Patent Publication Number: US-2005126407-A1

Title: Embossing system,components thereof, and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US/02/26117, filed Aug. 15, 2002, now International Publication No. WO 03/016035 A1, published Feb. 27, 2003, which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/312,512, filed Aug. 15, 2001, abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates generally to embossing equipment for use with sheets of paper, card stock, plastic, fabric, metal (i.e., foil), and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to embossing systems which include compact dies. The present invention also relates to hand-held die embossers. In addition, the present invention relates to die cutting equipment for use with sheets of material.  
      2. Background of the Related Art  
      The use of embossers to form decorative images or to impress seals into sheets of material, such as paper or card stock, is well known. Typically an embosser includes a first, positive die and a second, negative die, which may also be referred to as a “die counter.” 
      Embossers may be automated or manually operated. An example of a hand-held embosser includes the seal presses that are often used by Notary Publics and other designated officials for applying an embossed seal to certificates or other documents. The die and die counter of such presses are typically not removable therefrom, limiting the utility of such a press for use in forming a variety of different embossed images, designs, or patterns.  
      Another manually operated embosser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,389, issued to Kuhlman et al. on Oct. 8, 1991 (hereinafter “the &#39;389 Patent”), and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,464, issued to Kuhlman et al. on Jan. 26, 1993 (hereinafter “the &#39;464 Patent”). The embosser of the &#39;389 and &#39;464 Patents is a unitary structure that includes a die and die counter that are secured to one another by way of a so-called “living hinge,” or thinned plastic portion therebetween. As that embosser is a unitary structure, only a single image can be formed therewith. Further, the &#39;389 and &#39;464 Patents do not disclose that the embosser thereof may be used with any other apparatus to facilitate the formation of images in sheets of material or that the embosser could also be used to cut into or through the sheet of material.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,693, issued to Fink et al. on Mar. 11, 1986 (hereinafter “the &#39;693 Patent”), discloses another manually operated embosser that is configured to be supported upon a tabletop or other flat surface. The die and die counter of the embosser of the &#39;693 Patent, which appear to be formed from molded plastic, may be removed and replaced with other embossing dies and die counters. One of the die and die counter is positioned relative to a base of the embosser, while the other of the die and die counter is positioned relative to the handle thereof, thereby facilitating movement of the die and die counter toward one another upon biasing the handle of the embosser toward the base thereof. Use of the embosser of the &#39;693 Patent is limited to embossing a sheet of material.  
      Die cutters have long been used to cut specific shapes from sheets of paper, card stock, and other materials, such as plastic, fabric, metal, and the like. Nonetheless, conventional die cutters are large, expensive machines and, as a result, their availability to individuals has been limited.  
      An exemplary type of industrial die cutting device includes a thin planar plate member from which a die cutting edge protrudes. The plate member of such a device is typically somewhat flexible to facilitate the assembly thereof with a cylindrical drum which, when rotated, repeatedly cuts the same pattern into a sheet of material. Such an industrial die cutting device may be used, for example, to form windows in envelopes and food packages (e.g., the lids of cylindrical ice cream containers, cookie package windows, etc.). The practical use of such die cutting devices is limited to large-scale commercial production.  
      Die cutting kits or systems have been made available which include a press and several different dies that may be used with the press. Each die typically comprises a steel rule or cookie-cutter type die that has been formed into a desired shape from a ribbon or strip of metal with a sharpened lower edge. These dies have members that are engaged by the press associated therewith to force the die against and through one or more pieces of paper or card stock to form the desired image therefrom. A spring or other resilient member may also be associated with such dies to facilitate removal thereof from the paper or card stock. In addition, a resilient member, such as a piece of foam rubber, positioned centrally within the die prevents the cut paper or card stock from becoming trapped within the confines of the die. Thus, each such die is part of a somewhat complex die cutting device and, as a result, may be undesirably large. The table-top presses of such die cutting kits or systems are also relatively large. In fact, due to the sizes of these presses and die cutting devices, a briefcase or suitcase sized container is required to store a press and an alphabet sized set (i.e., 26) of die cutting devices.  
      Further, steel rule dies are formed by bending one or more ribbons or strips of metal into the desired shape. Consequently, the size of image that can be formed with the ribbon or strip of metal is size-limited to a degree that depends upon the thickness of the metal ribbon or strip, as well as on the capabilities of a die forming apparatus. By way of example, conventional steel rule dies typically cannot be used to form letters of the alphabet having a height of less than about one and a quarter (1¼) inches.  
      At the opposite end of the spectrum, paper punches are relatively inexpensive devices that have long been available to individuals. Paper punches are noncomplex devices that operate on the principle that a male member, which is disposed on one side of a sheet of material, and a female member, which is positioned on the opposite side of the sheet of material, may be biased against one another and against the sheet of material to form a pattern from the sheet. The shapes that may be formed with conventional paper punches are similarly noncomplex, making them somewhat undesirable for use in decorative applications, such as in scrapbooking and creating displays. Moreover, the cuttings formed by paper punches are often undesirably small for use in applications, such as on posters, bulletin boards, or other displays, where visibility from a distance is desired.  
      As a consequence of the unavailability of conventional die cutting apparatus and the noncomplexity and small sizes of cutting formed by paper punches, individuals who wanted to use letters of the alphabet or other images formed from paper, card stock, or sheets of other materials often had to cut these images by hand.  
      Recently, punch cut systems which are similar to the above-described die cutting systems, but are intended more for individual consumers have been developed. One type of punch cut system includes a punch with cooperating male and female members. The punch of this type of system is assembled (e.g., screwed into a receptacle of) with a small hand-operated, tabletop press. Examples of this type of system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,006 to Quinn et al., U.S. Pat. 6,000,139 to Chan, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,137 to Lee. Downward (i.e., toward the table) force is applied to a handle of the press to bias the male and female members toward one another and against opposite sides of a sheet of paper to form the desired pattern therefrom. Upward (i.e., away from the table) force is applied to the handle (either manually or by way of a spring or similar mechanism) to remove the male member of the punch from the sheet and to facilitate removal of the formed pattern from the punch and press.  
      Smaller, individual, thumb-operated punches that include cooperating male and female members that are simultaneously forced through a sheet of paper or card stock are also known in the art. While these hand-operated punches work in a manner similar to the punches of that of the above-described press-operated punches, they require less force to cut paper or card stock.  
      Nonetheless, currently available hand-operated and thumb-operated punches from which cut paper may be readily removed are typically not capable of forming images with internal holes, such as the internal holes of many letters of the alphabet (e.g., a, b, d, e, g, o, etc.). As with the previously discussed die cutting system, a relatively large amount of space would be required to store an alphabet sized set of these hand-operated punches.  
      Another type of punch which is configured to form images with internal holes includes a first member with an outer male punch element and an inner female punch element and a cooperating second member with an outer female punch element and an inner male punch element. The inner punch elements of this type of punch are recessed relative to the outer punch elements or vice-versa. In use of this type of punch, the outer punch elements form the outer periphery of a pattern to be cut from a sheet of material, while the inner members form the inner periphery of the pattern. As one of the outer and inner sets of cooperating punch elements is recessed relative to the other to facilitate the formation of a pattern with internal holes, however, the cut pattern typically becomes trapped within such a punch. Consequently, the members of the punch must be pulled away from one another so that the cut pattern may be removed therefrom.  
      Accordingly, there is a need for a hand-held embossing system in which a plurality of embossing dies may be used to form different images in sheets of material. There is also a need for embossing dies and manually operable embossing systems that may be used to simultaneously emboss an image in a sheet of material and cut into or through the sheet of material.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention includes a system for embossing images in sheets of material such as paper, card stock, plastic, foil (i.e., metal), fabric, or the like. The system may also be configured to cut a sheet of material as the sheet is being embossed. An embossing system incorporating teachings of the present invention includes a hand-held, hand-operated press and one or more dies that may be removably assembled with the press, removed therefrom, and replaced with another die.  
      A die that may be used in the system of the present invention comprises a thin, substantially planar member with a flat back side and one or more embossing elements protruding from a front side thereof. The embossing elements, which protrude a relatively short distance from the front side of the substantially planar member, form a design or pattern that may be reproduced by forming one or more indentations or impressions in a sheet of material. The die may also include one or more cutting edges that protrude from the front side of the substantially planar member and that are arranged in a design or pattern that may be reproduced in sheets of material by cutting into or through the sheets. The material from which the die is formed preferably facilitates repeated use of the die to cut the design or pattern into paper or another material. By way of example only, the die may be formed from a metal such as steel.  
      Optionally, the die may carry an element, referred to herein as a release element or an ejection element, that prevents an embossed and/or cut sheet of material from becoming trapped within the confines of the embossing or cutting edges. Such a release or ejection element may be formed from a compressible, resilient material (e.g., polyurethane foam or any other suitable material).  
      An exemplary hand-held, hand-operated press embodying teachings of the present invention includes two opposed, substantially planar members that may be moved toward one another and biased against each other, as well as pulled apart from one another. A first of the opposed members is configured to receive and retain a die in such a manner that the die may be used to emboss and, possibly, cut a design into a sheet of material. A second of the opposed members supports the sheet of material as the first member is being biased against the second member and the embossing elements, as well as any cutting edges, of the die are being forced into or, in the case of cutting edges, through the sheet.  
      A press according to the present invention may also include a biasing member that is associated with the two opposed members so as to force the opposed members toward one another. Such a biasing member may also be configured to pull the opposed members apart from one another once the desired design or pattern has been formed in or from the sheet of material. In an exemplary embodiment, an actuation member includes two handles that are configured and associated with one another in a manner similar to the handles of pliers. The handles of such an embodiment are pivotally connected to one another such that by moving or squeezing the handles together, the first and second opposed members are forced toward one another, whereas the first and second members are forced apart from each other when the handles are pulled away from one another.  
      The embossing system of the present invention is particularly useful for individual use in decorating photo albums (i.e., scrap booking), as well as for use in displays (e.g., on poster boards, bulletin boards, and the like) and in other applications.  
      Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention:  
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an embossing die that may be coupled to and used with a press according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of a die with recesses that are complementary to the embossing elements of the die depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 1 A;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an embossing and cutting die that may be coupled to and used with a press according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 2   a  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a press of a die embossing system according to the present invention;  
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are partial side views illustrating variations of a first, die receiving member of the press of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a side view that illustrates assembly of a die with the press of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIGS. 5-7  are side views depicting use of the assembly of  FIG. 4  to form a design in or from a sheet of material;  
       FIG. 8  is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a press of a die embossing system of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a cradle which supports the press of  FIG. 8  upon a flat surface during use of the press; and  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of press incorporating teachings of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1 A, an embossing die  60  is illustrated. Embossing die  60  includes a thin, plate  62  with a back side  64  and embossing elements  68  protruding a short distance from a front side  66  of plate  62 . Plate  62  may comprise a substantially planar member, with back side  64  being a substantially planar surface thereof. Plate  62  and embossing elements  68  thereof may comprise a substantially unitary structure. Embossing elements  68  forms a design or pattern  70  to be impressed, or embossed, into a sheet of material.  
      The lateral dimensions of each embossing element  68 , as well as the material from which each embossing element  68  is formed, preferably impart embossing elements  68  with the ability to withstand repeated use while minimizing the amount of pressure required for forming an indentation in a sheet of material. The shape of each embossing element  68  may be configured to prevent embossing element  68  from cutting through the sheet of material. As an example and not to limit the scope of the present invention, each embossing element  68  may include rounded edges. The height of each embossing element  68  is sufficient to form indentations in sheets formed from a variety of different types of materials, as well as sheets of a variety of thicknesses. By way of example only, a 0.015 inch embossing element  68  height should be sufficient for forming a visible indentation in most types of card stock, which typically have thicknesses in the range of about 0.010 inch to about 0.015 inch. Of course, the height of an embossing element  68  may be much smaller or larger than the thickness of the sheet of material into which an indentation is to be formed, depending upon the look that is desired for an embossed sheet.  
       FIG. 1B  depicts a receiving die  60 ′ that is configured complementarily to embossing die  60  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1 A and which may be used therewith to form an embossed image in a sheet of material. Receiving die  60 ′ also includes a plate  62 ′ with embossing recesses  68 ′ formed therein. Embossing recesses  68 ′ are arranged to mirror and configured to receive embossing elements  68  ( FIGS. 1 and 1 A) of a complementary embossing die  60 .  
      The material and thickness of the remainder of embossing die  60  preferably impart embossing die  60  with desired attributes, such as strength to withstand the force or pressure applied thereto in use and durability to withstand repeated use. Because the pressure applied to embossing die  60  will be localized at embossing elements  68  thereof during use, the thickness and material of the remaining portions of plate  62  are preferably sufficient to impart embossing die  60  with desired amounts of strength and durability.  
      Embossing die  60  may also include one or more ejection elements  72 , which facilitate removal of a sheet of material from locations between adjacent embossing elements  68 . By way of example only, ejection element  72  may include a thin sheet of a compressible, resilient material (e.g., polyurethane foam) that has a thickness that, in its relaxed state, is sufficient to force regions of a sheet of material that have become positioned between adjacent embossing elements  68 .  
       FIGS. 2 and 2 A depict another exemplary embodiment of embossing die  160 . In addition to embossing elements  68  protruding from a plate  62  thereof, embossing die  160 , cutting edges  167  also protrude from plate  62 . Embossing elements  68  and cutting edges  167  of embossing die  160  collectively form a pattern  170  if embossing die  160 .  
      The lateral dimensions of each cutting edge  167  and the material from which each cutting edge  167  is formed may impart cutting edges  167  with the ability to withstand repeated use while minimizing the amount of pressure required for cutting into or through a sheet of material. The height of each cutting edge  167  is sufficient to cut into or through sheets formed from a variety of different types of materials, as well as sheets of different thicknesses. By way of example only, a 0.015 inch cutting edge  167  height should be sufficient for cutting through most types of card stock, which typically have thicknesses in the range of about 0.010 inch to about 0.015 inch. In addition, the amount of wear that is endured by both cutting edges  167  and a die supporting member against which cutting edges  167  are forced during use of embossing die  160  should also be taken into consideration when determining an optimal cutting edge  167  height.  
      Embossing die  160  may also include one or more ejection elements  72 , as described previously herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1 A, to facilitate the removal of sheets of material from between embossing elements  68  and or cutting edges  167 .  
      Embossing elements  68  and cutting edges  167 , if any, may be formed by known processes. By way of example only and not to limit the scope of the present invention, chemical mask and etch processes may be employed to form one or more embossing elements  68  and cutting edges  167  on a plate  62 , such as a thin sheet (e.g., 30 mils or 0.030 inch thick) of spring steel. One or more masks may be formed over the locations of front side  66  of plate  62  at which embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  are to be located. When a chemical or mixture of chemicals that etches plate  62  is used to form embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167 , each mask may be formed from a material, such as a suitable photoresist, that will withstand exposure to the etchant chemical or chemicals. Embossing elements  68  and cutting edges  167  may be formed by the use of the same mask and one or more etching processes, or by use of different masks and, thus, different chemical etching processes.  
      When a photoresist is used as the mask material, a layer of the photoresist may be formed on a surface (e.g., front side  66 ) of plate  62  and patterned, or exposed and developed, by known photochemical machining processes. Regions of the surface of plate  62  that are exposed through the photomask may then be exposed to a suitable etchant (i.e., an aqueous solution of ferric chloride) to remove material of plate  62  through the photomask and to thereby form embossing elements  68  and/or cutting edges  167 . Plate  62  is exposed to the etchant for a duration of time that is appropriate for forming embossing elements  68  and/or cutting edges  167  that protrude a desired distance from the surface of plate  62 . The remaining portions of plate  62  are preferably thick enough to impart plate  62  with the desired structural properties (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.). Thereafter, the etchant may be washed or otherwise removed from plate  62  to ensure that no further etching of plate  62  occurs. The photomask may then be removed from the formed embossing die  60 ,  160  and any desired additional processes may be conducted, such as teflon-coating of embossing die  60 ,  160 , planarizing back side  64  thereof (e.g., by grinding), or securing one or more ejection elements  72  to plate  62  within the confines of embossing elements  68  or cutting edges  167 .  
      Due to the fine dimensions that may be achieved by use of such processes, design or pattern  70 ,  170  of embossing die  60 ,  160  may be smaller or more detailed than the designs or patterns of currently available dies used in embossing or cutting paper.  
      Similar processes may be used to fabricate receiving die  60 ′, with regions of a substrate in which recesses  68 ′ are to be formed being exposed through the mask to facilitate exposure of such regions to a chemical etchant appropriate for the material of the substrate.  
      As each embossing die  60 ,  160  is a thin, unitary member, the amount of space consumed by each embossing die  60 ,  160  is relatively small when compared with the sizes of the currently available paper punch devices. In one embodiment, the overall thickness of an embossing die  60 ,  160 , including the combined thickness of the portion of plate  62  that remains following the etching process (e.g., 0.010 inch or 10 mils) and the distance embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  protrude therefrom (e.g., 0.020 inch or 20 mils), is about 0.030 inch, or 30 mils. Consequently, an alphabet-sized set of 2″×2″ dies  60  may be compactly and portably stored.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 3-3C , an exemplary embodiment of a press  10  according to the present invention is depicted.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 3 , press  10  is configured to bias an embossing die  60 ,  160  against a sheet of material in a somewhat radial fashion. Press  10  includes a first member  20 , a second member  30  in substantially opposed orientation relative to first member  20 , and a biasing element  40 .  
      First member  20  includes a supporting substrate  21 , a substantially planar die receiving surface  22 , a die retaining element  24  associated with die receiving surface  22 , and a connection element  26  located opposite die receiving surface  22 . Supporting substrate  21  of first member  20  may rotate in a manner that will facilitate positioning of an embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) in a plurality of different orientations within substantially the same plane.  
      Die receiving surface  22 , which is substantially planar, is configured to receive back side  64  of embossing die  60 ,  160 . Die receiving surface  22  may receive embossing die  60 ,  160  in a plurality of different orientations within the same plane. In use, die receiving surface  22  applies pressure to back side  64  of embossing die  60 ,  160  which pressure is then transferred to embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of die  60 ,  160  to force the same into and, in the case of cutting edges  167 , possibly through a sheet of material. Accordingly, the dimensions or die receiving surface  22  are preferably adequate to provide support to the entire design or pattern  70 ,  170  formed by embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of die  60 ,  160 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 3A , a first example of a die retaining element  24  comprises a substantially planar sheet magnet  25  that is positioned adjacent to and secured to supporting substrate  21  and that forms die receiving surface  22 . Die retaining element  24  is useful for securing to first member  20  embossing dies  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) that are formed from materials that are attracted to a magnetic field, such as various types of steel and other iron-containing materials. Upon positioning a magnetically attracted embossing die  60 ,  160  on or in proximity to die receiving surface  22 , the magnetic field generated by magnet  25  draws embossing die  60 ,  160  toward die receiving surface  22  and secures embossing die  60 ,  160  on die receiving surface  22 .  
      Alternatively, as depicted in  FIG. 3B , die receiving surface  22  of first member  20  may be formed by substrate  21 , which also includes a recess  23  formed therein. A disk-shaped magnet  25 ′ is disposed and secured within recess  23 . Magnet  25 ′ operates by generating a magnetic field into which the material of a complementary embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) is drawn, thereby pulling embossing die  60 ,  160  against die receiving surface  22 .  
      As yet another alternative, shown in  FIG. 3C , an embossing die  60  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) may be secured to first member  20  by way of a die retaining element  24 ″ that includes an L-shaped attachment flange  27  protruding above the plane of die receiving surface  22  and extending partially thereover so as to receive at least an edge  61   a  of an embossing die  60 ,  160  positioned on die receiving surface  22 . Die retaining element  24 ″ also includes a movable retention arm  28  that is configured to be positioned so as to engage at least a portion of another, opposite edge  61   b  of die  60  positioned on die receiving surface  22 .  
      Other alternative types of die retaining elements that may be used on first member  20  include, but are not limited to, the use of adhesive materials or VELCRO to secure an embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) into position upon die receiving surface  22 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 3 , second member  30  of the illustrated embodiment of press  10  is configured to receive and support a support surface  32  or a receiving die  60 ′, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1B , for receiving a substantially planar sheet of material. Second member  30  may be configured such that a support surface  32  or receiving die  60 ′ secured thereto may be rotated to a plurality of different orientations within substantially the same plane.  
      Support surface  32  comprises a support for a sheet of material as an embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) that has been coupled to first member  20  is being used to form a design or pattern in or from the sheet. Support surface  32  may be formed from a somewhat deformable, somewhat compressible, resilient material to facilitate the receipt of one or more embossing elements  68  as embossing die  60 ,  160  is biased against the sheet of material and support surface  32 . As with die receiving surface  22  of first member  20 , the dimensions of support surface  32  are preferably at least as large as the corresponding dimensions of design or pattern  70 ,  170  of embossing die  60 ,  160 . As a result, when first and second members  20  and  30  are being biased against one another to cut a sheet of material, embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  may be forced into or through the sheet with a substantially uniform amount of force or pressure.  
      As embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) are biased against support surface  32  or receiving die  60 ′ with a substantial amount of pressure (e.g., as much as about 3,500 pounds per square inch of pressure), support surface  32  may comprise a relatively soft material to prevent damage to embossing elements  68  and damage or dulling of any cutting edges  167 . The exemplary, illustrated embodiment of support surface  32  includes a rigid support structure  34  with a cushioning element  38  secured thereto.  
      Cushioning element  38  may be formed from a substantially rigid material that will also absorb some of the force that is applied by embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of embossing die  60 ,  160  to support surface  32  as first and second members  20  and  30  are biased against one another to cut a design or pattern from a sheet of paper, card stock, or another material. By way of example only, cushioning element  38  may be formed from a polymer, such as high density polyethylene, that is softer than the material from which embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of embossing die  60 ,  160  are formed. Cushioning element  38  may be secured to support structure  34  by use of a suitable adhesive material, by mechanical fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts, edge-engaging clips, etc.) or as otherwise known.  
      An exemplary embodiment of biasing element  40  of press  10  may include two handles  42  and  44  which control the movement of first member  20  and second member  30  toward and away from one another. As in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , first member  20  and second member  30  may be directly associated with corresponding handles  42  and  44 , respectively. Handles  42  and  44  may be connected to one another at a single pivot point, similar to simple pliers.  
      Alternatively, handles may be configured to provide leverage and increase the amount of force or pressure with which first member  20  and second member  30  are biased against one another. By way of example only, the configuration of lever action pliers available from Knipex-Werk of Wuppertal, Germany (hereinafter “Knipex”), as catalog no. 97 52 14 may be employed as biasing element  40 . As depicted, such a biasing element includes a single-member first handle  42 , a second handle  44  with a gripping member  44   a  and a biasing member  44   b , and a leveraging member  46  positioned intermediately between and associated with both first handle  42  and second handle  44 . First handle  42  may be bent at a location adjacent a first member-connection head  43  thereof. First handle  42  is joined to biasing member  44   b  of second handle  44  at a first pivot point  48   a  located proximate first member-connection head  43  and second member-connection head  45  of biasing member  44   b  of second handle  44 . Biasing member  44   b  of second handle  44  and an end of gripping member  44   a  thereof are connected at a second pivot point  48   b . One end of leveraging member  46  is coupled to gripping member  44   a  at a third pivot point  48   c  at a location adjacent to and more central than the position of second pivot point  48   b  along gripping member  44   a . The other end of leveraging member  46  is joined to a central location of first handle  42  at a fourth pivot point  48   d.    
      Support structure  34  of second member  30  of press  10  includes a connection element  36  of a known type (e.g., a weld, braze, or mechanical element, such as one or more rivets or nuts and bolts) by which a position of second member  30  is fixed relative to an interior portion  45   i  of head  45 . First member  20  similarly includes a connection element  26  that couples substrate  21  of first member  20  to an interior portion  43   i  of head  43 .  
      Of course, alternative embodiments of presses are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, a system according to the present invention may include a table-top press of the type that includes a hand-operated lever for causing a single biasing member to be moved against a back side  64  of a die  60 , thereby forcing die  60  against a sheet of paper, card stock, or other material from which design or pattern  70  of die  60  is to be cut.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an example of the assembly of an embossing die  60 ,  160  with press  10  is depicted. Back side  64  of embossing die  60 ,  160  is oriented so as to oppose die receiving surface  22  of first member  20  and to be positioned thereagainst. Die retaining element  24  engages embossing die  60 ,  160 , securing the same in position against die receiving surface  22 . Embossing die  60 ,  160  may subsequently be released by die retaining element  24  and removed from die receiving surface  22 . Another embossing die  60 ,  160  or a die of another type (e.g., a cutting die) may then be positioned on and secured to die receiving surface  22 .  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 5-7 , an example of the use of press  10  and embossing die  60 ,  160  is illustrated.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 5 , once an embossing die  60 ,  160  has been assembled with press  10 , one or more sheets  100  of material, such as paper, card stock, foil (i.e., metal), plastic film, or another material may be positioned between front side  66  of embossing die  60 ,  160 , which is secured to first member  20 , and second member  30  of press  10 . Handles  42  and  44  may then be moved toward one another, in turn, forcing heads  43  and  45  and the respective first and second members  20  and  30  secured thereto toward one another.  
      When first member  20  and second member  30  are biased against one another with sufficient force, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each ejection element  72  ( FIGS. 1 and 1 A), if any, of embossing die  60 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1, 1A ,  2 , and  2 A) is compressed and embossing elements  68  and any cutting edges  167  of embossing die  60 ,  160  are forced against and into sheet  100  to deform or cut sheet  100 .  
      Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , first member  20  and second member  30  are forced apart from one another by moving handles  42  and  44  apart from each other. As first member  20  and second member  30  move away from each other, one or more ejection elements  72  ( FIGS. 1 and 1 A) of embossing die  60 ,  160  may resiliently expand, ejecting portions of sheet  100  or one or more die cuttings  102  from the confines of embossing elements  68  or cutting edges  167 . Die cuttings  102  and any remaining portions of sheet  100  may then be removed from between the first and second members  20  and  30 . Press  10  and embossing die  60 ,  160  may then be used to emboss and/or cut other sheets  100  of material or embossing die  60 ,  160  may be removed from press  10  and another embossing die  60 ,  160  or cutting die assembled therewith in place of the first embossing die  60 ,  160 .  
      While the use of embossing dies  60 ,  160  is described herein as being aided by use of a press  10 , uses of embossing dies  60 ,  160  without the assistance of a press  10  are also within the scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of hand-held press  10 ′ incorporating teachings of the present invention. Press  10 ′, which is configured to bias an embossing die  60 ,  160  against a sheet  100  of material in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to sheet  100 , includes a first member  20 ′ that receives and retains an embossing die  60 ,  160 , a second member  30 ′ that supports a sheet  100 , and a biasing element  40 ′ that facilitates movement of first and second members  20 ′ and  30 ′ toward and away from one another while maintaining a substantially parallel relation between first member  20 ′ and second member  30 ′. Biasing element  40 ′ includes handle members  42 ′ and  44 + and an intermediate member  43 ′ associated therewith that are configured and arranged to maintain the substantially parallel relation of first member  20 ′ and second member  30 ′ during movement thereof relative to one another. Such a biasing element  40 ′ may, for example, comprise the crimp system pliers that are available from Knipex as catalog no. 97 43 200 or those manufactured by Sargent Quality Tools and available as series 4100 and 4200 from Rostra Tool Company of Branford, Connecticut. Press  10 ′ may be used in a fashion similar to the use of press  10 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5-7  and described with reference thereto.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 9 , a hand-held press incorporating teachings of the present invention (e.g., presses  10  and  10 ′) may be supported upon a substantially flat surface, such as a tabletop, by way of a cradle element  150 . As depicted in  FIG. 9 , cradle element  150  includes a base member  152  that is configured to be supported upon a substantially flat surface and an opposing receptacle  154  that receives at least a portion of handle  42 ′ (or handle  44 ′) of biasing element  40 ′ of press  10 ′. Receptacle  154  may also be configured to receive a portion of biasing element  40 ′ to which either first member  20 ′ or second member  30 ′ is secured, as well as a portion of first member  20 ′ or second member  30 ′.  
      Cradle element  150  retains first member  20 ′ (or second member  30 ′) of press  10 ′ in a substantially stationary position as handle  44 ′ is moved toward handle  42 ′ and, thus, as second member  30 ′ of press  10 ′ and first member  20 ′ thereof are forced toward one another. Thus, cradle element  150  facilitates the application of pressure by embossing die  60 ,  160  and second member  30 ′ to a sheet  100  of paper or another material by way of a downward force rather than by way of the squeezing action that is required when cradle element  150  is not used with press  10 ′.  
      Yet another embodiment of press  210  that may be used with an embossing die  60 ,  160  to form a pattern from a sheet  100  of material is shown in  FIG. 10 . Press  210  includes a base  212  and a handle  214 , or biasing element, that is pivotally associated with base  212 .  
      Base  212  of press  210  is configured to be supported upon a substantially flat surface, such as a tabletop, and to remain in a substantially stationary position upon the substantially flat surface during use of press  210 . Base  212  includes a sheet support surface  216  upon which a sheet  100  of paper or other material is held as press  210  is being used with an embossing die  60 ,  160  to form indentations or impressions in and/or to cut into sheet  100 .  
      A die support element  218 , which is configured to detachably receive and retain an embossing die  60 ,  160  (e.g., as described above with reference to die retaining elements  24 ,  24 ′,  24 ″ depicted in and described with reference to  FIGS. 3-3C  or otherwise, as known in the art), is associated with handle  214  so as to facilitate the biasing of embossing die  60 ,  160  against sheet  100  upon movement of handle  214  toward base  212 . Likewise, upon movement of handle  214  away from base  212 , die support element  218  and, thus, an embossing die  60 ,  160  secured thereto, moves away from sheet support surface  216  and a sheet  100  of paper or other material positioned thereon.  
      Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.