US2322647A - Method and apparatus for folding paper - Google Patents

Description

June 22, 1943. J. 5. LUCE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING PAPER Filed July 22, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l R s JNVENTOR. Jon/v 5. Luci:

f8 m ATTORNEYS.

June 22, 1943. J, 5 [TU-CE 2,322,647

METHOD AND APPARATUS 'FOR FOLDING PAPER Filed July 22, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet P.

IN V [.N TOR. JoH/v 8. L005 June 22, 1943. J. s. LUCE 2,322,647

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING PAPER Filed July 22, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 {NI Z N I OR. JOHN 57 Lac:

Patented June 22, 1943 METHOD AND arrm'ros FOR manure raraa John S. Luce, Oakland, Calif., assignor to The Web Appliance Company, San Francisco, Calif.,

a firm Application July 22, 1941, Serial No. 403,510

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an attachment for printing presses of the web type, whereby the opposite edges of a continuously moving web may simultaneously be folded inwardly and thereafter severed transversely and longitudinaily,to form single folded sheets in pairs.

The object of the present invention is generally to improve and simplify the construction and operation of apparatus of the character described; to provide an attachment for printing presses of the web type, whereby the opposite edges of a continuously moving single web may be simultaneously folded inwardly and thereafter severed transversely and longitudinally to form single folded sheets; to provide means whereby a carbon transfer sheet may be introduced prior to the folding of the edges so as to be interposed between the folded edges and the web proper, and further, to provide an 'attachment which permits the folding of two or more superimposed webs in one operation to form, when severed transversely and longitudinally single folded booklets containing a plurality of sheets folded one within the other.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in side elevation of the complete invention;

Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are perspective diagrammatic views showing the different operations that take place as the web progresses through the machine, said views also showing the folded end out form which the paper assumes;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which a plurality of webs may be fed through the machine;

Figu'l is a plan view of the forming or laiding plates;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bank statement, or one of the products resulting from the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a booklet or leaflet, als a product of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the web folded in a manner to leave a space between the folded portions;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing only one side of a web folded; and

Fm, 13 is a perspective view showing the web folded to produce folded portions of varying width.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly to Figs. 1 to 8, A and B indicatea pair of cooperating paper forming or folding plates.

The plate A will, in most instances, be horizontally disposed, and the plate B slopes downwardly therefrom on an angle of approximately 45". This angle may vary to a slight degree with varying grades of paper and atmospheric conditions. A hinged connection 2 is for this reason formed between the plates, and an ad- Justable connection, such as the turnbuckle 3, is employed to maintain the plate B at the desired angle. Plate B is rectangular in shape, and has a width equal to one-half the width of the web D to be folded. The plate A at one end has a width the sameas the web to be folded, but the sides taper to join the plate B. This taper is on an angle of substantially 30 with relation to a longitudinal axis drawn centrally through the plates.

The original or full width web D to be folded is shown in Fig. 2. In passing over the folding plates A and B, the side edges are folded inwardly and under the web, as shown in Fig. 3, and the folding operation is completed by passing under a roller I. The folded web is next cut transversely as shown at 5 in Fig. 4 and A then longitudinally as at Go (see Fig. 5), thus forming two single folded sheets I and 1A.

In order to describe one of the uses of the invention, let it be assumed that bank statements are the final product required. In that case the web of paper indicated at D will first be passed through a rotary cylinder printing press of the continuous web type, and as the web is fed through, printed statements will appear in successive order on both sides of the web, both in original and duplicate form. The printed web as it comes out of the press is directed over the plate A, and then down over the plate B, and finally under the roller 4 which directs the folded web to a pair of pull rollers 8, a cross-cutting knife 1, and a cutter 8 which makes a longitudinal cut thereby separating the cross-cut sections into two separated sections lb and 1a. The cutter 8 may, if desired,

be placed in advance of the rollers 6. Just ahead of the plate A is a roller ll containing carbon or transfer paper. The carbon paper has a width equal to half of the web shown in Fig. 2, the width being indicated by the dotted lines l5-I5 in said view. The carbon sheet is fed over the plates A and B in a position to underlie the web which comes from the printing press, and as its width is no greater than that of the plate B, the carbon sheet will not be subjected to any folding action. On the other hand, it will be retained within the web when the side sheet-as shown at II.

The single fold referred to includes both the folds formed along the lines lB-II. The carbon sheet ll may lie loosely between the single folded web sections as shown in Fig. 4. but the carbon :asaaeu of paper which are so positioned that each web sheet is preferably secured between the single A folded web sections by means of an adhesive,

which, in this instance, is applied to the under surface of the web D by a pair of rollers positioned just ahead of the carbon roller ll.- Only one roller for applyin adhesive is shown in Fig. 1, as this is a diagrammatic view, but two rollers will be employed and will be spaced apart, and will be narrow, so that the adhesive will be continuously applied within the area formed between the folding lines I! and the adjacent dotted lines lie. Thus, when the web is folded, as shown in Fig. 3, the carbon sheet will be secured at opposite edges by the adhesive applied in the striplike areas lid, and when the web has been cut transversely and silt longitudinally, as shown at la, each carbon sheet it will be secured in the dotted area lie between the single folded sections of the statement as shown in Fig. 9. v

Fig. 9 clearly shows the final product in the form of a bank statement consisting of an upper sheet 9, a lower sheet 9b, and an intermediate carbon sheet l8a, said carbon sheet being secured by an adhesive along the dotted area indicated at lie. The upper sheet 9 of the statement may be the original, and'the lower sheet to the duplicate thereof. A weakened tear line may be formed at the folding edge, and the statements can thus readily be separated when separation is required.

The invention is not limited to the manufacture of bank statements. Obviously, leaflets and other advertising matter maybe formed in this manner, and a carbon sheet may or may notbe introduced. In Fig. 10 a leaflet or booklet having four sheets is shown. This is accomplished by feeding two webs, such as shown at D, over the forming plates. These webs will be folded in the same manner as previously described; and they will then be cross-cut and longitudinally severed as previously described, and the product will be a multiple sheet leaflet, single folded along the line shown at lie. The sheets may be secured together by an adhesive, as previously described, or

will overlie the other. These may then be fed over the forming plates to form booklets of six sheets. Again it is possible that one, two or three webs may be delivered to the present machine from one or more printing units of the web type.

In actual operation, when a web of the width shown in Fig. 2 passes over the plate A, it tends to fold downwardly and in under the plate A, due to the fact that the sides of the plate taper toward the plate B. In fact, they tend to curl completely under the plate B, and as the web passes under the roller 1, the folding operation is completed and the product shown in Fig. 3 is obtained,

this product containing a carbon sheet or not, as

desired.

It has been found in practice that the angle of the plate B with relation to the plate A is important. It is for this reason that a hinged ,connection 2 is formed, and that an adjustable connector I is provided. The approximate angle is '45, but it may vary with different grades and weights of paper and with varying atmospheric conditions. The angle may be quickly adjusted by means of the turnbuckle 3.

- Where it is desired to produce a plurality of folded sheets not folded one within the other, as in the production of bank statements or the like, two or more folding units may be placed one above the other. due to the flat delivery of the folded webs. The folding units are spaced far enough apart so that they do not touch. This allows the webs to fold individually without touching each other. Each folded web then passes under its individual guide roller 4, and all the folded webs are then assembled under the pull rollers 6 and cut, as already described.

Carbon paper may be introduced in each web, as already described. It should, however, be understood that the back of the original form may be carbonized instead of inserting a carbon.

The invention may also be used to produce sheets in pairs for sales books, folded printed forms, etc. Where it is desired to produce a folded sheet one leaf of which is longer than the other, this is accomplished by folding one or more webs as in the production of bank statements, but leaving a space of predetermined width between the two edges in the center of the folded web, as shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the folding plate B would be wider than half the width of the web to be folded.

It is also possible to make a single fold, as shown in Fig. 12, either on the left or right side of the plate, simply by allowing the side which it is desired -not.to fold to pass under the guide roller in an unfolded condition. Once th web is set in this position, it wlllcontinue to make the single fold desired. By moving the plate or the web,

the sheets may be stitched together along the a folding lines iic by merely substituting a sewing or stitching machine for the adhesive-applying rollers 20.

the fold may be placed where it is wanted.

It is also possible to produce folds on opposite sides of a web, which vary in width, as shown in Fig. 13. This is accomplished by passing the web over the folding unit with more space on one side than on the other. Thus. when the web or webs are folded, one side will be wider than the other. It should also be understood that a large number of combinations of these folded webs may be run together as desired.

While this and other features of my invention have been more or less specifically described and illustrated, I wish it understood that various changes may be resorted to, within the scope of the appended claims, and that the material and finish of the apparatus may be such as the experience of the manufacturer and varying conditions of use may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. A method of forming two sheet statementsin pairs, each statement being joined by a single fold at one edge, and having a carbon sheet secured between them, which consists in superim- Posing a web sheet over a carbon sheet, said web sheet being double the width of the carbon sheet, imparting continuous movement to the two sheets, applying an adhesiveto secure the opposite edges of the carbon sheet to theweb sheet, folding the edges of the web during movement over the carbon sheet, said edges substantially meeting centrally of the carbon sheet, crosscutting the web at spaced intervals and then severing the cross-cut web sections longitudinally between the meeting edges of the folded portions of the web to form two single folded statements each having an interposed carbon sheet. a

' 2. A method of forming two sheet'statements in pairs, each statement being joined by a single [old at one edge, and having a carbon sheet secured-between them, which consists in superimposing a web sheet over a carbon sheet, said web sheet being double the width of the carbon sheet, imparting continuous movement to the two sheets, securing the opposite edges of the carbon sheet to the web sheet, folding the edges of the web during movement over the carbon sheet, said :dges substantially meeting centrally of the car- )on sheet, cross-cutting the web at spaced inter- I818 and then severing the cross-cut web sections ongitudinally between the meeting edges of the "olded portions of the web to form two single 'olded statements each having an interposed :arbon sheet.

3. In a paper folding mechanism of the charicter described, a first and a second fiat plate Iver which 'a paper web to be folded is continuusly fed, said second plate being disposed on an mgle with relation to the first plate and being ectangular in shape, and having a width subtantially equal to one half the width of the web, aid first named plate joining the second named late at one end and being of the same width'at hat end but presenting'outwardly flaring sides which, at the opposite end, are equal to the full ridth of the web, said web edges, when fed over he flaring edges of the first plate toward the ,arrower second plate, folding inwardly andin nder the second plate, and a roller cooperating 'ith the second plate under which the web passes nd whereby the folding operation is completed.

4. In a paper folding-mechanism of the charcter described, a fiat plate having a width at me and substantially equal to the width of a aper web to be folded, said plate presenting ipering sides which, at the opposite end of the late, terminate in a width substantially onealf the width of the web, a rectangular fiat plate rining the narrow end of the first plate and aving a width substantially one-half of the web,

hinged connection between the two plates hereby the second plate may assume an angular asition' with relation to the first'plate, means vr adjusting and maintaining a'desired angle,

leans for feeding the web to be folded over the first and second named plates, said web edges, when fed over the flaring edges of the first plate toward the narrower second plate, folding inwardly and in under the second plate, and a roller cooperating with the second plate under which the web passes and whereby the folding operation is completed.

5. In a paper folding mechanism of the character described, an elongated flat plate having tapering sides to present a wide and a narrow end, said wide end being substantially equal to the full width of a paper web to be folded, and the narrow end being substantially half the width of the web, a second plate joining the narrow end of the first plate and being of the same width, a hinged connection between the plates to permit the second plate to assume an angle with relation to the first plate, an adjustable member connecting the plates to vary the angle, a roller disposed below the second plate, means for continuously feeding a web of paper over the first and second plates and under the roller, said web edges, when passing from the wide end of the first plate toward the narrow plate, folding inwardly and in under the second plate to a point where their edges substantially meet, and means for severing the web longitudinally between the meeting edges of the folded portions of the web to form two single folded webs.

6. In a paper folding mechanism of the character described, an elongated flat plate having tapering sides to present a wide and a narrow end, said wide end being substantially equal to the full width of a paper web to be folded, and the narrow end being substantially half the width of the web, a second plate joining the narrow end of the first plate and being of the same width, a hinged connection between the plates to permit the second plate to assume an angle with relation to the first plate, an adjustable member connecting the plates to vary the angle, a roller disposed below the second plate, means for continuously feeding a web of paper over the first and second plates and under the roller, said'web edges, when passing from the wide end of the first plate toward the narrow plate, folding inwardly and in under the second plate to a point where their edges substantially meet, means for severing the web longitudinally between the meeting edges of the folded portions of the web to form two single folded webs, and means for cross-cutting the single folded webs lat spaced intervals to form pairs of single folded sheets of predetermined length.

7. A method of forming two sheet statements in pairs, each statement being joined by a single fold at one edge, and having a carbon sheet interposed between them, which consists in superimposing a web sheet over a carbon sheet, said web sheet being substantially double the width of the carbon sheet, imparting continuous movement to the two sheets, folding the edges of the web sheet during movement over the carbon sheet, said edges substantially meeting centrally on the carbon sheet, then longitudinally severing and crosscutting the folded weband carbon sheet to form two single folded statements, each having an interposed carbon sheet.

. JOHN S. LUCE.

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