GB707912A - Improvements relating to laundry and like folding machines - Google Patents

Abstract

707,912. Folding sheets &c. BAKER PERKINS, Ltd. July 15, 1952 [Aug. 3, 1951] No. 18394/51. Class 42 (2) In a sheet or flatwork folding machine of the type in which the leading edge of the article is arrested and raised to provide a stationary upper ply beneath which a lower ply travels to form the fold, means are provided adapted to cause a ballooning or floating of the upper ply whereby such ply is maintained substantially out of contact with the lower ply during the folding operation. As shown, ballooning is effected by jets of air 4 directed forwardly of a perforated or slotted pipe 2 extending transversely across the machine rearwardly of the pivoted gripping fingers 1 ; alternatively, a series of independent nozzles, or a pair of flattened nozzles located one at each side of the machine, may be used. Similar air-blast ballooning means may be provided for a second fold. Where the once-folded article has to enter a second folding zone or pass beneath an obstruction, the folded leading edge may be progressively flattened by passing beneath air jets directed downwardly from pipes forming a flat V with the apex forwardly directed, so that flattening takes place from the centre outwards ; alternatively, flattening may be effected by a series of independent nozzles, an inclined guide plate extending across the machine, a series of endless conveyer bands having a lower inclined lap, or a rotating roller mounted above the folder conveyer.