Abstract:
The J-channel siding tool is preferably used to cut tabs or notches or a miter finishing cut in J-channel vinyl or aluminum siding in perpendicularly adjacent pieces proximate to the corners of doors or windows of a building, through the one cut operation of the tool by an individual. The J-channel siding cutter includes a pair of pivotally interconnected handles, a first cutter having a pair of first cutting surfaces and a first traverse cutting surface on one of the handles, and a second cutter having a pair of second cutting surfaces and a second traverse cutting surface on the other handle. The second traverse cutting surface is recessed with respect to the first traverse cutting surface to enable an individual to selectively determine, in one cut, whether to create a tab or notch within J-channel siding. The first cutter may also include a stop for defining a uniform length of tab or notch. The J-channel siding tool may also include a biasing member disposed between the pair of handles for urging the handles apart and separating the first cutter from the second cutter while in the at-rest position. A travel limiter may also be disposed between the first and second handles for restricting the positioning of the first cutter relative to the second cutter and the closure of the handles relative to each other.

Description:
This utility application is based upon the provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/046,250, filed on May 12, 1997, where applicant claims priority to application Ser. No. 60/046,250, as filed on May 12, 1997, herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The J-channel siding tool significantly increases the ease of creating drainage tabs, notches, and miter cuts during the installation of J-channel siding, proximate to doors and windows of a building. 
     In the past, an individual, during finishing activities of siding installation, was required to use a duckbill or aviation-type of snip to cut tabs and/or notches into J-channel siding for finishing areas adjacent to doors and windows. Placement of J-channel siding proximate to the corners of doors and windows was especially problematic in that the use of an aviation snip for creation of tabs and/or notches for mating or interlocking of the J-channel siding pieces proximate to a corner was extremely difficult and time consuming. In order to create a tab or notch for mating of perpendicular pieces of J-channel siding, an individual in the past was required to make at least two or three separate and distinct cuts within the confined space of a J-channel. An individual was frequently required to use his or her best efforts to position the cuts in a desired location while simultaneously attempting to make the separate cuts the same length for creation of a rectangular shaped tab or notch. The individual&#39;s efforts in making the distinct and separate cuts, of uniform length, in a desired location within the confined space of a J-channel, was extremely challenging and time consuming. As such, significant time loss to workmen occurred in conjunction with the associated material waste due to inaccurate and/or unusable cuts. 
     An attempt to solve this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,746 to Byers, which created a siding cutting tool which made narrow slits in siding at a location as desired by an individual. This patent failed to solve the initial problem of eliminating the necessity for an individual to make multiple cuts for creation of tabs and/or notches within adjacent pieces of J-channel siding. In addition, the &#39;746 patent failed to solve the problem of making cuts within the J-channel of uniform size. Further, the &#39;746 patent failed to provide a tool which maximized the flexibility to a user, enabling an individual to selectively make a tab or notch through the one-step or cut operation of the tool. As such, the &#39;746 patent may have represented a perceived improvement over the duckbill or aviation-type of snip, without solving the efficiency and related problems associated with finishing and installation of mating adjacent perpendicular pieces of siding proximate to the doors and windows of a building. 
     A J-channel siding tool is needed to minimize installation time and maximize efficiency of a worker for installing and mating adjacent pieces of perpendicular J-channel siding proximate to the doors and/or windows of a building. The J-channel siding tool enables a worker to place, in a one-cut operation, a drainage/mating tab, notch, or miter finish cut within J-channel siding. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The J-channel siding tool is preferably used to cut tabs or notches or a miter finishing cut in J-channel vinyl or aluminum siding in perpendicularly adjacent pieces proximate to the corners of doors or windows of a building, through the one cut operation of the tool by an individual. The J-channel siding cutter includes a pair of pivotally interconnected handles, a first cutter having a pair of first cutting surfaces and a first traverse cutting surface on one of the handles, and a second cutter having a pair of second cutting surfaces and a second traverse cutting surface on the other handle. The second traverse cutting surface is recessed with respect to the pair of second cutting surfaces to enable an individual to selectively determine, in one cut, whether to create a tab or notch within J-channel siding. The first cutter may also include a stop for defining a uniform length of tab or notch. The J-channel siding tool may also include a biasing member disposed between the pair of handles for urging the handles apart and separating the first cutter from the second cutter while in the at-rest position. A travel limiter may also be disposed between the first and second handles for restricting the positioning of the first cutter relative to the second cutter and the closure of the handles relative to each other. 
     It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved J-channel siding tool of relatively simple and inexpensive design, construction, and operation, which is safe and durable and which fulfills the intended purpose of creating drainage/mating tabs, notches, and miter cuts within J-channel siding without fear of injury to persons and/or damage to property. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a J-channel siding tool which enables a workman to establish a drainage/mating tab, notch, or miter cut within J-channel siding through a one-cut operation by an individual. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a J-channel siding tool of lightweight and durable construction which may be used in either hand by an individual. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a J-channel siding tool which is safe and minimizes the chance of cutting, pinching, or infliction of other bodily harm to an individual during normal use. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a J-channel siding tool which may be utilized with ⅜″, ⅝″, ½″, or ¾ J-channel vinyl or aluminum siding. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to enhance the cutting speed of J-channel siding for creation of drainage/mating tabs, notches, or miter cuts as compared to either a duckbill or aviation-type of snip. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a J-channel siding tool which is rust resistant. 
     A principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a pair of pivotally interconnected handles which may include non-slip grasping surfaces and/or thumb or finger notches for ease of grasping by an individual. 
     Another principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a first cutter having a pair of first cutting surfaces and a first traverse cutting surface where the first cutter is mounted on one of the handles. 
     Still another principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a second cutter having a pair of second cutting surfaces and a recessed second traverse cutting surface where the second cutter is engaged to the other handle. 
     Still another principal feature of the of the present invention is the recess of the second traverse cutting surface relative to the first traverse cutting surface which enables an individual to selectively determine, in one-cut, whether to create a tab or notch within J-channel siding. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a stop within either the first or second cutters for defining a uniform length of cut for a tab or notch within J-channel siding. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a biasing member disposed between the pair of handles for urging the handles apart and separating the first cutter from the second cutter while in the at-rest position. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a travel limiter disposed between the first and second handles for restricting the closed positioning of the first cutter relative to the second cutter and the closure of the handles relative to each other. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces and a first traverse cutting surface which, together, are substantially U-shaped. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a pair of substantially parallel second cutting surfaces and a recessed second traverse cutting surface which, together, are substantially U-shaped. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a first cutter which is pivotally engaged to the first handle. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a second cutter which is pivotally engaged to the second handle. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a first cutter which is pivotally connected to a second cutter. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of an intermediate cutting position wherein a pair of substantially parallel cuts of defined length are made within J-channel siding for formation of a mating tab. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a closed cutting position where the recessed second traverse cutting surface engages the first traverse cutting surface for establishment of a pair of parallel cuts and a traverse cut within the channel of J-channel siding for creation of a notch. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a latch pivotally attached to either the first or second handles adapted for holding the handles adjacent to each other during storage of the tool for cutting siding. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the J-channel cutter. 
     FIG. 2 is a detailed top view of the J-channel cutter. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the second cutter taken along the line  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a cut piece of J-channel siding. 
     FIG. 5 is partial phantom line side view of the J-channel cutter, cutting a piece of J-channel siding. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the J-channel cutter forming a tab. 
     FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a cut piece of J-channel siding forming a notch. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial phantom line side view of the J-channel cutter forming the J-channel siding notch of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the J-channel cutter taken along the line  9 — 9  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-section side view of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is an alternative detailed environmental view of the first cutter and second cutter. 
     FIG. 12 is an alternative detailed view of the second cutter. 
     FIG. 13 is a detail opposite side view of the first, second, and fourth pivot mechanisms. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     One form of the J-channel cutter is described and disclosed herein. In general, the J-channel cutter is referred to by the numeral  10 . The J-channel cutter  10  is preferably used to make either notches  74  or drain tab cuts  9  in a one-cut operation within J-channel siding  14  during the installation of siding adjacent to doors and/or windows in a building. 
     The J-channel cutter  10  preferably includes a first handle  16  which may be formed of plated metal, nickel-plated metal, heat-treated metal, stainless steel, or any other metal or sturdy material as desired by an individual. The first handle  16  is preferably fabricated to define a first side  18 , a second side  20 , a first bridge  22  extending between the first and second sides  18 ,  20  and an open interior which defines a first interior ledge  23  which is the underside of the first bridge  22 . The first handle  16  is therefore substantially U-shaped having a sufficient length dimension to facilitate grasping by an individual. Opposite to the grasping end  24  is preferably located a pair of first tab areas  26  and a pair of second tab areas  28 . Each of the pair of first tab areas  26  and pair of second tab areas  28  preferably include aligned apertures therethrough to facilitate assembly and pivotal rotation of the first handle  16  relative to the J-channel cutter  10 . 
     A grasping surface  30  is preferably applied to the exterior of the first handle  16 . The grasping surface  30  may include a thumb or finger stop  32  or finger grooves to facilitate grasping and minimize slippage during use of the J-channel cutter  10 . The grasping surface  30  in conjunction with the shape of the first handle  16  is preferably designed for ergonomic comfort to reduce or minimize stress to an individual&#39;s hands during use of the J-channel cutter  10 . The grasping surface  30  may be formed of vinyl, plastic, and/or rubber material at the discretion of an individual. The grasping surface  30  is preferably adapted to enhance the comfort to a user over repeated operations and use of the J-channel cutter  10 . 
     A second handle  34  is also preferably fabricated or formed of plated metal, nickel-plated metal, heat-treated metal, stainless steel, and/or any other metal or sturdy material as desired by an individual. The second handle  34  is preferably fabricated to define a first side  36 , a second side  38 , a second bridge  40  extending between the first and second sides  36 ,  38  and an open interior which defines a second interior ledge  41  which is the underside of the second bridge  40 . The second handle  34  is, therefore, also substantially U-shaped having a sufficient length dimension to facilitate grasping by an individual. Opposite to the grasping end  42  is preferably located a pair of third tab areas  44  and a pair of fourth tab areas  46 . Each of the pair of third tab areas  44  and pair of fourth tab areas  46  preferably include aligned apertures therethrough to facilitate assembly and pivotal rotation of a second handle  34  relative to the first handle  16 . 
     Another grasping surface  30  as earlier described is preferably engaged to the second handle  34 . 
     A first pivot mechanism  48  preferably traverses the apertures of the pair of first tab areas  26  and the apertures of the pair of third tab areas  44  to pivotally connect the first handle  16  to the second handle  34 . The first pivot mechanism  48  may be formed of a locking nut and bolt, pin, cotter pin, and/or any other sturdy pivotal affixation mechanism as desired by an individual provided that the essential functions, features, and attributes described herein are not sacrificed. It should be noted that the first pivot mechanism  48  preferably permits repeated pivotal rotation of the first handle  16  relative to the second handle  34  during use of the J-channel cutter  10 . 
     In this embodiment, the pair of first tab areas  26  are positioned immediately adjacent and interior to the pair of third tab areas  44 . Therefore, the distance dimension between the pair of first tab areas  26  is less than the distance dimension between the pair of third tab areas  44 . It should be noted that in another embodiment that the pair of first tab areas  26  may be positioned immediately adjacent to the exterior of the pair of third tab areas  44  at the discretion of an individual. 
     The pair of second tab areas  28  are preferably adapted for pivotal receiving engagement of the first cutter  50 . The first cutter  50  preferably includes a pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  and a first traverse cutting surface  54  extending between the pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52 . The first cutter  50  also preferably includes a stop  56  and a pair of fifth tab areas  58  having aligned apertures therethrough, and a first tang  60  having a pair of sixth tab areas  62  having aligned apertures therethrough. The first tang also defines a third ledge  64 . 
     The first cutter  50  is preferably pivotally engaged to the first handle  16  through the use of a second pivot mechanism  66  which is preferably positioned through the pair of aligned apertures which traverse the second tab area  28  and the pair of aligned apertures which traverse the sixth tab area  62  of the first tang  60 . The second pivot mechanism  66  may also be formed of a bolt and locking nut, pin, cotter pin, and/or any other sturdy desired pivotal affixation mechanism provided that the essential functions, features, and attributes described herein are not sacrificed. 
     The first cutter  50  is preferably open proximate to the pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  and first traverse cutting surface  54  in order to facilitate the positioning of the J-channel siding  14  for cutting. The first cutter  50  is preferably open opposite to the pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  and first traverse cutting surface  54  in order to facilitate the separation, and removal of, a tab  9  of J-channel siding  14  following cutting. 
     The pair of fifth tab areas  58  are preferably designed to have a pair of aligned apertures therethrough which are further adapted for receiving engagement of the third pivot mechanism  68  which pivotally connects the first cutter  50  to the second cutter  70 . 
     The first tang  60  is preferably designed to provide structural strength and support for the first cutter  50 , and is adapted to include the pair of sixth tab areas  62  having aligned apertures therethrough. The second pivot mechanism  66  preferably traverses the pair of sixth tab areas  62  for insertion through the aligned apertures of the pair of second tab areas  28  to pivotally attach the first cutter  50  to the first handle  16 . 
     The pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  are preferably adapted to make a pair of parallel cuts within J-channel siding  14  in a one-cut operation. It should be noted that the pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  are not designed to separate a tab  9  from J-channel siding  14  but are designed to place parallel cuts as depicted in FIGS. 4-6. An individual may then bend the J-channel cutter  10  downwardly in an arc as depicted by arrow  72  to create a tab  9  being substantially perpendicular to the J-channel siding  14  and not separated therefrom. It should be noted that the distance of separation between the pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52  may vary at the discretion of an individual and preferably have a separation distance of either ½, ⅝ inch or ¾ inch in width dimension for establishment of a tab  9  for use in the installation of siding upon a building. 
     The stop  56  preferably functions to limit the positioning of the first cutter  50  relative to a piece of J-channel siding  14  by limiting the distance of insertion of the siding  14  within the J-channel cutter  10 . The stop  56  is an insertion limiter which assists and enhances an individual&#39;s ability to quickly and consistently create cuts or tabs  9  within J-channel siding  14  having a uniform length and width dimension to assist an individual in finishing activities proximate to a door or window. As such, the stop  56  functions as a ledge prohibiting further insertion of J-channel siding  14  within the J-channel cutter  10  during siding cutting activities. 
     The third ledge  64  of the first tang  60  is preferably adapted to engage the fourth pivot mechanism  90  to limit the opening of the J-channel cutter  10  for insertion of a piece of J-channel siding  14  during cutting activities. The third ledge  64  is preferably separated from the fourth pivot mechanism  90  during the at-rest position or storage of the J-channel cutter  10 . In the storage or at-rest position the first handle  16  and the second handle  34  are preferably proximate to each other and the first cutter  50  is preferably fully engaged with the second cutter  70 . In this at-rest or storage position, the first handle  16  and the second handle  34  are preferably substantially parallel with respect to each other and the first cutter  50  and the second cutter  70  are in the same approximate plane as the first handle  16  and the second handle  34  respectively. 
     In the open or operative position, the third ledge  64  of the first tang  60  is preferably positioned adjacent to and in engagement with the fourth pivot mechanism  90  which functions as a stop or limiter restricting the opening of the first cutter  50  relative to the second cutter  70 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the first cutter  50  may be fixedly positioned relative to the first handle  16 . In this embodiment, the manipulation of the second handle  34  and first handle  16  together preferably positions the second cutter  70  into an operative cutting position relative to the first cutter  50 . 
     The second cutter  70  preferably includes a pair of substantially parallel second cutting surfaces  76  and a recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  extending between the pair of substantially parallel second cutting surfaces  76 . The second cutter  70  also preferably includes a recessed area  80  proximate to the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78 , a support rib  82  having a first support cylinder  84  having an aperture or bore therethrough, and a second tang  86  having a second support cylinder  88  having an aperture or bore therethrough. 
     The second cutter  70  is preferably pivotally engaged to the second handle  34  through the use of the fourth pivot mechanism  90  which is positioned through the pair of aligned apertures which traverse the fourth tab area  46  and which further pass through the bore or aperture through the second support cylinder  88  of the second tang  86 . The fourth pivot mechanism  90  may also be formed of a bolt and locking nut, pin, cotter pin, and/or any other sturdy pivotal affixation mechanism as desired by an individual provided that the essential functions, features, and attributes described herein are not sacrificed. 
     The second cutter  70  is also preferably pivotally engaged to the first cutter  50  through the third pivot mechanism  68  which traverses the aligned apertures of the pair of fifth tab areas  58  and the bore or aperture through the first support cylinder  84  of the support rib  82 . The second pivot mechanism  66 , the third pivot mechanism  68 , and the fourth pivot mechanism  90 , therefore establish a three-point attachment of the first cutter  50  and second cutter  70  to the first and second handles  16 ,  34  respectively about the first pivot mechanism  48 . 
     In more detail, the substantially parallel second cutting surfaces  76  in conjunction with a pair of substantially parallel first cutting surfaces  52 , upon manipulation of the first handle  16  and second handle  34  together, act in a shearing relationship to create a pair of substantially parallel cuts  92  of equal length within J-channel siding  14  as depicted in FIG.  4 . An individual may then bend the J-channel siding  14  by rotation of the J-channel cutter  10  approximately 90° downwardly as depicted by arrow  72  of FIG. 6 to create a tab  9 . It should be noted that the tab  9  is not removed from the J-channel siding  14  in this initial cutting operation. 
     Alternatively, the individual by further squeezing of the first and second handles  16 ,  34  respectively may bring the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  into shearing engagement with the first traverse cutting surface  54  to create a cut in the J-channel siding  14  between the pair of substantially parallel cuts  92  for separation of the tab  9  and creation of a notch  74  as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. The recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  establishes and/or prioritizes the sequence of placement of cuts within J-channel siding  14 . The pair of substantially parallel cuts  92  are first made where the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  then assists in pinching or securing the tab  9  of the J-channel siding  14  between the first traverse cutting surface  54  and the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78 . The inadvertent separation of a tab  9  from the J-channel siding  14  for creation of a notch  74 , therefore, does not occur without the decision by an individual to further squeeze the first and second handles  16 ,  34  respectively together to initiate the shearing action between the first cutter  50  and the second cutter  70 . An individual is thereby able to selectively create the parallel cuts  92  in a one-step operation for bending of a tab  9  within J-channel siding  14 . Alternatively, an individual may create a pair of parallel cuts  92 , and elect to not bend or form a tab  9 , and continue with the one-step cutting operation to separate the tab  9 , for formation of a notch  74 . The creation of a notch  74  is accomplished by the cutting of the tab  9  between the substantially parallel pair of cuts  92  through the shearing of the siding between the first traverse cutting surface  54  and the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78 . It should be noted that an individual may elect to create either a tab  9  or notch  74  without removal of the J-channel siding  14  from the J-channel cutter  10 . The J-channel cutter  10  thereby provides a significant improvement over the art where a sequence of at least two independent cuts as required in the past has been eliminated for establishment of a tab  9 , and a sequence where at least three independent cuts has been eliminated to create a notch  74  during siding activities. 
     As may be seen in FIG. 2, the recessed area  80  adjacent to the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  is preferably substantially triangular in shape. It should be noted that the recessed area  80  may be any shape as desired by an individual including rectangular, square, oval, semi-circular, and/or any other complete or partial geometric shape at the preference of an individual provided that the essential functions, features, and attributes described herein are not sacrificed. The recessed area  80  preferably functions to assist in creating the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  relative to the substantially parallel second cutting surfaces  76 . 
     The support rib  82  is preferably designed to enhance the structural strength and durability of the second cutter  70  and the J-channel cutter  10 . Alternatively, the second cutter  70  may be formed of solid metal material eliminating the necessity of the support rib  82  provided that sufficient pivotal rotation of the first cutter  50  relative to the second cutter  70  is maintained about the first, fourth, and third pivot mechanisms,  48 ,  90 , and  68  respectively. 
     The first support cylinder  84  and the second support cylinder  88  are preferably designed to add structural strength and durability about the third and fourth pivot mechanism  68 ,  90  respectively, to facilitate the pivotal rotation of the first cutter  70  relative to the second handle  34  and first cutter  50 . In an alternative embodiment, if the second cutter  70  is formed substantially of solid metal material, then the first support cylinder  84  and second support cylinder  88  may be eliminated with the placement of first and second bores or apertures through the second cutter  70  which are then adapted to receive the third and fourth pivot mechanism  68 ,  90 , respectively. 
     The second tang  86  is preferably adapted to provide structural strength and durability to the second cutter  70  opposite to the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  to minimize risk of shearing of the second cutter  70  from the fourth pivot mechanism  90 . 
     In the embodiment depicted herein, the second cutter  70  is adapted for positioning within the interior dimensions of the first cutter  50 . It should be noted that other embodiments may be selected where the second cutter  70  engages the exterior of the first cutter  50  during use of the J-channel cutter  10 . 
     A biasing member  94  as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 is preferably adapted to engage and surround the first pivot mechanism  48 . The biasing member  94  may be a torsion spring, compression spring, or any other desired mechanism for separating the first cutter  50  from the second cutter  70 , and the first handle  16  from the second handle  34 , when the J-channel cutter  10  is in the at-rest or open position. The biasing member  94  preferably has a first arm  96  and a second arm  98 . The first arm  96  is preferably adapted to engage the first interior ledge  23  of the interior of the first bridge  22 . The second arm  98  is preferably adapted to engage the second interior ledge  41  of the interior of the second bridge  40 . It should be noted that the biasing member  94  is not required to be in engagement with the first pivot mechanism  48  and may be positioned proximate to the first pivot mechanism  48  for engagement to the first and second interior ledges  23 ,  41  respectively, provided that the essential functions, features, and attributes described herein are not sacrificed. 
     The biasing member  94  is preferably in the most expanded or relaxed state when the first and second handle  16 ,  34 , respectively, are separated from each other. Alternatively, the biasing member  94  is preferably in the most compressed or tensioned state when the first and second handles  16 ,  34 , respectively, are adjacent to each other as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 1. 
     A travel limiter  100  as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 is preferably adapted to engage the first pivot mechanism  48 . The travel limiter  100  is preferably formed of metal material and includes first end  102  and a second end  104 . The first end  102  is preferably adapted to engage the first interior ledge  23  of the interior of the first bridge  22  and the second end  104  is preferably adapted to engage the second interior ledge  41  of the interior of the second bridge  40 , when the first and second handles  16 ,  34 , respectively, are squeezed together, and the first cutter  50  engages the second cutter  70 . The travel limiter  100  thereby prevents the second cutter  70  from being positioned an undesirable distance within the interior of the first cutter  50  where binding may occur with J-channel siding  14 . The travel limiter  100  preferably limits the rotation of the second cutter  70  within the first cutter  50  where the non-cutting edge or surface  106  which is opposite to the recessed second traverse cutting surface  78  is flush with the first traverse cutting surface  54 . The travel limiter  100 , therefore, assists in the smooth and continuous operation of the J-channel cutter  10  by minimizing binding of J-channel siding  14  through the inadvertent insertion of the second cutter  70  an undesirable distance within the interior of the first cutter  50 . 
     A latch  108  having a tab  110  and a resting plate  112  may be rotatably engaged to the second pivot mechanism  66 . The tab  110  may be used to rotate the resting plate  112  for engagement with the fourth pivot mechanism  90  which permits the biasing member  94  to expand to separate the first handle  16  from the second handle  34 , to further separate the first cutter  50  from the second cutter  70  to open the J-channel cutter  10  for receipt of J-channel siding  14 . Alternatively, the resting plate  112  when positioned for engagement to the fourth pivot mechanism  90  prevents separation of the first handle  16  from the second handle  34  retaining the positioning of the first cutter  50  into closed relationship with respect to the second cutter  70 . 
     The first cutter  50  and second cutter  70  may also be used to make finishing miter cuts of 45° to provide a visible professional appearance to the J-channel siding  14 . The J-channel cutter  10  is preferably lightweight to accommodate bi-directional use by an individual through operation with either hand. The compound leverage as provided by the first, second, third and fourth pivot mechanisms  48 ,  66 ,  68 , and  90 , respectively, provides for a smooth cutting operation during use of the J-channel cutter  10 . It should be noted that the force required to make the cuts  92  for the tab  9  are approximately 10-15 pounds per square inch less than the force required to cut the notch  74  because the recessed second traversed cutting surface  78  is radiused to prevent unwarranted shearing when cutting the tab  9  to avoid waste. It should also be noticed that the J-channel cutter  10  disclosed herein provides enhanced cutting speed over duckbill or aviation snips as known in the art. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.