MXPA00004845A - Pressure sealer three tiered sealing roll configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

Business forms (11) with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive (18, 18) are handled by a sealing apparatus (10) which has a reduced weight, foot print of equipment, and lower cost to the end user, because of its simple construction. First (25), second (26) and third (27) rollers are provided which have axes of rotation (31) that are vertically spaced from each other and are preferably substantially vertically aligned, with the second roller between the first and third rollers. The forms pass through a first nip (24) between the first and second rollers, are re-directed, and then pass through the second nip (24') between the second and third rollers. Preferably forms pass through both nips at the same time to maximize the pressure in both nips. Typically, when passing through each of the nips the rollers exert a force of between about 100-200 pounds per lineal inch. Preferably all of the rollers are driven, such as by a motor connected to the second roller, and with gears acting between the second roller and the first and third rollers.

Description

SEAL ROLLER CONFIGURATION WITH THREE STACKED FOR PRESSURE SEALER BACKGROUND AND COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Business forms with adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive have become increasingly popular due to numerous practical advantages associated with them. These adhesives (such as sold by Toppan Forms Company of Japan under the trade designation TN124, and as described in US Patents 4,918,128, 5,190,818, 5,314,944 and 5,427,851) require application of substantial force in order to effect sealing. A wide variety of different pieces of pressure sealing equipment have been developed for that purpose, as sold by Moore USA, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois under the trade name "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 sealing and proper handling of business forms with adhesive or pressure activated cohesive, it would be convenient to reduce the weight of the equipment, reduce its footprint and provide a lower cost to the end user.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for handling business forms with adhesive or pressure activated cohesive, and a seal apparatus that can be used with these business forms (or with other frames or sheets), having an amount of advantages over conventional methods and equipment under some circumstances. The equipment that is provided according to the invention can have reduced weight, a reduced footprint and a lower cost to the end user than the equipment as described above, since the number of rollers used to effect the seal action is reduced and they can be placed in such a way that they have a small footprint. Despite the reduced weight, the footprint and the cost, the equipment according to the invention can seal business forms in substantially effective form, as conventional equipment for that purpose. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for handling business forms with adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive, using at least one first, second and third rolls each with an axis of rotation, and the axes of rotation they are spaced vertically from each other, such that the axis of the second roller is in an intermediate vertical position to the first and third roller axes, and a first clamping point is formed between the first and second rollers and a second clamping point It is formed between the second and third rollers. The method comprises: (a) Feeding a business form with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive within and through the first clamping point to effect compression. (b) Change the direction of movement of the business form to direct the business form to the second attachment point. And (c) feeding the business form within and through the second attachment point to effect sealing of the pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive in that part of the business form between the rolls. Typically (c) is practiced to apply a force to the business form between the second and third rolls of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) and (a) is practiced to also apply the same general level of force, for example between approximately 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch), (a) and (c) they are also preferably practiced to operate in two different ways at the same time, that is, one shape passes through the first attachment point while a second form passes through the second attachment point. This maximizes the pressure in both compression phases as a seal (this is between the first and second fastening points). (b) can be practiced by feeding the business form in contact with a substantially semicircular stationary surface, or by using a plurality of sets of direction change rollers with or without stationary guides associated therewith. Any other conventional equipment can also be used which effectively allows to change the direction of a shape, once it passes through the first attachment point to the second attachment point. The business forms can be constructed to have cohesive or pressure activated adhesive in strips on two peripheral portions, and (a) and (c) can be practiced (using rolls designed for that purpose), to act substantially only on the peripheral portions of the shape. This is particularly useful when the shape will have inserts and it is desired not to "crush" the inserts. Alternately, however, especially when not used in the form inserts, and the shape has a width substantially transverse to the primary direction that moves through the attachment points (a) and (c) are practiced to act substantially on the whole width of the business form. In this case, typically the shape has at least some pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive, which extends substantially parallel to its width, and the rollers seal the shape where there are strips of adhesive or cohesive, longitudinal and transverse. In the practice of the method, the roller axes can be aligned in a substantially vertical manner in order to provide a minimum footprint, when (a) to (c) are practiced and (a) - (c) are typically also practiced when moving each one of the first, second and third rollers. According to another aspect of the present invention, the stamp apparatus is provided, which is used with the business forms as described above or is probably also used for other frames or sheets. The seal apparatus comprises the following components: a plurality of rollers, including at least first, second and third rollers, each having an axis of rotation, and the axes of rotation are aligned substantially vertically with each other and the second Roller shaft is provided in an intermediate vertical location to the first and third roller axes. A first clamping point formed between the first and second rollers, and a second clamping point is formed between the second and third rollers. And means for changing the direction of movement of a web or sheet passing through the first attachment point, to direct the web or sheet towards the second attachment point, while the web or sheet is separated from the second roller when they move between the rollers. In the seal apparatus according to the invention preferably all three of the rollers are displaced. For example, the second roller is operatively connected to a motor and the first and third rollers mesh with the second roller. The plurality of rollers may consist of the first, second and third rollers. The means for changing the direction of movement of a web or sheet passing through the first attachment point to direct the web or sheet to the second attachment point may comprise a substantially semicircular stationary surface, or a plurality of roller assemblies. of change of direction with or without stationary guides. However, any other conventional or to be developed structure may be used, which performs the function of changing the movement function of the plot or sheet (business form) to direct the plot or sheet from the first attachment point to the second point. of clamping, although the web or sheet is separated from the second roller when it moves between the clamping points. The rolls can be positioned and constructed such that the second and third rolls apply a force of at least about 17.87 kg / linear cm (100 pounds per linear inch) and preferably between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200). pounds per linear inch) between them. Similarly, the rolls are preferably placed and constructed such that the first and second rolls apply a force of about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch). The rollers can have a diameter of approximately 5.08 to 10.16 cm (2-4 inches) in most circumstances, and either can have a short axial length (12.7 cm (5 inches or less)) to simply act on an edge of The business form or other weft or sheet, or segmented rollers may be provided with arrows that are spaced apart to act on longitudinal edges separated from the business form or another weft or sheet passing between them. Alternatively, a continuous roller that extends across the full width of a weft or sheet may be provided. (for example, business form) to act on top. The rollers can be made from any convenient materials or any convenient configuration, for example such as those illustrated in US Pat. Nos. 5,169,489, 5,378,303, 5,397,427 and 5,527,416.

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a seal apparatus having a reduced weight, reduced footprint, and lower cost to the end user, in relation to conventional equipment for sealing business forms having adhesive or pressure activated cohesive, and a method to act on business forms using this equipment. These and other objects of the invention will be clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary apparatus for handling business forms in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary business form used with the equipment of Figure 1 before bending; Figure 3 is a schematic end view showing exemplary roller bearings and impellers of the apparatus of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a side schematic view of an alternate directional change device that can be used in the apparatus of the Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The exemplary stamp apparatus 10 for sealing business forms 11 in the practice of the method according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figures 1 and 3. The business forms 11 with which the apparatus typically it is employed - as seen in detail in an exemplary embodiment in Figure 2 (before doubling) - typically comprises envelope type business forms for mailing formed from a single sheet of paper 12 having end edges 13, 14 substantially parallel to each other - and side edges 15, 16 substantially parallel to each other and substantially transverse to the end edges 13, 14. The sheet 12 has one or more fold lines 17 and cooperating marginal patterns (e.g. strips) of adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive 18, 19 as well as possibly transverse patterns (strips) 20. Lines of perforations 21, or similar line of weak, are provided The invention defines tear strips wherein the longitudinal strips 18, 20. The pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive 18-20 may be the commercial product TN124 and / or the other products as described in the aforementioned patents. For the particular business form 11 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it comprises a V-fold shape, wherein the sheet 12 is bent with respect to the fold line 17, such that the strips 18 come into contact with each other , and the strips 19 in contact with each other, and the strips 20 - if present - come into contact with each other. By applying adequate pressure to the exterior of the form, the strips 18-20 are sealed together. While a V-fold form is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it will be understood that virtually any shape configuration can be provided including C-fold (including eccentric C-fold), Z-fold (including eccentric Z-fold), double fold, or even leaves or overlapping frames without connecting on all four edges. Business forms of course typically have signs printed on the internal panels (and address signs on the outside of the envelope for mailing), and may or may not include inserts. Typically, an envelope for mailing 11 is passed in a conventional automatic doubler 22 (see Figure 1) in which it is folded over the fold lines 17 and then passes on the path 23 to a first clamping point 24 disposed between the first and second rollers 25, 26, respectively, the rollers 25, 26 are part of a set of a plurality of rollers that also includes at least the third roller 27, and sometimes the roller assembly consisting of the rollers 25, 26, 27. Each of the rollers 25-27 is rotatable with respect to a rotation axis 28, 29, 30, respectively. Preferably, the axes of rotation 28-30 are substantially horizontal and are spaced vertically from each other. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the axes 28-30 are aligned substantially vertically as indicated by the common center line 31. A second fastening point 24 'is provided between the second and third rollers 26, 27, the second roller 26 is vertically intermediate to the rollers 25, 27. While in the preferred embodiment, the first roller 25 is the lowest roller, the apparatus 10 can be constructed such that the roller 27 is the lowest roller. While the rollers 25-27 can have a wide variety of different constructions, and mounted together in a wide variety of ways, one shape is illustrated schematically in Figure 3 where each of the axes 28-30 is defined by a arrow with the same reference number, the arrow mounted at its ends (and probably at intermediate sites) by conventional bearings 32, and a second roller 26 displaced by a conventional motor (such as an electric motor) 33. Preferably, all three rollers 25-27 are displaced. This can be achieved, for example by displacing the arrow 29 by the roller 26 with the motor 33, with a suitable gear assembly - illustrated schematically by the gears 34-36 in Figure 10 - to move the arrows 28, 30 / rollers 25, 27, the rollers rotate in the direction illustrated by the arrows in Figure 1. For simplicity of illustration in Figures 1 and 3, the rollers 25-27 are illustrated spaced from each other, but it will be understood that they can be derived (for example with coil or other springs) together or in contact with each other, or otherwise assembled in such a way as to provide high compression and seal forces to the business form 11 or similar sheets or frames passing between them. Preferably both for the compression step defined by the first clamping point 24 and the sealing step defined by the second clamping point 24 ', a large force is applied by the rollers 25-27 to the form of business 11 or the like . For example, in both of the stages defined by the clamping points 24, 24 ', a force of at least about 17.87 kg / linear cm (100 pounds per linear inch) preferably a force between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch). The axes / arrows 28-30 preferably align in a substantially vertical manner as indicated at 31 in Figure 1, so that different shapes (or the same pattern) can occur at both attachment points 24, 24 'at the same time, leading to maximum pressure in both the compression and sealing stages defined by the fastening points 24, 24 '. The rollers 25-27 can have any of the configurations as illustrated in the rollers shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,169,489, 5,378,303, 5,397,427 and 5,527,416. The rollers may be constructed such that they have a small width (axial length) for example less than 12.7 cm (5 inches) and typically a diameter of approximately 5.08 to 10.16 cm (2 to 4 inches). If they have this small width, which is used only for edge sealing of shapes (for example just above where the strips 18, 19 are) then different sets of rollers corresponding to each of the rollers 25-27 can be provided. Alternatively, the small different axial edge seal rollers can be mounted on the common arrows 28, 30 with the roller segments 25, 25 'and 27, 27' spaced apart from one another corresponding to the spacing of the adhesive strips / Cohesive 18, 19, expected. The roller 26 may also have a small axial width, such as that of the roller segments 27, 27 'and 25, 25' or may extend for the entire length of the arrow 29 and the position of at least one of the rollers 25, 25 'or 27, 27' can be adjustable over the length of the arrows 28, 30 (such as when using conventional slots, adjusting screws, etc.) in an alternating manner, all the rollers 25-27 can be long, so such that they do not simply seal on the peripheral edges of the shape 11, but rather seal across the full width of the shape 11, including any transverse adhesive / cohesive strips, such as the strips 20, illustrated in Figure 2. Edge sealing is preferred when there are substantial inserts, while steam roller sealing (across the full width of form 11 moving in path 23) is preferred when there are no inserts. The preferred seal apparatus according to the present invention also comprises a means for changing the direction of movement of a weft or sheet (e.g. business form 11) passing through the first securing point 24, to direct the weft or sheet (eg business form 11) to the second holding point 24 ', while the web or sheet (eg business form 11) is separated from the second roller 26 when moving between the holding points 24, 24 ' These means may comprise any conventionally developed structure or subsequently, which is capable of performing that change of motion function direction and particularly such that in the preferred embodiment, a business form 11 may be in the compression stage between the rollers. 25, 26 at the clamping point 24, while another form of business is in the seal stage at the clamping point 24 '. Two different embodiments are illustrated for structures that can be employed as the means for changing the direction of movement, one illustrated in Figure 1 and the other illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a form of the means for changing the direction of movement. the frame 38 comprising a substantially semicircular stationary surface 39, which couples the business form 11 or another frame or sheet and changes the direction of the movement path 23 of the business form 11 or the like, such that it moves towards the holding point 24 '. For clarity of illustration the structure 38 is illustrated in Figure 1, widely spaced from the rollers 25-27, but will typically be located closer to them, depending on the dimensions of the business form 11 or the like. The surface 39 can be made from a low friction material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or may have similar rollers or low friction devices thereon. Alternatively, the surface 39 can have an associated similar surface by defining a space therebetween to define a positive guide to the shape 11 as it moves in the path 23. After the shape 11 or the like comes out of the clamping point 24 ' , typically deviates, as indicated by the conventional stationary baffle 40 in Figure 1, then moves to any desired subsequent handling, using any equipment suitable for that purpose. For example, other sets of driven rollers can couple business form 11, move it to a stack, pallet, conveyor or any other convenient site or equipment. Another exemplary way that the means for changing the direction of movement of the business form 11 or other frame or sheet can take, is schematically illustrated in Figure 4, and comprises a plurality of sets of directional change rollers 42-44, with or without conventional stationary deflectors 41, 45, 46, 47, associated to facilitate the change of direction. When the rolls 42-44 are used, they are typically propelled or at least one roller of each set is propelled, using a common impeller or the like. It should be understood, however, that a wide variety of other means of change of direction may also be provided, including any conventional structures capable of performing that function.

When using the apparatus 10, a method is provided for handling business forms with pressure activated adhesive or cohesive 18, 19 (and possibly 20) which may comprise the following: (a) Feeding a business form 11 with adhesive or activated cohesive by pressing 18, 19 in and through the first clamping point 24 (such as when using the conveyor, rollers or simply the output of the conventional bending tool 22 itself) to effect the compression. (b) Changing the direction of movement of the business form 11 to direct the business form to the second clamping point 24 '(for example using the surface 39, the sets of directional change rollers 42-44 or the like) . And (c) feeding the business form 11 into and through the second fastening point 24 'to effect seal of the pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive 18, 19 in that part of the business form between the rolls 26, 27. Preferably , (a) to (c) is practiced by moving each of the first, second and third rolls 25-27, (c) is practiced to apply a force to the business form 11 between the second and third rolls 26, 27 of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) and (a) is typically practiced to apply a force to business form 11 between rolls 25, 26 of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / cm linear (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch). (a) and (c) are also typically practiced to operate in two different ways 11 at the same time. The method can be practiced in a business form having the adhesive or pressure activated cohesive strips 18, 19 on the two peripheral portions as illustrated in Figure 2, with (a) and (c) being practiced to substantially act. only in the peripheral portions of the form. Alternately, especially when the form 11 has one or more transverse strips of adhesive or cohesive 20, (a) and (c) are practiced to act substantially over the entire width of the business form 11, to also seal the adhesive or cohesive 20 while the strips 18, 19 are sealed. While the invention has been shown and described here in what is currently conceived as the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, which can be realized Many modifications within the scope of the invention, to this extent should be granted the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to encompass all equivalent structures and methods.

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for handling business forms with adhesive or pressure-activated cohesive using at least first, second and third rollers, each having an axis of rotation, and the axes of rotation are vertically spaced from each other in such a way that the axis of the second roller is in an intermediate vertical location to the first and third roller axes and a first clamping point is formed between the first and second rollers, and a second clamping point is formed between the second and third rollers, the The method is characterized in that it comprises: (a) feeding a business form with pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive, inside and through the first clamping point for effecting compression; (b) changing the direction of movement of the business form to direct the business form to the second attachment point; and (c) feeding the business form in and through the second attachment point, to effect sealing of the pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive in that part of the business form between the second and third rolls. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that (c) is practiced to apply a force to the business form between the second and third rolls of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per inch linear). 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that (a) is practiced to apply a force to the business form between the first and second rolls of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) and where (a) and (b) are practiced to operate in two different ways at the same time. 4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that (b) is practiced by feeding the business form in contact with a substantially semicircular stationary surface. 5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the business form has cohesive or adhesive activated by pressure in strips on two peripheral portions; and wherein (a) and (c) are practiced to act substantially only on the peripheral portions of the form. 6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the business form has a width substantially transverse to the primary direction that moves through the attachment points; and where (a) and (c) are practiced to act substantially over the entire width of the business form. 7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that (a) - (c) is practiced using a business form having at least some pressure-activated adhesive or cohesive that extends substantially parallel to its width. 8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that (a) - (c) are practiced as each of the first, second and third rollers is moved. 9. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that (b) is practiced by using a plurality of sets of directional change rollers. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that (c) is practiced by applying a force to the business form between the second and third rolls of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per inch) linear). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that (a) is practiced to apply a force to the business form between the first and second rolls of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per inch) linear) and where (a) and (b) are practiced to operate in two different ways at the same time. 12. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that (a) - (c) are practiced by moving each of the first, second and third rollers. 13. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that (a) - (c) are practiced with roller axes substantially aligned vertically and where (a) and (c) are practiced to operate in two different ways at the same time. 14. Sealing device, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of rollers, including at least first, second and third rollers, each having an axis of rotation and the axes of rotation are substantially vertical aligned with each other and the second roller axis is provided in one place. vertical intermediate to the first and third roller axes; a first clamping point formed between the first and second rollers, and a second clamping point formed between the second and third rollers; and means for changing the direction of movement of a web or sheet passing through the first attachment point, to direct the web or sheet to the second attachment point, while the web or sheet is spaced apart from the second roller when it is moved between the attachment points. 15. Seal apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that all three rollers are displaced. 16. Seal apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the second roller is operatively connected to a motor and the first and third rollers are engaged to the second roller. 17. Seal apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of rollers consists of the first, second and third rollers. 18. Seal apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for changing the direction of movement of a weft or sheet passing through the first securing point to direct the weft or sheet towards the second securing point, comprise a substantially semicircular stationary surface or a plurality of sets of directional change rollers. 19. Seal apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the rollers are placed and constructed in such a way that the second and third rollers apply a force of between approximately 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch. ) among them . 20. Seal apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the rolls are placed and constructed, such that the first and second rolls apply a force of between about 17.87 to 35.75 kg / linear cm (100 to 200 pounds per linear inch) among them. 21. Seal apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that at least the first and third rollers comprise segmented rollers having a central arrow with first and second ends and a roller segment adjacent each end and substantially devoid of roller segments. between the ends. 22. Seal apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of rollers essentially consisting of first, second and third rollers, each having an axis of rotation, the axes of rotation are vertically spaced apart from each other, in such a way that the axis of rotation second roller is in an intermediate vertical site to the first and third roller axes; a first clamping point formed between the first and second rollers and a second clamping point formed between the second and third rollers; and wherein the rolls are positioned and constructed such that the second and third rolls apply a force of at least about 17.87 kg / linear cm (100 linear pounds per linear inch) between them and the first and second rolls apply a force at least about 17.87 kg / linear cm (100 pounds per linear inch between them) 23. Seal apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that all three rollers are displaced and wherein the first roller is below the second roller. .