Patent attributes
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. The rotatable handle arm is coupled to a camming mechanism through a slot in a press plate top cover that is seated upon and movable with the upper press plate. A protective belt is located in and slidable around the slot to prevent the user from accidentally inserting his fingers through the slot at the same time that the handle arm is being rotated.
