TOOL FOR CUTTING CYLINDRICAL CONDUITS

Abstract

A tool (1) for cutting cylindrical conduits. The tool comprises a body (2) having an opening (3) extending along a predetermined axis through the body. A slot (4) extends from an external surface (5) of the body to a mouth (6) of the opening (3). A cutting blade (14) extends into the opening along a plane extending at right angles to said predetermined axis. The body has a first portion (7) on one side of the slot (4) and a second portion (8) on the other side of the slot.

Claims

1. A tool for cutting cylindrical conduits of varied diameters, said tool comprising: a body having an opening extending along a predetermined axis through the body, a slot extending from an external surface of the body to a mouth of the opening, a first portion of the body being provided on one side of the slot and a second portion of the body being provided on the other side of the slot, a cutting blade extending into said opening along a plane extending at right angles to said predetermined axis, and a flexible conduit holder that is connected to the body and provided within the opening.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder is separately formed to the body and is attached thereto.

3. A tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flexible conduit holder is formed of metal or plastic.

4. (canceled)

5. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder is unitarily formed.

6. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder comprises a hinge.

7. A tool as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.

8. A tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein the living hinge has a curved profile.

9. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flexible conduit holder comprises a pair of spaced conduit support portions that are joined to one another by an intermediate portion that permits relative movement between the spaced conduit support portions.

10. A tool as claimed in claim 9, wherein one or both of the conduit support portions comprises a face, which may be curved.

11-13. (canceled)

14. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder is attached on a first side thereof to the first portion of the body and is attached on a second side thereof to the second portion of the body.

15. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder spans the mouth of the opening.

16. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein a portion of the flexible conduit holder that is located beyond a portion of a cutting edge of the blade, when viewed through the slot, is flexibly mounted.

17. (canceled)

18. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder comprises an outwardly extending leg.

19-21. (canceled)

22. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible conduit holder extends along substantially the entire axial length of the opening.

23. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot tapers so that its width progressively diminishes with distance from the external surface of the body to the mouth of the opening.

24-37. (canceled)

38. A tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a cutting edge of the blade is recessed from the mouth of the opening in a direction of a straight line extending between innermost edges of the slot.

39. A tool as claimed in claim 38, wherein the entire cutting edge of the blade is recessed from the mouth of the opening.

40. A tool as claimed in claim 38, wherein one of the first and second portions is provided with the blade, and a sidewall of the slot, which is associated with the respective one of the first and second portions that is provided with the blade, comprises a guide surface, and the cutting edge of the blade is recessed from an edge of the guide surface in the direction of the straight line extending between innermost edges of the slot, which edge is located at the mouth of the opening.

41-45. (canceled)

46. A tool as claimed in claim 40, wherein the cutting edge is increasingly recessed from the mouth of the opening as it extends away from the mouth of the opening.

47-87. (canceled)

88. A tool as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a spring for biasing the first and second portions of the body apart from one another.

89-98. (canceled)

Description

[0062] Non-limiting embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool according an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front;

[0064] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flexible conduit holder in isolation from the body of the tool;

[0066] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front with the protrusion insert in a first orientation with the protrusion projecting from the guide surface;

[0067] FIG. 5 is a side view of a tool according to a second embodiment, which differs from the tool of FIG. 1 only with regard to the profile of the blade;

[0068] FIG. 6 is a side view of a tool according to a third embodiment, which differs from the tool of FIG. 5 primarily by the introduction of a biasing means;

[0069] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the tool of FIG. 6;

[0070] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front;

[0071] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 8, opened to permit removal of the cutting blade;

[0072] FIG. 10 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 8; and

[0073] FIG. 11 is a side view of the tool, of FIG. 8 opened to permit removal of the cutting blade.

[0074] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, there is shown a tool 1 for cutting cylindrical conduits. The tool comprises a body 2 having an opening 3 extending along a predetermined axis through the body. A slot 4 extends from an external surface 5 of the body to a mouth 6 of the opening 3. A cutting blade 14 extends into the opening along a plane extending at right angles to said predetermined axis. The body has a first portion 7 on one side of the slot 4, and a second portion 8 on the other side of the slot.

[0075] Among key aspects of the tool of the present disclosure are the following first to third aspects, which aspects may be taken in any combination with one another, or which aspects may be taken in isolation from one another. For ease of description, the three aspects are shown together in the first to third embodiments presented herein. This should not be taken as limiting, however.

[0076] In a first aspect, the tool 1 is suitable for cutting cylindrical conduits of varied diameters. The tool comprises a flexible conduit holder 18 that is connected to the body and provided within the opening.

[0077] In a second aspect, at least a portion of a cutting edge of the blade 14 is recessed from the mouth 6 of the opening in a direction of a straight line extending between innermost edges 12, 15 of the slot 4 (as seen most clearly in FIG. 5).

[0078] In a third aspect, the slot comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls 9, 10 and one or both of the sidewalls is provided with an inwardly projecting protrusion 37 that lies in the plane of the blade 14, wherein the opening (and/or flexible conduit holder) is free from any such protrusion. In other words only the first and/or second sidewall comprises an inwardly projecting protrusion lying in the plane of the blade.

[0079] These three aspects will now be discussed in detail with reference to the depicted first to third embodiments:

[0080] In the depicted embodiments, the first portion 7 is generally rigid and inflexible and the second portion 8 is resilient and flexible. It should, however, be appreciated that in alternative arrangements both the first and second portions 7, 8 could be resilient and flexible.

[0081] The body of the tool is preferably generally cylindrical, as shown, wherein the predetermined axis of the opening 3 is the axis of the cylindrical body. The body is preferably formed from plastic or similar resilient material. The slot 4 preferably tapers so that its width progressively diminishes with distance from the external surface 5 to the mouth 6, as shown.

[0082] The second portion 8 comprises a head 11 located at its distal end, and a wall 13 having a generally arcuate shape, which wall 13 extends between the first portion 7 and the head 11. Second portion 8 is able to flex away from the first portion 7, whereupon the width of mouth 6 increases. Second portion 8 is resilient, such that it will resile to its original position shown in FIG. 2 when in a relaxed state (including following passage of a conduit through the mouth and into the opening 3).

[0083] The thickness of wall 13 is configured to provide the flexibility of second portion 8 relative to first portion 7. The second portion 8 having a reduced wall thickness compared to the first portion 7. The thickness of wall 13 may be constant between the head 11 and the first portion 7, or alternatively the width of the wall 13 may vary, as shown. Of course, in alternative arrangements the required flexibility could be provided by use of different materials or an alternative structure, such as an arrangement having voids or openings to introduce the required flexibility. As mentioned, in alternatives both the first and second portions 7, 8 may be flexible.

[0084] The slot 4 has a first sidewall 9 and a second sidewall 10. The first and second sidewalls 9, 10 are formed at the distal ends of first and second portions 7, 8 respectively. The first portion 7 is provided with the blade and the first sidewall 9 of the slot 4, comprises a guide surface 16. The cutting edge of the blade is recessed from an edge 15 of the guide surface 16 in the direction of the straight line extending between innermost edges 12, 15 of the slot (as shown most clearly in FIG. 5). The edges 12, 15 are located at the mouth 6 of the opening 3. They may be considered to define the mouth of the opening in the present embodiment. It should be noted that whilst the first portion is shown to be provided with the blade, alternative arrangements are possible in which the second portion is provided with the blade instead.

[0085] The tool 1 is configured to accept conduits of varied diameters, within a predetermined range. The width of the slot 4 between the first and second sidewalls at the external surface 5 may be configured to be larger than the largest diameter of the predetermined range, allowing any conduit within the predetermined range to be readily inserted into the slot. Furthermore, the width of the slot 4 at mouth 6 may be configured to be smaller than the smallest diameter of the predetermined range when the tool 1 is in a relaxed state. In this manner, any conduit having a diameter within the predetermined range which is progressively inserted along the slot 4 towards the opening 3 will engage the edge 12 of the second sidewall 10 and urge the second portion 8 to flex away from the first portion 7 until the conduit passes fully into the opening 3, at which point the second portion will resile to its relaxed state thus encompassing the conduit within the opening 3, and within the flexible conduit holder 18.

[0086] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the blade 14 has an arcuate shape and is fixed. The blade 14 may alternatively be a circular blade which is rotatably supported within the body 2, such that the blade 14 is permitted to rotate, or may be square or rectangular blade, such as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, the blade 14 extends into the opening by a distance exceeding the thickness of the wall of the conduit to be cut. In one embodiment, the distance to which the blade extends into the opening may be adjustable, such that the tool can be configured to cut conduits of varying wall thicknesses. Where the blade penetrates the flexible conduit holder 18 the wall thickness of the flexible blade holder will be taken into account. Moreover, where the blade is attached to the body and there is relative movement between the flexible conduit holder and the blade, with the flexible conduit holder moving towards or away from the blade with flexing of the tool/insertion of a conduit into the flexible conduit holder, the depth of exposure of the blade will be varied with such movement of the flexible conduit holder.

[0087] The flexible conduit holder 18 may be formed unitarily with the body 2. However, it is preferred that the flexible conduit holder 18 is separately formed to the body 2 and is attached thereto, as shown. The flexible conduit holder 18 preferably comprises a first conduit support portion 19 attached to the first portion 7 and a second conduit support portion 20 attached to the second portion 8. It is preferable that both conduit support portions comprise faces which are curved, as shown, alternative arrangements are possible where one or both of the faces is/are otherwise formed so as not to curve.

[0088] The flexible conduit holder 18 preferably has sufficient flexibility to permit insertion of any conduit having a diameter within the predetermined range, with the walls of the flexible conduit holder 18 conforming to the circumference of the conduit to support the conduit within the opening 3 during the cutting operation, whilst not deforming the conduit.

[0089] For clarity, FIG. 3 shows the flexible conduit holder 18 in isolation from the body 2. It will be appreciated that the features of the flexible conduit holder described hereafter with reference to FIG. 3 apply equally to embodiments of the present invention wherein the flexible conduit holder 18 is formed unitarily with the body 2 (by co-moulding/extrusion/printing or otherwise) or is formed separately to the body 2.

[0090] The spaced curved faces 19, 20 are joined to one another by an intermediate portion 21, which permits relative movement between the spaced curved faces 19, 20. The intermediate portion allows the curved faces 19, 20 to flex away from each other, preferably both pivotally and radially. As second portion 8 is displaced away from first portion 7, second/upper curved face 20 will flex away from lower/first curved face 19, thus allowing the flexible conduit holder 18 to accept any conduit having a diameter within the predetermined range. Upon full insertion of the conduit into the opening, the second portion 8, and thereby the flexible conduit holder 18 attached thereto, resiles and the curved faces 19, 20 substantially conform to the circumference of the conduit. The flexible conduit holder 18 thereby secures the conduit in position within the opening 3 without unduly compressing the conduit and supports the circumference of the conduit during the cutting operation. The conduit within the flexible conduit holder is urged against the blade 14, which penetrates the flexible conduit holder and pierces the wall of the conduit. Rotation of the tool 1 about the conduit will cause the blade 14 to sever the conduit progressively along its circumference.

[0091] The intermediate portion 21 may be a hinge joining the two curved faces 19, 20. As shown, the intermediate portion 21 may comprise a living hinge, wherein the hinge is formed of the same material as the curved faces 19, 20. The hinge is preferably arcuate in form. The wall of the hinge may be thinner than the walls of the curved faces 19, 20. Whilst it is preferred that the flexible conduit holder 18 is unitarily formed, in some arrangements a separate hinge, or alternative highly flexible intermediate portion, may be provided to join together the two curved faces 19, 20 and to permit relative movement between them.

[0092] As mentioned, the cutting blade 14 is provided within/fixed to the body 2, and protrudes through the flexible conduit holder 18 into the opening 3. To this end, an aperture 22 is provided in the flexible conduit holder 18 to permit the blade 14 to extend through the flexible conduit holder 18 and into the opening 3. The aperture 22 may preferably be formed as a slit, however the aperture 22 may have any such form as is suitable to allow the blade 14 to protrude through the flexible conduit holder 18 and into the opening 3. In the depicted arrangement the aperture is provided in the first curved face 19.

[0093] The flexible conduit holder may comprise a leg 23 extending outwardly from the first curved face 19. In this case, the body also comprises a channel 24 (not shown) for receiving the leg. The leg 23 provides a means to prevent ingress of dirt or other material beneath the flexible conduit holder 18 when the tool 1 is in a relaxed position. The leg will retract into the channel 24 when the tool 1 is opened to receive a conduit. The leg moves freely, slideably, within the channel 24. The leg may be omitted from any of the disclosed arrangements. It is shown omitted in FIG. 6. It may otherwise take alternative forms, such as that discussed with reference to the fourth embodiment, for example.

[0094] The flexible conduit holder 18 may further comprise rollers (not shown) provided within the curved faces 19, 20. Such rollers, when present, will assist the rotation of the tool around the conduit during the cutting operation. The rollers will have axes that are parallel with the axis of the opening 3.

[0095] Body 2 is preferably formed of two half portions 2A and 2B, which lie side by side along predetermined axis A, as shown in FIG. 1. The two half portions 2A and 2B are bolted together with a pair of bolts 26, 27 located with the first and second portions of the body, respectively. The blade 14 may be sandwiched between the two half portions 2A and 2B. The body may alternatively/additionally formed with a hinged part, as discussed with reference to the fourth embodiment below.

[0096] The tool 1 preferably further comprises a blade guard 28 pivotably attached to the second portion 8 and which, at rest, extends into the opening to cover the blade 14. As a conduit is inserted into the opening 3, the blade guard 28 pivots into the opening allowing the conduit to be accommodated by the flexible conduit holder 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the blade guard 28 has a main body 29 and a foot portion 30, which foot portion extends across and above the top surface of the blade 14 to cover at least part of the blade 14. The blade guard is preferably resiliently biased into the rest/guard position seen in the figures. Alternative forms of blade guard are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, including a blade guard that is slidably mounted, such as that shown in respect of the fourth embodiment.

[0097] The tool 1 may comprise a storage compartment 31 suitable for storing spare blades, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0098] As mentioned, at least a portion of the blade 14 is preferably recessed from the mouth of the opening in the direction of a straight line extending between innermost edges 12, 15 of the slot 4, i.e. in the direction X shown. The blade 14 is recessed from the mouth of the opening, as shown relative to lines A and B in FIG. 5. In this manner, a conduit which is inserted along the slot 4 into the opening 3 will not make contact with the blade until the entire conduit is fully inserted into the opening 3. This prevents the conduit from being unintentionally inserted into the opening 3 at an angle not parallel to the predetermined axis, by virtue of the conduit catching on the blade, which could result in an uneven severance of the conduit. It is preferable that the entire cutting edge of the blade is recessed from the mouth of the opening, as shown. In alternative arrangements, however, only a portion of the blade proximal the mouth of the opening may be recessed, with a portion of the blade distal the mouth not being recessed. In further alternative arrangements, the blade may not be recessed. Additionally, the blade could be configured in accordance with the blade of the fourth embodiment, or otherwise.

[0099] With the cutting edge of the blade 14 recessed from the edge 15 of the guide surface 16, in accordance with the depicted arrangement, a conduit which is progressively inserted along the slot 4 towards the opening 3 will be guided across the guide surface 16 from the external surface 5 to the mouth 6, where it will pass over the edge 15 of the guide surface 16 and into the opening 3, where it will make contact with the blade 14.

[0100] The guide surface 16 may comprise a ramp, as shown, which is generally inclined in the direction X from the external surface 5 to the mouth 6. The guide surface 16 may alternatively extend in a direction perpendicular to direction X, or may be declined with respect to direction X.

[0101] In the preferred arrangement, the sidewall of the slot which is associated with the respective one of the first and second portions that is provided with the blade (the sidewall 9 of the first portion 7 in the present arrangement) defines the guide surface 16. That is to say, the guide surface 16 is provided across the entire associated sidewall.

[0102] In alternative arrangements, the guide surface 16 may be formed by a projection on the associated sidewall of the slot 4, or by two or more spaced projections on the associated sidewall of the slot 4. Said projections may, for example, be formed on opposing lateral edges of the associated sidewall. Such projections may comprise ramps.

[0103] In the arrangement shown, the guide surface 16 is straight. However, in alternative embodiments, the guide surface may be curved.

[0104] As seen in FIG. 5, the cutting edge may be increasingly recessed from the mouth of the opening as it extends away from the mouth of the opening. This is particularly the case when the cutting edge is straight.

[0105] It may be desirable to cut corrugated conduits. Such conduits 34 consist of a series of axially spaced peaks 35 and troughs 36. Such conduits need to be cut by severing the pipe at right angles to their central axis in a trough and the conduit must therefore be aligned with the cutting blade accordingly.

[0106] To this end, as mentioned, one or both of the sidewalls 9, 10 may be provided with an inwardly projecting protrusion 37 that lies in the plane of the blade 14. Importantly the opening 3 (or flexible conduit holder 19 where present) is free from any such protrusion. By only providing the protrusion(s) on the sidewall(s), it is possible for the tool to be used for cutting both corrugated conduits and conduits having smooth outer surfaces. The protrusions may comprise ribs projecting inwardly generally at right angles to the predetermined axis, the ribs each having a length dimension in the direction from the external surface of the body to the mouth of the opening. In alternative arrangements, in place of ribs, studs or similar projections may be provided in isolation or in rows, for example. Numerous alternatives will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0107] In FIG. 5, protrusions 37, in the form of ribs, are provided on both the first sidewall 9 and the second sidewall 10 of the slot 4. The ribs 37 extend partially across the first and second sidewalls 9, 10 in the direction from the external surface 5 of the body 2 to the mouth 6 of the opening 3. They could, however, extend the full lengths of the sidewalls in the direction from the external surface 5 of the body 2 to the mouth 6 of the opening 3 in alternative arrangements. The ribs 37 are aligned in the plane of the cutting blade 14 perpendicular to the predetermined axis. A corrugated conduit can be inserted along the slot 4 by causing the ribs 37 to engage with a trough of the conduit. As the conduit is inserted into the opening 3, the ribs guide the trough to be positioned over the cutting blade 14, whereby the cutting operation can be carried out.

[0108] At least one of the protrusions may be retractable or removable.

[0109] In the arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 5, the rib 37 on the first sidewall 9 is formed by a removable insert 50. The insert is slideably received by the body 1. It is receivable by the body in first and second orientations, wherein the protrusion only projects from the guide surface in the first orientation, as seen in FIG. 5. In a second orientation, as shown in FIG. 1, the insert does not project but rather, as is preferable, lies flush with the guide surface 16. The first and second orientations are arranged at 180 degrees to one another. The body is provided with a suitably profiled guide channel, with keyed sidewalls or otherwise, to receive the insert 50 in both orientations.

[0110] Note that in the arrangement of FIG. 1, the rib 37 on the second sidewall 10 is omitted whilst in the arrangement of FIG. 5 it is included. In any arrangement it may be included or removed. When provided it could also be formed by a removable insert. Moreover, whilst the rib 37 on the first sidewall is shown to be provided on the insert to render it removable, it could be moulded or otherwise formed as a permanent feature.

[0111] In alternative arrangements, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, rather than providing the protrusion 37 on a reversible insert, the protrusion 37 on either of the first or second sidewalls could be slideably mounted to selectively protrude from or retract into a slot provided in the face of the sidewall. Numerous alternative arrangements will be readily conceived by those skilled in the art to allow for a retractable or removable protrusion.

[0112] In accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, any of the above described embodiments may further be provided with a biasing means 50. The biasing means 50 is provided for enhancing the memory of the tool. It aids the body of the tool retain its original shape when in a relaxed/rest state even after multiple deformations. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the tool in a relaxed/rest state. The biasing means biases the first and second portions of the body apart from one another. It maintains the tool in a predetermined rest position with the mouth of the opening open.

[0113] The biasing means 50 in the present arrangement comprises a suitably shaped strip of spring steel, which extends between the first and second body portions to urge them apart to the rest position shown in FIG. 6. The spring may be formed from a different metal. The spring is provided rearwards of the flexible conduit holder from the slot. It may be otherwise located as long as it does not interfere with the flexible conduit holder. At rest the spring adopts the form shown in FIG. 6. The spring is formed separately to the body of the tool. In the present arrangement, the first and second body portions are provided with slots that receive opposed ends of the spring that define tabs 52. The spring is trapped in the slots. It should be appreciated, however, that the spring may take numerous alternative forms and may be alternatively held or fixed in place. One such alternative arrangement is shown in respect of the fourth embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 10. In alternative arrangements, for example, the spring may comprise a coil spring fixed in place using screws. Moreover, whilst the spring lies within the opening of the body in the present arrangement, it could lie outside the opening, received entirely within the body. It could be embedded therein, or otherwise.

[0114] Among further key aspects of the tool of the present disclosure are the following fourth and fifth aspects, which aspects may be taken in any combination with one another and/or the first to third aspects above, or which aspects may be taken in isolation from one another. For ease of description, the two aspects are shown together in the fourth embodiment presented hereafter. This should not be taken as limiting, however.

[0115] In a fourth aspect, the first portion 7 comprises a first part 7a, which is attached to the second portion 8, and a second part 7b, which is hinged to rotate relative to the first part 7a about an axis.

[0116] In a fifth aspect, a leading end Y of a cutting of the cutting blade is provided proximal the mouth of the opening 3, and a ramp 14b is provided, which tapers away from the leading end Y of the cutting edge 14a in a direction towards the mouth 6 of the opening 3.

[0117] These two aspects will now be discussed in detail with reference to the depicted fourth embodiment, however, as discussed, the features of the fourth embodiment, including the features relating to the fourth and fifth aspects, may be combined with features of the first to third embodiments and vice versa, including any discussed alternatives.

[0118] Like numbering will be used in respect of the features that are common with or equivalent to the features of the first to third embodiments.

[0119] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first portion 7 comprises a first part 7a, which is attached to the second portion 8, and a second part 7b, which is hinged to rotate relative to the first part 7a about an axis. The axis in the present arrangement is parallel to the predetermined axis A. It should be noted, however, that in other arrangements, it could be alternatively oriented. For example, it could be perpendicular to the predetermined axis. Whilst, as mentioned above, the feature of the hinged second part 7b may be taken in combination with the feature of the body 2 being formed of two half portions 2A and 2B, which lie side by side along predetermined axis A (as shown in FIG. 1), it is preferred that the body 2 is not formed in two halves. It is most preferable that the first part 7a is unitarily formed with the second portion 8a and that the second part 7b is hingedly attached thereto, although this need not be the case.

[0120] The cutting blade 14 is sandwiched between the first and second parts 7a, 7b as clearly shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. Most preferably, a suitably sized and shaped recess is provided in an end face of the first part 7a for supporting the blade. A protrusion 40 may be provided, which is received by a corresponding opening 41 in the blade to locate and fix the blade against movement in the plane of the blade, as is conventional in the art. The second part is rotatable between a first position, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, in which the blade is obstructed to prevent its removal and a second position, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, in which the blade can be removed/replaced. In the first position the first and second parts entirely overlap with one another, as best seen in FIG. 10. The first and second parts 7a, 7b combine to define a sidewall 9 of the slot 4 when in the first position, wherein the sidewall 9 defines a guide surface 16 for a conduit to be cut.

[0121] By the provision of the hinged second part 7b, the replacement of the blade 14 is possible without the need to dismantle the tool. Moreover, an arrangement is possible in which only a single locking means needs to be manipulated to allow for the removal/replacement of the cutting blade 14. In the present arrangement, a single screw 42 is undone to allow for the rotation of the second part 7b between the first and second positions. The locking means could, of course, take numerous alternative forms and is not limited to the arrangement shown.

[0122] The first and second parts 7a, 7b preferably interlock with one another to unify the first and second parts 7a, 7b in the first portion 7. For this purpose, the abutting faces of the first and second parts, one of which comprises the blade supporting end face, are provided with interlocking members 43. In the present arrangement, as shown, the interlocking members 43 comprise a plurality of corresponding arced ribs and grooves, which are concentric about the axis of rotation of the second part. It must be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, there may be more or less interlocking members provided, which may be alternatively formed.

[0123] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cutting blade comprises a cutting edge 14a and a ramp 14b, the leading end Y of the cutting edge 14a being provided proximal the mouth 6 of the opening 3, and the ramp 14b tapering away from the leading end Y of the cutting edge 14a in a direction towards the mouth 6 of the opening 3.

[0124] In the present arrangement, as is preferred, the ramp 14b is defined by a non-cutting edge of the cutting blade. In alternative arrangements, however, it could be separately formed to the cutting blade, either attached to or integrally formed with the body. It could in such circumstances comprise a rib or fin. It could be formed from metal or plastic. It preferably has the same thickness as the cutting blade.

[0125] The arrangement is such that during insertion of a conduit into the cutter for cutting will contact the ramp/non-cutting edge 14b before the cutting edge 14a. The ramp/non-cutting edge 14b is a blunt edge, whilst the cutting edge 14a is a sharp edge. The discussed features of the non-cutting edge below are equally applicable to a separate ramp, as discussed above.

[0126] Whilst in the present arrangement both the cutting and non-cutting edges are straight, which is preferred, one or both of these edges may be curved. The cutting edge 14a and the non-cutting edge 14b are preferably arranged at an oblique angle to one another. The oblique angle may, for example, be any angle between 30 and 60 degrees. In the present arrangement it is 45 degrees. The cutting edge 14a and the non-cutting edge 14b may meet at a vertex of the cutting blade, as best shown in FIG. 10. In the present arrangement, this vertex is the leading end Y of the cutting edge 14a.

[0127] In the present arrangement, the cutting blade extends into the opening 3 by the greatest depth at the leading end Y of the cutting edge 14a, as best seen in FIG. 10. This need not be the case, however. The blade 14 could, for example, be positioned or shaped differently. It is also preferable that the depth of extension of the cutting edge of the blade into the opening 3 diminishes with distance away from the mouth 6 of the opening, as best seen in FIG. 10, although, again, this need not be the case.

[0128] Whether or not the first portion 7, which is provided with the blade 14, comprises the first and second parts 7a, 7b, it is preferred, as mentioned above, that the sidewall 9 of the slot, which is associated with the first portion 7 comprises a guide surface 16, and the non-cutting edge 14b of the blade is aligned with the guide surface 16, as again best seen in FIG. 10. With a straight guide surface and a straight non-cutting edge 14b, the guide surface 16 and the non-cutting edge 14b are substantially co-planar. Regardless of whether they are straight or curved, it is beneficial, as shown, that they together define a ramp along which a cylindrical conduit may travel before engaging the cutting edge of the cutting blade. A conduit introduced into the slot 4 will, with progressive insertion into the opening, ride up the ramp and will only engage the cutting edge 14a of the blade when it is fully inserted into the opening 3 and suitably supported by the flexible conduit holder.

[0129] The flexible conduit holder of the fourth embodiment differs slightly in structure from the flexible conduit holders discussed above with respect to the first to third embodiments. Only the differences are considered here. Any of these features or any combination of these features may be introduced into any of the earlier embodiments.

[0130] The flexible conduit holder again comprises spaced conduit support portions 19, 20 that are joined to one another by an intermediate portion 21, which permits relative movement between the spaced conduit support portions 19, 20, allowing the conduit support portions 19, 20 to flex away from each other, preferably both pivotally and radially. Preferably, both conduit support portions comprise curved faces. As discussed, however, it need not necessarily be the case that both conduit support portions define faces, or faces which are curved. The conduit support portion 21 in the present arrangement is reduced in size relative to the conduit support portion 21 of the earlier embodiments and is set further back in the opening from the mouth 6. Accordingly, the blade does not protrude though the flexible conduit holder.

[0131] The flexible conduit holder is fixed to the first portion by a leg 23. The leg 23 has a different form to the leg 23 described in respect of the first to third embodiments. The leg 23 is again preferably flexible. It is, however, preferably hingedly received by the opening. For this purpose, an edge portion of the leg that is received by the opening may have an enlarged section 45 which is held in a complimentary enlarged section of the opening, as best seen in FIG. 10. The enlarged sections may be in the form of a ball and socket when viewed in cross-section, as shown. The shapes and dimensions of the leg and opening may permit rotation of the leg within the opening, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10, but prevent movement of the leg out of the opening. The rotation of the leg will be restricted by the opening itself to define a limited degree of rotation within predetermined limits. The opening preferably comprise a channel for receiving the leg, as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. The leg preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the flexible conduit holder in the axial direction, as shown. It is to be noted that the opening may take alternative forms or, moreover, that the opening may be omitted with the leg otherwise fixed to the body. A hinged arrangement could, for example, be formed by a living hinge. The leg could be welded, glued, screwed or otherwise fixed to the body.

[0132] The leg may provide the sole attachment point of the flexible conduit holder to the first portion 7. The curved face 20 may be fixed to the first portion 7 via the leg.

[0133] One or both of the first and second curved faces 19, 20 may be provided with one or more projections or indentations 46. The projections or indentations 46 may define ribs that extend parallel to the predetermined axis. The projections may take numerous alternative forms or could be omitted. Moreover, they may be incorporated in any of the other embodiments. They act to reduce the contact area with a conduit received by the pipe to thereby aid in its removal by reducing friction.

[0134] The blade guard 28 in the present arrangement is slidably mounted to the body. It is spring loaded into the position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. It could be omitted or alternatively formed.

[0135] Whilst all aspects have been described in the context of embodiments that include the first aspect, it should be noted that the second, third, fourth and/or fifth aspects could be applied to a cutter of a form similar to that shown in UK Patent No GB 2457346, i.e. a cutter which omits the flexible conduit holder of the first aspect.

[0136] The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements of the system are possible, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.