Shredding machine
First Claim
1. A shredding machine for shredding sheet material, the machine comprising a feed-aperture and an electric cutting mechanism, the feed-aperture being configured to receive multiple sheets and direct said sheets towards the cutting mechanism for shredding, the machine being characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism, wherein part of the actuating element extends into the feed-aperture through an opening in a wall that at least partially defines the feed-aperture, the actuating element being configured such that said part will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed-aperture, and moved from said first position to said second positioned as a result of said engagement, if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, wherein the actuating element is configured for movement to an intermediate position, between said first and second positions, if engaged by sheet material exceeding a predetermined intermediate threshold thickness, wherein in the intermediate position the actuating element only permits energisation of the motor for a predetermined time period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A shredding machine is disclosed which is particularly suitable for domestic or office use in shredding papers or the like. The machine comprises a feed aperture arranged above an electric cutting mechanism, the feed aperture preferably taking the form of a feed slot. The machine is characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable, preferably in a pivotal manner, between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism, and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism. The arrangement is such that the actuating element extends into the feed slot and is configured such that the part of the element extending into the feed slot will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed slot if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, said engagement thus being effective to move the actuating element from the first position to the second position to prevent energisation of the cutting mechanism.
150 Citations
27 Claims
- 1. A shredding machine for shredding sheet material, the machine comprising a feed-aperture and an electric cutting mechanism, the feed-aperture being configured to receive multiple sheets and direct said sheets towards the cutting mechanism for shredding, the machine being characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism, wherein part of the actuating element extends into the feed-aperture through an opening in a wall that at least partially defines the feed-aperture, the actuating element being configured such that said part will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed-aperture, and moved from said first position to said second positioned as a result of said engagement, if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, wherein the actuating element is configured for movement to an intermediate position, between said first and second positions, if engaged by sheet material exceeding a predetermined intermediate threshold thickness, wherein in the intermediate position the actuating element only permits energisation of the motor for a predetermined time period.
- 25. A shredding machine for shredding sheet material, the machine comprising a feed-aperture and an electric cutting mechanism, the feed-aperture being configured to receive multiple sheets and direct said sheets towards the cutting mechanism for shredding, the machine being characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism, wherein part of the actuating element extends into the feed-aperture through an opening in a wall that at least partially defines the feed-aperture, the actuating element being configured such that said part will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed-aperture, and moved from said first position to said second positioned as a result of said engagement, if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, wherein the machine is further provided with a sheet-material engaging member positioned downstream of the actuating element, the engaging member being operable to engage and press against the sheet material for preventing the sheet material from subsequently exceeding said predetermined thickness, downstream of the actuating element.
Specification