EP2135719B1

EP2135719B1 - Die-cutter for cutting hides

Info

Publication number: EP2135719B1
Application number: EP08425435A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Colonnella; Alessandro Landini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-19
Filing date: 2008-06-19
Publication date: 2012-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-19
Also published as: EP2135719A1; ATE540789T1

Abstract

Die-cutter for cutting hides, fabrics and/or other similar materials, comprising a blade (11) shaped to define a cutting template (13) and transverse reinforcement means (14) which connect opposite portions of the template (13). The transverse reinforcement means (14) comprise a plate (15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515) made of transparent material arranged inside said template (13). Fixing appendages (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516) extend outwards from opposite lateral portions of the plate (15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515) and are inserted into corresponding seats (17, 117, 217, 317, 417, 517) defined on the blade (11).

Description

The present invention regards the field of die-cutting tools for hides, fabrics, non-woven fabrics and textiles in general, and in particular it has the object of a die-cutter for cutting hides and/or other similar materials.
As known, die-cutters for cutting hides consist substantially of a blade made up of metal strip shaped according to a template corresponding to the profile of the hide portion to be cut.
In order to allow the die-cutting of the hide without deforming the cutting template, in most applications, use is required of transverse reinforcement means, such as rods and cross bars, arranged inside the template and welded in opposite portions of the strip.
Such transverse reinforcement elements also serve as support brackets for cutting accessories such as, for example, variously shaped bushings whose cutting edges permit to obtain further cuttings inside the perimeter of the cut hide.
Though in use for a long time, the die-cutters thus shaped have however a series of drawbacks yet to be overcome.
A first drawback is related with the construction of the die-cutter, and in particular of the cutting template. The template is manufactured by means of a bending machine of the semi-automatic type controlled by an operator. The operator has to be extremely experienced, in particular if curved shapes are required. Subsequently, it is necessary to weld the transverse reinforcement elements inside the cutting template and then, possibly, accessories have to be welded onto the reinforcement elements. The welding operations inevitably cause the deformation of the cutting template.
Considering the above, it is clear that the construction of a die-cutter is a long and complicated operation. Furthermore, even if the operator in charge of the construction has a high level of expertise, it is practically impossible for the final shape of the cutting template to be identical to the design shape.
Another serious drawback derives from the fact that during the die-cutting operations, the positioning of the die-cutter on the hide intended to be die-cut is difficult to perform in an accurate manner, in that the transverse reinforcement elements at least partially hinder the view of the underlying hide. This drawback is particularly serious when there are cutting accessories in proximity to the strip, in that they reduce the visibility on the internal borders of the template. A die cutter with a transverse reinforcement element formed by a transparent polymeric body is disclosed in US 3698028 .
The minimum thickness of the metal strip of the cutting template (about 2-2,5 mm) is established by the need to perform the welding of the transverse reinforcement elements. If the thickness is too low, the welding cannot be performed. The sharpening of the strip obtainable from such thickness is sufficient for the cutting of hides but is unsuitable for the cutting of fabrics. For this reason, saw-toothed blades are preferred in case of fabrics, whereas the blades for cutting hides must be continuous.
According to the above, it is clear that, when it is necessary to manufacture both fabric portions and equivalent hide portions (such as for example in the manufacturing of inserts of footwear uppers having the same shape but which are made, depending on the model, using different material), at least two die-cutters, one for fabrics and one for hides, are required in stock.
The object of the present invention is to provide a die-cutter for cutting hides, fabrics and/or other similar materials capable of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks of the die-cutters of the known type.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a die-cutter for cutting hides, fabrics and/or other similar materials, capable of clearing the view of the operator beneath the die-cutter itself and which, at the same time, is easy and quick to build.
These and other objects, which shall be clearer hereinafter, are achieved with the die-cutter for cutting hides, fabrics and/or other similar materials, as specified in appended claim 1.
The characteristics and advantages of a die-cutter according to the present invention shall be clearer from the following description of embodiments thereof, provided for exemplifying and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 represents a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention;
Figure 2 represents a schematic front view, partially in cross-section, of a portion of the die-cutter of figure 1;
Figure 3 represents a schematic top view of a portion of a variant die-cutter with respect to the one of figure 1;
Figure 4 represents an axonometric view of a portion of a die-cutter according to a different embodiment with respect to the ones of the preceding figures;
Figure 5 represents a schematic top view of a further embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention;
Figure 6 represents a schematic side view of the die-cutter of figure 5;
Figure 7 represents a schematic top view of another embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention;
Figure 8 represents a schematic front view, in section, of the die-cutter of figure 7;
Figure 9 represents a schematic top view of another embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention;
Figure 10 represents a schematic front view, in section, of the die-cutter of figure 9;
Figure 11 represents an axonometric view of a portion of a die-cutter according to a different embodiment with respect to the ones of the preceding figures;
Figure 12 represents a side view of a cutting accessory to be fixed onto a die-cutter according to the invention;
Figures 13, 14 and 15 represent front views of different embodiments of cutting accessories to be fixed onto die-cutters according to the invention.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 a die-cutter according to the invention comprises a blade 11 made of a metal strip 12 shaped to form a rectangular cutting template indicated in its entirety with number 13. In this embodiment, the strip has only one cutting edge 11a of the blade 11 but, in other embodiments, the strip can have two opposite cutting edges, providing a double edged die-cutter.
Inside the template 13 defined by the strip 12, there are means 14, for transverse reinforcement of the die-cutter, which connect opposite portions of the template itself. According to the invention, such transverse reinforcement means 14 comprise a plate 15 made of transparent material arranged inside the template 13 and connected to the strip 12 by means of fixing appendages 16, described hereinafter. The material the plate is made of could be for example a polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate.
The plate 15 substantially has the same shape of the cutting template 13. The abovementioned fixing appendages 16 extend outwards from opposite lateral portions of the plate. When the plate 15 is assembled inside the cutting template to make a die-cutter, said fixing appendages 16 are inserted into corresponding seats 17 defined on the strip 12. In particular, in this first illustrated embodiment, each seat 17 consists of a through hole, while each appendage 16 consists of a snap-coupling, such as for example a pair of elastically deformable retaining teeth 18 adapted to abut laterally against opposite portions of the wall of a corresponding through hole 17, with its ends 18a extending beyond the edge of the hole 17 to provide an anti-removal portion.
Figure 3 shows a variant of a die-cutter, wherein a block 18b, having lateral abutments 18c provided in contact with the inner face of the retaining teeth 18, is arranged between the same teeth 18 in such a manner to prevent the deformation required for the removal of the appendage from the seat. The block 18b is locked against the plate 15 by means of a central screw 18d.
Figure 12 shows a cutting accessory 19 to be arranged inside the template 13, better described hereinafter, mainly made up of a cutting head 19a and a locking element 20 of the head 19a onto the plate 15.
The method for manufacturing the above-described die-cutter can be, for example, the following. According to the layout of the design, the plate 15 is made using a numeric controlled machine tool which allows an optimal dimensional accuracy. Then, by means of an automatic bending machine, bending is performed on the metal strip (on which the seats 17 had been provided in advance) which forms the blade of the die-cutter, thus defining the cutting template. At this point the strip 12 is arranged and locked on the side of the plate 15 snap-coupling the teeth/appendages 16 in the corresponding holes/seats 17.
As it appears clear, the die-cutter thus made allows maximum internal view possible, given that the central part basically consists of only one plate made of transparent material (except for possible cutting accessories) which confers proper rigidity to the structure.
In particular, the fact that the appendages for fixing the plate onto the cutting blade extend outwards with respect to the main profile of the plate itself (rather than locking elements extending from the blade inside the plate) also creates conditions for a maximum internal view in proximity to the blade (critical point to allow proper positioning of the die-cutter on the hide to be cut).
Furthermore, the fact that there are no transverse locking elements entering from the blade into the panel, allows, if required, the arrangement of the cutting accessories at a close position with respect to the blade.
Additionally, as it has been observed, the system for manufacturing the above-described die-cutter is particularly quick and it does not require trained operators, given the use of automatic machines. Such automation of the process also leads to better dimensional accuracy results with respect to the ones obtainable following the known modes for manufacturing die-cutters. The fact that welding processes are not used allows maintaining the dimensional accuracy of the strip/plate components upon assembly.
Additionally, the fact that weldings are not performed on the die-cutter allows using strips of a smaller thickness with respect to the ones used commonly, thus allowing making sharper blades, which can be used both for cutting hides, and for cutting fabrics or other similar materials.
Use of transparent plates made of synthetic resins such as polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate also allows manufacturing the die-cutters lighter than the traditional ones entirely made of metal, thus favouring the operator's manageability during the assembling of the die-cutting machine.
It obvious that the above-described embodiment is not the only one possible. Figure 4 for example shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the fixing appendages, in this case indicated by 116, consist of continuous longitudinal ribs which project from respective sides of the plate 115 and which are inserted into seats 117 made up of complementary longitudinal grooves provided on the respective internal sides of the strip 112. The strip can be secured against the plate according to different methods, for example by punching of the two overlapped end portions of the strip, or by coupling an appendage, like the one described in the preceding example, with a corresponding hole.
Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention, wherein the appendages, in this case indicated by 216, are inserted into the corresponding seats 217 formed by through holes. Each appendage 216 of the plate 215 projects with the end tip 216a out of the corresponding hole 217 to couple with an anti-removal element 222, such as an elastic ring inserted into a complementary cavity made on the side surface of the appendage portion 216 which projects out of the hole 217. Such elastic ring axially surrounds the appendage 216, preventing its end tip 216a from getting back into the hole 217.
Additionally, figures 7 and 8 show a variant of this last described example, wherein the anti-removal element 322 consists of an elastic spring-clip arranged inside a housing 323 formed through the end tip 316a of the corresponding appendage 316. In figure 7 the spring-clip 322 is shown (dashed line) also in the step preceding the insertion into the housing 323.
The spring-clip 322 is arranged by interference between a shoulder 323a defined in said seat 323 and the outer face of the strip 312, with its elastically deformable portion being in contact with such shoulder 323a. The length of the spring-clip is greater with respect to the width of the hole 317, thus preventing the decoupling of the appendage from the strip. The direction of insertion of the spring-clip 322 into said housing 323 is parallel to the plate 315.
Furthermore, figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention, wherein the appendages, in this case indicated by 416, are inserted into the corresponding seats 417 formed by through holes. Each appendage 416 projects with the end tip 416a out of the corresponding hole 417 to couple with an anti-removal element 422, such as a pin inserted by interference into a corresponding further hole 423 with axis orthogonal to the plate 415 provided through the same end tip 416a. Alternatively, a cotter pin can be used instead of the pin.
Additionally, figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a die-cutter according to the invention, wherein the appendages 516 of the plate 515, are inserted into the corresponding seats 517 formed by through holes. Each appendage 516 projects with the end tip 516a out of the corresponding hole 517 to couple with an anti-removal element 522 which belongs to a plurality of appendages. In this example, such anti-removal element is made up of a slat having a longitudinal portion for snap-coupling 522a with a complementary snap-coupling counter-portion 516b defined on the end tip of each appendage. In the figure, the slat 522 is shown (dashed line) also in the step preceding the coupling with an appendage 517.
There can be a plurality of slats for locking several groups of appendages or, possibly, also a single perimeter slat, a frame in practice, which couples with all the appendages.
As mentioned beforehand, a cutting accessory to be arranged inside the template can be associated to the die-cutter as shown in figure 12. Such accessory 19 comprises a cutting head 19a in form of a bushing with a substantially rectangular section, whose end edge forms the cutting edge, and a stem 19b which extends from the base of the head 19a. Such stem is inserted into a complementary coupling hole 15a formed through the plate 15. The base of the head 19a is in abutment against the plate 15, while the end part of the stem 19b projects out of the coupling hole 15a to allow the coupling with an anti-removal element 20, such as for example a pin (or a plurality of pins) arranged across a passage made on the same stem and abutting against the face of the plate 15 opposite to the one on which the head 19a is arranged, thus holding the accessory 19 in position.
Figure 13 shows a variant for the locking of the accessory, wherein, in place of the pin 20, there is an elastic ring 20' inserted into a complementary slot 21 made on the side surface of the stem 19b.
Figure 14 shows a variant of the cutting accessory, in this case indicated in its entirety by number 119, wherein there are two opposite cutting heads 119a intended for use with double edged die-cutters. In this example, the two heads 119a are connected by means of a screw 119b which passes through the plate 15.
Figure 15 shows a variant for locking a double-edged accessory, which, in this example, is made up of a single body in which the stem 119b for connecting the two heads 119a has a side flange 120 which abuts on the plate 15 and which has two holes for two screws 121 engaging on the same plate 15.
It is obvious that all the above-illustrated embodiments of accessories are strictly provided for exemplifying purposes, given that actually other several solutions can be provided. For example it is possible to provide solutions with a pin or with an elastic ring also on the double-edged accessories, or, vice versa providing solutions with a screw or with a flange associated with screws also on the single-edge accessories.
The die-cutter thus conceived is susceptible to various modifications or variants, all falling within the scope of the invention; furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, without for this reason departing from the protective scope of the same invention.
In practice, the materials used, as long as compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may vary depending on the requirements and the state of art.
Where the characteristics and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these have been included, as an example, with the sole purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and hence they have no limiting effect upon the interpretation of each element identified thereof.

Claims

Die-cutter for cutting hides, fabrics and/or similar materials, comprising a blade (11) shaped to define a cutting template(13) and transverse reinforcement means (14) which connect opposite portions of said template (13), said transverse reinforcement means (14) comprising a plate (15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515) made of transparent material arranged inside said template (13), characterized in that fixing appendages (16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516) extend outwards from opposite lateral portions of said plate (15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515), said fixing appendages being inserted into corresponding seats (17, 117, 217, 317, 417, 517) defined on said blade (11)
Die-cutter according to claim 1, characterised in that said plate (15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515) has substantially the same shape of said cutting template (13).
Die-cutter according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that said seats (17, 217, 317, 417, 517) are formed through said blade (11).
Die-cutter according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that at least one of said appendages (16) comprises means for snap-coupling with a corresponding seat (17).
Die-cutter according to claim 4, characterised in that said snap-coupling means comprise at least one elastically deformable retaining tooth (18) abutting laterally against the wall of a corresponding through hole forming a corresponding seat (17); the end (18a) of said tooth (18) extending beyond the edge of said hole (17) to form an anti-removal portions.
Die-cutter according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises a block (18b) provided with at least one lateral abutment (18c) to be arranged in contact with the inner face of said at least one tooth (18) so as to prevent the deformation required to remove the same tooth (18) from the seat (17), said block (18b) being locked against said plate (15) by means of a screw (18d).
Die-cutter according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said fixing appendages (116) comprise continuous longitudinal ribs projecting from respective sides of said plate (115) and which are inserted into complementary longitudinal grooves defining said seats (117).
Die-cutter according to claim 3, characterised in that said appendages (216, 316, 416, 516) are inserted into the corresponding seats (217, 317, 417, 517) formed by through holes, each appendage (216) projecting with the end tip (216a, 316a, 416a, 516a) out of the corresponding seat (217, 317, 417, 517) to couple with an anti-removal element (222, 322, 422, 522).
Die-cutter according to claim 8, characterised in that said anti-removal element (222) comprises an elastic ring partially inserted into a complementary cavity formed in the side surface of the portion of the corresponding appendage (216) projecting out of the hole (217).
Die-cutter according to claim 8, characterised in that said anti-removal element (322) comprises a body arranged by interference in a housing (323) formed transversally through the corresponding appendage (316).
Die-cutter according to claim 10, characterised in that said body arranged by interference in said housing (323) consists of an elastic spring-clip arranged with interference between a shoulder (323a) defined in said housing (323) and the outer face of said blade (311), with the direction of deformation substantially oriented in a parallel manner with respect to the axis of the appendage (316), the length of said spring-clip being greater than the width of the hole forming the corresponding seat (317).
Die-cutter according to claim 8, characterised in that said anti-removal element (422) is formed by a pin inserted with interference into a corresponding hole (423), with axis orthogonal to said plate (415), formed through the end tip (416a) of the corresponding appendage (416) which projects out of a corresponding hole (417) defined on said blade (412).
Die-cutter according to claim 8, characterised in that said anti-removal element (522) comprises means for snap-coupling with the corresponding said appendage (516).
Die-cutter according to claim 8, characterised in that said anti-removal element (522) couples with a plurality of appendages (516).
Die-cutter according to claim 14, characterised in that said anti-removal element (522) is defined by a slat which has a longitudinal portion for snap-coupling (522a) with a complementary snap-coupling counter-portion (516b) defined on the end tip of a plurality of appendages (516).
Die-cutter according to claim 15, characterised in that said slat has a peripheral extension surrounding said cutting template and it is adapted to substantially couple with all the appendages (516).
Die-cutter according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one cutting accessory (19) to be arranged inside said cutting template (13), said accessory (19) comprising at least one cutting head (19a) and a stem (19b) adapted to be locked directly against said plate (15).
Die-cutter according to claim 17, characterised in that said stem (19b) passes through said plate (15), the end part of said stem (19b) projecting from the face of said plate (15) opposite to the one where said cutting head (19a) is arranged, such head being adapted to be coupled with an anti-removal element (20) or a further cutting head.