Abstract: A paper slitting device having first and second pivotally mounted platens with an integral biasing spring between them. The spring is formed by a resilient member extending from the first platen toward the second platen. The resilient member has a free end that is received in slots provided in the second platen and forms a bearing for the first platen and bending about an axis when a force is applied to one of the platens sufficient to move the one platen towards the other platen. The resilient member then returning the one platen to an at rest position when the force is removed.

Abstract: A manually operable paper slitting device has upper and lower platens normally biased apart from one another. The upper platen has diagonally extending and spaced parallel slitting blades extending downwardly therefrom for cooperation with spaced complementary slots formed in the lower platen. A resilient and compressible paper hold down and stripper element extends downwardly from the upper platen in surrounding relationship to the spaced slitting blades. The spaced slitting blades have an inclined bottom cutting edge which first pierces and then permits slitting of the paper along the cooperating slots in the lower platen. The resilient and compressible paper hold down and stripper element holds the paper from moving during and after the slitting operation.