of the cutting device 1.
《ST102 during cutting》

Cutting step ST102 is the step in which the rotating part 11 cuts the sheet part TP2. This step will be explained based on the actions of the user of the cutter 1.

First, the user pulls out the sheet portion TP2 according to the amount they wish to use.

Next, the user presses the pulled-out sheet part TP2 against the trigger part 112 and presses the trigger part 112. This applies a force to the trigger part 112 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6, causing the cutter part 111 to rotate as shown in Figure 7. Ultimately, as shown in Figure 8, the sheet part TP2 and the cutter part 111 engage (contact) and the blade of the cutter part 111 bites into the sheet part TP2 (the blade is bitten). At this time, tension is applied to the sheet part TP2 between the cutter part 111 and the roll part TP1. At this time, the stopper part 114 engages with the base part 12, restricting the rotational movement of the rotating part 11 so that it does not rotate further counterclockwise in the figure.

Thereafter, when the user applies further force in the direction of pressing the pulled-out sheet part TP2 against the trigger part 112, the sheet part TP2 is cut by the cutter part 111 at the contact position between the sheet part TP2 and the cutter part 111 in Fig. 8. At this time, as described above, the rotational movement of the rotating part 11 is limited, so even if the user applies further force, the angle at which the cutter part 111 engages with the toilet paper is fixed at a substantially right angle that makes it easy to cut the toilet paper, and the toilet paper can be cut more easily and reliably with one hand.

In short, the user's action in cutting ST102 is simply to "press the pulled-out sheet part TP2 against the trigger part 112," which can be done with one hand.
<<ST103 immediately after cutting>>

The step immediately after cutting ST103 is the step that occurs immediately after cutting ST102 is completed (after the sheet portion TP2 has been cut), and the user does not need to perform any special operations with the cutter 1.

When the sheet portion TP2 is cut by the cutter portion 111, the tension applied to the sheet portion TP2 between the cutter portion 111 and the roll portion TP1 is released, and at the same time, the force applied to the trigger portion 112 (arrow in Figure 6) is also removed. Then, the rotating portion 11 naturally returns to the first position due to its own weight, returning to the normal state ST101 (first position, Figure 6).

At this time, the portion of the sheet portion TP2 that was under tension between the roll portion TP1 and the cutter portion 111 (see Figure 8) hangs down and becomes a gripping area. In other words, when the cutter 1 of the present invention cuts the toilet paper with one hand, a gripping area is naturally formed, making it convenient the next time the cutter 1 is used.

The length of the gripping margin to be formed is determined by the distance between the roll part TP1 and the cutter part 111, so the length of the gripping margin can be adjusted by adjusting the mounting position of the base part 12 (details will be described later).
<Other Aspects of Rotating Portion 11>

The dimensions, materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the rotating part 11, cutter part 111, trigger part 112, and shaft part 113 are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate as long as the sheet part TP2 can be cut in the steps described above.

For example, in step ST103 immediately after cutting, the method by which the rotating part 11 returns to the normal state ST101 (first position, Figure 6) is not limited to using its own weight, but can be modified as appropriate to use the elastic force of rubber or a spring, or a combination of these.

In addition, the stopper portion 114 can be realized by dividing it into multiple members, for example, a portion corresponding to the "first stopper portion" in the claims and a portion corresponding to the "second stopper portion," and it can be composed of two members.
[Cover part 1 3 ]
<Configuration of Cover Parts 1 and 3 >

1 to 3 and 6, the cover unit 13 is a plate-shaped member for covering the cutter unit 111, which is normally in the state ST101 (first position). As shown in Fig. 8, when the cutter unit 111 moves to a position where it engages with the sheet part TP2 (second position), the cutter unit 11 moves out of the range covered by the cover unit 13 and can cut the sheet part TP2.

By providing the cover portion 13 , it is possible to prevent a person from accidentally touching the cutter portion 111 and getting injured, thereby improving the safety of the cutter 1.
<Other aspects of the cover portion 1/3 >

The cover portion 13 is not particularly limited in its form, and its dimensions, material, shape, positional relationship, etc. may be changed as appropriate. Also, the cover portion 13 does not necessarily have to be provided.
[Base portion 1 2 ]
<Configuration of base portion 1-2 >

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 8, the base portion 12 is a member that serves as the base (foundation) of the cutter 1 and as a bearing for the shaft portion 113 of the rotating portion 11.

The base portion 1 2 (cutting device 1) is used by being attached to, for example, a wall on which a toilet paper holder TH is attached.

Furthermore, when attaching the base portion 12 , the length of the formed gripping edge can be easily adjusted by adjusting the distance between the base portion 12 and the toilet paper holder TH (strictly speaking, the distance between the roll portion TP1 and the cutter portion 111). This is superior to conventional techniques (such as the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1) in which the length of the gripping edge cannot be easily adjusted.

Furthermore, if the base 12 is attached below the toilet paper holder TH, the toilet paper can be used without having to be pulled above the toilet paper holder, making it easy to use even for people who have difficulty lifting their arms high. This point is also superior to the prior art (for example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1).
<Other Aspects of the Base Portion 1/2 >

The form of the base portion 12 is not particularly limited, and the dimensions, material, shape, positional relationship, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

The method of attaching the base portion 12 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include screws, nails, adhesives, magnets, double-sided tape, suction cups, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. (each of which corresponds to an example of an "attachment portion" in the claims). Magnets, double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. are particularly suitable because they are easy to attach and detach and allow for easier adjustment of the grip length. Furthermore, the cutter 1 of the present invention is primarily targeted at physically disabled people (those unable to use both hands), and by using the above-described means, such people can easily attach the cutter 1 themselves. This is also an advantage over conventional technologies (such as the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1) that require the toilet paper holder itself to be replaced.
[Effects of Cutting Device 1]

As described above, the cutter 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used without replacing an existing toilet paper holder, and the length of the gripping edge is adjustable, allowing the user to cut toilet paper attached to the toilet paper holder with one hand.
[One-piece toilet paper holder with cutter 1 configuration]

The technical concept of this invention can be applied to a typical toilet paper holder to create an integrated toilet paper holder with the configuration of the cutter 1.

In this case, although replacement with an existing toilet paper holder is necessary, the toilet paper holder itself can be designed to be used with the cutter 1. In other words, the weight and friction coefficient of the pressure plate, the sharpness of the cutter 111, and other factors can be taken into consideration, and the entire toilet paper holder can be adjusted at the design stage, making it possible to more easily and reliably cut toilet paper with one hand.

The length of the grip can be adjusted by configuring the toilet paper holder with a function to adjust the positional relationship between the toilet paper holder body and the cutter 1.

1...Cutter 11...Rotating part; 111...Cutter part; 112...Trigger part; 113...Shaft part; 114...Stopper part 12...Base part 13...Cover part TH...Toilet paper holder TP...Toilet paper; TP1...Roll part; TP2...Sheet part TK...Passage path

Claims (7)

A cutter for cutting toilet paper attached to a toilet paper holder, comprising:
A cutter unit that is a blade that cuts the toilet paper;
A trigger portion coupled to the cutter portion and disposed on a passage path through which the toilet paper passes when pulled out;
a shaft portion that is an axis for rotating the cutter portion and the trigger portion;
a mounting portion that can be mounted on the wall surface on which the toilet paper holder is mounted;
Equipped with
The shaft portion is
The nozzle is disposed between the passageway and the wall surface in the horizontal direction,
When the trigger portion is not pressed, the cutter portion is disposed on the upper portion of the shaft portion, the cutting edge of the cutter portion faces substantially upward, and the cutter portion is in a first position where it does not engage with the toilet paper;
When the trigger portion is pressed from the passage path toward the wall surface by the pulled-out toilet paper, the cutter portion is positioned horizontally between the shaft portion and the pulled-out toilet paper, and is in a second position where the cutter portion engages with the pulled-out toilet paper;
A cutter is disposed below the toilet paper holder at a given distance. The cutting tool according to claim 1,
The cutter is characterized in that the mounting portion can be detachably mounted on a wall surface on which the toilet paper holder is mounted. The cutting tool according to claim 1, further comprising a cover portion that covers the cutter portion when moved to the first position. 10. The cutting tool of claim 1, further comprising:
A cutter having a first stopper portion that limits rotational movement of the trigger portion in the same direction as the direction from the first position to the second position so that the cutter portion and the toilet paper engage at approximately a right angle in the second position. The cutting tool according to claim 3 , further comprising:
a cutter including a second stopper portion that limits rotational movement of the cutter portion at the first position in the same direction as the direction from the second position toward the first position; A toilet paper holder that can be attached to a wall,
A cutter part that is a blade that cuts toilet paper;
A trigger portion coupled to the cutter portion and disposed on a passage path through which the toilet paper passes when pulled out;
a shaft portion that is an axis for rotating the cutter portion and the trigger portion;
a mounting portion that is a member that serves as a bearing for the shaft portion;
Equipped with
The shaft portion is
The nozzle is disposed between the passageway and the wall surface in the horizontal direction,
When the trigger portion is not pressed, the cutter portion is disposed on the upper portion of the shaft portion, the cutting edge of the cutter portion faces substantially upward, and the cutter portion is in a first position where it does not engage with the toilet paper;
When the trigger portion is pressed from the passage path toward the wall surface by the pulled-out toilet paper, the cutter portion is positioned horizontally between the shaft portion and the pulled-out toilet paper, and is in a second position where the cutter portion engages with the pulled-out toilet paper;
A toilet paper holder in which the cutter portion, the trigger portion, and the shaft portion are arranged below the roll-shaped portion of the toilet paper. 7. The toilet paper holder according to claim 6, further comprising a cover portion that covers the cutter portion when the cutter portion is moved to the first position.