Spot press device

Abstract

A spot press device for supporting carton blanking scrap is provided, the spot press device including an intermediate plunger telescopically received in a housing and a press plunger telescopically received in the intermediate plunger, a first spring biasing the intermediate plunger toward its extended position, and a second spring biasing the press plunger toward its extended position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to blanking processes and, more particularly, to a spot presser assembly for supporting carton blanking scrap during the blanking process. [Background technology]

[0002] In carton manufacturing, small sheets of paper material having specific shapes are cut from larger sheets of paper material. These small sheets, called carton blanks, are subsequently formed into cartons and / or boxes. The blanks are formed in a die-cutting machine during a process called blanking. More specifically, in the die-cutting machine, the blanks are cut from, but not removed from, the larger sheet of paper material. After the blanks are cut, they are moved downstream from the die-cutting machine to a blanking station where they are placed on a supporting frame. The frame has a large opening whose size, shape, and location correspond to the shape of the previously cut carton blank. A mechanism is provided below the frame for stacking the carton blanks.

[0003] In a blanking station, an upper tool is used in combination with a lower tool or frame to punch carton blanks from a sheet of paper material while holding scrap material around the blank. The upper tool includes a support plate that moves vertically up and down within the die-cutting machine. The support plate typically has a plurality of standoffs extending downward therefrom that hold pushers spaced below the support plate. The pushers are used to push the carton blanks from the sheet through the lower tool or frame. The support plate may also be fitted with a plurality of press devices extending downward therefrom to hold the scrap material against the lower tool or frame during the blanking process, thereby forcing the blanks from the sheet. The press devices typically include engaging members, such as press rails or legs, that are spring-biased downward from the support plate and positioned slightly below the pushers. When the upper tool descends, the engaging members first engage the sheet of paper material, securing a large scrap portion of the sheet material between the engaging members and the frame. The upper tool then continues to lower and the pushers engage the carton blanks and push them out of the sheet material, after which the carton blanks drop into a stacking mechanism below the frame where the blanks are stacked for further processing.

[0004] To securely hold the carton blanking scrap, the engaging member is connected to the support plate by a plurality of guide cylinders. Each guide cylinder urges the engaging member downward away from the support plate. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,766,123 to Oetlinger discloses a presser assembly for supporting carton blanking scrap during the blanking process. The presser assembly includes a press rail having a first end attached to a guide cylinder and a second end attached to a second guide cylinder, each end of the press rail being vertically movable independently of the opposite end. This prevents jamming of the press assembly during the blanking process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] While the press disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,766,123 functions as intended, it should be noted that it suffers from several drawbacks. For example, the guide cylinder is mounted to the support plate such that its upper end projects upward from the support plate. However, it is desirable to eliminate components that project above the support plate and instead provide a flush-mounted press for at least two reasons. First, an upper tool with a flush-mounted press takes up less space during tool storage. This is particularly advantageous in locations where storage space is limited. Second, many die-cutting machines are configured so that the upper tool slides into the machine's blanking station. Components that project above the support plate could interfere with this sliding action. Therefore, using a flush-mounted press in such systems is preferred.

[0006] Furthermore, the guide cylinder of the press disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,766,123 includes a single spring disposed around the stem and engaging a bushing in the housing of the guide cylinder to bias the engaging member rail away from the support plate. During the blanking process, the compressive force on the spring often exceeds the spring's elastic limit. As a result, over time, the spring in the guide cylinder of the press deforms and wears, thereby causing failure of the spring and ultimately the press. Therefore, there is a strong need to provide a press that is more durable than conventional presses and can withstand more blanking processes.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a spot press apparatus that is more durable than conventional press apparatus and can withstand long blanking operations.

[0008] Another principal object and feature of the present invention is to provide a spot press apparatus with engaging members that securely hold carton blanking scrap during the blanking process.

[0009] Yet another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a spot press apparatus that is easy to assemble and mount to a standard support member of a blanking tool apparatus.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a spot press device for supporting carton blanking scrap. The spot press device includes a housing having a cavity formed therein. The housing has a closed end and an open end communicating with the cavity. An intermediate plunger is telescopically received within the housing. The intermediate plunger has a passageway therethrough and is slidable between a first retracted position in which the intermediate plunger is at least substantially received within the cavity within the housing and an extended position in which the intermediate plunger protrudes from the open end of the housing. A press plunger is telescopically received within the passageway of the intermediate plunger. The press plunger is slidable between a retracted position in which the press plunger is at least substantially received within the passageway of the intermediate plunger and an extended position in which the press plunger protrudes from the passageway of the intermediate plunger. A first biasing structure biases the intermediate plunger toward the extended position. A second biasing structure biases the press plunger toward the extended position.

[0011] The legs may be operably connected to the press plunger. The first and second biasing structures may include springs. The spring of the first biasing structure has a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end operably engaging the intermediate plunger. The spring of the second biasing structure has a first end operably engaging the intermediate plunger and a second end operably engaging the press plunger. The springs of the first and second biasing structures are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in their retracted positions.

[0012] The housing has an inner surface defining a cavity, and the intermediate plunger has an outer surface forming a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing. One of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between a retracted position and an extended position. The intermediate plunger has an inner surface defining a passageway. The press plunger has an outer surface forming a slidable interface with the inner surface of the intermediate plunger. One of the inner surface of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a press device for supporting carton blanking scrap is provided. The housing has an inner surface defining a cavity, a closed end, and an open end communicating with the cavity. The intermediate plunger is telescopically received within the cavity of the housing and is movable between a first retracted position in which the intermediate plunger is at least substantially received within the cavity of the housing and an extended position in which the intermediate plunger protrudes from the open end of the housing. The intermediate plunger has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that form a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a passage extending through the intermediate plunger. The outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall define a spring-receiving cavity. The press plunger is telescopically received within the passage of the intermediate plunger. The press plunger is slidable between a retracted position in which the press plunger is at least substantially received within the passage of the intermediate plunger and an extended position in which the press plunger protrudes from the passage of the intermediate plunger. The first spring has a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end received within the spring receiving cavity. The first spring biases the intermediate plunger toward the extended position. The second spring has a first end operably engaging the intermediate plunger and a second end operably engaging the press plunger. The second spring biases the press plunger toward the extended position.

[0014] The leg may be operably connected to the press plunger. The first and second springs are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in the retracted position. One of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the outer wall of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. One of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spot press device for supporting carton blanking scrap. The spot press device includes a housing and an intermediate plunger telescopically accommodated within the housing. The intermediate plunger is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The press plunger is telescopically accommodated within the intermediate plunger. The press plunger is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A first biasing structure biases the intermediate plunger toward the extended position, and a second biasing structure biases the press plunger toward the extended position. The first and second biasing structures are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in the retracted and extended positions.

[0016] The housing has an inner surface defining a cavity, a closed end, and an open end communicating with the cavity. The intermediate plunger is receivable within the cavity of the housing. The intermediate plunger has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that form a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a passage extending through the intermediate plunger. The outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall define a spring-receiving cavity. The first biasing structure includes a spring having a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end received within the spring-receiving cavity. The second biasing structure includes a spring having a first end operably engaging the intermediate plunger and a second end operably engaging the press plunger.

[0017] One of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the outer wall of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove. The guide and guide groove are configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between the retracted position and the extended position. The leg may be operably connected to the press plunger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and clearly disclose the above-mentioned advantages and features, as well as other advantages and features that can be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a spot press device according to the present invention shown in an extended position; FIG. [Figure 2]2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spot press device of the present invention in an extended position along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a spot pressing device according to the present invention, similar to FIG. 2, showing the pressing device in a retracted position. [Figure 4] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a spot pressing device according to the present invention, similar to FIG. 2, in which the spot pressing device is mounted on a support member. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a spot press device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is an exploded perspective view similar to FIG. 5, showing a spot press device according to the present invention in vertical section. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the spot press device according to the present invention taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring to Figure 1, a spot press apparatus according to the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. As best seen in Figure 4, press apparatus 10 is secured to a flat, planar support member or board 12, typically constructed of wood such as plywood. The dimensions of support member 12 will vary depending on the size of the sheets of paper material with which it is used and the shape of the carton blank being produced, as is well known to those skilled in the art. As is conventional, support member 12 moves vertically during the blanking process.

[0021] The support member 12 is defined by a flat upper surface 14 and a flat lower surface 16 extending in corresponding substantially horizontal planes. The support member 12 has a bore 18 extending along an axis perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces 14 and 16, respectively. The bore 18 is defined by a generally cylindrical inner surface 19 that intersects the upper and lower surfaces 14 and 16 at corresponding edges 21 and 23, respectively. The edges 21 and 23 are generally circular in shape. The bore 18 has a diameter large enough to accommodate a housing 20 of the press 10, as described below. Threaded holes 22 and 24 also extend through the support member 12 between the upper and lower surfaces 14 and 16, respectively. The threaded holes 22 and 24 are located on opposite sides of the bore 18 and are adapted to receive, in fastening relation, the shafts 26 of corresponding bolts 64 to interconnect the housing 20 to the support member 12, for reasons described below.

[0022] 1-5, press apparatus 10 includes a housing 20 that can be attached to support member 12. Housing 20 may be configured as a single, integral unit or as two separate members 20a, 20b interconnected to form a single unit. By way of example, housing member 20a includes a generally cylindrical wall 28 that defines a generally cylindrical inner surface 30, a generally cylindrical outer surface 27, and first and second ends 29, 32. Inner surface 30 of cylindrical wall 28 of housing member 20a defines a cavity 66 within housing 20 and includes first and second axially extending, circumferentially spaced V-shaped grooves 35a, 35b, respectively, between first end 29 and second end 32 of cylindrical wall 28, for reasons described below. The outer diameter of cylindrical wall 28 is approximately the same as the diameter of bore 18 in support member 12, thereby allowing bore 18 to receive housing 20 of press apparatus 10 therein (FIG. 4). A plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 33 extend through cylindrical wall 28 for reasons that will be described below.

[0023] A shoulder 40 extends outwardly from the outer surface 34 of the housing member 20a and includes a first arm 42 and a second arm 44 interconnected by a neck 46 that extends around the outer surface 34. The first arm 42 and the second arm 44 are defined by upper and lower surfaces 56 and 58, respectively, that are generally parallel to one another. The upper and lower surfaces 56 and 58 of the first arm 42 and the second arm 44, respectively, are interconnected by a cylindrical wall 60 that defines a bolt passage 62 that extends through the first arm 42 and the second arm 44. To connect the housing member 20a, and thus the housing 20, to the support member 12, a bolt 64 extends through the corresponding bolt passage 62 in the first arm 42 and the second arm 44, respectively, of the housing 34 and into the corresponding threaded holes 22, 24 of the support member 12. The bolt 64 has a head 68 with a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt passage 62 to prevent the housing 20 from sliding axially off the bolt 64 when the shaft 26 of the bolt 64 is threaded into the threaded holes 22, 24 of the support member 12, as shown in FIG.

[0024] Housing member 20b includes an end wall 36 having a plurality of resilient mounting tongues 39 extending downwardly from its outer periphery, corresponding to the number of openings 33 extending through cylindrical wall 28 of housing member 20a. Holes 41 may extend through end wall 36 to allow air to pass therethrough during compression of press 10, as described below. The tongues 39 are adapted to engage with corresponding openings 33 to interconnect housing members 20a and 20b. When housing members 20a and 20b are interconnected, end wall 36 of housing member 20b closes second end 32 of cylindrical wall 28. End wall 36 is defined by a generally flat first surface 37 oriented away from cavity 66 within housing 20 and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to outer surface 27, and a second surface 38 that intersects inner surface 30 of cylindrical wall 28 and faces cavity 66 within housing 20.

[0025] The spring alignment portion 70 projects into the cavity 66 from the second surface 38 of the end wall 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring alignment portion 70 is centrally spaced from the inner surface 30 of the cylindrical wall 28 and has an X-shaped configuration. The spring alignment portion 70 is configured to have a diameter D1 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the first coil spring 72, as described below, so that the first coil spring 72 is positioned above the spring alignment portion 70. It will be appreciated that the spring alignment portion 70 may have other configurations, such as a disk shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] The flange 43 projects radially inward from the inner surface 30 of the cylindrical wall 28 of the housing member 20a adjacent the second end 32 thereof. The flange 43 includes a generally planar first surface 45 extending radially inward from and intersecting the inner surface 30 of the cylindrical wall 28, and a second surface 47 extending radially inward from and intersecting the outer surface 27 of the cylindrical wall 28. The flange 43 has a radially inner edge 49 that forms a slidable interface with the outer surface 84 of the outer cylindrical wall 78 of the intermediate plunger 76, as described below. It can be appreciated that the first surface 45 of the flange 43 functions as a stop that limits the movement of the intermediate plunger 76 within the housing 20 and maintains its telescopic position.

[0027] Press apparatus 10 further includes an intermediate plunger 76 telescopically received within cavity 66 of housing 20. Intermediate plunger 76 is defined by a generally cylindrical outer wall 78 defining a generally cylindrical inner surface 80, a generally cylindrical outer surface 84, and opposing first and second ends 86 and 88. As noted above, cylindrical outer wall 78 has a diameter such that outer surface 84 forms a slidable interface with inner edge 49 of flange 43 of housing 20.

[0028] The intermediate plunger 76 further includes a flange 51 projecting radially outward from an outer surface 84 of the cylindrical outer wall 78 adjacent a first end 86 thereof. The flange 51 includes a generally planar first surface 53 extending radially outward from and intersecting an inner surface 80 of the cylindrical outer wall 78, and a second surface 55 extending radially outward from and intersecting the outer surface 84 of the cylindrical outer wall 78. The flange 51 includes a radially outer edge 57 that forms a slidable interface with the inner surface 30 of the cylindrical wall 28 of the housing 20. As discussed above, it can be appreciated that the first surface 45 of the flange 43 functions as a stop that limits the movement of the intermediate plunger 76 within the housing 20 and maintains its telescopic configuration.

[0029] The outer wall 78 has an outer diameter such that its outer surface 84 forms a slidable interface with the inner edge 49 of the flange 43, as described above. Circumferentially spaced ribs 81 a, 81 b extend axially along the outer surface 84 of the outer wall 78 between its first and second ends 86, 88 and are slidably received within corresponding grooves 35 a, 35 b, respectively, that extend axially along the inner surface 30 of the cylindrical wall 28 of the housing 20 to guide movement of the intermediate plunger 76 between its extended ( FIGS. 1-2 and 4 ) and retracted ( FIG. 3 ) positions. An end wall 90 extends radially inward from the second end 88 of the outer wall 78 and includes a radially inner edge 91 that defines an opening 93 having a diameter D3 for the intermediate plunger 76. The end wall 90 is defined by a generally planar first surface 92 extending from the outer surface 84 of the outer wall 78 and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the outer surface 84, and a second surface 94 extending from the inner surface 80 of the outer wall 78 and intersecting that plane.

[0030] A cylindrical inner wall 96 projects from the second surface 94 of the end wall 90 and is concentric with the outer wall 78. The inner wall 96 has a generally cylindrical inner surface 98, a generally cylindrical outer surface 100, and an end 102. A lower end 98a of the inner surface 98 of the inner wall 96 is spaced from the inner edge 91 of the end wall 90 such that the portion of the second surface 94 of the end wall 90 between the lower end 98a of the inner surface 98 of the inner wall 96 and the inner edge 91 of the end wall 90 defines a shoulder 130 for retaining a first end 142 of a press plunger 140 within the intermediate plunger 76, as described below. Similarly, the outer surface 100 of the inner wall 96 intersects with the second surface 94 of the end wall 90 at a location spaced apart from the inner surface 80 of the outer wall 78 so that the outer surface 100 of the inner wall 96 is radially spaced apart from the inner surface 80 of the outer wall 78 to define a spring receiving cavity 104 for receiving the first coil spring 72 therebetween, as described below.

[0031] More specifically, the first end 72a of the first coil spring 72 is positioned within the cavity 66 of the housing 20 such that the first end 72a of the first coil spring 72 engages the second surface 38 of the end wall 36 to center the first coil spring 72 in the cavity 66 of the housing 20, and the portion of the first coil spring 72 adjacent the first end 72a of the first coil spring 72 extends around the spring alignment portion 70. The second end 72b of the first coil spring 72 is positioned in the spring-receiving cavity 104 of the intermediate plunger 76 such that the second end 72b of the first coil spring 72 engages the second surface 94 of the end wall 90 of the intermediate plunger 76, and the portion of the first coil spring 72 adjacent the second end 72b of the first coil spring 72 extends around the outer surface 100 of the inner wall 96 of the intermediate plunger 76. In this manner, the first coil spring 72 biases the intermediate plunger 76 toward a telescopically extended position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) in which it projects from the housing 20.

[0032] The inner surface 98 of the inner wall 96 of the intermediate plunger 76 defines a spring-receiving passage 114 therein for receiving a second coil spring 120 and includes circumferentially spaced V-shaped first and second grooves 121a, 121b, respectively, that extend axially from the first surface 92 through the end wall 90 to the distal end 102 of the inner wall 96, as shown in FIG. 7 , for reasons that will be described below. The distal end 102 of the inner wall 96 defines a distal end face 106 that lies in a plane spaced apart from the plane of the first surface 53 of the flange 51. The distal end face 106 defines an opening 118 that communicates with the spring-receiving passage 114.

[0033] An end cap 116 is provided to close the opening 118 and retain the first end 120a of the second coil spring 120 within the intermediate plunger 76. More specifically, the end cap 116 includes a generally cylindrical enlarged head 124 having a radially outer edge 126 that lies substantially flush with the outer surface 100 of the inner wall 96. As shown in FIG. 3 , a plurality of circumferentially spaced tongues 132 extend downwardly from the inner surface 130 of the end cap 116 at locations spaced inwardly from the outer edge 126. The tongues 132 are intended to engage corresponding circumferentially spaced openings 128 through the inner wall 96 to interconnect the end cap 116 to the inner wall 96 and thereby to the intermediate plunger 76.

[0034] The end cap 116 further includes a spring alignment portion 144 that protrudes from the second surface 130 of the enlarged head 124 into the spring receiving passage 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring alignment portion 144 is centrally located on the second surface 130 and has a generally cylindrical configuration. The spring alignment portion 144 is configured to have a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second coil spring 120 for reasons that will be described below. It will be appreciated that the spring alignment portion 144 may have other shapes, such as a disk shape or an X-shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The press plunger 140 is telescopically receivable within the intermediate plunger 76 and includes a generally cylindrical wall 146 defining a generally cylindrical inner surface 148, a generally cylindrical outer surface 150, and first and second ends 142, 154, respectively. The inner surface 148 of the cylindrical wall 146 defines a spring-receiving cavity 166 within the press plunger 140. The cylindrical wall 146 has a diameter such that the outer surface 150 thereof forms a slidable interface with the inner edge 91 of the end wall 90 of the intermediate plunger 76. Circumferentially spaced ribs 151 a, 151 b extend axially along the outer surface 150 of cylindrical wall 146 between its first end 142 and second end 154 and are slidably received within corresponding grooves 121 a, 121 b, respectively, that extend axially along the inner surface 98 of inner wall 96 of intermediate plunger 76 to guide movement of press plunger 140 between an extended position ( FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 ) and a retracted position ( FIG. 3 ).

[0036] An end wall 156 is provided at the second end 154 of the cylindrical wall 146. The end wall 156 is defined by a generally planar first surface 158 extending radially inward from the outer surface 150 of the cylindrical wall 146 and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the outer surface 150, and a second surface 160 extending radially inward from and intersecting the inner surface 148. The end wall 156 includes an inner radial edge 162 that defines an opening 164.

[0037] The spring alignment portion 164 projects from the second surface 160 of the end wall 156 into the spring-receiving passage 166 and includes an inner surface 168, an outer surface 169, and an end portion 171. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring alignment portion 164 is centrally disposed on the second surface 160 and has a generally cylindrical configuration. The inner surface 168 of the spring alignment portion 164 coincides with the inner edge 162 of the end wall 156 and defines a passage 170 that communicates with the opening 164 in the end wall 156 and the spring-receiving cavity 166. The spring alignment portion 164 is configured to have a diameter D4 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second coil spring 120 for reasons that will be described below. It will be appreciated that the spring alignment portion 164 may have other shapes, such as a disk shape or an X-shape, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] The insert 190 is receivable in the passage 170 of the spring alignment portion 164. More specifically, the insert 190 includes a generally cylindrical wall 192 defining generally cylindrical internal threads 194 that define a passage 204 therethrough, a generally cylindrical outer surface 196, and first and second ends 198, 200. When pressed into the passage 170 of the spring alignment portion 164, the cylindrical wall 192 has a diameter such that the outer surface 196 engages the inner surface 168 of the spring alignment portion 164 and is frictionally retained in the passage 170 of the spring alignment portion 164.

[0039] The insert 190 further includes a flange 204 projecting radially outward from an outer surface 196 of the cylindrical wall 192 adjacent the second end 200 of the cylindrical wall 192. The flange 204 includes a generally planar first surface 206 extending radially outward from the inner surface 194 of the cylindrical wall 192 and intersecting the outer surface 196, and a second surface 208 extending radially outward from the outer surface 196 of the cylindrical wall 192 and intersecting the outer surface 196. The flange 204 includes a radially outer edge 210 interconnecting the first surface 206 and the second surface 208, respectively. When the insert 190 is pressed into the passage 170 of the spring alignment portion 164, the second surface 208 of the flange 204 engages the end portion 171, and the radially outer edge 210 of the flange 204 is concentric with the outer surface 169. It is contemplated that resilient legs or the like may be coupled to the insert 190, and thus to the press device 10. For example, the legs may include a body portion having a neck portion protruding therefrom. The neck portion of the leg may be threaded into the internal threads 194 of the insert 190 to couple the leg to the press plunger 140.

[0040] The press plunger 140 further includes a flange 172 projecting radially outward from the outer surface 150 of the cylindrical wall 146 adjacent the second end 154 thereof. The flange 172 includes a generally planar first surface 174 extending radially outward from and intersecting the inner surface 148 of the cylindrical wall 146, and a second surface 176 extending radially outward from and intersecting the outer surface 150 of the cylindrical wall 146. The flange 172 includes a radially outer edge 178 that forms a slidable interface with the inner surface 98 of the inner wall 96 of the intermediate plunger 76. It can be appreciated that the second surface 176 of the flange 172 functions as a stop to limit the movement of the press plunger 140 within the intermediate plunger 76 and maintain its telescopic positioning.

[0041] The press apparatus 10 further includes a second coil spring 120 for biasing the press plunger 140 to the extended position shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. More specifically, a first end 120a of the second coil spring 120 is disposed within the spring-receiving passage 114 of the intermediate plunger 76 and engages an inner surface 130 of the enlarged head 124 of the end cap 116, and a portion of the second coil spring 120 adjacent the first end 120a of the first coil spring 120 extends around the spring alignment portion 144 to center the second coil spring 120 within the spring-receiving passage 114 of the intermediate plunger 76. The second end 120b of the second coil spring 120 is aligned with the spring receiving cavity 166 of the press plunger 140 such that the second end 120b of the second coil spring 120 engages the second surface 160 of the end wall 156 of the press plunger 140 and the portion of the second coil spring 120 adjacent the second end 120b of the second coil spring 120 extends around the spring alignment portion 144. As described above, the second coil spring 120 biases the press plunger 140 to a telescopically extended position protruding from the intermediate plunger 76. As described above, the second surface 176 of the flange 172 functions as a stop to limit the travel of the press plunger 140 within the intermediate plunger 76 and maintain the telescopic arrangement.

[0042] During operation, the housing 20 of the press apparatus 10 is interconnected to the support member 12. The support member 12 is positioned above a blanking tool frame (not shown) that supports a sheet of paper material, with the intermediate plunger 76 and press plunger 140 biased to their extended positions by the first coil spring 72 and the second coil spring 120, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. At the blanking station, the support member 12 lowers, and the legs attached to the press apparatus 10 abut against the upper surface of the sheet of paper material 180, holding the sheet against the blanking tool frame positioned below. As the support member 12 continues to lower, the press plunger 140 is forced into the spring-receiving passage 114 of the intermediate plunger 76 against the bias of the second coil spring 120, moving the first surface 174 of the flange 172 toward the second surface 130 of the end cap 116. At the same time, the intermediate plunger 76 is forced into the cavity 66 of the housing 20 against the bias of the first coil spring 72, causing the end face 89 of the outer wall 78 of the intermediate plunger 76 to move toward the second surface 38 of the end wall 36 of the housing 20. The simultaneous compression of the first coil spring 72 and the second coil spring 120 limits deformation of the first coil spring 72 and the second coil spring 120, reducing the tendency of the first coil spring 72 and the second coil spring 120 to break. The support member 12 is lowered until the press plunger 140 is fully received within the spring receiving passage 114 of the intermediate plunger 76, which fully receives the intermediate plunger 76 within the cavity 66 of the housing 20, causing a pusher attached to the support member 12 to punch a carton blank from the sheet 180 of paper material (FIG. 3). When the support member 12 moves upward to the initial starting position, the first coil spring 72 and the second coil spring 120 bias the intermediate plunger 76 and the press plunger 140, respectively, to their extended positions, and the process is repeated.

[0043] Various modes of carrying out the invention can be construed as falling within the scope of the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A spot press device for supporting carton blanking scrap, comprising: a housing having a cavity formed therein, the housing having a closed end and an open end communicating with the cavity; an intermediate plunger telescopically received within the housing, the intermediate plunger having a passageway extending therethrough and slidable between a first retracted position in which the intermediate plunger is at least substantially received within the cavity of the housing and an extended position in which the intermediate plunger projects from the open end of the housing; a press plunger telescopically received in the passage of the intermediate plunger, the press plunger being slidable between a retracted position in which the press plunger is at least substantially received in the passage of the intermediate plunger and an extended position in which the press plunger protrudes from the passage of the intermediate plunger; a first biasing structure that biases the intermediate plunger toward the extended position; and a second biasing structure that biases the press plunger toward the extended position.

2. The spot press device of claim 1 , comprising a leg operatively connected to the press plunger.

3. The spot press device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second biasing structures are springs.

4. 4. The spot press device of claim 3, wherein the spring of the first biasing structure has a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end operatively engaging the intermediate plunger.

5. 5. The spot press device of claim 4, wherein the spring of the second biasing structure has a first end that operably engages the intermediate plunger and a second end that operably engages the press plunger.

6. The spot press device of claim 5 , wherein the springs of the first and second biasing structures are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in the retracted position.

7. the housing having an interior surface defining the cavity; the intermediate plunger having an outer surface that forms a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing; 2. The spot press device of claim 1, wherein one of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove being configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

8. the intermediate plunger has an interior surface that defines the passage; the press plunger having an outer surface that forms a slidable interface with the inner surface of the intermediate plunger; 2. The spot press device of claim 1, wherein one of the inner surface of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

9. 1. A press device for supporting carton blanking scrap, comprising: a housing having an inner surface defining a cavity, a closed end and an open end communicating with said cavity; an intermediate plunger telescopically received in the cavity of the housing, the intermediate plunger being movable between a first retracted position in which the intermediate plunger is at least substantially received in the cavity of the housing and an extended position in which the intermediate plunger projects from the open end of the housing; an outer wall having an outer surface and an inner surface that form a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing; an inner wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passageway extending through the intermediate plunger, the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall defining a spring-receiving cavity; an intermediate plunger having a press plunger telescopically received in the passage of the intermediate plunger, the press plunger being slidable between a retracted position in which the press plunger is at least substantially received in the passage of the intermediate plunger and an extended position in which the press plunger projects from the passage of the intermediate plunger; a first spring having a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end received within the spring-receiving cavity, the first spring biasing the intermediate plunger toward the extended position; a second spring having a first end operably engaged with the intermediate plunger and a second end operably engaged with the press plunger, the second spring biasing the press plunger toward the extended position.

10. The spot press device of claim 9 , comprising a leg operatively connected to the press plunger.

11. The spot press device of claim 9 , wherein the first spring and the second spring are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in the retracted position.

12. 10. The spot press device of claim 9, wherein one of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the outer wall of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove being configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

13. 10. The spot pressing device of claim 9, wherein one of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

14. A spot press device for supporting carton blanking scrap, comprising: Housing and an intermediate plunger telescopically received within the housing, the intermediate plunger being movable between a retracted position and an extended position; a press plunger telescopically housed within the intermediate plunger and movable between a contracted position and an extended position; a first biasing structure that biases the intermediate plunger toward the extended position; a second biasing structure that biases the press plunger toward the extended position; The spot press device, wherein the first and second biasing structures are concentric with the intermediate plunger and the press plunger in the retracted position.

15. 15. The spot press device of claim 14, wherein the housing has an inner surface defining a cavity, a closed end, and an open end communicating with the cavity, the intermediate plunger being receivable in the cavity of the housing.

16. The intermediate plunger an outer wall having an outer surface and an inner surface that form a slidable interface with the inner surface of the housing; an inner wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passageway extending through the intermediate plunger; The spot press device of claim 15 , wherein the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall define a spring-receiving cavity.

17. 17. The spot press device of claim 16, wherein the first biasing structure comprises a spring having a first end abutting the closed end of the housing and a second end received within the spring receiving cavity.

18. 18. The spot press device of claim 17, wherein the second biasing structure comprises a spring having a first end that operably engages the intermediate plunger and a second end that operably engages the press plunger.

19. 17. The spot press device of claim 16, wherein one of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the outer wall of the intermediate plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the intermediate plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove configured to guide slidable movement of the intermediate plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

20. 17. The spot pressing device of claim 16, wherein one of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide protruding therefrom, and the other of the inner surface of the inner wall of the intermediate plunger and the outer surface of the press plunger includes a guide groove, the guide and the guide groove configured to guide slidable movement of the press plunger between the retracted position and the extended position.

21. The spot press device of claim 14 , comprising a leg operatively connected to the press plunger.

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