WO2014029974A2

WO2014029974A2 - Punch cutting system

Info

Publication number: WO2014029974A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/052171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Harold Joseph NASH; Jayne Caroline NASH
Original assignee: Craft Dragon Limited
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2013-08-15
Publication date: 2014-02-27
Also published as: GB2505243A; EP2917005A2; WO2014029974A3; GB201215138D0

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to apunch cutting system. The punch cutting system may be a hand portable punch cutting system which may be used for hand craft applications. The punch cutting system may comprisea positioning unit comprisinga base and at least one arm member coupled to the base and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The punch cutting system may also comprisea first cutting portion configured to be removably coupled to the base, asecond cutting portion configured to be positioned above the first cutting portionanda pushing member removably coupled to the at least one arm member. The punch cutting system may be configured so that 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.

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 of 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;

Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate cutting portions according to embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 6A to 6D illustrate a type set carrier die that may be used with the positioning unit;

Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a transverse cutting portion according to embodiments of the invention;

Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a transverse cutting portion according to embodiments of the invention; and

Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a transverse cutting portion according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate a punch cutting system 1 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 1 1 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 1 1 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, 1 1 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, 1 1 .

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 base 5. 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, 1 1 . The cutting portions 9, 1 1 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 1 1 .

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 1 1 may be a male cutting portion. The male cutting portion 1 1 may comprise a projecting blade 35. The projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 to be held in position in a holding member 15.

The projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 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 1 1 . In the example embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the downwards force is provided to the second cutting portion 1 1 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 base 5.

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, 1 1 in position. In the particular example illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the holding member 15 is configured to hold the second cutting portion 1 1 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 base 5. 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 1 1 . The aperture 47 may be sized and shaped so that the plate member 37 of the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 in position within the holding member 15. The means for securing the second cutting portion 1 1 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 Perspex.

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, 1 1 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 1 1 is placed in the holding member 51 . The holding member 51 holds the second cutting portion 1 1 in position above the first cutting portion 9.

Once the cutting portions 9, 1 1 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 1 1 and pushes the projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 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, 1 1 . Once the two cutting portions 9, 1 1 have been separated the user may wish to repeat the process using different cutting portions 9, 1 1 , 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 1 1 is positioned within the pushing member 13.

The second cutting portion 1 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 3 also comprises a projecting blade 35 and plate member 37. When the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 . In the example embodiment of Fig. 3 the second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 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, 1 1 .

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 1 1 . 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 1 1 is positioned in the pushing member 13.

Once the cutting portions 9, 1 1 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 1 1 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 1 1 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 1 1 in position.

In some embodiments of the invention the cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 from the pushing member 13 and replace it with a different cutting portion 1 1 .

Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate a first cutting portion 9 and a corresponding second cutting portion 1 1 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 1 1 may be a male cutting portion and may comprise a projecting blade 35. The projecting blade 35 of the second cutting portion 1 1 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, 1 1 in the correct positions of the punch cutting system 1 . However the corresponding cutting portions 9, 1 1 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, 1 1 . 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, 1 1 . This may make it easier for the user to correctly align the cutting material 57.

Figs. 6A to 6D illustrate a type set carrier die 81 that may be used with the positioning unit 3. In some examples the cutting portions 9, 1 1 may be removed from the positioning unit 3 and replaced with a type set carrier die 81 .

Fig. 6A is a plan view of an example type set carrier die 81. The type set carrier die 81 comprises a lower surface 83. The lower surface comprises a channel 85 into which letter dies 89 (or other type of characters) may be inserted. The dies 89 may comprise individual letters or groups of letters. The channel 85 enables a user to easily insert or remove the letter dies 89 in any order or arrangement they choose.

Locking dies 87 may also be provided. In the particular example of Fig. 6A the locking dies are inserted into the channel 85 on either side of the letter dies 89. The locking dies 85 provide means for holding the letter dies in position. The locking die 87 may be secured within the channel 85 so as to prevent unwanted movement of the letter dies 89.

Fig. 6B illustrates a side view of an example type set carrier die 81 . In this example side vie only one locking die 87 is illustrated. The letter dies 89 have a raised profile so that the letters (or other characters) project out of the surface 83 of the type set carrier die 81 . The locking dies 87 do not project out from the surface 83 as far as the letter dies 89. This prevents the locking dies 87 from creating unwanted imprints.

Fig. 6C illustrates an end view of an example type set carrier die 81 . In this end view it can be seen that the letter die 89 comprises a protrusion which is shaped to fit into the channel 85. In the particular example of Fig. 6C the channel 85 comprises a curved cross section with a wider upper part and a narrower lower part. A protrusion 88 is provided on the die 89. The protrusion 88 has a corresponding shape to the channel 85 so that the protrusion 88 can be inserted into the channel 85. As the upper part of the protrusion 88 is wider than the lower part, this prevents the die 89 from falling out of the channel 83 when the type set carrier die 81 is used with the positioning unit 3. Fig. 6D illustrates the example type set carrier die 81 coupled to a plate 86. The plate 86 may enable the type set carrier die 81 to be connected to a positioning unit 3 as described above. In some examples the plate 86 may enable the type set carrier die 81 to be removably coupled to the positioning unit 3. This may enable a user to interchange the units attached to the positioning unit 3, for example, they may be able to swap the cutting portion for a printing portion or they may wish to swap type set carrier die 81 for another type set carrier die 81 which may have a different size and/or shape.

The plate 86 comprises a channel 91 into which the type set carrier die 81 may be inserted the channel 91 may allow the type set carrier die 81 to be inserted and removed by the user. This may allow a user to change which type set carrier dies 81 are used. It may also allow a user to remove the type set carrier die 81 and change the letters or characters used in the type set carrier die 81 .

The plate 86 also comprises connecting arms 93. The connecting arms 93 may enable the plate 86 to be connected to the arm members 7 of the positioning unit 3. The connecting arms 93 may, for example, fit into corresponding recesses on the arm members 7. The connecting arms 93 may be arranged so that the type set carrier die 81 remains in a horizontal position when the arm members 7 of the positioning unit 3 are pushed downward.

The type set carrier die 81 may allow a user to print text or other characters using the positioning unit 3. It may be advantageous to enable a user to use the same positioning unit for printing as well as for cutting and/or punching as this may make it easier for the user to create designs.

Figs. 7A to 9B illustrate a transverse cutting portion 101 . The transverse cutting portion 101 may be connected to the positioning unit 3. The transverse cutting portion 101 may be configured to cut sheets of material into smaller sections. Fig. 7A illustrates a front view of a transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3. Fig. 7B illustrates a cross sectional front view of a transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3. The transverse cutting portion 101 is coupled to the arm member 7 of the positioning unit so that a user can operate the transverse cutting portion 101 by pushing the arm member 7 in the downward direction as indicated by the arrows 105.

The transverse cutting portion 101 comprises an outer casing 103 and a cutting platform 105. The material to be cut may be supported by the cutting platform 1 as it is fed through the transverse cutting portion 101 . A compression mechanism may be housed within the outer casing 103. The compression mechanism may be configured to press material onto a blade to enable transverse cutting of the material. The compression mechanism is described in more detail below.

The compression mechanism comprises a ratchet 107 which is contained within the outer casing 103 and a ratchet paddle 109 which is provided on the outside of the outer casing 103. The compression mechanism also comprises a transverse gear shaft 1 1 1 and rollers 1 13. The rollers 1 13 are arranged to extend parallel to the front of the transverse cutting portion 101 .

The transverse cutting portion 101 also comprises bars 1 15. The bars 1 15 may be configured to prevent the rollers 1 13 from bending. In some examples the bars 1 15 may also support the outer casing 103. The bars 1 15 are provided perpendicular to the rollers 1 13 so that they extend along side of the transverse cutting portion 101 .

Fig. 8A illustrates a side view of the transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3. Fig. 8B illustrates a cross sectional side view of the transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3. In the side view of Fig. 8A the compression mechanism is contained within the outer casing 103 so that the compression mechanism cannot be viewed by the user. The cutting platform 105 and the ratchet paddle 109 are visible. In the cross sectional view of Fig. 8B the gearing system which may be used to drive the rollers 1 13 is illustrated. Transfer gears 121 are provided to couple the ratchet 107 to roller gears 123. The roller gears 123 may be used to drive the rollers 1 13. Fig. 9A illustrates a top view of the transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3. Fig. 9B illustrates a cross sectional top view of the transverse cutting portion 101 coupled to a positioning unit 3.

In the top view of Fig. 9A the compression mechanism is contained within the outer casing 103 so that the compression mechanism cannot be viewed by the user. The cutting platform 105 and the ratchet paddle 109 are also visible.

In the cross sectional view of Fig. 9B a plan view of the gearing system which may be used to drive the rollers 1 13 is illustrated. A transverse gear shaft 1 1 1 is provided between the transfer gears 121. It can also be seen in the Fig. 9B that the roller gears 123 are provided on the ends of the rollers 1 13.

The compression mechanism is arranged so that when the user pushes the arm member 7 of the positioning unit 3 downwards the ratchet 109 causes rotation of the transfer gears 121 and the transverse gear shaft 1 1 1 . This causes rotation of the roller gears 123 which then drives the rollers 1 13 and allows for transverse cutting by pressing material onto a cutting die.

The transverse cutting portion 101 may be interchangeable with other units on the positioning unit 3. 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. l/we claim:

Claims

1 . 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.

1 1 . 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 1 to 12.

14. A first cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12.

15. A second cutting portion for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12.

16. A holding member for use in a punch cutting system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10.

17. A type set carrier die configured to be attached to a positioning unit.

18. A type set carrier die as claimed in claim 17 wherein the type set carrier die comprises a channel which enables dies to be removably inserted.

19. A transverse cutting portion configured to be attached to a positioning unit.