US2055984A - Paper folding machinery - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 29, 1936. PEPPER v I 2,055,984 PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY I Filed Nov 22, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 29, v P E PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 22', 1954 m k $1 WMHQUW WFQ \w Ir EL. w E.

NQNKT INVENTOR Sept. 29, 1936.

IF. PEPPER v v APER FOLDING MACHINERY Filed Nov. 22,; 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR F/En/wr PEP/we %W ATTORNEY Sept. 29, 1936. F. PEPPER PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY Filed Nov. 22; 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR F/e mw: FEPPE/fl A I W ATTORNEY Sept. 29, 1936.

F. PEPPER PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY Filed Nov. 22, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Wri- ATTORNEY Sept.v 29, 1936. F. PEPPER PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY Filed Nov. 22, 1934 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 mt Eu INVENTOR ATTORNEY Sept. 29, 1936;

F. PEPPER PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY 7', She ets-Sheet '1 Filed Nov. 22, 1934 INVENTOR Ben/v fie-PPM: i W

ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 29, 1936 PATENT OFFICE PAPER FOLDING MACHINERY Frank Pepper, Ozone Park, N. Y., assignor to S & S Corrugated Paper Machinery Company,

Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application November 22, 1934, Serial No. 754,243

' 9 Claims. (01.93-49) My invention relates to paper box machinery and more particularly relates to novel apparatus for and methods of folding paper blanks.

In the manufacture of corrugated boxes, the corrugated paper must go through three main stages of progress.

The paper is first cut to the required size. This sheet, or as it is more frequently called, blank, is then scored longitudinally and transversely along the lines required for the subsequentfolding of the box. It is also sliced or blocked in various places at the flaps in order to permit these flaps to be folded over to form 'the top and bottom of the box.

This blank now properly scored, is folded along the scored lines and'pressed down flat, thus preparing it for the third stage which consists of taping the central portion .of the body of the blank with suitable adhesive. Heretofore in the folding process some difliculties have been experienced in preventing the folded flaps from drifting from a fold directly along the scored edge.

In carrying out my invention, the blanks need only be stacked against a pair of stops or hoppers provided in the machine. Henceforth the movements are all automatic, all parts of the machine working in constant motion and proper alignment while they are being folded over the 'scores and finally pressed down and delivered by a set of rollers ready for the taping.

Accordinglyfan object of my invention is to provide novel apparatus for and methods of folding blanks along scored edges.

A further object of my invention is to provide.

novel cam operated fingerswhich pass through a complicated movement in folding the blanks.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide simple speed and size adjustments for operating the machine at any desired speed and for I any desired size and shape of blank.

Still another object of my invention is to provide means of and machinery for folding and pressing the blanks preparatoryto taping and to do this in one continuous automatic movement.

viewed from the opposite side, showing some of the driving machinery that was invisible from the other side.

Figure 3 is a plan of the machine with special emphasis given to the mechanisms that move the blank from one part of the table to another.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the machine along the line A-A (Figure 3) showing the reciprocating apparatus that feeds the blanks under the hopper and the chains and lugs that move the blanks along the table.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the machine along the line 3-3 (Figure 3) showing the rollers that feed the blank onto the second platform, and the various guides that keep the blank in alignment.

- Figures 6 and 'i are detailed diagrammatic views of the two sides of the cam mechanism which folds the sides of the blank along the scored lines.

Figure 8 shows a typical blank as it appears when it is about to' be fed into our machine, scored and sliced, but not yet folded.

Figure 9 shows the same blank as it appears when it is fed out of the folding machine ready for the taping.

Figure 10 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of part of table in Figure 1 in order to expose concealed parts of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a plan of the variable speed transmission unit used in connection with the folding machine. I

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic longitudinal elevation of variable transmission unit shown in Fig- Figure 13 is a diagrammatic plan of cam III intended to show the manner in which the cam is adjusted longitudinally and laterally with reference to the main frame of the machine.

Referring. to Figure 2, I have shown a metal framework I, designed to support the various parts of the driving mechanism and the platforms over which the blanks must pass in order to be folded and pressed;

Suitably mounted thereon is a source of power (not shown) which transmits its motion through pulley 3 and shaft 4 to bevel-faced disc I 01' a variable speed transmission unit shown in detail in Figures 10 and 11. Disc 5 may also be driven by means of a hand wheel 6 through shaft I guitably mounted for rotation in bearings I Fig. 1.

Disc 5, in turn, transmits its motion through V-belt 8 to bevel-faced disc which is secured to properly ioumalled shaft l2 on which is mounted sprocket l3 rotatable with shaft l2. By causing the V-belt to engage different parts of the disc any desired speed ratio to the speed of the driving source can be obtained. Sprocket I3 is connected by means of continuous chain H to sprocket l5 (Fig. 10) which is mounted for rotating on one end of shaft l6, suitably journalled in bearings. Secured to the opposite end of shaft I6 is pinion |1 (Figures 2 and'5) which meshes with cog-wheel |8 secured to and drivin shaft 2| which is supported by braces 22. A

Eccentrically located on cog-wheel I3 is pin 23 upon which is pivoted sleeve 24 by means of a projecting cap 25. Sleeve 24 is slideable along rods 26 which together with rod 21 forms yoke 29. The rod 21 has an adjustableclamp 28 which is connected to red 3| by cotter pin 32. Thus the sleeve 24 with the rods 26 and 21 forming yoke 29 are pivotally mounted on the pin 23 about which it is rocked.

As cog-wheel l8 rotates, rod 3| imparts reciprocal movement to arm 33 to which it is connected through pin'34. To vary the limits of the swing of arm 33 in its reciprocating motion,

it is merely necessary to shift the position of clamp 28 along rod 21. If clamp 28 is raised,

the limit 'of the reciprocating movement to the right is extended. If clamp 28 is lowered, the limit of the reciprocating movement to the left is extended.

Furthermore, as sleeve 24 slides along rod 21 it causes a precession movement in yoke 29 which results in a greater swing of the yoke in parts furthest removed from the centre of the yoke at 23. Therefore, the nearer to the ends of rod 21 clamp 28 is secured, the greater will be the swing of rod 3| and arm 33.

As arm 33 reciprocates, it imparts reciprocal motion to a pair of arms 36 through shaft 31 (Figure 3) which is mounted in bearings 38 1'18. 1.

As shown in Figure 4, arm 36 connects to clamp 4| through rod 42 and pin 43. Clamp 4| is secured to rod 44 which slides freely inside sleeves 45 depending from platform 5| by means of extension bars 46.

Clamp 4| carries a bar 41 which projects upwardly in slots between strips in platform 5| and carries at its upper end a bar 48 extending across platform 5|. n bar 48 there are mounted a number of lugs or fingers 49 whose reciprocal movement is accomplished by means of the train of arms and gears mentioned above.

The operations thus far described will now be clear. As the motor rotates, power is sup-- plied through pulley 3, shaft 4, discs and II, shaft l2, sprocket |3, chain |4, sprocket l5, shaft l6 and pinion l1 to cog-wheel 8.

produces a reciprocating movement in arm 33, shaft 31, arms 36, pin 43, rod '42 and bar 41 to platform 48. Reciprocating movement is thus imparted to platform 49 to feed blanks from a pile, one at a time as will now be described.

In Figure 3, I have shown a plan view of the le showingthe location of the three platforms I, 52 and 53 over which the blanks are to passare resting on shelf 56 integral with back stop 55.

As cog-wheel. l8 rotates it reciprocates rod 3| which in turn '83 through continuous chain 84.

Back stop 55 supported on bracket 60 is secured by nut and bolt 58 to platform 5|. loosening bolt and nut 58, bracket 60 because of slot 51 can be slid to effect a longitudinal adjustment of back stop 55 (Figure 3). This adjustment permits folding of different sized blanks. Gauge 54 (Figure 4) is clamped to a bar 6| through a block 62 and set screw 63. A groove extending the length of gauge 54 encloses a projection of block 62 in such a manner that gauge 54 can slide vertically with reference to block 62. This makes it possible to so adjust gauge 54 vertically through turn screw 64 as to leave just enough space between its lower end and the platform 5|, so that only one blank can pass under it at one time. This adjustment permits the successive passage of single blanks of any desired thickness.

At the same timeguides 65 (Figures 3 and 5) having outwardly flaring ends and secured to bar 6| by means of clamps 66 and set screws 61 are adjusted laterally so as to guide the feeding of blanks of any desired width to rolls as will be described hereinafter. Thus simple, easily operable adjustments are provided for different size blanks.

As the feeding of the blanks is about to begin, fingers 49 (Figure 4) have been moved to their extreme left position, to the rear of back stop 55 and the blanks. Accordingly projections 68 do not touch the blanks. As a result of the reciprocating movement imparted thereto, fingers 49 now move forward.

It will be noted that projection 69 extends above the surface of shelf 56 just sufficient to engage only one of the blanks resting on platform 56 as finger 49 moves forward. Accordingly, it will engage and propel forward the lowermost blank 59, removing it from shelf 56. As the rear end of blank 59 is carried beyond the edge of shelf 56, it drops to platform 49. Platform 49, it will be noted, is at a lower level than platform 56 so that as the adjacent blank falls on shelf 56, there still remains a space between it and blank 59. Accordingly, blank 59 is relieved of the weight of the blanks above as it is pushed under hoppers 54.

Near the foremost end of the movement of finger 49 the forward end of blank 59 is fed between rollers 1| and 12 (Figure 5). Rollers 1| and 12 now engage the blank by friction and propel it forward onto platform 52 until the entire blank has passed from under the rollers 1| and 12. Blank 59 thus comes to temporary rest on platform 52.

As shown in Figure 1, rollers 1| are mounted on and rotatable with shaft 14 which is supported in bearings 15. Shaft 14 receives its motion from pinion 16 which meshes with pinion 11. Pinion 11, in turn, is mounted on shaft 18 supported in bearings 8| (Figure 2) and carrying the sprocket roller 82.

Sprocket 82 (Figure 1) is connected to sprocket Sprocket 83 is mounted on shaft |6 which derives its power in the manner described above. It will be understood .that speed ratio through the chain from shaft l6, sprocket 83, chain 84, sprocket 82, shaft 18, gears 11 and 16 and through shaft 14 to rollers 1| is such that rollers 1| rotate at just the right speed to feed the blank 59 through at a speed coordinated with the speed of the reciprocating platform 49. v

The blank 59 is propelled by rollers 1| and 12 between platform, and a pair of adjustable pivoted on pin I24 which is securely fastened to I arms I25 which are free to slide in sleevelike exguides 95 (Figures 3 and 4) which are clamped to bar 6|. At the same time the blank is kept from drifting laterally by a pair of outwardly flaring guides 96 (Figures 3 and and from curling up at the edges by a pair of guides 31 'all of which are secured by adjusting clamps 39 to rod 99 extending across platform 52.

As soon as the rear of the blank has rolled'out from under rollers 1| and I2, a pair of lugs 92 (Figures 3 and 4) reach the top of a pair of sprockets 93, press against the rear edge of the blank and continue to propel it along platform 52 and onto platform 53 under guides 99, 9| and I99 (Figures 3 and 4).

Lugs 92 are attached to a pair of continuous chains 94 which connect sprockets 93' and 95. Sprockets 93 are mounted on shaft I9 whose drive has already been described. Sprockets 95 are mounted on shaft 96 which is rotatably mounted in bearings 91 (Figure 2). Shaft 96 carries on one end thereof, the pinion 99 (Figure 1) which meshes with idler 99. Idler 99 is concentric with and drives sprocket |9I which connects with sprocket I92 through continuous chain I93. Sprocket I92 is mounted on shaft 2| which is supported on braces 22 as was explained above. Shaft'2l derives its power in the manner described above and in turn imparts rotation through sprocket I92 and |9I, gears 99 and 99 and through shaft 96 to sprocket 95. The speed rates,- it will be understood, are such that sprockets 95 are driven in timed relation with sprockets 93 to impart a speed to chain 94 coordinating with the previous rate of feeding the blank 59.

Lugs 92 (Figures 3 and 4) are so positioned on chain 94 in relation to the movement of platform 49 that when they have reached the top of sprockets 93, the blank 59 will have been fed to platform 52 ready to be fed to platform 53. Lugs 92 .then engage the edge of the blank and as the lugs move forward feed the blank on to the platform 53 until, as lug 92 passes around sprocket 95, the blank is completely on platform 53 in preparation for folding.

When the blank 59 is in position for folding, its middle section is held securely under adjustable guides 99, 9| and I99, which are clamped on rod 99. Guides 99 and 9| will be spaced along rod 99 a sufllcient distance apart so that they bear along the score lines I9 of the blank, and the flaps 69 of the blank will project beyond the guides in the direction of the cams I94 and I95. Guide I99 is so located that if the two flaps of the blank arefolded over they will meet along the center line of the guide and will Just touch the long blade I96 that is mounted over guide I99.

The blanks are now in position'to be folded by cams I94 and I95. Figures 6 and 7 are detailed ditic views of the two sides of cam I94. Cam I95 is an exact counterpart of cam I94. As shown in Figure 6, the cam I94 consists of a cir- 'cular plate I94 in which an eccentric groove I91 is cut. Cam I94 is mounted of! center upon shaft I99 to which it is locked by key I 99. Shaft I99 is driven from the main source in a manner to be described hereinafter and carries with it cam I94. Ascam I94 rotates,afoliower III is made to travel inside-groove I91. The follower III is connected on one side to the moving arm 2 pivoted on pin 3 in bar II4 which makes uppart of frame II9 of the cam, and on the other to link 5 which is pivoted to pin H5 in arm I".

Arm III is in turn pivoted on pin H9 in bar |2I. pair of links I22 through pin I23. Links I22 are The other end of arm I" is-connected toa tension of pins I35 pivoted in frame II 9. The two arms I25 are interconnected by cross arms I25 at pin I35 and to bar I36 through pin I31.

Bar I 36 is pivoted to pin I39 in bar I of the frame of the cam on one end, and to pin I42 on the other. Pin I 42 connects bar. I36 to arms I25 through yoke I43 (Figure 3) which allows free sliding motion to local movementsthe vertical movement of bar I36 and th'e'horizontal movement of arms I25 now to be described. I

In Figures 6 and 7 arms I25 and bar I36 are shown in the position in which they are found at the moment when the blank 59 has just come to rest on platform 53, and the folding process is about to begin. The successive folding steps occur as follows:

As the cam I94a rotates, follower I29 traveling in the cammed groove I2I rocks arm |3| clockwise about pivot I 32. Link I34 is raised in turn raising arm 35 counterclockwise about its pivot I39 to the dotted position shown. As arm I36 is raised, it in turn, through pins I42 raises the arms I25 from position A to the dotted position B shown in Figure 6. It will be recalled that the outer flap of blank 59 lies on the cross arm I26 and is accordingly turned upwardly about its scored edge as arm I26 is raised. This is the first movement.

As cam I94 continues to rotate, follower III traveling in cammed groove I9I carries link 5 to the left, rocking arm II'I counterclockwise about pivot I I9. This occurs immediately following the raising movement effected by cam |94a described. As arm III rocks counterclockwise, it

pushes arm I25 outwardly to the dotted position At the completion of the cycle, cam I94 has completed one half of its revolution. During the remaining half of the revolution, the cam being circular from A to A1 no further movement of the arms takes place. Characters A, B, C, D, on cam I94 and I94a correspond to the same characters on arms I25 and I29, and intend to show the position of the followers along the cam grooves at the various stages of the cycle.

' The various positions of arms I25 and I26 as they go through their cycle of operations are identified by A, B, C and D; A indicating the original position, B, the first raised position, C the forward position and D the final folded position.

As will now be clear, folding of the blank is accomplished by a series of movements which place a minimurnof strain on the blanks being folded. The folding process in part closely follows through the movements which could be used if the blanks were manually folded; that is, the blank is first raised, turns freely on its scored edge. After it has gone through substantially 45' angular movement, it is pushed forward through the next angle thus further turning the blank freely about its. scored edge.

Thus, it will be noted, the blank is pushed up wardly during the rising portion of its angular movement and pushed forward during the for ,ward portion of its angular movement. This avoids any bending or shifting at the scored edge and results in a perfect folding of the blank along the-scored edge.

In order to adjust the cam for different sizes of blanks, the cam mechanism which is suitably supported on frame III isslidably mounted on rods I20 secured so as to permit both longitudinal and lateral adjustments. Frame lIi'is slldably mounted on rods I20 and can be clamped in any well known manner in position at any desired point along these rods. While frame II! is thus adjusted with reference to the length of the machine, the cant I is free to move along shaft I00, and when frame lltislockedinposition along rods I20, cam III is locked in position at a corresponding point along shaft I".

Cains Ill and Illa. are rotated by shaft Ill (Figure l) which. carries at one end a bevel gear I. Gear I meshes with bevel gear I which is mounted on shaft I", which is suitably supported on bearings I" (Figure 2). On one end of shaft I is mounted a pinion I which meshes with idler III. Idler III is rigidly connected to sprocket m which is connected with sprocket Ill (Figure through continuous chain Ill. Sprocket III is mounted on pin I" and sprocket III is mounted on shaft fl which receives its motion in the manner hereinbefore described.

When it is desired to adjust the position of frame II! with reference to the width of the machine, rods I are moved along bars in which are secured to the main frame of the machine and clamped at the desired point.- At the same time bevel gear I" is unlockedand is slipped along shaft I until its teeth engase those of bevel gear I in the new position. Bevel gear I is then locked in place to shaft I by means of a key running along shaft I, and the adjustment is complete. I

When rod I2! has completed a cycle of operations and is back in its normal position shown in Figure 8, lug I (Figure 4) which is attached to continuous chain Ill reaches the top of sprocket Ill (Figures 2 and 3) and engages the rear edge of the blank to propel it along platform II and feed it into the space between upper rollers I and corresponding lower rollers I II (Figure 1). Boilers I" and I" propel the blank forward and feed it out of the machine incondition to be taped.

In order to prevent the fiaps from opening as they enter the rollers, a pair of adlustableguides m (Figure 4) are provided consisting of metal plates i'iared upward at the edge. These guides are clamped to a bar I" secured between posts I.

As is shown in Figures 8 and 4, continuous chain Ill connects sprocket I" to sprocket'l. Sprocket III is mounted on shaft ll, (Figure 2) while sprocket I is mounted on shaft I01 (Figure 4) which is supported by bearings I" (Figure 2) Upper rollers II. are mounted on shaft III (Figures 1 and 2) supported by bearings I12. Secured to shaft III is gear I'll which meshes with gear I147 Gear I" is mounted on shaft I", on'which are also mounted lower rollers propel it forward. At the same time, lug I is I", and which is supported on bearings I18 (Figure 2). Rigldly secured to gear I" is sprocket I" which connects to sprocket I18 through continuous chain III. Sprocket I" is secured to shaft I2, whose drive has been de- 6 scribed hereinbefore.

As will now be clear, all the mechanisms mentioned above are synchronized in their movements so that the operation of the machine is continuous. At any given moment during the 10 operation there is a blank on each of the three platforms II, I! and 63. This operation may be divided into two stages. In each stage three simultaneous movements occur, as shown in Figures 4 and ii as follows:

, When fingers 4! are pushing a blank from platform II under gauge 54 and in between upper rollers II and lower rollers 12, lugs 82 engage the back of the preceding. blank on platform 52 and 20 engaging the third blank on the platform 53 which has just been folded and feeding it in between upper rollers I58 and lower rollers I". When fingers 4! are retreating in the direction of back stop SI to select the next blank in a supply of blanks stacked on platform BI resting against hopper it with one end on shelf 50, upper rollers II and lower rollers 12 are moving the blank previously fed thereunder, across platform 2 while lugs 82 are returning to sprockets 93. At this time, cams I" and III! are folding the previously fed blank on platform 53 while lug I is returning to sprocket I (Figure 2). The previously folded blank is by this time out of the machine and ready for taping.

Although I have described myinvention in detail, it. will be clear that the illustrations herein given are only by way of example andthe invention may take on other forms. Thus, the precise form of drives, including continuous chains and sprockets, the arrangements of the tables, etc., may be modified without departing from my invention and I do not intend to be limited thereby except as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers, an arm for raising and lowering said fingers, said fingers being slidably mounted on said arm to permit reciprocating horizontal movement of said fingers; and a cam mechanism comprising a cam, a connection from said cam to said arm,said cam being shaped to raise and lower said arm through said connection, a second earn, a connection from said second cam to said fingers, said cam reciprocating said finger in a horizontal line through said connection whereby said finger passes through a composite vertical and horizontal movement.

2. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers; and a cam mechanism for operating said folding mechanism in a cycle of operations from its normal position to a predetero5 mined elevation in accordance with the size of the blank lap to be folded, then forward to a predetermined distance, downward to its original elevation to. complete the foldingoperation and returning it to normal'positlon: and an-adjusting means for sliding the folding, mechanism to provide for folding of long or short and narrow or wide blank fiaps.

3. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism com- 76 aosaoee prising fingers; and a'cam mechanism for operating said foldingmechanism in a cycle of operations from its normal position to a predetermined elevation in accordance with the size of the blank flap to be folded, then forward to a predetermined distance, downward to its original elevation to complete the folding operation and returning it to normal position; and means for sliding said folding mechanism along the blanks to be folded to provide for folding any desired length of blank flap.

4. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers; a cam mechanism for operating said folding mechanism in a cycle of operations from its normal position to a predetermined elevation in accordance with the size of the blank flap to be folded, then forward to a predetermined distance, downward to its original elevation to complete the folding operation and returning it to normal position; and means for sliding said folding mechanism away from and towards said blanksfor folding narrow or wide blank flaps.

5. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers which in a cycle of operations is first elevated from its normal position to apredetermined elevation in accordance with the size of the blank flap to be folded then moved forward a predetermined distance, then lowered to its original elevation to complete the folding operation and then returned to normal position; a cam mechanism for operating said folding mechanism; means for sliding said folding mechanism along the blanks to be folded to provide for folding any desired length of blank flap; and means for sliding said folding mechanism away-from and towards said blanks for folding narrow and wide blank flaps.

6. In a machine tor folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a, folding mechanism comprising fingers, an arm for raising and lowering said fingers, said fingers being slidably mounted on said arm to permit reciprocating horizontal .movement of said fingers; a cam mechanism comprising a earn, a connection from said cam to said arm, said cam being shaped to raise and lower said arm through said connection, a sec-- ond earn; a connection from said second cam to said fingers, said cam reciprocating said fingers in a horizontal line through said connection whereby said ringers pass through a composite vertical and horizontal movement; and an adjusting means for sliding the folding mechanism to provide for folding of long or short and narrow or wide blank flaps. I p

7. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers, an arm for raising and lowering said fingers, said fingers being slidably mounted fingers, said cam reciprocating said fingers in a horizontal line through said connection whereby said fingers pass through a composite vertical and horizontal movement; means for sliding said folding mechanism along the blanks to be folded to provide for folding any length of blank flap; and means for sliding said folding mechanism away from and towards said blanks for folding narrow and wide blank flaps.

8. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a folding mechanism comprising fingers, an arm for raising and lowering said fingers, said fingers being slidably mounted on said arm to permit reciprocating horizontal movement of said fingers; a'cam mechanism comprising a cam; a connection from said cam to said arm, said cam being shaped to raise and lower said arm through said connection, a sec-, and com; a connection from said second cam to said fingers, said cam reciprocating said fingers in a horizontal line through said connection whereby said fingers pass through a composite vertical and horizontal movement; means for sliding said folding mechanism along the blanks to be folded to provide for folding any length of blank flap; means for sliding said folding.

mechanism away from and towards said blanks for folding narrow and wide blank flaps; and a platform having guiding edges for the scored edges of the blanks along which the blanks are to be scored and a central guide. for the center of the blank.

9. In a machine for folding paper blanks along their scored edges, a platform; a ledge above said platform for supporting a stack of said blanks above said platform; a reciprocating finger for engaging the lowermost edge of said blank and propelling it oh of said ledge on to said platform; a folding mechanism for folding the blank fed from said platform along its scored edge, said folding mechanism comprising fingers, an arm for raising and lowering said fingers, said fingers being slldably mounted on said arm to permit reciprocating horizontal movement of said fingers; and a cam mechanism comprising a cam, a connection from said cam to said arm, said cam being shaped to raise and lower said arm through said connection, a second cam, a

connection from said second cam to said fingers, said cam reciprocating said finger in a horizontal line through said connection whereby said finger passes through a composite vertical and horizontal movement.

FRANK PEPPER.

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