Abstract: A manually operated portable die cutting machine having a rotatable handle arm for generating a pressure necessary to cut a sheet material that is carried by a die cutting assembly and positioned between a movable upper press plate and a stationary lower press plate. A pull-out drawer is slidable outwardly from the body of the die cutting machine to enable access to a storage compartment thereof in which a variety of small articles can be transported. The rotation of a locking knob causes a corresponding rotation of a swing hook into engagement with the handle arm to prevent a rotation of the handle arm when it is desirable to carry the die cutting machine at the side of a user or to prevent use of the machine by a small child. The handle arm includes a handle having an upturned kick which prevents the user's fingers from being pinched when the handle is grasped to rotate the handle arm.

Abstract: A trimmer to cut a backing on which an overlay (e.g., a photograph) is mounted. The trimmer includes cutting blades by which to accurately trim the backing so that neat, uniform borders are formed all around the overlay. A removable fence has a stop that runs longitudinally across a work surface of the trimmer. The fence is carried by a pair of risers that are capable of moving between at-rest and elevated positions relative to the work surface. A rotatable lever arm is coupled to the risers by a linking cam rod. The stop of the fence normally lies flush against the work surface to block the backing and the overlay mounted thereon from moving past the fence to the cutting blades. When the lever arm and linking cam rod are rotated in a first direction, the risers are caused to move by the linking cam rod upwardly from the work surface to the elevated position and the stop of the fence is lifted upwardly and off the work surface to create a gap therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.

Abstract: A hinged cover for a cutting and embossing die set by which a sheet material can be simultaneously cut and embossed. The cutting and embossing die set includes a die and a counter-die. A hinged cover includes first and second adjacent backing members that are hingedly coupled to one another and rotatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Each of the first and second backing members has a cavity formed therein. The die and the counter-die are fixedly retained within respective ones of the cavities formed in the first and second backing members of the hinged cover. With the cover rotated to the closed configuration, a compressive force is applied to the first and second backing members thereof. A sheet material that is sandwiched between the die and counter-die of the die set is embossed and cut when first and second raised male portions which project from the die are pressed against the counter-die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press, comprising a base, opposing first and second supports extending from the base, at least one cam member that is supported by the opposing supports, means for rotating the cam member, at least one bearing located on the cam member, a platen positioned generally between the at least one bearing and the base, and a cover being unitary with the platen, the cover being slidably engaged with the opposing supports to guide the platen during operation of the die press.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing system to be used with a die press. The embossing system includes a force transfer assembly, which comprises a first cover and an opposite second cover with the first and second covers being connected by a hinge. The force transfer assembly further includes a stencil and an opposing form positioned internal of the force transfer assembly. The stencil and the form are adapted to sandwich an embossing material, such as paper, between the stencil and the form. The embossing system further includes a layer of static vinyl that is located internally of one of the covers to secure the form to the internal side of one of the covers. The embossing system also utilizes an adhesive located on the cover opposite the cover with the vinyl to secure the stencil to the internal side of the opposite cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.