US3363896A - Methods and apparatus for zig-zag folding a web - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 16, 1968 T. W. McKlNDARY 3,363,896

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ZIG-ZAG FOLDING A WEB Filed Aug. 4, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jah. 16, 1968 T. w. M KINDARY 3,363,896 METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ZIG- ZAG FOLDING A WEB 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 1, 1965 FIG-Z INVENTOR Y m m M M N 5 A M w r AT TORNEY Jan. 16, 1968 T. W. McKlNDARY 3,363,896

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ZIG-ZAG FOLDING A WEB Filed Aug. 4, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 r/a-a F/G.- 4

mvsmoa THOMAS m McK/NDARY ATTORNEY 1968 T. w. MCKINDARY 3,363,

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ZIG-ZAG FOLDING A Filed Aug. 4, 1965 WEB 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR THOMAS MA MC KIA/DAR 7 AT TORNEY United States Patent 3,363,896 METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ZIG-ZAG FOLDING A WEB Thomas W. McKindary, 281 Lincoln Ave., Totowa Borough, NJ. 07512 Filed Aug. 4, 1965, Ser. No. 477,093 18 Claims. (Cl. 270-69) ABSTRACT OF THE DECLOSURE According to this invention, the novel machines comprise a pair of rotatable cylinders which are spaced from each other to receive a web of material in the space therebetween, means for rotating both of said cylinders in one direction, then both of said cylinders in the opposite direction, means for releasably holding a part of said web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of rotation of one of said cylinders when both of them are rotated in said one direction whereby said part is moved in an arcuate path Whose center is at the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders to locate said part at a first location, means for applying pressure to said part to crease said web, means for releasably holding a second part of said web in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of rotation of the other of said cylinders when both of them are rotated in said opposite direction whereby said second part is moved in an arcuate path whose center is at the axis of rotation of said other cylinder to locate said second part at a second location, and means for applying pressure to said second part to crease said web.

In a more specific aspect of the invention, said novel machine also includes a reciprocable means for feeding said web into a position where it overlies said one of said cylinders and then into a position where it overlies said other of said cylinders.

In a still more specific aspect of the invention, the first mentioned part of said Web which is releasably held in said fixed position relative to said one of said cylinders, is moved downwardly into, through and then below the narrowest space between said cylinders to locate said part in a location when said cylinders are both rotated in the same direction and then said second part of said web which is releasably held in said fixed position relative to said other of said cylinders is moved downwardly into, through and then below said space to locate said second part in a second location when both of said cylinders are rotated in the opposite direction.

By practicing the novel methods and employing the novel apparatus of this invention it is possible to produce zig-zag packs of individual units or a plurality of individual units which are relatively short even if the web is of relatively thick material. The novel apparatus of this invention are not only useful for efliciently producing such zig-zag pack of individual or a plurality of units, measuring 1 foot or more in length, but are also useful for efficiently producing folds or packs thereof which measure less than inches in length. Besides the aforesaid advantages, the novel apparatus of this invention are capable of producing such packs at relatively high speed, are capable of being set up in relatively short periods of time and also are capable of being quickly adjusted for the folding of different length with precision. A still further advantage of the present invention is that besides being faster, easier to set up, the machines are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and may be coupled with a stacker or a belt delivery depending upon the job to be run.

The foregoing as well as other objects and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the descrip- 2 tion taken in conunction with the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus illustrating an embodiment of this invention, with part thereof being an explosion view and other parts being fragmentary and still other parts being schematic, for clear viewing of the elements of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with certain parts thereof being broken away.

FIG. 2a is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on line Za-Za of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows.

FIGS. 3-12 are diagrammatic or schematic views showing the positions of some of the various parts of the invention with respect to some others of the apparatus of this invention at different stages of operation during approximately one cycle of operation.

As shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, there are a pair of like rigid metal hollow cylinders 10 and 11 of approximately the same diameter, in parallel relationship to each other and having axes of rotation parallel to each other. The cylinders 10 and 11 are spaced a short distance from each other to accommodate in the narrowest space therebetween a web 1 to be folded into a zig-zag fold pack of uniform portions or individual elements 2. Only a portion of web 1 from a roll thereof is shown. Said web has weakened transverse narrow sections 3, in the form of score lines or perforations which are uniformly spaced from each other along the length of said web and on which creasings are to be made. Each of said cylinders 10 and 11 has a plurality of circumferential narrow openings 13 therethrough. Each of said openings 13 is a narrow are which measures for most purposes about 60. Two pairs of discs 14 and 15 are rigidly and demountably secured to the ends of the respective cylinders 10 and 11. Each of said discs has a pair of arcuate openings 16 and 17 therethrough. Shafts 18 and 19 extend through the longitudinal centers of the respective cylinders 10 and 11 and through and outwardly beyond discs 14 and 15 to which they are rigidly secured. The shafts 18 and 19 are supported by two pairs of like bearing brackets 12 secured to an upper supporting table 6 of a supporting frame having openings 4, 7, 8 and 9. Table 6 is spaced from a lower supporting table 20 and is. rigidly secured thereto by a plurality of vertical posts, four of which 22, 24, 28 and 33 are shown. The ends of the posts are welded or otherwise rigidly secured at their ends to the tables 6 and 20 to provide a rigid supporting frame. Mounted for free rotation on each of the cylindrical shafts 18 and 19 of relatively small diameter are three annular collars 21, 23 and 25. Located in cylinder 10 and extending the length thereof is a conduit 26 parallel to shaft 18 and having openings or ports 27 therein in registry with the arcuate openings 13 and a conduit 29 parallel to shaft 18, spaced from conduit 26 and having like openings or ports 31 therein also in registry with the openings 13. Said conduits 26 and 29 are in communication with each other through conduit 30 at least a portion of which is flexible and stretchable and in turn is connected to a flexible conduit or hose 32 which extends through that side of the cylinder 10 opposite the openings 13. Located in cylinder 11 and extending the length thereof are a pair of parallel conduits 34 and 35 parallel with shaft 19, spaced from each other and having openings or ports 37 therein in registry with the arcuate openings 13 in cylinder 11. These conduits 34 and 35 are in communication with each other through conduit 39 at least part of which .is flexible and stretchable and in turn is connected to a flexible conduit or hose 38 which extends through that side of the cylinder 11 opposite the openings 13 therein. The conduits 34 and the conduit 35 are so disposed that the former is located upwardly beyond conduit 35. If desired the conduits 26 3 and 34 may be omitted. However, I prefer that both be used in order that a substantial part of the web is held by (26 and 29) and (34 and 35) in the operation of the machine.

Each of the collars 21 is secured to one end of a bar whose other end is secured to one end of the conduit 29 or 35; and each of said collars 23 is secured to one end of an L bar 42 whose other end is secured to one end of the conduit 26 or 34. Each of said bars 40 and 42 is latched in position by a bolt passing through elements 14 and 15, the arms 40 and 42 may be swung towards or away from each other to swing the conduits 26 and 29 or conduits 34 and 35 towards or away from each other thereby to dispose the conduits of each pair in desired relationship to each other and/ or to the other pair of conduits. This permits easy and ready adjustment of conduits 29 and 35 to vary with precision, the length of the individual units to be held in the course of operation. After being adjusted to suit the needs of the operator depending upon the length of each fold to be made, the conduits are locked in adjusted positions by tightening the wing-nuts.

Each of said collars 25 has one end of a bar 45 secured thereto, depending therefrom, with the other end of bar 45 secured to a bearing supporting box 46. The box 46 carries a bearing 47 which is adjustable towards or away from shaft 18 or 19 by stud bolts 48. A roller 50 is rotatably mounted in a pair of oppositely disposed bearings 47 supported by shafts 18; and a roller 52 is rotatably supported in a pair of oppositely disposed bearings 47 supported by shaft 19. Said rollers 50 and 52 extend the full length of and are located close to the respective cylinders 10 and 11. By turning the adjusting stud bolts 48, associated with each of said bearings, the spaces between the rollers 50 and 52 and the respective cylinders 10 and 11 may be varied at will by the operator for folding materials of different thicknesses.

The left hand end of shafts 18 and 19 carry respective like gears 53 and 54 which are keyed or in any other manner firmly secured thereto. Also supported in fixed positions on the table 6 are a pair of bracket bearings 55 and 56 supporting respective short shafts 58 and 59 respectively which have keyed or otherwise firmly secured thereto like gears 60 and 61 respectively, meshing with gears 53 and 54 respectively. The other ends of said shafts 58 and 59 are coupled to the ends of respective actuator levers 64 and 65 having respective slots 66 and 67 therein. The ends of the levers 64 and 65 carry stud bolts 68 which when in tightened condition firmly lock the ends of said shafts 58 and 59 thereto. Said bolts 68 may be loosened for alfording positioning of the stroke and then tightened. Said levers 64 and 65 have elongated openings 62 and 63.

Pins 70 and 76 extend through said respective openings 62 and 63 and are pivotally coupled at their outer ends to the respective heads of a pair of like drive rods 80 and 81. Each of the pins 70 and 76 has annular recess accommodating the head of rods 80 and 81 and has a treaded portion carrying a locking nut 74 for locking the pin in adjusted position to the lever coupled therewith.

The lower ends of the rods 80 and 81 are respectively pivotally connected to the front ends of actuating levers 84 and 85 by cross pins 86. A follower roller 87 is carried by each of the front ends of levers 84 and 85. A support 90 is secured to the table 20 and has upper and lower pairs of arms 92 and 93 secured thereto and carry stationary shafts 95 and 96 at the free ends thereof. The rear ends of levers 84 and 85, having elongated openings 91 at their front ends, are mounted for free rotation on the shaft 95 and carry follower rollers 87. Mounted for rotation on stationary shaft 96 are follower levers 97 and 98 each having elongated narrow openings 99 therein and carrying a follower roller (not shown) near the free ends thereof. The levers 84 and 85 are respectively disposed above the levers 97 and 98. A rod 100 extends through said openings in levers 84 and 97 and a rod 101 extends through said openings in levers 85 and 98. The

lower ends of rods 100 and 101 carry enlarged nuts 102 bearing against the lower surfaces of levers 97 and 98, and the upper ends extend through springs 103 and 104 which are secured at their upper end thereto and bear against the front ends of the levers 84 and 85 and continuously exert pressure thereof thereby always tending to move the forward ends of the levers 84 and 85 towards the free ends of the levers 97 and 98.

Disposed between the forward ends of levers 84 and 97 is a drive cam 105 and between the forward end of levers 85 and 98 is a like drive cam 106. Both of said cams 105 and 106 are mainly circular with dwell portions 107 and 109 disposed opposite each other. Said cams 105 and 106 are spaced from each other and are off-center secured to and driven by a main shaft 108 supported by bearings 72 secured to table 20. Said shaft 108 has a pair of sprockets 110 and 111 and another cam 112 secured thereto. The shaft 108 is driven by a constant speed electric motor 115 through a chain belt 116 which drives sprocket 110. The cam 112 has a high side 113 and a low side 114 abruptly connected to each other, and is always in contact with a follower 118 of an exchange valve 120, supported by table 20 through bracket not shown, and having a conduit 121 connected to a vacuum pump 125 constantly driven by a pump motor 126. Also connected to said valve are the hoses 32 and 38.

Disposed above the drive shaft 108 is a driven shaft supported in bearings carried by a pair of spaced brackets 132 secured to the table 6. Secured to the shaft 130 is a fly-wheel 133, sprocket 134, cam 135 and sprocket 136. The drive shaft 108 is operatively connected to shaft 130 by a chain belt 138 operatively connected to sprockets 111 and 134 and passing through opening 8 of table 6.

The outer ends of the arms of a yoke are pivotally connected to one pair of bars 45 and the outer ends of a yoke 148 are pivotally connected to the other pair of bars 45. A pair of two piece rods 150 and 151, whose lengths may be varied by their adjustable connectors 156 and 153, are secured to the respective cross arms of yokes 145 and 148 and also to common yoke follower 155. The follower is in the form of a yoke plate having a boss 157 which is always maintained in contact with the cam 135 by a pair of tension springs 158 connected thereto. The yoke 155 is a U plate supported by the shaft 130 passing between the arms thereof, with spring 158 connected thereto and a bracket 140 secured to table 6. A bracket 142 is supported by table 6 and carries a shaft 161 having a sprocket 160 keyed thereto and operatively connected to the sprocket 136 by a short chain belt 162. Also keyed on said shaft 161 is a crank 164 having an elongated opening 165 therein. One end of a drive rod 167 is pivotally connected to a stud or T bolt extending through opening 165 thereon, and its other end is secured to the cross arm of a yoke 169 whose outer arms are pivotally connected to a pair of bars 170. The bars 170 are disposed outwardly beyond the ends of the cylinders 10 and 11, with the lower end of each being pivotally supported on a short pivot (not shown) in bearing block 172 secured to table 6. A pair of rollers 173 are rotatably supported by the bars 170 at the upper ends thereof. A rotatable idler roller 175 is located above bars 170 and is supported in fixed position by a pair of brackets 176 secured to supporting plates 177 secured to table 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the web 1 feeds downwardly to, between and beyond cylinders 10 and 11 to the partial pack 5. The conduits 29 and 35 are set relative to each other, whereby the fixed curvilinear distance between them as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12 corresponds to the length of the unit 2 which is to be creased at the end thereof. The positions of the auxiliary conduits 26 and 34 are also set a small distance from the respective conduits 29 and 35. Also, the positions of the bolts 70 and 76 are set forth in the slots 62 and 63 respectively to fix the extent of rotation of cylinders 10 and 11 each in one half cycle of operation,

and with the extent of rotation of each of them being the same and the rotation being simultaneous in the same direction.

The operation of the machine is as follows: The apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 has been in operation to provide part of a zig-zag fold or pack 5 consisting of a number of individual elements 2 which have been creased on the weakened sections 3 of the web. The apparatus which has been operating due to the continuous uniform driving of the drive shaft motor and the pump, continues to operate as follows in going through another complete cycle of operation which is approximately shown in FIGS. 3-12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the web 1 from a supply reel (not shown) extends over the idler 175 between the reciprocable feed rollers 173, then between cylinders and 11 passing downwardly therebelow to pack 5. The continuously rotating cam 112 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 and due to the continuous runing of the vacuum pump 125, being driven by its motor, vacuum continuously is maintained in the hose 121. Due to the position of follower 118 of the control valve 120 at this stage as shown in FIG. 3, vacuum is maintained through hose 32 at the ports of conduits 29 and 26. This releasably maintains that part of the web which had just previously started to move from the position shown in FIG. 12. At this stage as shown in FIG. 3, the cylinders 10 and 11 are not at rest as shown in FIG. 12 but are rotating in a clockwise direction by continuously rotating shaft 108 driving shafts 18 and 19 simultaneously clock-wise by the action of the continuously driven cams 105 and 106 upon rods 80 and 81 in turn actuating drive levers 64 and 65 driving shafts 58 and 59. Simultaneously driven by shaft 108 are earn 135 and lever 164 through their connecting mechanisms, whereby simultaneously with the rotation of said cylinders 10 and 11 in a clockwise direction, the web 1 moves towards the right as shown in FIGS. 37 due to the action of the lever 164 upon the pivoted arms 170. Also simultaneously with said rotation of cylinders 10 and 11 in a clockwise direction, the cam 135 is rotating with the boss 157 bearing thereagainst and together with the action of springs 158, acting upon yokes 145 and 14S thereby to maintain the rollers 50 and 52 in operative position for a certain period.

In the course of the aforesaid simultaneous actions and movements with the weakened section 3 of the web located slightly below the ports of conduit 29, that part of the web suction-held to the cylinder 10 is moved downwardly in an arcuate path as shown in FIGS. 3-7 to a predetermined location shown in FIG. 7, and the arms 170 acting in timed relationship with respect to said rotation have moved the web over to a position where it overlies conduits and 34 to dispose another weakened section 3 of the web slightly lower than the ports of conduit 35. When that part of the web reaches its predetermined location as shown in FIG. 7, the following actions almost simultaneously occur: the rods 80 and 81 stop because their ends are on the dwell parts of the cams 105 and 1% whereby rotation of both cylinders 10 and 11 ceases, the boss 157 enters the cut out in cam 135 due to the action of springs 1'58 whereupon the yokes 145 and 148 are moved quickly and abruptly to so swing creasing rollers and 52 simultaneously in counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 7 whereupon the non-gripping roller 50 in a short quick sweeping action pivoted about shaft 18 is moved to a position where it exerts pressure at the fold line to crease same at that section; and as this creasing action is occurring, it also serves to maintain the creased fold in said fixed position on cylinder 10, there an abrupt transfer of vacuum from the line 32 to 38 due to the action of cam 113 whereby that portion of the web, which has been swung to its extreme right hand position by the reciprocating arms 170 carrying rollers 173, is now suction maintained in fixed position relative to cylinder 11 as shown in FIG. 7

with a weakened section 3 thereof being located just slightly below the ports of conduit 35. At this stage, the individual element or series of elements 2 between the creased weakened section releasably held to cylinder 10 by roller 50 and that part of the web releasably held by vacuum and cylinder 11 is thus releasably anchored to both of said cylinders and so remains for only a very short period of time due to the boss 157 being abruptly moved out of the cut-out of the rotating cam Whereupon the yokes and 148 acting on bars 45 abruptly cause the bars 45 to be swung clockwise thereby to swing the rollers 50 and 52 to inoperative position as shown in FIG. 8 whereby the roller 50 snaps off of the creased fold which immediately thereafter starts dropping into the pack as shown in FIG. 8 and the rollers 173 have just prior thereto as shown in FIG. 7 have reached their maximum right hand position. Due to the continuous rotation of shafts 108 and 130 and the parts driven thereby, at this stage as shown in FIG. 8 which is practically immediately after movement of rollers 50 and 52 to their inoperative positions with part of the web releasable vacuum secured to the cylinder 11, the cylinders 10 and 11 rotate counter-clockwise due to the movement of the respective parts 84 and 85 caused by action of other mechanism including cams 105 and 106. This and other operations continues as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 8-12, are similar to those before described except that the cylinders 10 and 11 now rotate in the counter-clockwise direction to move that part of web, suction held at ports of conduit 35, to a second predetermined location over an arc of travel of the same length as that heretofore described.

The extent of said counter-clockwise rotation is the same as that of said clockwise rotation due to the location of another dwell on each of the cams 105 and 106. Like before, upon that part of web and conduit 35 reaching its predetermined second location as shown in FIG. 12, the driven arms have reached practically their maximum left hand positions to dispose still another part of the web over the cylinder 10 where another weakened section 3 is located below the ports of conduit 29. At this position shown in FIG. 12 cylinders 10 and '11 are at rest momentarily and the following other actions are simultaneously occurring: The boss is acted upon by the projection of the rotating earn 135 thereby causing both sets of arms '45 to be swung clockwise whereby the roller 52 rides over to crease the web at said predetermined location, and to anchor said creased web thereto and while so anchored, the cam 113 causes abrupt vacuum transfer from line 38 to 32 so that like before the stretch of web between holding but non-gripping roller 52 and conduit 35 is anchored at both ends as shown in FIG. 12 for only a very short period due to the boss being abruptly moved off of the projection on rotating earn 135 whereupon constantly acting the spring 158 causes the rollers 50 and 52 to be swung clockwise to snap roller 50 off of the creased fold and to maintain them in inoperative position. At this stage, the right hand creased fold starts to drop away from the cylinder 11, and the cylinders 10 and 11 start rotating in a clockwise direction and continue as before and the foregoing cycle is repeated over and over again until a zig-zag pack of the desired size is obtained. In the operation of the apparatus of this invention, the extent of rotation of the cylinders clockwise and counterclockwise should not exceed 360 and in fact in most instances is no greater than 180.

It is to be understood that the term shaft as used in the present description and claims with reference to shafts 18 and 19, the shaft may be of full length and continuous as shown, but it is also meant to include a discontinuous shaft consisting of a plurality of parts. For example, each of said shafts may consist of a pair of single short elements located outside of the discs 14 and 15. When such shafts consist of said two parts,

the inner ends of said parts are rigidly secured to said respective discs.

It is also to be understood that the term cylinder as used in the present description and claims is meant to include partial cylinders, which are for most purposes at least about quarter cylinders and therefore include quarter-cylinders and other larger partial cylinders, such as semi-cylinders, etc., and also full cylinders as shown which are the most preferred. The length of the arc of each cylinder is at least equal to about one half the length of the successive portions of the web to be folded one with respect to the other in the manner before described.

By the term zig-zag pack, I intend to include a pack as shown in FIG. 1 and also group of elements 2 creased at the sections 3, and being arranged in zig-zag fashion of any other form, as for example a fanned or other arrangement which may be etfected by employing a moving belt (not shown) and disposed below the fold receiving opening as shown in FIG. 1.

Since certain changes in carrying out the aforementioned methods and in the constructions set forth, which embody the invention, may be made without departing from its scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zigzag pack comprising:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween,

(b) means for rotating both of said cylinders in one direction and then both of said cylinders in the opposite direction,

(c) means for releasably holding a part of said web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of rotation of both of said cylinders in said one direction,

(d) means for releasably holding another part of said web in fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of rotation of both of said cylinders in said opposite direction,

(e) means for exerting creasing pressure on said first mentioned part of said web, and

(f) means for exerting creasing pressure on said other part of said web.

2. A machine as defined in claim 1, and (g) means for moving said web into a position where it overlies said one of said cylinders and then into a position where it overlies said other of said cylinders.

3. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack comprising:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders whose axes of rotation are parallel,

(b) means for rotating said cylinders simultaneously clockwise and for subsequently rotating said cylinders simultaneously counter-clockwise,

(c) means for releasably holding a part of said web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of said clockwise rotation of both of said cylinders whereby said part of said web is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

((1) means for releasably holding a second part of said web in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of said counter-clockwise rotation of both of said cylinders whereby said second part of said web is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(e) means for applying pressure to said first mentioned part at said first location to crease said web thereat,

(f) and means for applying pressure to said second part at said second location to crease said web thereat.

4. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack comprising:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders whose axes of rotation are parallel,

(b) means for moving said web to a position where a part thereof overlies one of said cylinders and then to another position where another part thereof overlies the other of said cylinders,

(c) means for rotating said cylinders simultaneously clockwise and for subsequently rotating said cylinders simultaneously counter-clockwise,

((1) means for releasably holding said first mentioned part of said web in a fixed position relative to said one of said cylinders in the course of rotation of said cylinders simultaneously clockwise to move said first mentioned part to a predetermined location,

(6) means for applying creasing pressure to said first mentioned part at said location,

(f) means for releasably holding said other part of said web in a fixed position relative to said other of said cylinders in the course of rotation of said cylinders simultaneously counter-clockwise to move said other part to another predetermined location,

(g) means for applying creasing pressure to said other part at said other location.

5. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack of individual portions thereof coupled with each other at creased parts thereof, comprising:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween,

(b) means for rotating both of said cylinders in one direction a predetermined number of degrees which is less than 360 and then rotating both of said cylinders in the opposite direction a predetermined number of degrees which is less than 360,

(c) means for releasably holding a part of said Web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of rotation of both of said cylinders in said one direction whereby said part is moved downwardly into and through the space between said cylinders and intersects a virtual line extending between and being at right angles to the axes of said cylinders thereby to revolve said part to a first location about a center on approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders,

((1) means for applying creasing pressure to said part at said first location, said means including a member extending along the length of said one of said cylinders, said member being swingable to operative and inoperative positions about a center on approximately the axis of rotation of, said one of said cylinders,

(e) means for releasably holding a second part of said web in fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of rotation of both of said cylinders in said opposite direction whereby said second part is moved downwardly into and through said space thereby to revolve said second part to a second location about a center on approximately the axis of rotation of said other of said cylinders,

(f) and means for creasing applying pressure to said second part at said location, said means including a member extending along the length of said other of said cylinders, said member being revolvable to operative and inoperative positions about a center on approximately the axis of rotation of said other of said cylinders.

6. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack comprising:

(a) a pair of substantially parallel rotatable shafts,

(b) a pair of cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween, and operatively connected to said shafts and driven thereby,

(c) means for rotating said cylinders simultaneously clockwise and then rotating said cylinders simultaneously counter-clockwise,

(d) means for moving said web into a position where a first part thereof overlies said one of said cylinders, and then into a position Where another part thereof overlies said other of said cylinders,

(e) means for releasably holding said first part of said web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of simultaneous rotation of said cylinders clockwise whereby said first part is revolved less than 360 to a predetermined first location, the center of said revolution being at approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders,

(f) means for applying pressure to said first part at said first location to crease said first part thereat, said means including a roller extending along the outer surface of said one of said cylinders and means pivotally mounted on one of said shafts and supporting said roller, and being rotatable about said shaft to dispose said roller in operative and inoperative positions,

(g) means for releasably holding said second part of said web in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of simultaneous rotation of said cylinders counter-clockwise whereby said second part is revolved less than 360 to a predetermined location, the center of said revolution being at approximately the axis of rotation of said other of said cylinders,

(h) means for applying pressure to said second part 7. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack comprising:

(a) a first shaft,

(b) a first cylinder is operatively connected to said shaft and adapted to be rotated by said first shaft upon rotation thereof,

(c) a pair of arms swingably mounted on said shaft and located beyond the ends of said first cylinder,

(d) a first roller located exteriorly of said cylinder,

disposed substantially parallel thereto and rotatably supported by said arms,

(e) a second rotatable shaft parallel to said first shaft, (f) a second cylinder, operatively connected to said second shaft, and adapted to be rotated thereby upon rotation thereof,

(g) a second pair of arms swingably mounted on said second shaft and located beyond the ends of said second cylinder,

(h) a second roller located exteriorly of said second cylinder, disposed substantially parallel thereto and rotatably supported by said second pair of arms,

(i) first means for rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously clockwise a predetermined and material number of degrees which is less than 360 and then rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously counter-clockwise approximately the same number of degrees,

(j) second means for releasably holding a part of said web in fixed position relative to said first cylinder in the course of clockwise simultaneous rotation of both of said cylinders whereby said part is revolved in a clockwise direction to a first location, the center of said revolution being on approximately the axis of rotation of said first cylinder,

(k) third means operable in timed relationship with respect to said rotation of said cylinders to swing said first pair of arms counter-clockwise thereby to move said first roller to operative position thereby applying creasing pressure to said part at said first location and then to swing said second pair of arms clockwise thereby to move said second roller to operative position thereby applying creasing pressure to said .part at said second location.

8. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack of individual portions thereof coupled with each other at creased parts thereof, comprising:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween,

(b) means for rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously in one direction a predetermined number of degrees which is less than 360 and then rotating both of said cylinders in the opposite direction approximately the same number of degrees, said means including a pair of continuously rotatable cams operatively associated with a pair of vertically disposed members adapted to be actuated thereby and connected to a pair of levers adapted to be actuated by said members upon actuation thereof,

(c) means for releasably holding a part of said Web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of said rotation of both of said cylinders in said one direction whereby said part is revolved to a first location, the center of revolution being at approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders,

(d) means for applying creasing pressure to said web at said first location,

(e) means for releasably holding a second part of said web in fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of rotation of both of said cylinders in said opposite direction whereby said second part is revolved to a second location, the center of revolution being at approximately the axis of rotation of said other of said cylinders,

(f) and means for creasing applying pressure to web at said second location.

9. A machine for folding a web of flexible material into a zig-zag pack of individual portions thereof coupled with each other at creased parts thereof, comprismg:

(a) a pair of rotatable cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween, (b) first means for rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously in one direction and then rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously in the opposite direction,

(c) second means for releasably holding a part of said Web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders in the course of simultaneous rotation of both of said cylinders in said one direction whereby said part is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

(d) third means for applying creasing pressure to said web at about said first location,

(e) fourth means for releasably holding a second part of said Web in fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders in the course of simultaneous rotation of both of said cylinders in the opposite direction whereby said second part is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(f) fifth means for applying pressure to said Web at about said second location to crease said web thereg) said third means comprising a member located exteriorly of said one of said cylinder, being substantially parallel thereto and revolvable to operative and inoperative positions in an arcuate path Whose center of revolution is approximately at the axis of said one of said cylinders,

(h) said fifth means comprising a member located exteriorly of said other of said cylinders, being substantially parallel thereto and revolvable to operative and inoperative positions in an arcuate path whose center of revolution is approximately at the axis of said other of said cylinders.

10. A method for Zig-Zttg folding a web of flexible material comprising:

(a) while both of a pair of cylinders, which are spaced from each other, are rotating clockwise, releasably holding a part of said web in fixed position relative to one of said cylinders to revolve said part and to locate it at a predetermined location, with the center of said revolution being at approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders,

(b) applying pressure to said web at said predetermined location to crease said web thereat,

(c) then rotating both of said cylinders counterclockwise,

(d) while both of said cylinders are rotating counterclockwise, releasably holding a second part of said web in fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders to revolve said second portion and to locate it at a predetermined second location, with the center of said last mentioned revolution being approximately at the axis of rotation of said other cylinder,

(e) applying pressure to said part at said predetermined second location to crease said web thereat.

11. A method for zigzag folding a web of flexible material extending from a source of supply thereof comprising:

(a) moving a portion of said web in one direction to a position where it overlies one of a pair of cylinders which are spaced from each other and through which space said web extends,

(b) releasably holding said portion in a fixed position relative to said one of said cylinders,

(e) rotating said cylinders simultaneously clockwise while said portion is so held whereby said portion is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

(d) applying pressure to said web at about said location to crease said web thereat,

(e) moving another portion of said Web in an opposite direction to a position where it overlies the other of said pair of cylinders,

(f) releasably holding said other portion in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders,

(g) rotating both of said cylinders counter-clockwise while said other portion is so held whereby said other portion is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(h) applying pressure to said web at about said second location to crease said web thereat.

12. A method for zig-zag folding a web of flexible material extending from a source of supply thereof comprising:

(a) moving a portion of said Web in one direction to a position where it overlies one of a pair of cylinders which are spaced from each other and through which space said web extends,

(b) releasably holding said portion in a fixed position relative to one of said cylinders,

(c) rotating said cylinders simultaneously in one direction while said portion is so held whereby said portion is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

(d) applying pressure to said portion at about said location to crease said web thereat,

(e) moving another portion of said web in the opposite direction to a position where it overlies the other of said pair of cylinders,

(f) releasably holding said other portion in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders,

(g) releasing said first mentioned portion from being maintained at said fixed position relative to said one of said cylinders,

(h) rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously in the opposite direction while said other portion is so held whereby said other portion is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(i) applying pressure to said other portion at about said second location to crease said web thereat.

13. A method for zig-zag folding a web of flexible material extending from a source of supply thereof comprising:

(a) moving a portion of said web in position where it overlies one of a pair of cylinders which are spaced from each other and through which space said web extends,

(b) releasably holding said portion in a fixed postion relative to one of said cylinders,

(c) rotating said cylinders simultaneously in one direction while said portion is so held whereby said portion is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

(d) applying pressure to web at about said location to crease said web thereat,

(e) moving another portion of said web in a position where it overlies the other of said pair of cylinders,

(f) releasably holding said other portion in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders,

(g) releasing said first mentioned portion from being maintained at said fixed position relative to said one of said cylinders,

(h) rotating both of said cylinders in the opposite direction while said other portion is so held whereby sad other portion is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(i) applying pressure to said web at about said second location to crease the web thereat,

(j) moving a third portion of said web into a position where it overlies said one of said pair of cylinders,

(k) releasably hold'ng said third portion in a fixed position relative to said one of said pair of cylinders,

(l) releasing said other portion of said web from being maintained in said fixed position relative to said other cylinder,

(m) rotating said cylinders simultaneously in said first mentioned direction while said third portion is so held whereby said third portion is moved in said first mentioned path to said first mentioned location,

(n) and applying pressure to said web at about said first mentioned location to crease said web thereat.

14. A method for zig-Zag folding a web of flexible material extending from a source of supply thereof comprising:

(a) moving a portion of said web in position where it overlies one of a pair of cylinders which are spaced from each other and through which space said web extends,

(b) releasably holding by vacuum said portion in a fixed position relative to one of said cylinders,

(c) rotating said cylinders simultaneously in one direction while said portion is so held whereby said portion is moved in an arcuate path to a first location,

(d) applying pressure to said portion at about said location to crease web thereat and maintain it at said location,

(e) moving another portion of said Web in a position where it overlies the other of said pair of cylinders,

(f) releasably holding by vacuum said other portion in a fixed position relative to the other of said cylinders, while said first mentioned portion is being maintained at said location by said pressure and during which said first mentioned vacuum holding has been released,

(g) rotating both of said cylinders in the opposite di rection while said other portion is moved in an arcuate path to a second location,

(h) applying pressure to Web at about said second location to crease said web thereat.

15. A machine as defined in claim 1, said first mentz'oned means including a pair of vertically extending and vertically actuatable rods, and a pair of levers adapted to be rotated thereby, the eifective upper ends of said rods being connected to said levers and adjustable with respect thereto for varying the extent of rotation of said cylinders.

16. A machine as defined in claim 1, said fourth mentioned means comprising a pair of pivoted arms and a roller carried by said arms and located exteriorly of said one of said cylinders, the axis of pivoting of said arms being at approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders.

17. A machine as defined in claim 1, said first mentioned means including a pair of vertically extending and vertically actuatable rods and a pair of levers adapted to be rotated thereby, the efiective upper ends of said rods being connected to said levers and adjustable With respect thereto for varying the extent of rotation of said cylinders and said third mentioned means comprising a pair of pivoted arms and a roller carried by said arms and located exteriorly of said one of said cylinders, the axis of pivoting of said arms being at approximately the axis of rotation of said one of said cylinders.

18. A machine for Zig-zag folding a Web of material comprising:

(a) a pair of cylinders spaced from each other for the passage of said web therebetween, said cylinders having openings therein,

(b) reciprocable means for alternately rotating both of said cylinders simultaneously clockwise and simultaneously counter-clockwise and including reciprocable levers whose effective lengths are adjustable to vary the extent of rotatability of said cylinders,

(c) means for applying suction alternately to sucessive parts of said Web through said openings to re leasably maintain said web in position alternately with respect to said cylinders in the course of said alternate rotation; said means including two pairs of sets of ports, one set behind the other,

(d) reciprocable means for alternating applying creasing pressure against successive parts of said web and including two rollers carried by two pairs of arms and located outside of said cylinders.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,079,847 3/1963 Polidori 270-69 X FOREIGN PATENTS 847,915 10/1939 France.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primaiy Examiner. PAUL V. WILLIAMS, Assistant Examiner.

Images