WO2005096742A2 - Paper shredder - Google Patents

Abstract

A shredder is provided, including a stand having a base, a cutting head assembly and a container. The cutting head assembly includes an inlet for receiving material to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed. The inlet of the cutting head assembly is inclined relative to the base and may be substantially vertical. The container may be rotatable between an operating position, in which it receives shredded material from the outlet, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that it cannot receive shredded material from the outlet and the container can be removed from the stand. Also, materials are inserted into the inlet along a first path and the container is removed from the stand along a second path. The first and second paths may be substantially parallel to each other.

Description

PAPER SHREDDER

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/557,560, filed March 30, 2004, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present application relates to paper shredders and, more particularly, to paper shredders having a vertically oriented cutting head assembly.

BACKGROUND [0003] Identity theft and dumpster diving have become prevalent. To this end, paper shredders have become popular for home use in destroying sensitive paper documents and the like. The sale of shredders has become a multi-million dollar a year business. Various shredders are available for home or office use costing from as little as $30 to well over $10,000. Such machines can tear a sheet of paper into anywhere from a few strips to thousands of pieces.

[0004] A paper shredder typically includes a cutting head assembly horizontally oriented across the opening of a container. Typical paper shredders are large and bulky items that occupy a substantial amount of floor space due to the large volume of the container. Often, trash bins or garbage cans are used in conjunction with paper shredders for catching and retaining the shredded documents and other papers. The shredder is typically set atop the garbage bin and is removable to allow for emptying of the shredded items. It is often difficult or unsafe to remove the cutting head assembly from the container. Moreover, it may be quite cumbersome to empty the container, and require the use of both hands due to the size and ergonomics of the container. Additionally, due to the size and shape of such shredders, they are disadvantageously confined to sit on the floor and occupy valuable floor space that could be used for other furniture or equipment. [0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a paper shredder with a reduced footprint for use on a desk or countertop. Additionally, the shredder should be easy and fun to use, safe, and preclude the need to handle or remove the cutting head to empty the bin.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In some aspects, a shredder is provided that includes a base for supporting the shredder on a horizontal surface, a cutting head assembly supported by the base, the cutting head assembly including an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet being positioned non-parallel relative to the horizontal surface, and a container coupled to the cutting head assembly for receiving the shredded material from the outlet of the cutting head.

[0007] In other aspects, the base may be substantially horizontal and the inlet of the cutting head assembly may be non-horizontal relative to the base.

[0008] In yet other aspects, the shredder may include a vertical stand having a base, the stand defining a vertical axis through a center thereof. The shredder may also include a paper-shredding cutting head assembly coupled to the stand and oriented substantially vertical relative to the vertical axis, and a container coupled to the stand for receiving shredded materials from the cutting head assembly.

[0009] In further aspects, the shredder may include a rotating member coupled or joined to the stand and rotatable relative to the stand, and a container removably connected to the rotating member and operable to receive shredded materials from the cutting head assembly, the container being movable via the rotating member between an operating position, in which the container is capable of receiving shredded materials from the cutting head assembly, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that the container can not receive shredded materials from the cutting head assembly and the container can be removed from the rotating member.

[0010] In additional aspects, materials may be inserted into the inlet of the cutting head assembly along a first path and the container may be removably connected to the stand along a second path. The first path and the second path may be substantially parallel to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying figures is illustrated by way of example only.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a vertical paper shredder.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of the vertical paper shredder shown in Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a partially broken side view of the vertical paper shredder shown in Fig. 1, shown with a container rotated to a removal position.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a partially broken, exploded side view of the shredder shown in Figs. 1, shown with the container removed from a cutting head.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a vertical paper shredder.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a side view of the vertical paper shredder shown in Fig. 5.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a vertical paper shredder.

[0019] Fig. 8 is an exploded side view of the vertical paper shredder shown in Fig. 7, shown with a container removed from a cutting head.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical shredder shown in Fig. 7, taken along line 9-9 in Fig. 7.

[0021] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0022] Referring now to the figures and particularly Fig. 1 , a vertical paper shredder 20 is shown and described. The shredder 20 includes a cutting head assembly 24 affixed to a stand 28 having a support base 30. A container 32 is movably coupled to the stand 28, via a rotating member 36, for engagement with and disengagement from the cutting head assembly 24. As shown in Figs. 1-4, the stand 28 and support base 30 may be integrally formed or otherwise fabricated of a rod or tubular material such as plastic or metal. The support base 30 should be weighted to prevent the shredder 20 from tipping over. Alternatively, the support base 30 may include an affixment means such as suction cups, fasteners, adhesive, or the like so the shredder 20 may be removably affixed to a surface (e.g., table top, countertop, floor, a wall, etc.) As shown in Figs. 1-4, the base 30 is generally circular in shape, but may be sized and shaped otherwise as desired so long as the base 30 provides a suitable foundation for the shredder 20 and inhibits tipping. The base 30 should be sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the size of the shredder 20 and minimize the footprint of the shredder 20. That is, referring to Fig. 2, the diameter of the base 30 is substantially the same as the depth of the cutting head assembly 24 and container 32.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the cutting head assembly 24 projects generally upwardly from the top of the stand 28. As known in the art, the cutting head assembly 24 generally includes a set of cutters (not shown) disposed within a housing 40. The cutters, such as cross-cut cutters, for example, are typically driven by an electric motor 44 through a gear train 48 (motor and gear train shown in Fig. 8). Also as known in the art, the cutting head assembly 24 may include a powering means such as an electrical cord 52 (Fig. 1) and plug for energizing the shredder 20 from a typical 120V AC outlet. Advantageously, a portion of the electrical cord 52 may be disposed within the base 30 and/or the stand 28. Additionally, the shredder 20 may include a multi-position switch (not shown) as is common, such as, for example, an on/off/reverse switch where the reverse switch position is used to reverse the cutters to facilitate removal of jammed paper in the shredder 20. The cutting head assembly 24 is oriented substantially vertically. As shown, the cutting head assembly 24 is angled approximately 45 degrees from a vertical axis 50 co-axial with the stand 28, however, the angle is preferably smaller than 45 degrees to decrease the shredder's footprint.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 40 of the cutting head assembly 24 includes an inlet 56 for feeding one or more papers to the cutters. The inlet 56, similarly to the cutting head assembly 24, is oriented substantially vertical relative to the vertical axis 50. In other words, the inlet 56 is inclined relative to the base 30. Once a user inserts one or more papers into the inlet 56, the cutting head assembly 24 may include a switch (not shown) that detects the papers and actuates the motor to turn the cutters. The cutters grab the papers and automatically pull the papers into the cutting head assembly 24 for shredding so long as papers are detected in the inlet 56. The shredded papers are ejected from an outlet 60, opposite the inlet 55, and fall by gravity into the container 32, which is normally positioned to engage the opposite side of the cutting head assembly 24 and catch the ejected shreds of paper.

[0025] Referring now to Figs. 1-4, the container 32 is described in further detail. As shown, the container 32 is somewhat tubular and has an angled top end 64 that is open for engagement with the cutting head assembly 24, and a bottom end 68 that is substantially horizontal and elevated above the base 30. As best illustrated in Fig. 1, the front of the container 32 may include a concavity or u-shaped channel 72 running vertically for coupling with the stand 28. Similarly, the rear of the container 32 may have a concave shape such that the volume within the container 32 is sufficient to hold a number of shredded papers without the need to empty the container 32 often. In one embodiment, the container 32 is fabricated by blow molding or the like from a transparent or translucent plastic material. Further, the container 32 may include various indents or depressions 76 that facilitate handling and removal of the container 32 from the shredder 20.

[0026] Referring now to Figs. 2-4, attachment and removal of the container 32 to and from the shredder 20 is described in further detail. As introduced above, the shredder 20 includes a rotating member 36 rotatably coupled to the stand 28 and positioned below the cutting head assembly 24. With particular reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the rotating member 36 may include a hook, ledge, or other like fastener 80 for releasably engaging the container 32. As shown in the partial cutaway view of the container 32, the container 32 may include a hole 84 proximate the top of the u-shaped vertical channel 72 that allows the container 32 to rest on the hook 80 and rotate about the stand 28 via the rotating member 36. The rotating member 36 permits 360 degree rotation of the container 32 about the stand 28, and more particularly, the rotating member 36 facilitates rotation of the container 32 from an operating position (see Fig. 2) proximate the cutting head assembly 24 to a removal position (see Fig. 3) approximately 180 degrees or diametrically opposite from the operating position. In the operating position, the container 32 is shaped and oriented to engage with and enclose the cutting head assembly outlet 60 to catch and retain shredded papers. In the removal position, the container 32 is oriented for removal. A detent mechanism may be connected to any one of the container 32, the rotating member 36 or the cutting head assembly 24 and engagable with one or more of the other of the container 32, the rotating member 36 or the cutting head assembly 24 to secure the container 32 in the operating position.

[0027] To move the container 32 from the operating position to the removal position, a user must apply sufficient force to the container 32 to overcome the detent engagement and move the container 32 from the operating position. Once the container 32 is in the removal position, the container 32 may be lifted from the hook 80, removed, emptied and replaced on the hook 80. Once the container 32 is on the hook 80, it may be rotated back to the operating position.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the cutting head assembly 24 may include a lighting device 88 that illuminates the container 32. As mentioned previously, the container 32 may be fabricated of a transparent or translucent material. Furthermore, the lighting device 88 may illuminate the container contents to convey the amount of container contents (i.e., level of shredded paper). The lighting device 88 may be a colored, color changing, blacklight, strobe or other light to provide for an interesting visual display. To this end, the cutting head assembly 24 may include a light actuating switch (not shown) for selecting a lighting mode. For example, the light switch may be selectable to provide various lighting modes, such as, for example, illumination only during shredding, illumination during shredding and thereafter for a predetermined amount of time, and continuous illumination. In one embodiment, a color changing light bulb or one or more various colored light bulbs may be selectively illuminated to indicate a particular condition. For example, a red illumination may indicate when the container 32 is removed, a blue illumination may indicate when the paper has jammed, and a green illumination may indicate that the container 32 is securely engaged with the cutting head assembly 24.

[0029] Advantageously, the aforementioned lighting and transparent/translucent container 32 may provide for a "novelty" item, thereby making the shredder a conversation piece when openly displayed and used. Particularly, the user and others are able to watch the cut paper being ejected from the cutters as an interesting visual display.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, an alternate embodiment of a shredder 20A is shown. Similar components between the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 and the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-4 are identified by similar reference numbers "A". The first embodiment of Figs. 1-4 is for free-standing, floor use with a much decreased footprint in comparison to other typical free standing, floor use shredders. The floor use shredder 20 is approximately 24" high with a comparatively higher volume container. The second embodiment of shredder 20A shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is for desktop or countertop use. The desktop/countertop shredder 20A is approximately 16" high such that it is compact and could fit underneath hanging cabinets.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 7-9, another alternate embodiment of a shredder 20B is shown. Similar components between this embodiment and the other two previous embodiments are identified by similar reference numbers "B". The shredder 20B has a similar compact footprint to the other embodiments, but the container 32B is attachable and removable from the shredder 20B by pulling and pushing the container 32B along a relatively straight path. In the operating position (see Fig. 7), the container 32B is oriented to cover the outlet 60B of the shredder 20B and receive shredded materials dispensed from the outlet 60B. Also, the cutting head assembly 20B is oriented vertically. In other words, the inlet 56B of the cutting head assembly 20B is substantially parallel to a vertical axis 50B co-axial with the stand 28B and substantially perpendicular to the base 30B. The verticality of the inlet 56B and cutting head assembly 20B enable the shredder 20B to have a minimal footprint, whereas typical shredders that have horizontally oriented cutting head assemblies and shredding inlets occupy a much larger footprint to accommodate the length of the cutting head assembly and the shredding inlet. [0032] It is contemplated that the shredder may have alternatives to that described above and illustrated in the figures. Some of such alternatives may be, for example, in lieu of merely pushing or pulling the container between the operating and removal positions, the shredder could include a more active release feature that must be activated (e.g., a pushbutton) to alloxv the container to automatically between the operating and removal positions. Also, for example, the shredder may include a safety interlock switch, which interrupts power to the cutting head unless the container is properly installed. As another example, the shredder could include an outlet thereon, which could be useful if used on a kitchen countertop, for plugging other kitchen appliances into. As a further example, a magnet could be installed somewhere on the cutting head assembly, stand, or base to serve as a holder for paper clips. Additionally, for example, holes or slots could be cut into the side of the container to allow users to drop items into the container (e.g., binder clips or paper clips) without removing the container. As further examples, the shredder could have an integrated envelope opener or an integrated pencil sharpener. Further, for example, the inlet of the cutting head assembly may be sized so that papers require folding prior to insertion into the inlet. This feature would be advantageous because the shredder could have an even more compact design and consume an even smaller footprint.

[0033] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMBD IS:

1. A shredder comprising: a base for supporting the shredder on a horizontal surface; a cutting head assembly supported by the base, the cutting head assembly including an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet being positioned non-parallel relative to the horizontal surface; and a container coupled to the cutting head assembly for receiving the shredded material from the outlet of the cutting head.

2. The shredder of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is angled at least 45 degrees relative to the horizontal surface.

3. The shredder of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is substantially vertical relative to the horizontal surface.

4. The shredder of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface.

5. The shredder of claim 1, further comprising a rotating member coupled to the base and being rotatable relative to the base, the container being removably connected to the rotating member and being movable via the rotating member between an operating position, in which the container is capable of receiving shredded material from the cutting head assembly, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that the container can be removed from the rotating member.

6. The shredder of claim 5, wherein the rotating member includes a hook and the container includes a hole, the hook being insertable into the hole and engagable with the container to support the container on the rotating member.

7. The shredder of claim 5, further comprising a detent mechanism connected to one of the cutting head assembly, the container and the rotating member for engaging the other of the cutting head assembly, the container and the rotating member for releasably securing the container in the operating position.

8. The shredder of claim 1, further comprising a lighting device for at least partially illuminating the container.

9. The shredder of claim 8, wherein the lighting device is operable to indicate a condition of the shredder.

10. The shredder of claim 8, wherein the lighting device is connected to the cutting head assembly and is positioned within the container to illuminate the interior of the container.

11. The shredder of claim 8, wherein the container is at least partially transparent so that illumination created by the lighting device can be seen through the container and the contents of the container can be viewed.

12. The shredder of clam 1, wherein material is inserted into the inlet along a first path, the container is removable from the cutting head assembly along a second path, and the first and second paths are substantially parallel with each other.

13. The shredder of claim 1 , wherein the base defines a base width and a base depth and the cutting head assembly and the container, when connected, define a second width and a second depth, and wherein the base width and the second width are substantially the same and the base depth and the second depth are substantially the same.

14. A shredder comprising: a substantially horizontal base; a cutting head assembly supported by the base, the cutting head assembly including an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet being inclined relative to the substantially horizontal base; and a container coupled to the cutting -head assembly for receiving the shredded material from the outlet of the cutting head.

15. The shredder of claim 14, wherein the inlet is angled at least 45 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal base.

16. The shredder of claim 14, wherein the inlet is substantially vertical relative to the substantially horizontal base.

17. The shredder of claim 14, wherein the inlet is substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal base.

18. The shredder of claim 14, further comprising a rotating member coupled to the base and being rotatable relative to the base, the container being removably connected to the rotating member and being movable via the rotating member between an operating position, in which the container is capable of receiving shredded material from the cutting head assembly, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that the container can be removed from the rotating member.

19. The shredder of claim 18, wherein the rotating member includes a hook and the container includes a hole, the hook being insertable into the hole and engagable with the container to support the container on the rotating member.

20. The shredder of claim 18, further comprising a detent mechanism connected to one of the cutting head assembly, the container and the rotating member for engaging the other of the cutting head assembly, the container and the rotating member for releasably securing the container in the operating position.

21. The shredder of claim 14, further comprising a lighting device for at least partially illuminating the container.

22. The shredder of claim 21, wherein the lighting device is operable to indicate a condition of the shredder.

23. The shredder of claim 21, wherein the lighting device is connected to the cutting head assembly and is positioned within the container to illuminate the interior of the container.

24. The shredder of claim 21, wherein the container is at least partially transparent so that illumination created by the lighting device can be seen through the container and the contents of the container can be viewed.

25. The shredder of clam 14, wherein material is inserted into the inlet along a first path, the container being removable from and couplable to the cutting head assembly along a second path, wherein the first and second paths are substantially parallel with each other.

26. The shredder of claim 14, wherein the base defines a base width and a base depth and the cutting head assembly and the container, when connected, define a second width and a second depth, and wherein the base width and the second width are substantially the same and the base depth and the second depth are substantially the same.

27. A shredder comprising: a vertical stand having a base, the stand defining a vertical axis through a center thereof; a cutting head assembly coupled to the stand and oriented substantially vertical relative to the vertical axis, the cutting head assembly operable to shred materials; and a container coupled to the stand for receiving shredded materials from the cutting head assembly.

28. The shredder of claim 27, wherein the cutting head assembly includes an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet being angled no more than 45 degrees from the vertical axis.

29. The shredder of claim 27, wherein the cutting head assembly includes an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal surface upon which the shredder is supported.

30. The shredder of claim 27, wherein the cutting head assembly includes an inlet for receiving materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, the inlet being substantially parallel with the vertical axis.

31. The shredder of claim 27, further comprising a rotating member coupled to the stand and being rotatable relative to the stand, the container being removably connected to the rotating member and being movable via the rotating member between an operating position, in which the container is capable of receiving shredded material from the cutting head assembly, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that the container can be removed from the rotating member.

32. The shredder of claim 31 , wherein the rotating member includes a hook and the container includes a hole, the hook being insertable into the hole and engagable with the container to support the container on the rotating member.

33. The shredder of claim 31 , further compri sing a detent mechanism connected to one of the cutting head assembly, the container and tfcie rotating member for engaging the other of the cutting head assembly, the container and the rotating member for releasably securing the container in the operating position.

34. The shredder of claim 27, further comprising a lighting device for at least partially illuminating the container.

35. The shredder of claim 34, wherein the lighting device is operable to indicate a condition of the shredder.

36. The shredder of claim 34, wherein the lighting device is connected to the cutting head assembly and is positioned within the container to illuminate the interior of the container.

37. The shredder of claim 34, wherein the container is at least partially transparent so that illumination created by the lighting d-evice can be seen through the container and the contents of the container can be viewed.

38. The shredder of clam 27, wherein material is inserted into the inlet along a first path, the container being removable from and couplable to the cutting head assembly along a second path, wherein the first and second paths are substantially parallel with each other.

39. The shredder of claim 27, wherein the base defines a base width and a base depth and the cutting head assembly and the container, when connected, define a second width and a second depth, and wherein the base width and the second width are substantially the same and the base depth and the second depth are substantially the same.

40. A shredder comprising: a stand; a cutting head assembly coupled to the stand, the cutting head assembly operable to shred materials; a rotating member coupled to the stand and rotatable relative to the stand; and a container removably connected to the rotating member and operable to receive shredded materials from the cutting head assembly, the container being movable via the rotating member between an operating position, in which the container is capable of receiving shredded materials from the cutting head assembly, and a removal position, in which the container is rotated away from the cutting head assembly such that the container can be removed from the rotating member.

41. The shredder of claim 40, wherein the rotating member includes a hook and the container includes a hole, the hook being insertable into the hole and engagable with the container to support the container on the rotating member.

42. The shredder of claim 40, wherein the rotating member is coupled to the stand at a top of the stand and at a bottom of the cutting head assembly.

43. The shredder of claim 40, wherein the container includes a depression engagable by a user.

44. A shredder comprising: a stand; a substantially vertical cutting head assembly coupled to the stand and operable to shred materials, the cutting head including an inlet for receiviri-g materials to be shredded and an outlet from which shredded material is dispensed, wherein materials are inserted into the inlet along a first path; and a container removably coupled to the stand and operable to receive shredded material from the outlet of the cutting head assembly, the container being couplable to and removable from the stand along a second path; wherein the first path and the second path are substantially parallel to each other.

45. The shredder of claim 44, wherein the first and second paths are horizontal.

46. The shredder of claim 44, wherein the first and second paths are angled relative to horizontal.