Method and apparatus for partially cutting a sheet, and sheet or strip obtained thereby

摘要

A cutting apparatus (1) is provided for cutting at least one sheet, for example in the form of a strip (8) into two or more partially joined pieces for example in the form of pads, which apparatus comprises support means (2) and cutting means (7). The support means or the cutting means or the support means and the cutting means are provided with at least one recess (4). In use, the strip (8) is positioned between the support means (2) and the cutting means (7) such that a force is applied to the strip (8) causing a portion thereof to be placed in the or each recess (4) and the strip (8) to be partially cut at the portion contained in the or each recess and to be wholly cut at a portion not contained in the or each recess. <??>The depth of the or each recess preferably lies in the range 50 to 100 mu m, and the width of the or each recess preferably lies in the range 0.5 to 1 mm. The or each recess preferably has a substantially rectangular cross section. The or each recess may be formed by a groove. The cutting means preferably cuts the strip in a direction substantially 90 DEG to the length of the strip. <IMAGE>