U.S. patent number RE42,888 [Application Number 13/032,140] was granted by the patent office on 2011-11-01 for paper-scoring apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Scor-Pal Products Ltd.. Invention is credited to Diana S. Crick.
United States Patent |
RE42,888 |
Crick |
November 1, 2011 |
Paper-scoring apparatus
Abstract
Groove-type paper scoring apparatus according to the invention
comprises a platform providing a planar rectangular work surface.
On the platform are a series of transversely spaced shallow score
channels extending longitudinally from one end of the platform to
the other. Shallow boundary walls extend along the side edges and
the distal end of the platform. The distal end wall of the platform
is provided with spaced vertical notches each mating with an
associated one of the series of score channels. A scale or ruler
extends along each of the walls.
Inventors: |
Crick; Diana S. (Surrey,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Scor-Pal Products Ltd. (Surrey,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
41380549 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/032,140 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
12128446 |
May 28, 2008 |
7753833 |
Jul 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
493/396; 493/160;
493/59; 493/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31F
1/08 (20130101); Y10T 83/0333 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B31B
1/25 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;493/396,397,399,59,58,160 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tawfik; Sameh H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christensen O'Connor Johnson
Kindness PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Paper scoring apparatus comprising a. a platform providing a
substantially planar rectangular work surface, having an underside,
two side edges, a distal end and a proximal end, all with respect
to a user; b. a series of transversely spaced shallow score
channels of substantially uniform breadth and depth extending
longitudinally from the distal end of the work surface to the
proximal end of the work surface; and c. shallow boundary walls
extending upwardly from and along (i) the two side edges and (ii)
the distal end of the platform, the boundary wall at the distal end
of the platform having a series of spaced generally vertical
notches mating with the series of score channels and extending
upward from the distal ends as vertical extensions of corresponding
score channels
2. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the
platform is of selected length and width suitable for use with
rectangular paper of a known dimension.
3. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the
platform is of a length and width each exceeding the length of the
rectangular paper of known dimension.
4. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 2, including a scale
along the edge of the distal end of the platform displaying length
in selected units of length.
5. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the scale
is on a surface bevelled relative to the generally vertical surface
of the distal end boundary wall.
6. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 4, additionally
including a scale along each of the side edges of the platform
displaying length in the selected units of length.
7. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the
boundary walls are of substantially uniform height, the tops of the
boundary walls are generally parallel to the platform, and the
scales are located on or in the vicinity of the tops of the
boundary walls.
8. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein at least
some of the score channels are spaced from one another in multiples
of the selected units of length.
9. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein at least
some of the score channels are spaced from one another in simple
fractions of the selected units of length.
10. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 6, additionally
including marks along the distal end boundary wall of the platform
proximate the distal ends of selected score channels, for
identifying score channels suitable for use in making predetermined
preferred scoring.
11. Paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 1, additionally
including spaced reinforcing ribs on the underside of the platform,
each rib underlying an associated groove for strengthening the
platform in the vicinity of the associated groove.
.Iadd.12. A paper scoring apparatus comprising: a platform
providing a substantially planar work surface having an underside,
two side edges, a distal end, and a proximal end, all with respect
to a user; a series of transversely spaced shallow score channels
of substantially uniform breadth extending longitudinally from the
distal end of the work surface toward the proximal end of the work
surface; and a shallow boundary wall extending upwardly from a
distal end of the two side edges along the distal end of the
platform, the boundary wall at the distal end of the platform
having a series of spaced generally vertical notches mating with
the series of score channels and extending upward from the distal
end as vertical extensions of corresponding score channels.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 12,
wherein the platform has a length and width suitable for use with
paper of known dimension. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 13,
wherein the platform has a length or width exceeding the length or
width of the paper of known dimension. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 13,
further comprising a scale along an edge of the distal end of the
platform displaying the length or width in selected units of
measurement. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 15,
wherein the scale is on a surface beveled relative to a surface of
the distal end boundary wall. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 15,
wherein the distal end boundary wall has a substantially uniform
height, with the top of the boundary wall generally parallel to the
platform and the scale located on or in the vicinity of the top of
the boundary wall. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 15,
wherein at least some of the score channels are spaced from one
another in multiples of the selected units of measurement.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 15,
wherein at least some of the score channels are spaced from one
another in fractions of the selected units of measurement.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 15,
further comprising marks along the distal end boundary wall of the
platform proximate the distal ends of selected score channels that
identify score channels suitable for use in making predetermined
preferred scoring. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 13,
further comprising a scale along a side edge of the platform
displaying the length or width in selected units of measurement.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The paper scoring apparatus as defined in claim 12,
further comprising spaced reinforcing ribs on the underside of the
platform, wherein each rib underlies an associated score channel
for strengthening the platform in the vicinity of the associated
score channel. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention herein described relates generally to groove-type
apparatus for scoring paper (typically cardstock) so as to provide
fold lines or creases. Such apparatus is used, for example, for
facilitating the home manufacture of greeting cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Paper-scoring apparatus for home and small-business use falls into
two quite different categories. One category is the ridge-type
scoring device, which has spaced parallel sharp raised linear
ridges on a working platform. This type requires the use of a
scoring tool having a distal fork mating with the cross-sectional
shape of the ridge. The other type is the groove type, having
parallel linear grooves or channels on a working platform. This
type requires the use of a scoring tool having a distal point that
can force the paper sheet part way into the groove, creating a fold
line or crease. The present invention lies in the latter
category.
The paper scoring art is well developed and has undergone evolution
over approximately a century; by way of example, see Plante U.S.
Pat. No. 1,153,951 issued on 21 Sep. 1915. This patent discloses
and illustrates a classic ridge-type scoring device and a scoring
tool for use therewith having a forked distal portion for engaging
the sharp linear scoring ridges of the device.
All prior paper scoring devices suffer from various disadvantages
associated with structural limitations, inadequate versatility,
user unfriendliness, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In this specification and the appended claims, "paper" means sheet
material to which one or more fold creases are to be imparted. The
selected sheet material will typically be cardstock, which is used
herein as a typical example, but often light cardboard or
double-sided decorator paper is used.
Paper scoring apparatus according to the invention is of the groove
type rather than the sharp-ridge type. Such apparatus comprises
a. a platform providing a substantially planar rectangular work
surface;
b. a series of transversely spaced shallow score channels (grooves)
of substantially uniform breadth and depth extending longitudinally
from the distal end of the work surface to the proximal end of the
work surface; and
c. shallow boundary walls extending upwardly from and along the
side edges and the distal end of the platform.
"Distal" and "proximal" are with respect to the user. When the
apparatus is in use, the distal end of the platform is more remote
from the user; the proximal end closer to the user.
In a preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus, the distal
end boundary wall of the platform is provided with a series of
spaced generally vertical notches each mating with an associated
one of the series of score channels. The notches extend upward from
the distal ends of corresponding score channels. This design
feature facilitates score tool penetration of the paper at the
distal end of the selected score channel.
The score channels or grooves are dimensioned for ease of use,
having due regard to the expected thickness of the cardstock (say)
with which the device will be used. The point of the complementary
scoring tool is dimensioned for compatiblity with the score
channels and cardstock expected to be used. The point of the
scoring tool is typically not a true point, but a rounded point so
that the paper is not pricked by the point of the tool. It is
partly for this reason that the notches are provided so that the
working edge of the rounded point is able to reach the distal end
of each groove. It is convenient for some purposes to have the
score channels wide enough that they can be used for
reverse-embossing the cardstock for ornamental purposes.
The platform of the inventive paper scoring apparatus is of a
suitable length and width selected for use with rectangular paper
of a known dimension. In America, cardstock is typically
8.5''.times.11''. Accordingly, a suitable platform may conveniently
be 12''.times.12'', permitting placing cardstock onto and removal
of cardstock from the platform with ease, for both portrait and
landscape orientations of the cardstock on the platform, for both
left-handed and right-handed users.
Paper scoring apparatus of the aforementioned general type may be
provided with a scale along one or more walls. Optimally, at least
the distal end wall of the inventive apparatus is provided with a
scale, and each sidewall may also be provided with a scale. The
scale displays length in selected units of length, which in America
is typically inches.
For convenience of use, including reading of scales, the boundary
walls for the platform are of substantially uniform height, the
tops of the boundary walls are generally parallel to the platform,
and the scales are located on or in the vicinity of the tops of the
boundary walls.
Conveniently, at least some of the score channels are spaced from
one another in multiples or fractions of the selected unit of
length. For example, most of the score channels could be placed
one-half inch apart, and would be aligned with half-inch markings
on the distal end wall scale.
Additional score channels may be provided for special purposes,
such as folding a sheet of cardstock into thirds. Preferably marks
are provided along the distal end boundary wall of the platform in
the vicinity of the distal ends of such additional score channels,
for identifying those score channels that are suitable for use in
making predetermined preferred scoring.
The preferred method of manufacture of paper scoring apparatus
according to the invention is not part of the invention.
Conventional molding and forming techniques may be applied to
suitable plastics material which in use is relatively strong and
rigid. The inventive device may be an integral plastics device
manufactured in a single mold. To facilitate extrication of the
device from the mold, selected surfaces may be slightly inclined
rather than strictly perpendicular to adjacent surfaces. Terms such
as "generally vertical" should be read with the foregoing in mind,
and on the premise that in normal use, the platform will be
horizontal or nearly so. To facilitate a light weight of the
apparatus while maintaining adequate strength, spaced reinforcing
ribs may be provided on the underside of the platform, each rib
underlying an associated groove, for strengthening the platform in
the vicinity of the associated groove. Additional oblique ribs may
also be provided on the underside of the platform for strengthening
the platform while maintaining overall light weight of the scoring
device.
SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the paper
scoring device according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a section elevation view of the device of FIG. 1, taken
along the section line 2-2 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 accompanied by
a scoring tool suitable for use therewith.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the underside of the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 viewed from its
underside.
FIG. 6 comprises (i) a fragmentary side elevation view, partially
in section, of the distal portion of a scoring device resembling
that of FIG. 1, except that no notches are present in the distal
end wall of the scoring device; and (ii) a side elevation view of a
working scoring tool poised to begin the scoring of cardstock or
the like, the cardstock also being shown in fragmentary section
view.
FIG. 7 comprises (i) a fragmentary side elevation view, partially
in section, of the distal portion of the scoring device of FIG. 1;
and (ii) a side elevation view of a working scoring tool poised to
begin the scoring of cardstock or the like, the cardstock also
being shown in fragmentary section view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This description is of a preferred embodiment of the paper scoring
device according to the invention, and as such includes mention of
desirable design features in addition to those that relate to the
invention per se.
This embodiment generally indicated as 10 is preferably formed from
sturdy plastics material. It comprises a platform 12 bounded at its
distal end 13 by an end wall 14 formed in a deck 16 and along its
sides by sidewalls 18, 20. (The term "fence" is sometimes used in
the industry in preference to "sidewall".) The upper surfaces of
the sidewalls 18, 20 are preferably coplanar with the upper surface
of the deck 16. The sidewalls 18, 20 are preferably narrow but
their upper surfaces are preferably wide enough to present linear
scales 22, 24 demarcated in inches or centimetres.
(The terms "distal" and "proximal" in this description, when
referring to the device 10 or the platform 12 or portions thereof,
are used with respect to the body of the user of the device. The
deck 16 and end wall 14 are remote from the user, and therefore are
distally located, whilst the end 28 of the platform 12 is close to
the user, and is therefore proximally located.)
The platform 12 may be integral with the sidewalls 18, 20 and may
be suspended above any suitable supporting surface (not shown) such
as a table top by having the outermost portions of each of the
sidewalls 18, 20 extend downward below the undersurface 26 of the
platform 12. The lower edges 19, 21 of the sidewalls 18, 20 are
coplanar and may be parallel to the platform 12 as illustrated or,
if desired, could be given a slight inclination so that the distal
end 13 of the platform 12 rests at a higher level than its proximal
end 28. Pedestals 30 at the corners of the paper scoring device 10
may be of rubber or the like to provide non-scratching frictional
engagement between the device 10 and the supporting surface on
which it rests.
Between the proximal edge of the deck 16 and the end wall 14; i.e.
distally of the distal edge of the platform 12, is a transverse
bevelled surface 34 on which a linear scale 36 is displayed,
demarcated in inches or centimetres, the zero point on the scale
coinciding with the left edge of the platform 12, i.e. coincident
with the distal end of the inner surface of the left sidewall 18.
The bevelling of the scale 36 facilitates visual alignment of a
scoring tool with a selected groove 32.
Parallel shallow scoring grooves, two exemplary ones of which are
designated by reference numeral 32, extend longitudinally from the
distal end 13 to the proximal end 28 of the platform 12.
Conveniently, many of the neighboring grooves are spaced apart by a
standard unit of measurement, e.g. by 0.5 in. or by 1.0 cm, and are
correspondingly aligned with divisions of the scale 36. Others of
the grooves may be placed for specific folding purposes. In the
illustrated embodiment, the sidewalls 18, 20 are 12 in. apart.
Assuming a standard letter-size cardstock of 8.5 in..times.11 in.,
grooves 38, 40 are located at transverse distances of 32/3 in. and
71/3 in. respectively from the left end (zero point) of the scale
36 so that when such standard sheet is placed in landscape
orientation, i.e. with its longer edge against the end wall 14 and
its shorter edge against the sidewall 18, the grooves 38, 40 divide
the sheet into three equal portions lengthwise--i.e., the 11-inch
length of the cardstock is divided into thirds when a scoring tool
is run along the cardstock at the grooves 38 and 40. Grooves 38, 40
are aligned with triangular marks 42, 44 on the scale 36 for ease
of recognition by the user. Similarly, grooves 46, 48 are
respectively aligned with dots 50, 52 at 2.125 in. and 6.375 in.
along the scale 36, for the purpose of forming a standard gate fold
in a sheet of standard cardstock positioned in portrait orientation
with the short edge of the cardstock placed against end wall 14 and
the long edge against the inner surface of the sidewall 18. Other
special-purpose marks and corresponding grooves could be provided
at the designer's discretion.
To combine light weight with strength, the platform 12 is formed as
a relatively thin sheet with reinforcing longitudinally extending
ribs 54 underlying the grooves 32, and with spaced oblique
supporting ribs 56 whose lower edges are aligned with the lower
edges 19, 21 of sidewalls 18, 20 providing additional support for
the platform 12 when it rests on an underlying supporting
surface.
A suitably formed scoring tool 60 whose distal working end 62 is
formed as a rounded "point", is dimensioned so that the working end
62 of the tool 60 forces cardstock into a groove 32 when the tool
is pressed down against the cardstock and run longitudinally along
the cardstock in alignment with the underlying groove 32. A
receptacle in the nature of a shallow cavity 64 is located on the
right side of the deck 16. The walls of the cavity 64 mate with the
edges of the tool 60. Resilient clips 66 retain the tool 60 in the
cavity 64 when the tool 60 is not in use. A spring-loaded flip
mechanism 68, when triggered by finger depression, forces the tool
60 upwards out of engagement with the retaining clips 66. The
provision of a retaining receptacle for the tool 60 is not part of
the present invention, nor are the details of the flip
mechanism.
To facilitate the initial positioning of the working end 62 of the
scoring tool 60 at the distal end of a given groove 32, so that the
most distal working edge of the tool 60 may reach the distal limit
of any of the grooves 32, the end wall 14 is provided with a series
of spaced notches or indentations 70, each aligned with an
associated groove 32. This design feature permits the user to know
where each groove 32 begins, even when the groove is covered by
cardstock, and to position the tip 62 of the scoring tool 60 at or
very close to the distal limit of the groove 32. The notches 70
also facilitate the commencement of scoring the cardstock at that
distal limit.
Expanding on the feature discussed in the foregoing paragraph, the
"point" of a scoring tool is typically not a sharp point but is
rounded. There are at least three good reasons for this, viz (i) a
sharp point is more likely to pierce the cardstock (say), which
normally is not desired; (ii) a rounded point enables an effective
contact between the scoring tool and the cardstock over the range
of angles of tool to platform that may be expected in use; and
(iii) a sharp point is more likely to break off than a rounded
point. The scoring tool 60 illustrated in the drawings has a
rounded "point".
However, because the "point" of a scoring tool is rounded, it is
virtually impossible for its distal end to make contact with the
cardstock. Rather, the most distal portion of the underside of the
tool point that makes contact with the cardstock is spaced by a
short distance from the distal end of the point. This fact is
illustrated in FIG. 6, which shows a fragment of the distal end of
a representative scoring apparatus in section, and a tool poised
above the platform for use in scoring a sheet of cardstock, also
illustrated. For convenience, the scoring apparatus selected for
illustration in FIG. 6 closely resembles that of FIG. 1 save that
the apparatus of FIG. 6 has no notches in the distal end of the
apparatus. Specifically, such scoring apparatus 110 is provided
with a platform 112 whose distal edge terminates in an end wall 114
formed in a deck portion 116 of the apparatus 110. Cardstock 78 is
placed on the platform 112 with its distal edge 80 in contact with
end wall 114. The point 62 of scoring tool 60 abuts the end wall
114 at the beginning of a scoring run along the cardstock 78.
Because of the rounded configuration of the point 62, the leading
point of contact 76 of the point 62 with the cardstock 78 is spaced
a short distance from the end wall 114, leaving a distal portion 82
of the cardstock 78 unscored when the tool 60 is moved from its
distal limit in contact with end wall 114 proximally toward the
user.
In contrast, because scoring apparatus 10 according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention is provided with notches 70 in end wall
14, the point 62 of scoring tool 60 is able to move distally
relative to the end wall 14 so that the leading point of contact 76
of the point 62 is coincident with the distal edge 80 of the
cardstock 78. Accordingly, the scoring tool 60 is enabled to score
the cardstock 78 completely, from its distal edge 80 proximally to
the opposite edge (not illustrated) of the cardstock 78. The
foregoing is illustrated in FIG. 7.
Desirably, the dimensions and configuration of the point 62 of the
scoring tool 60 are designed to complement the dimensions of the
notches 70 so that the point 62 may penetrate a given notch 70
sufficiently that the leading point of contact 76 of the underside
of the point 62 is able to reach the distal edge 80 of the
cardstock 78 when that edge 80 is in contact with the end wall
14.
The scoring device 10 and scoring tool 60 may be manufactured of
strong rigid plastics material, using conventional molding and
forming techniques. The propeller-shaped flow leader 74, shaped as
a flat rise on the underside of the platform 12, is an artifact of
the molding process; it corresponds in shape and dimensions to a
counterpart shallow cavity in the mold (not illustrated), which
latter facilitates flow of molten plastic to the underside portion
of the platform 12 from the mold gate. The shape and dimensions of
the flow leader, and the preferred position of the mold gate, are
preferably determined with the assistance of a mold flow analysis,
which will vary from one specific design to another. For the
preferred embodiment of the inventive scoring device illustrated, a
mold flow analysis indicated that the mold gate should be located
off-centre relative to the horizontal dimensions of the device 10.
In the molded product, the mold gate position corresponds to a
generally circular rise 72 in the underside of the platform 12.
In use, the scoring device 10 is placed on a flat surface with the
proximal end 28 nearest the user. A sheet of cardstock is placed on
the platform 12. For cardmaking, the sheet is normally placed with
its short edge abutting the distal end wall 14 and its long edge
abutting the left sidewall 18. For boxmaking, the sheet is normally
placed with its long edge abutting the distal end wall 14 and its
short edge abutting the left sidewall 18.
The left side of the deck 16 serves as a flat surface against which
the user's left hand may exert modest pressure on the scoring
device 10 to stabilize it while it is being used. As the notches 70
are coincident with grooves 32 coinciding with scale divisions of
the scale 36 or with special marks 42, 50 etc., the user can easily
select the groove 32 to be used for scoring the cardstock (say).
The working end 62 of the tool 60 is then used to score the
cardstock, preferably beginning at an associated notch 70 and
continuing proximally until the sheet of cardstock is scored across
its entire width (or length) or to a desired distance from the end
wall 14. The sidewall scales 22, 24 facilitate accurate termination
of the score line if the scoring is to stop short of the proximal
edge of the cardstock. Two or more score lines may be made for
particular purposes while the cardstock is in place against the end
wall 14 and the sidewall 18. Decorative embossing
("deco-embossing") may be accomplished by repeatedly scoring the
underside of the presentation surface of the cardstock along
oblique lines.
Preferably the width between the sidewalls 18, 20 is slightly
longer than the maximum length or width of cardstock to be scored.
This choice of width permits a left-handed user to place the right
edge of the cardstock against the sidewall 20, which may make
scoring the cardstock easier for such user. When selecting the
preferred dimensions of the scoring device 10, there is a trade-off
to be made between accommodation of cardstock of large dimensions,
on the one hand, and cost of manufacture and ease of use for
conventionally sized cardstock, on the other hand. Note that the
height of sidewalls 18, 20 is preferably quite short so that if
oversize cardstock is to be scored, part of the cardstock may
overlie either sidewall with very little temporary deformation.
For diagonal scoring, opposed corners of the cardstock are aligned
with one and the same groove 32.
It will be apparent that a device that imitates some but not all of
the desirable design features of the scoring device herein
described and illustrated may well be a useful scoring device
within the scope of the invention. For example, a competitor might
provide interruptions in the sidewalls 18, 20 without losing the
benefit gained by having walls along both sides of the platform 12.
The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment herein
described and illustrated, but is defined in scope by the appended
claims.
* * * * *