US3835746A

US3835746A - Die assembly and rule mounting means therefor

Info

Publication number: US3835746A
Application number: US00355465A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Quattlebaum; W Young; E Surka
Original assignee: Young Engineers Inc
Current assignee: Young Engineers Inc
Priority date: 1973-04-30
Filing date: 1973-04-30
Publication date: 1974-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 1991-09-17

Abstract

An improved die assembly having easily replaceable rule is disclosed and claimed herein. A plate or roll directly receives one or more sections of rule according to a predetermined design or shape. The rule is thin elongated strip metal having a flat underside and a upperside that is sharp, radiused or otherwise prepared to perform a particular function on a material. The flat underside of the cutting rule is directly in contact with the backing plate or roll or a resilient cover positioned thereon. Removable, resilient mounting means apply a spring force against the rule to hold same against a rigid support in proper position for die cutting, creasing or the like. Removability of the resilient mounting means permits ready replacement of damaged or dulled cutting rule without any undue expense or appreciable production loss. Mounting means for the rule are also claimed, and include a rigid support and a resilient support to receive rule therebetween. The resilient support has at least one spring secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. The end of the support when in position defines the thickness of the rule and the spring system extends outwardly therefrom. The spring system is deformed by the rule upon insertion of the rule from above and continually applies a spring force against the rule to hold same in place.

Description

Young, Jr. et al.

[ DIE ASSEMBLY AND RULE MOUNTING MEANS THEREFOR [75] Inventors: William 0. Young, Jr.; Ebun A.

Surka; Walter J. Quattlebaum, all of Spartanburg, SC.

[73] Assignee: Young Engineering lnc.,

Spartanburg, SC.

[22] Filed: Apr. 30, 1973 [21] Appl. No: 355,465

[52] US. Cl 83/346, 83/669, 83/698 [51] Int. Cl B26f H38 [58] Field of Search 83/346, 347, 669, 673, 83/674, 698, 699, 700

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,341,503 2/1944 Bombard 83/346 X 3,527,123 9/1970 Dovey 83/698 X 3,535,967 10/1970 Whistler, Sr. 83/698 3,705,526 12/1972 Bishop 83/698 Primary Examiner.l. M. Meister Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wellington M. Manning, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT An improved die assembly having easily replaceable 1 Sept. 17, 1974 rule is disclosed and claimed herein. A plate or roll directly receives one or more sections of rule according to a predetermined design or shape. The rule is thin elongated strip metal having a flat underside and a upperside that is sharp, radiused or otherwise prepared to perform a particular function on a material. The flat underside of the cutting rule is directly in Contact with the backing plate or roll or a resilient cover positioned thereon. Removable, resilient mounting means apply a spring force against the rule to hold same against a rigid support in proper position for die cutting, creasing or the like. Removability of the resilient mounting means permits ready replacement of damaged or dulled cutting rule without any undue expense or appreciable production loss. Mounting means for the rule are also claimed, and include a rigid support and a resilient support to receive rule therebetween. The resilient support has at least one spring secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. The end of the support when in position defines the thickness of the rule and the spring system extends outwardly therefrom. The spring system is deformed by the rule upon insertion of the rule from above and continually applies a spring force against the rule to hold same in place.

26 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures ll/ v a //r A a (\\l\\\\\ &\\\)% DIE ASSEMBLY AND RULE MOUNTING MEANS THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Die cutting of paper, cardboard, fabric and the like generally involves a cutting edge disposed according to a predetermined pattern that is brought into contact with the material being cut. Some type support is present beneath the material at the point of cutting. The cutting edge severs the material according to the predetermined pattern, generally in continuous fashion, after which the cut items are separated from teh sheet of material. In rotary die cutting, it is commonplace to use metal strips having a sharpened upper edge. The strips or rule are placed around a roll which turns against an anvil roll with the material to be cut received therebetween. Sharpened edges of the 'rule thus cut the material according to the predetermined pattern.

It has previously been a general practice to secure the rule to a mounting plate according to a design and then secure the mounting plate around the roll. The mounting plate in many instances has been wood which was formed to the radius of the cutting roll. Numerous techniques have been devised for securing the rule to the mounting plate. Generally speaking, the rule has been notched on the underside to facilitate forming of the desired radius and often has had a plurality of openings, slots or the like along the length thereof for securement purposes. Further, different types of mounting devices have been employed to secure the rule to the mounting plate. For example, slots have been provided in the mounting plate in which the rule is wedged with maleable metals, shims, coil springs and the like. Certain devices have been secured to the mounting plates with studs, slots, cams and the like being used to secure the rule. All of the aforementioned devices have been less than versatile in the replacement of damaged or dulled rule with new rule. In fact, in most instances it has been necessary to remove the mounting plate from the cutting roll and to send the mounting plate out for replacement of all of the rule on the die. Such a technique involves excessive cost and production downtime, but has been accepted for cutting thick materials such as cardboard. The prior art devices have also been unable to successfully cut thin materials at high production rates.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art based on the following attributes. Thin material which previously presented problems can now be cut precisely without tears or burrs at high production rates. Likewise, cutting is improved in general due to the absence of high and low spots along the rule, a feature that is attributable to the particular rule employed in conjunction with the means of mounting same directly on the cutting support. Additionally, the

novel mounting means enable replacement of damaged or dulled rule right on the machine, in a simple and quick manner without the need for particular skills or tools. Moreover, it is only necessary to replace those lengths of rule that are damaged or dulled, and not the entire die. Extended rule life is also realized due to the overall impact of the present invention. In fact, die cutting with the die assembly of the present invention is accomplished by a true kiss cut and requires much less force on the rule than prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved die assembly for cutting, scoring, perforation and like operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide cutting die assembly having improved cutting capabilities at high production rates and a quick change capability for cutting rule.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved die cutter having a capability of easy replacement of rule cutting sections secured directly thereto.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mounting means for securing rule to a support.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a die assembly that provides an extended life for rule used thereon.

Generally speaking, the die assembly of the present invention comprises a support member; at least one section of rule mounted directly against said support member, said rule being arranged according to a predetermined design; rigid mounting means secured to said support member at least partially around said design and being engageable with one side of said rule; and resilient mounting means secured to said support member partially around said design opposite said rigid mounting means, said resilient mounting means engaging an opposite side of said rule and applying a force on said rule to hold said rule against said rigid mounting means.

More specifically, the present invention affords more efficient and better quality cuts for blanks to be formed from a continuous strip of cardboard, paper, fabric or the like or from individual sheets that are fed through the die cutter. It is very necessary to maintain the cutting rule in proper working order especially where a true cut is imperative for successful use of the blanks produced thereby. Cutting rule must be changed periodically, removing the old rule which has been dulled or damaged through use, and replacing it with sharp, undamaged rule. An optimum situation exists where only the damaged or dulled rule can be changed on the machine by general maintenance personnel without long production delays or excessive cost. The die assembly of the present invention permits this feat. Moreover, while the present invention is discussed herein in a die cutting context, it sould be understood that by providing a proper rule, the system may likewise be employed for scoring or creasing, perforating and the like.

Rule suitable for the present invention may vary widely. Preferably, the cutting rule is thin enough to permit formation of the die design with short radius bends. Simultaneously, the rule preferably is of a height that provides sufficient columnar strength for vertical stability and can be bent to provide smooth continuous radii without the need for notches, serrations, and the like along the underside thereof. A most preferred rule is 0.020 inch thick and 3/16 inch in height. A low die profile is thus achieved which permits high production rate cuts ofvery thin paper, fabric and the like.

Die sections are produced according to the teachings herein from single lengths of rule or a plurality of segments of rule, as desired. Rule defining the sections is mounted directly on the support therefor such as the cutting roll or plate in such a fashion that the leading edge of the section engages the support at the time of cutting whereby the precise cut is always obtained without an initial gouging or the like of the material being cut. As with other die cutting systems, the die sections are preferably slightly angled with respect to the end of the support. Straight rule mounted around the radius of a curved support such as a cutting roll undergoes considerable stress at the comers of the section to the point of possible failure, especially when a single length of rule is employed to produce the section. It is thus preferred to prebend the rule for single and multiple segment sections. The rule may be overbent or underbent providing a shorter or longer radius bend respectively than the radius of the support. Prebent rule relieves the aforementioned stresses and is advantageous in mounting as will be described hereinafter.

The rule must be securely held in place on the support with very little lateral movement or deflection and with the leading section edge held on the support. Likewise, the rule should be true at all points with respect to the anvil without any high or low portions along the rule. Uninterrupted rule with no holes, notches or the like bends to provide a smooth radius whereas interruptions in the rule cause an uneven radius bend with the high and low spots therein.

Mounting means are secured to the support in predetermined locations around the section perimeter. Placement of the mounting means is determined by the intricacies of the design, the number of rule segments employed and whether the rule is radiused prior to mounting. Rigid mounting means are secured to the support on both sides of the area to receive rule, spaced apart from each other an amount substantially equivalent to the thickness of the rule. Resilient mounting means are then secured to the support at predetermined locations around the design, again at a spacing substantially equivalent to rule thickness. Rule is then forced down between the mounting means. At each resilient mounting means, a force is automatically applied against the rule, securely holding the rule in place against the rigid mounting means.

The rigid mounting means may take various shapes and sizes so long as it may be secured to the support and present a straight vertical edge against which the rule is forced and held.

The resilient mounting means are secureable to the support and likewise have an edge that contacts the rule, adjacent the upper end thereof. A spring system is also received on the resilient mounting means and extends into the space in which rule is to be received. When rule is inserted down between the rigid and resilient mounting means, the spring system is deflected downwardly and thus applies a force against the rule, securely holding same against the rigid mounting means. Once the rule is mounted, it cannot be removed unless the resilient mounting means are at least partially removed from the support, permitting release of the spring force.

Resilient mounting means may be constructed as an integral housing that receives the spring system or may be fabricated from component parts, adapted to receive the spring system. In either case, the spring system is removeable, permitting spring replacement. A single spring may receive force exceeding its yield point and permanently deflect. The single spring should then be replaced when the rule is changed, permitting reuse of the resilient mounting means. A plurality of springs including one long spring over one or more shorter springs in a leaf spring arrangement will not permanently deflect whereby the entire resilient mounting means may be reused. The leaf spring arrangement is thus preferred.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting roll in a rotary die cutting system illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a resilient mounting means according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the resilient mounting means as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the resilient mounting means as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view of another embodiment of resilient mounting means.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of a rigid and a further embodiment of resilient mounting means securing a cutting rule on a support.

FIG. 7 is a' partial side view of a cutting rule section showing a particular joint thereof.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a cutting rule section of a particular shape.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a further cutting rule section of the shape illustrated in FIG. 6 utilizing multiple rule lengths.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. In FIG. 1, the system of the present invention is generally illustrated in a rotary die cutting environment. A cutting roll 10 is rotatably journaled to a machine framework (not shown) by a shaft 12. Spaced a specific distance apart from cutting roll 10 is an anvil roll 15 that likewise is journaled to the framework by a shaft 17. Rotary cutting roll 10 is provided with a plurality of cutting rule sections generally indicated as 20 around the circumference and along the length thereof. A strip S of paper, cardboard, fabric or the like material is fed between rolls l0 and 15, preferably in continuous fashion whereby cutting rule sections 20 progressively engage strip S and kiss cut blanks conforming to the dimensions and shape of sections 20 therefrom. Thereafter, some means are provided to separate and collect the blanks cut from the strip and the strip proceeds onwardly to be discarded. As illustrated in FIG. 1, cutting sections 20 are disposed so as to maximize the number of blanks obtained from strip S and thus increase productivity.

When strip S is engaged by rule sections 20, anvil roll 15 supports the underside thereof. Sharpened upper edges of the cutting rule thus penetrate strip S and cut the particular blank therefrom. Each cutting rule section 20 is preferably presented on cutting roll at an angle, preferably a small angle such that a shear type cut is made in strip S. Sheet S is thus first contacted by only a leading edge 80 of the cutting rule and initial shock and strain on the rule is substantially reduced. It is preferred that leading edge 80 be positioned against roll 10. Otherwise, should edge 80 be raised off roll 10, the sheet may be gouged and an imperfect cut will be made.

As further shown in FIG. 1, each cutting rule section contains sufficient length of rule 30 to produce the periphery of the design of the blank to be cut. Numerous designs are possible, including placement of rule within the periphery for internal blank configuration. Rigid mounting means 40 are shown positioned outside the periphery of the design in individual sections as illustrated, though they may extend completely around the outer periphery of the design as shown in phantom. Resilient mounting means 50 are positioned internally of the periphery of the design and constantly apply a force against rule 30 to hold same against rigid mounting means 40. Further, rigid mounting means 40 are shown inside the design periphery. In addition to resilient mounting means 50 it may also be necessary to use the inside rigid means 40 to provide a channel for rule placement to preclude lateral movement of rule between the resilient mounting means. In certain embodiments of the present invention, only a small number of resilient mounting means are required whereby a significant number of rigid mounting means may be required internally.

FIGS. 2 through 6 illustrate preferred embodiments of the mounting means which will be described in detail. Rigid mounting means 40 is shown in FIG. 6 secured to a flat support 10' by fastening members such as screws or the like 44. Screws 44 pass through an opening 43 that is counterbored to receive the head of the fastening member and thus preclude its protrusion above the mounting means. Basically, mounting means 40 may be elongated to extend along the length of a rule section or may be a short element for use at a predetermined location around the rule section. A straight vertical edge 42 is shown adjacent rule 30 along a substantial portion of the height of rule 30. Edge 42 should thus provide a surface against which rule 30 may be securely held in a vertical disposition with the upper end 34 of rule 30 extending thereabove.

Resilient mounting means are illustrated by way of several embodiments. Common to all of the embodiments is a member that is secureable to a support, has a flat edge for engagement with a rule and has a spring system that extends outwardly from beneath the flat edge to be deflected downwardly by rule being inserted between the mounting means to lock the rule therein. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a resilient mounting means having a base 56, a spring receiver 58 secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. Spring receiver 58 has a slot 58 therealong and receives a spring 60 therein. A spring plate 59 is secured over spring receiver 58 and slot 58' by spot welding or the like to receiver 58. Spring plate 59 has an end 59' beyond which spring 60 extends. End 59 engages an upper portion of rule 30 to prevent lateral movement or deflection thereof. Mounting means 50 further has a counterbored opening 52 through base 56 through which fastening members 52 pass to secure the mounting means to a support. Plate 59 further has an opening 54 therethrough, providing access to spring 60 for removal of spring 60.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the resilient mounting means 50. Base 56, spring receiver 58 and spring plate 59 are all integral, providing a one piece housing for receipt of the spring system. In FIG. 5, two

springs

61 and 62 are shown received in slot 58. Spring 61 is a long top spring and spring 62 is a short bottom spring received thereunder. A single spring will work well in the resilient mounting means of the present invention. Insertion of the rule subjects the single spring to forces exceeding its yield point whereby permanent deflection results. Thereafter, when the rule is replaced, the single spring cannot be reused and must be replaced. A plurality of springs on the other hand, where a long spring is placed over one or more short springs, functions as a leaf spring and no permanent deflection is experienced by any of the springs in the group. Upon removal of the resilient mounting means to release the old rule, the plural spring system returns to its original untensioned state and may be reused.

Still another embodiment of resilient mounting means 50 is illustrated in FIG. 6 in a rule mounting arrangement. Base 56 and spring receiver 58 are of integral construction with spring plate 59 being separate, but secured thereto. In FIG. 6, rigid mounting means and resilient mounting means are secured to a flat support 10 by

fastening members

44 and 52 respectively. The space between edge 42 and spring plate end 59' is the thickness of rule 30 within a very close tolerance. Without rule 30 received in the space between the mounting means, long spring 61 would extend beyond end 59' slightly into the open space. As a rule 30 is inserted down into the space, spring 61 is deflected downwardly, along with spring 62 as illustrated. Since both mounting means are secured to support 10', spring 61 cannot return to the untensioned state due to the presence of rule 30. Rule 30 is thus locked into place and cannot be removed until resilient mounting means 50 is at least partially loosened from support 10' and preferably completely removed from support 10'.

A layer of hard, resilient polyerrnic material 11 such as a polyurethane is shown in FIG. 6 atop support 10'. While high and low spots are not found in the curvature of rule according to the present invention, there are still possibilities for variation in rule height due to manufacturing tolerances, and minor misalignment and the like problems on the machine. Such problems could introduce high and low spots which could damage the rule. A thin resilient layer will permit a minor height variation upon receipt of pressure from the anvil to insure a complete and true cut without damage to the artifical high spots on the rule. Likewise, the resilient layer may be provided on the anvil to the same end result. 1

Cutting rule 30 is thus held in a vertical disposition by edge 42 of rigid mounting means 40 on one side and end 59' of resilient mounting means 50 on the opposite side. The deflected spring system then securely locks the rule down against the support. Resilient mounting means 50 are placed around the die section at predetermined locations to properly hold the entire section for true cutting. As few resilient mounting means 50 as possible are utilized to further improve the rule replacement. Certain portions of the rule around the section are thus not held securely against the support and may experience some vertical movement. Each of these areas are not critical, however, since they will automatically return to the support during cutting. On the other hand, lateral deflection anywhere around the die section is undesirable. Rigid mounting means 40 may thus be located on both sides of the rule in those areas away from the resilient mounting means 50 where lateral deflection of the rule may occur. The two opposite edges 42 of rigid mounting means 40 thus define a channel or guide for vertical stability of rule 30 with no holding means therein.

Making reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 rule useable according to the present invention is more specifically described. A preferred rule is a metal strip that is sufficiently thin to permit forming of short radius corners and has a height that will enable prebending in a vertical sense to provide a particular radius and have sufficient vertical strength to prevent lateral deflection thereof. Since notches, serrations and the like on the underside of the rule and holes, slots and the like through the side of the rule will produce an uneven radius in the vertical direction, solid, uninterrupted rule segments are preferred. A rule strip having a width of 0.020 inch, a height of 3/ l6 inch and no notches, holes or the like therein has performed well in the instant environment.

By way of section illustration, rectangular sections with rounded corners are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. A single length of rule 230 in FIG. 8 has been found to provide the rounded corners 231 and a single joint 232. Whenever possible, the single length of rule is preferred for forming the die section. When used in a rotary cutting environment, a single length rule section may experience failure at the corners due to stresses incurred thereon during the cutting operation. In order to avoid such possible failure, either of the approaches discussed below may be employed.

FIG. 9 shows a multiple segment rule section with joints at each comer. Leading end segment 131 has cut away portions 131 that mate with cut away portions 133' of side segments 133, while cut away portions 133" at opposite ends of side segments mate with cut away portions 132' of end segments 132. These joints are more clearly shown in FIG. where a cut away portion 31 of lead section 31 floats above a mating section 32 of a side segment 32. Lead segment 32 is held securely against the support. During rotation, floating portion 31 is gradually forced down and in turn forces side segment 32 down against the support. A like action occurs with each corner as shown in FIG. 9 where each preceding cut away portion is gradually forced against its mating cut away portion to position the particular rule portion against the support for proper cutting. Obviously, mounting means are positioned along the rule segments as desired. Use of the joints illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9 relieves stresses at the corners and thus reduces the possibility of rule failure thereat.

Note that each of the sections in FIGS. 8 and 9 are bent on a vertical radius. Stresses can also be eliminated at corners of the die sections by overbending or underbending the die section or segments thereof with respect to the radius of a rotary support. Preferably, the section is overbent to produce a shorter radius than the radius of the rotary support. Thereafter, when the section is mounted on the support, resilient mounting means are required only along the ends and sides of the section and the shorter radius will cause the comers to hug the support. Alternatively, underbending where a longer radius is produced than the radius of the support, resilient mounting means are required only at the corners and the intermediate rule will hug the support. Prebending of the rule is more critical for a single rule length section, though the multiple rule length sections are likewise improved thereby.

Having described the present invention in detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. A die assembly comprising:

a. a support member;

b. at least one section of rule mounted directly on said support member, said rule being arranged according to a predetermined design;

0. rigid mounting means secured to said support member at least partially around said design and engaging one side of said rule; and

d. resilient spring mounting means secured to said support member opposite said rigid mounting means, said resilient spring mounting means having a spring extending outwardly into engagement with an opposite side of said rule, said spring being forced downwardly by said rule and continually applying force against said opposite side of said rule to bias same against said rigid mounting means.

2. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support member is a roll and said rule section is prebent to a radius shorter than the radius of the roll.

3. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support member is a roll and said rule section is prebent to a radius longer than the radius of the roll.

4. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting means are located only along predetermined portions of said rule.

5. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said rule is solid along a bottom side and has a sharp upper side.

6. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support member is a plate.

7. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein a second shorter spring is provided beneath said spring, said second shorter spring being out of engagement with said rule.

8. A die assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said spring mounting means comprises a base, a spring receiver secured to said base and extending outwardly therefrom, said spring receiver having a slot therealong, said springs being received in said slot, and a plate covering a portion of said springs and secured to said spring receiver.

9. A die assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said base, spring receiver and plate are integral.

10. A die assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said base and said spring receiver are integral.

11. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said cutting rule sections are positioned on said cutting support at an angle with respect to a side edge of said support.

12. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said support member is a roll and said assembly is utilized in conjunction with an anvil roll.

13. A die assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein one of said support member roll and said anvil roll is provided with a hard, resilient polymeric coating.

14. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein additional rigid mounting means are secured to said support member adjacent said resilient mounting means.

15. A cutting die assembly comprising:

a. a rotary cutting support;

b. at least one section of cutting rule received against said support according to a predetermined design, said rule section being positioned on said cutting support at an angle with respect to the end of said support;

0. a plurality of rigid mounting means secured to said support at predetermined locations around said section of cutting rule, said rigid mounting means having a straight vertical end engaging one side of said cutting rule; and

d. a plurality of resilient spring mounting means secured to said support opposite at least a portion of 4 said rigid mounting means, said resilient spring mounting means having a spring extending outwardly into engagement with an opposite side of said rule, said spring being forced downwardly by said rule and continually applying force against said opposite side of said rule to bias same against said rigid mounting means.

16. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein a second short spring is received beneath and immediately adjacent said spring, said second short spring being out of engagement with said rule.

17. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 16 18. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said base and said spring receiver are integral.

19. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the cutting rule section comprises a single length of cutting rule, said section being prebent to a radius shorter than the radius of said rotary cutting support.

20. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the cutting rule section comprises a single length of cutting rule, said section being prebent to a radius longer than the radius of said rotary cutting sup port.

21. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said cutting rule section comprises a plurality of lengths of rule, said lengths of rule having cutaway portions at the corners of the section.

22. Mounting means for die rule comprising:

a. a first member secureable in place and having a rule engageable edge thereon; and

b. a second member secureable apart from said first member to receive a die rule therebetween, said second member having a spring secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom, said spring being forceable downwardly by die rule inserted between said members, whereby said downwardly deflected spring will continually bias said rule against said rule engageable edge of said first member and lock said rule in place.

23. Mounting means as defined in claim 22 wherein said second member comprises a base, a spring receiver, said spring receiver having a slot therealong, said spring being received in said slot, and a plate secured over said slot.

24. Mounting means for die rule as defined in claim 22 wherein a second short spring is received beneath and immediate said spring, said second spring remaining out of engagement with a die rule received between said mounting means.

25. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 24 wherein said base, said spring receiver and said plate are integral.

26. Mounting means for die rule as defined in claim 25 wherein said base and spring receiver are integral.

Claims

1. A die assembly comprising: a. a support member; b. at least one section of rule mounted directly on said support member, said rule being arranged according to a predetermined design; c. rigid mounting means secured to said support member at least partially around said design and engaging one side of said rule; and d. resilient spring mounting means secured to said support member opposite said rigid mounting means, said resilient spring mounting means having a spring extending outwardly into engagement with an opposite side of said rule, said spring being forced downwardly by said rule and continually applying force against said opposite side of said rule to bias same against said rigid mounting means.

6. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support member is a plate.

12. A die assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said support member is provided with a hard, resilient polymeric coating.

13. A die assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein said support member is a roll and said assembly is utilized in conjunction with an anvil roll.

15. A cutting die assembly comprising: a. a rotary cutting support; b. at least one section of cutting rule received against said support according to a predetermined design, said rule section being positioned on said cutting support at an angle with respect to the end of said support; c. a plurality of rigid mounting means secured to said support at predetermined locations around said section of cutting rule, said rigid mounting means having a straight vertical end engaging one side of said cutting rule; and d. a plurality of resilient spring mounting means secured to said support opposite at least a portion of said rigid mounting means, said resilient spring mounting means having a spring extending outwardly into engagement with an opposite side of said rule, said spring being forced downwardly by said rule and continually applying force against said opposite side of said rule to bias same against said rigid mounting means.

17. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 16 wherein said spring mounting means comprises a base, a spring receiver secured to said base and extending outwardly therefrom, said receiver having a slot therealong, said springs being received in said slot, and a plate secured over said receiver.

18. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said base and said spring receiver are integral.

19. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said base, said spring receiver and said plate are integral.

20. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the cutting rule section comprises a single length of cutting rule, said section being prebent to a radius shorter than the radius of said rotary cutting support.

21. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the cutting rule section comprises a single length of cutting rule, said section being prebent to a radius longer than the radius of said rotary cutting support.

22. A cutting die assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said cutting rule section comprises a plurality of lengths of rule, said lengths of rule having cutaway portions at the corners of the section.

23. Mounting means for die rule comprising: a. a first member secureable in place and having a rule engageable edge thereon; and b. a second member secureable apart fRom said first member to receive a die rule therebetween, said second member having a spring secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom, said spring being forceable downwardly by die rule inserted between said members, whereby said downwardly deflected spring will continually bias said rule against said rule engageable edge of said first member and lock said rule in place.

24. Mounting means as defined in claim 23 wherein said second member comprises a base, a spring receiver, said spring receiver having a slot therealong, said spring being received in said slot, and a plate secured over said slot.

25. Mounting means for die rule as defined in claim 23 wherein a second short spring is received beneath and immediate said spring, said second spring remaining out of engagement with a die rule received between said mounting means.