Abstract:
A deflectable lifting device can be mounted to a frame, work surface or other support in a material conveyance system. The device can have a base mounted in the support, and a bendable arm arranged in the pathway of the conveyance system. When a sheet or web of material travels over the deflectable lifting device, the bendable arm can bend and deflect downwardly, but still contact and lift the sheet or web, providing a small margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/155,550, filed Jun. 8, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/901,096, filed Sep. 14, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,247, issued Nov. 22, 2011, which in turn claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60/927,267, filed May 2, 2007, and 60/845,086, filed Sep. 15, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present teachings relate to the field of paper or other fiber product manufacturing, and more particularly to a device and method for preventing jamming or snagging of paper, cardboard, or other sheets or webs of conveyed material as they are transferred across presses, dies, punches, or other paper-cutting or paper-forming equipment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Packaging, stationary, and other paper-based products are generally manufactured using sheets of raw paper stock or other material that are drawn across presses, dies, punches, or other paper-cutting or paper-forming equipment. Beverage and other cartons, containers, playing cards, signs, placards, corrugated boxes, and other paper or fiber-based or other products are generally formed by contacting a sheet or web of raw material with a punch or die when stripping-out desired areas of material. Such products can also be formed by contacting the sheet or web with a cutting or fold-making blade when generating blanks out of the sheet. 
         [0004]    The first process of stripping out holes or sections from the larger piece of material, which leaves a shaped hole and a desired perimeter or outline in the intact paper or other material, is generally referred to as stripping. The second process of cutting or punching a desired shape or section of the sheet entirely out of the sheet and dropping away the removed portion as the desired product, is generally referred to as blanking. In both stripping and blanking operations, the raw feedstock can be in the form of paper, cardboard, plastic, fibrous, or other material, which is conveyed over a working area. The working area can generally include a flat cutting surface or hollow female blanking area over which a blank stock can be contacted with a blade, punch, or other working tool. The sheets are conveyed through work areas on support frames, for example, wooden, metal, or other support frames, which can be sized to conform to the input sheets. The sheets can be conveyed across the stripping or blanking areas using belt drives, linear motors, or other sources of mechanical driving force. 
         [0005]    Known stripping and blanking configurations suffer from a number of drawbacks. One drawback can be that the waste portion of the sheet which has been stripped or blanked can jam or snag in the support frame at different points. This can happen, for example, because the sheet dips or sags into open recesses of a blank or die area, catching edges of material on exposed edges in those areas. When a sheet, a knockout, or other waste material produced from a punched or cut sheet, jams in the conveyance path, the machinery may have to be stopped and an operator may need to remove the cut blanks or waste material. Furthermore, the next sheet in the conveyance path can jam against the blocked waste, possibly ruining the next sheet as well. 
         [0006]    To attempt to reduce these and other types of material jam-ups, a thin metal element can be attached to the bridge of the work area frame between the recesses, so that a male blanking part, die, or other working tool can be pressed. This lifting type of support is sometimes called a bridge rule. A bridge rule can be comprised of, for example, a plywood stud or other support beam, which supports a sheet of material as it is conveyed over the bridge. However, attaching, orienting, leveling, and maintaining a bridge rule can be time consuming. Metal bridge rules can be subject to damage caused by bending, metal fatigue, misalignment on the beam, or accidental detachment. 
         [0007]    Often a male stripping, blanking, or other member or working tool can apply pressure against a sheet that is only supported at the margins, thus causing the sheet to sag. This can cause the tool to partially or totally fail to strip, punch, blank, or otherwise manipulate the sheet when it strikes an unsupported or sagging area. In the case of blanking operations, the blank can fail to separate from the surrounding skeleton (or waste material) and drop free. Jams and hang-ups in the material supply path and incomplete or faulty stripping and blanking operations can waste valuable operator time and effort, cause lost costs from manufacturing downtime, and result in loss of potentially recoverable material. A need exists to eliminate these and other drawbacks in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    According to various embodiments, the present teachings relate to a mechanical device that can be attached or mated to a material conveyance system to lift a transferred sheet of paper or other material, and in one regard elevate the sheet above the edges of blanks, frames, or other edges and/or recesses to prevent, resist, or reduce accidental jamming of the conveyance path. In some embodiments, the deflectable lifting device can comprise an elastically deformable member formed with a generally curved, extended bendable arm, which is formed with a securing base. The securing base can be formed, for example, in a generally rectangular shape for insertion into a matching mounting slot in the frame of a material conveyance system. According to various embodiments, the base of the deflectable lifting device can be formed with retaining nibs, ribs, teeth, notches, or other protrusions or recesses which create a friction fit or snap-in fit in the mounting slot of the frame. 
         [0009]    According to various embodiments, the base can be formed with one or more vertical relief slits, which can permit transverse flex in the material of the base, for example, to create a compression or friction fit in the mounting slot and/or to relieve stress or stresses on the base under load. In some embodiments, the base can be fixedly secured into the slot of, or otherwise affixed to, the frame or other member, using adhesives, magnets, bolts, screws, coupling devices, or other mounting, fastening, or attachment techniques. According to various embodiments, the deflectable lifting device can be mounted or oriented in the direction of the sheet or web path, with the bendable arm positioned parallel to the direction of sheet travel. In some embodiments, when a sheet of paper or other material is conveyed through the work area, it can come into contact with the bendable arm, and the leading edge or distal tip of the bendable arm can deflect downwardly under the applied force of the tools or materials used in stripping or blanking operations, for example, a speed bar, presser bar, or other tool, or, in the case of a female stripper implementation, foam. In some embodiments, the bendable arm can be deflected into an elevated position with respect to the bridge, frame, or other support element. Nevertheless, according to various embodiments, the bendable arm, when deflected, can exert sufficient lift or upward force to elevate the sheet off of the frame, and keep the sheet clear of snagging edges or other projections or hazards as it travels across the stripping, blanking, or other work area. According to various embodiments, multiple deflectable lifting devices can be mounted in the bridge or other frame of the work area, creating a balanced elevation of the sheet or web across an entire span. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present teachings will be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numbers. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a deflectable lifting device mounted in a support, and another removed from the support, according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a system comprising deflectable lifting devices, used in conjunction with blanking operations according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  illustrates a system comprising deflectable lifting devices, used in conjunction with stripping operations according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B)  illustrate deflectable lifting devices according to other various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B)  illustrate a side view and a top view, respectively, of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates deflectable lifting devices according to various embodiments of the present teachings, with one shown in a receiving slot and one shown removed. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a system using deflectable lifting devices according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a bottom view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiment of the present teachings. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  appears to be a side view of a deflectable lifting device according to various embodiments of the present teachings. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the lifting device shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom view of the deflectable lifting device shown in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a system comprising a blanking station and the lifting device shown in  FIG. 15  retained in a retaining board. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    According to various embodiments of the present teachings, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a deflectable lifting device  100  can comprise a base  102  and a bendable arm  104 . According to various embodiments, the deflectable lifting device  100  can be formed of plastic, metal, wood, or other material. In some embodiments, deflectable lifting device  100  can comprise polyurethane, for example, polyurethane  75  D, or other plastic or resin material. In some embodiments, the deflectable lifting device  100  can have dimensions, for example, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  9 (A), and  9 (B), or it can have other dimensions or shapes. The deflectable lifting device  100  can be formed in a unitary structure. According to various embodiments, the deflectable lifting device  100  can be made from separate components, parts, or materials, that are joined together, for example, using adhesives or other joining techniques or materials, to form a composite deflectable lifting device. 
         [0030]    According to various embodiments and also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted in a mounting slot  106  of a support  108 . Support  108  can be, or can include, for example, a plywood or other beam, bridge, spine, truss, joist, joint, or other support member or structure. In some embodiments, the base  102  of deflectable lifting device  100  can have a size, shape, and contour that is generally complementary to the mounting slot  106 . In some embodiments, the deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted in mounting slot  106  using a snap-fit, friction fit, compression fit, or other insertion or fitting technique. According to various embodiments, deflectable lifting device  100  can be inserted into mounting slot  106  from a side position as shown, for example, manually or other insertion or fitting technique. According to various embodiments, deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted from, or inserted from, the top of mounting slot  106 , or it can be mounted from another mounting receptacle. 
         [0031]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , deflectable lifting device  100  can comprise a recess  110  into which bendable arm  104  can deflect or be depressed. In some embodiments, bendable arm  104  can include an arcuate portion  112 , which generally comprises an upwardly extended rounded protuberance or head. Arcuate portion  112  can present a gently curved or rounded contact surface over which the sheet of paper or other material can slide. In some embodiments, the sheet of paper or other material is thereby lifted or elevated from the surface of support  108 , for example, by a distance between  1 . 0  and  10  millimeters, or a distance of greater or lesser elevations. Deflectable lifting device  100  can resist deflection of bendable arm  104  under the weight of the sheet or web, by itself. 
         [0032]    According to various embodiments and in orientations as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when a sheet of paper or other material is conveyed from left to right (indicated by a direction arrow), the sheet or web can come into contact with deflectable lifting device  100 . In some embodiments, during stripping or blanking operations, the leading edge or distal tip of the bendable arm  104  can deflect downward under the applied force of tools or materials used in such operations, for example, a speed bar, presser bar, other tool, or foam, in the case of a female stripper implementation. According to various embodiments, bendable arm  104  elastically deforms or deflects downward with a spring action into recess  110  in response to applied tooling or other forces. Bendable arm  104  can be deflected to an elevated position with respect to the adjacent surface of support  108 . According to various embodiments, the sheet or web of paper, or other material, can be driven or pulled through a pathway, which can include a work station, using a motor or other source of power. 
         [0033]    According to various embodiments, this clearance or elevation can permit the sheet or web of paper, or other material to be conveyed across support  108  or other work areas, without snagging or jamming on exposed edges, corners, joints, projections, or other potential obstructions or hazards. In some embodiments, directing the sheet or web of paper, or other material in a direction from left to right in the orientation shown can assist in preventing the sheet or web of paper, or other material from potentially snagging under the tip of the bendable arm  104 . 
         [0034]    According to various embodiments, the elevation of the sheet or web of paper, or other material elevated by deflectable lifting device  100 , can also result in fewer scratches, gouges, streaks, tears, or other unintended manufacturing marks or imperfections being impressed on the sheet or web that can arise due to contact with screws, nails, fasteners, splinters, imperfections in frames, work surfaces, or other contact or friction. The contact of the sheet or web against the head of the comparatively small arcuate portion  112  can result in a contact point or patch that is likewise small in area, which creates a bearing effect that reduces drag and facilitates movement of the sheet or web. 
         [0035]    According to various embodiments, when no tooling force or other pressure is applied, the spring action of bendable arm  104  can return bendable arm  104  to its normal, unbiased, upwardly extended position. The manufacture of deflectable lifting device  100  from polyurethane 75 D, durable plastic, or other polymeric material, for example, a polyolefin or polytetrafluoroethylene, can result in the expected service life of deflectable lifting device  100  to attain on the order of a million or more mechanical deflections, flexes, bends or other movements or deformations. This durability, in one regard, can reduce the need for maintenance and repair of deflectable lifting device  100 , support  108 , and the associated work area, work tools, and other components of the processing station or stations, for instance, when compared to a metal bridge rule or other rigid separator part. 
         [0036]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , support  108  can comprise connecting notches  114 , which can permit multiple supports  108  to be connected or coupled, in a daisy-chain fashion. Support  108  can also be connected using connecting notches  114  to other supports or other members. Deflectable lifting device  100 , as illustrated therein, resides in a normally biased, upwardly extended position, when no sheet or web of paper, or other material is in contact with bendable arm  104 . 
         [0037]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , according to the present teachings in another regard, the base  102  of deflectable lifting device  100  can have one or more rib, nib, tooth, or other protrusions  128  which can contact the interior rim of mounting slot  106 , which can also create or reinforce a snap-fit, friction fit, compression fit, or other fitting or mounting arrangement. According to various embodiments and as described herein, the base  102  can incorporate slots or channels for the same purposes. Once deflectable lifting device  100  is inserted into the mounting slot  106 , deflectable lifting device  100  can remain in a relatively fixed position mounted in slot  106 , due to snap-in, friction fit, compression fit, adhesive, or other fitting, mounting, coupling, or attachment devices and/or techniques. In some embodiments, protrusion  128  can be formed as one or more projecting, tooth-like members that extend from an end wall of base  102 , which can resist forces tending to pull deflectable lifting device  100  out of slot  106 , in an anchoring fashion. Protrusion  128  can reinforce or enhance the security of the fitting in slot  106  or other mounting recess, because a greater force would be required to extract or dislodge deflectable lifting device  100  from the slot  106 . In some embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a protrusion  128  can be formed in each end wall of base  102 . According to various embodiments, only one protrusion  128  can be formed, in either or both end walls of base  102 , or in other locations. 
         [0038]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , according to the present teachings in another regard, the base  102  of deflectable lifting device  100  can have formed therein one or more vertical slots  126 , which can extend from a bottom surface thereof. One or more vertical slots  126  can create a firm friction fit or compression fit in mounting slot  106 , and/or help to relieve flex or tension imposed on deflectable lifting device  100 , when under load. 
         [0039]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , protrusion  128  can be, or can include a lateral or sideways bulge, which can have a width comparable to the width of base  102  of deflectable lifting device  100 , which will create a more secure fit for the deflectable lifting device  100  in slot  106 . Protrusion  128  can be or can include a tooth-like projection, a width-wise bulge, or both configurations. 
         [0040]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a retaining structure can also be formed as a set of multiple protrusions  130 , which can be in a saw-tooth pattern or other configuration. The set of multiple protrusions  130  can likewise be formed in one or both end walls of base  102 , or in other locations. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  generally illustrates the mounting and placement of one or more of deflectable lifting devices  100  in a stripping station  116  that can be used to carry out stripping operations on a sheet  152 , such as a sheet or web of paper, plastic, or other material. As generally shown, stripping station  116  can comprise a stripping surface  118 , over which sheet  152  can be passed, illustratively in a right to left direction (indicated by the arrow) as shown, to be punched, cut, compressed, or otherwise contacted to remove or alter selected areas of the sheet  152 , leaving the overall expanse of the sheet  152  intact, with desired portions stripped or removed. In some embodiments, a male stripping element, for example, a blade, die, hammer, punch, or other working tool, can descend or otherwise move into contact with the sheet  152  to cut, punch out, or otherwise alter the sheet  152 . According to various embodiments, the male stripping element can align with female stripping regions, recesses, or voids, to permit stripped-out material to be removed from sheet  152  and deposited into the recess of the frame of stripping station  116 . 
         [0042]    According to various embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , for example, multiple deflectable lifting device or devices  100  can be mounted into stripping surface  118 , to lift the sheet  152  in an even or balanced manner over desired sections of stripping surface  118  or other surfaces. While various embodiments, for example, illustrated in  FIG. 6 , are shown with the deflectable lifting device  100  members arranged in a regular line, grid, spacing or pattern, it will be understood that any number of deflectable lifting device  100  members can be mounted in stripping surface  118 , and in any other desired pattern or arrangement. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  generally illustrates the mounting and placement of one or more of deflectable lifting devices  100  in a blanking station  120  that can be used to carry out a blanking process on a sheet  152 , for example, a sheet or web or paper or other material. According to various embodiments, blanking station  120  can generally comprise a set of support bridges  122  and blanking recesses  124  to capture or collect punched-out or cut-out paper or other products or materials punched out or removed from sheet  152 . According to various embodiments, sheet  152  can be conveyed illustratively in a right to left direction (indicated by the arrow) as shown, over the comparatively open areas of blanking station  120 . According to various embodiments, this can result in a degree of downward bow or sag in the sheet  152  as it is conveyed over those cavities. 
         [0044]    According to various embodiments, one or more of deflectable lifting devices  100  can be mounted in one or more support bridges  122  of blanking stations  120 , to elevate sheet  152  being conveyed over support bridges  122  and blanking recesses  124 , to reduce or eliminate the chance that sheet  152  will snag, jam, tear, or otherwise become obstructed or damaged on the edges of one of the blanking recesses  124 , or other projections or obstructions. It can be noted that as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the deflectable lifting devices  100  can generally be arranged in a direction parallel to the movement of the sheet  152 , with the lead edge or distal tip of bendable arm  104  deflecting downward in the direction of that movement to permit a smooth sliding action over arcuate portion  112 . According to various embodiments, such an orientation can prevent the sheet  152  from jamming under the tip of bendable arm  104 . 
         [0045]      FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B)  illustrate a deflectable lifting device  100  according to various embodiments of the present teachings, including embodiments having one or more through-holes in the base. In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 8(A) , deflectable lifting device  100  can incorporate an upper through-hole  132  and lower through-hole  134 . In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 8(A) , upper through-hole  132  can comprise a relatively short, rectangular hole, proximate to the fixed end of bendable arm  104 . According to various embodiments shown in  FIG. 8(A) , lower through-hole  132  can comprise a relatively level, oblong hole through an area of base  102 . 
         [0046]    According to various embodiments shown in  FIG. 8(B) , deflectable lifting device  100  can incorporate an upper through-hole  136  and lower through-hole  138 . According to various embodiments shown in  FIG. 8(B) , upper through-hole  136  can comprise a relatively elongated, generally rectangular hole, proximate to the fixed end of bendable arm  104 . In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 8(B) , lower through-hole  138  can comprise a relatively inclined, oblong hole through an area of base  102 . 
         [0047]    According to various embodiments, for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) , the incorporation of through-holes can reduce the weight and amount of material used to fashion the deflectable lifting device  100 . Incorporation of one or more through-holes proximate to the bendable arm  104 , in the base  102 , or in other areas can also result in increased flexibility in desired areas because dividing walls between the through-holes can absorb forces and potentially flex, depending on material thickness and/or other factors. The incorporation of through-holes can relieve or reduce repetitive mechanical stresses through various portions of the deflectable lifting device  100 . According to various embodiments, one or more numbers of through-holes can be incorporated in the deflectable lifting device  100 . In some embodiments, areas of carved-out, fluted, or otherwise removed or altered material can be used instead of, or along with, through-holes and/or other features. 
         [0048]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 9(A) , deflectable lifting device  100  can incorporate a head  142  at the distal end of bendable arm  104 . According to various embodiments, head  142  can comprise a generally oblong or oval structure. According to various embodiments as shown, head  142  can include a head through-hole  144 . Head through-hole  144  can comprise a generally oblong, oval, or other shaped hole, formed through head  142 . As shown, both head  142  and head through-hole  144  can be configured with a longest, length-wise axis generally aligned in a vertical direction. According to various embodiments, other orientations of head  142  and head through-hole  144  can be used. Bendable arm  104  can be configured to rise at a relatively steeper or greater slope or angle of inclination, terminating at the top of head  142  and at a higher elevation, resulting in a deflectable lifting device  100  that is relatively compact. The incorporation of head through-hole  144  can reduce the weight and the amount of material used to fashion the deflectable lifting device  100 . Head  142  can be formed without a head through-hole  144 , or with two or more head through-holes. 
         [0049]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 9(B) , deflectable lifting device  100  can incorporate a mounting groove  140 , for insertion and registration with, for example, a tooth, tongue, or other projection formed in the frame of a stripping station, blanking station, or other structure or support. As illustrated in  FIG. 9(B) , the mounting groove  140  can be formed as a rectangular channel in a length-wise vertical direction in base  102 . According to various embodiments, other shapes, depths, and orientations of mounting groove  140  can be used. 
         [0050]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , deflectable lifting device  100  formed with mounting groove  140  can be mounted into a mounting slot  150  of support  148 . According to various embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the mounting slot  150  can incorporate a mounting strip  146 . In some embodiments as shown, the mounting groove  140  of deflectable lifting device  100  can slidably register or mate with the mounting strip  146  to mount deflectable lifting device  100  to support  148 . Mounting groove  140  can extend through the entire thickness of support  148 , creating a through-hole. In various embodiments, a depth of base  102  of deflectable lifting device can be configured to match a depth of mounting groove  140 , so that the base  102  does not project from an underside of support  148 . In some embodiments, mounting groove  140  can be configured so as not to penetrate the entire thickness of support  148 . According to various embodiments, the base  102  or other portions of deflectable lifting device  100  can instead be secured to support  148  using adhesives, magnets, hook-and-loop attachments, or other techniques. 
         [0051]    According to embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted in a support  148  in pairs that are located in relatively close proximity. According to various embodiments, deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted alone in desired areas, or more than two deflectable lifting device  100  can be located in relatively close proximity. While  FIG. 10  and other figures generally illustrate that two or more deflectable lifting devices  100  can have the same size and configuration, according to various embodiments, multiple deflectable lifting devices  100  can comprise different sizes, shapes, configurations, orientations, and/or different materials. 
         [0052]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , deflectable lifting device  100  can be mounted in support  148 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the bendable arm  104  of deflectable lifting device  100  can reside in an unbiased position as shown such that a lower end of head  142  lies beneath the surface of support  148 , and can be partially recessed in mounting slot  150 . Therefore, according to various embodiments as shown, the sheet or web of paper or other material traveling over deflectable lifting device  100  can be presented with no recess, crevice, or catch upon which to snag or jam itself in the device. According to various embodiments, it can also be made difficult or impossible for the sheet or web of paper or other material to snag or jam on deflectable lifting device  100 , whether that sheet or web of paper or other material is conveyed in a direction parallel to the deflectable lifting device  100 , or otherwise. While two deflectable lifting devices  100  are shown as mounted or installed in  FIG. 11 , according to various embodiments, a single deflectable lifting device  100 , or more than two deflectable lifting devices  100 , can be mounted in one or more areas. (A third, un-mounted deflectable lifting device  100  is shown in  FIG. 11 , merely for illustration). 
         [0053]    According to various embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , deflectable lifting device  200  can comprise base portion  201 , which can have top surface  202 , bottom surface  204 , leading edge  206 , and trailing edge  208 . In some embodiments, deflectable lifting device  200  can further comprise bendable arm  210 . In some embodiments and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , bendable arm  210  can comprise bendable arm trailing edge  214  and trailing edge curved surface  212 , which can curve towards the trailing edge  208  of base portion  201 . According to various embodiments, bendable arm  210  can comprise bendable arm top surface  216 , which can rise above the plane defined by top surface  202  of base portion  201 . Bendable arm  210  can comprise bendable arm bottom surface  218 , which can extend below the plane defined by top surface  202  of base portion  201 . 
         [0054]    According to various embodiments, also illustrated in  FIG. 12 , base portion  201  can comprise a notch  220 , which can be formed therein to assist in securing lifting device  200  in a corresponding slot of a retaining board. 
         [0055]    According to various embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the bendable arm can be connected to a bottom portion or end of the base portion, as opposed to being connected to the top portion of the base portion as shown in  FIGS. 9(A) to 11 . In some embodiments, because of this, mechanical loads and flex points of bendable arm  201  can be redistributed, compared to other points of attachment. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the lifting device can comprise a molded article which can comprise an acetal resin, for example, an acetal polyoxymethylene resin such as DELRIN®, available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del., or other resin or material can be used. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a bottom and side view, respectively, of a deflectable lifting device  200  with illustrative dimensions shown. It will be appreciated other dimensions or sizes of deflectable lifting device  200  can be used. 
         [0058]    Another embodiment of the present teachings is shown in  FIGS. 15-18 . A lifting device  300  is shown in a deflectable arm  302  and a body  304 . Arm  302  comprises a distal head  308  and is connected to body  304 . Body  304  comprises a bottom  310  and a slot  306  formed therein. Slot  306  is designed to accommodate a protruberance  316  provided in a retaining slot  312  of a retaining board  314 , for example, a retaining board as shown in  FIG. 18 , that comprises an inner peripheral face  318  of a blanking station. In some embodiments, device  300  can temporarily support a workpiece in a blanking station just prior to the workpiece being blanked. As is shown, arm  302  and head  308  can extend into a blanking recess of a blanking press and can be deflectable by the blanking press during a blanking operation. Such a blanking recess can comprise inner peripheral  318  as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0059]    Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the present specification and practice of various embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the present specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.