GB2505243A

GB2505243A - Punch cutting system

Info

Publication number: GB2505243A
Application number: GB1215138.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Harold Joseph Nash; Jayne Caroline Nash
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-24
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Also published as: EP2917005A2; WO2014029974A2; GB201215138D0; WO2014029974A3

Abstract

A punch cutting system, for example a portable hole punch suitable for hand craft applications, comprises: a positioning unit comprising a base 5 and at least one arm 7 that moves between a first position and a second position; a first cutter 9; a second cutter 11 positioned above the first cutter; and a pusher 13 removably coupled to the arm. The punch cutting system is configured so that movement of the arm between the first position and the second position enables the pusher to push the second cutter towards the first cutter. The base may have a recess to receive the first cutter. The pusher preferably comprises a flat plate configured to contact the second cutter. A holder 15 to hold the second cutter in position may also be provided: the holder preferably comprises a flat surface portion configured to overlay the base, and may be coupled to the positioning unit.

Description

TITLE

Punch Cutting System

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a punch cutting system. In particular, they relate to a hand portable punch cutting system which may be used for hand craft applications.

BACKGROUND

Punch cutting systems may be used in hand craft applications to punch holes in material such as paper, card or other substrates. In such systems a projecting blade is punched through a sheet of paper, card or other substrate into a recessed blade. Typical punch cutting mechanisms which may be used in hand craft applications comprise two pivoted arms. The projecting blade is placed on a first arm and the recessed blade is placed on the second arm.

Such punch cutting systems are usually hand held and have small pivoted arms. This restricts the locations in which incisions on the card or paper may be made as it is limited by the length between the pivot and the respective blade portions. Also it may require the user to apply a large force to the pivoted arms to force the blades through the paper or card.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a punch cutting system comprising: a positioning unit where the positioning unit comprises a base and at least one arm member coupled to the base and configured to move between a first position and a second position; a first cutting portion configured to be removably coupled to the base; a second cutting portion configured to be positioned above the first cutting portion; a pushing member removably coupled to the at least one arm member; and wherein movement of the arm member between the first position and the second position enables the pushing member to push the second cutting portion towards the first cutting portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the base of the positioning unit may comprise a recess configured to receive the first cutting portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the base of the positioning unit may comprise a recess configured to collect pieces cut out of a material by the cutting portions.

In some embodiments of the invention the at least one arm member may be coupled to the base via a column.

In some embodiments of the invention the pushing member may comprise a flat plate configured to contact the second cutting portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the second cutting portion may be configured to be removably positioned above the first cutting portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the second cutting portion may comprise a resilient member configured to bias a blade of the second cutting portion in an upwards direction.

In some embodiments of the invention the punch cutting system may also comprise a holding member configured to hold the second cutting portion in position.

In some embodiments of the invention the holding member may comprise a flat surface portion configured to overlay the base of the positioning unit.

In some embodiments ot the invention the holding member may be configured to couple to the positioning unit.

In some embodiments of the invention the first cutting portion may comprise a female cutting portion and the second cutting portion may comprise a male cutting portion.

In some embodiments of the invention the positioning unit may be hand

portable.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may also be provided a positioning unit for use in a punch cutting system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may also be provided a first cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may also be provided a second cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there may also be provided a holding member for use in a punch cutting system as described above.

The punch cutting system may be for use in craft applications. In particular the punch cutting system may be for use in hand craft applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a punch cutting system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the punch cutting system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 illustrates a punch cutting system according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 illustrates a pushing member and cutting portion of the punch cutting system of Fig. 3; and Figs. 5A and SB illustrate cutting portions according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate a punch cutting system I comprising: a positioning unit 3 where the positioning unit 3 comprises a base 5 and at least one arm member 7 coupled to the base 5 and configured to move between a first position and a second position; a first cutting portion 9 configured to be removably coupled to the base 5; a second cutting portion 11 configured to be positioned above the first cutting portion 9; a pushing member 13 removably coupled to the at least one arm member 7; and wherein movement of the arm member 7 between the first position and the second position enables the pushing member 13 to push the second cutting portion 11 towards the first cutting portion 9.

Fig. 1 illustrates a punch cutting system 1 according to an example embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the punch cutting system of Fig. 1. The punch cutting system 1 comprises a positioning unit 3, first and second cutting portions 9, 11 and a pushing member 13. The example embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 also comprises a holding member 15. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the punch cutting system 1 may comprise different or additional components or may be arranged in a different configuration.

The positioning unit 3 comprises a base 5 and at least one arm member 7. In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the positioning unit 3 also comprises a column 17 which is configured to couple the at least one arm member 7 to the base 5.

As illustrated in Fig. 1 the base 5 may comprise a surface 19. The surface 19 may be a horizontal or substantially horizontal surface. The surface 19 may be a flat or substantially flat surface.

In some example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the surface 19 may be provided within a recess 21. The recess 21 may be sized and shaped to receive a first cutting portion 9. The recess 21 may be sized and shaped to receive a first cutting portion 9 tightly within the recess 21. In some embodiments the base 5 may comprise means for holding the first cutting portion 9 in position in the recess 21. For example, in some embodiments a clamp or other gripping means may be provided to hold the first cutting portion 9 in position in the base 5.

In some example embodiments the base 5 may also comprise a further recess 29. The further recess 29 may be positioned to collect pieces of material which have been cut out of a cutting material 57 by the first and second cutting portions 9, 11.

The column 17 in the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 is provided at the back of the base 5. In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 only a single column 17 is provided which extends along the back of the bases. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention more than one column 17 may be provided. For example two separate columns 17 may be provided at either side of the base 5.

The column 17 extends in a vertical or substantially vertical direction. The column extends so that the at least one arm member 7 may be spaced vertically from the base 5.

The column 7 comprises a hinge mechanism 23. The hinge mechanism 23 couples the at least one arm member 7 to the column 17 and so enables the at least one arm member 7 to be coupled to the base 5. The hinge mechanism 23 also enables the at least one arm member 7 to be moved between a first and second position as indicated by the arrow 25.

In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 two arm members 7 are provided. As can be seen in Fig. 2 a first arm member 7 is coupled to a first side of the vertical column 17 and a second arm member 7 is coupled to the opposite side of the vertical column 17. The two arm members may be coupled together via a handle 27. The handle 27 may couple the two arm members 7 together so that the two arm members 7 remain parallel to each other as they are moved between the first and second position.

The positioning unit 3 of the embodiments of the invention may have a size and weight such that the positioning unit 3 is hand portable. This may enable the positioning unit 3 to be easily lifted and carried by a user. This may also enable the positioning unit 3 to be placed on a table or desk or other suitable work surface and operated by hand by using the handle 27 to move the arm members 7 as needed.

As mentioned above the punch cutting system 3 also comprises cutting portions 9, 11. The cutting portions 9, 11 may comprises any means which may enable perforations or other incisions to be made in a cutting material 57.

In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the punch cutting system comprises a first cutting portion 9 and a second cutting portion 11.

The first cutting portion 9 may be a female cutting portion. The female cutting portion 9 may comprise a recessed blade 31. The recessed blade 31 of the first cutting portion 9 may be set in a plate member 33. The plate member 31 may be flat or substantially flat. The plate member 31 may be sized and shaped so as to fit in the recess 21 of the base 5 of the positioning unit. In some embodiments of the invention the base 5 may comprise means for securing the first cutting portion 9 in position on the base 5. For example the base 5 may comprise a clamp or other suitable gripping means.

The first cutting portion 9 may be configured to be removably coupled to the base 5 of the positioning unit 3. The first cutting portion 9 may be removably coupled to the positioning unit 3 so that a user of the punch cutting system 1 can remove the first cutting portion 9 from the base 5. The user may be able to remove the cutting portion 9 from the base 5 without the use of additional tools or equipment. In some embodiments of the invention the user may be able to remove the first cutting portion 9 from the base and replace it with a different cutting portion. This may enable different cutting portions to be used with the same positioning unit 3 and may enable a plurality of different shapes to be cut out using the same positioning unit 3.

The second cutting portion 11 may be a male cutting portion. The male cutting portion 11 may comprise a projecting blade 35. The projecting blade of the second cutting portion 11 may also be set in a plate member 37.

The plate member 37 may also be flat or substantially flat. The plate member 37 may be sized and shaped so as to enable the second cutting portion 11 to be held in position in a holding member 15.

The projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 11 may be configured to move vertically with respect to the plate member 37 as indicated by arrow 39.

The projecting blade 35 may be configured to be pushed downwards in response to downwards force which may be applied by a user of the punch cutting system 1.

The second cutting portion 11 may comprise one or more resilient members 41 which may be configured to bias the projecting blade 35 in an upwards direction so that when the user removes a downwards force which has been applied to the projecting blade 35 the one or more resilient members 41 provide a restoring force in an upwards direction. This may enable the projecting blade 35 to be returned to an equilibrium position. The resilient members 41 may comprise springs or any other suitable resilient means.

The punch cutting system 3 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 also comprises a pushing member 13. The pushing member 13 may comprise any means which may be configured to enable a downwards force to be applied to the second cutting portion 11. In the example embodiment of Figs. I and 2 the downwards force is provided to the second cutting portion 11 when the at least one arm member 7 is pushed downwards.

In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the pushing member 13 is removably coupled to the arm members 7. The arm members 7 may comprise connection means which may enable the pushing member 13 to be connected to the arm members 7. The pushing member 13 may be removably coupled to the arm members 7 so that it can be released by the user of the punch cutting system 1. The pushing member 13 may be configured to be released by a user of the punch cutting system 1 without requiring any additional tools or equipment to enable the pushing member 13 to be released. In some embodiments of the invention this may enable the pushing member 13 to be interchanged with other units such as other pushing members 13 or a printing unit.

In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the positioning unit 3 comprises two arm members 7 and the pushing member 13 is removably mounted between the two arm members 7.

The pushing member 13 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a flat or substantially flat surface 43. When the pushing member 13 is coupled to the at least one arm member 7 the surface 43 is parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 19 of the base 5. In some embodiments of the invention the arm members 7 may be configured so that as the arm members 7 are moved between the first and second position the surface 43 of the pushing member 13 remains parallel or substantially parallel to the surface 19 of the bases.

The example punch cutting system 3 of Figs. 1 and 2 also comprises a holding member 15. The holding member 15 may comprise any means which may be configured to hold one or both of the cutting portions 9, 11 in position.

In the particular example illustrated in Figs. I and 2 the holding member 15 is configured to hold the second cutting portion 11 in position.

The holding member 15 comprises a flat surface portion 45. The flat surface portion 45 may be configured to overlay the flat surface 19 of the base 5. The flat surface 45 of the holding member 15 may be configured to lie parallel to or substantially parallel to the flat surface 19 of the bases.

The flat surface 45 of the holding member 15 comprises an aperture 47. The aperture 47 may be sized and shaped so as to receive the plate member 37 of a second cutting portion 11. The aperture 47 may be sized and shaped so that the plate member 37 of the second cutting portion 11 may be held tightly in position in the holding member 15. In some embodiments of the invention the holding member 15 may comprise means for securing the second cutting portion 11 in position within the holding member 15. The means for securing the second cutting portion 11 in position may comprise a clip or clamp or any other suitable means.

The holding member 15 also comprises means for coupling the holding member 15 to the positioning unit 3. In the particular example illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the holding member comprises a hooked portion 49 which is configured to hook over the column 17. In some embodiments the hooked portion 49 may comprise a securing means such as a pin to secure the holding member 15 in position. This may prevent unintentional movement of the holding member 15 during use. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the disclosure any other suitable means could be used to couple the holding member 15 to the positioning unit 3.

The holding member 15 may be transparent so that during use the user can view cutting material 57 and cutting portions 9 which may be positioned underneath the holding member 15. In some embodiments of the invention the holding member 15 may be made of a plastic material such as Ferspex.

To use the punch cutting system 3 the arm members 7 are positioned in the first position as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In the first position the arm members 7 are positioned in a raised position. When the arm members 7 are positioned in the first position the user can access the base 5 of the positioning unit and remove or add cutting portions 9, 11 and cutting material as needed.

While the arm members 7 are in the raised position 7 the first cutting portion may be placed in the recess 21 of the base 5. The first cutting portion 9 may be positioned overlaying the further recess 29.

A cutting material 57 may be placed overlaying the first cutting portion 9. The cutting material 57 may comprise any suitable material such as card, paper, fabric, leather, vellum or any other suitable material. The cutting material 57 may be positioned so that the portion which the user wishes to cut out is aligned with the first cutting portion 9. The cutting material 57 may be placed in any position on the base 5 of the positioning unit. This may enable the user to cut out any portion of the material using the punch cutting system 1.

Once the cutting material 57 has been aligned correctly the holding member 15 may be placed on the positioning unit 3 so that the surface of the holding member 15 overlays both the first cutting portion 9 and the cutting material 57.

The holding member 15 may also comprise means for holding cutting material 57 in place. The means for holding the cutting material 57 in place may comprise a clamp 55 or any other suitable means.

A second cutting portion 11 is placed in the holding member 51. The holding member 51 holds the second cutting portion 11 in position above the first cutting portion 9.

Once the cutting portions 9, 11 and cutting material 57 are in place the user may move the arms 7 of the positioning unit 3 into a second position. To move the arms 7 into a second position the user may push the arms 7 downwards as indicated by the arrow 25. As the user pushes the arms 7 downwards the surface 43 of the pushing member 13 comes into contact with the second cutting portion 11 and pushes the projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 11 downwards towards the recessed blade of the first cutting portion 9. This movement causes the projecting blade 35 to punch through the cutting material 57 and enables a cut to be made in the material 57. The piece of cutting material 57 which has been cut out may be collected in the further recess 29.

Once the cutting action has been completed the user may lift the arm members 7 in an upward direction to return the arm members 7 to the first position. In some embodiments of the invention the positioning unit 3 may comprise a mechanism which may be configured to enable the arm members 7 to return to the first position automatically. Once the pushing member 13 is no longer in contact with the second cutting portion 11 the resilient members 41 in the second cutting portion force the projecting blade 35 in an upwards direction and separates the two cutting portions 9, 11. Once the two cutting portions 9, 11 have been separated the user may wish to repeat the process using different cutting portions 9, 11, or a different cutting material 57 or a different portion of the same cutting material 57.

Fig. 3 illustrates a punch cutting system 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. The punch cutting system 1 illustrated in Fig. 3 comprises a positioning unit 3 and a first cutting portion 9 as described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2. The positioning unit 3 may also comprise one or more arm members 7 as described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2 although they have not been illustrated in Fig. 3 for clarity. The punch cutting system 1 illustrated in Fig. 3 differs from the punch cutting system 1 of Figs. 1 and 2 in that in the embodiment of Fig. 3 the second cutting portion 11 is positioned within the pushing member 13.

The second cutting portion 11 of the embodiment of Fig. 3 also comprises a projecting blade 35 and plate member 37. When the second cutting portion 11 is positioned in the pushing member 13 the projecting blade 35 extends out of the surface 43 of the pushing member 13 In the example embodiment of Fig. 3 the projecting blade 35 may be fixed relative to the carrier plate 37 so that the projecting blade 35 does not move relative to the rest of the cutting portion 11.

In the example embodiment of Fig. 3 the second cutting portion 11 is held in position in the pushing member 13. In such embodiments there may be no need for a holding member 15 in addition to the pushing member 13 as the pushing member 13 may be sufficient to hold the second cutting portion 11 in position.

The example embodiment of Fig. 3 also comprises a positioning mat 61. The positioning mat 61 may comprise a flat or substantially flat surface. The positioning mat 61 may be transparent or partially transparent 61 to enable a user to see the cutting material 57 which may be positioned underneath the positioning mat 61. In some embodiments the positioning mat 61 may comprise markings such as a grid which may assist the user in aligning the cutting material 57 with the cutting portions 9, 11.

In the example embodiment of Fig. 3 the positioning mat 61 may also comprise guide pins 63. The guide pins 63 may comprise any suitable means which may enable a user to ensure that the positioning mat 61 is correctly aligned with the pushing member 13 and second cutting portion 11. In the example embodiment of Fig. 3 the guide pins 63 comprise a projection which extends out of the surface of the positioning mat 61. Corresponding recesses 65 are provided in the surface 43 of the pushing member 13. When the pushing member 13 and the positioning mat 61 are correctly aligned the guide pins 63 will fit into the recesses 65 of the pushing member 13 and enable the projecting blade 35 to cut through the cutting material 57.

The punch cutting system 1 of Fig. 3 is operable in a similar manner to the punch cutting system of Figs. 1 and 2 which is described above. The user places the first cutting portion 9, the cutting material 57 and a positioning mat 61 in the base of the positioning unit 3 while the arm member 7 is in the first position. The cutting portion 11 is positioned in the pushing member 13.

Once the cutting portions 9, 11 and cutting material 57 are in place the user pushes the arm member 7 towards the second position by applying a downwards force to the handle 27. This moves the pushing member 13 downwards and pushes the projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 11 downwards towards the recessed blade 31 of the first cutting portion 9.

This movement causes the projecting blade 35 to punch through the cutting material 57 and enables a cut to be made in the material 57. The piece of cutting material 57 which has been cut out may be collected in the further recess 29.

Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view of the pushing member 13 and cutting portion 11 of the punch cutting system 1 of Fig. 3. The pushing member 13 comprises retaining pins 71 which may be used to retain the cutting portion 11 in position.

In some embodiments of the invention the cutting portion 11 may be removably attached to the pushing member 13. This may enable the user of the punch cutting system 1 to remove the cutting portion 11 from the pushing member 13 and replace it with a different cutting portion 11.

Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a first cutting portion 9 and a corresponding second cutting portion 11 respectively. As described above the first cutting portion 9 may be a female cutting portion and may comprise a recessed blade 31. The recessed blade 31 may be set in a plate member 33. Similarly the second cutting portion 11 may be a male cutting portion and may comprise a projecting blade 35. The projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 11 may also be set in a plate member 37. The plate member 37 may be configured to be positioned within a holding member 15 or a pushing member 13 as described above.

The plate members 33, 37 may have different sizes or shapes to ensure that the user of the punch cutting system 1 inserts the correct cutting portions 9, 11 in the correct positions of the punch cutting system 1. However the corresponding cutting portions 9, 11 may have correspondingly shaped blades 31, 35 to ensure that a neat shape is cut out of the cutting material 57.

In the example embodiment of Figs 5A and 5B the blades 31, 37 are flower shaped. It is to be appreciated that different shaped blades may be used in other embodiments of the invention.

The punch cutting systems 3 described above provide several advantages. As the cutting material 57 may be positioned anywhere on the base 5 of the positioning unit 3 this enables the cuts and incisions to be made on any part of the cutting material 57.

Also the arm members 7 act as lever arms which may enable a larger force to be applied to the cutting portions 9, 11. This may enable a user to cut through a thicker cutting material 57 than might be possible using a traditional cutting device. This may also enable a user to repeat the cutting process more times before they get tired.

In some embodiments the positioning mats 61 may assist in the positioning the cutting material 57 relative to the cutting portions 9, 11. This may make it easier for the user to correctly align the cutting material 57.

In the embodiments described above the term "coupled" means operationally coupled and any number or combination of intervening elements may exist between coupled components (including no intervening elements).

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example the positioning unit 3 may be suitable for use in other applications. For example the pushing unit 13 may be replaced with other units such as a printing or hot printing unit.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

1/weclaim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A punch cutting system comprising: a positioning unit where the positioning unit comprises a base and at least one arm member coupled to the base and configured to move between a first position and a second position; a first cutting portion configured to be removably coupled to the base; a second cutting portion configured to be positioned above the first cutting portion; a pushing member removably coupled to the at least one arm member; and wherein movement of the arm member between the first position and the second position enables the pushing member to push the second cutting portion towards the first cutting portion.
2. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base of the positioning unit comprises a recess configured to receive the first cutting portion.
3. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base of the positioning unit comprises a recess configured to collect pieces cut out of a material by the cutting portions.
4. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one arm member is coupled to the base via a column.
5. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pushing member comprises a flat plate configured to contact the second cutting portion.
6. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second cutting portion is configured to be removably positioned above the first cutting portion.
7. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second cutting portion comprises a resilient member configured to bias a blade of the second cutting portion in an upwards direction.
8. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a holding member configured to hold the second cutting portion in position.
9. A punch cutting system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the holding member comprises a flat surface portion configured to overlay the base of the positioning unit.
10. A punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 9 wherein the holding member is configured to couple to the positioning unit.
11. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first cutting portion comprises a female cutting portion and the second cutting portion comprises a male cutting portion.
12. A punch cutting system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the positioning unit is hand portable.
13. A positioning unit for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims ito 12.
14. A first cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims ito 12.
15. A second cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims ito 12.
16. A holding member for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any ofclaims8toiO.