Patent Publication Number: US-7591072-B2

Title: Cutting devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/619,248 filed Oct. 15, 2004 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/689,338 filed Jun. 10, 2005, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to cutting devices for cutting sheet material and in particular to cutting devices which are capable of simultaneously making multiple cuts in a substrate. 
     The present invention also relates generally to fashioning devices which modify planar substrates into particular shapes and/or forms and/or provide them with designs and more particularly to fashioning devices which cut, scribe and/or emboss planar substrates in a spiral and/or circular manner. Thus, fashioning devices in accordance with the invention include cutting devices for cutting sheet material to make a single circular or spiral cut or simultaneously make multiple circular cuts alone or in combination with a spiral cut. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hand-held cutting devices are used in various industries and hobbies such as quilting, sewing and scrapbooking, and are also often used by graphic artists, architects, model makers and the like. Basic types of hand-held cutting device include scissors, rotary cutters and Exacto knives which are typically used to make single cuts in sheet material or other substrates. 
     Rotary cutters typically have a hand-held body, a circular blade mounted on an actuating member at a front of the body and a mechanism for moving the actuating member from a safety position to an operative position. Rotary cutters are made by Fiskars and Olfa Corp. and some are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,101,564, 5,299,355, 5,355,588, 5,711,077, 5,765,289, 6,189,218, 6,282,794, Des. 388,305 and Des. 412,274. 
     Special cutting devices have been developed to make multiple cuts simultaneously, e.g., a pair of parallel cuts, and to make perfectly circular cuts. 
     One hand-held cutting device of the first type is a Grifhold Dual Cutter 88 which includes a handle, a fork member defining two prongs having integral cutting blades at its ends and an adjustment screw for adjusting the distance between the prongs and thus the distances between the blades. By drawing the blades over a sheet of material, two parallel cuts are formed. A disadvantage of this cutting device is that the distance between the blades, i.e., the maximum cutting width, is limited. 
     Several cutting devices of the second type which made by Olfa and include a compass cutter designated CMP-1 which is capable of forming an interior circular cut in a substrate. This compass cutter includes a beam, a pivot point fixture which slides along the beam and a single rotatable cutting blade fixed at one end of the beam. A handle is integrated with the pivot point fixture. The radius of the cut-out is determined and the pivot point fixture is slid to a position at which the distance between the pivot point fixture and blade is equal to the radius and then fixed in position. Rotation of the blade about the pivot point fixture thereby forms a circular cut-out in the substrate. 
     Another Olfa cutting device for making perfectly circular cuts is designated CMP-3 and referred to as a rotary circle cutter. In this cutting device, the handle is separated from the pivot point fixture to enable easier use of the device. 
     A rotary circle cutter is described in U.S. Pat. Appln. Publ. No. 2003/0056378. 
     In both Olfa cutting devices, only a single circular cut-out with straight edges can be formed during each use. Often however, it is desired to make multiple circular cuts in a substrate and the Olfa devices are unable to make such cuts in a single use. Rather, the device must be re-sized and used multiple times to make multiple cuts. This is disadvantageous as it wastes time and requires additional effort. 
     Another issue which arises in the industries mentioned above is that it is often desired to make a decorative cut, i.e., a cut which is not the typical straight line made by standard scissors or an Exacto knife. Scissors are therefore manufactured with a cutting edge which is undulating or wavy to provide such decorative cuts. However, if both a straight cut and decorative cut are desired, it would be necessary to purchase and use two pairs of scissors or purchase a single rotary cutter and two different blades which can be independently mounted thereto and make a blade change between the cuts. 
     Another concern about cutting devices is the potential for harm when a person inadvertently brushes against an exposed blade while handling the cutting device or mishandles a cutting blade when replacing a blade. For this reason, cutting devices with exposed blades and/or replaceable blades have not been highly welcomed by elderly people who have difficulty in handling the small blades and are reluctant to risk the potential for serious injury caused by the sharp blades. 
     Yet another concern with hand-held cutting devices is how to cut along parallel lines. Use of a ruler to obtain parallel cuts with a rotary cutting device or a scissor is challenging and often, the lines are not exactly parallel to one another. 
     With the growing popularity of scrapbooking, quiltmaking, creative crafting, pattern making and collage making, ways are sought to create unique patterns and shapes of sheet material, such as fabric, foil, paper, vinyl and plastic (whether or not these materials are stored prior to use in rolled form or flat, sheet form). Moreover, for framing objects in circular frames, circular mats are usually needed, i.e., an annular piece of material to be inserted into the frame around a picture or other object being displayed in the frame. 
     It is thus desirable to provide cutting devices which are more versatile than the prior art cutting devices described above and are capable of cutting sheet material in various ways. 
     It would also be desireable to provide a device which can cut a sheet of material, write on a sheet of material, and emboss a sheet of material, perform any two of the same or different actions on different parts of the sheet of material and even perform any three of the same or different three actions on different parts of the sheet of material. In this manner, a multitude of different variations of cuts, embossed patterns and writings could be made on the same sheet of material. The term “sheet material” of “sheet of material” as used herein is intended to cover all substantially planar substrates, whether sold in flat, sheet form ready for modification or in rolled form which must therefore be unrolled prior to modification. 
     All of the references mentioned above are incorporated by reference herein. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices for cutting planar substrates such as sheet material, including hand-held cutting devices. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved fashioning devices for fashioning or modifying planar substrates such as sheet material, into particular shapes and/or forms and/or to provide them with designs. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices for cutting planar substrates which reliably make a plurality of parallel cuts in the substrate during a single use. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices for cutting planar substrates and fashioning devices for fashioning or modifying planar substrates which can be used as cutting devices which reliably make a plurality of parallel, concentric cuts in the substrate during a single use. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices which include multiple blades and fashioning devices for fashioning or modifying planar substrates which can be used as cutting devices which include multiple blades, each cutting blade being capable of having a different cutting edge or differently configured cutting construction to enable a plurality of different cuts to be made using a single device. This avoids the need to purchase and use multiple scissors or the need to make a blade change when using a rotary cutter in order to make different cuts. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices which substantially eliminate the risk of injury caused by exposed blades. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved cutting devices which reduce the risk of injury caused by exposed blades yet enable long-lasting use of the cutting devices. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide new and improved fashioning devices for fashioning or modifying planar substrates which are portable. 
     In order to achieve at least one of these objects and others, a general form of a hand-held cutting device in accordance with the invention includes an elongate body having a handle and at least two rotatable cutting blades mounting on opposite sides of the body. One cutting blade, or two cutting blades when three cutting blades are present, is movable longitudinally relative to the other cutting blade to thereby enable variation in the longitudinal spacing between the cutting blades. 
     The cutting blades can be arranged to be substantially parallel to one another, i.e., rotate in parallel rotation planes. Also, when two movable cutting blades are provided, they may be arranged in the same rotation plane. Alternatively, the cutting blades can be arranged to rotate in intersecting rotation planes in which case, for each cutting blade which cuts the sheet material at a non-perpendicular angle, i.e., the rotation plane of the cutting blade is at an acute angle to the sheet material, a bevel is formed thereby. Thus, the sheet material is cut on a slant. 
     The ability to space cutting blades on a common cutting device longitudinally apart from one another enables parallel cuts to be formed which start at different points in a sheet of material. This is useful, for example, when making frames or mats for pictures, or simply for making rectangular shapes for quilts and scrapbooking and the like. 
     Although the longitudinal spacing of the cutting blades can be accomplished in a variety of different ways, and all of which are intended to be encompassed by the invention, in one non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal spacing is accomplished by mounting each movable cutting blade on a respective sliding member which slides in a longitudinally extending slot formed on the body. When two movable cutting blades are provided, each mounted on a respective sliding member, the sliding members can be mounted in a common slot or different slots. Each sliding member can be locked in any longitudinal position in the slot, e.g., by tightening a locking screw which passes through the body into engagement with the sliding member to frictionally engage with the sliding member and prevent unintentional movement thereof. Alternatively, a locking screw can pass through the sliding member to frictionally engage with the body. 
     In addition to or instead of the longitudinal spacing of parallel cutting blades, cutting devices in accordance with the invention can provide transverse spacing of a plurality of cutting blades. That is, one cutting blade is movable transversely relative to the other cutting blade to thereby enable variation in the transverse spacing between the cutting blades, i.e., the cutting width. In one embodiment, the transversely movable cutting blade is not the same as any of the longitudinally movable cutting blades. 
     To mount the transversely movable cutting blade, the body is formed or provided with one or more projections extending transversely from a side of the body and the cutting device includes a blade mounting member to which the transversely movable cutting blade is mounted. The blade mounting member is movable along and/or securable in connection with the projection(s). One projection may be a substantially cylindrical rod which guides the transverse movement of the blade mounting member, e.g., the guide rod passes through an aperture formed in the blade mounting member. Another projection may be used to position and secure the blade mounting member in any one of a plurality of different transverse positions. To this end, a ridge is formed on the blade mounting member and a plurality of tracks are formed on the positioning projection. The ridge selectively engages with any one of the tracks to enable the blade mounting member to be positioned at a variable transverse distance from the body and thus the cutting blades to be positioned at a variable transverse distance from one another. 
     Another embodiment of a hand-held cutting device with a plurality of cutting blades is designed to enable each blade to be used independently of the other blades. Since each blade may have a different form of a cutting edge, different cuts can be made using a single cutting device. On the other hand, if all of the blades are the same, when one blade is worn, another cutting blade can then be used until all of the blades are worn. This increases the service life of the cutting device and such an embodiment would be particularly appealing to individuals who are reluctant to handle blades during a replacement procedure, such as the elderly. 
     Such a cutting device includes a housing having a handle portion and defining a blade-receiving cavity, an actuating mechanism pivotally mounted to the housing and having a handle portion arranged alongside the housing handle portion and a cutting assembly arranged in the cavity and including a plurality of cutting blades. The cutting assembly is rotatable relative to the housing to selectively bring each cutting blade into a cutting position, and has a relaxed position in which the cutting blades are recessed within an outer periphery of the housing, i.e., a cutting edge of the cutting blades is not exposed and thus cannot be used to cut material (in a safety position since injuries are prevented). The cutting assembly is biased into this relaxed position. To use the cutting device, the actuating mechanism handle portion is actuated in a direction toward the housing handle portion to cause the cutting blade in the cutting position to extend beyond the outer periphery of the housing and thereby expose the cutting edge of the cutting blade. 
     To switch the cutting blade in the cutting position, a handle connected to a disc on which the cutting blades are mounted is turned. A positioning mechanism provides an indication when each cutting blade is in the cutting position, e.g., a biased roller which enters into a notch formed on the disc at a location at which each cutting blade is in the cutting position. The presence of the biased roller in a notch is readily detectable when attempting to turn the handle. Alternatively, instead of a roller, a spring is provided to bias a locking lever or manually actuatable hammer mechanism such that an end thereof enters into each notch. 
     The actuating mechanism may include an actuating lever pivotally mounted to the housing and including the handle portion, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the actuating lever into a position in which the cutting assembly is in its relaxed position. The actuating lever includes an aperture into which a projection arranged on or integral with the cutting disc passes to thereby enable pivotal movement of the actuating lever to cause movement of the cutting assembly. A side wall of the housing defining the cavity is provided with a slot in which the projection of the cutting assembly is movable to provide for movement of the cutting assembly. 
     Another embodiment of a cutting device which enables multiple cuts, in particular, multiple circular cuts, includes an elongate rod, a support member including a lower portion having a lower surface adapted to rest on a substrate being cut and an upper portion rotatable relative to the lower portion, the support member being movably mounted on the rod at the upper portion, a plurality of cutting members movably mounted on the rod each having a cutting blade, and a handle movably mounted on the rod. By turning the handle around the support member while applying pressure to the handle and optionally the support member, the cutting blades cut the substrate. The cutting blades may each be a circular rotatable cutting blade having any one of a plurality of different cutting edge patterns or a straight edge knife. 
     Each cutting member and/or the support member includes a mechanism for fixing a position thereof relative to the rod. In one embodiment, each cutting member and/or the support member includes a channel through which the rod passes and locking knobs each arranged to pass into a respective channel and press the rod against the cutting member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with one of the cutting blades in a recessed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  with the cutting blade in an extended position; 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a another top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  shown during transverse re-positioning of a cutting blade; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention shown with a cutting assembly in a relaxed position; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  shown with the cutting assembly in a cutting position and with different cutting blades; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  shown with the cutting assembly in a cutting position and with different cutting blades; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear view of the cutting assembly; 
         FIG. 20  is a section view of the positioning mechanism for positioning the cutting assembly is predetermined positions; 
         FIG. 21  is a section view of an alternative position mechanism; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  with a cover part removed to expose the cutting assembly and showing another alternative positioning mechanism; 
         FIGS. 23A ,  23 B,  23 C and  23 D are front views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  with the cutting assembly removed to expose various actuating mechanisms; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a rear elevational view of the cutting device shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the cutting device shown in  FIG. 26  with only a single cutting implement; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a housing of a first embodiment of a fashioning device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 28  in an open position showing the fashioning device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial view of an alternative actuating arm for the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial view of another alternative actuating arm for the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fashioning device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-section taken along the line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a friction ring off the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded view of the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 38  is partially broken away, perspective view of a third embodiment of a fashioning device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a modified third embodiment of the fashioning device shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a right side view of another embodiment of a hand-held cutting device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a right side view, partially broken away of the cutting device shown in  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a left side view of the cutting device shown in  FIG. 40  with the body separated into two parts; and 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the cutting device shown in  FIG. 40  during rotation of the cutting portion of the cutting device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements, a first embodiment of a cutting device  10  in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and generally provides for variable longitudinal spacing between two cutting blades, i.e., the position of one cutting blade in the longitudinal direction of the cutting device is adjustable relative to the position of the other cutting blade. 
     Cutting device  10  includes an elongate body  12  having a blade-mounting portion  14  and a handle portion  16  extending from the blade-mounting portion  14 . Handle portion  16  includes a finger-receiving aperture  18  into which one or more fingers of the user are placed to enable the user to grip the handle portion  16  and effectively use the cutting device  10 . Handle portion  16  may be contoured to fit within the palm of the user&#39;s hand. 
     A pair of substantially parallel cutting blades  20 ,  22  are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the blade-mounting portion  14  so that a portion of each cutting blade  20 ,  22  including a cutting edge extends beyond the blade-mounting portion  14 . By providing two parallel cutting blades  20 ,  22 , the cutting device  10  can be used to make parallel cuts in a sheet of material when the cutting device  10  is pulled or pushed while in contact with the sheet of material, e.g., when forming a frame or mat for a picture. Preferably, the cutting blades  20 ,  22  are securely mounted to rotate only in their designated rotation planes, i.e., the cutting blades  20 ,  22  do not wobble and thus do not adversely affecting the quality of the cuts made thereby. This may be achieved by providing spacer elements between the cutting blades  20 ,  22  and the body  12  and against which the cutting blades  20 ,  22  glide. 
     Instead of arranging the cutting blades  20 ,  22  to rotate in parallel planes and perpendicular to the sheet material being cut as in the illustrated embodiment, it is also conceivable to arrange one or both of the cutting blades  20 ,  22  to rotate at an acute angle to the sheet material, e.g., in rotation planes which intersect. In this manner, an angled cut can be formed in the sheet material by one or both cutting blades  20 ,  22  with the angled cuts still being parallel to one another. This construction would be useful when cutting mats for picture frames which have a discernible thickness and which are often formed with a straight outer cut and an angled inner cut. 
     Each cutting blade  20 ,  22  may have a straight cutting edge to produce smooth-edged cuts (cutting blade  20 ) or a curved or swiggled cutting edge to produce a wavy or undulating-edged cut (cutting blade  22 ). Both types of cuts can be in one or more straight lines or curved lines depending on how the cutting device  10  is used. Cutting blades capable of producing other edged-cuts can also be used, e.g., a zig-zag cutting edge. Cutting device  10  is preferably designed to accommodate existing cutting blades for rotary cutters such as those made by Fiskars and Olfa Corporation. 
     The cutting device  10  is capable of longitudinally spacing the cutting blades  20 ,  22  from one another, i.e., longitudinal spacing the effective cutting points  24 ,  26  of the cutting blades  20 ,  22 , respectively, from one another. This is useful when it is desired to begin making parallel cuts in a sheet of material with one cut starting at a point before or after the other cut. To this end, the longitudinal position of cutting blade  22  is adjustable while the longitudinal position of cutting blade  20  is fixed. The effective cutting points  24 ,  26  are at the same longitudinal positions as the centers of the cutting blades  20 ,  22 . The variable longitudinal spacing is represented by reference S 1  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and S 2  in  FIG. 3  which is larger than S 1 . When the cutting blades  20 ,  22  are in a state where they are offset or spaced longitudinally from one another, they are referred to as being “out of tandem”. Although not shown, the cutting blades  20 ,  22  can be positioned with their effective cutting points  24 ,  26  at the same longitudinal point, i.e., in tandem with one another, in which case, the cutting device  10  would be used to make parallel cuts which start at the same point. Also, although not shown, a scale can be provided along the body  12 , e.g., along the lower surface thereof, to provide an indication of the longitudinal distance between the cutting blades  20 ,  22 . 
     Adjustment of the longitudinal position of cutting blade  22  is achieved by mounting cutting blade  22  on a sliding member  28  which slides in a longitudinal slot  30  formed in body  12  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ). Slot  30  may open at either a front end of the blade-mounting portion  14  (as shown) or a rear end of the blade-mounting portion  14  or both. Depending on the mounting location of cutting blade  20 , the cutting blade  22  could be movable both forward and rearward relative to the cutting blade  20 . 
     Sliding member  28  is fixed in any one of a plurality of different longitudinal positions on the body  12 , thereby also fixing the cutting blade  22  in different longitudinal positions, by tightening a locking screw  32  which engages with the sliding member  28  through the body  12 . Other mechanisms for locking the sliding member  28  in different longitudinal positions relative to the body  12  are also envisioned and within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, a locking screw can pass through the sliding member  28  into engagement with the body  12 . In addition to or instead of mounting cutting blade  22  to a sliding member movable relative to the body, cutting blade  20  may be so mounted in order to increase the longitudinal displacement and variability thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, both cutting blades  20 ,  22  could be longitudinally movable. 
     A locking knob  34  fixes the cutting blade  22  to the sliding member  28  and another locking knob  36  fixes the cutting blade  20  to the body  12 . Locking knobs  34 ,  36  are preferably provided with a gripping contour which facilitates easy tightening of the cutting blades  20 ,  22  prior to use of the cutting device  10  and loosening of the cutting blades  20 ,  22  for removal of the cutting blades  20 ,  22 , e.g., in order to substitute them with other cutting blades. 
     In use, the user sets the cutting blade  22  to the desired longitudinal position relative to cutting blade  20 , i.e., by loosening locking screw  32  and moving the sliding member  28  in the slot  30 , and then tightens the locking screw  32  and locking knobs  34 ,  36 . The user then grips the cutting device  10  by inserting his or her fingers through the aperture  18  and presses the cutting blades  20 ,  22  against the sheet of material being cut, either from an outer edge of the sheet of material or from an interior point in the sheet of material. The cuts can be made freehand or guided by a specially designed rotocutter ruler. Preferably, the sheet of material is placed on a self-healing synthetic pad to prevent damage to an underlying surface, i.e., a table, desk or other work surface. A self-healing synthetic pad is commercially available in different thicknesses. 
     If the user wants to make only a single cut, then one of the cutting blades  20 ,  22  may be removed from the cutting device  10  or if only cutting blade  20  is desired, then the sliding member  28  may be entirely removed from engagement with the body  12 . If the cutting blades  20 ,  22  have different cutting edges, then only the cutting blade with the desired cutting edge would remain on the cutting device  10 . In this manner, it is possible to provide a cutting device with two different cutting blades and allow either the combined use of both cutting blades to make parallel cuts, or the use of each cutting blade alone without the other cutting blade to make a single cut. 
     A second embodiment of a cutting device  40  in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIGS. 5-10  and generally provides for both variable longitudinal spacing between two cutting blades and variable transverse spacing the two cutting blades, i.e., the position of one cutting blade in a transverse direction of the cutting device is adjustable relative to the position of the other cutting blade. Variable transverse spacing involves the ability to adjust the cutting width defined as the transverse distance between the planes in which the cutting blades  42 ,  44  rotate. Cutting device  40  thereby enables the formation of strips of material having different widths. The form, orientation and shape of the cutting blades  42 ,  44  may be as described above with reference to cutting blades  20 ,  22 . 
     Cutting device  40  includes an elongate body  46  having a blade-mounting portion  48  and a handle portion  50  extending from the blade-mounting portion  48 . Handle portion  50  includes a finger-receiving aperture  52  into which one or more fingers of the user are placed to enable the user to grip the handle portion  50  and effectively use the cutting device  40 . Handle portion  50  may be contoured to fit within the palm of the user&#39;s hand. 
     Cutting device  40  also includes a positioning projection  54  and a guiding projection  56  extending to one side of the blade-mounting portion  48  of the body  46 , and a movable blade mounting member  58  to which cutting blade  44  is mounted. Positioning and guiding projections  54 ,  56  may be integrally formed with body  46  or separately formed and attached thereto. A plurality of tracks  60  are formed on an inner surface of the positioning projection  54 . 
     Blade mounting member  58  includes an aperture  62  proximate one end which receives the guiding projection  56  so that the blade mounting member  58  slides along the guiding projection  56 . A ridge  64  is formed proximate an opposite end of the blade mounting member  58  alongside a depression  66 . Ridge  64  is designed to snap securely into each of the tracks  60  to thereby fix the blade mounting member  58  relative to the body  46 . Cutting blade  44  is fixed to an inner side of the blade mounting member  58 . 
     Although not shown, a scale may be provided, e.g., engraved, along one or both of the projections  54 ,  56  to provide an indication of the transverse distance between the cutting blades  42 ,  44 . Adjustment of the transverse position of the cutting blade  44  is achieved by pressing downward on the end  68  of the blade mounting member  58  to cause the ridge  64  to separate from a track  60 , sliding the blade mounting member  58  along the guiding projection  56  to another transverse position and snapping the ridge  64  into the track  60  at the new transverse position. 
     The range of cutting widths capable of being made by the cutting device  40  is limited by the size of the positioning and guiding projections  54 ,  56  and the construction of the tracks  60  on the positioning projection  54 . For example, the positioning and guiding projections  54 ,  56  may be designed to provide a maximum 3 inch cut and each track may be spaced ⅛ inch apart. The minimum cut is determined by the intervening structure between the cutting blades  42 ,  44 , e.g., the thickness of the blade-mounting portion  48  of the body  46 . 
     In addition to variable transverse spacing of the cutting blades  42 ,  44  relative to one another, cutting device  40  also provides variable longitudinal spacing which is achieved by mounting cutting blade  42  on a sliding member  70  which slides in a longitudinal slot  72  formed in body  46 . Slot  72  may open at either a front end of the blade-mounting portion  48  (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) or a rear end of the blade-mounting portion  48  or both. Sliding member  70  is fixed in any one of a plurality of different longitudinal positions, thereby also fixing the cutting blade  42  in different longitudinal positions, by tightening a locking screw  74  which frictionally engages with the sliding member  70  through the body  46 . Alternatively, the locking screw can pass through the sliding member  70  into frictional engagement with the body  46 . 
     A locking knob  76  fixes the cutting blade  42  to the sliding member  70  and another locking knob  78  fixes the cutting blade  44  to the blade mounting member  58 . A cut-out  80  is formed in the blade mounting portion  48  of the body  46  to accommodate and enable access to the locking knob  78  for cases when the blade mounting member  58  is close to the body  46 . 
     In use, the user sets the cutting blade  42  to the desired longitudinal position relative to cutting blade  44 , i.e., by loosening locking screw  74  and sliding the sliding member  70  in the slot  72 , and then tightens the locking screw  74 . The user also determines the desired cutting width and sets the position of the blade mounting member  58  to provide for the desired cutting width in the manner described above. Once the desired longitudinal spacing and transverse spacing between the cutting blades  42 ,  44  is set, the user grips the cutting device  40  by inserting his or her fingers through the aperture  52  and presses the cutting blades  42 ,  44  against the sheet of material being cut. As described above, the cuts can be made freehand or guided by a rotocutter ruler and the sheet of material may be placed on a self-healing synthetic pad. 
     In addition, if it desired to make only a single cut, then the blade mounting member  58  may be removed from engagement with the projections  54 ,  56  or one of the cutting blades  42 ,  44  may be removed from the cutting device  40 . If the cutting blades  42 ,  44  have different cutting edges, then only the cutting blade with the desired cutting edge would remain on the cutting device  40 . In this manner, it is possible to provide a cutting device with two different cutting blades and allow either the combined use of both cutting blades to make parallel cuts, or the use of each cutting blade alone without the other cutting blade to make a single cut. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 7 , a scale can be provided on the blade-mounting portion  48  alongside the longitudinal slot  72  which, in combination with a marker on the sliding member  70 , allows a user to determine the longitudinal position of the cutting blade  42 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , another scale can be provided on the upper surface of the projection  54  to enable the transverse position of the cutting blade  44  to be determined. 
     Various modifications of cutting device  40  are possible. For example, instead of having two projections extending from a common side of the body  46  to secure the blade mounting member  58  in a position relative to the body  46 , one for attachment (projection  54 ) and the other for guidance (projection  56 ), a single projection can be formed which serves both purposes. Moreover, instead of arranging cutting blade  42  on a longitudinally movable sliding member  70 , cutting blade  42  could be arranged to be adjustably, transversely spaced from the body  46  by, for example, providing projections  54 ,  56  and a blade mounting member  58  on each side of the body  46 . Although the cutting blades could not be variably longitudinally spaced, the range of cutting widths would be increased (from that of the cutting device  40  as shown) since each cutting blade could be distanced from the body  46  in the transverse direction. 
     Another modification involves the use of an additional blade mounting member with an associated cutting blade so that two blade mounting members would be engaged with projections  54 ,  56  and three cutting blades would be transversely spaced apart from one another. Three parallel cuts could therefore be formed. Moreover, if the cutting blades on the blade mounting members are different, then each blade mounting member can be used independently of the other to enable different combinations of cutting blades with a single cutting device. 
       FIGS. 11-14  show a third embodiment of a cutting device  82  in accordance with the invention which is similar to the one shown in  FIGS. 5-10  except that longitudinal slot  72  is extended across the entire body  46 , i.e., from one longitudinal end to the opposite longitudinal end, and an additional sliding member  84  is arranged in slot  72 . A third cutting blade  86  is mounted on sliding member  84  via locking knob  88  and may be in substantially the same rotation plane as cutting blade  42  and thus also parallel to cutting blade  44 . Alternatively, cutting blade  86  may be arranged in a rotation plane which intersects the rotation planes of cutting blade  42  and/or cutting blade  44 . 
     Sliding members  70 ,  84  can be fixed in slot  72  by locking screws  90  arranged on the sliding members  70 ,  84  and passing therethrough into frictional contact with the body  46  when the sliding members  70 ,  84  are fixed in position. Contact between the locking screws  90  and the body  46  prevents movement of the sliding members  70 ,  84 . 
     Cutting device  82  enables mitre-cutting for forming rectangular and square frames, e.g., to place around pictures. 
     A scale is provided on the upper surface of the projection  54  to enable the transverse position of the cutting blade  44  to be determined. 
     The use of cutting device  82  is essentially the same as for cutting device  40  except that the user now has to set the longitudinal position of both cutting blades  42 ,  86  by loosening the locking screws  90 , sliding the sliding members  70 ,  84  in the slot  72  to the desired positions and then tightening the locking screws  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-23D , a fourth embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the invention is designed to provide a plurality of different cutting blades with cutting edges which are individually and selectively used. Cutting device  100  includes a housing  102  having a handle portion  104  and a cutting portion  106  defining a blade-receiving cavity  108  between substantially planar front and rear parts  106 A,  106 B, and an actuating mechanism  110  having a handle portion  112  alongside handle portion  104 . Front part  106 A constitutes a blade guard. Handle portions  104 ,  112  may be provided with a contour to conform to a person&#39;s hand as shown. 
     A rotatable cutting assembly  114  is situated in the cavity  108  and includes a disc  116  and three rotatable cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  mounted on one side of the disc  116 . The form, orientation and shape of the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  may be as described above with reference to cutting blades  20 ,  22  and locking knobs are also provided to enable replacement of the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122 . Cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  can also have different diameters, e.g., a 28 mm diameter as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a 38 mm diameter, and a 45 mm diameter as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The selection of which cutting blades to use, vis-a-vis size and cutting edge, is determined by the user prior to each use of the cutting device  100 . 
     In a relaxed position of the cutting assembly  114 , the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  are all recessed within the outer periphery of the housing  102  so that none of the cutting edges of the blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  are exposed (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). This serves a safety and protective feature which avoids injuries. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the cutting assembly  114  also includes a substantially cylindrical projection  124  on an opposite side from the blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  which may be formed integral with the disc  116 . Projection  124  has a smooth outer surface and is designed to pass through an aperture in the actuating mechanism  110  (described below). Cutting assembly  114  also includes a threaded projection  126  extending outward from the projection  124  and a turning dial or knob  128  which is threaded onto the projection  126 . 
     The knob  128  extends outward from the housing  102  (see  FIGS. 16 and 18 ). Knob  128  enables rotation of the disc  116 , via projections  124 ,  126 , to selectively bring one of the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  into a cutting position. As shown, cutting blade  118  is in the cutting position while cutting blades  120 ,  122  are in a storage position. 
     To position each cutting blade  118 ,  120 ,  122  in the cutting position, notches  130  are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the disc  116 , one associated with each cutting blade  118 ,  120 ,  122 , and a biased locking lever or positioning member  132  is pivotally mounted at a middle region to the housing  102  (see  FIG. 20 ). A free end  134  of the positioning member  132  enters into each notch  130  when the associated cutting blade  118 ,  120 ,  122  is properly positioned in the cutting position. An opposite end  136  of the positioning member  132  is connected to a spring  138  or other biasing mechanism to continuously bias the free end  134  of the positioning member  132  against the disc  116 . Spring  138  is connected at its other end to the housing  102 . 
     In order to change the cutting blade in the cutting position to another cutting blade mounted on disc  116 , it is necessary to exert a rotational force to the knob  128  which is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring  138  against the disc  116 . 
     Instead of the positioning member  132 , a spring-loaded hammer mechanism  140  can be provided which has one end  142  capable of entering into the notches  130  and an opposite end  144  which projects beyond the housing  102  (see  FIG. 21 ). A spring  146  biases the hammer mechanism  140  such that end  142  is biased against the outer surface of the disc  116 . When end  144  of the hammer mechanism  140  is pushed forward, against the bias of the spring  146 , the end  142  is removed from the notch  130  thereby enabling easy and unencumbered rotation of the disc  116  by turning the knob  128 . 
       FIG. 22  shows an alternative positioning mechanism which comprises a biased roller  148  movably mounted to the housing  102  and which is biased in a direction toward the disc  116 . Roller  148  exerts a force against the disc  116  and enters into the notches  130  when the cutting assembly  114  is positioned with one of the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  in the proper cutting position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23A-23D , actuating mechanism  110  includes a lever  150  pivotably mounted to the housing  102  to pivot about a pivot axis  152 , with one end of the lever  150  including handle portion  112 . Lever  150  is situated substantially between the disc  116  and the rear part  106 B of the housing  102 . An aperture  154  is formed at an opposite end region  156  of the lever  150  and may be surrounded by a reinforcement ring  158 . Projection  124  of the cutting assembly  114  is arranged in aperture  154  so that it can rotate therein and thus enable the cutting assembly  114  to rotate relative to the lever  150 . 
     Actuating lever  150  is pivotable about pivot axis  152  between a first position in which the cutting blade  118  in the cutting position is recessed within the outer periphery of the housing  102  and incapable of cutting (as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) and a second position in which the cutting blade  118  in the cutting position extends beyond the housing  102  and the cutting device is capable of cutting a substrate (as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). In the first position, the handle portion  112  is distant from handle portion  104  while in the second position, handle portion  112  is proximate handle portion  104 . 
     Handle portion  112  is biased into the first position by either a compression spring  160  exerting a upward force against the lever  150  ( FIG. 23A ) or a tension spring  162  exerting an downward force against the lever ( FIGS. 23B and 23C ). At one end, springs  160 ,  162  are connected to or engage with the lever  150  and at the other end, are connected to the housing  102 . Springs  160 ,  162  are thus effective to return the actuating lever  150  to the first position when the gripping force applied to handle portion  112  is removed. 
       FIG. 23D  shows an alternative actuating mechanism  164  including a broad forward portion  166  having a recess  168  at a forward end which cooperates with a projection  170  formed on the housing to limit the pivotal movement of the forward portion  166 . A slot  172  is formed in the forward portion  166  and a compression spring  174  is arranged in the slot with one end engaging the forward portion  166  and the other end connected to the housing  102 . 
     To enable cutting with cutting blade  118 , it is necessary to extend the cutting edge beyond the outer periphery of the housing  102  and this is achieved by gripping the handle portions  104 ,  112  causing actuating lever  150  to pivot about pivot axis  152 . The end region  156  of the lever  150  is therefore urged in a downward direction, along with the disc  116  and cutting blade  118  mounted thereon, by virtue of the positioning of projection  124  in the aperture  154  of the lever  150 . 
     To enable the cutting assembly  114  to move upon pivoting of the lever  150 , a slot  176  is formed in the rear part  106 B of the housing  102  and the projection  124  moves in this slot  176 . 
     Through appropriate design of the cutting assembly  114 , care is taken to ensure that the positioning member  132  remains in the notch  130  during the movement of the cutting assembly  114  caused by movement of actuating mechanism  110 . This also applies to the alternative positioning mechanisms shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . 
     An advantage of the cutting device  100  is that the operative cutting blade can easily be switched for another, different cutting blade. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that each cutting blade  118 ,  120 ,  122  has a different cutting edge. Thus, when the user wants to use the cutting blade  118  with its distinctive cutting edge, he would turn the knob  128  until cutting blade  118  is situated in the cutting position. Then, when it is desired to use the cutting edge provided by cutting blade  120 , the user would again turn the knob  128  until cutting blade  120  is situated in the cutting position. When it is desired to use the cutting edge provided by cutting blade  122 , the user would again turn the knob  128  until cutting blade  122  is situated in the cutting position. The cutting blade switching process could be repeated to selectively use each of the cutting blades  118 ,  120 ,  122  as desired by the user. 
     Although cutting device  100  is shown with three blades, any plural number of cutting blades can be provided on the disc  116 . 
     In use, assuming cutting with cutting blade  118  is desired, handle portion  112  is urged toward handle portion  104  causing the actuating lever  150  to pivot about pivot axis  152  and thus downward movement of the disc  116  and cutting blade  118  mounted thereon into a position with its cutting edge exposed beyond the outer periphery of the housing  102 . The positioning member  132  is maintained in engagement with the notch  130  associated with cutting blade  118 . The cutting device  100  is then pushed or pulled over a substrate to cut it. So long as the handle portion  112  is held against handle portion  104 , the user can cut the substrate since the cutting edge of cutting blade  118  is exposed. 
     Once the cutting is finished, the user releases his grip on handle portion  112  and the spring  160 ,  162  causes actuating lever  150  to return to its first position and the disc  116  to be moved upward into the housing  102 . The cutting assembly  114  is thus returned to its relaxed position. 
     If cutting with cutting blade  120  or  122  is desired, the user turns the knob  128  with sufficient force to cause the free end  134  of the positioning member  132  to move out of the notch  130  and along the disc  116 . Turning of knob  128  continues until the desired cutting blade is in the cutting position. The actual cutting with the desired cutting blade proceeds s described above. 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  show another embodiment of a cutting device  200  in accordance with the invention. Cutting device  200  is designed generally to enable circular, concentric cuts to be made in sheet material to obtain an annular section of the sheet of material. For example, cutting device  200  may be used to make an annular mat for placement in a circular picture frame. Cutting device  200  differs from the cutting devices described above in that it is not a hand-held unit. 
     Cutting device  200  includes an elongate rod  202  along which several members  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  are mounted for movement in a longitudinal direction of the rod  202 . A first member  204  is a positioning and support member having a channel  212  through which the rod  202  passes and a threaded locking knob  214  projecting from an upper surface. Locking knob  214  is screwed into a threaded aperture in the support member  204  which extends from the upper surface to the channel  212  so that by turning the locking knob  214  in one direction, it engages the rod  202  and presses it against the bottom surface defining the channel  212  to thereby fix the support member  204  relative to the rod  202 . Turning the locking knob  214  in the opposite direction releases the fixing of the support member  204  relative to the rod  202  and enables the rod  202  to slide in the channel  212 . Movement of the rod  202  in the channel  212 , when the cutting members  206 ,  208  are fixed to the rod  202 , enables the radial positions of the cutting members  206 ,  208  to be varied. 
     Support member  204  is substantially cylindrical and includes a flared lower base portion  216  to enable the cutting device  200  to easily rest on the sheet of material or other substrate being cut. A needle point  238  projects downward from the lower portion  216  to engage with the substrate being cut and facilitate retention of the cutting device  200  in position on the substrate. Optionally, the flared bottom portion  216  may be a suction cup, which would be particularly useful if the material being cut is one to which suction force can be applied. Other forms and shapes of the support member  204  are also possible. 
     Support member  204  includes an upper portion  218  rotatable relative to the lower portion  216 . To this end, a rotation cylinder  220  is arranged in aligned central cavities in the upper and lower portions  216 ,  218 , respectively. Other mechanisms for arranging the upper portion  218  to rotate relative to the lower portion  216  are also within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Members  206 ,  208  are cutting members, each of which includes a body  226  and a rotatable cutting blade  228  removably attached to the body  226  by a locking knob  230 . Cutting blades  228  extend beyond the lower surface of the cutting members  206 ,  208 . The form, orientation and shape of the cutting blades  228  may be as described above with reference to cutting blades  20 ,  22 . Thus, different cutting blades can be provided on the cutting members  206 ,  208  or the same cutting blades can be provided. 
     In one embodiment, the cutting blades  228  are arranged to be perpendicular to the sheet material to form straight cuts in the sheet material. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the cutting blades  228  at an angle to the sheet material to form an angled cut in the sheet material. This construction would be useful when cutting mats for picture frames which have a discernible thickness and which are often formed with a straight outer cut and an angled inner cut. 
     Instead of circular, rotatable cutting blades  228 , fixed cutting blades can be provided, similar to Exacto blades. Such fixed blades may be oriented either perpendicular or at an acute angle, e.g., 45°, to the sheet material. 
     Cutting members  206 ,  208  each have a channel  232  through which the rod  202  passes and a threaded locking knob  234  projecting from an upper surface. Each locking knob  234  is screwed into a threaded aperture in the respective cutting member  206 ,  208  which extends from the upper surface to the channel  232  so that by turning the locking knob  234  in one direction, it engages the rod  202  and presses it against the bottom surface defining the channel  232  to thereby fix the cutting member  206 ,  208  relative to the rod  202 . Turning the locking knob  234  in the opposite direction releases the fixing of the cutting member  206 ,  208  relative to the rod  202  and enables the cutting members  206 ,  208  to slide along the rod  202  to different radial positions relative to the support member  204 , when the support member  204  is fixed in position. 
     Member  210  is a handle having a channel  236  in a lower portion  222  through which the rod  202  passes. An upper portion  224  of the handle  210  may be rotatable relative to the lower portion  222  or fixed thereto. As shown, handle  210  is arranged between cutting members  206 ,  208  but may also be arranged inward of both cutting members  206 ,  208 , i.e., between the inner cutting member  206  and the support member  204 , or outward of both cutting members  206 ,  208 , i.e., between the outward cutting member  208  and the end of the rod  202 . Handle  210  is freely slidable along the rod  202 , although a similar locking knob can be provided as for support member  204  and cutting members  206 ,  208 . 
     The cross-sectional shape of the rod  202  may be designed to prevent rotation of some or all of the members  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210  about an axis defined by the rod  202 , e.g., rectangular or square as shown. 
     To use cutting device  200  to make circular, concentric cuts, the support member  204  is placed in the center of the sheet of material being cut, the locking knobs  214 ,  230 ,  234  are loosened and the cutting members  206 ,  208  are positioned such that the cutting blades  228  are at the desired radial position of the cuts to be made. Such positioning may involve sliding the rod  202  through the channel  212  in the support member  204  and/or sliding one or both cutting members  206 ,  208  along the rod  202 . Once the cutting blades  228  are at the desired radial positions, the locking knobs  214 ,  230 ,  234  are all tightened, while ensuring that the radial positions of the cutting blades  228  do not change. The handle  210  is then grasped and while applying pressure to the support member  204 , and preferably the handle  210  as well, the handle  210  is rotated around the support member  204  causing the cutting blades  228  to cut the sheet material, i.e., to form a pair of concentric circles in the sheet material. 
     Although cutting device  200  is shown with two cutting members  206 ,  208 , a different amount of cutting members can be provided. If only one cutting member is provided, a single circle section of material is obtained while if three cutting members are provided, three circular cuts are made thereby forming two rings. 
     Cutting device  200  can include numerous cutting members with each cutting member including a cutting blade which forms a different cut, e.g., a straight cut, a wavy cut, a zig-zag cut, etc., so that any combination of cuts, or any individual cut, can be formed simply by sliding the cutting member(s) having the cutting blade(s) which provide the desired cut(s) onto the rod  202 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  show a cutting device  240  in accordance with the invention which is similar to cutting device  200  with the significant difference that it includes a rod  242  having a cross-shaped cross-section. To this end, channels  212 ,  232  and  236  have a corresponding cross-sectional shape. Cutting device  240  can be used with both cutting members  206 ,  208  as shown in  FIG. 26  to make a pair of concentric cuts (to thereby obtain a most likely desired annular piece of material and a probably undesirable circular piece of material) or with only a single cutting member  206  as shown in  FIG. 27  to make a single circular cut (to thereby obtain a desired circular piece of material). 
     In the embodiments of the cutting devices described above, protective or safety features to cover the blades are often not shown. However, such safety and protective features are within the scope and spirit of the invention and may entail blade sheaths or blade covers as known to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28-32 , a first embodiment of a fashioning device in accordance with the invention is portable and integrated with a housing  310  including a base  312  having a handle  314 , and a cover  316  hingedly connected to the base  312  on a side opposite the handle  314 . Base  312  includes a latching member  318  which is designed to pass over a projection  320  formed on the cover  316  to thereby secure the housing  310  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 28 . Alternatively, the cover  316  may include a handle and/or latching member and the base  312  may therefore include a cooperating projection to the latching member on the cover. Other arrangements for enabling a releasable locking or latching of the base  312  and cover  316  together are also possible. 
     Housing  310  defines an interior designed to snugly accommodate a fashioning device  322  while enabling use thereof (see  FIG. 28 ). The shape and size of the housing  310  may vary depending on the shape and size of the fashioning device  322 . 
     A battery compartment may be built into the housing  10  to house batteries which are needed to provide electricity to a motor or other electronic actuation mechanism which powers the fashioning device  322 . An access door  324  to the battery compartment can be formed to open either to the inside of the housing  310  or to its exterior (see  FIG. 28 ). Also, compartments could be formed in the housing  310 , opening either to its interior or exterior, to accommodate sheet materials to be fashioned by the fashioning device, for example, circular sheets of paper or fabric to be cut or embossed by the fashioning device  322 . Additionally or alternatively, retaining members such as a net, pouch or pocket, could be formed on the inner surface of the base  312  and/or cover  316  to receive such sheet materials. 
     Further, compartments could be formed in the housing  310 , opening either to its interior or exterior, to accommodate a variety of different fashioning heads for use in fashioning device  322 , e.g., cutting heads, embossing heads and scribing heads. Additionally or alternatively, mounting brackets for securely mounting or retaining the fashioning heads during movement of the housing  310  could be formed on the inner surfaces of the base  312  and/or cover  316 . 
     Fashioning device  322  includes mounting brackets  326 A,  326 B arranged on the base  312  in diametrically opposite positions, a substantially circular turntable  328  rotatably mounted to the base  312  between the mounting brackets  326 A,  326 B, and an actuating arm  330  pivotally mounted to mounting bracket  326 A and selectively engageable with mounting bracket  326 B. To rotate the turntable, the fashioning device  322  includes a power unit  332  mounted to the base  312 . Alternatively, the power unit  332  can be removed and the turntable manually rotated. A manually operated version (not shown) functions in a similar manner as well. 
     Mounting bracket  326 A includes a pair of opposed sides and a pivot pin  334  which extends through aligned apertures in the sides. The actuating arm  330  is attached to the pivot pin  334 . Mounting bracket  326 B includes a pair of opposed sides and a spring-like catch  336  therebetween. Catch  336  is resiliently mounted to the base  312  and has a hook-shaped upper end designed so that when the actuating arm  330  is pivoted against the catch  336  to bring the actuating arm  330  into an operative position, it engages an inclined surface of the hook-shaped upper end and urges the catch  336  outward. After the actuating arm  330  passes completely over the inclined surface, the catch  336  moves inward over a part of the actuating arm  330  thereby securing the actuating arm  330  to the mounting bracket  326 B and preventing its movement out of engagement therewith. When it is desired to lift the actuating arm  330  out of engagement with the mounting bracket  326 B, the catch  336  is flexed outward and the actuating arm  330  is then free to be pivoted upward. 
     Turntable  328  includes a gear ring  338  on its underside. Gear ring  338  may be formed integral with the turntable  328  or separate therefrom and then attached thereto. To rotatably mount the turntable  328  to the base  312 , a projection can be formed in the center of the base  312  and an aperture formed in the gear ring  338 , turntable  328 , or a support member thereon into which the projection on the base  312  enters. Alternatively, the base  312  can be provided with an aperture or a support member with an aperture and a downward projection formed on the underside of and in the center of the turntable  328  which enters into the aperture formed on the support member or the base. Other ways to rotatably mount the turntable  328  to the base  312  are also envisioned within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Turntable  328  is preferably made of a sturdy material capable of withstanding repeated pressing by a cutting blade or knife or writing or embossing instrument. To this end, it can be made of a self-healing material or can be made of a rigid material and coated with a self-healing material. The self-healing property enables the surface to close after absorbing cuts from cutting blades and the like. The upper surface of the turntable  328  can be marked with dimensional markings and possibly provided with a grid-like appearance. 
     Actuating arm  330  includes an elongate frame  340  having mounting flanges  342  at one end which are attached to the pivot pin  334 , and a latching section  344  at an opposite end which engages with the catch  336 . Actuating arm  330  also includes a guide rod  346  extending between mounting flanges  348 ,  350  formed on the frame  340  and through an intermediate mounting flange  352  formed on the frame  340 . A first fashioning head  354  is slidably mounted on guide rod  346  between mounting flanges  348 ,  352  and a second fashioning head  356  is slidably mounted on guide rod  346  between mounting flanges  350 ,  352 . A worm gear  358  is rotatably mounted at its ends to mounting flange  348  and a mounting member  360  arranged on the latching section  344  (see  FIG. 28 ). A friction ring or roller  62  is arranged on the worm gear  358  to rotate along with the worm gear  358  (see  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). Frame  340  includes a slotted wall  364  with a plurality of slots spaced apart from one another and a slot  366  alongside the wall  364  and through which an operative part of the fashioning head  354  extends (see  FIG. 30 ). Although both fashioning heads  354 ,  356  are mounted to the same guide rod  346 , it is possible to mount each on its own separate guide rod. 
     Fashioning heads  354 ,  356  may each include any type of instrument which causes a change in the shape, form or design of a substrate being worked on, i.e., a substrate placed on the turntable  328 . Examples of fashioning heads  354 ,  356  include cutting heads which would include a cutting instrument such as a blade or knife, embossing heads which would include pattern forming instruments such a blunt-headed instruments and scribing heads which would include pencils, pens, markers and the like. 
     Each fashioning head  354 ,  356  is designed to operate in a different manner. Fashioning head  354  is designed to move along the worm gear  358  as the turntable  328  rotates so that a spiral is formed by whatever instrument is arranged thereon. Fashioning head  356  is designed to stay in a fixed position on the frame  340  so that as the turntable  328  rotates, a circle is formed by whatever instrument is arranged in connection therewith. 
     Fashioning head  354  includes an instrument holder  368  which holds a cutting, embossing or scribing instrument  370  which is designed to contact the sheet material present on the turntable  328 , and a mounting section  372  connected to the instrument holder  368 . Mounting section  372  has a pair of flanges  374  with apertures through which the guide rod  346  passes such that the fashioning head  354  is pivotable about the guide rod  346  into an operative position in which the instrument  370  is in contact with the sheet material on the turntable  328  (see  FIG. 29 ) and a non-operative position in which the instrument  370  is separated from the sheet material on the turntable  328  (see  FIG. 32 ). 
     For use as a cutting head, the implement  370  may be a swivel knife which swivels to continuously place its cutting surface in the direction in which the knife is moving. Thus, as the fashioning head  354  moves and the turntable  328  rotates, the knife is moving commensurately to ensure that its cutting surface acts on the substrate placed on the turntable  328  to cleanly cut it. The knife also passes through the substrate into the self-healing material thereof which then “heals” to remove any trace of the cut caused by the knife. 
     The frame  340  is constructed so that the fashioning head  354  is positionable with the instrument  370  at an approximate centerpoint of the turntable  328 . This allows a spiral cut or line to start from or terminate at the center of a sheet of material placed onto the turntable  328 . Indeed, the centerpoint of the turntable  328  may be marked and aligned with the instrument  370  when the fashioning head  354  is positioned at its innermost position. 
     Mounting section  372  also includes one or more curvilinear or arcuate surfaces  376  which engage with the worm gear  358  when the fashioning head  354  is in its operative position (see  FIGS. 31 and 32 ) so that rotation of the worm gear  358  translates into sliding movement of the fashioning head  354  along the guide rod  346 . As the fashioning head  354  slides along the guide rod  346  and the turntable  328  rotates, the instrument  370  moves relative to the turntable  328  and a spiral cut or line is thereby formed. Conventional mechanisms for converting or translating rotation of a worm gear into linear movement of a member engaging therewith (i.e., the fashioning head  354  herein) and vice versa can also be used in the invention. 
     Worm gear  358  may be removably attached to the frame  340  to enable different worm gears to be used, each worm gear having a different pitch. Worm gears with different pitches will provide spirals having different pitches. A fine pitch, such as shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , will provide a narrow spiral while a coarse pitch of the worm gear, such as shown in  FIG. 31 , will provide a broad spiral. Alternatively, a worm gear can be constructed with both a narrow spiral and a broad spiral and whichever type of spiral is desired would be used, e.g., by re-positioning the fashioning head  354  along the desired spiral. 
     In the non-operative position of fashioning head  354 , the arcuate surfaces  376  are out of contact with the worm gear  358  (see  FIG. 32 ). This allows the fashioning head  354  to be moved axially along the guide rod  346 , and thus enables the starting point of the spiral cut or line to be freely selected. Lubrication can be provided to facilitate the sliding of the fashioning head  354  along the worm gear  358 . 
     Instrument holder  368  can be constructed such that the instrument  370  can be freely insertable into and movable from a slot formed therein. Alternatively, instrument holder  368  can be constructed such that instrument  70  may be retained therein using any conventional type of securing device, for example, arranging an adjustment screw to pass through the instrument holder  368  into a slot therein and into engagement with one side of the instrument  370  to press the instrument  370  against an opposite side of the slot. 
     Fashioning head  356  includes an instrument holder  378  which holds a cutting, embossing or scribing instrument  386  which is designed to contact the sheet material present on the turntable  328 , and a mounting section  380  connected to the instrument holder  378 . Mounting section  380  has a pair of flanges  382  with apertures through which the guide rod  346  passes such that the fashioning head  356  is pivotable about the guide rod  346  into an operative position in which the instrument  386  is in contact with the sheet material on the turntable  328  (see  FIGS. 29 and 32 ) and a non-operative position in which the instrument  386  is separated from the sheet material on the turntable  28  (see  FIG. 31 ). 
     Fashioning head  356  is slidable axially along the guide rod  346  when in the non-operative position and can then be placed into a plurality of different operative positions, each defined when a tab  384  extending from the instrument holder  378  is situated in one of the slots on wall  364 . This enables the fashioning head  356  to be positioned in different radial positions relative to the turntable  328  to thereby cause the instrument  386  arranged thereon to form a circular cut or line in a sheet of material on the turntable  328  having different diameters upon rotation of the turntable  328  relative to the instrument. 
     Instrument holder  378  can be constructed such that the instrument  386  can be freely insertable into and movable from a slot formed therein. Alternatively, instrument holder  378  can be constructed such that instrument  386  may be retained therein using any conventional type of securing device, for example, arranging an adjustment screw to pass through the instrument holder  378  into a slot therein and into engagement with one side of the instrument  386  to press the instrument  386  against an opposite side of the slot. 
     Power unit  332  includes a motor  388  mounted to the base  312 , a gear  390  engaging with the gear ring  338  and a switch  392  which causes rotation of the gear  390  (see  FIGS. 28 and 29 ). Switch  392  is arranged on an outer wall of the base  312 . In view of the engagement between gear  390  and gear ring  338 , when motor  388  is actuated causing rotation of gear  390 , turntable  328  is rotated. Electrical connections between the motor  388 , switch  392  and batteries housed in the battery compartment described above are also provided in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Alternative rotation mechanisms for rotating the gear  390  or for causing rotation of the turntable  328  with or without gear  390  and gear ring  338  are also envisioned to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, a cord can be housed in a compartment formed in the housing  310  and electrically connected to the motor  388  so that when the cord is removed from the housing  310  and plug into an outlet, electricity is thereby provided to the motor  388 . 
     Power unit  332  can be arranged to provide both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the turntable  328 , e.g., by providing switch  392  as a three-way switch. In this manner, the fashioning head  354  can be positioned anywhere along the worm gear  358  and either an inward spiral or an outward spiral formed depending on the direction of rotation of the turntable  328 . Thus, a spiral extending inward from the outer edge of the sheet of material can be formed as well as a spiral extending outward from the center of a sheet of material. Moreover, the start and end of the spiral can be freely selected by appropriate positioning of the fashioning head  354  along the worm gear  358  to provide intermediate spiral cuts or lines in the sheet of material. 
     Turntable  328  is supported during its rotation by roller  362 . Additionally, rotation of the turntable  328  can be stabilized by arranging one or more friction rings or rollers on the base  312  below the turntable  328  and against which the turntable  328  rests. The rollers above and below the turntable  328  aid in maintaining the turntable  328  substantially flat and prevent it from wobbling. By maintaining the turntable  328  flat, better cuts or lines are provided by fashioning device  322 . 
     Fashioning device  322  can be used to change the shape and/or form of sheet material depending on the instruments  370 ,  386  used in the fashioning heads  354 ,  356 , the number of fashioning heads as well as which fashioning heads are used. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , it is possible to form a spiral cut or line in sheet material on the turntable  328  using only fashioning head  354  (in which case fashioning head  356  is pivoted upward so that its instrument does not contact the sheet material on the turntable  328 ). It is also possible to form a circular cut or line in sheet material on the turntable  328  using only fashioning head  356  (in which case, fashioning head  354  is pivoted upward so that the arcuate surfaces  376  do not engage the worm gear  358 ). It is also possible to form both a spiral cut or line and a circular cut or line using both fashioning heads  354 ,  356  (in the condition shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 ). 
       FIGS. 31 and 32  show part of alternative actuating arms  330 A,  330 B each of which includes two fashioning heads  356 A,  356 B slidably mounted on guide rod  346  between mounting flanges  348 ,  350 , each similar in construction to fashioning head  356  described above. In this embodiment, it is possible to form a spiral cut or line in sheet material on the turntable  328  using only fashioning head  354  (in which case fashioning heads  356 A and  356 B are pivoted upward so that their instruments do not contact the sheet material on the turntable  328 ). It is also possible to form a single circular cut or line in sheet material on the turntable  328  using either fashioning head  356 A or  356 B (in which case, the other fashioning head  356 A or  356 B and fashioning head  354  are pivoted upward so that their instruments do not contact the sheet material). It is also possible to form a spiral cut or line and a pair of circular cuts or lines using fashioning heads  354 ,  356 A and  356 B (in the condition shown in  FIG. 31 ). It is also possible to form a pair of circular cuts or lines in sheet material on the turntable  328  using both fashioning heads  356 A and  356 B (in which case, fashioning head  354  is pivoted upward so that the arcuate surfaces  376  do not engage the worm gear  358 ) (this condition being shown in  FIG. 32 ). It is also possible to form both a spiral cut or line and a circular cut or line using fashioning head  354  and one of fashioning heads  356 A or  356 B (in which case the other fashioning head  356 A or  356 B is pivoted upward so that its instrument does not contact the sheet material). 
       FIG. 32  also shows a variation in the manner in which the fashioning heads  356 A and  356 B are fixed in position. Instead of providing a slotted wall  364  on frame  340  and tabs  384  on the instrument holders  378 , the mounting section  380  includes a transverse section  394  having an aperture and a locking screw  96  is threaded into the aperture and can pass through the aperture to press against the guide rod  346 . The fashioning heads  356 A,  356 B are movable along guide rod  346  by loosening the locking screw  396 , displacing the fashioning heads  356 A,  356 B and then tightening the locking screws  396  with the fashioning heads  356 A,  356 B at the desired locations. 
     In an exemplifying but non-limiting use of fashioning device  322  shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the housing  310  is first opened and the actuating arm  330  is released from engagement with the mounting bracket  326 B by pressing the catch  336  outward to release latching section  344 , and the actuating arm  330  is then pivoted upward. A piece of sheet material is placed onto the turntable  328  and the actuating arm  330  is pivoted downward until the latching section  344  snaps under catch  336 . 
     The fashioning head or heads  354 ,  356  to be used are determined and an instrument placed in each. Any fashioning head not being used may be pivoted to its non-operative position, but if it does not include an instrument, such pivoting is unnecessary. If fashioning head  354  is being used, it is pivoted upward and moved along the guide rod  346  until a desired end position of the instrument  370  is reached. This position may be gleaned by holding the instrument  370  slightly above the sheet of material. The fashioning head  354  is then pivoted downward so that the operative end of the instrument  370  contacts the sheet of material. If fashioning head  356  is being used, it is pivoted upward and moved along the guide rod  346  until a desired radial position of its instrument  386  is reached, i.e., a radial position at which a circular cut or line is to be formed. This position may be gleaned by holding the instrument  386  slightly above the sheet of material. The fashioning head  356  is then pivoted downward until a tab  384  is secured in a slot on wall  364  and so that the operative end of the instrument  386  contacts the sheet of material. 
     Formation of the spiral cut or line and/or circular cut or line via the operative instruments  370  and/or  386  of the fashioning heads  354  and/or  356  then begins by pressing the switch  392  on the housing  310  to actuate the motor  388  and cause rotation of the turntable  328  via engagement of gear  390  with gear ring  338 . The fashioning head(s)  354 ,  356  may be manually held down to increase the pressure being applied to cut, mark or emboss the sheet of material. When the spiral has reached the desired length and/or a complete circular cut or line is formed, the switch  392  is released and rotation of the turntable  328  stops. The actuating arm  330  is released from engagement with the mounting bracket  326 B and pivoted upward to enable removal of the fashioned or modified sheet of material. 
     To aid in maintaining the sheet material on the turntable  328 , it is possible to spray a small amount of commercially available tacking material, such as Krylon™, or a commercially available re-positionable spray (e.g., one made by 3M). This temporarily keeps the sheet material on the turntable  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 33-37 , a second embodiment of a fashioning device  400  in accordance with the invention is shown and is a variable adjustable spiral-making device in that it is capable of forming a spiral cut or line in a sheet of material. Formation of a line may be considered scribing or embossing the sheet of material. Formation of a cut or line depends on the type of stylus or instrument placed into a receiving slot in the fashioning device  400 , such that when a fixed or rotating cutting blade or pen knife is placed into the slot, a spiral cut is formed and when a pen, pencil or other writing instrument is placed into the slot, a spiral line is formed. Placing a blunt head embosser or other type of embossing instrument into the slot enables a spiral embossing to be formed on the sheet of material. 
     Fashioning device  400  includes a generally circular base plate  402  having a pair of mounting flanges  404 ,  406  opposite one another, a mounting bracket  408  arranged on mounting flange  404 , a gear housing  410  arranged on the other mounting flange  406  and an actuating arm  412  pivotally mounted to mounting flange  404 . Stiffening ribs  414  may be arranged on the upper surface of the base plate  402  to provide rigidity thereto. A mounting projection  416  is arranged in the center of the base plate  402  and defines an aperture  418  for receiving a cylindrical projection  420  formed on the underside of a substantially circular turntable  422 . The turntable  422  is constructed with a size enabling it to fit between the mounting bracket  408  and the gear housing  410 . Also, the turntable  422  may be dimensioned with the same diameter as the base plate  402 , e.g., about 12 inches. 
     The base plate  402 , the mounting flanges  404 ,  406 , the stiffening ribs  414  and the mounting projection  416  may be constructed as an integral turntable support unit, or alternatively, one or more of these components can be formed separately and then the components attached together to form a turntable support unit. The mounting bracket  408  and part of the gear housing  410  could also be formed integral with the base plate  402 , mounting flanges  404 ,  406 , stiffening ribs  414  and mounting projection  416 . Stiffening ribs  414  may extend radially as shown with either a uniform height or taper downward from the center of the base plate  402  toward the edges. 
     Turntable  422  may be made of the same materials as turntable  328  described above. The upper surface of the turntable  422  can be marked with dimensional markings and possibly provided with a grid-like appearance. 
     Actuating arm  412  has a latching member  424  at its free end which engages with a projection  426  formed on the gear housing  410 . When the actuating arm  412  is lowered from the position shown in  FIG. 35 , the latching member  424  passes over the projection  426  to thereby secure the actuating arm  412  in a secure position for cutting sheet material placed onto the turntable  422 . 
     Actuating arm  412  includes an elongate frame or support beam  428  having a mounting section  430  at the end of the actuating arm  412  pivotally connected to the mounting bracket  408  and a frame section  432  at the end of the actuating arm  412  which engages with the gear housing  410 . A pair of mounting flanges  434  is arranged on the beam  428 . A guide rod  436  extends between the mounting flanges  434  and a worm gear  438  is rotatably mounted at one end to a wall of the mounting section  430 . At its opposite end, worm gear  438  is rotatably fixed to or formed integral to a gear  440  arranged in the frame section  432  (see  FIG. 37 ). 
     Actuating arm  412  also includes an instrument holder or fashioning head  442  which holds a cutting, writing or embossing instrument  444  which is designed to contact the sheet material present on the turntable  422  (shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 33 ). Fashioning head  442  includes a retaining section or instrument holder  446  defining a slot  448  in which the instrument  444  is retained and a mounting section  450  including a pair of flanges  452  which rotatably mount the fashioning head  442  to the guide rod  436 . One or both flanges  452  includes a curvilinear or arcuate surface  454  which engages with the worm gear  438  so that rotation of the worm gear  438  translates into sliding movement of the fashioning head  442  along the guide rod  436 . Lubrication can be provided to facilitate the sliding of the fashioning head  442  along the worm gear  438 . Conventional mechanisms for converting or translating rotation of a worm gear into linear movement of a member engaging therewith (i.e., the fashioning head  442  herein) and vice versa can also be used in the invention. 
     The actuating arm  412  is constructed so that the instrument  444  can be positioned at an approximate centerpoint of the turntable  422 . This allows a spiral cut or line to start from or terminate at the center of a sheet of material placed onto the turntable  422  (depending on the direction of rotation of the turntable  422 ). The start and/or end of the spiral cut or line can be limited by locking members arranged on the actuating arm  412  (such as locking members used to set margins on automatic typewriters). Indeed, the centerpoint of the turntable  422  may be marked and aligned with the instrument  444  when the fashioning head  442  is positioned at its innermost position. 
     Instrument  444  can be freely insertable into and movable from the slot  448 . However, since it is important that the operative end of the instrument  444  be maintained in pressing contact with the turntable  422  during use of the device  400 , it should therefore be held down during use. Alternatively, instrument  444  may be retained in the fashioning head  442  using any conventional type of securing device, for example, arranging an adjustment screw to pass through the instrument holder  446  into the slot  448  therein and into engagement with one side of the instrument  444  to press the instrument  444  against an opposite side of the slot  448 . Another alternative is to provide a weighting ring which is arranged on the fashioning head  442  and through which the instrument  444  passes. The weighting ring is attached to the instrument  444 , e.g., via an adjustment screw, and thus its weight causes the instrument  444  to be maintained in a pressure-exerting position during use. 
     The fashioning head  442  can be pivoted upward about the guide rod  436  so that each flange  452  is removed from engagement with the worm gear  438 . This allows the fashioning head  442  to be moved axially along the guide rod  436 , and thus enables the starting point of the spiral cut or line formed by the instrument  444  arranged in connection therewith to be freely selected. 
     As the fashioning head  442  slides along the guide rod  436 , the instrument  444  moves relative to the turntable  422 . A spiral cut or line is formed as the turntable  422  rotates while the instrument  444  is rotating relative thereto. 
     To achieve the formation of a spiral in this manner, a gear arrangement  456  arranged in gear housing  410  connects the gear  440  associated with worm gear  438  to a rotatable disc  458  arranged between the turntable  422  and the base plate  402 . Gear arrangement  456  includes a gear  460  which projects upward from the gear housing  410  and is designed to engage gear  440  when the actuating arm  412  is pivoted into engagement with the gear housing  410 . Disc  458  is mounted on a shaft  462  and slides along the shaft  462 . Shaft  462  is rotatably mounted at one end to a support flange  464  attached to or formed integral with the base plate  402  and at the opposite end to a gear  466  arranged in the gear housing  410  and forming part of the gear arrangement  456 . Shaft  462  passes through an aperture in a wall of the gear housing  410  and then into engagement with gear  466 . Shaft  462  may be rotatably fixed to gear  466  or formed integral therewith. In view of friction between the disc  458  and the underside of the turntable  422 , disc  458  rotates as the turntable  422  is turned or the turntable  422  turns as the disc  458  rotates. This friction is facilitated by the presence of a rotatable friction ring  468  mounted on the gear housing  410  and tensioned to exert pressure downward against the turntable  422 . 
     Gear arrangement  456  converts the rotational movement of the shaft  462  into rotation of the worm gear  438  which translates into linear movement of the fashioning head  442  and vice versa. Thus, there are two ways to form a spiral cut or line, either by manually grasping and rotating the turntable  422 , thereby causing linear movement of the fashioning head  442  via the disc  458 , shaft  462 , gear arrangement  456 , gear  440  and worm gear  438 , or manually grasping the fashioning head  442  and moving the fashioning head  442  linearly along the worm gear  438  thereby causing rotation of the worm gear  438  and rotation of the turntable  422  via the gear  440 , gear arrangement  456 , shaft  462  and disc  458 . 
     Instead of requiring a manual force to form a spiral cut or line (either by manually turning the turntable  422  or sliding the fashioning head  442 ), the turntable  422  may be connected to a motor which causes rotation thereof when a switch is manually activated (as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 28-32 ). Rotation of the turntable  422  would cause rotation of the disc  458  leading to movement of the fashioning head  442  in the manner described above. Alternatively, a motorized fashioning head  442  may be provided, in which case, linear movement of the fashioning head  442  would cause rotation of the worm gear  438  and rotation of the turntable  422  in the manner described above. Alternatively, a motorized worm gear  438  may be provided, in which case, rotation of the worm gear  438  would cause movement of the fashioning head  442  and rotation of the turntable  422  in the manners described above. Yet another alternative would be to connect one of the gears in the gear arrangement  456  to a motor in which case, as this gear rotates, it would cause both rotation of the turntable  422  via the shaft  462 , gear arrangement  456  and disc  458  (and gear  466  if necessary) and rotation of the worm gear  438  (via gear  440 ) resulting in linear movement of the fashioning head  442 . 
     To enable adjustment of the pitch of a spiral formed by fashioning device  400 , the worm gear  438  can be designed to be removable from the actuating arm  412  and replaceable by different worm gears each having a different pitch. A fine pitch of the worm gear will provide a narrow spiral while a coarse pitch of the worm gear will provide a broad spiral. Alternative worm gear arrangements such as discussed above can be used here as well. 
     In an exemplifying but non-limiting use of fashioning device  400 , the actuating arm  412  is released from engagement with the gear housing  410  and pivoted upward into the position shown in  FIG. 37 . A piece of sheet material is placed onto the turntable  422  and the actuating arm  412  is pivoted downward until the latching member  424  snaps over the projection  426  on the gear housing  410 . The instrument  444  is placed into the slot  448  in the fashioning head  442  and the fashioning head  442  is pivoted upward about the guide rod  436  and moved along the guide rod  436  until a desired end position of the instrument  444  is reached. This position may be gleaned by holding the instrument  444  slightly above the sheet of material. The fashioning head  442  is then pivoted downward so that the operative end of the instrument  444  contacts the sheet of material. Formation of the spiral cut or line via the instrument  444  then begins either by manually holding and moving the fashioning head  442  along the guide rod  436  or manually grasping and turning the turntable  422 . When the spiral has reached the desired length, moving of the fashioning head  442  or turntable  422  is stopped. The actuating arm  412  is then pivoted upward and the sheet of material with the spiral cut or spiral line is removed. 
     To aid in maintaining the sheet material on the turntable  422 , it is possible to spray a small amount of commercially available tacking material or re-positioning spray. This temporarily keeps the sheet material on the turntable  422 . 
     Using the fashioning device  400  in accordance with the invention, it is possible to create a sheet of material having a circular inner area and a spiral cut or line extending outward therefrom, a sheet of material having a spiral cut or line extending inward from a circular edge to the center of the sheet of material, a sheet of material having a spiral cut or line extending inward from a circular edge to a circular inner area and a sheet of material entirely in the form of a spiral with a cut or line separately the convolutions. In combination with the ability to insert different instruments  444  into the fashioning head  442 , fashioning device  400  provides a wide range of paper-modifying capabilities. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 38 , another embodiment of a fashioning device in accordance with the invention is designated generally as  470  and enables the creation of perfect circles and rings of sheet material with varying widths. Fashioning device  470  includes a base  472 , a substantially circular turntable  474  rotatably mounted to base  472  and an actuating arm  476  pivotally mounted to the base  472 . Base  472  includes a base plate  478  having a pair of mounting flanges  480 ,  482  diametrically opposite one another, a mounting bracket  484  arranged on mounting flange  480 , a mounting bracket  486  arranged on mounting flange  482  and one or more support shoulders or members  488  elevated above the upper surface of the base plate  478  for supporting the turntable  474 . Actuating arm  476  is pivotally mounted to mounting bracket  484 . Support members  488  preferably each have smooth upper edges, e.g., curvilinear or arcuate upper edges, which provide minimal resistance to the movement of the turntable  474  thereover. By appropriately positioning the support members  488  in both the axial and radial directions, the turntable  474  can be adequately supported during its rotation without causing discernible resistance to its rotation. 
     Base plate  478  may have a similar construction as base plate  402  described above, e.g., include stiffening ribs and a mounting projection defining an aperture for receiving a cylindrical projection formed on the underside of the turntable  474 . Also, the base plate  478 , mounting flanges  480 ,  482 , mounting brackets  484 ,  486  and support members  488  may be constructed as an integral unit or, alternatively, one or more of these components can be formed separately and then the components attached together to form the base. 
     Turntable  474  may be made of the same materials as turntable  328  described above. The turntable  474  is constructed with a size enabling it to fit between the mounting brackets  484 ,  486  and optionally with the same diameter as the base plate  478 . 
     Actuating arm  476  has a latching member  490  at its free end which engages with a projection  492  formed on the mounting bracket  486 . In the position shown in  FIG. 38 , the latching member  490  passes over the projection  492  to thereby secure the actuating arm  476  in a position for cutting sheet material placed onto the turntable  474 . Alternative securing mechanisms for releasably yet reliably retaining the actuating arm  476  in engagement with mounting bracket  486  can also be used in the invention. 
     Actuating arm  476  includes an elongate support frame or beam  494  defining a channel  496  and a locking slot  498  communicating with the channel  496 . 
     Spring-action fashioning heads  500  are slidably mounted to the support beam  494  by inserting a mounting member  502  thereof into the channel  496 . Fashioning heads  500  also include a body  504  and an actuating instrument, in which case, a circular, rotatable cutting blade  506  attached to the body  504 . Cutting blades  506  extend beyond the lower surface of the fashioning heads  500 . Movement of the fashioning heads  500  along the support beam  494 , and the variable spacing between the fashioning heads  500 , allows for varying outer and inner diameters and varying widths of rings being formed using fashioning device  470 . It also allows for variable diameter circles capable of being formed using fashioning device  470 . 
     To lock the fashioning heads  500  in different positions along the support beam  494 , each fashioning head  500  includes a threaded locking screw  508  which passes through the slot  498 , through an aperture in the mounting member  502  into a threaded aperture in a projection  510  formed on the body  504 . A shock-absorbing tension spring  512  is interposed between the body  504  and the mounting member  502  and a washer  514  is interposed between the head of the screw  508  and the mounting member  502 . In view of the placement of the mounting member  502  in the channel  496  and resting on shoulders of the support beam  494  defining the channel  496 , tightening the screw  508  causes the body  504  to be secured to the support beam  494 . 
     The tension spring  512  also serves another purpose in that it presses the cutting blade  506  against the turntable  474  so that the cutting blade  506  can actually penetrate into the material of the turntable  474 , i.e., the self-healing material thereof, when it cuts the substrate placed on the turntable  474 . Tension springs  512  thereby continually exert a pressing force in a direction toward and against the turntable  474 . 
     Alternative mechanisms for removably attaching the fashioning heads  500  to the support beam  494  include providing an adjustment knob which has a threaded projection designed to pass through the slot  498 . This could replace both the locking screw  508  and washer  514 . Also, the fashioning heads  500  can be constructed so that the body  504  and mounting member  502  are maintained in connection with the support beam  494  without having the locking screw  508  engaged therewith. In this case, the assembly of the body  504  and mounting member  502  would be freely movable along the support beam  494  and can be locked in different positions by tightening the locking screw  506 . 
     Each cutting blade  506  may have a straight cutting edge to produce smooth-edged cuts or a curved or swiggled cutting edge to produce a wavy or undulating-edged cut. Cutting blades capable of producing other edged-cuts can also be used, e.g., a zig-zag cutting edge. Fashioning heads  500  are preferably designed to accommodate existing cutting blades for rotary cutters such as those made by Fiskars and Olfa Corporation. 
     Cutting blade  506  can be either fixed to the body  504 , in which case, to provide an alternative cutting blade would require removal of the either fashioning head and replacement with another fashioning head having the desired cutting blade, or removably attached to the body  504 , e.g., by a locking knob. 
     Instead of circular, rotatable cutting blades  506 , fixed cutting blades or swivel blades can be provided. Such fixed blades may be oriented either perpendicular or at an acute angle, e.g., 45°, to the sheet material. Swivel blades orient themselves in the direction of the cut, i.e., into the cutting direction. As the fashioning head  500  is positioned closer to the center of the turntable  474 , the use of swivel blades is more ideal since the use of rotary cutting blades is difficult. 
     In an exemplifying but non-limiting use of the fashioning device  470 , the actuating arm  476  is pivoted upward out of engagement with the mounting bracket  486  and the desired fashioning heads  500  is/are mounted to the support beam  494  (or the desired cutting blades  506  are mounted to the fashioning heads  500  if the cutting blades  506  are replaceable). The fashioning heads  500  are moved along the support beam  494  until they are in the desired radial position and then the locking screws  508  are tightened. A sheet of material to be cut is placed onto the turntable  474 . The actuating arm  476  is then pivoted downward so that the latching member  490  passes over the projection  492  on mounting bracket  486  and so that the cutting blades  506  contact the sheet of material. Formation of a ring then begins by manually grasping and turning the turntable  474 . During movement of the turntable  474 , the cutting blades  506  press the material into the turntable  474  and thereby cut the material. When the ring is complete, movement of the turntable  474  is stopped. The actuating arm  476  is then pivoted upward and the annular ring thus-formed is removed. 
     Additional uses of the fashioning device  470  with the same cutting blades  506  in different positions is possible by loosening the locking screws  508  while maintaining the fashioning heads  500  on the support beam  494 , sliding the fashioning heads  500  to the new, desired positions and then tightening the locking screws  508 . 
     Using the fashioning device  470  in accordance with the invention as shown in  FIG. 38 , it is possible to create an annular sheet of material with circular inner and outer edges. Such a sheet of material is useful for framing pictures in circular frames or floating frames. The edges of the sheet of material can be straight or wavy depending on the type of cutting blades  506  used. 
     Although  FIG. 38  shows two fashioning heads  500  arranged on the support beam  494 , it is possible to use only a single fashioning head. In this case, a circular cut would be formed in the sheet of material, depending on the type of cutting blade used. Moreover, it is possible to mount three, four or even more fashioning heads  500  on the support beam  494  at the same time. If three fashioning heads with cutting blades are used, two rings would be formed while if four fashioning heads with cutting blades are used, three concentric rings would be formed. 
     Additional variations to fashioning device  470  include the provision of a motor to rotate the turntable  474  or a mechanism for mechanically driving the turntable  474  through the application of tension thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 39 , fashioning device  516  is similar to fashioning device  470  and shows a scale  518  provided on the upper surface of the support beam  494 . This enables the relative position of the fashioning heads  500  to be determined. For example, the difference between the position of the fashioning heads  500  as determined by viewing the scale  518  corresponds essentially to the thickness of the annular piece of material being cut by the fashioning heads  500  so that if a certain thickness annular piece of material is desired, the fashioning heads  500  can be displaced a corresponding distance apart. Also, a zero point can be provided on the scale  518  so that the distance between the innermost fashioning head  500  and the center of the turntable  174  determined by viewing the scale  518 . This could correspond to the inner radius of the piece of material being cut by the fashioning head  500 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 39  are knobs  520  for locking the fashioning heads  500  on the actuating arm  476 . Rotating the knobs  520  in one direction causes loosening of the fashioning heads  500  and rotation in the opposite direction causes tightening of the fashioning heads  500 . To enable access to the knobs  500 , the ribs  522  on the actuating arm  476  are considerably smaller than those in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 38 . 
     In the embodiments of the fashioning devices described above, protective or safety features to cover cutting blades or knives when used as instruments are not shown. However, such safety and protective features are within the scope and spirit of the invention and may entail blade sheaths or blade covers as known to those skilled in the art. 
     Thus, as disclosed above, a general embodiment of a fashioning device for fashioning or modifying a substrate such as a sheet of material in accordance with the invention includes a base, a turntable rotatably arranged on the base for supporting the sheet of material, an actuating arm arranged above the turntable, and at least one fashioning head arranged on the actuating arm and including an instrument adapted to contact the sheet of material when supported by the turntable and which causes a change in the shape, form or design of the sheet of material during rotation of the turntable. Each fashioning head includes or removably receives an instrument which can cut the sheet of material, emboss the sheet of material or scribe or write on the sheet of material. By using various and different fashioning heads and instruments, different patterns of cuts and lines can be formed on the sheet of material during rotation of the turntable, including various spiral cuts and lines and circular cuts and lines and combinations thereof. 
     To rotate the turntable, a motor may be mounted to the base and a driving gear connected to an output thereof. A switch actuates the motor which is provided power by, e.g., batteries arranged in a compartment defined by the housing. A gear ring is arranged on the turntable and engages with the driving gear to thereby convey rotational force from the motor to the turntable. 
     Different forms of actuating arms are possible. In one form, the actuating arm includes a frame and a guide rod arranged thereon. Each fashioning head is movably arranged on the guide rod. The actuating arm also includes a rotatable worm gear arranged on the frame. One fashioning head engages with the worm gear such that upon rotation thereof, the fashioning head moves linearly along the guide rod to thereby form a spiral in the sheet of material during rotation of the turntable. 
     To form circles in the sheet of material, a fashioning head with a fixed radial position is provided. In one embodiment, the fashioning head includes a tab which extends alternatively into one of a plurality of slots in a slotted wall formed on the frame, each slot corresponding to a different radial position of the fashioning head. In another embodiment, the fashioning head includes a locking screw arranged to press against the guide rod to thereby enable the fashioning head to be selectively fixed in position on the guide rod. 
     The fashioning device may be portable by forming the base as one part of a portable housing with the other part being a cover hingedly connected to the base. The turntable, actuating arm and fashioning head(s) are arranged in an interior of the housing defined between the base and cover. A handle is provided on the housing to carry it, along with a securing mechanism for releasably securing the cover together with the base. The housing can include one or more compartments for storing batteries which are used to provide power to a motor which automatically turns the turntable, substrates for use by the fashioning device and different fashioning heads or instruments for use therewith. 
     In another embodiment, the base is a substantially planar base plate and the actuating arm includes a support beam, and a guide rod and rotatable worm gear arranged thereon. A fashioning head is movably arranged on the guide rod and engages with the worm gear such that upon rotation of the worm gear, it moves linearly along the guide rod to thereby form a spiral in the substrate during rotation of the turntable. To associate rotation of the turntable to rotation of the worm gear and thus linear movement of the fashioning head, the actuating arm includes a first gear coupled to the worm gear, a shaft is arranged below the turntable, a rotatable disc is arranged on the shaft and frictionally engages with the turntable, a second gear is coupled to the shaft and a gear arrangement connects the first and second gears. As such, manual or automatic rotation of the turntable is converted into linear movement of the fashioning head or manual linear movement of the fashioning head is converted into rotation of the turntable. 
     By switching the direction of rotation of the turntable, the direction of the spiral cut or line being formed can vary from a cut or line spirally inward to ward the center of the turntable or a spiral cut or line spirally outward toward the edge of the turntable. 
     In another embodiment of a fashioning device used primary for forming one or more circular lines or cuts in a sheet of material, each fashioning head can be fixed in a radial position during rotation of the turntable. To this end, the actuating arm includes a support beam defining an elongate channel and each fashioning head is slidably mounted to the support beam such that a mounting member thereof is slidable in the channel. Thus, a fashioning device for fashioning a substrate in accordance with this embodiment includes a base, a turntable rotatably arranged on the base for supporting the substrate, an actuating arm arranged above the turntable and including an elongate channel, and at least one fashioning head slidable along the channel and adapted to receive or retain an instrument which operatively contacts the substrate when supported by the turntable and which causes a change in the shape, form or design of the substrate during rotation of the turntable. A locking mechanism is provided to lock each fashioning head in a fixed position along the beam. Each fashioning head preferably includes a tension spring or other similar biasing mechanism for urging the instrument received or retained by the fashioning head against the turntable. The actuating arm is preferably mounted to extend across the turntable, the channel being arranged in the actuating arm to extend across a major portion of the turntable, or at least to enable the fashioning head(s) to be positioned at a range of different radial positions along the turntable. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 40-43 , another embodiment of a cutting device  530  in accordance with the invention is designed to have two different cutting configurations, one for right-handed individuals and the other for left-handed individuals. To this end, the body of the cutting device  530  includes a handle portion  532  and a cutting portion  534  defining a blade-receiving part  536 . A front part of blade-receiving part  536  constitutes a blade guard. Handle portion  532  is provided with a contour to conform to a person&#39;s hand, i.e., enable a person&#39;s fingers to be placed through an opening  538  in the handle portion  532 . 
     Cutting portion  534  includes a rotatable cutting blade  540  housed in the blade-receiving part  536  and a locking knob  542  to secure the cutting blade  540  in a cutting position while also enabling replacement thereof. 
     Cutting portion  534  is movable into two different positions relative to the handle portion  532 . One position is when the cutting device  530  is used by right-handed individuals. Another position is when the cutting device  530  is used by left-handed individuals. To enable alternating between use by a right-handed individual and use by a left-handed individual, the cutting portion  534  is designed to be pulled apart from the handle portion  532  and rotated 180 degrees and then brought into contact with the handle portion  532 . The 180 degree rotation causes the contour of the handle portion  532  to switch its orientation relative to the cutting blade  540 . 
     To provide for this alternating use, cutting portion  534  includes a mounting part  544  extending rearward from the blade-receiving portion  536 . Mounting part  544  includes a projection  546 , which may be cylindrical as shown, extending from a rear-facing surface  548  and a pair of seating pins  550 , one on each side of the cylindrical projection  546  (see  FIG. 42 ). Cylindrical projection  546  includes a flange  552  at an inner end arranged in an aperture  554  in the handle portion  532 . Seating pins  550  each have a smaller height than the cylindrical projection  546 . A spring  556  is arranged around the projection  546  and between the flange  552  and an inner surface of the handle portion  532  around the aperture  554  so that the spring  556  is maintained in the aperture  554 . Optionally, the inner end of the spring  556  can be attached to the inner end of the projection  546  in addition to or as an alternative to the formation of the flange  552 . The handle portion  532  also includes a pair of cavities  558  alongside the aperture  554  which accommodate the seating pins  550  (see  FIG. 42 ). Cavities  558  are opposite one another. 
     In use, spring  556  exerts a force against the flange  552  cause the projection  546  to be urged rearward into the aperture  544  so that the rear-facing surface  548  of the mounting part  544  of the cutting portion  534  is urged against the handle portion  532 . As a result, the seating pins  550  are retained in the cavities  558 . The cutting device  530  can be used as desired. When it is desired to switch the orientation of the cutting device, the cutting portion  534  is pulled outward away from the handle portion  532 , i.e., against the bias of the spring  556 , until the seating pins  550  are completely removed from the cavities  558 , the cutting portion  534  is then twisted sideways (see  FIG. 43 ) and rotated 180 degrees until the seating pins  550  again align with the cavities  558  (but each seating pin  550  will align with the opposite cavity  558 ). The cutting portion  534  is then released so that the spring  556  urges the cutting portion  534  against the handle portion  532 . 
     The side surfaces  560  of the mounting part  544  are preferably provided with a contour which accommodates the contour of the handle portion  532 . 
     In one variation, a single seating pin  550  can be provided, but still with two cavities  558 . Other mechanisms for facilitating position of the cutting portion  534  in the use positions relative to the handle portion  532  can also be provided without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The foregoing construction of the mechanism for enabling rotation of the cutting portion  534  relative to the handle portion  532  to provide for both right-handed and left-handed use can be applied to the other hand-held cutting devices disclosed herein. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the actuating arms in the illustrated embodiments of the fashioning devices are pivotably mounted at one end and removably latched to a mounting bracket at the opposite end. It is conceivable that an actuating arm can be constructed in accordance with the invention to be pivotably mounted at one end and also capable of being locked in a position above the turntable via structure arranged at that same end or elsewhere, but not necessarily at the opposite end of the actuating arm.