US1346109A

US1346109A - Folding device

Info

Publication number: US1346109A
Application number: US339949A
Authority: US
Inventors: Astley Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1919-11-22
Filing date: 1919-11-22
Publication date: 1920-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 1937-07-13

Description

R. ASTLEY.

FOLDING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 22, 1919.

1,346, 109. Patented July 13, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

[2211622 202" ffoberi flsflqy R. ASTLEY.

FOLDING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 22.1919- 1346, 109'. Pa ented July 13, 1920.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

mlv X R. ASTLEY.

FOLDING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 22 1919 7 Patented July 13, 1920.

3SHEETS-SHEET3.

IGXIVXW l I I HEX .ETETDCHI .I IIIIIIIIIII.

HEXVI FfI-T'HMV M UNITED STATES new orrics.

ROBERT Asr nY, or BOSTON, rvrassaonusnrrs.

rename nnvrcn.

Application filed November 22, 1919. Serial No. 339,949.

To all whom it may conccrmi Be it known that I, ROBERT AsrLnY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Boston, county of Suffolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Devices, of whichthe following is a specification.

This invention relates to folding devices and particularly to a simple type of; machine on which letters, circulars or other papers in quantity may be folded as desired with adequatespeed, accuracy and saving of labor.

My invention contemplates a machine not of the automatic type in which papers are folded entirely by the machine itself, but rather a folding device of inexpensive and convenient form by which such papers may be given a rapid and uniform fold. The utility of such machine where the initial investment vof a large and automatic ma chine is prohibitive, is very great.

My invention involves therefore an apparatus in which a variety of folds may be effected and as an illustrative embodiment I have shown a simple device well adapted to office use and capable of production in inexpensive form for general availability.

The illustrative embodiment selectedfor the purposes of the present application is shown in the accompanying drawings.

' Throughout the specification and drawings like reference characters are employed to indicate corresponding parts, and in I the drawings Figure I is a side elevation of a machine in accordance with my invention.

Fig. II a partial plan view thereof.

Fig. III a section on the line 3-3, Fig. II.

Fig. IV a-side elevation showing the machine adjusted to a pile of letters to be folded. I

Fig. V an enlarged plan detail.

Figs. VI and VII are end views of characteristic sheet folds.

Fig. VIII a fragmentary detail of. the folding blade mount. p

Fig. IX a rear elevation of the machine.

Figs. XI, XII and XIII diagrammatic views progressively illustrating a note paper fold, and I v i Figs. XIV, XV and XVI indicating in a corresponding manner a characteristic legal cap fold. I

In a preferred form of my? machine I provide a bed or table member 1 preferably formed of sheet metal bent up with suitable legs 2 having a iiat upper surface adapted to receive a stack of sheets to be folded.

Mounted on the rear of the bed 1 are transverse and vertically adjustable end frames 3. These frames have lateral flanges 4: inclosing the sides ofthe rear legs. The rear legs are slotted at 2 and the flanges 4 are guided by studs 5 extending through the slots 2 r Transversely of the vertically adjustable end frames 3 is a guide or stop wall Gpreferably formed of sheet metal having end flanges 7 riveted to the end pieces 3 as indicated in Fig. VIII. This transverse stop piece 6 makes afface or wall against which the stack S of letters or other papers to be folded may be pushed so that they are held ina uniform position. The whole transverse frame of which the

pieces

3 and 6 constitute the principal elements has a free sliding or floatingmovement vertically, belng normally sustainedby the folding blade I or blades which rest on the top of the stack S. As the stack is reduced by the successive withdrawal of folded sheets this rear frame settles down from its'position shown in Fig. IV to its position shown in Fig. VIII. I

The transverse member 6 constituting the vertical stop wall is bent rearwardly as indicated at 7 Figs. IV and V, and longitudinally slotted as indicated at 8. Guided in the slot 8 are a plurality of clamping members preferably consisting of a threaded stem 9 having a wing'nut 10 and adapted to clamp a blade. These blades such as are indicated at X, Y and Z, are preferably thin, slightly resilient blades of sheet metal slotted atone end as indicated at 11.; The studs 9 pass through theslots of these blades'so that the. blade is not only transversely adjustable of-the machine, but adjustable longitudinally so as to giveithe desired length :of blade exposed to the table surface. I The blades may be of any desired-width and length and a variety of blades of interchangeable.inature provided.

For example, the bladeindicated at X is of the widthof the'usual letter sheet when folded for the usualsmall envelopJpThe blade Y illustrates thetype of narrowblade be formed Without regard to the use of the other edge for the opposing fold. Char-' acteristic folds appear in Figs. X to XIII,

Sheet 3, and Will be discussed later under up. would be placed transversely of the machine operation. v p I p a Above the flange 7 whlch carries the pri' mary folding blade orblades, is pivoted be tween the end member 3, a rocking blade 12 slotted at .13 in a manner similar to the slotting of the blade 7. The blade12' is nor mallymaintained in the elevated position shown in Fig. I by a spring 14. "Within the slot is disposed the usual stud 9 with wing nut 10 for adjustably mounting a blade such a-sZ shown .in Fig. I. L This blade is similar to the primary blades before described, but

r The machine Will therefore be seen to con sist of a bed on Whicha stack of paper may be placed and held in predetermined position, a floating blade carrying .member preferably abutting .oneedge of the stack of paper, a primary blade mounting constantly restingon .the top sheet of the stack, and a secondary blade mounting normallyout of contact with the top sheet, but depressible to contactiposition when a secondary fold is "tobe made. V

In operatingthe device, a guide sheet is first carefullyfolded .by hand .to ascertain just exactly the fold which is desired for the entire stack. Reference may be had to a scale R on the bed or frame of the ma chlneif desiredto measure folds or assure angles on-blade set, 1f for example, the

stack consists ofale tter sheets which are to I be given the usual fold for a small envelop.

7 fold of the sheet.

I orthis purpose there would ordinarily be available a primary blade such as X. This blade Would be of a Widtlnjdeterminingthe Width of the lateral folds of theletter sheet,

"so asto give .it vvhen folded the proper dimensions to fit the envelop the transverse plate? being given a length of the overlap on the bed lzt'o determine the length of the folded letter i sheet governed by the upward In Figs. X to XIII, I characteristic successive have indicated foldsiforsuchia sheet; It willfbe'understoold that the order ofmaking any'of these folds maybe variedand that a great varietyof folds may beeifected so .as to get the desired results, as Where a portionof the letter head or size of paper} takes the folding outside of conventional lines. It: will alsofibe -11nderstood that instead of using a specially pr'oportioned blade such'as tvvo narrow blades such as Ymaybe suitably'spa ced and set to govern'the desired Width of fold.

turned off at aspeed an automatic lllZlChlIlB.

Injthe example shoivn in Figs. XIV to X VL'it is desired to impart a double fold such as the folding of'a sheet of legal cap.

Heretwo simple folds are desired both in usual conventional form, from the bottom In effecting this the stack S of sheets as both folds;aneftransversely of the sheet. Inthis .form as the folds are brought merely against one edge, a narrow-blade such as Y may be used,"the blade-being extended across the machine so. asto traverse thefwidth of the .sheet'inrits transverse position. In this case, as shown in Fig. XIV, a'blade Y is set sothatits left hand edge comes at the middletransverse line offthe sheet' The sheet is then folded from left to right giving at first .a single fold across itself. It isnow desired to impart asecondary-zfold. Thisis ,efiectedaby. placing down ablade such as Z. Thisfmay alsobe a'narrow blade. This blade .has'been set on the. transverse Way 1-2 so that its right hand edge will come on the line of the secondary fold in {folding the already once folded sheet-the second time.

Thisisecond fold is madefrom right toleft. As .the blades-are all} flexible the sheets folded thereonflin Whatever manner they ma bekfolded, may be readily removedby siuiply Withdrawing them toward the front of the .machine as indicated'by the arrow Fig. IV. 'In'other ivords, they aresimply pulled off .of the thinislightly flexible fold ing blade's. Letters so folded 'vvill befound to have eXactnnifo rmity. .VVith comparaftivelylittle dex'terityionthepart of the op erator, sheets maybefolded with great rapidity and .neatnessand although manipulated by hand andu ith cheap labor can be approaching. that of The machine furthermore providesawide degree for the application of human intelligeneeif any mental check isrequired. during the course of the operation of folding' Each. sheet is substantially exposed to the glance of the operatortand flaws, defects, dirt smooches,; errors,fetc.,.1nay be 1 detected.

' The machine beingf simple, inexpensive and easily operated makes its use available in a .great 'majorityflof lcasesywhere the installation of an automatic machine would be prohibitive. As heretofore pointed out,

through the adjustment of blades andthe substitution of different kinds of blades, a

great variety of foldsmay beejlfect'ed The machine shown isiobviously capable of a considerable degree -of. modification,

theinventioninvolved therein is capable ofembodimentin many formslan'd such machi1res are adapted" toaa greatqvariety of uses. 7 are merely to be considered is" illustrative embodiments and-modifications and changes thereof to be Within the purview ,of'my in The form shown and uses; discussed vention if found within the limits of the appended claims.

What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

rier for movement relative to said bed and.

normally maintained away therefrom.

2. A folder comprising a bed, a floating blade carrier mounted for vertical movement relatively thereto, and a flexible f0lding blade adj ustably and detachably mounted on said carrier, and a secondary blade carrier adj ustably and detachably mounted on said carrier for movement relative to said bed and normally maintained away therefrom.

A folder comprising a bed, a floating blade carrier mounted for vertical movement relatively thereto, and a flexible folding blade adjustably and detachably mounted on said carrier.

l. A folder comprising a bed, a floating blade carrier mounted for vertical movement relatively thereto, and a flexible folding blade adjustably and detachably mounted on said carrier, and a secondary blade carrier adjustably and detachably mounted on said carrier for movement relative to said bed and normally maintained away therefrom.

5. In a folder of the class described, a'

support for a sheet stack, a floating folder supported to rest by gravity on the top of the stack and. adjustable thereacross.

6. In a folder of the class described, a support for a sheet stack, a primary folder supported over the top of the stack, and adjustable thereacross, and a secondary folder mounted in normal maintenance away from the said stack top, but movable over the top thereof and adjustable relatively thereto.

7. In a folder of the. class described, a support for a sheet stack, a floating folder of substantially the shape to be folded supported to rest by gravity on the top of the stack and adjustable thereacross.

8. In a folder of the class described, a

support for a sheet stack, a primary folder supported to rest by gravity on the top of the stack and adjustable thereacross, and a secondary folder mounted in normal maintenance away from said stack top, but movable over the top thereof and adjustable t 'ansversely relatively thereto.

9. In a folder, a support for a sheet, a floating carrier mounted for vertical movement relative thereto, and a folder blade of selected fold dimension detachably mounted upon said carrier.

10. In a folder, a support for a sheet, a floating carrier mounted for vertical movement relative thereto, and a flexible folder blade of selected fold dimension adjustably mounted upon said carrier.

11. In a folder, a support for a sheet, a floating carrier mounted for vertical movement relativethereto, and a detachable and adjustable folder blade of selected fold dimension.

12. A folding device comprising a sheet support, a floating folder blade mounting, adapted for vertical movement relative thereto, and a plurality of adjustable, detachableand interchangeable folder blades carried by said mounting.

18. A folding device comprising a sheet support, a floating folder blade mounting, adapted for vertical movement relative thereto, and a plurality of detachable and interchangeable folder blades carried by said mountin ll. A folding device comprising a sheet support, primary and secondary folder blade mountings selectively movable toward said support, and a plurality of adjustable, detachable and interchangeable folder blades carried by said mountings for variable positioning relative to the sheet support.

15. In a folder, the combination with a bed, adapted to support a sheet stack, of a folder supported over the top of the stackv and adjustable relative thereto, and an auxiliary folder mounted in normal maintenance away from said stack and movable toward said stack for adjustment thereover. In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ROBERT ASTLEY. Witnesses Vrcronm LOW'DEN, MARION F. WEISS.