WO2019005781A1 - Scrap ejector for a rotary die - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material. The disclosed embodiments are simple to assemble and result in efficient removal of scrap material without sacrificing die component durability. An example apparatus includes a lever arm portion and an angled portion. The lever arm portion is configured at a proximal end to be attached to a rotary die. The angled portion is located at a distal end of the lever arm portion and is configured to extend under a rule of the rotary die. A distal end of the angled portion is configured to be positioned on a side of the rule opposite the lever arm portion. The lever arm portion and angled portion are configured to move away from the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die.

Description

SCRAP EJECTOR FOR A ROTARY DIE

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No.

62/525,300, filed on June 27, 2017. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A rotary die cutting machine includes a cylindrical die roller and a cylindrical anvil roller. The machine is fed a die-cutting material (e.g., corrugated cardboard), which passes through the rollers. A customized die is affixed to the die roller to cut, crease, and/or perforate the die-cutting material as it passes through the rollers. As a result, one or more customized shapes are created from the die-cutting material while scrap material is disposed. Due to the size and shape of the scrap material, the scrap material can sometimes become lodged in the die, which can create problems with subsequent material being cut by the die.

SUMMARY

[0003] Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material. One example embodiment is an apparatus that includes a lever arm portion and an angled portion. The lever arm portion is configured at a proximal end to be attached to a rotary die. The angled portion is located at a distal end of the lever arm portion and is configured to extend under a rule of the rotary die. A distal end of the angled portion is configured to be positioned on a side of the rule opposite the lever arm portion. The lever arm portion and angled portion are configured to move away from the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die. The lever arm portion and angled portion may be separate components that are attached together, or can be parts of one unitary component.

[0004] In many embodiments, the rotary die can include at least one hole for an actuating pin, and the lever arm portion can include a hole to be aligned with at least one of the holes in the rotary die. The hole in the lever arm portion is configured to be covered to enable engagement with the actuating pin. Extension of a pin out of the pin hole of the rotary die contacts the cover over the hole in the lever arm portion and causes the lever arm and angled portion to move away from the rotary die.

[0005] In some embodiments, the lever arm portion can include a hinge at the proximal end of the lever arm portion. One end of the hinge is attached to the lever arm portion and the other end is configured to be attached to the rotary die. The hinge can be oriented to be positioned within a recess in the surface of the rotary die. A return spring can be attached to the proximal end of the lever arm portion. In some embodiments, the return spring can be a substantially flat member configured to be affixed on top of the hinge of the lever arm portion.

[0006] In many embodiments, an ejector portion can be attached to the angled portion. The ejector portion can take many forms and can be customized to the size and shape of the scrap material to be ejected. The ejector portion can be, for example, welded, screwed, or otherwise affixed to the angled portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the angled portion can include a substantially u-shaped section configured to extend under the rule of the rotary die. In other embodiments, the angled portion can bend downward from the lever arm portion and extend substantially straight under the rule of the rotary die. In some embodiments, the centerline of the distal end of the angled portion can be offset from the centerline of the lever arm portion.

[0008] Another example embodiment is a rotary die that includes a rule attached to the rotary die, a pin hole, and an ejector assembly as described above. Extension of a pin out of the pin hole causes the lever arm portion and angled portion of the ejector assembly to move away from the surface of the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die. The ejector assembly can be attached to the rotary die in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the circumference of the rotary die. In many embodiments, the rotary die can include a recess for the angled portion of the ejector assembly, and in some embodiments, the rotary die can include a recess for the hinge of the ejector assembly.

[0009] Another example embodiment is a method of enabling scrap to be ejected from rotary-die-cut material. The example method includes attaching an ejector portion to an ejector assembly. The ejector assembly includes a lever arm portion and an angled portion located at a distal end of the lever arm portion, and the ejector portion is attached to a distal end of the angled portion. The example method further includes attaching a proximal end of the lever arm of the ejector assembly to a rotary die, and inserting a rule into the rotary die over the angled portion of the ejector assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotary die cutting machine.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram illustrating an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2B is an exploded diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A.

[0014] FIG. 2C is a top-view diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A.

[0015] FIG. 2D is a side-view diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A.

[0016] FIG. 2E is a perspective diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A on a surface of a die and positioned under a rule in the die.

[0017] FIG. 2F is a perspective diagram illustrating the apparatus, die, and rule of FIG. 2E, with the apparatus in a raised position.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary- die-cut material, according to example embodiments, where the example apparatus are attached to a rotary die.

[0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating example dimensions for an angled portion of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, according to an example embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including example dimensions, according to an example embodiment.

[0021] FIGS. 6A-D are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including example dimensions, according to an example embodiment. [0022] FIGS. 7A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including example dimensions, according to an example embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating enabling scrap to be ejected from rotary-die- cut material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A description of example embodiments follows.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotary die cutting machine 100. As shown, the rotary die cutting machine includes a cylindrical die roller 105 and a cylindrical anvil roller 1 10. A die-cutting material 1 15 (e.g., corrugated cardboard) is fed into the machine and passes through the rollers 105 and 1 10. A customized die 120 is affixed to the die roller 105. The die 120 includes rule to cut, crease, and/or perforate the die-cutting material 1 15 as it passes through the rollers. The rule can be, and is often, made of steel. Labeled as 125a-c in FIG. 1 are example rule that cut the die-cutting material 1 15, represented by solid lines. Labeled as 130a-c in FIG. 1 are example rule that crease the die- cutting material 1 15, represented by dashed lines. Rule 125a,b and 130a,b are oriented parallel to the circumference of the die 120. Rule 125c and 130c are oriented perpendicular to the circumference of the die 120. The rule can be arranged in any number of ways. The die 120 creates one or more customized shapes from the die-cutting material 1 15 while disposing of scrap material. Sometimes, the scrap material can become lodged in the die 120, which can create problems with subsequent material being cut by the die 120.

[0026] Prior approaches to this problem include a scrap ejector that passes through a rule of the die. In such an approach, a hole for an actuator pin can be located on a first side of the rule and the scrap to be ejected can be cut out on the other (second) side of the rule. The prior scrap ejector would be attached on the first side of the rule and positioned over a hole for the actuator pin. A portion of the prior scrap ejector would be inserted through the rule, through a hole cut-out of the rule (a "gate hole"), extend on the second side of the rule, and an additional component would be attached to the ejector on the other side of the rule. These scrap ejectors suffer from various drawbacks. For example, the hole cut out of the rule weakens the cutting edge of the rule, resulting in premature failure of the rule and, thus, the entire die. Another drawback is that the prior scrap ejector is generally made from weak material as it needs to be small enough to fit through the hole in the rule, leading to premature failure of the scrap ejector and, thus, the entire die. Also, prior scrap ejectors often need to be mounted in routed-out areas on the surface of the die, resulting in a more complex and expensive die design.

[0027] Embodiments disclosed herein include scrap ejectors that are positioned and operate under a rule in a die. FIG. 2A is a perspective diagram illustrating an apparatus 200 for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 200 includes a lever arm portion 205 and an angled portion 210. The lever arm portion 205 is configured at a proximal end 215 to be attached to a rotary die. The angled portion 210 is located at a distal end 220 of the lever arm portion 205 and is configured to extend under a rule of the rotary die. A distal end 225 of the angled portion 210 is configured to be positioned on a side of the rule opposite the lever arm portion 205. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 A, the lever arm portion 205 and angled portion 210 are separate components that are to each other, but in other embodiments, they may be portions of one unitary component. The lever arm portion 205 and angled portion 210 are configured to move away from the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die. An ejector portion (not shown) can be attached to the angled portion 210. The ejector portion can be, for example, a plate, block, or other suitable structure for contacting the scrap material to be ejected. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2 A, the ejector portion can be screwed to the angled portion at points 245a and 245b.

[0028] In the example embodiment of FIG. 2A, the lever arm portion 205 includes a hinge 230 at the proximal end 215 of the lever arm portion 205. One side of the hinge can be, or can be attached to, the lever arm portion 205 and the other side 260 can be configured to be attached to the rotary die. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2A, the hinge 230 is oriented downward to be positioned in a recess in the surface of the rotary die. In the example embodiment of FIG. 2A, a return spring 235 is attached to the proximal end 215 of the lever arm portion 205. The return spring 235 can be a substantially flat member affixed on top of the hinge 230 of the lever arm portion 205.

[0029] In the example embodiment of FIG. 2A, the lever arm portion 205 includes a hole 240 to be aligned with a hole in a rotary die. The hole 240 can be covered to enable engagement with an actuating pin of the rotary die. A pin extending out of the rotary die can contact a cover over the hole 240 in the lever arm portion 205 and cause the lever arm portion 205 and angled portion 210 to rotate at the hinge 230 and move away from the rotary die.

[0030] FIG. 2B is an exploded diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a top-view diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D is a side-view diagram illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 2 A.

[0031] FIG. 2E is a perspective diagram illustrating the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A on a surface 250 of a die and positioned under a rule 255 in the die. FIG. 2E includes reference lines along the surface 250 of the die, which is transparent to show parts that are beneath the surface 250. As shown, the lever arm portion 205 of the scrap ejector 200 can rest flush on the surface 250 of the die. The angled portion 210 can extend under the rule 255 at a location of the rule 255 where a portion 257 is cut out from the bottom of the rule 255. The cut-out 257 allows the scrap ejector 200 to move upward way from the surface 250 of the die, as shown below.

[0032] FIG. 2F is a perspective diagram illustrating the apparatus 200, die surface 250, and rule 255 of FIG. 2E, with the apparatus 200 in a raised position. As shown, the lever arm portion 205 of the scrap ejector 200 is in a raised position. The bottom of the angled portion 210 of the scrap ejector 200 is shown as being close to the top-edge of the rule cut-out 257, and the distal end 225 of the angled portion 210 is visible on the other side of the rule 255.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating apparatus 200 and 300 for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, according to example embodiments, where the example apparatus 200, 300 are attached to a rotary die 360. FIG. 3 includes example dimensions. FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section of one-half of a cylindrical die roller of a rotary die cutting machine. The center of the cylindrical die roller is shown as 375 and is coupled to two actuator pins 380 and 385. The actuator pins 380 and 385 can be controlled by a cam positioned at the center 375 of the cylindrical die roller. A portion of the outer shell of the cylindrical die roller is shown as 390, on which a cutting die 360 is affixed. The actuator pins 380 and 385 extend through holes 392, 394 in the outer shell 390 of the cylindrical die roller and holes 362, 364 in the die 360.

[0034] Shown mounted to the die 360 are four cutting rule 365a, 365b, 370a, and 370b and two scrap ejectors 200 and 300. As shown, the scrap ejector 200 of FIGS. 2A-2D is mounted to the die 360. An ejector portion (e.g., a plate or block) 350 is affixed to the distal end of the angled portion 210 of the scrap ejector 200. Scrap ejector 200 is shown in a position away from the surface of the cutting die 360, such that ejector portion 350 ejects any scrap material stuck between rule 365a and 365b. Also mounted to the die 360 is a shorter scrap ejector 300 including components similar to scrap ejector 200. An ejector portion 355 is affixed to the distal end of the angled portion 310 of the scrap ejector 300. Scrap ejector 300 is shown in a position away from the surface of the cutting die 360, such that ejector portion 355 ejects any scrap material stuck between rule 370a and 370b. As described above, a portion of each of rule 365b and 370b can be cut out from the bottom of each rule to allow for upward movement of the scrap ejectors 200 and 300.

[0035] Prior scrap ejectors have to be recessed into the die to prevent damage to the cutting material (e.g., corrugated board). This is typically accomplished, in prior methods, by routing-out a portion of the die, which is time consuming and severely weakens the mounting of the assembly by reducing the thickness of the die. The embodiments disclosed herein enable the axles (e.g., hinges 230 and 330) to be mounted under the surface of the die 360 by cutting (e.g., using laser cutting) a hold in the die 360, leaving, for example, about 1/8 of the height of the assembly above the surface of the die 360, which can avoid unintended sharp protrusions into cutting material. Thus, the disclosed embodiments allow for a flush mounting, where the lever arm portion 205, 305 can rest flat against the surface of the die 360. The rotation at the hinge 230, 330 allows the lever arm portion 205, 305 to rise up to, for example, 1/2 inch, at which point the angled portion 210, 310 may make contact with the bottom of the rule 365b, 370b. Thus, the design of the disclosed embodiments allows the scrap ejector 200, 300 to be surface mounted. This allows the scrap ejector 200, 300 to sit lower on the die 360, offering more latitude in cut impression, while allowing the end of ejector 200, 300 to raise above the height of the rule, providing more reliable ejection of scrap material. In some embodiments, a soft ejection rubber can be added to the angled portion 210, 310 for optimal performance.

[0036] A return spring 235, 335 (e.g., wound coil or steel plate) can be included to help the scrap ejector 200, 300 return to being flush against the surface of the die 360. The strength of the spring 235, 335 can absorb the bending force created when the actuator pin pushes up on the lever arm portion 205, 310. The force of the return spring 235, 335 need only be enough to overcome the centripetal force created by the rotary motion of the machine in operation. [0037] As presented above, the angled portion 210, 310 can move within an opening in the rule 365b, 370b that can start at the base of the rule 365b, 370b and end at about the surface of the die 360. The opening in the rule 365b, 370b may be cut by a bridging tool, which is common in steel-rule die making, rather than a specialized gate-hole punch. With a device that can work with an opening in the rule 365b, 370b that is under the surface of the die 360, there is an opportunity to have more rule that is intact above the opening (e.g., 7/16 inches or more as opposed to 5/32 inches typically left above a gate hole in prior scrap ejectors). In addition, the gate holes of the prior scrap ejectors have to be specially configured according to rule heights, as they are positioned relative to the top of the rule, and those heights can vary greatly. The disclosed embodiments, however, allow for the rule to be cut from the bottom, which can be done irrespective of rule height. Further, the angled portion 210, 310 of the design can also improve the range of motion by at least 100% over prior scrap ejectors, for example from approximately 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

[0038] FIGS. 4 A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating example dimensions for an angled portion 210 of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, according to an example embodiment.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion 510 of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including example dimensions, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5A shows a top view of the angled portion 510. FIG. 5B shows an elevation view of the angled portion 510 where the distal end 515 is positioned between two rules (also called knives) 525a, 525b. The dashed lines 520 in FIG. 5A represent the substantially u-shaped section 520 of the angled portion 510 in FIG. 5B.

[0040] FIGS. 6A-D are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion 610 of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including example dimensions, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6 A shows a top view of the angled portion 610 as a flat structure before being bent into the shape shown in FIGS. 6B-D. FIG. 6B shows a top view of the angled portion 610 after bending. FIG. 6C shows an elevation view of the angled portion 610, and FIG. 6D shows an elevation view of the angled portion 610 where the distal end 615 is positioned between two rules 625a, 625b. The dashed lines 620 in FIG. 6B represent the substantially u-shaped section 620 of the angled portion 610 in FIGS. 6C and 6D. As shown in FIG. 6A, the distal end 615 of the angled portion 610 can be curved, and the curve can substantially match the shape of a rotary die. The distal end 615 of the angled portion 610 can be straight or can be distorted (e.g., bent in a zig-zag pattern as shown by dashed lines 630 in FIG. 6B) to provide more surface contact with the scrap material to be ejected.

[0041] FIGS. 7A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating an angled portion 710 of an apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, including some example

dimensions, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7A shows an elevation view of the angled portion 710 and an ejector portion 715. The ejector portion 715 can be attached to the distal end of the angled portion 710. FIG. 7B shows an elevation view of the angled portion 710 and ejector portion 715 after the ejector portion 715 has been attached to the angled portion 710. The ejector portion 715 and distal end of the angled portion 710 are shown as being positioned between two rules 725a, 725b. As shown, the angled portion 710 bends downward from where it attaches to a lever arm portion (an example lever arm portion being shown as 205 in FIGS. 2A-F) and extends substantially straight through an opening in rule 725b of the rotary die (an example opening being shown as 257 in FIGS. 2E and 2F).

[0042] FIG. 7C illustrates three example configurations for the angled portion 710; a right-offset configuration 735a, a center configuration 735b, and a left-offset configuration 735c. In the right-offset configuration 735a, the centerline 730a of the distal end of the angled portion 710 is offset from the centerline 730b of the proximal end of the angled portion 710. In the centered configuration 735b, the centerline 730c of the distal end of the angled portion 710 is the same as the centerline 730c of the proximal end of the angled portion 710. In the left-offset configuration 735c, the centerline 730e of the distal end of the angled portion 710 is offset from the centerline 730d of the proximal end of the angled portion 710. These different configurations provide flexibility in positioning the ejector assembly in relation to other components of the rotary die, such as, for example, positioning the ejector assembly over an actuator pin that is already in a predetermined location.

[0043] FIG. 7C also illustrates an example shape for the ejector portion 715. The ejector portion 715 can be curved to approximate the shape of the circumference of a rotary die. The ejector portion 715 can be attached to the angled portion 710 via a slot 720, for example, in the ejector portion 715. The ejector portion 715 can be attached to the angled portion 710 by, for example, welding or gluing the ejector portion 715 to the angled portion 710, or by the slot 720 being appropriately sized to create a tight fit with the angled portion 710. The dashed lines 740 in FIG. 7C represent the bends of the angled portion 710 that are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 800 of enabling scrap to be ejected from rotary-die-cut material. The example method 800 includes attaching 805 an ejector portion to an ejector assembly. The ejector assembly includes a lever arm portion and an angled portion located at a distal end of the lever arm portion. The ejector portion is attached to a distal end of the angled portion. The example method further includes attaching 810 a proximal end of the lever arm of the ejector assembly to a rotary die, and inserting 815 a rule into the rotary die over the angled portion of the ejector assembly. Prior methods require a gate hole to be cut into the rule above the surface of the die. In such prior methods, the rule would need to be inserted into the die before the prior scrap ejector can be attached to the die. After insertion of the rule, in prior methods, the parts of the scrap ejector would need to be assembled after insertion through the gate hole in the rule. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein have an advantage over prior methods as the scrap ejectors disclosed herein can be assembled before attachment to the die.

[0045] While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims. For example, many of the figures include example dimensions. It should be understood that these example dimensions are for illustration purposes only, and that other dimensions can be used. For example, where a length or width is identified in the figures, the length or width can be larger or smaller, and where an angle is identified in the figures, the angle can be larger or smaller.

Claims

CLAIMS claimed is:

An apparatus for ejecting scrap from rotary-die-cut material, the apparatus comprising:

a lever arm portion configured at a proximal end of the lever arm portion to be attached to a rotary die; and

an angled portion located at a distal end of the lever arm portion and configured to extend under a rule of the rotary die, a distal end of the angled portion being configured to be positioned on a side of the rule opposite the lever arm portion; the lever arm portion and angled portion being configured to move away from the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die.

An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein:

the rotary die includes at least one hole for an actuating pin;

the lever arm portion includes a hole to be aligned with at least one of the holes in the rotary die, the hole being configured to be covered by a cover; and

extension of a pin out of the pin hole of the rotary die contacting the cover over the hole in the lever arm portion and causing the lever arm and angled portion to move away from the rotary die.

An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the lever arm portion includes a hinge at the proximal end of the lever arm portion, one end of the hinge being attached to the lever arm portion and the other end being configured to be attached to the rotary die.

An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the hinge is oriented to be positioned in a recess in the surface of the rotary die.

An apparatus as in claim 3 further comprising a return spring attached to the proximal end of the lever arm portion.

6. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the return spring is a substantially flat member configured to be affixed on top of the hinge of the lever arm portion.

7. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an ejector portion configured to be attached to the angled portion.

8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the ejector portion is configured to be welded or screwed to the angled portion.

9. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the lever arm portion is configured to be attached to the rotary die in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the circumference of the rotary die.

10. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the lever arm portion and angled portion are part of a unitary component.

11. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the angled portion includes a substantially u- shaped section configured to extend under the rule of the rotary die.

12. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the angled portion bends downward from the lever arm portion and extends substantially straight under the rule of the rotary die.

13. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the centerline of the distal end of the angled

portion is offset from the centerline of the lever arm portion.

14. A rotary die comprising:

a rule attached to the rotary die;

a pin hole; and

an ejector assembly including:

a lever arm portion configured at a proximal end of the lever arm portion to be attached to the rotary die; and an angled portion located at a distal end of the lever arm portion and configured to extend under the rule, a distal end of the angled portion being configured to be positioned on a side of the rule opposite the lever arm portion;

the ejector assembly being configured to move away from the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die;

extension of a pin out of the pin hole causing the ejector assembly to move away from the surface of the rotary die to eject scrap material cut by the rule of the rotary die.

15. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the rotary die includes a recess for the angled portion of the ejector assembly.

16. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the lever arm portion includes a hinge at the

proximal end of the lever arm portion, one end of the hinge being attached to the lever arm portion and the other end being attached to the rotary die.

17. A rotary die as in claim 16 wherein the rotary die includes a recess for the hinge of the ejector assembly.

18. A rotary die as in claim 16 further comprising a return spring attached to the proximal end of the lever arm portion.

19. A rotary die as in claim 18 wherein the return spring is a substantially flat member affixed on top of the hinge of the lever arm portion.

20. A rotary die as in claim 14 further comprising an ejector portion attached to the

angled portion of the ejector assembly.

21. A rotary die as in claim 20 wherein the ejector portion is welded or screwed to the angled portion.

22. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the ejector assembly is attached to the rotary die in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the circumference of the rotary die.

23. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the lever arm portion and angled portion are part of a unitary component.

24. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the angled portion includes a substantially u- shaped section configured to extend under the rule of the rotary die.

25. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the angled portion bends downward from the lever arm portion and extends substantially straight under the rule of the rotary die.

26. A rotary die as in claim 14 wherein the centerline of the distal end of the angled

portion is offset from the centerline of the lever arm portion.

27. A method of enabling scrap to be ejected from rotary-die-cut material, the method comprising:

attaching an ejector portion to an ejector assembly, the ejector assembly including a lever arm portion and an angled portion located at a distal end of the lever arm portion, the ejector portion being attached to a distal end of the angled portion; attaching a proximal end of the lever arm of the ejector assembly to a rotary die; and

inserting a rule into the rotary die over the angled portion of the ejector assembly.