US1951040A - Envelope machine - Google Patents

Description

March 1-3, 1934. L. sToNE Er AL ENVELOPE MACH I NE Filed July 3o. 1952 8 Sheets-Sheet l W17 (ECC 55 March 13, 1934. L, STONE E' AL ENVELOPE MACHI NE Filed July 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 13, 1934. sToNE ET AL ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 @OCC 5% March 13, 1934. L.. sToNE Er AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July S50. 1932 8 Sheets-f-Sheet 4 OSC #ge March 13, 1934. L. STONE Er Al. 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed JuLy 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 l 46 A9 ITF :I ffm-wi March 13, 1934. L. sroNE Er AL ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 w? Rg.

March 13, 1934. L STONE E -r AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed July 50 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 13, 1934. STONE |1- AL 1,951,040

ENVELOPE MACHINE Filed VJuly 30, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet B \\\\1 um Ov@ Leo Stowe, wxN .W'N'Me Patented Mar. 13, 1934 PATENT OFFCE ENVELOPE MACHINE Leo Stone, Brockton, and Fred W. McArdle, Boston, Mass.; said McArdle assignor to said Stone Application July 30, 1932, Serial No. 626,268

20 Claims.

Our invention relates to envelope machines, and particularly to that type in which the envelope is formed from a pair of members severed from separate strips of paper of predetermined widths, continuously fed from a pair of supply rolls, and the severed sections assembled to form a two-part envelope.

A machine of this character for producing a particular size of envelope, is described and l0 claimed in Letters Patent to Wm. Bodge, No.

1,360,984, May 3l, 1932.

The main object of our invention is to provide a machine of this character which is adaptable to produce a plurality of sizes of envelopes.

Another object is to provide adjustable means whereby changes for the production of different sizes of envelopes may be made with facility, and a minimum loss of time.

Our invention consists in the novel construction and combination of elements, and the mechan" sms by means of which We are enabled to attain the foregoing objects, and in the means by which the operative members are coordinated to function in producing a continuous sequence of finished envelopes of any predetermined size within the capacity of the machine.

Other objects and novelties will appear in the accompanying specication and claims, and the drawings forming a part thereof, in which a pre- 00 ferred embodiment of our invention is described and illustrated.

We do not confine ourselves to this particular embodiment, as modfcation of parts and rearrangement of members may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a diagram illustrating the essential features of the machine.

Figures 2 and 3 are fragments showing the means for certain adjustments relating to the cutting means and the means for gumming the envelope member.

Figure 4 is a partial plan on line 4 4, Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a section on 5--5 Figure 6 of one of the cutter holders, substantially full size.

Figure 6 is a sectional side elevation of the same on l'ne 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an end elevation showing one of the 0 bearings for the cutter holders and cross gumming member, reduced in size, extreme adjusted position of holder being indicated by broken lines.

Figure 8 is a fragmental side section substantially on line 8-8, Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an end elevation on line 9-9, Figure 10, reduced in size, of the means employed for notching the major envelope member and removing the fragment from the path of the strip.

Figure 10 is a plan of same substantially on line 1-l0, Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a fragmental end elevation of the fragment removing arm and adjacent parts.

Figure l2 is a sectional fragment of the notching member.

Figure 13 is a plan of the notching cutter look- 65 ing in the direction of the arrow, Figure 14, substantially full size.

Figure 14 is a side View of the cutter.

Figure 15 is a fragmental section of the cutter on line 15-15 of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a sectional end View on line 155-16, Figure 17 of the change gear train and adjacent parts, reduced in size.

Figure 17 is a fragmental plan of the same.

Figure 18 is a sectional end view of the cross 75 gumming member and adjacent parts on line 18-18 Figure 19, substantially full size.

Figure 19 is a fragmental plan of the same. Figures 20, 21, 22 are diagrams illustrating the progress of the webs in the formation of a minimum size of envelope.

Figures 2S, 24, 25 are similar diagrams as applied to a maximum size of envelope.

Figure 26 is a fragment showing the relation of parts momentarily preceding the folding action on the end flap.

Figure 27 is a similar fragment showing the relation of parts immediately succeeding.

Figure 28 shows in perspective the minor element as folded.

Figure 29 shows the major element in related position to the minor element in Figure 23, the folding line being indicated by dots.

Figure 30 shows a nnished envelope as it passes between the conveyer belts, the position of the gummed end flaps before folding being indicated in dotted lines.

The operation of a machine of this type for providing a continuous succession of finished envelopes of a particular size, is fully described in application of record, and we will now explain and describe the improvements which we claim as new in this embodiment of our invention. We have provided for the manufacture of several sizes of envelope of this type, without replacement of parts and by means of adjustable members of novel character adaptable to function to produce envelopes varied both in width and length.

Referring to Figure 4 we have indicated in dot and dash lines a and a', an arbitrary range in 110 widths of envelopes, and as will be explained, envelopes within predetermined limits of both Width and length, may be produced in continuous sequence, by suitable adjustments of the several operative members, and their operative relation one to another, to produce the different sizes within the predetermined capacity of the machine.

Referring also to Figure 1, the two elements of the envelope are supplied from paper of suitable widths, in the form of rolls A and B, suitably supported. Hereinafter we will designate the shorter member of the envelope, supplied from the roll A, and the longer member from the roll B, as respectively minor and major elements.

The strip A is of greater width than the strip B', both being similarly guided by members 30 laterally, suitable tension means indicated at 31 being employed to prevent excessive supply from the rolls, as the strips are fed longitudinally, as will be explained. The operative mechanism is driven from a countershaft 32 which is in turn driven from a source of power 33 by suitable belts and sprocket chain connections, 34, 35. Rigid With this shaft 32 is the sprocket 36, by means of which the shaft is rotated in bearings in the frame members 37, 38, Figures 2, 16 and A17. Slidable axially on this shaft and rotatable therewith is the quill 39, Figures 1, 16, 17, on which are rigidly mounted a plurality of gears 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, of varied size, for reasons to be presently explained.

This quill is adjustable axially by suitable means, one such means engaging the collar 46, and means including a fork 45 adapted to engage the collar rigid with the quill.

This fork is secured to the shift rod 47 slidable axially in suitable bearings, the shift rod being notched as at 48 to be engaged by a latch 49, hinged to one frame member, the notches being spaced to agree with the width of the gears and to permit alignment of any one of the gears with a gear train, which we will presently describe.

As already explained, the strip of paper A from which the minor member of the envelope is formed is of greater width than the strip B to permit folding of the edges for side gurnming flaps.

This holds true for any width of envelope within the limits of the particular machine. The minor member is also shorter than the major element which is of a length sufficient to provide for a gumming flap for closing the envelope, and a flap at the opposite end for folding as a closure. In Figures 28, 29, we have shown respective minor and major envelope elements, and in Figure 30 an envelope complete. In these figures the minor element a" is formed with the folded gumming flaps a" and the major element b is formed with end flaps b and 19. When in the process the elements are assembled, the two elements are joined along the sides at the side gumming flaps, and one end flap 19"' of the major member is folded over the minor member to form an envelope sealed at the sides and one end, as in Figure 30, the other end being folded over as a closure when used. Y

In this embodiment we apply the gum to the side flaps of the minor element and to one end flap of the major element, but may apply gum for both end and sides to either element, provided the operative relation is retained.

It thus becomes necessary to feed the two strips at varied proportionate speeds, not only for a single size, but to retain substantially the same proportionate movement for longer or shorter envelopes.

In the application of record the several operative members are coordinated to produce a single size of envelope, and such members are in fixed relation to one another.

In the present embodiment of our invention we have provided for the production of ve widths of envelope, with corresponding variation in length. It thus becomes necessary in order vthat we may attain our objects, to provide mechanism adapted to function in the production of envelopes of different sizes within prescribed lii its, and without replacement of parts.

In Figure 4 maximum and minimum widths of envelope are indicated by dot and dash lines a and a', and explanation relative to these will apply to intermediate widths.

In this gure the several members are shown as adjusted for the minimum Width of envelope, and the guide members 30 are slidably adjustable on the cross bar 51 and are moved to such position that the center lines of the webs are coincident with a central vertical plane passing longitudinally through the several operative members.

The folding members 52 are similarly adjustable on the cross bar 53. Referring now to the strip A only, this is fed to a cutting unit C comprising an anvil roll 54 and a cutter holder 55, Figures 1, 5, 6 in which are mounted cutters 56 adjustable radially. This anvil roll is so proportioned that the periphery is equal in length to a single minor envelope member of minimum size.

The speed of revolution is therefore assumed as equal to that of the countershaft 32, and referring particularly to Figures 16, 17, a gear 57 rigid with the anvil shaft 58, and of equal size to gear 40 on the countershaft, is driven there-- from through the medium of the idler gear 59 journalled on the stud 60, Figure 16, projecting from a rook lever 61 journalled on the shaft 58 and having an extension arm 62, provided with the slot 63 through which extends a clamp bolt 64 slidable in the frame and having a hand nut 65 by means of which the rock lever may be rigidly secured in adjusted position. The rock lever is adapted to adjust to engage the idler gear with any of the nest of gears as they are adjusted to align with the gear 57 on the shaft 58, for purposes to be presently explained. Secured to the anvil roll shaft is a second gear 66 of pitch diameter equal to that of the roll. Equal peripheral speed is transmitted from this gear through an idler 67 journalled on a fixed stud 68, to the pinion 69, meshing with a like pinion 70 of equal pitch diameter to, and rotatable with, the feed rolls 71, 72. The strip A fed by these feed rolls is advanced between the anvil roll and the cutter holder.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, the cutter unit which we prefer comprises the rotatable holder 55 in which is mounted the cutter element 56. This element is provided with a cutting edge of a length in excess of the widest web used and slidable in the slot formed lengthwise of the holder. Gibs 76 secured to the holder guide support the tongue 77 extending from the butt 78 in which are secured studs 79 projecting upwardly. Corresponding in position with the studs 79 are tapped openings 80 in the holder engaged by correspondingly threaded sleeves 81, through which the studs extend to provide means for adjusting the projection 0f the cutting edge 82,

a collar secured to the stud end retaining the relation of the stud and sleeve while permitting rotation oi the latter. Between the end of the sleeve and the butt of the cutter we provide a lock washer S3 for the purpose or" providing a yielding pressure to prevent change of adjustment of the sleeve. The upper end of each of the sleeves is provided with a hexed portion by means of which the particular sleeve may adjusted to cause the cutting edge to project sufficiently to rotate through a peripheral distance equal to the length of one minor envelope element according as the other members are adjusted to produce an envelope between mini mum and maximum length.

Thus for an envelope of minimum size, the anvil roll is rotated in unison with the counter shaft and as explained, the feed rolls operate to advance the strip A a distance equal to one length of the minor element of a minimum size of envelope. By independent means which will 4be presently described, the cutter holder is likewise rotated in unison with the counter shaft, and the cutter cooperates with the anvil roll to sever a single minor element in each rotation.

The peripheral speed of the anvil roll and the connected feed rolls, is dependent upon the peripheral speed of the particular gear of the nest, aligned with the gear 57, and the peripheral speed of that gear is transmitted to the gear 57, and a proportionate peripheral speed to the anvil and feed rolls. It thus follows that since the cutter holder 55 rotates in unison with the countershaft to sever a minor envelope element of any of the predetermined lengths within the mini mum and maximum limits, the peripheral speed of the cutter edge must be the same as that of the anvil and feed rolls, according as they are rotated from one or the other of the nest of gears. The cutter is therefore advanced in the cutter holder to such extent that the path of rotation of the cutter edge will equal to that of a roll having a periphery equal to the length of the minor envelope element in process.

In order that the cutter and anvil rolls may cooperate to sever the web, the cutter holder is so mounted that the axis thereof may be varied in parallel relation to the axis of the anvil roll.

In Figures 7 and 8 We have shown a convenient means whereby this may be done.

The cutter holder 55 is formed on each end with an extension 85 journalled in the bearing 88 slidable in the pedestal 87. This pedestal is formed to serve as a cap to the bearing in which the anvil shaft rotates.

Projecting upwardly from the bearing 86 is a stud 88 slidably engaging the sleeve 89 which is threaded on its outer surface to engage the bevel gear 90 journalled in the cap 91 rigid with the top of the pedestal. Between the bearing 86 and the end of the sleeve 89 is the spring 92 for which the stud 88 serves as an arbor. The sleeve is splined longitudinally at 93 to be engaged by a key 94 projecting from the surface of the stud, and the upper end of the stud is provided with a nut 95 limiting the movement of the stud ax ially in one direction as the spring yieldingly limits the movement in the other.

The cutter holder is thus rotatable in yieldable bearings which may be adjusted normal to the axis of the cutter holder by rotating the bevel gear 90. In order that the cutter holder may be adjusted with facility to retain parallelism, We provide means for simultaneously adjusting opposite bearings, comprising a pair of bevel pinions 96 rigid with a shaft 97 journalled at opposite ends in bearings 98 in the caps 91 of opposite pedestals. The pinions engage respectively with gears 90 and the respective sleeves 89 are threaded right and left.

As the sleeve in its axial path of movement intersects the extension of the axis of the shaft 97, we provide on one bearing unit a second pinion 98 secured to the stub shaft 99 journalled in the bearing 100 on the cap 91.

The other end of the stub shaft is squared at 101 to permit the use of a removable crank 192 by means of which the shaft may be rotated, and through the means described the cutter holder is adjusted in parallel relation to the anvil roll.

As the strip A is fed by the feed rolls 71, 72 at the peripheral speed of the anvil roll 54 it engages rolls 103, Figures 1 and 4 mounted on the shaft 104 and axially adjustable therewith.

The shaft 104 is mounted in bearings 105 forming a part of the glue pot 106 in which is rotatably mounted the glue roll 107 supported on brackets 108 from each frame member 37, 38.

The rolls 103 engage peripherally with the glue roll 107 and serve as transfer rolls for gumming the side flaps a'" of the minor envelope member a as the strip A passes over, a pressure roll 109, Figure 1 mounted on a shaft not shown, rotatable in bearings in the frame, serving to insure contact of the web with the rolls 103. Secured to the shaft 104 is the pinion 110, Figure 41, of the same pitch diameter as the rolls 103, and this meshes with the idler 111, Figures 1 and e rotatably, on a stud projecting from the adjacent frame member 37, and in turn meshing with the gear 66 to rotate the rolls 103 at the same peripheral speed as the moving strip A.

The pinion 110 also meshes with a gear 113 rigid with the glue roll shaft to rotate the roll at the same peripheral speed as that of the rolls 103. These rolls which may be termed the gumming rolls, and the glue roll and pot may be removed from the brackets 108 for cleaning purposes. Before a minor member is severed from the web A', it not only engages the gumming rolls, but also conveyor belts 115, 116, 'Figure 4. These conveyor belts connect respectively the rolls 117, 118 and 119, 120, rotatable with respective shafts 121, 122 having bearings 123, 124 in opposite frame members. The outer rolls 117, 118 are axially adjustable on their respective shafts to admit the engagement of the moving strip A which will be presently explained.

The minor element a severed from the strip A is carried forward by the conveyor belts and joins the strip E at the rolls 126--127, the shaft 122 being geared to the shaft on which the roll 127 is mounted, to move the conveyor belt at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the anvil roll 54.

The rolls 126-127 operate as feed rolls for the strip B and the means of rotation will be hereinaiter described, but at this time we will describe the movement of and the operations upon, the strip B.

The strip B is drawn from the paper roll B by the rolls 126-127, passing between the notching member 130 and the cooperating anvil roll 131, Figures 9, 10. The relation of the notching member and anvil to the cutting member for the V major envelope element is such that the distance on the line of travel of the web B between these members is substantially a multiple of the length of the major element of the shortest envelope provided for in the embodiment.

When the strip B is cut by the cutting device D, Figure 1, the cut will be made in advance of the end of the minor element substantially across the apices of the notches in the edge of the strip B, providing when cut, a flap at each end of the minor envelope element, one of which is subsequently glued and folded as will be presently described, to form a closure for the finished envelope.V Ihe relative speed of the conveyor belts and the peripheral speed of the pressure rolls 126, 127 is such that when the minor envelope member engages the strip B its speed of travel is accelerated, separating it from the succeeding minor element moving at the slower speed of the conveyor.

The contiguous end of the succeeding minor envelope element thus engages the strip B at the rolls 126, 127, at suchv position that when the web is severed, the finished envelope is provided with a free iiap, and the succeeding envelope with a closure flap, limited in combined length substantially by the notches previously formed.

Adjustments hereinafter described permit variation of the relative lengths of the flaps within the stated limits.

When a size other than the smallest envelope is to be made, the speed of the feeding rolls for both strips is accelerated to provide longer elements as hereinbefore explained. It thus becomes necessary to adjust the cutting relation for the minor and major element, and the notching device to produce envelopes similar to the smallest size, but varying in individual dimensions.

The device for cutting the strip B is similar to that already described as applying to the cutting of the minor envelope member, but the notching member requires a different construction which will be presently described.

As the width of the strip B is varied for diiferent widths of envelope it becomes necessary to provide means for notching each edge of the van rious Widths of strips at distances apart longitudinally according to the required length of envelope. In the cutting device already described, the means for cutting the required length of minor envelope has been explained and like means of adjustment are employed in the notching device and in the cutting device for the major element, the cutter shaft being adjustable to vary the parallel distance between the cutter and anvil axes. In Figures 9 to 15, inclusive, I have shown means I prefer to employ for notching the different widths of strip B and the means for positively removing the fragments resulting from the notching operation.

The several rolls and cutting members are rotated to coordinate one with another by means which I will now describe.

Referring to Figure 1, and incidentally Figures 4, 9, 10, 16 rotatable with the countershaft 32 is a gear 135, and on the shaft 136 on which the notching member is mounted is a gear 137 of equal size, an idler pinion 138 journalled on the stud 139 projecting from the frame of the Inachine, meshing with both gears. As in the case of the cutting members, the shaft 136 is adjustable in parallel relation to the cooperative anvil, Figure 18, and the stud 139 is so positioned relative to the axis of adjustment as to insure suitable meshing of the pinion 138 with the gear 137 in any adjusted position of the shaft 136. Equal rotation is thus transmitted from the countershaft 32 to the shaft 137, and by sprocket and chain 141, Figure 1, to the cutting member for the major envelope member, and by similar sprocket and chain 142 to the cutting member, and similarly by the chain 143 to the cross gumming member E hereinafter described.

The means for rotating the anvil roll 54 in va" riable relation to that of the countershaft 32 has been described and the relative rotation of the anvil rolls 131, 144, 145 is maintained as follows:

Secured to the anvil roll shafts 58, 146, are equal sprockets, and sprocket chain 148 transmits like rotation to the roll 131 from shaft 58 and chain 149 to the roll 144. Anvil roll 145 is rotated through the medium of like gears 151, 152, secured to respective anvil shafts meshing with idler pinion 153 journalled on a stud projecting from one frame of the machine. It will thus be obvious that the several cutter members and the cross gumming member rotate in unison with the countershaft 32, but the several anvil rolls rotate in relation thereto varied according as they are driven by one or the other of the nest of gears. As the speed of rotation of these anvil rolls is varied the peripheral speed of the several feed rolls in train with one or the other of the cutting members is correspondingly varied to feed the required lengths of the strips A and B for each rotation of the countershaft 32, and the notching member and cross gluing member which are adjusted to coordinate with the cutting members.

Referring to Figures 9, 10, 12 rotatable with the shaft 136 are a pair of holders 130, adjustable axially on the shaft, and mounted in each holder is a notching cutter element 161, slidable radially with the axis of the shaft, adjusting screws 162 abutting the shoulder 163 formed on the holder, with check nuts 164.

By means of these screws the cutting edge may be adjusted radially to rotate peripherally through I the equivalent distance of one major element length, a clamp screw 165 serving to retain the cutter element in adjusted position.

It has been found that if fragments are entirely severed from the web edges, there is diiculty in removing them from the vicinity of the cutter, and there is a tendency to clog; the cutter is therefore formed to partially sever the fragment, leaving an attachment at the apex of the cut, by means of which the fragment is moved with the strip after the cut is made. This is shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cutting edge being interrupted at 166. The fragment is removed by the following means.

Extending parallel to the shaft 136, Figures 9, 10, 11, is another shaft 167 rotated in unison by means of the gears 168, 169 respectively, secured to the shafts 136, 167, the shaft 167 being rotatable in Xed bearings supported by the frame and in position relative to the line of adjustment of the shaft 136 such as to insure meshing of the gears in any adjusted position of the shaft.

The shafts 136 and 167 are splined, the former to permit axial adjustment of the holders 130 according to the width of the strip B in use, and the latter to permit axial adjustment of units each including the mitre pinion 170 meshing with like pinion secured to one end of the stub shaft L 171, journalled in the carriage 172, slidable on the shaft 167, and a guide rod 173 extending between the frames of the machine. Clamp screws 174, 175 respectively, secure the holders 130 and the carriages 171 in adjusted relation to the strip and CTL rompio detach it therefrom, suitable means not shown such as vacuum action removing it from the path of movement of the strip.

Hinged to the carriage 172 is an arm 177 projecting from which is a stud on which is journalled a roll 178 yieldingly pressed to operate as an anvil roll for the lever 176. The periphery of this roll normally clears the under side of the web edge and the rotation of the lever 176 is coordinated with the notching member to engage the fragment, depressing the strip to engage the roll, sufficient resistance being provided by a spring 179 to insure detachment of the fragment by the cooperative lever end of lever 176 and roll 178.

As hereinbefore explained, the relative position of the several cutter members and also the cross gumming member is based on the shortest envelope to be produced. It is therefore necessary to change their relation to coordinate in operation on the major and minor envelope elements of different lengths with the major element, this is accomplished as follows:

Referring to Figure 1, the web B after notching passes over an idler roll 180, rotatable in suitable bearings secured to the frames. The roll on either side is reduced in size near the bearings and journalled thereon is the forked lever 181 in which is journalled an idler roll 182, adapted to engage the strip as it moves from the roll 180 to the feed rolls 126, 127. An arm 183, slotted at 1841 is rigid with the forked lever which may be swung therebyon its bearings to adjusted position and clamped in such position by the bolt 185 axially slidable in the frame member, and adapted to be tightened by the hand nut similar to 65, Figures 4. and 17.

By swinging the forked lever, as indicated by the dotted lines, the linear distance from the notching member to the cutting member is increased to agree with the increased length of the major envelope element.

It is not feasible to adjust the movement of the minor envelope element in this manner, but as the relative lengths of the members are substantially the same, compensation is provided for the increased length of the minor member in the following manner:-The relative speed of movement of the two webs being unaffected by the length of the particular envelope, the cutter member for the minor envelope requires such adjustment as will maintain the relative lengths of the minor and major envelopes. This may be more fully understood by referring to Figures 20, 21, 22 illustrating in diagram the movement of the webs in producing the minimum size of envelope and Figures 23, 24, 25 corresponding movement for a maximum size.

In Figure 20 the minor element a is shown at the moment of engagement with section b' of the strip B between the feed rolls 126, 127. As previously explained the movement of this element and the succeeding element has been governed by the anvil roll 54 and feed roll connections, such that in a single revolution of said anvil roll the strip is moved a distance equal to the periphery of said roll, the element d severed at 190, and its forward end engaged at 191 with the strip B still uncut, the cutting lines across the apices of the notches being indicated at 192, 193, limiting the length for the major envelope element b.

Under the action of the feed rolls 126, 127 driven as explained from the anvil roll shaft147, and moving at the same peripheral speed as the anvil roll 144, the element a" and am are sep-V arated, as shown in Figure 21 in which b is severed, and the elements of the envelope assembled into an envelope unit 195.

In Figure 22 this separation is increased and the minor element a severed to move forward to position shown in Figure 29.

In 'r'figures 23, 2s, 25, the movement of the elements of a maximum size oi' envelope is shown in corresponding positions.

Since a minor envelope element proportionate in length to that of the corresponding major element must be severed at each rotation of the cutter in the member C, it is necessary to adjust the angular relation of the cutters in members C and D. We do this as follows:

Assuming the cutting member D for the major envelope element as basis, the sprocket 196, Figures 2 and 3, is secured to the shaft 197 of the cutter holder, and is driven from the notching member F, Figure 1 by the chain 141. Secured to the shaft 197 is a sprocket of the same size as 196, the chain 142 driving therefrom the minor cutting member C.

As hereinbefore explained any change in the length of an envelope requires adjustment in relation of the notching of the major element strip B', the cutting of the minor element, and the cross gumming element E, relative to the common basis member D.

We have shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8 a means for adjusting the relation of the cutting elements of the major and minor envelope elements, and similar means may be employed in connection ics with the notching and cross gummng members.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 8, the chain 142 drives the minor cutting member through the sprocket 198, 198 journalled on the hub of a plate 199 rigidly secured to the shaft extension 85 of the cutter holder 55. The plate 199 is slotted at 200, and the clamp bolt 201 extends therethrough, and is tapped into the sprocket 198. The cutter holder may thus be rotated to vary the angular relation with the major en velope cutter, and thus vary the distance between the cutters and the length of the minor envelope element.

The advancing end of the assembled envelope is cross gummed by means of an adjustable gumming member which engages a gluing unit of similar nature to that already described. Specific differences, however, require further explanation. The cross gumming unit as a whole includes a gumming member 205, an anvil roll 152, a glue pot 207, a glue roll 208, and a transfer roll 209. The gumming member is similar in construction, and method of adjustment to the cutting rolls with specific differences to be described. Referring to Figures 18, 19, the gumming bar 210 is mounted in the member 205 and is radially acljustable by means of a plurality of screws 212 threaded to engage corresponding tapped sockets in the gumming bar. The screw 213 functions both as a set screw to retain adjusted position,

izo

and as a means for limiting the axial movement iso bar varies with different sizes of envelope, in a manner and for the general purpose described as applying to the cutters, the transfer roll is adjustably supported in the forked frame 218 journalled on the glue roll shaft and having a slotted arm 219 bearing slidably on a boss 220 projecting from one side of the glue pot. A clamp screw 221 tapped into this boss and passing through the slot insures retaining the parts in adjusted position. It is considered advisable to support this transfer roll in yielding bearings 222, Vthe spring 223 exerting a yielding pressure thereon, and the screw 224 permitting variation in the tension.

It thus becomes possible to so adjust the relation of the gumming bar 210 and the transfer roll 209 that the former may engage the latter without a fine adjustment. Passing beyond the gummng device, the gummer flap engages on its under side the conveyor 225, Figure 1, which includes the idler roll 226 and the drive roll 227 connected by the conveyor belt 225. Cooperating with this conveyor is a separate conveyor 228 similar in nature and comprising the idler roll 229 the drive roll 230 and the belt 228. The roll 227 is driven by sprockets and the chain 231 from the anvil shaft 147 at the same or slightly greater peripheral speed as that of the anvil roll. As the gummed end of the envelope advances it overlaps the conveyor roll 226, as shown in Figures 20, 26, 27, and in timed relation to this movement the folding blade 235 secured to the levers 236 journalled on the shaft 237 operates to engage the iiap at 238, its junction with the minor element, and to fold the iiap and depress it Yto pass between the conveyor belts as in Figures 21, 27. The blade is operated by means of a lever 239 rigid with one of the levers 236. The outer end of this lever engages the periphery of a cam 240 secured to the shaft 241, and angularly adjustable. The shaft rotatable in suitable bearings, is rotated in unison with the countershaft 32 by sprocket and chain connection 241 to the gumming member shaft 242.

Figure 26 shows a fragmentary view in which the assembled envelope has been advanced to the folding line of the end iiap, which as hereinbefore explained is substantially at the junction line of the elements a" and b. The folding blade 235 under the action of the tension spring 243, and released by the cam, rotates to the position shown in Figure 27, engaging the flap b and bending it to fold vover onto the element a in the usual folding operation, the assembled envelope being depressed by the blade to engage the conveyors.

The flap thus folded over, the envelope in the form shown in Figure 30, passes between the conveyor belts 225, 228. Cooperating to apply pressure to these belts are series of rolls 244, 245, Figure 1, rotatably supported in extensions of the frame members, not shown.

We have found it advisable in all feed and pressure rolls, to mount one of each pair in yielding relation to the other with suitable means for varying the tension. The means for doing this are such as are commonly used, and to avoid complication are omitted in description as not essential to a clear understanding of the character and operation of this machine. The finished envelope is discharged from between the conveyor belt onto a suitable receptacle or table, 246, indicated in Figure 1.

Havingv thus described our invention, we claim:

` 1. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips, means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelope elements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said'elements to form two-part envelopes, means for varying the relation between the feeding and cutting means for each strip to form pairs of independent envelope elements of different lengths.

2. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a air of strips, means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelope elements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said elements to form a two-part envelope, means for independently varying the relation between the feeding and the cutting means for each strip to form pairs of major and minor envelope elements of different lengths and widths dependent on the widths of respective strips.

3. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips, means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelope elements, and means for subsequently assembling said elements to form two-part envelopes, means for independently varying the feeding of the respective strips relative to the respective cutting means and to the assembling means, to form envelopes of diierent lengths.

4. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips, means for cutting said strips to form pairs of major and minor envelope elements, and means for subsequently assembling pairs of said elements to form two-part envelopes, adjustable means for varying the length and width of the respective envelope elements to form envelopes of different sizes.

5; In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips, means including rotating cutters, for cutting said strips to form front and back envelope elements, and means for assembling said elements to `form a two-part envelope, means for varying the peripheral movement of the cutters relative to the strip feeding means, to form blanks of different lengths.

l6. In an envelope machine having means for feeding a pair of strips, means for cutting said strips to form front and back envelope elements, such means including for each strip a rotatable cutter holder; a cutter blade supported therein radially; an anvil roll rotatable independently of, and axially in parallel relation thereto; means for varying the relative rotational speed of the anvil roll and the cutter holder; means for varying their axial distance; and means for adjusting the cutter blade radially to rotate the cutter edge peripherally in unison with the surface speed of the anvil roll, to cooperate therewith to cut envelope elements of different lengths.

7. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, means for varying the angular relation of respective cutters.

8. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and having cutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means for varying the linear distance between cutting means on the median line of the strip.

9. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and having cutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means operative between respective cutting means adapted to deiiect the strip and vary the linear distance between the cutting means on the median line of the strip.

10. In a machine of the character described in claim 6, and having cutting means operative in fixed planes on one strip, means operative to vary the linear distance between the cutting means on the median line of the strip, including a roll adapted to engage the strip between respective cutting means, and to deflect it from its normal path, and means for adjusting the path of movement to the required length of the envelope member.

11. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim 1, cutting means adjustable to the width of the major strip, and adapted to notch opposite edges to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes of varied widths.

12. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, rotatable cutter means adjustable axially and adapted to notch opposite edges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes of varied Widths.

13. In envelope machine of the character described in claim 1, rotatable cutting means adjustable axially and radially and adapted to notch opposite edges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes of varied sizes.

lll. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, and having cutting means adapted to notch opposite edges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes, in combination therewith, positive means for engaging the fragment on each side and removinsr it from the path of movement of the strip.

15. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, and having cutting means adapted to notch opposite edges of the major strip to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes, in combination therewith, rotatable means coordinated with the cutting means, for engaging the fragment on each side and removing it from the path of movement of the strip.

16. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim l, having cutting means ade justable to the width of the major strip and adapted to notch opposite edges to form tapered closure flaps on contiguous ends of successive envelopes of varied Widths, in combination therewith, means adjustable to the Width of the strip, and adapted to positively engage the fragment on each side and remove it from the path of movement of the strip.

17. In a machine of the character described in claim 1, and having means rotatable to cut notches in opposite edges of the major strips, means for positively removing each fragment from the path cf movement of the strip, comprising a carrier supported above each edge of the strip; a roll yieldingly supported thereby and rotatable beneath the strip normal to the path of movement thereof; an arm supported by the carrier and rotatable on an axis parallel to that of the roll, and adapted to intersect the path of movement of the out fragment, and in cooperation With the roll to detach it from the strip; means for adjusting the lateral relation of the carriers to varied Widths of strip; and means for rotating each arm in unison with the cutting means.

18. In an envelope machine for forming a twopart envelope having closed side and bottom portions, and having means for feeding a pair of strips, means for varying the Width thereof, means for cutting said strips to form respectively major elements having a top and bottom sealing flap, and minor envelope elements; means for varying the length of the respective envelope elements, and means for assembling the elements, in combination therewith means for applying gum lines near each edge of one element, and means for applying gum lines across the end of one element, such means being adjustable to operate respectively on different Widths and lengths of envelope members.

19. In an envelope machine of the character described in claim 18, means for varying the operative relation of the cutting means and the means for applying gum lines, to coordinate in operation for varied sizes of envelopes.

2o. In an envelope machine having means for supporting a pair of paper rolls, and means for feeding strips independently therefrom, means for cutting said strips to form pairs of independent major and minor envelope elements of varied length and Width, and coordinated means for subsequently assembling pairs of major and minor elements to form envelopes of different sizes having closed side and bottom portions.

LEO STONE.

FRED W. MCARDLE.

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