MXPA00004844A - Pressure sealer serrated sealing roll - Google Patents

Abstract

Business forms (10) having longitudinal and transverse patterns (15, 16) of pressure activated cohesive requiring a sealing force of at least about 50 lbs. per lineal inch are sealed preferably by a single pass through a nip formed by first and second rollers. The first roller (27) is a larger diameter substantially smooth surfaced roll, while the second roller (33) is a small diameter serrated or ribbed roll, e.g. having serrations or ribs having a dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of about .04-.1 (e.g. about 1/16) inches, with spaces therebetween of between about .2-1. inches (e.g. between about 1/32 - 1/16) inches. Preferably the serrations or ribs are oppositely directed angled serrations or ribs on different halves of the second roll, each making an angle of at least about 10°with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation. The rolls are typically 4 - 12 inches in length, and when 6 inches in length or more, a reinforcing roll preferably engages the second roll to prevent bowing of the second roll.

Description

SEALING ROLLER WITH SAW TOOTH FOR PRESSURE SEALER BACKGROUND AND COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Business forms with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive have become increasingly popular, due to numerous practical advantages associated with them. These adhesives (such as those sold by Toppan Forms Company of Japan, with trade designation TN124, and as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,918,128, 5,190,818, 5,314,944 and 5,427,851) require application of substantial force in order to effect the sealed. A wide variety of different pieces of pressure sealing equipment have been developed for that purpose such as those sold by Moore USA, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois under the trademark "SpeediSealer", and as illustrated in the patents of the USA Nos. 5,169,489, 5,378,303, 5,397,427 and 5,527,416 (the descriptions of which are hereby incorporated by reference). While this commercial equipment is very useful for making proper sealing and handling of business forms with adhesive or pressure activated cohesive, it would be convenient to reduce the weight of the equipment and provide a lower cost to the end user.

In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for sealing business forms connecting longitudinal and transverse patterns of cohesive or pressure-activated adhesive (requiring a seal strength of at least about 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch ), typically between approximately 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch)), using equipment at lower cost than conventional systems such as those sold by Moore USA, Inc., under the trademark "SpeediSealer " By using a roller with a flange or with a particular saw tooth, and typically a roller with a substantially smooth surface with a larger diameter, it is possible to seal a shape by passing it through only one clamping point. Because the teeth of saws or ribs are compressed, at least 50%, but less than 90% of the cohesive, the reduction in surface compressions (that is, the saw teeth or ribs against the solid roller) compress less cohesive per centimeter square, thus requiring less pressure and a smaller roller circumference, which reduces the cost. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for sealing a business form having longitudinal and transverse patterns of cohesive or pressure activated adhesive (as described above), requiring a seal strength of at least about 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch). The method comprises: (a) moving the business form in a first direction, substantially parallel to a longitudinal pattern of pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive; and (b) while the shape moves in the first direction, passing the shape through a clamping point between a first roller of substantially smooth surface and a second roller with saw or flange teeth, the roller rotates with respect to substantially parallel rotation axes, to compress at least 50%, but less than 90%, of each of the longitudinal and transverse patterns of adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive, by applying a force of more than 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch) on saw teeth or ribs. In the method, (b) is preferably practiced to effect complete sealing of the business form without passing through another roller clamping point and to apply a compressive force between approximately 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 200 pounds per linear inch) on saw teeth or ribs. If the first and second rollers each have an overlapping length of approximately 15.24 cm (6") or more, then the preferred method further comprises (c) applying a reinforcing force to the roller with saw teeth or with ribs to avoid its buckling In the method, preferably (b) is practiced using a second sawtooth roller of about half of which have a first angular orientation and approximately another half of which have a second angular orientation, substantially opposite to the first orientation in angle, each orientation constitutes an angle of at least about 10 ° with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the second roller. Also, (b) can be further practiced using saw teeth or ribs, each having a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between about .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") for example approximately. 158 cm (approximately 1/16")) with intermediate spaces from approximately .0508 to .254 cm (.02 to .1") for example approximately .079 to .158 cm (1/32 to 1/16")). Also, according to the invention, typically (a) and (b) are practiced using Z-fold, C-fold, V-fold, or double-fold forms having at least four longitudinally spaced strips of pressure-activated cohesive, two strips adjacent to each longitudinal edge of the form cooperate with each other and at least two cooperating transverse strips of pressure activated cohesive. Also, preferably (b) is practiced using a first roller having a diameter of at least twice that of the second roller and each of the first and second rollers having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the axis of rotation of between about 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a seal roller structure is provided comprising the following components: a first smooth surface roller rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the first axis of rotation of between approximately 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") and having a first diameter. A second roller has a surface with saw teeth or rim and rotatable with respect to a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis and having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the second axis of between about 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") and a second diameter, and wherein the second diameter is less than half the first diameter.If each of the first and second rollers has a length greater than about 15.24 cm (6"), the structure further comprises a reinforcing roller that engages the second roller and rotatable with respect to a third axis parallel to the first and second axes and substantially in line, to avoid buckling of the second roller. Typically, the ribs or saw teeth have a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between about .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") with spaces between them of between about .0508 to .254 cm (. 02 a .1"). Also, preferably about half of the saw teeth or ribs have a first angle orientation and about half have a second angle orientation substantially opposite to the first angle orientation, each orientation constituting an angle of at least about 10 °. with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the second roller. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal roller structure comprising the following components: a first smooth surface roller rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the first axis of rotation of between about 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") and having a first diameter A second roller has a surface with saw teeth or rim and rotatable with respect to a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis and having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the second axis of between approximately 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") and a second diameter. And where the ribs or saws have a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between about .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1"), with spaces between them of between .0508 to .254 cm (. 02 a .1"). Additional details of the roller structure can be as described above. A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a method and assembly for the relatively inexpensive but effective sealing of businesses that have cohesive or pressure activated adhesive. This and other objects of the invention will be clear from the inspection of the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram, indicating an exemplary method according to the claimed invention; Figure 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing a shape of a serrated or flanged roller according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a detailed front end view of the second form of the sawtooth or flange roller according to the invention; and Figure 4 is a side view of an exemplary seal roll structure according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A business form broker 10 that can be used in the practice of the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 1. The broker 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a business form with a V-fold, but it will be understood that the invention can be practiced with any type of business type envelope for conventional mailings such as fold C (including eccentric folds), fold Z (including eccentric fold Z), double fold and the like. For the fold intermediary V 10 illustrated schematically in Figure 1, there are first and second longitudinal side edges 11, 12, first and second transverse edges 13, 14; a first pair of longitudinal patterns (e.g. strips (15) of adhesive or pressure activated cohesive) as described above (and a second pair of adhesive or cohesive longitudinal patterns 16, cooperating transverse patterns) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal patterns ( 17, signals 18 and a transverse fold line 19. The intermediate 10 is folded in a conventional bending equipment 20, with respect to the fold line 19 to move the elements 15 in contact with each other, the elements 16 in contact with each other, and the elements 17 in contact with each other The bent intermediate form 10 of the bender 20 then - as indicated by the box 21 in Figure 1 - move in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal patterns 15, 16 (and the longitudinal edges 11, 12) of the shape using any convenient conventional equipment, such as energized, or powered rollers, the unloading of the bender 20, or resembles While the form 10 moves in the first direction, as indicated at 21, it passes through a point of gripping between rollers which will be described below, having a sufficient length such that the longitudinal patterns 15, 16 and the transverse patterns 17, are sealed substantially simultaneously as indicated at 22 in Figure 1. Typical when the rolls are longer than about 15.24 cm (6") a reinforcing roll provides a reinforcing force to prevent buckling of a serrated or ribbed roller, as illustrated schematically at 23 in Figure 1. It may then be convenient to pass the shape 10 through a second fastening point as illustrated in 24 in Figure 1, if step 22 is not sufficient to effectively seal the form such that it is an envelope for sending complete correspondence, as schematically indicated at 25 in Figure 1. The envelope to be sent corresponds 25, typically has output direction signals 26 and all pressure-sensitive cohesive strips, such as in 15 in Figure 1, are sealed. In the practice of step 22, a first roller of substantially smooth surface 27, rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation 28, defined by an arrow 29, is provided, as well as a second roller indicated schematically 70 in Figure 4, rotatable with respect to a second axis of rotation 31 defined by arrow 32, parallel axes 28, 31. One shape that the second roller can take is schematically illustrated for the second roller 33 in Figure 2, rotatable with respect to the second axis 31. The surface of the second roller 33 has ribs or saw teeth, indicated by reference numerals 34 in FIG. Figure 2, which may be circumferential or spiral. The ribs 34 have a first dimension 35 parallel to the axis 31 which is preferably between approximately 1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") and preferably approximately .158 cm (1/16") and substantially regular spaces 36 (also seen in Figure 2) of between about .0508 to .254 cm (.02 to .1") preferably between .079-.158 cm (1/32 to 1/16"), such that the ribs or saw teeth cover at least 50% of the active peripheral surface of the roller 33 but less than 90%, typically between about 50 to 67%. In this way, the ribs or saw teeth compress at least 50%, but less than 90% (for example between 50 to 67%) of the cohesive patterns 15, 16, 17. The second roller 30, 33 can have a wide variety of other ribs or sawtooth formations. For example, the embodiment of the second roller 38 illustrated in Figure 3 has a plurality of ribs that simulate a groove or groove 39 extending successively parallel to the axis 31. In this configuration, the ribs 39 typically have the same dimensions and spacing as indicated in 35, 36 in Figure 2. For the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the second roller 30 has ribs or saw teeth that are positioned differently in different paths of the roller 30. For example, approximately half of the ribs or saw teeth 41, have a first angular orientation, while for the half 42 of the ribs or saw teeth 43 they have a second angular orientation, substantially opposite to the orientation for the ribs or teeth of saw 41. In both cases, the angled orientations of the ribs or saw teeth 41, 43 make an angle OI with respect to a plane 44 substantially transverse to the axis of rotation 31. The angle is at least 10 ° and preferably is between approximately 30 to 45 °. The opposite orientations of the ribs or saw teeth 41, 43 illustrated schematically in Figure 5, are preferably provided to prevent the form from "advancing" as it passes through the fastening point 46 between the rollers 27, 30. it is preferred according to the present invention that the rollers 27, 30 each have a length 47 (the dimension parallel to the axes of rotation 28, 31) of between approximately 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") typically 15.24 cm (6") or more. Also, the roller 27 preferably has a diameter 48 that is at least twice as large as the diameter 49 of the second roller 30 (for example about 3 times as large as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 4). In the preferred embodiment, the diameter 48 is between about 5.08 to 25.4 cm (2 to 10") and the diameter 49 is preferably between about 10.16 to .3175 cm (4 to 1/8").

The rollers 27, 30 can be energized in any desired manner. For example, an electric motor 50 can rotate the arrow 29 about the axis 28, with the second roller 30 then energized by movement of the business form 25 between the rollers 27, 30. Alternatively, gear 51 can be provided to effect rotation of the arrow 32, such that the peripheral surface of the roller 30 has a tangential velocity substantially equal to the tangential velocity of the roller 27. Alternatively, a second motor 52 can be provided to energize the second roller 30, or the motor 52 It may be the only engine used. The roller structure of Figure 4 typically provides a force on the ribs or saw teeth 41, 43 of at least about 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch) such that it effectively seals the cohesive 15, 16 , 17. Typically, the seal force that is provided at the fastening point 46, where the saw teeth or cohesive 41, 43 are provided, is between approximately 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per inch linear). Also, the rollers 27, 30 can be rotated at a lower speed than the conventional one, for example a speed of approximately 300 rpm for the roller 26.

For seal rollers, in conventional SpeediSealer ™ equipment, the rpm's are approximately 600. When the length 47 is approximately 15.24 cm (6") or more, a reinforcing roller / arrow is provided - generally shown at 55 Figure 4 - The arrow / reinforcing roller 55 is rotatable with respect to the axis 56 which is parallel to the axes 28, 31 and preferably the axes of 28, 31, 56 are substantially coplanar (preferably in a substantially vertical plane). common) that is, the roller / arrow 55 is substantially opposite the roller 27, with the second intermediate roller 30. A shape that the roller / arrow 55 can have, which is preferred is 3 or 4 roller segments 57, 58, 59 which are spaced apart from each other on the axis of rotation 56 and which couple the roller 30 to the middle and adjacent, although spaced from (both ends) as illustrated in Figure 4. Alternatively, two roller segments 58 can be provided, one on each side of center 60 of the river odillo 30. The reinforcing roller / arrow 55 provides a force on the roller 30 to prevent buckling or unwanted deflection. In this way it will be seen that according to the present invention, a convenient method and assembly for sealing business forms having cohesive or pressure activated adhesive is provided. While the invention herein has been shown and described in what is currently conceived as the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that many modifications can be practiced within the scope of the invention, this scope being it shall grant the broadest interpretation of the appended claims, to cover all methods and equivalent assemblies.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1.- A method for sealing a business form having longitudinal and transverse cohesive or pressure activated adhesive patterns, which requires a seal strength of at least about 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch), characterized because it comprises: (a) moving the business form in a first direction, substantially parallel to a longitudinal pattern of pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive; and (b) while the shape moves in the first direction, passing the shape through a clamping point between a first roller of substantially smooth surface and a second roller with saw teeth or ribs, the roller rotates about shafts of substantially parallel rotation, to compress at least 50%, but less than 90%, of each of the longitudinal and transverse patterns of adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive, by applying a force of more than 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds) per linear inch) on saw teeth or ribs. 2.- Method of compliance with the claim 1, characterized by (b) is practiced to effect complete sealing of the business form without passing through another roller clamping point. 3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that (b) is practiced to apply a compressive force of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) in the saw teeth or ribs . 4. - Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second rollers each have an overlapping length of approximately 15.24 cm (6") or more, and further comprises (c) applying a reinforcing force to the roller with saw teeth or with ribs to avoid buckling 5.- Method of compliance with the claim 1, characterized in that (b) is practiced using a second sawtooth roller, about half of which have a first angular orientation and about half of which have a second orientation at an angle substantially opposite to the first orientation at angle, each orientation makes an angle of at least about 10 ° with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the second roller. 6. Method of compliance with the claim 5, characterized in that (b) it is further practiced using saw teeth or ribs, each having a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between about .1016 to .254 cm (.04 a. .1") with intermediate spaces of approximately .508 to .254 cm (.02 to .1"). 7. - Method according to claim 6, characterized in that (b) is also practiced using a second roller, wherein the first dimension of the saw teeth is approximately .158 cm (1/16") and the spacing between them it is approximately between .079 and .158 cm (1/32 and 1/16"). 8. - Method according to claim 1, characterized in that they are practiced using forms with Z-fold, C-fold, V-fold, or double fold having at least four transversely spaced longitudinal strips of pressure-activated cohesive, two strips adjacent to each longitudinal edge of the form cooperate with each other and at least two cooperating transverse strips of pressure activated cohesive. 9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that (b) is practiced using a first roller having a diameter of at least twice the second roller, and each of the first and second rollers has a longitudinal dimension parallel to the axis 10. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that (b) is practiced using a second roller having ribs or saw teeth, each having a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between approximately .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") with intermediate spaces of between .0508 to .254 cm (.02 to .1"). 11.- Method of compliance with claim 7, characterized in that (b) is practiced using a second roller wherein the first dimension of the saw teeth or ribs is approximately .158 cm (1/16") and the spacing between them is between approximately .079 to .158 cm ( 1/32 and 1/16"). 12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that (b) is practiced to effect complete sealing of the business form without passing through another roller clamping point. 13. - Method of compliance with the claim 12, characterized in that (b) is practiced to apply a compression force of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) on the saw teeth or ribs. 14.- Method of compliance with the claim 13, characterized in that the first and second rollers each have an overlapping length of approximately 15.24 cm (6") or more, and further comprises (c) applying a reinforcing force to the roller with saw teeth or with ribs, to avoid 15. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second rollers each have an overlapping length of approximately 15.24 cm (6") or more, and further comprises (c) applying a reinforcing force to the roller. with saw teeth or with ribs to prevent buckling. 16. A seal roll structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first roller with a smooth surface rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the first axis of rotation of between approximately 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12) ") and having a first diameter, a second roller having a surface with ribs or saw teeth and rotatable with respect to a second axis of rotation, parallel to the first axis and having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the second axis of between approximately 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") and a second diameter; and wherein the second diameter is less than about half the first diameter. 17. - Structure according to claim 16, characterized in that each of the first and second rollers has a length greater than about 15.24 cm (6"), and further comprises a reinforcing roller that engages the second roller and rotatable with respect to a 18. A structure according to claim 16, characterized in that the ribs or saw teeth have a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of the first and second axes and substantially in line therewith. rotation between approximately .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1"), with interspaces between approximately .0508 to .254 cm (.02 to .1") 19.- Structure according to claim 18 , characterized in that approximately half of the saw teeth or ribs have a first angular orientation and approximately half have a second orientation at substantially opposite angles. At the first angular orientation, each orientation makes an angle of at least about 10 ° with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the second roller. 20. A seal roll structure, characterized in that it comprises: a first smooth surface roller rotatable with respect to a first axis of rotation having a longitudinal dimension parallel to the first axis of rotation of between approximately 10.16 a 30. 48 cm (4 to 12") and a second diameter, and wherein the ribs or saw teeth have a first dimension substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of between about .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") with 21.- Structure according to claim 20, characterized in that each of the first and second rollers has a length greater than approximately 15.24 cm (6). "), and further comprises a reinforcing roller that engages the second roller and rotatable with respect to a third axis parallel to the first and second axes and substantially in line, to prevent buckling of the second roller. 22. - Structure according to claim 20, characterized in that approximately half of the saw teeth or ribs have a first angle orientation and approximately another half have a second angle orientation, substantially opposite to the first angle orientation, each orientation makes an angle of at least about 10 ° with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the axis of orientation of the second roller. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Business forms (10) having longitudinal and transverse patterns (15, 16) of pressure activated cohesive, require a seal strength of at least about 8.94 kg / linear cm (50 pounds per linear inch) are sealed preferably by a single passage through a clamping point formed by the first and second rollers. The first roller (27) is a roller of substantially smooth surface with a larger diameter, while the second roller (33) is a roller with ribs or saw teeth of small diameter, for example having saws or ribs with a substantially parallel dimension to the axis of rotation of approximately .1016 to .254 cm (.04 to .1") for example approximately .158 cm (approximately 1/16"), with spaces between them of approximately .0508 to .254 cm (.2 a .1") for example between approximately .079 to .158 cm (1/32 to 1/16"). Preferably, the saw teeth or ribs are saw teeth or ribs at an angle of opposite direction in different halves of the second roller, each making an angle of at least about 10 ° with respect to a plane substantially transverse to the plane. axis of rotation. Rollers typically have 10.16 to 30.48 cm (4 to 12") of "long, and when they are 15.24 cm (6") long or longer, a reinforcing roller preferably couples the second roller, to prevent buckling of the second roller. PCT-441