Abstract: A blanking tool includes a lower blanking frame and a receiver tool. The lower blanking frame includes running rails and cross rails. A first cross rail extends substantially perpendicular to the first running rail and coupled to first and second running rails. A second cross rail is disposed substantially parallel to the first cross rail and coupled to the first and second running rails. The receiver tool includes receiver rails mounting assemblies. A first receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the first running rail. A second receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the second running rail. The second receiver rail is coupled to the second mounting assembly that is further operably coupled to the first frame member, and is further disposed on the second frame member. The mounting assemblies slide along the slot relative to one another when the mounting assemblies have an unlocked operational position.

Abstract: A grid bending machine is provided for bending a workpiece. The machine includes first and second guides having inner surfaces defining a cavity therebetween. A stationary anvil is mounted to the first and second guides. A first die is releaseably connected to the stationary anvil. A body is disposed in the cavity and is movable between a first position release position and a second bending position. A second die is releaseably connected to the body and is aligned with the first die. The second die is axially spaced from the first die with the body in the release position and is adjacent the first die with the body in the bending position.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided for supporting a plurality of tools for use in a folder gluer machine. The clamping mechanism includes first and second clamps. Each clamp defines a corresponding clamping cavity for receiving a tool therein. Each clamp is movable between a release position wherein the clamping cavity has a first configuration and a clamping position wherein the clamping cavity has a second configuration. A clamping structure is operatively connected to the first and second clamps. The clamping structure sequentially moves the first and second clamps to their clamping positions.

Abstract: A presser assembly is provided for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member and a channel extending along an axis. The channel has an opening directed towards the support member and is movable between a first retracted position wherein the channel is adjacent to the support member and a second extended position. A mounting structure extends between the support member and the channel. The mounting structure has a first end operatively connected to the support member and a second end. A clamping mechanism selectively clamps the second end of the mounting structure to the channel at a user selected axial location.

Abstract: A rail assembly is provided for supporting a blanking tool insert on an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a die cutting machine. The rail assembly includes an elongated insert receiving structure for receiving a portion of the blanking tool insert. A plate member is interconnected to the outer frame and a clamping structure is operatively connected to the plate member. The clamping structure is movable between a clamping position for rigidly retaining a portion of the insert receiving structure against the plate member and a release position.

Abstract: A jogger is provided for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheet supported on inner grid mounted to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The jogger includes a plate member defining inner and outer faces. The plate member having a recess formed therein and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jogger element is positioned within the recess and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A fastening element extends through the bore through the plate member and is receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.

Abstract: A flush mounted presser assembly for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member having an upper surface which defines a substantially horizontal plane, a presser movable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support member between a first extended position spaced from the support member beneath the horizontal plane and a second retracted position also beneath the horizontal plane of the support member, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the presser to the support member wherein the mounting arrangement is disposed flush with or below the horizontal plane of the support member so that none of its components extend or project above the horizontal plane of the support member. The mounting arrangement comprises a base mounted on the support, a linkage assembly interconnecting the base and presser, and a spring for biasing the linkage assembly and presser toward its first extended position away from the support member.

Abstract: A bracket for properly locating a lower blanking tool with respect to a pull-out frame during a blanking operation in a carton die cutting machine. The bracket is mounted on the inner side of a side rail for the lower blanking tool and includes a projecting spring member releasably engageable within a groove formed in the top side of a corresponding cross rail of the pull-out frame. The bracket also includes a projecting datum member engageable with the inner side of the pull-out frame's cross rail to aid in positioning the lower blanking tool on the pull-out frame.

Abstract: A flush mounted presser assembly for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member having an upper surface which defines a substantially horizontal plane, a presser movable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support member between a first extended position spaced from the support member beneath the horizontal plane and a second retracted position also beneath the horizontal plane of the support member, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the presser to the support member wherein the mounting arrangement is disposed flush with or below the horizontal plane of the support member so that none of its components extend or project above the horizontal plane of the support member. The mounting arrangement comprises a base mounted on the support, a linkage assembly interconnecting the base and presser, and a spring for biasing the linkage assembly and presser toward its first extended position away from the support member.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending bars, and a plurality of clamp devices attaching the bars to the outer frame. Each clamp device includes an upright plate member in which is formed a substantially U-shaped upper cavity. A wedge is disposed within the cavity for sliding movement between clamped and released positions to rigidly hold the ends of the bars of the inner grid to the outer frame. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp has an upper and lower cavity together with upper and lower wedges which are simultaneously moved between clamped and released positions.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending bars, and a plurality of clamp devices attaching the bars to the outer frame. Each clamp device includes an upright plate member in which is formed a substantially U-shaped upper cavity. A wedge is disposed within the cavity for sliding movement between clamped and released positions to rigidly hold the ends of the bars of the inner grid to the outer frame. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp has an upper and lower cavity together with upper and lower wedges which are simultaneously moved between clamped and released positions.

Abstract: A jogger is provided for aligning carton blanks die cut from a sheet supported on inner grid mounted to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The jogger includes a plate member defining inner and outer faces. The plate member having a recess formed therein and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jogger element is positioned within the recess and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A fastening element extends through the bore through the plate member and is receivable in a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes a rigid outer frame, an inner grid comprised of a plurality of lengthwise and crosswise extending bars, and a plurality of clamp devices attaching the bars to the outer frame. Each clamp device includes an upright plate member in which is formed a substantially U-shaped upper cavity. A wedge is disposed within the cavity for sliding movement between clamped and released positions to rigidly hold the ends of the bars of the inner grid to the outer frame. In an alternate embodiment, the clamp has an upper and lower cavity together with upper and lower wedges which are simultaneously moved between clamped and released positions.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes an outer frame comprised of a pair of opposite longitudinally extending side rails and a pair of opposite cross rails extending crosswise between the side rails. Each of the cross rails has a T-shaped slot formed therein opening to its inner surface, and each of the side rails have a T-shaped slot formed therein opening to its upper surface. Each slot extends downwardly at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A plurality of corner pieces rigidly interconnect the rails together with fasteners extending into the T-shaped slots of adjacent side and cross rails so that when tightened, the corner pieces function like clamps to rigidly interconnect the rails together.

Abstract: A panel connection device is provided for attaching a panel of an inner grid to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The panel connection device includes a plate member defining inner and outer faces. The plate member has a recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the panel and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A clamping structure extends into the recess in the plate member for retaining a portion of the panel therein. A fastening element extends through the bore in the plate member into a corresponding slot in the outer frame to interconnect the plate member to the outer frame.

Abstract: A stiffening rail support is provided for attaching a stiffening rail to an outer frame for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine to discourage the flexing thereof. The stiffening rail support includes a clamping piece defining a vertically extending inner face, an opposite vertically extending outer face, and a bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A jaw element is operatively connected to the clamp piece so as to define a clamp cavity therebetween. The jaw element is movable between a clamping position for retaining a portion of the stiffening rail in the clamp cavity and a release position.

Abstract: A clamp piece is provided for interconnecting an inner grid to an outer frame of a frame assembly of a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The clamp piece includes a plate member having inner and outer faces and a cavity formed therein for receiving a portion of the bar that makes up the inner grid. A bore extends between the inner face and the outer face of the plate member along an axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A screw extends through the bore and into the outer frame to interconnect the clamp piece to the outer frame. A clamping structure is positioned within the cavity and is movable between a clamping position for retaining the portion of the bar in the cavity of the plate member and a release position.