Patent ID: 8869408

Claim:
A cutting and piercing apparatus comprising: a first arm having a first side and a second side that define a thickness of the first arm; a second arm operable in conjunction with the first arm and having a first side and a second side that define a thickness of the second arm; a first blade comprising an edge, wherein the edge has a first end, a second end and a central portion; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm partially encloses the first blade at the first end and the second end in a manner that exposes the central portion of the edge of the first blade, and wherein portions of the at least one of the first arm and the second arm partially enclosing the first end and the second end project beyond the central portion; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a cutting surface that is juxtaposable against the central portion of the edge of the first blade; and wherein the first arm comprises: a first cutout at least partially enclosing a second blade disposed between the first and second sides that define the thickness of the first arm; and a piercer configured to pierce a workpiece, and disposed at a periphery of the first arm.