Abstract: A method of cutting stacked layers of compressible material utilizing a steel rule cutting die. An open cell foam member is placed in the area between spaced portions of the cutting die to define a flat upper surface substantially flush with the sharpened upper edge of the cutting die. The stacked layers of compressible material are placed on top of the foam member and on top of the sharpened upper edge of the die and the upper platen of the associated press is lowered to precompress the stacked compressible layers prior to the cutting operation by the die. The foam member is an open cell member and has a compressibility such that it maintains a flat upper face flush with the upper cutting edge of the die during the precompression of the layers and thereafter moves downwardly in a smooth translatory manner to allow the layer to be moved downwardly through the cutting die.

Abstract: A stationary steel rule cutting die for cutting a fixed pattern in each of a plurality of stacked compressible material layers according to the shape of the steel rule die and including a vacuum system for reducing the stacked height of the compressible material layers prior to cutting. The die assembly includes an enclosure comprising an upper wall and collapsible side walls extending downwardly from the upper wall. A rigid annular structure is secured to the lower edge of the collapsible side walls. The enclosure is positioned over the stacked compressible material layers with an annular sealing surface defined on the lower peripheral edges of the rigid annular structure coacting with an upwardly facing, closed loop sealing surface defined on the steel rule cutting die to define a sealed chamber from which air is exhausted through the rigid annular structure to collapse the side walls of the enclosure and compress the material layers prior to cutting.

Abstract: A stationary steel rule cutting die for cutting a fixed pattern in each of a plurality of stacked compressible material layers according to the shape of the steel rule die and including a vacuum system for reducing the stacked height of the compressible material layers prior to cutting. The die assembly includes an enclosure comprising an upper wall and collapsible side walls extending downwardly from the upper wall. The enclosure is positioned over the stacked compressible material layers with the lower peripheral edges of the side walls of the enclosure coacting with an upwardly facing, closed loop sealing surface defined on the steel rule cutting die to define a sealed chamber from which air is exhausted to collapse the side walls of the enclosure and compress the material layers prior to cutting.

Abstract: A steel rule die assembly for cutting a fixed pattern in each of a plurality of stacked compressible material layers according to the shape of the steel rule including a plate member defining a support surface, a steel rule die adapted to be positioned on the support surface, and a continuous rigid frame adapted to be removably positioned on the support surface in surrounding relation to the steel rule die and pivotally secured to the plate member along one side edge of the frame so as to allow the frame to be pivoted upwardly about that side edge to allow removable and replacement of the steel rule die.

Abstract: A stationary steel rule cutting die for cutting a fixed pattern in each of a plurality of stacked compressible material layers according to the shape of the rule die, including a vacuum system for vertically reducing the stack height of the compressible material layers without lateral distortion prior to cutting and retaining the compress condition during the progressive or incremental cutting operations.

Abstract: A stationary steel rule cutting die for cutting a fixed pattern in each of a plurality of stacked compressible material layers according to the shape of the rule die including a vacuum system for reducing the stack height of the compressible material layers prior to cutting.