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

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/160,856, filed Jun. 3, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,703 and entitled “Flush Mounted Presser Assembly” and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/035,732, filed Dec. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,873 and entitled “Flush Mounted Presser Assembly.” 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to die cutting machines for making carton blanks, and more particularly to a presser assembly for supporting carton blanking scrap during a blanking operation in a die cutting machine. 
   In the manufacture of cartons, small sheets of paper material having specific profiles are cut out of larger sheets of paper material. These smaller sheets are known as carton blanks which, in turn, are formed into cartons and/or boxes. The blanks are formed during a process known as a blanking operation in a die cutting machine. 
   In a die cutting machine, the blanks are cut, but not removed from a large sheet of paper material. After the blanks have been cut, the sheet is moved downstream in the die cutting machine to a blanking station where the sheet is positioned over a frame for support. The frame includes large openings which correspond in size, in shape and in position to the profile of the carton blank previously cut. Below the frame is a mechanism for stacking the carton blanks. 
   At the blanking station, an upper tool is used in combination with the lower tool or frame to knock the carton blanks from the sheet of paper material while holding the scrap material that surrounds the blanks. The upper tool has a support board that moves vertically up and down in the die cutting machine, and the support board typically has a plurality of stand-offs depending therefrom that hold pushers spaced beneath the board which in turn are used to push the carton blanks from the sheet through the lower tool or frame. A plurality of presser assemblies are also mounted in the support board and depend therefrom to hold the scrap material against the lower tool or frame during the blanking operation so that the blanks may be pushed from the sheet. A presser assembly typically includes a presser rail which is biased downwardly away from the support board by a spring so that the rail is positioned slightly below the pushers. As the upper tool is lowered, the presser rail engages the sheet of paper material first such that a scrap portion of the large sheet of material is secured between the presser rail and the frame. The upper tool then continues to be lowered such that the pushers engage the carton blanks and knock the blanks out of the sheet of material. The carton blank then falls into a stacking mechanism below the frame where the blanks are stacked for further processing. 
   In order to securely hold the carton blank scrap, the present day presser rails are interconnected to the support board by a plurality of guide cylinders. Each guide cylinder biases the presser rail downwardly away from the support board, and are mounted to the support board such that their upper ends project upwardly from the board. However, it is desirable to eliminate any components projecting above the support board and instead provide flush mounted presser assemblies for at least two reasons. First, for tool storage purposes an upper tool having flush mounted pressers takes up less space. This is particularly advantageous in locations where storage space is at a premium. Secondly, many die cutting machines are built in such a manner that the upper tool slides into the blanking station of the machine. Any component projecting upwardly of the support board would interfere with such sliding action. Therefore, only flush mounted presser assemblies can be used with such systems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a so-called “flush mounted” presser assembly wherein none of the components of the presser assembly project above the supporting tool. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a presser assembly having a presser rail which securely holds carton blanking scrap during a blanking operation. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a presser assembly having a presser rail and interconnecting linkage which is durable and maintains its shape over an extended period of time. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a presser assembly which is easy to assemble, easy to mount to standard blanking operation machinery, and relatively inexpensive. 
   In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a flush mounted presser assembly for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member having an upper surface which defines a substantially horizontal plane, a presser movable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the support member between a first extended position spaced from the support member beneath the horizontal plane and a second retracted position also beneath the horizontal plane of the support member, and mounting means for mounting the presser to the support member wherein the mounting means is disposed flush with or below the horizontal plane of the support member so that the mounting means does not extend or project above the horizontal plane of the support member. The mounting means preferably comprises a base mounted on the support, a linkage assembly interconnecting the base and presser, and biasing means for biasing the linkage assembly and presser toward its first extended position away from the support member. 
   In accordance with present invention, a presser assembly is provided for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member and a channel extending along an axis. The channel has an opening directed towards the support member and is movable between a first retracted position wherein the channel is adjacent to the support member and a second extended position. A mounting structure extends between the support member and the channel. The mounting structure has a first end operatively connected to the support member and a second end. A clamping mechanism selectively clamps the second end of the mounting structure to the channel at a user selected axial location. 
   The clamping mechanism includes a mounting block pivotably connected to the second end of mounting structure. The mounting block is receivable in the channel. The clamping mechanism also includes an insert receivable within a bore in the mounting block. The insert is rotatable between a first contracted configuration wherein the mounting block is slibable within the channel and a second expanded configuration wherein the mounting block is frictionally retained at the user selected axial location with the channel. It is contemplated for the mounting block to be fabricated from a group consisting of urethane and rubber material. 
   The mounting structure includes a base mounted to the support, a linkage assembly and a biasing structure for biasing the channel toward the extended position. The linkage assembly includes a slider slidably received within the base and an arm. The arm has a first end pivotably connected to slider and a second opposite end. The base includes a longitudinally extending and downwardly directed cavity. The biasing structure includes a spring disposed within the cavity of the base and engageable with the slider of the linkage assembly. The mounting block includes a slot for pivotably receiving the second end of the arm. 
   In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a presser assembly is provided for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member and a channel extending along an axis. The channel has an opening directed toward the support member and is movable between a first retracted position wherein the channel is adjacent to the support member and a second extended position. A mounting structure extends between the support member and the channel. The mounting structure has a first end operatively connected to the support member and a second end. A mounting block is pivotably connected to the second end of mounting structure and is receivable in the channel. A clamping element retains the mounting block at a user selected axial location along the channel. 
   The mounting block includes an axially extending bore and the clamping element includes an insert receivable within the bore in the mounting block. The insert is rotatable between a first contracted configuration wherein the mounting block is slidable within the channel and an expanded configuration wherein the mounting block is frictionally retained at the user selected location. It is contemplated for the mounting block to be fabricated from a group consisting of urethane and rubber material. 
   The mounting structure includes a base mounted to the support, a linkage assembly and a biasing structure for biasing the channel toward the extended position. The linkage assembly includes a slider slidably received within the base and an arm. The arm has a first end pivotably connected to slider and a second opposite end. The base includes a longitudinally extending and downwardly directed cavity. The biasing structure includes a spring disposed within the cavity of the base that is engageable with the slider of the linkage assembly. The mounting block includes a slot for pivotably receiving the second end of the arm. 
   In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention; a presser assembly is provided for a die cutting machine. The presser assembly includes a support member and a channel extending along an axis. The channel has an opening directed toward the support member and is movable between a first retracted position wherein the channel is adjacent to the support member and a second extended position. A base is mounted to the support. The base includes a longitudinally extending and downwardly directed cavity. A slider is slidably received within the base. An arm has a first end pivotably connected to slider and a second opposite end. A mounting block is pivotably connected to the second end of the arm. The mounting block includes an axially extending bore and is receivable in the channel. An insert is receivable with the bore in the mounting block. The insert is rotatable between a first contracted configuration wherein the mounting block is slidable within the channel and an expanded configuration wherein the mounting block is frictionally retained. A biasing structure is disposed within the cavity of the base and is engageable with the slider. The biasing structure urges the channel toward extended position. 
   It is contemplated for the mounting block to be fabricated from a group consisting of urethane and rubber material. The mounting block includes a slot for pivotably receiving the second end of the arm. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view partially in section of a flush mounted presser assembly in accordance with the present invention shown in its extended position; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  of the presser assembly shown in longitudinal cross-section along the lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the presser assembly shown in its retracted position; 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the presser assembly in longitudinal cross-section along the lines  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the presser assembly of  FIG. 1  with some parts broken away and other parts shown in cross-section to illustrate the components of the presser assembly; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective exploded view illustrating a presser mounting arrangement; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic side view in elevation of a second embodiment of the flush mounted presser assembly with a presser shown in its extended position; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view in elevation of the presser assembly of  FIG. 6  showing the presser in its retracted position; 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the components of the presser mounting arrangement for the presser assembly of  FIG. 7  with the presser shown in its extended position; 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 9  schematically illustrating the presser in its retracted position; 
       FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the flush mounted presser assembly illustrating a spot presser; 
       FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the presser assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional front view similar to  FIG. 11  taken along the plane of the lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a fragmentary view similar to  FIG. 2  of a fourth embodiment of the flush mounted presser assembly illustrating a scissor-like linkage assembly; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the flush mounted presser assembly illustrating a bent presser; and 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the bent presser of  FIG. 15  taken along the plane of the line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 15 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a presser assembly generally designated by the numeral  1  which is used in a die cutting machine for converting or processing a sheet of paper material into a carton blank. These machines are well known in the art and are used to cut one or several blanks into each sheet of paper material which, after folding and gluing, may be formed into cartons or boxes. As is conventional, the sheets of paper material within the machine are carried through various sequences of printing, cutting, embossing, creasing, waste stripping and/or blanking stations. 
   The die cutting machine usually is formed by a series of stations with the first station being a starting position or input station in which the sheets, which may be preprinted if desired, are taken one by one from the top of a stack to a feed table where they are placed in position against frontal and side guides. The sheet can then be grasped by a gripper bar and lead downstream or in the machine direction into subsequent processing stations. Typically, the sheet is first conveyed into a cutting station where the carton or box blanks of a desired size and profile are cut into the sheet. These blanks are held to the sheet by knicks which are arranged along the cut edges of the blanks. This cutting station is usually comprised of upper and lower tools, one of which is provided with a plurality of line-shaped straight and curved die cutting blades. If desired, the cutting station may be proceeded by a printing station, or as noted above, the sheets may be preprinted. After cutting, the sheet is then lead to a stripping station where the waste, i.e. the unused scrap between the various blanks, are grasped by upper and lower pins in order to be lead downward into a waste container. The sheet is then fed to a blanking station where the sheet is positioned over a frame for support. The frame includes large openings which correspond in size, in shape and in position to the profile of the blank previously cut. An upper blanking tool having one or more presser assemblies mounted thereto then moves vertically downwardly in the die cutting machine to secure the scrap portions against the frame and then as the tool continues to move downwardly, the fasten points or knicks between the blanks and the sheet are broken by pushers so that each of the blanks are released and falls below the frame where the blanks are stacked for further processing. Finally, the residual or remaining portion of the sheet is carried into a delivery or exit station where it is released by the gripper bar as waste material. 
   The presser assembly  1  of the present invention is of the so-called “flush mounted” type, and as such, none of its components extend above the upper blanking tool. As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the presser assembly  1  is secured to a flat, plate-like support member or board  2  typically composed of a wood material such as plywood or the like. Support member  2  has a planer upper surface  3  and a planer lower surface  4  with the upper surface defining a substantially horizontal plane. As shown best in  FIG. 5 , support member  2  includes a pair of aligned longitudinal slots  5  and  6  formed therein for receiving the components of the presser mounting arrangement which will hereinafter be described. The dimensions of support member  2  can vary depending upon the dimensions of the sheet of paper material with which it is used, and the number of as well as the profile of the carton blank to be produced, as is well known to those skilled in the art. 
   Presser assembly  1  also includes a presser  7  moveable vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of support member  2 . Presser  7  moves between a first extended position shown in  FIG. 1  wherein it is spaced from support member  2  beneath the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3 , and a second retracted position illustrated in  FIG. 3  wherein it is positioned closely adjacent to lower surface  4  of support member  2  but yet still beneath the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3 . As illustrated best in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , presser  7  is in the form of an elongated, channel-shaped rail member having opposite sidewalls  8  and  9  interconnected by a bottom wall  10  to define an elongated, longitudinally extending channel  11 . Presser  7  extends longitudinally parallel to the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3  of support member  2 , and further includes a pair of opposite flanges  12  and  13  extending inwardly toward each other from the top edges of sidewalls  8  and  9  respectively Also, as best shown in  FIG. 6 , presser  7  includes a longitudinally extending strip  14  of rubber, foamed polyurethane, or the like which is adhesively secured to the outer surface of bottom wall  10 . This strip  14  engages the top surface of the sheet of paper material during the blanking operation and is used to hold the paper material against the frame positioned beneath the sheet of paper material. As is well known in the art, presser  7  can take various shapes depending upon the shape of the scrap from which the carton blank is being stripped. Thus, the specific dimensions illustrated in the drawings for presser  7  are for illustration purposes only, as the length, width, and profile of presser  7  may vary as is well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, presser  7  may be in the form of a short rail (shown in  FIG. 6 ) for stripping a relatively short piece of waste from the carton blank or may take the form of a finger-like or spot member which extends vertically in the plane which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3 . A finger-like or spot presser might be used in a situation where a relatively small scrap piece must be supported and held fast during the stripping operation performed by the blanking tool. It should be particularly noted that if either a short rail or a finger-like or spot member is used as a presser, only a single mounting arrangement is necessary for mounting such a presser to support member  2  rather than the dual arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . Reference is made to  FIGS. 11-13  which illustrate a spot presser as will hereinafter be described. 
   The flush mounted presser assembly  1  also includes mounting means for mounting presser  7  to support member  2 . As noted in  FIGS. 1-5 , none of the components of the mounting arrangement extend or project above the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3  of support member  2 . All of the components for the mounting arrangement are disposed either flush with or below upper surface  3 , and thus presser assembly  1  is referred to as a “flush mounted” presser assembly. As illustrated in the drawings, there are two mounting arrangements disposed at opposite ends of presser  7  for interconnecting presser  7  to support  2 . Both mounting arrangements are identical and therefore only one will be hereinafter described, but the numbers hereinafter used are applicable to both arrangements. More specifically, the mounting arrangement includes a base  15  mounted within slots  5  and  6  formed in support  2 , a linkage assembly generally designated by the numeral  16  interconnecting base  15  and presser  7 , and a coil spring  17  for biasing the linkage assembly  16  and presser  7  toward its first extended position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
   As shown best in  FIG. 6 , base  15  is dimensioned to correspond with the dimensions of slot  6  and is in the form of an elongated channel-shaped member. Base  15  includes a pair of opposite sidewalls  18  and  19  interconnected at their top edges by a top wall  20 . Top wall  20  is disposed flush with upper surface  3  of support member  2 . The bottom edges of sidewalls  18  and  19  each include an outwardly extending flange  21  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). When base  15  is located within slots  5  and  6  of support member  2 , flanges  21  extend over the lower edges thereof and engage lower surface  4  to properly position base  15  within slot  6  so that top wall  20  is flush with upper surface  3 . Flanges  21  also are used to secure base  15  within slot  6  via fasteners or screws (not shown) which extend therethrough into lower surface  4  of support member  2 . Walls  18 - 20  define a longitudinally extending and downwardly opening channel  22  which is used to receive some of the components of linkage assembly  16 , as will hereinafter be described. Also, as best seen in  FIG. 6 , a pair of inwardly directed rails  23  and  24  are disposed along the inner surfaces of sidewalls  18  and  19  and project inwardly therefrom to form a railway for slideably receiving a slider  25  as part of linkage assembly  16 . As shown best in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , slider  25  moves in a reciprocal pattern horizontally within base  15  so that when presser  7  is in its extended position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , slider  25  is within the right side of base  15 , and when presser  7  is in its retracted position as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , slider  25  is to the left within base  15 . As seen best in  FIG. 6 , the outer surface of slider  25  has a rectangular cutout  26  and a U-shaped cutout  27  formed therein which minimize the friction developed between the sides  28  and top  29  respectively of slider  25  and the corresponding inner surfaces of base  15 . As seen best in  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , slider  25  has a longitudinally extended bore  76  formed therein for receiving spring  17  therein. Slider  25  also includes a semi-circular opening  30  formed transversely therethrough for pivotally receiving the upper end of an arm  31  therein, as will hereinafter be described. 
   Spring  17  is a coil spring disposed longitudinally within bore  76  of slider  25  and acts against slider  25  by having one of its ends bearing against end surface  32  of bore  76 , and its other end bearing against a corresponding flat surface  33  of an abutment member  34 . Abutment member  34  is mounted at the inner end of slot  6 , and includes a guide rod  35  projecting therefrom along an axis which is parallel to the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3  of support member  2 . Guide rod  35  is used to properly position spring  17  and to guide spring  17  between its extended position which forces slider  25  to the left in  FIG. 6  and presser  7  to its extended position, and a compressed position as shown in  FIG. 4  wherein presser  7  is in its retracted position. 
   In addition to slider  25 , linkage assembly  16  includes arm  31  which interconnects base  15  and presser  7 . Arm  31  has an upper end  36  that simultaneously pivots and moves horizontally with respect to support member  2  as presser  7  moves between its extended and retracted positions. As shown best in  FIG. 6 , the pivotal connection of upper end  36  is provided by opening  30  in slider  25 , and a pair of spaced apart ears  38  and  39  projecting from upper end  36  of arm  31 . When positioned within opening  30 , the outer circumferential surfaces of ears  38  and  39  bear against and rotate relative to the inner circumferential surfaces of opening  30 . Also, when slider  25  is positioned within base  15 , ears  38  and  39  are captured between walls  18  and  19  so that the upper end  36  of arm  31  is securely fastened to slider  25  and yet is still allowed to pivot and move horizontally as presser  7  moves up and down. Arm  31  also includes a lower end  40  which is pivotally mounted to presser  7 . As shown best in  FIG. 6 , the lower end  40  of arm  31  is received within a slot  41  formed in a mounting block  42 , and the pivotal connection of lower end  40  is provided by a pin  43  extending through aligned openings  44  and  45  in block  42  and an opening  46  in lower end  40  of arm  31 . Mounting block  42  is secured within channel  11  of presser  7 . Pin  43  is captured between sidewalls  8  and  9  to secure it in position. As shown, the dimensions of mounting block  42  substantially correspond to channel  11  and slot  41  opens upwardly to correspond with the upwardly channel  11  so as to provide sufficient room for the lower end  36  of arm  31  to rotate without interference from block  42 . Mounting block  42  is preferably composed of rubber or polyurethane, and is secured within channel  11  of presser  7  by a square metal insert  94  received within a correspondingly square-shaped longitudinal bore  98 . Insert  94  is initially slid into bore  98  and then rotated 45° to expand the urethane or rubber material to frictionally secure block  42  within channel  11 . 
   Linkage assembly  16  also includes a link  47  interconnecting base  15  and arm  31 . Link  47  has an upper end in the form of a projecting boss  48  which is pivotally mounted to base  15  by means of a mounting block  49  attached to base  15  within channel  22 . Block  49  has a rubber or foamed polyurethane cylindrically shaped bumper or dampener  37  received within a semicircular opening  77  formed in the front face thereof. Bumper  37  acts to cushion the blow or force applied against block  49  when slider  25  moves against it as presser  7  returns to its fully extended position. Block  49  also has a slot  50  (best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) for receiving boss  48 . The pivotal connection of link  47  to block  49  is provided by a pin  51  extending through an opening  52  in boss  48  and captured within block  49 . As shown best in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , slot  50  includes a beveled edge  53  which provides sufficient clearance to enable link  47  to rotate from the position shown in  FIG. 2  where presser  7  is in its extended position to the position shown in  FIG. 4  where the presser  7  is shown in its retracted position. Link  47  also has a lower end  54  which is pivotally mounted to arm  31 . The pivotal connection of lower end  54  is provided by a pair of ears  55  and  56  integrally projecting from link  47  which straddle the top edge of arm  31  so that a pin  57  may extend through aligned openings  58  (only one of which is shown) in ears  55  and  56  and opening  59  in an  31 . Arm  31  also includes a cutout  60  which results in the thickness of arm  31  at its lower end to be approximately one-half the thickness of arm  31  at its upper end. Cutout  60  enables link  47  to collapse or nest against lower end  40  of arm  31  when presser  7  is in its fully retracted position, as will hereinafter be described. As shown best in  FIG. 6 , the pivotal connection of the lower end  54  of link  47  is located at the midpoint between the pivotal connection at the upper end  36  of arm  31  and the pivotal connection of the lower end  40  of arm  31 . In addition, the pivotal mounting of the lower end  54  of link  47  is located in a plane extending through the upper and lower pivotal mountings of arm  31 . Further, the distance between the pivotal mounting of the lower end  54  of link  47  and the pivotal mounting of the upper end  48  of link  47 , as well as the distance from the pivotal mounting of the lower end of link  47  to the pivotal mounting of the upper end  36  of arm  31  and the distance to the pivotal mounting of the lower end  40  of arm  31 , are all equal. As a result, pin  43  (and thus presser  7  also) moves vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  3  of support member  2 . In other words, pin  43  and presser  7  move straight up and down with respect to support member  2 , and do not move in an arcuate path. 
   In operation, presser assembly  1  initially is disposed with presser  7  in its fully extended position as shown in  FIG. 2 , and the blanking tool above the sheet of paper material. As the blanking tool is lowered in the blanking station, presser  7  engages the upper surface of the sheet of paper material and holds it against a frame located below the sheet. The blanking tool then continues downwardly to knock out the carton blank from the sheet, and presser  7  continues to retract and may move to a position where presser  7  is in its fully retracted position as shown in  FIG. 4 . In its fully retracted position, arm  31  is located within channel  11  of presser  7  and link  47  extends parallel thereto and rests against the cutout portion  60  of arm  31 . At the same time, the upper surface of presser  7  defined by flanges  12  and  13  engage lower surface  4  of support member  2 . In addition, slider  25  has moved from a position abutting against bumper  37  of mounting block  49  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a position spaced from block  49  and abutting against member  34  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). As the blanking tool is moved back upwardly to its initial starting position, spring  17  forces slider  25  back against bumper  37  of mounting block  49  and moves presser  7  downwardly to its extended position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 7-10 , there is illustrated a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the presser assembly designated by the numeral  61  is generally similar to presser assembly  1  except that the mounting arrangement is reversed from that described with respect to the first embodiment. In other words, presser assembly  61  includes a support member  62  substantially identical to support member  2  having an upper surface  63  defining a horizontal plane and a lower surface  64 . Support member  62  also includes a pair of aligned slots  65  formed therein, but in this embodiment slots  65  are used to receive the arm of the linkage assembly as will hereinafter be described rather than the base  15  as in the first embodiment. 
   Presser  66  in the second embodiment is identical to presser  7  of the first embodiment. However, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the mounting arrangement for mounting presser  66  to support member  62 , although substantially similar to that described with respect to presser assembly  1 , is the reverse thereof. In other words, the mounting arrangement includes a linkage assembly  67  having an arm  68 , a link  69  and a slider  70  being slideably received within presser  66 . Thus, as illustrated best in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the lower end of arm  68  is pivotally mounted to slider  70  in the same manner as described with respect to arm  31  of the first embodiment. The upper end of arm  68  is also pivotally connected to a mounting block  71  but in this second embodiment, mounting block  71  is located within the slot  65  formed in support member  62  rather than in presser  66 . Likewise, the upper end of link  69  is pivotally mounted to arm  68  at the midpoint between the upper and lower pivotal connections of arm  68 , and the lower end of link  69  is pivotally mounted to a mounting block  72  fixed within presser  66  rather than within support member  2  as in the first embodiment. A spring  73  acts against slider  70  in the same manner as spring  17  acts against slider  25  in the first embodiment. Thus, spring  73  has one end bearing against slider  70  and its other end bearing against a surface of an abutment member  74 , and is supported and guided by a rod  75  extending from abutment member  74 . Again, in this second embodiment, abutment member  74  is fixed within presser  66  rather than within base  15  and support member  2  as in the first embodiment. Finally, it should be noted that the distance between the pivotal mounting of the upper end of the link  69  and the pivotal mounting of the lower end of the link  69 , and the distance between the pivotal mounting of the upper end of the link  69  and the pivotal mounting of the upper end of arm  68 , and the distance between the pivotal mounting of the upper end of link  69  and the pivotal mounting of the lower end of arm  68 , are all equal. Also, the pivotal mounting of the upper end of link  69  is located in a plane extending through the upper and lower pivotal mountings of arm  68 . Thus, presser  66  moves in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by upper surface  63  of support member  62 , and in particular moves vertically straight up and down and not in an arcuate path. 
   In operation,  FIG. 7  illustrates presser assembly  61  wherein presser  66  is in its initial extended position. As the blanking tool moves downwardly, presser  66  engages the top surface of a sheet of paper material and begins to retract, as previously described, to hold the scrap. Presser  66  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  in substantially its fully retracted position wherein arm  68  is disposed within slot  65  formed in support member  62  and the upper surface of presser  66  is closely adjacent to and/or engages lower surface  64  of support member  62 . This position is more fully illustrated in  FIG. 10  where spring  73  is compressed and slider  70  is spaced from mounting block  72  and engaged against abutment member  74 . When presser  66  is in its extended position as shown in  FIG. 9 , spring  73  is extended and slider  70  is spaced from abutment member  74  and against mounting block  72 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , there is illustrated a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, the presser assembly designated by the numeral  78  is generally similar to presser assembly  1  except that the presser  79  is a finger-like or spot member rather than an elongate rail as described with respect to the first embodiment. In other words, presser assembly  78  includes a support member (not shown) substantially identical to support member  2  having an upper surface defining a horizontal plane and a lower surface. The support member also includes one or more slots formed therein for receiving base  80  therein. Base  80  is identical to the base  15  of the first embodiment. 
   In addition, the mounting arrangement for mounting presser  79  to its support member and base  80  is identical to that described with respect to presser assembly  1 . In other words, the mounting arrangement includes a linkage assembly  81  having an arm  82 , a link  83  and slider (not shown) being slidably received within base  80 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13 , the upper end of arm  82  is pivotally mounted to a slider within base  80  in the same manner as described with respect to arm  31  of the first embodiment. The lower end of arm  82  is also pivotally  10  connected to spot presser  79 . Likewise, the lower end of link  83  is pivotally mounted to arm  82  at the midpoint between the upper and lower pivotal connections of arm  82 , and the upper end of link  83  is pivotally mounted by a pin  85  to a mounting block  84  fixed within base  80  in a mariner identical to the first embodiment. A spring (not shown) acts against the slider (not shown) in the same manner as spring  17  acts against slider  25  in the first embodiment. Finally, it should be noted that the distance between the pivotal mount of the lower end of the link  83  and the pivotal mounting of the upper end of the link  83 , and the distance between the pivotal mounting of the lower end of the link  83  and the pivotal mounting of the upper end of arm  82 , and the distance between the pivotal mounting of the lower end of link  83  and the pivotal mounting of the lower end of arm  82 , are all equal. Also, the pivotal mounting of the lower end of link  83  is located in a plane extending through the upper and lower pivotal mountings of arm  82 . Thus, presser  79  moves in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by the upper surface of the support member, and in particular moves vertically straight up and down and not in an arcuate path. 
   Presser  79  in this third embodiment is referred to as a finger-like member or spot member because it is used to hold scrap portions of relatively small dimensions. As illustrated, presser  79  is pivotally mounted to the lower end of arm  82  by a pin  86  which is disposed within a bore  87  formed through body  88  thereof. Body  88  is composed of rubber or foamed polyurethane and is a substantially solid cylinder in shape. Body  88  extends vertically in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by the support member or board, and defines an upper surface  89  and a lower sheet-engaging flat surface  90 . A U-shaped spring member  91  is formed integrally with body  88  and projects rearwardly therefrom at an upward angle of about 60°. Spring member  91  engages the underside of arm  82  and biases surface  90  into a substantially horizontal orientation so that it engages the upper surface of the sheet of paper material without any substantially lateral forces that might cause the sheet to move laterally or buckle. 
   In operation,  FIGS. 11-13  illustrate presser assembly  78  wherein presser  79  is in its initial extended position. As the blanking tool moves downwardly, presser  79  engages the top surface of a sheet of paper material and retracts, as previously described, to hold the scrap. The pushers then push the blanks from the sheet, and thereafter the tool then moves back upwardly to its initial starting position where presser  79  is once again in its fully extended position. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 14 , there is illustrated a fourth embodiment of the flush presser assembly of the present invention. In this fourth embodiment, the presser assembly designated by the numeral  92  is generally similar to presser assembly  1 , and thus like numerals are used in  FIG. 14  for like components except for the designation “a” thereafter. However, linkage assembly  16   a  includes a link  47   a  extending completely between and interconnecting support  2   a  and presser  7   a  to provide a scissor-like action. Link  47   a  has an upper end  48   a  pivotally mounted to support  2   a  in the same manner as link  47  of the first embodiment, and a lower end  54   a  that pivots and slides horizontally within presser  7   a  as presser  7   a  extends and retracts. As illustrated, the lower end of link  47   a  includes a pin  93  which is pivotally received within a mounting block  95  located in presser  7   a . Mounting block  95  is preferably composed of a self-lubricating plastic material and reciprocally slides within channel  11   a  as presser  7   a  moves between its extended and retracted positions. Link  47   a  is also pivotally mounted via pin  57   a  to arm  31   a  at the midpoint between the upper and lower pivot mountings of arm  31   a , and at its own midpoint to insure presser  7   a  moves vertically as it extends and retracts. As illustrated, links  47   a  and  31   a  are also S-shaped which enables them to collapse or nest together when presser  7   a  is in its fully retracted position. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 15 , there is illustrated a fifth embodiment of the flush mounted presser assembly of the present invention. In this fifth embodiment, the presser assembly designated by the numeral  96  is generally similar to presser assembly  1 , and thus like numerals are used in  FIG. 15  for like components except for the designation “b” thereafter. However, linkage assemblies  16   b  are used to connect a bent presser  7   b  rather than the straight presser  7  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , linkage assemblies  16   b  are located in a staggered orientation on support  2   b  rather than the in-line orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . Also, presser  7   b  is formed of a bendable construction so that it can be utilized when unique or custom presser shapes are desired which may require presser  7   b  to have numerous bends at different acute angles formed along its length to form bent segments along its length. In order to accomplish this,  FIG. 16  illustrates that presser  7   b  has a sidewall  8   b  which is much thinner than sidewall  9   b . In fact, sidewall  8   b  preferably has a thickness of 0.04 inches which is about ⅓ the preferred thickness of 0.14 inches for sidewall  9   b , and about the same as the preferred thickness of 0.05 inches for bottom wall  10   b . This reduced thickness permits walls  8   b  and  10   b  to be cut through more readily at the point of the desired bend location, as designated by the numeral  97 , to enable presser  7   b  to be bent to the desired angle. 
   It should further be noted that the interconnections between the support member and presser provided by the linkage assemblies illustrated and described herein could be reversed, and the linkage assemblies would still function properly. Thus, mirror images of the linkage assemblies illustrated can be considered equivalent to those linkage assemblies illustrated and described herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8