Abstract: A workpiece transfer assembly (10) for a press includes a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece (W) forming process. The assembly (10) includes a shaft (14) having a distal end (34) for supporting the transfer bar (12). The distal end (34) of the shaft (14) has a bore (35) for receiving a pin (36) which also extends through the transfer bar (12) for securing the transfer bar (12) to the shaft (14) in a locking position. A spring (52) interconnects the end of the shaft (14) and the pin for retaining.

Abstract: A base extension assembly (20) for a Christmas tree stand (10) includes a platform (22) upon which the tree stand (10) is anchored by way of cantilever fingers (42). The cantilever fingers (42) are secured to the platform (22) by a screw (52), and prevented from rotating by a locking nub (46) which is seated in a depression (50) in the platform (22). The platform (22) can be broken down into two segments (56) for compact storage and shipment of the assembly (20). The segments (56) are joined together in an operational condition by a series of connector plates (60) with accompanying screws (62) beneath the platform (22). Additionally, an array of nut and bolt combinations (60) secure opposing end flanges (64) to help hold the segments (56) together. A bridge bar (70) spans the interior of each segment (56) to maintain structural integrity. An array of support ribs further enhance structural rigidity.

Abstract: A rotating stand assembly (10) for a stemmed article such as a Christmas tree (24) or a merchandise display rack includes a base (12), a spindle (18), bearings (36, 38) interconnecting the base (12) and the spindle (18). An electric motor (46) drives the spindle (18) through a gear train. A clutch (58) automatically disconnects the motor (46) from the spindle (18) in response to a predetermined force applied to the spindle. The clutch (58) includes a compression spring (78) for establishing the predetermined force required to disconnect the motor (46) from the spindle (18). Snap-fit outlets (86) are located in a top cover (32) of the spindle (18). The outlets (86) are electrically connected to contact rings (90, 92) without solder. A limit switch (84) can provide and audible warning that there is an obstruction to normal operation. A live tree adapter (106) is placed into the spindle (18) to accommodate a live Christmas tree (24).

Abstract: An assembly (10) for holding a tree (12) in an upright position above a level surface (14) includes a base (22) for supporting the tree (12). A rim (24) holds a quantity of water (20) on the base (22) and in contact with the tree's trunk end (16). Four retainer pins (60) hold the trunk end (16) centrally on the base means (22). A back-up retainer (32) limits trunk end (16) sliding or twisting while allowing the quantity of water (20) to flow to the trunk end (16). Guy elements (28) engage the trunk (18) of the tree at an elevated position above the trunk's end (16) and resist tree-tipping forces. Clamps (30), disposed at spaced locations around the rim (24), hold the guy elements (28) to the rim (24). Each clamp (30) has a lever arm (118) that adjustably and releasably clamps the guy elements (28) to the base (22) as the lever arm (118) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).

Abstract: A plastic stand assembly (10) is provided for supporting an upright pole (12) such as used with artificial Christmas trees, merchandise display stands or the like. A substantially circular domed body includes an annular flange (20) forming a bearing surface (18). A receptacle (34) is formed in the body and includes a multi-sectioned conically tapering side wall terminating at a bottom (36). A collet (44) surrounds the pole (17) and is wedged into the receptacle (34) to hold the pole (12) in a vertical position. The collet (44) includes an annular neck (46) and four wedge-shaped grippers (48) which extend in cantilever fashion from the neck (46). Screws (48) pass through ears (64) in the collet (44) and thread into sockets (70) in the body to hold the collet (44) tightly wedged into the receptacle (34). A plurality of radial (30) and circumferential (32) ribs are located on the underside of the body for structural rigidity.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for holding a tree (12) in an upright position above a level surface (14) includes a base (22) for supporting the tree (12). A rim (24) holds a quantity of water (20) on the base (22) and in contact with the tree's trunk end (16). Four retainer pins (60) hold the trunk end (16) centrally on the base means (22). A back-up retainer (32) limits trunk end (16) sliding or twisting while allowing the quantity of water (20) to flow to the trunk end (16). Guy elements (28) engage the trunk (18) of the tree at an elevated position above the trunk's end (16) and resist tree-tipping forces. Clamps (30), disposed at spaced locations around the rim (24), hold the guy elements (28) to the rim (24). Each clamp (30) has a lever arm (118) that adjustably and releasably clamps the guy elements ( 28) to the base (22) as the lever arm (18) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).

Abstract: An assembly (10) for holding a tree (12) in an upright position above a level surface (14) includes a base (22) for supporting the tree (12). A rim (24) holds a quantity of water (20) on the base (22) and in contact with the tree's trunk end (16). Four retainer pins (60) hold the trunk end (16) centrally on the base means (22). A back-up retainer (32) limits trunk end (16) sliding or twisting while allowing the quantity of water (20) to flow to the trunk end (16). Guy elements (28) engage the trunk (18) of the tree at an elevated position above the trunk's end (16) and resist tree-tipping forces. Clamps (30), disposed at spaced locations around the rim (24), hold the guy elements (28) to the rim (24). Each clamp (30) has a lever arm (118) that adjustably and releasably clamps the guy elements ( 28) to the base (22) as the lever arm (118) is pivoted between engaged (A) and disengaged (B) positions. A reservoir fence (176) prevents objects, such as tree skirts from contacting the water (20).

Abstract: A stamping press (22, 22') includes an transfer mechanism (24, 24') for moving workpieces through progressive die stations. Two embodiments of a support structure (26, 26') are disclosed for supporting the transfer mechanism (24, 24') adjacent the press (22, 22'). Both embodiments of the support structure (26, 26') include a first screw shaft (34, 34') and a second screw shaft (38, 38') which fasten the transfer mechanism (24, 24') to the press (22, 22') in an operative position. The first screw shaft (34, 34') includes a first locking screw (40, 40') and the second screw shaft (38, 38') includes a second locking screw (54, 54') for retaining the respective first (34, 34') and second (38, 38') screw shaft in an unfastened condition to allow movement of the transfer mechanism (24, 24') from the operative position.

Abstract: A method of blanking workparts includes advancing the strip 26, 126 in a zig-zag fashion to a stationary blanking station 14, 114 disposed along axis A from which successive workparts are blanked from the strip 26, 126 and transferred along the axis A to successive forming stations 16, 18, 20, 22 by a transfer mechanism 28.

Abstract: A tree stand device (10) comprises a cup-shaped receptacle (12) including an upwardly standing peripheral wall (16), a skirt (18) disposed about the exterior of the receptacle (12) and a base (22) extending downwardly and outwardly from the skirt (18). The base (22) comprises a first annular wall (24) extending radially from the skirt (18), and a second annular surface (26) having an inverted frustum shape extending outwardly from the radial outward edge of the first wall (24). A leg (28) extends downwardly from the radial outward edge of the second surface (26) and includes a an annular foot (30) extending about the periphery. The device (10) includes a plurality of secondary ribs (38) between the leg (28) and the second surface (26) equally spaced about the periphery of the base (22). A plurality of primary strengthening ribs (36) extend radially inwardly from the leg (28) between adjacent secondary ribs (38) and into the first wall (24).

Abstract: A mailbox support post assembly (13) comprising an elongated hollow member (15) consisting of two identical parts (20, 22), each part (20, 22) having a cross-section characterized by a bulged central portion (24, 26) and flanges (28, 30 and 32, 34) extending from each side of the bulged central portion (24, 26). A mailbox support portion (40, 42) extending outwardly and upwardly from the elongated hollow member (15) for receiving a mailbox. An anchor shaft (70) may be clamped between the bulged central portions (24, 26).

Abstract: A workpiece transfer apparatus (10) for a punch press (12) including a first jaw (80) for engaging one side of workpieces (16) progressively forming die stations, and a second jaw (82) for engaging the other side of the workpieces (16). The reciprocating motion of the press ram (14) oscillates a first (34) and a second (36) rocker arm in unison. The first rocker arm (34) is connected to the first jaw (80) through a first clutch (26) and the second rocker arm (36) is connected to the second jaw (82) through a second clutch (28). As the rocker arms (34, 36) oscillate, they drive the jaws (80, 82) longitudinally of the die stations to progressively index the workpieces (16) from one die station to the next.

Abstract: A tree stand (10) comprises a cup-shaped receptacle (12) including an upwardly extending peripheral wall (18), a skirt (20) disposed about the exterior of the receptacle (12), and a base (14) extending outwardly from the skirt (20). The angle between the peripheral wall (18) and the skirt (20) is relatively small so that the bolts (24) extending through the skirt (20) and the receptacle (12) can be arranged in vertically spaced pairs.

Abstract: A transfer assembly (10) for carrying workpieces (W) to subsequent forming stations in a punch press (12) is disclosed. The reciprocation of a press ram (14) actuates a plate cam (50) having a curvilinear slot (52) disposed therein to arcuately displace a rocker arm (34). The rocker arm (34) linearly drives an input rack (42) having a series of gear teeth extending therealong. The gear teeth of the input rack (42) engage and rotate an input gear (44) integrally connected to an output gear (46) having a pitch circle diameter larger than that of the input gear (44). An output rack (40) having a plurality of gear teeth extending therealong engages the output gear (46) for moving a workpiece engaging jaw (18) longitudinally of the work stations a greater distance than the input rack (42) is moved.

Abstract: A workpiece (W) transfer assembly (10) is provided for a progressive die type punch press. The assembly (10) includes a first crank bar (28) driven to oscillate about a first rock shaft (24) by the press ram, and a second crank bar (36) driven to oscillate about a second rock shaft (32) by the press ram. A horizontal linkage (40) extends between the first crank bar (28) and a workpiece engaging jaw (18). A vertical linkage (42) extends between the second crank bar (36) and the horizontal linkage (40). A linear bearing (48) interconnects the vertical linkage (42) and the horizontal linkage (40). A plate (44) having a vertically elongated slot (46) disposed therein is attached to the horizontal linkage (40). The first crank bar (28) extends through the slot (48) and thereby imparts motion to the jaw (18).

Abstract: A clutch for mechanically and electrically disconnecting the servo drive of a reciprocable transfer mechanism comprises a housing having bores for the acceptance of a reciprocable piston and a transfer bar, respectively, said piston having a roller and said transfer bar having a groove for the acceptance thereof, and resilient means normally biasing the roller on said piston into the groove on said transfer bar whereby movement of said housing normally effects like movement of said transfer bar, movement of said roller out of the groove in said transfer bar effecting simultaneous mechanical disconnect of said servo drive and opening of a switch to effect electrical disconnect of said servo drive.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring workpieces progressively from station to station in a press by means of mechanical linkages actuated by the press ram. The linkages are uniquely configured and constructed to provide substantially unobstructed access to the stations. A clutch mechanism is provided that resiliently disconnects the linkages in the face of a predetermined resistance in order to prevent damage in the event of the jamming of a workpiece. At least one of the linkages is constructed as a unitized assembly for ease of installation. Brake means and lift and carry features may also be included in the transfer device.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring workpieces progressively from station to station in a press by means of mechanical linkages actuated by the press ram. The linkages have a brake mechanism strategically located and uniquely operative to prevent destructive vibrations that otherwise occur particularly during high speed operation of the press. The device has the further optional capability of lifting and carrying all or selected workpieces during the transfer operation.

Abstract: A workpiece (W) transfer assembly (10) is provided for a progressive die type punch press. The assembly (10) includes a first crank bar (28) driven to oscillate about a first rock shaft (24) by the press ram, and a second crank bar (36) driven to oscillate about a second rock shaft (32) by the press ram. A horizontal linkage (40) extends between the first crank bar (28) and a workpiece engaging jaw (18). A vertical linkage (42) extends between the second crank bar (36) and the horizontal linkage (40). A linear bearing (48) interconnects the vertical linkage (42) and the horizontal linkage (40). A plate (44) having a vertically elongated slot (46) disposed therein is attached to the horizontal linkage (40). The first crank bar (28) extends through the slot .[.(48).]. (.Iadd.46) .Iaddend.and thereby imparts motion to the jaw (18).