Traditionally, wallpaper is hung in the following way. First, a length is cut from the roll, which is usually slightly greater than the height of the wall on which it is to be hung to leave scope for pattern matching and trimming. Paste is then applied to that length of paper (use being made of a paste table). That paper is applied to the wall and adjusted vertically until the pattern on the wallpaper is made to match the wallpaper which has already been hung. Then the bottom and/or top of the wallpaper is trimmed as necessary so as to make it fit neatly with the top of the wall and floor, skirting board, dado rail or like horizontal edge. This cutting is usually done with scissors or a sharp blade, and the process of cutting is made awkward by the fact that it must take place close to the floor or near to the ceiling, the latter often involving use of a ladder which makes the cutting process more problematic and potentially dangerous.

The use of scissors for the cutting procedure is not ideal. To cut dry paper, it is usually necessary that the paper is first folded into a crease and then carefully cut along the crease or to rely on a straight edge guide. To obtain a perfect line is difficult with all wallpapers, especially so with embossed paper or blown vinyl. This is especially the case for the home practitioner, but also proves difficult and time consuming even for the experienced decorating professional. In any case in the usual course of decorating, one is also faced

with the task of cutting wet (i. e. pasted) paper. Often this has to be done in situ on the wall. Wet paper can be difficult to cut as there is an increased tendency for it to tear and get a ragged edge. Use of scissors can be a particular problem in trimming paper in site ; for example whilst balancing at the top of a ladder, making the job both difficult and dangerous.

In the alternative, it has been suggested that a sharp blade may be used to cut the paper prior to pasting andlor to trim the paper in situ. Again, the paper may be pre-scored or a straight edge guide may be used. The use of a sharp blade, although in some ways superior to the use of scissors, presents the added danger of the exposed blade. Again, this can be a particular safety problem when paper is being trimmed in a difficult location. Moreover, wet paper is again not always easy to cut, and there can be a tendency for a blade to drag and tear rather than cut cleanly.

Trimming around a wall feature in situ on the wall presents a particular problem, since it is not always easy to employ an effective line guide in the sort of locations involved. Such a problem might be presented for example by a skirting board, dado rail or the like, by a door lintel or jamb, a mantel piece, or other horizontal edge, or by wall fittings such as light switches and electrical sockets.

Light switches and electrical sockets are a particular problem and have traditionally been dealt with in the decorating process by removing the socket or light switch cover from the wall before the paper is hung, cutting a crudely measured hole in the wallpaper at the appropriate place, then replacing the socket or light switch cover. Although giving a neat finish, this has the disadvantage of the time consuming activity of removing the cover of light switch or socket, as well as the potential electric shock hazard associated

therewith or requirement to disconnect the electricity supply. Furthermore, the need to disconnect the electricity supply means one cannot readily decorate at night.

As can be seen from the above, there are many problems associated with the manner in which wallpaper is cut and hung. Prior art systems make it difficult to get a clean straight edge, and this is worsened in that wallpaper, especially when wet in situ, is difficult to cut. Wastage can occur, a particular problem for some of the quality wallpapers available today which can be extremely expensive, and this can generate mess, most inconveniently in the form of pieces of wet pasted paper. The process can be time consuming, especially where fitting to horizontal edges, electrical sockets, light switches etc, with the associated costs involved for decorating professionals.

As a result the task of wallpapering a room may be less satisfactory or efficient, or produce an effect of poor aesthetic quality.

Attempts have been made to address the problem of obtaining a straight cut by providing a cutting guide, for example a groove or guide bar to act as a guide for a sharp cutting blade. This can be helpful, particularly in relation to trimming in situ, but still necessitates the use of a sharp edged tool in sometimes awkward circumstances. It is also possible to obtain an approximately straight edge by means of a guide bar against which wallpaper can be torn, although this can create a very rough look and risk tearing the paper.

Attempts have been made to address the difficulty of aligning patterns on wallpaper, by use of devices that allow lengths of wallpaper dispensed from a

roll to be easily measured. However, although making the job marginally easier such devices prove of negligible practical use.

The problem of cutting wallpaper at skirting boards has been addressed by use of a cutting guide consisting essentially of a basic flat plate with an upper edge designed to engage the wall and a second supporting arm projecting inwards to create a generally T-shaped frame. The guide device is placed flat against the wall with the second arm against a skirting board or the like and the first arm engaging the wall above it. The paper rests on the flat plate, spaced away from the wall, presenting a striaght edge which can facilitate trimming, but the disadvantages discussed above in connection with the simple straight edge still apply.

Devices also exist to aid the cutting in situ of wallpaper around light fittings and electrical sockets. Such devices still, however, usually involve the removal of the cover of the socket or light switch. This takes time which would otherwise be unnecessary, and presents an associated electric shock hazard.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for cutting of paper and the like which mitigates some or all of the above problems.

It is a particular object to provide a system and method for the cutting and hanging of wallpaper which assists in the cutting of a clean straight edge, whether dry before pasting on a paste table or in situ or otherwise wet with paste.

It is a particular object of the invention to facilitate the cutting of a straight edge in situ, for example a horizontal edge at a skirting board or dado rail or

floor or ceiling edge, a vertical edge at a corner or door or window frame, or an angled edge for example at stairs.

It is a particular object of the invention to facilitate the efficient trimming of paper in situ around a wall feature such as a light switch or wall socket.

According to the present invention in its first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for the shaping by cutting of a sheet material of paper or other like material which comprises a cutting tool providing a cutting blade suitable for being drawn along an advancing cutting line, in particular a rotary cutter having a generally circular cutting blade mounted for rotation on a cutter handle, and a cutting guide comprising a generally planar surface provided with at least one linear groove therein, the cutting blade and groove being cooperably profiled such that in use the cutting blade engages with an edge of the said groove to cut the paper through a scissoring action. The cutting tool is adapted to provide a scissoring action rather than a sharp cutting actionS and therefore the blade has a relatively blunt edge. In particular the scissoring action is achieved by engagement between a side surface of the relatively blunt cutting blade and an edge, and in particular preferably a generally right- angled corner, formed by an edge of the guide groove in the cutting guide.

A scissoring action in accordance with the invention is defined as a blunt on blunt action between an edge formed by the groove in the cutting guide and the blade of the cutting tool. The scissoring action is distinguished from cutting actions described in the prior art, which use a sharp edge, by the edge profile of the cutting blade used.

The blade is adapted to advance a cutting line to effect a progressive scissoring action along the groove as described. In the preferred embodiment a

rotary cutter is described, but other cutters adapted to provide an advancing blade, for example by a translational action or guillotine action, can be envisaged.

A conventional sharp-edged cutter such as a knife has a generally V-shaped profile in the cutting zone, with a highly acute angle providing a sharpenable cutting edge. By contrast in accordance with the present invention a cutting tool is used which has a blade presenting a relatively blunt edge profile in the cutting zone. In particular, the cutting blade has a less highly acute angled edge. The cutting blade instead effects a cut in conjunction with a groove to provide a scissoring action therebetween. To achieve this the blade presents a cutting surface angled at a suitable cutting angle relative to the edge of the groove against which it acts. In particular, the blade and groove are cooperably configured such that in use the angle between the edge of the groove and the blade is constant provided that the preferred ratio between the blade diameter and the groove depth (as described later) is maintained.

Many combinations of blade and groove geometry will achieve this. In many instances, a preferred groove geometry provides for a generally vertical side presenting a generally right-angled edge. In conjunction with this a cutting tool may comprise a blade having a profile formed by two generally parallel sides, but preferably at least one such side comprising a cutting side being bevelled inwards towards the region of the distal edge of the blade at the said cutting angle, which is for example an angle of between 5° and 45°, more preferably 5° and 25°, most preferably around 15°. That is to say, this angle referred to is that angle formed between the vertical edge of the cutting blade profile and the diagonal edge of the cutting blade profile. The outer edge of the blade is preferably rounded or filleted so that it is not too sharp, to avoid its acting as a sharp cutting edge.

The guide groove not only ensures that an accurate straight line cut is produced but also forms one of the scissoring members. Thus, since the apparatus relies on a scissoring rather than a sharp cutting action, the cutting blade of the cutting tool is not sharp-edged, and all of the attendant disadvantages, especially in relation to safety, associated with essentially sharp cutting tools used in conjunction with conventional cutting guides, do not arise.

Where the present invention differs from the prior art is in the scissoring action between the guide groove and relatively blunt cutting tool. Obtaining a cutting action in this way makes the devices provided in accordance with the invention not only easier to use and safer to use since there is no sharp blade, but surprisingly provides a perfectly effective (and in some instances superior) cut. A cut obtained by such a scissoring action between guide groove and cutter provides a"blunt cut", which stands in contrast to the"sharp cut"which is obtained by use of a sharp cutting tool which cuts by means of a knife action. With such a"blunt cut"the cut edge of the paper is generally more feathered, producing a less marked edge shadow when light falls on the cut and thus a more aesthetically pleasing join between sheets of paper or at another edge (e. g. at a ceiling, dado rail etc) in which the edge shadow is less noticeable. Furthermore, small errors in the straightness of a cut can be less noticeable.

Where the prior art refers to the use of a cutting guide such as a straight edge rule or the like it is invariably considered with a sharp cutting tool, and does not make use of a scissoring action between cutting tool and guide groove.

The cuts obtained from such devices are always"sharp cuts". The abruptly cut edge can be more noticeable when illuminated, eg casting a more

noticeable shadow, which leads to a less aesthetically pleasing join or edge, as well as highlighting errors that were made in the cutting process. Such"sharp cuts"are intrinsic to the use of a sharp cutting tool which cuts by means of a knife effect rather than a scissoring effect.

In the present invention the thickness of the groove and the depth of the groove, both in relation to the thickness and effective length of the cutting tool, can be varied so as to optimise the scissoring action. More than one differently dimensioned groove and more than one cutting tool may be provided in a complete cutting system so as to allow the conditions for the cut to be varied as necessary according to such factors as the quality and type of the paper or other sheet material to be cut. The groove which is used in conjunction with the cutting tool to provide the scissoring effect can be provided with parallel vertical sides along at least a portion of its depth, being square or U-shaped or dovetail or"V"shaped in profile, or can have side (s) sloping inwardly.

The cutting groove preferably has a minimum width of 0. 5 mm, a maximum width of 10 mm, more preferably between 1 and 4 mm, most preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm. Preferably for domestic applications in relation to wallpaper and the like it has a depth of between 0. 5 mm and 20 mm. The relationship between the groove depth and the blade diameter is critical : The groove depth should be between 1/2 and 11100tu of the blade diameter, more preferably between 1/4 and 1/50th of the blade diameter, most preferably around 1/10th to 1/11th of the blade diameter.

The cutting tool preferably comprises a rotatable cutting blade that is able to revolve at the end of a hand held gripper. Conveniently the cutting blade is generally circular. The cutting blade is made from any relatively rigid material

such as plastic or metal, preferably plastic. In particular, although the blade needs to be relatively rigid it does not need to be capable of bearing a truly sharp cutting edge. Accordingly, alternative materials such as plastic moulding can be used which would not be available if the cutter was an inherently sharp cutter in its own right. Moreover, since the cutter is not an inherently sharp cutter in its own right it is much safer for use.

The handle can be made of wood, plastic or metal and coated in a manner appropriate to improve grip. The handle is preferably formed from a moulded plastic.

The rotary cutting blade does not define a sharp circumferential edge. The cutter is relatively thick, for example having generally parallel surfaces but optionally with a cutting side angled inwards in the region of the circumference of the blade at an appropriate angle to produce the scissoring action with the groove such that the scissoring action occurs between the respective adjacent corners. The circumferential edge of the blade is preferably rounded, cut off or filleted to reduce sharpness and avoid any sharp cutting action at the blade edge.

The blade circumference is important since the relative sizes of the blade and groove define the effectiveness of the cut and help to ensure that a scissoring rather than a sharp cutting action is produced. Also, if the blade is too small the hand held gripper can touch the wall when the blade is being used to mark rather than cut paper, which can be an appropriate use of said tool for making a mark where wallpaper is to be cut when the paper is positioned against a wall. On the other hand, if the circular cutting blade is too large then it can become unwieldy in use, especially for smaller scale work, as well as less convenient for storing the tool in a pocket or a workman's belt while the

decorating process is being undertaken, and less convenient for storing the tool when not in use (such as in a tool box). The circular cutting blade therefore most usefully has a diameter of between 5 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm and for example of around 40 mm.

The cutting tool should be such that the blade, although free to rotate, is held substantially rigidly in the plane of the hand held gripper. This can be achieved by attaching an axle to the blade that fits snugly or by a design of blade such that its thickness at the point of contact with the axle on which it rotates is appropriate for it to fit snugly within the hand held gripper.

The nature of the scissor action intended to bring about the cutting of the paper is such that the blade is"relatively blunt". By this it is meant that the tip or outer edge of the blade is too blunt to bring about a cutting action in its own right, and cutting depends on use in conjunction with a groove to produce scissoring action, with a cutting surface of the blade rather than an edge. The degree of bluntness should be such that were the blade pressed against human skin in the usual course of the tool's use, the blade would not cut the skin.

This can be seen as an essential difference from the prior art, which invariably teaches the use of a blade sharp enough to cut in its own right for all cutting purposes. Although, as alluded to previously, grooves are sometimes provided for in the prior art these arc always guide grooves only to guide and assist a sharp cutter blade, but which are not themselves associated with the blade so as to effect the cut by means of a scissoring action between said blade and groove.

The general underlying concept herein described of the use of a guide groove in conjunction with a relatively blunt cutting tool to provide a scissoring action can be embodied in many ways. In particular, the invention comprises a

cutting tool as hereinbefore described in isolation but adapted for use with a guide groove suitable for putting into practice the principle of the invention, and also comprises a cutting guide as hereinbefore described in isolation but adapted for use with a cutting blade to produce a scissoring action in accordance with the invention. A cutting system may comprise one or more such cutters provided in combination with one or more such guides. Where a plurality of cutters and/or guides are provided these may be different to cope with different cutting situations, for example different geometries, different materials to be cut or the like.

Four particular embodiments of the cutting guide, in each case incorporating one or more guide grooves adapted for use with a cutting tool as hereinbefore described to produce the scissoring action which underlies the invention, are considered. These are : (i) a specially adapted paste table ; (ii) a specially adapted straight edge trimmer ; (iii) a specially adapted light switch/electrical socket trimmer ; (iv) a dispenser for dispensing trimmed lengths.

In the first embodiment one or more grooves can be conveniently provided for on a paste table. Such a paste table can provide for multiple grooves, positioned so as to make cutting the paper as easy as possible in the orientations that the paper is usually placed on the table. Thus, the paste table comprises one or more generally planar pasting surfaces, each pasting surface comprising a cutting guide as hereinbefore described in that it is provided with one or more guide grooves as hereinbefore described adapted for use with a cutting tool as hereinbefore described to produce a scissoring action. In particular, grooves are provided running parallel with and in the vicinity of

one or more edges of the pasting surface (s). Preferably the table should have one or two grooves orientated along the long axis of the table, and/or one or two grooves orientated along the short axis of the table. Grooves on either side ensure the table is equally easy to use by right or left handers.

Other features of the paste table may be conventional. In particular, the paste table may comprise two or more generally rectangular surface portions, joined and articulated along a common edge thereof, so that the pasting surface can be conveniently folded when out of use. Additionally, the pasting table may be provided with supporting legs which are similarly articulated to be deployable from a folded configuration for convenient storage to an unfolded configuration for use.

In the second embodiment one or more grooves can be conveniently provided for on an edge trimmer. Such a trimmer is designed so that it has a generally planar rectangular primary guide portion having a first edge adapted to seat upon a wall at a point laterally spaced from an edge feature thereof such that the primary guide portion lies at an angle to the said wall, and an edge feature abutment portion adapted to seat in stable position against the edge feature to retain the edge trimmer stably in position thereagainst, wherein the primary guide portion comprises a cutting guide as hereinbefore described in that a guide groove as hereinbefore described is provided on an upper surface of the primary guide portion parallel to the said edge and at a distance therefrom equal to the distance between the said upper edge and the edge feature abutment portion. Thus, when the edge trimmer is in use engaged upon the wall the lateral distance along the primary guide portion between the edge in contact with the wall and the guide groove is equal to the lateral distance along the wall between the edge in contact with the wall and the edge feature.

For example such a trimmer might have a generally planar rectangular primary guide portion having a first edge able to rest upon a wall spaced away from an edge feature and one or more angularly extending supports extending from a rear face thereof at a point laterally spaced from the first edge to engage the wall at the edge feature, wherein a guide groove as hereinbefore described is provided on an upper surface of the primary guide portion parallel to the said first edge and at a distance therefrom equal to the distance between the said first edge and the lower support (s) when engaged upon the wall.

Where used herein a reference to an edge feature may be a physical edge feature associated with the wall structure or an accessory thereon, or may be a virtual edge feature comprising a desired cutting position, which may be suitable marked or delineated upon the wall. In use paper is hung upon the wall and allowed to drape over an edge trimmer as above described placed in position at such an edge feature, which might be horizontal, vertical or angled and might therefore be without limitation a ceiling, floor, skirting board, dado rail, window frame, door frame, corner, stairs, mantelshelf or other feature ; or a freestanding position of choice. The groove provides an accurate cutting point for the draped edge of the paper which will correspond exactly, once the paper is removed, to the desired cut edge.

Such a trimmer can provide for one or more grooves, which work such that when the device is positioned against a wall in an appropriate manner with the first edge and support (s) engaging the wall with the whole device abutting the edge so that when the paper drapes over the guide portion and the paper is cut at the groove, the paper will be cut to the correct length to reach the skirting board or other edge feature to which the device has been applied. Thus, the edge trimmer comprises a surface with one or more guide grooves as hereinbefore described adapted for use with a cutting tool as hereinbefore

described to produce a scissoring action, the groove being positioned appropriately to cut the wallpaper to the necessary length to allow it to fit snugly against a skirting board or other edge feature.

The rectangular guide portion is angled relative to the wall in use dependent upon the configuration of the support (s). Preferably the supports are configured such that the angle is an acute angle so that the paper drapes more easily over in use. More preferably the angle is 30 to 70 degrees.

In the third embodiment one or more grooves can be conveniently provided for on a wall feature trimmer, such as a light switch/electrical socket trimmer, positioned so as to allow the cutting and removal of an appropriately shaped section of wallpaper in a position such that the sheet of wallpaper being hung will be readily trimmed in situ to fit over a wall feature such as a light switch/electrical socket.

Such a trimmer comprises a generally planar back plate provided with an aperture to engage snugly over a wall feature (such as a light switch or socket), and a generally planar guide surface angularly joined to a distal edge, and for example an upper edge, of the back plate so as to project outwardly therefrom at an angle to the wall in use, the guide surface comprising a cutting guide as hereinbefore described in that it is provided with guide groove (s) as hereinbefore described which are shaped and positioned relative to the said distal edge identically to the shape and relative position of the aperture to the said distal edge.

Paper thus again drapes over the guide surface, and is thereby readily trimmed to the dimensions of the guide grooves which correspond exactly to the dimensions of the underlying feature. The feature need not be removed to get

a fit. This not only simplifies and speeds up the process, but can be a safety aid, for example where electrical fittings are involved.

A plurality of wall feature trimmers adapted for a plurality of shapes (square, round sockets) and sizes (single, double etc) sockets are preferably provided. Additionally or alternatively, the aperture of a wall feature trimmer is adjustable to two or more positions to fit two or more differently sized and shaped wall features, each having correspondingly sized and shaped guide grooves on the surface.

Thus, the light switch/electrical socket trimmer comprises a surface with a number of guide grooves describing one or more shapes/sizes corresponding to the shapes/sizes of the wall feature (s) with which it is to be used, which are shaped and formed as hereinbefore described adapted for use as a cutting tool as hereinbefore described to produce a scissoring action. For example four or more guide grooves describing one or more quadrilateral and in particular square or rectangular areas are provided in the preferred embodiment where the area of paper to be removed is square or rectangular. Individual grooves making up such a quadrilateral or other shape preferably project slightly beyond the area of extent of the shape. This gives the necessary freedom of movement for the cutter to assist in ensuring that a clean cut is achieved right into the corner of the shape of the cut area. In this way ready cutting in situ to fit wall features and in particular electrical installations is permitted.

In the fourth embodiment a dispenser for sheet material of paper or the like comprises a dispensing stock, conveniently a roller, for receiving a supply source, conveniently a roll, of paper or the like to be dispensed, and a cutting guide means so arranged relative to the stock that dispensed paper is dispensed to lie thereon, and provided with at least one cutting guide as hereinbefore

described having at least one guide groove as hereinbefore described distal from the stock, and preferably generally parallel thereto (i. e. parallel to a leading edge of material being dispensed therefrom in use) to facilitate cutting of a dispensed length of material from the stock.

Thus, the dispenser comprises a surface with one or more guide grooves as hereinbefore described adapted for use with a cutting tool as hereinbefore described to produce a scissoring action, the groove being positioned appropriately to cut the dispensed product to a desired length. A single groove, and especially a single linear groove generally parallel to the roller stock, is preferably provided to facilitate cutting of a given length. Multiple grooves, in particular multiple parallel grooves, may then be provided for cutting a plurality of alternative lengths.

The embodiment can be adapted for use with a material dispenser, such as a wallpaper dispenser, a gift wrapping paper dispenser etc, but is not limited thereto.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method of shaping by cutting a sheet of paper or like material, and in particular of cutting wallpaper prior to or during hanging, comprises placing the sheet material on a cutting guide as hereinbefore described ; causing a relatively blunt cutter as hereinbefore described to be passed along the line of the groove ; applying pressure thereto such that the combined action of the cutter and the groove is to produce a scissoring action and cut the paper.

Thus the method comprises placing the sheet material on a cutting guide comprising a generally planar surface provided with at least one linear groove therein ; and causing a cutting blade to advance along the line of the groove

whilst applying pressure thereto ; wherein the cutting blade and groove are cooperably profiled such that in use the cutting blade engages with an edge of the said groove to cut the paper through a scissoring action. In particular the scissoring action is achieved by engagement between a side surface of the relatively blunt cutting blade and an edge, and in particular preferably a generally right-angled corner, formed by an edge of the guide groove in the cutting guide.

The blade is adapted to advance a cutting line to effect a progressive scissoring action along the groove as described. In the preferred embodiment of the method a rotary cutter comprising a circular cutting blade rotatably mounted upon a handle is drawn along the groove such that the circular cutting blade is caused to rotate and thereby advance along the line of the groove.

The method in particular comprises a method of cutting wallpaper during hanging, wherein a cutting guide is provided which is suitably sized and shaped and has grooves suitably positioned to facilitate cutting of the paper to a predetermined shape, for example the shape of a wall feature or edge feature as hereinbefore described, the cutting guide is positioned on the wall, and paper is draped thereover to be cut to the said predetermined shape in situ.

Other features of the method will be understood by analogy to the foregoing description of features of suitable cutters and cutting guides and by the examples below.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, in particular with reference to the invention embodied in a paste table, in a horizontal edge cutting aid, and in a cutting aid for cutting wallpaper around a wall socket or

light switch, with reference to Figures 1 to 17 of the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 is an overhead view of a paste table embodying the principles of the invention.

Figure 2 is an overhead view of one corner of the table of figure 1.

Figure 3 is an isometri-c vi-ew-of the table of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of a cutting tool embodying the principles of the invention.

Figure 5 is a front view of the cutting tool.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the cutting tool in operation.

Figure 7 shows a front view of the cutting tool in operation.

Figure 8 shows a side view of a straight edge trimmer embodying the principles of the invention specifically adapted to serve as a skirting board trimmer and placed in position for use against a wall.

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the skirting board trimmer of figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a more detailed cross-sectional view of the skirting board trimmer of figure 8.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative straight edge trimmer embodying the principles of the invention adapted to serve as a trimmer at a number of different horizontal, vertical and angled edges.

Figure 12 shows a frontal view of the edge trimmer of figure 11.

Figure 13 shows a front elevation of a light switch/electrical socket trimmer.

Figure 1 3a shows a cover to be used in conjunction with said light switch/electrical socket trimmer.

Figure 14 shows a side elevation of the light switch/electrical socket trimmer and a light switch.

Figure 15 shows an isometric view of the light switch/electrical socket trimmer, the cover to be used in conjunction with said light switch/electrical socket trimmer, and a light switch.

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of possible cutting edge profiles, illustrating the asymmetrical profile which is preferred.

Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of groove profiles, illustrating the square groove profile which is preferred.

An overview of a paste table (1) having four guide grooves (2) in accordance with the invention suitable for use with a suitable relatively blunt rotary cutter is shown in Figure 1. The distance between the edge of the table and each groove (2) is chosen so as to maximise the convenience of cutting given the orientations on which paper is usually placed on the table, and is preferably

between 1 cm and 12 cm from the edge, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm.

As previously described, the depth and width of the groove (2) is chosen so as to optimise the cutting effect of the relatively blunt cutter (4) in conjunction with the groove. The cutting groove (2) has a minimum width of 0. 5 mm, most preferably between 1 and 2 mm. It has a minimum depth of 0. 5 mm. It is found that a groove depth of around 1/luth of the blade diameter is most preferable.

The table must be sturdily constructed. Since for ease of transport it is preferably folded in the centre, the grooves which are orientated along the long axis of the table will join at the centre of the table (3). Therefore, the table's construction must be such that when unfolded the edges of the groove meet at the centre so as to provide for one continuous long groove along the length of the unfolded table. Preferably, the paste table should be greater than 2. 4m long when extended to optimise convenience when cutting.

The table top (1) can have a variety of finishes, for example wood, medium density fibreboard (mdf) or rigid plastic. It could be constructed from opaque acrylic. This provides the benefit of not rotting like wood when it is used repeatedly to apply wallpaper paste, as well as being easily cleaned.

Additionally, a matt finish can provide grip to the paper to prevent movement during the cutting operation and hence minimise the chances of error during the cutting procedure. A further advantage of manufacture from plastic or mdf is the convenience with which the table can be provided with one or more grooves, it being possible to machine tool such grooves or it being possible for such grooves to be produced as part of the moulding process during the manufacture of the table. A yet further benefit is the preferred cutting effect

derived from the scissoring action between a plastic relatively blunt cutter and a plastic or mdf groove. Any other relatively rigid material would be suitable, but it is important to emphasise that the surface need not be very hard (eg metallic) as would be needed to resist the action of a sharp cutter.

For the general hanging of wallpaper, ignoring for now complications such as skirting boards and light switches/electrical sockets which we shall come to shortly, the system is used in the following manner. Firstly, paper from the roll is held against the top of the wall with the pattern on the paper (if any) aligned so as to match any paper already hung. The skirting board trimming device (to be described shortly) is of adequate dimensions and height to prove convenient for this task. The edges of the wallpaper are then marked with a pencil.

One is then left with two options for dealing with the bottom of the wallpaper to be hung. If the paper can be conveniently held against the wall (making sure that the pattern remains aligned, and that hence there has been no movement of the paper relative to the wall), then this can be done and pencil marks can be made at the floor, top of the skirting board or other horizontal surface. If there is no pattern to match and one is not confident that he is able to hold the paper without it shifting relative to the wall while he positions himself to mark the bottom of the paper, then the skirting board trimmer (device and method to be described shortly) is best used.

Once the paper is marked at the appropriate places with a pencil, it is then taken to the paste table. Note that it is still dry at this point. The paper is positioned so as to align the pencil marks with one of the grooves on the paste table. The cutter is then run across the dry paper to produce the scissoring action characteristic of this invention. In a further improvement to the device,

the skirting board trimmer or other suitable surface, doubles to clamp the paper tight in position for cutting on the paste table by means for example of lugs situated on the trimmer or table.

Paste is applied to the paper, and time is given for the paste to soak into the fibres. Paste is then applied to the wall to which the paper is to be applied.

The paper is applied to the wall and a brush is then run over the paper.

An alternative embodiment which allows for the use of scissoring action between cutting tool (4) and groove is in a trimmer (6) for use at a horizontal edge such as a skirting board, dado rail or the like. The general inventive concept of the use of a cutting tool and guide groove to obtain a scissoring action, is applied to the design exemplified by Figure 8, 9 and 10. The device has two"anns" (7, 8) and has a length along its longest axis equal to or slightly greater than the width of a conventional roll of wallpaper. The device is designed so that the length of the arm (8) which is to be placed against the wall with its end resting on the skirting board (9), and the position of the groove (2) in arm (7), is such that wallpaper cut at the groove (using the cutting tool, and hence by means of the scissoring action characteristic of this invention) will be of correct length to fit snugly against the skirting board. The position that the trimmer is placed in during use is shown in Figure 8. Thus in arm (7) there is an excess of length past the groove of between 0. 5 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm.

Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of the inventive concept of the scissoring action between the cutting tool and groove in the form of an alternative straight edge trimmer exhibiting greater flexibility than the skirting trimmer in that it can be used at a number of different horizontal, vertical and angled edges for trimming such like wallcoverings easily, accurately, quickly

and safely whether horizontal, vertical or angled straight line. The trimmer will work at any position in a room, whether free-standing, at the top or bottom of a wall, at a skirting board, dado rail, window or door frame or other feature whether above, below or otherwise abutting the wallcovering.

The trimmer described herein is used in conjunction with a blunt, circular rotating cutting blade in order to produce a scissoring action as previously described, and accordingly provides a specially adapted edge trimmer to be used in conjunction with the blunt, circular, rotating cutting blade. The edge trimmer provides a planar face containing one or more cutting grooves, and one or more angularly extending supports extending from the rear face thereof to engage the wall or ceiling at the feature. The groove is so positioned that, when the trimmer is placed to abut the feature, the cutting groove is so situated as to cut the paper to the correct length to each the feature. Where the paper is to be cut to a predetermined length, not related to any particular feature, the trimmer can be used to cut the paper to that predetermined length.

As shown in Figure 11, the trimmer comprises a planar face (31) containing at least one guide groove (32) to act in conjunction with the cutting blade to cut the wallcovering material. It also contains at least one angularly extending support (33) extending from the rear face to the surface on which the covering is applied.

It will be appreciated that many designs embodying the general principle are possible to accomplish the required effect. The example shown in Figures 11 and 12 is used as follows : the edge (34) is placed so as to abut the feature to which the wall covering is to fit e. g. to the top of the wall. The opposite edge (35) of the planar face (31) rests against the wall being covered. The wallcovering is applied to the wall in the normal fashion then is draped over

the planar face (31) of the trimmer in situ. The groove is positioned such that when the wallcovering is cut using the guide groove (32), the wallcovering will fit neatly to the feature located at edge (34).

The trimmer is so designed that it can be used to trim in situ in many different positions : at features above, below, to the side or at an angle. For example at ceilings, floors, skirting boards, dado rails, window frames, door frames, corners, stairs, mantelshelfs or other feature ; or at a freestanding position of choice. It is thus a more flexible alternative to the embodiment of figures 8 to 10.

The trimmer of Figures 11 and 12 or similar general type could be given additional functionality as an attachment to a paste table of any conventional design or design as above. Conveniently, the trimmer is adapted for such attachment by releasable attachment means, such as complementary hook and loop pads, sliding brackets, snap fit connectors etc. which might be placed at the vicinity of the edge (35) (and where applicable in suitable complementary location (s) on the table). A conventional table with the trimmer so connected is given some of the functionality of the adapted table of which Figures 1 to 3 give an example.

A further embodiment of the inventive concept of the scissoring action between the cutting tool and groove is the light switch/electrical socket trimmer (10) shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15. The device in this embodiment is conveniently made of plastic, since this has the advantage over wood of not rotting due to the exposure of the surface to wallpaper paste, and is easier to clean. There may also be advantages in the manufacturing process associated with the device being made from plastic, with particular regard to the process

of manufacturing the grooves which can be easily machined from plastic or can be formed during the moulding process.

The light switch/power socket trimmer works along lines analogous with the skirting board trimmer. The device has two arms (10, 11), which during the operation of the device must be held apart at an angle x where x is preferably between 5° and 45°, more preferably between 5° and 30°, most preferably around 20°. The arms can be held at this angle by being fixed during the manufacturing process, e. g. by being moulded from one piece of plastic.

Alternatively a third arm (12) may be provided to hold arm (10) and arm (11) rigid. Hinges may be provided for at (13), (14) or (15) to allow the device to be folded. This has advantages from a storage and transport perspective.

As shown in Figure 15, cut into the side of arm (11) is a hole (16) sufficiently shaped to fit snugly around a conventional light fitting or electrical socket which are generally standard sizes. Where different conventions are used, devices can be provided with appropriately sized holes to provide for such differing sizes of light switch/electrical socket. Extra devices can be provided for double and triple sockets or other standard arrangements. On arm (10) of the device there is a groove arrangement, with appropriate depth and thickness of the grooves to be used with the cutting tool provided within this invention to obtain the appropriate sort of cut. These guide grooves (17) take the form shown in Figure 13, which allows adequate length of groove for the cutting tool to be able to cut so as to remove a complete square from the paper.

The position of the hole on arm (11) corresponds with the position of the grooves on arm (10). In use, wet wallpaper is allowed to hang over the device which is placed so as to fit snugly over the wall socket/light fitting. The paper meets the device at its apex and drapes snugly over the surface of arm (10).

The position of the grooves can be found by use of one's sense of touch, and once the grooves are found a square can be cut out utilising the scissoring action of the relatively blunt cutting tool and said grooves. Due to the correspondence in the design of the hole and groove arrangement, it can be seen that the resulting cut hole will be such that it will fit snugly around any light switchtpower socket to which the device was attached.

In a yet more preferred embodiment of the device four protrusions (18) can be provided at positions as shown in Figures 13 and 15. When thicker wallpapers are used and it becomes less easy to ascertain the position of the grooves, these protrusions tend to show through the wallpaper and hence make it easier to derive the positions of the grooves.

In a further improvement to the device, a rigid sheet (19) shown in Figure 13a can be provided which is of the same dimensions as the hole that must be cut. Small dimples (20) are provided on said sheet aligned such that the sheet can sit snugly upon the surface of the wallpaper with the protrusions (18) engaging into the dimples. The edges of the rigid sheet then act as a guide to align the cutter with the grooves under the paper which allow the scissoring action to be obtained and the paper to be cut. An additional benefit of the rigid sheet is that it holds the paper tight, which aids the cutting process.

It can be seen that the light switch/electrical socket embodiment of the inventive concept of the combined groove and cutting tool scissoring action has many advantages over the prior art. These include the lack of necessity, as in the prior art, of removing the cover of light switchestpower sockets with the associated electric shock risks and associated extra time taken to perform the task. Additionally, as previously described, there are advantages associated

with the nature of the scissoring action cut and its more aesthetically pleasing nature.

All of the above embodiments encompass the general inventive concept of the scissoring action obtained through use of a guide groove and relatively blunt cutting tool. The cutting edge profiles shown in Figure 16 are such that the cutting tool cannot provide a cutting action by way of a knife action, but are able to act in conjunction with a groove to provide a scissoring effect.

Figure 16a shows a blade profile in which the angle between the blade side and the vertical is 45°. In the case shown in Figure 16a, the blade is symmetrical, having two sides forming one angle with the vertical. Figure 16b shows a similar symmetrical blade profile. In this profile however, the angle between the blade and the vertical is 10°. Figure 16c shows an asymmetrical blade. One side forms an angle of 15° with the vertical. The other side is vertical.

All of the blade profiles shown in Figure 16 may be rounded or filleted at the outer edge, as shown in Figure 16d, so that the blade is not too sharp and to prevent it acting as a cutting edge in its own right.

The angle between the blade edge and the vertical for a symmetrical cutter profile as shown in Figures 16a and 16b is preferably between 5° and 45°, more preferably between 5° and 20°. The angle between the blade edge and the vertical for Figure 16c is preferably between 5° and 60°, more preferably between 5° and 30°, yet more preferably around 15°.

Figure 17 shows preferred groove profiles, of which the profiles of 17c and 17e are preferred.

Let us consider the cutting process using the preferred blade profile of Figure 16c and a preferred groove profile of Figure 17c. During the cutting process, edge (21) of the blade connects with edge (22) of the groove and it is the action of edge (21) engaging on edge (22) that facilitates the scissoring action.

Figure 7 shows a blade of preferred profile engaging with such a groove. Note that the bevelled edge (23) does not engage with edge (24) to produce a scissoring cutting effect, and it is the fact that edge (23) is so bevelled that ensures this is so.

In each embodiment described above the present invention provides many advantages over the prior art as set out previously, including the speed with which a decorating job can be completed, the aesthetics of the result, and the safety aspects discussed above. Other similar embodiments for other specific circumstances will readily suggest themselves to the person skilled in the art.